A Quarterly Economic Development Publication Winter 2016
P A L M B E A C H C O U N T YGrowing the Life Sciences Sector | The Business of Sports | Quality Education
Cool Workplaces
Millennialsfor
3PBCB
CONTENTSCreating a Strong, Sustainable Life Sciences Sector
Deep roots in biotechnology and bioscience
Business of Sports Leaders Discuss Impact on County
News & EventsWest Palm Beach Welcomes Wexford Capital
Boca a ‘Top Five’ City!Relocations & Expansions
Quality EducationA Key Driver in Economic Development
Where Are They Now?A Riviera Beach Business Update
Cool Workplaces for MillennialsCollaborative office settings appeal to talented young professionals.
TO OUR MEMBERS AND PARTNERS:
As a high-energy innovative organization, the Business Development Board is continually
looking for new ways to stimulate economic energy, promote business diversity, and enrich the
vitality of Palm Beach County.
In that spirit, we recently launched a comprehensive survey of our county’s life sciences
sector, which is making a growing contribution to the regional economy. You can read more
about this initiative in this issue of Palm Beach County Business, and be sure to visit our new life
sciences website, www.lifehelix.org.
If you are wondering about the workplace of the future, it’s already here in Palm Beach
County. Our talented architects and designers – as well as creative, forward-looking companies
– have created exciting office spaces that appeal to Millennials, Gen Xers and Boomers alike. This
is one of the ways that our business community is focusing on recruiting and retaining talented
professionals who are making a positive impact on our county.
Education is an important theme for all of us at the BDB. We understand the importance of
offering a varied range of high-quality programs to students and their families, while supporting
the workforce needs of area businesses, To help achieve those goals, we work closely with the
Palm Beach County School District, private schools, colleges and universities, as well as the Education Foundation of Palm
Beach County, CareerSource and other public and private organizations.
Looking ahead to next year, I’m excited by the great response we have received so far to our “Claim Your Future Showcase”
planned for the Palm Beach County Convention Center in February. Leading employers will spotlight their activities and get
junior and senior high school students excited about the career opportunities we offer right here at home.
Thank you all for supporting education and economic development in Palm Beach County!
Kelly Smallridge
President and CEO
Welcome from the President
Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Inc.310 Evernia Street | West Palm Beach, FL 33401561.835.1008 | www.bdb.org
Palm Beach County’sEconomic Development Resource
ON THE COVERGlidden Spina + Partners’ Reception Area
4
78
10
11
12
Published by » Passport Publications & Media Corporation
4 PBCB
Palm Beach County has deep roots in the life
sciences sector. Entrepreneurial physicians, dentists
and surgeons launched “homegrown” biotech companies
like 3i (Implant Innovations, Inc.) and the Anspach Companies,
both now part of global organizations. The arrival of noted
research institutes Scripps Florida and Max Planck Florida Institute
for Neuroscience, brought the region’s life sciences sector to a new level.
Creating a Strong, Sustainable
LifeSciencesSector
5PBCB
“Today, we have a critical mass in the life sciences,” says John
Couris, president and CEO, Jupiter Medical Center, and co-chair of
the Business Development Board’s Life Sciences Task Force. “Our
challenge now is to extend that presence across our county and create
a strong and sustainable sector for generations to come.”
Together, Scripps and Max Planck employ more than 700 people,
with over 200 arriving in the last four years, said Kelly Smallridge,
president and CEO, Business Development Board of Palm Beach
County (BDB). “We understand that at least 14 companies have been
created, expanded, or moved here due to their presence. Clearly, they
have had an impact, but we believe that impact could be magnified.”
To help keep the life sciences sector moving forward, the BDB
recently launched a new site, www.lifehelix.org, that showcases the
county’s assets and brings key players together.
“Many people don’t realize that Palm Beach County has divisions
of Johnson & Johnson and Zimmer Biomet, and the headquarters of
Cancer Treatment Centers of America,” said Smallridge. “In fact,
nobody has a really good handle on exactly what science is happening
here, what collaborations are taking place, and what opportunities
there are to push our strengths forward.”
