SRQ DAILY Jan 15, 2018
Monday Business Edition
"You've got to build a foundation before you see results."
Economic and philanthropic leaders have invested heavily in boosting education resources in recent years for science, technology, engineering and math. Yet, a WalletHub study released last week shows the North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota metropolitan area as the second worst out of 100 in the nation for STEM professionals. Does the report expose genuine shortcomings on the Gulf Coast? In some ways, yes, according to many of these pushing hard for improvements, but there’s also plenty of skepticism about the data.
Mark Pritchett, president and CEO of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, says, in truth, the WalletHub study largely reveals similar findings about the region’s challenges. But he stressed people should look at more than the overall ranking. For example, the study found the region scored 26th in STEM employment growth and in median wage growth for STEM workers. “You’ve got to build a foundation before you see results,” Pritchett says. “It’s a long play, and it takes a while.” The Gulf Coast Community Foundation has raised funding for the Sarasota County schools to put technology-enhanced classrooms for science and math throughout the district, providing a better STEM education atmosphere starting in some places as young as 5th grade, but it will take years for those students to bring their skills into the workforce.
And multiple leaders cited a community partnership with the University of Florida to open the Innovation Station here. Allen Carlson, regional director for the UF facility, notes the Gainesville university is now a Top 10 research institution, and the local presence will connect companies with school resources. Innovation Station works to place interns from the UF engineering program, and to provide education classes in the county to UF students working toward a degree. And the recent opening of the school should help with one part of the WalletHub study where Sarasota gets knocked; this area ranks 62nd in terms of quality engineering universities.
All this shows philanthropic leaders that investment in STEM tackles the region's great challenges. From that viewpoint, Greg Luberecki, Gulf Coast Community Foundation communication director, says the WalletHub study shows more work is needed, not less. “Overall the data has shown and we’ve known for a decade now,” he says. “We do have to invest in stem skills for jobs of the future.”
Of course, some leaders didn’t put much weight in the data at all. Mark Huey, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, pointed instead at a different study by the Milken Institute that ranked Sarasota as the sixth best performing city in the nation based on economic growth. And Carlson says while some of the WalletHub numbers seemed right, some did not, and he didn’t buy the region should be near the bottom of the list.
Luberecki notes some of the parameters of the study correctly spotlighted problems, for example noting the metro area was 98th in the region in terms of housing affordability. But then that data cuts more than one way. “Those challenges in housing affordability rise because of the excellent quality of life we have here,” he says.
And Pritchett isn’t sure Sarasota will ever join tech-heavy cities like Seattle, Boston, Pittsburgh or Austin, the top four metro areas on the list, simply because the existing economy was build on other cornerstones like hospitality. “We’ll always be a service economy,” he says. But that doesn’t mean the region shouldn't strive to diversify and improve. “There are certain things happening that are changing things,” Pritchett says. “But you don’t just flip a switch and see it happen overight.”
Community leaders have been invited to attend a revival of the Manasota Neighborhoods Summit on Feb. 23, hosted by Neighborhood Services staff from Manatee County, Sarasota County and the City of Sarasota. The last Manasota Neighborhoods Summit was held in 2008. Like past summits, the 2018 summit will bring together formal, informal and aspiring neighborhood leaders to learn about improvement trends and opportunities that impact the leadership, safety, environment and enjoyment of the region’s neighborhoods. The half-day event will focus on the local perspective, at a low cost to attendees. Workshops topics include “Using History to Improve the Value of Your Community,” “Crime Prevention Strategies for the Neighborhoods,” “Florida Friendly Landscaping for Pollinators,” “Water & Energy Conservation,” “Communication Tools for your Neighborhood” and “Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness.” The Manasota Neighborhoods Summit will be held Friday, Feb. 23 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center from 8am to noon. Registration is $20 per attendee, and is available at the website below.
The Bernard Osher Foundation, a San Francisco-based philanthropic organization, has chosen Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy (RCLLA) to be part of the national network of lifelong learning institutes that it supports. To mark the Academy’s inclusion in the national network, RCLLA will be renamed the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College or OLLI at Ringling College and the Foundation has awarded the program a $100,000 grant to further its community engagement efforts. Janna Overstreet, RCLLA’s executive director, adds that, with good stewardship of this grant, RCLLA will be eligible to apply to the Osher Foundation for a $1 million endowment grant. RCLLA is holding a reception on January 31 to celebrate its future as a member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute network. The reception, which is open to the public, is 2:30pm–4pm at Temple Beth Sholom’s Social Hall, 1050 South Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. Call-in RSVPs at 941-309-5111 are requested. In 2019, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College will make its permanent home at the Ringling College Museum Campus.
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate has announced that Madeline Daraio, an experienced real estate professional, has become a brokers associate with its Lakewood Ranch office. Formerly with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas, Daraio has specialized in residential new construction and resale property sales since 1983. She is also a Global Luxury home marketing specialist. Madeline Daraio may be reached at 817-528-8001. Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate is a leading full-service residential real estate brokerage company with more than 85 offices and 5,000 sales associates serving the communities of Central Florida, Flagler, Brevard, Palm Beach, Southeast Florida, Southwest Florida, Tampa Bay and the Panhandle.
