Silk Will Lead Work to Diversify Local Economy
The Sarasota County Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the only organization actively working to diversify and grow Sarasota County’s economy, has announced the appointment of Erin Silk to the position of Vice President of Business Development Services. She was promoted to the position after serving as the EDC’s Director of Business Development Services for more than two years.
In her new position Silk will be responsible for leading the EDC’s efforts to attract businesses in diverse sectors that may be interested in establishing in Sarasota County. She will serve as the primary facilitator for the multiple resources and services that businesses need to establish in the area, including site selection, labor, capital, relocation assistance, and more. Silk and her team will also assist local businesses who wish to expand or relocate and need similar guidance or resources.
“Erin has a countywide reputation for creating positive change and transforming organizations through innovative thinking and deep community engagement,” said Lisa Krouse, Interim CEO of the EDC. “This is a critical time during which our local economy is once again at risk because of its homogeneity and another surge of the pandemic. However, we also have an amazing opportunity for smart growth, and our community is fortunate to have someone with Erin’s knowledge and ability focusing intently on our economic health.”
Silk is in the process of becoming a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the national Economic Development Council. The certification process is a rigorous program that has produced just 1,200 CEcDs worldwide.
Before joining the EDC she was CEO of Venice Mainstreet, a nonprofit, accredited Mainstreet organization that focuses on promoting and encouraging economic vitality and historic character in downtown Venice, FL. Silk holds a degree in business management from Towson University.
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About the Sarasota County Economic Development Corporation
The Sarasota County EDC is Sarasota County’s economic guardian and the sole entity focused on growing and diversifying the local business community. In existence since 2004, the public-private organization works to help companies expand and establish here to create new, well-paying jobs; contribute to the local tax base; and reduce vulnerability to external shocks that can undermine our community’s long-term economic health.