New economic development department proposed for city
Cities serve as boosters of themselves. It’s part of their job.
Sarasota City Commissioner Suzanne Atwell broached an idea Monday for a new way for the city to market itself. She suggested it create an economic development department that would help brand and "sell" Downtown and other parts of Sarasota.
"We need a slot in city hall to handle maintenance and attract businesses," Atwell said.
Her suggestion did not seem to be well-received by her fellow commissioners, who questioned the concept of the city moving into realms usually handled by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, the various Downtown organizations and the Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau.
A smaller-scale approach was suggested by Vice Mayor Kelly Kirschner.
"What is the city doing to reach out to the biggest employers in Downtown?" he asked, mentioning Bank of America, SunTrust and Verizon.
Such outreach is apparently ongoing, but more is needed, Atwell urged.
Mayor Richard Clapp said he had offered a similar proposal a year ago with little result. He suggested the proposal come before the city commission during its goal-setting session later this month. That suggestion was generally approved.
CVB President Virginia Haley said Downtown is a viable portion of the city, but one that could use a better mix of businesses.
She applauded the concept of a unifying identity for the area.
"Most of the cities I’ve visited have an in-house economic development director," she said. "It makes sense to put it on the table."