GObama!

Some pics from the 2008 Democratic Party Party in Sarasota.... The rest didn't turn out so well because of all the press lights but the evening was a blast. Lots of excitement and positivity. This is where we also celebrated Barbara Ford-Coates' re-election as Sarasota County Tax Collector.

Here I am with my friend Maura's mom and aunt, some of the coolest ladies ever!

Me and Eve Johnston, fellow Pine View School alum and another awesome lady.

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.

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.

VOTE!

My kids and I will be on the corner of 41 and Bee Ridge today to support Bill Furst for Sarasota County Property Appraiser! To learn more about Bill, visit: http://www.furstforfairness.com/.

Remember to get out and VOTE! It's your right as a US citizen. Don't take it for granted.

Show You Care: Clean the Coast!

Come clean up the coastline with me, my kids and a bunch of great volunteers from the Sarasota Association of Realtor's GRAS (Green Realtor Alliance of Sarasota) Saturday September 20 at 8 am around John Ringling Causeway. Follow this link for more details and the registration form: http://www.sarasotarealtors.com/about/event.cfm?eveID=74.

This is a great way to get your kids involved as volunteer opportunities for kids are few and far between.

Hope to see you there!

Calling Our Bluff

\(;harles added a post to the Sarasota County Voices blog late last night titled, "Where Are Those 'Young Professionals' When You Need Them?" in which he challenges young professionals to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty--and even provided a list of opportunities through Habitat For Humanity Sarasota.

I just signed up for the Habitat email newsletter and plan to see you at a construction site nearby soon. Young professionals, are you with me?

For more details, visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SarasotaVoices/message/12273.