EDC Launches Sports Performance Video to Lure Jobs to Manatee County

BRADENTON -- Dramatic music, dynamic images of athletes in action, and intriguing footage of local businesses at work are the backdrop for a new economic development message designed to attract sports-related businesses and jobs to Manatee County.
 
The Manatee Economic Development Council (EDC) recently unveiled a five-minute, sports performance video the organization will use in its recruitment missions and meetings nationally and around the globe. The video is now available for public viewing online at www.ManateeEDC.com.
 
"It wasn't until we looked into sports performance as a potential sector for the EDC's economic development strategy that we began to understand how much of an impact sports-related businesses already have in our community. It's not only about the sports teams and venues, it's also about the companies that provide goods and services related to sports performance," said Sharon Hillstrom, EDC interim executive director.
 
"Manatee County has a great deal to offer to sports-related businesses, and this video helps to make that case," said Trevor Gooby, chair of the EDC's Sports Performance Task Force and senior director of Florida operations for the Pittsburgh Pirates, whose players are featured in the video.
 
"We want the world to know that Manatee County is the destination for sports-related businesses to flourish, find great employees, and enjoy our year-round outdoor climate," said task force member Chris Ciaccio of IMG Academies, which is another local business featured in the video.
 
In addition to posting the video on the EDC's website, the organization will show it in meetings with business relocation prospects nationally and overseas, and in discussions with site selection consultants. Local businesses also may post a link to the video on their own websites to identify their products or services with the dynamic image of Manatee County presented in the video.
 
"Even if your business is not related to sports, you will appreciate how this video presents Manatee County as a vibrant, dynamic community of active residents, innovative companies and skilled employees," Hillstrom said.
 
The video was produced and directed by Nick Gulick of Creative Motion Inc.