WHITNEY RESIGNS
>>Russell A. Whitney has resigned as CEO of Whitney Information Network Inc., according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Whitney, whose resignation was effective Dec. 31, continues to serve as chairman of the company’s board of directors. Last month, he agreed to step down in accordance with a recommendation by an internal committee that was convened to investigate securities violations and other allegations against the company. Whitney will receive severance compensation of $1.95 million.

HMA UPGRADED
>>Health Management Associates Inc. stock has been upgraded by a Wachovia analyst to “Outperform” from “Market Perform,” according to BusinessWeek. William Bonello cites positive changes in the executive lineup for the Naples hospital operator. He also said share prices of $8 to $9 would be fair, according to BusinessWeek. HMA’s stocks have declined from a high of $21.40 to Friday’s low of $5.43. Shares closed at $5.90 on Monday.

STRONG ASSETS
>>FineMark National Bank & Trust (www.finemarkbank.com) has exceeded $100 million in assets managed by the trust department in less than one year of operation. The Fort Myers company’s board of directors also reported growth in loans, which now stand in excess of $41 million.

JETBLUE FLIGHTS
>>JetBlue Airways (www.jetblue.com) today begins daily nonstop service between Buffalo and White Plains, N.Y., and Fort Myers. The White Plains flight arrives at 12:25 p.m. and the flight to Buffalo will depart at 1 p.m.

TO TOLL OR NOT TO TOLL
>>The League of Women Voters of Collier County (www.lwvcolliercounty.org) will hear arguments for and against tolling lanes five and six of an about-to-be expanded I-75. The tolls would pay for future lanes seven through 10. The program begins at 1 p.m. at the league’s general meeting on Jan. 21 at the Collier Athletic Club, 710 Goodlette-Frank Road in Naples. Representatives of the Southwest Florida Expressway Authority and Citizens Transportation Coalition of Collier County will provide their positions on the issue. The Expressway Authority has proposed the tolling and the Citizens Coalition challenges it. The public is also invited to attend a luncheon at noon, preceding the program. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. To reserve a spot, call the league at 263-4656 by 5 p.m. on Jan. 17.

ROBOT DISTRIBUTION
>>CoroWare (www.coroware.com), an Innova Robotics & Automation company (INRA.OB), has entered into a agreement with RoadNarrows LLC to distribute CoroWare’s CoroBot line of mobile robots. Until recently, CoroWare has successfully marketed and sold the CoroBot product line to educational, industrial and military sectors through its direct sales efforts. To reach a broader audience, including commercial developers and researchers, technical educators and robot enthusiasts, CoroWare has begun developing a network of qualified distributors and resellers worldwide. Innova Robotics & Automation (www.innovaroboticsautomation.com) is based in Fort Myers.

WASMER FIRMS MERGE
>>Wasmer, Schroeder & Company Inc., a money-management firm headquartered in Naples, has merged with its affiliated advisory firm located in Cleveland, Wasmer Schroeder & Company LLC. Wasmer, Schroeder & Company Inc. has more than $2 billion in assets under management and specializes in fixed income portfolio management for high-net worth individuals, wealth management groups, institutions and foundations.

ENTERPRISE CHARLOTTE APPOINTMENT
>>Frank Bell, general superintendent for Charlotte County operations of Owen-Ames-Kimball Co., has been appointed to the Enterprise Charlotte Advisory Board for a two-year term by the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners. Enterprise Charlotte is a public-private partnership consisting of 18 members from government, education, business and community organizations.

PRACC LUNCHEON
>>Chris Doyle, president and publisher of the Naples Daily News will speak at the Public Relations, Marketing and Advertising Professionals of Collier County (www.pracc.org) luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 17 at the Naples Grande. RSVP by Jan. 15 by calling 436-2105.

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