Nancy Vaughn

Nancy Vaughn's Latest Articles

International Ships Sail Into Tampa Bay In July, Tours Available

By Nancy Vaughn

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Innovation News

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June 29, 2010

Celebrating the maritime history of Tampa Bay, international sailing ships will dock in downtown Tampa July 10-14 for Sail Tampa Bay 2010.The 5-day festival will include the U.S.C.G. Eagle from the United States, Captain Miranda from Uruguay and the Gloria from Colombia. The event will feature live music and dockside tours of the ships located at the Tampa Convention Center and Channelside Channel. Sail Tampa Bay 2010 is made possible under the guidance of Tampa Bay and Company, which leads efforts to gain "Economic Development Through Tourism."The event begins with the "Parade of Sail" at the Tampa Convention Center on July 10 from 11am-1pm. The ships will be open for tours from 2 to 9 pm. Attendees will have an opportunity to see these vessels up close by boarding the ships, and attendees will have a chance to interact with the crew and experience daily life on a sailing ship. From July 11-13, tours will be scheduled between 11am-7pm, and the event will end with closing ceremonies on July 14.Tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-12 (combo tickets that include admission and food are available for $15 for adults, and $8 for children ages 3-12). Tours of the U.S.C.G. Eagle will be available at no charge. Writer: Nancy VaughnSource: Paul, Catoe, Tampa Bay and Company

Business Beware of Sarasota Challenges Notion That Customer Always Right

By Nancy Vaughn

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Entrepreneurship

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June 29, 2010

Like a reverse Better Business Bureau, Business Beware lets businesses know which customers to beware of due to lack of payment or poor behavior.Based in Sarasota, Business Beware was founded by Robert Bodi and his daughter, Ashley Bodi. Robert has been a business owner for over 25 years. He owns and operates Lang Irrigation, Bodi & Associates, and Sports Turf Consulting, so he has seen his share of customers and how businesses are affected by bad customers. The purpose of Business Beware is to assist businesses in resolving issues with customers, avoid timely and costly situations and ensure that customers are held to the same high standards that are commonly held by businesses. The idea was sparked about 8-10 years ago when Robert was having a meeting with an associate, discussing how they had an experience with a difficult customer. They later realized that it was the same customer. Ashley was in college at the time and thought the idea was cool, however, it wasn't until she experienced working at the business that she came to realize that her dad is right: The customer is not always right."We're all customers, but not everyone is a business owner and people have a responsibility to be a good customer," says Ashley. "No one is going to tell the customer that she or he isn't always right, but saying the customer is always right is like saying every single person is perfect and every single person is right all the time." Robert and Ashley slowly started to launch the idea in 2007 and they were up and running by May 2008. From California to Canada, there was an interest in identifying bad customers, sending out collection letters and resolving issues with customers.Their goal was to set-up a professional company that served as a support network for entrepreneurs who can relate to problem customers. "We always consider the fact that we don't know what's going on in a person's life that they may be having a bad day so you want to take that into consideration, but that doesn't necessarily excuse bad behavior," says Ashley. She addresses how there are customers who boast about taking advantage of small businesses by "acting up" and getting their way, and they don't realize how much it can harm small businesses. The bad behavior ultimately impacts everyone.In February 2010, Ashley and Robert launched the Business Beware Radio Show, interviewing business owners and entrepreneurs, and challenging those who believe the customer is always right to call in and discuss their thoughts. The show highlights local and national events, causes and outlandish customer behaviors.The Business Beware Radio Show airs live every Saturday from 11am-noon on NewsTalk 930 AM WLSS, and streams live on their website at: www.businessbewareradioshow.com

