A fresh push to market the region as a center for companies in the health sector, The Health Economy Network continues upon efforts in the past three years to brand the region as a valuable hub of innovation and support for the medical and related fields. 

“We continue to see growth from companies in that sector,” says Mark Huey, president of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County. Huey says as the sector grows, it becomes easier for companies already doing business here to recruit talent to the region, and as more find success, it encourages investors in this wealth-rich area to put their money in companies in the field.

“We saw an opportunity to share knowledge and information between companies in a way that can help companies to grow faster,” Huey says. “One company may have a good depth of experience in building customer markets, and that could benefit a younger company challenged to build depth in their customer base.” Building relationships within the sector, Huey says, should help growth in the region overall, something which should benefit everyone doing business here. 

The Sarasota EDC and the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation worked hand-in-hand with partners at the Gulf Coast Community Foundation on a major rebranding effort for the Health Economy Network (previously called the Health Innovation Network). Sarasota firm Knight Marketing developed a new logo and brand message for the effort, which got unveiled at a special event at the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee.

Sharon Hillstrom, president and CEO of the Bradenton Area EDC, said in a statement the network is a “great opportunity to tell the community and the world what our region is doing as a health innovation center.”

The network relies on such medical research companies as the Roskamp Institute and Meridien Research and such health-related tech companies as ShareCare. Huey says shifting the brand from “innovation” to the broader “economy” terminology helps show the number of reliable companies doing solid work that, while not necessarilly cutting edge, provide a foundation for the entire sector. Businesses like Aso, a globe leader in first aid products, have been employing folks in Sarasota for years, he noted, laying the groundwork for companies developing new devices and technology in the field. 

Sharon Kunkel, president of Wordslinger Marketing & PR, has been named to the 2017 Joe Curley Rising Leader Class of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA). Kunkel, whose firm has been in operation since May of 2014, is an officer of the local Central West Coast Chapter of the FPRA, serving as vice president of communications. The Joe Curley Rising Leader Award is intended to identify and honor up-and-coming FPRA members who demonstrate emerging leadership traits along with dedicated active involvement in FPRA chapter activities, programs, functions and events. Membership into the Rising Leader Class is determined by chapter nomination, one candidate per chapter. All finalists for the award receive a $150 state professional development credit; three scholarships will also be made available to members of the current Rising Leader Class for leadership and continuing education opportunities. The winner of the Joe Curley Rising Leader Award, selected from the Rising Leader Class of that year, will be announced during the FPRA annual conference, which takes place in Orlando in August. 

www.wordslingermarketing.com

Orchid Realty Group of Premiere Plus Realty Co. recently announced the appointment of Jenette Diaz to the position of transaction manager. In her new role, Diaz will work directly with clients, agents, title and vendors, overseeing all aspects of buyer and seller transactions from executed purchase agreement to closing. Diaz brings with her more than 10 years of experience in business administration and client relations. She also has an extensive background in both real estate sales and property management. Born and raised in Naples, Diaz is a proud Southwest Florida local. She studied dance at the New World School of the Performing Arts in Miami and for many years owned and operated the popular Naples dance studio, All That Jazz. 

Orchid Realty Group

Manatee Memorial Hospital received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award with Target: StrokeHonor Roll Elite for the ninth year. This award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to providing the most appropriate stroke treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence. Manatee Memorial Hospital earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis of stroke and treatment of patients at a set level for a designated period. These quality measures are designed to help hospital teams follow the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for patients experiencing strokes. Manatee Memorial Hospital has also met specific scientific guidelines as a Primary Stroke Center featuring a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department. Get With The Guidelines-S puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping hospital care teams to ensure that the care provided to patients is aligned with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal to save lives and improve recovery time, Get With The Guidelines-S has impacted more than 3 million patients since 2003. According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, in the United States, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability.  

Manatee Memorial Hospital

Metro Diner will open its first Sarasota location at Westfield Siesta Key Mall located at 3501 S Tamiami Trail and will feature a menu of diner classics. Serving all day breakfast, lunch and dinner, the diner will feature traditional dishes made from scratch. Chef and founder Mark Davoli makes sure guests don’t have to go far to discover delicious dishes by featuring daily blackboard specials such as Peach Yo Hala on the Square, Pork Chops with a Spiced Apple Chutney and Turkey Pot Pie. The diner prides itself on quality ingredients and a scratch kitchen. From its Fried Chicken and Waffles topped with house-made strawberry butter and signature sweet and spicy sauce, to its Charleston Shrimp & Grits, the large portion sizes enable every guest to enjoy a delicious meal at a great value, with most dishes priced under $15. The Sarasota community is invited to celebrate the arrival of Metro Diner at a special pre-opening charity event on Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2. All proceeds will benefit the The Mark Wandall Foundation and the Foster Care/ Adoption provided by Sarasota YMCA Safe Children Coalition. Guests who provide a donation will get a sneak peek of the new eatery and enjoy Metro Diner favorites. Reservations can be made for the fundraiser both days from 9am to 1:30pm or 4pm to 7:30pm by calling the charity reservation line at 941-444-9590. The diner will feature seating for 125 guests and will be open Sunday to Thursday from 7am to 8pm, and Friday and Saturday from 7am to 9pm.   

Metro Diner

The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) has invited passengers to enroll in the growing TSA Pre-Check expedited screening program. This fifth temporary enrollment event will take place at SRQ from July 31 thru August 11, 2017. TSA Pre-Check is an expedited screening program that enables identified low-risk air travelers to enjoy a smart and more efficient screening experience. For TSA Pre-Check travelers, there is no need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, light outerwear or belts. Today, TSA Pre-Check has more than 450 lanes at 180 U.S. airports. Pre-Enroll ahead of time by going to following website: https://www.identogo.com/precheck. Choose “Pre-Enroll” then “Apply Now” and fill out steps 1 through 4. Once you arrive at step 4 of 4, type in your location “Sarasota, FL” and choose “Sarasota Bradenton International Airport”. Next, at the bottom of the screen you can select an appointment time. TSA Pre-Check is $85 per person for five years coverage. Passengers will need to bring proof of identity and U.S. citizen documentation. A valid U.S. passport is all you need as proof of identification. The application process is completed on-site.  

Transportation Security Administration