Strategic Plan for Economic Development

Transcription

1 Roadmap to Martin County s Future Strategic Plan for Economic Development Economy by design not by default.

2 Business Development Board of Martin County Board of Directors Bill West, President First Peoples Bank & Trust Kathryn Spencer, President elect International Wholesale Tile, LLC Mark Robitaille, Secretary Martin Memorial Health Systems David Powers, Treasurer Indiantown Realty Corporation John Yudin, Immediate Past President Guy, Yudin & Foster, LLP Patty Alan Indian River State College P.J. Anson STS Aviation Group Marty Bonan Fairview South Bob Brunjes Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers Dan Carmody Premier Realty Group J. Blake Capps Capps & Huff Roofing, Inc. Ed Ciampi Board of County Commissioners Dave Derrenbacker WaterPointe Realty Group Jeff Dougherty Treasure Coast Builders Association Steve Fenton Fenton Management Services, LLC BDBMC Professional Staff Ron Bunch Executive Director Crystal France Marketing & Public Relations Manager Jack Burns* Assistant Director Small Business Development Center (*IRSC Employee) Sue Hershey Martin County School District Suzy Hutcheson Helping People Succeed Mary Hutchinson City of Stuart Commissioners Peter Kemp Hustons Commercial Interiors John S. Leighton, III Leighton Construction Tom McNicholas McNicholas & Associates Shaun Plymale Chapman and Plymale Law Sherry Plymale Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees Jeff Sabin Waste Management Inc. Patty Smail Shelter Structures Inc. Gwenda Thompson Workforce Solutions Ed Weinberg EW Consultants Ex-officio members Joe Catrambone Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce Dan Hudson City of Stuart Tammy Simoneau Economic Council Randy Welker Business Development Manager Jill Marasa Executive Assistant Ken Norman General Counsel Proctor Crook & Crowder CPA The Business Development Board of Martin County is the county's official economic development organization, and partner of Enterprise Florida, Inc. and Florida's Research Coast. The BDBMC also provides economic development services to the City of Stuart. The mission of the BDBMC is to promote economic growth in Martin County by retaining and assisting existing targeted businesses and attracting desirable new businesses while preserving the quality of life, and expanding educational and employment opportunities.

3 Table of Contents Board of Directors and Professional Staff About the Business Development Board of Martin County About Martin County Competitive Analysis Strategic Direction Implementing the Mission Strategic Initiatives 1. Retaining and Expanding Targeted Businesses 2. Attracting New Targeted Businesses 3. Expanding Entrepreneurship and Supporting Small Businesses 4. Improving the Business Climate Measuring Success and Moving Towards 2012 Work Plan 1. Retaining and Expanding Targeted Businesses 2. Attracting New Targeted Businesses 3. Expanding Entrepreneurship and Supporting Small Businesses 4. Improving the Business Climate Appendix A Building and Communicating a Consistent Brand Appendix B Target Sectors Appendix C Strategic Partnerships Appendix D Hobe Sound Area Plan Appendix E Indiantown Area Plan Appendix F Jensen Beach Area Plan Appendix G Palm City Area Plan Appendix H Stuart Area Plan Appendix I Roadmap to Florida s Future:

4 About the Business Development Board of Martin County The Business Development Board of Martin County is the county s official economic development organization, and Enterprise Florida, Inc. partner. The BDBMC serves as staff to the Martin County Industrial Development Authority (IDA), provides economic development services to the City of Stuart, and co-funds the Martin County Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in cooperation with Indian River State College. The Business Development Board of Martin County (BDBMC) is a public-private partnership working to promote balanced and orderly economic growth in Martin County. The BDBMC is charged with the responsibility of supporting existing targeted companies in their expansion needs, as well as attracting new targeted companies to the community. The Business Development Board is dedicated to bringing resources to existing and new companies, and maintaining a business climate that will help them grow locally, while achieving success on a global scale. 3 The BDBMC Board of Directors is comprised of representatives of the following Member Partners: Martin County, City of Stuart, Economic Council of Martin County, Florida Atlantic University, Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce, Helping People Succeed, Indian River State College, Indiantown/Western Martin County Chamber of Commerce, Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce, Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast, Martin County School Board, Palm City Chamber of Commerce, Realtor Association of Martin County, Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce, Treasure Coast Builders Association, Workforce Solutions A significant portion of the BDBMC s operating funds are provided by Martin County. TurboCombustor Technology Inc. is one of Martin County s premier targeted businesses. They celebrated continued growth in What is a targeted business? Targeted Martin County businesses generally fall within seven specific target sectors that have demonstrated success doing business in the community, and have been identified as focuses of BDBMC s recruitment efforts. Those seven sectors are: aviation/aerospace, educational services, environmental/green technologies, headquarters, life sciences, marine industries, and professional/technical/scientific services. This list of seven is not exclusive the BDBMC works with a variety of businesses. For a complete list of Florida s targets, visit These businesses are considered to be contributory meaning that they import dollars into our economy from outside Martin County and, often, from outside the State of Florida.