Ocean Harvest Market: Bringing Fresh Florida Fish To Bradenton, Tampa Bay

By Nancy Vaughn

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Entrepreneurship

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June 22, 2010

Ocean Harvest Market in Bradenton opened its doors in April 2010. Founded by Ron Gauthier, commercial fisherman and charter boat captain and Mike Guccione, commercial fisherman, Ocean Harvest Market is committed to selling fresh fish caught in the Gulf of Mexico and local waters by area fishermen. Within less than 30 days of opening, the BP oil spill tragedy threatened to reach the Gulf of Mexico coastline, pollute the waters and negatively impact sea life. All of this would serve as a threat to Ocean Harvest Market whose primary business comes from the Gulf.Despite the oil spill situation, Gauthier says people know that his place is bringing them the freshest seafood they can. "We're not going to ever bring in anything bad. Quality is everything for us."Ocean Harvest Market has started to prepare in case the oil spill reaches the Bay. Initially, the only seafood that was not from local waters is the Colossal Tiger Shrimp from Hawaii which is received daily by Ocean Harvest Market. They've begun outsourcing other seafood from Hawaii, Alaska and Mote Marine Lab.Through a partnership with Mote Marine Lab in Sarasota, fresh sturgeon will be available at Ocean Harvest Market. Mote Marine raises sturgeon in what Gauthier describes as a quality, eco-friendly, crystal clear environment. Ocean Harvest Market will also receive caviar from Mote.Chef Mark Baker, formerly of Roy's Hawaiian Fusion, will be preparing smoked sturgeon recipes, plus sashimi, ceviche, and take-and-bake dinners. Their raw-fish items will be some of the freshest available as it comes right off the boat.In addition to fresh fish, Ocean Harvest Market is a bar-b-que house, and offers catering and charter rides on the boat.The market will celebrate its grand opening on July 3rd with a crawfish boil and bar-b-que, using special sauce created by Gauthier and Guccione. Ocean Harvest Market is located at 5718 Manatee Ave. West in Bradenton; 941-795-3746.Writer: Nancy VaughnSource: Ron Gauthier, Ocean Harvest Market

Future Leaders Friday Luncheon: Building Relationships In Tampa

By Nancy Vaughn

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General

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June 22, 2010

Where do like-minded movers and shakers go to talk about the next great happenings, discuss policies and work together toward positive change? Future Leaders Friday Luncheons.Created by four young professionals between the ages of 25-34, the luncheon program is designed to connect generations of Tampa Bay leadership and provide a forum for individuals with an interest in the region's long-term future. The Future Leaders Friday Luncheon allows individuals to get to know one another, share the causes they support and discuss ways to grow and improve the community.The co-founders are: Caleb Lewis, commercial real estate professional with Bishop & Associates, Inc.; Aakash Patel, director of strategic relations at VTi-Media; Shilen Patel, vice president of business development for Visionary Healthware; and Scott Price, director of A-lign CPAs.Aakash Patel had the idea for the group about a year ago and enlisted the others to help. "After putting Scott, Shilen, Caleb and myself in the room together for the first time, I knew it was going to be a great team," he says.Monthly lunches including the co-founders and four guests soon followed at Timpano Chophouse or Aquaknox. On June 16, guests from the monthly meetings came together for the inaugural Future Leaders Friday Luncheon reception held at Timpano's. "It's just a lot of cutting-edge technologies, industries and young people that are kind of getting together and talking about a new way of marketing products and marketing themselves, and I'm an eager participant," says Mark Sharpe, Hillsborough County commissioner for District 7. "I was very impressed by the people they brought together,'' says Sharpe. "It's a very diverse mix of individuals and they've done a good job."The FLFL team has created a more intimate networking opportunity, recognizing that attendees may not be able to participate in traditional networking organizations. "It became much more about getting to know individuals so we've been able to invite some pretty dynamic people that you wouldn't necessarily catch at a larger networking meeting or you wouldn't attempt to connect with on Facebook or something like that," says Shilen Patel.Guests share their interests and what they are doing in the community. Shilen Patel says everyone has an opportunity to talk about the groups they're involved in and occasionally become advocates for one another's causes and/or interests, and the Future Leaders Friday Luncheons serves as the hub organization to help the individuals build relationships."We're looking at all of these guests and all of these encounters from a 20- to 30-year lens,'' says Shilen Patel. "We all expect to be in this community long-term so somebody I meet today I may not have an opportunity to collaborate with them until 15 years from now but I've met them today and I wouldn't have had that opportunity without these luncheons."Writer: Nancy VaughnSource: Aakash Patel, Shilen Patel, FLFL; Mark Sharpe, Hillsborough County

Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary Benefits From “UnspOILed” Book, St. Petersburg

By Nancy Vaughn

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Environment

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June 15, 2010

Who knew that the upcoming release of "UnspOILed,'' a book about off-shore drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico would turn out to be so timely, or untimely as the case may be?The book's official release on Friday, June 18, at The Studio@620 in St. Petersburg comes on the heels of what many are calling the worst environmental disaster in the modern age with an oil well still leaking and threatening to cause untold harm to the world's ecosystem."When we began this project last fall, the thought of the Gulf Coast being ruined in our lifetime was only a distant nightmare. Now, just as our project comes to fruition, we are heartbroken, terrified and furious," says Susan Cerulean, one of the editors and writers for the book.  "But we are not powerless. Prior to the catastrophe there was no unified voice to match the lobbying power of big oil. We hope that our book will help generate support in favor of protecting our most precious coastline." Planning for the book began In the fall of 2009 by a group of 12 authors, including Thomas Hallock, assistant professor of English at University of South Florida-St. Petersburg, and USF-St. Pete students Edward Woodward and Jono Miller. The book features an anthology of essays and other writings about the Gulf, and was written in response to Florida lobbyists and legislators who pushed to eliminate the ban protecting the Gulf from offshore oil drilling.The book is being published by the Red Hills Writers Project in Tallahassee. The event begins at 7pm at The Studio@620 on Friday, June 18. A donation of $5 is suggested, and contributions will fittingly benefit the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. Writer: Nancy VaughnSource: Melanie Marquez, USF-St. Petersburg; Susan Cerulean, author

Etsy Birthday Bash: Tempus Projects In Tampa Joins Global Party

By Nancy Vaughn

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Arts

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June 15, 2010

How fun would it be if everyone had a worldwide birthday party at the age of 5? That's what Etsy decided to do! Esty.com showcases handmade goods from artists and crafters in more than 150 countries and provides an opportunity for shoppers to purchase unique, one-of-a-kind items.    On June 18, Etsy celebrates its fifth birthday and more than 450 places all over the world are throwing a giant global craft party. Tampa is getting in on the fun thanks to Coryn Enfinger. Enfinger, along with her husband, Adam, is co-owner of Central Printing, a screen printing shop in Tampa. The couple sells their designs on Etsy under the name, Dark Cycle.When Enfinger saw that Etsy would be hosting a global birthday party and saw that Tampa didn't have an organizer, she thought to herself, "Why not?" and volunteered herself for the role.The first message was posted on May 28 on MeetUp.com announcing Tampa's Etsy party. In less than a month and 128+ RSVPs later, Tampa will be hosting the third-largest Etsy party in the country. Because Tampa is ranked in the top 50 cities, Etsy and Readymade magazine came aboard as sponsors for the event.The event will be at Tempus Projects, an artist co-op at 5132 Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33603. The South Seminole Heights co-op has served as a hub of artistic creativity since it started in November 2009. The project space is operated by creative directors Tracy Midulla Reller and Ashley Niven. Reller is a mixed-media printmaking artist and full-time faculty member at Hillsborough Community College, and Niven is a printmaking and digital artist."I really like the handmade, free market of Etsy and I like supporting that," says Enfinger. "I would love to have more vendors come out and participate at Tempus on a regular basis."The event starts at 8 p.m. and will include more than 20 indie crafters and artists selling their wares, food, cupcakes, free wine and beer amid crafting stations and activities."I think it's awesome. I've been just floored this whole time," says Enfinger. "It's really not me at all, it's everybody putting in their ideas, putting in their efforts, putting in their resources and I'm really excited to see how it all pulls together in the end!" Writer: Nancy VaughnSource: Coryn Enfinger, Central Printing; Tracy Midulla Reller, Tempus Projects