In August the BDB kicked off a major study by consulting firm
Facility Logix to better understand the current landscape of the life
science sector, and the challenges and opportunities for growth. The
study will provide a comprehensive inventory of the county’s life
sciences companies, institutions, support organizations, other entities,
plus a blueprint for progress over the next 10-15 years.
For the 2014-15 federal fiscal year, grants by the
National Institutes of Health (NIH) to Florida research
institutions reached $521 million, a new record, according
to a recent study by the Palm Beach Post. Although
nationally, NIH grants were down 1 percent, Florida
grants rose 10 percent over 2014. In Palm Beach County:
n Scripps Florida rose 24 percent to $36 million.
n Max Planck increased 107 percent to $3.6 million.
n Florida Atlantic University received $4.6 million.
NIH GRANTS
6 PBCB
“The results will be presented to private, education and
government stakeholders for strategic planning purposes, and be used
to create a solid coalition to enact short and long-
term initiatives to foster the industry in Palm Beach
County,” Smallridge said.
Meanwhile, the region’s healthcare institutions
are adding clinical trials and academic medicine
programs, aligning their services with life sciences
research and commercialization programs. For
example, JFK Medical Center in Atlantis is a
teaching affiliate of the University of Miami Miller
School of Medicine, and Jupiter Medical Center
recently announced a partnership with Mount Sinai
Heart New York at Jupiter Medical Center, to
enhance cardiac patient care services and research
in South Florida.
“Jupiter Medical Center has a long history in clinical research,” said
Couris. “We have a clinical research review board looking at other
prospective studies in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics and other fields.”
In 2014, JMC launched the Joe Namath Neurological Research
Center to study and combat the debilitating effects of traumatic brain
injuries (TBI). “We are using hyperbaric oxygen therapy
to treat injured patients, including men and women in the
military,” Couris said. “We have already seen measurable
improvements, and if our clinical study shows this
treatment works, it can be taken to the patient’s bedside.”
In addition, Palm Beach County is home to five
universities, including Florida Atlantic University, whose
Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine is building the
county’s strengths in basic, applied and translational
biomedical research. Palm Beach State College also
supports the industry with a 90,000 square-foot
Bioscience Technology Complex on its Palm Beach
Gardens campus.
“Clearly, Palm Beach County has become a
destination for cutting-edge healthcare and life sciences treatment and
research,” said Gina Melby, CEO, HCA Palm Beach Hospitals and BDB
chair. “We will continue on that path for decades to come.”
n John Couris, Jupiter Medical Center - co-chair
n Gina Melby, JFK Medical Center - co-chair
n David Bjorkman, M.D., M.S.P.H.,
Florida Atlantic University, College of Medicine
n Rina Dukor, BioTools
n Daniel Flynn, Florida Atlantic University
n Michael Gregson, Wavefront Health
Technologies
n Matthias Haury, Max Planck Florida Institute
n Ken Kirby, Transdermal Delivery Solutions
n Tom Kodakek, Scripps Research Institute Florida
n Ferris Lander, Ferris H. Lander, Inc.
n Becky Ann Mercer, Palm Beach State College
n Huntley Miller, Career Source
Palm Beach County
n Barbara Noble, Max Planck Florida Institute
n Sheila Poirier, BioTest
n Fred Sancilio, Sancilio and Company
n Bernard Siegel, World Stem Cell Summit
n Ofelia Utset, Opko Health
n David Willoughby, Ocean Ridge Biosciences
n Claudia Zylberberg, Akron Biotech
The BDB’s Life Sciencesand Healthcare IndustryCluster Task Force
John Couris
7PBCB
From baseball’s spring training games to the Honda Classic, the BocaBowl and the Winter Equestrian Festival, sports has a year-round
impact on the Palm Beach County economy.
“Sports brings dollars into our region and plays a big role in
economic development,” said BDB president and CEO Kelly
Smallridge at a November 17 breakfast panel session at the Marriott
West Palm Beach.
