« Back To SRQ Daily Archive

SRQ DAILY Aug 11, 2014

Monday Business Edition

Please allow images to view this email properly

Monday Business Edition

"I strongly believe in the potential that Sarasota has for becoming a major start-up capital in the next decade or two because of the combination of young talent that comes here to study and the knowledgable and successful residents who have plenty of experience to share with them."

- Nazanin Varasteh, Ringling College of Art and Design
 

-
[Participation]  Civic Engagement

While Florida has long boasted a politcially charged environment, civic engagement within the Sunshine State isn't high compared to other states in the union, according to information released the the Florida Chamber of Commerce. 

[Workforce]  BIG Connects Graduates, Business Leaders
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

The Bright Ideas on the Gulf Coast, better known as BIG, has drawn some of the innovative entrepreneurs to the table to tackle issues like brain drain and workforce retention.

Dean Eisner, the retired head of Manheim Cox Newspapers and a driving force behind the BIG concept said the effort could provide the recipe for keeping the most talented students graduating from local universities staying in the region for high-powered jobs. “We have some very successful people here who all have insights and connections,” Eisner said. “It’s been proven that if you connect students with community leaders.” 

Jeff Hazelton, founder of BioLucid, has participated in roundtables for BIG and believes retaining talent in the area will be valuable for all in the community. "More than ever before, many of the careers of the future are determined to be in new and innovative fields. That is because there are many opportunities for new businesses based on brand new products or services, only now possible because of advancing technology," Hazelton said. "Starting such businesses is always a challenge, because they tend to be just on the threshold  ahead of their time. BIG supports this concept by offering assistance to those who have such ideas and need the business support and access to funding from seasoned professionals local investment to help them form and grow."

But the biggest successes to Eisner don't necessarily come from boosting the businesses as from seeing the recent graduates gain something from the effort. BIG was largely inspired, Eisner said, from interactions with Ringling College of Art Design students set on taking their degrees elsewhere once they are ready for the job world. One of those students, Nazanin Varasteh, was convinced through interactions with business leaders that it was worth staying awhile after graduation and she now works at Ringling College. "I strongly believe in the potential that Sarasota has for becoming a major start-up capital in the next decade or two because of the combination of young talent that comes here to study and the knowledgable and successful residents who have plenty of experience to share with them," Varasteh said. "So when the opportunity came up for me to participate in the growth of Ringling as well as Sarasota I felt honored to be able to play such a role and therefore made the decision to stay."

To learn more about the BIG project, read the August issue of SRQ magazine on stands now. 

[Real Estate]  Jeff Talbot, Insula Companies

At Insula Companies, a Sarasota-based firm specializing in apartment acquisition, now still seems a good time to buy. The company in mid-July announced its third Florida acquisition this year with the $12.4-million purchase of Park East Apartments in Tampa. We spoke to Jeff Talbot, director of acquisitions for the company, about the company’s decision-making process.

Are you likely to make more acquisitions in 2014? We are working out two more deals and will likely finish the calendar year with five acquisitions. Now is still a good time to be acquiring multi-family housing, but on a selective basis. We look at a number of opportunities but move forward on a small percentage.  Like any real estate investor, we look closely and the property has to have an allocation we like and the demand drivers. We like to buy where the rents are lower, and older complexes that need some work.  We look at a medium term of about three to five years for holding a property.

What level of apartments are you most interested in as far as acquisitions?  At Park East the rents range from $600 to $850 a month for a one- or two-bedroom apartment. That is typical of what like to invest in and acquire, between 80 cents and $1.10 per square foot.

You do Florida acquisitions What markets in Florida seem ripe for investment? A new market for us is Lakeland, which is ideally situated along the I-4 Corridor between Orlando and Tampa. We have an expanding foothold in Kissimmee. We one two properties in Sarasota—one is Beneva Place, one is Banyan Trail—and we own 30 West in Bradenton. We’re still seeing opportunities in both markets. In the bigger markets of Orlando and Tampa, there is more awareness and those are more competitive now, with a lot more buyers out of state interested. We think with the smaller markets like Sarasota and Lakeland, while there are not as many properties now, we know those secondary markets quite well and can be more competitive ourselves. 

[Exec Moves]  King Promoted by 360 Degrees PR

360 Degrees PR, a Sarasota-based public relations agency, has promoted Alicia King to Director of Public Relations. In her new role, King will help oversee public relations and account management activities, including PR planning, media relations and social media management for the agency’s clients. Prior to 360 Degrees PR, King handled the public relations, marketing and media at the Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County. 

360 Florida Real Estate

[Community]  Robertson Expands Helping our Heroes

Bill Robertson, CEO and personal injury attorney with Kirk Pinkerton, P.A. law firm in Sarasota, is expanding the Helping Our Heroes initiative, a collaborative, nonprofit concept to assist returning military veterans with their financial and employment needs. The effort will join forces with new community partners to expand its reach due to tremendous increased interest. 

Kirk Pinkerton, P.A.

[Exec Moves]  Lidiak Named Vice President of Sales

Rick Mohrman of executive search firm  Brooke Chase Associates, Inc., has announced the successful placement of Mike Lidiak as Vice President of Sales with Canyon Creek Cabinet Company. In his new role as Vice President of Sales with Canyon Creek, Mike will join the company’s senior executive team and be responsible for developing and executing sales strategy and team leadership, including both the direct-to-builder and dealer/distributor sales channels. 

Brooke Chase Associates, Inc.

[Community]  Foundation to Distribute $100,000 to Teachers

The Manatee Education Foundation will distribute $100,000 in grants to 222 Manatee District teachers when the Foundation hosts its Ready for School Rally. The rally will kick-off the 2014-2015 school year and will serve as both a pep rally and corporate giving event to celebrate and reward teachers whose daily efforts in the classroom shape the future of our community. Area community members, businesses and organizations have been contributing money towards the Ready for School Rally Grants program through the annual Partners in Education program.  

Manatee Education Foundation



[Upcoming Feature]  You & SRQ
,

At SRQ | The Magazine, we like to take things one day at a time and be thoughtful about the future – which is why we wanted to make sure you knew about our special Season Arts Preview section we are planning for our October edition of SRQ. As we kick off entertainment season on October 4th with our gala of the year, SRQ Bal Masqué, make sure that if you are a part of Sarasota’s famed cultural entertainment industries (ie: Performing Arts, Theatre, Music, Opera, Galleries, Museums, Visual Arts or Art Centers) then you reserve your spot in this coveted Season Arts preview section by Thursday 8/14.  

Click To See Our Special Profile Section

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