South Florida Business Journal articles from July 2001

South Florida Business Journal archives from July 2001

Attorney general questions AHCA approval.(Agency for Health Care Administration)
July 6, 2001... A Tennessee nursing home company tried to sell a dozen of its nursing homes in Florida claiming the deal was made to an arms-length buyer that would have made the new owner's facility eligible for millions of dollars in increased Medicaid...

HALF-BAKED.(stock market earnings forecast)(Interview)
July 6, 2001... Lower earnings forecast as year hits midpoint Investors who are hoping. For a stock market rebound are starting to feel a bit like characters in "Waiting for Godot." When that Samuel Beckett play ends, the talked-about Godot still...

Telecom diggers not set for a burial.(economic aspects of telecommunications sector in Florida)(Statistical Data Included)
July 6, 2001... Telecom profits and stocks have been battered, leading some to all but declare the once-booming sector dead. But if you talk to those in the industry, you get a response Mark Twain might have penned: Reports of telecom's demise have been...

Bush stance at odds with Codina's plan.(Jeb Bush, Codina Group)
July 6, 2001... If Gov. Jeb Bush can stiff-arm his brother in the White House to nearly kill off-shore oil drilling plans, can the former developer do the same to an old partner who wants to encroach on land next to the Florida Everglades? Bush may soon...

AT&T Broadband stalls cable modern service.(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... An $8 million AT&T Broadband master control building, planned for Southwest 145th Avenue in Miramar, has been put on ice. The delayed plans appear to be connected with the firm's general reluctance to move forward with cable modem broadband...

BellSouth hopes web of nodes means MIX success.(a widely scattered multimedia internet exchange)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Look at the NAP of the Americas in Miami and the related real estate can be glimpsed in the massive Technology Center of the Americas, which takes up a city block and houses the NAP on the second floor. If you want to look at BellSouth's...

Time ticking away for watchmaker's relocation.(Wittnauer International move from New York to Lauderhill, Florida stalls)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... The dream of bringing the Wittnauer International Watch Co. and its 200 well-paying jobs from New York to Lauderhill has become a project lost in time. The development, targeted to begin in early 2001, was to be built on the former...

Facing strict OCC rules, Hamilton Bank may sell.(Office of the Comptroller of the Currency)(Company Profile)
July 6, 2001... Signs are pointing to a sale -- to a foreign bank or to a U.S. bank with business in Latin America -- as the probable outcome of Hamilton Bancorp's bruising two-year battle with banking and securities regulators. A sale of the bank, an...

Johnson & Wales adds dormitory, classrooms.(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Miami's Johnson & Wales University is expanding with the purchase of a three-building complex on Biscayne Boulevard and planned construction of a classroom structure. Johnson & Wales bought the foreclosed Villa Viscaya on Biscayne about...

Citigate Dewe to close its Miami office.(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... British-owned Citigate Dewe Rogerson, a public relations firm, said this week it is closing its Miami office and laying off six people. The move comes only eight months after the firm said the Miami office would switch from corporate...

Retailers give tax-free week mixed reviews.(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Spend, spend, spend. That's what Florida retailers hope consumers will do during the state's fourth annual sales tax holiday this month. The week without sales tax -- July 28 through Aug. 5 -- is expanded this year to include more...

Business Journal wins Florida Press awards.
July 6, 2001... The Florida Press Association recognized the South Florida Business Journal as the best weekly newspaper of its size. The Journal won first place in general excellence for weeklies of at least 15,000 circulation in FPA's 2000 Better Weekly...

More risk for Devil Rays than Marlins.(for baseball team relocation, elimination)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... West Palm Beach could sustain baseball, study says Rumors are swirling that Major League Baseball will soon opt to relocate or eliminate a few troubled franchises. But according to a new study by Demographics Daily, the Montreal Expos and...

`All hell will break lose' if Web tax ban not extended.(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... The Internet tax moratorium expires Oct. 21, leaving Congress only three months to grapple with the related question of whether states should be allowed to require e-commerce sites to collect sales taxes on purchases made over the Web. ...

NetChoice to fight middlemen.(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... A handful of New Economy trade associations formed a new coalition, called NetChoice, to fight Old Economy middlemen who, the coalition said, want the government to protect them from e-commerce innovations that allow businesses to sell directly...

Group to push transportation funds.(Americans for Transportation Mobility)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Americans for Transportation Mobility, a new coalition led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, plans to spend $1 million over the next 12 months to promote increased spending on highway and airport projects, and to streamline the approval process...

