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Quarterly Economic Development Magazine | Summer 2021
BDB
Growth & Infrastructure ACADEMIC LEADERS TASK FORCE
WELCOME STUDENTS
THE BUSINESS OF SHOW ADDRESSING THE BUSINESS AT THE KRAVIS CENTER OPIOID EPIDEMIC
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CONTENTS Summer 2021
D E PA R T M E N T S In the Know from the CEO page 2
F E AT U R E S Academic Institutions Welcome Students this Fall page 4
By the Numbers - Cultural Sector page 10
News & Events
page 16
County Corner: Keeping the Talent page 17
“On the Job Training” with CareerSource page 19
The Business of Show Business at the Kravis Center page 8
Spotlight on Ava Parker page 11
BDB Launches Growth and Infrastructure Task Force page 13
Project Opioid page 15
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CEO
from the
InTheKnow
Building the Workforce of the Future The Business Development Board
is dedicated to building the workforce of the future. After all, education provides a solid foundation for high-paying jobs in a wide range of sectors, from health care and the construction trades to engineering, finance, science and technology. Recognizing the importance of education, we collaborate closely with Palm Beach County’s schools, colleges, universities, and educational foundations to align academic curriculums with our business community’s evolving requirements. We also partner with CareerSource Palm Beach County, whose recruiting and training programs help businesses find and hire qualified candidates for their operations. As the fall school semester gets underway, this issue of Palm Beach County Business includes several educational and cultural features. For instance, we asked members of our Academic Leaders Council to outline their plans for the school year following the disruptions of the past year. We also know that the many excellent private schools in our community are also moving forward to adapt to the “new normal” world of today. In this issue, you can read how the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is returning to live performances that bring people together in an enjoyable and safe venue. We are also highlighting our new Infrastructure Task Force, as well as “Project Opioid Palm Beach”, a life-saving initiative that addresses a serious public health problem in our region. At the Business Development Board, our team is taking a hybrid approach to economic development that includes the full range of video and virtual technologies, along with in-person conversations and tours of our community’s many assets. That flexible approach to assisting relocating and expanding businesses continues to deliver excellent results. Together with our many private and public sector partners, we look forward to another year of advancing the economic health of our vibrant and diverse community.
Palm Beach County, Florida is Home to 39 Cities and Towns, Including: Town of Hypoluxo Town of Juno Beach Town of Jupiter Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony Town of Lake Clarke Shores Town of Lake Park City of Lake Worth Beach Town of Lantana Town of Loxahatchee Groves Town of Manalapan Town of Mangonia Park Village of North Palm Beach Town of Ocean Ridge
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Kelly Smallridge President & CEO 561.835.1008 Ext. 4121 ksmallridge@bdb.org Gary Hines Senior Vice President – Administration 561.835.1008 Ext. 4111 ghines@bdb.org Lisa Anderson Vice President – Private Funding 561.835.1008 Ext. 4110 landerson@bdb.org Kristen (Boyd) Liberman Vice President – Marketing & Media Relations 561.835.1008 Ext. 4106 kliberman@bdb.org Shereena Coleman President, Business Facilitation & The Glades Region 561.835.1008 Ext. 4125 scoleman@bdb.org Tim Dougher Vice President – Business Recruitment, Retention and Expansion 561.835.1008 Ext. 4131 tdougher@bdb.org Shawn Rowan Vice President – Business Recruitment, Retention and Expansion 561.835.1008 Ext. 4108 srowan@bdb.org Whitney West Vice President – Strategic Initiatives and Events 561.835.1008 Ext. 4101 wwest@bdb.org
Kelly Smallridge President and CEO
City of Atlantis City of Belle Glade City of Boca Raton City of Boynton Beach Town of Briny Breezes Town of Cloud Lake City of Delray Beach Town of Glen Ridge Village of Golf City of Greenacres Town of Gulf Stream Town of Haverhill Town of Highland Beach
Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Inc. 310 Evernia Street West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561.835.1008 | www.bdb.org
City of Pahokee Town of Palm Beach City of Palm Beach Gardens Town of Palm Beach Shores Village of Palm Springs City of Riviera Beach Village of Royal Palm Beach City of South Bay Town of South Palm Beach Village of Tequesta Village of Wellington City of Westlake City of West Palm Beach
ON THE COVER
Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts Photo by Sami Ansari
