BUSINESS OBSERVER

+ Aimee Cogan named among top women financial advisers
Aimee Cogan, an executive director and wealth adviser in Morgan Stanley Smith Barney’s Sarasota office, has been named to Barron’s annual list of America’s Top 100 Women Financial Advisers.

Candidates are screened on a number of criteria, including the volume of assets overseen by the adviser, revenue produced for the firm and quality of service provided to clients.

“I am extremely proud that Aimee Cogan is representing Morgan Stanley Smith Barney on this list,” said Stan Carter, manager of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney’s Sarasota office, in a news release. “This listing recognizes an elite group of financial professionals who are dedicated to providing clients with exceptional wealth-management services.”

+ Phillippi farmhouse project wins historic preservation grant
The Florida Legislature recently approved a $50,000 matching grant for the rehabilitation of the historic farmhouse located in Phillippi Estate Park, which is the original building erected on the Edson Keith estate in 1916.

“This grant is a final piece of the financing package that we have been putting together for the last couple of years,” said Lorrie Muldowney, manager of the Sarasota County History Center.

The grant will be matched with funding from the voter-approved penny surtax and funds from the seasonal Farmhouse Market at Phillippi Estate Park.

The $450,000 rehabilitation project is scheduled for completion in fall 2013.

+ Oliver named program director of Phoenix Academy
Booker High School Assistant Principal Edwina Oliver has been appointed as program director for the Phoenix Academy, a facility that provides an alternative educational setting for students who have difficulty succeeding in a traditional school environment.

Oliver holds both a bachelor’s degree in specific learning disabilities and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of South Florida. Oliver succeeds Harriet Moore, who has been appointed principal of McIntosh Middle School. Both appointments are expected to be effective July 1.

+ SouthTech recognized for performance
Sarasota-based IT company SouthTech recently received recognition from Gavin Garbutt, co-founder and CEO of N-able Technologies, for its outstanding performance throughout 2011 and 2012.

“This recognition showcases our expertise in today’s technology market and demonstrates our knowledge of computer-managed services and products,” said Paul Hoffman, president of SouthTech, in a press release. “We hope to accelerate our customers’ success by serving as technology advisers for their business demands.”