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SRQ DAILY Dec 11, 2017

Monday Business Edition

Monday Business Edition

"The main reasons we used Ringling is because our family have been staunch supporters of Ringling and their sound stage-media development."

- Jordan Letschert, Blinker seed investor
 

[Marketing]  Ringling Team Turns On Blinker Messaging
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

There may not yet be an app that allows you to make your car transform into a pile of money, but a Colorado-based business hopes to let consumers do the next best thing, and they’ve employed the talent at Ringling College of Art & Design drive that message home.

Blinker, a smartphone application using patented vision technology, assists private parties in buying, selling and financing or refinancing a car entirely using the program. Right now, the software can be used for transactions in three states—Colorado, Texas and Florida—and can be used to look up information on a car throughout the U.S. CEO Rod Buscher hopes to soon open up the California market, at which point the three most populous states will be covered, and to have all 50 states ready for business by the end of 2018. “In addition, we have a multitude of software licensing opportunities to some largest companies in insurance, lending, automotive services and in the sharing economy,” he says.

The technology gets demonstrated effectively in an ad campaign developed by a team of filmmakers based at Ringling College of Art and Design. The ad shows user taking pictures of the back of automobiles to use the app to gather information about the vehicles, then in a memorable flash, the car turns into cash in the shape of the vehicle that then starts to float to the earth.

So how did a startup in Colorado connect with a visual team in Sarasota. Some of the initial investors in Blinker, which launched in 2013, including Trudo Letschert and son Jordan Letschert. Trudo knows Buscher from days on the golf courses in Colorado and from back when Buscher ran traditional car dealerships with now-Denver Broncos general manager John Elway. The Letscherts now live in Sarasota. “The main reasons we used Ringling is because our family have been staunch supporters of Ringling and their sound stage-media development,” says Jordan, who sees the campaign as a way to both grow the success of the local video production program and promote Blinker’s potentially disruptive technology.

The investors reached out to David Shapiro, whose Semkhor Productions works with Ringling grads and facilities on commercial projects. “It was a good fit to work with Blinker,” Shapiro says, “and for them it really the full creativity available at a reduced price.” Semkhor produced the ads utilizing a team of Ringling alum with student talent in the mix as well. Shapiro said Florida company Digital Brew also helped with special effects.

A team including Michael Cardwell, Beau Benson, Sean Benson, Jason Letkiewicz, Nick Morgulis, Andrew Price, Alex Ryden and Tony Stopperan, along with Digital Brew, just won a Suncoast Regional Emmy, with Benson also picking up an additional Graphic Arts Emmy for the groundbreaking digital effect of the car turning instantly into money. “That was a big piece of making that campaign work,” Buscher says, noting it works with messaging on selling cars, saving on purchases and generating money on financing. 

[Exec Moves]  Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Welcomes Connolly and Terhune

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation has welcomed a new prospect research analyst and a new marketing coordinator. Certified fund-raising executive Elizabeth Connolly, CFRE, has joined Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation as a prospect research analyst. Connolly brings more than 15 years of experience in fundraising for healthcare, educational and social service organizations. She is responsible for identifying giving opportunities within the Foundation’s donor contacts and managing data critical for securing philanthropic support for the Healthcare Foundation. Previously, Connolly was a prospect research analyst and director of grants and sponsored programs for the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT. She also served as a grant writer and researcher for Community Health Resources and the director of development and alumni relations for the Master’s School, both in Connecticut. Hillary Terhune is the new marketing coordinator for the Healthcare Foundation. She comes to the organization from nationally recognized local manufacturing company, Tervis, where she was the social media coordinator. Terhune brings an extensive background in all aspects of the digital marketing world. Terhune is responsible for coordinating all aspects of marketing, design, mailing and fulfillment of the Healthcare Foundation’s communication programs, including annual appeals, the annual report, grateful patient program, newsletter, website and social media. 

