To view EDC Edge | March 2024 via Constant Contact, click here.
An Update From the President & CEO
On February 20th, we were honored to be the host community for the 2nd Annual Consultant Connect Women’s Summit. It was a two-day forum for Women in Economic Development. Before the forum began, we had the opportunity to host eight Site Selection consultants from around the country. These consultants help growing companies identify their next growth location. The consultants joined us for an interactive discussion about business assets and opportunities in the region. The EDC presented a county overview and City of North Port’s, Vinnie Mascarenhas highlighted the three million square feet of Business Park that will be available in North Port’s Innovation Corridor. Also mentioned, the topics were the incredible research and intellectual property being created at Mote Marine, and how we can partner with industries to incubate companies and bring that work to the market. These topics are incredibly transformative for our economy. The event will undoubtably pay off as these consultants connect with companies that could relocate in Sarasota County. A special thank you to our additional sponsors Ian Black Real Estate, Florida Power & Light, Gold Coast Eagle Distributing and Visit Sarasota County for helping us make the day of events possible.
Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available for the highly anticipated 2024 Economic Outlook. You can check out event details by clicking here.
Thank you for your continuous support and partnership. We remain committed to driving economic diversification and prosperity for Sarasota County.
Warm Regards,
Erin Silk, CEcD
President & CEO
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Economic Development Update
Growing Sarasota Tech
The EDC and a coalition of 20 private partners from Sarasota.Tech attended the Synapse Florida Summit, the premier event for the Technology & Creative Tech Services Industry in Tampa Bay. This event is a great opportunity for the Sarasota.Tech community to be part of a larger, regional ecosystem of support, funders, networking and more. The EDC’s Technology & Creative Tech strategy includes building a powerful local ecosystem through entrepreneurship, business assistance, partnerships with education and university partners, promoting local business expansion, and marketing to out-of-area companies.
Supporting Local Company Expansions
DMSI, located in the City of Venice, is an ISO-approved manufacturer of fiber optic connectivity products. The company engineers, designs, manufacturers and does quality control testing of cabling and connector products for national and international clients. The locally owned company employs 46 individuals, with plans to increase its workforce to meet demands for artificial intelligence and international growth trends for new supercomputing data center expansions over the next two years.
For more information about DMSI, visit: dmsimfg.com.
Promoting Our Business Brand
The EDC team attended the Florida Power & Light – Illumination event. This event facilitated one-on-one meetings between site selection consultants, industry representatives from commercial/industrial real estate and development, and our team. We had direct interactions with 15 national connections from these sectors. The discussions focused on promoting the opportunities and strategic business offerings in Sarasota County.
New Project update!
Get ready for the puck drop, Sarasota! Business partners for the Stardust Ice Hockey Rink met with City officials to discuss permits and review the planned timeline for opening of the new state of the art ice arena. The EDC of Sarasota County is excited to support companies with local assistance as they invest and expand into Sarasota County.
Connecting to Innovative Companies
The EDC team had a booth at the 8th Annual Virtual Reality and Healthcare Global Symposium, hosted at Ringling College Art Design. This gave us the opportunity to connect with companies from around the county in VR industry. The EDC team connected with numerous companies and industry leaders to discuss emerging technologies and the benefits doing business in Sarasota County, including the ability to access the phenomenal assets at Ringling College Art and Design.
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Mark Your Calendars for This Spring’s New Series!
In collaboration with 26 West Center and several community partners, the EDC of Sarasota County will be hosting Sarasota County Connect Series as an opportunity for people to engage with the entrepreneurial community of Sarasota, Venice, Englewood, North Port and beyond. The event is free, and registration is requested. Attendees can learn from industry leaders and participate in the innovation nexus and resource epicenter for companies, small businesses, entrepreneurs, startups and business enthusiasts.
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Welcome New Investors!
Founded in South Florida in 2002, Hotwire Communications is the 11th largest internet and television provider in the country, an industry leader specializing in providing multi-Gigabit connectivity, IPTV, home automation, and wireless services to community living environments. For nearly two decades, Hotwire has specialized in providing community-based fiber-optic broadband and customized in-home entertainment solutions for customers demanding fully future-proof, best-in-class service.
