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IDA executive report highlights TrustWorks relocation, workforce training and Commerce Park progress
Summary
Economic development staff told the Hardee County IDA that TrustWorks expects to locate a decorative‑truss manufacturing operation in the Commerce Park, projecting 75–85 employees and an operating start in October.
During the meeting the IDA’s executive staff reviewed recruitment and workforce development activity in Hardee County, including updates on TrustWorks, Aloha Medical Services, workforce training partnerships and construction activity at Commerce Park.
Sarah Everest, an economic development staff member, said TrustWorks — a decorative truss manufacturer based in Texas — is under contract on a site in the Commerce Park and hopes to be operating and manufacturing trusses by October of this year. Staff said TrustWorks projects it will employ between 75 and 85 people at full build‑out. The company had contracted for renovations and anticipates first hires this summer (management hires in June–July and additional hires by September), staff said.
Staff also updated the board on Aloha Medical Services, saying the company will bring roughly 100 employees to the Commerce Park once its facility is operating; staff indicated a ribbon‑cutting will be scheduled when the company is ready.
On workforce development, staff described ongoing discussions with Florida Gulf Coast University and South Florida State College about digital‑badge and micro‑credential programs that can be tailored to manufacturer or manager needs. Staff said these are not full degree programs but short‑form credentials that can be designed for particular employers and potentially offered at the county’s planned multi‑purpose facility or incubator space.
Staff reported ongoing site work at the Bob Spar section of the Commerce Park where demo of a south wall to make structural repairs will begin, and discussed the potential to relocate Riveter’s manufacturing into the Commerce Park. Board members praised the county’s workforce work ethic as an asset for business recruitment. Board members also noted ongoing coordination between staff, the County Utilities Department and developers about lift station funding and potential grant opportunities for infrastructure improvements.
