Larry Pelton, president of the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County, leads the EDC with a committed strategic vision to further recruit and develop science and technology clusters and help construct a new economy that supports multiple scientific and educational advancements. He is an industry leader with an acute understanding of partnerships that help our community thrive.
A veteran business leader with over 20 years of economic and business development experience in Florida, Mr. Pelton played a leadership role in the teams that recruited Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Science, VGTI-Florida, Mann Research Center, and Digital Domain Media Group production studio, to St. Lucie County. Mr. Pelton plays a leading role in the council’s efforts to further recruit and develop science and technology clusters and construct a new economy that rewards intellectual property, innovation, and educational advancements in the workplace.
Pelton had been in private consulting-practice with developers and companies prior to being named president by the EDC. Pelton served as president of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County for 15 years, and was instrumental in helping attract the Scripps Research Institute to the region. During his term as head of Palm Beach County’s Business Development Board, more than 350 companies announced relocations or expansions to Palm Beach County, creating approximately 32,550 primary and 25,400 secondary jobs. In addition to Scripps, Pelton was instrumental in recruiting such leading companies as W.R. Grace & Co. and Wackenhut Corp. Pelton began his career as manager of downtown development for the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, and later was a recruitment and business development executive for ITT Land Corporation and for several leading banking organizations.
Candy Marlow, Assistant Vice President, Business Retention and Expansion, and Membership Relations
Jackie L. Bylsma, Assistant Vice President, Business Recruitment
