Names and faces: Nov. 6, 2017

The Office of the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, headed by Angel Colonneso, received three awards from the Government Finance Officers Association. The office received two Certificates of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award. The office was recognized for reports that demonstrate high standards of transparency and readability for non-experts.

Tom Seguin, a master gemologist and owner of Suncoast Gems in Bradenton, completed the USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) class as required by the American Society of Appraisers to maintain senior appraiser status. There are more than 3 million appraisers listed in the United States and only slightly more than 3,000 have taken the course as required by the IRS to be able to perform appraisals for the U.S. Treasury. In addition to the class, to maintain senior status with the ASA, an appraiser must complete 20 hours a year in continuing education in his discipline.

Carol Chew was named community liaison for Home Helpers of Bradenton, a provider of senior care and non-medical in-home care. She has 16 years of business development and marketing experience in the health care industry and will work to create a thorough strategic vision and business acumen to enhance the level of service and education provided to clients, families, health care providers, and senior care providers throughout Bradenton and surrounding areas.

John Saputo and his team at Sarasota-based Gold Coast Eagle Distributing received the Ambassadors of Excellence Big Jake Award. The Ambassadors of Excellence Big Jake Award is Anheuser-Busch’s highest honor and recognizes top-performing wholesalers for their commitment to excellence in all facets of their operation, including facilities and fleet management, sales, marketing and community outreach. Only 23 of 465 Anheuser-Busch distributors in the United States have achieved this distinction.

Terri Marcoux joined Wagner Realty’s El Conquistador office. She has 19 years of real estate experience, specializing in relocation and business development. She was a broker of her own real estate company and was a top producer for Coldwell Banker, and also managed Allen Tate Realtors.

Chip Brooks joined Coastline West Realty of Florida’s Bradenton office as a broker associate. He has held a Florida real estate broker’s license since 1992 as well as a Florida home inspector’s license. A resident of the Bradenton area since 1977, Brooks is a U.S. Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Master Professional. He joined IMG Academy at its inception and played an instrumental role in its growth through direction of its junior and adult tennis programs.

Rick Rizner, a veteran culinary and hospitality professional, was named executive chef for the lakefront restaurant at Del Webb Lakewood Ranch’s 55-and-over community. Rizner has more than 20 years of food and beverage experience, and most recently was Chef de Tournant at The Founders Club in Sarasota. As executive chef at Del Webb Lakewood Ranch, Rizner will be hiring staff and creating the menu.

This story was originally published November 5, 2017 at 8:40 AM with the headline "Names and faces: Nov. 6, 2017."