Sunset Art Walk Cruise Joins First Fridays In Gulfport

By Nancy Vaughn

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Arts

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June 15, 2010

The Sunset Art Walk Cruise has gained such popularity that it will make an appearance every first Friday at Gulfport's Art Walk.The Gulfport Art Walk takes place on Beach Boulevard in Gulfport from 6 to 9 pm every first Friday and third Saturday of the month. The Sunset Art Walk Cruise operates during the Art Walk hours and adds an additional option to the fun event. Launched in May 2010, the cruises have been well-received by Art Walk attendees and have been at capacity for the last two cruises.The cruises are operated by Dolphin Landings of St. Pete Beach and the next cruise will be on Friday, July 2, aboard the Motor Vessel Island Time. The cruise departs Gulfport at 7 pm and returns at 8:30 pm. "We have received great reviews," says Cyndy Pemberton, vice president and manager of Dolphin Landings. "We take 70 people on the cruise. It sells out so fast because everyone loves it and has such a good time." The cruise features live music and a cash bar with signature cocktails. Tickets are available at Dolphin Landings in St. Pete Beach, The Outpost or the Village Pub. Prices are $12 in advance, and $15 pending availability on the day of the cruise.For more information, call 727-360-7411.Writer: Nancy VaughnSource: Cyndy Pemberton, Dolphin Landings

Sarasota Designer Receives U.S Patent For “BeauBeau” Headscarf

By Nancy Vaughn

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General

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June 8, 2010

Susan Beausang, head scarf designer and creator of the BeauBeau, has received patent approval for her pre-fitted headscarf. Beausang started to go into design development in 2006, and once the BeauBeau was perfected, she founded 4Women.com to sell the BeauBeau.Based in Sarasota, Beausang designed the scarf for women with medical hair loss. 4women's mission is to help women cope with medical hair loss in a dignified and stylish manner. The BeauBeau provides a comfortable and fashionable option for those who prefer an alternative to wigs, and those who enjoy stylish scarves. The thing that makes the scarves so unique is the how the lining of the scarf is sewn into the main body of the scarf. For women without hair, it offers comfort without slippage or gapping at the sides of the scarf as it conforms to the shape of each individual's head."We learned early on that we would need to size them because there's no such thing as one size fits all when it comes to a woman's head," says Beausang.For the past nine years, Beausang has lived with AU (Alopecia Universalis), an autoimmune disease that causes complete hair loss. "I was bringing a unique perspective to the development of this product because I have lost my own hair," says Beausang."So I really knew the important elements of design for this particular market because I really started designing it for myself. I knew the comfort level, what it felt like to wear something on your head for 8-10 hours a day, and how the seams would have to be for maximum comfort and coverage." Beausang paid attention to all of these elements and wanted to put something together that was not only functional, but fashionable. The scarves are easy to style and Beausang says its almost like having your hair styled in various ways. There are also transitional scarves for those who are in the process of either growing their hair back or losing their hair.Their motto to cancer patients, alopecia patients or any woman or girl who suffers from medical hair loss is: "Just because you lost your hair does not mean you have lost your sense of style."In fact, the scarves have proven to be so in style that women who do have hair have found the scarves to be an attractive wardrobe addition. Beausang's company has conducted extensive research on medical hair loss and its impact on women, their emotions and confidence. For this reason, Beausang says she will always have a primary focus on reaching out to women who have medical hair loss and sharing her product with them. Beausang began the lengthy patent process on March 2, 2007 and her innovative creation received patent approval on May 4, 2010. The BeauBeau is available in four different sizes in a variety of fabric styles, plus children's sizes. It is sold online at 4women.com and at various boutique locations in the United States, Canada and Europe.Writer: Nancy VaughnSource: Susan Beausang, 4women.com