PUBLISHED BY
Passport Publications | passport media group 1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 1550 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 561.472.8778 | www.PassportPublications.com Palm Beach County Business Quarterly is published by Passport Publications & Media Corporation, on behalf of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, and the publisher. © 2021 Passport Publications & Media Corporation
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ACADEMIC
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INSTITUTIONS W E L C O M E
STUDENTS THIS FALL Lynn University By Dr. Kevin Ross, President
School District of Palm Beach County By Dr. Donald Fennoy, Superintendent
Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year! The district’s backto-school theme is “Your Time to Shine,” a carefully selected slogan that reflects my optimism as our community emerges from the darkness of the pandemic. Because of the improving landscape, students and staff will return to full in-person instruction at our 179 campuses. Various layers of safety protocol will remain in place. Students returning to three schools will enjoy fully modernized campuses: Addison Mizner K-8, Washington Elementary, and Plumosa School of the Arts. To the district’s many business partners, I say thank you. Your collaboration amounts to a priceless investment in our students, and ultimately the future of Palm Beach County.
Lynn University is preparing for a more typical academic year, while remaining mindful of its community’s health and wellbeing. The campus reopened to guests and visitors Aug. 1. Fall classes begin Aug. 23 with block scheduling, which allows students to focus on one or two topics at a time and manage their schedules based on their personal needs. Looking ahead, Lynn started construction on a new residence hall this summer and anticipates its opening for Fall 2022. Learn more about Lynn’s plans for fall at lynn.edu/roadmap.
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Keiser University By Dr. Arthur Keiser, Chancellor and CEO Keiser University’s West Palm Beach Flagship campus is preparing to welcome back students from across the globe, while providing an innovative, proven educational approach that includes small class sizes, highly personalized teaching, hands-on practical training, and a safe learning environment. The leading provider of nurses in Florida, Keiser University offers degree programs in many of Florida’s targeted industries, such as health care, defense and homeland security, transportation and logistics, cybersecurity, information technology and more. Keiser University develops positive relationships with business partners throughout the state and works with industry advisory boards at each campus to evaluate the strength of its curriculum and assess the potential educational needs of the community.
Florida Atlantic University By Dr. John Kelly, President
Nova Southeastern University The Florida Atlantic University (FAU) community looks forward to being together again this fall. Students can expect fuller capacity residence halls, more in-person classes, inperson student organization activities and a full schedule of FAU athletic events, including full-capacity football games. FAU’s Boca Raton campus and John D. MacArthur Campus in Jupiter will unveil two new state-of-the-art student housing facilities that will bring in hundreds of new students to the on-campus experience. FAU will also celebrate the opening of the interactive Rubin and Cindy Gruber Sandbox, which houses the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science’s Machine Perception and Cognitive Robotics Lab (MPCR) within the S.E. Wimberly Library at the Boca Raton campus.
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By Dr. George L. Hanbury II, President & CEO
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is prepared to return to inperson learning on our campuses this fall. While NSU adapted to the pandemic with flexible online learning, nothing can replace the experience of in-person learning with peers and professors. We are planning to bring back events and activities on our campuses safely. The pandemic is not over yet, though, and NSU is committed to the health and safety of its students and employees. NSU has implemented a voluntary vaccination reporting campaign for students to ensure we can return this fall with no masks.
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ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS WELCOME STUDENTS THIS FALL Palm Beach State College By Ava Parker, J.D., President
FUN FACT
The BDB’s Private School Task Force, convened at least twice a year, is the only platform in the County where headmasters can share ideas and expansion plans, while aligning efforts with economic development.
