kchapman@thedevelopmentgroup.net, Author at The Development Group

Hardee County Represented at 2024 FREDA Summit

kchapman@thedevelopmentgroup.net — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 13:06:45 +0000

The 2024 Florida Rural Summit brought together business leaders, government officials, and community advocates to collaborate on strategies for fostering sustainable growth and economic development in Florida’s rural communities. Denise Grimsley, CEO of The Development Group and member of the Florida Rural Economic Development Association (FREDA) board, played a pivotal role in planning and executing the event, which gathered representatives from 31 Florida counties.

Held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, the Summit emphasized the essential role of rural areas in Florida’s economic future, with a focus on partnerships, workforce development, and innovative business strategies. Leaders from Hardee County contributed significantly to discussions on advancing economic opportunities, talent development, and securing funding for community initiatives, showcasing the county’s increasing impact on Florida’s future.

AdventHealth Wauchula’s Leadership Recognized
Christen Johnson, Vice President and Administrator of AdventHealth Wauchula, participated in a panel alongside Kyle Hudson of Probes Unlimited and Tom Hoverson, President of Comarco Products. Johnson highlighted AdventHealth Wauchula’s partnership with the Hardee County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) in the relocation and expansion of their facilities. She also emphasized the importance of relationships with stakeholders such as South Florida State College and The Development Group. Johnson was selected for the panel, “Our Experience Doing Business in Rural Florida: A Perspective from Private Company Executives,” due to AdventHealth Wauchula’s leadership in staff education, community investment, and overall excellence.

South Florida State College’s Role in Workforce Development
President of South Florida State College (SFSC), Fred Hawkins, was honored to participate in the panel, “Workforce & Talent Development Initiatives in Rural Florida.” Hawkins discussed SFSC’s initiatives to meet the workforce needs of central Florida businesses, highlighting collaborations with Hardee County’s Mach Connections, AdventHealth Wauchula, and The Development Group.

Grimsley Moderates Panel
The Summit’s final day concluded with the panel, “Review of the 2024 National & Florida Elections: Impacts & Opportunities for 2025,” moderated by Denise Grimsley. Anthony Bedell, Senior Corporate & Government Relations Director at Becker & Poliakoff, shared insights on President-elect Trump’s anticipated cabinet picks. Grimsley engaged the panel on key topics, including Senators Rubio and Congressman Waltz’s stance on China and its potential impact on rural Florida’s economy. The session ended with Grimsley urging attendees to advocate for rural issues and offering a message of hope for Florida’s rural communities under the leadership of Senate President Ben Albritton and his vision of a rural renaissance.

Legislative Awards Luncheon
A highlight of the Summit was the Legislative Awards Luncheon, where Representative Kaylee Tuck was recognized for her steadfast advocacy for rural issues. Tuck’s consistent presence and strong support for Hardee County were celebrated. Denise Grimsley also introduced Senate President Ben Albritton, reflecting on his values of integrity and commitment to rural issues. After receiving an award for his continued leadership, Senate President Albritton delivered a moving speech, calling for a rural renaissance and stressing the critical role of rural Florida in the state’s future. His remarks were met with a standing ovation from attendees.

Hardee County’s Strong Presence at the Summit
Hardee County Manager Terry Atchley, County Commissioners Russ Melendy and Kenny Miller, Peace River Electric Co-Op Vice President of Member Services Jamie Fones, The Development Group COO Sarah Evers, and other key stakeholders were also in attendance. The 2024 Summit marked the largest participation of Hardee County stakeholders to date, underscoring the county’s continued commitment to advocating for community needs and resources.

The post Hardee County Represented at 2024 FREDA Summit appeared first on The Development Group.

Governor DeSantis Appoints Denise Grimsley

kchapman@thedevelopmentgroup.net — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 16:22:49 +0000

The Development Group CEO Denise Grimsley has been appointed to the South Florida State College District Board of Trustees by Governor DeSantis. The esteemed position reflects Grimsley’s commitment to strengthening education and fostering economic development.

“I appreciate Governor DeSantis’ confidence in selecting me for this appointment and I am eager to continue my partnership with South Florida State College under President Hawkins’ leadership,” Grimsley said. “I will serve with intentionality and mindfulness, knowing South Florida State College’s impactful role in empowering the future workforce of our region and the legacy that creates. Together, we will inspire economic growth and create opportunity for our communities.”

