Taking the Pulse of Martin County’s Business Community
The Business Development Board of Martin County (BDBMC) has released its 2025 Pulse Visit Program Annual Report, offering a detailed look at the state of Martin County’s business community. The findings highlight both the strength of the local economy and the importance of the BDBMC’s ongoing commitment to connecting directly with employers through its signature initiative, the Pulse Program.
The Pulse Program is more than a data collection effort. It is a relationship-driven approach to economic development. Through one-on-one, in-person visits with local employers, the BDBMC team listens, learns, and connects, ensuring that Martin County’s business leaders have a direct voice in shaping the county’s economic priorities.
By the Numbers
The 2025 Pulse Visit Annual Report provides a clear snapshot of Martin County’s business landscape and the results of this year’s engagement efforts. (View the full report here: 2025 Annual Pulse Report
In Fiscal Year 2025, the BDBMC completed 45 Pulse Visits with companies representing a wide range of industries across Martin County. These businesses collectively employ 1,301 people, with an average of 28.9 employees per company. More than 51 percent of the businesses had ten or fewer employees, highlighting the strength of Martin County’s small business base.
The visits generated 142 follow-up action items, with 128 completed, reflecting the BDBMC’s commitment to timely follow-through and ongoing support. Pulse Visits averaged 1.64 hours each, totaling 73.75 hours of direct engagement time with local employers.
Another key insight from the report is that Martin County’s businesses are deeply connected to markets beyond our borders, with an average of 72 percent of products and services sold outside the county. This outward focus contributes to a more diversified and resilient local economy.
What Businesses Are Saying
The report highlights recurring themes among local employers. Top challenges included skilled workforce development and availability, affordable housing, and the need for more industrial and commercial space. Despite these challenges, optimism remains high, with 90 percent of companies planning to stay and grow locally.
Businesses also emphasized what makes Martin County special. They cited the community’s safety, natural environment, and small-town character as key advantages that enhance both quality of life and the local business climate.
Why the Pulse Program Matters
As Executive Director William Corbin noted, the Pulse Program is a cornerstone of the BDBMC’s Business Retention and Expansion strategy. The insights gathered through these visits directly inform the organization’s policy priorities, workforce initiatives, and partnerships. Whether advocating for infrastructure improvements, developing new workforce programs, or connecting businesses to financial resources, the information gathered through Pulse Visits drives meaningful action.
Get Involved
If you own or manage a business in Martin County, the BDBMC invites you to participate in the Pulse Program. Hosting a Pulse Visit provides an opportunity to share your story, highlight your successes, and discuss any challenges your company faces. Your input helps shape the programs, partnerships, and policies that support local business growth.
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