BUSINESS OBSERVER

+ Center for Faith and Freedom accepting applications
The Center for Faith and Freedom, a non-profit multimedia and production organization, is offering a limited number of nonprofit organizations a cost-sharing grant to cover a percentage of production costs for its video presentation.

Applications must be received by Feb. 10 to be considered. For more information, call 487-4061.

+ Embracing Our Differencesreceives $15,000 grant
The Venice Endowment Fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation on Jan. 4 awarded Embracing Our Differences a $15,000 grant, which it will use to provide free transportation for south Sarasota County students to attend its annual exhibit.

Embracing Our Differences aims to use art to create awareness and promote the value of diversity in the community.

“Educational programming is the essence of Embracing Our Differences,” Executive Director Michael Shelton said. “Because of that commitment to education, students take away a deeper understanding of diversity and how it enriches their lives.”

+ Sarasota ACS unit announces new board
The Sarasota American Cancer Society unit announced recently its new board members.

Those include: Unit Chair Grace Carlson; Vice Chair John Griffin, Esq.; Advocacy Chair Shirley Brown; Cancer Control Chair Anita Devine; Income Development Chair Ann Stickel; Nominating/Volunteerism Chair Dr. Maureen Maguire; Fiscal Compliance Officer Steve Wicker; Medical Adviser Dr. Todd Horiuchi, MD; and Secretary Shannon Hankin, Esq.

The organization also honored the work of recently retired members Bambi Famous Kaine, Lynn Soussou and Dr. Alan Treiman.

“This board of directors is completely dedicated to the American Cancer Society’s mission, which is finding a cure for cancer and celebrating more birthdays,” said Grace Carlson, unit chairwoman and president of Carlson Studio Marketing. “Cancer doesn’t discriminate. All of us have all been affected by cancer in some significant way, and that fuels our passion for abolishing this disease.”

+ Education Foundation names new director
Longtime community leader Susan Scott was selected at a meeting of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County board of directors as director. She started Jan. 9.

Board Chairman Mike Bryant said Scott’s record of success in government, education and business made her the unanimous choice of the group’s search committee.

“I am truly honored and grateful to have been selected as executive director,” she said. “I believe that great schools are essential to a community’s strength and to a better future for all children and that the Education Foundation plays a vital role in supporting the great schools we have in Sarasota County.

“I am excited about leading the foundation as it takes the next big step to grow so that our community and children continue to realize a better future,” Scott said.

+ Art Center Sarasota renovations complete
Following a grant from The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation of Sarasota and work by the graduate students of the USF Design/Build program in architecture, the Art Center Sarasota renovations are now complete.

“Working with the brilliant young architects of USF’s Design/Build and architect Michael Halflants has been an exciting process,” said Executive Director Fayanne Hayes. “The Art Center is fortunate to be able to provide an opportunity to give these young designers a significant voice in defining the entryway of this special community art center.

“The Art Center’s building has evolved over the past 85 years and reflects the creative excellence of artists, architects and designers alike as well as the needs of our entire creative community.” Hayes said.

+ Jewish foundation announces director
The Jewish Housing Council Federation announced recently Denise Cotler as its new director of development.

The foundation is the fundraising unit of the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Housing Council and sponsors the Kobernick Anchin Retirement Community. Cotler previously served as associate director of the Sarasota County unit of the American Cancer Society and raised $1.7 million annually.

The Brooklyn native has lived in Sarasota for 16 years.

“I’m happy to be back working in the Jewish community,” Cotler said. “I love what we do here. Kobernick is a happy place — a safe haven. We’re filling a real need.”

+ G-Fried Flooring America receives Insignia Award
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce awarded G-Fried Flooring America the Insignia Award in recognition of its customer service and commitment to the community.

The company has been voted Best Floor Covering Store in Sarasota County 12 years in a row.

The Insignia Award is sponsored by the locally owned Insignia Bank and is awarded monthly to a company or organization with quality customer service and commitment to the community.