Volume 2    September 19-26    Issue 13

Research and Development Tax Credits Workshop
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County will hold a workshop for businesses interested in receiving tax credits for research and development investments. The free workshop, hosted by the EDC’s Financial Services Cluster, will be held Sept. 30, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. at Michael’s on East, 1212 East Ave., Sarasota.

Kevin Corley, senior managing director of alliantgroup®, will discuss qualifications for federal R&D tax credits. Businesses that design, develop, or improve products and processes may qualify for unclaimed tax credits for the past three years. 

Software development, agricultural, environmental services and manufacturing companies are among the types of businesses that often qualify for R&D tax credits. Business advisors to these industries also are encouraged to attend the workshop.

Advance registration is required and available online or by calling (941) 309-1200 ext. 110.

Film Office Hits New York for Independent Film Week
Hundreds of independent and up-and-coming filmmakers gathered in Manhattan this week to participate in seminars, network with potential producers and build relationships with film commissions. 

The Sarasota County Film & Entertainment Office (SCFEO) was represented at Independent Film Week by Jeanne Corcoran, director. Corcoran attended the event in an effort to lure projects to our region. 

SCFEO was part of the "Film Florida" contingent reaching out to indies. One of their activities included hosting a networking reception for approximately 300 filmmakers and industry professionals. [video interviews from Film Week]

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Biz941 Seeks "Best Green Businesses"
Biz941 wants to honor innovative companies in Sarasota and Manatee that are helping us live within in the limits of the planet. Their January cover story will be Best Green Businesses. Whether you're reducing energy and resource consumption or promoting global good citizenship in other ways, they want to share your story and successes with readers. So give them your green credentials by submitting your nomination online at www.biz941.com. The deadline for submission is October 13, 2008.  Self nominations are encouraged. For more information, call editor Susan Burns at (941) 487-1102.

EDC's Creative Services Directory Available Online
In an effort to promote Sarasota County's creative services talent to businesses both in and out of the community, the EDC has launched an online Creative Services Directory.  The directory showcases many different types of services --from advertising to musical production.

Area creative services businesses can sign-up to be included in the directory online. EDC Investors receive expanded listings.

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IN THE FUTURE

Hall of Fame Awards: September 26, 11:30 am-1:30 pm, Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Join the EDC in recognizing outstanding technology, service and manufacturing companies and a non-profit organization at this annual awards luncheon. Individual tickets are $65. Half and full corporate tables are available for $375 and $750, respectfully. Advance registration required.

Federally Funded Commercialization Opportunities: The EDCs of Sarasota and Manatee counties will hold a workshop for technology, manufacturing and other design-oriented businesses interested in federally funded commercialization opportunities. The workshop will be held Thursday, Oct. 2, 8:00 -11:30 am at Keiser University, 6151 Lake Osprey Drive, Sarasota. The cost of the workshop is $20 and includes a continental breakfast. Advance registration is required.  

Investor Update Breakfast-New Faces in Education: October 6, 7:45-9:00 am, Asolo. This event will feature Dr. Lars Hafner, president, Manatee Community College and Sarasota County School Superintendant Lori White.     

Government Procurement Workshop: Own a small business and want to do business with local governmental agencies?  Come to the Procurement Workshop on October 29 at Manatee Community College Lakewood Ranch from 7:30am - 2:00 pm.  Representatives from local governmental agencies and educational institutions will be on hand to provide detailed information about how to sell your products and services to them.  Cost is $25.00 and includes continental breakfast and lunch. Advance registration required.

Film & Entertainment Office Mixer: October 20, 5:30 - 7:30 pm, location TBD.  Don’t miss a great opportunity to mix, mingle and learn more about film, television and other media production and the people that make it happen throughout Sarasota County.          

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PARTNER & INVESTOR NEWS

West Coast Federal Employees Credit Union Celebrates 60th Anniversary
West Coast Federal Employees Credit Union is celebrating its 60th Anniversary on October 4. The Credit Union initially served Postal employees from a cigar box in the rear of a barber shop in 1948. 

Today, equipped with the latest technology and offering a full line of services, the credit union also welcomes employees and their families from state, federal and local government agencies, veterans and various businesses throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties.  West Coast Federal Employees Credit Union was once again awarded the Bauer 5-Star rating for excellence.

Englewood-Cape Haze Area Chamber of Commerce Names Bednerik Executive Director                
The 750 member Englewood-Cape Haze Area Chamber of Commerce announced that it has named Jon Bednerik as executive director.  Bednerik served as Interim Executive Director since June. 

Bednerik most recently served as executive officer of the Charlotte-DeSoto Building Industry Association from 2005 to 2007 and was executive director of the Florida Pool and Spa Association, headquartered in Sarasota, for nearly ten years.

Ringling College of Art & Design - International Design Summit
Volunteers Needed: Technology + Design:  Visual. Social. Mobile. Ringling College of Art and Design will hold its third Sarasota International Design Summit, an annual gathering of designers, entrepreneurs, technology professionals, and thought leaders from diverse disciplines, October 27-29.  Over the course of three days, the increasingly important role of design and design thinking in shaping experiences with visual, social, and mobile media will be explored.  

Volunteers needed! Want to get involved in the Design Summit? Learn about the exciting volunteer opportunities. Download the volunteer form or contact Tina Shumway.

International Trade Opportunities
Interested in expanding your business internationally? Consider participating in these upcoming opportunities:

Lima, Peru export sales mission sponsored by Enterprise Florida. October 19-22. For more information contact Luis Cuervo.

MEDICA, trade mission for the life science sector, Dusseldorf, Germany, sponsored by Enterprise Florida, November 19-22. For more information, contact Michael Schiffhuaer.

Export University– Export 301 is a high-level course for companies actively involved in exporting that are looking for enhanced solutions to finance the growth of export sales and mitigate payment risks.  October 8, Clearwater, FL. For more information, view the itinerary.

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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.



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