Terence Ramotar, vice president of Transcare Ambulance Services in Tampa, is one of 10 national recipients of the Journal of Emergency Medical Services' Innovators in EMS 2009 Awards. Ramotar spearheaded a green initiative to reduce the electrical load of ambulances and keep equipment batteries charged. Ramotar is also the director of support services for Sunstar EMS in Pinellas County.Read the full announcement.
The Museums Special Section of The New York Times recently featured a piece on the John and Mable Ringling Museum in Sarasota.The article chronicles the museum's early days as a place for John Ringling of Ringling Brothers Circus and his wife, Mable, to display their prized art objects to its current position as one of the most significant museums in America, according to George Wachter, co-chairman of Sotheby's Old Master Paintings Worldwide.Read the complete story.
Dr. Aryn Bush of Lakeland has been elected to the board of directors of the Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter.Bush is an undergraduate instructor of psychology and gerontology at the University of South Florida Polytechnic. She is also the cognitive aging psychologist at the USF Polytech Rath Senior ConNECTions and Education Center.Read the complete release.
Art critic Joey Panek updates his website The Art Whisperer with You Tube webisodes that explore the vibrant arts community of Sarasota. Panek maintains operations via a grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the Sarasota Arts Council.The latest episode goes back stage during rehearsals for Rent at the Venice Theater.Visit the site.
A Planet Fitness franchise store opened in Bradenton on March 11, 2010. The new fitness facility, located at 6605 Manatee Avenue, is offering a grand opening membership sale requiring only $1 down and $10 per month to Bradenton residents. However, the club's business model features a month-to-month membership, with no contract required.According to the club's manager, Bradenton was the perfect location for the new facility and its parent company. "We chose Bradenton because the area's demographics indicated a good fit for our business model," explains Steven Malloy, manager of the new facility. Planet Fitness targets customers interested in general fitness as opposed to the competitive hard-core atmosphere of other fitness clubs. "We try to create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable," says Malloy. "Every customer has the opportunity to work either one-on-one or in small groups with a certified fitness trainer. Our trainers strive to make sure everyone feels confident using the equipment at a level they are comfortable with. "In addition to the introductory membership sale, Planet Fitness offers a PF Black Card membership for $19.99 a month that includes free and unlimited tanning, guest privileges, access to all other Planet Fitness locations throughout the United States and other amenities.Customers can take advantage of the introductory offer by visiting the Web site at www.planetfitness.com, but Malloy encourages those interested to come down for a free tour of the facility, which features 80 cardio machines, including treadmills, ellipticals, arc trainers and stationary bikes. The club also sports two full circuits of strength machines as well as a 30-minute express circuit, tanning booths and massage chairs.
The Manatee County Port Authority has entered into a long-term agreement with Port Dolphin Energy, which will provide Florida with another source of natural gas to meet the growing demand for alternative energy sources. The project is expected to be completed by 2013, and will pump more than $150 million into the local economy during the next 20 years. "With the addition of Port Dolphin to our growing family of energy-related companies, Port Manatee exhibits its leadership as an incubator for local jobs and regional economic growth," says Larry Bustle, chairman of the Manatee County Port Authority. "This agreement reinforces the port's financial strength with a new, recurring revenue stream." According to figures released by Port Dolphin Energy, the project's estimated $150 million stimulus will come in the form of jobs, tax revenue and supplies and services. The project makes it possible for liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers to connect with Port Dolphin's offshore facility 28 miles off the coast of Manatee County, which in turn connects to an undersea pipeline system that comes onshore at Port Manatee. The supply coming in to the port complements the state supply provided by Florida Gas Transmission Co. and Gulfstream Natural Gas System pipelines. Studies indicate that natural gas is cleaner, safer, more easily accessible and easier to store than oil. The Dolphin Energy project meets the objectives outlined in the Florida Public Service Commission's Ten-Year Plan that call for a more balanced fuel supply.Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Larry Bustle, Manatee County Port Authority
The Law Office of Lavely & Whyte P.A. has contracted Holland Construction to build its new corporate headquarters on Manatee Avenue East in Manatee County. The plans for the 4,000-square-foot office space will be designed by local architect team Moore2Design.The building is expected to be an aesthetic asset to the area. "The new building will really command a presence in this area near downtown Bradenton, says Craig Campbell, vice president for Holland Construction's Florida office. "Designed with a Mediterranean architectural style, the building will contain a very prominent clock tower, ensuring the building's visibility. We are looking forward to getting started on the construction."Holland was chosen due to a longstanding relationship between Steve Lavely and Holland's Vice President Craig Campbell. "I have known and worked with Craig for years, and am confident that he will bring his in-depth expertise and knowledge to our project, states Lavely.The construction company expects to break ground this spring, with completion planned for the fall. The company intends to subcontract work locally during the six-month construction phase.The project is a blending of local industries. While Holland Construction, previously Hostetter Construction, is based in Hanover, Penn. a Southwest office is located in Sarasota. Moore2Design is based in Palmetto and is comprised of husband-and-wife team Jon and Victoria Moore. The company's portfolio spans several industries, and features local building such as the Evolve Wellness Center and Day Spa in Palmetto, and the Countryside Christian Church in Clearwater. Lavely & White currently has offices in Bradenton, Sarasota and St. Petersburg. Four employees of the firm are expected to move into the new offices upon completion of the project.