Steve Politziner, VP/GM of ESPN West Palm Beach, moderated a
lively panel discussion with George Linley, executive director, Palm
Beach County Sports Commission; Mike Bauer, general manager, Roger
Dean Stadium; Ken Kennerly, executive director, The Honda Classic;
and Doug Mosley, executive director, Marmot Boca Raton Bowl.
Linley began the discussion by providing an overview of the
county’s sports offerings, including gymnastics, tennis, swimming,
biking, lacrosse, fencing and running. Last year, the sports commission
supported 138 different events that brought in $264 million in direct
visitor spending. “The Winter Equestrian Festival is one of the largest
events,” Linley added. “Polo and other equestrian competitions have
worldwide appeal, and we had 15,000 participants travel here and stay
for a month or longer.”
Kennerly said golf continues to be a major attraction for both
amateurs and PGA professionals. “We’ve seen steady growth in attendance
and viewership of The Honda Classic over the years,” he added.
Last year’s Boca Bowl was such a success that a
major sponsor signed up for this year’s game, which
will be held December 22 at Florida Atlantic
University Stadium and be televised nationally. “Our
goal is to have two great teams compete, bring down
their fans and showcase Boca Raton on TV,” said
Mosley.
Bauer noted that approval for a new spring
training ballpark in West Palm Beach is good news for
Roger Dean Stadium as well. “We will now have four
Major League Baseball teams playing close to each
other on the I-95 corridor,” he said. “We believe this
concentration may also entice other clubs to bring
their spring training activities back to Florida from
Arizona.”
When Politziner asked how businesses can take
advantage of sports activity, Linley said, “All our venues offer great
opportunities to brand your business and get in front of players,
families and other fans. By supporting them, you let them know you
consider yourself to be an important part of the community.”
Discuss Impact on County
SportsLeaders
Steve Politziner moderates panel discussion
Steve Politziner, George Linley, Mike Bauer, Ken Kennerly,Doug Mosley
8 PBCB
West Palm Beach Welcomes Wexford Capital
&EventsNews
Palm Beach County’s high quality of life was the key reason
Wexford Capital LP opened a new office in West Palm Beach in early
2015. “You don’t have to put up with the snow and cold weather,” said
Joseph M. Jacobs, president of the investment advisory firm, which
has other offices in Greenwich, Connecticut, and Oklahoma City.
“Clients and employees alike love coming here to play golf and tennis,
go boating, or just enjoy the beach and the sunshine.”
Convenient flights from Palm Beach International Airport to
New York, low-stress commutes to work and Florida’s low-tax
climate – including no personal income tax – were other added
benefits for Wexford Capital in deciding to make West Palm Beach
its new headquarters.
“With video conferencing and other online communication
tools, it’s relatively easy to run a geographically decentralized
business,” said Jacobs, who co-founded the firm in 1994. “Palm
Beach County is also attracting younger workers in their 20s and
30s, and that’s another benefit for financial firms like Wexford.”
Originally from the Northeast, Jacobs and business partner
Chuck Davidson were part-time residents of Palm Beach County
for many years before opening the West Palm Beach office in 2015.
“Our office is designed for about 20 people, including our key
executives,” Jacobs said, adding that Wexford’s administrative
functions will remain in Greenwich and Oklahoma City. Overall,
the company has about 80 employees, some of whom work in
multiple offices.
Wexford Capital LP is an SEC registered investment advisor
with approximately $4.0 billion of assets under management. The
firm manages a series of hedge funds and private equity funds, and
has made more than $6 billion in private equity investments.
“One of our core investment areas is real estate, and we have
a number of projects underway in South Florida, including three
condominium developments in Miami,” Jacobs said. “Being
located here gives us the added benefit of staying close to those
projects.”
Relocations & Expansions
Sunshine State Biomass CooperativeBrings New Jobs to Pahokee
Sunshine State Biomass Cooperative (SSBC) is establishing a
major recycling operation in Pahokee. The SSBC, in partnership with
BioCarbon Technologies Inc., (BCT) currently operates a registered
Source Organic Processing Facility (SOPF) in Pahokee.
