VOLUME 2         April 2008            ISSUE 4

CONGRATULATIONS...

Kerkering, Barberio & Co. - This Sarasota-based CPA firm has been named as one of the "Best Places to Work" by the Tampa Bay Business Journal  for the second year in a row. 

atLarge, Inc. - Won the International Davey Award for the Sarasota Film Festival Interactive Campaign.  They were selected from over 4,000 entries.  atLarge also designed the cutting edge web 2.0 Sarasota Film and Entertainment Office website

Please let us know of any recognitions/awards your company has received.

YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS.......MARY FURLONG, AUTHOR OF "TURNING SILVER INTO GOLD"

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DON'T MISS THIS GREAT INTERNSHIP GRANT OPPORTUNITY!

NASA, Space Florida and the Florida Space Grant Consortium are funding undergraduate and graduate-level interns from four-year Florida universities for ten weeks this summer. The positions need to be in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) fields. The program starts on Monday, June 2nd.

Companies needing/wanting interns for the 10 week period should provide us with a description of the position to be filled (position, duties, qualifications needed, any special conditions or notes) along with company contact information. Companies can specify a need for undergraduate and/or graduate-level interns, according to the position need(s).  More information call Mireya Eavey at 309-1200, ext. 105

SEARCH UNDERWAY FOR ENTITY TO LEAD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLANNIING PROCESS

Preparing for the creation of the community's fourth economic development strategic plan, the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County recently released a request for qualifications. The organization is searching for individuals, corporations, partnerships or other legal entities authorized to do business in Florida for the purpose of providing an update to the current plan, which expires in 2009. Interested entities have until April 15 to respond to the request.  more information 

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LOOK WHO'S GOING GREEN

The Green Business Partnership is a program that is open to all businesses in Sarasota County, regardless of size or type.  It encourages resource conservation and recognizes businesses that operate in an environmentally responsible manner.  To become a certified Green Business Partners your company must meet certain criteria and the information is available on their website.  Some of the benefits of being a certified green business include a healthy, working environment, market exposure, and a listing in the Green Business Directory.

Below are just a few of the organizations who are certified green business partners:

ADP

Aqua Plumbing and Air

atLarge, Inc.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice

Home Front Homes, LLC

Venice Golf and Country Club

Wilson Miller

GRANTS OFFERED FOR GREEN BUILDING PROJECTS

Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) -- for small businesses to conduct funded research on key environmental issues, including green building.   Small Business Innovation Research Phase I has been posted on the NCER web site. The closing: is May 21, 2008

 WORKFORCE HIGHLIGHTS

The EDC often receives résumés from jobseekers and we would like to share a few highlights with you.  If you are interested in receiving a copy of these résumés, please contact Mireya Eavey.

Chief Financial Officer - This results-oriented financial professional brings over ten years experience and possesses strong analytical, time management and problem solving skills.  This candidate is thorough and well organized in completing projects; action-oriented; highly motivated and committed to professionalism. 

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Human Resources Generalist - This individual has ten years of experience in all aspects of human resources.  The candidate ensures the alignment of organizational objectives with the design of all benefits programs and oversees the development, implementation and management of all the benefit programs and procedures to maximize employee effectiveness. 

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Administrative Assistant - This highly skilled candidate is interested in contributing developed skills in a challenging Office Manager/Administrative Assistant position with a progressive organization offering opportunities for growth and advancement.  

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$ $ FINANCIAL SERVICES HELPFUL HINTS $ $    U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) financing is available to small businesses for growth capital needs. There are several SBA programs available to small business.    The SBA 7(a) loan program provides a bank with a 75% guarantee against any losses they may incur. Proceeds of the loans for projects up to $2.0 million may be utilized for business acquisitions, operating capital, leasehold improvements, debt consolidation, and real estate and equipment acquisitions. Terms and rates vary according to the project details.   The SBA 504 loan program provides investors with a SBA guarantee which directly funds SBA loans for real estate and equipment financing needs for projects up to + $10.0 million.  This program partners with a lender to provide up to 90% financing, with the SBA loan being financed at a fixed interest rate (February’s current effective rate of 6.13%) for a 20 year term.

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County
2601 Cattlemen Rd., Ste. 201
Sarasota, FL 34232
Phone: (941) 309-1200 Fax: (941) 309-1209
Email: info@edcsarasotacounty.com
www.edcsarasotacounty.com