Indian River County investment helping to create new jobs, Chamber of Commerce says

Dec. 21, 2017

http://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/local/shaping-our-future/2017/12/19/indian-river-county-investment-helping-create-new-jobs-chamber-commerce-says/965504001/

Indian River County contributed $171,000 last year to the Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Office to conduct economic development activities on the county’s behalf.

That’s up from the $163,000 the previous year, and includes activities such as business recruitment, retention, expansion and small business development.

These numbers were just some of the highlights outlined in a 2016-17 annual report prepared by the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce that was presented Tuesday to the County Commission. The figures include funds paid to new and expanding firms through the county’s Local Jobs Grant program plus expenditures made for economic development through the chamber.

“Indian River County is open for business and we’re getting that message out,” said Helene Caseltine, who oversees economic development for the chamber. “We’ve gotten some really good response to our website and are working closely with our site consultants to increase our visibility.”

Over the past year, Caseltine said several companies have expanded or are considering expansion plans within the county, including Blue Dog Business Services. The Vero Beach company is adding 15 new jobs to its staff of 27 and has decided to keep its corporate headquarters in Indian River rather than relocate to Palm Beach County. 

Parabel, an agricultural-based research and production firm, is constructing a production facility in Fellsmere and has submitted plans for additional production facilities off State Road 60, west of Interstate 95. The company anticipates creating up to 170 new jobs when fully operational, Caseltine said.

MWI Corporation is considering whether to relocate its corporate headquarters and maintenance operations to Indian River from Palm Beach County. MWI estimates a $1.5 million capital investment with the creation of 150 jobs.

Three potential relocation projects still are active, including one with an aircraft parts manufacturer in Spain, who has expressed interest in bringing 35-50 jobs to Vero Beach. A New York manufacturer is considering bringing his manufacturing and shipping operations to Indian River County, while a New Jersey manufacturer of PVC piping also is interested in expanding to the area but a decision is still one to two years away.

For 2017-18, recruitment efforts will continue to focus on the original targeted industries as listed in the county’s Comprehensive Plan for incentive purposes. They include manufacturing; professional, scientific and technical services including computer system design and environmental consulting; transportation and warehousing; agriculture, including aquaculture; and health care. 

For more information about economic development activities in Indian River County or to view available properties for business relocation or expansion, go to www.indianrivered.com.

Janet Begley, Special to TCPalm
Published 4:12 p.m. ET Dec. 19, 2017