The four-county region encompassing Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties offers everything business and industry look for. The area's educational and medical facilities are top-notch, and transportation and other infrastructure services are close at hand. Prime real estate, commercial and residential, is available and affordable. The region's business community is already flourishing. These facts, combined with the region's "let's do business" attitude, set the stage for continued economic expansion on Florida's Treasure Coast.
"Our goal is to create high-wage, value-added jobs that will give all our residents a better opportunity for a higher quality of life," says Ted Astolfi, executive director of the Business Development Board of Martin County. Astolfi is also president of the statewide Florida Economic Development Council. His viewpoint is shared by the region's business development professionals.
Penny Chandler, executive director of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce, has witnessed a very tangible spirit of cooperation among economic development groups in Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin and Okeechobee counties. "We started the Treasure Coast Economic Development Coalition in March 1997," she explains. "While we have agreed each county has its own individual mission to recruit new business, the coalition's goal is to maintain and create new sources of jobs in the region as a whole. Trust has been established among agencies and we have been able to help each other with resources, knowledge, information and by sharing ideas. That, in turn, benefits businesses looking to expand or relocate within the region."
Lifestyle Attracts and Keeps Business
"This is a great place to live and work," says Mike Brown, Sr., president and CEO of Harbor Federal Savings Bank in Fort Pierce. Brown has lived in the region for 25 years. "The growth potential here is tremendous. Our four distinct counties complement each other and work well together."
Dennis S. Hudson, III, president and CEO of Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida and chairman-elect of the Economic Council of Martin County, sees advantages on the Treasure Coast for a wide range of industries, including small businesses, corporate headquarters and manufacturing firms. Publicly traded Seacoast, with more than $900 million in assets, is the 20th largest bank holding company in the state.
"What they're all looking for," says Hudson, "is quality of life, and they can tell right away this region's focus is on maintaining that. We want the character of this place to remain unique and strong. We also have the advantage of being surrounded by large metropolitan areas, so we have access to the airports and services that center around metro areas."
Hudson adds that demographic trends show that the fastest growing and most attractive areas are "exurbs" and smaller towns with sensible growth management and a desire to maintain quality of life. "We are going to be that kind of community of the future," he states.
The Workforce Development Board of the Treasure Coast, based in Port St. Lucie, serves all four Treasure Coast counties. Nan Rose Griggs is president/CEO, and board chair is Werner Bols. The group stays attuned to the workforce needs of the region through active business partnerships.
"Several major corporations are represented on the workforce development board," says Griggs, "but the majority of our members are private business people." The 43-member board oversees an annual budget of $13 million in state and federal funds and a growing number of programs that serve the community. "We try to be sure there is a trained workforce for the employers in our area," Griggs says. "That includes employers already here and those coming in. We work with the region's economic development agencies to bring high-skill, high-wage jobs to the area."
The development board also designed and oversees six One Stop Career Centers, facilities throughout the region that bring multiple agency resources together in one location, including Children and Families, Jobs and Benefits, and Workforce Investment Act operators. The centers partner with educational institutions in each area and can also connect people with literacy programs, vocational rehabilitation and child care services.
Banking on the Community
"For companies considering relocating here, I like to point out the sense of community," says Dennis Hudson of Seacoast, the holding company for First National Bank and Trust. "This is a vital, fun place to live that will never have the congestion found in other parts of the state. I think it will always have a small town character even though we're going to grow significantly."
Community-based banks are committed to the Treasure Coast region and they are growing as a result. First National Bank and Trust is the area's oldest financial institution and the largest independent bank headquartered on the Treasure Coast. First National has corporate offices in Stuart and branches located throughout Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties.
With a wide array of services and an extensive system of branches, First National provides clients with "life cycle partnerships," offering products that meet clients' needs at every age and stage of their lives. Since 1986, full-service brokerage has been available through Seacoast's subsidiary FNB Brokerage Services Inc.
Harbor Federal Savings Bank, headquartered in downtown Fort Pierce, is another of the area's community-oriented institutions. A savings institution offering traditional deposit and mortgage loan products, Harbor Federal has approximately $1.4 billion in assets, making it one of the largest independent financial institutions in Florida. The bank operates 27 full-service banking offices throughout east central Florida in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee, Brevard, and Volusia counties.
Harbor Federal is joining the push for public and private investment for historic renovation in downtown Fort Pierce with a restyling of its own. The bank's 50-year old headquarters building will soon have an updated Mediterranean look, similar to that of other downtown Fort Pierce buildings.