5 the About Martin County The Business Development Board of Martin County has utilized several economic experts to analyze the community s competitiveness in order to better position itself strategically in the world of economic development. In 2008, Policom Corporation wrote the following about the Martin County economy: Over the last several years, the Martin County economy has grown in size at a rate faster than the strongest metropolitan areas in the country. The cause of a vast majority of the economic growth has been population growth and the related construction industry. The area economy, however, has declined in quality at a rate comparable to the weakest economies in the United States. This is the result of the absence of any significant growth of contributory businesses which pay a wage higher than the area average wage. This statement was felt deeply within the Martin County community. Local elected officials have subsequently taken significant steps to adopting the necessary tools and mechanisms to help create a sustainable economy in Martin County. The County adopted an economic stimulus package that sets forth new tools to diversify our economy. Our strategic partner, Enterprise Florida, made the following statement regarding the economy of the state of Florida, which applies well to the Martin County economy: For the past few decades, Florida enjoyed rapid economic expansion fueled by population-driven growth in construction and real estate. Florida was a job creation engine, consistently ranking among the fastest growing states across numerous measures, from growth in economic output to employment growth. Now, as Florida emerges from the global recession, it is clear that the trajectory of future growth will, and must, be different. It is clear that we must look forward with different intent than before and so we do with the outline of a competitive assessment completed by Sanford Holshouser in 2009 and in alignment with Enterprise Florida s Roadmap To Florida s Future, recognizing its validity at all levels of economic development with the State of Florida. 5

6 Competitive Analysis The BDBMC engaged Sanford Holshouser Business Development Group to analyze the competitiveness of the County in its key target sectors. The report highlighted the site selection process. The following table shows ranked site selection factors from the 2007 Corporate Survey. It is important to note that Quality of Life is not ranked on this chart. Ranking Site Selection Factor Rating 1 Highway accessibility Labor costs Energy availability and costs Availability of skilled labor Occupancy or construction costs Available land Corporate tax rate State and local incentives Environmental regulations Tax exemptions 82.8 Is Florida competitive? As the 4 th largest state in the U.S., and the 20 th largest economy in the world, Florida should strive to be a global innovation leader commensurate with its ranking. That is a long term vision that will require sound public policy, business success, and effective partnership. Florida s Current National Ranking Select Measures of Prosperity Productivity 23 Average Annual Wage 25 High-Tech Employment 4 Select Measures of Innovation Capacity R&D 16 U.S. Patents 12 Venture Capital Investment 16 University Start-ups 6 Select Measures of Florida s Global Leadership Foreign Direct Investment 9 State Origin Exports 5 High-Tech Exports 3 Source: Florida s Competitiveness 2010 as reported in EFI s Roadmap to Florida s Future Sanford Holshouser further reported that Martin County benefits from Florida s competitive advantages in state taxes, local wages, port access, workforce availability, housing, and unemployment insurance rate. The list of competitive disadvantages includes permitting, real estate, higher education centers, cost of energy, workforce training, and incentives. In general, Florida does not stack up well against the southern states with which it often competes. The report s executive summary concluded that in order to be competitive, Martin County must make substantial investments in the three legs of economic development stool: product, workforce, and incentives. Martin County has identified its target sectors and now must implement policy changes and adequately fund programs to aggressively attract those sectors. * *Since the Sanford Holshouser report was released, Martin County has made significant strides in expedited permitting and adequate funding of economic development activities.

7 Strategic Direction The goals of the Business Development Board of Martin County are to support existing targeted Martin County companies in their expansion and growth needs, and attract new targeted companies to the county. These goals are accomplished by implementing an aggressive business development program, developing strong relationships with the existing Martin County business community and fostering the brand of the Business Development Board of Martin County. The Business Development Board of Martin County recognizes considerable value in aligning itself with Enterprise Florida (EFI), our strategic partner and state economic development organization. EFI authored a Roadmap to Florida s Future: Strategic Plan for Economic Development. It identifies key priorities and specific action recommendations to diversify Florida s economy for global competitiveness, laying the groundwork for Florida s path to future prosperity. EFI s Roadmap* (pg. 5) identifies six strategic priorities for They are: The mission of the Business Development Board of Martin County is to promote economic growth in Martin County by retaining and assisting existing targeted businesses and attracting desirable new businesses while preserving the quality of life, and expanding educational and employment opportunities. TALENT Raise the Bar for K-12 Meet "Middle Skill" demand Higher Education Excellence Demand-Driven Workforce System STEM Across the Talent Supply Chain INNOVATION Expand R&D Accelerate Commercialization Increase Venture Capital Expand Outreach and Support Structure GROWTH LEADERSHIP/ INFRASTRUCTURE Multimodal Transportation Balanced Land Use Broadband Deployment Sustainable Energy Needs Sustainable Water Supply BUSINESS CLIMATE Incentive Toolkit for the 21st Century Small Business & Entrepreneurship State and Local Regulatory Environment Predictable, Competitive Business Costs GLOBAL HUB Leadership in Trade, Tourism, and FDI Enhance "Hard" and "Soft" Global Commerce Infrastructure QUALITY OF LIFE Creative Class Amenities EFI s strategic vision calls for a cluster sector strategy approach to diversifying Florida s economy. These strategic priorities will lead to transformation in Florida s traditional economic engines, expansion of high value activity in Florida s existing targeted clusters, and emergence of new industry clusters, establishing Florida s place as a leader in the global innovation economy. *BDBMC co-sponsored the Southeast Regional Forum for the Roadmap update process. 7

