“This economic plan is the community's plan, recognizing both our assets and our limitations while simply and elegantly pointing a way forward to create the economy that we all envision. I hear many comments that this is the best plan we've ever had and see evidence that the community is engaged, united and ready to get to work!” --Anne Merrill Principal, ADMS, Inc and Chair of EDC Partners Council
--Dr. Larry R. Thompson President Ringling College of Art and Design
“Our Chamber is pleased to be a partner in this countywide effort to help diversify our economy. Capitalizing on our strengths and utilizing our demographics is key to long term sustainability for our community.” --John Ryan President/CEO Venice Area Chamber of Commerce
“This strategy represents a new approach to economic development that is asset-based, focusing on creating economic growth from our existing businesses and the creative community of Sarasota County. We have enjoyed cooperation in the past and joined in community projects, but we are committed to a new era of true collaboration to make this ambitious plan a reality.” --Virginia Haley, President, Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau
“I was truly delighted to see the involvement of so many talented individuals from the community who had input into this new plan. Community members were certainly engaged and will serve the EDC well as they play critical roles in implementing this forward-thinking plan.” -- Dr. Arthur M. Guilford Vice President and Campus Executive Officer, University of South Florida, Sarasota – Manatee
“Sarasota is blessed with many great qualities, and we are most fortunate at this time to have presented to us our "Community-wide" Five year Economic Development Strategic Plan. This is the culmination of many months and hundreds of hours of research, community engagement and collaboration, and it is a true recognition of the outstanding assets we have , resulting in a Plan which, when embraced by the Community, will make Sarasota stronger, more vibrant, and that "Place" where people want to be. Pat Scruggs of Scruggs and Associates, and her outstanding team, have truly recognized Asset Based Economic Development, and the Plan presented gives us the opportunity to truly leverage those assets and make this a vibrant and thriving community.” --Joe Barbetta Commissioner, District 2 Sarasota Board of County Commissioners
“The Sarasota County Five-Year Economic Development Strategic Plan focuses clearly and correctly on the goals, objectives and platforms that will guide Sarasota County through the next five years of its development growth and business diversification. The Plan positions the County to take full advantage of the changes that are beginning to impact our knowledge-based 21st Century economy.” --Allan Lane, Economic Development Manger, City of North Port
