Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Sarasota's 5 Year Economic Development Strategic Plan Survey

Always complaining for ways to have your voice rise above the crowd? Here's your chance. Take a few minutes to fill out the survey. Read the letter from the EDC below and follow the appropriate links:

As a neighborhood leader you may know that the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County is working with local and regional partners to update a five-year economic development strategic plan for the community. The purpose of this plan is to identify targeted opportunities that would diversify our economy, and increase the competitiveness of our existing businesses so they can continue to be a vital part of our region. We recognize that this will require us to assess and build on our own assets, as well as explore new ideas.

To help develop this plan, we need your thoughts. The following links will connect you to a 15-minute survey that will ask you to identify the region's strengths and weaknesses in key areas that support a strong economy. We recognize that this survey may be a bit long, however, it collects an array of valuable information and serves as a foundation for a multi-year platform for the economy. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to take the time to provide your input.

This survey information will be combined with other quantitative data and information to create a community assessment and narrow down options that the economic plan will explore in more detail. At the end of the survey you will see how your answers compare to others who have taken the survey-real time feedback.

If you are a member of multiple business or community organizations, you may receive this request more than once, but you need only take the survey once. If you own or manage a business and also belong to a community organization, please take the survey as a business participant.

If you own or work in a private sector business please select this link www.starassessment.com/survey/sarasotabusinesssurvey.

If you lead or serve a nonprofit business group (e.g. chamber), a community organization, neighborhood group, public agency or other similar group, or are an elected official or citizen please select this link www.starassessment.com/survey/sarasotacommunitysurvey.

We appreciate your feedback by November 18.

If you have any questions about this survey please e-mail questions@starassessment.com. Thank you for your participation - your input is greatly valued.

Regards,
Emily S. Sperling
Community Relations Manager
Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County
Live Oak Corporate Center
2601 Cattlemen Road Suite 201
Sarasota, FL 34232
(941) 309-1200 ext. 106 Fax (941) 309-1209
esperling@edcsarasotacounty.com

Can I Have Your Laptop?

Seriously. Any givers out there?

If you're not using an old one, can I have it? I really would like my big holiday charity round up to be collecting, refurbishing and distributing laptops to kids at Phillippi Shores Elementary without computers at homes. The laptop is ideal because its new owner could take advantage of free Wi-Fi spots around town, allowing them the benefits of internet access without the monthly cost that kids obviously can't pay.

Is 5 laptops a realistic goal? Please help.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Scholarships Available

The Florida Association of Realtors is offering Florida high school seniors a chance to win up to $6,000 in scholarship funding through its 2008-09 Scholarship/Essay Contest.

Read the full story: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n5-111108.cfm.

You never know unless you try! And keep your eyes posted for the Sarasota Association of Realtors scholarship opportunities too. I'll post again when the official info is released.

Public Opinion Wanted

The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) has been holding community workshops in the seven-county area. They have now scheduled two on-line workshops.

A live, moderated PowerPoint presentation will be given at the first hour of the online workshop and repeated in the second hour. In addition, TBARTA representatives will answer questions and ask for ideas and comments from the online audience.

Below is information on the two online workshops:
  • Thursday, November 1311:30 am to 1:30 pm

Visit http://www.tbarta.com/?q=node/1944 for login information

  • Tuesday, November 185:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Visit http://www.tbarta.com/?q=node/1949 for login information

For more info, check out their website: www.tbarta.com.