News from 82 Degrees Tech
MEDIA CONTACT: Heidi Smith, Heidi Smith Communications Inc., 941.504.2803
82 DEGREES TECH: Dan Miller, president, 941.922.6255
May 3, 2005
Technology advocacy group forms in Sarasota-Manatee region
82 Degrees Tech, a new advocacy group for technology companies in Sarasota and Manatee counties, appointed a board of directors and elected officers recently, according to Dan Miller, the group’s president.
82 Degrees Tech combines previously separate efforts of three different organizations in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The group’s name refers to the longitudinal line that goes through both counties, as well as the area’s balmy climate.
“We realized that our efforts would be more effective if we combined into one, bi-county organization,” said Miller, a partner in Startup Florida, an incubator and angel fund for technology companies. Previously, the interests of technology businesses were represented through groups working in economic development in each county, as well as a bi-county membership organization called the Suncoast Technology Alliance.
82 Degrees Tech will focus on increasing public awareness of the growing technology community in the two-county area; improving the business climate for technology companies by developing critical resources; and facilitating educational/social opportunities for the area’s technology companies. Miller said the organization will work with industry, government and universities to create a technology corridor and will seek to create quality jobs for the local workforce in addition to attracting skilled personnel to the area. The organization will receive administrative support through a partnership with economic development organizations in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Officers of 82 Degrees Tech include: Miller, president; Barney Guarino, Tempra Technology, vice president; Doug Goodman, Biolife, secretary; and Michele Halt, Anexio, treasurer. Directors include Kathy Baylis, Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County; Nancy Engel, Manatee Chamber Economic Development Council; Tom Frank, Jackson Hewitt; Marty Guice, DayStar Communications; and Bob Hanson, Sarasota County Government / Sarasota Schools.
Meetings of the group are open to guests. Membership fees vary, and new members are welcome. Information: Dan Miller, 941.922.6255 and online at www.82DegreesTech.com.
-30-