Ann Wykell, Principal of Social Sector Solutions, LLC., has been hired as an independent contractor to research, develop and report on findings toward the creation and viability of an overarching arts/culture/heritage council for Manatee County. This working group has been meeting since the Fall of 2015 to determine the path forward toward the realization of an independent organization that would unite Manatee County's education, nonprofit institutions, businesses and corporations with the county's arts, culture and heritage entities to enhance the quality of life for residents, create economic development and increase tourism. Through the generosity of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Board of County Commissioners, funding was made available to hire a consultant that would provide an assessment of the structure and the path necesary to create a sustainable organization. Members of the Arts/Culture/Heritage Working Group include: Jane Buckman of the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, Joan Voyles of Anna Maria Island Cultural Connections, Heather Kasten of Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, Johnette Isham of Realize Bradenton, Norman Kennedy of Parrish Arts Council, Cathy Slusser, the Manatee Clerk of Court, Susan Romine of Manatee Performing Arts Center and Jyna Johnson of the Manatee County Public Library. For more information, contact Jane Buckman at 941-383-2345 or by email at jbuckman@ringling.edu.