Marine Industry Leadership and Economic Development in Martin County
She also serves on the board for the Marine Industries of the Treasure Coast. A former middle-school teacher, Lauren holds multiple masters degrees. She shared with us the ways she plans to help advance the BDBMC’s mission of strengthening the local economy.
What are the top three things you hope to accomplish as president of the BDB?
In no particular order, first strengthening relationships that we’ve already made within business community, it’s vital that we continue to reconnect and keep these partnerships strong.
Number two, focusing on our Hubs of Excellence, or legacy industries, and how we can facilitate growth within those areas.
And three, helping existing business within our community. It comes down to engagement and education and collaboration so people can really understand the benefits of what we and our reginal partners do.
What have you learned while serving on the BDBMC’s board of directors thus far that really stands out?
As a business owner, so often you’re focused only on your business. Coming onto the board and experiencing how there’s a community that’s available to support what you do—it’s incredible. The BDB has opened that world for me, and when I saw how much information I gained going to the meetings—and especially on the Pulse visits—I recognized how it was educating me well beyond my current capacity. The information I’ve gathered has been undeniably beneficial to me as a business owner and a community member.
How does your experience working in and serving the marine industry complement your role at the BDB?
Well, the marine industry is one of the BDB’s “Hubs of Excellence.” And my service on the board of the Marine Industries of the Treasure Coast helped prepare me for this role.
Our industry has endured a lot—from the ups and downs of covid, to the impacts of tariffs, to varying economic conditions, to the challenges associated with the Stuart rail bridge and how it can impede important elements of our industry. Working in the marine industry has really reminded me that there are factors outside our control that can negatively affect our businesses. So you learn to pivot. It’s not unlike a day on the water. You must learn to adjust when the weather picks up. But through organizations like the BDB and MIATC, you learn where and how you can exert greater levels of influence.
What do you think are the strongest facets of our economy now that you’ve gotten to know it better?
The diversity of the economy is amazing. So many people have no idea about the variety of innovations manufactured here. We all know about the boating industry and the housing market, but not nearly as many of us know about the innovators and the companies that are headquartered here. It’s easy to think you need to go outside of the community for various resources, but what’s already here is very impressive. And that’s what the BDB sheds light on.
Is there something in particular about your leadership style that you’d like to share with others?
I will do anything I can to help make this organization even better because I’m so appreciative of the value it provides. It’s an investment in the working people, the innovators, the entrepreneurs. Time is the most valuable resources that we have, that the BDB—at its best—saves businesses time and money.
