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Volume 4 February 22-26 Issue 7
March EDC Breakfast to Highlight Technology Transfer Process
The EDC will hold a breakfast, featuring information about the technology transfer process from universities to businesses at 7:45 a.m., March.10 at University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Fla.
The event will feature a discussion with Valerie McDevitt, assistant vice president for Research in the Division of Patents & Licensing, at the University of South Florida. The division helps to protect intellectual property developed by USF researchers and facilitates inventions and discoveries becoming marketable products and new technologies.
McDevitt will be joined by businesses that have participated in the technology transfer process, which often spawns start-up companies and innovation in existing businesses.
The event is sponsored by Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc. The cost is $20 for EDC investors, $30 for non-investors. Registration is available online at www.edcsarasotacounty.com/calendar.asp or by calling 309-1200 ext. 103.
[register]
Diane Andrews Retiring from EDC
 After eight years of service to the economic development program, Diane Andrews, EDC project manager, will retire. Diane is well-known for her ability to convene business and community leaders around key economic initiatives while building meaningful relationships along the way. For years, Diane managed the EDC’s cluster workgroups focused on industry-specific growth and opportunities. Most recently, Diane has headed up support services for entrepreneurs.
Diane leaves the EDC on March 1. She and her husband Dale plan to split their time between the Suncoast and Maine. Though we will miss her immensely, we know our loss is the community’s gain as Diane plans to dedicate much of her time to volunteering.
The Transformation Decade! Are You Ready To Compete? Friday, Feb. 26
This must-see event featuring Nationally renowned Futurist and critically acclaimed writer David Houle, is for all executives who are evaluating how to maximize their success in this rapidly changing environment. The event will feature two exciting sessions with a networking lunch provided. Attend all or part of the program at the Fęte Ballroom at the Polo Grill, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Advance registration required. [register]
David Houle identifies and explains the new age we have entered. After taking a quick look back at the span of human history, he focuses in on the past 20 years and the transformative changes that have taken place. He then identifies the dynamics that are shaping our world now and for the next 10-20 years. The Shift Age will be one of the most transformative and exciting times in the history of humanity. Houle leaves us with suggestions for how to prepare for and adapt to this new age.
This event will provide support of the newly established "South Tampa Bay Innovation Center Incubator" to be located adjacent to both Sarasota and Manatee Counties. This incubator is focused on becoming an economic drive for traded-sector start-up businesses that utilize "design thinking" in the development of their products or services.
Export Training Certificate Offered to Manatee and Sarasota Businesses
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County and the Manatee Economic Development Council will host a series of export training sessions titled “Going Global,” a certificate program offered through State College of Florida-Lakewood Ranch. EDC Investor Fifth Third Bank is the presenting sponsor of the series.
Training sessions will be held on March 18 and 25, and April 1 and 8. Topics include Export Sales Channel Development, Understanding International Standards and Regulations, Export Logistics, and The Methods of Export Payment. Participants who complete all four courses will receive a certificate.
The cost to register is $400 for all four courses or $149 if purchased separately. Register online or contact Mireya Eavey, 941.309.1200, ext. 105.
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February Film Mixer
Monday, February 22, 2010
5:30 -7:30 p.m.
Gold Coast Eagle Distributing
EDC Investor Breakfast
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
7:45am - 9:00am
USF Sarasota-Manatee
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State College of Florida Offers Social Media Workshops
SCF is offering social networking workshops aimed at helping you create a professional Facebook page to network in the local and global business communities and use other social media tools to grow your business. Workshops run at various times in the Spring and start as early as Feb. 25. To learn more and register, visit their course catalog online.
Voss Selected for Campaign
EDC Investor Voss & Associates of Sarasota recently won a competitive bid to conduct a national media campaign to prevent the abuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The campaign is called "Lock Your Meds" and it's presented by the National Family Partnership, which is best known for its Red Ribbon campaign started by Nancy Reagan some 20 years ago. Voss will create all the advertising and promotional materials and manage the public relations aspect of the campaign over the next two years.
Tech Fest Feb. 25. Free to Those Registering Early
Suncoast Technology, Forum, Southwest Florida's technology advocacy group for companies creating and developing technology solutions in Sarasota and Manatee counties, announces the Tech Fest Event. Tech Fest will take place on Thursday, February 25, 2:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Polo Grill, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. Registration is based on availability and a $20 charge will apply. Advance registration is required at www.82degreestech.com and click on the Event tab.
Enterprise Florida Trade Leads
Enterprise Florida recently published its latest International Trade Leads. Trade leads include foreign companies who are interested in making direct purchases from Florida companies, acting as a manufacturer's representative or agent/distributor, and joint ventures. In support of EFI's Africa Trade Expansion Program, we also provide leads from African companies looking to sell their products or services to Florida and the U.S. [view leads]
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