Manatee EDC retains Hillstrom

BRADENTON -- The Manatee Economic Development Council made Sharon Hillstrom its permanent executive director this week, removing the interim status she had carried since replacing Eric Basinger in August.

In addition to its leadership announcement, the EDC says it is finalizing plans to reorganize as an independent entity at the start of 2012, according to board chair Jerry Marlar. The organization currently operates as a division of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce.

Before taking over as the EDC's head of operations, Hillstrom served as associate director, working closely with Basinger on management of the EDC's day-to-day operations.