Business Observer 12.17.09

+ Fit2Run wins Two awards
Fit2Run has been named one of The 50 Best Running Stores in America for the second year in a row.
The award was presented by Formula 4 Media, producers of The Running Event, the largest conference and trade show for running specialty stores in North America.

The 50 Best Running Stores in America list is the result of a yearlong process that rates running stores based on customer service, relationship with the community and other factors.

Fit2Run also was named the winner of the 2009 Ubuntu Award created by Balega Sports International to honor one running store for its community service. Fit2Run earned the award largely because of its work developing a 497-acre wildlife and nature preserve and donation to help Manatee County purchase the land to create the Robinson Preserve.

Fit2Run is located at 8123 Cooper Creek Blvd. in the East County.

+ Lawson Group moves to Ranch
Lawson Group Architects Inc. has moved its corporate headquarters from Sarasota to a new two-story, 8,500-square-foot, green-certified building in Lakewood Ranch.

Lawson Group designed its new building, 4910 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., using sustainable and recycled materials.

“The building incorporates energy-efficient materials and building systems and showcases the latest environmentally responsible products,” said Donald Lawson, founder.

Strategies employed in the building and design include using locally available materials, upgraded insulation, a white heat-reflecting roof, indirect lighting controlled by motion sensors, high-efficiency air-conditioning equipment and low-maintenance landscaping.

Tom Wessel Construction served as the builder.

Lawson Group, Inc. just completed two nationally recognized projects for Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota and also is responsible for projects for the University of South Florida, New College, the Sarasota Bay Club, Kanaya Condominium, Keiser College and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

The firm is responsible for the planning and design of $350 million in new projects annually and has completed the planning and design for more than 230 churches nationally.

+ Neal opens new model in Lakewood
Neal Communities has opened its newest model, The Westover II, in the Greystone neighborhood of the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. The home is a part of the Club Series. The open, two-story home includes four bedrooms, four baths, bonus room, den and lanai. 

“This home is truly one of the finest luxury models we’ve created,” said Neal Communities President Pat Neal. “We designed it to meet the tastes of today’s demanding luxury buyers.”

Every lot in Greystone features a view of the private King’s Dunes Golf Course. Greystone is a maintenance-free community that also has nearby nature preserves, trails and walkways.

For more information, visit the Greystone Sales Center from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m., Sundays, at 7516 Greystone Street, Lakewood Ranch, or call 907-9275.