8 Strategic Direction a step further The strategic vision defined by Enterprise Florida serves as a framework for Martin County s Roadmap as we take control of our future economy, rather than leaving it to chance. Throughout this plan, Martin County s initiatives are aligned with those of EFI, illustrating a necessary link between local economic development and statewide programs. The mission statement empowers the Business Development Board of Martin County to aggressively market, attract, retain, and expand companies paying high wage jobs and improve the overall quality of place of Martin County. We execute this mission in four parts the success of each leads us closer to a sustainable economy. Existing Business Retention & Expansion Retain and assist existing targeted businesses with expansion plans through a proactive business retention and expansion program 4 steps to a Sustainable Economy New Business Recruitment Attract targeted businesses to Martin County that will create skilled, high wage jobs and increase the economic vitality of the community Entrepreneurship Expand entrepreneurship and support the expansion of small businesses within identified targeted sectors Business Climate Improve the business climate within Martin County, helping to protect and expand the community's economic base Martin County is home to eight recipients of Florida Governor s Business Diversification Awards. Those companies are: Calnetix Power Solutions, Inc.; Sol, Inc.; Ecosphere Technologies; Advanced Technologies; Waterblasting Technologies; SystemsOne, LLC; Seatorque Control Systems, LLC; and CSA International, Inc. For two consecutive years (2008 & 2009), Martin County companies won more GDBA s than any other county in Florida.

9 Implementing the Mission Existing businesses in Martin County are the greatest source for new jobs in the future and continue to be the first priority for BDBMC. Retaining them, helping them expand, and enlisting their help to find new complementary companies will retain and add quality jobs. BDBMC will provide access to programs that will directly benefit these companies. Strategic Initiative 1 Existing Targeted Business Retention & Expansion Basic service Educational Opportunities Access to Government Resources Exporting Assistance Synergy within Target Sectors Disaster Recovery Investors Objective 1 Basic Service Visit with targeted businesses in Martin County to learn their needs and provide services; update targeted business and contact database directory, and enhance database search criteria to include target sector fields. Objective 2 Educational Opportunities Partner with workforce and education professionals to select and deliver workforce assistance services that are responsive to the needs of area businesses and help Martin County provide world class talent as an economic driver for its innovation economy. Objective 3 Access to Government Resources Help local businesses access local, state, and federal assistance, resources and permits, and leverage these dollars to benefit the local economy. Objective 4 Exporting Assistance Help local businesses increase international sales (export activity) to drive expansion. Objective 5 Synergy within Target Sectors Work with local businesses to help them access parts, supplies and services locally, and recruit complementary companies to strengthen targeted sectors. Objective 6 Disaster Recovery Develop a disaster preparation and recovery plan to collect information from businesses and provide information and assistance to retain businesses in Martin County affected by any kind of disaster. Objective 7 Investors Develop an investor schedule to engage businesses at various levels and develop cooperatives. 9

10 Implementing the Mission Martin County offers unique opportunities for certain targeted companies from the United States and other countries. While the initial priority is retaining and assisting existing companies, the BDBMC will develop an active program to attract businesses within targeted sectors (appendix B), and work with the key contacts managing investments in the USA and from foreign countries. BDBMC will work with existing companies to leverage their knowledge and influence with other corporate investors. Strategic Initiative 2 New Targeted Business Attraction Martin County Image Cooperative Marketing & Outreach Target Sector Marketing Asset Inventory Familiarization Tours Partnerships & Stakeholders Recruiting Complementary Businesses Objective 1 Martin County Image (Appendix A) Develop an image for Martin County that is consistent with marketing the region nationally and internationally as an ideal location on Florida s Research Coast. Objective 2 Cooperative Marketing and Outreach Work with Martin County organizations to leverage marketing programs through coordination. Objective 3 Target Sector Marketing The Business Development Board of Martin County has identified seven target sectors that present the best opportunity for economic diversification for recruitment. Target these markets by industry and country to attract businesses in: Aviation/Aerospace Educational Services Environmental/Green Technologies Headquarters Life Sciences/Medical Devices Marine Professional, Technical, & Scientific Services Objective 4 Asset Inventory Create, maintain, and assess an inventory of available assets, including sites and buildings, workforce, education, housing, utilities and transportation pertinent to economic development success. Objective 5 Familiarization Tours Host site tours with key contacts for new investment in Martin County, including FDI Trips. Objective 6 Partnerships and Stakeholders Expand partnerships in Martin County and with key contact organizations, such as Enterprise Florida and other regional stakeholders (appendix C). Objective 7 Recruiting Complementary Businesses Work with local businesses to attract investment from suppliers or other, complementary, associated businesses. 10

