New executive board elected at Manatee Chamber

BRADENTON -- The Manatee Chamber of Commerce has named its 2013 executive committee and board of directors.

The chairman of the board is Thomas Seguin of Suncoast Gems. Other officers include

Chairman-Elect Rae Dowling, Florida Power & Light; Immediate Past Chairman John Horne, Anna Maria Oyster Bar; Vice Chairman, Community Development & Communication Jonathan Fleece, Blalock Waters, P.A.; Vice Chairman, Membership Development & Services Todd Pokrywa, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch Inc.; Vice Chairman, Public Policy & Small Business Trudy Moon, Air & Energy; Chairman, Economic Development Corp. John Rice, Rice's Appliance & TV and Outdoor Power Equipment; Treasurer Kevin DiLallo, Manatee Memorial Hospital; President Robert Bartz, Manatee Chamber of Commerce.

easyhome Ltd. franchise opens in Bradenton

BRADENTON -- easyhome Ltd., a Canadian merchandise leasing company, is opening an easyhome franchise store today at 10 a.m. at 807 Cortez Road W.

The store offers home furnishings, appliances, electronics and computers through a lease-to-own payment program.

There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony along with free refreshments and door prizes.

Murphy ends consulting at The Concession

ANNA MARIA ISLAND -- Sean Murphy, owner of the Beach Bistro and three Eat Here restaurants in Anna Maria Island, has concluded his consulting and management dining room responsibilities at The Concession Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch.

"The Concession Bistro is in great shape and I'm leaving it in very capable hands," said Murphy.

AAF-Suncoast Student Scholarship Available

SARASOTA -- AAF-Suncoast is offering a $1,000 scholarship to a student pursuing a certificate or degree in advertising, marketing, graphic design, communications or a related field.

The scholarship will be awarded in installments of $500 per semester for two semesters. Eligible students must apply by Feb. 1.

For eligibility requirements and application details, visit the AAF-Suncoast website at http://www.aafsuncoast.com/education/ad-student-scholarship/.

Regent cruise ship gets new look, new home

A newly refurbished Seven Seas Navigator departed PortMiami Thursday on a 10-night Caribbean cruise dubbed "Coral Reefs & Silver Sands."

It's the second sailing from South Florida for Regent Seven Seas Cruises' 490-passenger ship since undergoing a major renovation in mid-May, company officials said. The cruise line's parent company, Prestige Cruise Holdings Inc., gave the media a tour of the ship Thursday.

-- Herald staff reports