2024 Economic Outlook

PRESENTING SPONSOR: SPEAKER SPONSOR: MEDIA PARTNER:

THE MUSICAL INTERLUDE FOR TODAY’S EVENT HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY THE SARASOTA ORCHESTRA

Sarasota Brass Quintet members include the following:

Gianluca Farina, Trumpet

Alan Evans, Trumpet

Hugo Bliss, Horn

Brad Williams, Trombone

Nate Seman, Tuba

WELCOME

Erin Silk, CEcD

President & CEO,

Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County

OPENING REMARKS

Bill Clinebell

Managing Partner, Relofant

BREAKFAST BREAK

SPEAKER SPONSOR

Tyler McCallister

Executive Vice President, Brown & Brown Insurance

PANEL INTRODUCTION

Mark Gordon

Managing Editor, Business Observer

PANELIST : Dr. Michael Snipes

Associate Professor of Instruction, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee

PANELIST : Shari Bower

Regional Executive of the Miami Branch, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

PANELIST : Nathan Ohle

President & CEO, International Economic Development Council

CLOSING

Erin Silk, CEcD

President & CEO,

Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County

SPEAKERS

Dr. Michael Snipes

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF INSTRUCTION, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA SARASOTA-MANATEE

Dr. Michael Snipes is an Associate Professor of Instruction of Economics at USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, with a joint appointment in the Muma College of Business. He received his MA (2004) and PhD (2008) from the University of Colorado–Boulder and his BA (2002) from the University of Texas – Austin. Prior to his arrival, Dr. Snipes taught at Eastern New Mexico University for several years. His current area of research interest is tourism and its effects on the economy. He has a variety of published articles spanning a wide array of economic interests including hotel profitability modeling, unemployment fluctuations, along with a host of additional topics. Review the University website (https://www. sarasotamanatee.usf.edu/) for additional information and publications attributed to Dr. Snipes.

Shari Bower

REGIONAL EXECUTIVE OF THE MIAMI BRANCH, FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF ATLANTA

Shari Bower is the Regional Executive at the Miami Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, overseeing the Regional Economic Information Network (REIN) for South Florida. As a member of the core group advising on monetary policy, she collaborates with business executives and community leaders to provide local business insights to national monetary policy deliberations. Shari also manages the Miami Branch’s board of directors and contributes to regional community and economic development outreach efforts. With a background spanning financial supervision, payments and market infrastructure policy, and policy planning, Shari joined the Atlanta Fed’s Retail Payments Office in 2020, guiding the bank’s payments innovation strategy and leading internal risk and enterprise communications teams. Shari is also actively engaged in her community, serving on the boards of Junior Achievement of Greater Miami and the Center for Financial Training International. She holds a master’s degree in public administration with a specialization in policy analysis from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, and a bachelor’s degree in international relations and anthropology from Tufts University.

SPEAKERS

Nathan Ohle

PRESIDENT AND CEO, INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Nathan Ohle is an internationally recognized expert in economic development and the President & CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), a non-profit serving economic developers globally. With extensive experience at the local, state, and federal levels, Nathan has served as the Senior Advisor at the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and led initiatives for the U.S. Department of Commerce. Prior to IEDC, he was the CEO of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), tripling its budget and expanding work in economic development, safe water access, and disaster recovery for rural and tribal communities. Nathan holds two degrees from Michigan State University and is actively involved in non-profit boards and community volunteering. Nathan resides in Falls Church, Virginia, with his wife and two children.

Mark Gordon MANAGING EDITOR, BUSINESS OBSERVER

Mark Gordon is the Managing Editor of the Business Observer. He has been a reporter and editor with the Business Observer and Observer Media Group since 2005.

In that time he’s written about hundreds of entrepreneurs, companies, business owners and civic leaders, from Tampa to Naples. In addition to writing stories, Mark oversees the daily online and weekly print content for the Business Observer, which reaches 160,000 readers a month. As managing editor, he coordinates coverage with a team of three full-time editors and eight freelance journalists and photographers. Mark started writing a biweekly column on leadership in 2021, interviewing some of the region’s top business leaders and consultants. And in June 2023, Mark and the Business Observer launched a weekly podcast, From the Corner Office, with interviews and conversations on leadership with some of the region’s most noted leaders.

A native of Long Island, New York, Mark lives in east Manatee County with his wife, Elyse, and their almost 16-year-old son Aaron.

