Seeking good loans
Wells Fargo Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Stumpf says finding creditworthy customers is the bank’s biggest challenge. Wells Fargo became the second-largest bank in Florida when it acquired Wachovia in 2008.
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Cheap stuff
Veteran economist Gregory Miller says Florida could lead the country to stronger-than-expected economic growth.
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Sold note
The banker who gave you a business loan may not be the same one you negotiate with in harder times. Banks are selling loans to raise capital in the downturn, leaving borrowers to fend off aggressive investors.
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A Really Young Buck
The new executive of a $515 million unit of a regional bank on the Gulf Coast is still two years away from turning 30. Age, however, hasn’t stopped Chris Rolle before.
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Victory, at Last
A Gulf Coast community bank has pulled off a rare feat: It raised $15 million in capital during a crippling recession.
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Ports in a Storm
By increasing its presence in Tampa Bay, Whitney Bank is attempting to reapply the formula that has kept it in business for more than a century.
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Old Faces, New Places
USAmeriBank has had good timing from the beginning, opening their doors just after the real estate market had done its worst to area banks. After building a team of veteran bankers, leadership is looking to continue capitalizing on a timely market entry by outmaneuvering distracted competitors.
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Patient executive finally makes his move
Steve Marino, who closed on a $380,000 deal for the land last July, recently announced plans to build a two-building, 20,000-square-foot complex on the site, where he eventually hopes to employ at least 10 people. He hopes a glossy new showroom for appliances will be open by early 2011.
Full Story »Lee bonds draw a diverse crowd
News that $56.1 million in federal tax-exempt financing is available for Lee County businesses has generated considerable interest.
Full Story »Clash with McClash over Amendment 4
When two Republican county commissioners from adjacent counties faced off over proposed state constitutional Amendment 4 — a.k.a. “Hometown Democracy” — in front of the Lakewood Ranch Democrat Club, the audience knew to expect an unusual exchange.
Full Story »There’s money in that pet poop
Dan Vickers is the proud franchisee of a larger business that generated $4.5 million in 2009. Representing one of 100 nationwide locations, the company saw dramatic growth last year, despite a slow economy. That company is Pet Butler. Their business: poop scooping.
Full Story »Bank hints at real estate recovery
Despite posting grim earnings recently, Naples-based bank holding company TIB Financial Corp. reported an improving real estate market in Naples and Fort Myers.
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