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Sarasota, FL — December 15, 2025 — The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC) is proud to announce the launch of a brand-new website: www.innovatesarasotacounty.com. The site is a new online platform designed to spotlight Sarasota County’s flourishing technology ecosystem, connect innovators, and promote the region as a premier destination for tech growth and opportunity.

Building Sarasota’s Innovation Future

The website serves as a dynamic gateway to the region’s technology landscape — offering resources, community insights, and connections for startups, established companies, entrepreneurs, and tech talent. Key features include:

• A detailed ecosystem directory, highlighting Sarasota County’s innovative companies, resources, and partnerships.
• Information on access to capital, investment opportunities, and economic development growth resources.
• A tech jobs board, enabling users to discover and apply to local technology roles.
• Access to local news, stories, and success highlights, profiling local tech entrepreneurs and their impact on the community.
• A simple way to connect with the tech community, whether through networking, partnerships, or events.

 

Why Sarasota County?

Sarasota County is uniquely positioned to attract and nurture tech founders and talent. In the last 5 years, Sarasota County has seen a 137% increase in the number of Technology companies, bringing 650 new tech jobs to the region. The area offers compelling advantages, including:

• Favorable tax conditions, such as no state income tax and low corporate tax — making it an attractive location for innovation-driven companies.
• A growing talent pipeline, fueled by local universities and a supportive infrastructure for research and development.
• A high quality of life, including top-rated beaches, cultural amenities, and a lifestyle that blends creativity, nature, and business opportunity.

 

“In launching this website, our goal is to unite Sarasota County’s tech and innovation community under one digital roof,” said Joshua Ewen, CEcD, Vice President, Economic Development. “We want entrepreneurs, investors, and talent, both local and global, to see Sarasota County not just as a beautiful place to live, but as a place to build, innovate, and thrive.”

 

A Vision of Growth and Collaboration in Emerging Industries

As the region deepens its focus on innovation, this platform also serves as a strategic catalyst, Sarasota County’s reputation as a hub for science-driven innovation. Building on the world-class advancements underway at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, this initiative aligns with and amplifies regional momentum. Mote’s groundbreaking work, spanning marine biomedical research, ocean technology development, coral reef restoration, and coastal resilience, generates scientific breakthroughs with powerful commercial potential.

Recognizing the scale of opportunity, the EDC and Mote have foraged a partnership to convert research into real-world impact. Together, Mote’s technology transfer team and the EDC can identify, attract, and support companies capable of licensing and commercializing Mote’s innovations. This collaboration aims to accelerate the development of marine technologies, strengthen high-skill job creation, and build a resilient, future-focused economic engine for Sarasota County.

 

Join the Movement

The EDC invites technology professionals, startups, investors, and civic partners to explore the site, share their stories, and engage with the EDC team.

To learn more, visit www.innovatesarasotacounty.com or contact the EDC directly at info@edcsarasotacounty.com

 

About the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC) is dedicated to growing, diversifying, and sustaining the county’s economy. Guided by its vision to serve as a catalyst for a vibrant, globally competitive economy, the EDC brings together business and community partners to attract investment, support job creation, and strengthen Sarasota County’s long-term economic resilience.

 

Contact:

Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County

Phone: (941)309-1200

Email: info@edcsarasotacounty.com

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC) and Visit Sarasota County (VSC) were honored on May 15, 2025 at the annual meeting of the Florida Economic Development Council, showcasing the region’s resilience and innovative approach to economic development amidst challenging circumstances. 

Last Fall, in the wake of storms Debby, Helene, and Milton, VSC partnered with the EDC among several community stakeholders to create the Support the 941 Campaign. The goal of the campaign was to encourage local businesses to share how they were ready to welcome residents and visitors again and generate economic activity for and by locals, thereby demonstrating the region’s vitality ahead of peak tourism season.  

The organizations were the recipients of two prestigious awards recognizing their exceptional contributions to the community: 

1. The “Pivot and Persist” Award: This accolade pays tribute to EDOs that have demonstrated unwavering commitment and creativity in the face of adverse economic impacts. The recognition of the Support the 941 Campaign, which played a pivotal role in nurturing community healing following last year’s storms, highlighted the organizations’ ability to quickly pivot and their dedication to driving local economic recovery.
   
