Business Resilience Workshop | Beyond the Basics
Click here for the MASTER DECK speaker presentations.
Proactive businesses and manufacturers that attended the workshop learned from seasoned subject matter experts the importance of preparing their business for disasters and significant business interruptions, including:
- Perils of unpreparedness: Too few business owners know that a business plan, operations plan, and current books are essential to qualifying for disaster-relief funding.
- Step-by-step navigation: Detailed instructions on applying for no- or low-interest economic-injury loans.
- Supply-chain contingency plans: Experts from Florida Makes will share insights on the importance of knowing how the scope of a disaster can impact your suppliers, vendors, and customers and how to build viable backup options.
- Business continuity planning: What is it, why is it important, and how can you start your plan?
- Data and technology: Don’t let this be your Achilles heel; learn what you need to know to protect your technology and data.
- And much more!
Check back for photos and click here for additional Disaster Readiness resources.
Speakers
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Katherine CulhaneAssociate Director, Small Business Development Council at IRSCKatherine Culhane serves in the role of the Associate Director of the Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College (SBDC). The SBDC is the grant funded partner of the Small Business Administration (SBA) mandated to provide consulting, coaching and training to support the success of small businesses within the communities of the Treasure Coast.
Katherine is a former professional of the banking and financial services industry, with an extensive background in leadership, management and commercial lending.
In addition to certifications as a SHRM- SCP and a TTI Insights-DISC Behavioral Analyst, her educational background also includes a Master’s of Science in Organizational Learning and Leadership from Barry University. -
Bill WestFounder, West AdvisoryBill West is a distinguished figure in Florida business. He is the founder of West Advisory, a South Florida-based economic development and succession planning consultancy.
Bill has contributed to the growth and success of numerous Florida businesses and financial institutions. His work in economic development, business finance, and business sales has been recognized with awards from the Florida Economic Development Council, the International Business Brokers Association and many others.
He developed the “Intelligent Exit” program (intelexit.com) to support business owners seeking to move on to new opportunities. This process has been instrumental in guiding numerous private business owners through successful and discreet transitions. He assists business owners desiring to transition without a known successor sell their businesses through Acquisition Experts.
Bill served as CEO of a healthcare hospitality business and has 25 years of commercial and corporate banking experience. He has both participated in and supported numerous banks and businesses as they expand, sell and acquire. He has a strong background in economic development partnerships, quasi-governmental organizations including airports/FBOs and non-profits. During his time in banking he served as liaison with both businesses and regulators and was responsible for developing, analyzing, and monitoring plans to support distressed small business borrowers.
Bill holds an MBA/Finance from International College and a BA/Organizational Management from Warner University. He also holds an American Institute of Bankers Bank Operations Diploma and a Diploma from the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado. He has been recognized as an outstanding producer by the International Business Brokers Association and was awarded the McLaughlin Award by the Florida Economic Development Council. Bill is a decorated United States Marine Corps combat logistician and served for four years with a helicopter group in the Far East.
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Michael AllerDirector of Supplier Development - FloridaMakesMichael Aller’s areas of technical emphasis and strategic engagement include helping Florida’s aviation & aerospace, defense, medical devices, personal protective equipment and power generation manufacturing industries strengthen their domestic manufacturing supply chains, as well as improve their resilience to adverse events and identify and capture new opportunities in commercial space, critical infrastructure, national security and other fast-growing markets. With colleagues and partners across the state and the nation, Mike has worked to develop and roll out value-added tools and resources to support the interconnectedness, growth, productivity and resilience of Florida’s and our nation’s manufacturing ecosystem. These value-added resources include the Connex Florida supplier connection platform, the Florida Defense Cybersecurity Training Program, supplier opportunity forums in high-growth and nationally critical sectors of manufacturing, and a series of assessments for supply chain risk management and disaster recovery and resilience for manufacturers of all sizes.
Prior to his role with FloridaMakes, Mike helped to establish and lead Energy Florida, an industry-led non-profit association that has developed a robust ecosystem of support services for the Southeastern U.S. energy technology industry. Mike also served as Director of Technical Affairs for the Gas Turbine Association (GTA) and Consortium for Advanced Production and Engineering of Gas Turbines and Rotating Machinery (CAPE). The GTA and CAPE consortium work with a broad coalition of industry partners from across the country to outline the necessary steps to develop new materials and industrial processes, testing standards and certification parameters which will enable the next generation of gas turbine design, engineering and manufacturing in the United States.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Aller served in a variety of public policy roles in Washington, DC, including serving on the staff of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Brookings Institution, and the Peterson Institute for International Economics. He has also taught international economics, emerging economies (China and India), and global energy and resource issues at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. He holds degrees in economics and technology policy from Georgetown University and the University of California, San Diego. Mike is a former member of the United States Rowing National Team and lives with his wife and 2 children in Winter Park, Florida.