Now, SSBC intends to expand operations through a $5 million
capital investment to employ cutting-edge patented torrefaction
technology to Florida’s recycling of yard waste. The 25-acre site,
including a 20,000 square foot facility that already employs a small
number of local workers, will ultimately employ up to 200 people
with salaries that match or surpass Pahokee’s average wage. The
Pahokee site currently recycles yard waste from Miami-Dade,
Broward and Palm Beach Counties.
“This project is a great win for Pahokee” said Kelly Smallridge,
president and CEO of the BDB. “It will help build upon the Glades
Region’s agricultural industry, employ 200 people, and it will have a
lasting impact for the community.” The BDB assisted the company
through the permitting process with select Palm Beach County
entities and introduced it to CareerSource Palm Beach County to
help it fill its staffing needs.
“The City is enthusiastic about the new economic development
occurring in Pahokee. I welcome this new expansion of the SSBC
family to the community. The future is bright for sustainable
economic opportunities in the City of Pahokee,” said Chandler
Williamson, City Manager of Pahokee.
Entrepreneur.com recently named Boca Raton in its “Top 5
Cities You Wouldn’t Expect to Have a Thriving Startup Scene.”
Boca ranked fourth on the list behind Seattle, Boston and
Cleveland, all of which are much larger cities. One of Boca’s
strengths was the fact that 47 percent of its residents have a
bachelor’s degree or higher. Boca also has dozens of startups
founded by tech professionals.
Boca a ‘Top Five’ City!
9PBCB
Relocations & Expansionscontinued
“The bulk of our hiring will occur during the summer of 2016,”
said David Disbrow, president of the SSBC. The SSBC in partnership
with BCT, operates an additional SOPF in Arcadia, Florida and will
soon open a third facility in Fort Pierce.
East Coast Metal Structure Corp.Expands to Riviera Beach
East Coast Metal Structure Corp. is expanding its operations in
Palm Beach County, with assistance from the Business Development
Board, Palm Beach County and the City of Riviera Beach. The
company purchased 21,000 square feet of space at 3450 Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. Blvd in Riviera Beach, where it will make a $2 million
capital investment and hire 40 new employees. East Coast Metal
Structures will also maintain its current location in Lantana, where it
employs 110 people.
“East Coast’s 20th century values and 21st century technology
have made this company an industry leader,” said Charles Hardee Post,
vice president. “Palm Beach County is the ideal location for our
company and we are excited for the opportunity to open another
facility in Riviera Beach.”
East Coast Metal Structures specializes in the fabrication and
erection of bar joists, structural steel, metal decking, railings, stairs,
louvers and miscellaneous metals.
The BDB assisted the company with coordination of multiple
resources including the Port of Palm Beach Foreign Trade Zone, FPL,
CareerSource Palm Beach County, State of Florida Manufacturing Tax
Exemptions, and SBA financing. The county assisted with Enterprise
Zone incentives and provision of alternative financing resources. The
City of Riviera Beach provided technical assistance and referred the
project to the BDB.
“East Coast Metal Structures is a family-owned business that has
served the Southeastern United States and the Caribbean for more
than 30 years,” said Kelly Smallridge, president and CEO of the
Business Development Board of Palm Beach County. “The company’s
recent expansion success story is indicative of many county-based
businesses the BDB serves. It’s always nice to relocate new companies
to the area, but it is extremely rewarding to see homegrown businesses
flourish.”
Yachtico Relocating CorporateHQ to Palm Beach County
Yachtico, the largest global online yacht booking company, is
relocating its corporate headquarters from Germany to Boca
Raton. The company has leased 5,000 square feet of space at 3651
FAU Blvd., where it will hire 50 new employees with an average wage
of $65,000.
“It makes great sense for Yachtico to have a presence in Florida,
especially Palm Beach County,” said Kelly Smallridge, BDB president
and CEO. “The area provides an abundance of opportunities for the
company.” The BDB assisted the company through the incentive
process, and provided real estate searches and information on local
service providers and schools.