Palm Beach Atlantic University By Dr. Debra Schwinn, President
Palm Beach Atlantic University is a Christ-first university that equips students to lead fulfilling lives through learning, leadership and service. The university offers 55 undergraduate majors, numerous graduate degree programs and professional degrees in pharmacy and nursing. This fall, PBA began offering a Ph.D. in Practical Theology, Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies and Master of Arts in Philosophy of Religion, as well as Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in cinema, dance, graphic design and theatre. Recently, the university launched its first degree in Spanish, the Bachelor of Arts in Global Leadership, which can be completed online from anywhere in the world. A new Master of Science in Health Science will begin in the spring.
After months and months of operating under pandemic circumstances, Palm Beach State College is excited to emerge more committed than ever to inspiring hope, advancing skills and transforming lives. On Aug. 23, the fall term commences, and with it more options for students looking to earn bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and certificates. From in-person to online to live-online courses, PBSC will have every option available for our Panther students, who enrich our campuses with their diversity and passion for learning. Among the more than 130 degrees and certificates offered at the college, PBSC is launching new programs in building construction and the health sciences to meet industry demands. The college has implemented enhanced sanitary protocols and air filtration procedures and is encouraging all students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Always Panther Proud and Panther Strong, Palm Beach State now focuses on being Panther Safe!
BDB Private School Members n
American Heritage School
n
The Benjamin School
n
Oxbridge Academy
n
The Pine School
n
Rosarian Academy
n
Saint Andrew’s School
n
St. Mark’s Episcopal School
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THE BUSINESS OF SHOW AT THE KRAVIS CENTER
BUSINESS
Offering Renewed Opportunities for the Business Community THIS FALL,
the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is offering an exciting season of world-class performances and renewed engagement opportunities for Palm Beach County’s business community. “We are looking forward to welcoming back our live audiences, and appreciate the support of our Corporate Partners,” said Jeffrey Stoops, Board Chairman and Chairman of the Kravis Center’s Corporate Partners Executive Committee. “Palm Beach County is known throughout the country for our vibrant arts and cultural sector, and it is vital to keep that tradition alive for today’s attendees and for future generations.” Along with presenting stellar performances at this landmark cultural Center on Okeechobee Boulevard in West Palm Beach, the Kravis Center offers comprehensive arts education programs thanks to its business support. It also serves as the home for local and regional arts organizations, where young and adult artists can showcase their works in the Center’s multiple performance spaces. “We are an economic catalyst for Palm Beach County, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism, while contributing to our diverse community’s quality of life,” said Stoops. “We work closely with civic, education and business leaders to strengthen engagement with the performing arts at any age.”
A DIVERSE LINE UP OF TOP ARTISTS When the Kravis Center opened its doors in September 1992, notable stars at the gala included Isaac Stern, Ella Fitzgerald, Burt Reynolds, Lily Tomlin and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Through the years, the Kravis Center has continued to welcome the world’s top performing artists, as well as international and national orchestras, touring Broadway shows, dance, comedy and modern theater. With its central, easily accessible location, the Kravis Center also has accommodated luncheons for the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, as well as meetings and special events for other area corporations and organizations. Looking ahead to the coming season, the Kravis Center’s lineup includes “The Price is Right Live,” and musical performances by Tedeschi Trucks Band, renowned soprano Renée Fleming, and noted French pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. In November, “Come From Away” kicks off the Kravis On Broadway 2021-2022 seven-show season, which includes “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical,” “Anastasia” and “My Fair Lady.” Also on the season are Steve Martin and Martin Short as part of the Kravis Center 2022 Gala and the incredible Audra McDonald.
BENEFITS OF PARTNERSHIP As a not-for-profit organization, the Kravis Center relies strongly on its Corporate Partners and sponsors, who include business and professional leaders in Palm Beach County. “Our Corporate Partners enable us to continue our extensive performance calendar, as well as educational and community outreach programs, while serving as advocates for the arts within the business community,” said Senior Director of Development, Diane Bergner.