2. Best in Show: The Melissa Medley Creativity Award: This honor celebrates marketing activities or campaigns that exhibit unpredictability, effectiveness, and significance. The campaign was commended for it’s imaginative and impactful efforts in effectively promoting the region with passion and creativity.

“We are tremendously proud to receive these prestigious awards from the Florida Economic Development Council,” remarked Erin Silk, President and CEO, of the Economic Development Corporation. “This recognition underscores the unwavering commitment to our EDC and VSC teams have to working together for the betterment of the Sarasota County community.” 

“Both VSC and the EDC recognize that tourism is the front porch of economic development, that our efforts mutually strengthen quality of life across our region,” said Erin Duggan, President and CEO of Visit Sarasota County. “Receiving these accolades is an honor and reinforces the considerable thought that went into the Support the 941 campaign – with the goal of balancing the needs of our local businesses with those of our entire County, including – critically – our residents, to ultimately bring about a stronger community.”  

The recovery of the hospitality industry is vital to strengthening the quality of life in Sarasota County. In 2023, the economic impact of tourism totaled $4.2 billion thanks to more than 3 million visitors. Those visitors helped sustain 35,000 jobs, resulting in $978 million more in employee wages. 

The accolades serve as a testament to the organizations’ steadfast dedication to driving economic growth, supporting small businesses, and fostering community well-being. Both the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County and Visit Sarasota County remain committed to continuing their impactful work and contributing to the region’s sustainable economic development. 

For more information on #SupportThe941, visit https://www.visitsarasota.com/support-941    

About the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County 

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County is a public-private partnership comprised of dedicated business and government leaders working together to grow a more diverse and resilient Sarasota County economy. The EDC is the designated economic development partner for Sarasota County, the Cities of North Port, Venice, and Sarasota and the Town of Longboat Key. 

About Visit Sarasota County 

Visit Sarasota County (VSC) is the official tourism marketing entity and primary provider of visitor information for Sarasota County where tourism is the top industry. Through programs and partnerships, VSC makes Sarasota County a better place by promoting our community on the world stage. These efforts bring together over 500 partners to keep visitors coming, local

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Invitation for Quotes: EDC Seeks Accounting Services
Download the PDF Version of this IFQ Here
May 12, 2025

Re: Invitation for Quotes

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC) is accepting an Invitation for Quotes (IFQ) for outsourced accounting and financial services for our organization. A description of our organization, the services needed, and other important information as follows.

Economic Development Corporation Sarasota County

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County is a successful 501(c)(6) public-private partnership founded in 2004. We are comprised of community leaders and government officials. We are the designated economic development agent for Sarasota County including the cities of North Port, Venice, and Sarasota, and the Town of Longboat Key. We support diverse business relocations and expansions that complement our community. Our work facilitates new job creation, grows the economy and the tax base, and reduces vulnerability to external shocks that can undermine our community’s long-term health. We are dedicated to collaborating with our stakeholders to identify and successfully grow the diverse business community in Sarasota County.  The EDC’s fiscal year ends on September 30th, with target completion dates for audited financial statements of December 15 and tax filings (Form 990s) of April 15.

Scope of Services

Please include the following services in your proposal to provide services:

1. Month-end general ledger closing procedures in QuickBooks, which may include the following:
   • Prepare any deferred revenue journal entries
   • Post final accounts payable entries, if necessary
   • Post final employee expense / payroll entries
   • Complete depreciation journal entries
   • Prepare and post recurring monthly journal entries
   • Begin preparing non-standard journal entries (review of GL accounts)
   • Complete bank reconciliations and post final cash
2. Monthly Finance Committee financial reports on or about the 15^th of each month
3. Engage EDC Finance Committee to develop short-, medium- and long-term financial plans and projections; Attend Finance and Audit Committees (8 total per year) and provide financial updates
4. Work directly with EDC President & CEO and the Financial Operations Manager to advise on best practicing and process improvements for internal bookkeeping and financial processes.
5. Assess organizational performance against both the annual budget and the EDC’s long-term strategy
6. Ensure timeliness, accuracy, and usefulness of financial and management reporting for CEO and board of directors / finance committee
7. Maintain and regularly update year-end and multi-year financial projections
8. Monitor accounts, which may include the following:
   • Cash
   • Accounts Receivable
   • Investments (CDs)
   • Accounts payable
   • Fixed assets and leases
   • Project balances (restricted projects)
   • Payroll reports and inquire of any unusual items
9. Prepare Form 1099s
10. Assist with yearly budget preparation for submission to the Board of Directors and County.
11. Manage preparation and support of all external audits
12. IRS Form 990 preparation (optional: if this service is provided)
13. Economic Development Foundation (a separate 501(c)(3) organization) IRS Form 990 preparation (optional: if this service is provided)
14. Remain compliant with the Florida Sunshine and Public Records Laws

