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SRQ DAILY Jan 29, 2018

Monday Business Edition

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Monday Business Edition

"I would work with Sheriff Tom Knight and make sure we are enforcing those laws."

- James Buchanan. state House District 72 candidate
 

[Entrepreneur]  Abrams Shares Secrets of Teambuilding
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Editor’s Note: This is the first in a five-part series on winners of SRQ Magazine’s 2018 Localpreneurs of the Year.

He’s created national home services brands and launched Sarasota’s newest family of restaurants. Now, Jim Abrams can also boast he’s among the first-ever SRQ Media Group Localpreneurs of the Year. “I’m getting ready to retire, and I appreciate being able to get recognized one last time,” he says.

Abrams, the force behind BizZoom, Fyzical Therapy and American Dreams Restaurant Group, has a long history of launching companies. While his career began working with major corporations Weight Watchers and Trane, he founded Home Energy Services in 1981 and grew it to a company earning $12 million a year by 1988, and ultimately to a public company with a $220 million valuation by 1999. Then he launched Clockwork Home Services, which bore such brands as Mr. Sparky and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, before selling the company in 2011 for $183 million.

He’s continued to launch successful companies including Fyzical, Pricefixer and Praxis-10, the latter of which became the fastest growing franchise in history after setting up 110 locations in the first three months after launch. “It has been my desire to build the largest brands and make them household names,” Abrams says.

Now, Abrams has focused his attention on the restaurant world. After starting Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood. in 2011, he opened two more restaurants in downtown last year with Element: Modern Mediterranean Grill and PBnT: Pizza Burgers Tacos. While these companies may eventually become franchises themselves, Abrams says he’d like to prove the concepts first.

Abrams says the biggest challenge for up-and-coming entrepreneurs is student debt. “We are burdening our best and brightest with huge amounts of debt they will live with for a very long time,” he says. When asked about building strong teams, he advises “Being able to illustrate the future tosmart capable people is critical to having them see their place within our organization. We provide a clear strategic vision as to how being a part of our enterprise will fulfill their ambitions, with boundless opportunity.” 

[Politics]  Buchanan Stresses Biz Background, Immigration Cred
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Editor’s note: This is the first in a three-part series profiling candidates for state House District 72

With mailers hitting inboxes and a new television ad promoting his Sarasota roots, Republican James Buchanan has stepped up his presence significantly in an effort to gain momentum in a special election for state House in District 72. ”I’m actually really excited,” Buchanan tells SRQ. “We’re running a positive campaign and have gotten a lot of great responses from people in the community.”

So far, he’s been drumming hardest on the immigration issue of Sanctuary Cities and his support for legislation that would put restrictions on cities not enforcing immigration laws. And while he says he won’t engage in personal attacks, he suggested Democrat Margaret Good would not adequately address that issue if she wins the election. “I would work with Sheriff Tom Knight and make sure we are enforcing those laws,” Buchanan says. “My opponent, an attorney who works in the law field, opposes upholding the laws of the land.” (Good opposes legislation supported by Gov. Rick Scott that would impose fines and penalties for cities deemed uncooperative with federal immigration enforcement.)

Of course, while Buchanan’s recent televised ad largely focuses on his own history, many of the mailers sent out by state-level Republicans have criticized Good as an attorney working against families in Florida. And Buchanan in an interview notes a problem with Good taking money from developer Hugh Culverhouse, an act he sees as contrary to her environmental platform.

He’s also been the target of mailers published by the Florida Democratic Party, including ones scrutinizing his financial disclosure where he lists only $23,000 in income for 2016 despite having two mortgages totaling in excess of $1 million and revealing he owns two businesses. Buchanan says those attacks fail to recognize the nature of owning a business. 

“I’ve had great years and I’ve had years that haven’t been so great,” says Buchanan, a real estate agent. “I’ve had years where I reinvested in my businesses and years where I’ve sold properties and done well. All my information is a public record.”

He also this month stressed his opposition to offshore oil drilling off Florida’s coasts, including in state waters, as his father U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, fought at the federal level to preserve restrictions on oil companies excavating in the Gulf of Mexico. And he says as a representative he would encourage greater communication between state transportation officials and local jurisdictions. More than any ideology, he says he will serve the constituents of the district first.

Perhaps the greatest complaint leveled at Buchanan as a candidate, though, has been his low profile until now. His campaign announced last year that he wouldn’t participate in any debates with Good, though he has now agreed to a debate on ABC-7 with Good and Libertarian Alison Foxall on Tuesday. “There’s going to be others as well, probably,” he says. But he also noted Good declined an ABC-7 debate with her opponent during the Democratic primary.

