Mission and Contacts
	The purpose of the EDC is to improve the economic health of the community through:
	u	The creation of quality jobs
	u	Increased capital investment
	u	Increased flow of new dollars into Manatee County
	EDC Staff
	u	Eric S. Basinger, CEcD, Executive Director                                     Eric oversees the operations of the EDC including programs for the retention, attraction and growth of targeted companies.
		Eric Basinger				941-748-4842 ext. 120
	u	Nancy Engel, Workforce/Business Retention Manager Nancy is the primary contact for workforce assistance and resources, along with assisting prospects and existing industries.
		Nancy Engel				941-748-4842 ext. 127
	u	Lauren Kratsch, Business Development Manager Lauren manages company relocation, recruitment and expansion along with the facilitation of entrepreneurial/technology and workforce development.
		Lauren Kratsch				941-748-4842 ext. 134
	u	Sharon Hillstrom, Events/Organizational Development Manager Sharon handles investor retention and recruitment along with facilitating committee meetings and planning events for the EDC.
		Sharon Hillstrom				941-748-4842 ext. 140
	u	Mary Birnbaum , Executive Assistant Mary is responsible for providing administrative and secretarial support to the Executive Director and other EDC services.
		Mary Birnbaum				941-748-4842 ext. 128
	u	Jeannie Sheilds, Executive Assistant Jeannie is responsible for providing administrative and secretarial support to the Executive Director and other EDC services.
		Jeannie Shields				941-748-4842 ext. 128
	u	Debbie Scott, Administrative Assistant Debbie is responsible for providing administrative and secretarial support to the EDC.
		Debbie Scott				941-748-4842 ext. 126
	u	Sandy Miles, Administrative Assistant/Industry Services Sandy is responsible for assisting with research projects, prospect and inquiry mailings, and other industry services.
		Sandy Miles				941-748-4842 ext. 125