The market for July 30

DELRAY BEACH — A decline in earnings shot down Ultimate Software and helped push South Florida stocks into the red Wednesday, and spoiling what otherwise was a strong day on Wall Street despite resurging oil prices. READ MORE.

Office Depot posts quarterly loss

By Palm Beach Business.com

DELRAY BEACH — Office Depot’s second quarter earnings report was all that had expected: Full of bad news. READ MORE.

Delray OKs tax hike, will continue to seek budget cuts

By DAVID SEDORE, Palm Beach Business.com

DELRAY BEACH — City commissioners Tuesday agreed to raise the property tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year but they’re still hoping to hold the line at the present rate as they continue to work on the budget. READ MORE.

Gasoline prices finally ease; Palm Beach County still highest in Fla.

By Palm Beach Business.com Staff

DELRAY BEACH — The months-long surge in gasoline and diesel prices seems to over. At least for the moment. READ MORE.

Confidence rises slightly among Florida consumers, survey finds

Palm Beach Business.com Staff

GAINESVILLE — Floridians remain gloomy over the current state of the economy but a little more upbeat about the future, according the July consumer confidence reading from the University of Florida. READ MORE.

B/E sees 2nd quarter profit surge, ups forecast for the year

PALM BEACH BUSINESS.COM STAFF

WELLINGTON — B/E Aerospace Tuesday reported second quarter profit of $53.9 million, or 59 cents a share, on revenue of $522 million, compare with profit of $28.4 million, or 31 cents a share, on revenue of $398 million for the same period a year ago. READ MORE.

What makes a story newsworthy?

By TINA L. PUGLIESE, APR, Pugliese Public Relations

Editors and reporters have to decide on a daily basis which stories to cover and which not to cover.  The more newsworthy your story is, the more likely it is to get covered. READ MORE.

Uncertainties send mortgage rates flying, Bankrate survey finds

NORTH PALM BEACH — Uncertainty over the economy sent mortgage rates soaring over the past week, with the average conforming 30-year hitting to 6.77 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large lenders. READ MORE.

Ownership of our actions

By NANCY PROFFITT, President of Proffitt Management Solutions and Proffitt Management Leadership Institute

A coaching buddy, Dan Paulson, and I were discussing the challenges people encounter and ways to overcome them.. READ MORE.

Budget task force proposals may take years to implement

By DAVID SEDORE, Palm Beach Business.com

DELRAY BEACH — The work of the city’s budget task force might end up saving Delray millions of dollars, but it’s impact on this year’s budget likely will be rather minimal. READ MORE.

Bluegreen signs $500 million sale

Palm Beach Business.com

BOCA RATON — Bluegreen Corp. said Monday that it has signed a nonbinding letter to sell itself to Diamond Resorts International for $500 million. The deal was announced after the close of trading. READ MORE.

Florida's unemployment rate falls but state continues to shed jobs

By Palm Beach Business.com

TALLAHASSEE — The good news: Florida’s unemployment rate for June is down over May’s rate. The bad news: The difference isn’t much, and the state’s economy continues to shed jobs. READ MORE.

archived August 13, 2008

Measuring for success

By NANCY PROFFITT, President of Proffitt Management Solutions and Proffitt Management Leadership Institute

A book written by David Herdlinger, of Herdlinger Associates called 10.5 Reasons Why Even Top Notch Executives Fail describes many of the reasons even the best of the best struggle. Among the most common factors that I find is a company’s failure to develop measurements for all employees, which align with specific goals. How can you improve without measurements? READ MORE.

State Farm seeks to raise homeowners' insurance rates

TALLAHASSEE — State Farm, Florida’s largest private home insurer, is asking for a 47.1 percent rate hike, arguing that it has lost more than $1.2 billion in the last 10 years despite profits the last two years. READ MORE.

Montague says good bye to city; Wal-Mart gets OK for entrance

By DAVID SEDORE, Palm Beach Business.com

DELRAY BEACH — City commissioners officially said good bye to Brenda Montague Tuesday evening, honoring her for her service to the city. READ MORE.

Fuel prices continue at record highs in Palm Beach County

Palm Beach Business.com

DELRAY BEACH — Fill up that Hummer! Fuel prices actually dropped over the past week. But you won’t find much relief in Palm Beach County, where prices continue to set records. READ MORE.

Planning for retirement in stages

By  DEBRA  TARGETT,  Financial Advisor,  First Vice President-Investment Officer,  CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™  professional,  Wachovia  Securities,  LLC, Member SIPC.

While summer vacations and national holidays typically provide a break for everyone who would be considered a member of the working public, there is one big break ahead that’s a priority on most everyone’s calendar — retirement.  And while it may be closer for some than it is for others, everyone needs to make sure they are financially prepared when the time comes to take a permanent leave from the ranks of the employed.  Personal circumstances make planning for retirement different for each individual, but there are several considerations that apply if you break it down by the amount of time you have left until you retire. READ MORE.

Gold's Gym, CJ's and The Tan Co. host the Delray Chamber

DELRAY BEACH — Gold's Gym on the southwest corner of Atlantic Avene and Military Trail was the setting for the Delray Chamber of Commerce's monthly business card exchange. READ MORE.

Republic studying $6.19 billion offer from Waste Management

FORT LAUDERDALE  — Waste Management is proposing to buy Republic Services for $34 a share — a deal worth $6.19 billion. READ MORE.

More tips for working with the media

By TINA L. PUGLIESE, APR, Pugliese Public Relations

Just as you would thoroughly research any prospective clients before calling on them, you also should take time to understand what types of stories interest the media outlets. As was said before, study the publication (print and online) or broadcaster to see what types of stories they run so you can target the person in charge of that section or segment. For example, if your newspaper’s weekly food section features local restaurants each week, direct your query about your restaurant directly to the reporter or editor in charge of that feature. READ MORE.

Mortgage rates slide again, Bankrate survey finds

NORTH PALM BEACH — Mortgage rates moved lower once again, with the average conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rate falling to 6.48 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large lenders. READ MORE.

Delray Beach commissioners facing budget shortfall

By DAVID SEDORE, Palm Beach Businss.com

DELRAY BEACH — City commissioners are staring down the barrel of a $6 million to $8 million shortfall as they begin to put together a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. READ MORE.

Diesel climbs again; Palm Beach has most expensive gas in Florida

DELRAY BEACH — Gasoline prices continue to climb, according to the latest weekly data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. READ MORE.

Balancing people, values and business

By NANCY PROFFITT, President of Proffitt Management Solutions and Proffitt Management Leadership Institute

The mantra of FedEx rings true even after all these years — follow the PSP philosophy. People, Service, Profit. That was such a stronghold of our success in the decades I worked at FedEx as a member of senior management, and I apply it in my coaching with clients to this day. READ MORE.

Boynton firm says its fuel card can ease high gas prices

BOYNTON BEACH — Feel a pain in your bank account every time you lift the nozzle from a gas pump? Boynton Beach-based Gas Bank USA says it can help. READ MORE.

Wrong for America

By THOMAS B. EVANS Jr.

Americans are with good reason angry at the price they pay for gasoline. It is causing financial problems for most because the price of food and other essential commodities obviously affects us along with the price at the pump. READ MORE.

FPL OKed to raise fuel surcharge

JUNO BEACH — The Florida Public Service Commission has approved Florida Power & Light Co.’s request to hike the fuel surcharge on customers' bills by eight percent. READ MORE.

Gasoline jumps again; Diesel dips slightly lower once again.

DELRAY BEACH — Gasoline resumed its upward march over the past week, according to the latest report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. READ MORE.

Feel good in your greener office


By YALMAZ SIDDIQUI, Director of Environmental Strategy for Office Depot

The environment has become such a hot topic in recent months that it is impossible to pick up a newspaper or magazine without an article that mentions “going green.”

While many of these features discuss how to go green at home, very few offer practical advice on how to go green at the office. This column is intended to walk businesses of all sizes through the simple steps that can help them achieve a Greener Office – one that is more efficient, less wasteful, less expensive and healthier. READ MORE.

Summertime savings can be a reality for your teen

By DEBRA TARGETT, Financial Advisor, First Vice President-Investment Officer, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional., A.G. Edwards, a division of Wachovia Securities, LLC

Now that the school year has ended, your teen may be looking forward to a summer of scooping sundaes at the local ice cream stand, policing the pool as a life guard, or teaching the kids at camp the art of skipping stones.  Whatever their source of summer-time income, it is important that they understand the value of their work, the privilege of a paycheck, and most importantly the significance of saving and how it can contribute to a successful future. READ MORE.

Public relations: The three biggest mistakes

By TINA L. PUGLIESE, APR, Pugliese Public Relations

The purpose of public relations is the portray your business in the best possible manner. This can range from establishing yourself in the marketplace to crisis management. Unlike advertising, your goal isn't to buy space in the media, but to persuade the media to take an interest in your business and to write or report on your business activities. READ MORE.

Three women sent to prison for Medicare fraud scheme

MIAMI — The owners of four Miami-based health care businesses received prison terms Friday for their roles in schemes that ripped off $14 million from Medicare. READ MORE.

FPL commits to building three solar power plants in Florida

MIAMI — Florida Power & Light Co. has announced new solar energy projects that include the world’s largest photovoltaic solar plant and first “hybrid” plant that will couple solar thermal technology with a fossil fuel powered plant already in use. READ MORE.

 

archived July 30, 2008

Mortgage rates follow Fed lead and stay put, Bankrate finds

NORTH PALM BEACH — Fixed mortgage rates took a breather, with the average conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rate holding at 6.62 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large lenders. READ MORE.

Businessman gets prison for Medicare scam

MIAMI — A Miami businessman has been sentenced to 20 months in prison after pleading guilty charges stemming from a scheme to rip off Medicare. READ MORE.

Fed holds short-term rates at 2%

WASHINGTON — Citing moderating risks of a recession and increasing risk of inflation, the Federal Reserve has decided to hold its federal funds rate at 2 percent as most observers had expected.

"In light of the continued increases in the prices of energy and some other commodities and the elevated state of some indicators of inflation expectations, uncertainty about the inflation outlook remains high," the Fed said in a statement.

The federal funds rate is used by banks to set interest rates for lines of credit and some credit cards. The Fed Statement.

S. Ocean restaurant gets OK from parking board to "buy" spaces

DELRAY BEACH — A new restaurant’s request to “buy” four parking spaces from the city at a cost of $72,800 got the OK Tuesday from Delray’s parking advisory board. READ MORE.

Consumer confidence hits record low in Florida, UF survey finds

GAINESVILLE — Consumer confidence continues to fall and fall and fall, but the bottom might be in sight. READ MORE.

Gas prices fall! Gas prices fall!

DELRAY BEACH  — Stop the presses! Gas prices have dropped! READ MORE.

Florida workers gain confidence

FORT LAUDERDALE — Statewide unemployment might be on the rise, but so too is workers’ view of Florida’s job market. READ MORE.

State jobless rate hits 5-year high

TALLAHASSEE — The statewide jobless rate hit 5.5 percent in May, the highest in more than five years, Florida’s Agency for Workforce Innovation reported Friday. READ MORE.

Caution caution … new management on the loose

By NANCY PROFFITT, President of Proffitt Management Solutions and Proffitt Management Leadership Institute

Many managers, regardless of their years of experience, tend to make the one big blunder that takes a long time to correct, if ever, when tasked with leading a new project, new department, or different workgroup. The mistake is making changes immediately regardless of the functionality of the group, because we think as managers we have to make a change to show we are qualified to be a manager and that we “can make things happen.” READ MORE.

archived July 2, 2008

Gas prices edge higher again

DELRAY BEACH — Gas prices have bumped up about 4 cents a gallon over the past week, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. READ MORE.

Municipal bonds might be food for your portfolio

By DEBRA TARGETT, Financial Advisor, First Vice President-Investment Officer, A.G. Edwards, a division of Wachovia Securities, LLC

If your investment portfolio consists of only equities, you may want to diversify.  Stocks and other equity securities are an important part of your investment mix, but you may also want to consider some fixed income investments like municipal bonds.  These will not only provide you with federal- and, in many cases, state-tax-free income, but they may also provide you with the satisfaction of supporting valuable projects or services in your state or community.  Keep in mind, municipal bonds may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. READ MORE.

Smooth jazz and networking

By DAVID SEDORE, Palm Beach Business.com
DELRAY BEACH — As many as 80 business people from Broward and Palm Beach counties gathered Friday for the TED Center’s monthly smooth jazz and networking at The Blue Fish Japanese restaurant in Delray Beach. READ MORE.

Become a Valuable News Source

By TINA L. PUGLIESE, APR, Pugliese Public Relations

If you want generate publicity for your business, you need to know how to work with the media, specifically, how to become a valuable news source.  Here are some ways to get on the media’s radar screens.READ MORE.

Florida growers ship tomatoes

MAITLAND — Florida tomato growers are shipping their crops again after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Wednesday cleared them as salmonella free. READ MORE.

Delray task force proposes $1 million in budget cuts

By DAVID SEDORE, Palm Beach Business.com

DELRAY BEACH — Eliminate double overtime for police. Reforming the way city compensates employees for degrees held. Instituting a "convenience fee" for city customers who make payments using credit cards.

These are some of the proposals Delray’s budget task force presented to city commissioners Tuesday that if implemented would save the city slightly more than $1 million. The proposals came in the task force's first report to commissioners since its creation in January. READ MORE.

Encouragement by engagement-motivating for results

By NANCY PROFFITT, President of Proffitt Management Solutions and Proffitt Management Leadership Institute

Why do some places of business have such high performance employees? Even in comparable businesses like two McDonald’s in different parts of town.

One major factor is the manager’s ability to engage employees in the decision-making. READ MORE.

archived June 29, 2008

Regular above $4; diesel again falls

DELRAY BEACH — Regular unleaded has nudged above $4 nationally, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s latest weekly report. READ MORE.

Survey: Worker confidence gains despite increase in jobless rate

FORT LAUDERDALE — The Spherion Employee Confidence Index rose 0.7 points to 46.9 in May, its first increase in nine months.

The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Spherion Corp., reflects workers' increasing confidence in the economy, as more workers report that the economy is getting stronger in May. The report was released as the Labor Department was reporting that the jobless rate for May had jumped 0.5 points to 5.5 percent, the biggest month-over-month increase in 22 years. READ MORE.

Mortgage rates nudge upward, Bankrate survey finds

NORTH PALM BEACH — Fixed mortgage rates moved higher for the second week in a row, with the average conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rate hitting to 6.26 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large lenders. READ MORE.

FPL proposes hike in fuel charge

JUNO BEACH — The inevitable has happened. Electricity is about to get much more expensive.

Florida Power & Light Co. is asking the Florida Public Service Commission to allow it to raise fuel charges on residential customers, with the net effect that monthly electric bills will be 16 percent higher. READ MORE.

Going green makes cents for business, individuals

By DAVID SEDORE, Palm Beach Business.com

DELRAY BEACH — Going green doesn’t have to cost more. And it doesn’t mean going without.