His main goal as a candidate, he says, is meeting with voters. “My number one priority is meeting the people in the district, ideally in a one-on-one opportunity to speak to those issues that are important,” Buchanan says.

The special election is scheduled in District 72. All registered voters within the district can vote in the election. 

Photo courtesy Buchanan campaign: James Buchanan campaigns door to door in District 72

[Recognition]  Ahearn-Koch Graduates from Florida League of Cities' Course

City of Sarasota At-Large Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch has recently graduated from the Florida League of Cities’ Institute for Elected Municipal Officials. The 16-hour course covers a wide array of topics, from municipal government structure and intergovernmental relationships to revenue components and governmental accounting. Taught by a voluntary faculty with experience in local government, this comprehensive course grew out of a partnership between the Florida League of Cities and the John Scott Dailey Institute of Government. The course was created 20 years ago as a cost-effective way to educate newly elected officials about the complexities of municipal government. Ahearn-Koch was elected to the City Commission in May of 2017. 

Florida League of Cities

[Exec Moves]  ITN Suncoast Names Prouty Director of Development and Marketing

ITN SunCoast has named volunteer and Advisory Council member Stacy Prouty as director of development and marketing. She will be responsible for fundraising and marketing communications as well as launching Let’s Go Places!, ITNSunCoast’s new program to combat social isolation and loneliness among seniors in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Prouty has 20 years of experience in local for-profit and not-for-profit marketing, consumer research, project management, event planning and fundraising. She has worked for the past five years in senior management roles with the Institute for the Ages and Aviva-A Campus for Senior Life, as well as in her consulting firm Boomers and Beyond Research & Strategy. 

ITN Suncoast

[Exec Moves]  Brooke Chase Places Parker with Kentucky Trailer

Brooke Chase Associates has announced the successful placement of Gary Parker as Chief Operating Officer with Kentucky Trailer. Reporting directly to the CEO, Parker will develop, implement and oversee all operations resources enterprise-wide to support the overall strategic direction and business plans of the organization. Parker will build and lead the team that brings life to productivity improvement, facility and capacity optimization, employee engagement, workplace safety and servant leadership culture throughout every corner of the organization. With an extensive background in manufacturing and engineering, Gary previously held the position of Director of Manufacturing with Great Dane. 

Brooke Chase Associates



[Best Of SRQ Local]  Cast Your Vote For Best Local Fashion Boutique!

The fashion industry is one that moves quickly. Staying keen on the trends is something only L. Boutique could do with style last year as 2017’s Best Local Fashion Boutique. “I know I can walk into L. and find something casual or dressy,” shares Terry Lorenz. We want to hear what boutique has you shopping ‘til you drop! Vote now in SRQ’s 2018 Best of SRQ Local Readers Competition. 

Vote Here!

[TODAY]  GALLERY: Cast, Cut and Cold - Glass , January 8 – March 24

Technically amazing and visually stunning examples of creations by more than two dozen masters of glass art including Peter Bremers, Vadlec Ciglar and Irene Frolic astound in this exhibition. Numerous examples, styles and methods of glass casting and etching are represented in this one-of-a-kind gallery.

Ringling College of Art and Design Gallery, 2700 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[TODAY]  BUSINESS: Emily Larned , January 12 – March 17

This exhibition celebrates the ten-year anniversary of Impractical Labor in Service of the Speculative Arts (ILSSA), a social engaged art project founded in 2008 to investigate labor, time, and what we value. A selection from the first ten years of the project will be featured, and ILSSA co-founder Emily Larned will be in-residence in the gallery for the first two weeks of the show.

Ringling College of Art and Design Gallery, 2700 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: My Sarasota , February 1 – March 9

An illustrator, graphic designer and former student of the great Paul Rand, John Pirman unites influences from modern architecture and Swiss design to pop culture and old posters of the WPA for his own distinct, minimalist and symbolic style. See vibrant illustrations of Florida life, as well as Pirman’s own renderings of various pieces of modern architecture.

ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Bradenton Area River Regatta , February 3

The 2018 Bradenton Area River Regatta has it all, including speed, stars, and showmanship, in a free family spectacle that will have you holding your breath through every heart pounding moment. As Manatee County’s largest spectator event, the action is riveting and the thrills nonstop as world-class performers on and off the river showcase their awe-gasping athleticism and see-it-to-believe-it championship skills.