National banks are playing a role in Treasure Coast growth as well. SunTrust Bank, South Florida, NA, with branches in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties, employs small business originators who focus on developing relationships with the small business market, providing loans and other services for companies with revenues of $5 million or less.
Wachovia Bank, NA, came to the Treasure Coast when it acquired First United Bank in 1997. The bank converted to the Wachovia name in September 1998. "We believe the Treasure Coast is very attractive in terms of market opportunity," says Rebekah Lowe, Wachovia's East Florida Region executive and senior vice president. The bank has three branches in Martin County and is considering a presence in St. Lucie and Indian River counties.
"We like to be known as 'the largest community bank in the world'," says Lowe. "We offer one-to-one relationship banking. While we are backed by the resources of the 15th largest bank in the U.S., all our credit and relationship decisions are made locally," she explains. Wachovia has dual headquarters in Atlanta and Winston-Salem. State headquarters are in Tampa, with a regional headquarters in West Palm Beach. The bank also has offices in Hong Kong, London and Brazil.
More money coming into the Treasure Coast has brought more customers to Coggin Motor Mall on U.S. 1 in Fort Pierce. General Sales Manager Bruce Hendricks has observed two trends that comment on the area's lively business climate. "There are more young professionals here now," he says, "and more year-round business as well." Coggin serves customers in the four Treasure Coast counties as well as portions of Brevard County and Palm Beach County. The three Motor Mall dealerships sell new and pre-owned Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Honda vehicles, as well as other domestics and imports.
Private Money and Public Commitment
Revitalization programs throughout the Treasure Coast are spurring economic development as they preserve historic downtown environments.
The Treasure Coast Main Street Alliance includes development groups in Stuart, Jensen Beach, Fort Pierce and Vero Beach. The groups are successfully bringing new recognition to downtown districts and attracting new customers and investors. Main Street programs, established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, receive technical assistance from Main Street Florida in Tallahassee and the National Main Street Center in Washington, D.C.
One of the projects of the regional Main Street alliance is bringing Amtrak to the cities of Stuart, Vero Beach and Fort Pierce within the next year. Tours of historic districts are planned to provide passengers with additional reasons to visit the Treasure Coast.
Increasing downtown commerce is the goal of a new partnership between the Downtown Vero Beach Association/Main Street, the city and private property owners. The city's role in the partnership is the development of a master plan which will guide future development and redevelopment projects, as well as budget enhancements to support the plan. Private property owners have already invested $8.5 million for building restoration and are expected to invest another $1 million over the next year.
"This is a true public-private partnership," says Main Street Manager Jim Chrulski. "Private dollars follow public dollars. We've already had a lot of private investment, and now that we have public commitment, we look to attract even more private funds to the area."
Main Street Fort Pierce Inc. has successfully coordinated downtown improvements and brought strategic additions to the city's economic mix, including 16 new downtown businesses. During its 11-year history, the non-profit organization has assisted with the funding of more than $50 million in public and private projects. In response to a community-wide master planning effort spearheaded by Main Street Fort Pierce, the City of Fort Pierce has pledged $152 million dollars for renovations and improvements in the city.
Also generating business development is the City of Stuart's expanded Community Redevelopment Area, which makes several tax advantages available to commercial properties. The original CRA was instrumental in revitalizing the city's older downtown commercial areas.
Improvements are also underway at a popular anchorage on the city's west side, from which boaters can access the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean via the Okeechobee Waterway or the Intracoastal Waterway.
Another example of thriving public-private partnerships for economic development is the City of Okeechobee, which recently completed a $1.1 million downtown revitalization project that included streetscape improvements and facade renovations. Funding was provided by a Community Development Block Grant and local matching funds.
A College Runs Through It
"The university system is so important to our future," says Paul "Pete" Hegener, president of St. Lucie West and chairman of the Foreign Trade Zone Board. "Once it becomes known that we have a base of highly educated employees here, the area becomes a magnet to attract employers."
Indian River Community College, with its main campus in Fort Pierce, serves 45,000 students every year on its five campuses in each of the four counties, and its programs are supporting business development efforts throughout the region. Led by president Dr. Edwin R. Massey, IRCC is one of the 28 schools in Florida's Community College Network. IRCC has gained a reputation for excellence throughout the state and across the nation.
IRCC trains most of the area's healthcare personnel, law enforcement officers, office staff and technical workers through programs developed in direct response to business needs.
The college works closely with business and community leaders to forge partnerships such as the Treasure Coast Hospital Coalition, which has donated more than $2 million to IRCC for scholarships and healthcare program expansion. Programs are also provided cooperatively with local and national firms. These include a commercial driver's license program with Armellini Express Lines, an aquaculture program with Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, and computer network certification training with Cisco Systems Inc.
"We have a local and very committed board of trustees," says Massey. "When a prospective employer seeks to relocate here, the board pays for the appropriate college staff to visit that business to talk about training."
"By meeting with business and community leaders, we are able to adjust very quickly to the changing needs of the community," adds Massey. In response to an identified need for adult education, the college has increased its number of neighborhood adult education sites from 18 to 30. The programs provide free literacy instruction, GED high school diploma preparation, adult high school, workplace literacy and English as a second language classes, as well as boosting employability skills such as responsibility and teamwork. Enrollment has increased by more than 3,000 students, bringing the number of students who improve their skills and job-readiness through IRCC's Adult Education programs to over 13,000 annually.
IRCC's reputation for excellence in science and math education has helped attract research organizations to the Treasure Coast, including the USDA Horticultural Research Laboratory and the University of Florida Indian River Research and Education Center, forming a scientific hub near the college's main campus in Fort Pierce.
The region is ideal for agriculture research, with ample pasture land and excellent growing conditions for citrus and vegetable crops. The area's business leaders point to these strengths, as well as the area's aquaculture research, as key to attracting additional research-based business. "Our existing research facilities are serving as the infrastructure for future growth," says Ted Astolfi.
The IRCC campus includes a scientifically advanced Science Center/Planetarium and a newly opened $10 million Health Science Center, which replicates a hospital emergency room, nursing ward and medical laboratory for highly skilled training in 17 healthcare fields. "There is a very unique scientific community developing in the region," says Massey. "That sets the stage for the kind of high-skill, high wage, clean industry everyone would like to have as a neighbor."
Adding greater pull to the business-magnet image of the Treasure Coast, IRCC's St. Lucie West Campus is expanding into a joint campus with Florida Atlantic University, significantly increasing the number of four-year degree opportunities for students on the Treasure Coast. Construction on the $10 million, 100,000-square-foot facility is expected to begin early next year. FAU president Dr. Anthony J. Catanese expects the joint campus to have 6,000 to 7,000 students within 10 years. Undergraduate degree programs at the FAU Treasure Coast campus will include elementary education, exceptional student education, nursing and business, with graduate programs in curriculum and instruction and educational leadership.
"With a good, solid secondary education system, and with our links to Florida Atlantic and the University of Florida, we are poised to go into the next century as a strong and vital component of the region's economic development," Massey says.
Park Showcases Sustainability
The development of the new Indian Riverside Park in Martin County illustrates the open, cooperative and forward-thinking attitude that exists throughout the Treasure Coast. It also demonstrates the community's commitment to enhancing the area's quality of life as part of the economic development equation. Martin County voters approved a bond referendum in 1996 to help acquire and develop the former site of the Florida Institute of Technology. The site features 2,500 feet of frontage along the Indian River, a mangrove swamp, subtropical plants and animal species, native American middens and historical structures. Community planners Glatting Jackson Kercher Anglin Lopez Rinehart Inc. were called in to develop a master plan for the property.
Dave Barth is director of parks and public space planning and principal in charge of Glatting Jackson's West Palm Beach office. He says the most exciting feature of the project was the public's participation in the process. "The project would not have happened without the grassroots efforts and energy of the Indian Riverside Alliance, the leadership of Martin County deputy county administrator Randy Red and the full support of the county commission," says Barth. "The park is important because it provides much-needed waterfront recreation opportunities, environmental protection, archeological and historical preservation--the best of all worlds."
Glatting Jackson has also completed a countywide sustainability plan for Martin County. "We focused on developing a long range sustainable vision for transportation, land use and the environment," said Barth. The plan is important to the business community because it provides workable guidelines for future development. "Sustainability deals with utilizing your resources so you can meet current needs, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs," Barth explains.
An outgrowth of the two projects was the decision to locate the Martin County Sustainability Center within the park. "The center is where we'll bring the park plan and the countywide vision plan together," says Barth. "Citizens will be able to see how well the plans are working, and we'll keep the topic of sustainability alive and accessible to the public through demonstrations, exhibits and conferences at the center," says Barth. "This will be one of only five locations in the country devoted to the topic of sustainability--in fact, Martin County is at the cutting edge of the topic worldwide."
