- November 14, 2024
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Ormond officials happy to retain jobs, business in the area
Michele Connors, owner and president of S.R. Perrott, said when her parents started the business in 1962 in Ormond Beach, selling beverages out of the back of a station wagon, they didn’t imagine anything “as great as this.”
She was speaking about the new 90,000-square-foot distribution center on North U.S. 1 that was officially opened on July 24 with a gala ribbon cutting ceremony and party.
The big bash was hosted by models from her agency, Michele and Group, and featured live, island-style music and a wide variety of food and beverages. A “who’s who” of business leaders and government officials were in attendance.
“Never let it be said that S.R. Perrott doesn’t know how to throw a party,” said Rick Fraser, executive director of the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Connors said she was sure her dad, Samuel R. Perrott, was “smiling down on all of us.”
“He’s having a keg party in the sky right now,” she said.
She said they now ship 155,000 cases per year for 76 different breweries and six soft drink companies. The company handles 130 different brands, but 60% of the business is with Miller and Coors Lite beers. The company receives the beverages from the breweries, and distributes them to the various retail locations.
She thanked the government officials for their help in the construction of the new facility.
“You are the best of the best,” she said.
The company received $81,900 in growth assistance funding from the city and $101,927 in property tax reimbursements over five years.
Office staff will remain in their building at 4 N. Perrott Drive until that building is sold, according to Marketing Director Eva Connors McMullin. At that time, the new building on U.S. 1 will be expanded to make room for all 133 employees.
McMullin said they never considered leaving Ormond Beach.
“It’s our home,” she said. “We love it.”
She said the operation will be more efficient in the new facility and have room for growth.
Officials at the event believe the incentives paid by the city will be a good investment because it retains employment in the city and will result in future taxes and fees.
“It’s a huge win for the city,” said Commissioner Bill Partington. “It’s exciting.”
City Economic Director Joe Mannarino pointed out that after five years, the incentives will end and the city will collect all of the property tax.
The new Trader Joe’s distribution center in Daytona Beach and the new Perrott facility show the importance of the being near the crossroads of Interstates 4 and 95, said City Commissioner James Stowers. And he expects more growth.
“This is the tip of the iceberg,” he said. “It’s fantastic for the region to have this investment and expansion of business,”
County Council Chair Jason Davis said it’s also another improvement to the U.S. 1 corridor, an important entrance to the city and county.
“The blight is leaving U.S. 1,” he said.
Fraser said it was “vitally” important, not only for Ormond Beach but for eastern Volusia County.
“We have Energizer just down the road,” he said. “This is the kind of image we want for visitors and residents.”
Other government officials at the event included Rep. David Hood, County Councilman Doug Daniels, Mayor Ed Kelley and City Commissioner Rick Boehm.
