Business Observer 03.04.10

+ Neal reports strong sales trend
Lakewood Ranch-based homebuilder Neal Communities has closed 47 contracts since the beginning of the year — including four for more than $1 million — the company reported this week.

“Sales in the $1 million range show me that the astute buyers are back in the market,” said President Pat Neal. “They are buying luxury and second homes. We know that nationwide, new home sales are still struggling, but clearly, we are leading the way here.”

Since the first of the year, the company has sold eight homes in the Greystone, Stone Ridge and Silverwood neighborhoods in Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. Out-of-market buyers from around the United States, including Colorado and North Carolina, as well as international buyers from Columbia and South America have purchased homes in 2010. In its more affordable River Sound community, Neal reports selling 111 of the 182 available homes in its first year. Finally, Central Park, the newest village in Lakewood Ranch, is scheduled to open this July. The 800-home community north of State Road 70 and east of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard will feature several models introduced in River Sound as well as a 10-acre park.

For more information, visit nealcommunities.com.

+ Tulman joins MGA Insurance
Karen Tulman is the newest member of MGA Insurance Group, the company announced last week.

Tulman will work from the company’s Lakewood Ranch office. She is licensed and has been in the insurance field in the local Sarasota and Bradenton community for 15 years.

MGA Insurance Group sells personal and business insurance solutions in all 50 states and U.S. territories. It is headquartered at 9024 Town Center Parkway in Lakewood Ranch.

For more information, visit www.mga-insurance.com.

+ Fitness studio adds nutrition consultants
East County-based 20 Minutes to Fitness has added a nutrition program, the company announced recently.

The program starts with an introductory session with a nutrition manager. If a person elects to participate, the program continues with an initial one-hour consultation and five additional half-hour sessions. Nutrition managers include Melanie Kasper and Cathy English, who have received the nutrition specialist and nutrition manager certifications through the American Academy of Sports Dietitians and Nutritionists.

For more information, call 309-8989 or visit www.20MinutesToFitness.com. 

+ Manatee hospital names new VP
Manatee Memorial Health System announced Kevin DiLallo as its new group vice president beginning March 15.

In his new role, DiLallo will be responsible for overseeing the operations at Manatee Memorial Health System, which includes Manatee Memorial Hospital and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

DiLallo joined UHS in February 1998 as COO of Wellington Regional Medical Center and was promoted to CEO/managing director in May 2000. He has received UHS recognition by earning the Chairman’s Council Award on three occasions and the Eagle Award once.

DiLallo received his bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University in New Jersey and a master’s degree in business administration from Florida Institute of Technology. He and his wife, Jo-Ann, have three children. Their eldest, Matthew, 22, is a graduate of University of Colorado, Marcus, 20, is a second-year student at Yale University, and Andrew, 19, is a freshman at Davidson College in North Carolina.