Business Observer

+ Home-Tech receives award for leadership and innovation
Home-Tech was one of four businesses honored with the Lee County Horizon Council’s Industry Appreciation Award in September. The award recognizes local businesses for leadership, innovation and community involvement in Southwest Florida. Home-Tech, which provides air-conditioning service and installation, major-appliance sales and service and home-service agreements, was honored in the “General Business” category.

“Though this award recognizes our work mainly in Lee County, our employees in Sarasota and Manatee counties are building the same Home-Tech legacy in those areas,” said Home-Tech founder and President Steve Marino, in a prepared statement. “We look forward to having the same positive impact on those communities as we have had here.”

+ Cork welcomes new staff
Jason Waganheim is the new general manager at Cork restaurant, 29 N. Blvd. of Presidents, St. Armands Circle. Waganheim is the former manager of Polo Grill and Bar, in Lakewood Ranch, and a graduate of Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

Cork said goodbye to chef Jeff Trefry, who is now a chef at Treviso Restaurant, in Sarasota. Chef Thomas Hodgson, who joined Cork in August, is still cooking up favorites at the restaurant.