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SRQ DAILY Nov 30, 2024

Saturday Perspectives Edition

Saturday Perspectives Edition

"Together, we will continue to shape a vibrant and prosperous future for Sarasota County."

- Erin Silk, President and CEO, Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County.
 

[GCBX]  Each Careful Step Along the Byway
Mary Dougherty, Marydougherty@gcbx.org

As I announce my retirement from the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange (GCBX) after 16 years, I’m reminded of the lyric from a famous Frank Sinatra song, “And now, the end is near.” I won’t go into the next lyric, because I don’t think I’m facing the final curtain. I hope I have many years left to kick up my heels and watch the organization continue to grow and prosper under new leadership.

Yet, I hope GCBX never loses sight of what makes it such a special and unique organization. It was founded in 1952 by a small group of local business leaders to address local issues. While the organization itself has undergone several structural/organizational changes over the years, it has never lost sight of its mission to support local commercial contracting industry, which in turn strengthens the local economy.

GCBX has been called a unicorn. We don’t have a state or national organization. We focus on local issues and the local economy. When issues at the State or National level will have a negative effect on the local commercial contracting industry, we work with our local delegations to have our member’s voices heard and/or when necessary engage the help of our very effective lobbyist.

We keep it local and we keep it simple. When your tax dollars are utilized for a commercial construction project in the region (ie. schools, parks, fire houses, libraries, police departments, etc.) if a local firm is hired to do the work, those dollars remain in the community and strengthen the local economy. A local firm employs local people (you may know many of them as your friends and neighbors), they support local charities, they dine in local restaurants and they partner with other local firms to complete the project. Your tax dollars circulate in the local community creating jobs and a strong local economy.

I have been proud to do that work for the last 16 years and advocate for the over 400 businesses that belong to GCBX and the over 50,000 people they employ. In those 16 years we survived the Great Recession, a once in a century pandemic and most recently a terrible summer of storms.

During the Great Recession we partnered with local governments to not only ensure that they focused on hiring local firms, but also to move projects forward on their capital improvement plans.  This enabled local governments to complete these projects at lower costs, but also kept many local companies alive and able to keep people employed. I’m proud of the partnerships we’ve had with local government. Many fine people work in Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties and are committed to public health, safety, welfare and maintaining the quality of life we enjoy.

I’m proud of the work we did during the pandemic as a resource to our members who didn’t know what tomorrow would bring for their business. We worked as a team with our other partners in the business community to disseminate critical information to businesses, process grant applications for local businesses and try our best to assist members in keeping their businesses going through the uncertainty of the time.

During storms, I’m proud county governments know they can turn to GCBX and know that their members will be there to assist, whether it’s for box trucks to get cots to shelters, tarps for roofs, checking electrical connections for safety and whatever else they may need.

It has been those partnerships and the opportunity to not only help build GCBX businesses but also the opportunity to help build a stronger community that have made my time at GCBX so fulfilling and rewarding. I will say I will miss the people and those opportunities. I have no doubt that whoever takes the reigns after me will still be committed to those principles in the same way the organization has been committed since 1952. I have been honored and proud to be the Executive Director of GCBX and I am honored to assist through a successful transition. We live in a great community and it’s great because of its people, its resilience and a strong business community that is committed to its success.

Mary Dougherty is executive director of Gulf Coast Builders Exchange. 

Image courtesy GCBX.

[Argus]  School Board Referendum Business Partners Love This Community
Christine Robinson, Christine@argusfoundation.org

The School Board Referendum, the extra millage we pay on our property taxes to support our students and teachers, passed on Nov. 5 with 84.07% of the vote. A record number voted for this referendum – 214,656 people voted “yes.” This vote is symbolic of all that is good in this community and why many of us live and do business here.  

The Teacher’s Union, the local foundations, and most of the business community united to make sure the community understood this referendum was on the ballot, that it was on the last page of the ballot, and also why it was so important for our students and their future.

Living and working in a community like this is a privilege and with that, many realize there is a responsibility or duty to contribute to it and make life better for future generations. Most of the business community recognized this with loud, strong, and significant support. 

Business support came from north to south, from east to west, with chambers of commerce and many trade groups supporting the referendum in terms of endorsement, financial support and time. Over half of the funds raised for the campaign came from the business community.

The Argus Foundation joined with these amazing partner business organizations - Realtor Association of Sarasota Manatee, Gulf Coast Builders Exchange, Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, North Port Area Chamber of Commerce and the Venice Chamber of Commerce to make sure our kids and teachers have what they need to be successful. 