Rather, it’s about making smart choices that can save money while being kinder and gentler on the economy, says Greg Horn, former CEO of Pittsburgh-based GNC who’s now a partner in a new venture called Eco Shoppe. READ MORE.

A rebalancing act

By Debra Targett , Financial Consultant, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, A.G. Edwards, a division of Wachovia Securities, LLC

“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” If this everyday piece of advice comes to mind when thinking about your investments, then you may already understand the importance of a diversified portfolio.  But even the most carefully composed investment portfolios can get out of balance from time to time. To make sure your portfolio stays on track to helping you reach your goals, it’s important to take the time regularly to rebalance your portfolio to make sure it’s still in line with your investment objectives. READ MORE.

 

Blush opens in Pineapple Grove

Blush got some help from Delray Beach Deputy Vice Mayor Brenda Montague, right, holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday that marked the salon's official opening. Blush, at 177 NE 2nd Ave., is owned by Lynda Paris, left, and Deborah Bernard, center.

Bernard says the boutique aspect of Blush — it sells clothing and jewelry — makes it different. The salon also does nails. There's also a makeup artist on staff.

It carries hair products by Redkin, Pureology and Loreal. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Weddings and special events by appointment.

Taverna Eros gets city OK to swap parking for outdoor dining area

By DAVID SEDORE, Palm Beach Business.com

DELRAY BEACH — There soon will be slight change to the look of Atlantic Avenue. READ MORE.

Delray Residents' Academy seeking spring session applicants

DELRAY BEACH — Delray is seeking applicants for the spring session of its Residents Academy, a six-week session that gives participants an inside view of how city government functions.

The session begins March 6, and will include six three-hour weekly sessions. Participants must be at least 18 years old and residents of the city.

Classes are usually limited to 25 participants and class rosters are filled on a first come first serve basis. There is no charge for the program and the academy asks only for a commitment to complete the scheduled sessions.

Applications are available at the City Hall reception desk or can be downloaded from the City's website.

For more information, please call city Education Coordinator Janet Meeks, (561) 243-7231.

United Way recruiting volunteer to conduct nutrition survey

BOYNTON BEACH — The Volunteer Center of United Way of Palm Beach County is currently recruiting volunteers to assist with conducting a nutrition survey of older adults living in Palm Beach County. This survey is the first of its kind for this community. It will be conducted the second week of February in several areas of the county.

Volunteers of all ages, especially those age 50 or older, are needed, to fulfill several volunteer positions, including serving as a door greeter, staffing a table to assist local residents who complete the survey, and helping to compile the daily surveys. Volunteers will be assigned to a location, and will be asked to work about two to four hours in the morning. Volunteers will be given a T-shirt and a name badge, clearly identifying them as part of the survey team.

Volunteers are required to undergo a two-hour training period. The training will be held Wednesday, February 6, and Thursday, February 7. Times and locations vary. Volunteers only need to attend one training session on either of those two days. Interested volunteers should call the Volunteer Center at (561) 375-6600.

United Way of Palm Beach County targets the community’s most pressing needs and focuses resources, agency partnerships and the energy of volunteers to create measurable results that have the greatest impact. To invest, volunteer, or for more information, call United Way of Palm Beach County at (561) 375-6600 or visit www.unitedwaypbc.org

Delray Beach sets annual Citizens Roundtable for Jan. 30

DELRAY BEACH — Delray Beach will hold its Annual Citizens Roundtable at Old School Square, 51 N Swinton Ave., on Jan. 30 at 7 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions on issues and concerns involving the city and local government.

Mayor Rita Ellis will provide opening remarks in the Crest Theatre followed by presentations from Delray Beach Planning and Zoning, the Community Redevelopment Agency and City Manager David T. Harden.

At the conclusion of the presentations, the audience will be invited to adjourn to the Old School Square Gymnasium and join in roundtable discussions facilitated by City officials and staff.  The goal is to promote dialogue between the city and the community  to better address the needs of residents.

The annual edition of Hometown Connection will be distributed at the roundtable summarizing the city's accomplishments in 2007 and goals for 2008 and beyond.

Delray firm arranges financing for Boynton Beach apartments

BOYNTON BEACH — Bob Dockerty of Dockerty Romer & Co. has arranged joint venture financing to develop Las Ventanas in Boynton Beach.

Epoch Properties Inc. of Orlando is developing the 494-unit, multi-family rental community, which also has 43,000 square feet of retail space.  The property sits at the northwest corner of Woolbright Road and Federal Highway in Boynton Beach, situated on 14.6 acres about an eighth of a mile from the beach. READ MORE.

United Way houses Red Cross staff during building renovation

BOYNTON BEACH — United Way of Palm Beach County is hosting the American Red Cross Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter Count and Countess de Hoernle Service Center staff while the Red Cross building in Boca Raton is renovated.

The Red Cross has five staff members based out of the South County office who will be working from United Way of Palm Beach County’s offices on the Countess de Hoernle Community Campus in Boynton Beach, beginning January 2.

The American Red Cross building in Boca Raton will be gutted and redesigned. The new facility will have multiple training rooms for CPR/first aid, babysitter training and disaster training. These classrooms will also have the ability to be converted into a disaster operations center. Staff is expected to move back into the space in July.

Delray Beach contemplates charging for parking downtown

DELRAY BEACH — To charge or not to charge. For parking in the downtown, that is.

That question is likely to be among the most contentious facing the city in the coming year, as it figures out how to pay for the recently opened parking garages while balancing the interests of downtown businesses. Merchants fear that paid parking might cause customers to go elsewhere to shop or to dine, which in a soft economy, could be deadly. READ MORE.

Delray OKs 24-hour Wal-Mart; Midtown Delray project approved

DELRAY BEACH — Shoppers will be getting a new 24-hour Wal-Mart Super Center at an old location.

City Commission Tuesday gave its conditionally approval for Wal-Mart to operate its Military Trail store 24 hours a day as part of a plan to transform it into a Super Center. The store now operates between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. READ MORE.

archived June 26, 2008

Gasoline price increases slow; Diesel drops slightly

DELRAY BEACH — Good news: the light-speed increase in gasoline prices has slowed. Not stopped, mind you. Just slowed to something less ridiculous. READ MORE.

Parking board can't agree on payment plan for "in lieu" spaces

By DAVID SEDORE, Palm Beach Business.com

DELRAY BEACH — Delray’s parking management advisory board debated the topic, came up with a series of proposals but could not agree on a plan that would allow downtown businesses to pay for parking spaces over 10 years. READ MORE.

How to Work with the Media

By TINA L. PUGLIESE, APR, Pugliese Public Relations

Working with the Print Media

More than likely, much of the publicity you gain will be in the form of print coverage.  This is simply a matter of numbers. There are a greater number of print outlets—local newspapers, weekly magazines, trade publications, association newsletters—than there are broadcast outlets.  Furthermore, the varied lengths and formats of the print media provide a better opportunity for coverage than short one- to-three minute broadcast stories.  Also, most media outlets have an online version that can include news items fairly quickly. READ MORE.

Couture Cakes has sweet opening

By DAVID SEDORE, Palm Beach Business.com Staff

DELRAY BEACH — Couture Cakes officially is open for business. READ MORE.

Mortgage rates move higher

NORTH PALM BEACH — Fixed mortgage rates reversed the decline seen last week, with the average conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rate rising to 6.20 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large lenders. READ MORE.

Oil's slide boosts Wall Street; Bankrate surge leads S. Florida

The market for May 29

DELRAY BEACH — Oil prices once again played a major role on Wall Street Thursday, as crude dropped and stocks made modest gains. READ MORE.

Smooth jazz and networking

The Center for Technology, Enterprise and Development in Delray Beach, conducted it monthly Smooth Jazz networking meeting at the Blue Fish on Atlantic Avenue on May 8. Kangen Water co-sponsored the event. READ MORE.

Too Busy Not To Plan

By NANCY PROFFITT, President of Proffitt Management Solutions and Proffitt Management Leadership Institute

Dave is a fairly new business owner. He might even be a manager in charge of a new operation or project. He was worried at first, and still worries a lot, but things have been going well and he is starting to feel like he can really do this. He is excited but mostly he is busy, working hard and his head is always filled with thoughts of everything he didn’t get done and needs to do. READ MORE

Gas breaks $4 mark locally; diesel hits $5 in some areas

DELRAY BEACH — No kidding. Gasoline has broken the $4 barrier in Palm Beach County and shows no signs of slowing down. READ MORE.

archived June 24

Consumer confidence continues to slide in Florida and nationally

Conference Board index

GAINESVILLE — If you thought consumer confidence had sunk about as low as it can go, you were wrong.

The University of Florida’s statewide consumer confidence index for May dropped one point to 65, only point above it lowest reading ever, reached nearly 17 years ago. READ MORE.

Home sales show some recovery but prices continue to sink

DELRAY BEACH — The good news: April used home sales in Palm Beach County just about equaled 2007 numbers. The bad news — if you’re a homeowner looking to sell — is that prices dropped 17 percent year over year. READ MORE.

Mortgage rates drop, Bankrate survey finds

NORTH PALM BEACH — Fixed mortgage rates pulled back this week, with the average conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropping to 6.02 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large lenders. READ MORE.

Boca man faces prison after pleading on tax, drug charges

WEST PALM BEACH — A Boca Raton personal trainer faces as much as 10 years in prison after pleading guilty in federal district court to distributing human growth hormone. READ MORE.

ARCHIVED June 15, 2008

Mystery market potential tenant for Old School Square garage

DELRAY BEACH — A mystery candidate has emerged as a candidate to fill the city commission’s craving for a really great sandwich shop in the downtown. READ MORE.

Gas continues upward spiral

DELRAY BEACH — The numbers on a gas pump spin around so fast these days, they’ve become a blur. Unfortunately, they’re only going to spin faster in the weeks ahead. READ MORE.

