Business

The automotive industry’s woes are leading to consolidations and layoffs from one of Southwest Florida’s largest dealerships.
The DeVoe Automotive Group announced Monday it will consolidate some of its Naples and Bonita Springs franchises in order to restructure and streamline its dealerships. The decision was made due to the downturn in vehicle sales over the past two years as economic conditions worsen. Full story »

Marco Community Bank funds city's tennis program for children. Full story »

In responding to prospects, customers or clients, never say: Full story »

Last year we met a delightful couple from London who vacation in Marco each year. Full story »

Ready? Everybody on their feet. A standing ovation for the IRS. Full story »

Excerpts from good stuff, recently potted on the walls at Griffin Transport Services in Reno, Nevada. Full story »

As difficult as the current market and economic situation may be, this time of year does bring joy and happiness as we share traditions and spend time with family and friends to enjoy the holidays. It’s a time to reflect on all of the good things we have in our lives and be thankful. Full story »

Marco Community Bancorp Inc. continues to strengthen its management team. Thomas J. Mitchusson, 51, has been appointed chief financial officer and a senior vice president for the company and its subsidiary, Marco Community Bank, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Full story »

In November, Collier County’s jobless rate dropped for a third month in a row. But it’s another story in Lee County, where unemployment has continued to grow. Full story »

Commercial air service has returned to Florida Keys Marathon Airport. Cape Air, a code-share carrier for Continental Airlines, began Friday offering three daily round-trip flights between Marathon and Fort Myers’ Southwest Florida International Airport. Full story »

On occasion, I’ll dig deep into my “columns archive” and dust off an oldie, but a goodie. A blast from the past, that deserves another meaningful showing. The following, first appeared in these pages almost five years ago. Full story »

Due to popular demand, the Farmers Market will be open to the public through the Christmas and New Year holidays. Full story »

To further Collier County’s green lodging initiative, the Collier County Hotel & Lodging Association has formed a Green Committee to grow and enhance the benefits of sustainable lodging practices in the region and assist other hotels that wish to gain certification. Full story »

This is a war story. A true one. It involves a real-life family business owner, Joe, with real-life problems.
Joe was advised by his lawyer and accountant to sell his business, Success Co., to his daughter for $1.8 million. He called me for a second opinion before signing the papers. My guess is that Joe’s problems and, more importantly, the solutions, apply to millions of small family businesses.
These are the goals Joe outlined at our consulting meeting:
Full story »

With so much to do this time of year don’t let the glitter of the holidays overshadow some of the year end financial planning that you can take advantage of. This is also the season for “tax loss harvesting,” which is a tax-saving strategy that may be worth looking into.
Normally, you would examine your portfolio and locate the “dogs” you want to set loose because they haven’t worked out as you had hoped. You’d then use those losses to offset capital gains from successful investments. This year may be a bit different than recent years and you’ll want to evaluate your holdings very carefully. Most everyone has some unrealized losses (losses on paper only) for 2008, although the underlying investments may still be sound. Full story »