DEVELOPMENT
Russ Blackburn, city manager of Port St. Lucie, attributes
the city’s success in attracting developers
to its land bank, its proximity to major markets and
a business-friendly approach.
Lighting fixture manufacturer Tamco,
part of the City Electric Group, was
one of the first companies to set up
shop in the Tradition Jobs Corridor.
TCBusiness.com 9
very bright. He noted that the Cheney
Brothers project alone could increase city
funds by up to $55 million. New employees
will pay sales taxes and the St. Lucie
County School District will receive enhanced
tax income straight away, he said.
The city manager said he’s committed
to keeping the welcome mat out as long
as possible. That means maintaining a
trained and capable workforce, in partnership
with Indian River State College and
other agencies including the Workforce
Development Board.
Blackburn also noted the city is working
closely with St. Lucie County in encouraging
industrial growth. The county recently
announced major expansion efforts for St.
Lucie’s burgeoning boat manufacturing
industry in the north of the county.
“There’s no question, this could be a
golden age for us in St. Lucie County,”
Blackburn noted. “We’ve long been known
for affordable housing. Now we’re finally
catching up in offering local jobs that
require no traveling outside the county.
That’s a very big shift for our county.
“There’s a lot going on and more to
come,” Blackburn concluded.
When the city first announced the acquisition
of the Tradition Jobs Corridor, the
city manager had proclaimed, “We’re open
for business.” It seems he was absolutely
correct. v
CITY OF PORT ST. LUCIE
/www.dragonflycentral.com
/TCBusiness.com
