Sarasota Businesses Featured During RNC Webcast

When the world’s attention turns to the Republican National Convention in Tampa starting today, innovative businesses and community initiatives in Sarasota County will be in the spotlight, too, through Front Row Tampa Bay, a live Web TV broadcast event scheduled for August 27-30.

Sarasota County’s participation in the regional economic development marketing effort is sponsored by the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. 

“With more than 50,000 visitors, 5,000 convention delegates and alternates, and 15,000 credentialed media expected to attend, the Republican National Convention is the largest event to ever come to the Tampa Bay region,” said Mark Huey, EDC president and chief executive officer. “We have a tremendous opportunity to showcase Sarasota County as a prime business location to a national and worldwide audience.”

“Economic development groups from around the region have joined forces to brand and market our region through Front Row Tampa Bay,” said Teri A Hansen, president and chief executive officer of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “This highly visible effort will send the message to leaders across the nation and the world that the communities of Tampa Bay – including Sarasota County – offer unparalleled business opportunities and quality of life.” 

Segments and interview panels highlighting Sarasota County will feature the community’s diverse businesses, the talented workforce provided by higher educational institutions, and the area’s entrepreneurial focus. The webcast, coordinated by the Tampa Bay Partnership, includes the following Sarasota County topics and speakers: 

Monday, August 27, 11:45 a.m. – The state of manufacturing, featuring Allen Carlson of Sun Hydraulics Corp. and Rod Hershberger of PGT Industries

Tuesday, August 28, 9:46 a.m. – Community Spotlight, featuring Teri Hansen of theGulf Coast Community Foundation

Tuesday, August 28, 12:47 p.m. – Kauffman Foundation + Urban Entrepreneur Partnership Spotlight, featuring Daryl Williams of the Kauffman Foundation and Tracy Knight of Knight Marketing

Wednesday, August 29, 11:32 a.m. – Agriculture’s Future and Impact on the State of Florida, featuring Dr. Kevan Main of Mote Aquaculture

Thursday, August 30, 10:30 a.m. – Sarasota Innovation Panel, featuring Pat Redmondof Tervis, Jerry Chambliss of Illum Productions, Larry Thompson of Ringling College of Art and Design, and Jeff Hazelton of Lucid Global

To watch the live webcast, go online to www.FrontRowTampaBay.com August 27-30. Content will remain online into the future to continue to benefit the region, Huey said.

The EDC of Sarasota County is the private, not-for-profit corporation leading the community’s economic development strategy to add high-wage jobs and diversify the local economy. The EDC provides business assistance to companies in Sarasota County and helps forge solutions to community challenges that affect quality of life. The EDC works in partnership with chambers of commerce, local governments and other organizations throughout the county and the region. For more information, visitwww.edcsarasotacounty.com.