SRQ DAILY Apr 25, 2017
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"It's important for government to listen to the private sector and ask what they need or want to fill the demand and create the supply."
What does Sarasota need to stay competitive with its business environment? Workforce housing, according to a new survey conducted by the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County.
The EDC over much of 2016 conducted a survey of executives with 74 companies in the region and generally found optimism about the future. Of those surveyed, 45 percent anticipate revenue growth of 10 to 24 percent this year, and 86 percent of the executives rate the state and local tax structure here as excellent or good. But survey participants also said it was “critical that the Sarasota County community actively address workforce housing availability and affordability.”
Mark Huey, EDC president, will publicly present the findings of the Sarasota County Business Competitiveness Survey at a Sarasota County Commission meeting today. This marks the second time such a survey has been conducted and presented by the EDC, which interviewed a cross-section of businesses by size (31 percent of companies had under 25 employees, while 19 percent had more than 100). Researchers did lean heavily into the opinion of manufacturers and distributors, who make up 48 percent of those surveyed, compared to 14 percent in business and technology and 9 percent in real estate, finance and insurance.
“Everybody is feeling optimism,” Huey says. As for the issues that did get highlighted as challenges—workforce availability and affordable housing—those are matters affecting every region that Sarasota competes with for business. “If you went to any community in the United States, they are talking about these issues,” Huey says. “We are in a tight unemployment period, so everywhere you go, communities can’t find enough talent to support business growth. And around affordable housing, most metropolitan areas are struggling with that as housing values have gone up.”
County commissioners say they want to hear about how the needs of executives can be addressed. “I’m very much looking forward to discussing how we go about getting some workforce housing options,” says Commissioner Paul Caragiulo.
Commissioner Mike Moran said the survey served as a good barometer for the demands in the marketplace today, but stressed that problems like workforce housing will need to be solved in the private sector. “The government doesn’t create things,” he says. “It’s important for government to listen to the private sector and ask what they need or want to fill the demand and create the supply.” Regarding housing specifically, Moran says the issue will be critical in making sure good jobs exist in the region. “It’s incredibly important the businesses we have here can have the workforce they need,” he says. “Businesses are struggling to find the workforce here. Everything is entwined in the conversation.” 
Graphic from Sarasota County Business Competitiveness Survey.
Philosophy & Vines brings the wonders of living in Bali to Sarasota through ELF designs. The company designs and creates high-quality collections of bohemian chic leather bags, wallets, purses and accessories that embody the beauty of living in Bali. All its products are hand-made with the environment in mind alongside genuine love, passion and care. All ELF designs are created and produced in Bali, Indonesia, an amazing island, full of soul and culture that has become the main source of inspiration for the designs.
Photo courtesy of Philosophy & Vines
Philosophy & Vines, 606 S. Pineapple Dr., Sarasota, 941-544-8171.
At the age of 81, Italian sculptor Massimiliano Cacciapuoti stepped out of retirement for one last job, a series of animal sculptures—a panther, a rhinoceros and a water buffalo—in honor of his family and their legacy. Masters of handcrafted ceramic and porcelain, the Cacciapuoti family trace their lineage back to the 1800s, their patriarch Giuseppe and the three sons who spread the family legacy from Milan to Paris. Of these handcrafted figurines, only five or six of each were produced, with a handful coming all the way to Sarasota and Malbi Décor on Pineapple Avenue. Sleek and glossy, the crouching panther evokes power and presence, while the unpainted earthen tone of the buffalo or rhino exudes natural calm.
Photo by Phil Lederer.
Malbi Decor, 127 South Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941-953-3113.
Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart announced the finalists for Florida’s 2017 Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership (Principal of the Year) and Dr. Rachel Shelley of Booker High School has been named as a finalist. The awards recognize principals and assistant principals for their exceptional contributions, and the statewide winners will be announced during a ceremony on June 21. With more than 28 years of experience in K-12 education, Shelley has been praised by her colleagues for her dedication to helping every student succeed and for relationship-based leadership. She motivates students with her mantra, “Every student is college and/or career bound.” Shelley is a hands-on instructional leader who understands the value of data, and she tracks her schools and students’ performance measures to help her make informed decisions. The state’s top administrators will be named in a ceremony at the Dr. Brian Dassler Leadership Academy on June 21. The recipient of the 2017 Principal of the Year will receive a cash prize of $5,000 and $1,000 for their school. The 2017 Assistant Principal of the Year will receive a cash prize of $2,500 and $500 for their school. Candidates for these awards were nominated by the superintendent from their respective school districts.
Asolo Repertory Theatre is proud to announce its 2017–18 board officers and new members. Asolo Rep's 2017–18 season board officers are Dr. Larry Haspel as president, Ann Charters as vice president/president elect, Carole Crosby as vice president, Sy Goldblatt as vice president, Melanie Natarajan as sreasurer, and Kim Bleach as secretary. New board members include Mary Braxton-Joseph, Dennis Dirks, Giselle Huberman, Paul Nelson, Nikki Sedacca and Marysue Wechsler. Earlier this year, Jaime DiDomenico and Jules Price were elected to the board. Mary Lou Winnick is the board's immediate past president and continues her service as a board member.
You could say that life gets a little weird for precocious 13-year-old Bo-Nita when she winds up with a dead ex-stepfather on her bedroom floor. With humor, pathos and a dash of Midwestern magical realism, this wild one-woman, seven-character adventure follows a mother and daughter’s elaborate plan to try to hold their dysfunctional family together. Tickets range from $5-$28.
Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second Street Sarasota, FL 34236
“Mace” Guerra is a good professional wrestler, but he isn’t the champ – that’s the impossibly charismatic Chad Deity. When Mace discovers an Indian-American Brooklyn kid whose charisma rivals Chad’s, he decides to recruit him as the perfect foil. Winner of the 2011 Obie for Best New American Play and a Pulitzer Prize finalist, this no-holds-barred comedy slams together thrilling spectacle, incredible characters and political allegory for an invigorating theatrical experience.
The Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, 34243
It’s the 1960s and our swingin’ Bachelor Bernard couldn’t be happier as he juggles 3 gorgeous stewardesses in his gorgeous Paris flat. His perfect world and careful planning comes to an end when his friend Robert appears and the Boeing Corporation creates a new and speedier jet. In true classic farce style, all 3 stewardesses come into town simultaneously and Bernard’s perfect life gets bumpy in this door-slamming and groovy play based on the 1965 American film starring Tony Curtis and Jerry Lewis. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit http://www.theplayers.org/shows/2016-2017-broadway-series/
The Players Theatre of Sarasota, 838 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
SRQ | The Magazine will host the third annual Women in Business Hear Me Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at The Francis in downtown Sarasota. We will recognize this year's nominees, our judges, keynote speaker, past Leadership Circle ambassadors and the "Hear Me Roar" Trailblazer Award recipient and announce the finalists and winners who will be inducted into this year's esteemed 2017 WIB Leadership Circle.
The Francis , 1289 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Benefitting Friends of Manatee County Animal Services. The Glass Onion is dedicated to faithfully reproducing the songs of the Beatles. They use many of the same instruments and amplifiers that the Beatles used to create that “classic sound,” including Rickenbacker, Gibson, and Epiphone guitars, a Hofner bass, and Vox amplifiers. The Glass Onions play all the Beatles most loved classics, as well as songs rarely performed by bands. For more information please visit www.realizebradenton.com
Bradenton Riverwalk , 452 W. 3rd. Ave., Bradenton
Join Christie Rosen, local yoga instructor, wellness coach and author of the new book empowering the Sensitive Soul for a donation based gentle yoga class and book signing event. All donations will directly support Girls Inc. Sarasota. The yoga class will take place from 1-2pm and will be suitable for all levels. Afterward there will be a book signing, time to mingle and complimentary snacks and drinks. Join us in supporting the life-changing work of Girls Inc. while also experiencing the wonderful healing benefits of yoga and relaxation. For more information please visit www.pineappleyogastudio.net
Pineapple Yoga Studio , 517 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Work with nationally-renowned experts in key health and lifestyle fields at the Circuelle Foundation’s Pink Kitchen at the USF Culinary Lab . Cook alongside CA Health and Longevity Institute's Paulette Lambert, RD, CDE and get educated on anti-cancer health tips and recipes. Learn about the health consequences of sleep, meditation and mindfulness from UCLA researcher Dr. Marc Milstein. Move with new exercises and information about a healthy lifestyle. Your participation benefits Circuelle Foundation’s educational programs, dedicated to educating, engaging and empowering young adults to become self-advocates for their breast health and awareness.
USF Culinary Lab, 8130 Lakewood Main St d104, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Bring t-shirts, shorts, skirts, baby clothes, dog shirts… anything that you can lay flat and will absorb ink! Choose from 20 different original screen-printing designs made by 10 unique artists, as well as a special Mandeville silkscreen just for the event! Bring the kids, and have creative fun with your choices! Blank t-shirts will be available for purchase. For more information please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/399314987091010/?notif_t=plan_user_invited¬if_id=1490206860082111
Mandeville Beer Garden, 428 N. Lime Ave., Sarasota
Enjoy a day of motor biking through the Venice Island, The Venetian Waterway Trail, and Myakka. This year the ride will support three local charities: Team Tony, Friends of Legacy Trial, and Livestrong Foundation. Breakfast and lunch will be provided at Sharky’s. This ride is suitable for most bikes. For more information please contact Emma Kate Silvestri at emmakate.silvestri@sharkysonthepier.com or visit the Sharky’s website at www.sharkysonthepier.com
Sharky's on the Pier , 1600 South Harbor Drive, Venice
A stage reading of Louie, Louie, and La Dolce. The series will take place in the Bowne’s Lab. This is a free event but reservations are required New staged readings are by The Contemporary American Playwrights. For more information please visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org
Florida Studio Theatre , 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota
Ancho Brother will be putting on a performance with special guests from the Cukiara Bomba Dance and Drum Group to celebrate Puetro Rico and their culture. Food will be available from Chef Richard’s Kumquat Kitchen. Tickets are $12 at the door and $15 doors at the door. For more information please visit www.wslr.org
Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 kumquat Court, Sarasota
The Asolo Rep's Beatsville has its world premiere next spring, as one of the most highly anticipated new musicals of the season. It’s Greenwich Village, 1959 – the world of subterranean coffee shops, goateed artists, turtle-necked poets, and bongo-playing jazzbos. Tragically square busboy Walter Paisley wants nothing more than to be one of the beatniks, but he has no artistic talent whatsoever. When he accidentally kills a cat and hides it in a lump of clay, “Dead Cat” is declared a masterpiece, and Walter a genius.
The Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 North Tamiami Tr. Sarasota
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