Despite rough economy, South Beach's lodging market keeps growing
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:00 EDT
When Myles Chefetz started building a small South Beach hotel next door to his popular Prime One Twelve steak house, where a rib eye costs $56, he figured the 14-room Prime Hotel would be worth about $12 million.
Stephen Covey to speak in Miami
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:00 EDT
Organizational consultant Stephen R. Covey is best known for his book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, which was named the most influential business book of the 20th century by Forbes magazine.
Overqualified? Don't let that stop you
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:00 EDT
He has worked in construction for almost two decades, and Maurice Paul can't get a job as a cashier at Home Depot.<p/> ``I went in for the interview, and followed up a week later, and the person said I was too qualified,'' Paul said. ``They were looking at me as if I'm gonna leave as soon as I can get a better job. And in all honesty, that's what I would have done.''
Sweeping shifts in power transform Florida banks
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:00 EDT
Looking across a glistening Biscayne Bay on a recent chilly morning, Wells Fargo & Co. Chairman and Chief Executive John Stumpf pointed east and asked, ``What's that, over there?''
My view | Minimize risk of workplace violence
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:00 EDT
The possibility that a tragic event may occur at an office or place of employment is not first and foremost on the minds of every worker. But when it happens, it makes the news and strikes fear among all workers.
Be more productive by using your vacation days
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:00 EDT
Do yourself a favor. Schedule your 2010 vacation days now. You've earned them, and so many employees lose them without using them.<p/> The 2009 Vacation Deprivation survey by Expedia.com found that 34 percent of American employees didn't use all their vacation days, throwing away an average of three vacation days each year. Employees, worried about job security during the most perilous economic times since the Great Depression, are postponing vacation under pressure to handle stepped-up workloads in offices with fewer employees and a squeezed bottom line, experts say.
Movers
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:00 EDT
BANKING<p/> BankUnited has promoted Lorrie Candiotti to senior vice president and chief operational risk officer and hired Ronaldo Gines as operational risk officer. The pair will work together to develop Bank
Real estate listings from Michael Y. Cannon
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:00 EDT
PLANTATION<p/>RESTAURANT SELLS FOR $1.4 MILLION<p/> Location: 8285 W. Sunrise Blvd.<p/>Seller: Plantation Shoppes, represented by Bob Roberts, managing member.
From small steps come big changes, Heaths say
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:00 EDT
Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard. Chip Heath and Dan Heath. Broadway Books. 320 pages.<p/> Not a big fan of change, per se. Change my underwear, change the channel, change tables, change the scenery (once in a while, for a weekend or so) or hope that my favorite pitcher throws a change-up, but when it comes to big, hairy, fundamental changes, include me out. It's not that I'm averse to change; I'm not, truly. But I've pretty much got it down, so I'm not looking to change wives, kids, favorite sports teams, preferred breakfast (steel-cut oats, please) or any number of other elements in my life. And I'm not alone. But life is change and if we fail to alter our behavior when required to do so, dire fates often await.
Making the most of marketing might
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:00 EDT
Entrepreneur Susie Kreitman Taylor moved quickly to get her baby product into a lot of stores, from Florida to New York to California.<p/> What she learned, though, is that before trying to sell her multipurpose bib to the masses, she first needed to educate her target customer and create demand. She now takes her marketing message mom to mom.
Beware Ides of March: Revise faulty business plans
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:00 EDT
A soothsayer tells Julius Caesar, already on his way to the Senate (and hisdeath), ``Beware the Ides of March.'' Were it not for William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar (Act I, Scene II), this ominous warning would have been lost forever.
Business agenda
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:00 EDT
Business happenings around South Florida<p/>MONDAY<p/>Broward County Property Appraiser: Deputy appraisers available to assist with Homestead, senior and other property tax exemption applications and answer questions on property taxes. Also accepts applications for Portability. Documents required to file a Homestead Exemption include current Florida driver's license or Florida ID card and current voter registration card or declaration of domicile; noon-2 p.m., Davie Town Hall, 6591 Orange Dr., Davie; free. 954-357-6035 or www.bcpa.net/events.asp.
