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This Month's Focus: Tourism
Easter’s early arrival this spring brings an early end to the “official” tourist season. Operating multiple properties gives McKibbon an edge, since the sales team sells for all three hotels and often works as a team when bidding on group or sports business, Athari says. Another unusual draw is the pet-friendly, extended-stay Residence Inn, which even welcomes larger pets – an uncommon amenity. Athari says the big unknown this year in the region’s hospitality industry is the fate of the Cincinnati Reds, which it appears will relocate to Arizona. “Having the Reds here does a lot more for us than just fill hotel rooms,” Athari said. “Hosting the Reds demonstrates that this is a sports-friendly community, which helps us draw soccer tournaments and gymnastics competitions, for example.” In addition to supporting efforts to retain the Reds, Athari would like to see more regional cooperation among tourism promoters in Sarasota and Manatee counties. “We need to be less focused on who gets what bed tax and more focused on making the region an attractive and successful destination.” [back to top] NEW INVESTORSThe EDC welcomes the following Investors:  Chairman's AdvisorSarasota Memorial Hospital (upgrade) Supporter 1st Property Group, Inc. UPCOMING EVENTS Furlong is the founder of Mary Furlong & Associates, a strategy, business development, marketing and public relations firm headquartered in San Francisco, CA. The firm's services are uniquely geared to drive new opportunities for clients in the baby boomer and senior markets. Furlong also is the Dean's Executive Professor of Entrepreneurship at Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business. The cost of the luncheon is $65. Half corporate tables of five are available for $375 and full corporate tables of 10 are $750 each. [register] Airport President to Address EDC Investors at April 7 Breakfast
This year's theme, "In My Lifetime" is the call for action today on the critical issues that will shape and impact our community tomorrow. We will utilize this conference to energize and engage leaders throughout the region. [info]
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE The SMART program does not eliminate or circumvent existing land use regulations or construction standards. The program simply accelerates the process by ensuring determinations and decisions about the development of the land and facilities for specific value-added companies are made in a more expeditious manner. The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC) determines the eligibility of applicant companies. To qualify, a company must meet specific guidelines which include paying an average wage that equals or exceeds the annual average wage of Sarasota County’s private industries; creating at least 10 new jobs if relocating; and having a critical timing need that jeopardizes the project if fast-track processing is not utilized. To find out if your project qualifies for SMART, please contact Joan McGill at (941) 309-1200 ext. 107.
The objective of the new plan is to build on the four strategic focus areas identified in the 2004-2009 plan: value-added industry cluster development, business climate issues, innovation and entrepreneurial development and local and regional collaboration. The planning process is scheduled to begin in Sept. of this year and continue through Feb. 2009. “The strategic planning process is vital to helping the community visualize its full potential – one that secures a sustainable economy while protecting the quality of life and culture Sarasota County residents hold so dear,” said Kathy Baylis, EDC president and CEO. The EDC's Partners Council, comprised of representatives from Sarasota County business and civic organizations, will play an active role in evaluating candidates and monitoring the planning process. The scope of work expected from the entity chosen to coordinate the update involves competitiveness and asset evaluation; identification of best practices; development of an action plan and facilitation of community discussions aimed at identifying a long-range shared vision among stakeholders. [RFQ] The EDC of Sarasota County is the private, not-for-profit corporation leading the community’s economic development strategy to add high-wage jobs and diversify the local economy. The EDC provides business assistance to companies in Sarasota County and helps forge solutions to community challenges that affect quality of life. The EDC works in partnership with chambers of commerce, local governments and other organizations throughout the county and the region. For more information, visit the web site at www.edcsarasotacounty.com. |
The EDC will host Mary Furlong, Ed.D., an authority on the baby boom generation and author of “Turning Silver into Gold,” at its annual Author’s Luncheon. The luncheon will be held Friday, April 25, 11:30 a.m. at Michael’s on East, 1212 East Ave., Sarasota, FL.
The EDC will hold an investor update breakfast at 7:45 a.m. Monday, April 7 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport President and CEO Fredrick Piccolo will be the keynote speaker. 
The Tampa Bay Partnership's 9th Annual Regional Leadership Conference will be held May 21-23, 2008 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.