Businesses cut travel 28 percent.(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... A Business Travel Coalition survey of 62 corporations found that 86 percent are taking steps to reduce travel costs this year. On average, the companies plan to reduce their business travel budgets by 28 percent, the survey found. ...

MerchantOnline Q2 loss soars.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 6, 2001... Boca Raton-based MerchantOnline (OTC BB: MRTOE) has reported a net loss of $39.1 million on revenues of $55,623 for the second quarter ended April 30. That compares to a loss of $3 million on revenues of $76,382 for the comparable quarter in...

MasTec expects low earnings.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 6, 2001... Miami's MasTec (NYSE: MTZ) expects second quarter earnings will be below consensus estimates as the slowdown in demand for telecommunications network equipment takes its toll on results. Earnings for the quarter are expected to be about 36...

Inprimis warns of delisting.(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Boca Raton-based Inprimis (Nasdaq: INPM) warned that it may be delisted from the Nasdaq because it doesn't meet the net tangible assets requirements. The company is also not in compliance with the $1 minimum bid requirement, according to...

Neff below NYSE criteria.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 6, 2001... Miami-based Neff Corp. (NYSE: NFF) has been advised by the New York Stock Exchange that the company fell below the exchange's continued listing criteria relating, which includes a 30-day market capitalization equal to or exceeding $15 million...

Aviation Sales below NYSE standard.(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Miramar-based Aviation Sales Co. (NYSE: AVS) advised in a written statement that its market capitalization and stockholders' equity have each fallen below $50 million, thus not meeting one of the New York Stock Exchange's standards for...

Terremark files 10K late.(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Terremark Worldwide (AMEX: TWW), owner and operator of the Nap of the Americas, has filed a notice with the SEC that it will be late filing its annual report Form 10-K for the year ended March 31. The company will be late due to its...

EdVerify gets money from Sylvan.(Statistical Data Included)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Jupiter-based EdVerify has raised $2.5 million in equity funding from Sylvan Ventures, the investment arm of Sylvan Learning Centers (Nasdaq: SLVN). Sylvan also has an option to invest another $2.5 million within the next six months, on the...

Vector to sell notes.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 6, 2001... Miami-based Vector Group (NYSE: VGR) has priced $150 million of 6.25 percent Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2008 through a private offering to qualified institutional investors. The tobacco company has also said that the initial...

Small business up in region.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 6, 2001... The number of small business in South Florida grew 6.23 percent between 1994 to 1999, about four and a half times more than the national average of 1.4 percent, according to a Demographics Daily analysis of new U.S. Census Bureau data. ...

Miami Herald gets new editor.(Tom Fiedler)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... The Miami Herald, the flagship paper of San Jose, Calif.-based Knight Ridder (NYSE: KRI), has named Tom Fiedler its new editor in chief. Fiedler, who is the Herald's editor of the editorial pages, has spent most of his more than 30 years...

Commissioner issues emergency rules.(Florida Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner Tom Gallagher offers privacy protection)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Information about a consumer's income, credit history and physical and mental health is now protected under an emergency rule issued this week by Florida Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner Tom Gallagher. The emergency rule, issued July 2...

Burger King tightens food regs.(for humane handling of food animals)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Miami-based Burger King Corp. has adopted industry-leading guidelines and audits for the humane handling of food animals and has petitioned the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fully and actively enforce the federal Humane Slaughter Act. ...

Pines-Flamingo crossing worst.(most dangerous intersection in U.S.)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... According to a report issued by State Farm Insurance, the most dangerous intersection in the United States is at Pines Boulevard and Flamingo Road in Broward County. The designation of the intersection is based on data supplied by the...

Foley reintroduces act.(Patient Safety and Health Care Whistle Blower Protection Act, Representatives Mike Foley and Max Sandlin)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... To protect health care workers who speak out in the interest of patient care, U.S. Reps. Mark Foley, R-Fla., and Max Sandlin, D-Texas, have reintroduced 1998 legislation that will enact key reforms affecting the health care industry. The...

MovieTickets.com relaunches.(redesigned format)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Boca Raton and Hollywood, Calif.-based MovieTickets.com has relaunched its Web site with a redesigned format designed to help consumers with ticket sales and movie-related information, such as trailers and reviews. The site features a...

Marketing deal, newly tendered shares help Ivax.(Ivax Diagnostics)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)(Statistical Data Included)
July 6, 2001... * Profile: After selling its chemicals and cosmetics lines, Ivax is focusing on developing specialty generic pharmaceuticals, respiratory drugs and cancer treatments. The company's generic products, which account for about 50 percent of sales,...

Sinclair Broadcasting a great speculation stock.
July 6, 2001... Dear Mr. Berko: The man who does our lawn has a portfolio of 47 stocks worth $177,000. He told me he got into, the market in 1979 with a $600 investment in AT&T and that every month he invests between $300 and $500, either in his current stocks...

A salute to the free flow of business and philanthropy.(interactive fountain in Fort Lauderdale's Downtown Development Authority-owned plaza)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
July 6, 2001... An interactive fountain recently made its inaugural splash at the Downtown Development Authority-owned plaza, a 1.5-acre public park in Fort Lauderdale's culture, arts and entertainment scene on Las Olas Boulevard at Andrews Avenue. Money to...

In honor of new attorneys.
July 6, 2001... The Miami law firm of Ferrell Schultz Zumpano & Fertel held a gathering to honor new lawyers at the firm. The gathering, which included clients, employees, family members and friends of the firm, was on the 34th floor of the firm's offices...

Doctor, this banker will see you now.(Atlantic States Bank)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Atlantic States Bank had doctors' offices and medical groups high on its list of prospects when it entered South Florida last year with a goal of lending to small businesses. Now, Atlantic States has many of those prospective borrowers...

Hey pull over, we want you.(traffic tickets include soliciting job seekers)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... It is not known if flyers issued by the Broward County Clerk of Courts come in colors other than hot pink. What is known for sure is that the flyers being handed out by traffic cops along with citations and payment instructions were also...

Working like a dog.
July 6, 2001... At TV Interactive in Boca Raton, it was a dog day. The company participated June 22 in the national Take Your Dog to Work Day, a third annual event organized by the North Carolina-based Pet Sitters International (www.petsit.com). At TVI, 10...

Love those lawyers.(American Lawyers Public Image Association, "I Love My Lawyer Day")(Brief Article)(Column)
July 6, 2001... Why do lawyers inspire such ire? Hatred for lawyers unites everyone from Shakespeare to Erin Brockovich. It's not easy practicing law. It takes a lot of education, long hours, fierce emotional ups and downs, and the hovering knowledge...

Building a metro.(Taylor Land Development (Florida) is planning to build a mixed use complex as part of Prince Georges County's subway stop)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Taylor Land Development of Miami appears to be a front runner to develop a mixed-use development near the Prince George's Plaza Metro station in Washington, D.C. "They've been coming back to us asking lots of questions," Harvey Taylor, the...

Fourth of July lock down.(Residents of Hollywood's Presidential Towers informed of new security measures)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Residents of Hollywood's Presidential Towers might have thought the actual president was moving in July 4. The 500-apartment building notified its residents of a series of security guidelines more appropriate to Shawshank than a beach side...

Keeping secrets.(New German cell phone could prevent wiretapping)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... A German company is selling a cell phone that allows corporate executives, who want to discuss sensitive matters, the opportunity to talk without others listening in. And that's got local law enforcement officials worried, according to one...

Liberty Property Trust.
July 6, 2001... Liberty Property Trust received awards for outstanding landscaping and beautification at Huntington Square III and Lakeview Plaza from Broward Beautiful.

Florida Atlantic University's College of Business.
July 6, 2001... Florida Atlantic University's College of Business was named to Success magazine's list of the top 50 business schools for entrepreneurs.

Alex Vidal.(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Alex Vidal, director of business development for Prudential Florida WCI Realty in Plantation was named 2001 Recruiter of the Year by the Recruiting Network Conference.

Schachne Architects & Builders.
July 6, 2001... Davie-based Schachne Architects & Builders received the top award in the Commercial Low Rise Renovation category from the city of Fort Lauderdale Community Appearance Awards.

The Pharmed Group.
July 6, 2001... The Pharmed Group, located in Miami, was given the 2001 Cutting Edge Award by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.

Gregory K. Boyajian.(recognized by American Dental Association)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Gregory K. Boyajian, a Palm Beach prosthodontist, was recognized by the American Dental Association and the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology for his service and contributions to the field of dental technology.

Jorge M. Perez.
July 6, 2001... Jorge M. Perez, chairman and co-founder of The Related Group of Florida, was named 2001 Alumnus of the Year by the Miami-Dade Community College Alumni Association.

Enterprise Development Corp.(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Boca Raton-based Enterprise Development Corp. will provide consulting services to two new companies, Class Leader and TrackitFindit.

The Apple Organization.(adds to client roster)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... The Apple Organization in North Miami Beach added the following to its client roster: Miami-based developers BCOM and FIRC Group, Aventura-based consulting firm International Sales Group, FAO Baby, Boca Raton-based Newman & Cohen Financial...

Regent Bank.(teams up with Advanced Insurance Underwriters)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Regent Bank in Davie entered into an agreement with Advanced Insurance Underwriters, enabling the bank to offer insurance products to its customers.

cosmyk images.(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Coral Gables-based cosmyk images was hired by EXEC2000 Courier Systems to create a comprehensive identity package.

Leighton McGinn.(awarded contract)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... West Palm Beach general contractor Leighton McGinn was selected by South Trust Bank to build a 5,000-square-foot drive-through banking facility in Boynton Beach.

Tessi Garcia & Associates.(commissioned by Coscan Homes)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Tessi Garcia & Associates of Coral Gables was commissioned by Coscan Homes to design a model at Atlantic Three at The Point of Aventura.

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE.(includes multiple appointments)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... ADVERTISING/PR O'Connell & Goldberg in Hollywood appoints Alexandra Pangas account supervisor. ARCH./ENGINEERING Calvin, Giordano & Associates in Fort Lauderdale appointed Christina Nolan and Karl M. Kennedy associates. Du...

SECRET INGREDIENT.(Tom Prakas, Prakas Group)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Restaranteur-turned-broker Tom Prakas capitalizes on niche Many restaurants that used to be Athan "Tom" Prakas' biggest competitors are now some of his best clients. The Prakas Group is an example of where many think the real estate...

A new frontier.(professional trainers)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... What is the role of your professional trainer? Have you got one that is conventional or pioneering? Roles and skills of trainers have typically been to: * Design, develop content * Build brain power * Coordinate classes *...

Smashing violence.(Working Against Violence Everywhere America supports nonviolent cause)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... With violence in schools a prevalent issue today, check out WAVE America. WAVE (Working Against Violence Everywhere) America is a proactive Safe Schools initiative that believes students, parents, teachers or any member of a community can make...

Buckle on the Lake Belt.(limestone aggregates)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 6, 2001... As you drive along the turnpike extension near U.S. 27, mounds of gravel and quarry conveyor belts dot the horizon. A look behind the scenes at CSR Rinker reveals a huge mining operation. Pictured, clockwise from top, is Johnny Arellano, the...

The truth about vacations for cats and dogs.(Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach facilities for pets)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... At the luxurious Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach, humans are not the hotel's only guests. People and their pets come to stay and play at the property, which, according to a spokeswoman, "usually has an animal in the house." Some...

Film workers to tourism council: keep jobs at home.(California production company and Canadian crew hired to shoot commercial)
July 6, 2001... Earlier this month, forces promoting the state's filmmaking talent pool cried foul after a Florida tourism commercial shoot in Orlando was overrun by Canadian and Californian production workers. The problem blew up last month after it was...

Renaissance capitalizes on Fort Lauderdale business.(Renaissance Fort Lauderdale opens)
July 6, 2001... On June 12 about 60 people gathered in the lobby of the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Hotel to witness the hotel's grand opening. Among the visitors were civic and business leaders such as Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle and Nicki Grossman,...

Customer service should be offered with grace.(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Grace, Some people have it, some people say it, some people show up with it. To be gracious is to be marked by kindness and courtesy, to be characterized by charm, good taste and delicacy, and to be compassionate, markedly pleasant and...

Largest Commercial Printers.(in South Florida)(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
July 6, 2001... Largest Commercial Printers Ranked by 2000 South Florida employees; tie broken by 2000 gross revenue and 2000 sales reps Rank Printer Phone 2001 Address ...

Up in smoke.
July 6, 2001... After Castro, you get another Castro - and one who may be worse than Fidel. That's our conclusion after reading endless coverage speculating on the inevitable death of the Cuban dictator. Fidel's brother, Raul, seems firmly entrenched as a...

More agony at AHCA.(Agency for Health Care Administration approves controversial real estate deal)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Let's say you have a business that's losing money and is no longer economically viable. Would you it to your VP and finance 100 percent of the transaction or would you find a third party that thinks it can fix the situation and offer cold hard...