Specific Information Requested in Response

In response to this request, we request the following:

1. Describe any challenges you see meeting the requested scope and technology/ software that will be utilized.
2. Summarize your firm’s experience in providing outsourced accounting and financial services to other nonprofit organizations or foundations. Include a list of the relevant clients the firm has served within the past three years and identify at least two references.
3. Provide, for reference purposes, the names and contact information for at least two other, similarly sized clients of the partner and manager who will be assigned to our organization.
4. Identify the account executive (e.g., partner), manager, and any others who will be assigned to our engagement and provide biographies.
5. Provide a fee structure based on a three-year contract with any monetary guarantees that can be given regarding increases per year.
6. Describe why our selection of your firm is the best decision we could make and provide additional information that would be beneficial to the selection process, including any conflicts of interest in working with EDC and mitigants to those conflicts.
7. Please include a timeline for service implementation once the service contract is agreed upon.

Evaluation

While cost is an important factor, the EDC will evaluate proposals on cost and the following criteria:

• Prior experience with similar organizations
• Qualifications of staff to be assigned to the engagement
• Firm’s understanding of work to be performed
• References
• Completeness and timeliness of the response to this invitation to quote

Our evaluation may include review of additional materials, as needed, and interviews with senior engagement personnel to be assigned to our organization. Firms identified as top candidates may be asked to present to our Finance Committee, as this committee will be responsible for the final selection. Services would be effective for the month of June 2025.

Budget for Accounting and Financial Services

Please include in your response the three (3) year annual costs, including expenses, of the accounting and financial outsourcing services. Also provide budgeted hours and individual billing rates for personnel assigned to the contract used in determining the annual cost. Indicate the billing practices and rates for any additional services that may be required and/or requested beyond the scope of services set forth herein.

Responses to this IFQs should be sent to:

Erin Silk, President & CEO

Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County
301 N. Cattlemen Rd., Suite 203
Sarasota, Florida 34232

OR

esilk@edcsarasotacounty.com

Please submit your response for consideration by May 31, 2025.
For additional information, please contact Erin Silk. She will provide copies of our most recent audit and monthly internal financial statements, upon request.

D-Trans LLC is a full-service trucking and logistics company dedicated to the service-sensitive sector and high-value shippers needing advanced security. D-Trans LLC has 15 years of experience in providing qualified truckload, less-than-truckload, and logistics services throughout the United States and Canada. Their corporate headquarters is located in Venice, FL.

Link to original post: SRQMagazine.com
Written by: Erin Silk, CEcD, President & CEO
Published on September 28, 2024

 

Full Circle: The Story of the Collaboration Between D-Trans LLC and the EDC of Sarasota County

 

Located in a bustling corporate park off Jacaranda Boulevard in Venice, D-Trans LLC’s new corporate headquarters is not only open for business, but it is also a beautiful building. When entering the pristine office, a person’s eyes are drawn to the natural beauty that can be seen outside every window. The corporate office and bonded warehouse facility were thoughtfully designed to service their nationwide freight operations while embracing the beauty of Florida’s natural fauna. As a full-service trucking and logistics company, D-Trans is dedicated to the service-sensitive sector and high-value shippers, providing advanced security and reliability. Their new facility adds 25,000 sq. ft. to the company’s footprint in Sarasota County. The journey to this successful point was challenging, but D-Trans never wavered.

