Bradenton Area EDC reviews progress, looks toward productive 2025

As I review our progress at the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp., I believe the positive results we deliver for the Manatee County community flow from our deeply intentional strategic plan, which will continue to drive our work in 2025.

The Bradenton Area EDC, a private nonprofit, is recognized by the State of Florida as the lead economic development organization for the Bradenton area’s nine. We have forged and followed a strategy based on solid research, creative ideas and collaborative partnerships.

All of our work is directed toward delivering ROI to our private sector investors and public partners, which in turn benefits the community as a whole. How do we deliver that return on investment? By attracting and retaining high-wage jobs for area residents, and connecting established businesses to the resources they need to prosper.

High-wage jobs expand the tax base, increase local spending and grow the economic pie, which ultimately provides local businesses with more opportunities to increase their market share. And even if a company’s customer base is located outside our local market, economic development in Manatee County generates benefits to employees and families residing here.

As the tax base expands, local governments can provide better services and infrastructure that are vital in making Manatee County an even better place to live, work and play.

From generating awareness to closing deals, the EDC’s approach to the business recruitment role of economic development is about quality; not quantity. We target companies and sectors that are a good fit for Manatee County. The aviation sector is a prime example. Our work to promote this sector, in collaboration with the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, led to the exciting announcement we shared with the community in August. Pilatus, a Swiss aircraft manufacturer, will develop 17 acres on the north side of the airport in Manatee County to construct a new state-of-the-art sales and service facility.

As a global company with customers worldwide, Pilatus choosing the Bradenton Area is the best kind of promotion for the aviation ecosystem in our region. Through Pilatus and other companies that have announced here and are looking at our market, we are demonstrating successful collaboration between the EDC, the airport, Manatee County government and educational institutions in the region.

Delivering local impact requires that we focus not just on global recruitment, but also on established businesses in our community. Hundreds of direct interactions with local businesses help us identify companies ripe for expansion. Our long-term relationships with established businesses also reveal the most effective ways we can assist businesses with resources they need to flourish.

Ultimately, the EDC’s strategy is designed to deliver economic impact for our community. Since 2015, the year we introduced our strategic plan, the Bradenton Area EDC and its partners have assisted more than 90 businesses with expansions and relocations. These companies are projected to deliver more than 3,800 jobs through 2029. Equally important, they plan to make capital investments exceeding $1 billion.

In addition to working directly with businesses to grow and diversify the local economy, we collaborate on initiatives that underpin the economy. In 2025, we will continue successful partnerships with educational institutions to foster a workforce ready to support the needs of local businesses. And we will continue working with the private sector to help address the need for affordable housing to accommodate employees.

We also will bring our expertise to bear in the cities of Palmetto and Bradenton as we help those municipalities with economic development strategies and initiatives.

On behalf of our leadership and team, we wish you a healthy and successful 2025. To learn more about our work and impact, please visit BradentonAreaEDC.com and view topical videos.