BUSINESS OBSERVER

+ RE/MAX’s Samler expands business
Rebecca Samler, a Realtor with RE/MAX Alliance Group, has named Dave Samler, as her administrative and operations consultant.

A longtime Saint Stephens’s Episcopal School athletic director and baseball coach, Samler brings with him a wealth of administrative skill and is proficient in systems building and analysis. After 33 years, Dave has retired from Saint Stephen’s and will be assisting multi-million-dollar producer Samler in her real estate business.

For more, contact Samler, 737-7955, or visit www.RebeccaSamler.remax.com.

+ Jon Talamas joins MGA Insurance Group
Jon Talamas recently joined MGA Insurance Group as a commercial account executive.

“Jon’s expertise in the commercial property, casualty, and workers compensation fields will help enhance the resources that we offer to our clients and prospective clients,” CEO Lou Marinaccio said.

Talamas will aid business owners in mitigating their level of risk while controlling costs of protection.

+ Caldwell Trust Co. welcomes trust officer
Lakewood Ranch resident Scott T. Antritt has joined Caldwell Trust Co. as a trust officer at the company’s Sarasota Office.

Antritt, a native of Ohio, has worked in dual positions in Zanesville as a trust associate with Century National Bank and as a financial adviser with Raymond James Financial Services since 2006. Previously, he worked as a financial adviser with MetLife Financial Service and as an independent registered securities representative with Brecek & Young Financial Advisors.

Antritt holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance and insurance. He also has completed the Certified Financial Planner curriculum in the College for Financial Planning. Contact Scott at [email protected] or call 926-9336. For information about Caldwell Trust Co., visit www.ctrust.com.

Neal sees continued rise in home sales
Neal Communities continues to see a rise in home sales as it starts the new year.

The company reported 33 homes sold in January, a 43% increase from the same time in 2011.

The Lakewood Ranch-based residential developer and home builder finished 2011 with 403 home sales for the year.

“It’s a great start to the new year for our team, and with the continuation of the low interest rate environment and a further rise in incomes and employment, we look forward to a strong 2012,” Neal’s President Pat Neal said.

In January, Neal’s new community, Woodbrook, located off Lockwood Ridge Road, led home sales, with seven homes sold. Central Park, in Lakewood Ranch, followed with five home sales.