Manatee County Economic Development Manager receives national kudos

Karen Stewart is a mover and shaker in terms of job creation for county workers.

Her efforts paid off on a national scale this week.

Stewart, the county's economic development manager, earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer, March 5. The position means national recognition by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

She will now work with public officials, business leaders and community members to create leadership that will boost economic development in the area. 

Stewart received the title because of her "mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainments and commitment to personal and professional growth," a press release said.

The job creator was part of the county's incentive package movement that launched in 2009 to create high-paying jobs countywide. The project created 3,424 jobs over a five-year period, a press release cited. Of the jobs created through the package, the average minimum wage is $47,778 — 32% more than the county's average.

Stewart is helping to put the county on the job seeker's map of places to move and work.

"With this achievement, Karen has put Manatee County in a better position to be a place where site selectors will look to relocate companies," said Cheri Coryea, director of the county's Neighborhood Services Department.