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Business digest

By JEAN HAYES
Published March 19, 2007

The Black Swan Spa, 495 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill, announces that it now has the Cutera laser system, the latest in laser hair removal technology.

The hair removal system can be used on all skin types, including tanned patients. In the past, only fair skinned patients could effectively qualify for the fast and gentle aspects of laser treatment.

For information, contact Stacie Laviano at 666-1300.

* * *

The two largest independent accounting and consulting firms in Hernando and Citrus counties have merged and the combined firm will operate under the name of Oliver & Joseph, PA, Certified Public Accountants, and will continue to operate at the following locations, 18 N Broad St., Brooksville; 4084 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, and 2450 N Citrus Hills Blvd., Hernando.

With offices in Brooksville and Spring Hill, Oliver & Company, PA, Certified Public Accountants, has a 25-year history of providing financial and compliance auditing, accounting and taxation consultation to the business and individual clients. Joseph & Company, Certified Public Accountants, Inc., based in Citrus County, has been committed to assisting northwest central Florida businesses and individuals with their taxation and accounting needs since 2000.

The newly created firm of Oliver & Joseph, PA, Certified Public Accountants, offers certified audits, employee leasing, financial and estate planning, retirement planning, financial statement, bookkeeping and payroll services, reviewed financial statements and IRS and state tax controversy research and resolution services.

For information, call 796-1444, 683-8211 or 352 746-1400.

* * *

Community developer LandMar Group LLC and its affiliate Hampton Golf Inc. have launched LandMar Lifestyle, a specialized division for providing activities and programming for all LandMar communities throughout the Southeast.

Buyers today not only want amenities, but many also want a lifestyle director to help create and run programs and events. "Teaming with Hampton Golf for this venture was a natural fit," said Ed Burr, LandMar chief executive officer.

LandMar communities include Southern Hills in Brooksville, Grand Hampton in Tampa, Bridge Water in Lakeland, River Hall in Fort Myers, and other properties throughout Florida and Southeast Georgia.

Michelle Branham, an established consultant with expertise in residential marketing and lifestyle programming, has joined Hampton Golf as senior vice president of lifestyle services. In this role, Branham will manage the lifestyle directors at LandMar's communities in Southeast Georgia and Florida , and customize programs for each community based on the needs and interests of its residents.

* * *

Owner and designer Jill Seguine announces the opening of Butterfly Gardens Florist, located at 14255 Powell Road, in the Silverthorn Square Shopping Center, Spring Hill.

The business provides flowers and gifts for all occasions. Seguine has 21 years of experience and promises prompt and courteous service.

Hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. For information, call 799-0008.

* * *

Owner Jamaal Mutrie announces the opening of Speedy Clean dry cleaners, 3477 Deltona Blvd., in the Pioneer Plaza, Spring Hill.

The business offers walk-in and delivery service for all dry cleaning needs, as well as alterations and wash and fold services.

In addition to dry cleaning services, Mutrie offers the Speedy Cafe featuring specialty coffee and tea. The business has an Internet cafe, WiFi access, fax services, an art gallery and sells Barnies coffee.

For information, call 293-2676.

Who's news

Realtor/associate Michael Peranio with ERA Pearson Realty, 15002 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, has been recognized by ERA Franchise Systems for being the top producer in Hernando County.

With more than $10.5 million dollars in residential/commercial sales volume in 2006, Peranio is ERA Pearson's top selling agent. The award was announced at the 2006 ERA Awards Banquet March 5 at Silverthorn Country Club. Peranio can be reached at 585-1037 .

* * *

Wayne Vutech, owner of Archer Painting, 114 E Liberty St., Brooksville, has been named the Humanitarian of the Year by the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America.

The organization honored Vutech because of his contributions over the years. Most notable is his involvement in what has become a tradition in Hernando County: Tangerine Time, the nonalcoholic, family centered celebration that Vutech conceived in 2002.

Vutech can be reached at 799-7420 .

* * *

Radiation therapist Betty Lawrence, with Florida Cancer Institute, 7154 Medical Center Drive, Spring Hill, was awarded the radiation therapist award from U.S. Oncology, during its annual awards dinner in Houston.

Lawrence's accomplishments include being an active member of the American Cancer Society for 25 years, in addition to annual participation in the local Florida Cancer Institute health fairs. She is active in Relay for Life, and participates as a volunteer for the "Man-to-Man" support group for prostate cancer patients and survivors.