Founded in 1974, Glatting Jackson has offices in Orlando and West Palm Beach. The company employs 85 professionals who work to create ideal environments for living, working, playing and learning.
A Region on the Grow
Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties form a region poised for continued expansion. "We're seeing different segments of each community growing, even in areas where it wasn't expected," says Harbor Federal's Mike Brown. Building on old friendships and newly-minted partnerships, the counties of the region are guiding business investment to the rich natural beauty and economic opportunity of the Treasure Coast.
Martin County: Public Dialogue Creating Positive Energy
Martin County is working to balance quality of life issues with healthy economic development, incorporating public dialogue into the process. A recent economic summit hosted by the Martin County Board of County Commissioners sought input from a broad cross-section of the community and identified a strong interest in attracting high-wage jobs in manufacturing, professional and technical fields. Corporate headquarters, research facilities, manufacturing, and marine industries were targeted as ideal prospects.
"Our focus is changing as a result of the summit," says Charlene Hoag, executive director of the Economic Council of Martin County and former Martin County Commissioner. "We are developing a stronger sense of our common bonds, and we have set forth a goal of mapping out the direction of economic development and the role of government in achieving that goal." Ted Astolfi, executive director of the Business Development Board of Martin County, and board president Barbara Essenwine, vice president of GCY Inc, surveyors and mappers, work closely with the Economic Council.
"We do whatever we can to make a viable climate so the Business Development Board can be successful," says Hoag. "For example, the Economic Council makes use of local business leaders to make peer-to-peer contact with business prospects and existing business, because they can address the specific issues of doing business here, connecting businesses with bankers, CPAs, attorneys and other resources."
Martin County has the unique distinction of two major waterfronts--the Atlantic Ocean on the east and Lake Okeechobee on the west. Besides Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike, the area has four major highways and is served by Florida East Coast Railway and CSX. Palm Beach International Airport is just 45 miles from Stuart, the county seat.
"Our main focus is to make Martin County a place that's known as business-friendly," says Joseph A. Catrambone, executive vice president of the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce. R. Scott Beckett, senior vice president at SunTrust Bank with responsibility for the Martin County offices, says the bank finds the area a good small business and commercial market.
Stuart Looks Ahead
Stuart has added 1,200 acres to its incorporated area in the last two years through annexation. "Annexation has given us the opportunity to think big," says City Manager David Collier. "We have a sizable asset in our functioning historic downtown, especially with the growing entertainment district," says Collier. "I think we're going to see more restaurants and retailers who see this as an ideal niche market."
An indicator of Stuart's progressive policies and desire for economic growth is its recently-expanded Community Redevelopment Area, which includes 550 acres suitable for development.
"Stuart is a jewel," says Mayor Karl J. Krueger, Jr., of his hometown. "It has all the things people look for, for their families and for a growing business or concern that wants to relocate."
Krueger says the community welcomes clean, high-tech industries, and he considers workforce training a key to sustained growth.
Schools Emphasize Workforce Preparation
The Martin County School District, the county's largest employer, has a number of business partners who are committed to equipping students with skills and resources that will enable them to become a ready workforce for new and expanding businesses in the county. "The strength of a school system is its liaisons," says superintendent Dr. Sara A.Wilcox. Northrop Grumman, Pratt and Whitney and Martin Memorial Health Systems are among the organizations that provide specialized training, equipment and mentors to Martin County high schools.
Indian River Community College is the area's designated Vo-Tech Center, offering associate degree programs in fast-growing technical careers. Other nearby educational institutions include Florida Atlantic University, Barry University of the Treasure Coast and Palm Beach Atlantic College.
A Healthy Mix of Business and Industry
Martin County's non-government economy is a blend of the agriculture, retail, service, hospitality and construction industries. The value of all construction activity in the county climbed to $298 million last year, a jump of $17 million from the previous year, with residential construction posting the highest gains.
Available space, a lower cost of doing business and excellent quality of life were prime motivators in Jet Team International's decision to move to Martin County from south Florida. The avionics repair and aircraft sales company will bring 50 high-skill, high-wage jobs to Stuart in October as it consolidates several divisions into 26,000 square feet of hangar, workshop and office space within the Northrop Grumman industrial park at the Stuart airport. "Jet Team's high-tech avionics repair and maintenance jobs pay well above the average wage in Martin County," says Ted Astolfi.
