TO: Community Economic Development Advisory Board
FROM: Michael Meerman, Economic Development Manager
Lori Barnes, AICP, CPM, Deputy Director, Development Services
TITLE: Economic Development Division Update
______________________________________________________________________
Leadership North Port Presentation
• North Port Chamber of Commerce program (similar to NP University)
• Michael Meerman made a presentation to the class March 14, 2025
North Port University Presentation
• Economic Development presentation made on April 10, 2025
• Part of the larger presentation from Development Services Dept.
New Business Welcome Quarter 2
• Quarterly welcome to new NP businesses
• Hosted by Mike McLellan on April 19, 2025
City Tour with Commissioner
• March 7, 2025, Driving tour of the city with Commissioner Duval
Atlanta Braves Spring Training Events
• March 14, 2025, Suite event attended by CM, DCM, Lori Barnes, Michael Meerman, and representatives from SCF, STC, HCA, Encompass Health
• Multi week ticket distribution to partners, developers, and affiliated parties
Discussions with Corporation Relocation Firm
• Developing leads with relocation specialist from Tampa
• Planning city tour with the firm’s principle
Entertainment Evolution Experience Trade Show
• Alaina Ray and Vinnie represented the city at this trade event, Feb 25/26, 2025
• Developed a listing of 20 potential leads
Assembly Show South Trade Show
• Lori Barnes and Michael Meerman representing the city at this trade event April 15-17, 2025
• Sarasota Economic Development Corporation will also attend and support our booth activity
• Nashville, TN
HCA Ribbon Cutting
• ED was in attendance to support HCA March 2, 2025
• Also present were Mayor Stokes, CM Fletcher
Evaluating New Industry Silos
• Exploring commercial opportunities across technology and transportation sectors
Affordable Housing
• Pursuing opportunities to increase options for AH growth
• Met with developer April 8, 2025
• Attended Early Learning Coalition task force event March 28, 2025
North Port Career Connect Job Fair
• Job Fair
• May 21, 2025, at the Mullen Center
• Anticipated 50 employers and 300 career seekers
Business Tax Receipts
• Latest quarterly metric update