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SRQ DAILY Oct 30, 2017

Monday Business Edition

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Monday Business Edition

"As you give, you receive."

- Anne Patterson, artist
 

[Entrepreneur]  Connect Brings Coworking to Bradenton
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Bradenton will see the region’s next coworking space open downtown. Connect Bradenton hosts its grand opening on Thursday, hoping to bring the modern work environment into town in a way that also attracts more professionals into the city core. 

Bernie Croghan, president and ‘senior doer’ at Connect Bradenton, says he sees the cowork space as the next evolution in work environments. Croghan worked for years in renting executive suites as part owner at Comcenter, leasing offices in East Manatee and Lakewood Ranch. But after selling his interest in that company to a partner, he turned attention toward establishing a coworking space. “I simply had a fondness for the downtown area of Bradenton,” he said. “The opportunity appeared.” He rented space from Bakker Inc., formerly occupied by a Bank of America location. 

Jean Farmer came on in June as the ‘connector’ at the space, and says the environment should suit the needs of entrepreneurs in the region. She sees growing demand for a low-cost workspace where all kinds of business-people can find a work home. “The reason why people are gravitating toward things like this is that we were all told years ago we could work from home, and were promised how cool that would be,” she says. “I remember dreaming about it, but after a while you just need some human interaction.”

The difference between an executive suite and coworker space, Croghan says, exists primarily a focus on a shared environment. While an executive suite allows people to share certain administrative functions like a reception desk and infrastructure like a printer or meeting room while tenants spend most of their time in private offices, a coworking environment provides large rooms and focuses more on collaboration and interaction between the tenants.

At Connect Bradenton, tenants will be able to rent a “social membership” and work in the shared space for $49 a month. “That’s probably no more than you would spend on a coffee on the way to work, so why not have that coffee with friends and peers in a friendly atmosphere,” Croghan said.

But unlike some of the existing coworking environments already open in the region, tenants still looking for an executive suite-style package can rent an office and pay for an array of administrative support. The largest available offices run for about $1,399 a month, Farmer said. Croghan likes to call Connect Bradenton a hybrid between a true coworking space, which may not even offer phone service or a mailing address, and an executive suite with maximum amenities.

Farmer expects entrepreneurs and freelancers to serve as the typical tenant, but could also see sales people with large territories choosing to set up base. And Croghan says tenants at Connect Bradenton will be able to “work the way you want,” running non-traditional hours. “They will have total flexibility," he says. "If you only want to be here Monday mornings, that’s fine.”

The coworking space held a Free Work Friday event a few days ago to show off to potential tenants the possibilities of working in Connect Bradenton. Four tenants have already signed up to use the space so far, but Croghan wants to sign up 100 tenants, and with 10,000 square feet of space says there’s plenty of room. A grand opening is scheduled Thursday from 3-6pm. 

Photo courtesy Connect Bradenton

[Public Art]  Community Foundation Unveils Patterson Installation
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Acclaimed installation artist Anne Patterson makes yet another trip to Sarasota, this time leaving her mark on the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. The artist, who first visited the area through the Hermitage Artist Retreat, before returning for a solo show at Alfstad& Contemporary and to open the Monda Gallery at Ringling Museum with Pathless Woods, this past week unveiled her latest installation—Circle of Thirds—created in honor of the Community Foundation and on display in the organization’s headquarters on Fruitville Rd.

Suspended from the ceiling of the lobby upon entering the Community Foundation, Patterson’s ribbon art dangles just within reach overhead—three great aluminum wedges with ribbons of various reds, pinks and oranges cascading 50 feet downward in harmonious symmetry. Choosing an energetic color was important, says Patterson, and red was a “big shot in the arm” for the space. “I really believe that the organization has such a big heart,” she says, “and wanted to express that in my piece.”

The three parts represent the three aspects of the Community Foundation’s world—donors, nonprofits and the community—while the circular arrangement reflects the spirit of that relationship. “As you give, you receive,” says Patterson. “And we’re all in a circle together.”