Connecting vacationers to the largest collection of trusted,
professionally operated boat charters for week-long journeys,
Yachtico.com is a complete resource for the seafaring traveler.
Yachtico.com boasts 16,000 motor boats, sail boats and house boats
worldwide, offering travelers affordable and luxury choices in every
season.
Yachitco received a Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund (QTI)
incentive of $250,000, with $200,000 from the State of Florida and a
$50,000 contribution from the City of Boca Raton.
Bill Johnson, president & CEO of Enterprise Florida, said, “As we
continue to market Florida as the best state to live, work and play, more
and more great companies like Yachtico will create opportunities for
Floridians and strengthen our economy.”
Boca Raton Mayor Susan Haynie welcomed Yachtico, saying, “We
are pleased that one of the largest international yacht charter and
rental companies has decided to relocate its corporate headquarters
from Berlin to Boca Raton. We look forward to continuing to work
with them and having them as part of our community.”
Zimmer Biomet expanding in Palm Beach Gardens
Zimmer Biomet is expanding in Palm Beach Gardens, creating
178 jobs in addition to retaining 473 positions. The company will also
make a $1.8 million capital investment in the community.
Medical device manufacturers Zimmer and Biomet recently
completed combining their two brands into one company. Zimmer
Biomet collaborates with healthcare professionals around the globe to
design, manufacture and market orthopedic reconstructive, dental and
surgical products. The company has operations in more than 25 countries
around the world and sells products in more than 100 countries.
David Josza, vice president and general manager of Zimmer
Biomet’s Dental Division, said, “On behalf of the Zimmer Biomet
team, I would like to thank Governor Scott, Enterprise Florida and all
our local partners for supporting this project. We look forward to
continuing to build the new Zimmer Biomet brand in Florida.”
The project was made possible through strong partnerships
between Enterprise Florida, the Florida Department of Economic
Opportunity, CareerSource Florida, Palm Beach County, the City of
Palm Beach Gardens, and the Business Development Board of Palm
Beach County.
“Zimmer is a very significant project as it represents the
retention of an existing employer and the new presence of a globally
recognized innovative company selecting Palm Beach County in
which to grow its operations,” said Kelly Smallridge, BDB president
and CEO. “Biomet enjoyed a rich history in Palm Beach County and
we are thrilled that Zimmer Biomet will continue to have a strong
and growing presence here.”
10 PBCB
A high-quality public school system is one of the foundations forsuccessful economic development, according to Dr. Robert Avossa, the
new superintendent of the Palm Beach County School District.
“We need to set a bold vision and build a bold agenda for
excellence in the future,” Avossa told several hundred Business
Development Board members at the September 10
quarterly luncheon at the Kravis Center.
At the luncheon, Kelly Smallridge, BDB
president and CEO, gave the “Annual Economic
Development Update,” outlining the 33-year-old
organization’s accomplishments in recruiting new
companies, retaining existing operations and
expanding area businesses.
Altogether, 3,604 jobs were created or retained in
FY 2015, and nearly 4,800 more potential jobs are in
the pipeline, Smallridge said. Total capital investment
of approximately $285 million and absorption of 1.36
million square feet of commercial space were both
records for the fiscal year.
Of the 25 BDB projects in the 2015 fiscal year,
13 companies went to the North County, five to
Central County, five to South County and two to the
Glades, she said. She noted that there was an increase
in projects related to logistics, distribution and international commerce.
“Our team is always out there promoting our county as a great
place to do business,” she added. “While the BDB is recognized as the
number one economic development organization in Florida, we can
always improve our offering.”
In his talk, Avossa said he has spent his first few months on the job
listening to teachers, parents, students, administrators and other
staffers. “We also want to be sure we align our programs with the needs
of the business and professional communities here,”
he said. “We want to retain our talented graduates
right here in Palm Beach County.”
Avossa noted that the school district is the 11th
largest in the U.S. with 22,000 employees and a $2
billion annual budget. “I am looking forward to
helping this organization become more nimble and
react more quickly to our students and parents,” he
said. “We also have to do more to customize and
personalize the educational experience for each
student. For instance, not every child goes to college,
and we need to offer high-quality vocational
education as well.”
