The Merchant Strategy

SHARON J. MERCHANT

Career Experience:
Ms. Merchant’s career of more than 20 years of both public and private sector experiences enables her to provide clients with a unique perspective. Her career includes service as a Member of the Florida House of Representatives, Manager for the family equipment rental business, and President of her own business, The Merchant Strategy, Inc. (TMS).As TMS President, she is responsible for strategic planning, development of new clients, management, insurance and legal matters, certifications, business correspondence, and all financial decisions. She writes all press releases and public involvement plans to FDOT standards.
Public Involvement Experience:

Calvin, Giordano and Associates, PD&E Study, Midway Road, St. Lucie County: This work was done in White City, Florida, the oldest city in St. Lucie County. Stakeholder meetings were facilitated on a frequent basis, to alleviate resident fears that the character of the area would be negatively impacted. Press releases were written, all meetings were recorded, and minutes were provided. Merchant interacted with residents, engineers, County Commissioners, and all interested parties.

City of West Palm Beach, Public Involvement Consultant: WPB Mayor Lois Frankel asked Merchant to help solve transportation related challenges. All strained internal and external relationships were improved. Weekly meetings helped strengthen communications between the City and FDOT, Palm Beach County, and the development community. Merchant delivered a variety of public involvement processes and activities comprising the blueprint to ensure awareness of all new construction. Proactive communication with neighbors, local businesses, and commuters on project scopes, schedules and MOTs before “any dirt is turned”, minimizes inconveniences.

Stanley Consultants, Boynton Beach, Ocean Avenue neighborhood project: TMS is tasked with keeping the local government and public informed, creating all press releases, advertisements, and agendas. TMS will actively work with Boynton Beach Pubic Affairs Officer (PAO) Wayne Segal and the Stanley Group to develop a process for media relations. TMS will work in conjunction with the Stanley group to create all collateral material, press releases, all marketing material, brochures, inserts and flyers. TMS will coordinate and hold of public meetings/workshops to inform impacted citizens and offer a chance to add their input. TMS will survey and analyze data from all affected groups.

Stanley Consultants, FDOT District 6: Multi Model Planning Enhancement Activities. TMS will inform residents, business owners and the motoring public about all planned improvement, develop press releases, conduct public meetings and create all necessary collateral materials.

Civic Involvement: Commitment to community is expressed in Merchant’s service on the boards of the South Florida Fair, Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Pine Jog and the Association for Retarded Citizens. She Chairs Grassy Waters Preserve, and is Regent of the Palm Beach DAR Chapter.

Recognitions: Florida Chamber of Commerce, 6 time winner of the Roll Call Award, given to the Top 40 Legislators, Nature Conservancy Legislator of the Year, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries Award for Dedication (1st ever given), Association of General Contractors of America for Outstanding Service

Education: Bachelor of Science, International Affairs, minors in Spanish and Business, The Florida State University.