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Brad Stager

Brad Stager's Latest Articles

Sarasota Company Gives Entrepreneurs Chance To Clean Up

Cleanliness is one established means to health and comfort, and, in the case of Cleaning Butlers of Sarasota, it's also a possible means to wealth. Or at least a steady income. Lynne Dowd started Cleaning Butlers of Sarasota last May after working for another cleaning company. Cleaning Butlers serves a variety of clients including medical offices, factories, auto dealerships and day care centers as well as homes in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Business has been good enough that Cleaning Butlers is offering opportunities to other people who want to clean up financially by becoming a franchise owner. Dowd emphasizes that prospective franchisees need to commit more than money to the endeavor. "We're looking for someone who wants to grow a business and be their own boss, is self-motivated and customer-service oriented. If someone is just looking for a job, that's not really what we're looking for," she says. Cleaning Butlers of Sarasota provides customers options that ensure not only satisfaction that their spaces are clean and tidy, but also environmentally friendly if they wish. "We offer the clients a choice, as to whether they'd like us to use the green chemicals, sustainable chemicals or use the regular chemicals," she says. Cleaning Butlers uses four-stage HEPA vacuum cleaners to minimize dust and color-coded cleaning equipment to avoid cross-contamination between different types of surfaces and environments. Franchise fees are based on annual gross revenue and a minimum down payment of $800 plus equipment costs can enable someone to begin building their business. Cleaning Butlers' website lists unit franchise fees ranging from $2,500 to $42,000. They provide business, cleaning and safety training as well as accounting and administrative support.Writer: Brad StagerSource: Lynne Dowd, Cleaning Butlers of Sarasota

State College Of Florida In Bradenton Seeks Adjunct Professors, Teachers

As Manatee County's population grows and its business environment develops, State College of Florida in Bradenton is playing an important role in training the local workforce and providing employment opportunities for people who want to work in an academic setting. The school began as Manatee Junior College in 1957 and initially provided college-bound students an economical way to complete the first two years of a four-year degree. By the time it became Manatee Community College in 1985, its mission expanded to providing two-year degrees that enabled students to fill the needs of the local business community. That aspect of the college has expanded to the point where it now provides Baccalaureate degrees in nursing, health sciences, public safety and early childhood education. SCF also provides specific workforce training for companies that want to improve employee business and computer skills on a contract basis. Providing that range of educational options requires staff employees and faculty members who have a passion for knowledge. The school's educational team also includes part-time, or adjunct, instructors to teach its students. A review of the SCF website shows numerous openings for instructors to teach a variety of classes, from core academic subjects to workforce-oriented courses in health and business programs. Drawing upon the experience and expertise within the community is one of the school's strengths, according to Katherine Walker, SCF's director of public affairs and marketing. She cites demonstrable accomplishment in a field or subject matter as an important qualification for an adjunct instructor, but the school looks for more than that. "Here, probably more than at some institutions, an open-mindedness and willingness to think outside the box is an approach that we would want in people who join us," she says. You can check State College of Florida's employment opportunities by clicking here.Writer: Brad StagerSource: Katherine Walker, State College of Florida

Humana Cares Adds 140 Jobs In St. Petersburg, Managers Wanted

As the health care industry continues to lead the nation's economic rebound, Humana Cares is adding 140 jobs at its St. Petersburg facility. The jobs will be added between now and July, according to Mitch Lubitz of Humana's corporate communications office. Positions to be staffed include health care managers, community health educators, field care managers and health coaches. The increase will bring the number of employees working at Humana Cares' national operations and service center in Carillon Business Park office, which opened in February 2009, to about 500."Humana Cares is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing health care employers in the Tampa Bay area, doubling its St. Petersburg workforce in the past year," he says.Humana Cares provides telephonic health care management and support to chronically ill Humana members nationwide and in-person services to members in 24 states. Its health professionals work with patients suffering from medical conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, cancer and Alzheimer's. Services provided include health care education and support, medication education, physician care coordination and end of life planning as well as depression screening.Lubitz says Humana Cares uses a holistic approach requiring health care professionals who deliver services to possess "seasoned communication skills, including verbal, interpersonal, written and negotiation. " Nursing experience and the ability to collaborate and coordinate patient care with multiple health care disciplines are also important attributes the company will be looking for in applicants. Visit Humana's employment web page to find out more information. Writer: Brad StagerSource: Mitch Lubitz, Humana Cares

