SRQ DAILY Dec 9, 2019
Monday Business Edition
"He basically felt that he'd done a lot of good things, and it was time to move on. We, at the EDC, appreciated that sentiment, although we hated to see him leave. You don't argue with someone who's done such a great job, and who's decided to move in a new direction. You support them and that's what the board has done."
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County said outgoing President and CEO Mark Huey will continue to help the organization until a new leader gets tapped. Art Lambert, board chair the EDC, said the director who led the organization for almost nine years is parting amiably.
“He’s still there and he is going to be working through the end of December, Lambert said. “This guy is a class act who wasn’t going to leave us high and dry.”
The EDC had talked with Huey for weeks about a departure. "He basically felt that he'd done a lot of good things, and it was time to move on, "Lambert said. "We, at the EDC, appreciated that sentiment, although we hated to see him leave. You don't argue with someone who's done such a great job, and who's decided to move in a new direction. You support them—and that's what the board has done.”
But the EDC does want to install an interim CEO as soon as possible, with an announcement happening as soon as this week, Lambert said. From there, the Sarasota County business group will launch a national search for its third-ever president.
While Lambert said a couple internal individuals will be considered, it’s important to search nationwide for a solid leader at the EDC, which has the critical job of recruiting and retaining a diversity of businesses in an economy notoriously reliant on construction and tourism. A transition team made up mostly of board executives committee members has been assembled.
Just as important, EDC leaders want to make sure the existing team in place isn’t pulled away from critical work while there’s a vacancy in the top post. “It’s important the team there now stays focused on what we need them to do,” Lambert said. He said the team working at the EDC is largely young but also passionate and energetic.
Officials at the EDC say they will continue the industry-focused events that stressed growth in fields from technology to health care. They will also continue recruitment efforts already underway from Huey’s time at the helm.
Lambert stressed the organization is just as focused on companies operating in Sarasota and serving their needs. He notes his own company, S-One Holdings, was helped by the EDC as it grew within the region.
“Not only are we focused on bringing new blood into community and a more diverse economy, but on helping those companies here now, including mine,” he said. “WE have to look at high growth companies and make sure taking care of them.”
Huey could not be reached for comment and has not announced his plans after closing out his work at the EDC. “He just feels it’s time to try something new," Lambert said.
He said the EDC will seek out collaboration and concensus with business and government leaders. "We need them to agree that economic development is an important thing," he said. "We need more cool companies here—we have plenty, but we need more. The cranes downtown are awesome, but we need more companies that will produce high paying jobs. We need someone who's going to come in and develop a team at the EDC, but we also need someone who's going to go out and develop relationships in the community.”
Additional reporting by John Witte
Ron Cutsinger announced today that he is running for the Sarasota County Commission District 5 seat. “I’m a conservative businessman and community servant. I’m not a politician or opportunist looking to launch a political career,” Cutsinger said of his decision to run. “The future is bright for South Sarasota County. I will bring conservative leadership to the County Commission that will empower our community to reach its full potential.”
All Star Children’s Foundation will increase their treatment of children in the tri-county area who are suffering from trauma because of a $100,000 Leveraged Grant recently issued by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The funds will be directed to support development, implementation and evaluation of therapeutic interventions for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
Lucia Branton, All Star’s chief executive officer, explains that the grant will provide the opportunity for All Star to treat more children who have been referred to the organization and qualifies for its trauma-focused services. “Since opening our outpatient services in April 2019, we’ve received more than 150 referrals,” says Branton. “Due to the overwhelming need for trauma services, we have quickly developed a waiting list of children.” She adds that the funds will allow the organization to “hire the additional clinicians to serve children on our waiting list.” All Star’s clinical department currently includes three clinicians trained in evidence-based trauma treatment models, with a fourth starting later this month, and the clinical director.
Music Compound is excited to announce that ten students will audition December 17th in Miami for America’s Got Talent. Students have attended one or two six week audition workshops at Music Compound. To close the audition workshop, Music Compound will host a live dress rehearsal for students and fans. The dress rehearsal is open to the public. “Each student has grown musically and professionally over the past six weeks. Their boost in confidence and stage presence is very inspirational!” said Jenny Townsend, owner of Music Compound. The audition workshop was led by Grammy Nominee and vocalist, Yaya Diamond. Each six week series focused on song selection, audition cuts, stage presence, introduction, artistry development, and media training. In addition to the workshop, every student takes private lessons weekly.
The dress rehearsal is December 11th at 6:00PM at Music Compound’s Cattlemen Studio. The address is 1751 Cattlemen Road. The goal is for students to gain followers, to perform for a live audience, and work through nerves. Students will have a few days to tweak their audition and prepare further. Music Compound is committed to inspiring and educating local musicians.
