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Get SMART!
Public-Private Partnerships Help Sarasota County Address Competitiveness, Business Climate
By Kathy Baylis, President & CEO, Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County
Published: April / May 2008
 EDC administered rapid permitting program and business helpline boost community’s business-friendly image
Perhaps you’ve heard economic developers chant the now widely accepted mantra, “Florida is no longer the low-cost state”? So what now? Do we fold up our beach chairs and move north? In Sarasota County, the realization of this “fact,” along with concern about other issues such as the cost of health care insurance, property taxes and competition from other states, has prompted a proactive approach to improving the business climate from government officials and economic development professionals alike.
Sarasota County Commissioners recently approved enhancements to the Sarasota Means Action Response Team (SMART) program. SMART was implemented in the 1990’s to allow targeted, export-oriented businesses intending to expand or relocate in Sarasota County to receive fast-track permitting for facility development. The commissioners’ action expanded the program to include rezones, special exceptions, and sector plan amendments for qualified applicants.
The SMART program does not eliminate or circumvent existing land use regulations or construction standards. After all, our community wants to protect the very culture and natural assets that make our area attractive and unique. The program simply accelerates the process by ensuring determinations and decisions about the development of the land and facilities for specific value-added companies are made in a more expeditious manner.
“The SMART program is a vital tool in our efforts to promote economic development in Sarasota County,” says Commissioner Joe Barbetta. “The County Commission is committed to this program and the action of the commission to expand the scope of the program shows how serious we are about improving the local business climate.”
The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC), the not-for-profit organization leading the area’s economic development strategy, determines the eligibility of applicant companies. To qualify, a company must meet specific guidelines which include paying an average wage that equals or exceeds the annual average wage of Sarasota County’s private industries; creating at least 10 new jobs, if relocating; and having a critical timing need that jeopardizes the project if fast-track processing is not utilized.
To facilitate the program, the EDC works with a team of agencies including Sarasota County’s Land Development Services division, the county’s Development Review Committee, the Construction and Property Standards Department and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
This is not the first time the community has benefited from public-private collaboration to improve the business climate. In fact, the EDC recently launched its retooled business assistance helpline, LINK. The system links Sarasota County businesses of any size or type to the resources of the EDC and its partners, including the county and its municipalities. Any business experiencing challenges that hinder growth or continued prosperity can access help through LINK and receive initial help within 24 hours during the normal work week.
The true value of the helpline, which is meant to be a “last call” resource, is that government and private sector entities stand at the ready to help local businesses resolve issues related to permitting, regulations, infrastructure, zoning, site and building searches, financing, labor and training, and technical needs. LINK assistance is provided by the EDC and its partners including Verizon; Comcast; Florida Power and Light; Sarasota County government; municipalities; Manatee Community College; The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee; Sarasota County Technical Institute; Suncoast Workforce Development Board; and Southwest Florida Water Management District, to name a few.
Though one could argue Florida is no longer the low cost state, we certainly compare favorably to other areas of the country, including the northeast. However, there’s a clear need to make our communities as competitive and business friendly as possible, particularly as we deal with the housing slowdown and uncertainties of the national economy. In Sarasota County, we continue to utilize public-private partnerships to ensure our area’s economic prosperity. The expansion of the SMART program and availability of the LINK business helpline sends a message to local businesses and companies considering relocation to Sarasota County that our community and government officials are making an effort to continuously improve the area’s business climate.
Information about SMART, LINK and other business assistance resources available in Sarasota County can be accessed by contacting the Economic Development Corporation at (941) 309-1200 or visiting www.edcsarasotacounty.com.
Kathy Baylis is the president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, the public/private economic development partnership that creates and fosters economic opportunities by working with their community and regional partners. |
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