CHICO’S SALES DROP
>>Chico’s FAS Inc. (NYSE: CHS) has forecast a fourth-quarter loss on the heels of a report that same-store sales in December dropped 13.7 percent compared with the same period last year. The company expects that its fourth-quarter loss will range between 13 cents and 16 cents per share. Total sales for December fell 5.6 percent to $181.6 million from $192.5 million reported for the five-week period ended Dec. 30, 2006. “December’s sales results fell well short of our expectations. The market segments served by our Chico’s and White House | Black Market brands have been particularly challenging, which necessitated more promotions and significantly higher markdowns than originally anticipated,” states Scott A. Edmonds, chairman, president and CEO.

TOP BANK
>>Orion Bancorp Inc. (www.orionbank.com) has been recognized as Florida’s top performing community bank in a recent list compiled by the securities and investment banking firm of Allen C. Ewing & Co. This is the third consecutive year in which Orion ranked first in the state of Florida and the sixth year in a row that the Naples-based bank holding company has received recognition on the Ewing Top 10 Community Bank list. The award recognizes the best performing community bank holding companies and thrifts in terms of generating consistently high profitability while maintaining excellent asset quality. Banks’ and thrifts’ selections are based mainly on their return on average equity (ROAE) over the prior three years. During this period, Orion achieved an ROAE of 28.68 percent, which is above the median of 8.62 percent for all Florida banks and thrifts.

COMMUNITY HONORS
>>First Integrity Bank, the Olde Marco Inn & Suites and the Kruchten Law Firm will present a series of receptions during the winter season to honor local community organizations that play a special role in Southwest Florida. Organizations receiving special recognition in 2008 include The Pilot Club of Naples, Music for Minors and the Neighborhood Health Clinic. Each group will be saluted during individual cocktail receptions in the private penthouse at the Olde Marco Inn & Suites.

VISITOR’S GUIDE
>>The 2008 Charlotte Harbor Visitor’s Guide is now available at the Charlotte Harbor Visitor’s Bureau as well as local chambers, attractions, accommodations, official Florida Welcome Centers and regional airports. The publication showcases the Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands’ tourism offerings in an effort to lure more visitors to the area, and to encourage them to spend more time and money here. The guide also can be viewed at www.charlotteharbortravel.com. 

CUPCAKES DELIVERED
>>Simply Cupcakes of Naples has opened, offering the treats online with free delivery. Customers can log onto www.simplycupcakes.com, place their order, which is confirmed, and have it delivered within 48 hours.

GREEN HOTEL
>>The Crowne Plaza Hotel at Bell Tower (www.cpfortmyers.com) has successfully passed its inspection to become a “One Palm” Certified Green Lodging destination. This certification is voluntary and requires the hotel to maintain and consistently update its efforts to decrease its impact on the environment through various “green” measures.

LABOR MARKET
>>Enterprise Charlotte Foundation, Charlotte County Economic Development Office and the Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board will host the 2007 Labor Market Assessment for Charlotte County. The program, presented by the Wadley-Donovan Group, will run from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the SunTrust Bank Building, 18501 Murdock Circle, in Port Charlotte. A continental breakfast will be served. For reservations, call the Charlotte County EDO at (941) 627-3023.

HOPE VI
>>The Housing Authority of Fort Myers has selected Tyson and Billy Architects, Cape Coral, as Hope VI Development consultants. Bruce Tyson, project architect, will provide overview design services on behalf of the housing authority.

ULI EVENT
>>The Urban Land Institute of Southwest Florida will hold its 11th annual Winter Institute on the Gulf on Feb. 21, focusing on “Trends and Directions in Real Estate Development and Finding the Hot Spots in a Cooling Economy.” The event runs from 7:15 a.m. until noon at the Naples Hilton & Towers, 5111 Tamiami Trail. The featured speakers include Mark Vitner, senior economist, Wachovia Bank; Robert A. Koch, president, Fugleberg-Koch Architects; Michael J. Timmerman, former managing director of HanleyWood Market Intelligence; Charles Bohl, research associate professor, University of Miami; and Shannon Staub, Sarasota County commissioner. For registration, cost and other information, call (800) 321-5011.

AVOW DIRECTORS
>>The board of directors of Avow Hospice (www.avowhospice.org) has announced its 2008 members. They are Edward E. Wollman, chairman; George M. Walters Jr., vice chairman; Mary Baron, secretary; and Douglas L. Allemong, treasurer.

NEW MEDICAL OFFICE
>>Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida has opened a new 17,000-square-foot family practice office at 1255 Viscaya Parkway in Cape Coral. It replaces the office at 1501 Viscaya Parkway. The phone number is 574-1988.

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