11 Implementing the Mission Martin County is a good place to start or expand a small business within our targeted sectors. Helping grow the economic base through entrepreneurship and small business expansion is an important facet of the economic development strategy, complementing our efforts to retain, expand, and recruit targeted businesses. Martin County has excellent educational resources, banks, professional service firms, and individual investors who know how to help start and grow innovative companies. The BDBMC will be the catalyst to make this happen. Strategic Initiative 3 Expanding Entrepreneurship & Supporting Small Businesses Mentoring Collaboration Capital Resource Development Incubating Small Businesses Grant Funds Objective 1 - Mentoring Build on the collaboration of existing small business resources to ensure a seamless flow of services from local financial institutions, professional service companies and programs like SCORE. Objective 2 - Collaboration Help promote entrepreneurship education, training, and culture in the community by organizing a research, science and technology collaboration in the County that can catalyze opportunities, guide County science and technology related policies, and work with schools to enhance the curriculum. Objective 3 Capital Resource Development Build on current early stage & venture capital activity by attracting interest from investors and funds and matching needed capital with new ideas, projects, and targeted businesses being developed in Martin County. Objective 4 Incubating Small Businesses Expand results of the business incubator program. Objective 5 Grant Funds Provide assistance to help innovative businesses access resources to win grants such as federal programs for innovative research (e.g. SBIR STTR) 11

12 Implementing the Mission The State of Florida and its communities have a long standing track record of treating economic development as a public good. This basis of public policy underpins the many programs designed to help retain, expand, and recruit the targeted business sectors appropriate for Martin County. The BDBMC will lead efforts to establish new programs to help protect and expand the County s economic base. Strategic Initiative 4 Improving Martin County's Business Climate Stakeholder Education Zones Incentives & Funding ED Assets Fee Elimination Site & Building Development Competitiveness Review Communication Martin County Citizen Engagement Objective 1 Site and Building Development Create a process and team-based approach to adequately position (including public ownership) an array of available sites and buildings that are aligned with our goals for success within targeted business sectors. Identify and position publicly owned property and purchase new property for economic development. Objective 2 Stakeholder Education Create a cultural change among public officials to help targeted businesses obtain expedited permits and reasonable standards for regulations via programs at the local, regional, and State level. Objective 3 Zones Seek support from Martin County to empower the BDBMC and County staff to immediately pursue the designation of special zones that will make State funded programs and incentives available to qualifying, targeted companies within areas of the county showing signs of distress. Objective 4 Incentives and Funding ED Assets Seek support from Martin County to establish and build the sustainability of the Economic Development Fund to serve as a dedicated financial resource to fund incentives, assets, and programs geared toward growing targeted businesses. Objective 5 Fee Elimination Explore expanding existing Impact Fee reduction program to include all county fees Objective 6 Long-term Product Development Ensure an improving business climate by reviewing program goals and organizational priorities, and completing regular competitive assessments to monitor progress and adjust or create programs as needed with local governments. Objective 7 - Communication Ensure increasing knowledge about the importance of an improving business climate through the highest level of professional communication to BDBMC investors, stakeholders, and residents of Martin County. Objective 8 Martin County Citizen Engagement Recruit talent/key people to establish mentoring, funding for business startups and marketing, and to open doors for the BDBMC. 12

13 Appendix A - Building & Communicating a Consistent Brand Many of the BDBMC s initiatives depend on effective communication and marketing. Building and communicating one brand message is crucial to accomplishing the organization s mission, regardless of what strategic initiative is being addressed. One brand ensures consistency as the BDBMC positions Martin County for global success. Through all our marketing materials and efforts, we communicate and brand one message Martin County Means Business. The activity to generate this focus and increase our profile is accomplished by well planned marketing and promotions efforts focused at our target businesses and external audience. Website: Websites remain the primary point of contact among our target audience of site selectors, C level decision makers, consultants, corporate real estate executives, trade show attendees and readers of target publications. We will continue to drive traffic to our website through all of our marketing efforts and ensure that the information contained on the site is accurate and compelling. Target sector information will become more prevalent on our website, as we develop mini-sites within the larger site that will feature rich information about each of our target sectors. GIS Tool: MartinCountyProspector.com This comprehensive sites and buildings database is a best of class application that allows us to connect existing businesses, new businesses and the community-at-large to available properties in Martin County as well as valuable market research and demographic data. We will market and promote this tool both within Martin County and nationally as a place to begin community research. The local data feeds into ZoomProspector.com, placing Martin County on a national search platform for site selection. Promotional and Print Materials Target Sector Brochures: The BDBMC s marketing efforts will continue to expand its brand into 7 target industry focused brochures: Aviation/Aerospace; Educational Services; Environmental/Green Technologies; Headquarters; Life Sciences/Medical Devices; Marine; Professional, Technical, & Scientific Services. Direct Marketing: All direct marketing material will take an opportunity based approach to communicate specific information to our target sectors on subject matters that provide value to their needs. Our trade show efforts will also take a direct marketing approach with pre- and post-show follow-up. Direct marketing efforts will include extensive electronic marketing including targeted newsletters to existing industry and general communication to stakeholders and leaders in Martin County. Advertising The nature of economic development is relationship-based. Advertising, specifically print, offers limited results for building personal relationships and will be implemented sparingly. Ad placement, when appropriate, will be for the purposes of branding Martin County and will often be placed in a cooperative fashion, with partners to maximize exposure. BDBMC will work to maximize new media and online marketing tools, continuously driving traffic to

