Business Observer 04.01.10

+ Wetherington unveils new models
In response to current economic conditions, East County-based Lee Wetherington Homes last week unveiled three new models starting at $247,300.

Construction on the first, the Mira Vista II, is scheduled for a mid-May completion in Valderrama, Country Club East, in Lakewood Ranch. This home features a master suite and private guest suite, a gathering room with dining area, a den and a kitchen with a countertop bar and eat-in area. The model under construction also includes a sitting room off the master suite and a third bedroom, increasing its size to 2,334 square feet, plus an expanded three-car garage. Pricing begins at $247,300.

The Sanibel provides two bedrooms, two baths and a den within its 1,989 square feet. An optional third bedroom suite off the den brings the size of this home up to 2,313 square feet. This design includes a two-car garage. The price for the Sanibel begins at $250,200.

The Summerpointe II’s design at 2,477 square feet includes three bedrooms, three baths, a large gathering room, a den, separate living and dining rooms, and a three-car garage. Pricing begins at $312,300.  

For more information, call 907-7019.

+ AJC honors Nate Benderson
Nate Benderson, founder and CEO of Benderson Development Company, received the American Jewish Committee’s Human Relations Award at a special ceremony March 14 at Michael’s On East. Longtime Sarasota resident Sanford Milter received the AJC’s Legacy of Leadership Award. 

Nearly 300 people crowded the ballroom to congratulate the two men.

Juan Dircie, assistant director of the Greater Miami-Broward Chapter of AJC, delivered the keynote address. As an expert in Latin-American issues and the relationship between the Latino and Jewish communities in the United States and internationally, Dircie spoke of Iran’s growing presence in Latin America. Harold Halpern, a longtime friend of Benderson, spoke of the East County businessman, and Molly Schechter spoke about Sanford Milter.

AJC, the oldest human rights organization in the United States, bestows the annual Human Relations Award on individuals who respond to the immediate needs of their community and who are instrumental in leading others to achieve their highest goals.  Additionally, the Legacy of Leadership Award honors those who demonstrate commitment and leadership to their community.

+ Concession names events coordinator
The Concession Golf Club promoted Nikki Taylor to strategic partnerships and special events coordinator.
Taylor has been with The Concession for nearly two years and previously held a membership position for the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota.

Taylor’s new duties include scheduling private and corporate events such as weddings, banquets and corporate retreats. The role will have her working closely with local communities and businesses. 

Currently, Taylor serves as president of Designing Daughters, a committee under the Designing Women Boutique Board of Sarasota, as well as chair of Junior League Signature Luncheon, chair of Van Wezel Program Book and committee member of Orchid Ball.

+ Jim Soda earns top Prudential award
Jim Soda of the Jim Soda Group received the Chairman’s Circle Gold Award at the recent Prudential Palms Realty 2009 awards ceremony held at the Mertz Theatre at the Asolo.

The Gold level recognizes the top 2% of Prudential agents nationwide based on gross commission income or closed units. This is the sixth year Soda has achieved Chairman’s Circle status.

“Jim is not only an outstanding, customer service-driven sales professional but a great person as well,” said Prudential Palms Realty CEO Helen Sosso. 

Soda is the No. 1 agent in Lakewood Ranch, according to Trendgraphix.

For more information, contact Jim Soda at 961-5857, 552-2666 or [email protected].