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Volum e 3 May 1 - 8 Iss ue 17
Local Leaders Return from Best Practices Trip to Asheville
confirm many Sarasota County initiatives are on the right track
A delegation of 18 business, elected and civic leaders recently returned from an intercity visit to Asheville, N.C. During the three-day visit, organized by the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Sarasota County and The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce (GSCC), leaders shared best practices in economic and workforce development.
Asheville and Sarasota share similar demographics and industry composition. Both cities’ economies include heavy reliance on tourism and service-based businesses. Strong cultural assets, an aging population and other economic issues make the two areas appropriate for comparison.
In a review of various community facets, including downtown revitalization, workforce innovation, regional collaboration and partnerships with universities, Sarasota County leaders learned that Asheville has successfully capitalized on its assets to work towards a stronger economy. [more]
Exporting Logistics Seminar May 13
Want to Boost Sales by Exporting? Learn about exporting grants? Come learn from the experts!
This seminar is 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.
Advance registration required online or by contacting Mireya Eavey.
“Export Logistics Demystified”
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 - Wednesday, May 13, 2009
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Manatee Port Authority - The Intermodal Chamber
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Five-Week Internship Program Offered at No Cost to Employers
Help a young adult experience the world of work today! The Suncoast Workforce Board is seeking not-for-profit, for-profit, and governmental agencies interested in partnering with the organization to Pledge an Opportunity, a five-week, part-time meaningful work experience during the summer months of 2009.
By providing a work experience, your organization can benefit from having extra help through the summer months,
launching or completing projects that may have been on hold and
providing valuable work readiness skills training to youth participants.
All at no cost to you! Participants will be awarded training incentives and the requisite liability coverage is being covered by the program.
The goal of our Pledge an Opportunity campaign is to secure 300 pledged opportunities throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties by May 15, 2009. [application and info]
City of North Port Creates Revolving Business Loan Fund
The North Port City Commission voted 5-0 on Monday, April 13, 2009 in support of the creation of a revolving business loan fund for small businesses inside North Port.
The program is designed to improve economic conditions by creating employment opportunities; stimulate business activity; and increase tax revenues within the City. Economic Development Manager Allan Lane has been working with community representatives from local banks to put together the guidelines for a loan program. It is anticipated that the loan fund will be capitalized from various sources, including the City, local banks, community foundations, and other governmental agencies.
[more]
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IN THE FUTURE
Investor Update Breakfast to Feature New Venice City Manager
The EDC will hold an Investor Update Breakfast on June 1, 7:45 a.m. at Mission Valley Country Club, 1851 Mission Valley Blvd., Laurel, FL. The event will feature a presentation by new Venice City Manager Isaac Turner.
The breakfast is sponsored by Venice Regional Medical Center.
Advance registration required. [register]
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PARTNER & INVESTOR NEWS 
Girls Inc. Creates "Girl TV"
WWSB Girl TV, a new television show for, by and about girls, has been created by Girls, Inc. The organization who aims to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold, invites EDC stakeholders to participate in the premiere party.
WWSB Girl TV Premiere Party
May 14, 2009
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
WWSB ABC 7
1477 10th Street, Sarasota
RSVP to: Patti Eidemann at (941) 366-6646 x211
Event supporters include the EDC, ABC 7, US Tent Rental, Mommy Magazine and The Downtown Partnership of Sarasota.
INTERNATIONAL
 Trade Mission to Namibia, Africa June 29
Enterprise Florida is pleased to announce that Namibia’s Ambassador to the U.S, Ambassador Patrick Nandago, and Stephen W. Snively, Honorary Consul for the Republic of Namibia in Florida, will lead a small, but well-focused Trade Mission to the “Hidden Gem of Africa”, a country with one of the safest and most attractive business
environments in all of Africa. This Mission is limited to 15 participants who will spend 5 days in Namibia, Monday June 29 through Friday July 3, 2009. Each participant will have a personalized business schedule and meet with local heads of industry and government. [more]
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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