Sarasota EDC Recognizes Top Companies

The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Sarasota County honors innovative and developing companies in the area with the 2011 EDC Hall of Fame Awards (HOF).

Approximately 400 community and business leaders gathered on September 23rd at The Ritz-Carlton at 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr. in Sarasota, to recognize Sarasota companies that are growing and contributing to the local economy as well as the vitality of the Sarasota community.

“In addition to recognizing companies and individuals who are excelling in certain industries, we're also identifying the best leaders in our area while acknowleding good community citizens who contribute above and beyond in an attempt to better the area,” says EDC of Sarasota County CEO/President Mark Huey.

Among the winners was Doctors Hospital, which received the Green To Gold Award for demonstrating that going “green” can have a direct impact on savings. Jonathan Parks Architect eceived the Creativity and Design Award for applying creativity throughout his business. Rapid Pathogen Screening, an emerging biotech company whose first product, a test for rapidly detecting “pink eye,” is now being sold both nationally and internationally, received the Innovation Award. And Florida Shores Bank received the Entrepreneur Award for serving the community with high-quality lending practices, growing to 20 employees and more than $8 million in sales since its founding in 2007.

“I think everyone learned a lot. Events such as these generate a spirit of appreciating within a community. It shows that we appreciate businesses and business leaders,” says Huey. “Oftentimes, if we're not careful as communities, we can really take for granted the contribution that our local companies are making to create jobs, create wealth and give back. The HOF event is all about not taking for granted our vital local buisnesses.”

The event's presenting sponsor was State College of Florida in Manatee-Sarasota County while specfic awards were sponsored by the Suncoast Workforce Board; Florida Power & Light Co.; the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee; Kerkering, Barberio & Co., Halfacre Construction Co. and Sun Hydraulics Corp.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Mark Huey, EDC of Sarasota County