Business Observer 09.09.10

+ Saunders agent earns GRI designation
Ed Tarr, agent in the Lakewood Ranch office of Michael Saunders & Company, has earned the Graduate REALTOR Institute designation.

Tarr attended a series of classes that cover a variety of important subjects including contract law, professional standards, sales and marketing, finance and risk reduction. With their training, knowledge of real estate and dedication to quality service, agents with the GRI designation are nationally recognized as top performers in the real estate industry.

For more information, contact Ed Tarr at 266-3322 or by e-mail at [email protected].

+ Donations hit $250K through GE partnership
General Electric has again donated to the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, bringing the grand total to close to $250,000 since its first contribution in 1994.

GE is the single largest donor to the fund since its inception.

“When GE first became a community sponsor in 1994, we knew giving back to the community was something we wanted to commit to every year,” said Kreg Hickman, GE’s regional manager. “Not only do we feel it is critical to support the community that supports us, but it also gives value to the Lakewood Ranch builders when they carry our products and value to the residents buying homes here.”

Since the first home was sold in Lakewood Ranch, 1% of the price of all GE appliances put into every home has gone directly into the fund, an idea that began with Hickman and former Lakewood Ranch CEO John Clarke, a pioneer in the creation of the fund. This year GE’s donation was just more than $8,000.

The fund grants money to local non-profit organizations every year.

“GE’s continuing commitment to our community exemplifies the good that comes out of positive corporate giving,” said Keith Davey, president of the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund. “Their generosity has allowed us to help so many schools, charities and deserving organizations in the Lakewood Ranch area, making this an even better place to live and work.

“Equally important, GE’s giving has allowed us to grow our fund balance to over $1 million,” he said. “We value their partnership and the example they have set for corporate philanthropy. We hope their example is inspirational to other fine organizations who serve the Lakewood Ranch area.”

+ Tervis CEO to speak at business alliance series
Laura Spencer, president and CEO of Tervis Tumbler, will be the guest speaker at the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance’s next Executive Briefing at 7:30 a.m., Sept. 15, at Keiser University, 6151 Lake Osprey Drive, Lakewood Ranch.

As president and CEO, Spencer oversees all areas of the company that manufacturers America’s favorite insulated drinkware. She is also a member of the privately held company’s board of directors.

Spencer first joined Tervis in 1997 as Controller. She was promoted to the positions of CFO and COO before taking the reins as CEO in November 2006. Spencter is a graduate of the University of Florida and a 2010 graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program. She is a graduate of Leadership Sarasota 2006 and the Gulf Coast Leadership Institute 2008 and an executive board member of the Economic Development Corporation.

Cost its $15 for members, $25 for non-members. Seating is limited so RSVP early.

For more, contact Robin Parsons at 757-1664 or [email protected].