New Marine Manufacturer Relocates to Flagler County
Gioia Sails is relocating its Florida operation here purchasing a new facility at 5 Hargrove Grade in Palm Coast. They currently have 30 employees and will be hiring an additional 8 to 10 over next yr
Palm Coast, FL – May 1, 2013 – Flagler County’s Economic Opportunity Department announced the relocation of Gioia Sails Southern Division to Palm Coast in Flagler County.
The company, headquartered in Lakewood New Jersey, is relocating its Florida operation here and has purchased a new facility at 5 Hargrove Grade in Palm Coast. They currently have 30 employees and will be hiring an additional 8 to 10 over the next year. Gioia Sails manufactures canvas sailing products and works closely with another Flagler County employer, Sea Ray Boats.
“This is one of the initiatives that our office has been working diligently to develop, the clustering technique, whereby new businesses relocate to the area to support existing businesses and vice versa,” County Commissioner Barbara Revels said. “Additionally, the expansion of Sea Ray is good news for our newest manufacturer.”
The company expects to begin renovations at the new site and open for business in the next six weeks. Gioia Sails South LLC provides boat and yacht canvas, interior, furniture and enclosures for manufacturers as well as owners of any type of marine vessels. Gioia Sails has decades of experience manufacturing marine components for yacht makers like SeaRay, Regal, and The Luhrs Marine Group. The plan for the Flagler County facility includes expanding its operation to produce awnings and provide re-upholstering services.
“We are happy to be locating in Flagler County,” Don Gioia said. “We had a very productive interaction with the County Department of Economic Opportunity, the Bunnell Economic Development and the City of Palm Coast Building Department. Flagler County is business friendly and it is good to be located near a major manufacturing company that we supply.”
Director of Flagler County’s Economic Opportunity Department, Helga van Eckert said the company is a perfect match for Flagler County. “It has been a pleasure working with Don Gioia and Pat Moynihan over the past six months,” van Eckert said. “Gioia Sails Southern Division is a reputable company that will be a great addition to our manufacturing base.”
Pat Moynihan, Vice President of Gioia Sails South explained, “Our five year plan for the company is to expand our boating industry services and customer base throughout Florida as well as gain a stronger presence in customization and reupholstering throughout the country.”
“We are excited about this firm’s decision to invest in Palm Coast,” Palm Coast Mayor Jon Netts said.”We will help to ensure smooth sailing from their previous location.”
The announcement is the fourth manufacturing success story for Flagler County’s newly created Economic Opportunity Department. Designs For Health, a health supplement company located an operation in Flagler County last year and now has 17 employees. WP Rawl, a vegetable growing, shipping and processing company followed shortly thereafter and is constructing a 34,000 square foot processing facility in west Flagler County. In February, Coastal Cloud LLC., an internet technology company opened its doors with a ceremony attend by Florida Governor Rick Scott.
“We are proud of the progress we have been able to make in economic development in Flagler County in the past year,” County Administrator Craig Coffey said. “Flagler County is being recognized as open for business and that will help hold down the tax rate for our residents.”
How Wonderful
It really is a pleasure to see new and different businesses coming into the area. Not only that, but to have them say PC is business friendly…wow. What an improvement!
Water Oriented Community
How nice that this further compliments ‘The Palm Coast Project’ – a ‘…water oriented community…’ :
From the Year:
1978
Dear Palm Coaster:
If a history book were published about Palm Coast and its people, an exciting and fulfilling chapter would be written about the year 1978.
Firm roots were planted by ITT Community Development Corporation ( ICDC) as the headquarters building opened, fulfilling a commitment to consolildate offices from New York, Miami and Palm Coast. The facility and personnel presence in Palm Coast highlight the p0int that ICDC continued taking direct involvement in Palm Coast in developing a planned and controlled community where families can live, work and play.
Now in the final stages is another key development. The Palm Coast Shopping Center with Publix and Eckerds will offer one stop shppping facilities in fashionable and attractive surroundings.
We are happy that golf sensation Nancy Lopez has chosen Palm Coast as here official place of residence, and is the touring pro for Palm Coast Golf Club. As we approach the 3,000 population mark in this water-oriented community, we have become the "home-Port" for Nancy’s Navy.
Arnie’s Army likewise had an enthusiastic showing here as Arnold Palmer played our golf course after signing a contract to design Palm Coast’s second golf course which will be completed by December 32, 1980.
A further expansion was made in our tennis activities with the opening of six lighted cushionized tennis courts.
The Palm Coast Community YMCA has soared with interest and participation. Memberships and individual donations have assisted the programs and activities conducted for youngsters and adults living throughout the county.
Houses of worship likewise have made significant and lasting strides in the community. Services are being held in the St. Mark by the Sea Lutheran Chuirch and the First Baptist Church of Palm Coast. Clergy and parishioners of Mother Seton Catholic Church broke ground in September for a church on the newly opened Belle Terre Parkway. The new church will be completed in April or early May.
In providing support services to the growing community, expansions are being made on the wastewater treatment plant which will be completed in February and the water treatment plant to be completed this spring.
Palm Coast Utility Corporation has relocated from a model home near the Welcome Center into new offices off of Old King’s Road. New rates, fees and charges were placed in effect on January 1, 1979. These adjustments represent the first overall revision of rates by the Utility since 1971. Due to inflation and increased construction costs, the contribution-in-aid -construction for water has been established in the amount of $640. or $810 depending on Section. The water tap, meter installation and connection fees will range between $255. and $320. For new homesite purchasers who do not connect to the system, there will be an assessed availability fee of $4.00 per month for both water and sewer service.
In the area of residential lot improvement, all improvements including central sewer failities scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, were completed on time.
A second fire truck was loaned by ICDC to the Palm Coast Fire District and the volunteer Fire Department.
Our own Palm Coast Construction Company has entered the residential market and is adding final touches to prototype models.
The Sheraton Palm Coast Resort Inn received awards of excellence at the Sheraton World Conference held in Boston in September.
Headlining the Spring Festival was Archie Campbell, of television’s Hee Haw fame. This six-day celebration was highlighted with and international bathtub boat race, the Italian American Festa, a four-mile foot race, band concerts, fireworks, tennis and golf tournaments.
The year was not all fun and games. Research and hours of hard work were poured into a four-year effort as the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) was completed. Working directly with state planning agencies and receiving valuable input from outside consultants, the ICDD planning staff has readied a plan which provides a working framework describing the locations of future residential units, parts, roads, recreational areas, industrial property and commercial stores.
This year as Palm Coast continues to grow and develop, we at ICDD look forward to the many new and exciting events which will take place. Personally, I am very enthused about the future and hope our residents and future residents share this enthusiasm about our community. Sincerely, Alan Smolen
Alan Smolen President AS/agk
The above from: ITT Community Development Corporation, Exective Offices, Palm Coast, Florida 32051 Telephone (904)445-2628.
Nothing more than just a news
I don’t think it is anything more than just a news. Move of the company that has only 30 employees and may potentially add another 10 is not really a great improvement or something to talk about, as it does not add much to the employment situation in Palm Coast and not something that will bring the other businesses to the area.