Denise Grimsley’s robust background in public service and health care management will be an asset in her role on the board. She served as a Florida State Senator from 2012 to 2018, after four terms in the Florida House of Representatives. Notably, Grimsley was the only female to chair the House Appropriations Committee and led several other significant committees including those focused on Energy and Agriculture. Her legislative career is marked by substantial contributions to health care policy, with a focus on improving patient access to quality and affordable care.

A fifth-generation Floridian with academic credentials from South Florida State College, Polk State College, Warner University, and an MBA from the University of Miami, Grimsley was honored with a Doctorate in Humane Letters by Nova Southeastern University in 2013 for her work in Health Policy. From 2013 to 2022, she served as Vice President/Administrator at AdventHealth, overseeing hospital campuses and service lines in the Heartland area. Currently, as CEO of The Development Group, Grimsley is dedicated to economic growth in Hardee County and maintaining strong statewide connections to foster community development and integrity.

The post Governor DeSantis Appoints Denise Grimsley appeared first on The Development Group.

The Development Group Reassesses Building Plans

kchapman@thedevelopmentgroup.net — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 22:12:31 +0000

Research from the Center for Community Progress has highlighted that vacant and abandoned properties impose significant burden and revenue challenges on the local tax base. The longer these properties remain unoccupied, the greater the investment required to restore them for commercial use.

The Development Group has inspired economic growth to create a strong community of integrity where people want to be by purchasing vacant buildings, restoring them for a higher/better use, and marketing them to new or expanding businesses. Traditionally, lease-purchase agreements have been utilized to protect economic development investments.

A lease purchase agreement outlines a structured path towards ownership of a property, with clear terms tied to economic development goals while capturing the total investment of the Hardee County Industrial Development Authority (IDA). For example, based on IDA’s Gross Investment of $1,000,000, an annual lease payment of 7%, in this case, $70,000 is established. The lease payments, after subtracting taxes and insurance, can be applied to the purchase of the building based on a sliding scale of job creation. The scale is commensurate with the investment. An example would be a company creating and maintaining 12 jobs may apply 50% of lease payments, less taxes and insurance, to the purchase of a building.

The Development Group manages and markets IDA projects. In 2015 the IDA purchased 1340 N US Hwy 17 for $750,000 and recruited HardeeFresh, The US’s only certified organic vertical farm in an effort to keep a large commercial property from sitting vacant in the crucial Highway 17 corridor. The IDA invested less than $1.1 million in additional funds to renovate the building.

HardeeFresh and the IDA executed a lease-purchase agreement on July 10, 2017. The following year, HardeeFresh purchased the property from the IDA for $1.2 million. To incentivize job creation, the IDA held an additional $500,000 mortgage on the property. The mortgage included performance covenants. Each year that HardeeFresh creates and maintains twelve full-time equivalent positions, the mortgage was reduced by an amount equal to $25,000. In addition, the mortgage was reduced by an amount equal to $2,100 for each full-time equivalent position created by HardeeFresh in excess of the twelve full-time equivalent positions. As of April 2023, the Performance Based Mortgage has amortized $356,200 of the $500,000. 2024 amortization is to be determined.

On July 16, 2024 Farm Credit filed foreclosure on the HardeeFresh property naming the IDA, due to the real estate performance-based mortgage. The IDA acknowledged in the 2018 mortgage that it is “junior, inferior, subject and subordinate at all times to (i) the mortgage in favor of Farm Credit of Central Florida…”

Transparency and efficiency have been a priority for The Development Group CEO Denise Grimsley, who assumed leadership of the organization two years ago. On May 22 the IDA was notified of a construction lien that was filed on 533 Carlton Street, Wauchula. The IDA owns the property and leases the premises to WauchulaFresh, a subsidiary of HardeeFresh. The attempted lien is a breach of the lease agreement.

“As stewards of these properties, we are working with our legal team to protect our assests in an expeditious manner,” explained The Development Group CEO Denise Grimsley.

In response to the lien, IDA attorneys provided formal notice of default to WauchulaFresh quoting Sections 19 and 29 of the lease, “tenant has no power to incur any indebtedness giving a right to a lien of any kind or character upon the property.

HardeeFresh has been a valuable member of the community and has created substantial economic output. The Development Group will reassess a better and higher use for the complex located at 533 Carlton Street, Wauchula and remains committed to marketing available commercial space to inspire economic growth.

