Business Observer

+ Register for the East Meets West Regional Business Expo
The East Meets West Regional Business Expo 2013 will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce are presenting the event.

The event offers exhibits and the opportunity for Sarasota and Manatee County professionals to network.
To register, go to www.eastmeetswestexpo.com. To support the Longboat chamber, the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce box must be checked when purchasing space, sponsorships and admissions. Advanced admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the door.

+ Boston Proper on the Circle will open next week
Women’s clothing store Boston Proper is officially opening Sept. 13, on St. Armands Circle. The store is located at 331 John Ringling Blvd., next to White House | Black Market.

“A wonderful new addition to our fine shops and restaurants on St. Armands Circle,” said Diana Corrigan, executive director of St. Armands Circle Association, in a press release.

+ Reid T. Winder completes financial planner series
Reid T. Winder, a financial adviser in the Longboat Key financial office of the Investment Advisors Division of Raymond James Financial Services Inc., has completed the Financial Planner Series at the Raymond James Financial Center.

The Financial Planner Series is a professional development program consisting of three multi-day seminars that focus on retirement planning, income and estate tax planning, risk management and investment options for the individual investor.

+  Community Harvest begins next month
The 16th annual Columbia Restaurant Community Harvest program will run during the month of September. The Columbia will donate 5% of all lunch and dinner checks to a charitable organization of the customer’s choice.

Since the program’s inception 15 years ago, the Columbia has raised more than $1.3 million for non-profit organizations in Florida. 

The Columbia is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.