BUSINESS OBSERVER

+ Helbing recognized by Medical Economics
Wealth management adviser Rick Helbing was mentioned in Medical Economics’ list of the top 150 financial advisers for doctors in the country.

Helbing is the owner of Sarasota financial services firm, Suncoast Advisory Group, and was chosen for his expertise in planning for physicians.

Helbing specializes in medical and dental practices and family-owned businesses.

+ Grapevine earns top agency recognition
Grapevine Communications, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year, was recognized as one of the top 25 agencies in Southwest Florida.

“As we celebrate 10 years of doing business in Sarasota-Manatee, we are continuing to grow and diversify, both in the types of clients we serve and the services we offer,” said Grapevine Founder and President Angela Massaro-Fain. “With the economy beginning to rebound, we have recently grown our staff by hiring another account executive and a PR and design associate, and increasing the ways in which we can help position our clients for success, from social media to more traditional channels such as print, radio, TV and web.”

+ Sarasota attorney earns recognition
Scott Westheimer, a managing partner with Syprett Meshad, was recognized as an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated attorney from Martindale-Hubbell.

The rating is based on peer reviews of a lawyer’s legal ability and ethical standards and is the highest rating available.

Westheimer was previously president of Sarasota County Bar Association and has been managing partner as Syprett Meshad since 2002.

+ Manatee Tiger Bay adds Misty Servia
Misty Servia, planning department manager for Sarasota’s King Engineering office, has been appointed to the Manatee Tiger Bay’s board of directors.

Manatee Tiger Bay in a nonpartisan organization that aims to present programs that cover political, social, local, state and national issues.

+ Band Weintraub welcomes Chapman
The law office of Band Weintraub P.L. recently added former Assistant State Attorney C. Todd Chapman to its civil litigation department.

A former assistant state attorney in Sarasota, the Bradenton native has more than 14 years of civil litigation experience.

“The addition of Mr. Chapman to our litigation department expands Band Weintraub’s litigation services to allow the firm to provide full service to our clients,” said Garrett Pendleton, head of the litigation department. “Given his extensive courtroom experience, he will be a valuable team member at trial.”
Chapman will handle all types of civil litigation cases, including probate litigation, commercial and business litigation, foreclosure defense and real-estate litigation. 

+ Venice names new city manager
Venice City Council voted unanimously to name Edward Lavalee the new city manager for the municipality.

Lavalee previously served six years as city manager in Newport, R.I., and has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of New Haven.

+ Pines of Sarasota adds Grablin to board
Karin Grablin, CEO and wealth adviser for SRQ Wealth Management, recently was appointed to The Pines of Sarasota Foundation’s board.

Grablin’s duties will include introducing potential donors to the organization, recruiting new board members and helping to raise awareness of The Pines.

“I am continually impressed by the comprehensive nature of the services offered by the Pines, and the quality of care the residents receive,” Grablin said. “Their philosophy of providing excellent service is similar to that of our firm, and it is an honor to be a part of such an outstanding organization.”

The Pines of Sarasota Foundation is a community-based organization designed to ensure that The Pines of Sarasota is able continue to provide assistance to residents regardless of their financial resources.

+ Shumaker names three new partners
Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP announced that Jason A. Collier, Scott A. La Porta and Christopher Z. Staine have been named partners in the Sarasota law firm.

Collier’s practice focuses on representing employers in employment litigation, including discrimination, sexual harassment and wage and hour violations.

La Porta represents large financial institutions in securities litigation and contract violations. He also represents employers in general business litigation.

Staine focuses on all aspects of construction law, including reviewing and preparing construction contracts and construction litigation.