Safety Harbor’s Screenwriters Of Tomorrow Take Show On Road

By Nancy Vaughn

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Arts

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June 8, 2010

Ever feel like your life was made for the big screen? Well, the Screen Writers of Tomorrow in Safety Harbor can show you how to get it there.Founded by Eric McBaen in August 2009, the Screenwriters of Tomorrow is a group dedicated to educating screenwriters. McBaen, Sloane Golden and Terri Emerson make-up the talent and brains behind Screenwriters of Tomorrow, believing that everyone has a story to tell. The group teaches people how to tell their story and get it on paper in Hollywood-ready format.McBaen currently has a script being considered for option and Golden has three optioned scripts in his portfolio, meaning a company has picked up the screenplay to be reviewed and researched for possible production.The Sunscreen Film Festival has tapped this talented group to create an educational program for their continuing adult education and film series. Using the two-day screenwriting intensive as part of their model, Screenwriters of Tomorrow has decided to take their seminar on a tour."We'll be bringing everything you need to know about screenwriting in order to take your story from fade in to fade out in a two-day screenwriting intensive," says McBaen.They will begin their tour in Clearwater, Palm Beach and Jacksonville in the fall of 2010. They then plan on going to Orlando, Miami and Tallahassee beginning in January 2011. They have plans to continue the tour through Atlanta and the along the East coast.The Fade In to Fade Out Tour will be in Clearwater on Sept. 11 and 12, in the Mirage Room at the Tucson South Western Grill. Cost is $150/person and seating is limited. For more information, contact Eric McBaen at screenwritersoftomorrow@gmail.com. The Screenwriters of Tomorrow meet monthly on the fourth Saturday of the month at Safety Harbor Library from noon to 3 pm. You can also find McBaen, Golden and Emerson this month at the University Film & Video Association's Summer Film Fair at the University of South Florida on Saturday, June 12, from 9am-6pm at The Marshall Center Ballroom. For more information, click here.Writer: Nancy VaughnSource: Eric McBaen, Screenwriters of Tomorrow

Giving Spirit At Eckerd College In St. Petersburg Reaches New Highs

By Nancy Vaughn

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Arts

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June 1, 2010

What do you do with a $25 million gift? Match it, of course. At least that's what one private college in Pinellas County just did. After only four years, Eckerd College has successfully fulfilled the $25 million Collier Challenge. In May 2006, Miles Collier, board of trustees chairman for Eckerd College and managing partner of Naples-based Collier Enterprises, and his wife, Parker, gave $25 million to Eckerd College. This was the largest gift in the history of Eckerd College, a nationally acclaimed private liberal arts college in Florida. A member of Eckerd College's Board of Trustees since 1988, Collier served as chairman from 1992-1995, and regained his role as chairman in July 2000 and has been serving ever since.The Collier Challenge matched all gifts and pledges of $25,000 or more to the priorities of "Many Experiences, One Spirit: The Campaign for Eckerd College," which includes the sciences, the arts, student life and the College's endowment. Since the campaign's launch more than $73 million has been raised and Eckerd is on track to reach its total goal of $80 million this year. "With more than a year left in the Campaign, we are well-positioned to fulfill our campaign goal, and the generosity and foresight of the Colliers was an immensely important motivator," says Donald R. Eastman III, president at Eckerd College.One of the campaign priorities is the $30 million Center for Molecular and Life Sciences building. The 51,000-square-feet building will house teaching and research laboratories. Groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled for May 2011, with a completion date of August 2014. Helmar Nielsen, Eckerd trustee, pledged a generous $500,000 to establish The Lloyd W. Chapin Faculty Development Program. After 31 years as Eckerd's dean of faculty and vice president for Academic Affairs, Chapin is retiring on June 30. Nielsen's pledge was doubled by the Collier Challenge to $1 million.The Collier Challenge has proved to be successful as the number of $25,000 commitments by alumni and parents doubled in less than four years, and participation from Eckerd faculty and staff set records with 97 percent of faculty and 76 percent of staff making commitments.Writer: Nancy VaughnSource: Donald R. Eastman III, Eckerd College