A new networking group launched with a nearly 100 people attending, representing about 25 local companies at Sarasota-based Clickbooth’ s headquarters. They were all technology firms, or heavy users of technology, and they represented part of the economic future of the county. The new networking group, called Silicon Beach SRQ, is emblematic of the changes in the Sarasota County economic landscape as the technology arena blossoms here — and specifically in the advertising technology and marketing technology sector, in industry parlance known as ad tech and mar tech. Some of the firms in this space include DealersUnited, Clickbooth, AdRizer, Revcontent, AtLarge, AdHawk/FloorForce and more, plus a host of companies that increasingly rely on info tech professionals.

“Sarasota is known as a retirement destination, but there are many things that are attractive to do for people of all ages,” said Ami DeWille, Vice President of Marketing for Clickbooth. “Silicon Beach SRQ is a resource for professionals, allowing them to get more plugged in and to become aware of what this community has to offer. Our hope is that it will help them feel more connected to the community as a whole.”

For the full article by Mark Huey, president and chief executive officer of the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County, click here. And for more information on Silicon Beach SRQ, the SCF coding academies and other technology initiatives, visit the EDC here.