Thursday, July 1, 2021
United Economic Leadership
Brought to you by |
Business Development Board
of Martin County
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"There's a lot of anticipation among the general public and downtown businesses about bringing back this tradition....We're recommending certain precautions and looking forward to what will definitely be our community's highest-profile sign that things are thankfully returning to normal.”—David Dyess, Stuart city manager
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Return of Red, White & Boom! marks revival of downtown Stuart events |
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Happy Fourth of July!
When the rockets' red glare streaks across the skies of Stuart Sunday, the return of this beloved local tradition celebrating the nation's independence also signals the steady resumption of events downtown.
Pre-Covid, the City of Stuart helped sponsor and organize as many as 300 events a year.
In addition to Red, White & Boom!, which kicks off with live music on the Rock'n Riverwalk at 1 p.m., includes a Santana tribute band at 7 p.m. and launches fireworks at 9 p.m., the day opens with the revamped Market on Main at 9 a.m.
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Market formerly known as 'green' getting fresh start with Stuart Main Street |
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New management. New name. New vision.
The downtown outdoor bazaar formerly known as the Stuart Green Market is under the leadership of Stuart Main Street, freshly dubbed “Market on Main,” and unfurls more than 40 vendors across Flagler Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday.
After a Father’s Day debut, things are just getting started.
“We’re excited to help elevate the experience of the market by making it a maker’s market,” says Candace Callahan, executive director of Stuart Main Street, “a true artisan’s market with growers, artists, crafters.”
Launched 34 years ago, Stuart Main Street employs a collaborative approach to its mission of promoting positive experiences downtown, strengthening local businesses, supporting the economy and preserving the Old Florida charm.
Flagler Park serving as host—as opposed to the previous iteration’s longtime positioning beside the annex of Stuart City Hall—opens opportunity for far greater expansion. Market on Main regularly features live music as an additional draw and is actively recruiting a wide variety of vendors offering unique creations, products and perishables.
“New vendors, new entertainment and new activities at the market will help facilitate an increase in foot traffic,” says Candace. “We can help create a strong infrastructure at the park as we build more events and promote them to draw more people to downtown to come and support local small businesses. Whatever we can do to help make downtown better.”
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Even seasoned professionals sharpen skills at Business Accelerator Program |
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A decorator and interior designer, Joyce Herb grew up in Hobe Sound. After leaving for a time, she was eager to open up her business, Joyce Herb Flooring and Design, in “a place where everyone knows my name.”
Then the pandemic hit, and almost everything familiar faded from memory. So even with 40 years in her trade and invaluable levels of experience, Joyce recognized the need to sharpen her knowledge for the changing market. Martin County's Business Accelerator Program (BAP) provided the ideal chance.
“It was a rough year,” she says. “So when this came up, I saw this as an opportunity to update the skills I had.”
“I learned to find my targeted clients and identify venues special to their age category,” she says. “I enjoyed meeting the speakers, who provided in-depth instructions, and they provided their numbers so I can call them, and they’ll know where to send me for helping with what I’m looking for.”
While BAP even gives participants the chance to compete for business grants up to $5,000, Joyce found the experience—which cost $25—still valuable.
“You can teach an old dog new tricks,” she adds. “I learned so much from this program. I got so much more out of it than I thought I would. I would recommend it—highly.”
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Side Hustle proves vital to aspiring entrepreneurs looking for 'how to get started' |
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Nina Dooley is a seasoned events planner, helping AACES (Afro American Citizens of East Stuart) put on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade, Black Heritage Festival and the recent Juneteenth celebration.
“I liked all the speakers,” she says. “I took a little something from each one of them—on the management side, the financial side, just learning to get out there and that if you’re patient and stick with it, you’ll get to the finish line.
“There’s a lot of people who want to start in business, but don’t know how to get started,” she adds. “The whole experience was great. I would encourage people to take it when it’s offered again.”
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TCRPC seeking business owners input on access to capital |
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If you experienced challenges obtaining funding to keep your business or nonprofit operational during the Covid crisis, the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council (TCRPC) wants to help craft solutions and clarify how best you can identify and access available resources.
But first, the agency needs to hear from you.
Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey and feel free to share the link with as many colleagues or contacts as you can. The greater the insights gained, the more effectively TCRCP will be able to make a difference for the better.
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Just like Martin County's economy, BDB is growing ... and hiring |
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Want to experience the excitement of benefitting local small businesses, contributing to the strength of Martin County's economy, and working with dedicated professionals in a dynamic environment?
We're recruiting Economic Development Coordinators and want to hear from you. Send your letter of interest to joan@bdbmc.org by July 8. Learn more about us at our website.
Joan
Joan K. Goodrich
Executive Director
Business Development Board of Martin County
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Fourth of July: Numbers to Know* |
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$7.5 billion
Money Americans plan to spend of food
$1.5 billion
Estimated amount spend on fireworks
$319 million
Annual fireworks imports (2019)
95 percent
Of U.S. fireworks imports from China
$5 million
Minimum insurance coverage recommended for fireworks shows
$6.7 million
Value of American Flags imported annually
61 percent
Of Americans who own American Flag
59 percent
Of Americans expecting to celebrate holiday free of Covid restrictions
150 million
Number of hot dogs consumed
$1 billion plus
Estimated spending on beer
First Place
Fourth of July tops U.S. holidays for beer drinking
*WalletHub.com
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BDBMC available to help businesses |
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The Business Development Board of Martin County, a public-private partnership for economic development is proudly funded and supported by the Martin County Board of County Commissioners, City of Stuart, American Stairparts, Bank of America, FPL, Indian River State College, Council of Chambers, Economic Council, key industry leaders and regional organizations. The BDBMC helps business owners, entrepreneurs and executives to start, grow, stay, invest and create in Martin County, Florida. To learn more, visit www.bdbmc.org or call 772.221.1380.
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