Monday, March 8, 2021
United Economic Leadership
Brought to you by |
Business Development Board
of Martin County
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“We know that vaccines are meant to be given to folks to protect them so they don't get sick. This bill in front of you protects small business owners so they don't get sued in a frivolous way.”—Tim Nungesser, National Federation of Independent Business lobbyist to Florida Senate.
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Kate Cotner of FPL appointed president of BDBMC board of directors |
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STUART—The Business Development Board of Martin County (BDBMC) proudly announces the recent appointment of Kate Cotner of Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) to president of its board of directors.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead this important organization,” says Cotner. “Whether it’s supporting core industries, helping companies invest and expand, or assisting small businesses and entrepreneurs, the Business Development Board is vital to Martin County’s overall economic health and I look forward to advancing its mission — especially during such a pivotal time for our local economy.”
Senior external advisor for FPL covering Martin and St. Lucie counties, Cotner assumes the leadership role as the BDBMC is celebrating its 30th anniversary of helping new and existing businesses with site-selection services, market research, workforce training and confidential assistance with project management. Cotner plans to focus primarily on advancing the organization’s priorities of workforce preparedness and strengthening the talent pipeline.
“The high quality of life in Martin County — the beaches, parks, schools and just a warm and overall inviting lifestyle — that we enjoy here is incredibly appealing to talented professionals from other areas as well as to the young people who’ve grown up here and want to remain. We’re attuned to this at the BDB, and intent on cultivating the right opportunities to help attract and retain that talent.” - Kate Cotner, senior external advisor for FPL and president of the Business Development Board of Martin County.
The priorities of talent retention and attraction chart high with local CEOs and business leaders, says Joan K. Goodrich, BDBMC executive director, who also noted the organization’s own depth on its board of directors.
“Kate has rightfully zeroed in on one of the key concerns of local employers and job creators,” says Goodrich, “and building up that talent pipeline will have bedrock benefits for our economy. Hopefully, we can create the kinds of opportunities that inspire many young who’ve grown up here to return to launch their careers after college, or stay and build their own businesses here.”
“Fortunately for us,” Goodrich added, “we have many talented business leaders willing to serve our organization and the community at large. We really appreciated the leadership of Charlie Page, and with Kate stepping in as his predecessor, we’re confident that we’ll continue to build upon the momentum he generated.”
Cotner stepped into the presidency early as Charlie Page, past president and a banking and finance expert, took a strategic position with a tech upstart, crowding his schedule too much to continue with the BDB.
“As much as I wish my new position provided me the capacity to continue serving the BDB, I couldn’t be more confident in the caliber of leadership that Kate will bring to the role,” says Page. “Kate is a highly respected professional for good reason — she’s knowledgeable, industrious and excels at communication. The BDB is in excellent hands with Kate at the helm, and she’s a great compliment to the good work that Joan K. Goodrich and her team are doing.”
A Martin County native, Cotner practiced law for more than 10 years in Tallahassee as well as in Vero Beach as assistant county attorney for Indian River County. She also serves on the board of the Education Foundation of Martin County.
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Small business spring training: Register now for new BAP season |
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Opportunity is knocking for small-business owners and the Martin County Business Accelerator Program (BAP) is on the other side of the door.
Owners of small business (nonprofits not applicable) can enhance entrepreneurial skills and activities, create jobs and assist in the expansion and growth of our existing business community, and win cash grants for their businesses.
Register now. Call James Carroll at 772-221-1380 or james@bdbmc.org for more.
BAP takes place at IRSC's Chastain Campus, Room C-102, 2400 SE Salerno Road, Stuart.
Cost is $25 to apply. Participants attend the Accelerator business training program classes, which consist of one three-hour class each Monday for 11 weeks.
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What they're saying: Past BAP participants speak out on power of the program |
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"Top professionals, in different fields, shared their knowledge each week; everything from marketing, hiring, time management, social media and ethics. I finished this program and gained skills to put into my own business immediately."
— Erin S. Smith, president of Janus Investigations
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"The BAP experience broadened my entrepreneurial skills, contributed to the growth of our local client base, and created new friendships from our vibrant local business community." — Linda Wolf, founder, ActiveCanvas Digital Marketing.