TICKETS AVAILABLE STARTING JUNE 20

For sponsorship information contact Anna Eger at 941.893.0277 or aeger@edcsarasotacounty.com

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Since 2015, hundreds of organizations have sought out the experience and expertise of our owner’s representation and project management services to lead them through their commercial real estate projects. From single office relocations to ground up industrial construction and consolidations, we have guided all types of businesses through the risks and complexities that arise during commercial real estate projects. From Space Programming and Visioning to Site Decommissioning, and all things in between, Relofant’s involvement increases transparency, decreases the burden, and minimizes the risk of unplanned downtime.

SPEAKER SPONSOR

BROWN & BROWN INSURANCE was founded in 1939 as a two-partner firm based in Florida and has risen to become one of the largest insurance brokerages in the world. Starting in 1953, the Ernest Smith Agency was an active local member of the Sarasota community. In 1990, Ernest Smith joined Brown & Brown, a company with long-standing history of public and community service and has continued to give back to the local community and beyond. With a team that is as connected locally as it is nationally, Brown & Brown provides the personalized, dedicated service you want from a boutique agency while delivering the peace of mind that you expect from a top brokerage.

MEDIA PARTNER

Since 1997, The BUSINESS OBSERVER has been the go-to news source for Gulf Coast business leaders. Providing invaluable insights and relevant information, we thrive on delivering what every business professional needs to know. Whether you’re a CEO, owner, entrepreneur, investor or policymaker, we’ve got you covered. From Tampa Bay to Naples, we offer a comprehensive regional view of economic news, company strategies, industry changes and government impact. Available daily, weekly, online at BusinessObserverFL.com, via mobile app or in print, we cater to your preferred format. Start your day with The Daily Brief for top breaking news and delve deeper into stories every Friday.

www.businessobserverfl.com

PASTRY SPONSOR

PREMIER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY has over 1,400 sales professionals in 40 locations throughout Florida and North Carolina. Premier Sotheby’s International Realty also benefits from an association with the storied Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. The brokerage was founded by The Lutgert Companies, a prominent member of Southwest Florida’s business community since 1964, and is proudly associated with Peerage Realty Partners. The company delivered $8.4 million in closed sales volume in 2023.

CENTERPIECE SPONSOR

S-ONE HOLDINGS’ progressive focus and leadership on the evolution of B2B commerce has positioned us as a control point in the industry as digital printing expands, and traditional analog printing contracts. We partner with global brands and manufacturers to provide advanced digital marketing, an integrated and flexible supply chain, and comprehensive technical support. Additionally, we offer video production services from concept to completion. At the core of S-One is a relentless drive for innovation. We’re dedicated to discovering new products and sustainable solutions, making a tangible impact on our team, customers, and the wider community.

www.sone.com

GOLD SPONSOR

THE BANK OF TAMPA is one of the largest community banks in the Tampa Bay area. It has been privately held by its employees, directors and clients since the bank’s inception in 1984. It has offices in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, and Manatee counties. The Bank of Tampa’s assets total more than $3.1 billion, with outstanding loans greater than $1.5 billion. Its wealth management practice has more than $1.2 billion total assets under care.

GOLD SPONSOR

FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY (FPL) is committed to delivering clean, reliable electricity at the lowest cost possible. As America’s largest electric utility, FPL serves more than 12 million people in 43 counties from Miami to Pensacola. FPL works with its communities to make Florida an even better place to live, work and raise a family, including working with partners in the Sarasota region to help leading companies like Sun Hydraulics, Publix and Unipak Aviation continue to grow here. FPL appreciates the opportunity to serve its communities and make a difference together. Learn more at www.FPL.com/community.

www.fpl.com

GOLD SPONSOR

The SARASOTA BRADENTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SRQ) provides a convenient and customer-friendly airport that reflects the best of Florida’s culture and beauty. As the number one fastest growing airport in the country, we are dedicated to delivering a profitable operating environment for our tenants and a high-quality, community-based airport for our passengers. SRQ offers competitive rates and a variety of passenger amenities. With the addition of our new 5-Gate terminal expansion, our airport will be better able to accommodate new airlines and attract new destinations, offering our community more choices in future travel. SRQ, Your Airport, You’re Home.

www.flysrq.com

GOLD SPONSOR

SARASOTA MEMORIAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM offers Southwest Florida’s greatest breadth and depth of care, with 1.7 million patient visits annually across its network of locations and services. Its flagship 897-bed Sarasota hospital has been recognized among the nation’s best, with superior outcomes. It is the only hospital in Sarasota providing maternity services, newborn intensive care, pediatrics, trauma care and behavioral health services for patients of all ages. The public health system recently opened several new facilities to enhance residents’ access to care, including Sarasota Memorial Hospital – Venice, the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute and the Cornell Behavioral Health Pavilion.

