The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine's investment in the Manatee-Sarasota (Fla.) area garnered top honors from the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

LECOM School of Dental Medicine Dean Robert Hirsch, DDS receives the Investment in the Future Award from Nicholas Gladding.

LECOM was named number one in the Investment in the Future category at the Chamber’s annual membership meeting at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. The College was lauded for its $52 million investment with the School of Dental Medicine.

Robert Hirsch, DDS, Dean of the LECOM School of Dental Medicine spoke to a crowd of 550 people about the School’s curriculum and dedication to the community though a patient-care clinic scheduled to open in January 2013.

The first class of 100 students began their dental training at the 100,000 square-foot LECOM School of Dental Medicine in Bradenton, Fla., in July. Within four years of its inaugural class, the School of Dental Medicine will enroll 400 students.

The school will employ nearly 200 individuals, including dental faculty, administrators, dental hygienists, along with technical, administrative and other support staff.  The direct impact of institutional, employee and student spending should reach around $14 million dollars in the Bradenton area, and as much as $35 million through direct and indirect spending statewide.

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine offers innovative and affordable education in osteopathic medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. From campuses in Erie, Pennsylvania,Greensburg, Pennsylvania and Bradenton, Florida, LECOM believes that when mind, body and spirit come together the impossible becomes suddenly possible. It is a calling each and every one of our students embodies to become the best they can be. To prevent disease and treat it. To give hope. Can you hear the calling?