MANATEE -- Wachovia is lengthening its banking hours at 49 of its Gulf Coast branches.
The branches will feature longer lobby hours from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and until 6 p.m. Fridays. All branches will now have drive-up services from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
Wachovia recently installed envelope-free ATMs at all its 165 banking locations on the Gulf Coast as well as adding French and Russian languages to its ATMs in addition to English, Spanish, Chinese, Hmong, Korean and Vietnamese.
Sarasota chamber kick-off breakfast
SARASOTA -- The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s 91st annual Kick-Off Breakfast will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Jan. 14 at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Blvd. of the Arts.
“The initiatives that will be announced by the chamber’s leaders are designed to both help local employers and to create new jobs,” said Steve Queior, chamber president.
Cost is $35 for chamber members and $45 for nonmembers.
Designs for disabled young adults wanted
SARASOTA -- “Designing for Developmentally Disabled Young Adults” is now open for entries from architects, designers, artists and anyone with an idea that could transform the way young adults with disabilities experience the world. The winner of the competition will be announced at an April reception at Easter Seals.
Details and applications can be accessed at www.designmatters2.com and on Facebook.
Ideas can relate to anything including access to education, transportation, housing, social activities, friendships, exercise and fitness, independent living and decision making.
“Everyone is invited to participate -- everyone who believes they have an idea that could revolutionize ways in which services are offered to young people with disabilities,” says Dr. Kameron Partridge, vice president of programs and services at Easter Seals.
For more information, visit www.designmatters2.com.
Salon and Spa opens in Lakewood Ranch
LAKEWOOD RANCH -- Boutique Out East Salon & Spa will hold a grand opening Jan. 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. at 2559 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.
Guests will be treated to music from Joel Fisher Music and enjoy food from Chef Doug Hitchings. For more information, call (941) 746-1500 or visit www.boutiqueouteast.com.
BofA Corp.settles home loan buyback claims
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Bank of America Corp. is settling some buyback claims on bad home loans sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as it attempts to separate itself further from one of the of the housing downturn’s biggest headaches.
The nation’s largest bank also said Monday that the Federal Reserve has confirmed it no longer has any obligations under the government’s Troubled Asset Relief Program.
Motorola to officially split into two companies
NEW YORK -- Motorola Inc.’s formal split into two companies today will mark the final step in the yearslong breakup.
Motorola is splitting its consumer-oriented side from the professional business of selling police radios and barcode scanners.
-- Herald staff and wire report
