Doing Business in Paradise

Posted by Michael Saunders & Company on October 1, 2009

Photo Credit: Lori Sax

There wasn’t an empty seat in the Ritz-Carlton ballroom a couple of weeks ago when the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County held its annual Hall of Fame Awards luncheon to recognize outstanding achievement by some of our most dynamic home-grown businesses. At a time when business is being attacked on every front by a viciously contracting economy, it was a solidly upbeat audience of nearly 400 attendees that stood and roared its approval for each of the honorees who—though vastly different in their business enterprises—are united by a common commitment to outstanding corporate citizenship, community involvement and environmental sustainability.

The awards kicked-off with the annual presentation of the Clyde Nixon Business Leadership Award—so named in memory of the late, much-admired chairman of Sun Hydraulics. It is bestowed each year on an individual who exhibits the same corporate values and leadership skills for which Nixon is still remembered. Clyde, as his wife Joan described in remarks prefacing the award, was never more tireless or enthusiastic than when he was up to his neck in community development activities. “He loved chairing, mentoring and helping people succeed at all levels,” she said in recalling his legacy.

Sitting near the front of the room, a totally unsuspecting Michael Saunders didn’t have to travel more than a few steps to receive the prestigious leadership award after suddenly learning that she was this year’s recipient. She enthusiastically accepted the honor on behalf of all area business leaders.

“I accept this award on behalf of an incredible business community,” she said. “I will simply be its steward since we’ve all managed to get through these hard economic times together. We will survive together one transaction at a time, one bed filled at a time, one dinner served at a time; and will do so with enthusiasm, passion, our usual commitment to excellence and the knowledge that we live in one of the best business communities in the world.”

Osprey Biotechnics, a manufacturer of eco-friendly biological products—used in the agricultural, industrial and wastewater industries—won the annual Innovation Award. They were joined in the winners’ circle by Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc., who was the recipient of the Green-to-Gold Award because of its demonstrated commitment to green building. The construction company is the first in the State of Florida to occupy its own LEED certified headquarters.

This year’s Export Excellence Award went to Venice-based Crane Environment, a manufacturer of water purification products and systems. The company was recognized for exporting to more than 83 countries on every continent except to Antarctica.

The Entrepreneurship Award, which recognizes outstanding growth and achievement by nascent businesses, went to Biological Tree Services, a Sarasota company that uses natural products and eco-friendly practices to improve residential landscapes.

Finally, the John Cox Community Partner Award was given to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. The award created in honor of John J. Cox—founder of Halfacre Construction Company—recognizes a not-for-profit organization that contributes to both economic development and the improvement of the area’s quality of life.

As heartening as it was to see such innovative products and services given the acknowledgement they deserve, it was even more heartening to learn that these successes were underwritten by strong commitments to sustainable business practices. Clearly the Economic Development Corporation is helping to foster an environment where businesses can thrive responsibly. Which, of course, is its mission.

Earlier this year, under then-chair Margaret Callahan (who is also CEO and president of SunTrust Banks of Southwest Florida), EDC issued a Five-Year Economic Development Strategic Plan. Its goal, which we heartily embrace, is to help Sarasota County bounce back stronger than ever from this mother of all recessions, even as it actively promotes greater business diversification in order to avoid the consequences of remaining overly dependent on housing, development and tourism.

“The EDC exists to create a sustainable economy and an improved quality of life for Sarasota County,” Callahan says. “The strategic plan will help us achieve this mission, as it incorporates input from all segments of our county and provides a forward-looking framework for all of us to work together.”

The six goals identified in the strategic plan are:

Grow and strengthen the competitiveness of existing businesses.
Develop a robust environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Be a national leader in the development of products and services for an aging demographic.
Build on Sarasota’s reputation for design expertise.
Expand business opportunities in applied environmental and sustainable systems.
Optimize how people, policies, and investments work together to reach common economic goals.

“These strategies will enable us to capitalize on our region’s assets, to diversify the economy and position Sarasota County as a community of choice for innovative new businesses,” said Kathleen Baylis, president & CEO of the EDC. The assets she was referring to include:

An active entrepreneurial environment as noted by the high percent of self-employed individuals and above-average rate of new business formation.
An array of higher education institutions with a solid track record of working with the business community.
Proximity to a number of R&D centers; and other institutions that could be tapped for expanded economic opportunities.
Institutions like Mote Marine Laboratory and Ringling College of Art and Design enjoy national and international recognition.
Multiple foundations and community organizations that are actively involved in promoting the county’s well-being.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees—and of course to our own Michael Saunders—for once again showing the world that Sarasota’s enviable assets add up to much more than the sum of its enticing beaches, gorgeous landscapes, sun-dappled climate and abundant cultural options. Ours is as dynamic a place to start or grow a business as it is to escape for a few days in paradise.