Welker is Sarasota Coordinator

SARASOTA — The City of Sarasota, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, and the Sarasota Downtown Improvement District have appointed Randy Welker as the city's first economic development coordinator.

Welker will act as a liaison between the three groups. All three will contribute funds to pay for the new position, a prepared statement says.

“Having an experienced, full-time professional, focused on increasing pedestrian activity, supporting and growing current business and attracting new ventures to downtown will enhance our community, grow our tax base and add more jobs,” the consortium says via release.

Welker will work from the chamber's offices, at 1945 Fruitville Road.