Join us for a truly special evening dedicated to celebrating the vibrant spirit of innovation and remarkable growth flourishing within Northeast Florida! The GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Finalist Recognition Event is an exclusive gathering, which offers a unique and invaluable opportunity to personally honor the outstanding achievements of our local finalists. These exceptional companies are not only demonstrating impressive business acumen but are also actively driving economic prosperity, fostering innovation, and creating vital job opportunities across the entire state of Florida. We invite you to come and network with an esteemed group of fellow business leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, and influential community members as we collectively shine a well-deserved spotlight on these dynamic companies, each poised for even greater success and continued impact.
Join us for a dynamic evening featuring insightful speakers, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and networking opportunities.
Featured Speakers:
Pauline Sevigny
President of GRACE Aerospace2023 GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Honoree
Pauline Sevigny joined GRACE Aerospace in 2017 to assist her father with the growth of the family aerospace manufacturing business and she is now the President of GRACE Aerospace. Pauline graduated with an Accounting degree from Bentley University and obtained her MBA from UMASS Boston. Prior to joining GRACE Aerospace, Pauline spent 20+ years in financial services, primarily supporting medium to large organizations improve upon operational effectiveness and efficiency. Pauline brought her prior knowledge of large institutions to the small business arena to improve GRACE Aerospace operations. Â
Pauline and GRACE Aerospace actively collaborate with the Jacksonville Women’s Business Center, the First Coast Manufacturer’s Association (FCMA), Florida Makes, CareerSource Northeast Florida, and GROW FL, to grow and improve the local manufacturing landscape, including upskilling the local workforce. GRACE Aerospace is proud to have been the recipient of the 2023 GROW FL Florida Companies to Watch award and was pleased to recently nominate another firm for the award in 2025.
Viv Helwig
President of Vested Metals2020 GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Honoree
Viv Helwig is a Jamaican-born entrepreneur and community leader who grew up in Palm Bay, Florida. A graduate of Flagler College (2008), Viv began his career in college admissions before transitioning into the steel industry with Carpenter Technology. In 2014, he founded Vested Metals International, a specialty metals and steel distribution company serving global markets across industries such as medical, defense, aerospace, and energy.Â
Viv is deeply committed to civic and charitable work. He founded The Vested Community Foundation in 2023, which has raised and donated over $200,000 through their annual golf tournament, The Southeast Coil Classic. He and his team support various community initiatives. He serves on numerous boards and advisory groups, including the St. Johns County Industrial Development Authority (IDA), where he led emergency pandemic relief efforts and oversaw over $500 million in industrial bonds. He’s also a founding member of the Aerospace and Defense Association of Florida, and was appointed to the Central-North Florida District Export Council by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.Â
About GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch
The GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch award program, now in its 15th year, is a distinguished statewide program celebrating high-performing, second-stage companies that significantly contribute to Florida’s economy. These businesses, typically having 6-150 employees and $750,000-$100 million in annual revenue, are recognized for their exceptional growth in employment and sales, innovative strategies, strong leadership, and community involvement. The rigorous selection process culminates in honorees receiving prestigious recognition, unparalleled networking opportunities, and valuable leadership development, solidifying their vital role in the state’s economic landscape.
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