Shope named new City of Venice Business Liaison
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
COV
The City of Venice has established a new Business Liaison role to provide additional support and guidance to the local business community, making it easier for businesses to navigate City processes and connect with the right resources.
The Business Liaison will serve as a single point of contact for new and existing businesses, helping applicants better understand City requirements and guiding them through permitting, planning and zoning, engineering, and building processes. The goal is to improve communication, reduce confusion, and provide a more positive experience for businesses working with the City.
As part of this effort, Kelsey Shope has been named as the City’s new Business Liaison. In this role, she will assist businesses with matters such as Business Tax Receipts (BTRs), change-of-use requests, building expansions, site improvements, and redevelopment plans, while coordinating with multiple City departments to help streamline the review process.
“This role is about making City Hall easier to navigate,” said City Manager James Clinch. “Local businesses are a vital part of Venice’s economy and community. By providing a dedicated point of contact, we can help ensure applicants understand the process, connect with the right staff, and move through reviews as smoothly as possible while maintaining the standards that protect our community.”
Shope has worked in the City’s Planning and Zoning Department since June 2018. Originally from Memphis, Tenn., Shope moved to Venice with her family at age 6. She attended Venice Elementary School and Student Leadership Academy, and graduated from Venice High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering from Florida Gulf Coast University.
“I’m proud to work for the community where I grew up,” Shope said. “I hope this role helps make our processes clearer and more approachable for business owners, and that they know there is someone at City Hall who can help guide them and connect them with the right people.”
The Business Liaison will also work closely with the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce to strengthen communication between the City and the local business community and support business retention and expansion efforts. Through the creation of the Business Liaison position, the City of Venice aims to strengthen its partnership with the business community while ensuring transparency and clear communication throughout the permitting process.
A meet-and-greet with Shope will be held from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 31 at the Venice Chamber, 597 Tamiami Trail S., with coffee and light refreshments.
Contact City Business Liaison Kelsey Shope at kelseyshope@venicefl.gov or 941-882-7435.
