Business Observer

+ Crawford opens Edward Jones branch on Circle
Rick Crawford has opened an Edward Jones branch at 443 John Ringling Blvd., Suite 1220 on St. Armands Circle. Crawford worked on the Circle at A.G. Edwards from 1990 to 2000, during which he was actively involved with the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce. At Edward Jones, Crawford focuses on individual investors and small businesses.

Crawford said that he is pleased to be back on the Circle and plans to be active in the St. Armands Circle Association. At his new office, he is holding a year-round school supply drive with a collection bin outside of his office.

“This is a year-long process,” he said. “We hope that we can keep it active all through the year.”

+ Sarasota Manatee Originals offers 30% discounts
The Sarasota-Manatee Originals will offer $35,000 in discounted dining certificates Friday, Sept. 24. The organization, which consists of more than 50 local restaurants, will offer $50 gift certificates for $35 and $25 gift certificates for $17.50.

Certificates are available at freshoriginals.com.

Kate Atkin, executive director of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, urges customers to visit the group’s website soon.

“Whenever we offer these discounts, people flock to the site and buy them up within a matter of days — sometimes hours,” she said in a prepared statement.