“Thank God we’re in Martin County.”
Sponsored by Colliers Falk Weprin team (Michael Falk/Scott Weprin), “Horizons 2026 – Made in Martin: Real Estate, Manufacturing, Capital & Growth,” is one of two exciting events we’ve had the privilege of coordinating and hosting recently.
The second event was our latest Manufacturers Roundtable. At our invitation, Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly joined and participated in the discussion. He spoke about the resources that the state is unleashing in an impressive effort to further enhance Florida’s growing role as a manufacturing powerhouse.
Generous with his time, Secretary Kelly engaged local manufacturers in an extensive question and answer session. Topics included the benefits of Opportunity Zones to spur investment, small-business grants, and Pay-for Performance apprenticeships to train and retain the needed workforce. He also detailed incoming opportunities in the maritime, aviation and defense industries—all pillars of Martin County’s economy.
Secretary Kelly spoke about high-level priorities such as the state dedicating $50 million through the Job Growth Grant Fund to expand, in part, semiconductor supply chains. Horizons 2026—which played to a packed house at the Martin County REALTORS of the Treasure Coast building—provided a strong regional and local picture.
The Treasure Coast remains in the fortunate halo effect of venture capital coming into South Florida, Krasnow shared. The industrial market is strong, with the average sale price per square foot just under $200, double what it was two years ago. Vacancy rates are dropping regionwide with Martin County leading the way in attracting investment to the few remaining—and highly coveted—spaces accommodating industrial operations.
I had the privilege of moderating a panel featuring Dieulanie Claude, Outreach & Marketing Specialist, US Small Business Administration, South Florida District Office; Robert Barfield, Regional Market President, Seacoast; and Shaun Williams, President & CEO of First National Bank Coastal Community and Vice Chair of the Martin County Industrial Development Authority (the BDBMC serves as secretary and liaison for the IDA, which can assist qualified projects with low-interest, tax-exempt loans).
Claude, Barfield and Williams advised attendees on the power of “capital stacking.” This savvy tactic strategically taps a host of sources to secure the funding to launch a project or business.
Horizons 2026 culminated with the remarkable story of Tara Lordi. The founder of Weedoo Boats, Lordi shared hard-earned wisdom from her inspiring journey towards creating and operating a successful business that is dedicated to providing pesticide-free solutions to protect waterways from invasive species. We’re especially grateful for the work her company is doing at Lake Okeechobee.
BDBMC recently helped companies like Weedoo Boats, Catch Boatworks, Power Systems Manufacturing, and Hinckley Yacht Services open and expand operations in Martin County, combining to provide tens of millions of dollars in capital investments.
Reflecting on such additions to our marketplace—and knowing more about the quality opportunities ahead—I’m thinking that maybe Ken coined a phrase that could really take off…TGWIMC!
Learn more about how the Business Development Board of Martin County supports local businesses at www.BDBMC.org