Comprising a mile and a half of ribbon in total, each piece weighs roughly 40 pounds and is designed to last. At the top of each ribbon, local students from the fifth grade at Alta Vista Elementary School wrote hopes, dreams and wishes. Happiness, love and peace were the most predominant words, according to Community Foundation President and CEO Roxie Jerde. 

Pictured: Anne Patterson unveils "Circle of Thirds" at Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

[Recognition]  Gold Coast Eagle Distributing Receives Big Jake Award

Anheuser-Busch has recently awarded Colonel John Saputo and his team at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing with the esteemed Ambassadors of Excellence Big Jake Award. Named after the largest-ever Clydesdale, the Ambassadors of Excellence Big Jake Award is the company’s highest honor and recognizes top-performing wholesalers for their commitment to excellence in all facets of their operation, including facilities and fleet management, sales, marketing and community outreach. Only 23 out of 465 Anheuser-Busch distributers in the United States have ever achieved this distinction. As the recipient, Saputo was presented with the symbolic Big Jake red jacket, and 185+ Gold Coast Eagle employees were given championship rings. More than 100 guests comprised of employees and spouses, Manatee and Sarasota County commissioners, Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston, and other dignitaries were in attendance. 

Gold Coast Eagle Distributing

[Exec Moves]  Bilan Joins JoshProvides as CEO

Andria Bilan has been hired as the Chief Executive Officer of JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation, after having served 18 years as vice president of development at Jewish Family & Children's Service of the Suncoast, Inc.  Bilan has more than 40 years of executive nonprofit experience in Pennsylvania and Florida, including the United Way, YWCA and JFCS. Bilan succeeds Co-Founder and Executive Director Bruce P. Chapnick, who, along with wife Sandi, established JoshProvides in memory of their son Joshua David, to support those living with seizure disorders by financially helping them with seizure sensor alert monitoring equipment, seizure response dogs, medical services, prescription medication and transportation costs, as well as offering support groups for families and caregivers. 

JoshProvides



[Best Of SRQ Local]  Cast Your Vote For Best Breakfast !

The battle for Best Local Breakfast was fierce last year, with the far out folks at First Watch edging out the bomb benedicts over at first finalist Station 400 in the final stretch to take home the title of Local Best Of. Toasted Mango finished strong as second finalist, placing above Breakfast House and Word of Mouth tied as third finalists. Who will take the throne as Best Breakfast in this year’s 2018 Best of SRQ Local Competition? Vote now at srqmag.com/bosrq! 

Vote Here!

[TODAY]  THEATER: Buddy Returns , October 29 – October 30, Sunday 8pm, Monday 3pm and 8pm

See Matt McClure come to life as Buddy Holly on stage, with. Watch him perform classic songs live in concert complete with Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. This high energy event is complemented by an engaging performance and a stellar cast. Tickets are $30.

Venice Theatre, 140 West Tampa Ave., Venice

[TODAY]  BUSINESS: 2018 Best of SRQ Local Competition , February 12

The 10th annual “Best of SRQ Local” Readers’ Competition is officially open! It is time to sound the alarm, rally the troops, take to social media and VOTE for your favorite Sarasota establishments and causes to be recognized in one of our most popular editions of the year.

Readers can vote on local eats, shopping, arts, luminaries and hotspots culminating in the compendium published in the April 2018 edition of SRQ Magazine. We hope you’ll share your favorite local experiences—from stellar sushi, most memorable on-stage productions to best happy hour.

SRQ Magazine

[SOON]  MUSIC: Dan Bern , November 1

A singer, songwriter, guitarist, novelist and painter, Dan Bern is a jack of all trades. Most notable of all is his penchant for composing, having written over one thousand songs. His albums contain songs with influences from well-known artists including Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Bruce Sprinteen and Elvis Costello. 

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

[SOON]  THEATER: Moon Over Buffalo , November 2 – November 19

In the madcap comedy tradition of Lend Me A Tenor, this theatrical farce centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950s.  On the brink of a disastrous split-up caused by George’s dalliance with a young ingénue, the nearly washed-up stage duo receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom!