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"I wanted to absorb and implement what I thought would be beneficial to my type of business overall for continued growth, and success. It was worth the time I put into the program, and I highly encourage anyone who owns a business, large or small to take part in the Business Accelerator Program." — Candace Lopes, president of Skin Serenity Spa, featured left with Beth Gaskin, campus president, IRSC.
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"The BAP program came along at exactly the right time. I found myself busy working 'in' my growing new business when I knew I needed to work 'on' my business to set the stage for growth. The BAP program provided a framework and allowed the opportunity to dedicate the needed planning time. I walked out of the program with a focused and scalable plan. Executing now."—Bill West, director, West Advisory, featured in center, with (L-R) Joe Catrambone, Carolyn Davi, Joan Goodrich and Ron Rose.
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Shop Local, Sip Local: Don't miss weeklong celebration of wine, food and fashion |
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Wine, Food & Fashion Week at Harbour Bay Plaza
When: March 8 – 13
What: Wine Tasting Event (5 - 7:30pm) Saturday, March 13) sponsored by Florida Power & Light Company
Where: Harbour Bay Plaza, 3766 SE Ocean Blvd, Sewall’s Point
Cost: $25 in advance, $30 at door.
Whether you are a wine enthusiast or just coming to stroll through the outdoor courtyard to visit the plaza’s unique shoppes and restaurants, this newest Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce event is meant to for you.
Enjoy 50 separate events scheduled throughout the week featuring in-store discounts, art exhibits, fashion shows, Cruise Line representatives, trunk shows, Pilates demonstrations, plus the Wine Tasting finale event, Saturday, March 13.
Be sure and participate in the daily raffle to win a 55” TV or the gift basket filled with goodies from plaza merchants. Proceeds benefit The Entrepreneurship Foundation’s Student Scholarship Fund.
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Training the next generation: TCBA honored as school district's industry partner of year |
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STUART--The Treasure Coast Builders Association was honored by the Martin County School Board as the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Industry Partner of the Year. Accepting on behalf of the TCBA was Treasurer Niki Norton of N2 Architecture, center, who was also recognized for volunteering with the Drafting Program at South Fork High School. Presenting the awards was Dr. John Millay, superintendent of schools, and Lana Barros, CTE program director. |
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Local Mercedes-Benz engineering company gives MSO-branded masks to sheriff deputies |
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Left to right: Deputy Sheriff Gideon Brenovil, Deputy Sheriff Andy Adams, Lieutenant Matthew Immordino, Hartmut Feyhl, Major John Budensiek, Deputy Sheriff Crystal Nash, Sergeant David Rosko |
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STUART--Led by owner and founder Hartmut Feyhl, RENNtech showed appreciation for Martin County Sheriff’s Office and its civilian staff by donating and delivering 1,000 high-quality, MCSO branded protective masks to sheriff deputies.
The masks are made to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus and designed for comfort in everyday use. Equipped with a filtration efficiency of greater than 95 percent and suitable for in-field and high-endurance work, the masks making it easier for officers to perform in the line of duty.
RENNtech, a renowned Mercedes-Benz performance engineering company headquartered in Martin County, specializes in bringing racing technology to the streets, prioritizes road safety and responsible motoring.
“By supporting the Sheriff’s Office we know the roads and highways remain safe, and as a small business operating in Stuart we are grateful to the MSCO who are charged with ensuring the quality of life and safety for us and our employees,” said Hartmut.
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Stuart/Martin County Chamber wins Addy |
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The award was presented at recent the American Advertising Awards Gala in a presentation titled “Mask-A-Rade Party” at St. Mary’s Pittenger Center in Stuart.
The event featured the best the Treasure Coast has to offer in marketing, publishing, photography, broadcasting, digital and website design. Gold and silver winners of the prestigious award will go on to qualify for the Regional Addy Awards.
The annual Welcome Guide & Business Directory was creatively designed by Photographics and printed by NPC Printing. It is distributed to all Stuart/Martin County Chamber members and hundreds of strategic locations throughout Martin County.
The guide serves as a complete resource for new residents, businesses and visitors; featuring everything from recreation, accommodations and dining to real estate, demographics and relocation information.
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31
Prospects the BDB is currently pursuing.
1,275
Total number of jobs created in the (statistically unlikely) event all 31 prospects were attained.
$119 million
Total capital investment associated with all 31 prospects.
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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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