Martin Memorial Health Systems is the county's second largest employer. Its facilities include Martin Memorial Medical Center in Stuart, with 236 beds, and Martin Memorial South, a 100-bed facility. In 1998, Martin Memorial was named one of the nation's top hospitals by HCIA and William M. Mercer Inc., national healthcare consulting and information firms. The ranking recognizes the hospital's superior financial, operational and clinical practices.
The marine industry, including several boat manufacturers, is another strong and growing component of Martin County's economy. The Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast Inc., works with the St. Lucie River Initiative, state and federal legislators and agencies to formulate solutions that benefit the boating public and the marine industry.
A Natural Setting for Leisure and Luxury Living
East of Stuart, 16-mile Hutchinson Island is distinguished by its carefully preserved coastal environment. The Indian River Plantation Marriott Resort, set amid abundant nature, is the Treasure Coast's largest resort and conference center, with 298 guest rooms and more than 24,000 square feet of meeting space. Other amenities include a full-service marina, championship tennis courts, and golf privileges at 12 world-class courses.
The gated Sailfish Point community at the southern end of Hutchinson Island features single family residences, home sites, villas, condominiums, and plenty of luxury lifestyle extras including a private golf course, deep-water boat slips and a heliport.
St. Lucie County: Blending Old and New
St. Lucie County's robust economy is drawing new business, new residents and renovation activities. The City of Port St. Lucie is only 37 years old, while the City of Fort Pierce is preparing for its centennial celebration in 2001, but both communities are humming with growth. The Fort Pierce/Port St. Lucie metropolitan area is one of the fastest growing in the United States and the third fastest growing in Florida.
"We are finding a balance between keeping natural attractions and placing growth that has to occur," says St. Lucie County Commissioner Paula A. Lewis. "We'd like to keep some of the charm of old Florida while building the commercial base we need."
Companies involved in research, she says, would be a perfect fit for the area because they would harmonize with existing educational facilities.
"A lot of people come here because it's still an uncrowded, family environment," says Julia Shewchuk, community development director for St. Lucie County. "As we become more urbanized, we have a great opportunity to be proactive rather than reactive in our development efforts." Shewchuk sees the county's foreign trade zone at the Fort Pierce-St. Lucie County International Airport as an ideal location for distribution businesses.
Teamwork Benefits New Business
"The high level of collaboration among the government, business and community organizations here is a huge benefit," says St. Lucie County Economic Development Manager Robert Nixon. The benefits of teamwork were demonstrated earlier this year when home shopping giant QVC Inc. announced it will invest up to $13 million to build its regional office and bring 1,600 jobs to Port St. Lucie.
"QVC had not entered a market with less than a million people before," says Marty Sanders, president of the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce. "The willingness of Indian River Community College to provide customized workforce training was a key factor."
IRCC responded quickly by setting up training while QVC's new facility was still under construction. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Al Rivett calls IRCC "a great economic development partner."
"QVC will have a positive economic impact on the whole area," says George Haygood, director of economic development for the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce. Haygood and other business development leaders are counting on the name recognition of QVC to aid their efforts.
Port St. Lucie Stretches West
"This city is the gem of the Treasure Coast, and what we're doing now is polishing the facets," says Port St. Lucie Mayor James F. Fielding. Fielding and City Manager Donald B. Cooper are especially proud of the city's excellent educational facilities and its wealth of parks and recreation opportunities.
The city's population now exceeds 81,000. According to Kirk Young, St. Lucie County Realtor Association president, the sale of single-family homes increased approximately 22 percent from 1997 to 1998. "In 1999," he says, "we continue to be about 10 percent above that."
The community of St. Lucie West represents close to 10 percent of Port St. Lucie's population. "This is the largest master-planned community between Palm Beach and Melbourne," says Pete Hegener, president of St. Lucie West. "We are in position to create neighborhoods for potentially every type of market."
Located west of the Florida Turnpike and east of Interstate 95, the private development has 3,800 homes and adds 10 more every week. St. Lucie West offers a range of residential environments, including golf course communities, active adult residences, traditional single-family homes, townhomes and courtyard homes. Prices range from $80,000 to $400,000. Upscale rental residences are also planned.
St. Lucie West has daycare facilities, an elementary school, a middle school and a high school, plus a new branch campus of Indian River Community College which will soon expand into a joint campus with Florida Atlantic University. A Bible college and a Catholic elementary school are also planned, says corporate spokesman Danny Miller. The New York Mets spring training complex is here, as is the PGA Learning Center and adjacent PGA Village and three championship golf courses. Other elements in the St. Lucie West mix are a new post office facility, six banks, medical facilities and a shopping center.
