MANATEE - The Manatee Chamber of Commerce has formed a "green" initiative committee to foster education about commonsense energy and environmental policies.
The committee kicks off its first meeting at 8:30 a.m. on May 28 with the presentation, "Going Green. . . What Does It Really Mean?"
Keynote speakers will include state Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, who has sponsored key energy and environmental legislation and serves on the board of the Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida.
Gerald "Jerry" Karnas, bexecutive director for the Florida Climate Project for Environmental Defense, will also speak.
The event will be held at the Manatee Chamber, 222 10th St. W. in Bradenton.
For more information, contact Neil Spirtas or Lisa Reeder at (941) 748-3411.
Workshop announced
SARASOTA - Five local businesses will present three collaborative workshops on June 11, July 9 and Aug. 13 that will be geared to entrepreneurs.
The goal of the workshops is to teach the basics of starting up a business and maintaining its growth.
All three workshops will be held from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Webster University, 8043 Cooper Creek Blvd. in Sarasota.
The first workshop will focus on business basics. The second workshop will encompass computer equipment and boosting a business through the Internet. The final workshop will discuss printing and printing products.
Cost for attending the workshops is $20 each, or $50 for all three.
For more information, visit www.focusonbusiness fl.com, or call Karen Tibbs at (941) 342-0442, ext. 1.
Store opening
SARASOTA - A second New Balance concept store in the area, New Balance University, is slated to open June 1. The store will celebrate its grand opening through the month of June with special sales, discounts and free merchandise.
It will be the first in the country to roll out a highly-advanced retail design that New Balance Athletic, Inc. has pioneered in several phases. New Balance University features many merchandising, display and "green" design advances that better highlight performance technologies, product offerings, and brand integrity while incorporating sustainable materials.
"I am thrilled we're opening our second New Balance concept store with so many customer-friendly and environmentally-friendly features," said David Jackson, a co-owner with his wife, Molly. "Many of our customers have traveled great distances to get the perfect fit, and the new location just off I-75 will be a major convenience for them."
The store at 6573 S. Tamiami Trail on Gulf Gate Drive, east of Tamiami, will also offer a complete line of New Balance performance footwear. Information, (941) 921-3696.
M&I recognized
MANATEE - Marshall & Ilsley Corporation (M&I), the holding company of M&I Bank, with offices in Manatee and Sarasota, has been recognized as one of Fortune magazine's "America's Most Admired Companies" and has also received awards from Greenwich Associates and PLANSPONSOR magazine.
M&I ranked No. 4 in the super-regional banks category in Fortune's survey.
The bank also received six business banking service excellence awards from the 2007 Greenwich Associates survey and M&I Wealth Management received 67 "Best in Class" awards from PLANSPONSOR magazine's 2007 Defined Contribution survey.
M&I, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., was founded in 1847 and has $63.4 billion in assets.
- Herald staff reports
