With Spring Break behind us, it’s now that special time of year again when we get to honor the outstanding contributions of our local hospitality industry, which stands as the cornerstone of our region’s economy. Tourism remains the top industry regionally, generating $4 billion in economic impact for Sarasota County and $2 billion in Manatee County annually.

Those vital statistics reflect the strength of our industry, and each May we proudly recognize the people behind them during our National Travel & Tourism Week event. Originally created by the U.S. Travel Association, National Travel & Tourism Week is annually recognized by tourism and hospitality organizations across the United States to highlight travel’s role in driving economic growth and strengthening communities.

As visitors increasingly create itineraries across county lines, tourism is becoming more of a regional phenomenon in our community– so it’s only fitting that this year we praise this trend with collaboration. Our regional celebration is clear for takeoff at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport’s new Concourse A on May 6 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Hosted jointly by the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, SRQ Airport, and our own tourism bureau, this year’s event will provide local bites and beverages from Anna Maria Oyster Bar and Patrick’s 1492 (restaurants now housed in Concourse A!), live music, and awards for the hospitality professionals who keep our industry flying high.

This includes the coveted Voice of Sarasota Award, a recognition presented annually to an individual or business whose efforts have significantly impacted and improved Sarasota County as a tourism destination. This year’s winner will join the ranks of esteemed previous winners like Jennifer Rominiecki, President and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (2024), Michael Klauber, co-owner of Michael’s on East restaurant (2023), and Fredrick J. Piccolo, President and CEO of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (2022). While this year’s Voice of Sarasota recipient is still under wraps, I can share we’ll be celebrating their contributions at our May event.

Then, we’ll keep the party going into July for our Haley Hall of Fame Awards Celebration, recognizing those who continue to keep the tourism industry stimulating, creative, and moving forward. The awards program itself, The Haley Hall of Fame Awards, honors my mentor, Virginia J. Haley who dedicated twenty-four years of service to VSC as well as even more years to the local hospitality industry as a whole. Naming the program after her is a tribute to Haley’s immense legacy that continues to reach far and wide in our community to this day.

We encourage everyone to think about which outstanding individuals they would like to recommend as deserving candidates for consideration. Whether this is a seasoned professional or an up-and-coming star, there are several categories to choose from. Nominations are open now through the end of May --and all who are submitted will be notified of their nomination later this summer.

Whether you’re a local business looking to tap into our bustling tourism economy or connect regionally with others in the industry, this season’s events are for you, and we’d love to see you there. Tickets for our 2025 National Travel & Tourism Week event are already on sale and can be purchased online through April 28. Tickets for the Haley Hall of Fame Awards Gala will go on sale in early summer.

We look forward to recognizing our outstanding industry and the value travel holds in helping our local economies and communities continue to soar. Because doing so only further secures Sarasota County as a world-renowned destination which supports jobs and sustains our local economy. And that alone is worthy of cheers and celebration.

Erin Duggan, CDME, is President & CEO of Visit Sarasota County. 

At Manatee Community Foundation, we know that meaningful, lasting change does not happen in isolation. Our impact grows exponentially when we collaborate - strategically and proactively - with others who share our commitment to making a difference.

One of the most powerful examples of this spirit of collaboration is our ongoing partnership with Manatee County-based Bishop-Parker Foundation.

With roots dating back to 1953, Bishop-Parker Foundation has long played a critical role in addressing a wide range of community issues across Manatee County. Since 2021, our organizations have partnered on joint initiatives that have resulted in more than $1.7 million in combined financial impact - work that will continue to create ripple effects for years to come.

Some of our most meaningful collaborations include:

• Strengthening disaster preparedness: Through MCF’s leadership, we brought together Bishop-Parker Foundation, Manatee County Government, and United Way Suncoast to co-invest in a Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) network. This partnership is helping nonprofits, government agencies, and first responders work together more effectively to prepare for and respond in times of crisis.
• Building a resilient healthcare workforce: Through the Suncoast Nursing Action Coalition, we are supporting scholarships for aspiring doctors and nurses who are committed to serving the Manasota region, directly improving the quality and accessibility of local healthcare.
• Addressing hunger collaboratively: Convened by Bishop-Parker Foundation, the Manatee Food Security Network brings together more than 50 organizations focused on tackling food insecurity. By coordinating efforts, these partners are identifying gaps and building stronger, more sustainable solutions to hunger across the county.
• Fostering cross-sector alignment: Through MCF’s convening of CLASP (Community Leaders Aligning Strategies and Partnerships), we’re aligning efforts across sectors, from the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and Bradenton Area EDC to local governments and nonprofits, including Bishop-Parker Foundation, to advance shared strategies for a stronger community.

When foundations work in partnership, the benefits are undeniable. Resources can be better aligned, gaps in services more easily identified, and funding can be directed where it will make the greatest impact opening the door to deeper collaboration, collective action, and greater resilience.

As the Trustees of the Bishop-Parker Foundation direct the philanthropic legacy of Ned and Patty Bishop and Mary Parker, we’re proud to stand alongside them and their commitment to community building, kindness, and stewardship.

Today, our community faces both new challenges and new opportunities. As Manatee County continues to grow, so does the need for our nonprofits to expand their reach and readiness, not only in the face of disasters but also in addressing the everyday challenges that affect our residents.

In the aftermath of storms like Debby, Helene, and Milton, we saw what’s possible when we come together. MCF and Bishop-Parker Foundation partnered with nonprofits like the Early Learning Coalition, Meals on Wheels PLUS, and Hope Florida, alongside corporate allies such as Mosaic and FPL. Together, we helped relocate a childcare center on Anna Maria Island, coordinated the delivery of essential supplies to mobile home communities, and hosted an on-site support hub for foster care families with Family Initiative, Inc.

This is the spirit of collaboration we must carry forward. Our work with Bishop-Parker Foundation is just one example of what is possible when we unite around a shared purpose - to strengthen our community for today and for generations to come.

Veronica Thames is the CEO of Manatee Community Foundation.

Pictured: Jackie Barron, Mosaic; Wendy Deming, Bishop Parker Foundation; Veronica Thames, Manatee Community Foundation; and Tom Waters, Easterseals Happiness House. Photo courtesy of Manatee Community Foundation.

Check out the latest edition of RocketKids: Guide to Summer Camps—your ultimate resource for fun, learning, and adventure across the Suncoast. From arts to athletics, there’s something for every kid. Dive in and start planning the best summer yet!