It’s always exciting to see a vision put into action and brought to completion.
Even though I’m a couple months shy of my one-year anniversary as Executive Director of the Business Development Board of Martin County, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing a local business do just this.
Last fall—shortly after my arrival to the area—Hinckley Yacht Services kindly invited me to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for their state-of-the-art boat storage facility. In just a few days, I’ll be attending the ribbon-cutting for this 44,000-square-foot structure, which is built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane and equipped to accommodate vessels up to 70 feet long. It’s wonderful to see the expansion plans of local businesses—especially members of legacy fields such as the marine industry—achieve their objectives so efficiently.
Founded in 1928 and acquiring its Stuart location in 2001, Hinckley Yachts is among a number of local renowned boat builders, yacht brokers, equipment innovators and manufacturers, service providers, marinas, working-waterfront operators, commercial fishers, specialized craftsmen and more that make up the local marine industry.
Generating an annual economic impact across the Treasure Coast of $1.3 billion, the marine industry is particularly strong in Martin County. Its annual countywide economic impact exceeds $220 million and supports more than 5,000 jobs. The industry’s annual average wage is more than $66,000. That eclipses the annual average wages of marine professionals in St. Lucie as well as Indian River counties by more than $10,000.
Additionally, the job-growth potential of the marine industry is high. Collaborations and partnerships to ensure workforce readiness remain active and expanding. We’re fortunate that two members of the BDBMC Executive Committee stand at the forefront of such efforts.
Dan Romence, President of the Indiantown Marine Center, is vice chair of our organization as well as President of the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast. Dr. Angela Browning, Secretary of our Executive Committee, also serves as Associate Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness at Indian River State College. The college recently expanded its educational curriculums and certified-training opportunities to help attract and prepare future industry professionals in everything from marine electronics and technologies, engine repairs, rigging and more.
Strong, resilient and adaptive, the marine industry in Martin County—thanks to expansions like Hinckley’s—promises even greater opportunities on the horizon.
View from the crow’s nest
Speaking of looking ahead, sign up today to attend our free event, “Horizons: What’s Next for Real Estate, The Economy and Martin County’s Future,” while space remains available. Nearly full, this event—hosted by our partners, Martin County REALTORS on the Treasure Coast (MCRTC)—features multiple experts in commercial real estate, land use, transportation, infrastructure and regional planning as well as airport management and aviation. It’s a can’t-miss opportunity for any professional eager to grow their networks, knowledge base and competitive edge.
The Horizons event takes place from 8:30 a.m. to noon July 17 at MCRTC’s headquarters at 3204-A S.E. Federal Highway, Stuart.
