Business Observer

Strategies

May 25, 2023

Florida Aquarium launches creative plan to lure more businesses, donors

The Tampa aquarium has created a corporate membership program that aims to both raise money and create a cultural institution.

May 19, 2023

Strategy shift pays off for locally based homebuilder

No longer one of the little guys, Fort Myers-based Christopher Alan Homes — a $142M business — keeps expanding in Southwest Florida and statewide.

May 16, 2023

Popular Sarasota flower shop rebrands, plots expansion to new markets

After more than 35 years, Beneva is getting a brand makeover, with a focus on the emotional side of the company's products and services. "We do so much more than just florals," says the CEO.

May 10, 2023

Major Midwest hardware retailer buys land in Manatee

Wisconsin-based Menards has bought 30 acres of land east of Interstate 75.

Technology

May 18, 2023

Google takes seat on Tampa Bay Economic Development Council

In addition to its investment, the multinational tech giant has also donated $20,000 to the nonprofit Tampa Bay Economic Prosperity Foundation.

May 4, 2023

2023 Top Entrepreneur: Jesse Biter, founder, PropLogix, Sarasota

Jesse Biter, with a keen eye for spotting trends, has applied his tech-focused entrepreneurial skillset in commercial real estate, software and the auto industry.

May 2, 2023

Tampa health care IT company promotes president to CEO

Michelle Jaeger joined DAS Health in 2021 as the company’s COO.

April 5, 2023

British tech manufacturer to open Pasco County facility

Fusion5 will make laptops and tablets at new facility in Odessa, its second in the U.S.

Finance

May 25, 2023

Local financial adviser named to national list for the 14th time

Scott Pinkerton improved his ranking to 37 on the top 1,200 list.

May 21, 2023

Miami investor launches $250M multifamily fund targeting Tampa

A Tampa office building sells, a top real estate firm consolidates, and a major price drop top the week's commercial real estate news.

May 10, 2023

Lakeland-based credit union opens Bradenton branch

Three more branches in the region are expected to open by early 2024.

May 9, 2023

Startup SWFL bank adds office less than a year after debut

Gulf Coast Business Bank raised more than $20 million prior to opening.

After transitioning ownership, Tampa land dealer rolls on

With a rich history and grounded approach to doing deals, Eshenbaugh Land Co. continues to grow as it moves into the future with a foot firmly in the past.

After transitioning ownership, Tampa land dealer rolls on

Bradenton photographer has big plans for small-scale events

Columbia owner talks overcoming debt, resilience in commencement speech

Students as young as 14 forge entrepreneurial paths

Florida Aquarium launches creative plan to lure more businesses, donors

Strategy shift pays off for locally based homebuilder

Popular Sarasota flower shop rebrands, plots expansion to new markets

Major Midwest hardware retailer buys land in Manatee

Brandon mall acquired for $220 million

Historic Sarasota building sold for $17M — a year after buyer backed out

23,000-square-foot grocery store coming to downtown Sarasota

Pasco County mall sells for $70.5 million

SWFL specialty food company woos Kroger, Walmart executive

Three eateries in Tampa earn Michelin star

New flagship Fleming's steakhouse underway in Tampa, east Manatee next

Tampa bottled water company, amid investor scuffle, grows revenue by 4%

Google takes seat on Tampa Bay Economic Development Council

2023 Top Entrepreneur: Jesse Biter, founder, PropLogix, Sarasota

Tampa health care IT company promotes president to CEO

British tech manufacturer to open Pasco County facility

Local financial adviser named to national list for the 14th time

Miami investor launches $250M multifamily fund targeting Tampa

Lakeland-based credit union opens Bradenton branch

Startup SWFL bank adds office less than a year after debut

Local financial adviser named to national list for the 14th time

Historic Sarasota building sold for $17M — a year after buyer backed out

St. Petersburg’s public parks system ranks among nation's top 20

SWFL water quality testing company appoints plant manager

7 steps to making the hard changes in a family business a bit easier

Don't underestimate the value of a solid performance management plan

Win the day with employees — even in a tight labor market

Keeping the family business (and the family) together

How to avoid a major pitfall inherent in family business succession plans

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