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation

[Education]  Lamarque Elementary Looking for Reading Tutors

Volunteer reading tutors are needed for two reading programs that will be starting January 2018 at Lamarque Elementary School in North Port. No experience is required; just a love of reading and helping children learn. There will be a volunteer training held for both programs on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at the school, at 3415 Lamarque Ave., North Port. The two reading tutor programs launching at Lamarque Elementary are Rockin’ Readers and Reading Pals. The training session for Reading Pals is 9:30-11am. The training session for Rockin’ Readers is 11am–12:30pm. Reading Pals is a third-grade program designed to give students the extra push to reach their full potential and read on grade level by integrating the classroom text into the tutoring session conducted by the volunteer. Rockin’ Readers is a program in which volunteers read to kindergarten students who need assistance with building word awareness and vocabulary. Volunteer tutors will work with the same two students one-on-one each week for 30 minutes per student, totaling one hour of tutoring per week. Anyone who would like to register for a training session or learn more about the reading programs may contact the district’s Volunteer and Partnership Office at 941-927-9000, ext. 31500, or via e-mail volunteerspartners@sarasotacountyschools.net

Sarasota County Schools Volunteers

[Recognition]  Sarasota County School Governance Team Recognized as Master Board

The Florida School Boards Association has once again recognized the Sarasota County Schools governance team—the five School Board members and the superintendent—as a Master Board. The FSBA awards the Master Board distinction to school boards in the state whose members complete a rigorous program designed to enhance leadership and teamwork skills. The Sarasota County leadership team first achieved the Master Board designation in 1992. Its latest Master Board achievement was recognized at the 72nd annual Joint Conference of the FSBA and the Florida Association of District School Superintendents, held Nov. 28-Dec. 1 in Tampa. When one or more members leave a school board, the Master Board distinction is lost and must be regained through the FSBA’s Master Board Reinstatement Program, which requires additional training for new and returning board members. On Nov. 28, Ziegler was elected by her fellow Board members as chairwoman for a one-year term, succeeding Zucker. Goodwin was named vice chair. In addition to Ziegler, Goodwin and Zucker, the other School Board members are Shirley Brown and Eric Robinson. Todd Bowden is the superintendent. Of the 67 school districts in Florida, 18 are currently recognized as Master Boards. 

Sarasota County School Board

[Recognition]  Sarasota County Teacher of the Year to Be Announced

Superintendent Todd Bowden and Education Foundation of Sarasota County President Jennifer Vigne will announce the overall Sarasota County Teacher of the Year for 2018 from among three finalists at the annual awards ceremony honoring educators. This year’s event, titled Ignite Education, will be a brunch held from 10:30am-noon, Dec. 13, at The Westin Sarasota. The individual Teachers of the Year for each school also will be recognized at the event. The three finalists — one each for elementary, middle and high schools —are Bethany Burnett, Venice Elementary School fifth-grade teacher, as Elementary School Teacher of the Year; Allison Cohen, Booker Middle School sixth-grade math teacher, as Middle School Teacher of the Year; and Es Swihart, Riverview High School Pre-International Baccalaureate English teacher, as High School Teacher of the Year. The Teacher of the Year program recognizes educators in Sarasota County who exemplify dedication to student learning and innovative instruction. The program is co-produced by the Sarasota County School District and the Education Foundation of Sarasota County and is made possible through the funding and support of community partners. The district Teacher of the Year will receive a $2,500 cash award; the two runners-up will each receive $1,250. The Ignite Innovation Award will be announced along with the first Sarasota County Schools Alumni of Distinction. 

Sarasota County Schools

[Synergy]  Sarasota Chamber Selects Glasser/Schoenbaum Center for Class Project

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Leadership Sarasota Class of 2018 has selected the Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center as the beneficiary of its class project. After an interrupted start due to Hurricane Irma, they know that it’s more important than ever to help Sarasota in a meaningful and long-lasting way. The 2018 Leadership Class partnered with The Community Foundation and The Giving Partners in order to request possible agencies for the year’s project. The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center was chosen out of 15 prospective projects driven by the tremendous work of the center and the value of the development of a serenity garden on the campus. The Glasser/ Shoenbaum Human Services Center is dubbed the Campus of Caring because it houses 17 non-profit organizations focused on services for lower income, at-risk adults, children and families. The Center serves 45,000 clients a year. The Leadership team will utilize all the experience of the 40-member class with their expertise in design, engineering, landscaping, finance and planning. The team plans on making a big impact within a relatively small budget and will be proactively seeking in-kind donations of materials and features for the garden such as benches and shrubbery. The design of the serenity garden, through its multi-faceted elements, is intended to create a place of peacefulness, collaboration and reflection. The design will also be mindful of the time and cost for maintenance such that it won’t create a burden on the extraordinary staff of the facility. 

Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center

[Synergy]  Barancik Foundation Unveils New Website

The impact of Sarasota’s nonprofit sector and school district is on display through Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation’s new website, built by the advertising and brand development agency, Pearl Brands. The goal of the website is to emphasize the important organizations working to solve problems and shape solutions in the community. Barancik Foundation partners with more than 75 organizations to promote meaningful changes in the areas of education, humanitarian causes, arts and culture, the environment and medical research. Visitors will read stories about local efforts underway to achieve student success, family enrichment, social wellness, financial empowerment and the cultivation of unity through art and environmental stewardship. Links to the nonprofit partner websites and recent media coverage are provided for visitors interested in further engagement with the organizations. 

Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation



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

The best beers are the ones we drink with friends. Do you agree? SRQ wants to know the Best Brewery you and your squad frequent to sip a tall one! Share your thoughts and cast your vote in the 2018 Best of SRQ Reader’s Competition.  

Vote Here!

[TODAY]  GRAB BAG: The Play That changed my life , December 11, 5pm

The Hermitage Artist Retreat is inviting a community programs featuring prize-winning playwright-in-residence Doug Wright. He is a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner recently represented on Broadway. There will be a reading from "The Play That Saved My Life," followed by a conversation with the audience. 

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 South Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Heisenberg , December 13 – March 4, 2pm, 3pm, 7pm or 8pm depending on day

Initiating a comic and electric dance of love, young Georgie falls for the much older Alex, planting a surreptitious kiss on his neck as the two collide in the crowded London train station. Strangers now connected through an impulsive act of affection, the two engage in a back and forth of romantic stakes, where everything is uncertain.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Echoes , November 17 – December 17

Tillie and Samira were born 175 years apart, but their parallel stories eerily mirror one another across generations. Tillie is a Victorian pioneer woman sent to Afghanistan to fulfill wifely duties for an officer of the British Raj, while Samira is a Muslim schoolgirl who runs away to Syria to become the jihadi bride of an ISIS fighter. Both are confronted with tragedy in war-torn lands as they face the oppressive realities of their male-dominated landscapes. For more information please visit www.urbanitetheatre.com for show times and tickets. 

Urbanite Theatre , 1487 Second Street, Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Floating Cubes , December 14 – January 19

Recently showing with the Skyway: A Contemporary Collaboration exhibition uniting The Ringling Museum with the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg and the Tampa Museum of Art, artist Akiko Kotani comes to Art Center Sarasota for another site-specific installation. Working in weaved plastic, Kotani explores minimalism and simplicity as she pushes the boundaries of her medium.

ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  FOOD: Men, Whiskey, Watches and Wheels , December 15, 6:00PM

Men, Whiskey, Watches & Wheels features whiskey tasting from select distillers, an assortment of fine luxury watches, exotic cars, a live and silent auction, casino-style games, and networking with the area’s business community. Proceeds will support Child Protection Center’s mission in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse. This year's poker tournament will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at One Eyed Jacks Poker Room at Sarasota Kennel Club at 6pm. Ticket to the main event includes an open bar, whiskey tasting and food buffet.

Edson Keith Mansion at Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 South Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34231

[SOON]  THEATER: Annie , November 30 – December 17, 2pm, 7:30pm, or 8pm

Rewatch the classic American musical where a little orphan girl takes the stage by storm. See the child heroine work her magic onstage and enjoy the performance live. Tickets are $27, $30 or $37, depending on seating.

