« Back To SRQ Daily Archive

SRQ DAILY Aug 15, 2017

Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

"We're happy to take on an opportunity like this, that fortifies our footprint in the community."

- Rob Brady, ROBRADY Design
 

[Manufacturing]  FORTIS Deal Provides Exoskeleton Lift
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Exoskeletons that all but eliminated certain injuries among military workers using heavy overhead equipment could literally lighten the load on manufacturing employees across a wide spectrum of industries. And the product bringing the change will be made in Sarasota. ROBRADY Design and Lockheed Martin last week announced a new sales and support agreement that allows the FORTIS industrial exoskeleton and tool arm line, a move allowing the product to marketed in the commercial industrial marketplace.

“We will be producing here and may provide training in Sarasota,” says Rob Brady, CEO for ROBRADY. “We’re happy to take on an opportunity like this, that fortifies our footprint in the community.”

ROBRADY and Lockheed Martin began work on the FORTIS exoskeleton in 2014, producing the device for military uses. The exoskeletons have been used for industrial applications within the military, such as aircraft maintenance and shipyard construction, says Keith Maxwell, project manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. The unpowered exoskeleton effectively increases its operator’s strength so that workers can move 30-pound crates as if they were in a zero-G environment.

As the use saw great success within the military, Maxwell says its commercial appeal became increasingly clear. “Our focus with the FORTIS product is trying to reach that bigger market,” he says, rattling off such sectors as the automotive industry, heavy construction or any field where workers get asked to hold heavy power tools in awkward and potentially dangerous positions. Since Lockheed Martin’s business expertise lies in government contracts, the deal was struck with ROBRADY to explore the private sector market.

While the makers cannot yet divulge clients interested in purchasing exoskeletons, Brady says around 10 companies already have taken steps to put the FORTIS to use. That should only grow as the device gets showcased at trade shows. And as that happens, the workforce dedicated to creating, designing and improving exoskeletons of the future will enjoy a significant lift. 

Rendering courtesy ROBRADY: Diagram of FORTIS Exoskeleton.

[Exec Moves]  Ringling Promotes Cartwright to Curator of Collections

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art has promoted Sarah Cartwright, Ph.D., to the position of Ulla R. Searing Curator of Collections. Cartwright began her curatorial duties on July 28, 2017. In this position she plays a central role in developing and executing The Ringling’s exhibition program, while being responsible for the care, display and interpretation of a wide-ranging collection of European art of international standing. Cartwright joined The Ringling in 2013 as a post-doctoral Curatorial Research Fellow, before assuming the role of grants administrator, where she secured more than a million dollars in support of exhibitions, conservation and general operations. In 2016, her efforts led to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) choosing The Ringling as a recipient of its highly competitive Museums for America grant program. This grant has allowed the museum to renovate onsite storage space, which will lead to the entirety of the paintings collections being housed on property. As Curator of Collections, Cartwright will engage diverse audiences with The Ringling’s holdings while raising the museum’s profile through scholarly research and exhibition programming. 

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art

[Exec Moves]  JFCS Appoints Rabbi Katz Community Chaplain

Joining other Jewish community-based outreach programs across the country, JFCS of the Suncoast recently announced the appointment of Rabbi Jonathan R. Katz as its new community chaplain. In this role, he will lead the Jewish Healing Program at JFCS of the Suncoast as well as serving on the JFCS Executive Leadership Team. As community chaplain, Rabbi Katz will facilitate visitation programs for unaffiliated Jews at local hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes, direct JFCS’s Bereavement Support Groups, supervise the agency’s Friendly Visitors and prison ministry programs, and participate in the Jewish Aging Mastery Program, a national pilot program offered in conjunction with The Patterson Foundation. Additionally, Rabbi Katz will oversee JFCS volunteers who provide Shabbat, High Holy Day and other holiday worship experiences to isolated Jewish residents as well as celebrate Hanukkah, Purim and Passover with them. A former spiritual leader of Temple Beth Israel on Longboat Key, Katz received his formal chaplaincy training at Sibley Hospital in Washington DC and previously served as a chaplain in the Baltimore City Fire and Prince William County, Virginia Police departments. 

JFCS of the Suncoast

[Exec Moves]  Brooke Chase Places Karas with Eemax

Executive search firm Brooke Chase Associates has announced the successful placement of John Karas as director of international sales with Eemax. Karas will be responsible for maximizing sales revenue through a network of international sales agents as well as developing direct customer accounts, and tasked with the development of a business plan and strategy for multiple product line markets that ensures attainment of company international sales goals and profitability. With an extensive background in product management and business development with Kohler, Greenheck Fan, Caroma USA and Banta Corporation, Karas most recently held the position of director of global accounts with Wanhai Cartridge Technology. Brooke Chase Associates is the premier executive search firm specializing in the recruitment of executive management professionals within the building materials and kitchen/bath industries. 

Brooke Chase Associates



[TODAY]  THEATER: Arsenic and Old Lace , August 9 – August 20, 7:30pm and 2pm

Directed by Joseph Kesselring, Arsenic and Old Lace is about two charming and innocent old ladies running a boarding house for "acceptable" gentlemen roomers. Single tickets are $18.

