Marco Business Buzz

Image is everything

Depth of field, F-stops and ISO ratings might be Greek to some people, but the next In The Round gathering at Orion Bank should take some of the mystery out of the terms.

The monthly gathering this time around zones in on two local photographers who will — in host Keith Dameron’s words — “expose” the best of their work centering on the Everglades and the Ten Thousand Islands.

They are Don McDonald and Mike Housewert, both amateur photographers with day jobs.

McDonald is a licensed boat captain and Realtor, while Housewert is a contractor/builder.

The two will display and talk about their work at the July 22 event, for which early reservations are required by calling 403-5169.

Kick off is around 6:30 p.m. with an ice-breaker, followed by the presentation at 7 until about 8:30 p.m.

Wheels deal

Islanders and visitors interested in taking in a little of Naples’ charm with a novel means of transportation — on Segway self-balancing, two-wheeled scooters — can take advantage of a two-for-one special during July.

Also, says Naples Transportation, Tours and Event Planning Sales and PR manager Colleen Giresi, trolley bus tours will also be offered on a buy one, get one free basis.

For more info, call 262-7300, ext. 41.

A tradition continues

Rich Jones Electric on Marco Island congratulates employee David Gourlay for his third consecutive top “Student Of The Year” award at VOTEC.

This is the eighth year in a row Rich Jones Electric students have won top honors.

Gourlay also passed his Master Electrician exam with high marks. The company now has four master electricians on staff.

Store chain eyes vets

Retired military vets looking for a business avenue are on the radar of 7-Eleven, Inc., which is discounting its franchise fees for them.

The discount, said publicist Susan Hamburg in a release, could run between $5,000 to $35,000, depending on the store’s sales volume.

Hamburg said there are at the moment some 7-Eleven stores available for franchising in the Fort. Myers/Naples and South Florida areas.

Call 407-696-7825.

Free seminar

Banker David Edel is to demystify the technicalities of reverse mortgages by offering a free seminar Monday at the Bank of America building on Bald Eagle Drive.

His seminar on reverse mortgages starts at 2 p.m. and will last about an hour.

For more information contact Edel at his david.edel@bankofamerica.com e-mail address.

Shores Strikes Gold With Green

Going green may already be a vogue term, but it’s a big deal for resorts to be granted “Green Lodging” status.

Latest local resort to be named is Marriott’s Crystal Shores, which has been recognized by the Florida Green Lodging Program run by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Crystal Shores joins two other Marriott resorts in Florida now able to boast the recognition, which requires the adoption of cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

To become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, resorts must implement a variety of green practices, including water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction and recycling.

Crystal Shores has 219 two-bedroom villas (upon build-out), and is Marriott Vacation Club’s newest vacation resort in Florida.

As a continuation of these efforts, according to a company release, all 11 Marriott Vacation Club resorts in Florida are currently in process to receive the “One Palm” designation from the Florida Green Lodging Program with expectations to have nearly all resorts designated by the end of the year.

In 2007, Governor Crist signed three executive orders initiating state energy-use policies, including one that requires state agencies and departments to hold meetings and conferences only at hotels with the Florida Green Lodging Program designation as of Jan. 1, whenever possible.