THE SPOTLIGHT
Whenever Port St. Lucie pops up on a “best” or “top” list,
it increases the phone calls to the St. Lucie County Chamber
of Commerce with inquiries about relocating, according to
Chamber president and CEO Terissa C. Aronson. The Chamber
also gets an influx of resumes from people looking for
work in their desired fields.
“The most important thing that it does is it increases the confidence
of our residents and business owners,” Aronson said.
ECONOMIC TROUBLES
The accolades come at a time when the city faces economic
challenges. The City Council approved an 18 percent property
tax increase in September. The measure was passed to deal
with failed economic development projects and to eliminate
deficit spending, costing the city more than $220 million,
according to city officials. The listings could help play a role
in boosting the local economy with a larger tax base and business
Port St. Lucie Magazine 11
expansion.
Mayor Gregory J. Oravec pointed out that the good news
from these lists provides recognition to attract potential
residents and business owners to the city. Any positive results
from that could land the city on more “best” lists. He likened
it to “the chicken and the egg” analogy. Good news for Port
St. Lucie brings forth more positive input that in turn leads to
more recognition.
“We get those recognitions because good things are happening.
We get positive feedback,” the mayor said.
“What spurs expansion of our health care industry, helps
with most jobs, best economy, all these things are kind of
interconnected.”
Oravec noted that being the safest large city (with more >>
CITY OF PORT ST. LUCIE
Events at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center bring out locals to celebrate the
city they love.
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