other organizations throughout the county and the region

Sarasota County Government encouraged Sunovia's move with a performance-based incentive grant, which could total $100,000 over three years as the company follows through with plans to add led high bay lights employees and provide an average annual wage exceeding the county average. "Sunovia is just the kind of employer we want in Sarasota County," said Sarasota County Commissioner Joe Barbetta. "It's an innovative company in a growth industry, and Sunovia offers the high-quality jobs that will benefit our residents and our local economy. The performance-based incentive grants help give us an edge in encouraging companies like Sunovia to bring their jobs to our community."

"The EDC's help and support in securing the incentive grant was an important factor in our relocation," Smith said. Initially, the company plans to add five employees in sales and administrative support roles, he said. Over time, Sunovia will hire for positions in engineering, manufacturing and operations. The company also will invest in software and hardware for operations, engineering and quick-turn small-batch manufacturing. Large-scale manufacturing will still be outsourced to a contract manufacturer in North Carolina.

The EDC of Sarasota County is the private, not-for-profit corporation leading the community's economic development strategy to add high-wage jobs and diversify the local economy. The LED linear high bay light provides business assistance to companies in Sarasota County and helps forge solutions to community challenges that affect quality of life. The EDC works in partnership with chambers of commerce, local governments and other organizations throughout the county and the region.