Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/198837
Sarasota News Leader October 25, 2013 Page 84 BENDERSON PARK WINS INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has honored Sarasota County with a Silver Excellence in Economic Development Award for Nathan Benderson Park in the category of public-private partnerships for communities with populations of 200,000 to 500,000, the county has announced. "Receiving this award means that our economic development efforts in Sarasota County are relevant," said Jeff Maultsby, director of Sarasota County business and economic development, in a news release. Maultsby and Paul Blackketter, president and chief operating officer of the SunCoast Aquatic Nature Center Association, accepted the award at a ceremony on Oct. 8, during the IEDC annual conference in Philadelphia. The council's Excellence in Economic Development Awards "recognize the world's best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year's most influential leaders," according to an IEDC spokesperson. "The awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban and rural communities," the release adds. "It was definitely a team effort to complete our application for Nathan Benderson Park. The process, which took a few weeks, involved collaboration among several county departments," said Maultsby in the release. "It was truly an honor for our hard work and dedication to be recognized at this high of a level on an international platform." "The Excellence in Economic Development Award recognizes Sarasota County as being one of the leading organizations in the industry for innovation, creativity and successful strategies," added Paul Krutko, the IEDC chairman, in the release. "This organization uses creative solutions and inventive ideas and offers other regions a wonderful example to learn and benefit from." Work continues at Nathan Benderson Park to prepare it for world-class rowing events. Photo by Norman Schimmel