SPONSORED
ERIN SILK
Welcome to our 2025 Annual Meeting! We are fortunate to be surrounded by visionary leaders, bold innovators, and true supporters of our mission.
Over the past year, we have achieved great strides in growing a more diverse and vibrant economy. We have grown a business brand that is attracting exciting new companies, bringing with them quality career opportunities. We also stood firmly behind our existing businesses, being an invaluable resource to help them grow and thrive. At the same time, we have invested in strengthening our Business Park infrastructure — the foundation that supports economic growth, innovation, and a connected community. This is not just progress; it is a bold step toward shaping a vibrant and sustainable future.
We are more than part of tomorrow’s economy — we are leading the way. Together, we are creating a legacy of opportunity and resilience for the generations ahead. Let’s seize this moment and own the future of our beautiful Sarasota County, Florida.
ASSISTED
2009-2025 $ 256.4 M SF OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE FILLED 1.72 M PROJECTED NEW JOBS 4,704
FLORIDA COUNCIL OF 100 MIKE SIMAS
Michael Simas is the President & CEO of the Florida Council of 100, a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of chief executives committed to promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for the people of our state. Now representing more than 150 businesses with over 1.3 million employees, for more than six decades, the Council has been charged with providing advice on key economic development issues from the business community’s perspective to Florida’s elected leaders and government officials across the political and ideological spectrum.
Having engaged with Fortune 500 CEOs for the past twenty years, Michael brought his economic development acumen to Florida after serving as Executive Vice President of the Partnership for New York City, the city’s most powerful business association. While there, he forged groundbreaking alliances between many of the state’s largest companies and top elected officials to increase talent, infrastructure, and sector-driven investments in New York’s emerging industries. His accomplishments include spearheading the creation of the $1.2 billion Excelsior Jobs Program to expand the footprint of the city’s growth sector businesses, and leading initiatives that generated $2.7 billion in savings over 10 years for city businesses through coalition building and the negotiation of New York’s first business tax changes in nearly two decades.
PRESENTING 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.
To learn more, visit: bbrown.com/us
CLYDE NIXON SPONSOR
Helios Technologies, founded in Sarasota in 1970 as Sun Hydraulics, is celebrating 55 years of innovation. A publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange, Helios is a global leader in motion control and electronic control solutions. With over $800 million in annual revenue, 2,500+ employees, and customers in 90+ countries, Helios serves industries like construction, agriculture, energy, and marine. Focused on innovation and strategic growth, the company has paid quarterly dividends since going public in 1997.
To learn more, visit: heliostechnologies.com
PLATINUM SPONSOR
Founded in 1976, Michael Saunders & Company is the top independent real estate company on the Suncoast with nearly 20 sales offices and 650+ agents spanning from St. Petersburg to Sanibel Island. International brokerage affiliations extend the company’s message to qualified buyers nationally and globally. Headquartered in Sarasota, Michael Saunders & Company provides customers the most comprehensive range of real estate services in Southwest Florida, including mortgage, title, insurance and relocation services, developer services, and a commercial real estate division. A philanthropic arm, the MSC Foundation, gives back to Gulf Coast community organizations via donations from agents and staff.
To learn more, visit: michaelsaunders.com
DESSERT 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 billion, with outstanding loans greater than $1.7 billion. Its wealth management practice has more than $1.6 billion total assets under care.
To learn more, visit: thebankoftampa.com.
MEDIA SPONSOR
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.
To learn more, visit: businessobserverfl.com
CENTERPIECE SPONSOR
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is a regional medical center offering Southwest Florida’s greatest breadth and depth of care. Founded in 1925 with 32 beds and two dozen physicians and staff, SMH is celebrating a century of service in 2025. The community-owned health system now has 1,109 beds and nearly 2 million patient visits annually across its network of care. Sarasota County’s largest employer with 10,000-plus staff, SMH includes two hospitals in Sarasota and Venice, freestanding ERs in North Port and Lakewood Ranch, rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, a skilled nursing facility, outpatient and urgent care centers and physician practices.
To learn more, visit: smh.com
FleetForce provides turnkey Commercial Driver Training programs for Colleges, Companies, and Municipalities. As the largest CDL training provider in Florida, our mission is To Empower Drivers, Strengthen Companies, & Build Communities.
