BUSINESS OBSERVER

+ Chamber seeks Small Business Award applications
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for the Frank G. Berlin Sr. Small Business Awards, which will take place Friday, May 10, at the Hyatt Regency, Sarasota.

Applications are available online at sarasotachamber.com Applicants must be in good standing with the chamber. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1.

Categories include: Small Business, Young Business, International Business, Non-Profit Organization, Woman Entrepreneur, Young Professional, Cultural Organization and Think Green Business. A panel of judges will select three finalists in each category, who will be recognized at the event.

+ Michael Rego joins Neal Homes as vice president of homebuilding
Michael Rego has joined John Neal Homes as vice president of homebuilding. Rego will spearhead the homebuilder’s growth and expansion in the custom-home market in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

“Michael Rego brings a solid community reputation and a wealth of experience to our established team,” said John Neal, president of the homebuilding company in a release. “His stellar reputation and solid building background in the region will help us continue our rapid growth in years to come.”

Rego is a Tampa Bay native with more than 30 years of experience in the residential and commercial real-estate industries. He’s a second-generation builder who began as a framing contractor. He has worked in the Sarasota real-estate market for 10 years.

+ Christa Hardin opens Reflections Counseling Center
Christa Hardin has opened Reflections Counseling Center LLC, at 630 S. Orange Ave., Suite 200K.

With several licensed therapists of varied specialties, the growing center treats couples, individuals, children and teens. Areas of specialization include anxiety, addiction, depression and many other types of psychological distress.

“I am thrilled to partner with competent therapists who offer clinically sound, cost-effective, solutions-focused therapy,” said Hardin, who is licensed as a mental health counselor in Florida. Hardin is also a writer, teacher and speaker for children and adults. Her staff of counselors offers short-term therapy packages on marriage, wellness, parenting, art therapy and marital intensives for couples in crisis.

+ Super Value Nutrition celebrates 36th anniversary
Super Value Nutrition celebrated its relocation with a grand-opening party Saturday, Jan. 19, at its new location, 4892 S. Tamiami Trail, in Sarasota. After many years as a retail fixture on Main Street in downtown Sarasota, Super Value Nutrition is the newest tenant at The Landings.

A family-owned and operated business for the past 36 years, Super Value offers a range of name brand vitamins, supplements, minerals, herbs, weight-loss and sports nutrition products.