The Sarasota County Commission approved a Sustainable Energy Economic District (SEED) incentive for PGT Industries Inc. on Dec. 12, providing for the final allocation of state funds to support this local clean technology company.

The county’s SEED incentive program was a pilot created by the Florida Legislature with the goal of cultivating green economic development, encouraging renewable energy generation, and promoting the manufacturing of products that contribute to energy conservation and green jobs. Sarasota County was one of only two jurisdictions selected to participate in this program.

In 2015, PGT Industries first applied to participate in the SEED program, to support a new, energy-efficient manufacturing facility that produces wind-resistant and ENERGY STAR-rated windows. The SEED Program enables PGT Industries to receive a state jobs credit against corporate income tax. In total since the beginning of the program, PGT has been approved to receive the total available allocation of $1.5 million of these state jobs credits.

“We wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for your office’s and the county’s assistance in PGT’s participation in the Sarasota SEED program”, John Levat, PGT finance director, said in an email to the county’s office of business and economic development.

“The program has been a valuable driver of growth in both workforce and capital investment, assisting us with the construction of a new, 96,000-square-foot facility.”

The SEED incentive program is one of several programs working to drive sustainable economic growth and create jobs in Sarasota County. Learn more about support available for local businesses.

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