14 Social Media Social media is an effective tool when communicating with all identified BDBMC target audiences. Twitter feeds, Facebook, LinkedIn profiles and YouTube channels will help us cultivate relationships, inform the community of trends and economic development activities, and promote Martin County through new media. State & National Media Exposure BDBMC staff will work to secure local, state and national media opportunities to showcase Martin County as it relates to our target industries. This editorial placement will attract attention to Martin County, packaging our message in a reputable and objective format. Trade Shows Trade shows that focus on the BDBMC target sector list are valuable for both marketing the BDBMC brand and as a source for developing potential client relationships. The BDBMC will strive to exhibit and/or attend at least 1 trade show or professional organization s event for our targets. We will make every effort to partner with our target companies encouraging them to display our marketing materials or allow us to attend planned show events with their key staff. Public Relations An ongoing internal PR campaign will serve to inform the Martin County community of the BDBMC work in an effort to improve public image and encourage community pride. This campaign will also serve to build and sustain business and civic leadership support. Lines of communication between the BDBMC and members of the community and media will be expanded by press releases and newsletters and regular contact with local and regional media, connecting business successes with an outlet that can best communicate to a mass audience. Outreach vehicles include: Briefly BDB: A monthly column provided to the area Chambers of Commerce, Realtors Association of Martin County, and the BDBMC s other partners for distribution to their members. This publication is a brief overview of timely economic development issues. BDBontarget: A monthly publication distributed to Martin County s existing targeted business community that packages available resources through the BDBMC and reinforces business development efforts. BDBonTarget introduces companies to each other and shares success stories and accomplishments. Business Development Today: A monthly show on MCTV-20, Business Development Today will air repeatedly throughout the month. Guests and topics will include BDBMC s strategic partners, programs available to target businesses, economic development issues and news. BDBMC Enterprise: A bi-monthly newsletter for broad community distribution that aggregates BDBMC news from previous months, markets upcoming events, highlights local companies and engages readers in the economic development process. 19

15 Appendix B Target Sectors The Business Development Board of Martin County has identified seven target sectors that present the best opportunity for economic diversification for recruitment. These target sectors closely parallel those Enterprise Florida (EFI) has identified as viable targets for the entire state. BDBMC weaves Martin County s strengths with EFI messaging for each target. Business Development Board of Martin County 7 Target Sectors 1. Aviation & Aerospace Since the early 1920's Martin County has been a hub for the design and manufacturing of aviation products. Today companies like Vought Aircraft and Turbocombustor Technologies continue that long tradition and take advantage of a well educated, highly technical workforce. Innovative Martin county companies design and manufacture a diverse array of products for the aviation and aerospace sectors. From telecommunication components to aircraft parts manufacturing and flight training, Martin County's aviation cluster is strong and growing. Current businesses: Advanced Technologies Group Applied Concepts Aircraft Solutions, Inc. Dolphin Aerospace EB Airfoils ETS Power Group Florida RF Labs Giliberti, Inc. GSE Sales, Inc. Krieger Machine Company PAC Seating Systems Precision Jet Service Sport Aircraft Works STS Aviation Group Vought Aircraft Industries 20

16 2. Educational Services One of only two school districts in Florida to have all A -rated schools in 2007, Martin County offers numerous opportunities to receive an outstanding education. Martin County High School and South Fork High School were also named by "Newsweek Magazine" as being among the top five percent of public high schools in the country. Indian River State College, a four-year institution of higher learning, has a campus in Martin County. Also found within a 25 mile radius of Martin County are Florida Atlantic University, Barry University, Kaiser University, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Nova Southeastern University, The University of Florida s Indian River Research & Education Center, and Scripps Research Institute. Martin County is also home to Hobe Sound Bible College and Chapman School of Seamanship. Martin County is a central location for the Treasure Coast and the North Palm Beach area, providing educational institutions and private sector providers access to millions of potential users within a short distance. Current businesses: Chapman School of Seamanship; Florida Atlantic University; Indian River State College; Martin County School District 3. Environment/Green Technologies Martin County is home to the 2008 Governor's Green to Gold Award for innovative green technologies, Ecosphere Technologies Inc. Recognized nationwide for its environmental and conservation policies, Martin County is becoming fertile ground for environmentally friendly and green technology oriented companies. Martin County leaders understand that the many environmental challenges we face today as a nation, also bring opportunities for orderly economic expansion. Current businesses: Air Burners, LLC; Calnetix Power Solutions, Inc.; CSA International, Inc.; Cooke s Environmental Services / Viesel; Ecosphere Technologies; Giliberti, Inc.; Ocean Specialists, Inc.; Ocean Aid, Inc.; Organic Laboratories; SEPCO Solar Electric Power Company; Sol, Inc. 21

