A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WILLIAM T. CORBIN, CEcD
As I reviewed the 2023/2024 Annual Report, I felt a bit like a player who entered the game after his team had already built up a big lead.
That’s why I’d like to start by crediting the BDB Board of Directors for playing such a pivotal role in making the past fiscal year a success. Their collective leadership strengthened the organization’s structure and service delivery.
I would also like to express my gratitude to my predecessor, Dan Hudson, who, as interim executive director, amassed widespread confidence and increased organizational credibility.
Finally, I’d like to thank the BDB staff, whose creativity and dedication delivered results to the business community, evidenced by the impact of our projects and programming.
Strong community presence
In addition to hosting popular events such as the Commercial Real Estate Forum and Access to Capital Workshop, we partnered with FloridaMakes and the South Florida Manufacturers Association to put on our inaugural Connex seminar. This unique event broadened the networks of local manufacturers and featured expert insights on increasing profitability.
Our role as the county’s liaison with SelectFlorida helped enable events like Export University 101, which featured expert consultants who shared knowledge about accessing foreign markets and enhancing the abilities of local manufacturers to gain new customers.
Project involvement and facilitation
On the Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) front, we remained active in assisting existing businesses across various sectors, including contributory businesses representing Martin County’s important legacy industries of Marine and Aviation.
We look forward to continuing to engage and communicate with local businesses in the City of Stuart, the Village of Indiantown, and unincorporated Martin County.
Additionally, we remain involved with administering business attraction and recruitment services, which usually feature site selection assistance and permitting assistance. We remain actively engaged with the following companies:
- Pursuit Aerospace (expansion)
- Hinckley Yachts (expansion)
- Grind Hard Ammo (Stuart facility improvements and construction of Indiantown facility)
- IM Group (expansion)
- Power Systems Manufacturing (assisted with their return to Martin County and helping them apply for the county’s Economic Development Tax Exemption program)
All told, these projects represent well over $150 million of capital investment while creating job opportunities for Martin County residents now and years into the future.
Listening, learning, responding
As we rolled out our revamped Pulse program, we visited scores of local businesses, engaging with C-suite executives and gaining detailed insights into the challenges they face and the solutions they seek.
We applied what we learned and put it into action. We shared specifics and findings with our Talent Advancement Team, which in turn worked with the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast and Indian River State College to create and bring forward training programs that were directly informed by the business community.
Looking ahead
Expect this employer/prospect training paradigm to improve further, with the results to be reflected in future annual reports. For example, IRSC recently chose to join the BBD as a corporate investor at the highest level (Leadership Council), mainly on the strength of our workforce development collaboration with each other. They recently launched their Private Sector Institute, which is a new initiative that will enlist business leaders to help create curricula based on industry-specific material, ensuring new hires arrive on the job and are ready to make a positive impact.
Just as we continue to grow relationships and show value to our existing local businesses, we look forward to exceeding the expectations of the business community at large by continually tailoring our programs to service their needs. Our partnerships with organizations like IRSC, MIATC, and Witham Field Airport promise to produce even better numbers in the next annual report.
In the meantime, it’s truly an honor to be a part of a winning team.
Click here to read the 2023/2024 Annual Report in its entirety.
Older annual reports and all other reports can be found on our Plans & Reports pages.
