BUSINESS OBSERVER

+ Florida Chamber of Commerce president to speak at kick-off breakfast
Florida Chamber of Commerce President Mark Wilson will speak at The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce 93rd Annual Kick-Off Breakfast Friday, Feb. 8. Wilson will present the Six Pillars framework, which is an organizing concept for strategic planning at the local, regional and state levels. For information, visit sarasotachamber.com or call 556-4056.

+ Cutting Loose Salon celebrates its fifth year in business
Last month, Cutting Loose Salon celebrated its five-year anniversary.

Founded by stylist Coral Pleas, the salon has grown from a staff of four to 50.

“I have enjoyed being a hairdresser for the last 30 years and look forward to playing the role of CEO and visionary for our company,” said Pleas, who operates the business with her children, Travis and Taelor. “We are thankful for all our customers and for the growth and success we have enjoyed since we opened in 2008.”

The salon has received numerous accolades; Salon Today magazine recognized it in 2011, 2012 and 2013 as a Top 200 Salon in America, and it was voted “Best Hair Salon” by Living on the Suncoast in 2012.
Cutting Loose is a member of Intercoiffure America/Canada.

Cutting Loose has locations at 8429 Honore Ave., in University Park; 1950 Main St., in Sarasota; and is opening another Lakewood Ranch location in the second quarter of 2013, at 5820 Ranch Lake Blvd., Building B, Unit 112.

+ CrossFit Sarasota opens a new Sarasota location on McAshton Street
CrossFit Sarasota will hold workout demonstrations from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at its new location, CrossFit SRQ, 4520 McAshton St.

“CrossFit is varied, functional movement at a high intensity,” said owner David Gil.

The classes are structured to be small, so there is more individualized attention on each participant.

“It’s awesome because you have like-minded people together, and the community aspect is great,” Gil said.
CrossFit Sarasota also has a location at 6321 Porter Road, Suite 9. For information, visit crossfitsarasota.com.

+ Goodwill Manasota names Christopher Davis to new veterans program
Goodwill Industries Manasota Inc. recently named Christopher Davis to spearhead the organization’s new American Veterans and Their Families Initiative. The program is enjoying a strong launch, thanks to a recent $25,000 grant from JPMorgan Chase, as well as support from other area businesses and foundations.

“The local community has been extremely supportive of this program,” said Bob Rosinsky, president of Goodwill Manasota, in a release. “With their help, we can create a seamless case-management system that will support each veteran’s unique strengths and needs regarding housing, family, education and other challenges.”

The American Veterans and Their Families Initiative was designed to expand Goodwill Manasota’s services to respond to the multitude of challenges faced by veterans, their families and the families of those who serve in active duty.