Boldness and Entrepreneurship: Sarasota County’s Hallmarks for a Sustainable Economy
Film Commission
A new television studio with tens of thousands of square feet of soundstages, a steady stream of diverse and economy-enriching production projects, a nationwide TV pitch competition . . .
Job Creation
The EDC works to create a thriving economic environment in Sarasota County by attracting and retaining businesses that provide high-wage jobs. From October 2010 through . . .
Aging
The EDC and community partners poised Sarasota County to lead the nation in the aging industry in business, research, education, services and policy. With more than 30 percent . . .
Design
With the high concentration of creative professionals and the location of internationally-recognized Ringling College of Art and Design in our community, Sarasota County is an ideal . . .
Sustainability
Sarasota County’s coastal location, the asset of Mote Marine laboratory and our above average number of water-related businesses translates into a local concentration of expertise . . .
Business Recruitment
The EDC consulted with local governments in Sarasota County to develop performance-based incentives to encourage …
International Trade
International exports are a small, but growing, contributor to the local economy. From 2006 to 2008, the annual value of international exports from the metropolitan area. . .
Existing Business
The focus on local and existing business retention and support is a long-term strategy of the EDC. The EDC assisted 376 diffident companies with their technical needs in the the full year 2011.
Entrepreneurship
One out of every 440 Floridians is an entrepreneur. To encourage a robust environment for innovation and entrepreneurship, the EDC supported the following initiatives and partnerships in 2010:
Economic Gardening
The EDC administers a 7-county GrowFl Economic Hub, one of six in the state. The local GrowFL Economic Gardening program provides resources and support to stimulate. . .
Fast Facts 2011
Fast Facts contains data on population, workforce, employment distribution, international trade, housing, tax rates and more.The publication, updated annually, is designed for businesses. . .
A Regional Community Partner
To streamline economic development, maximize opportunities and create efficient systems,
the EDC takes part as a regional leader or a stakeholder. . .
2011 Hall of Fame
Each September the EDC hosts an awards ceremony recognizing exemplary businesses and leaders. At the event, each Hall of Fame winner is showcased in a short, informative video.
Financials
The EDC of Sarasota County reports annually on the variety of strategies they use to promote economic development in Sarasota County. Here is the 2011 Year End Statement.
Leadership
EDC volunteers represent the diverse perspectives of the business community, civic organizations, arts and culture, environmental sustainability and education. By involving scores of individuals . . .
Investors
The EDC is a public-private partnership that relies on support from Sarasota County’s business community, community organizations and municipalities. We wish to particularly . . .
Acknowledgements
The EDC Interactive Annual Report was a collaborative venture. We give special acknowledgement to the following businesses, non-profits and individuals: