Business Briefs

 

Mary Ellen Geick, a senior branch office administrator in the Englewood office of the financial services firm Edward Jones, recently announced her retirement after 15 years of service with the firm. “Mary Ellen has been my right arm,” Michael Ernsting said. “Not only has she been responsible for the daily operation of our branch, but she has worked closely with our clients.” To celebration her contribution to the clients served by the branch office, Ernsting is hosting an open house from 1 to 4pm on Saturday, May 4th at 501 S. Indiana Avenue. For more information, call 941•473•1053.

Englewood Area Board of Realtors held a paper shredding and food donation event on April 20th at their office, 3952 N. Access Road. Over 150 cars dropped off their old documents to be shredded and were generous with their canned good and cash donations for the food pantry at The Jubilee Center at St. David’s. Pictured here are (l-r): Karen Current, Andre Coleman, Kristin Davis, Kevin Mennerick, Jessica Sousa and Susana Jimenez.

Borrowing for Small Businesses
SCORE has partnered with Truist Bank to bring you information on why businesses borrow, where to turn for funding and how the lending process works to help get you to a smoother, smarter and often more successful outcome. This free webinar will be Thursday, May 9, noon to 1pm, and will include a Q&A session. The webinar will be led by Truist officers, Ann Luke, Senior VP and Zack Sink, Small Business Lending Product Manager. For more information and to register, go to score.org, enter Port Charlotte for location and select event. For questions, contact Sheila Davis at [email protected].

SCORE Webinars in May
Southwest Florida SCORE chapters are offering the following free webinars during the month of May. SCORE is a free organization powered by the Small Business Administration to foster small businesses through mentoring and education. “How SBA Loan Guarantees Really Work” will be Thursday, May 9, noon to 1pm. Learn the basics of how SBA loans work, the types, requirements, microloans, participating lenders and resources. Register at score.org/pascohernando. “How to Immediately Use AI to Help Your Business” is a webinar on Tuesday, May 14, noon to 1pm. Learn to use GPT to increase your productivity and knowledge and lower your costs. Register at score.org/pascohernando. “Mastering the Art of Negotiation for Small Business” is offered by Pasco-Hernando on Thursday, May 16, noon to 1pm. This webinar will focus on negotiation skills tailored specifically for small businesses: suppliers, clients or partners. Mastering the art of negotiation is essential. Register at score.org/pascohernando. “Business Planning: Feasibility, Forecasts and Financials” is offered by Manasota SCORE on Wednesday, May 22, noon to 1pm. Starting a business requires careful planning and analysis of the financial aspects of the venture. Learn how to estimate cash requirements for start-up, forecast cash flow and ongoing revenue and costs. Register at score.org/manasota.

On April 22nd, The Literacy Center for Dyslexia celebrated a grand opening at their new location, 2961 Placida Road, Suite 11. The organization offers customized learning solutions for kids with language-based learning disabilities such as dyslexia to support and develop each child’s unique learning talents through multisensory intervention. Learn more about their services at tlc4dyslexia.com or call 941•473•2266. TLC for Dyslexia director Tammy Tieu cuts the ribbon during a ceremony by the Englewood Chamber of Commerce.

Beach Road Boutique held a grand reopening celebration on April 25th in their new building at 1350 Beach Road, right next to the original location that sustained severe damage from Hurricane Ian. Stop by to check out all the coastal themed merchandise from home décor, jewelry, clothing, hats, housewares to gift items and artwork by local artists. The boutique is open daily, 10am to 6pm. Owner Jill Hemmes cuts the ribbon with her husband, Scott, behind her right shoulder, and staff members Susan Cromwell and Tracy Warren holding the ribbon next to her, along with Chamber of Commerce representatives and well-wishers in this photo.

The items appearing in this column are as accurate as possible. Please call the listed numbers for confirmation and further information. If you have an upcoming event you would like to have considered for “BIZ”, please send info and/or photo to The Englewood REVIEW, 370 W Dearborn St, Suite B, Englewood, FL 34223, or email: [email protected].