Bless me, Father, for I'm online.(Vatican has Web site but will not accept confessions online)(Brief Article)(Column)
July 6, 2001... The Vatican has never been accused of being ahead of its time. I understand that the Vatican is rooted in traditions and beliefs it considers non-negotiable. There are more than a billion Catholics in the world, and I would no sooner disrespect...

Altered message syndrome can erode your bottom line.(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... I thought I said I needed this ASAP!" "But we assumed you were covering compliance issues:" "That's not what I asked for." Everyday companies needlessly waste time, resources and money because of these familiar "I think I heard what I...

Condo-hotels gain popularity as investment.(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Condo-hotels are quickly emerging as the hottest venue for investment, luxury living, and if units qualify, as a second home, reaping tax benefits. Although new to our shores, it's nothing new to Latin Americans or Europeans. "I don't know...

IA evolution tied to client tech needs, glob growth.(Interior Architects Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Today's practice of commercial interior design bears little resemblance to the same field of the last decade. It has gone beyond simply providing traditional planning and designing services to creating aesthetically pleasing workplace...

SW Broward cements position as largest office submarket.(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Sunrise, Miramar, Weston, add major corporate firms to already thriving area The residential exodus from Miami-Dade County after Hurricane Andrew 10 years ago, combined with an economic boom in recent years, has resulted in the creation of...

Keeping energy costs from bursting through the roof.(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... High-reflectance materials, heavier insulation and preventative maintenance are keys to energy efficiency With skyrocketing energy costs, many commercial building owners are looking up above for some relief. To the roof, that is. ...

Focus on luxury buildings keeps Swedroe on top.(architect Robert Swedroe profiled)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... After Robert Swedroe graduated from Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon) in Pittsburgh, he applied to just one university to continue his studies: Yale. The New York native was determined to study at the prestigious university...

Ritz ready to unveil first hotel in its triple crown.(Ritz Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C. opening first of three new hotels in Miami)(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... If you've enjoyed a stay at one of Ritz-Carlton's swankier resorts or hotels -- the Kapalua on Maui in Hawaii perhaps, or the Huntington Hotel & Spa in Pasadena, Calif., -- and are planning a trip to South Florida, you might be glad to hear the...

$800 million foreign investment gives boost at just the right time.(purchases of commercial land and properties by foreign interests in South Florida totaled $791.18 mil in 2000)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 6, 2001... So far this year, rising unemployment claims and corporate profit warnings have characterized the national economic picture. South Florida has held up better than most regions of the country. The continuing presence of foreign investment in the...

South Miami area rises, falls with Shops at Sunset Place.(shopping center)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 6, 2001... Tennessee native Wilson Larkins moved to South Florida in the late 1800s and founded the area that would later become South Miami. The original settlement, which was named after Larkins, was changed to South Miami during its incorporation in...

Supreme Court, Army Corps wrangle over wetlands use.(Brief Article)
July 6, 2001... Regulators and developers of Florida's wetlands have been relatively quiet since the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a controversial 5-4 decision that may fundamentally limit the authority of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the...

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY OFFICE SPACE.
July 6, 2001... MIAMI-DADE COUNTY OFFICE SPACE Building name Agency Address Contact, E-mail City/Zip Phone/Fax SOUTH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY BellSouth Bldg. Capital Realty...

COMPANY PROFILES.
July 6, 2001... ATLANTIC WESTERN Atlantic Western Asset Management Atlantic Western Realty Corp. Address: 3175 S. Congress Avenue, Suite 208 Palm Springs, FL 33461 (561) 966-5878 Fax: (561) 966-9534 * Personnel: Brad Scherer,...

BROWARD COUNTY OFFICE SPACE.(Illustration)
July 6, 2001... BROWARD COUNTY OFFICE SPACE Building name Agency Address Contact, E-mail City/Zip Phone/Fax SOUTH WEST BROWARD COUNTY Miramar Ctr., Bldg. A Jones Lang LaSalle 3401...

PALM BEACH COUNTY OFFICE SPACE.
July 6, 2001... PALM BEACH COUNTY OFFICE SPACE Building name Agency Address Contact, E-mail City/Zip Phone/Fax BOCA RATON Woolbright Corporate Ctr. I CRESA Partners 1901 S. Congress...

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY INDUSTRIAL SPACE.
July 6, 2001... MIAMI-DADE COUNTY INDUSTRIAL SPACE Building name Agency Address Contact, E-mail City/Zip Phone/Fax SOUTH MIAMI-DADE COUNTY Pinelands Airport Ctr. IV Morlin Enterprises 13401 S.W....