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Strategies

    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • July 8, 2020
Even in times of crisis, nimble companies can utilize interns

An area university is encouraging businesses to transition from in-person to remote internships this summer and fall. Officials have some key tips about how to make it a smooth and productive transition.

  • Strategies
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • July 1, 2020
Homebuilder uses key manufacturing strategy — continuous improvement — to build affordable homes faster and better

The GulfStar Homes team was busy in May and June catching up with pent-up demand.

  • Strategies
    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • July 1, 2020
Boat, RV dealers ride sales surge

Travel trepidation, coupled with shutdown of schools, camps and sports, has area boat and RV dealers riding high. Supply issues could crush the wave.

  • Strategies
    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • June 11, 2020
One direction: Marketing firm's business surges amid pandemic

St. Petersburg, Florida-based Marketing Direction has done well in the COVID-19 crisis, taking on three new clients and seeing 86 percent revenue growth.

  • Strategies
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • June 10, 2020
As businesses reopen after COVID-19 shutdowns, signage becomes more prominent than ever

From messages about social distancing to messages of gratitude, area signage companies say signs can help businesses make customers and employees more comfortable.

  • Strategies
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • June 10, 2020
During pandemic, region’s community foundations harness customer service tactics

To quickly make a difference during the coronavirus, community foundations are making processes easy for both nonprofits and donors.

  • Strategies
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • June 3, 2020
College creates program to help businesses reenter the marketplace

Florida Gulf Coast University takes the lead on a big project: helping businesses prove they are ready to reopen.

  • Strategies
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • May 20, 2020
Furniture stores see range of impacts from pandemic

Facing store closures, reopenings and supply chain issues, furniture stores are working to make sure customers feel comfortable shopping, whether in stores or online.

  • Strategies
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 15, 2020
Real estate sector opens new portal for sales

Agents and brokers embrace a once-unthinkable reality: selling homes without an in-person showing.

  • Strategies
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • May 6, 2020
Nimble entrepreneurs create opportunities to connect with vendors, farmers and customers

When the pandemic closed the door to one segment of customers, two business leaders, in separate efforts, found new ways to reach people.

  • Strategies
  • By Mark Gordon and Grier Ferguson
  • May 1, 2020
Resilient farmers fight back against coronavirus

The region’s agriculture sector is scrambling to keep up with rapid-fire shifts in demand, forcing some unseemly scenes — like 7,000 gallons of spilled milk. But creative solutions are percolating.

  • Strategies
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • April 30, 2020
Manufacturer splits employees into two teams during pandemic, sees increased competition, motivation

Sarasota-based Cruise Car has seen more demand lately for its medical carts.

  • Strategies
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • April 30, 2020
Volunteer effort uses 3D printers to make face shields for area medical professionals

Beyond helping health care workers, the volunteers are learning key business lessons in efficiency and teamwork.

  • Strategies
    By
  • Brian Hartz
  • April 29, 2020
More hand sanitizer flows from brewery

Big Storm Brewing co-owner L.J. Govoni says the Clearwater, Florida-based brewery's switch to hand sanitizer has helped accelerate its plans to launch a line of distilled spirits. Courtesy photo.

  • Industries
    By
  • Grier Ferguson
  • April 23, 2020
Farm market rolls out drive-thru service for groceries

To give customers another shopping option during the crisis, an area company brainstormed different options before landing on a drive-thru. It already has customers asking if the service will stay post-pandemic. 

  • Strategies
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