Fabric business stretches its wholesale operation

By CHRISTINA K. COSDON

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 17, 2000

A20-year-old St. Petersburg company that specializes in buying decorative textiles from around the world and selling them to interior designers, upholsterers and fabric stores is moving its operation to Seminole.

In addition to the customary applications, textiles by Lady Ann Fabrics also have been used in movies and special exhibits. Fabrics purchased from the business were used in the 1985 film Cocoon and in the 1995 "Treasures of the Czars" exhibit at the Florida International Museum in St. Petersburg.

Lately, the business has been experiencing such an upswing that company president Arthur Jay has decided that it was time to move out of the 20,000-square-foot quarters it shares with its 41-year-old retail counterpart, Jay's Fabric Center, at 801 Pasadena Ave.

Jay bought a 32,000-square-foot building on 41/2 acres at 13200 Belcher Road. Although the company's sign is up, the business won't move in until later this year, he said.

The building has to be renovated and remodeled to create a 28,000-square-foot storage warehouse and distribution center for the textiles and a 4,000-square-foot administrative center in a two-story section of the building. The work will cost an estimated $500,000, Jay said.

The wholesale business has 11 employees, and Jay said he hopes to add 10 to 15 to the staff.

He said the division's growth can be attributed in part to the decline of similar small businesses.

"The smaller businesses have been shrinking, and there doesn't seem to be a second or third generation coming into the business at any level," he said. "Competition is becoming less and less."

Clients come from as far as New England and the Caribbean, said Jay, 58. "We're predominantly east of the Mississippi," he said.

In another expansion, the business opened a sales office and showroom in Chicago last month. Jay's wife, Diana, who is the company's executive vice president, is in charge of the Chicago project.

Accounting firm chief earns new designation

Mark R. Hammer, CPA and president of the accounting firm of Hammer & Co., 9373 Seminole Blvd., has received the personal financial specialist designation from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. To earn the designation, he met six requirements, passed a technical examination and completed a certain number of working hours during a three-year period.

Two join sales force at Century 21 branch

Richard "Dick" Scarberry and Betty Martin have joined Ruth Cabella's Century 21 Real Estate Champions sales team at 4350 Duhme Road and 9021 Oakhurst Road.

A 20-year Seminole resident, Scarberry has worked in the real estate business for 17 years, following 24 years in law enforcement. He focuses on apartment complexes and restaurants, as well as working with first-time and seasoned home buyers. Martin has worked 15 years as a real estate agent and has been affiliated with on-site sales at Shipwatch, Harbor Greens and The Glades.

-- Know of a new or unique business in the greater Seminole area? If so, tell us about it. Send items to Seminole Business, Seminole Times, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756 or fax it to 445-4119. We also are interested in promotions, expansions and major new contracts. Photos can be sent, but not all will be used and they cannot be returned.

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