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Strategies

  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 19, 2009
Furnishing Growth

CEO Ray Fluitsma is on a mission to diversify and enhance the markets for custom furniture and millwork from AMC Industries.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Jean Gruss
  • February 19, 2009
Positive AIG Effect

As companies shun the flashy resorts in this economic downturn, hoteliers like Fred Hirschovits hope corporate planners will pick the new Holiday Inn he recently opened.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 23, 2009
Foreclosure Frenzy

Making money in the foreclosure market, says one Gulfcoast broker, takes a potent mix of aggression and know-how.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 23, 2009
Full Count

As Lee County's point man for baseball, JohnYarbrough hopes to make Lee County the hub forprofessional teams' spring training. Batting first:the Boston Red Sox. On deck: the Baltimore Orioles.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 23, 2009
Maintain the Vision

At 91, Nathan Benderson, the founder and visionary behind Benderson Development Co., still maintains the same business mantra he devised when we was 16 years old.

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 15, 2009
Fantasy man

Telecommunications executive Joe DiMaiohas turned into an entrepreneur and now gives information to fantasy sports league players.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 15, 2009
Flight time

By holding down costs and offering competitive rates, Steven Santo has grown Avantair into a growing company in the private jet business.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 15, 2009
Bling for your walls

The wallpaper-installation business ishurting from the construction bust, but one company has found a way to thrive byproviding one-of-a-kind touches.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 15, 2009
Scary Success

Spending more than $8 million was just thebeginning of a golf and country club renovation plan. The renovation has since given way to a renaissance.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 15, 2009
GAME Prep

The underbelly of preparing for a Super Bowl is no easy region. Reid Sigmon is working with businesses, the National Football League and the community to host Super Bowl XLIII.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 15, 2009
Baseball Miracle

Can Fort Myers support two minor-league baseball teams? It's tough making money in that business, but the Fort Myers Miracle is witnessing growing attendance even as the economy slows.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 15, 2009
Caged Growth

Danielle Huff has dealt with a broad range of challenges in running a Gulf Coast-based baseball-dependent metals company, all the way up to union struggles. But she's close to finding her sweet spot.

  • Entrepreneurs
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 15, 2009
Corporate Report

Progress Energy Florida signs$7.7-billion nuclear plant dealHard To Treat Diseases tobuy Serbian cosmetics firmVeteran clothing exec Dyerhired to head Chico's FASThree Clockwork Home unitsmake mag's Franchise 500 listJohn Acosta appointed to leadWest Florida for Region Bank Sarasota CPA firmchanges name Home Shopping Network adopts stockholder rights plan Pegasus Imaging of Tampa acquires AccuSoft's imagingWalter Industries closes Jim Walter Homes Division

  • Industries
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 15, 2009
Calendar of Events

View events from around the Gulf Coast for free

  • Strategies
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Business Observer Staff
  • January 8, 2009
Strong Foundations

Ray and Susan Woolever serve the Gulf Coast in fillingsinkholes and developing quality standards for the practice.

  • Entrepreneurs
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