Sarasota County Economic Development Strategic Plan
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County is coordinating the five-year economic development strategic plan update for the community of Sarasota County. For more information, please contact Kathy Baylis, President & CEO.
Five-year Economic Development Strategic Plan for Sarasota County 
"The EDC exists to create a sustainable economy and an improved quality of life in Sarasota County. The Community-wide Five-year Economic Development Strategic Plan will help us achieve this mission. The plan has incorporated input from all segments of our county and provides a forward-looking approach and framework for all of us to work together to be part of the solution.” --Margaret Callihan, Chief Executive Officer, President SunTrust Banks of Southwest Florida. Immediate Past Chair of the EDC
See what other community leaders say about the plan
Top five strengths of Sarasota County as identified in the plan:
1. Active entrepreneurial environment as noted by the percent of self-employed individuals and above average rate of new business formation.
2. An array of higher education institutions with a good track record of working with the business community.
3. Proximity to a number of R&D centers and institutions that could be tapped for expanded economic opportunities.
4. Institutions like Mote Marine Laboratory and Ringling College of Art and Design with national and international recognition.
5. Multiple foundations and community organizations that are actively involved in the county’s well-being.
Plan Documents and Presentations
Trends in Platform Areas (Oct. 2009) Aging Design Sustainable Systems
Five-year Economic Development Strategic Plan for Sarasota County, released May 12, 2009
[Appendices] [executive summary]
Forum Presentation Presentation given to EDC stakeholders at the economic development strategic plan forum. Prepared by Scruggs & Associates LLC , IronWolf Community Resources and RTI International, March 2009.
Phase II Summary Prepared by Scruggs & Associates LLC, IronWolf Community Resources and RTI International, February 2009.
Presentation for Board of Directors Retreat Prepared and Presented by Scruggs & Associates LLC and IronWolf Community Resources, February 2009.
Phase 1 Summary Presentation Prepared by Scruggs & Associates LLC, IronWolf Community Resources, and RTI International, January 2009.
Phase 1 Report Summary -Prepared by Scruggs & Associates LLC, IronWolf Community Resources, and RTI International, December 2008.
Phase 1 Full Report - Includes Sarasota County Economic Profile. Prepared by Scruggs & Associates LLC, IronWolf Community Resources, and RTI International, November 2008.
Previous Reports
Sarasota County Economic Development Strategic Plan – prepared by The Economic Competitiveness Group, Scruggs & Associates, Inc., and John Tylee Consulting in January 2004, this is the five year economic development strategic plan for Sarasota County