17 4. Headquarters A labor pool of over eight hundred and fifty thousand people in a 30 mile radius, access to international airports, one of the top school districts in the state and a superb quality of life ensure headquarter operations are able to attract key employees for professional, managerial and administrative positions. Martin County also has first class office space in superb locations to give your company the look and presence you want. Current businesses: Armstrong International; Chariot Robotics; CSA International; Donovan Enterprises; EMC Technology / RF Labs; Gulfstream Business Bank; Hurricane Grill & Wings; Joy Communications; Kady-Krogen Yachts; Liberator Medical Supply; NuCO2; Seacoast Bank; TurboCombustor Technology; UCT Coatings; Waterblasting Technologies 5. Life Sciences/Medical Devices Martin County is the epicenter of one of the fastest growing life science clusters in Florida. The Florida Scripps Research Institute, the Max Planck Society, the Torrey Pines Molecular Research Institute, the Vaccine and Gene Theraphy Institute (VGTI), and the Mann Research Center are all located within driving distance of Martin County. The cluster grows supported by highly qualified talent pool, access to major universities, industry support services, in addition to the outstanding healthcare systems in the area. Martin Memorial Medical Center and Martin Memorial Hospital South are four-time national winners of the Top 100 Hospitals recognition, and the entire health system is a five-time winner of the Top 100 Integrated Health System recognition. Current businesses: Avotec, Inc. Awareness Technology Connectyx Drafting Designs Enabling Technologies Giftrap, Inc. Guerilla Technologies Liberator Medical Supply Martin Memorial Health Systems (a hospital affiliate of Moffitt Cancer Center) Reality Medical Products 22

18 6. Marine Martin County has a long tradition of ingenuity and creativity in the custom boat building, and other related marine businesses. Over many decades, our residents have developed an extraordinary skill and dedication to this craft and today a large cluster of boat designers; boat builders and marine equipment manufacturers supply goods and services to boating enthusiasts around the world. The marine sector alone has a yearly impact of over five hundred million dollars and supports more than five thousand jobs in Martin County. Current businesses: American Custom Yachts Applied Concepts Unleashed Bausch Enterprises Beachcomber Fiberglass Chariot Robotics Crowder Rods Electro-Mechanical Products EZ Dock Flagship Marine Gamefisherman Garlington Landeweer Marine Hake Yachts Hinckley Company Lenco Marine Lost River Marine Maritime Wood Products Rupp Marine Willis Marine and many more. 7. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services The professional, scientific and Technical services industry is the 4th fastest growing sector in the Martin County area. Over a million people reside within a 40 mile radius of Martin County, allowing a large number of Professional and Technical service companies to take advantage of an expanding market while enjoying the benefits of living in Martin County. Architects, marketing consultants, designers, lawyers, and some of the most innovative engineers in the state call Martin County home. Current businesses: Advanced Technologies Group; Applied Concepts Aircraft Solutions; Applied Concepts, Unleashed; Capture ISG; Cooper Consulting Engineers; Cotton & Co.; CSA International, Inc.; Chicago Stainless Equipment; Connectyx; EMC Technology; Florida RF Technology; GiftRap; Guerilla Technologies; Ocean Specialists, Inc.; Palm City Designs; The Shaffer Group 23

19 Appendix C Strategic Partners The BDBMC maintains strategic partnerships and close relationships with organizations that support our mission. These partnerships begin with local organizations and extend to regional, state-wide, and federal agencies and allow us to quickly respond to the needs of our existing and prospective businesses: The BDBMC works extensively with elected officials and employees of the County and City through the County Administrator s office, Growth Management, Planning & Zoning, Engineering, Public Works, and other departments. Enterprise Florida Inc., chaired by Florida s Governor, plays a critical role in our economic development efforts. BDBMC is the official partner of EFI for Martin County. The BDBMC aggressively responds to requests from EFI and cultivates contacts so the organization understands what Martin County has to offer and can feel confident in marketing our community globally. BDBMC and EFI have resources from the Governor s Office of Tourism and Trade available as we work with existing and prospective companies. EFI has a strong export and international division that helps Florida companies expand into global markets. The Small Business Administration offers countless resources for Small and Minority Business Owners, which we utilize on a daily basis when providing hands-on assistance to entrepreneurs. This mission is executed locally through our Small Business Development Center and Business Incubator in partnership with Indian River State College. Partnerships with Indian River State College, Florida Atlantic University, Martin County School District, and the nonprofit Helping People Succeed, Inc. benefit the entire region economically. All provide community-based job skill training, education, and workforce development initiatives and satisfy the community s need for a more educated workforce. Workforce Florida, Workforce Solutions, and the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation play critical roles in workforce development plans and workforce training initiatives such as grants and recertification training. The BDBMC, through the Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Florida MEP), is able to leverage a vast array of public and private resources and services that are available to every manufacturing enterprise in the state. The system of MEP centers is linked through the U.S. Department of Commerce with the common goal to strengthen the global competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers. BDBMC also partners with U.S. Commercial Service and U.S. Department of Agriculture to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of Martin County companies. The Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development (OTTED) has an important role to play in promoting an economic climate in which Florida s businesses can be competitive and productive with minimal government interference. OTTED provides executive direction and staff support to develop policies and advocate for economic diversification and improvements in Florida s business climate and infrastructure. Economic development programs are implemented through public/private partnerships for which OTTED provides direct oversight. As a means to support economic development, the MCIDA provides access to tax exempt and taxable bond financing as an inducement to local, qualified companies. 24