Audra McDonald
8
Come From Away
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Steve Martin and Martin Short
Cats
Tedeschi Trucks Band
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Along with the satisfaction of keeping arts and culture alive and well in Palm Beach County, Corporate Partners receive well-deserved recognition for their gifts, according to Bergner. The benefits of performance or event sponsorship include prominent recognition such as materials and advertisements, as well as the sponsor’s name or company logo placement in the season brochure and website. Other opportunities can be tailored to that corporation's objectives. “We also recognize our sponsors in Kravis Center calendars, and signage in the lobby, where our Dress Circle Wall of Honor prominently lists all Corporate Partners for viewing by all of our patrons,” said Bergner. Sponsors are also recognized in Ovations magazine, and in Playbill on the program page of the sponsored performance or event. “We thank them for their generosity by announcing their gift at all sponsored performances and events,” Bergner added. Some of the additional benefits of sponsorship include complimentary tickets for each sponsored performance or event, discounts on additional tickets and, perhaps the most popular perk, an opportunity to meet the artist, subject to availability. Corporate Partners can also take advantage of priority ticketing, including personalized ticketing service, use of a ticketing concierge and ordering tickets prior to the public. The Kravis Center offers networking opportunities for Corporate Partners, including invitations to special events throughout the year. “We invite you to demonstrate your commitment to the performing arts,” said Stoops. “By supporting the Kravis Center, you can help ensure the future of the performing arts in Palm Beach County.”
INVESTING IN THE ARTS By offering comprehensive arts education programs, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts provides an invaluable resource for students throughout Palm Beach County and beyond. To date, they have served over 3 million students. “We help young people and adults enrich their lives and expand their exposure to the performing arts,” said Director of Education, Tracy Butler. “Our continuing arts education programs inspire and engage adults, allowing them to broaden their experiences and enhance their skills in a variety of creative and interactive classes.” The Kravis Center also offers after-school, summer, workshop and master class programs that give young people the opportunity to engage with the art-making experience and gain a greater appreciation of the performing arts.
If you are interested in our Corporate Partners Program, sponsoring a performance or event at the Kravis Center, please contact Development Officer, Ali Rehm at 561.651.4297, or email her at rehm@kravis.org. For more information on the Kravis Center, visit kravis.org.
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By the Numbers WHAT’S A CULTURAL SECTOR? The cultural sector, considered globally as an economic driver, attracts talent and investment, builds an international reputation and catalyzes innovation across all sectors of the economy. It’s used in economic development to improve the quality of life, increase tourism, boost the “creative economy” and stimulate business recruitment. Culture also enhances education and impacts and inspires students and adults alike.
CULTURE
CEOs are relocating from places like New York City because they’re quickly learning we have culture and arts without the high taxes and snow. Palm Beach County is home to... More Than
More Than
267,000 $
633 Million
in Annual Economic Impact
Hotel Rooms Filled By Cultural Tourists IMPAC
MORE THAN
760 000
INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCES PROVIDED TO K-12 STUDENTS IN A YEAR
200 MORE THAN
3.9 Million Attendees
CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS
Annually
Cultural Tourists SPEND
71%
More Than Residents
Planned expansions for cultural organizations in Palm Beach County over the next decade: + 40 Projects + $500 Million Investment + 1 Million More Visitors Annually Source: Cultural Council of Palm Beach County
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Spotlight on:
PBSC President
Ava Parker
By Carey O’Donnell
For all you high-powered attorneys
The Panhandle native had a remarkable role model in her mother, who a math teacher who was beloved by students for her guidance in the serve on a dozen volunteer boards around the state, had twins at 46, mostly white school assigned to her after segregation in schools and switched careers at 50 to become even busier than you were ended. She decided at 50 to get her master’s degree and become a before, Palm Beach State College President Ava Parker has some life full-time guidance counselor where she steered the course of many advice for you. lives, just like her daughter does today. Quick, get your head examined. “My mother ingrained a profound sense of responsibility in me Okay, okay, she didn’t really say that. But she does have some that served me so well as an attorney and that I rely on every day in words of wisdom for all you Type As. This is a woman who deftly juggles my role as PBSC’s president.” a twin-set of high-energy fifth graders, 47,000 students on Palm Beach Ava served on the State University Board of Governors for years, State’s five campuses, 2,880 faculty and support staff, a baker’s dozen where she got to know the workings of Florida’s higher education of civic and