ETFs may be a great addition to your portfolio

By Debra Targett , Financial Consultant, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, A.G. Edwards which is a division of Wachovia Securities, LLC

If your investment portfolio consists of a combination of stocks, bonds and mutual funds, you are off to a good start.  But if you haven’t already looked into them yet, you may want to consider adding Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) to your portfolio mix.  ETFs can provide you an investment with the flexibility, ease, and liquidity of stock trading, but they also share some of the benefits of traditional index fund investing.  Here we will take a look at some of the attributes of these increasingly popular investments. READ MORE.

How to get in the news

By TINA L. PUGLIESE, APR, Pugliese Public Relations

One of the best and most cost-effective ways to educate the public is through the media.  Obtaining positive publicity — news, feature or editorial coverage in newspapers and magazines, on radio and television—is a fundamental activity for a successful public relations program. READ MORE.


Spherion: Workers show more confidence in Florida's economy

FORT LAUDERDALE — Confidence among Florida workers rebounded somewhat in April after falling for the previous six months. READ MORE.

Florida's jobless rate steady; Palm Beach sees slight decline

TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s jobless rate held steady in April, but the state continued to shed jobs, the Agency for Workforce Innovation said Friday. READ MORE.

Bankrate survey see mortgage rates continue to head higher

NORTH PALM BEACH —  Fixed mortgage rates were modestly higher this week, with the average conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rate rising to 6.19 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large lenders. READ MORE.

Managing across generations

By NANCY PROFFITT, Certified Business Coach, Proffitt Management Solutions

Younger generations — the so-called Gen Xers and New Millennials — comprise half the U.S. work force. The other half consists of 45 percent Baby Boomers and 5 percent veterans, many of whom are charged with motivating newer employees. What happens when generations don’t share the same values and beliefs about workplace success? READ MORE .

DCA upholds Allstate suspension

TALLAHASSEE — The First District Court of appeal Wednesday said no to Allstate’s request to rehear the insurance giant’s bid to overturn the state-imposed suspension of its license to write new business in Florida. READ MORE

Office Depot teams with Google to create small business center

DELRAY BEACH — Office Depot Tuesday launched a new online business resource center with Google, providing small business customers marketing and communications tools. READ MORE.

Delray Chamber at Sundy House

More than 100 chamber members and guests gathered at the Sundy House Thursday to mix business with pleasure. Complete Photo Coverage Here.

Gasoline spikes again

DELRAY BEACH — What goes up must come down — except when it comes to gasoline prices. After slowing in late April, they've spiked once again, creeping dangerously close to $4. READ MORE.

Mortgage rates barely change

NORTH PALM BEACH — Fixed mortgage rates were largely unchanged this week, with the average conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rate slipping slightly to 6.13 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large lenders. READ MORE.

Pediatrix gains, issues warning

FORT LAUDERDALE — Pediatrix Thursday said first quarter profit increased to $33 million, or 67 cents a share, on revenue of $246 million. But the company warned that it might not be able to hit profit projections for the year because of declining patient volume. READ MORE.

Deal for free Internet service dies; City holds line on parking fees

By DAVID SEDORE, Palm Beach Business.com

DELRAY BEACH — So much for free wireless Internet service in the downtown, at least for now.

The Delray Beach City Commission Tuesday agreed to terminate a contract with E-Path Communications, the Tampa-based firm that was supposed to wire Atlantic Avenue and provide the free service. READ MORE.

Gas prices ascent slows

DELRAY BEACH — The bad news: Gasoline prices continue to climb, and might continue to climb into June.

The good news: The ascent has slowed somewhat compared to recent weeks. READ MORE.

Financial considerations for business owners

By DEBRA TARGETT, Financial Consultant, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, A.G. Edwards which is a division of Wachovia Securities, LLC

For those who own their own business, it’s no secret that personal financial security is very closely tied to the success of the business.  And with the never-ending task of overseeing day-to-day operations, owners may find it difficult to focus on broader financial issues associated with running a business.  Following is a brief checklist of some of the most important items business owners should consider, along with an explanation of how each fits in the big picture. READ MORE.

SEC sues GlobeTel and former executives for fraud scheme

FORT LAUDERDALE — The Securities and Exchange Commission has sued GlobeTel Communications Inc. and three former officers for scheming to inflate the company’s revenue while hiding millions in unpaid receivables and liabilities. READ MORE.

Use public relations in your marketing strategy

By TINA L. PUGLIESE, APR, Pugliese Public Relations

What is the true purpose of public relations and how can it really help impact the growth of your business? In order for the media to succeed, they need information that is both useful and entertaining for their readers. This is where you, the business owner or marketing executive, come in. READ MORE.


Bankrate survey: Mortgages inch upward as credit markets calm

NORTH PALM BEACH — Fixed mortgage rates inched upward for the third week in a row, with the average conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rate rising  5 basis points to to 6.16 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large lenders. READ MORE.

Linen 'n Things goes Chapter 11; Delray, Boynton stores open

By DAVID SEDORE, Palm Beach Business.com

DELRAY BEACH — Financially ailing Linen ‘n Things is closing 120 “underperforming” stores nationally as part of its bankruptcy reorganization plan.

But its Delray Beach store won’t be one of them. And neither will it Boynton Beach store, according to the company. READ MORE.

