 | President's Report |
Kathy Baylis
| Message From The President An excellent panel of local CEOs gave their perspectives on issues relating to global competitiveness, workforce development and entrepreneurship. Panelists were Gwen MacKenzie, Sarasota Memorial Health Care; Allen Carlson, Sun Hydraulics Corp.; and Art Lambert, LexJet Corp. Look for the official announcement about our new Director of the Film & Entertainment Office next week. The new director will be on board February 20. This will be a wonderful opportunity for our community and for the many businesses and people in the area that work in the film industry. |
Project Activity Increases
During the past several months, the EDC business development staff began working with some very exciting projects. One is a regional headquarters for a financial services firm that will create 150 new jobs and invest $60 million in our community. Another project is a corporate headquarters relocation that will create 100 new jobs. Our community is clearly becoming a viable choice for these types of projects. We will keep you posted as these projects progress.
Business Climate Survey Results Posted
In January, the EDC completed its bi-annual survey of local businesses. The top four business climate issues identified by the survey are: cost of health insurance, cost of commercial property insurance, quality of roads and cost of living. In comparison, the top three issues in 2005 were affordable housing, worker availability and the overall cost of living.
Nearly 40 members of the Business Climate Workgroup met Tuesday to review the results of the survey and identify initiatives aimed address the highest priority issues. Results of the survey will be published next week at www.edcsarasotacounty.com.
New EDC Board Members Announced
Crissy Joins EDC Team as Senior Project Manager
The EDC is pleased to welcome Patrick Crissy to our staff. Patrick joins us as Senior Project Manager and will be spending much of his time working with companies expanding in, and relocating to, our area.
Prior to joining the EDC, Patrick owned a business consulting firm and worked as a general manager for a national retail chain.
Small-Mart Revolution Author to Address EDC Investors in April
The EDC is pleased to announce that noted author Michael Shuman will be the keynote speaker at an April 27, 2007 luncheon sponsored 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.
EDC Explores New Financial Services Cluster
A group of 30 representatives from local financial services businesses, including banks, CPA firms and insurance companies, met recently at Kerkering Barberio & Co. to discuss forming a Financial Services Cluster. Clusters are groups of like businesses, their suppliers and educators that serve their business sector. They work together to identify and address key issues facing their respective industry.
The consensus from attendees was that Sarasota County would benefit from a Financial Services Cluster. Creation of the Cluster is pending approval from the EDC Board of Directors. Beth Ebersole from Kerkering Barberio & Co.,CPA’s and Rich Powers from Fifth Third Bank have agreed to be the Co-Chairs of the Cluster Workgroup should it form. Look for more information on our website soon.
EDC Welcomes New Members
The EDC welcomes the following new investors:
Publix Supermarkets - Corporate Director
Redmoon Solutions - Supporter
Suffolk Construction - Supporter
Upcoming Events
For a complete listing of activities, please visit the EDC calendar of events
February 5 Investor Update Breakfast, 7:45 a.m., Boca Royale Golf & Country Club,
Englewood [register]
February 23 Life and Environmental Sciences Cluster Workgroup Strategic Planning
Session, 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m., Kimal Lumber. For more information,
contact Diane Andrews
March 5 Investor Update Breakfast, 7:45 a.m., Asolo Repertory Theatre, Sarasota
April 27 The Small-Mart Revolution Author Event, 11:30 a.m., Michael’s On East,
Sarasota
