Compiled by Wayne T. Price
Beebe named marketing director at Space Coast Office of Tourism
The Space Coast Office of Tourism recently announced the hiring of Laura Beebe as its marketing director.
Beebe comes to the Space Coast from the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, where she has worked for 10 years as its marketing director, overseeing creative services, strategic planning, branding and messaging, content development and other responsibilities.
Her prior experience includes marketing roles at resort properties and vacation-rental management firms, including Spectrum Resorts and Meyer Vacation Rentals.
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Beebe’s passion for art and design led her to study commercial art at the Harris School of Art.
She has served in graphic design and marketing roles throughout her career across many business sectors.
Beebe is a do-it-yourselfer in her free time, and enjoys interior design and landscaping.
Salonen reappointed to CareerSource Florida board of directors
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has reappointed Robert Salonen, Florida Tech’s director of government affairs and strategic partnerships, to the statewide CareerSource Florida board of directors, the governor’s office announced.
Salonen was first appointed to the board in 2021.
At Florida Tech since 2014, Salonen has consulted with elected officials, government agencies and industry to facilitate plans and partnerships with the university’s principal offices, and worked to connect Florida Tech’s talent development capabilities to government and industry interests.
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Before coming to Florida Tech, Salonen was director of business development for the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, and was co-founder of a successful, Melbourne-based medical business.
He currently serves as vice chair of the board for Circles of Care Inc. He is a member of the Civilian Military Community Relations Council and the Executive Committee for the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast.
Salonen earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and his master’s degree in public administration from Florida Tech. He earned his Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credentials through the International Economic Development Council, and is a plankowner of the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Weapons System Ashore.
In addition to Salonen, DeSantis announced the appointments of Ryan Goertzen and Darcy “D.C.” Reeves, and the reappointment of Joe Marino, Melvin “Mel” Ponder, Laurie Sallarulo and Rep. Dana Trabulsy.
CareerSource Florida is the statewide workforce policy and investment board. Partners include the Florida Department of Commerce, 24 local workforce development boards and 100 career centers throughout Florida.
The workforce network helps connect businesses with the talented workforce and training needed to succeed and grow in Florida.
LPL Financial recognizes Smith as ‘Rising Star’
Michelle Smith recently attended the Achieve Women’s Leadership Forum in San Francisco, and was recognized as a “Rising Star” by LPL Financial.
Smith is a wealth planner with JD Bowen Financial Group in Indian Harbour Beach.
LPL Financial’s commitment to boost the number of women advisors within the industry and empower them for long-term growth began in 2018 with the start of the Women on the Rise Advisor scholarship, initially awarded to 10 women advisors to attend the firm’s Women Advisor Leaders Forum.
Currently, LPL currently has a six-month-long women’s mentorship program that continues to evolve, recognize and develop the next generation of successful women advisors within LPL and in financial services through its “Rising Star” program.
Smith and 19 other Rising Star participants received awards this year, and were honored at Achieve, the firm’s annual women’s leadership forum. Achieve is LPL’s invitation-only women’s leadership conference that builds and empowers top women advisors by creating a powerful community.
Smith has a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Eastern Florida State College, and holds the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Series 7 and Series 66 registration with LPL Financial.
She also is licensed in life, health and variable insurance.
Smith is on the path to becoming a certified financial planner, and is completing the required coursework at Florida State University.
To reach Michelle Smith at JD Bowen Financial Group, email her at michelle@jdbowenfinancialgroup.com or call 321-733-1662
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