BUSINESS OBSERVER

+ Waste Pro garbage truck drivers awarded for safety
Four Waste Pro garbage truck drivers have each been awarded a $10,000 check for their flawless performance over the last three years. The drivers who were honored are Jose Martinez-Mendoza, Monnie Braxton, Mark Hammonds and Lewis Brown.

“It’s great to be able to boost the local economy, but we are most proud of the fact that Waste Pro’s safety program directly impacts the local employees who make being part of Waste Pro’s family special, especially at this time of year,” said Keith Banasiak, Southwest Florida Regional Vice President for Waste Pro, in a prepared statement. 

+ Local businessman publishes book on socialism
Philip Frommholz, owner of Phil the Mover moving company, published his first book, “The Road to Socialism: A Choice Between Capitalism and Socialism.” Frommholz based his book on the 1944 European classic, “The Road to Serfdom,” by F.A. Hayek. The book is available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com.

+ NBI Sun Control to donate percentage of sales
NBI Sun Control, a company that installs window film to block heat and provide UV protection, announced plans to pay monthly dividends to help the National Kidney Center raise awareness and provide assistance to the families involved.

“We are thrilled to be able to give back to those suffering from kidney disease,” said owner Angelo Ragone. “Because of NBI’s growth in these past few years, we are happy to have the chance to donate 2% of our annual sales to the NKC. The program is fully dedicated to serving the individuals and families that are affected by the disease, and there couldn’t be a better time to donate to this great cause.”

+ YMCA receives grant from Harry Sudakoff Foundation
The Sarasota Family YMCA announced that it would use the $25,000 grant from the Harry Sudakoff Foundation to focus on recognizing symptoms of depression and help teens enter crisis counseling.
The YMCA will train volunteers to work with local high school students to provide support, provide suicide assessment services to all youth shelter teens and provide education geared toward suicide prevention.

+ SunTrust Bank hires new vice president
Marc Franco has joined SunTrust Bank as vice president and client adviser. He will assess the clients and advise them to help achieve their financial goals. Franco has more than 24 years of banking experience and has held several banking management positions.

+ The Insurance Mart receives Best of Award
Roland Grabelle, owner of The Insurance Mart Inc., has been selected for the 2011 Best of Sarasota Award for the third time. Grabelle has worked in the insurance industry for 52 years and serves clients nationwide.