Business Briefs

+ Key Club named No. 12 resort by Tennis Resorts Online
The Longboat Key Club & Resort was named the No. 12 tennis resort by Tennis Resorts Online.

The “Top 100 Tennis Resorts and Camps” list was released May 1 and features the top 75 tennis resorts and top 25 tennis camps. The website compiles the rankings by asking vacationers to assess resorts and camps in 20 categories.

The Key Club ranked No. 4 in the best game-matching categories.

Taking the No. 1 overall spot for best tennis resort was the Kiawah Island Golf Resort in Kiawah Island, S.C. — the island took the top spot in the Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s “Readers’ Choice Awards” North American island travel destinations in 2010, the year that Longboat Key took the No. 2 slot.

“We are honored to be included in such a prestigious group of top tier tennis resorts,” said Jeff Mayers, general manager of the Key Club, in a prepared statement. “Particularly important is the fact that results are achieved by meeting and exceeding the expectations of tennis enthusiasts from around the world. Our dedicated associates, the outstanding player experience at the Tennis Gardens and the exceptional amenities we offer here at the resort reflect our continued commitment to excellence.”

+ Jack Brill to run Metz Culinary Management division
Longboat Key resident Jack Brill will run the new Southern division corporate office of Pennsylvania-based Metz Culinary Management.

The foodservice company serves hospitals, schools and corporations and plans to expand in Florida and the Southeast.

“Jack will help us in our commitment to continue to grow the Florida market and surrounding area for all segments of the business,” Metz Culinary Management President and CEO Jeffrey Metz said in a prepared statement. “His addition to our team is a huge benefit for managing our current clients throughout the South.”

Brill has more than 25 years of retail and foodservice industry experience. He has owned and operated two foodservice businesses and has also worked with global food companies and military programs.

“I’m thrilled to join the Metz Culinary Management team,” Brill said in the statement, “and feel that we have services that are uniquely qualified for the South.”

+ Stephania Feltz named SYC member relations director
Stephania Feltz has been named member relations director at Sarasota Yacht Club.

Feltz served as executive director of Girls Inc. of Sarasota County for the past nine years. She is a former Sarasota County School Board employee who worked as a speech pathologist and, later, as coordinator for the Adult Education’s English for Speakers of Other Languages program.

“We are delighted to have someone of Stephania’s caliber and track record join us,” said Bernhard Kloppenburg, general manager of Sarasota Yacht Club, in a prepared statement. “She is so well respected within the community and has the relationship-building and operational skills that will take us to the next level of membership development, while also focusing on the member experience for both current and new members.”

+ First Bank seeks top dogs (and cats)
Are you a proud pet owner?

If so, you probably think your furry child is top dog (or cat). Well, First Bank is giving you the chance to prove it in its pet contest.

Drop off a picture of your pet at the Longboat Key First Bank branch in the Centre Shops or any First Bank Manatee County location, along with a voluntary donation to the Humane Society, through May 17.

Winners will be selected for cutest, biggest, smallest, most athletic, most unusual and best-dressed categories. Submissions are limited to one per branch. Voting will take place from May 20 through May 24. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Manatee County.

+ Chiles’ ‘Famous Ray’s’ mission becomes reality
Famous Ray’s is now a reality in the border town of Mae Sot, Thailand.

The Chiles Restaurant Group announced last week that the Burgers for Burma campaign, spearheaded by Christin Chiles, daughter of Ed Chiles, raised more than the $25,000 needed to open a Famous Ray’s restaurant in Thailand staffed by Burmese refugees.

The program allows locals to work, earn money and learn about entrepreneurialism.

“The people here don’t want handouts,” Ed Chiles wrote last month. “By opening a business, we will be able to create steady jobs for both the Thai and Burmese. The restaurant’s profits will be used to support and expand our ministries, as well as help fund our community development program in (a) Burmese village.”

For information, visit simplykingdom.org/invest.

+ Casa del Mar unveils new website
Casa del Mar’s revamped website, casadelmar.net, went live last week. The newly designed site includes a live reservations system. Ray Miller, of RealTech, designed the website.