SPRING 2021 | TCBUSINESS.COM
EXPANDING MARINE INDUSTRY HAS REGION ON
THE RIGHT COURSE TOWARD ECONOMIC SUCCESS
The Treasure Coast has become the thirdlargest
boating center in the United States,
based on the economic impact of recreational
boating, thanks to its concentration of marine
manufacturers and their suppliers.
Boat builders, deemed as transportation
companies and therefore essential, avoided
mandated COVID-19 shutdowns last spring.
Business boomed despite the overall economic
slowdown. Nationally, recreational boat sales
rose 13% in 2020, including a 40% increase
from September to December.
Newcomers, Derecktor Shipyards and
Contender Boats, brighten the outlook for
more growth.
Derecktor expects to raise its first yacht in
May at the Port of Fort Pierce. The new business
is expected to bring beaucoup bucks to
the area, for house and hotels rentals to spending
at restaurants and breweries and other
small businesses.
In late January, Contender Boats, based in
Homestead, purchased 33 acres and a former
packing house near Midway Road and Florida’s
Turnpike in St. Lucie County.
The two companies join about two dozen
boat builders, most making made-to-order
crafts, that produce more than 30 brands from
shallow-water fishing skiffs to deepwater submarines
to luxury yachts that could easily fit in
a James Bond movie.
ST. LUCIE BATTERY & TIRE
HITS HALF-CENTURY MARK
PAGE 22
This issue of Treasure Coast Business is
produced through a unique partnership
between Indian River Magazine Inc. and
the Florida Small Business Development
Center at Indian River State College.
STORY, PAGE 6
TREASURE COAST MANUFACTURERS
ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
PAGE 11
LEADERS NEED TO BE EFFECTIVE IN
TODAY’S WORK ENVIRONMENT
PAGE 27
SBDC, RUBIO TO HOST
VIRTUAL CONFERENCE
PAGE 24
FINANCIAL AID AND HARD WORK
PRODUCES SUCCESS
PAGE 18
PURSUIT BOATS
Three workers at Pursuit Boats in Fort Pierce apply resin and woven Fiberglas, to strengthen the hull.
/tcbusiness.com
/TCBUSINESS.COM