News Briefs

Observer names associate publisher
Lori Ruth has been named associate publisher of the East County Observer.

Ruth joined the East County Observer in 2002 as an advertising executive and served in that capacity until 2008, when she was named advertising manager.

Ruth has been active in East County community activities since joining the company. She currently serves on the board of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and is co-chairwoman of its program committee and a member of the planning committee for the Lakewood Ranch Memorial Day Parade.

“As many business people in Lakewood Ranch know, Lori is a positive, get-it-done, go-getter, and she has represented the Observer Media Group exceptionally well for the past dozen years,” said Matt Walsh, editor/CEO of the Observer Media Group.

In her new role, Ruth continues to oversee advertising and business development but is also is charged with keeping the East County Observer intimately involved in the community, Walsh said.

“Not only is Lori tireless and determined, she also knows that success depends to a great extent on relationships,” Walsh said. “And Lori is a great relationship builder.”

Ruth is married and has two daughters, a junior in high school and an eighth-grader.

MTC students show off skills
Manatee Technical College students showed off their talents Feb. 19, as they dominated the 2015 Region 6 Florida SkillsUSA Conference.

MTC students won 64 gold, 25 silver and 17 bronze medals.

Six technical centers and colleges and two high schools participated in the regional competition, held at the MTC’s main campus on S.R. 70 and the east campus, located off Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.

More than 440 students competed in 40 skill and 11 leadership contests.

First- and second-place winners in all contest categories will advance to the state competitions, which will be held April 26 through April 29, in Lakeland. 

MEETINGS
Manatee County Commissioners Work Session - 1:30 to 5 p.m. March 3, at the County Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Manatee County Commissioners Meeting - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 5, at the County Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton