Diversification, not...siloization?

Don't ask him to spell “siloization,” because C.J. Fishman, chairman of the Sarasota County Economic Development Council, will just tell you to “spell it like it sounds.”

But the concept of more regional economic development thinking was the key point of Fishman's March 29 message to city and county commissioners at an economic development summit held in Venice.

The meeting brought together county government and the cities of North Port, Venice and Sarasota to discuss the county's and cities' economic development plans to create jobs and diversify the local economy. In a bit of silo irony, the town of Longboat Key did not show up.

Sarasota County Commissioner Carolyn Mason followed up on Fishman's idea calling for “breaking down this barrier of siloization.” Mason told the group, “It's a great word because it's real. It's just what's been happening throughout the years.”

The County Commission is seeking support for a proposed Aug. 24 referendum to grant property tax exemptions to new and expanding businesses. The amount of tax exemption would depend on jobs created, wage levels and other criteria.

That effort, and perhaps rising unemployment in the region, prompted Peter Straw, the head of the Sarasota-Manatee Manufacturers Association to say, “I think the political will is finally with us,” and called for city and county leaders to “think regionally.”

Straw also sees more to be done given the county's not-so-friendly business reputation, telling the politicians, “We need to create a business climate that is as attractive to people as our weather climate that has been bringing people here for years.”

North Port representatives called for the county to do more to lower impact fees. Because Charlotte County has lowered its fees, development is moving “across the street” to take advantage of the lower fees according to one presenter.

But that message received little support from commissioners.