SRQ DAILY Sep 11, 2017
Monday Business Edition
"You don't want to forget customers who have been with you for 20 years."
Hurricane Irma has delivered most of its impact on the Gulf Coast by now, but for many businesses, the work of dealing with the storm’s aftermath starts now.
At Venice-based PGT Industries, a manufacturer of storm glass, this type of weather event means a high point in the level of work that needs to be done around the state. Late last week, PGT President Rod Hershberger said his main focus was on safeguarding the companies plants in Venice, Miami and Orlando, as well as taking care of employees with supplies for their own homes. Now, the focus will be on repairs. PGT expects to be doing a number of window replacement for clients around the state, but also to be doing first-time installations for customers who have now become more aware of the need for the product in the wake of a major storm. More damage means more work for the company, but that’s by no means a welcome thing. “After Andrew (in 1992), it was a couple months of emergencies,” Hershberger recalls. “That’s a miserable way to do business. It’s terribly disruptive.”
Jon Mast, CEO of the Manatee-Sarasota Building Association, says repairs and refurbishments will be in high demand at the moment. The major message the association wants to broadcast, he says, is the importance that most of the work being done now is performed by licensed and certified professional contractors. “Insurance companies will want licensed people to do work,” he says. He also warned that trusted professionals will not want to work in cash, and customers should be suspicious of those who might take cash for work and then leave with projects incomplete.
Hopefully, most builders in the area can move forward smoothly after the storm, but there very likely will be shortages in materials, especially since so many products like concrete have been diverted in recent weeks toward Texas to deal with damage caused by Hurricane Harvey. This could add an unexpected costs to projects already underway, and could cause some increase in the price of new work.
Hershberger also notes that companies should remember their long-time clients continue to get an appropriate level of service, even as contractors and businesses deal with a major influx of emergency calls. “So many people just drop everything they are doing and apply it all toward damage zones,” he says. “You don’t want to forget customers who have been with you for 20 years.”
Gulf Coast Community Foundation has activated its Gulf Coast Disaster Fund to accept charitable donations for relief and recovery from anticipated impacts of Hurricane Irma in the region. Donations to the fund can be made online by going to the foundation’s website at www.GulfCoastCF.org and clicking the link on the home page. The direct link to the Gulf Coast Disaster Fund portal is http://gulfcoastcf-relief.s3.amazonaws.com/index.html. Organizations and individuals are invited to share this link to provide donors with an opportunity to support Hurricane Irma relief and recovery.
The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport closed its airfield to all air traffic from Saturday 8pm though at least 8am today. Officials will decide today whether to tentatively return service based on storm progress and flight scheduled.
Gov. Rick Scott ordered the closure of all public schools, state colleges, state universities and state offices for their normal activities effective at least through Monday to ensure spaces were available for shelters and staging. This affects all schools in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
The annual showcase is an exciting, jam-packed, one-day event for lifelong learners to experience the best instructors and topics our region has to offer. Hosted by the SunCoast Alliance for Lifelong Learning, this popular event is now in its third year. The event includes 24 course sessions of which participants may choose four to attend, continental breakfast, a box lunch, exhibits, sponsor merchandise and more. A special Keynote speaker will also be present, Louise Gallagher an Educator and Certified Life Coach, will be giving an informed and insightful talk about “retirement: who needs it?”. Registration begins Monday August 7th and the price of the ticket includes all the classes and meals. Put your thinking cap on and get into the back to school spirit because SunCoast Alliance for Lifelong Learning can't wait to teach you something new!
RCLLA Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237,
On Friday, September 15, the Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota County will present the 12th Annual Intertape Polymer Group Leadership Breakfast; celebrating community members who support youth as leaders in our community. The honorees this year are CEO of PGT Industries, Rod Hershberger, and Director of Sarasota County Library System, Sarabeth Kalajian. The event takes place at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club from 7:30-9:00am. Cost is $50 for an individual ticket. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please call 941-366-3911.
Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club , 3100 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34237
The Roskamp Institute is hosting a Brain Health and Awareness Symposium this September the 22nd at The Sarasota Yacht Club. The aptly named Grey Matters Symposium will offer a deep dive into current Alzheimer’s research by Institute Directors and will be moderated by ABC7’s Hayley Wielgus. There will be a presentation, interactive panel, and an opportunity for Q & A. For more information or to become a sponsor today please call (941) 552-9832 or visit www.roskampinstitute.org/events.
Sarasota Yacht Club , 1100 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236
Antsy is a rare performer whose music will create an unforgettable night. His casual, approachable presentation and relatable songs will have you laughing one moment and crying the next. His storytelling and theater make each of his concerts special.
Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota
Twenty-five young designers will use their problem solving and creative skills to create outfits from repurposed and unconventional materials. The incredibly talented designers will showcase their creations in an exciting runway fashion show.
Art Center Sarasota , 707 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota
In this play by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, enjoy an American comedy classic centering around the life of the eccentric Sycamore family. When the only daughter with a normal job invites her fiancé and his family for dinner, the household erupts into chaos. Tickets are $25 for adults, $17 for college students and $15 for children.
Venice Theatre, 140 West Tampa Ave.,Venice
What will be the impact of the recent STOP! movement on economic growth and the quality of projects in our region? Join us at the Mildred Sainer Pavlion at New College for lively debates on issues that some consider “too hot to handle” where our modified Oxford-style debate gives us civil discourse designed to sway through both factual information and rhetorical skill. Attendees are asked their position on the topic of the day before and after the debate–the success of the participants being judged on those they sway from their initial positions.
Mildred Sainer Pavilion, New College, 5313 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243
Dine at one of 18 participating restaurants to support local nonprofits through this event. Restaurants will donate 15% of food and beverage sales from 5pm to close to the Designing Daughters Grant Program, which will benefit a variety of Sarasota area charities and causes.
Anyone who has heard of Will Rogers knows his signature phrase: “I’ve never met a man I didn’t like”. This philosophy is the jumping off point for this showy piece of Americana that follows his many accomplishments as well as his tumultuous personal life. It was the winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and Best original score!
The Players Theatre, 838 N Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
This musical will go back in time to the days of miniskirts, transistor radios and flower power. Told from the perspective of six young women who came of age in this enigmatic decade, the muscial looks back on the challenges they facesd alongside memorable songs from the era. Tickets are $30 for adults, $17 for college students and $15 for children.
Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice
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