Finally, Avossa emphasized that Palm Beach
County schools and businesses need to support
each other. “You can help us with mentorships
and internships, as well as letting us know about
your changing workforce needs,” he said. “We will
be launching our strategic plan in early 2016, and we want the
business community to stand with us as we take a bold step to the
future.”
Dr. Robert Avossa
Kelly Smallridge with Frank Barbieri, Jr., vice chairman, Palm BeachCounty School District
Quality Education a Key Driverin Economic Development
“We want toretain ourtalentedgraduatesright here inPalm BeachCounty.”
— Dr. Robert Avossa,Palm Beach County
School Superintendent
11PBCB
Attracting new industries to our community and ensuring the growth of
employment opportunities is central to the partnership between the
Palm Beach County Commission and the BDB. To that end, two Palm
Beach County businesses – Baron Sign Manufacturing and Smart for
Life® – relied on the County’s unique ability to provide economic
incentives and technical assistance to relocate and expand their business
operations in Riviera Beach. In both cases, business is booming!
More than 10 years ago, Baron Sign Manufacturing owners Sandra
and Jerry Foland made the bold decision to expand their business. With
more than $2.6 million in loan financing from the county’s Section 108
program, the company constructed a 40,000 square foot facility in
Riviera Beach. The economy has fluctuated widely since then, but
Baron Sign has weathered the storm. “Sign manufacturing is a
barometer of the economy,” says CEO Sandy Foland. When the
economy is strong, signs are needed – new businesses need to establish
their presence and existing businesses can take the time and resources
to invest in their image.
Consider this “sign” of a strong economy – Baron Sign currently
has its largest backlog in orders since 2008. Judy Rudy, Executive
Administrator, confirms, “We currently have two years of work in the
pipeline” and anticipates additional growth for Baron Sign within the
next year. With a current full-time staff of 40, Baron Sign is looking to
fill three open positions. A bigger shop translates to an increase in
productivity and the capacity to design and fabricate larger signs. Plus,
the mezzanine-level employee break room and staff lounge provides
an inspiring birds-eye view of the manufacturing floor. Inspiration,
however, is not constrained by the Baron Sign Manufacturing building
walls. There is pride in knowing that Palm Beach County’s economic
development programs, offered through the Department of Economic
Sustainability (DES), helped keep “Made in the USA” a reality for Baron
Sign. Ms. Rudy remarks, “At Baron Sign, we take pride in the finished
product, we take pride in keeping jobs in Riviera Beach, and we take
pride in knowing that when an individual Baron Sign employee
succeeds, we as a business succeed.”
Smart for Life® was seriously considering moving its commercial
baking operation to Mexico City, Mexico. The Board of County
Commissioners, through DES, utilized federal funds from the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S.
Department of Energy to offer $713,000 in low interest financing for fixed
assets, working capital, and energy conservation measures to keep Smart
for Life® in Palm Beach County. The award of these funds helped Smart
for Life® acquire a 25,000 square foot facility in Riviera Beach. “We really
wanted to stay in the U.S.,” says Dr. Sasson E. Moulavi, the Smart for Life®
founder, “And assistance from the County and the City of Riviera Beach
really helped us make that decision.”
Since the 2012 grand opening, business has exceeded expectations.
The trailblazing weight management industry leader added two new
brands, saw a 50% increase in sales, and increased production. The
manufacturing and distribution center still leaves Smart for Life® with
room for growth. Among other products, the facility currently produces
one million weight loss cookies per month. A planned manufacturing
line expansion will soon increase production to 2.5 million cookies per
month. In addition, in 2016 Smart for Life® will hire at least 20 new full-
time employees to implement a new production contract for a major
retailer. The commercial baking operation has a current staff of 60, with
very few part-time employees and minimal staff turn-over. The business
operates on an open door policy, where any and all are encouraged to
provide input; that combined with a relaxed atmosphere and a high
quality product are all reasons why the Riviera Beach Smart for Life®
manufacturing and distribution center is a great place to work.