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Avenue W., Bradenton

[SOON]  THEATER: Flowers for Algernon , November 30 – December 17, 2pm, 7:30pm or 8pm depending on day

When a laboratory experiment successfully increases the intelligence of a mouse, Charlie Gordon, a spirited autistic man, volunteers as the first subject for human trials. The play grapples with society’s less-than-ideal treatment of mental illness, the ethics of human experimentation and the difficulty faced in accepting and loving ourselves.

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton

[SOON]  THEATER: Evita , November 14 – December 30

Directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes and winner of eight Tony Awards, Evita is among the most passionate and memorable productions. The musical retells the story of Eva Perón, Argentina’s celebrated but controversial First Lady. This exemplary musical is set to impress with a spectacular new staging at Asolo Rep.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Dynamite Dulcimer Jam , December 16, 8pm

Come out and experience two virtuoso folk artists laying it down individually and in duo performance. Dan Landrum is the nation’s best known dulcimer artist, having been tapped for three world tours with keyboardist Yanni. Aaron O’Rourke began performing on mountain dulcimer at the age of 16. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

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

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Lights in Bloom , December 21 – December 30, 6:00PM

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens lights up the holiday season with Lights In Bloom. Over one million lights will illuminate the garden and walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels. Visitors will have the opportunity to stroll through magical gardens filled with beautifully lit flowers, radiant rainforest butterflies, dragonflies and more. The tropical holiday paradise includes nightly visits from Santa and his elves (before Christmas Eve), children’s arts and crafts activities and games, plus live entertainment with SoulRCoaster each evening. Grilled foods will be available for purchase from the Michael’s on East grill including a cash bar. The Selby House Cafe will also be open with its full menu. In its 14th year, Lights In Bloom has become a tradition for residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season in Sarasota

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens , 811 S Palm Ave Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  MUSIC: Perlman Music Program Winter Residency , December 21 – January 6

The Perlman Music Program’s (PMP) intensive 17-day Winter Residency offers unparalleled musical training for international students, ages 12 to 20+, who play the violin, viola, cello and bass. With a faculty led by Toby and Itzhak Perlman and comprising some of the most gifted musical talents of our time, the PMP Sarasota Winter Residency offers an artistic and personal experience that changes students' lives forever. The winter residency’s free public events include orchestra and chorus rehearsals, master classes, and works-in-progress student recitals. Question and answer sessions with the Perlmans, PMP students and faculty follow many of these events that take place in a heated, outdoor performance tent on the grounds of the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus. Each year, the winter residency culminates with the Celebration Concert with Itzhak Perlman conducting the PMP String Orchestra and Patrick Romano leading the PMP Chorus at the Sarasota Opera House. 

USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL

[SOON]  THEATER: Home for the Holidays , December 26, 8pm

The five young comedians of local group Millenial Fresh are sure to make audiences laugh in this holiday inspired sketch comedy show. Taking place at Westcoast Black Theatre, this event will be a great way to bust your gut for the holidays.

Westcoast Black Theatre , 1646 10th Way, Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: New Years Eve Fireworks , December 31, 7:00PM

The 7th Annual New Years Eve Fireworks Celebration at Marina Jack will be bigger and better than ever. Enjoy a variety of entertainment and menu options onshore at Marina Jack along with a sparkling midnight fireworks show. Climb aboard the Marina Jack II for a four–hour celebration dinner cruise, complete with party favors, live music and fireworks on Sarasota Bay. Either way, you are sure to have a sparkling New Year! 

Marina Jack , 2 Marina Plaza Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  MUSIC: An Evening in Mayberry , January 5

The Dillards are a a musical group with a history dating back to The Andy Griffith Show over 50 years ago. Join them for an evening in Mayberry, and have the opportunity to relive musical memories and meet some of the Mayberry friendly faces. Tickets are $22 in advance and $25 at the door.

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

[SOON]  MUSIC: Musical Landscapes , January 6, 7:30pm

See the world from your seat with an evening of musical panoramas. Whitacre's luminous reimagining of the River Cam, which flowed past his window at Cambridge University, features Sarasota Orchestra's own principal cellist Natalie Helm. Hailed for his "energy and enthusiasm," guest conductor Stefan Sanders dynamically guides guests on this matchless musical tour. 

Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Ave., 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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