AAR Composites Of Clearwater Trains 40 Employees Through State Program

Forty workers at AAR Composites' Clearwater facility will gain new skills and improved advancement potential as a result of the company receiving $42,000 from Florida's Incumbent Worker Training program. AAR Composites develops, manufactures and markets composite-material products for the aerospace industry, including parts for the U.S. Air Force's F-22 advanced tactical fighter and other Department of Defense and commercial aviation projects. The funds will be used to create a certification program that will include reviews and testing of workers' knowledge and skill level in the field of composite manufacturing. AAR spokesperson Chris Mason says the program will enhance advancement opportunities for employees and help the company meet customer needs."The goal is to implement a road map for promotions based on knowledge, skill set, and objective, standardized testing that fosters ongoing professional development."says AAR spokesperson Chris Mason. "The Incumbent Worker Training program demonstrates the state's commitment to provide support for the businesses that operate in Florida and to the advancement of its resident employees."The program is administered by Workforce Florida. Companies applying for IWT funds must have been operating for at least one year and be current on all state tax obligations. Funding priority is given to what Workforce Florida refers to as "qualified targeted industries," including manufacturing, information, management and financial industries, among others. Reimbursable training expenses include instructors' salaries, tuition, textbooks and curriculum development. A complete explanation of the IWT program can be found at Workforce Florida's website.Writer: Brad StagerSource: Chris Mason, AAR Composites

German Solar Company Moves To Lakeland, Adds Jobs, Eyes Expansion

The growing interest in renewable energy sources and demand for products that can help power homes and businesses is energizing Sybac Solar's presence in the Tampa Bay region. The company, the U.S. subsidiary of Sybac Germany, is a design, engineering and installation company for solar energy systems. Sybac Solar moved into a new 10,000-square-foot facility in Polk County earlier this year to support its installation efforts in Central Florida. The company opened an office in Lakeland in November and is already looking to expand. "We will build a production plant to produce solar modules right here in Florida and so therefore, we are looking for the right location," says Marcus Falz, sales and marketing director. Business is brisk and Sybac is planning an expansion from working with local contractors to install solar systems to producing them. Falz says company leaders want to build the plant in the Tampa Bay region and expect to open that portion of their business in the next three to six months, creating about 40 new jobs, in addition to a current need for 10 new employees to help staff its distribution facility. Engineers, supervisors and sales people will make up many of the new hires. "We need people with higher qualifications," says Falz. Besides increasing the company payroll, Sybac Solar is pursuing business relationships with local companies and is particularly interested in connecting with architects, electrical engineers and existing companies in the solar industry. Writer: Brad Stager Source: Marcus Falz, Sybac Solar

Urban Charrette Helps Nurture Life In Downtown Tampa

The Urban Charrette, a nonprofit organization created by a small but highly energized group of visionary people, aims to help transform Downtown Tampa into a place to call home for transplants as well as natives while attracting talented new residents. The founders bring a mix of architectural, design, artistic, political and progressive thinking credentials to the task.

Photo Slideshow: Boba Cafe, North Tampa

The Art of Boba beckons. Sometimes you're thirsty, sometimes you're hungry. A beverage with sweet nuggets of tapioca within will satisfy both needs in one draw of an oversized straw. But people flock to the International Boba House and Internet Cafe in north Tampa for more than a taste of the Far East (boba drinks originated in Taiwan). Music, art and conversation make it sometimes seem as if the cozy boba den is levitating.

Photo Slideshow: Cafe Kili, Temple Terrace

Have a yearning for live music and a taste for exotic blends of coffee? Neighborhood coffee shops all over the Tampa Bay region are serving up both. Cafe Kili in Temple Terrace, for instance, offers a chance to enjoy (or discover) all kinds of music in the comfort of a living room-like setting. Here's a taste, courtesy of The Jazz Artet.

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