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Warren G. Simonds, LEED® AP, Chief Marketing Officer for Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc., a Sarasota based Construction Management firm, has been inducted for a second term on the Sarasota County Arts Council. Dr. Simonds previously served as a Board Member and Chairman of the Finance Committee. He was recently elected to the position of Vice President for the 2009-2010 term, and has served as an active member of the Art’s Council since 2005.
“The Arts Council has gone through a very interesting and challenging two years. We are in the process of ‘reinventing’ the organization to better support our mission of providing advocacy for local arts, education and cultural entities,” explained Warren Simonds. He added, “Russ Crumley has provided tremendous energy and effort to help guide the Arts Council through changing and unique times.” Dr. Simonds welcomes new board member, Ed Alley and congratulates Terry Romine, President, Nancy Roucher, Secretary and Darrell Huntley, Treasurer on their newly elected positions.
For over 37 years, Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc. has been the “Builder to the Arts” in Sarasota County. Notable Willis Smith projects at the FSU John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art include the Historic Asolo Theater and Visitors Center, Circus Museum’s Tibbals Learning Center and the Ulla R. and Arthur F. Searing Wing. Other significant clients include the Sarasota Opera Association, Sarasota Museum of Art, Mote Marine Laboratory, Ringling College of Art and Design, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Out of Door Academy and Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School.
The Sarasota County Arts Council is a 1,000 member strong arts and cultural alliance passionate about building appreciation, participation and support for arts and culture. Founded in 1986 by a group of committed citizens, the council has administered over $10 million in grants to area artists and arts organizations. The council enhances the connection between the community and regional arts and culture by strengthening cooperation among business, community and elected leaders, audiences and the public. The council achieves this through arts advocacy, marketing and arts appreciation events.
Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc. (willissmith.com) is a Sarasota based Construction Management firm primarily serving Southwest Florida since 1972. As the oldest contractor firm in Sarasota, the company enjoys an excellent reputation with a solid background in commercial, industrial, educational, healthcare, museum specialty work and sustainable construction. The company is also a member of the Florida Green Building Coalition, U.S. Green Building Council, and Sustainable Sarasota. They now have 14 LEED Accredited Professionals (green building experts) on staff. The firm has made great strides in asserting itself as a leader in ‘green’ construction and has been awarded several contracts based in a large part on their experience in this field. A few of their notable green projects include: Willis A. Smith Construction’s 18,000 square foot Corporate Headquarters Building at Lakewood Ranch, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch corporate offices, Ringling College of Art and Design Housing and Academic Building and The Wellness Community at Lakewood Ranch.
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