To learn more, visit: fleetforcetruckdrivertraining.com
VIDEO SPONSOR
Founded in 1895, TECO Peoples Gas System has grown to become Florida’s largest natural gas distribution utility, delivering safe, clean, affordable and reliable natural gas to over 500,000 homes and businesses across the state. Through investments in people, technology, infrastructure and environmentally focused innovations, the company is committed to fueling Florida’s clean energy future responsibly and sustainably. Peoples Gas cultivates a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace that includes varied backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. The company supports the communities it serves through stewardship and economic development efforts.
To learn more, visit: peoplesgas.com
GOLD 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.
To learn more, visit: experiencegoodwill.org
SILVER SPONSORS
BMO is one of the country’s most-respected banks, with a reputation for being a strong, safe and stable financial services partner. By partnering with BMO Commercial Bank and our local team, you can take your business to new places. We offer businesses deeper strategic guidance to help your company as it continues to grow and evolve. You have access to expertise in a range of industries and an extensive suite of solutions, including cross border, financing, corporate and investment banking, treasury management and wealth planning –giving you the depth of resources to propel your business forward.
To learn more, visit: bmo.com
SILVER SPONSORS
CareerSource Suncoast is a private, nonprofit workforce development organization serving Manatee and Sarasota counties. We are the State-designated provider of employment services, connecting local businesses with skilled talent and empowering job seekers through training, career guidance, and support programs. With a mission to invest in workforce solutions that meet regional needs, CareerSource Suncoast offers services like job fairs, apprenticeship development support, labor market insights, scholarships, and employer training grants. Guided by values of integrity, innovation, and collaboration, the organization fuels economic growth by cultivating a highly skilled and responsive workforce that drives prosperity across the Suncoast region.
To learn more, visit: careersourcesuncoast.com
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.
To learn more, visit: FPL.com/community
Based in Sarasota, Florida, Harmar is a leading manufacturer of mobility device lifts for automobiles, stairlifts, vertical platform lifts, and home elevators. Inspired by those with accessibility difficulties, the organization is driven to create mobility and accessibility products that allow people to go where they want, when they want, and how they want. Founded in 1998, Harmar continues their mission to use meaningful innovation to increase independence and improve the quality of life for millions of people who are mobility-challenged. The company has evolved over their 20-plus years of business, updating their product lines to accommodate their growing clientele.
To learn more, visit: harmar.com
SILVER SPONSORS
Ian Black Real Estate is a premier commercial real estate firm located in Sarasota, Florida, that provides brokerage
unparalleled regional market knowledge our firm offers outstanding client service with creativity and integrity. Partners Ian Black and Marci Marsh opened the firm in 2003. Today, seven partners and 8 agents and 15 employees all work together to make Ian Black Real Estate one of the leading commercial real estate firms serving and the greater Southwest Florida region.
To learn more, visit: ian-black.com
Founded in 1967, Kimley-Horn is a full-service, employee- owned, multidisciplinary consulting firm offering a broad range of engineering, planning, landscape architecture, and environmental services to clients in both the private and public sectors . Over the years, we have grown from a small group of engineers and planners to one of the most respected consulting engineering firms in the nation. Today, Kimley-Horn has more than 120 professionals in Sarasota, with approximately 8,500 employees in more than 120 offices across the United States and in Puerto Rico, offering a full range of consulting services to local, regional, national, and international clients.
To learn more, visit: kimley-horn.com
Founded in 1972, Kerkering, Barberio & Co. is Sarasota's premier CPA firm, offering a full range of tax, accounting, audit, and consulting services to individuals and businesses. With more than 50 years of trusted experience, we're known not just for our technical expertise, but for the depth, diversity, and quality of our professionals. While tax and accounting remain at the core of our services, our team of CPAs and consultants provides strategic insight and personalized support that helps clients achieve their financial goals. At KB, we're proud to serve our community with integrity, excellence, and care.
To learn more, visit: kbgrp.com
SILVER SPONSORS
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC) is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, with assets of $559 billion as of June 30, 2025. PNC is a coast-to-coast franchise with an extensive retail branch network and a presence in all of the country’s 30 largest markets. PNC also has strategic international offices in four countries outside the U.S. With roots going back to 1865, PNC provides retail banking, corporate and institutional banking, and asset management to individuals, institutions and businesses of all sizes.
To learn more, visit: pnc.com
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.