SILVER SPONSOR

DMSI excels in crafting premium fiber optic connectivity solutions for telecommunications and data center sectors. Our product lineup features VSSF (very small form factor) connector assemblies like MMC and MDC, coveted new technologies in today’s market. IllumiCore® and OMNIA ® assemblies utilize American-made optical cables from trusted domestic manufacturers, ensuring UL listed and fully traceable cables. Our extensive product line features fiber optic cable assemblies, media converters, fiber optic hardware, custom cable assemblies, and hardware solutions. Additionally, we offer a range of products including splitters and optical enclosures, all meticulously crafted to ensure outstanding quality and performance. Customer satisfaction is paramount, making us your trusted fiber optic partner. At DMSI, we don’t just provide solutions; we cultivate lasting relationships.

SILVER SPONSOR

EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS is a leading staffing agency committed to connecting businesses with qualified talent and individuals with rewarding job opportunities. With over 40 years of experience, we offer comprehensive workforce solutions tailored to meet the needs of clients and candidates alike. Our team of dedicated professionals provides personalized service, expert guidance, and innovative recruitment strategies to ensure successful matches and long-term partnerships. From temporary and contract staffing to direct hire placements, we deliver excellence in staffing services across various industries. At Express Employment Professionals, we are passionate about helping businesses thrive and individuals succeed in their careers.

www.expresspros.com/sarasotafl

SILVER SPONSOR

GOODWILL MANASOTA is an industry leader in workforce development and innovation serving Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, and Hardee Counties and parts of Charlotte and Lee Counties. We believe in offering all people — especially those with obstacles to employment — a helping hand and the opportunity for a better life. When you donate items you no longer need and shop in our stores, you are helping to provide employment, job training, upskilling, and essential services to the most vulnerable members of our community.

SILVER SPONSOR

Headquartered in Venice, Florida, with a second office in downtown Sarasota, Florida, GULF COAST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION has transformed the region through bold and proactive philanthropy for nearly 30 years. Serving the needs of the region as a partner in philanthropy and leader in community initiatives, Gulf Coast has surpassed granting over $550 million in the areas of: health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment. Gulf Coast was named one of the “Best Nonprofits To Work For” nationally by The NonProfit Times in 2010, 2011, 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2023. To learn more visit GulfCoastCF.org and follow us on Facebook.

www.experiencegoodwill.org www.gulfcoastcf.org

SILVER SPONSOR

REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest, and Texas. Our mission is to make life better for our customers, our associates, and the communities we call home—creating shared value as we help people meet their financial goals and aspirations. We do this by providing competitive financial products, excellent service, and trusted advice. With accessible branches and dedicated associates from every line of business throughout Sarasota County, we’re committed to being a catalyst for a vibrant, sustainable economy. That’s why we invest in the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County.

SILVER SPONSOR

Since 1931, RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN has cultivated the creative spirit in students from around the globe. The private, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in eleven disciplines and the Bachelor of Arts in two. The College’s rigorous curriculum employs the studio model of teaching and immediately engages students through a comprehensive program that is both specific to the major of study and focused on the liberal arts. The Ringling College teaching model ultimately shapes students into highly employable and globally aware artists and designers. www.regions.com

SILVER SPONSOR

Our Company was founded in Georgia, in 1888 with a simple act of kindness and humble beginnings. We take pride, meeting the needs of families, individuals, and businesses across the Southeast, including the Florida footprint. SYNOVUS BANK is a full-service financial company, spanning Commercial, Retail Banking, Mortgage, and Investments. We’re committed to building long-term relationships and support our clients to meet their goals. Today, Synovus is a top-performing midcap bank with over $61 billion in assets and has been named “one of the Best Banks in America” by Forbes. For more information about our products, services, and locations, please visit: www.Synovus.com.

www.synovus.com

SILVER SPONSOR

Situated in the vibrant and diverse Tampa Bay region, the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA is a high-impact global research university with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee. Research funding awarded to the university reached an all-time high of $692 million in fiscal year 2023. USF Sarasota-Manatee prepares its students to make an impact in various industries of high importance to the local community — from business and hospitality to education and healthcare. In August, the campus will open its first student center and residence hall.

www.sarasotamanatee.usf.edu

SILVER SPONSOR

WHARTON-SMITH, INC. , founded in 1984 by George Smith and Bill Wharton, is a privately held corporation founded on strong work ethics and the vision to create a positive impact within the communities we serve. Wharton-Smith is a construction management firm with Florida branch offices in North Port, Tampa, Fort Myers, Pensacola, Merritt Island, Sanford, Jacksonville, and Palm Beach Gardens. With a focus on building communities, we specialize in constructing offices, entertainment/ hospitality, K-12 and higher education, community centers, parks and recreation, public safety, religious, sports, and water projects. We take tremendous pride in what we build and are committed to delivering superior services to our clients.

