Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast announces new officers

Compiled by Wayne T. Price

Economic Development Commission announces new officers

The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast has announced its slate of officers for its 2023-24 fiscal year. They include:

Travis Proctor
Travis Proctor

  • Travis Proctor, chief executive officer, Artemis IT, chairman.

  • Linda Stout, market president, East Central Florida, Truist, chair-elect.

  • Todd Pokrywa, president, The Viera Co., treasurer.

  • Brett Esrock, executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief operating officer, Health First, secretary.

  • Kirk Hall, CEO/chief financial officer, Sentry View Systems, immediate past chair.

Linda Stout
Linda Stout

The EDC is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast; influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development; promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations; and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high-tech companies.

Todd Pokrywa
Todd Pokrywa

It is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Brevard County.

The commission’s officers represent a wide array of Space Coast industries.

Brett Esrock
Brett Esrock

This group of professionals, who provide valuable expertise in their fields, will enhance the EDC’s economic development efforts. Officers guide the EDC toward established strategic goals, as it works on behalf of the community to create opportunities for the county, local businesses and residents.

Kirk Hall
Kirk Hall

“Charged with strengthening our economic future on the Space Coast, the EDC is uniquely positioned to leverage the partnership between Brevard County, private industry and community partners to ensure that we are purposeful in our approach to remaining globally competitive, while fostering a community of choice that retains and attracts businesses, talent and families from across the world,” Proctor said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to work alongside so many community leaders and an outstanding professional staff as we launch Mission Space Coast.”

More: Community Credit Union of Florida opens branch, lending center in Viera

EDC President and CEO Lynda L. Weatherman said: “EDC officers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our community, providing leadership and guidance that significantly contributes to the EDC’s legacy of fostering a robust, and diversified economy here on the Space Coast. I look forward to collaborating closely with each of these talented professionals, and thank them for their unwavering dedication to our organization’s mission.”

To learn more about the EDC, go to www.SpaceCoastEDC.org

Mother-daughter team open Cocoa Beach design business

Ivy Swain and Melanie Perkins Rogers recently opened the Fox & Owl Design Co. at 41 S. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach.

Ivy Swain
Ivy Swain

Fox & Owl’s services include Airbnb decorating, home staging, full home and room design, and office and professional space design.

Rogers ran a successful cleaning company before starting a property-management company and real estate brokerage while doing design projects. She has designed and renovated numerous properties for real estate clients, and for her own properties.

Melanie Perkins Rogers
Melanie Perkins Rogers

Swain, Rogers’ daughter, has co-created short-term rental designs throughout the Space Coast area alongside her mother.

For more information on Fox & Owl Design, go to foxowldesigns.com.

Camping World to acquire Travelcamp RV

Camping World Holdings Inc. the world’s largest recreational vehicle dealer, has announced that it is set to acquire Travelcamp RV, which includes a site in Melbourne.

Marcus Lemonis
Marcus Lemonis

The transaction would add 12 locations across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. The acquired locations are expected to close and transition to Camping World over the next 90 days.

More: Port Canaveral Commissioner Justice honored by International Propeller Club

“This acquisition establishes our presence in new markets and strengthens our position in existing markets,” said Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Camping World.

“We were attracted to Travelcamp’s focus on affordably priced RV segments, particularly with two top manufacturers," Lemonis said. "After closing, we anticipate these locations to be primarily stocked with either Thor or Forest River products.”

Travelcamp RV’s Melbourne location is at 1115 Sarno Road, Melbourne.

Lemonis said the company will remain focused on its “goal to increase our dealership count to over 320 locations over the next five years, through a combination of acquisitions, new store openings and manufacturer exclusive locations.”

Aside from the Melbourne location, the additional Travelcamp’s sites include six in Florida, one in Georgia, two in North Carolina, one in South Carolina and one in Texas.

If you have a Business Newsmakers item you'd like to publish, please email details to Wayne T. Price at wtpkansas@yahoo.com or contact him at 321-223-0230.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: New slate of officers announced for Economic Development Commission

Advertisement