Dr. Moulavi’s high standards are not limited to his Smart for Life®
weight loss products. For example, blue floors throughout the plant make
for a more cheerful work environment; weekly prizes reward punctuality,
accuracy, and quality; solar power reduces energy costs while helping
minimize negative environmental impact; and production is limited to
two 8-hour shifts per day rather than a 24 hour cycle. In 2013, Smart for
Life® was recognized as “Manufacturer of the Year” by the South Florida
Manufacturers Association. Dr. Moulavi shares one secret to the
manufacturer’s success, “Using a 360° method, with input from staff
above, below, and along-side the employee, we work to meet three goals:
an employee who wants to be here; an employee with the capacity to do
the job; and an employee who cares about the company and the product.”
To learn more about Baron Sign Manufacturing, Smart for Life®,
or any of the County’s business assistance programs, please contact me
at 561-233-2653 or [email protected].
A Riviera BeachBusiness Update
Where areThey Now?
By Sherry Howard, Deputy DirectorPalm Beach County Department of Economic Sustainability
12 PBCB
PalmBeachCounty
Cool Workplaces
MillennialsEditor’s Note: This is the second of two parts focusing
on Palm Beach County’s appeal to younger workers.
A well-designed, cool-looking office is one of the ways Palm Beach County
businesses are appealing to talented young professionals. Millennials like open
layouts, collaborative spaces and a creative approach to artwork, furnishings and
accessories, according to several area professionals.
“We are seeing more flexible work environments,” says Rick Gonzalez,
president, REG Architects in West Palm Beach, which has approximately 15
employees. “Companies want to be able to use office space in multiple ways, such
as changing a reception area to a social space for a client reception.”
REG’s office in an historic building from the 1920s reflects that workplace
strategy. “We can change our lunch area into a training space, and move furniture
to make it easier to sit down and have a collaborative conversation,” he says. “Our
brick walls, exposed ducts and Dade County pine trusses give our office a sense of
history and authenticity.”
Keith Spina, senior partner, Glidden-Spina + Partners, says office tenants and
owners are paying close attention to office layout, as well as the size of the
workspace. “Traditionally, executives would want private offices,” he says. “Now,
they want to see what’s going on around them. However, you still have to find a
way to provide individual privacy for phone calls and other purposes.”
Offers
for
13PBCB
Glidden Spina + Partners
REG Architects
14 PBCB
Noise is another issue with open floor plans. “We have looked
at acoustical solutions, including white noise,” Spina says.
“Another solution is to let workers use the music apps on their
phones to play their favorite songs.”
Standing desks that easily move up and down are now
featured in many Palm Beach County offices. “Boomers, Gen Xers
and Millennials all like the idea of being able to stand up and
change their posture during the day,” Spina says. “It can help you
stay healthy on and off the job.”
To accommodate a more mobile workforce, some businesses
are using a “hot-desk” plan where employees can plug their
mobile devices into any vacant space in the office. “This can
reduce the overall space requirements for a company,” Spina adds.
Spina says his firm has created a business lounge, rather than
a lunchroom, where employees can read emails, check social
media or talk to their friends on a break. “We also offer them a
daily salad bar, and have a fitness program to help them balance
work with the rest of their lives.”
Daniel Cane, CEO, Modernizing Medicine in Boca Raton,
points to the importance of lighting in designing an appealing
workplace. “Light needs to permeate the office, because it’s so
closely tied to the energy level of an organization,” he says. “We
use a lot of glass in our office, because it blocks sounds, but allows
the light to flow from one end of the office to the other.”
Carey O’Donnell, president, The O’Donnell Agency, turned
ground-floor retail space in West Palm Beach into a creative office
setting for her 15-person team. “Our office is designed for the way
Millennials work,” she says. “We have our art and social media
departments in the middle of a big open area.” The office includes
a giant metal tree sculpture, a 1965 Mustang, a lounge area and
several couches. “Our clients enjoy coming in to hang out and
have a cup of coffee with us,” she says.