Ecotourism and First Class Accommodations Gain Attention
"Even some of our local people are surprised when they learn about all there is to do in St. Lucie County," says Gayla Barwick, manager of the county's Tourist Development Council. The county's diverse array of ecotourism includes manatee observation, deep water fishing, sea turtle education, St. Lucie River boat tours, nature trails and the Heathcote Botanical Gardens. Other attractions include the Underwater Demolition Team/Seal Museum where the first Navy frogmen trained in the 1940s.
The Club Med Sandpiper, on the banks of the St. Lucie River, offers an ideal mix of fine dining and family-oriented activities. The Radisson Resort on North Hutchinson Island features 150 ocean-view rooms and suites, plus well-appointed meeting and banquet facilities.
Fort Pierce: Tradition and Innovation
Fort Pierce is the government and commercial center of St. Lucie County. The 20-square mile city has more than 38,000 residents. "This is an old Florida waterfront community, and it's unique in its historic and geographic relationship to the water," says City Manager Dennis Beach.
In the last five years, Fort Pierce has channeled resources into the redevelopment of public infrastructure throughout the city. Beach says, "Our rebuilt municipal marina is a catalyst for downtown and waterfront redevelopment. The public investment in waterfront and downtown is nearly $10 million." In 1995, the city's historic city hall annex was restored as part of the Main Street Fort Pierce program.
Attorney Vincent A. Lloyd, founding member and principal of Lloyd, Hoskins & Pierce, has long supported downtown restoration projects. Lloyd is also president of Marina Square of Fort Pierce, LLC, which will develop two and a half acres at the Fort Pierce Marina on the Indian River. The project will be undertaken in conjunction with Allen & Company of Coral Gables, and a Paris-based hotelier. One innovative feature will be "apart-hotels," privately-owned condominium-style units. The complex will include residential condos overlooking the Indian River, an office building, a parking garage and a health spa. Construction is expected to begin by July 2000.
Indian River County: Enchanting Options
There's a certain kind of magic in Indian River County. It attracted the Walt Disney Company to the area, and it has enticed many CEOs and their companies. "Almost without exception," says Milt Thomas, Indian River County director of economic development, "every industrial company is here because its CEO came first on vacation."
The county's unspoiled beaches, tranquil lagoons, parks, golf courses, art galleries and theaters, baseball spring training and other leisure pursuits spark enchantment in vacationers. But what's sparking the interest of business decision-makers is the county's lower labor and land costs, good transportation, excellent education, ample infrastructure and a partnership approach to economic development.
"We can implement a variety of services through our 'business assistance' teams," says Penny Chandler, executive director of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce. "Because we are willing to serve as a liaison between business and government, the business community knows they can look to us as advocates."
C. William Curtis, Jr., president of First National Bank and Trust in Indian River County, is also president of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce. "We think of economic development as a community trust," he says. "We work to counter the impression that economic development means big business and smokestacks. What it really means is stable employment, reasonable wages, and infrastructure that benefits the entire community."
The chamber, city administration, city council and business community are working to ensure that Dodgertown, the Los Angeles Dodgers' spring training facility, will remain in Vero Beach even though it has received an offer to move out of state. "We want to do what is economically feasible to keep the Dodgers," says Chandler. "While we don't know yet what the team's decision will be, I consider the cooperative effort to keep the team a real success story."
Vero Beach is also home to The New Piper Aircraft Inc. In May, CEO Chuck Suma announced that the company expects its workforce to grow by 200 employees, to 1,200, as it gears up production of its new single-engine Malibu Meridian turbo-prop aircraft.
Clean, light industry, high tech companies, corporate headquarters and distribution companies top the county's list of targeted business. Business activity is accelerating in several areas, Milt Thomas says, including the Sebastian riverfront, Fellsmere, and the hospital "node" surrounding Indian River Memorial Hospital. Undeveloped land in the vicinity of Vero Beach Municipal Airport is also considered ideal for business and industrial use.
Air transportation is convenient for the county's residents, with Melbourne International Airport in Brevard County only 45 minutes away from Vero Beach. It is served by Delta Air Lines, with six daily flights to Atlanta, and Spirit Airlines, providing non-stop service to New York's LaGuardia Airport.
