Manatee Chamber Begins Search for Economic Development Director

Eric Basinger, who has helped attract an estimated 7,000 jobs to the county during his tenure as executive director of the Manatee County Economic Development Council, has resigned.

Basinger is taking a position in Alabama, the organization announced Tuesday. Sharon Hillstrom, the associate director of the EDC, will serve as interim director during the search for Basinger's replacement, said Manatee Chamber of Commerce President Bob Bartz.

The chamber plans to launch a national search for a new executive director to lead the the EDC, it said in a news release.

“This is an exciting time in Manatee County’s efforts to create a more diverse local economy, and we are sure to attract a number of highly qualified candidates,” said Beth Green, EDC chair, in the release.

The county gave the EDC $400,000 last year to help pay for recruitmet efforts across the country designed to attract new businesses to Manatee County. In a recent report to commissioners, Basinger said he had made strides in attracting business from Canada.

Carol Whitmore, chairwoman for the Manatee County Commission, said having Hillstrom take the reins during the director search makes sense.

"Sharon has been involved with what Eric has been doing," Whitmore said. "Since he has a backup, I am not worried about the change."

Green also said that Hillstrom is "a capable leader who will maintain momentum in the EDC’s job-recruitment program and expansion services for local, existing businesses.”

Basinger said he believes Manatee County will continue to attract business because the community supports the council's mission. 

"The EDC staff is second to none and possesses the skills to continue to grow the local economy,” Basinger said in a statement. “I will miss the Manatee County community as my wife and I return to Alabama to be near our families.”

Basinger, who moved to Manatee from Alabama in 2009, is relocating to Ozark, AL, to serve as executive director of the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corp.

Green said that Basinger’s departure will not affect reorganization plans for the EDC which is working to become an independent entity in 2012.