(Congratulations and best wishes also to Martha Stubbs. Her daughter-in-law Joy (Gamma Iota, University of Florida) is our connection to the Stubbs Educational Foundation. We are proud to support their work providing scholarships for local music students!)
Institute honors achievers in business
Sean Flood, an FSU alumnus and owner of the Gotcha Group, probably put it best in his praise of business support he has received from the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship.
"I can truly say that without the generosity of JMI, I would not be here," Flood told those gathered for the institute's annual celebration of business achievement.
It was an anniversary party Wednesday night for JMI in honor of its 15 years of business support, but the companies that have benefited from JMI programs are just as much of the story. The spotlight shines on them as much as it does on the institute, founded through a gift from legendary South Florida automobile retailer Jim Moran.
Thus far, more than 3,000 Florida businesses have received assistance. JMI also coordinates the school program Junior Achievement in Leon County and has had more than 9,000 students participate.
JMI also sponsors the entrepreneurial roundtables that get company owners together to discuss problems and opportunities. Sam Varn, owner of Awards4U in Tallahassee, is a long-time roundtable member and received the JMI Advocate Award for his efforts to make the institute's programs more visible.
The award for Outstanding Commitment went to Arthur and Pamela Aveling of King Arthur's Tools. They were honored for their JMI involvement, but also sharing what they learn with business owners.
Pam Butler, CEO of Aegis Business Technologies, received the award for Community Support and Involvement. The Financial Growth Award went to Steve Roden, CEO of LearnSomething Inc. Fred G. Shelfer Jr., president and CEO of Goodwill Industries Inc. Big Bend, received the Success Story Award for improving his organization's profitability.
Tracey Cohen, president of Target Copy, was presented with the Family Success Award in honor of her achievements in taking the reins of the business started by her mother, Mayda Williams.
Students were honored, too. Seniors Stephanie Farquhar and Sara Clack produced a marketing plan for the Uptown Cafe as part of their venture consulting class, and it has paid dividends for the business. They received the Student Excellence Award.
In a business plan development competition that had a $5,000 first prize, the winners were the team of Cameron Bullock, Sam Nebel and Trey Ware. They worked with the FSU Institute for Energy Systems, Economics and Sustainability, whose scientists have invented a technology for making energy grids work smarter, and needed a business plan for commercializing the technology.
Rotary award recognizes good ethics in business
The Rotary Clubs of Tallahassee, Wakulla and Monticello are hosting their 10th anniversary Ethics in Business Award at the civic center Wednesday. Seven local business men and women have been nominated for the award, given in memory of the late Bill Dugger, a former Rotary president.
"Every year I am pleased that our local businesses have this many people who do business ethically," said Mark Thomasson, Rotary Club of Tallahassee president. "Everyone nominated is a winner because this is a celebration of ethics and good practices."
The nominees are Eugene G. Rivers III, Lucy Ho, Mark A. Tarmey, Martha Stubbs, Melvina MacDonald, Steve Evans and Tracey Cohen.
Stubbs, owner of Stubbs Music School & Educational Foundation, was humbled to hear of her nomination for the award.
"I'm very honored to know that people in the community see how we do business as ethical," she said. "And I'm looking forward to the honor of meeting the other nominees, being with the Rotarians and being considered for their most prestigious award."
The nominees are selected by graduate students at the Florida State University College of Business, said Maureen Thompson, immediate past president of the Rotary Club of Tallahassee.
The keynote speaker for the mid-day lunch event is Alberto Ibarguen, CEO of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
2010 NOMINEES FOR THE ETHICS IN BUSINESS AWARD IN MEMORY OF BILL DUGGER:
Eugene G. Rivers III, Keller Williams Town and Country Realty: Tallahassee Realtor since 1993 with his wife Rebekah as his teammate. Aside from providing service to clients as a Realtor, Rivers also believes in giving back to his community, having been named the leading fundraiser for American Red Cross, Muscular Dystrophy, the March of Dimes, Public Television and Public Radio, and the American Diabetes Associations.
Lucy Ho, owner of Lucy Ho's Azu and Masa Restaurants: Long-time local restaurateur known for her passion to prepare great food. Not only does Lucy Ho take care of her customers, she serves the community with her many years of dedication to the FSU Theater Department, where she sews the many costumes seen on stage. Ho even invites college students to her home to indulge in a tasty meal.
Mark A. Tarmey, 4M Design Group: Formed 4M Design group in 2007 and has more than 28 years of architectural experience. Tarmey has received certificates of appreciation for design and generous contribution to the ABC TV show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" from the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects, "support and service in the revitalization of the Frenchtown Community" presented by Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, and for "outstanding leadership, mentorship and participation" in the Lawton Chiles Honors externship program.
Martha Stubbs, founder of Stubbs Music School & Educational Foundation: Martha Stubbs has dedicated considerable time to improving the future of music education, not just through her school, but by volunteering her time to a variety of music organizations. She is active in the Florida State Music Teachers' Association in which she has served as president, and as the Florida State Music Teachers' Foundation president.
Melvina MacDonald, Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare's Employee Assistant Program: Active Rotary member. Through Melvina MacDonald's efforts in helping troubled clients, TMH was the very first winner of the Florida Psychological Association's Psychologically Health Workplace Award in 2009 and the national award in 2010.
Steve Evans, FSU Foundation interim president: Evans retired from IBM after 30 years of dedicated service. Since then, he has found another full-time calling in helping others succeed in business. He serves as a mentor to business owners and an example of ethical business practices.
Tracey Cohen, president of Target Copy: Cohen is known for her generosity at work and in the community. At Target Copy she always make sure that what the customer wants and needs comes first, even if she has to send them to a competitor. She serves on the board of the North Central Division of the Children's Home Society of Florida and was chair of Turning Lives Around in November, where more than $50,000 in cash and pledges was raised for the organization.
