Big Wins for Martin County Business
A lot of exciting things happening across the Martin County business community—plus some breaking news.
You likely heard the collective sigh of relief recently following the City of Stuart’s unanimous approval of Seacoast Bank’s request to rebuild a new headquarters facility on its current location at U.S. 1 and Kanner Highway.
Leading up to the decisive vote, uncertainty hovered around the fate of the 99-year-old local institution’s request. Seacoast sought a couple exceptions to the development code, which the city commission majority has demonstrated strong resistance to obliging.
So, supporters rightly left nothing to chance.
Teaming with partner organizations such as the Martin County Realtors of the Treasure Coast, the Business Development Board helped augment the commendable efforts by Seacoast in organizing speakers. Thankfully, the commission heard—and listened to—the public.
Here’s an excerpt of my comments:
Headquarters businesses send the message to others that the business climate of a community is healthy, the regulatory environment is predictable, the tax base is stable, and the level of opportunity in a community is reliable and consistent. That’s especially true when the headquarters business in question has been around for nearly 100 years. Conversely, when headquarters businesses leave an area, it sends a very different and discouraging message.
Exciting announcement
We’re pleased to announce the arrival of a new marine business to our area. We’ve had the pleasure of helping attract the Jupiter-based Catch Boatworks to Martin County for its newest location.
At its new 5,600-square-foot facility, Catch Boatworks will continue the creation and manufacture of the Catch Crossover 27, a center console so versatile it can serve anglers fishing inshore, offshore or simply cruising in comfort. The company needed a convenient location to better accommodate its workforce, so the Business Development Board moved quickly to assist in site selection.
The creativity and craftsmanship of Catch Boatworks is sure to be a talker.
Thanks to the company’s innovative design, advanced research and knowledge as experienced boaters, the Crossover 27 is poised to revolutionize boat customization and functionality. At 27-feet, nine-inches long with an eight-and-a-half-foot beam, the boat is designed to float in as little as 12 inches of water as well as ride smoothly through an offshore chop. Each feature—
from the trolling motor mounting on the bow to the comfort and safety in the seating for the driver and passenger to the retractable ladder for divers and spear fishers—caters to the Florida sportsman.
We’re excited to welcome them and pleased to have played a part in their decision to select Martin County.
Busy times
I’m a bit hesitant to mention this because I don’t like tooting my own horn but I was surprised, yet deeply honored recently, when the Stuart Martin County Chamber of Commerce recently recognized me with the Business Advocate of the Year Award.
Frankly, I feel a little undeserving of the honor, having only lived and worked in Martin County for slightly more than a year. But I’ve observed firsthand the hard work that BDB board members and staff have put in these past 12 months in order to enable me to even be considered in the conversation for this award, so I’m very appreciative. And I’m inspired and encouraged by the character and dedication of my colleagues across the business community.
Thank you for the kind acknowledgement and allowing me the opportunity to contribute and partner in helping make Martin Count an even better place than when I arrived.
Learn more about how the Business Development Board of Martin County supports local businesses at www.BDBMC.org