nonprofit leadership roles, plus her marriage to former universe. When they decided to add a 12th university focused on Florida State Representative-turned lobbyist, Joe Gibbons. STEM degrees (Florida Polytech in Lakeland), the board asked if she’d What’s her secret? consult on its formation. “I’m the CEO of Me, Inc.,” she says. “You can’t truly be successful “I loved it and made the decision at 50 to give up my law practice for others without managing the fundamentals of your own life first. to take the lead on ensuring the school’s You decide what’s important to you, what success – against all odds. That evolved into fulfills you, and then commit to it. You shape Plus one more thing that really my next opportunity in 2015 to become the your time allocations to your priorities and ensure all the important things are well makes this place work: a superbly president of Palm Beach State College.” She wears so much PBSC green that we covered. If I can’t be my very best self, then I can’t be my best for anyone else,” she collaborative spirit among govern- wouldn’t be surprised if she was asked to serve explains. “I accept that my schedule doesn’t ment entities, educational institu- as U.S. ambassador to Ireland. “I believe in championing the brand, every allow me to always be present when my tions and the private sector. That’s way I can,” she laughs. It was President Parker children come home from school, for instance, but I have plenty of quality time with them on rare, and it’s what keeps us rolling in who introduced the PBSC “Panther Paws,” a catchy, scratchy, double-fisted air-claw that lets a schedule that works for all of us.” the right direction. the other schools know that the Panthers are in it She’s not saying it’s easy, she’s saying that to win it. success depends on knowing what you want The action-thriller movie fan (she’s watched “The Godfather” in life and working to make it happen. Having the personal courage to series dozens of times) may be Palm Beach County’s healthiest eater, pursue what you want while managing your life-responsibilities. until you put chips and salsa or pizza within reach. Then all bets are She has a similar message for her students, which she says were off. She’s known for presenting guests with epic appetizers that hit hard over the past year with pandemic-related job losses for those feature Florida’s native foods, like shrimp, crab and lobster, seasoned depending on hourly employment. Many now are re-evaluating their in ways you just won’t find in a cookbook. career tracks into pandemic-proof opportunities. And what did she most notice about Palm Beach County when “It’s our job to show students their path to ‘You can’ when they’re perhaps not so sure they can. Many are the first in their families to go she moved here six years ago? to college. We inspire reality-based hope and dreams.” “It’s so darn pretty,” she says. “It’s the belle of the ball, with the Ava’s day starts at 5:20 a.m. with a four-mile walk before the best, user-friendly airport and easy mobility. Plus one more thing that children get up. She typically listens to a Bible verse of the day, maybe really makes this place work: a superbly collaborative spirit among some gospel music, or spiritual insights to get herself centered for her government entities, educational institutions and the private sector. tightly packed schedule every day. That’s rare, and it’s what keeps us rolling in the right direction.”
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WHAT’S NEXT IN INDUSTRIAL Jupiter
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P.B.I.A. 9 miles
Port of P.B. 5 miles Blue Heron Blvd.
At Palm Beach Park of Commerce, you’ll enjoy easy access to the region’s extensive transportation network, including major highways and airports. Palm Beach Park of Commerce is also one of the few premier business locations that offers rail service, O foreign trade zone O\R heavy industrial options, plus a direct link to the Port of Palm Beach. • Total Park Size: 945 acres • 165 acres of commercial and industrial land available for sale • Sites available from 5-43 acres • Fully entitled/fully-served business park • Rail access directly to Port of Palm Beach • 220,000 SF Warehouse Site Plan Approved • Foreign trade zone • Home to over 50 businesses including: Walgreens, CSX, McLane, Niagara, Mountain Productions, Spartan Motors, Amazon & IAA • Infrastructure and utilities in place
Christopher Thomson, SIOR Cushman & Wakefield +1 561 227 2019 christopher.thomson@cushwake.com Cushman & Wakefield of Florida, LLC. 303 Banyan Blvd., Suite 301 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 www.cushwakesouthfl.com
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BDB LAUNCHES
GROWTH AND INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE
Transportation, housing and workforce issues are among the topics that are being addressed by the Business Development Board’s new Growth and Infrastructure Task Force. The task force will bring business, education and civic leaders together in planning for sustainable job centers in Palm Beach County’s urban markets. The task force addresses demographic and economic issues, such as population projections by city or municipality and the overall impact of the increases, as well as the migration of companies coming to Palm Beach County’s urban areas. Other topics include the existing commercial building inventory and fast-growing needs by area; the need for essential housing in urban core areas; growing a skilled workforce; and transportation and mobility.
