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Major Accomplishments
1985 - 2004
Founded:
The Economic Council was founded in 1985 by a small group of business leaders. They saw the need for a more focused approach by the business community in working with local governments to assure the creation of a high quality community. This group recognized the value of a vibrant, local, economy and the role it plays in driving the development of high quality public cultural arts facilities, education built communities and environmental preservation.
Council for the Arts: -1986
Recognizing the importance of the arts and culture to the county's economic well-being, the Council formed the Arts and Culture Task Force. This task force immediately began a cooperative effort with a dormant arts foundation to form and fund the Martin County Council for the Arts. This Arts Council is now the established arts and cultural umbrella organization acting as clearing house for county activities.
Downtown Stuart Charrette: -1986
Organized and sponsored the first Stuart Charrette which "'CIS a two-day town meeting to look at the future of downtown Stuart. Sixty civic, cultural and business leaders attended the seminars and discussions; conclusions led to the establishment of the Community Re-development Authority, the formation of Stuart Main Street, the award of a Community Development Block Grant, the Andres Duany Plan and the revitalization of downtown Stuart.
Blue Chip Community: -1986-1987
Soon after its founding, the Economic Council took on the task of completing the State sponsored Blue Chip County process. While the Blue Chip designation is no longer used by the State Department of Commerce, the complete program (1987-1988) initiated much needed recognition to Martin County and began an awakening in the County to the potentials of economic development.
Martin County Critical Issues Conference:
Organized and sponsored a strategic planning conference to open the county's Comprehensive Growth Management Plan process. Over 200 civic, cultural and business leaders were invited to a day-long series of growth management seminars conducted by state and national authorities. The purpose of the conference was to provide insight and opinions to county authorities as they began the process of writing and adopting the Comprehensive Growth Management Plan.
Education Initiatives: -1986 - present
The Economic Council initiated several education programs which were spun off after being firmly established. Partners in Education was one of the first programs started by the Council in cooperation with the Martin County School District. This program is now conducted by several of the County's Chambers of Commerce. Another program sponsored by the Council for several years was the Mini-Grant Program. Under this program, the Council provided funds to match State Challenge Grant funds, which supported new imaginative programs conducted by individual teachers. Teachers with winning programs were recognized at the Council's annual dinner.
The Council holds an annual golf tournament and dedicates a substantial portion of the proceeds to the Education Foundation to be used for teacher grants and educational programs. The Education Committee is working with the Martin County School District to enhance vocational training to meet local employment demand.
Economic Element: -1989-1990 Comprehensive Growth Management Plan:
A task force of the Economic Council, realizing the need for an economic element to the Growth Management plan, mobilized the business community into a cooperative effort with county government to fund a consultant's study. This study was adopted by the County Commission and incorporated into the Comprehensive Growth Management Plan as the Economic Element. The element sets priorities and strategies for achieving economic growth in Martin County. One such priority was the establishment of a countywide economic development entity.
Lands for You:
Active partner in the successful "Lands for You" bond issue on the ballot in the late '80's. Funds raised were used to acquire significant lands for preservation of local natural resources.
Land Acquisition Selection Committee:
The Council held a seat on the Land Acquisition Selection Committee since its inception. This committee makes recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners on property acquisitions funded with "Lands for You" bond proceeds.
Business Development Board: -1992
To accomplish economic growth goals, the Council sought the cooperation and resources of other business groups and government. To this end, the Council spearheaded the formation of a public/private partnership known as the Business Development Board of Martin County. This entity is charged with business retention, expansion and recruitment of new business to Martin County. The Council is the primary private-sector funder and a member of the Business Development Board of Martin County, with two members serving as directors.
Candidate Forums:
The Economic Council has sponsored candidate forums during the political campaigns since 1990. At these public forums, candidates for county and state offices are provided the opportunity to meet with our members, express their views and answer questions.
Foreign Trade Zone:
Lobbied successfully for the designation of Foreign Trade Zone status for the airport property.
St. Lucie River Initiative:
Founding member and financial contributor to the St. Lucie River Initiative, an organization created by private business leaders to push for cleanup of the St. Lucie River.
Rivers Coalition:
Founding member of this organization which brought together diverse County organizations concerned with the health of our rivers.
Amended Economic Element: - 1999-2003
Participated in the hearings for adoption of the amended Economic Element. Filed objections to this amendment because it weakened the County's commitment to economic growth and development. Subsequently, joined the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce in a legal challenge against this amendment. Negotiations Lead to Martin County's agreement to re-open the Economic Element for redrafting.
Drafted and provided technical support for the newly adopted Economic Element which strengthened Martin County's commitment to economic development.
The Council intervened on behalf of Martin County to defend the new Element against a challenge brought by the Conversation Alliance of Martin County. Ultimately, the Element was upheld by the Administrative Law Judge and the Department of Community Affairs and became law in Martin County. -2000 - 2003
Economic Summit:
On April I5, 1999, the County Commission led by Commissioner Janet Gettig and assisted by the Economic Council and the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce hosted an Economic Summit. The Summit was widely publicized and open to all residents. An astounding two hundred and fifty residents of all ages high school students to retirees - from all walks of life signed up to spend a day learning from noted economists what is necessary for an economy to be sustainable. They then broke into eleven groups to address issues relating to Martin County's economic future. They reached a virtually unanimous consensus. This "Issues" link is devoted to the Summit itself and the subsequent implementation of that consensus - or lack thereof.
Hi-Tech Incubator Program:
Lobbied successfully at the federal and state level for $1.2 million to create a high-tech incubator program. This program successfully operated by Indian River Community College provides start up support, including office space. administrative support and professional consulting, for new high-tech businesses
Blue Ribbon Task Force: - 2001
Created a Martin County Blue Ribbon Task Force, which met periodically over twelve months, in an attempt to find common ground among various sectors of the community and to reduce mistrust and divisiveness in Martin County.
Treasure Coast Venture Capital Forum: - 2002
Assisted in the creation of the Treasure Coast Venture Capital Forum which provides funding for the creation and expansion of local businesses.
Martin County Junior Achievement Board: - 2004
Created the first Junior Achievement Board of Martin County and raised the initial funds for all fifth grade students to participate in the "Exchange City" Junior Achievement program. The curriculum introduces students to the concepts of entrepreneurship, including the operation of a business and seeking employment. Entered into agreement with the Martin County School Board to share the cost of the program in future years between the School Board and the Junior Achievement Board.
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