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TCCEED expands board

PORT ST. LUCIE — The Treasure Coast Center for Economic and Educational Development (TCCEED), a 501(c)3 nonprofit established by the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC), recently named its 2025-2026expanded its Board of Directors.

Thom Epsky, Rita Evans and Kallee Jackson were elected to the TCCEED board in May.

Azlina Goldstein of Riverland/GL Homes/Riverland will continue to chair the nonprofit, Brandon Nobile of Remnant Construction was appointed asis vice chair, Trisha Hawthorne of Seacoast Bank as is treasurer, and Nikita Lloyd of WebSuited isas secretary.

Marissa Gleockler of the Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County and Dr. Helen Wild, deputy superintendent of St. Lucie Public Schools, are ex-officio members. Anita Fischer was appointed to lead TCCEED as executive director.

Epsky serves as president and CEO of the United Way of St. Lucie and Okeechobee as well on the Florida Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission. He has cultivated decades-long experience spanning public service, human resources leadership, workforce development, and nonprofit leadership.

Evans is a successful business owner in Port St. Lucie, community advocate, former nonprofit president, and active supporter of veterans and their families throughout the Treasure Coast. A highly respected training and recruitment leader in the United States Navy, Evans retired with the rank of chief petty officer after 21 years of service.

Jackson is an internationally recognized fashion designer, entrepreneur, and creative visionary. Her couture designs have been featured in Vogue, Elle, Glamour and many other publications, and her collections have graced the runways of New York, Paris, Dubai, and Milan. Jackson’s impact extends beyond fashion through the Kallee Jackson Threaded Legacy Foundation dedicated to inspiring and empowering youth in fashion design and the creative arts.

“TCCEED is igniting opportunity for tomorrow’s workforce in the Treasure Coast, shaped by and for our community,” said Goldstein. “I’m proud to be working side by side with St. Lucie Public Schools, Indian River State College, the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County, United Against Poverty, Project LIFT, and the Community Foundation Martin – St. Lucie. With the support and essential involvement of our business community, we are inspiring the next generation, securing our region’s future, and proving that opportunity and legacy begin here at home.”

“With several amazingly successful and meaningful pilot programs completed during 2025, TCCEED is sprinting full speed ahead with the appointment of this innovative and hard-working board.”The opportunity to add these three accomplished business leaders to our board is truly meaningful for our growing organization,” said TCCEED Executive Director Anita Fischer. “I’m so thankful for everything the board’s leadership, the EDC’s support, all of our workforce partners and the support of our community partners like the United Way of St. Lucie and Okeechobee, the Education Foundation St. Lucie, the St. Lucie County Children’s Services Council, and Treasure Coast Manufacturers Association Thom’s expertise in workforce readiness, mentorship, and human-centered strategy; Rita’s servant leadership and commitment to community empowerment; and Kallee’s passion for creativity and education will add to what TCCEED is able to offer to our community.”

Working with the Boys and Girls Clubs and St. Lucie Public Schools, During the summerhis summer, TCCEED is coordinating coordinated paid internships for 51 61 junior and senior high school students with 25 51 St. Lucie companies. After last year’s program,; at least 14 students were offered ongoing employment after the completion of the their internships. The organization’s very first second annual 8th Grade Experience, an opportunity for 750 eighth grade students to explore many

Contact TCCEED at 772 324-2014, ext. 204 or visit www.tcceed.org.

Xquisit Event Hall open for business events

FORT PIERCE — Tiffany Burrell, 42, was born and raised on the one-way 13th Street and Avenue F. Her mother, Juanita Burrell, always encouraged her to dive deep into her passion for creating memorable experiences through beautiful tablescapes and the ability to transform empty spaces to ballrooms.

Burrell had a gift in creating large backdrops, balloon designs, luxury tablescapes, room draping and unique event planning.

In 2014, Burrell, established herself as one of the Treasure Coast’s leading event planners and designers and launched Be Xquisit Events.

As of May 2026, Burrell expanded her business and is now the proud owner of Xquisit Event Hall, 415 Avenue A, Suite 100, in downtown Fort Pierce.

The event hall features more than 2,500 square feet of space, making it ideal for a wide range of events, including parties, concerts, and business gatherings.

Burrell has designed events for Walmart, St. Lucie County and Indian River County School Boards, City of Fort Pierce, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, AKA Sorority, Miami Zoo, Seminole Tribe of Fort Pierce, Safari Mini Golf, Maverick Boat Group, several daycares, just to name a few.

For clients searching for a venue and full-service event planning, Burrell offers turnkey event services.

She works closely with each client to bring their vision to life through creative and elegant designs. Her services also include coordinating entertainment, catering, one-of -a-kind displays, signage and special effect features a 2002 graduate of Fort Pierce Westwood High School and former Zeta Archonette. Burrell worked for the Supervisor of Elections for 15 years before

spending three years with the Fort Pierce Housing Authority.

Today, she dedicates her full attention to Be Xquisit Events, whose motto is “Turning Moments into Memories,” while also raising her three children. To view some of Burrell’s event creations, visit her Facebook page @ Be Xquisit Events.