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SRQ DAILY Feb 4, 2015

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"I am disappointed that it's not moving forward, but things happen and you move on."

- Tom Esselman, Institute for the Ages
 

[Business]  Ages Institute Reaches Its End
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

The Institute for the Ages is no more. Once an ambitious plan to turn Sarasota into a community-wide laboratory for products designed for aging consumers, the Institute’s board of directors on Tuesday voted to disband the organization, and former executive Tom Esselman has already moved back to Kansas City. “I’m extremely grateful for everything the community provided for the opportunity for the institute to get started and find success,” Esselman said. “I am disappointed that it’s not moving forward, but things happen and you move on.”

The concept for the Institute spawned in the late 2000s out of workshops led by Sarasota County Openly Plans for Excellence, and in 2009 worked with RTI to flesh out the idea. Along the way, Sarasota County approved an ncentives package for the Institute worth more than $1 million, and philanthropic groups including The Patterson Foundation provided substantial seed money as well. Esselman, a former Hallmark executive, was tapped as the first executive director, and a national advisory board included representatives from Bucknell University, the University of Maryland, Wayne State University and Civic Ventures, while the board of directors included a mix of high-profile local leaders and representatives of national firms like Intel. 

During its operation, the Institute helped facilitate the location of Boomerswork.us (now rewired.solutions), and developed a promising partnership with InnovateLTC in Atlanta and Georgia Tech’s HomeLab Initiative. But last year, problems started to show when the Institute announced it could not continue supporting full-time staff and would explore “new operating models.” Esselman said the organization ultimately faced the same obstacles as many startups, and that while the organization was focused on staying ahead of the research and ideas curve, it proved difficult to raise the appropriate level of funds. 

[Design]  Ringing Team Wins Imagineering Competition
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

A team of students from Ringling College of Art and Design won first place at the 24th Walt Disney Imagineering Imaginations Competition. The annual contest, held since 1992, has been one of the chief ways Disney has discovered talent to hire as Imagineers to design the resort and theme park attractions of tomorrow.

The Ringling team—consisting of Elizabeth Fox, Diana Han, John McDonald and Josh Newton—brought a design for a two-tiered train system imagined as a transit system for New Orleans; the bottom train on this dual-cart monorail would have digital overlays of historic New Orleans projected on top of views of the city as it exists today.

“We are very proud of the professionalism and creativity shown by the Ringling College team in designing such an innovative and imaginative transportation solution,” said Ringling College of Art and Design President Larry Thompson. “We value the time and effort Walt Disney Imagineering allocates to driving the Imaginations design competition and inspiring creativity in universities across our country.” 

[Good Bite]  Secret Garden Grille
Kaye Warr

One of the best things about living in Sarasota is the near constant discovery of hidden gems. Did you know that there’s a Mattison’s restaurant at Bobby Jones Golf Course? Mattison’s Grille on the Green features an inventive bar menu, open to the public, which includes huge sweet and spicy chicken wings flavored with cranberry and jalapeno, pork and fish tacos with house made pineapple salsa and lime crema, my favorite macaroni and cheese in town and delicious daily specials from Chef Ash Tucker. Ingredients are mostly sourced locally from various farms and the setting is casual and comfortable. Outside tables are shaded by an ancient hammock of grand live oaks making this an incredibly peaceful spot to enjoy a sunset cocktail. The team is exceptionally friendly and accommodating – golfers and neighbors are greeted affectionately by name and there’s an inclusive vibe that makes you want to stay awhile. Looking for a place to host a party? This location holds weddings, wine dinner, galas and birthday parties and they’ll work with you to design the perfect menu for the perfect price. 

Bobby Jones Golf Club, Mattison

[Exec Moves]  Cannon Appointed at SWAT Chapter

The Parrish chapter of Successful Women Aligning Together Networking announced Heather Cannon of Country Girl Glitz has been appointed as vice president of the chapter.  SWAT is a growing group of dynamic women that support one another in business as well as in personal growth and development. At lunch time meetings that are held in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Manasota, Anna Maria, Nokomis and Parrish, members network and build relationships, meet other professional women and learn marketing techniques. 

[Roadwatch]  Osprey Bridge To Close Temporarily

The Osprey Avenue Bridge over Hudson Bayou will be temporarily closed to all traffic Thursday and Friday as crews finalize a comprehensive inspection of the bridge.  Both north and southbound traffic will be re-routed.  Drivers should follow the posted detour signs. The temporary bridge closure allows the safe demobilization of crews and heavy equipment from the bridge area.  Crews are expected to finish the inspection 10 days earlier than anticipated. 

City of Sarasota



[REGIONAL FILM]  SB2: Behind the Lens

Join us for cocktails at the Powel Crosley Estate in Bradenton on February 18th as we present SB2 Behind the Lens: Regional Film Development. This symposium will explore developing projects within our region that are contributing to the growing film and entertainment scene in Sarasota and Bradenton. From festivals to state-of-the-art production facilities to programs recruiting new talent, this discussion will highlight the area as a burgeoning center for film, recorded art and entertainment. Our esteemed panelists represent the impressive (and growing!) film scene in the region: Debbie Meihls, of Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Bradenton Area Film Commission; Larry Thompson, Ringling College of Art and Design; Joseph Restaino, Skyway Film Festival; Jeanne Corcoran, Sarasota County Film Commission; Tony Stopperan, Independent Film Producer. Behind the Lens is sponsored by Next-Mark. The Bradenton SB2 series is brought to you by Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. To purchase tickets, visit www.srqsb2.com 

http://www.srqsb2.com

SRQ Media Group

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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