Community Spotlight Community Spotlight: Bradenton Area EDC Named One of Florida

The Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. (EDC) was named one of Florida’s best local economic development agencies by Southern Business & Development magazine, a respected journal covering economic development in the American South.

“While we are tremendously proud of this distinction, we believe this award recognizes the results from an entire network of partner organizations and volunteers that work with us to help Bradenton area businesses expand and to recruit new jobs to our community,” said Sharon Hillstrom, EDC president and chief executive officer.

The Bradenton Area EDC is one of only four agencies in the state to be honored this year.  The judges were members of the magazine’s Southern Economic Development Roundtable, including current and former Secretaries of Commerce of southern states. Awards were given in numerous categories. The listings are in the Spring 2015 edition, which is available online at www.sb-d.com.

The Bradenton Area EDC is a private, not-for-profit corporation with six paid employees. It is the lead economic development organization for the Bradenton area’s nine communities located on the south side of Tampa Bay. The EDC works to diversify the local economy by attracting and retaining high-wage jobs for area residents, and connecting existing businesses to the resources they need to succeed.

The EDC is preparing a new, multi-year economic development plan for the Bradenton area, including all of Manatee County. Collaborating with diverse stakeholders from across the community, the EDC is shaping a bold vision and creative tactics for advancing the local economy, Hillstrom said.

The plan will be unveiled at a public event on August 28 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. For event registration and more information about the EDC, visit www.ThinkBradentonArea.com.

The awards listing on the magazine's website can be found here.