The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 N Tamiami Tr.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: 2017 Greater Sarasota Chamber Bowling Tournament , August 16

The 2017 Greater Sarasota Chamber Bowling Tournament welcomes bowlers of all skill levels on Wednesday, August 16, at Sarasota Lanes. Registration will begin at 5:00pm followed by the tournament starting at 5:30pm. Register early as they sold out last year and registration is set for the first 12 teams! This exciting night includes networking, 2 games of bowling & shoes, a complimentary drink ticket and food, contests and prizes, and much more! The tournament is set for teams of 5 or individuals who we'll place with 4 others, allowing bowlers of all skill levels to participate. $175 - Team of 5 (Includes 2 games, shoes, drink ticket & food), $40 - Individual Bowler (Includes 2 games, shoes, drink ticket & food), $10 - Social Attendee (Non-Bowler; Includes drink ticket & food) With pool tables, darts, arcade games, a full service bar and more, this event is open to bowlers or non-bowlers.  Sponsorships are available. For more information, please contact Brittany Lamont atblamont@sarasotachamber.com to learn more.

Sarasota Lanes, LLC , 2250 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Syreeta Banks & Ariel Blue present Soul Sisters, a Celebration of Divas , August 17 – August 20

Take a journey through music made popular by some of the greatest soul singers like Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Etta James, Natalie Cole, Billie Holliday and more. Expect a few songs by newer artists like Jennifer Hudson, Adele, and Beyoncé as well!

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  THEATER: Classic Movies at the Opera House , August 18 – September 22

Sarasota Opera announces an expansion of their “HD at the Movie House” series entitled “Classic Moves at the Opera House.”. This inaugural series will consist of five movies ranging in years from 1935-1972 beginning Friday, August 18th and run through September 22nd. Sarasota Opera will join forces with The Circus Arts Conservatory on August 18th for the opening showing of Cecil B. DeMille’s “The Greatest Show on Earth” re-creating some of the circus magic that was seen around the theater at the original Sarasota premiere of the film on January 31, 1952. Tickets for this new series are only $10 and all showings will begin at 7:30pm.

Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  THEATER: Random Acts: Hold My Beer , August 18 – August 19

Sarasota’s Guerrilla Theatre Troupe is back to spread mayhem, laughs and decrease property values. Not for the kiddies or faint of heart. Lots of adult language, adult situations and really bad limericks! If you are easily offended…you will be.

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Comedy night benefits Rotary Futures College Resource Center , August 19, 5:30 – 10 p.m.

TheRotary Futures College Resource Center, a community-based nonprofit resource center that provides free post-secondary planning services to Venice-area students, is hostingComedy Night, its biggest fundraiser of the year. This year, the always sold-out event will feature hilarity from stand-up comedian Tim Wilkins, who has entertained millions in legendary venues ranging from Radio City Music Hall and chow halls in Afghanistan to colleges, casinos and cruise ships. An extensive silent auction will also be open.

Plantation Golf & Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice

[SOON]  THEATER: Stephen Ditchfield presents Through the Years , August 20 – August 27

A highly accomplished bass/baritone soloist, Stephen is acclaimed for being the consummate performer, whether on stage before thousands, or in the intimate atmosphere of a cabaret. He has been entertaining and inspiring audiences for over 30 years and has recently been recognized as “one of the finest baritone voices in America today.” Join him for an afternoon of incredible variety.

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: ROAR! The Music of the 1920s and Beyond , August 22 – September 24

Featuring classics from the Jazz Age songbook made famous by the likes of Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Helen Morgan, Ruth Etting, Al Jolson, and more. Join as Carole Bufford travels back to a time where flappers, vamps and sheiks were shimmying in gin joints as a whirl of great social and political change happened all around them. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org

Florida Studio Theatre , 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Mammoth Bones , August 22 – August 27, 7:30pm and 2pm

Directed by Connie Schindewolf, this play is about Robert who is suffering from depression and anxiety. When he finds a mammoth bone in his yard, he starts to hear the sound of ancient mammoths, leaving him wondering whether he is communicating with spirits of the past or is his medication playing tricks with his mind? Single tickets are $15. 

The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 N Tamiami Trail

[SOON]  THEATER: Melissa Cripps presents Turning Point , August 24 – August 25

Songs from Broadway to Hollywood. Selections from Sondheim, Kander and Ebb, Cole Porter, and many others. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Breast Cancer Research.

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  GALA: United Way Suncoasts Sarasota Area Campaign Kickoff , August 24, 11:30-1:00pm

Join the celebration as United Way Suncoast kick-off another exciting campaign year and challenge yourself to achieve even more for our community. Enjoy inspiring speakers over lunch while you network with problem-solvers and game-changers like you.  Be sure to invite friends and coworkers who care about taking action and making a difference.  When we work together, we can win the fight.  Because TOGETHER, we are the UNITED Way. Tickets are $30/person or $300/table of 10.  For more information or to register, call Shelle Austin at (941) 328-6973.

Michael’s On East, 1223 S Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL

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

Copyright © 2024 by SRQ Media Group, 331 South Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe

Read More

Where Oil Meets Water

Where Oil Meets Water

Phil Lederer | Mar 1, 2024

Freedom to Wander

Freedom to Wander

Laura Paquette | Mar 1, 2024

Drive and Dine

Drive and Dine

Laura Paquette | Mar 1, 2024

A Mesmerizing Journey

A Mesmerizing Journey

Barbie Heit | Mar 1, 2024