The post The Development Group Reassesses Building Plans appeared first on The Development Group.

Culver’s Franchise to Bring Economic Boost to Hardee County Through Property Sale

kchapman@thedevelopmentgroup.net — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 17:23:23 +0000

In a strategic move poised to invigorate economic development in Hardee County, The Development Group has announced the potential sale of property located at 897 S. 6th Avenue, Wauchula. The future transaction, approved during the May board meeting of the Hardee County Industrial Development Authority (IDA), signals a significant milestone for the region’s commercial landscape.

The Hardee County IDA, in alignment with its mission to inspire economic growth, accepted a letter of intent to sell the property for $1.7 million to S&L Properties LLC, a company with an impressive portfolio spanning nearly 100 Culver’s franchise locations across five states. The arrival of Culver’s franchise projections indicates the creation of approximately 60 new jobs.

The property’s current tenant, Debut Development, will be relocated to the Hardee County Business Park, ensuring continuity for its operations. Debut Development, a vital contributor to the local economy, currently employs 30 individuals and has six available job openings.

The IDA initially acquired the property for a sum of $498,590, inclusive of all associated expenditures such as surveys. To modify and renovate the building for manufacturing use, the IDA invested an additional $1.3 million into the building. With commitment to leverage resources for community prosperity, of the $1.8 Million that the IDA invested, $1.4 Million was financed through grants secured by the IDA.

Beyond the financial transactions, the ripple effects of this project extend far and wide, resonating with the broader community. By repurposing a previously vacant property along the Highway 17 corridor, The Development Group has created over 50 careers, maintained commercial opportunities, and contributed to the tax base.

The sale of the property at 897 S. 6th Avenue, Wauchula, represents more than a mere transaction; it symbolizes a strategic partnership between forward-thinking entities committed to nurturing economic vitality. As Hardee County prepares to welcome Culver’s franchise, it does so with a sense of anticipation and excitement, the opening of the new Culvers location is expected to take over a year. The wait will be worth it!

The post Culver’s Franchise to Bring Economic Boost to Hardee County Through Property Sale appeared first on The Development Group.

Governor DeSantis Announces $6 Million Grant Award

kchapman@thedevelopmentgroup.net — Wed, 01 May 2024 18:00:54 +0000

Governor DeSantis held a press conference on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at the Hardee County Fair Grounds. The Governor awarded $6,000,000 to The Hardee County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) for a manufacturing facility. The Development Group applied for the grant through Florida’s Job Growth Grant fund. The Governor also signed SB 1084 to prohibit the sale of lab-grown meat in the state of Florida.

During the grant award announcement, Governor DeSantis emphasized the importance of infrastructure and workforce development, the two components of the Jobs Growth Grant. The $6 Million will be managed by The Development Group and utilized to build a 40,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in the Hardee County Business Park. The Hardee County Business Park is 264 acres and includes anchor tenants such as Florikan, Mach Connections, and Stream2Sea.

The new construction will house SafeGage America Manufacturing, Inc., a medical glove manufacturing operation. SafeGage will bring $10-16 Million in private investments and create 184 new jobs in Hardee County.

Denise Grimsley, CEO of The Development Group commented on the grant award, “With this investment in Hardee County, our business park is poised to be the manufacturing hub for the region. The recruitment of SafeGage America Manufacturing, Inc. is a testament to Hardee County’s prime location and business-friendly climate.”

Governor DeSantis commented that when selecting projects to receive the grant award, his office prioritizes a return on investment. The Development Group’s request is one that demonstrates a return on investment for Hardee County.

Commissioner Wyatt, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, spoke at the press conference and later stated, “The Development Group is utilizing strong partnerships to inspire economic growth. I am encouraged to see the organization obtaining grant funds, recruiting businesses, and creating jobs. President Hawkins of South Florida State College is already supporting the need for skilled workforce to support SafeGage and all employers in Hardee County. President Hawkins is bridging the gap between academia and local industries.”

SafeGage CEO Jody Read looks forward to the business’s successes in Hardee County. “The future home of SafeGage is Hardee County because of the diligent efforts of The Development Group. We appreciate the Governor and the Department of Commerce for recognizing the value SafeGage will bring to the community and the impact 184 new jobs will make on the local economy.”

The Future Home of SafeGage

The post Governor DeSantis Announces $6 Million Grant Award appeared first on The Development Group.