20 Appendix D - Hobe Sound Small Area Plan & Alignment with BDBMC Strategic Plan About 20 leaders in Hobe Sound developed a small area plan aligned with the Martin County strategic plan. The community of Hobe Sound would like to create jobs in the professional and technical services, headquarters, and life science sectors to attract graduates from Martin County schools and regional higher educational institutions. To be successful, the community identified the need for a trained workforce, college programs to support target sectors, and an improved regulatory environment. Hobe Sound Initiatives Leverage Jupiter Island network, resources, and expertise in business recruitment Adopt planning, permitting, and development standards that support targeted business development Strategic Initiative 1. Retaining and Expanding Targeted Businesses Objective 2 Educational Opportunities Create pilot programs such as CATT in SC and Quickstart in GA as a workforce training incentive Objective 3 Access to Government Resources Expand County/City funds for business assistance and incentives Strategic Initiative 2. Attracting New Targeted Businesses Objective 2 Cooperative Marketing and Outreach Partner with BDBMC investors to establish sustainable marketing fund for greater outreach Objective 4 Asset Inventory Create and maintain an inventory of available assets, including sites and buildings, workforce, education, housing, utilities and transportation pertinent to economic development Create a BDB Certified Property program that identifies sites and buildings that are approved ready to build, and add additional layers to GIS including traffic counts, points of interest, etc. to enhance the power of the tool Work on creating targeted business zones within the county to achieve expedited permitting regardless of project size Strategic Initiative 3. Expanding Entrepreneurship and Starting New Businesses Objective 1 - Mentoring Leverage the resources of the Small Business Development Center to cultivate and nurture entrepreneurs and small businesses Objective 3 Capital Resource Development Enhance access to Angel capital for Martin County companies in early stage development Consider the creation of a Martin County Investment Fund for startup and early stage opportunities Strategic Initiative 4. Improving the Business Climate Objective 6 Competitiveness Review Work with IRSC on strategic campus plan to support targeted sectors Objective 7 - Communication Ensure increasing knowledge about the importance of an improving business climate through the highest level of professional communication to BDBMC investors and residents of Martin County Objective 8 Martin County Citizen Engagement Recruit talent/key people to establish a mentoring network with a subset of people from Martin County to open doors for the BDB

21 Appendix E - Indiantown Small Area Plan & Alignment with BDBMC Strategic Plan A group of 23 leaders in Indiantown developed a small area plan focused on job creation aligned with the Martin County strategic plan. The marine industry, aviation and aerospace, and professional and technical services are the sectors targeted by Indiantown. Jobs in these sectors are expected to attract graduates from Martin County schools, retain young people in Indiantown, and provide a diverse job base. In order to offer a choice location for these target sectors, Indiantown must expand infrastructure services, train the workforce, and improve transportation access. Indiantown Initiatives Expansion of water and sewer service and clarify management and service issues Develop industrial land as shovel ready: infrastructure, control, land preparation Strategic Initiative 1. Retaining and Expanding Targeted Businesses Objective 2 Educational Opportunities Create pilot programs such as CATT in SC and Quickstart in GA as a workforce training incentive Create a Marine/Aviation/Aerospace Center of Excellence in Martin County to service our existing companies, serve as an educational opportunity, and recruit new companies in these sectors Objective 3 Access to Government Resources Expand County/City funds for business assistance and incentives Strategic Initiative 2. Attracting New Targeted Businesses Objective 4 Asset Inventory Create and maintain an inventory of available assets, including sites and buildings, workforce, education, housing, utilities and transportation pertinent to economic development Ensure that the city and county inventory is continually updated on ready to build sites Create a BDB Certified Property program that identifies sites and buildings that are approved ready to build, and add additional layers to GIS including traffic counts, points of interest, etc. to enhance the power of the tool Strategic Initiative 3. Expanding Entrepreneurship and Starting New Businesses Objective 1 - Mentoring Leverage the resources of the Small Business Development Center to cultivate and nurture entrepreneurs and small businesses Strategic Initiative 4. Improving the Business Climate Objective 1 Site and Building Development for Targeted Businesses Create a process and team-based approach to adequately position (including public ownership) an array of available sites and buildings that are aligned with our goals for success within targeted business sectors and in each Martin County community Identify and position publicly owned property and purchase new property for economic development in concert with BDBMC s strategic partner, the Martin County Industrial Development Authority Objective 6 Competitiveness Review Work with IRSC on strategic campus plan to support targeted sectors Objective 7 - Communication Ensure increasing knowledge about the importance of an improving business climate through the highest level of professional communication to BDBMC investors and residents of Martin County

