Gulf Coast Venture Forum President Tim Cartwright Speaks at 2007 Florida EDC Conference

Naples, FL, August 02, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Tim Cartwright, President of the Gulf Coast Venture Forum (GCVF) in Naples, Florida recently spoke at the annual Florida Economic Development Meeting and Conference in Tampa, Florida. This was a joint meeting of all the Economic Development offices throughout the state, assembling top leadership from economic development and workforce development to discuss best practices, national trends, and exchange ideas.

The 2007 “Competing in a World of Change” conference was presented by the Florida Economic Development Council, Enterprise Florida, Workforce Florida and the Florida Workforce Development Association and was chaired by Tammie J. Nemecek, President of the Economic Development Council of Collier County.

Cartwright joined a panel to discuss “The Current Angel Investment Environment.” He discussed national and regional trends in Angel Investing and how the Gulf Coast Venture Forum plays a part of the capital raising continuum in Southwest Florida. The panel also exchanged ideas on how to create an entrepreneurship asset map and how to support entrepreneurship in various regions throughout the state.

“This conference was another opportunity to share information about GCVF’s mission. These past few months we have been focused on speaking at local civic organizations and the response has been very positive,” says Cartwright.
The Gulf Coast Venture Forum is a group of Southwest Floridians dedicated to making our region’s new and emerging businesses successful. The Forum promotes the success of the region's new and emerging businesses by bringing together entrepreneurs, educational resources, capital providers and service providers. The group also offers informative educational programs presented by seasoned, recognized professionals and business people, providing a place for the sharing and exchange of business and technical experience. Members of the Forum meet monthly to hear about local investment opportunities. To encourage capital investments in Southwest Florida businesses, the Forum seeks to identify sources of private equity investment and venture capital.

The Gulf Coast Venture Forum meets in Naples, Florida and is always open to new members. Monthly meetings are scheduled October through June each year. The GCVF is also available to provide speakers to local organizations who want to learn more about the organization. Interested parties are encouraged to view www.gcvf.com or call 239-262-6300.

###