The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County achieved a milestone that carries deep meaning for our organization and for our community. We have been designated as an Accredited Economic Development Organization, or AEDO, by the International Economic Development Council, the largest and most respected professional association in our field.

Out of thousands of economic development organizations worldwide, only 95 hold this distinction. It is considered the gold standard in our profession.

This is not an award based on a nomination or submission. The AEDO designation is earned through a rigorous and comprehensive peer review process conducted by experienced industry leaders. It includes an extensive documentation review and an in-person site visit evaluating every aspect of our organization, including governance, funding, strategic planning, programs, performance metrics and staff expertise.

In short, it examines not just what we do, but how we do it.

For Sarasota County, this accreditation signals that your economic development organization operates at the highest standards of professionalism, transparency and accountability. It affirms that we have the structure, strategy and expertise necessary to compete at the highest level.

Over the past several years, our team and Board of Directors have worked intentionally to strengthen the foundation of the EDC. We established a clear strategic plan for 2025 through 2027. We modernized comprehensive policies and governance practices aligned with best-in-class standards. We unified our branding and implemented measurable goals. We built financial reserves within recommended benchmarks and strengthened a balanced public and private funding model supported by a growing list of private investors and strong government partnerships.

Most importantly, we have delivered measurable results.

Our recently supported business expansion and relocation projects have generated more than 83 million dollars in new taxable capital investment and are adding over 1,400 new jobs in Sarasota County. Behind those numbers are companies that received site assistance, workforce support, regulatory navigation and strategic guidance, services designed to ensure long term success and meaningful community impact.

The AEDO accreditation team specifically noted our strong leadership, credibility and stakeholder trust. That feedback matters. Economic development is built on relationships. It requires collaboration among government, business leaders, and community partners. The strength of our public-private partnership is one of Sarasota County’s greatest competitive advantages.

On a personal level, I am incredibly proud of our dedicated Board of Directors and our amazing staff. Accreditation must be maintained every three years, meaning this is not a one-time accomplishment. It represents our ongoing commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

Sarasota County deserves leadership that holds itself to the highest standards, not only in the outcomes we achieve, but in the integrity and discipline behind them.

This recognition belongs to our entire community. It reinforces what I have always believed. Sarasota County stands among the very best in the world.

Erin Silk, CEcD is the President and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County.