Advice from the Business Plan Challenge judges
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:00 EDT
Focus on providing a feasible solution to a large or widespread problem. Many entrepreneurs focus on starting their business or developing their product or service out of the entrepreneur's interests or background, but the most successful business are built by solving a problem for their target consumer.
Don't forget to include important financial information
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:00 EDT
With just two weeks left in the Business Plan Challenge entry period, now is the time to get your questions answered. Read the Challenge Q&A on MiamiHerald.com/challenge and submit your question if you don't see it there. Or you can e-mail ndahlberg@Miami
Reinvention essential in changing world
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:00 EDT
You probably need look only as far as your own checkbook to be reminded that in Florida -- as in much of the rest of the world -- the purse strings have changed hands.
Opponents ask court to overturn U.P. mining permit
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:37 EDT
Four groups have filed a lawsuit hoping to overturn a state permit for a nickel and copper mine in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, saying the project does not meet legal requirements for protecting the environment.
9 bailed-out banks report declines in new lending
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:28 EDT
The Treasury Department said Monday that new lending plummeted in January at the nine largest banks that have yet to repay their taxpayer bailouts.
Abbott CEO's pay falls on reduced stock options
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:17 EDT
The chairman and CEO at Abbott Laboratories received a 13 percent drop in total compensation last year, mainly as a result of reduced stock options.
Mo. regulators consider AmerenUE's $320M rate case
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:07 EDT
Customers of Missouri's largest electricity provider appear likely to see a rate increase. The biggest question is how much more they will pay.
AIG closes Transatlantic Holdings public offering
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:52 EDT
Insurer American International Group Inc. said Monday it closed a secondary public offering of Transatlantic Holdings Inc. for about $452 million.
What would a new consumer protection agency do?
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:37 EDT
Watch out for consumers, police financial products. It sounds like a simple mandate for a proposed new consumer protection agency.
US Steel CEO's 2009 pay dives as he rejects awards
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:37 EDT
United States Steel Corp. CEO John Surma's compensation package plummeted more than 83 percent last year as he took a salary cut and refused stock awards. The reduction came in a year the company struggled with withering demand for steel.
Summary Box: Copper prices fall on demand worries
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:32 EDT
COPPER DROPS: Copper prices fell as traders worried that China may take steps to curb economic growth, which could hurt demand for the metal used in construction and consumer products.
PostRock CFO resigning
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:22 EDT
Natural gas producer PostRock Energy Corp. said Monday that its chief financial officer, Eddie M. LeBlanc, is resigning from his post and the company's executive vice president for finance and corporate development will take over the position.
How the major stock indexes fared on Monday
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:17 EDT
Investors turned cautious Monday ahead of the Federal Reserve's meeting on interest rates. Major stock indexes closed narrowly mixed after trading lower for most of the day. An analyst upgrade of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. helped lift the Dow Jones industrial average to its fifth straight gain. Investors will be looking to the Fed's statement that follows its meeting Tuesday for clues about the economic recovery and the central bank's plans for interest rates. Policymakers are almost certain to keep the Fed's benchmark rate unchanged at near zero.
Costa Cruises lays off 80 in South Florida
Sat, 13 Mar 2010 01:00 EST
Costa Cruises laid off 80 employees in South Florida last week as part of a shift in strategy.<p/> The Genoa, Italy-based cruise operator said its dominance in Europe enables it to fetch higher prices for its Caribbean cruises by selling them to Europeans instead of Americans, who aren't as familiar with the brand. As a result, the company is shifting certain finance, accounting, revenue management and sales and marketing tasks from Hollywood to Italy and cutting some field jobs. ``We analyzed our Caribbean market and realized we would draw higher yields [the revenue generated per berth per day] if we focused on marketing the Caribbean to Europeans,'' said Maurice Zarmati, president and CEO of Costa's North American operations.
