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 Message from the President
Fall is always a busy time of year for the EDC. It marks the end of one fiscal year and the beginning of another, so much time is spent on the preparation and approval of budgets, changes to the business plan, election of new directors and officers and planning for our big annual event – the Hall of Fame Awards luncheon. This year we changed the name of the event to better reflect the pinnacle of achievement reached by the companies we will honor.
During this time of year, we also make presentations to many of our community partners, providing them with an update on the activities of the EDC and the progress our community is making towards its economic development goals. If your organization would be interested in such a presentation, please be sure to let us know.
Relocations and Expansions
Since the beginning of the year, the EDC staff has worked with 11 expansions and five relocations for a total of 505 new value added jobs in our community. These 16 companies have invested over $86 million in our community and have absorbed over 393,000 square feet of space.
Industry Tour scheduled for Sept. 22
The EDC’s 2006 Industry Tour will be held on Friday morning, Sept. 22. This year we will visit Sunset Mold & Prototype, Tervis Tumbler and Octex Corporation. Join the tour and find out what these three companies have in common!
This annual event is always popular and fills up quickly. Although this is an invitation-only event, we welcome anyone receiving this report to join us. Please RSVP to tshumway@edcsarasotacounty.com.
The 2006 Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon
The 2006 Hall of Fame Awards luncheon will be held on Monday, Sept. 25 at the Ritz Carlton. Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to say thanks to our businesses that contribute so much to our local economy. For more information and to make reservations contact Ronnie Meurs at (941) 309-1200 ext. 203 or rmeurs@edcsarasotacounty.com.
New EDC Board Officers Elected
At their August Board meeting, the EDC Board of Directors elected new officers for the next fiscal year beginning October 1.
The new officers will be:
Chairman – Hugh Middlebrooks
Past Chairman – John Swart
Vice Chairman – Sarah Pappas
Secretary – Anne Merrill
Treasurer – Allan Barberio
President – Kathy Baylis
New Companies Join EDC
Our organization is 307 investors strong. The following new investors have made their commitment to the future of Sarasota County known by joining the EDC in July and August:
Coastal Printing, Inc. -Corporate Sponsor
Doctors Hospital of Sarasota-Corporate Sponsor
Laser Rite Business Systems-Supporter
Custom Air, Inc.-Supporter
Florida Commercial Properties-Supporter
Maria Lyle Photography -Supporter
Freedom Bank-Supporter
Clarke Advertising and Public Relations - Supporter
Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County
2601 Cattlemen Road Suite 201-Sarasota, FL 34232
Phone: (941) 309-1200 Fax: (941) 309-1209
www.edcsarasotacounty.com |
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Upcoming Events
September 14 – LEAN Workshop
learn what it means to LEAN your organization – this is not just for manufacturers! Contact: tshumway@edcsarasotacounty.com
October 3 – Workforce Housing Coalition Forum
“Moving our Workforce” Contact: bwilliams@sarasotachamber.org
October 20 – Entrepreneur Workshop II
Learn about resources available for entrepreneurs. Contact: rmeurs@edcsarasotacounty.com
November 8 – Suncoast
Industry Expo
A B2B event for manufacturers. Contact: rmeurs@edcsarasotacounty.com
Cluster Work Groups
Sept 8 – Business Climate
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Gulf Coast Community
Foundation of Venice
Sept. 19 – Creative Services
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Fruitville Library
Sept. 28 – Specialty Manufacturing
4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Aladdin Equipment
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Solutions