Business Advocate Award – Public Sector
Ken Ferguson

Ken relocated his business, Hoosier Metal from Maine to Stuart in 1967, subsequently formed a partnership, renaming the company ERK Manufacturing.  He sold it in 1980 to Turbo Combustion Technologies. Ken went into semi retirement, keeping a hand in business forming a consulting firm. Successfully lured out of semi-retirement by Joe Catrambone, Ferguson accepted a position with the Stuart/Martin County Chamber as Manager of Small Business Services in 1998. Through his career, Ken has played an active role in our community, serving on the chamber board for many years, and as Chairman of the Board in 1969-70. He was active in United Way serving as President in 1973-74. He served on the Martin Memorial Health Systems Board from 1986-94, acting as Chairman in 1990, 91 & 92.  Ken’s work at Martin Memorial forever changed and improved the way Martin Memorial operates. “He’s truly one of our most influential and important Chairman of all time,” said Dick Harman, CEO of MMHS.

Ken has always been, and is still, an advocate for businesses in Martin County and the Treasure Coast. He has a close working relationship with the SBA and SCORE.  Ken councils hundreds of potential entrepreneurs as well as seasoned professionals annually. Ken played a key role in the retention of Grumman in the mid-1990’s when they first announced they would be leaving Martin County.  He later played an important role in welcoming Vought employees relocating from Georgia.

Business Advocate Award – Private Sector                          
Ken Norman

Ken Norman began his career in Stuart in 1988 with the firm of Kohl, Bobko, McKey, McManus & Higgins. Ken specializes in the areas of corporate business tax, estate planning and administration.

Ken is an avid supporter of Little League baseball and football.  He was a football coach, baseball coach and manager.  Ken served on the Board of Directors of the Jensen Beach Athletic Association and also served as their President.  Of special note, Ken is a Certified Little League Umpire and had the honor of umpiring a Little League World Series game in 2003.  Ken is also an accomplished ballroom dancer and an active member of his church.                              

Ken is a two-term Past President of the Business Development Board of Martin County and currently the Chairman of the Board of the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce. During his term on the board of the chamber, he served as Chairman of the State Government Committee from 1989-93.  He served on the President’s Committee to establish the Martin County Development Board in 1990-91. Ken has served as legal council for the Business Development Board since it was founded in 1991.  Ken has been an avid supporter of economic development, business and quality community development for years. 

Business Achievement Award    
Shurhold Industries

          Barry Berhoff is the President of Shurhold Industries, a Palm City-based company that designs and manufactures the most innovative specialty care and accessory products available since 1973.  Specifically, Shurhold Industries designs and produces hand crafted, top quality cleaning tools for marine, RV, automotive and home applications to include brushes, mops, squeegees and other boating accessories that fit the fixed length telescoping Shur-Lok handle. 

          Recently the company expanded its line of quality products to include sandals via the acquisition of the Key West Sandals factory.  Shurhold will continue to market Key West’s popular sandal design but also plans to develop models specifically for boaters and RV users.  Shurhold Industries is a company that is growing and possible future expansion.  For more than five years, they have seen a 20% sales growth each year and have been consistent in adding up to 4 new employees annually.  We are happy to have them headquartered here in Martin County.

Community Investment Award           
New Millenium LLC

          This quarter’s Community Investment Award goes to Larry Viens and his company, New Millenium LLC for bringing a $5M state of the art, 50,000 square foot showroom, distribution center and corporate headquarters to Martin County.

          New Millenium is a new venture for Viens, who has been in the plumbing supply business for 17 years.  New Millenium sells to plumbing wholesalers and has a complete line of kitchen and bath faucets, stainless steel sinks, china, water closets & seats, valves, plumbing tools and much more.  The company moved into its new facility in 2003.  The building is a tilt wall design, featuring attractive elevations, 28’ high ceilings and dock high loading.

          For their significant capital investment in Martin County, New Millenium LLC receives the Business Development Board’s Community Investment Award.