Merger helps Regions: The recently announced $10 billion merger of two Alabama banks should help the new Regions Financial Corp. in Sarasota, at least on paper.Construction hammered less: Is the world truly rosier from beneath a hard hat? High fliers: The boom times are continuing at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. President Fred Piccolo reports that air traffic continues to grow: It was up 10% over last year, which comes off an 18% jump the previous year. What, me not worry: Part stock analyst, part historian and part scold, Richard X. Bove worries about the future of the American economy.Mel's Diner expanding: Retro-themed Bonita Springs-based restaurant chain Mel's Diner is expanding with two new locations it hopes to open on Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Recognizing risk takers: From a self-made man who never attended college to a Harvard grad, the seven Tampa-area chief executives among the 30 Florida finalists for Ernst & Young's 2006 Entrepreneur of the Year award are a diverse lot.'Take it to the Hill': The June 18-20 national small business summit in Washington, D.C., will include tips on running a business, as well as politicking with members of Congress and a keynote address by the president and CEO of eBay.