Many of these groups have been supporting their members in hurricane devastation for the last two years from Ian to Debby, to Helene, to Milton. Yet, these are the groups that are consistently there, united in partnership, to support important community-wide initiatives like this. They care about the community and its future; they did not blink when asked for support.

There was a lot at stake with this referendum, $114 million next year and over 600 positions. It would have been a devastating blow to our education system, our economy, and quality of life and especially our kids to lose this funding. 

This election was different than elections past, as this was the first time this vote on the referendum would occur during a regular November election. Those of us in the election trenches were hoping it would pass with great support, but it was an election in a very contentious Presidential election.

We watched as important segments of the community united in an unbelievable way, Republicans, Democrats and other parties, as they understood the importance of this referendum. It was a sign of incredible unity at a time when the country seems very divided. 

Congratulations to our community for doing the right thing and for supporting our future. Congratulations to the business community for being there for your community. The Argus Foundation was proud to be a partner in this referendum and we look forward to the opportunity and great things to come from our school system.

Christine Robinson is Executive Director of The Argus Foundation. 

Image courtesy Pixabay..

[Economic Development Corporation]  Pathway to Prosperity: Driving Economic Development in Sarasota County
Erin Silk, esilk@edcsarasotacounty.com

This Thanksgiving weekend, I hope you find joy and gratitude in the company of your family, friends, and loved ones. It is a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to represent an organization that is making a significant impact on our community.

As we close out 2024, we at the EDC of Sarasota County are celebrating the successful completion of business expansions we have been supporting as they make $6.3 million dollars in new capital investment in Sarasota County, they will create 91 new jobs and infuse $5.2 million in new annual payroll into our local economy.

The ripple effect of these projects is profound, contributing $20.6 million in economic impact and generating $491,200 in annual tax revenue. Additionally, the expansion projects have occupied 66,000 square feet of industrial and office space, adding to the vibrancy and growth of our diverse business landscape.

Reflecting on the broader trajectory spanning from 2009 to 2024, the collective impact of our EDC clients is nothing short of extraordinary. During this period, we have successfully helped 94 companies navigate their growth projects, generating 4,672 jobs and a substantial $249.4 million in capital investment. These companies are driving sustained economic growth and prosperity throughout Sarasota County.

Looking forward to 2025, we are thrilled to support programs that will be pivotal in advancing our local economy. On January 9th, we are proud to sponsor Sarasota.Tech's Tech Summit which will bring together tech leaders and investors from across the country to discuss exciting topics that showcase the tech growth happening in Sarasota County and our investment potential. In fact, we have venture capital investors attending from NYC, Atlanta, Miami and Tampa. We will answer the questions, "Is Sarasota Investible?" and "Can Sarasota evolve into the next tech town?".

I sure think so!

If you are a founder, entrepreneur, investor, or interested in tech, visit Sarasota.Tech for registration and to join in this inaugural event, which promises to fire up innovation and progress in our region.

Together, we will continue to shape a vibrant and prosperous future for Sarasota County. I wish you all a restful and joyful Thanksgiving weekend! 

Image courtesy EDC: D-Trans.

To learn more, visit.



[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Fresh Harvest Farmers Market at Wellen Park , June 25 – May 31, 9 am to 1 pm

Visit Fresh Harvest, the newly launched weekly farmers market in Downtown Wellen. Fresh Harvest offers a selection of local goods from nearly 40 local vendors. Fresh Harvest takes place every Sunday in Downtown Wellen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can peruse different vendor booths and stock up on a variety of goods. Vendors will offer a wide variety of locally grown and produced food, including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages. A limited selection of craft vendors also participate in the farmers market. For a listing of participating vendors and more information on Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, visit wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market. Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Lets Connect at Oscura in Old Manatee , August 31 – December 26, 8:30-10am

Connect with local business owners at every Thursday at Oscura. Lets Connect is a community of collaborative business professionals from the Manatee and Sarasota County areas. RSVP on Eventbrite to attend, admission is free.