Managing your business in a down economy

By NANCY PROFFITT, Certified Business Coach, Proffitt Management Solutions

The struggling economy has certainly been the focus of most of my coaching conversations of late. Worry over business improvement, growth, sustainability and general business performance expectations have taken over people's mindsets to the point of paralysis of otherwise genius minds. The fears associated with economic slow downs can turn to demotivation and lack of focus on the basics of good business. READ MORE.

FPL Group sees profit rise

JUNO BEACH — FPL Group Wednesday reported first quarter profit of $305 million, or 76 cents a share, on revenue of $3.4 billion. That compares with profit of $277 million, or 70 cents a share, on revenue of $3.1 billion. READ MORE.

Fed cuts interest rates again

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve Wednesday cut interest rates by a 25 basis points to 2.0 percent, citing weak consumer and business spending and a soft jobs market.

The Federal Open Market Committee in a statement said inflation remains a concern, though it expects the threat to moderate.

"The substantial easing of monetary policy to date, combined with ongoing measures to foster market liquidity, should help to promote moderate growth over time and to mitigate risks to economic activity," the statement said."The committee will continue to monitor economic and financial developments and will act as needed to promote sustainable economic growth and price stability." READ THE FED STATEMENT.

Consumer confidence falls again

The Conference Board index

DELRAY BEACH — Soaring gasoline prices. Plummeting home values. Escalating unemployment.

It’s no wonder that confidence among consumers in Florida and nationally continued to fall in April, according to key reports released Tuesday. READMORE.

Gasoline continues to spike; mid-grade over $4 in PB County

DELRAY BEACH — Gasoline prices have shot up a dime over the last week, according to the Energy Information Administration, while the AAA says both premium and mid-grade have broken the $4 a gallon mark in Palm Beach County. READ MORE.

Green Drinks celebrates Earth Day with meeting in Delray Beach

DELRAY BEACH — South Florida’s environmental movement continues to gain strength, evidenced by the 220 or so who turned out Tuesday for the region’s first Green Drinks Earth Day gathering at the Sundy House. READ MORE.

Three receive prison terms for $37 million mortgage fraud scam

MIAMI — A mortgage broker, a title attorney and a loan officer for Wachovia Bank are headed to prison for their roles in a multi-million dollar mortgage fraud scheme. READ MORE.


Florida's home sales continued to slide in March, Realtors report

ORLANDO — Florida’s housing market continued to do what it’s done for most the past two years: Slump. READ MORE.

Bankrate survey: Mortgage rates continue to creep upward

NORTH PALM BEACH — Inflation concerns sent fixed mortgage rates moved slightly higher for the second week in a row, with the average conforming 30-year loan hitting 6.11 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large lenders. READ MORE.

Gas prices shooting up by the day

DELRAY BEACH — Quick! Fill your car before the price of gas shoots up again. READ MORE.

Office Depot directors re-elected

DELRAY BEACH — Office Depot Inc. said Wednesday that stockholders have re-elected all 12 Office Depot Board members, according to a preliminary voting analysis by its proxy solicitor MacKenzie Partners Inc. READ MORE.

Be prepared in case you are suddenly single

By DEBRA TARGETT, Financial Consultant, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, A.G. Edwards, which is a division of Wachovia Securities, LLC

While it’s something we hope would never happen, losing a spouse becomes an unfortunate reality many people must face.  While the emotional trauma is the first and hardest blow, an important next step is looking towards the future and assessing your financial situation.  As a single person for the first time in years, there are several steps you should take in order to help you effectively manage your financial and household needs. READ MORE.

archived May 22, 2008

Asian Cultural show attracts thousands to Delray Beach

DELRAY BEACH — The 15th annual Asian Food and Cultural Show packed them in once again. READ MORE.

PR: More than just news releases

By TINA L. PUGLIESE, APR, Pugliese Public Relations

Public relations is more than just a news release. A planned approach that utilizes many different methods will increase your probability for success and generate the kind of public relations you want for your business. READ MORE.

Earth Day '08: Stewardship of our planet

DELRAY BEACH — Armed with pickers, gloves and plastic bags, about 300 volunteers combed two miles of beach for cigarette butts, bits of plastic, wood and even an old chair or two as part of this year’s Earth Day observance. READ MORE.

Florida workers continue to lose confidence in jobs market

FORT LAUDERDALE — Spherion Corp.’s Florida Employee Confidence Index fell 2 points to 44.2 in March, reaching its lowest point since the survey began in July 2004. Spherion released the report Friday. READ MORE.

Florida continues to lose jobs; Construction surpasses 80,000

DELRAY BEACH — Florida’s job market continued to shrink in March.

Florida’s Agency for Workforce Innovation reported Friday that the state shed 56,600 jobs in the 12 months through March, the continued legacy of housing debacle. The jobless rate for the month hit 4.9 percent, up from 4.6 percent in February and up from 3.7 percent in March a year ago. READ MORE.

Bankrate: Mortgage rates rising

NORTH PALM BEACH — Fixed mortgage rates continue to hopscotch back and forth over the 6 percent threshold, with the average conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rate rising seven basis points to 6.03 percent this week, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large lenders. READ MORE.