Costa Cruises cuts jobs in South Florida
Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:42 EST
Costa Cruises laid off 80 employees in South Florida last week as part of a shift in strategy.<p/> The Genoa, Italy-based cruise operator said its dominance in Europe enables it to fetch higher prices for its Caribbean cruises by selling them to Europeans, instead of Americans, who aren't as familiar with the brand. As a result, the company is shifting certain finance, accounting, revenue management, and sales and marketing tasks from Hollywood, Fla., to Italy and cutting some field jobs.
Slim now world's richest person
Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:00 EST
Mexico's Carlos Slim beat Bill Gates and Warren Buffett for the top spot on Forbes magazine's annual list of billionaires, becoming the first person from outside the U.S. to lead the rankings in 16 years.
Data on 24,000 Swiss account holders stolen, HSBC says
Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:00 EST
Information on 24,000 HSBC customers with Swiss accounts has been stolen, the British bank said Thursday, potentially exposing large numbers of international clients to prosecution by tax authorities in their home countries.
South Florida trade doldrums may be easing
Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:00 EST
The global recession took a deep cut out of South Florida's trade last year, as seven of the region's top 10 trading partners registered annual declines and two, Brazil and Venezuela, saw trade fall by more than $2 billion each.
Haiti rebuilding summit under way in Miami
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:00 EST
Doug Brooks, president of the International Peace Operations Association, was in Turkey recently, working on an event on Afghanistan reconstruction, when an idea struck: Why not organize a conference on rebuilding Haiti in the wake of the devastating earthquake?
Freight that can't wait is big business at Miami International Airport
Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:00 EST
Standing in one of Arrow Cargo's huge warehouses at Miami International Airport, Rodrigo Canola, the freight airline's export manager, pointed to stacks of electronic equipment from China and Korea, each separated according to their destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Chile wineries update amount of losses
Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:02 EST
The earthquake caused substantial damage in Chile's wine region: Stainless steel fermentation tanks tipped over, wine bottles busted and wineries without power.
Protests rock Greece in the wake of new austerity measures
Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:00 EST
German Chancellor Angela Merkel avoided giving debt-plagued Greece a commitment of financial assistance Friday, as Athens was rattled by more strikes and violent protests by unions outraged by harsh economic austerity measures.
Ship line reports 1st loss in 6 decades
Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:00 EST
A.P. Moeller-Maersk A/S, owner of the world's largest container-shipping line, reported its first annual loss in at least six decades and said it will be limited to a ``modest'' profit in 2010 because of inadequate price increases.
Royal Caribbean cruise ship under quarantine in Brazil
Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:17 EST
A Royal Caribbean International cruise ship was placed under quarantine in southeastern Brazil after hundreds of passengers were stricken with vomiting and diarrhea, health authorities said Thursday
Summary Box: FCC unveils sweeping broadband plan
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:13 EDT
THE PROPOSAL: Bring high-speed Internet access to more areas of the country and make existing connections faster.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski at a glance
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:13 EDT
NAME: Julius Genachowski
Cuba criticizes US ruling on Internet access
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:08 EDT
Cuba says a U.S. ruling that makes it easier for companies to provide Internet communications services on the island is meant to destabilize the country, not loosen Washington's 48-year economic embargo.
Pericom Semiconductor names financial chief
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:13 EDT
Chip maker Pericom Semiconductor Corp. said Monday that Aaron Tachibana, former chief financial officer of Asyst Technologies Inc., will join the company as CFO.
Apple to charge $107 for iPad battery replacement
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:48 EDT
Apple says it will replace iPads with dying batteries for about $100.
FCC chairman's broadband goals, in his own words
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:08 EDT
Since Julius Genachowski became chairman of the Federal Communications Commission last year, his main priority has been overhauling the government's strategy for expanding high-speed Internet access.