The Natural Choice
New residential and resort developments and a unique new entertainment venue are just part of what gives Indian River County its enviable quality of life.
Pointe West is a 600-acre development that features a "pedestrian-friendly" mix of traditional neighborhoods, retail and office space, a championship golf course, an equestrian facility, polo fields and parks.
Chuck Mechling, president of OnSite Management Group and the community's developer, has praise for the support the project has received. "We have had tremendous cooperation from the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, the county and all the way up the ladder to Tallahassee."
Pointe West has 750 single-family homesites, 449 townhomes, apartments and condominiums, and 170,000 square feet of commercial, retail and office space.
Walt Disney Imagineering looked to Florida's east coast when it decided to provide Walt Disney World guests with a Florida beach experience. They chose one of the most beautiful spots in the county, and carefully blended the Disney Vero Beach Resort vacation ownership property into its natural surroundings.
"Vero Beach stood out because it was within a two-hour drive of Disney World," says general manager Sonya Deese. "The Treasure Coast story of Spanish galleons, sunken treasure and sea turtles fits in with the Disney idea of creating a family experience in a safe, secure environment."
Treasure Coast residents have new sports and entertainment options with the 1999 opening of 50-acre MESA Park in Fellsmere in north Indian River County. The multipurpose MESA Park (the acronym stands for music, entertainment and sports activities) is unique in the region for its ability to host themed events including amphitheater concerts, motorsports activities, festivals and holiday entertainment. Founder and President Jeff Parsons chose the Fellsmere site for its proximity to the population centers of Orlando, Daytona and West Palm Beach.
Okeechobee County: Balance of Nature and Business
Okeechobee is perfectly positioned for companies looking to do business throughout the state," says Richard K. Lewis, executive director of the Okeechobee Development Authority. "In fact, 65 percent of Florida's population is within 100 miles of Okeechobee."
Jim Smith, Economic Council of Okeechobee executive director, adds, "If you could sell 'quality of life,' Okeechobee would have a lock on the market." Smith sees a continued push for diversification of the county's economic base while still maintaining the area's unique personality. "All the ingredients are here--a good school system, Raulerson Hospital, the airport, downtown development and plenty of land."
"The city and county are very receptive to businesses looking to expand or relocate here," says Okeechobee Mayor James E. Kirk. "We want steady growth, and we would like to create more employment opportunities."
Transportation Advantages for Business
Recent improvements at the county's airport are indicative of Okeechobee's focus on intelligent expansion in key areas. "The county commission played an active role in getting $312,000 in funds for improvements to the airport terminal," says Richard Lewis.
The general aviation facility can accommodate most private and many commercial aircraft. The airport has 5,000 and 4,000-foot runways, major airframe and engine maintenance and student pilot instruction. Its convenience appeals to both pilots and business commuters.
Okeechobee also offers easy access to ground transportation routes. "This is a very good place to distribute from," says Chuck Syfrett, owner and president of Syfrett Feed Company and chairman of the Okeechobee Development Authority. His company exports to the Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Jamaica.
"We have major east-west highways," Syfrett explains. "We're within an hour of the east coast, and two hours away from Orlando, Miami or the Florida west coast. You can get to a large metro area quickly and then come back home to this great small town atmosphere and avoid congestion."
Education Supports Business
Education, from pre-school and elementary to college level, is important to Okeechobee's economic health. "The school system and the business community work very well together," says Kirk, who is also Director of Vocational Education for the Okeechobee County School Board. "For example, we used input from the building contractors' association to make changes to our vocational program, incorporating additional skills they told us were important for entry-level construction jobs."
Responding to increased demand for workforce training, Indian River Community College is constructing a second building at its Dixon Hendry Center in Okeechobee. The $2.8 million building will accommodate the expansion of electronics, construction, drafting/design, automotive technology, air conditioning, and health science programs.
The Lake, A Treasured Resource
Lake Okeechobee, the second largest freshwater lake in the U.S., is a prominent feature of the area's economy. The 730-square-mile lake is a valuable regional water resource, supporting an array of plant and animal life, migratory birds, and the region's freshwater sport fishing industry. It also is a source of irrigation and drinking water and serves as a backup water supply for the state's lower southeast coast. The lake is a treasured resource, and the area's residents and businesses have formed alliances to promote the health of its ecosystem.
"What happens to the lake is critical," says Jim Smith. "We all have to pay attention to it and appreciate how it fits into our economy and our way of life. The business development of Okeechobee County is intertwined with our agriculture industry, the environment and the water supply. We have to work together in harmony for the desired result."
