Sep
12
In SW Florida’s economy, comedy is no funny business
By SARA FITZPATRICK
Associate Editor
Did you hear the one about the comedy club that’s cleaning up in a down economy?
That may sound like a joke. It’s not.
“Comedy is actually doing well.,” said Scott Saxon, general manager for the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center. “It has certainly survived because people need to laugh. There’s always so much bad news out there that people want to come and feel good.”
Folks are choosing “staycations” over that trip to the Grand Canyon. They’re also rummaging through their stash of nice china to approximate a dinner out. However, many are still managing to scrape together enough bucks to go have a few yuks.
Sep
12
City’s site selection process gets professional help
By JESSICA HEHIR
Business Writer
A workshop will be held later this month to help effectively shape the future of Cape Coral’s business sector. The event comes on the heels of large budget cuts and major restructuring of the Cape Coral Economic Development Office in August.
On Sept. 23 at Palmetto Pines Country Club, two leading national experts will discuss the strengths and weaknesses facing Cape Coral from a site-selection standpoint. They will weigh in on the types of businesses that are the best fit for the city, and techniques that can be used to diversify Cape Coral’s economy, to be more competitive and attract new businesses.
Current Economic Development Director Mike Jackson expects about 200 community and business leaders to attend.
“There is a relative lack of broad based dialog around regional issues,” he said.
Sep
12
“Nothing stays the same - but there is always opportunity.”
By PENNY DEUTSCH
Business Writer
When Maryann Mize decided to become a banker, she had no idea she would also become a teacher – and an exclusive one at that.
Mize – senior vice president/senior credit officer at Charlotte State Bank and past president of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce – is one of only 95 professionals in the world designated as a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) instructor.
A CCIM is a recognized expert in the disciplines of commercial and investment real estate. While 9,000 professionals currently hold the CCIM designation across North America and more than 30 countries, approximately 10,000 additional professionals are applying for or awaiting CCIM designation – and there is a 15 percent failure rate.
Of the estimated 150,000 commercial real estate practitioners nationwide, only 6 percent hold the CCIM designation.
With 25 years of banking experience in a variety of professional positions, there don’t seem to be any glass ceilings stopping her from achieving the rewards of her dedication to her career.
Sep
12
Charlotte commercial passengers airborne again
Filed Under Aviation, Economic Development | Leave a Comment
Direct Air may redeem terminal investment
By BOB MASSEY
Editor
Starting Nov. 22, snowbirds will have a new way to fly into Southwest Florida.
After Skybus dissolved into perdition – the airline went belly up in April, citing astronomical fuel costs – salvation has come to Charlotte County Airport (PGD).
The angel is Direct Air, a small, low-cost carrier based in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
You can’t save souls in an empty church, nor redeem the investment of a $5.5 million, 16,000-square-foot terminal in an airport devoid of commercial passengers.
But pessimists about PGD’s future may soon be converted.
Sep
12
Beyond the bottom line
Filed Under Business Builders, Vince Crew columns | Leave a Comment
Things CEOs SHOULD be doing in this economy
By VINCE CREW
There’s one thing the experts and we mere mortals know about what’s going on in today’s economy: NO ONE knows what’s going on!
I don’t want to be too cynical, but let’s face it: Not only have the rules changed, I don’t even recognize the game anymore.
People who can’t afford things are getting them nonetheless, and we’re bailing them out. Oh, pardon me – Congress is. I know, I know, but I actually heard a fellow say, “We should let Congress bail these people out OR the taxpayers are going to have to.” Scary huh? But I digress.
Whenever the issues of strategic thinking and planning comes about, some are quick to respond, “I just wanna make the next payroll.” While that may bring a smile, if your business has been reduced to a bi-weekly modus operandi, it’s too late. If, however, you’ve had the fiscal discipline and prudence thus far, and want to strive for the long haul, there are questions that can get you on track.
Sep
12
What’s the SCORE
Filed Under Editorial & Guest Columns | Leave a Comment
Devise a backup plan for your business data
By GUS BUENZ
Naples SCORE Counselor
You know what time of year it is by watching the weatherperson on TV point to an area in the South Atlantic or Caribbean and talk in serious tones about a tropical this or that. Yes, it’s hurricane season and we have already seen Fay, Gustav, Hanna… And, as of this writing, Ike and Josephine are headed our way.
We know how to prepare our businesses and homes for these potential disasters but there is one part of your business that you may be forgetting and it relates to your critical business documents. Do you have them backed up?
-
Subscribe Now
Get 26 issues of Southwest Florida Business Today! [by major credit card] We'll help you stay on top of your business game. Subscribe Now!