Volume 3 Nov. 30 - December 4 Issue 43

Economic Outlook 2010: Save-the-Date January 22
Sponsorships available. Contact Tammy Lindemuth to learn more.

Economic Gardening Program Launches in Sarasota County; Growth of Second Stage Companies the Target

Allen Carlson, CEO at Sun Hydraulics, will headline a CEO Nexus Forum on Dec. 1, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the State College of Florida Lakewood Ranch campus to kick off Sarasota County’s Economic Gardening program, which will offer services to stimulate growth in “second-stage” companies that qualify.

The EDC and Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce are hosting the forum, which will bring together leaders of established second-stage businesses in a confidential setting to meet and learn from CEO peers who have grown their companies into a more advanced stage of business development.

At the Dec. 1 event, attendees will hear from keynote speaker Allen Carlson with Sun Hydraulics on his Stage 3 success, as well as Mark Lange with Edward Lowe Foundation and Steve Quello with CEO Nexus. The Edward Lowe Foundation is one of America’s top institutions researching and supporting small business growth and success. Quello is a national guru of Economic Gardening, which he says is “about applying just-in-time, high-end expertise to growth firms.”

To qualify as second stage, a company must have between 10 and 50 employees, generate annual sales of $1 million to $25 million, and have increased sales and employment during three of the last five years. Studies show that second-stage CEOs face common business challenges regardless of industry, and that fewer resources are available to many established companies than when those businesses were in their start-up stage. The Economic Gardening program will provide second-stage CEOs the resources they need to continue growing.

If you believe your company is second stage and would like to attend the CEO Nexus Forum free of charge, contact Brittany Brocious at bbrocious@sarasotachamber.com.

Executive Assistants Breakfast Dec. 11
The EDC is holding a breakfast for our stakeholders' executive assistants on Dec. 11, 7:45 a.m. at the Hyatt. Consider sending your assistant to learn more about the work of the EDC and how your business can be involved. The event is free and will feature a keynote address by Michelle Morgan, president, Keiser University and door prizes! Support staff only, please. Advance registration required by calling or emailing Tammy at 309-1200 et. 103.

International Trade Leads Available Online
Florida manufacturers, distributors, exporters, and professional services providers can connect with companies from around the world through Enterprise Florida's International Trade Leads program. Through a variety of marketing activities, Enterprise Florida identifies and qualifies foreign companies interested in sourcing goods and services, creating export opportunities for Florida companies. [view trade leads by industry]

Identifying Different Major Export Markets Regions and Target Market Certifications
Tuesday, December 8, 2009 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM State College of Florida - Lakewood Ranch

Investor Update Breakfast:- The International Economy
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 7:45 a.m. - 9:00am Holiday Inn Lakewood Ranch

Sarasota County Film & Entertainment Office Mixer
Monday, December 14, 2009, 5:30 -7:30 pm, Longboat Key Club and Resort

Economic Outlook 2010
Friday, January, 22, 2010 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, Michael's on East

Willis A. Smith Construction Reps Visit the Hill
Willis A. Smith, Inc.’s top executives were in Washington, D.C., recently where they met with Congressman Vern Buchanan to discuss issues affecting Sarasota and Manatee County residents. Rep. Buchanan met with David E. Sessions, LEED® AP, president of Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc., Fred Cavaluzzi, vice president and Warren G. Simonds, Ph.D., LEED® AP, DBIA, vice president and chief marketing officer at the Republican Club of Capitol Hill for a working lunch meeting on the subjects of bank credit and job creation for the Suncoast. Rep. Buchanan had just returned from a fact-finding trip to Afghanistan just days before the meeting.

Encourage your Employees to Apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit with Help from the United Way
The United Way of Sarasota County's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is aimed at increasing the number of residents applying for and receiving Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) and Child Tax Credits (CTC). According to United Way, doing so will increase the amount of disposable income to hard-working people; decrease usage of high cost tax services and predatory financial products and services and link EITC recipients with other economic self-sufficiency programs. To learn more about the VITA program, visit the United Way online. The organization is also searching for volunteers. Contact Amy Paulishak, Community Impact Manager, United Way of Sarasota County, Inc.
at 941-366-2686 ext. 316.