OCEDC: 2024 Fall and Winter Recap

12/29/2024

Okeechobee Community Tour
The Highlands County Economic Development Team joined Alex and Caroline for a tour of Okeechobee County on September 11. During the tour, the EDC teams were able to discuss economic development trends seen across South Florida.

Executive Manager of Business and Economic Development Sarah Beth Murphy, Economic Development Manager Yarima Cuencas and Economic Development Coordinator Kelsie J. Little saw community highlights such as the Okeechobee Commerce Center Industrial Park, the Airport Industrial Park, Okee-Tantie and the future Okee-One Data Campus.

By meeting with neighboring counties, the Corporation is able to forge powerful relationships with like-minded individuals, encouraging sustainable growth for all.

IRSC and FPL Roundtable
Kaylee and Alex joined the Florida Power & Light Economic Development Team at Indian River State College in early September to discuss the Okee-One Data Campus with Associate Vice President of Government and Community Relations Andy Treadwell.

At the roundtable meeting, the Corporation also visited the Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex and the Brown Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, two facilities that equip our state’s students to become competitive workforce assets.

Kiwanis Luncheon Presentation
Alex presented on the importance of early career exploration and workforce development for our county’s elementary, middle and high school students at the Kiwanis luncheon on September 19.

She highlighted the Corporation’s impactful community programs like BREP, Okeechobee Junior Leaders Camp and Okeechobee Touch A Truck, showcasing the power of collaboration in preparing our youth for success.

These programs are building strong foundations for the future and wouldn’t be possible without our community’s help.

City of Okeechobee Presentation
Alex addressed the City of Okeechobee at the October 15 City Council meeting. Alex was able to highlight the Corporation’s activity within the City of Okeechobee during fiscal year 2023-24, including community engagements, events and client services.

SouthState Bank Community Heroes Awards Luncheon
Alex and Caroline attended the SouthState Bank Community Heroes Awards Luncheon on October 16. During the event, Congressman Scott Franklin gave an address honoring our country’s veterans. The Corporation was honored to show our appreciation for some of our local veterans, who are an amazing testament to the strength of our community.

Seacoast Bank Heartland Community Board Meeting
Alex was able to discuss the Corporation’s future workforce initiatives – Okeechobee Touch a Truck and Okeechobee Junior Leaders Camp – at the Seacoast Bank Heartland Community Board Meeting on November 13. The Corporation was also able to hear about economic development trends in the state of Florida and the country through the lenses of a variety of fields, from banking to education.

Florida Rural Economic Development Summit
Alex attended the Florida Rural Economic Development Summit at the end of November, which hosted workshops on topics such as artificial intelligence and creating a community of collaboration. In addition to learning more about industry progress alongside 30 other rural Florida counties, Alex was featured on the Small Biz FL podcast with host Tom Kindred.

Alex with Corinne Whitaker of FPL, Kat Saunders of Economic Leadership, Cathy Chambers of FPL, and Lisa Latona of FPL

Port St. Lucie Economic Development Corporation Luncheon
In early December, Kaylee and Alex heard POLICOM Corporation President William Fruth speak at a luncheon hosted by the Port St. Lucie Economic Development Corporation. The POLICOM president reviewed the region’s economic development trends over the last decade and explained contributors to growth and recession.

Education Foundation of Okeechobee’s Impact Ed Luncheon

On December 4, Kaylee, Alex and Caroline attended the Education Foundation of Okeechobee’s Impact Ed Luncheon. The Corporation was able to hear about the exciting programs facilitated by the Education Foundation of Okeechobee, such as its Fire CTE Program, that nurtures a skilled workforce with a community mindset.

Grand Opening of The Studio Collective
Kaylee and Alex attended the grand opening of The Studio Collective, a full-service salon founded by Chad Stokes. Chad was an attendee of the Corporation’s New Business Blitz Day, which provided an avenue for Kaylee and Alex to talk with local entrepreneurs about their business goals and provide guidance for making these goals a reality. The Corporation was able to aid Chad throughout the renovation process and was proud to see The Studio Collective come to fruition.

Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners Update

On December 19, Alex presented the Corporation’s fourth quarter update to the Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners, covering topics such as the Corporation’s community education initiatives, site visits and prospects report.

Introducing New Board Members
The Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to welcome two new board members: Cameron Tewksbury and Chris Bieber. Cameron was appointed by the Economic Council of Okeechobee, and Chris was appointed by SouthState Bank. With backgrounds in business and finance, both Cameron and Chris are valuable assets to the Corporation's experienced board.

Cameron Tewksbury - Financial Services Professional
As a financial advisor for Eagle Strategies, a wholly-owned subsidiary of New York Life, Cameron specializes in creating custom insurance and financial solutions to meet the needs of his clients. They develop a comprehensive approach that addresses today’s needs, tomorrow’s goals, and helps transfer wealth to the next generation.

Chris Bieber - Regional President, Senior Vice President

Chris has been with SouthState Bank for almost 15 years. Chris earned his degree in Business Administration through The University of South Florida and Nova Southeastern University, followed by a Graduate Leadership degree from the Wharton School of Business. A graduate from Vero Beach High School, Chris has been in the area for over 34 years.
Before SouthState, Chris was with Indian River National Bank and managed many of their agricultural and citrus clients. Chris is looking forward to being in Okeechobee and getting ingrained in the community. He has two daughters at Vero Beach High School and lives with them and his wife in Vero Beach.