During its post-election Economic Outlook event on December 4, the Economic Development Council of Sarasota presented the 14th Annual Clyde Nixon Business Leadership Award to Allen Carlson, regional director of the University of Florida Innovation Station in Sarasota.

The award is given annually to an individual in Sarasota County who embodies the personal and business values demonstrated by late Sun Hydraulics chairman Clyde Nixon. In accepting the award, Carlson recognized the exceptional leadership traits and community commitment practiced daily by Nixon, with whom he worked for more than 20 years at Sun Hydraulics.