To learn more, visit: regions.com
Moving Forward, Together. With 300+ attorneys and advisors across 13 offices —including five in Florida—Shumaker helps clients move forward with confidence. For over 100 years, we’ve delivered exceptional results through a clear focus on outcomes and efficiency. Our crossdisciplinary teams include top law school graduates, former judicial clerks, and professionals with advanced degrees, all unified by a commitment to client success.
To learn more, visit: shumaker.com
SILVER SPONSORS
The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is experiencing remarkable growth, now serving over 4 million passengers annually. SRQ recently unveiled its new Concourse A featuring 5 gates and a dedicated TSA checkpoint.
As a major economic driver for the region, SRQ supports thousands of jobs both directly and indirectly through airport operations and tourism. Conveniently located near some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, arts and culture and professional sports complexes, SRQ is home to 11 airlines offering 65+ destinations. Travelers enjoy competitive rates and a wide range of passenger amenities including local cuisine showcased through partnerships with local dining favorites.
To learn more, visit: flysrq.com
We’re Banking Forward at SouthState, with our focus on our customers first. Whatever success looks like to you, we’ll make sure you have what you need to continue to grow. With more than 5,000 dedicated team members, SouthState is one of the leading regional banks in the Southeast – serving more than one million customers. We offer robust banking solutions, including consumer banking, mortgage, small business banking, commercial banking and wealth management. We’re committed to creating a better banking experience and are proud to be recognized for the positive impact we’re making on the lives of our customers and team members.
To learn more, visit: southstatebank.com
SILVER SPONSORS
Truist Financial Corporation is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspiring and building better lives and communities. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist has leading market share in many of the high-growth markets in the U.S. and offers a wide range of products and services through wholesale and consumer businesses, including consumer and small business banking, commercial and corporate banking, investment banking and capital markets, wealth management, payments, and specialized lending businesses. Truist is a top-10 commercial bank with total assets of $544 billion as of June 30, 2025.
To learn more, visit: truist.com
United Way of South Sarasota County (UWSSC) builds community strength through resource connection and partnerships to address needs in health, education, financial stability, and disaster recovery. It provides direct services to ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households and vulnerable residents through free legal aid, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), eviction prevention, and Homeless2Home initiatives. As the lead agency for Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) and the Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG), UWSSC supports families through every stage of crisis. Through collaboration and collective action, UWSSC creates opportunities for every neighbor to build a stronger, more resilient future.
To learn more, visit: uwssc.org
THANK YOU TABLE SPONSORS
FULL TABLE SPONSORS
HALF TABLE SPONSORS
THANK YOU
OUTGOING BOARD MEMBER
STEVE MOREHART
2022-2025
It is with our deepest gratitude that we acknowledge Steve Morehart, outgoing Board member and Treasurer.
Steve has consistently demonstrated tireless commitment and exceptional leadership. His unwavering dedication and expertise have played a crucial role in making our organization stronger and better positioned to serve our mission. We sincerely thank Steve for his years of service and outstanding contributions.
PAST BOARD CHAIRS
1991 - 1992 Joe R. Hembree
1992 - 1993 Tramm Hudson
1993 - 1994 Roland Piccone
1994 - 1995 Jim Bos
1995 - 1996 Debra Jacobs
1996 - 1997 Rob Lane
1997 - 1998 Michael Saunders
1999 - 2000 Susan Scott
2000 - 2001 Jimmy Dean
2001 - 2002 John Clarke
2002 - 2003 Ray Sandhagen
2003 - 2004 Dr. Laurey Stryker
2004 - 2005 Brian Meurs
2005 - 2006 John Swart
2006 - 2007 J. Hugh Middlebrooks
2007 - 2008 Dr. Sarah Pappas
2008 - 2009 Margaret Callihan
2009 - 2010 CJ Fishman
2010 - 2012 David Sessions
2012 - 2013 Ben Hanan
2013 - 2014 Rod Hershberger
2014 - 2015 Larry Fineberg
2015 - 2016 Patrick Dorsey
2016 - 2017 Jim Kuhlman
2017 - 2018 Rae Dowling
2018 - 2019 Larry Fineberg
2019 - 2020 Art Lambert
2020 - 2021 Charles Murphy
2021 - 2022 Joe C. Hembree
2022 - 2023 Mark Irwin
2023 - 2025 Devaney Iglesias
BOARD OF DIRECTORS FY 2026
Tyler McCallister (CHAIR), Brown & Brown Insurance
Garrett Shinn, (VICE CHAIR), Carr, Riggs & Ingram
Chris Perkins (TREASURER), SouthState Bank
Dr. Michael Crosby (SECRETARY), Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Devaney Iglesias (PAST CHAIR), Florida Power & Light Company
Commissioner Ron Cutsinger, Sarasota County
Commissioner Penny Gold, Town of Longboat Key
Council Member Rick Howard, City of Venice
Commissioner Kathy Kelley Ohlrich, City of Sarasota
Commissioner Barbara Langdon, City of North Port
Erin Cigich, Perform[cb]
Bill Clinebell, Relofant
Carlo Fassi, TECO Peoples Gas Systems
Donn Githens, Goodwill Manasota
Tommy Gregory, JD, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
Mark Irwin, Truist Bank
Dr. Brett Kemker, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee
Phillip Lanham, Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Jeff Limbocker, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Alan Maio, Kimley-Horn and Associates
Joseph McKenna, Sarasota Orchestra
Jason Metnick, S-One Holdings Corporation
Charlie Murphy, The Bank of Tampa
Charles ‘Chip’ Murphy, Michael Saunders & Company
Christa Sullivan, Esq., Shumaker
Heather Williams, Kerkering, Barberio & Co.