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Matt RoccoPresident, South Florida Manufacturers AssociationPresident
As President of the SFMA, Matthew’s experience spans more than 10 years in the corporate arena, higher education, and in the non-profit sector. Matthew served as SFMA President from 2017 to 2021 and has now resumed this role in 2023. He has served in various leadership positions, managed complex projects and programs, worked with employers to create customized workforce programs for their companies, and created partnership opportunities in the business community. He brings an excellent mix of expertise and a passion for helping manufacturers to his new role.
Prior to becoming SFMA President, Matthew was a Board of Director for the SFMA while he worked at Broward College. Matthew is excited to be back in South Florida working hard on behalf of all manufacturers in South Florida. Matthew is a native of South Florida and in his spare time, he enjoys mentoring young individuals to help them succeed in every aspect of their lives, attending symphonies, loves cooking and exploring new cuisines to try, and enjoys giving back to the community. Matthew is also an avid University of Miami Hurricanes Football Fan.
Matthew serves on the Board of Directors for organizations such as the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the Economic Development Council of South Miami Dade.
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Sally WaiteMartin County Emergency Management Agency, DirectorSally Waite is an experienced Emergency Management Director with over 23 years in the field of disaster preparedness and response. Sally has managed countless disaster activations and helped communities navigate some of their most challenging times.
Throughout her career, she has focused on strengthening preparedness efforts, coordinating effective response strategies, and building strong partnerships across agencies. A regular conference speaker, Sally enjoys sharing lessons learned and best practices to help others improve their emergency management programs.
Her passion lies in helping communities stay ready and resilient — before, during, and after disasters. -
Christina CobleBusiness Services Manager, CareerSource Research CoastChristina Coble is the Business Services Manager for CareerSource Research Coast, the workforce development board serving Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties. In this role, Christina leads a dynamic team dedicated to creating smart, strategic solutions that help local businesses grow and thrive. She also fosters strong partnerships with economic development agencies and other key stakeholders to ensure the region’s workforce is prepared to meet today’s demands—and tomorrow’s opportunities.
With more than 13 years of experience in workforce development, Christina brings a deep understanding of the industry. She has held several key roles at CareerSource Research Coast, including WIOA Programs Manager, Program Performance Coordinator, Job Developer, and Recruiter—each giving her a unique perspective on how to connect talent with business needs.
Christina holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Science from the University of Florida and is a Certified Workforce Development Professional.
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Doug Coward Founder, Past CEO, Director of National Expansion & Partnerships, Solar Energy Loan Fund
Doug CowardFounder, Past CEO, Director of National Expansion & Partnerships, Solar Energy Loan FundFounder and Director of National Expansion and Partnerships
Coward has more than three decades of professional experience in Florida as a planner, clean energy policy expert, small business owner, elected official (i.e., 12 years as a St. Lucie County Commissioner), and more than 10 years as the Executive Director of SELF. He attended Florida State University earning a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, with an emphasis on economics and the environment. Doug has also worked as a Senior Environmental Planner with St. Lucie County, an Environmental Specialist, and Clean Energy Executive in the private sector, and Community Planner with 1000 Friends of Florida. Coward has received numerous awards, including “Most Outstanding Green Elected Official” from the South Florida Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and “Outstanding Local Public Official of the Year” from the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association (FAPA). He has been described by the Florida media as, “an unusual combination of environmentalist, smart growth proponent, and business advocate.” -
Dawn RiccardiBusiness Navigator, CareerSource Research CoastDawn Riccardi serves as a Business Navigator for CareerSource Research Coast, specializing in the Manufacturing and Skilled Trades sectors across Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties. With over a decade of experience in workforce development and a strong background in sales and account management, Dawn delivers smart, strategic solutions that help local businesses grow.
A Certified Workforce Development Professional, she’s known for leading high-impact events that connect employers, job seekers, and community partners. Dawn is also an active collaborator with regional organizations like the Treasure Coast Builders Association, Treasure Coast Manufacturers Association, local Chambers of Commerce, and local economic development groups—helping to strengthen the local workforce and drive economic success. -
Marshall CritchfieldExternal Affiars Manager, FPLMarshall Critchfield is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in external affairs, government relations, and strategic consulting. Currently, he serves as the External Affairs Manager at Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), a role he has held since April 2021. In this capacity, he leverages his extensive background to manage stakeholder engagement and public policy initiatives for one of the nation’s largest electric utilities.
Marshall also serves on a number of community boards including the Business Development Board of Martin County.
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Dieulaine ClaudeCommunity Outreach and Marketing, Small Business AdministrationOutreach and Marketing Specialist, South Florida District Office
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Dieulanie Claude is a seasoned business and marketing professional with extensive experience working in nonprofit, private national and international companies, as well as the government sector, from local municipals to her current role with the federal government as an Outreach and Marketing Specialist with the SBA South Florida District Office, following her most recent role as Executive Director of a local nonprofit.