The Development Group Inspires Citizens with Inaugural Meeting

kchapman@thedevelopmentgroup.net — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 16:26:26 +0000

The Development Group, Hardee County’s local economic development agency, has continued to engage citizens with unprecedented efforts. The organization has opened its doors to host community members, facilitating deep discussions and visioning with focus groups and the Building a Vibrant Community classes. In January 2024, The Development Group asked residents, via a county-wide survey Hardee Speaks, to help shape Hardee County’s economic future. The number of Hardee County residents that responded far surpassed the statistically significant sample size that research firms expected.

With renewed community excitement for Hardee County’s economic growth, The Development Group hosted the Inaugural Meeting. The event took place in the historic Wauchula auditorium, guests were greeted in the lobby with results from the Hardee Speaks survey and renderings of future projects.

The Development Group CEO Denise Grimsley was the first to take the stage. She presented the vision for the county’s economic growth. She outlined how the organization aims to manage growth, promote prosperity, and create opportunity while preserving and enhancing Hardee County’s quality of life. The Development Group’s strategic plan is captured in 5 pillars: housing, healthcare, talent supply and education, transportation and infrastructure, recreation and tourism.

Grimsley introduced the Keynote speaker, Bill Yeargin. Yeargin is the CEO of Correct Craft. Correct Craft owns Mach Connections, a Hardee County business with 61 employees living in the county. Yeargin sparked excitement in the audience as he presented the economics of culture. Creating an attitude of purpose and service, Yeargin took the company to new levels of success. He provided each guest with copies of his books The Education of a CEO and Making Life Better.

Grimsley and Terry Atchley, Hardee County Manager, joined Yeargin on stage. The trio urged attendees to get involved and apply the principles of purpose and service to community engagement. Denise Grimsley then announced the next six-week series of Building A Vibrant Community to commence on Monday, April 29.

Building A Vibrant Community is a blueprint written by Quint Studer that The Development Group is using to create meaningful change and spur community revitalization. The study generates ideas and action plans to make Hardee County more vibrant.

“A vibrant community is a place where young people can stay home after college and still fulfill their potential, a place that attracts talent and private investments, a place where a strong tax base leads to financial health. A place that’s safe and clean with a great education system,” Studer writes.

Grimsley encouraged the attendees to take the first step by joining the Building A Vibrant Community class each Monday, April 29 – June 10, from 5 – 7 p.m. (with the exception of Memorial Day.) Interested participants can find additional details at www.thedevelopmentgroup.net.

The main event concluded with guests walking down Main Street Wauchula to the historic train depot. The reception included seven stations of food and drinks catered by Chef Andrew of AdventHealth Wauchula, live jazz music, interactive activities, and a meet and greet with Bill Yeargin.

The Inaugural Meeting demonstrates The Development Group’s commitment to engage with Hardee County citizens, inspiring economic growth to create a strong community of integrity where people want to be.

The post The Development Group Inspires Citizens with Inaugural Meeting appeared first on The Development Group.

Sign Up For ‘Building a Vibrant Community’ a 6 week study

kchapman@thedevelopmentgroup.net — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:16:18 +0000

The curriculum “Building a Vibrant Community” is a blueprint we can use to create meaningful change and spur community revitalization. This 6-week study will generate ideas and action plans to make Hardee County more vibrant, and YOU are invited to join!

Quint Studer defines a vibrant community as a place where young people can stay home after college and still fulfill their potential, a place that attracts talent and private investments, a place where strong tax base leads to financial health. A place that’s safe and clean with a great education system. The study is based on Quint Studer’s book that inspired the name of the study.

Building a Vibrant Community graduates. (Not Pictured: Commissioner Wyatt)

A vibrant community is a place where young people can stay home after college and still fulfill their potential, a place that attracts talent and private investments, a place where strong tax base leads to financial health. A place that’s safe and clean with a great education system.

If you are interested in staying apprised of The Development Group initiatives and being empowered to lead in community revitalization, consider committing to the next 6-week study of “Building a Vibrant Community”. Your commitment two hours, once a week from April 29-June 10 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 107 E. Main Street, Wauchula.

You can sign up to participate in the study by providing your contact information here. Or press the sign-up button below.

The post Sign Up For ‘Building a Vibrant Community’ a 6 week study appeared first on The Development Group.

The Development Group’s Inaugural Meeting

kchapman@thedevelopmentgroup.net — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 18:11:55 +0000

April 16th. Doors open at 5 p.m.

