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Grounds for approval

It’s a job that doesn’t hog the limelight, but try to run a golf course without an exceptional grounds director, and kiss the customers goodbye.

Todd Evans, most recently superintendent for the famed “Blue Monster” course at Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami, is the new man at the helm of the Rookery at Marco.

The course is part of the Marco Island Marriott Resort, and is situated within Fiddler’s Creek just a couple of miles from the city.

Evans joined the Marriott Golf team in 2005, and has more than 15 years experience in the golf industry, including extensive knowledge in course renovations and construction, according to recently released company information.

Evans is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, including the maintenance, repair and landscaping, for all golf grounds at the course. He will also focus on a significant bunker renovation project that is at the moment in progress.

Best feet forward

Area’s underprivileged children (and indeed, there are a number on Marco) will benefit from a new program that will put shoes on their feet for the new school year.

Rack Room Shoes has partnered with the charitable organization, Shoes that Fit to put a spring in the step of poor children.

The promotion works by offering Rack Room Shoes shoppers a “finders keepers” key purse for a donation of $5, which in turn results in a coupon that chops off 10 percent of purchases of more than $60.

All promotion proceeds go into the coffers of the Shoes that Fit program.

Spokesperson Kathryn Montgomery said the fund-raising effort not only has social significance, but also lends a helping hand to community outreach.

All 378 Rack Room Shoes stores throughout the nation are participating.

Learning opportunity

Marco businessmen who value updates on state economic issues have the opportunity of listening to two experts on Aug. 28 at a breakfast meeting at the Hilton Naples.

Under the auspices of the Economic Development Council of Collier County, the seminar will feature Dr. Dale Brill, talking about the “State of the State” in economic terms, and Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission president Raymond Gilley talking about the Orlando region’s initiatives to grow bioscience companies in Central Florida.

In a release, EDC president Tammie Nemecek said the two men represent two of the state’s top economic development leaders.

“This program should be of interest to anyone who is currently operating a business in Southwest Florida and who may be looking for innovative ways to retain or expand their employment base,” she said.

Cost is $25 per person. For more information or to register, call the EDC at 263-8989, or visit eNaplesFlorida.com.