The task force members include: n
Harvey Oyer III, Task Force Chair – Shutts & Bowen
n
Carey O’Donnell – NATIV
n
Brian Seymour – Gunster
n
Ava Parker – Palm Beach State College
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Dr. Donald Fennoy – School District of Palm Beach County
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Michael Prince – USPA Global
n
George Elmore – Hardrives
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Kyle Gilley – Carrier
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Bob Tucker – ADT
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Fabiola Brumley – Bank of America
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Dr. John Kelly – Florida Atlantic University
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Donald Kiselewski – Florida Power & Light
n
Kelly Smallridge – Business Development Board
The task force launched a multi-event series called “Ready or Not, Here They Come” to address these issues on a public platform with BDB members. The first was hosted in June 2021 with a focus on real estate and the next will be hosted in September with a focus on housing.
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PALM BEACH WHILE WHILETHE THE GLOBAL GLOBAL PANDEMIC PANDEMIC
ADDRESSES GROWING COMMUNITY HEALTH ISSUE
has dominated headlines for the past year, Palm Beach County is facing another serious health threat. In 2019, more than 475 people died of opioid overdose—one of the highest rates in Florida—and the problem has increased substantially over the past 12 months. To address this countywide challenge, Florida Blue and the Business Development Board Foundation recently launched Project Opioid Palm Beach, which brings community leaders together to reduce opioid deaths. “Opioid addiction costs our county an estimated $354 million a year, and has a profound impact on law enforcement, health care, social services and workforce productivity,” said Kelly Smallridge, BDB president and CEO. Andrae Bailey, founder and CEO, Change Everything, is leading the Project Opioid initiative. She encourages businesses to join the Project Opioid coalition in Palm Beach County through a task force or special action group. “Nothing is more powerful than a business influencer dedicating personal time in the effort to save lives,” she said. Bailey also encourages businesses to provide financial support for the Project Opioid coalition. “Project Opioid Palm Beach is seeking partners, donors and philanthropic investments, with all the funds raised in Palm Beach County staying here to be put to work for our regional efforts,” she said. Bailey said the Project Opioid initiative consists of six key action areas:
1
Saving lives by stopping overdoses as they happen using Narcan, an emergency medication to block or reverse an
opioid overdose immediately.
2
Outreach and engagement in vulnerable communities. Young people in challenging economic circumstances,
4
Partnering with business, faith and philanthropic leaders for trusted engagement with treatment and care
providers within the community.
5
Providing medications for those in need. There are multiple FDA-approved options that can prevent
individuals who have experienced traumatic life experiences,
someone who is physically dependent on opioids from
and those who have lived in poverty had the highest growth rate
overdosing and help them build a realistic path to wellness.
of overdose deaths in 2020.
3
Cutting-edge advocacy that encourages those suffering to seek help. Families, loved ones and the community at
large need readily available information that provides clear instruction on the accessibility to all treatment options in their area.
6
No one left without help. This strategy demonstrates the core belief that every person has value, and will receive
appropriate services, including expanded telehealth options, access to behavioral therapy, and peer Reflecting on the initiative, Bailey said, “We believe that every person afflicted by opioids is worthy of the best efforts our community can offer, and we are harnessing the collective energy of our business, faith and health care leaders to reach those in need.”