Scottrade online investment firm opened a Bradenton branch on March 8, 2010, at 1528 Cortez Road West. The new branch serves as both a resource center for local customers who prefer to handle their investments online and those who prefer to use a traditional broker. At the new branch local customers will be able to access resources ranging from online tutorials of Scottrade's Web site, to advice on individual accounts and opportunities to trade through an on-site stock broker. "We are committed to making the trading process easier and as effective for the customer as possible," explains Brooks Vanderzee, manager of the new branch. "At our office, we can give people full demonstrations of how the Web site works, and when they get home they can call us with further questions. We want to make sure they have a fully supported, positive experience. And we do have traditional accounts available through a broker here on site." Vanderzee foresees adding to his staff within the next year. "We'll absolutely be looking for new talent as the need develops and as the economy improves." The Bradenton branch is one of 40 across the state of Florida. Scottrade is one of the largest online investment firms providing self-directed customers access to trading at transaction rates as low as $7. The new office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with after-hours support available from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturdays.
Christopher Daniels, a branch manager for Liberty National Life Insurance in Tampa, is recruiting and interviewing for sales and management positions with an ambitious goal to hire 22 people over the next 30 days. For those who qualify, Daniels says Liberty offers a comprehensive benefits package including major medical health, pension and a 401k plan, as well as outstanding earnings potential. "Despite the economic downturn, the business is doing very well,'' Daniels says. "We focus on two different markets – the employee benefits market and the senior market. The senior market focus is on medicare supplements and final expense planning." Liberty National's website indicates it has been in business since 1900 and has more than 8,000 sales agents and managers in more than 200 locations nationwide. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Torchmark Corporation, a financial services holding company listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is licensed in 49 states. The company continues to expand nationally with new branch offices. For further information on employment with Liberty National, visit the company website or email LNL tampas@tampabay.rr.com Writer: Lisa Clementi Source: Christopher Daniels, Liberty National
Studio LTR, a Tampa-based interior design firm specializing in residential projects involving new construction and renovations, plans to hire additional subcontractors in 2010. Linda Cox, one of the company partners, says the business is in a growth pattern and is adding more projects and participating in commercial and high-end residential work. Cox says her business employs a wide variety of talented subcontractors, ranging from licensed building contractors who pull permits and work on multistory buildings projects to architects, who sign and seal drawings. Various craftsmen specializing in textile work are also employed as subs. Cox describes her firm's role as "the conduit'' between a client who has a vision for what he or she wants and the architect and construction experts who can make it happen. The firm is akin to "a ringmaster in a circus,'' she says. Every project is different, and none is typical, she says, pointing out that projects can range from remodeling an exercise room in a large multistory condo to doing a bathroom remodel for a 1960s ranch style home. Through the end of March, Studio LTR is a participating design firm in the Florida Orchestra Designer Showcase at Ovation in downtown St. Petersburg. Two fully decorated condos by Studio LTR are on display at the Showcase at 180 Beach Drive NE. Proceeds benefit The Florida Orchestra. Writer: Lisa Clementi Source: Linda Cox, Studio LTR
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