INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Indian River County Commissioners might have let a good opportunity slip away Tuesday, when they expressed concern about discussing a possible partnership with a seemingly well-credentialed entertainment promotion and production company, Tampa-based Apex Audio Group (AAG).
Assistant County Administrator Michael Zito said company leadership had “discovered Vero Beach” on their way to Jacksonville to discuss establishing headquarters there. They were, apparently, so taken with the area that they decided to see if they could partner with Indian River County instead.
AAG met Monday with each County Commissioner on an individual basis, proposing a partnership wherein they would provide entertainment and event production, principally at the county fairgrounds, under an exclusive contract.
Because AAG hoped to get the deal done by early next month, the item was included on the April 19 Commission agenda as an “Emergency Item.”
Commissioner Joe Flescher was skeptical and did not want to discuss the proposal on such short notice. He said staff needed more time to study the company and the proposal before bringing it before the Board.
Flescher added that he didn’t see the situation as an emergency, but rather that AAG was simply “leveraging us to have a conversation.”
Commissioner Wesley Davis called AAG “a great company, and a great opportunity.”
Commissioner Zorc noted that, because the company “had opportunities in Jacksonville,” the proposal was certainly worth exploring.
Commission Peter O’Bryan had placed the item on the April 19 agenda, and explained his idea was to get the ball rolling quickly and request that staff investigate further, then and present the proposal, with a recommendation, for further discussion and an official vote at the first meeting in May.
By the time the Commission finally agreed to discuss the issue, however, the company revoked the offer.
CEO Jason Atwell had been following the morning’s proceedings, and sent an e-mail to the County.
It read, in part, “After hearing the opening remarks about our proposal, we had the opportunity to discuss the options with our partners. After careful consideration, we have decided to open an office in both prospective locations (they were not identified) for one year and choose our new home on the following: development opportunities, government partnerships, local revenue and quality of life for staff.”
Atwell added, “I would like to point out that we were not asking for any taxpayer dollars at all,” and concluded, “Please remove our proposal from your agenda for now.”
Atwell left open the possibility of a future relationship.
“We want to be seen as a county open for business,” Commissioner O’Bryan said. “I think this is a missed opportunity. ”