BUSINESS OBSERVER

+ John Sackett named salesperson of the month
The gated, master-planned community of Tidewater Preserve, in Bradenton, has named John Sackett as salesperson of the month for July.

Sackett, a graduate of Montana State University, has worked in New York, California and Southwest Florida, and has been recognized for his sales achievements, including No. 1 in year-over-year sales growth.

+ Lee Wetherington Homes added to Haddington
Lakewood Ranch has announced the addition of Lee Wetherington Homes as a builder in its newest neighborhood, Haddington, in Country Club East in Lakewood Ranch.

“As one of the first builders in Lakewood Ranch, we could not be more excited about adding Lee Wetherington Homes to this new neighborhood,” said Jimmy Stewart, vice president of sales for LWR Communities.

The gated community will include lush community landscapes, private roads, three gazebos for gathering and a kayak launch.

“The quality homes they build coupled with their solid and long-standing community reputation makes them the perfect addition to our already strong line up,” he said.

+ First Federal Bank confirms new director
Tammy Zuknick has accepted the director of Lockbox and Community Associations position at First Federal Bank of Florida.

Zuknick will be responsible for community association relationships in Sarasota, Manatee and Nassau counties while working out of the Lockwood Ridge branch.

During her 30 years of experience in the banking industry, Zuknick has received several awards, including the Chairman’s Performance Award for Sales and Service.

+ RE/MAX’s Lou Sansevero awarded CDPE designation
Lou Sansevero, of RE/MAX Alliance Group, has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation. Sansevero completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance, with a particular emphasis on short sales — skills that can help benefit local residents and communities. “The CDPE designation has been invaluable as I work with homeowners and lenders on complicated short sales,” Sansevero said. “It is so rewarding to be able to help families.”

Charlene Neal PureStyle receives 2012 Aurora Award
The Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) has awarded Charlene Neal pureSTYLE a 2012 Aurora Award for interior merchandising (interior design) for Neal Communities’ Starlight model.

SEBC has awarded the Neal family of companies 49 Aurora Awards in total, more than any other homebuilder in the area.

“This award means a great deal to us since it is presented by our peers,” Charlene Neal said.