The Players Theatre, 838 N Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Flaming Guns of The Purple Sage , November 2 – November 19, Tuesday to Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 2pm

Jane Martin's bodacious and satirical play combines humor with horror. A rodeo competitor is facing hard financial times on her ranch where she helps injured cowboys. Find out what happens when she comes face to face with the one-eyed Black Dog, a Ukrainian biker. Tickets are $27 for adults, $17 for college students and $15 for children.

Venice Theatre, 140 West Tampa Ave., Venice

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Flip Flops & Fashion , November 2, 11:00AM

Get ready for an easy breezy afternoon with your toes in the sand Children First’s 10th Annual Flip Flops and Fashion Luncheon. Guests will gather together at Sharky’s on the Pier under a tent on the beach to enjoy dazzling views of the Gulf and tropical fare, while supporting at-risk children and families in our community. See fashionable finds from L. Boutique, Scout & Molly's and Sun Bug modeled by Children First supporters adorable children as well. There will be a chance drawing, an opportunity to purchase orchids and many other ways to support Children First.

Sharky's on the Pier , 1600 Harbor Drive South Venice, FL 34285

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: La traviata , November 3 – November 21

Violetta, a famed Parisian courtesan, has lived a life of lavish parties with influential friends. She abandons it all to be with her beloved Alfredo, but when her past threatens his family’s honor, she must forsake her dream of love.
Verdi’s awe-inspiring music combined with a heart-breaking libretto has made La traviata one of the repertoire cornerstones of opera companies around the world.

Sarasota Opera , 61 N Pineapple Ave. Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Fall Wonders , November 3, 6pm to 9pm

Fall into the new season with this gallery featuring the work of many local artists. This display will celebrate the seasons arrival with special work from individuals including Barbara Krupp, James Griffin and Bill Farnsworth. The exhibit will run through November 30. 

Dabbert Gallery, 46 South Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Zimoun , November 3 – December 22, Opening Reception: Nov. 3, 5:30–8pm

The inaugural show of Alfstad&’s fifth season, the eponymously-titled exhibit features a site-specific installation, as well as two prints created by the internationally acclaimed Swiss artist. With simple and functional components, Zimoun builds architectural platforms of sound. His installations use commonplace industrial objects to explore mechanical rhythm and flow in prepared systems. The show also inaugurates Alfstad&’s new, totally reimagined artspace with an opening reception.

Alfstad& Contemporary, 1419 5th St., Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Rockin Lobster , November 4, 6:30PM

Watch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico while dining on delicious Maine Lobster on the beach at Rockin’ Lobster. The rockin' fun features live music by Version 3.0, delicious food, a silent auction and exciting beach activities. Be sure to stay for the lantern release, as Children First makes a wish and release a lantern in honor of a child and family in their program.

Sharky's on the Pier , 1600 Harbor Drive South Venice, Florida

[SOON]  FOOD: Brunch on the Bay , November 5, 11:30AM

The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee’s signature annual event, Brunch on the Bay, will celebrate its 24th anniversary on November 5 marking over two decades of raising funds for local undergraduate scholarships. Around 18 of Sarasota and Manatee Counties’ finest restaurants and caterers will prepare some of their signature dishes for the event, held under tents on the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus. In the 23 years of Brunch on the Bay, the event has added over $1.3 million to the university endowment and generated over $1,000,000 in scholarships.

USFSM, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: SWAC Speaker Series , November 6, 5:30PM

Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for a series of high–profile foreign affairs lectures covering current international issues ranging from foreign intelligence to peace negotiations to immigration and trade. This month, National Geographic Explorer in Residence, Alizė Carrėre will highlight her experience as a culture ecologist, climate researcher and writer visiting over 37 counties to document how humans are innovating and adapting in response to climate change. Each lecture is followed by a wine and cheese reception for members.

Mildred Sainer Pavillion, 5313 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, FL 34243

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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