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(Sarasota, FL September 12, 2003) - North Port will host its first forum for economic development on September 16 at 2:00 p.m. at the Manatee Community College Venice Campus. Dr. Michael Kovac, the keynote speaker, was instrumental in creating the Florida High Tech Corridor and played a key role in attracting Lucent Laboratories to Orlando.

North Port is now the third largest city in Florida in land area. What was at one time a sleepy retirement/bedroom community, offering its residents a quiet existence on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is now the third fastest growing community in Florida.

Dr. Laurie Stryker, CEO of USF Sarasota Manatee will be part of a roundtable and public discussion entitled: “How Can Business, Education, and Government Work Together to Create a New Economy?” David Voss, Director of University Relations for USF, will moderate the panel discussion.

2.00 p.m. Welcome and Introduction to Forum by Mark B. Roath, City Manager, City of North Port

2.05 p.m. Review of the Economy of North Port, Mr. Robert Tunis, Economic Development Manager, City of North Port

2.15 p.m. Keynote Speech, Dr. Michael Kovac, former Dean of Engineering, University of South Florida

2.35 p.m. Roundtable and Public Discussion: “How can Business, Education and Government Work Together to create a New Economy?” Moderator: David Voss, University of South Florida.