For information, call toll-free, at 1-800-206-0054 .

* * *

In an effort to promote Hernando County through their real estate business and, after getting approval from Weeki Wachee Springs, Realtors Alison Olinger and Julie Ann Ludovico, with the new Exit Success Realty, 9157 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, have created a slogan for their business: "Success with a Splash! Working Our Tails Off For U! ...Weeki Wachee ... Home of the Mermaids."

Olinger and Ludovico then shared another idea they had with Weeki Wachee Springs' management team, to donate $100 to the famous mermaid attraction and its Save Our Tails campaign each time a home was bought or sold through them.

In response, Weeki Wachee general manager Robyn Anderson said, "We really appreciated Alison and Julie's generous offer, however, we thought the money would better serve the community if it was given to local charitable and nonprofit organizations within Hernando County."

* * *

James P. Gills, MD, founder and director of St. Luke's Cataract & Laser Institute, has been appointed consulting professor in the department of ophthalmology at Duke University Medical Center. As a member of Duke's facility, Dr. Gills is considered a valuable resource to the medical center.

Dr. Gills sees patients in Spring Hill, Bayonet Point, St. Petersburg and the main office in Tarpon Springs. For information, call (727) 938-2020 or toll-free at 1-800-282-9905.

* * *

Robert G. Blackburn, DO, board certified family practice physician of Spring Hill, was recently sworn in as president-elect of Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine Alumni Association. Dr. Blackburn is an adjunct clinical professor at Nova Southeastern, medical students learn family practice medicine in the rural setting for their rural medicine rotation at his Spring Hill office.

In addition, Dr. Blackburn recently attended the 11th annual Continuing Medical Education Program at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale presented by Nova Southeastern University. He earned eight continuing medical education hours on coronary and peripheral artery disease, medical quality assurance and cardiac murmurs.

* * *

Charles Wilson, president of Wilson Technology Group, 3407 Rackley Road, Brooksville, attended the 2007 Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) Canada Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, March 5 and 6.

Wilson attended as a representative of the board of directors of BICSI. He serves on the board representing the United States Southeast region.

Wilson can be reached at 796-9891.

* * *

Sean M. Kessler was recently appointed as director of commercial sales at Re/Max Spirit, 140 Main St., Brooksville.

Kessler, a graduate of University of Maryland, grew up in Hunt Valley, Md. and was previously associated with Southland Properties Group.

Kessler is a 13-year veteran of the financial industry as a registered National Association of Securities Dealers' securities broker and insurance agent. He has experience as a developer and project manager for commercial and custom residential projects.

Kessler moved to the area in 2000, is a member of the Hernando County Board of Realtors, and is a football coach at Hernando Christian Academy. He can be reached at 799-6666.

Events

Mrs. B's Daycare will have voluntary prekindergarten registration from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday. Children must be legal Florida residents and will be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1.

For information, call Lisa at 688-4792.

* * *

The Business Networking International will meet from 7:15 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, at Evergreen Woods, 7030 Evergreen Woods Trail, Spring Hill.

Bring your business cards and network with other area business professionals. Cost is $7, which includes a continental breakfast.

For information, contact Kathleen Richardson at 592-2225.

* * *

The Home Based Women's Network, a group of women who own home-based businesses, will have a breakfast meeting from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, at the IHOP restaurant, 3660 Commercial Way, Spring Hill.

There is a one-time signup fee of $45. New members are welcome. For information, call 346-7055.

* * *

The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Society of Accountants and Tax Professionals will have its monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Wellington at Seven Hills clubhouse, 400 Wexford Drive, Spring Hill.

Members Roger Jacobs, CPA, and Randy Woodruff, CPA, will hold a round table discussion regarding tax changes and updates.

Reservations are required. Call Barbara Kight at 799-6308 no later than Tuesday.

Chapter meetings are the third Thursday of each month and are open to any accountant or tax professional in Hernando, Pasco and Citrus counties.

For information, call Pat Cornett at 597-3460.

* * *

The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce will have a ribbon cutting at Levitt & Sons - Cascades at Seven Hills, 19761 Fort King Run, Brooksville, at 11:30 a.m. Friday. For information, call Brian Griffith at 797-9161.

* * *

Service Corps of Retired Executives, Pasco-Hernando Chapter 439, will offer a four-hour workshop for planning a business startup, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the SCORE office in the Bank of America building, 6014 U.S. 19, suite 302, New Port Richey.

