Summer has arrived and with it; hurricane season. It is essential for our businesses to prioritize resilience and preparedness now. At the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, we understand that planning for the unknown is a key element in running a successful business.

We want businesses to experience minimal interruptions during hurricane season. This is vitally important to our economy and our hardworking community members. I encourage all businesses to explore the valuable business preparation resources available on our website at: www.edcsarasotacounty.com/business-continuity-planning

We can always rely on, regardless of any challenges that come our way, the abundance of resources available to support our community businesses. No matter what happens, Sarasota County has formed partnerships that are ready to launch to help minimize business disruptions.

Now in my tenth year in Sarasota County, I have supported businesses of all sizes from Downtown Venice to my current service with the EDC covering all of Sarasota County. I have come alongside businesses through various hardships; hurricanes, COVID-19 pandemic, and red tide.

My first message to all business owners; if you are not a member of one (or more) of our regional Chambers of Commerce or Industry Organizations: Join now! These organizations serve as a great support system. Your membership is critical to getting quick information. We hope you never have hurricane damage, but if you do your Chamber or Industry Organization will be your village in your time of need.

In celebrating recent accomplishments, I am delighted to share the news of the recognition received by the EDC and Visit Sarasota County at the annual meeting of the Florida Economic Development Council. This acknowledgment honors our region's innovative approach to economic development, particularly in the aftermath of the challenges posed by storms Debby, Helene, and Milton.

The initiative led by Visit Sarasota County, known as SupportThe941, exemplified the spirit of community readiness and collaboration. By encouraging locals and businesses to welcome residents and visitors, the initiative not only stimulated economic activity but also highlighted the region's vitality ahead of the peak tourism season.

The EDC and Visit Sarasota County were honored with two prestigious awards by the Florida Economic Development Council. The "Pivot and Persist" Award recognized our commitment and creativity in driving local economic recovery in the face of adversity, with the SupportThe941 Campaign playing a pivotal role in fostering community healing post-storms. Additionally, we received the “Best in Show: The Melissa Medley Creativity Award” for our impactful marketing efforts that effectively promoted the region with passion and ingenuity.

I extend a heartfelt thank you to the FEDC for this high honor. The EDC and VSC remain unwavering in our commitment to creative partnerships that contribute to the economic vitality of the region. These accolades serve as a testament to our dedication to supporting small businesses, economic resiliency, and nurturing the overall well-being of our community.

As we prepare for another hurricane season, we must acknowledge our coastal businesses who may still be suffering from last year, and those who will never reopen. We truly hope that this year is a quieter season.

Let us all take proactive steps towards business continuity now, leveraging the resources and expertise available to us. One thing is true; Sarasota County always stands united and resilient in the face of adversity.

Erin Silk is the President and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County. 

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Last Friday, nearly 600 business leaders, owners, and CEOs gathered to honor the region’s most inspiring companies at the 2025 Frank G. Berlin Sr. Sarasota Business Awards, hosted by the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Held at The Ora Ballroom, the luncheon spotlighted 30 exceptional finalists across 10 award categories—from Small Business of the Year to Workforce Innovation and Rising Star. These companies represent the best of Sarasota: driven, resilient, and deeply committed to our community’s growth.

Each award category told a story of impact—businesses that adapted, expanded, gave back, and created jobs right here in our region. These are the companies that don’t just show up—they build up Sarasota every single day.

But this event is about more than handing out trophies. It’s about celebrating what a strong, connected business community can achieve together.

As the Sarasota Chamber, we’re proud to create platforms like this that elevate, connect, and advocate for our members. And we’re not just celebrating the success of others—we’re also raising the bar ourselves. Just this month, the Sarasota Chamber was awarded 5-Star Accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, placing us in the top 1% of chambers across North America. This rare distinction recognizes excellence in chamber planning, advocacy, governance, and member services.

What does that mean for our members? It means that when you join the Sarasota Chamber, you’re not just joining a local organization—you’re gaining access to one of the top-performing chambers in the country. Whether it’s networking, visibility, business advocacy, or workforce development, we’re doing the work to help our 1,500+ members succeed and thrive.

The Sarasota Business Awards are a perfect reflection of our mission: to recognize and fuel business excellence in all forms. From family-owned shops to fast-growing tech firms, every nominee and finalist showed what it means to lead with purpose, even when times are challenging.

To the businesses recognized this year—thank you for raising the bar. To our members—thank you for helping us build something extraordinary. And to those not yet a part of the Chamber—we invite you to join us.

For more information about joining the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, visit www.sarasotachamber.com.

Heather Kasten is President/CEO of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. 

Photo courtesy of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.