Royal Caribbean takes new ship

MIAMI — Royal Caribbean International has taken delivery of its newest ship — Independence of the Seas — during a ceremony at Aker Yards in Turku, Finland, Thursday. READ MORE.

20 days to a better organization

By NANCY PROFFITT, Certified Business Coach, Proffitt Management Solutions

Peter Drucker has been called the guru of business. His advice has been the backbone of established business for decades. As a business owner, corporate leader or an individual looking to be more successful, the tendency is to look for some deep secret that those who are successful seem to demonstrate. READ MORE.

Boca doctor agrees to repay feds $7 million for tests never done

WEST PALM BEACH — A Boca Raton radiologist has settled federal health care fraud allegations by paying $7 million to the federal government. READ MORE.

More bad news for motorists

DELRAY BEACH  — No surprise here: Gasoline prices continue to shoot up. READ MORE.


archived May 22, 2008

TED Center networks at Blue Fish

DELRAY BEACH — The Center for Technology, Enterprise and Development provided a free business networking opportunity Friday at the Blue Fish on Atlantic Avenue. TED will meet there again in May. READ MORE.

Spanish bank buys majority stake in Miami's City National Bank

MIAMI — Caja Madrid, Spain’s fourth-largest financial institution, is buying a majority stake in City National Bank of Florida, the second-oldest bank in Miami, for $927 million. READ MORE.

Chamber meets at O'Grady's

DELRAY BEACH — Delray Chamber members and their guests gathered at O'Grady's Lounge in the Delray Beach Marriott on North Ocean for networking. The next event will be held at Sundy House, 106 S. Swinton, on May 8. READ MORE.

Fixed rate mortgages continue upward trend, survey finds

NORTH PALM BEACH — After two weeks of declines, fixed mortgage rates rebounded, with the average conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rate hitting 6.12 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large lenders. READ MORE.

USDA increases forecast for Florida's orange crop

WASHINGTON — Orange juice futures prices fell Thursday as the Agriculture Department raised its forecast for Florida's orange crop. READ MORE.

Work on Worthing Place condo project could begin soon

By DAVID SEDORE, Palm Beach Business.com Staff

DELRAY BEACH — Worthing Place, the 217-unit condo project in the downtown, could be coming out of the ground soon. Very soon. READ MORE.

Dissidents continue battle with Office Depot over board seats

FORT LAUDERDALE — The war of words between Office Depot and dissident shareholders Woodbridge Equity Fund and Levitt Corp. continued Wednesday in the form of another letter to company shareholders. READ MORE..

archived May 13, 2008

FPL seeks to expand West County

JUNO BEACH — Florida Power & Light Co. is asking the Florida Public Service Commission today for approval to build an additional natural gas-powered generator at the West County Energy Center in Palm Beach County. READ MORE.

Gasoline continues to climb, could hit $4 this summer

DELRAY BEACH — Gasoline prices are back to the races this week, and could surpass $4 in some places, according to reports from the federal Energy Information Administration. READ MORE.

Make sure to manage your tax records

By DEBRA TARGETT, Financial Consultant, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, A.G. Edwards, a division of Wachovia Securities, LLC

The Federal income tax system is a complicated organization, but it’s one we all have to contend with.  Between payroll deductions, estimated taxes, exemptions, deductions, credits and more, it’s easy to get yourself confused.  The problem with confusion, in this case, is that it can sometimes lead to fear — fear that you won’t have everything accounted for properly.  If the IRS should ever come knocking, you want to be prepared to answer for the years of taxes you've settled. READ MORE.

Creating a public relations plan

By TINA L. PUGLIESE, APR, Pugliese Public Relations
Good public relations is an art of sorts and requires some research, thought and planning—but not necessarily expense—at any level.  To get started on a public relations effort, there are three relatively simple steps you can take. READ MORE.

Fixed mortgage rates shoot up while adjustables fall

NORTH PALM BEACH — After two straight weeks of declines, fixed mortgage rates rebounded, with the average conforming 30-year rate moving up 17 basis points to 6.12 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large lenders. READ MORE.

Two get prison for Medicare scam

MIAMI — Two Miami men have received prison sentences for their roles in a multi-million dollar scheme to defraud Medicare. READ MORE.

Are you managing time, or is time managing you?

By NANCY PROFFITT, Certified Business Coach, Proffitt Management Solutions

Does your “to do”  list seem to grow longer and longer? Do you ever feel overwhelmed, overworked or unappreciated ? Is your desk covered with tons of work to be done, projects to review and letters that require a response? How about all those emails! This applies to home as well as work. READ MORE.

Seven indicted for Medicare fraud

MIAMI — A federal grand jury has indicted seven Miami-area residents in connection with an $11 million Medicare fraud scheme involving HIV infusion clinics,  U.S. Attorney R. Alexander Acosta of the Southern District of Florida announced Wednesday. READ MORE.

Gas prices drop in Florida

DELRAY BEACH — Gasoline prices went in opposite directions nationally and in Florida, according to the latest from the Energy Information Administration. READ MORE.

 

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