Deana Mazurkiewicz and Adrienne Reed tell nearly identical stories. Five years ago, each opened her dream business. Mazurkiewicz's Bow Wow Boutique in Tampa Palms is a popular pet grooming business with more than 4,000 clients. Reed has earned a loyal following at her yoga studio, Namaste. ...more

May 28, 2008

Scott Metzger wanted to start a restaurant-microbrewery in San Antonio, Texas. His credit was good. His business plan was sound. He should have had an easy time getting financing. ...more

May 3, 2008

Move to a new subdivision and there usually are plans for shops, restaurants and more. ...more

February 6, 2008

Vote 'Yes' On Amendment 1 It is important to Vote "Yes" on Amendment 1 today. This is our first step as taxpayers towards tax reform. This is the tax relief we taxpayers need while working towards real reform. I hear opponents say that this amendment is not enough. Then I hear opponents say it's too much and government will be unable to provide services. Which is it? Don't ask the opponents of Amendment 1 because they don't know. I can tell you that this is the first step and we must vote "Yes' on 1!" ...more

January 28, 2008

On Jan. 29 the voters of Highlands County will be deciding on an amendment to the Florida Constitution which, if passed, will result in some property tax relief. Is it everything we need in tax reform? No! However it does provide much needed relief to Florida residents who are "stranded" in their homesteads, unable to move to either a larger or smaller home because they would lose the protection they have accrued over the years through the Save Our Homes exemption. Amendment 1 will, if approved, make Save Our Homes portable. If the amendment passes, a young family will be able to take their lower tax rate with them when they outgrow their residence and purchase a larger home. A retired couple will be able to "downsize" without running the risk of doubling or tripling (or worse!) their current property tax bills. ...more

January 27, 2008

More than 100 real estate professionals rallied Friday to hear spirited endorsements of a proposed property tax amendment from the core of Pasco County's legislative delegation. ...more

January 12, 2008

With the football playoffs under way and the presidential election campaign becoming more intense, small-business owners may find that some of their staffers are a little distracted and more inclined to talk than work. ...more

January 10, 2008

Small business owners who expect to hit the ground running when 2008 arrives might want to think about sitting back for a just a bit and doing some strategic and financial planning for the new year. ...more

December 26, 2007

The numbers are in and they're not pretty. Last year, Metropolitan Ministries served 15,336 adults and children during the holiday season. ...more

December 8, 2007

A new bank started with $20 million from local investors and business people will open its doors Dec. 10. ...more

November 26, 2007