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SRQ DAILY Apr 17, 2017

Monday Business Edition

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Monday Business Edition

"It's our job to make sure the people who have given their trust to Grapevine are well taken care of. Then we can look to the future and when to expand and grow."

- Allison Imre Perkowski, Grapevine Communications
 

[Marketing]  Imre Perkowski Takes Reins at Grapevine
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

After years working in corporate marketing, Allison Imre Perkowski has been ready to take charge of a company, and now gets the opportunity to do so at a firm already boasting a strong reputation in the region. Grapevine Communications last week announced a transition leadership, with Perkowski coming on board as president of the Sarasota-based agency. “I’m completely humbled to be in this position right now,” Imre Perkowski says.

She has been in some level of talks for the last year with Grapevine founder Angela Massaro-Fain and her partner John Fain. The company owners had been considering a sale. One of the things for Imre Perkowski was that the people who had overseen operations for the past 15 years would continue for some time even after the company changed hands. Fain will hold a post in the company for six months to a year and Massaro-Fain plans to stay on indefinitely. 

But most attractive to Imre Perkowski was that she would get the experienced Grapevine team. Through her first days as president, she plans to meet with every member of the staff about their passions and strengths. “I want to know everything; I want to know who takes the garbage out,” she says. “I want to be their intern for the time being to make sure there is a seamless transition. Buy a business, become janitor.”

As for her own contributions, Imre Perkowski’s resume includes a decade of work at iHeart Media as a senior account executive, managing such clients as Anheuser Busch, the Baltimore Orioles and Schroeder-Manatee Ranch. She started her career in the sports marketing office for the Kansas City Royals Radio Network. But her greatest asset as president, in her own estimation, will be her level of energy. “I’m as deep in this as a human being can be emotionally and conceptually,” she says.

The priority moving into the immediate future, she says, will be assuring all existing clients that they will still get the high-quality Grapevine treatment. “I want to make sure we keep our stature in the community,” she says. “It’s our job to make sure the people who have given their trust to Grapevine are well taken care of. Then we can look to the future and when to expand and grow. But the reputation that is there, it’s my goal that stays sterling.” 

Photo courtesy Grapevine Communications: Allison Imre Perkowski.

[Opening]  Fitlife Foods to Open Sarasota Location

Fitlife Foods, a Florida-based performance, lifestyle and weight loss brand known for its portioned, indulgent, made from scratch meals for performance-minded individuals announced its plans to open its first store in the Sarasota region on April 27, 2017. The new store is 1,059 square feet and will be located on University Parkway across from the University Town Center Mall.  It will be the fourteenth location in the state of Florida. Fitlife Foods gives customers an easy and convenient way to meal prep and plan for the week with healthy, premade meals such as chicken enchiladas, BBQ beef with mac ‘n’ cheese and the gluten free chicken pizza supreme. Orders can be placed online or picked up at any location. Customers can also have meals delivered directly to their doorsteps with pre-planned delivery for added convenience, and feature gluten-free, vegetarian, paleo and low-carb options, with nutritional information printed right on the label. Fitlife Foods also has a recycling program that allows customers to eat a delicious and healthy meal and bring back 20 containers for a $10 credit to the store. Fitlife Foods is the second largest exclusive prepared meals retailer in the country and the largest in the Southeast with ten locations throughout the Tampa area, two in Orlando and two in South Florida. The grand opening will take place on April 27 from 11am to 9pm, with a ribbon cutting at 10:45am. Guests will receive a complimentary meal, wellness sessions, store tours and Fitlife prize giveaways. Fitlife Food’s Head Chef, Andrew Ruga will be doing live cooking demos from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 6–9pm. 

Fitlife Foods

[Recognition]  Finney Team Earns Chairman's Club Award

Duane and Rhonda Finney of the Finney Team at RE/MAX Alliance Group once again have earned the distinguished RE/MAX Chairman’s Club Award, which recognizes the highest producing RE/MAX associates based on performance. In 2016, the Chairman’s Club Award was presented to fewer than 2 percent of all active RE/MAX agents worldwide. With more than 26 years of full-time real estate sales and marketing experience, the Finneys specialize in residential and new-home construction located in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island and Sarasota, Florida. RE/MAX Alliance Group is the #1 RE/MAX franchise in Florida for both transactions and sales volume. The company ranks #7 in the country and #15 in the world among RE/MAX offices. It is the #1 office in Florida for contributions to the Children's Miracle Network. With more than 300 agents and staff, RE/MAX Alliance Group offers complete residential and commercial real estate solutions. 

RE/MAX Alliance Group

[Exec Moves]  Renouf Named Executive Director of Elementary Schools

Ashton Elementary School Principal Chris Renouf has been named as the new executive director of elementary schools for the Sarasota County School District. Renouf succeeds Laura Kingsley in that position. Kingsley was recently appointed as the district’s assistant superintendent/chief academic officer. Renouf will remain at Ashton for the remainder of the school year and assume his new post July 1. Retired principal Wendy Katz will serve as the acting executive director of elementary schools until then. Renouf has served as Ashton principal since 2012. He had served previously as the principal of Ashton Elementary from 1998 to 2006, when he was selected to lead Toledo Blade Elementary School in North Port. He was assistant principal at Venice Middle School from 1995-98. He taught at Sarasota Middle School and Taylor Ranch Elementary School from 1992-95. He holds a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management from Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pa., a master’s degree in elementary education from Rutgers University and a specialist’s degree in educational leadership from NOVA Southeastern University. While he was principal at Ashton, the school was designated as a High Performing Model School by the Council for Educational Change, which recognizes the implementation of effective best practices and high levels of staff, parental and community involvement. 

