Annual Report 2010-2011
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Message from the Co-Executive Directors
Over the past few weeks, we have shared with our stakeholders and every Martin County resident our Annual Report for 2010-2011. It was an exciting year in which we focused on executing a comprehensive economic development plan intended to cultivate growth in existing companies and attract new companies to Martin County. The result was a year of steady job creation efforts and asset development. With that successful year solidly behind us, we shift our focus to 2011-2012.
Our country, state, and county continue to grapple with the effects of recession. Unemployment numbers are still elevated, although they are 1% lower than a year ago. Last year, local companies pledged to hire 691 new jobs in the coming year, which will go far in continuing to whittle away at the stubborn double digit unemployment rate.  Moving forward, our focus remains on helping existing businesses succeed and grow. Cultivating a strong local base of companies that provide job opportunities for residents is priority one. Soon, we will launch a re-energized version of our Business Retention and Expansion program: GROWING Martin. This program will formally package all the resources available through our retention efforts and will be marketed to all Martin County companies. Look for more details on this program in the coming months.
We will continue community engagement and business attraction efforts, positioning Martin County in the best possible light for new opportunities. Thank you all for your support of business development efforts in Martin County. Job creation is not a business issue...it is a community issue. Recreating our economy requires that everyone pull in the same direction, with an eye to solutions that will move us forward, creating opportunities for a successful community. Best regards, Tim Dougher and Crystal Stiles |
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BDBMC Announces Expansions
Since 2008, the BDBMC has worked with numerous targeted companies who announced 2,265 jobs and $58,735,000
taxable capital investment in Martin County. As is typical of project announcements made by economic development organizations across the country, these projects often span 24 or 36 months for full job creation projections to be realized.
View past project announcements, and read on for more about those companies adding jobs.
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| American Stairs
In October, the BDB announced the expansion of American Stairs, currently located in Palm City. The company purchased a building at 9011 SW Old Kansas Avenue in Stuart and will add 10 new employees in the coming 24 months. Additionally, American Stairs plans to invest $1.43M in building, renovations, and equipment.
The Business Development Board of Martin County originally assisted American Stairs in 1998 when they decided to relocate from Lantana, FL. "The BDB was originally the reason we came to Martin County," said Jamil Mikati. "Martin County itself kept us here as both a strategic, central location and with a welcoming and accommodating business environment." READ MORE
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Meet iTown. Your high-tech hometown.
Indiantown is an area of great economic potential for Martin County. As we stand on the brink of having an Enterprise Zone for the county located in Indiantown, all the necessary resources for economic success are in line. With that in mind, the BDBMC engaged the Indiantown community, rebranding and packaging it in a way that is easily communicated with location decision makers. Through a series of brainstorming sessions, the idea of iTown was born. While the speed of iTown's business has increased, it maintains a small town charm that's impossible to resist.
If you haven't recently visited iTown, we invite you to take a virtual tour by clicking the image below. This interactive map features all the economic assets of iTown, visible and not, above ground and below.
Many thanks to our partners in FPL for their endorsement of iTown. Their voice is prominent in our marketing efforts through Pam Rauch, Vice President of Development and External Affairs. She said, "Indiantown has all the necessary tools to bring high quality companies to the community. FPL located our Martin Next Generation Solar Energy Center in Indiantown for its strategic location, low cost of doing business, and because of a friendly, supportive business environment. We are proud to be part of a community that is committed to making investments in infrastructure and in the businesses that locate there."
Take the tour. Meet iTown. You'll see why even the grid is green with envy.
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 Civic infrastructure is as important to economic development efforts as roads, water, electricity and telecommunications. Economic success needs engaged citizens, inclusive and connected leadership, vital community institutions, and a community mindset of pride and optimism. The Business Development Board of Martin County is embarking on a year-long process of engaging the entire community in economic development efforts. We welcome the opportunity to speak to any community group about economic development efforts and the Business Development Board - what we do, what we don't do, and why it matters to you. To invite us to speak with your favorite non-profit, civic organization, home owners association, or other group, call 772.221.1380. |
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The
Business Development Board of Martin County is the county's official
economic development organization, and partner of Enterprise Florida,
Inc. and Florida's Research Coast. The mission of the BDBMC is to
promote economic growth in Martin County by retaining and assisting
existing targeted businesses and attracting desirable new businesses
while preserving the quality of life, and expanding educational and
employment opportunities.
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