As Gonzalez says, “Millennials want to be in downtown areas
with a sense of character. They want to be able to walk to shops,
restaurants and outdoor events. They also enjoy beaches, parks
and other natural settings. With all that Palm Beach County has
to offer, I think we are well positioned to attract Millennials in
the next few years.”
think TO get
NOTICED
BIG BE
responsive andresponsible &
listen intently,
then. . .
AMAZINGthingsthat
surprise excite!
EMBRACE
fearless
thinking
share WITH
thosewho N
EED help
rise & shine NEXT.what’s
TO K N OW BE
impossibleignore to an
d N
EVER
,
everleave out
FUN. the
SAY seeAROUNDcorners
KNOWLEDGE
to
&
a little
andsuccess
Glidden Spina + Partners’ kitchen Glidden Spina + Partners’s guest lounge Glidden Spina + Partners’ guest lounge
The O'Donnell Agency’s offices
Glidden Spina + Partners
REG Architects
Palm Beach County Offers Cool Workplaces for Millennials
PBCB Quarterly v4 i4_Winter 2016_Insert.qxp_Layout 1 12/22/15 3:12 PM Page 2
AND CHOOSE A COMPANY TO DELIVER A REAL BRAND FOR YOU!
Passport was established in 1989 to help organizations and businesses promote and
establish brand awareness through custom publishing and relationship marketing.
With a passion for people and publishing, we accept the challenge of representing clients
at their best, and strive to redefine quality custom publishing through design, editorial
integrity, corporate and annual reports, corporate branding and custom magazines created for
your customer base.
Your image and brand are real. Passport creates results. With over 600 custom publications
to our credit, what can we create and deliver for you?
1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. Suite 1550 | West Palm Beach, FL 33401 | TF: (561) 472-8778
www.PassportPublications.com
Easy.
Convenient.
Less Stress.
Free Hi Speed Wi-Fi & Charging Stations | Day Spa | Pet ParksPutting Green | Shopping | ‘Local Artists Take Flight’ Art Exhibit
How many airports can say all that?
pbia.org
Less Stress. Fly PBI.
#flyPBI
PBCB Quarterly v4 i4_Winter 2015.qxp_Layout 1 12/22/15 2:47 PM Page 15
e the peoo servoud te prarPAALM BEAP
e ce arWountyalm Beach Cople of P
THE HCA ASPITTACH HOA
edommittcALS
oue praryintao st
e the peoo servud tont efrort the fng a
alm Beachople of Pellecxof medical e
e ce ar. Wountyh Ce and quality paenc
ed ommittc.etient cara
o., Ldlvouthern B13001 S561-798-3300 • palmsw
ee’vW
Name
, 33470cheetxahaoom.cesthospitalw
eervoou ce got y
ormers onerfoop Ped To
, 3346tistlan., Aevess Aongr5301 S. Com.cmc561-965-7300 • jfk
ouer yvetd, wha
y Quality Measuren Ke
62 2201 45th 561-842-61
e neeur healthcar
omhe Joint Cy Tes br
o beSoon t
each, 33407 alm Best PW.,tSom.cestpalmhospital41 • w
eds:
sionmmis
e JFK North Campus
Name
he laTh(adult
he OThediaP
NameeruvTr
ormers onerfoop Ped To
f bevider oot Prgesartric, child andt, geria
s Hospien’sOnly Childreor six ses fotric Servica
stion’sf the naed one oon Health Analytics fo
y Quality Measuren Ke
al health servivioraehaent)d adolesc – t esW
oern Ctesital in the Weountiesounding csurro
ascuvadioop 50 Cards To1514 and 20or 20 – JF
omhe Joint Cy Thes br
alm Beach Ces in Picalm HospitalP
ommunities and a Hus – t Hospesalms WP
y ular Hospitals byerentFK Medical C
sionmmis
ounty C
or ub fopital
ount ER in the che busiesTh
ffo o, including twnty,
e ERsff-sit – JFK Med
erentdical C
PBCB Quarterly v4 i4_Winter 2015.qxp_Layout 1 12/22/15 2:47 PM Page 16