Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County

From a small garage operation in Venice to a nationally recognized manufacturer, Scentsational 1998 is a true Sarasota County success story!

The EDC team recently visited Scentsational’s headquarters and production facility as part of our Business Retention & Expansion program, where we had the opportunity to tour their operations, learn more about their impressive growth, and discuss how we can continue supporting innovative manufacturers driving our regional economy forward.

Scentsational’s continued expansion and commitment to creating quality jobs are strengthening Sarasota County’s thriving manufacturing ecosystem. Thank you to CEO JaNiece Hunter and the entire Scentsational team for welcoming us and for your ongoing investment in our community and workforce!

Last week was a good week for many reasons. One of the best feelings is being able to walk away knowing that so much we have worked towards is being embraced and recognized.

The Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners’ unanimous approval of our FY2027 contract reflects the power of sincere collaboration, trusted transparency, and a shared commitment to creating opportunities for businesses and residents alike.

Together, we are focused on growing high-wage jobs, expanding commercial opportunities, and supporting the companies that make Sarasota County such a dynamic place to live and work.

We are incredibly proud of how far we have come and deeply grateful. The best is yet to come.

Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e6V8i8Pi

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication have helped protect the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy every day.

We remember our fallen heroes with gratitude and respect, and we extend our sincere thanks to all who have served and continue to serve our nation.

As we reflect on a successful 2026 Economic Outlook Breakfast, we want to sincerely thank our Table Sponsors for their support. Your partnership and continued investment in our mission help make conversations like these possible and strengthen the work we do for our community every day.

Gold Table Sponsors: Florida Power & Light and Harmar

Silver: CareerSource Suncoast, Comcast, Goodwill Manasota, Kerkering, Barberio & Co., PGT Windows and Doors, PNC , Premier Sotheby's International Realty, S-One Holdings Corporation, and Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

A full room, meaningful conversations, and valuable insights made the 2026 Economic Outlook Breakfast a tremendous success. Thank you to everyone who joined us as we explored the trends, opportunities, and uncertainties shaping the future of our regional economy.

We are grateful to Bemetra Simmons and Michelle Dennard for sharing timely perspectives on economic growth, workforce trends, competitiveness, and what lies ahead.

Events like this continue to bring together the leaders and decision-makers helping shape a stronger and more resilient future for Sarasota County. Thank you to our attendees, sponsors, and partners for making this year’s event so well attended and well received.

Thank you to our generous sponsors:
Speaker: Shumaker
Presenting: Relofant
Platinum: Michael Saunders & Company
Pastry: The Bank of Tampa
Centerpiece: Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Media: Business Observer
Coffee: FleetForce Truck Driver Training
Valet: Atlantic TNG, LLC

Gold Sponsors
Florida Power & Light
Harmar

Silver Sponsors
CareerSource Suncoast
Comcast
Goodwill Manasota
Kerkering, Barberio & Co.
PGT Windows and Doors
PNC
Sotheby's International Realty
S-One Holdings Corporationn
Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

The stage is set!

Looking forward to hosting our Elected Officials, Community Leaders, Business Owners and Investors for the 2026 Economic Outlook Breakfast at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota tomorrow morning!

Getting the stage ready!

Looking forward to hosting our Elected Officials, Community Leaders, Business Owners and Investors for the 2026 Economic Outlook Breakfast at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota tomorrow morning!

Nico Marchitello was proud to attend SelectUSA alongside SelectFlorida, connecting with companies from around the world that are exploring growth opportunities in the United States.

Throughout the event, the goal was to highlight why Sarasota County continues to stand out as a premier location for business expansion, offering skilled workforce, strategic connectivity, strong quality of life, and a business-friendly environment built for long-term success.

It was an amazing opportunity to build new relationships, strengthen international connections, and showcase the advantages of doing business in Sarasota County and the State of Florida.

Final hours to register for the Economic Outlook. Registration closes at noon!

This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from Bemetra Simmons, President and CEO of the Tampa Bay Partnership, and Michelle Dennard, Vice President & Regional Executive at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, bringing together regional competitiveness insights and a national economic perspective in one conversation. More than 350 business and community leaders will be in the room.

If you are making decisions about growth, investment, or strategy, this is where you gain the clarity to move forward with confidence.
👉 https://ow.ly/5mwU50YW5Fl