22 Appendix F - Jensen Beach Small Area Plan & Alignment with BDBMC Strategic Plan Jensen Beach came together in workshop focused on job creation and the Martin County strategic plan. The group of 23 leaders identified the job creation goals of diversity, retention of young people, and higher wages. The community would like to recruit the marine industry, life sciences, and professional and technical services to provide those job opportunities. Current hurdles to business development are workforce training, expanded college programs supporting target clusters, and available buildings and sites. Jenson Beach Initiatives Development of sites/parks for the marine industry Create a small business development plan in concert with the Small Business Development Center Strategic Initiative 1. Retaining and Expanding Targeted Businesses Objective 2 Educational Opportunities Create pilot programs such as CATT in SC and Quickstart in GA as a workforce training incentive Build a talent pipeline with Young Professionals of Martin County and by reaching out to alumni networks of Martin County educational institutions Create a Marine/Aviation/Aerospace Center of Excellence in Martin County to service our existing companies, serve as an educational opportunity, and recruit new companies in these sectors Objective 3 Access to Government Resources Expand County/City funds for business assistance and incentives Strategic Initiative 2. Attracting New Targeted Businesses Objective 2 Cooperative Marketing and Outreach Partner with BDBMC investors to establish sustainable marketing fund for greater outreach Objective 4 Asset Inventory Create and maintain an inventory of available assets, including sites and buildings, workforce, education, housing, utilities and transportation pertinent to economic development Strategic Initiative 3. Expanding Entrepreneurship and Starting New Businesses Objective 1 - Mentoring Build a web of resources geared towards entrepreneurship and small business development to turn more concepts into jobs Strategic Initiative 4. Improving the Business Climate Objective 1 Site and Building Development for Targeted Businesses Create a process and team-based approach to adequately position (including public ownership) an array of available sites and buildings that are aligned with our goals for success within targeted business sectors and in each Martin County community Objective 6 Competitiveness Review Work with IRSC on strategic campus plan to support targeted sectors Increase higher education presence focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) Objective 7 - Communication Ensure increasing knowledge about the importance of an improving business climate through the highest level of professional communication to BDBMC investors and residents of Martin County Objective 8 Martin County Citizen Engagement Recruit talent/key people to establish a mentoring network with a subset of people from Martin County to open doors for the BDB Establish matching dollar campaign to Market Martin County

23 Appendix G - Palm City Small Area Plan & Alignment with BDBMC Strategic Plan More than 45 Palm City leaders participated in a work session to discuss job creation. The group identified Palm City s job creation goals as diversity, higher wages, and jobs that provide benefits. Citizens want to grow jobs in the life sciences, educational services, and professional and technical services sectors. In order to attract the types of companies that can provide these opportunities, Palm City recognizes the need for a trained workforce, collage programs supporting targeted sectors, and expanded infrastructure services. Palm City Initiatives Support expansion of IRSC, graduate programs, cluster-focused training, and other workforce initiatives that will draw professionals and skilled people Identify, control, and develop office sites and parks Strategic Initiative 1. Retaining and Expanding Targeted Businesses Objective 2 Educational Opportunities Create pilot programs such as CATT in SC and Quickstart in GA as a workforce training incentive Build a talent pipeline with Young Professionals of Martin County and by reaching out to alumni networks of Martin County educational institutions Objective 3 Access to Government Resources Expand County/City funds for business assistance and incentives Strategic Initiative 2. Attracting New Targeted Businesses Objective 4 Asset Inventory Create and maintain an inventory of available assets, including sites and buildings, workforce, education, housing, utilities and transportation pertinent to economic development Create a BDB Certified Property program that identifies sites and buildings that are approved ready to build, and add additional layers to GIS including traffic counts, points of interest, etc. to enhance the power of the tool Strategic Initiative 3. Expanding Entrepreneurship and Starting New Businesses Objective 1 - Mentoring Leverage the resources of the Small Business Development Center to cultivate and nurture entrepreneurs and small businesses Strategic Initiative 4. Improving the Business Climate Objective 1 Site and Building Development for Targeted Businesses Create a process and team-based approach to adequately position (including public ownership) an array of available sites and buildings that are aligned with our goals for success within targeted business sectors and in each Martin County community Identify and position publicly owned property and purchase new property for economic development in concert with BDBMC s strategic partner, the Martin County Industrial Development Authority Objective 6 Competitiveness Review Work with IRSC on strategic campus plan to support targeted sectors Increase higher education presence focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) Objective 7 - Communication Ensure increasing knowledge about the importance of an improving business climate through the highest level of professional communication to BDBMC investors and residents of Martin County