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NEWS
BDB Convenes 60 Young Professionals for Annual Intern Education Series 30 local BDB member company interns and 30 out-of-state students from a university in Oklahoma were brought together by the Business Development Board to learn why Palm Beach County is the best place for them to start a career when officially entering the workforce. This effort ensures that Palm Beach County retains top talent for local employers. Hosted at the City of West Palm Beach, panelists included Clayton Idle of Tortoise Properties, Chris Taraba of Verdex Construction, and Bryce Sartory of The Honda Classic. Colin Schimpf, a summer intern for BDO, attends the University of Florida and shared that this program convinced him to come back to Palm Beach County when graduating. He originally had an out-of-state city on his radar, but now, his roads will lead back to Palm Beach County.
Agribusiness, a Driving Industry Sector in Palm Beach County:
Celebrating Entrepreneurs in Palm Beach County
The Business Development Board brought together leaders to meet three companies in different stages of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Bolay, FINFROCK, and Cosmetic Solutions shared the stage at the West Palm Beach Marriott, sponsored by JP Morgan Chase & Co. and moderated by Florida Power & Light. BOLAY RESTAURANTS – Wellington, FL Chris Gannon, CEO of Bolay Restaurants, founded the company in Wellington, FL. He eventually grew his startup to 19 restaurants within five years. Growing up in the restaurant industry, Chris watched his father start Outback Steakhouse. During the year 2020, most restaurants struggled, but Chris’s ability to follow his gut and adapt led Bolay to maintain steady growth. COSMETIC SOLUTIONS – Boca Raton, FL Mark Wuttke, Chief Growth Officer at Cosmetic Solutions, has helped grow the company to employ 160 people at its 100,000square-foot production facility in Boca Raton. The company manufactures cosmetic and skin care products that most people purchase in popular stores such as Target, Sephora, and Ulta to name a few. FINFROCK – Belle Glade, FL Allen Finfrock, CEO of FINFROCK, is part of the third generation of the Finfrock family to lead the 75-year-old company founded by his grandfather. The company recently selected Belle Glade for the creation of 200 jobs with an investment of more than $36 million in a newly constructed 140,000-square-foot facility. This entrepreneurial family has launched the largest economic development project in the Glades Region as it continues to be a single source Design-Build firm.
n
Palm Beach County leads the state of Florida in agriculture sales
n
2 major sugar manufacturing mills
Thank You to the BDB’s Highest Level Investors:
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One sugar refinery
n
n
Major sugar and molasses port shipping facility
n
Florida Power & Light
n
A rice processing and packaging mill
n
LRP Media Group
n
9 fresh vegetable packinghouses
n
Stiles-Nicholson Foundation
n
476 horticultural nurseries
n
Suffolk
n
A major hydroponic tomato growing operation
n
Tortoise Properties
n
An agricultural by-product electrical cogeneration plant
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Wexford Capital
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“Keeping the Talent” By Sherry Howard, Deputy Director Palm Beach County Department of Housing and Economic Sustainability
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he Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners recognizes the importance of internship programs and keeping our talent here. So much so that one of our main economic development goals is to enhance and expand opportunities for student and apprenticeship programs. We recognize that internships and apprenticeships provide students on-the-job learning opportunities to experience firsthand how their academic courses apply to a real-world work environment. For some students, this is a great way to test-drive their selected career and to network with professionals in their industry. Unfortunately, the pandemic not only disrupted classes but also internships. As of May 1, 2021, approximately 22 percent of companies were canceling internships entirely, as well as another 19 percent being undecided, according to a poll from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Palm Beach County government currently offers more than 450 student positions and 16 apprenticeship positions. Along with directly supporting internships, the County also partners contractually with organizations such as the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), FAU’s Tech Runway and Palm Beach County’s CareerSource and Film & TV Commission. As one of 13 universities in the State University System, Florida Atlantic University (FAU) prides itself on being in the top three this year for performance-based funding from the State Legislature and the Board of Governors. One performance-based metric is tied to internships and job creation. FAU has developed numerous programs and career advising opportunities to help connect students with meaningful internships. Through these opportunities, students gain experience that will assist in developing the necessary skills in preparation for their transition into the workplace. FAU Tech Runway, an accelerator for early-stage startups, provides these companies access to the deep pool of FAU interns and frequently sees these internships convert into full-time positions. From an economic development standpoint, internships
