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:
- 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.
- 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
