Volume 3 April 10-April 17 Issue 14

Film Mixer to Feature Special Effects Company & Digital Media Workforce Expert
The Sarasota County Film & Entertainment Office will hold a mixer on April 20, 5:30 -7:30 p.m., at Hyatt Place, 950 University Parkway, Sarasota.

The event will feature Greg Baker, founder of Divine Imagery Visual Arts & Life Effects Group, an award-winning special effects designer who has created FX, bronze works, molds, sculptures, fabrications of all kinds � from Star Trek Borgs to Fred Flintstone � for film and television. Judson French from the EMPLOY FLORIDA Digital Banner Center, a statewide resource for digital media workforce education and training, will also speak.

Hors d�oeuvres and cash bar available, $10.00 registration/$12.00 at the door. [register]

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

County-Wide Economic Development Strategic Plan to be Unveiled
May 12
The Economic Development Corporation is coordinating the five-year economic development strategic plan update for the community of Sarasota County.

The final plan is scheduled to be unveiled at the Board of County Commissioners Meeting on May 12. [strategic plan info] [view the meeting online]

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IN THE FUTURE

Exporting Workshops
Want to Boost Sales by Exporting? Learn about exporting grants? Come learn from the Experts!

These seminars are ideal for marketing and sales management and staff who deal with export operations, export compliance, purchasing, logistics, and anyone with responsibility for export functions. Individuals in companies who are doing exporting, but need to sharpen exporting skills and learn from practitioners with years of experience also should attend.

April 30-Export University 301: Exporting Financing Solutions
�Tap into International Finance Expertise�

May 13-Export University 201 Seminar
�Export Logistics Demystified�

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PARTNER & INVESTOR NEWS

Puerto Rican Chamber Event April 17
The Puerto Rican Chamber of Sarasota and Manatee will hold a dinner at 6:00 p.m. on April 17, 2009 at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. The event will feature Former Speaker of the Fla. House Marco Rubio. Dr. Antonia Novello, Former Surgeon General and Dr. Olga Gonzalez Sanabria, Director of Engineering at the National Aeronautics and Research Center, NASA, will be recognized. [advance registration required]

INTERNATIONAL
Forum on The Business of Mexico & Opportunities for Tampa Bay
Mexico�s Consulate Office and ProMexico are hosting a forum to share information and build relationships with businesses interested in trading and investing in Mexico. April 22, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Quorum Hotel, Tampa Westshore. The cost is $40 and includes lunch. Advance registration required by calling Courtney at (813) 276-9440 or visiting www.tampachamber.com.

Tampa Bay Export Assistance News
Read about international trade opportunities from the Tampa Bay Export Assistance Center. Topics covered include: Enterprise Florida announcement of international stimulus program; visa waiver program changes, essential Information about U.S. trade agreements and more! [read more]

Trade Leads from Enterprise Florida
Trade leads are provided by foreign companies interested in making direct purchases from Florida companies. If you wish to follow up on any of the leads listed in the link, you may contact the foreign company directly.

Please copy the International Office or Florida staff person that submitted the lead, which is included in the report. Please be sure to mention that you received this information from Enterprise Florida. [trade leads]

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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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