Business Observer 09.23.10

Gail Shane celebrates radio anniversary
Gail Shane, Realtor liaison for Neal Communities, celebrated recently the one-year anniversary of her radio show, “Gail Shane & Friends,” on WTMY 1280 AM.

The show features a different Realtor each week as well as a local business, charity and relevant, timely news related to real estate and community.

In the next year, Shane hopes to add some shows at remote locations. She’ll continue to cover popular topics such as trends in the local and national marketplace, first-time homebuyers, green building, financing, selling a home, international buyers, community service and more.

“Gail Shane & Friends” airs at 10 a.m., Saturdays, on 1280 AM. It also is streamed live on the Internet, and shows also are archived on www.gailshane.com.

+ Lakewood NARCA adds five to staff
The Lakewood Ranch-based National Association of Retail Collection Attorneys added five people to the support staff.

Diane Darrow, executive vice president, has more than 30 years experience in association management and has worked for NARCA for four years. Darrow serves as an ex-official member of the NARCA Board of Directors and is responsible for management of the association in both Washington, D.C., and Sarasota.
Debbie Lewis, director of communications, retired after 25 years with Southwestern Bell Telephone/AT&T. Most recently, she served as director of operations for a large local church.

Linda Pretyka, manager of membership, has worked on database and document management for a number of not-for-profit organizations and as assistant to a children’s minister.

Christina Salley, CMP, manager of meetings, has more than 14 years experience in corporate conference and association meeting planning.

Beth Jones, committee and volunteer support assistant, comes with background in procurement and facility management.

Founded in 1993, NARCA is a trade association dedicated to serving law firms engaged in the business of legal consumer debt collection.

+ Manatee Realtors to host survival event
The Manatee Association of REALTORS will be hosting a Homeowners Survival Event from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Oct. 2, at its Lakewood Ranch headquarters, 10920 Technology Terrace.

Sessions will be held throughout the day that will offer solutions for distressed homeowners when faced with foreclosure, short sale or bankruptcy. Guests also can speak to attorneys, tax professionals, credit counselors, home inspectors and mortgage companies. The event is free to the public and includes prizes, refreshments, giveaways, booths and plenty of free parking.

For additional information, contact the Manatee Association of REALTORS, 747-1818.

+ New Balance owners need help naming newest store
New Balance University Park owners Molly and David Jackson are seeking a name for their new retail store, located at 1874 Stickney Point Road.

The store stocks a variety of brands, including Alegria, Aravon, Aetrex, Bruno Menegatti, Chaco, Clarks, Corky’s, Dunham, FitFlop, Finn Comfort, Helle Comfort, Jack Black, Luisa D’Orio, Merrell, Naot, Onex, Sanita, Think, Thymes, Weeboo, Yellow Box and Vera Bradley.

Help the Jacksons come up with a store name by participating in the “Name the Store” contest. Participation also enters you into drawings for a Vera Bradley I.D. holder and in-store gift certificates. If your name is selected, you will win a $500 shopping spree.

For entry and rules, visit www.YourObserver.com and click on the “Contest” button. Competition closes Sept. 26.