Like a breath of fresh Alpine air, this beloved musical masterpiece sweeps onto the Asolo Rep stage just in time for the holidays. Maria, a young nun causing trouble at the abbey, is sent off to be governess to Captain Von Trapp’s seven troublesome children. She brings much-needed love and joy to the family – and the widowed captain – and transforms their world and hers through the power of music. But the looming threat of Nazi Germany’s invasion of their native Austria darkens their future. Overflowing with some of the most iconic songs of all time, this heart warming family musical will be helmed by Josh Rhodes, returning on the heels of his spectacular production of Evita in 2017.
FSU Performing Arts Center, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
On Wednesday, December 11, join the Education Foundation for a morning of brunch & bubbles as they honor phenomenal teachers in Sarasota County. The awards ceremony will recognize an Alumni of Distinction and unveil the 2020 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year. The event is from 10:30am to 12pm. Please use complimentary valet service.
The Westin Sarasota, 100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
The Perlman Music Program Suncoast Super Strings is presented as part of a public orchestra rehearsal during the PMP Sarasota Winter Residency. Super Strings promotes the interaction of local young musicians with international students of The Perlman Music Program and world-class faculty. Forty-five string players from across the state of Florida join the PMP String Orchestra on stage, for a special one-time PMP Sarasota Winter Residency event, to perform the 1st Movement of Felix Mendelssohn's String Sinfonia No. 2 in D Major, under the baton of Itzhak Perlman. Tickets $10 at Perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast.org
USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243
The Hospital Gala has raised more than $2.2 million to benefit Sarasota Memorial Hospital ER/Trauma Services and Cardiac Services. This year, proceeds will support Cancer Services to help the SMH cancer care team deliver the best life-saving care for you, your loved ones and those in our community.
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL) is preparing for its 49th year of extremely popular global issues lectures and musical conversations. In 2020, these programs will begin in January and continue through the end of March. Speakers of global issues lectures are well-known, highly experienced experts, and guests on musical conversations are internationally renowned musicians, singers, and performers. SILL is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. In its 49th season, its programs will include 96 lectures and musical conversations presented in Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch. SILL audiences mostly consist of highly educated and intellectually curious seniors living on the Suncoast year-round or during winter months. SILL also simulcasts some of its lectures to selected senior communities. Last year, attendance at SILL events exceeded 40,000. Single tickets to SILL events are only $10 at the door when available, and a season ticket for 12 same-day lectures cost just $85, which represents substantial savings. For program schedules, venues, speaker bios, and ordering season tickets visit sillsarasota.org
First United Methodist Church, 104 S. Pineapple Ave.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is proud to present Sarasota’s most sophisticated and diversely entertaining New Years Eve experience; a black-tie event featuring a private journey through tropical holiday light displays, passed hors d’oeuvres, a seated four course dinner, special performances by The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company and Trainees from the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory and dancing at Michael’s on the Bay. The countdown to the New Year culminates with a champagne toast and a perfect view of fireworks overlooking Sarasota Bay. Celebrate the New Year in style.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Ring in the New Year at the Sarasota Bayfront Midnight Fireworks Spectacular! See one of the best fireworks displays Southwest Florida has to offer. Make your reservations now by calling Marina Jack at (941) 365-4232. Proceeds benefit Suncoast Charities for Children.
Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources announces the return of the popular One Book, One Community program for 2020 with the selection of Kate Moore's "The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women." The book details the true story of unsafe and deadly workplace conditions for female workers during World War I who painted radium on watch dials, and later military equipment at factories in New Jersey and Illinois. Many experienced painful, disfiguring and fatal cancers as a result of their exposure to radium. These young women began a race-against-time fight for justice that would forever change US labor laws. The program has recognized local authors as well as world-renowned writers. A committee selects the One Book title and then hosts a public event with the author and readers. This celebration includes follow-up programs at county libraries and other venues. Anyone can participate in One Book, One Community by attending a library event or hosting their own book discussion.
Suncoast Technical College ; Selby Public Library, 4445 Career Lane, North Port; Downtown Sarasota
Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for the next program in its 2019-20 Lecture Series, “Not with a Bang: Moving toward the Endgame with a Nuclear North Korea,” featuring Evans Revere, Senior Director at the Albright-Stonebridge Group. Mr. Revere will discuss whether the U.S. prepared to live with a nuclear North Korea and the implications for America's security. Each SWAC lecture is followed by a members-only reception with the speaker in a historic building on Sarasota Bay. The lecture is free, but reservations are suggested.
Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Show your love for the Humane Society of Manatee County (HSMC). Watch dozens of awesome pups soar through the air during a dog dock diving competition. Enjoy an exhilarating polo match from the Sarasota Polo pavilion, the best seats in the house. Eat, drink, visit with vendors, see Search and Rescue dogs and win prizes. 100% of your ticket purchase will be donated to HSMC (after credit card fees).
The Sarasota Polo Club Pavilion, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota, FL 34240
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