"We are at a crossroads of economic and environmental interests," says Frank "Sonny" Williamson, president of Williamson Cattle Company. "I am extremely optimistic that the region will find solutions for the management of our environmental resources. Research is being done, and we're learning how to achieve a balance."
The Importance of Agriculture
Even as Okeechobee works to expand its economic base, agriculture--dairies, cattle ranches and citrus--continues to be a major component of the county's economy. Okeechobee is home to Florida's largest cattle auction, which sells more than 150,000 head of cattle every year.
Agriculture is important in another way, too, says Williamson, who formerly served on the region's water management district board. "Farmlands are habitat to people the same way wetlands are habitat to wading birds. When people move into urban areas, they are moving away from their habitat. Agriculture is a way for people to connect back to their roots--it's part of our basic heritage."
Treasure Coast Resources
Economic Development Contacts
Treasure Coast Economic Development Coalition
www.floridatc.com
Business Development Board of Martin County
(561) 221-1380
fax: (561) 221-1381
www.bdbmc.org
St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce Economic Development
(561) 595-9999
fax: (561) 335-4446
www.stluciechamber.org
Indian River County Chamber of Commerce Economic Dev. Division
(561) 567-3491
fax: (561) 778-3181
www.vero-beach.fl.us/chamber
Okeechobee Development Authority
(941) 467-5505
fax: (941) 467-3838
oda.okeechobee.com
Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council
(561) 221-4060
fax: (561) 221-4067
www.tcrpc.org
Economic Council of Martin County
(561) 288-1225
fax: (561) 288-9905
www.gopbi.com/community/groups/EconomicCouncilMC
Economic Council of Okeechobee County
(941) 467-0200
fax: (941) 467-6266
Indian River Community College
(561) 462-4700
fax: (561) 462-4699
www.ircc.cc.fl.us
Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast
(561) 283-3999
fax: (561) 283-0276
Workforce Development Board of the Treasure Coast
(561) 335-3030
fax: (561) 335-0677
www.thepartnership.net
Chambers of Commerce
Hobe Sound
(561) 546-4724
fax: (561) 546-9969
hobesound.net
Indiantown Western Martin County
(561) 597-2184
fax: (561) 597-6063
www.indiantownfl.org
Indian River County
(561) 567-3491
fax: (561) 778-3181
www.vero-beach.fl.us/chamber
Jensen Beach
(561) 334-3444
fax: (561) 334-0817
www.metrolink.net/jensen
Okeechobee County
(941) 763-6464
fax: (941) 763-3531
Palm City
(561) 286-8121
fax: (561) 286-3331
www.palmcity.org
Sebastian River Area
(561) 589-5969
fax: (561) 589-5993
sebastian.fl.us/chamber
St. Lucie County
(561) 595-9999
fax: (561) 461-9084
www.stluciechamber.org
Stuart/Martin County
(561) 287-1088
fax: (561) 220-3437
www.goodnature.org
Real Estate & Construction
Treasure Coast Builders Association
(561) 464-8222
fax: (561) 461-4054
www.tcbuilders.org
Realtors Association of Martin County
(561) 283-1748
fax: (561) 288-0215
St. Lucie Association of Realtors
(561) 465-6080
fax: (561) 464-5774
www.stlucierealtors.org
Realtors Association of Indian River County
(561) 567-3510
fax: (561) 778-6490
realtors@indian-river.fl.us
Public Education (K-12)
Martin County School Board
(561) 219-1200
fax: (561) 564-3128
www.sbmc.org
St. Lucie County School Board
(561) 468-5000
fax: (561) 468-5099
plato.stlucie.k12.fl.us
Indian River County School Board
(561) 564-3000
fax: (561) 564-3128
www.indian-river.k12.fl.us
Okeechobee County School Board
(941) 462-5000
fax: (941) 462-5014
ocsb.okee.k12.fl.us
Visitors & Tourism
Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce
(561) 287-1088
fax: (561) 220-3437
www.goodnature.org
St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council
(800) 344-8443
fax: (561) 462-2132
www.visitstluciefla.com
Indian River County Chamber of Commerce Tourism Division
(561) 567-3491
fax: (561) 597-6063
www.vero-beach.fl.us/chamber
Okeechobee County Tourist Development Council
(800) 871-4403
fax: (941) 763-3531
www.tourism.okeechobee.com