News from EDC Partners & Investors
Do you have company news you would like the EDC to consider publishing? If so, contact Emily Sperling, Community Relations Manager, (941) 309-1200 ext. 206.
We want to share your recent awards, accomplishments and other important company news!
In this Issue:
-Engaging the Aging Workshop
-Sign-Up for Suncoast Workforce Board Newsletter
-Get Empowered: Energy Policy Discussion to be Held
-Sarasota County Forum on Youth
-Abel Band, Chartered Establishes Volunteer Program
"Engaging the Aging"
Nonprofit Resource Center, SCOPE to Hold Free Forum Feb. 20
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Nonprofit Resource Center and SCOPE are hosting a free interactive forum exploring how to recruit, retain and engage mature professionals in the workforce. The opening presentation, "Prepare for Tomorrow, Today" will feature Larry Baxter, bureau chief, State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs. The panel discussion, "Engaging the Aging," will be moderated by Mary Alice Jackson, Esq., Chair, Sarasota: A Community for All Generations, and include Scott Melton, associate state director for community outreach, AARP Florida; Alison Thurau, system director of human resources, Lee Memorial Health System; Laura Harto, SPHR, consultant, Think Bigger Consulting Group; Gary Vien, SPHR, vice president, Human Resources, Busch Gardens Tampa and Adventure Island; and Vicki Vega, vice president for Small Business Development and Innovation, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. [info and registration]
Sign-Up to Receive Suncoast Workforce Board's E-Newsletter
The Suncoast Workforce Board encourages EDC Investors to sign-up for their e-newsletter "Developments." Developments focuses on topics related to our local economy, workforce, and announcements important to our community. To subscribe, simply send an email to SWB_Newsletter-subscribe@SWDB.org.
County, New College to Host Energy Policy Discussion Feb. 22 
Sarasota County and New College of Florida invite you to join a provocative conversation about energy policy, community design and land use. Influential local, state and federal energy representatives, along with businesses and citizens, will examine the roles of business, government and community in developing a state-wide cohesive strategy for energy conservation and renewable energy development.
The symposium will be held Feb. 22, 8:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m. at the Sudakoff Center, New College of Florida in Sarasota.
The keynote speaker will be Amory Lovins, chairman, chief scientist and co-founder of Rocky Mountain Institute, appearing via live, interactive teleconference. Stephanos Polyzoides, co-founder of the Congress for New Urbanism will be a special guest. Also scheduled to appear: State Sen. Mike Bennett, Dept. of Environmental Protection Sec. Michael Sole, Congressman Vern Buchanan and State Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, among others. For more information, or to learn how you may sponsor this event, contact: Debby Zeilman at 941-861-5000. [info & registration]
Sarasota County Forum on Youth Schedule for March 14
The 2008 Sarasota County Forum on Youth will be held March 14, 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. at the Venetian Golf & River Club, Venice. Join other community residents in an open discussion about engaging and developing our community’s greatest resource – youth – to be active partners in sustaining and improving our quality of life. As a forum participant, you will be joining organizations and community leaders in capturing ideas about encouraging youth leadership skills, workforce readiness, volunteerism, entrepreneurship and the traits to become active, responsible citizens.
For more information on the community forum, please contact Karen Bogues at (941) 922-5126 or Tim Dutton at (941) 365-8751. RSVP Requested by March 5.
Abel Band, Chartered Establishes Employee Volunteer Program
In honor and memory of former paralegal, Judith K. Green, Abel Band, Chartered has announced the establishment of The Judith K. Green Abel Band Employee Volunteer Program. Ms. Green, who passed away in December 2007 while employed with the Firm, was a devoted employee and corporate citizen. To sustain a lasting memory beyond a one-time donation, Abel Band is providing its employees one paid work day of volunteer time per year, resulting in over 700 volunteer hours to the community.
“In the event of an untimely loss of an employee it is often difficult to express a company’s appreciation of the employee’s commitment and responsibility to the employee’s family, friends, and co-workers. We sincerely hope that The Judith K. Green Abel Band Employee Volunteer Program memorializes the positive impact Ms. Green made on our Firm and within her community of family and friends”, said Jan Walters Pitchford, Managing Shareholder of Abel Band. www.abelband.com
