St. Lucie County EDC brings knowledge, training to local manufacturing industry leaders

St. Lucie County’s manufacturing industry is crucial to the county’s growth and economic health. With this understanding, the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) and CenterState Bank hosted a Manufacturer’s Forum on April 29 at Pelican Yacht Club in Ft. Pierce to provide valuable resources and information to leaders in the local manufacturing industry to help them grow their businesses.

The St. Lucie Manufacturer’s Forum drew over 50 attendees representing two dozen manufacturers from St. Lucie County. The forum harnessed the expertise of twelve speakers including both public and private partners of the EDC along with local representatives from the accounting, banking, education, local government, and staffing sectors.

“I’ve been helping manufacturing companies in St. Lucie County for more than 20 years and this forum was clearly a valuable resource for them. County leaders gained a better understanding of the manufacturing companies right here in our own backyard and the forum provided these companies with a voice,” said Tammy Roncaglione, CenterState Bank, Senior Vice President Community President – St Lucie County.

EDC President Pete Tesch kicked off the forum by sharing general advice on expansion plans and the incentives behind expanding. Spherion of Port St. Lucie spoke about hiring as part of the expansion process, and how to choose the right employees. St. Lucie County and the City of Port St. Lucie counseled on the expansion process and the necessary permitting that goes into business expansion. Indian River State College and CareerSource of the Research Coast discussed the available training to companies looking to expand. CenterState Bank and Proctor, Cook, Crowder & Fogal, CPA shared their knowledge of loans for expansion and the tax incentives that come with growing a business.

After the presentations, nearly two dozen representatives from the participating organizations made themselves available to have deeper discussions with attendees in their specific areas of interest.

“I believe the most enlightening item to come from this gathering was the reaction from two long standing local manufacturers, Jim Turner of Apple Machine & Bill Wilcox of Phoenix Metal Products. When asked to say a few words to the group their responses indicated the positive change that can be felt from this organization. To me this is proof of how we can change the culture in a short time if we work together as a viable entity and stay focused,” said Jerry Jacques, general manager, Advanced Machine and Tool, Inc.

“Our manufacturer’s meeting is just one of the many ways we strive to provide useful resources and information to companies who are currently doing business in St. Lucie County,” said Pete Tesch, President of the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County. “The response from the manufacturers was very positive including ongoing discussions for a more formal manufacturers’ organization. We hope it helps our local manufacturers continue to expand and thrive.”

About the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County

The Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) is a private, not-for-profit membership-based organization dedicated to promoting economic vitality in St. Lucie County through the attraction, retention and expansion of businesses in the community.   EDC works in partnership with local governments and the private sector to advance its goals of creating more and better-paying jobs for residents, broadening the tax base and improving St. Lucie County’s economic quality of life. Contact the EDC at 772.336.6250, contact@YourEDC.com, www.facebook.com/StLucieEDC or www.YourEDC.com.