Take  Florida’s slowing population growth, add a housing bust and a global recession, and you have the makings of a perfect economic storm in Southwest Florida. Sarasota County has not been immune, demonstrating the risks of relying on boom-bust industries like real estate, construction and tourism. While these mainstays of our economy contribute essential employment and investment to our community, current conditions demonstrate the value of creating an environment where diverse small businesses and entrepreneurs thrive.

As the organization coordinating Sarasota County’s economic development strategy and tactics, the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County has formed strategic partnerships and a grassroots network of business leaders to advance this forward-thinking mission. Read on for highlights of the EDC’s work in 2007-2008 aimed at moving our economy along the path to sustainability.

Meet the EDC
About Us
Board of Directors
Staff
Calendar of Events
Investor Directory
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Bright Spots
Despite the slow economy, the EDC worked with the following companies to relocate or expand  their businesses in Sarasota County in the 2008 fiscal year:

Cinders Barbecues Counterbalance Envera Systems Focus Enterprises IntegraClick

L-3 Aviation Recorders Medical Education Technologies, Inc. Phoenix Ink PPi Technologies Global

Lights, camera, action!
In its first two years in operation, the Sarasota County Film & Entertainment Office, a division of  the EDC, assisted 300 projects that spent $2.5 million in the local economy. In the 2008 fiscal year, the office assisted nearly 200 projects that generated $1.4 million in local spending. The office also hosted a tour for Hollywood location managers and offered networking and educational opportunities for industry-related professionals in the Sarasota-Manatee region.

New in 2008
LINK – A business assistance helpline that links Sarasota County businesses of any size or type to the resources of the EDC. LINK can be used to resolve business problems that may hinder the growth or continued prosperity of the business. The helpline is meant to be a “last call” resource. Businesses having difficulty resolving problems on their own can call or go online to access LINK. A response is guaranteed within 24 hours during the normal work week. LINK can be reached by calling 941-309-1200, extension 123 or completing an online form.

SMART Expansion - Sarasota County Commissioners expanded the Sarasota Means Action Response Team (SMART) program to include rezones, special exceptions, and sector plan amendments for qualified applicants. SMART was implemented in the 1990s to allow targeted, export-oriented businesses intending to expand or relocate in Sarasota County to receive fast-track permitting for facility development. The EDC helps county government administer the program.

Sarasota County One – A multi-media awareness campaign was created to encourage area business leaders and government officials to buy products and services locally. We hope your business is doing what it can to purchase goods and services from vendors that employ local people.  [more info & tool kit]

What I did last summer - Three Sarasota County businesses hosted college interns sponsored through the state-wide Science, Technology, Engineering and Math program of NASA/Florida Space Grant Consortium and Space Florida. Osprey Biotechnics, Teleflex Electrical Systems and PGT Industries hosted the students on a 10-week summer program. The EDC worked with local companies to enroll them in the program. [more]

Hall of Famers Named in 2008
The EDC’s annual Hall of Fame Awards drew more than 450 business and civic leaders to honor winners in four categories:
• Award of Excellence: at-Large Inc.
• Service Company of the Year: Beneva Flowers & Gifts
• Manufacturer of the Year: Gulf Coast Signs of Sarasota
• Technology Company of the Year: IntegraClick

Two additional awards were presented:
• John J. Cox Community Partner of the Year: Mote Marine Laboratory
• Clyde Nixon Business Leadership: C. John Clarke

Check out videos and podcasts from this and other EDC events!

Coming in 2009
The EDC is coordinating development of a new strategic plan for creating a more diverse economy in Sarasota County. Follow our progress and get involved.

2601 Cattlemen Rd. Ste. 201 Sarasota, FL 34232 (941) 309-1200  info@edcsarasotacounty.com