Looking Back at 2025 and Setting the Course for 2026

Year in Review: Progress Made and Priorities Ahead for Martin County’s Economy

Reflections and resolutions. You really can’t have one without the other and there’s no better time to contemplate both than the end of one year and the beginning of the next.

When looking back on 2025 the Business Development Board of Martin County’s core achievements in business retention, attraction and economic climate, I’m so grateful for the leadership and support of my board of directors, staff, colleagues and key partners who helped make it all possible.

Expanding businesses

We were happy to participate in celebrating the new 44,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art boat facility at Hinckley Yacht Services, a legacy member of the area’s billion-dollar marine industry. We helped Choice Waste of Florida, a concierge waste and recycling management company, establish its corporate headquarters in Stuart. We also secured Catch Boatworks, which innovated its newly released vessel uniquely designed to accommodate in- and offshore fishing, as it opened its new 5,600-square-foot facility right here in Martin County.

After assisting Power Systems Manufacturing with its decision to move back to Martin County after originally being founded here in the

late 1990s, we participated in the recent ribbon cutting of the advanced manufacturing/clean energy company’s new 180,000 square-foot facility at the South Florida Gateway Distribution Center.

Business climate

Building on the efforts of my predecessors, we worked with the county and partners on the creation and passage of the Economic Toolkit, which enables qualified employers in targeted industries (such as advanced manufacturing) to seek specific tax relief in exchange for high levels of investment and high-wage job creation.

Listening to the feedback from local employers during our Pulse visits, we responded to concerns about access to capital by unveiling the Martin Loan Fund. This partnership with Inclusifi helps connect local entrepreneurs and young companies struggling to secure traditional bank loans attain critical funds on flexible terms. Please note: The BDB does NOT serve as lender but instead helps local businesses navigate the loan application process.

For the first time ever, the BDB enjoyed a presence at the Paris Air Show, the most prestigious international event for an industry that’s indispensable to our community. We expanded our network, generated leads and built a foundation for future partnerships. Best of all, we raised funds to ensure the trip was paid for entirely by private dollars.

Events and more

Earlier in 2025, we teamed with Martin County REALTORS of the Treasure Coast to host Horizons, an event that focused on key economic and commercial real estate trends. And we were of course excited to host the 2025 Martin County Business Awards. The marquis annual event, which honors innovators from across the local economy and sells out every year, was among our most successful yet.

Resolutions

Near the start of the year we updated our mission statement, affirming, in part, our role of helping business owners, entrepreneurs and executives “start, grow, stay, invest, and make it in Martin County.” Considering our previous progress, that sounds like the perfect resolution to pursue in 2026.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Learn more about how the Business Development Board of Martin County supports local businesses at www.BDBMC.org