SARASOTA -- The Sarasota County Commission will vote today on whether to grant $120,000 in performance-based incentives to a company known only as “Project Dish.” The manufacturing company would earn the incentives by generating 40 local jobs. Details of incentives agreements are confidential under state law.
Survey finds more foreign investment in Tampa Bay
TAMPA -- International firms are finding that Tampa Bay is an ideal location for manufacturing and wholesale trade operations, according to the 2011 Tampa Bay Foreign Direct Investment Study conducted by the Tampa Bay Partnership.
The study identified 480 foreign-owned companies from 41 nations, operating in a variety industries in the eight-county region. The 480 companies identified have 1,821 locations in our region employing over 41,500 people.
A previous Foreign Direct Investment Study was conducted in 2009 which identified 394 companies representing 34 countries.
The study was commissioned to provide data to identify future investment opportunities. “The study shows that the Tampa Bay region has attracted significant and varied investments from great companies from around the world,” said Stuart Rogel, president and chief executive officer of the Tampa Bay Partnership.
Homeowners has acquired HomeWise policies
TAMPA -- Homeowners Choice Inc., a Florida-based insurance holding company’s subsidiary, Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc., has acquired the Florida policies of HomeWise Insurance Co.
The terms of the deal, approved by the Florida insurance regulators, include the transfer to Homeowners Choice of up to 70,000 homeowners’ policies and approximately $53 million of unearned premium. According to Homeowners Choice, exact figures will be unavailable until ongoing policy cancellations and premium refunds are accounted for. “This acquisition nearly doubles the size of the company without doubling administrative expenses.” said Homeowners Choice Chief Executive Officer Paresh Patel.
LinkedIn will be topic of luncheon workshop
LAKEWOOD RANCH -- LinkedIn will be the topic presented at the AAF-Suncoast Business Development Workshop luncheon Nov. 17.
The workshop presented by Brian K. Volner will cover how LinkedIn can be used to benefit a business and to develop more business, and how it can serve in both recruiting and finding a job.
Volner manages Community Bank’s retail branches in East Manatee County. The luncheon is supported by the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County. It will be held at 11:30 a.m. the Polo Grill & Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop. The cost is $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. A discounted rate of $10 will be available for to the first 10 students who register.
Reservations are requested by Nov. 14. To make a reservation, call 941-928-7393 or email info@aafsuncoast.com.
Beck’s expands hours, offers holiday events
BRADENTON -- Beck’s has added an extra evening of dinner at its downtown Bistro, an extra hour of afternoon dining at its Manatee Avenue restaurant and three wine-tasting events around the Thanksgiving holiday.
The bistro, at 417 12th St. W., now will offer dinner Thursdays as well as Fridays and Saturdays. Beck’s Cafe & Restaurant, at 611 Manatee Ave. E., will now be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. instead of 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. And on Nov. 18, 25 and 26, Beck’s Bistro will offer a wine-tasting from 5 to 10 p.m. The events, highlighted by entertainment from local jazz/blues vocalist Bonnie Gray, will offer wine, cheese, bread and finger food for $20, or wine and dinner for $35. Reservations for the wine-tasting events are recommended at 941-896-7873.
Fannie Mae loss widens, asks taxpayers for $7.8B
WASHINGTON -- Mortgage giant Fannie Mae is asking the federal government for $7.8 billion in aid to covers its losses in the July-September quarter.
The government-controlled company says it lost $7.6 billion in the third quarter.
Low mortgage rates reduced profits, and declining home prices caused more defaults on loans it had guaranteed.
-- Herald staff, wire reports
