Image courtesy EDC: D-Trans.

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.

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