 |
Message |
 Kathy Baylis, President |
October 1 marks the beginning of our new fiscal year and a changing of the guard at the helm of the EDC. John Swart, president of Lakewood Ranch Commercial Realty did an outstanding job as the chairman of the EDC this year. We thank him for his leadership and wisdom. We welcome Hugh Middlebrooks of Williams, Parker, Harrison, Dietz & Getzen, as the new chairman of the EDC and we look forward to working with him during the coming year. Under Hugh’s leadership the EDC will continue to focus on our mission of creating a more diverse and sustainable economy for future generations.
|
Relocations and Expansions
Project activity continues to be strong. Since the beginning of 2006, the EDC staff has worked with 13 expansions and five relocations for a total of 511 new, value added jobs in our community. These 18 companies have invested over $86 million in our community and have absorbed over 393,000 square feet of space.
EDC Announces New Vice President
Joan McGill will assume the post of vice president of business development at the EDC in November. McGill, currently campus executive officer of the Manatee Community College Venice campus, previously served with the EDC as existing business manager. [more]
Outstanding Businesses Recognized at Hall of Fame
The EDC Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon was held on September 25th at the Ritz Carlton. Nearly 500 business community members attended the event that recognized seven Sarasota County businesses for excellence. [more]
Congratulations to our Hall of Fame Award Winners:
|
Company of the Year |
|
|
|
EDC Welcomes New Board Members
The following individuals have recently joined the EDC Board: Margaret Callihan, SunTrust Bank; Pam Truitt, Truitt Consulting; Bill Herman, Sarasota County Arts Council; and Lindy Smith, Aladdin Equipment Company. [more]
New Investors
The EDC gained two new investors in September. We welcome:
Sarasota Coastal Credit Union -Chairman’s Advisor
Investment Financial Services, Inc. - Supporter
Upcoming Events and Activities
October 3 Workforce Housing Coalition Forum: “Moving our Workforce”
Contact: bwilliams@sarasotachamber.org
October 9-11 Sarasota International Design Summit
October 12 Life and Environmental Sciences Cluster Group Meeting
8:30 -10:00 a.m. Community Foundation of Sarasota County
November 8 Suncoast Industry Expo – a B2B event for manufacturers
Contact: rmeurs@edcsarasotacounty.com
November 15 Creative Services Cluster Group
3:00-5:00 p.m. Location TBD
December 7 Business Climate Work Group
8:30 -10:00 a.m. Location TBD