Dieulanie holds a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in marketing from Nova Southeastern University. Her academic foundation also includes a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Digital Media – Graphic Design and Web Visual Communication and an Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design Technology, both earned at Indian River State College. -
Conner HlywaSupplier Development Coordinator, FloridaMakesConnor Hlywa serves as Supplier Development Coordinator with the FloridaMakes Network. In this role, Connor supports FloridaMakes’ supply chain initiatives, including Connex Florida, the MEP Supplier Scouting and Supply Chain Optimization Network. He works closely with the FloridaMakes team and regional manufacturer association partners to build relationships with Florida manufacturers and identify solutions for their sourcing needs. Connor is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administration degree with a concentration in Supply Chain Management and Operations from Nova Southeastern University.
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Jonathan FalkDirector of Disaster Operations, National Association of Home BuildersDirector of Disaster Operations, National Association of Home Builders
Jonathan Falk is a disaster recovery specialist with over a decade of experience leading response and rebuilding efforts across the nonprofit and private sectors. A proud two-term AmeriCorps alumnus and former humanitarian logistics lead in international relief work, he now oversees disaster operations at the National Association of Home Builders, supporting over 600 local and state associations nationwide. Informed by his experience leading operations in the field and organizational leadership, Jonathan brings practical insights on preparedness, coordination, and long-term recovery. He holds a Master’s degree from the University of South Florida and is based in Jacksonville, Florida.
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Rick MancinelliCEO, and founder of C3 CompleteRick Mancinelli, CEO & Founder of C3 Complete, has more than 25 years of experience in all phases of information technology management, including software development, network architecture, and corporate IT management. He held executive positions in finance and telecommunications firms prior to launching his first consulting practice. He has since built several successful businesses, developed and sold a SaaS business focused on the Life Insurance market, and began work on what would become C3 long before the term “Cloud” entered the common lexicon. In 2012, Mr. Mancinelli was named one of the Top 50 Entrepreneurs in South Florida by Business Leader Magazine and, in 2018, was named one of South Florida’s Power Leaders by the South Florida Business Journal. On a personal level, he is the proud father of two young ice hockey players, active within the community and an avid boater. He has previously served on the boards of the YMCAs of South Palm Beach County, the South Florida Digital Alliance, and the American SIDS Institute.
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William T. CorbinExecutive Director, Business Development Board of Martin CountyA certified economic developer, Corbin has helped stimulate hundreds of millions of dollars of diversified commercial development in various municipalities—most recently in Georgia, including the cities of Duluth and Norcross, as well as Clayton County.
“I’m honored to be chosen for this leadership role, and I’m excited to live and work in Martin County and learn more about its legacy industries such as aerospace, marine, and advanced manufacturing,” says Corbin. “I’ve always loved boating and flying, so this BDB opportunity is appealing. I hope to apply my insights into building economic ecosystems, helping strengthen existing industries, and assisting companies in their expansion plans.”Corbin distinguished himself among a field of more than 90 applicants, which the BDB selection committee pored over for three months. “We’re extremely excited to welcome William to this role of executive director for the Business Development Board,” says Susan Rabinowitz, president of the BDB. “Our selection committee deserves tremendous credit for carefully vetting an array of compelling candidates to find William—who’s extremely qualified to step into the role right away and make meaningful contributions.”
While he got his start as an economic development practitioner in Miami-Dade County at The Beacon Council, Corbin’s experience spans communities of a variety of sizes and dynamics. Clayton County is home to 300,000 people while Norcross and Duluth have populations of 18,000 and 32,000, respectively, showing Corbin’s skills shaping projects to fit the characters and personalities of each unique setting.In Duluth, he helped guide the planning and development of Parsons Alley, a 2-acre downtown redevelopment site featuring commercial and retail investments that won awards for its design, functionality and impact. In Norcross, Corbin’s leadership helped attract more than $500 million in total investment. He also helped increase the city’s communication and engagement with its small business and entrepreneur community through initiatives such as grant programs and partnerships with local organizations that provide access to capital and technical assistance services.
Further, Corbin led a workforce development project, among other achievements, that bridged connections between businesses and job seekers during the pandemic, strengthening the labor market. “The resume of achievements that William has built up is impressive by any standard but even more so considering that he’s relatively early in his career,” says Dan Hudson, interim executive director who came aboard to helm the organization through a leadership transition. “His experience working with communities of all sizes and the approach he brings to each environment speaks to how attentive he is to public involvement and finding solutions that are rightsized for each location.”
Martin County’s distinctive quality of life appealed to Corbin, 40, and his family. While considering other opportunities across South Florida, he and his wife, Jonide, researched and even visited the area on vacation with their two girls, ages 5 and 7, and two-year-old son. They appreciated that Martin County offered a peaceful respite from a big city pace yet easy access to major metropolitan areas to the north and south. “There’s a definite quality of life on display here and it comes with a community and leadership that has embraced managed growth in a fashion that’s responsible, responsive to the residents and protective of such a beautiful place,” he says. “I like the laidback nature of the community and the fact that there are a lot of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. I like how things are a little bit slower. It’s a great place to raise a family and grow roots.”
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Ted AstolfiEconomic Council of Martin County, CEO, President
