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SRQ DAILY Sep 22, 2014

Monday Business Edition

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Monday Business Edition

"This new Westin hotel will inspire well-being in Sarasota, the cultural center of Southwest Florida, within close proximity of the city's best theaters, arts and beaches."

- Brian Povinelli, Westin Hotel and Resorts
 

[Commerce]  Innovation and Economic Development

The most recent statsitics from the Florida Chamber of Commerce show Florida is still importing more goods than it exports, but the business organization has the goal of doubling the number exports by 2015. 

[Development]  Westin Finally Brings Hotel Attention Downtown
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

A groundbreaking for the Westin Sarasota last week marked more than the start of a new project for the Kolter Group. It marked the arrival of a long-desired piece of economic development in Downtown Sarasota—a high-end hotel.

"Our local economy will benefit greatly from having a Westin hotel in downtown Sarasota," said Norm Gollub, Sarasota downtown economic development coordinator. "The downtown community welcomes the opportunity to provide restaurant and retail experiences within a short walking distance of the hotel. Having a Westin property will certainly help the efforts of Visit Sarasota and other organizations as they continue to attract significant events to our area."

The $300-million project, at the corner of Gulfstream Boulevard and U.S. 41, includes both the 255-room Westin hotel and The Vue, a 141-unit luxury condominium. 

James Hansen, Kolter Hospitality vice president of sales and marketing, said his company values the hotel and condo portions of the project equally. Bringing in the Westin brand, the first time Kolter has ever worked with Starwood Hotels, does mark a major milestone the company, which in the past has worked with flags like Hyatt and Marriott. "Based on our models and designs, that flag fit it well," Hansen said. "We like from a hotel perspective what we get with Westin. They stress wellness living and a full-service approach."

The hotel is projected to open in July 2016. “This new Westin hotel will inspire well-being in Sarasota, the cultural center of Southwest Florida, within close proximity of the city’s best theaters, arts and beaches,” said Brian Povinelli, global brand leader for Westin Hotels and Resorts. “Here, guests will enjoy all the Westin brand’s signature programs and amenities, designed to send guests home feeling better than when they arrived.” 

That is important as the hotel operates very near to a Ritz-Carlton, and it contributes to the image of Downtown Sarasota itself as a luxury destination, rather than leaving the high-end market to the waterfront resorts.

The Vue may be just as critical for Downtown in terms of ushering in the next era of high-end condo development. Several major condo efforts are expected to break ground in the next year. The Vue units will be brokered through Michael Saunders and Company, a Sarasota-based luxury real estate firm.

"I can think of no greater expression of confidence in the Sarasota housing and tourism markets than the simultaneous start of a construction project whose companion structures include a luxury waterfront condominium and a nationally-branded luxury hotel that will cost over $120 million to build," said Saunders, company founder. "Kolter’s vote of confidence in Sarasota is even more extraordinary given the fact that they took the unusual step of beginning construction on VUE Sarasota Bay before pre-selling a large percentage of the residences. Thus far their confidence has been rewarded with over $50 million in sales."

Photo Courtesy Michael Saunders and Company: Team responsible for the construction and sales of VUE Sarasota Bay and The Westin Sarasota turn a ceremonial shovel of dirt at yesterday’s groundbreaking for the pair of bayfront structures.  L. to R., Bob Vail, James Hanson, Ed Jahn, Michael Saunders, Georgia Kopelousous, Lisa Morris and David Arent. 

[Agenda]  Budget Proposals To Be Discussed
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Sarasota County Commission: The board meets today for a budget hearing to set the final millage rate for the fiscal year and to discuss pending budget issues. The meeting begins at 5:30pm at the Sarasota County Administration Center in Sarasota. 

Manatee County Commission: The board meets Tuesday to discuss an environmental study for the Cortez Bridge and to discuss healthcare funding, among other items. The meeting begins at 9am at the Manatee County Administrative Center in Bradenton. 

Bradenton City Council: The board meets Wednesday for an update on a coming regatta event and to hear budget proposals for the Community Redevelopment Agency. The meeting begins at 6pm at City Hall. 

Manatee County Commission

[Exec Moves]  Mote Announces Change in Development Leadership

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium announced that its chief advancement officer, Tom Waters, has accepted a new position as the CEO of Easter Seals of Southwest Florida. Waters will conclude his service to Mote on Oct. 10. Mote is preparing to launch a national search for the new position of chief development officer, who will lead the organization’s fundraising efforts defined in Mote’s 2020 Vision and Strategic Plan.  

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

[Exec Moves]  Brockway Named Shareholder at Icard Merrill

Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen and Ginsburg announced the addition of its newest shareholder, G. Matthew Brockway. A member of the firm since 2008, Brockway practices primarily in the areas of land use, zoning, real estate and intellectual property law. He represents developers and land owners in all phases of complex real estate transactions and land development projects, including commercial, residential and mixed-use projects. He also represents corporate and individual clients in a diverse array of intellectual property matters, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, licensing, litigation and asset management. 

Icard Merrill

[Exec Moves]  Parsons Joins RE/MAX Alliance Group

Janet Parsons joined the Sarasota office of RE/MAX Alliance Group as an associate broker. She brings more than 30 years of experience, having worked with some of the top developers in the Florida market. 

Re/MAX Alliance Group

[Exec Moves]  Education Foundation Hires Faucy for Development

The Education Foundation of Sarasota County announced Robyn Faucy joined the organization as the new director of Development. Faucy is an experienced fundraising professional with sales, marketing and management experience.  She most recently worked as a senior manager for the American Cancer Society.  Robyn will work closely with Executive Director Susan Scott and the Board of Directors to support the Education Foundation's mission and goals by connecting donors to their passion for education. 

The Education Foundation of Sarasota County

SRQ Media Group

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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