through FAU lead to job creation, which in turn positively impacts the overall economic growth of our region. The Research Park at Florida Atlantic University® recruits technology-focused companies along with promoting internships. The student experience is integral to their overall education and future career, so the Research Park at FAU matches innovative company needs with motivated students full of new ideas. All of the thirty (30) companies based in the Research Park at FAU employ interns, and recognize proximity and access to talent as one of the primary drivers of their decision to locate in a research and development park. When an intern is hired full-time, as often happens, they can be productive on day one. “By matching interns to opportunity in knowledgeintensive Research Park at FAU companies, we’re ensuring economic diversity becomes sustained and of long-term benefit to Palm Beach County’s economy,” commented Andrew Duffell, president of the Research Park at FAU. CareerSource’s Young Adult Internship Program provides young adults who have minimal or no prior work experience the opportunity to earn wages while learning about a profession. Employers commit to providing interns meaningful work experience, necessary training and supervision to ensure their success. Participants are out-ofschool youth between the ages of 16 and 24. Internship opportunities are provided to participants after the completion of Career Prep, a three-week work readiness training. These paid internships run for 12 weeks at no cost to the employer. CareerSource has provided 222 internship opportunities from 2020 to 2021, with 60 percent of the young adults residing in the Glades area. Along with our business and educational communities, the County recognizes that decisions made today frame educational and workforce opportunities for future generations that will in turn, enhance our local workforce, keep our talent here, and continue to advance a stable and diversified economic base maximizing jobs for all County residents. For additional information, please contact me at 561-233-3600 or showard@pbcgov.org.
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BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
On-the-Job Training Benefits Palm Beach County Employers Hugh Meighan understands the power of CareerSource Palm
Beach County’s On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program. By covering 50 to 75 percent of a new employee’s salary for a limited time, the OJT program helps businesses open the door to potentially promising employees. “I was looking for a job that required more than entry-level skills,” said Meighan, who was hired as a field electrician by Carpenter Electric in West Palm Beach. “As an adult with bills to pay and a family to support, I wanted a position that could lead to a rewarding career.” After completing his training, Meighan continued to learn about the field, gaining experience on a wide range of projects from electric motors to high-rise towers and commercial development. Earlier this year, he was promoted to estimator. “I thought it was just about number crunching, but being an estimator involves dealing with people, which is right in my skill set,” Meighan said. "I would recommend the OJT program for any employer who wants to take a chance on a diamond in the rough.” Through the years, Carpenter Electric has hired a number of electricians through the CareerSource program, as well as Palm Beach State College’s vocational training program. Yelena Belousov and Hugh Meighan “Partnering with CareerSource has allowed Carpenter Electric to hire and train countless individuals who fit well within the company culture,” said Yelena Belousov, office manager/HR specialist. “It provides opportunities for people who have the skills but lack the training or opportunity to excel in their desired career path. Carpenter Electric is willing to train and mentor dedicated individuals in the electrical trade.”
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BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
About On-the-Job Training (OJT) On-the-Job Training is a federally funded program that
provides employers with financial assistance for training new employees in the skills they need to effectively perform their jobs. It is provided to employees while engaged in productive work in a job that provides knowledge or occupational skills essential for the full and adequate performance of the job. Employers are reimbursed 50 to 75 percent of the wage rate of the participant. Because employers conduct the OJT for new hires, they customize the training to meet their specific needs. To be eligible, new employees must be recruited and screened through one of CareerSource Palm Beach County’s two career centers. They must also meet the eligibility requirements of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and be approved for a training plan prior to their hire date.
Central Career Center 3400 Belvedere Road West Palm Beach, FL 33406 561.340.1060
West Career Center 1085 S. Main St. Belle Glade, FL 33430 561.829.2040
Connecting business with talent | www.careersourcepbc.com
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