Zachary Buffington, Esq. (Board Counsel), Williams Parker
INTERLOCAL PARTNERS
CHAIR ADVISORS
EDC INVESTORS
3-Point Construction & Development
Aqua Plumbing & Air
Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County
ASO Corp
Asolo Repertory Theatre
Atlas Insurance
Audigr Group, Inc.
Bank of America
Bank of Tampa
Benderson Development
Blackheart Intelligence
BMO Harris
Brown & Brown
CareerSource Suncoast
Carr, Riggs & Ingram
CASTO
Cavanaugh & Co.
CBIZ
Comcast
Community Foundation of Sarasota County
CORE Construction
Crews Bank & Trust
DMSI International
Education Foundation of Sarasota County
Enzymedica
ERES Companies
Express Employment Professionals
Fawley Bryant
FCCI Insurance Group
FG+M Architecture
FleetForce
Florida Power & Light Company
Florida Studio Theatre
Gator Grading & Paving
Goldberg Companies
Goodwill Manasota
EDC INVESTORS
Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
Gulf Coast Builders Exchange
Gulf Coast Community Foundation
H2K Labs
Halfacre Construction Company
Halflants + Pichette
Harmar Mobility
Hembree & Associates
Hoyt Architects
Ian Black Real Estate
JE Charlotte Construction
John Galt Staffing
JP Morgan Chase
Keiser University
Kerkering, Barberio & Co.
Kimley-Horn and Associates
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
Largo Captial
Lodgco Hospitality
Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce
Mahoney Concrete Systems
MakSchu Productions
Mauldin & Jenkins
MBJ Group Inc.
Michael Saunders & Company
MIDForida Credit Union
Miles Partnership
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Mullet's Aluminum Products, Inc.
NDC Construction Company
North Port Area Chamber of Commerce
Northern Trust
Observer Media Group
Palmer Ranch Holdings
Perform[cb]
EDC INVESTORS
PGT Custom Windows and Doors
PNC Financial Services Group
PPi Technologies Group
Premier Sotheby's International Realty
Professional Benefits
Purvis Gray CPAs
Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee
Regions Bank
Relofant
Ringling College of Art & Design
Rite Technology
Rogers Market
RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Sarasota Opera
Sarasota Orchestra
Sarasota-Manatee Area Manufacturing Association
School Board of Sarasota County
SEPA FL
Shepherd Insurance
Shumaker
Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce
SMR Lakewood Ranch
S-One Holdings
SouthState Bank
SRQ Magazine
Stantec
Starling Group
State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota
Suncoast Venture Studio
SVN Commercial Partners
Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors
Sylint Group, Inc.
Synovus Bank
TECO Peoples Gas
EDC INVESTORS
The Circus Arts Conservatory
The Corley Company
The Mall at University Town Center
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
TPC Prestancia
Trenam Law
Truist
United Way South Sarasota County
Universal Insurance Managers
University of Florida Innovation Station Sarasota County
USF Sarasota-Manatee
Van Wezel
Venice Area Chamber of Commerce
Visit Sarasota County
W3 Insurance
Waste Pro
Wellen Park
Wessel Construction
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
Wharton-Smith, Inc.
Williams Parker Attorneys at Law
Zenith Insurance Company