More information at HotwireCommunications.com.
SRQ Media
Locally owned, SRQ MEDIA is a hyper-local media engagement company committed to exploring the relationship between audiences and storytelling with impact in the Sarasota and the Bradenton Area. Founded by Lisl Liang and Wes Roberts in October of 1997, SRQ MEDIA curates print and digital publications, documentaries and branded content to capture the vibrant stories of the people, places and experiences of the West Coast of Florida. SRQ MEDIA cultivates audiences who are curious about the place in which they live and work, and who want to positively impact their hometown by supporting local restaurants, giving back philanthropically, exploring arts and culture and actively participating in producing a robust regional economy. Their mission is to transform what it means to live and love local.
For more information, visit SRQMagazine.com.
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Congratulations, Nico!
Great news! EDC Economic Development Specialist, Nico Marchitello is a recipient of the Workforce Development Fundamental Certificate.
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Foundation have recognized 52 recipients of the inaugural Certificate in Workforce Development Fundamentals program. This initial cohort of recipients serves as a significant step forward in advancing both IEDC and ACCE’s commitment to enhancing the skills of chamber staff and economic development professionals while expanding equitable workforce opportunities and outcomes.
To read the full IEDC press release, click here.
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Thank You for Joining Us at Business in the Ballpark!
In collaboration with Sarasota County, the EDC hosted Chair Advisors and guests for a private reception and an afternoon of baseball as Baltimore Orioles played the Pittsburgh Pirates. A great time was had by all.
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Upgraded Investor!
It is with great excitement that we share that Comcast Business has become an upgraded Investor. We thank them for their trust and enthusiasm by investing even further with the EDC of Sarasota County.
Comcast Business offers a suite of Connectivity, Communications, Networking, Cybersecurity, Wireless, and Managed Solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Powered by the nation’s largest Gig-speed broadband network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and one of the leading service providers to the Enterprise market. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services.
Learn more at Business.Comcast.com.
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#BeTheOne who gives in support of growing local entrepreneurs by donating to the Economic Development Foundation of Sarasota County (EDF) during the #GivingChallenge2024 from Noon-Noon on April 9-10. Your one-time donation will be matched up to $100 by The Patterson Foundation.
Through our programs Sarasota County entrepreneurs who are making a capital investment can access services, including liaison to government zoning, permitting, utility partnerships, and access to resources. An entrepreneur can call our team any time for direct growth assistance and information on the best local resources for their needs.
The Economic Development Foundation of Sarasota County is a 501(c)(3) organization focused on carrying out initiatives that have a positive impact on business growth, the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and workforce development.
Check out an EDC and EDF success story featuring Big Top Brewing Company by clicking the video below!
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Join Us!
Join us, Thursday, May 16th at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota for our 2024 Economic Outlook.
Networking will begin at 7 a.m., followed by the event at 8 a.m.
We will be joined by an esteemed panel, including Nathan Ohle, President & CEO, International Economic Development Council, Shari Bower, Regional Executive of the Miami Branch, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, and Dr. Michael Snipes, Associate Professor of Instruction, University of South Florida.
The focus of the event will be looking at national, state, and local economic predictors, and their implications for Sarasota County.
If you are interested in being a Specialty Sponsor, please contact Anna Eger at aeger@edcsarasotacounty.com for more information.
Wednesday, April 24th
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Sarasota Art Museum
1001 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join the EDC for an engaging and informative program highlighting three companies that have expanded in Sarasota County. Hear their journey, why they chose Sarasota County, and how we can collaborate to continue creating an ecosystem that fosters growing companies.
Panel Discussion with:
– Mike Bisaha, Big Top Brewing Company, Co-Founder & CEO
– Vladimir Durshpek, D-Trans, LLC, Co-Founder
It is highly suggested to make reservations soon, as seating is limited. For more information, please reach out to Anna Eger at aeger@edcsarasotacounty.com.
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EDC in the News
Sarasota Herald-Tribune: EDC CEO Touts Aid to Existing Businesses
Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota County EDC Driving Initiatives for Growth
