EDC Goes to Bat for Sports Complex
The EDC board of directors recently voted to join many other Sarasota County organizations in supporting the development of a state-of-the-art sports complex.  The EDC believes the complex will help entice a long-term relationship with a major league baseball spring training operation in Sarasota County and will provide facilities for youth sports, various sporting events and other community events and activities.

2007 Legislative Priorities Approved
The EDC Board of Directors approved state legislative economic development priorities for 2007. The priorities will be shared with legislators during a March trip to Tallahassee.  View EDC legislative priorities [click here]

Financial Services Cluster Workgroup Created
In February, the EDC board of directors approved the formation of a Financial Services cluster workgroup.  The workgroup will develop initiatives to foster further development of this important business sector, which includes banks, insurance agencies, accounting firms and wealth managers.  The sector, whose businesses traditionally offer higher than average wages to employees, grew by more than 24 percent between 2002 and 2005, and is poised for future growth.

Natural Capitalism Opportunities Explored
In an effort to find business opportunities embedded in the many environmental initiatives underway in Sarasota County, a Natural Capitalism Strategic Planning Session was held on February 23. The event, held at Kimal Lumber’s Events Center, was facilitated by Michael Kinsley of the Rocky Mountain Institute and served as a follow-up to a related session held in 2006.   Local food production, waste trading and business energy-use and efficiency will be some of the initiatives discussed at the next Life and Environmental Sciences Cluster meeting.   To learn more, contact Diane Andrews. 

Author of the Small-Mart Revolution to Speak April 27th
We are pleased to announce that noted author Michael Shuman will be the keynote speaker at an April 27, 2007 luncheon event hosted by the EDC.  Mr. Shuman’s book addresses the fact that local businesses in the United States suffered setbacks during the era of globalization but still make up more than half the economy—and they are now on the verge of a huge comeback.

Please mark April 27 on your calendars now and watch for more information soon. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Ronnie Meurs.

Diane Andrews Receives FPRA Award
Diane Andrews, EDC Business Development Manager, received the 2006 Advancing the Profession Award from the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association on February 28. Diane's professionalism and dedication to both the EDC and FPRA were recognized.