Manatee Chamber appoints EDC director

Bob Bartz, president of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, announced today that Eric Basinger, an economic development professional from Alabama, has been appointed the Economic Development Council. Basinger will assume his new position June 1.

“After a national search and in-depth discussions with Eric, we are convinced he will effectively lead our economic development efforts in this very challenging time,” Bartz said.

Former Executive Director Nancy Engel last September announced last September her plans to step down after 25 years.

Basinger, an 11-year veteran of economic development, most recently served as executive director of the Elmore County Economic Development Authority in Wetumpka, Ala., an organization he helped to create. In that post since 2003, he worked to generate 1,292 jobs and more than $97 million of new capital investments in the community through corporate relocation and expansion of local businesses.

Basinger received his master’s degree in public administration with specialization in planning and economic cevelopment from Auburn University and his bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in international relations from the University of West Alabama.

“Manatee County is well-positioned to attract and retain high-wage jobs, and the EDC’s track record in making that happen is indisputable,” Basinger said. “The EDC’s strong, collaborative relationships with local governments, regional stakeholders and state resources provide a foundation for us to expedite local economic expansion as the global economy recovers.”

The Economic Development Council, a division of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, is responsible for developing and implementing programs designed to attract new value-added businesses and to assist in the retention and growth of targeted existing businesses in Manatee County. For more information, visit www.ManateeEDC.com.