[SOON]  FOOD: Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch , September 3 – September 30, 10am-2pm

Experience some of the best food and flavors of the region with more than 100, and still growing, curated vendors. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch has fast become a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, and specialty items and gifts. Aside from all the goodies you can shop at the Farmers Market, find your flow in a free yoga class or have the kiddos get creative during weekly-hosted workshops. 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Shinique Smith, Parade , January 4 – January 5, Various times

Enjoy the extraordinary opportunity to experience the work of contemporary artist Shinique Smith in conversation with the collection of European art at The Ringling. Unfolding across six galleries of the Museum of Art, the exhibition creates a series of unique stories that together form an abstract narrative of the parade as a metaphor for life. Well known for her monumental sculptures created from an array of materials, including luxurious textiles, personal clothing, dyed fabrics, ribbon, and wood, and for her abstract paintings of calligraphy and collage, Smiths work in this exhibition speaks to various facets of the European artistic tradition, such as classical drapery and religious iconography, while foregrounding notions of Black femininity and the history of the circus. Learn more at ringling.org.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Space Saturdays , March 2 – December 7, 10am-2:30pm

Join us for Space Saturday, the first Saturday of every month, as we explore a different topic in the world of astronomy. During Space Saturdays, you will discover an out-of-this-world activity during Backyard Science, formerly Science Sprouts, in The Mosaic Backyard Universe, explore space with a staff astronomer during KidSpace in The Planetarium, and finish your day with an astronomy-themed story during Tales Under the Tree. To learn more, visit bishopscience.org.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Free Second Sundays , March 10 – December 8, 11am-5pm

Enjoy a day of art and family fun at Sarasota Art Museum. On the second Sunday of each month, we offer free admission for visitors, special performances, and art-making activities for the whole family. To learn more, visit sarasotaartmuseum.org.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Downtown Wellen Park Night Market , August 8 – May 8, 6-9pm

The Wellen Park Night Market returns the second Thursday of each month from 6-9pm offering an evening of shopping, live music and dining under the twinkling lights of Downtown Wellen. The Night Market features independent artists and makers specializing in art, jewelry, boutique fashion, home decor, bottle art, wood designs and specialty food items set up along Wellen Park Boulevard with 50 rotating vendors. Food items included rum cakes, desserts, lemonade, barbecue and vegan fare.

Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Pk Blvd

[SOON]  FOOD: Cask & Ale's Sunday Jazz Brunch , September 15 – December 29, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Cask & Ale on Main Street lifts a toast to our fabulous Jazz Brunch every Sunday from 11:00-3:00.  We offer a diverse chef-prepared menu with a full spread of Brunch delectables + our rotating Chef's Special menu, Bottomless Mimosas and a wide selection of craft cocktails.  And of course, sharing the good vibes of live Jazz with you from Noon-4:00!

Cask & Ale, 1548 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: The Sarasota Medieval Fair , November 2 – December 1, 10:00 am - 5:30 pm

We can already hear the sounds of the fair: the shouts of “throw wide the gates!”, laughter at our Children’s Realm, cheers during the equestrian tournaments, and the music from wandering troubadours.  And who could forget the aroma of turkey legs and kettlecorn in the air? The festival as more than just an event. The Sarasota Medieval Fair brings together local artisans, performers, and vendors, and serves as a fundraiser to multiple non-profit organizations. 

Woods of Mallaranny, 29847 FL-70 E. Myakka City, FL 34251

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Christmas Carol Trolley: Letters to Santa , December 1 – December 23, 5:30pm & 7:30pm

Discover Sarasota Tours announces our 3rd Annual Christmas Carol Trolley Letters To Santa holiday tour of music and lights running Dec 1-23rd at 5:30 and 7:30PM. This holiday favorite is a 75-minute family-friendly show filled with downtown lights, caroling down Main St., holiday stories, and heartfelt performances featuring the Trolley Troubadours, our singing ensemble of professional performers.

Discover Sarasota Tours, 1826 4th St, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Little Women the Musical , December 5 – December 15, Various Times

The Civil War is in full swing, and the March sisters -- Meg, the oldest, a romantic, the spirited and tomboyish Jo, sweet and loving Beth, and irascible, playful Amy -- live in Concord, Massachusetts with their Marmee while their father is on the battlefield. Filled with adventure (both lived and imagined), heartbreak, and a deep sense of hope, the struggle of these “Little Women” to find their own voices mirrors the growing pains of a young America. With buoyant, joyful melodies, memorable characters, and a big-hearted message, Little Women reminds us that “sometimes when you dream, your dreams come true.”

The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239)

[SOON]  : New Years Eve at Waterside Place , December 31 – January 1, 6:00 pm

Ring in the New Year with us at Waterside Place Plaza for a breathtaking live Sky Elements Drone Light Show presented by Waterside Place and Capstan Financial Consulting Group. Dance the night away with live music by DJ Truth, indulge in tasty food trucks, including delicious desserts and drinks, and enjoy games and activities for all ages!

Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch, 1510 Lakefront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240

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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