“The Asolo’s production of Guys and Dolls was fun, energetic, and filled with great songs.” — June Lebell. This play stole hearts in 2017, and voting is now open for Best Musical/Playin 2018. Share your opinions in SRQ Magazine's 2018 Best of SRQ Local Readers Competition below.
Created to elevate arts education, createSRQ has become the area’s preeminent high school arts competition. The exhibit of over 200 pieces of art submitted by Sarasota County high school students will be on display at the Roskamp Exhibition Hall at Ringling College of Art + Design. The free exhibit is open to the public daily from 12pm to 4pm.C
Roskamp Exhibition Hall, 2700 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.
Poignant and relevant, this exhibit will feature video pieces by five international artists that will challenge viewers to examine their thinking about the US/Mexico border. Each piece offers a meditation on the social phenomena and politics of the border in a reemergent age of nationalistic fervor.
The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
The Sarasota World Affairs Council Lecture Series is a collective of local discussions on world issues. It will continue in January with Raymond Baker. Baker is an author, businessman, and CEO who will be speaking at the Mildred Sainer Pavilion on global financial integrity. More specific topics which will be covered include how dirty money affects less-developed countries, human rights abuses, and economic inequality.
Mildred Sainer Pavillion, 5313 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, FL 34243
Don Lockwood, with humble roots as a musician, dancer and stuntman, must navigate his movie studio’s transition into “talkie” production. Lockwood falls in love with Kathy Selden, the lovely back-up singer dubbing over the tone-deaf Lina Lamont. A classic love-battle ensues and will determine who shall have their happy ending, as if audiences don’t already know.
The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
Join the Jewish Housing Council Foundation over dinner on January 23 at Michael’s on East for the conclusion of Nosh and Knowledge. Investigative journalist and author, Carl Bernstein, will be here to share his experience reporting on the Watergate scandal with Bob Woodward as well as participate in audience Q & A.
Michael’s On East, 1212 S East Ave Sarasota, FL 34239
The maniacal and quirky music prodigy stereotype exists for a reason. From Mozart’s impishness to Schubert’s obsessive work habits, this presentation explores the intriguing and outrageous stories behind many of the best known musicians and composers. Guest conductor Stefan Sanders will be joined by operatic tenor Jason Collins and Principal Bass John Miller.
Holley Hall, 709 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
When lawyer Pablo and his pregnant wife Tania move into a new house next to Frank and Virginia, two members of the community, a dispute over a longstanding fence spirals out of control into a battle of comical proportions. Clashing on everything from taste and privilege to accusations of entitlement, when a molehill becomes a mountain, nobody wins.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota
Join SRQ Media for the next installment of the 2017-2018 SB2 Luncheon Symposia series with SB2: State of the Region on Thursday January, 25 2018 from 11:00am-1:00pm at The Francis, Downtown Sarasota. Local experts will explore the economic link and symbiotic relationship between entrepreneurship and tourism in the Sarasota and Manatee region. The luncheon will culminate with the presentation of the SRQ LOCALPRENEUR OF THE YEAR awards honoring area trailblazers whose initiative and business savvy are helping our region grow.
Guest Panelists include: Elliot Falcione, Executive Director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau; Virginia Haley, President of Visit Sarasota County; Mark Huey, President and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County; Brian Mariash, Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor of Mariash Lowther Wealth Management; Jeff Mayers, General Manager of the Resort at Longboat Key Club; Rick Piccolo, President and CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
Tickets are $65/per person, which includes a mouth-watering plated lunch provided by The Francis. Reserve your spot online at SRQSB2.COM
The Francis , 1289 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join Selah Freedom for the Fifth Annual "A New Beginning" Fashion Event on January 25th. The event will feature a runway show showcasing stunning fashions, a champagne luncheon, sip & shop, and inspirational survivor stories.
Selby Five Points Park, 1331 1st St Sarasota, FL 34236
Sarasota Contemporary Dance's annual concert featuring imaginative dance pieces by internationally acclaimed contemporary choreographers.
Jane B Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
Opening with another company premiere, Paul Taylor’s Airs kicks off the night with a beautiful and flowing performance that showcase the choreographer’s passion for modern dance and ballet. Following Airs, Sarasota Ballet Resident Choreographer Ricardo Graziano brings the return of his Valsinhas, which premiered in 2013.
Sarasota Ballet, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
Trapped underground after a deadly collapse, a coal miner finds his salvation in the arrival of a young and inexperienced first responder. While they wait for additional rescue assistance, they discover they have a curious amount in common. As the men confront mortality, their connection may unearth a deeper revelation about acceptance and spiritual refuge. For more information please visit www.urbanitetheatre.com for show times and tickets.
Urbanite Theatre , 1487 Second Street, Sarasota
Join Sarasota Contemporary Dance for their annual concert featuring imaginative dance pieces by internationally acclaimed contemporary choreographers. Performances will be held at FSU Center for the Performing Arts and continue for several nights.
Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Trl Sarasota, Florida 34243
SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email |
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