60-second review | Jawbone Icon Bluetooth headset
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:42 EDT
Product: Jawbone Icon Bluetooth headset<p/>Features: Comes in six designs with optional earhook and several earbud cushion sizes. Speaks updates in your ear for caller ID and battery life. Up to 4 1/2 hours of talk time and 10 days standby time. Connects to multiple cellphones. iPhone users can see a battery meter on the iPhone screen.
FCC unveiling sweeping national broadband plan
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:03 EDT
More corners of the country would have high-speed Internet access and existing connections would become much faster under a sweeping proposal to overhaul U.S. broadband policy that is being unveiled Tuesday.
Facebook opening operations office in India
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:37 EDT
Social networking site Facebook is opening an operations office in India, its first in Asia, to help manage rapid growth in the number of users.
Survey: Readers don't want to pay for news online
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:17 EDT
Getting people to pay for news online at this point would be "like trying to force butterflies back into their cocoons," a new consumer survey suggests.
Amazon reacts to new Colo tax, costing affiliates
Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:34 EDT
Kristie McNealy blogs from her suburban Denver home about raising four children and health issues. Her husband, Rob, a floor installer, runs another Web site offering product reviews and advice on hardwood floors.
Miami-Dade tourist tax falls 20 percent
Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:46 EDT
An apparent bottom in the Miami-Dade hotel market gave way in August, when tourist taxes plunged 20 percent -- making it the third worst month for the industry since the financial crisis began a year ago.<p/> An apparent bottom in the Miami-Dade hotel market gave way in August, when tourist taxes plunged 20 percent -- making it the third worst month for the industry since the financial crisis began a year ago.
Jackson CEO offers new proposal
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:57 EDT
In a major reversal from her first proposal, Jackson Chief Executive Eneida Roldan presented a new plan Monday afternoon with much smaller cuts -- eliminating about 650 jobs and keeping both satellite hospitals open.
Union, Jackson Health System agree on partnership
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:42 EDT
Hours before Jackson Health System's governing board is scheduled to meet to work out drastic budget cuts, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) announced Monday it had worked out a partnership agreement with the financially struggling institution.
New designated driver service arrives in South Florida
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:32 EDT
If you want to legally get yourself and your car home after a night of partying, a packable scooter may deliver the answer.<p/> Zingo Fort Lauderdale will send a driver, via scooter, to the location of the drunk driver. The driver packs the scooter into the trunk of the customer's vehicle, and delivers customer and vehicle to their destination.
Citizens Property Insurance offers $2 billion of tax-exempt bonds
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:27 EDT
Florida's government-owned Citizens Property Insurance Corp., bracing for an ``above-normal'' hurricane season, plans to sell $2 billion in tax-exempt bonds as early as this week.
Cruise lines seeing a rebound
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:02 EDT
Last week, Kevin Sheehan, the chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, opened an e-mail from his pricing guru with an update on ticket prices and bookings.
60-second review | Jawbone Icon Bluetooth headset
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:42 EDT
Product: Jawbone Icon Bluetooth headset<p/>Features: Comes in six designs with optional earhook and several earbud cushion sizes. Speaks updates in your ear for caller ID and battery life. Up to 4 1/2 hours of talk time and 10 days standby time. Connects to multiple cellphones. iPhone users can see a battery meter on the iPhone screen.
Free bankruptcy clinic at courthouse
Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:00 EST
Put Something Back and the Bankruptcy Bar Association are offering free bankruptcy clinics at the Bankruptcy Courthouse in Downtown Miami, 51 SW 1st Ave., Courtroom 1410 on the following dates and times: Friday, March 19, 10 a.m. -- 12 p.m.; Friday, April 16, 10 a.m. -- 12 p.m.; Friday, May 14, 10 a.m. -- 12 p.m.
Street light fixed after 5 years
Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:00 EST
For about five years the street light by our building has been damaged and hasn't been fixed. On many occasions we have called FPL and the city of Miami, but nothing.