November marks my third full month as Executive Director, and it’s been non-stop from the first day. When I reflect on these months, which included two hurricanes and a few tornadoes, the first word that comes to mind is gratitude!
Since mid-September, the BDBMC has been busy; not only have they been helping me get acquainted with all the distinct areas of Martin County, from Indiantown to Jensen Beach, to Hobe Sound, Port Salerno, Palm City, Stuart, and everywhere in between, we’ve hosted a workshop on how businesses can access capital, supported the county with emergency recovery operations following Hurricane Milton, and now are planning our annual awards banquet and celebration on December 13.
I’m thoroughly enjoying every opportunity to learn more about Martin County, meet people, and get to know every facet of it better. I am incredibly grateful for the time so many have shared.
Here are some highlights I’d like to share with our readers.
Celebrating Martin’s Makers
The Martin County Business Awards, held on Dec. 13, celebrate Martin’s makers and businesses that contribute to our economy. As the adage goes, leadership has its privileges, and mine was the honor of meeting the winners as they were notified of their honor. Many are stalwarts of our manufacturing sector whose innovations are essential to national security and helping Florida become a leading state in manufacturing.
Living/working reimagined
I looked at the newest Palm City community at the Newfield grand opening. Its traditional neighborhood design blends residential, retail, dining, office, and workplace spaces, cultivating greater community engagement and connectivity. Mattamy Homes, an investor of the BDBMC, is creating the vision originally expressed by well-known financial journalist and local resident Knight Kiplinger. The BDBMC is excited to share how the Newfield Workplace District will benefit expanding businesses.
Community similarities and distinctions
County staff overseeing the Community Redevelopment Areas gave me a tour of these six distinctive areas in Jensen Beach, Rio, Port Salerno, Golden Gate, Hobe Sound, and Palm City. They explained how the design code encourages investment and supports small businesses while reflecting and protecting each community’s personality.
Whether through the BDBMC or around town with my family, the more we learn about our new home, the more our initial instincts are confirmed. In fact, we’ve already learned what the locals know: In Martin County, we have a special opportunity—one that we don’t want to mess up. This community priority—combined with thought, care, and effort, has produced a wonderful place, which the BDBMC is committed to helping preserve and enhance.
Letters of support
I also had the opportunity to write two letters of support. The first one was in support of our largest educational and workforce development partner, Indian River State College, and their efforts to continue their programs in Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Medical Technician, and Paramedic programs; you can read that letter and why it’s important here. The second letter expressed the BDBMC’s strong support of the county’s efforts to secure a rail station in Martin County and an Intercity Passenger Rail grant. Read that letter here.
To everyone I have met and encountered over the past three months, thank you for your time. I’ve enjoyed meeting you, and I hope you and your family, whether at work or home, had a wonderful Thanksgiving, as wonderful as our first one in Martin County was.
William T. Corbin
Executive Director
Business Development Board of Martin County