D-Trans was co-founded in September 2005 by Vladimir (Vlad) and Tanya Durshpek in Portland, Oregon, only five months after they were married. It consisted of one truck. Vlad had always aspired to work in the trucking and logistics industries. Tanya played a vital role in the establishment of D-Trans. She did everything, from working on operational policies to overseeing the company’s finances and working together with her husband to ensure the company’s success.

In 2008, the Durshpeks moved their business to Sarasota County. Over the next decade, the staff grew to 40 employees, serving most of the United States. It was in 2020 that Vlad first contacted the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC). Shortly after, the teams started working together. The EDC assisted Vlad and Tanya as they embarked on a growth plan to double their staff and capabilities. The EDC became part of their project team, helping to navigate the permitting processes, utility hookups, and much more.

D-Trans will expand its capabilities in its new corporate headquarters, adding 50 new team members over the next three years. “People are vital to building a company and culture,” says Vlad.

As D-Trans continues to prosper, the EDC will remain a key partner. Vlad and his team are now eager to give back to the community that has supported them by helping other local entrepreneurs and contributing to the economic development of Sarasota County. This commitment to supporting our community is a testament to why small businesses like D-Trans are vital to a vibrant Sarasota County.

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County is a team of engaged public and private leaders committed to being the catalyst for a sustainable, globally competitive, vibrant economy. Their mission is to grow and diversify the economy of Sarasota County while enhancing its unique natural and cultural environment. To learn more about the EDC of Sarasota County, visit www.edcsarasotacounty.com.

 

Ringling College student Jenna Watts ’25 (middle), Virtual Reality Development, attended the AWE Conference in California alongside (from left-right) Robin Moulder, CEO of 3lb Games and recipient of 2024 AWE Auggie Award Best Indie Creator; Ginna Lambert, LighthouseXR; Karen Alexander, co-founder and executive director of XRWomen; and Christine Hill Hobbi, chief immersion officer, ServiceAlliance International.

For over 85 years, Ringling College of Art and Design has cultivated the creative spirit in students from around the globe. The private, not-for-profit fully accredited college offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 11 disciplines and the Bachelor of Arts in two. The College’s rigorous curriculum employs the studio model of teaching and immediately engages students through a comprehensive, first-year program that is both specific to the major of study and focused on the liberal arts. The Ringling College teaching model ultimately shapes students into highly employable and globally aware artists and designers.

Link to official blog post: ringling.edu
Written by: Ringling College communications
Published on July 2, 2024

 

Ringling College forms first-ever XR Women student chapter 

 

Ringling College of Art and Design has formally established the first-ever student chapter of XR Women, a global community promoting women’s participation in XR (Extended Reality) technologies. The historic partnership was announced June 19 during the 4th Annual XR Women Awards at the Augmented World Expo (AWE) in Longbeach, California.

Ana Carolina Pereira, a member of the Ringling Virtual Reality Development and Game Art departments, will serve as the student chapter’s faculty representative.

Ringling’s VR students have been taking part in XR Women events over the past year-including the AWE, where Ringling student Jenna Watts ’25, Virtual Reality Development, was onsite for the announcement. XR Women also hosts weekly online meetups inside virtual settings, where members around the world can share their work and experiences.

Now, Ringling College students will be able to participate in activities designed specifically to engage and support the next generation of women leaders in XR technology. After each chapter event, students will have the opportunity to give the organization feedback on their experiences.

The academic year will culminate in a presentation by the Ringling chapter detailing their takeaways, to be showcased on the XR Women social media accounts and virtual platforms. That year-end report will also allow both institutions to assess how well the partnership is meeting their goals.

“We’re thrilled to establish the first-ever student chapter of XR Women at Ringling College, aligning our VR program with such an influential group of industry leaders,” said Martin Murphy, Joel and Gail Morganroth Endowed Head for Virtual Reality. “By identifying this opportunity and securing the partnership, our goal is to inspire and empower our students through unparalleled access to resources, networking and mentorship, driving the future of XR technology and reinforcing Ringling’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.”

The XR Women student chapter at Ringling College was made possible in part by a generous gift from Drs. Joel and Gail Morganroth. Their financial contribution was the first-ever eight-figure gift donated to support the College’s Virtual Reality program.

Contact:
Office of Marketing and Communications
communications@ringling.edu
941-309-4008