Sarasota County Elementary Schools



[TODAY]  MUSIC: Radio Theater Live , April 17 – April 28

Return to the days of live radio theater as Powel and Gwendolyn Crosley host an evening of Radio Theater to promote their new radio station and the dramatic stories that they will be sending out over the airwaves. Music, mystery, and good old-fashioned promotion makes solid entertainment.

The Powel Crosley Estate, 8374 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Suncoast Climate Change Symposium , April 18, 5–7:30pm

Dr. Harold Wanless, a scientist at the University of Miami, will be at University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee to explain why sea levels are rising in Florida, and why our beaches are eroding so quickly. USFSM students will then show self produced videos with the theme "What does climate change mean to our generation?" Tickets are $15 for the general public and free for students with RSVP. For tickets, visit www.usfbdhclimatechange.com.

University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Blue Ties and Butterflies , April 19, 6:00-9:00pm

Join the Child Protection Center at Michael’s on East for their  5th annual Blue Ties & Butterflies, an evening that lifts the veil of child abuse and make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community. This event is designed to build awareness about CPC’s mission in prevention, intervention and treatment of child abuse.

Michael’s on East , 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Stir it Up , April 19

Join the Friendship Centers in Sarasota for an evening of speed dating for 55+ singles. Enjoy beer, wine, treats, traditional speed dating and activities to help break the ice. The DJ will get you in the dancing mood after the speed dating too so tell your single buddies and gal pals to call and reserve your spot today.

The Friendship Centers in Sarasota, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  MUSIC: Ari and the Albils , April 21, 6-8pm

Benefitting Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue. Ari and the Alibis infuse funk, jazz, and samba with blues, soul, and rock to create a memorable ear-catching sound. In 2016, they were nominated for best local band in Tampa Bay, and Ari for best Jazz vocalist. They also received Grammy nods in two categories: Best Rock Song (Dirty Little Secret) and Best Rock Performance (Dirty Little Secret and Bon Appetit). Ari and the Alibis played at the Bradenton Blues Festival “Appetizer” Concert in 2016. For more information please visit www.realizebradenton.com

Bradenton Riverwalk , 452 W. 3rd. Ave., Bradenton

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: 35th Annual Sarasota Boat Show , April 21 – April 23

Nearly two hundred exhibitors will showcase an outstanding selection of boats ranging from motor yachts and fishing boats to cruisers, runabouts and personal watercraft. Also on display will be a full range of marine electronics and products, as well as paddleboards, canoes, kayaks and other on-the-water toys. Additionally, the show offers free kids’ fishing clinics on Saturday and Sunday, presented by Captain Dingman. Children will learn everything they need for a successful catch, including how to fish the water column, lure selection, casting and more. All participants will receive a free rod and reel combo while supplies last. There also will be a free kids-only raffle at the end of each clinic with chances to win fishing gear.

Marina Jacks Sarasota, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: TapFASTic , April 22 – April 23

Join The Players’ electrifying dance troupe The Flash tappers for a show that will knock your socks off! This show is “All About Tap!” and features choreography from son of the greats such as gene Kelly, Gregory Hines, Ruby Keeler in evergreen hits such as “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “Mack the Knife” and “Money, Money.” Show dates are April 22nd at 8pm and April 23rd at 2pm. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit http://www.theplayers.org/shows/snap/

The Players Theatre of Sarasota, 838 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Sideline Bluegrass Band , April 22, 8pm

Sideline plays songs you love. Some are bluegrass classics, some are destined to be classics, and all of them are performed in a way that makes audiences understand why these pickers and singers are A-tier bluegrass players, loved and adored by fans the world over.  Band includes Steve Dilling, Jason Moore, Daniel Aldridge, Skip Cherryholmes, and Troy Boone. www.fogartyville.org

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota

[SOON]  FOOD: Blossoms & Brunch , April 22, 10:30am

Share the legacy of Mable Ringling’s beloved rose garden and enjoy a beautiful brunch alongside the garden. Surrounded by blooming roses, Blossoms & Brunch will begin with a reception complete with entertainment and mimosas. In recognition of Mable's legacy the net proceeds from this event will support ongoing maintenance and improvements of the Bayfront Gardens.

Mable's Rose Garden, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Jazz in the Ballpark , April 22, 7pm

Big Band Jazz at Ed Smith Stadium featuring Michele Pruyn and the Swing Sisters and the Sarasota Jazz Project with David Pruyn. Tickets available from the Orioles box office or call 941-893-6300. For more information please visit www.Jazzclubsarasota.org/calendar-of-events

Ed Smith Stadium , 2700 12th St., Sarasota

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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