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The Business Development Board of Martin County announces that American Energy Innovations has chosen to expand in Martin County, adding 600 new jobs over 5 years and making a $14.98M investment in building and infrastructure.
The company was offered $435,000 in incentives from Martin County, with resources set aside as part of the Job Creation Toolkit in 2010. The state of Florida offered an additional $3.51M, bringing the total incentive package to $3.945M. The company also considered North Carolina as an attractive location for this project but “this financial package transcended the logistical advantage,” said American Energy Innovations Director of Operations Phil Catsman.
Governor Rick Scott attended an announcement event for American Energy Innovations on April 28, 2011, in what he called “the largest job announcement since I took office.” About 125 other business and community leaders attended the event including Congressman Tom Rooney, all five Martin County Commissioners, and several City of Stuart Commissioners. In his remarks, Governor Scott underscored his commitment to job creation and his desire to “make sure Martin County and the great state of Florida becomes the job mecca for the world.” “Government can’t create jobs, but we can create an environment that is favorable for jobs,” he continued.
The company will construct a 100,000-square-foot building on their existing campus. “We are so grateful that American Energy Innovations chose to invest in Martin County,” stated Tim Dougher and Crystal Stiles, Co-Directors of the Business Development Board of Martin County. “Last year, the County established tools that make us more competitive in a global economy. We know that this is just the first company that will make use of those tools to put local citizens back to work.”
Martin County Board of Commissioners chairman Ed Ciampi thanked the company for their commitment to Martin County and noted “Martin County is open for business and that’s why we’re all here.”
The Business Development Board of Martin County worked closely with the company for many months to secure the expansion for Martin County. "I have no problem in saying that if it wasn't for the aggressiveness of the Business Development Board and getting the governor involved personally, making us feel like we're not just another boat builder in town, that they wanted us here, that was the reason we're here now," said Ed Kelley, controller for American Custom Yachts, an affiliate with American Energy Innovations.
Individuals interested in applying for jobs with American Energy Innovations should contact Workforce Solutions in Stuart, Florida at 772.214.3174 x102.
For more information about American Energy Innovations, visit www.americanei.com.
About AMERICAN ENERGY INNOVATIONS
American Energy Innovations (AEI) is the newest member of the American family, which includes American Custom Yachts, Inc. - a multi-faceted group of industry leaders in the areas of custom yacht construction, vessel towers and composite structures, electronics and automation, canvas and upholstery, marketing and website design.
American Energy Innovations is committed to becoming a world leader in the alternative energy market with a focus on water turbine blade technology. From its innovative composite blade processing techniques to a strategic location on the waterfront, AEI is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the tremendous electrical generating capacity of the Florida Current (also known as the "Gulf Stream") as well as tidal zones and rivers currents.
About the BDBMC
The Business Development Board of Martin County is the county’s official economic development organization, and Enterprise Florida, Inc. partner. More information about the organization can be found by visiting www.bdbmc.org.
