Business Community and Economic Development

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	The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) works to ensure smart, sustainable economic growth that improves the quality of life in Sarasota County. The EDC's economic development program, funded partly by revenue from the county's local business tax and a per capita investment from the municipalities, like the City of Sarasota. We invite you to explore their site for information on creating your own future in Sarasota, a prosperous community by design.
	The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is a major force in our community's economic prosperity and outstanding lifestyle. An award-winning not-for-profit membership organization, The Chamber provides the leadership to achieve a diverse balanced economy that enhances the quality of living and working in greater Sarasota. Our community enjoys "Good Life" and "Good Business".
	The Downtown Improvement District (DID) is a dependent special district of the City of Sarasota that currently encompasses a core area of downtown. Commercial properties within the DID are assessed at a 2% millage rate on a yearly basis. The DID currently funds: streetscape projects, landscape maintenance, decorative tree lighting, sidewalk cleaning, marketing, security, and more.
	The Downtown Sarasota Alliance (DSA) is a fee-based membership organization whose mission is "to provide a unified voice of the merchants, residents, property owners and businesses to promote and enrich downtown Sarasota." The DSA sponsors several art shows, Friday evening music, and more. They also manage the streetlight banner program along Main St. and Palm Avenues.
	The Downtown SRQ Enrichment Association (DSEA) is a fee-based membership organization of Downtown Sarasota merchants who work together to make downtown Sarasota an unparalleled place to shop, dine and enjoy the many cultural amenities that our city has to offer. DSEA produces several special events including the Downtown Sarasota Enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting, First Friday Sip & Shop, and Sarasota New Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop.
	The North Trail Redevelopment Partnership (NTRP) is a non-profit corporation comprised of community leaders, and representatives of institutions. University of South Florida, Ringling College, Ringling Museums, and New College, business owners, Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores, Tahiti Park, Bayou Oaks and Central Cocoanut neighborhood representatives. Also, Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, local architects, planners, and City of Sarasota planning staff study, understand and work to facilitate positive redevelopment of the North Trail.
	The St. Armands Circle Association (SACA) is a fee-based membership organization whose mission is 'to create on-going advertising, promotional and environmental programs for the benefit of the entire St. Armands Business Community.' The SACA produces an annual publication, one of only 3 in the country, and sponsors numerous special events, including a major Holiday Night event, for the community and our visitors to enjoy.
	Visit Sarasota County is the official provider of visitor information for Sarasota County where tourism is a top industry. Visit Sarasota County operates the official Sarasota Visitor Information Center at 1945 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34236 and also operates a visitor information kiosk out at The Mall at University Town Center.