www.whartonsmith.com

FULL TABLES

HALF TABLES

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR EDC INVESTORS

VISIONARY CIRCLE

CareerSource Suncoast

Comcast

Florida Power & Light Company

S-One Holdings

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport

Shumaker

GROWTH CIRCLE

Bank of America

The Bank of Tampa

BMO Harris

Brown & Brown Insurance

Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Hotwire Communications

Michael Saunders & Company

Perform [cb]

PGT Innovations

PNC Financial Services Group

Regions Bank

Relofant

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

SouthState Bank

TECO Peoples Gas

Truist

Williams Parker Harrison Dietz & Getzen

ENGAGEMENT CIRCLE

Carr, Riggs & Ingram

CORE Construction

Enzymedica

Express Employment Professionals

FCCI Insurance Group

HCA Florida Englewood Hospital

Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, PA

Kerkering, Barberio & Co.

Lodgco Hospitality

Observer Media Group

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

Ringling College of Art & Design

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Sylint Group

USF Sarasota-Manatee

Wellen Park

Wharton-Smith

Willis A. Smith Construction

AMBASSADOR CIRCLE

DMSI International

Forristall Enterprises

Harmar Mobility

Harry E. Robbins Real Estate

John Galt Staffing

Mahoney Concrete Systems

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

NDC Construction Company

State College of Florida

Synovus Bank

Universal Insurance Managers

Zenith Insurance Company

Continued on next page...

PATRON CIRCLE

Aqua Plumbing & Air

ASO

Asolo Repertory Theatre

Atlas Insurance

Audigr Group

CASTO

Cavanaugh & Co.

CBIZ

Centennial Bank

Coatue Companies

Community Foundation of Sarasota County

Creative Empowerment Program

Florida Studio Theatre

Gator Grading & Paving

Goldberg Companies

Goodwill Manasota

Halfacre Construction Company

Hembree & Associates

Hoyt Architects

Ian Black Real Estate

JP Morgan Chase

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

MakSchu Productions

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Mauldin & Jenkins

MBJ Group

Miles Partnership

Mullet’s Aluminum Products

Northern Trust

North Port Area Chamber of Commerce

PPi Technologies Group

Purvis Gray

Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee

Rite Technology

Rumble

RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture

Sarasota Opera

Sarasota Orchestra

SEPA FL

School Board of Sarasota County

Shepherd Insurance

Stantec

Starling Realty

Sutter Quality Foods

Sweet Sparkman Architects

Taubman DBA The Mall at University Town Center

The Circus Arts Conservatory

The Corley Company

TPC Prestancia

United Way South Sarasota County

University of Florida Innovation Station

Valley Bank

Van Wezel Performing Arts Center

Wessel Construction

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

WJArchitects

COMMUNITY PARTNER

Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

Gulf Coast Builders Exchange

Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce

Sarasota-Manatee Manufacturing Association

Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

Venice Area Chamber of Commerce

Visit Sarasota County

EDC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FYE 2024

Devaney Iglesias , (CHAIR) Florida Power & Light Company

Brett Henson, Esq. , (VICE CHAIR) Shumaker

Steve Morehart, CPA , (TREASURER) Purvis Gray

Erin Cigich , (SECRETARY ) Perform [cb]

Mark Irwin , (PAST CHAIR) Truist

Commissioner Ron Cutsinger , Sarasota County

Commissioner Erik Arroyo, Esq. , City of Sarasota

Commissioner Penny Gold , Town of Longboat Key

Council Member Rick Howard , City of Venice

Commissioner Barbara Langdon , City of North Port

Dr. Michael Crosby , Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Dr. Todd Fritch , State College of Florida

Dr. Karen Holbrook , University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Campus

Eric Kowalewski , PGT Innovations

Art Lambert , S-One Holdings

Phillip Lanham , Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Tyler McCallister , Brown & Brown Insurance

Joseph McKenna , Sarasota Orchestra

Charles Murphy , The Bank of Tampa

Charles ‘Chip’ Murphy , Michael Saunders and Company

Chris Perkins , SouthState Bank

Scott Sensenbrenner , Enzymedica

Rick Severance , Wellen Park

Garret Shinn , Carr, Riggs & Ingram

Heather Williams , Kerkering, Barberio & Co.

Zachary Buffington, Esq. (Board Counsel), Williams Parker Harrison Dietz & Getzen

TO GROW, DIVERSIFY AND SUSTAIN

THE ECONOMY OF SARASOTA COUNTY