One Community. BIG Opportunities!

The Development Group’s Inaugural meeting is an elevated experience!

Walk through the doors of the historic Wauchula city hall, they open at 5 p.m, and immediately review the results of the Hardee Speaks survey. The responses from Hardee County citizens will be published and on display in the lobby, don’t worry, the responses are anonymous.

As you make your way to your seat, you will receive a personal-sized charcuterie appetizer, water, and a free copy of Bill Yeargin’s book.

The Development Group CEO, Denise Grimsley, will lay out the vision for a vibrant community and the five pillars that will deliver big opportunities for Hardee County.

Renowned speaker, author, and businessman Bill Yeargin will deliver the keynote address and inspire attendees to take advantage of all that Hardee County has to offer.

A meet and greet with event speakers will include hors d’oeuvres and drinks. The reception will be hosted at the historic train depot and is included in the event ticket.

Take this investment in yourself, business, and community!

Denise Grimsley, CEO of the Development Group, invites you to attend the inaugural meeting on Tuesday, April 16th. Doors of the Historic City Hall, located at 225 E. Main Street, Wauchula FL 33873, open at 5 p.m.

The post The Development Group’s Inaugural Meeting appeared first on The Development Group.

Aloha Medical Services Groundbreaking

kchapman@thedevelopmentgroup.net — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 15:09:27 +0000

The Development Group hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, February 7, to commemorate the beginning of construction on a new building in the Hardee County Business Park. The 16,000-square-foot building will serve as Aloha Medical Services’ corporate headquarters for their multi-state operation. Construction on the new facility will begin February 13 with an estimated 8-month timeline for completion.

Aloha Medical Services is a non-emergency medical transport company that was recruited to Hardee County and will create over 50 careers. The Aloha Medical Services team is committed to providing the highest quality of service and skilled compassionate care in the medical transportation industry. The company identified Wauchula as a central location to serve Florida’s Heartland, connecting rural medicine to a higher level of care and specialty care throughout the State of Florida.

Lee Mikell, Chair of The Development Group, welcomed over 40 attendees to the groundbreaking. Justin Smith, Chief Operating Officer of The Development Group, introduced Aloha Medical Services owner, Jim Roesner. Roesner spoke about the importance of creating careers, not just jobs. Aloha Medical Services takes pride in offering premium benefits, including retirement, and the opportunity to create a meaningful career.

The Development Group continues to inspire economic growth to create a strong community of integrity where people want to be. The economic development organization has been diversifying efforts to create a “whole community” approach. Downtown revitalization, quality of life, job creation, and long-term strategic planning have been elements of recent efforts. The recruitment of Aloha Medical Services will create meaningful careers and have a multiplier effect on the local economy. Available employment opportunities and applications are posted at www.alohamedicalservices.com.

The post Aloha Medical Services Groundbreaking appeared first on The Development Group.

Governor DeSantis Announces $4 Million Grant Award

kchapman@thedevelopmentgroup.net — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 18:50:53 +0000

Governor DeSantis held a press conference on Friday, February 2, 2024 at South Florida State College Hardee Campus. The Governor awarded $4,000,000 to The Hardee County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) for a multi-purpose facility. The Development Group applied for the grant through Florida’s Office of Broadband.

Governor DeSantis announced the grant award citing the importance of infrastructure and expanding broadband. The Development Group’s grant application stood out because it created a multi-purpose facility and incorporated infrastructure, workforce, and expanding broadband. Alex Kelly, Secretary of Commerce, told the audience that The Development Group’s application was the best the office had seen in several years.

Denise Grimsley, CEO of The Development Group commented on the grant award, “Strategic partnerships are the cornerstone of The Development Group and the foundation of a prosperous future for Hardee County. Today we are celebrating the next phase of a project that highlights the relationship between the organizations driving economic growth, specifically South Florida State College and CareerSource. The first floor is designated for a culinary incubator, the second floor will feature office spaces, classrooms, and a computer lab. The third floor will add needed residential housing. The location is to be determined.”

A business incubator is a program designed to support the development and growth of early-stage companies or startups. Incubators typically provide resources such as office space, mentorship, networking opportunities, and workforce training.

The Development Group will continue to partner with South Florida State College and CareerSource to apply for additional grants and select the appropriate site.

The post Governor DeSantis Announces $4 Million Grant Award appeared first on The Development Group.