The material in this business seminar is presented in three lecture/discussion segments: business concept highlights, core business elements, and financial model highlights. Worksheets for each topic are provided.

The hands-on workshop fee is $30. Advance registration is not required. For information, call the SCORE office at (727) 842-2638 or Stu May at 688-6903.

* * *

Forest Oaks Assisted Living Facility, 8055 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill, will have its reopening festivities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday.

The public is invited to tour the facility. Refreshments will be served and live entertainment provided by Cover To Cover, featuring Louie Fortunato, Mikie D and Susan Falcone, as well as music by the Casinos.

A bounce house will be available for the kids. Bring a lawn chair.

For information, call 683-3323.

* * *

Weeki Wachee Springs attraction, along with Star Search Pageants, will host the first Weeki Wachee pageant at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee.

The pageant will take place inside the mermaid theater, and will cover all age groups including Teen Miss, Ms., Mrs. and a girls and boys division as well.

For information, contact pageant officials at 678-9588.

* * *

Independent sales representative Sue Dixon will host a Spring Fling for home-based businesses, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, at the Avon Discount Store, 3513 Commercial Way, Spring Hill.

Several vendors will be displaying and selling their products. For information or to reserve a display table, call 684-9299.

* * *

The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce, through the Business Assistance Committee, will offer a public speaking course, from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays, beginning March 26 and continuing until April 30, in the Capital City Bank conference room, 14203 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill.

The five weekly sessions will be conducted by Vince Vanni, who has provided public speaking training to business professionals and public officials.

Topics to be covered include dealing with fear, projecting confidence, preparing and delivering the speech and more. The course will also cover how to properly use visual aids, especially PowerPoint.

The course fee is $60 for chamber members, $75 for non-members. For information or to register, call 796-0697, ext. 18.

* * *

The Hernando Builders Association will hold its general membership meeting at 6:30 p.m. March 26, at the Deerfield Clubhouse in Deerfield Estates, across from the Airport Industrial Park on Spring Hill Drive.

Speakers include Bob Jillings from Habitat for Humanity and Capt. Mike Owens from Hernando County Sheriff's Office.

The dinner will be catered by Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant, and there will be a cash bar. The cost is $25 per person.

Deadline to RSVP is today by 5 p.m. For information, call 596-1114.

* * *

Genesis Health & Fitness, 8411 Balm St., behind the big dinosaur in Spring Hill, will host its first annual Health Night from 5 to 8 p.m. March 26.

This free event is open to the public. The event offers a blood drive with LifeSouth's blood mobile; glucose and cholesterol screenings by Spring Hill Regional Hospital; orthopedic screenings by John Allocco of Action Potential; Dr. Ron Yarrington will explain how to perform breast exams; chiropractic screenings by Dr. Robert Martinez; fitness assessments and body-fat testing by Genesis Health and Fitness, and massages by Addome Bella Salon.

For information, call 597-9383.

* * *

Belk's Department Store in the Coastal Way Shopping Center, 13151 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill, will hold its "Sharing Never Goes Out of Style" charity days event, March 30 and 31.

Belk customers will receive a merchandise discount in return for a $5 donation to their favorite participating local charity or nonprofit during the event.

Participating nonprofit community groups will be selling $5 tickets in advance of the shopping event. Tickets will be sold in Belk stores Friday through March 31. Representatives of the participating groups will also sell tickets in the stores March 30 and 31.

People buying tickets will receive a two-day shopping pass giving them a 20 percent discount on regular and sale items in most areas of the store except the home department, where a 15 percent discount will apply. Limited exclusions will apply.

In addition, ticket holders will receive an early bird offer entitling them to receive $5 off any purchase of $5 or more, from 8 to 11 a.m. March 31, with no exclusions.

Each participating nonprofit organization will receive the entire $5 for each ticket sold in advance of the event.

All charities and nonprofits signing up for the event will also be entered into a drawing for one of four $1,000 donations that will be awarded by Belk. Belk shoppers can also register to win one of four $1,000 Belk shopping sprees during the two-day event.

For information, contact Chris at 592-1515, ext. 201.

* * *

If you have announcements you would like to share with our readers, mail the details to Jean Hayes, Business Digest, Hernando Times, 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613-6174. You may also e-mail items to jhayes@sptimes.com or fax them to 754-6133. Items may be edited for length and clarity. Photos are published as space permits; they will not be returned.

[Last modified March 19, 2007, 06:56:31]