Manatee County is at a turning point. Growth is accelerating, expectations are rising, and the decisions being made now will shape what this community looks like for decades.

In this conversation, interim CEO of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation Amanda Parrish and Manatee County’s Economic Development Division Manager Aimee Johnson break down what’s really happening behind the scenes.

They unpack the County’s role versus the EDC, reflect on key takeaways from the recent economic development workshop, and tackle the topics people hear about but rarely understand - incentives, opportunity zones, and long-term competitiveness.

Most importantly, they connect the dots between economic development decisions and everyday life - jobs, wages, infrastructure, and the future of Manatee County.