With more than 50 people who attended our special event—which provided a look ahead at real estate, infrastructure, and economic trends in Martin County—received healthy doses of both information and inspiration.
“Horizons: What’s Next in Real Estate, The Economy and Martin County’s Future” was cohosted by the BDBMC and Martin County REALTORS of the Treasure Coast. The lineup of experts and panelists clarified the land-planning process, offered insights on coming advancements in aviation and transportation, and demystified how site selectors identify where to invest.
The event was made possible by:
- Presenting Sponsor Portia B. Scott, Chartered
- Partner Sponsors Cushman Wakefield, Illustrated Properties, Sewall’s Point, Ashley Capital, SLC Commercial
- Supporting Sponsors Rosi M. Shepard of RE/MAX of Stuart, DRG Construction Group, and Campo Insurance and Investment Services.
Tom Lanahan, executive director of the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, provided a primer on key principles of land planning and the primary factors that shape the regulatory approach.
“Everything should be about mitigating off-site impacts,” he said, “not just regulation for its own sake.”
William Corbin, executive director of the BDBMC, moderated a panel on building supply lines featuring Andrew McBean of the Martin County Airport and Ricardo Vazquez of the Martin County Metropolitan Planning Organization. The discussion touched on planned airport improvements to attract business and future major transportation updates such as the widening of State Road 710.
Jill Marasa of Ashley Capital spoke to how streamlining the permitting process can give the county a competitive edge in site-selection contests with neighboring communities. Ken Krasnow of Cushman & Wakefield delved into national and local trends influencing the commercial real estate industry.
The event culminated with a high-octane motivational talk reminding everyone to recognize their unique talents and embrace the power of collaboration to achieve greater outcomes.
Bob Thornton of O’Donnell Impact Windows provided the closing speech. A seasoned speaker who’s addressed audiences of thousands with his messages of realizing and honoring our individual value and collective power, he evoked a power illustration with trees as a metaphor.
Oak trees, often standing in a solitary state or growing a good distance apart from each other, drive down deep roots to withstand the winds and reach heights of up to 150 feet over their 100-plus year lifespans, he explained. But giant sequoias—which grow as large as 30 feet in diameter and 300-feet high—live up to 3,000 years. Their limbs, Thornton noted, usually touch each other.
“We’re supposed to work together,” he said. “We have a unique ability to communicate at a higher level. Find your gift. Share it with your contacts. Build your team and serve our community.”