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: The Theatre Odyssey 6th Annual Student Ten-Minute Playwriting Festival , February 3 – May 5

View eight ten-minute plays selected for full production from the many submitted each year to this annual contest. Adjudicated by theater professionals, cash prizes will be awarded for the first place winner and runner-up.

Cook Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr., Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: SWAC Speaker Series , February 6, 6:30PM

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, President and CEO of the Rachel Carson Foundation, Doctor Robert Musil will discuss the social responsibility of sustaining the planet for future generations and global climate change. Each lecture is followed by a wine and cheese reception for members. 

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

[SOON]  THEATER: Rhinoceros , February 7 – April 14

A biting absurdist satire from Eugene Ionesco, a seemingly normal man wakes up, goes to work, drinks too much and flirts with his coworker, when normalcy is shattered by the thundering arrival of a full-grown rhinoceros. As the townsfolk transform into horned beasts around him, this man must contemplate the temptation and tragedy of following the herd. Directed by the Tony Award-winning Frank Galati.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Shakespeare's Greatest Hits , February 7 – June 10, Varies by day

"Brush Up Your Shakespeare" with the best of the Bard. This tongue-in-cheek musical revue is a collection of songs inspired by the world's greatest playwright. From relevant to irreverent, from soulful to sinful, from "Get Thee To A Nunnery" and "Othello's Rap" to "What A Pieve of Work is Man" and "Tonight." 

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Shivoo Havana Fashion Show , February 9, 11am-2:30pm

Get your SHIVOO on and come enjoy a boisterous celebration at the Shivoo Havana Fashion Show hosted by the Sarasota Garden Club at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom. This energetic occasion features a raffle silent auction, live Cuban music and a photo flower wall. The raffle prize includes a gardening tour for two in sunny Cuba.

Hyatt Regency Sarasota , 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: SRQ KidsFest , February 10, 12:00pm- 4:00pm

Launched as the brainchild of SRQ MEDIA President and CEO Lisl Liang as an experiential mosh-up of learning pathways, SRQ KidsFest deconstructs the whole mind ecosystem of creativity by curating an afternoon where curiosity, open-ended play, arts and design reign supreme. SRQ KidsFest is an experience designed to connect parents and kids with hands-on learning experiences, local engagement resources and opportunities in our region with a day teeming with exploration designed to deliver fun “a-ha” moments for the whole family.

In one afternoon program, SRQKidsFest will capture the power of imagination with interactive experiences with workshop such as letterpress, musical instruments, glass blowing, storytelling, architecture, arts and crafts and a variety of magical experiences designed to stir creativity.

Parents will be able to peruse booths showcasing the thoughtful programming, education and  family services available in our area from educational organizations to parenting resources, camps to sports and creative theatre to engineering.

Alfred R. Goldstein Library at Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 Bradenton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234

[SOON]  SEMINAR: SRQ ProjecTHINK Conference , February 10, 8:45am-12:00pm

PROJECTHINK is the ultimate exploration into the world of innovation and creativity in learning. Designed for educators, professionals and anyone interested in thinking outside of the box, PROJECTHINK will challenge perceptions and jumpstart creative sparks, from early education to lifetime learning. How is learning adaptive? What are the new perspectives on engaging minds creatively at every age? How can organizations cultivate innovation and creativity to solve challenges? These questions and more will be explored along with cutting edge concepts and research at this year's PROJECTHINK Conference.  

Ringling College's Alfred R. Goldstein Library, 2700 Bradenton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234

[SOON]  FOOD: Eight Over Eighty , February 11, 10:30 AM

Eight Over 80 brings another highly anticipated and sold-out audience to Michael’s On East. Guests will enjoy a delightful brunch (not to mention mimosas), while hearing inspiring stories from this year’s eight worthy nominees. Join the Jewish Housing Council Foundation for a positive and emotionally charged event to begin the New Year with a fresh perspective. 

The Westin Sarasota, 1175 N Gulfstream Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236.

[SOON]  MUSIC: From Dallas with Love , February 11, 3pm

Audrey Lander’s accolades are numerous enough to fill an anthology, with prominent roles in “Dallas,” “Love Boat,” “Fantasy Island,” “The Dukes of Hazard,” “MacGyver,” “Hollywood Squares,” “$100,000 Pyramid” and “Password.” Lander will be joining The Pops Orchestra to perform her favorite songs from the Great American Songbook. Witness a bonafide star and Lifetime Achievement Award winner in her element.

Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota

[SOON]  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

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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