MasTec’s ‘Undercover Boss’ confirms lessons in leadership
The scene at The Stage Miami on the evening of May 11 felt more like a family gathering than a night out at a hot club in Miami’s trendy Design District. The Stage, (www.thestagemiami.com) a locally owned nightclub that fuses art, film and music by some of South Florida’s best talent, was the ideal venue […]
Charge your cellphone — for a fee
GoCharge is spreading its network of cellphone charging stations across South Florida, targeting the area for the next phase of its expansion. Ever run out of battery life on your cellphone just when you need it most? GoCharge wants to be your go-to place to get your smartphone charged — for a fee. The network […]
South Florida is marked down for companies looking for a new home
A corporate relocation study gives South Florida high marks in terms of affordability. Low taxes and depressed real estate prices help. The recession hammered South Florida’s housing and labor markets more than most, leaving at least one bright side amid the damage. Companies now find the region a cheaper place to do business. Thanks largely […]
Fort Lauderdale postmark soon to be history as postal centers close
Say goodbye to that smudgy black postmark reading “Fort Lauderdale.” Bid farewell also to speedier delivery of mail, at least outside South Florida. In an effort to address budget woes from a severe decline in mail volume, the U.S. Postal Service is closing Broward County’s two massive mail processing centers and shifting operations to a […]
New Citizens insurance customers could face 56 percent rate increase
Broward County homeowners who sign up for windstorm insurance from Citizens Property Insurance Corp. next year could pay up to 56 percent more than a neighbor with an existing policy, if a cap is removed on rate increases for new customers. Some new wind-only condominium customers would pay more than twice what existing policyholders pay […]
Hispanic-owned marketing agencies grow in size, scope
Alma is a Hispanic advertising agency in Miami helping Americans see Latin culture in a new light. Consider an English-language TV commercial called Disfruta that Alma produced for McDonald’s to promote the restaurant chain’s fruit smoothie beverages: The 30-second spot shows a crowd of young Latinos and Latinas throwing paint-filled balloons at each other in […]
7-Eleven expands, remodels in South Florida
Notice a lot of new 7-Eleven stores in South Florida lately? Well expect to see even more in the future. 7-Eleven is expanding in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties. The convenience store chain opened 57 new or remodeled stores in the tri-county area since 2010. There are 15 more stores set to open by […]
The Whole Enchilada expanding in Fort Lauderdale
A building that was once an auto repair shop and before that a gas station, will soon be converted into a full-service Mexican restaurant on Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. The Whole Enchilada, a fresh Mexican grille restaurant, is opening its second location there in the coming months. The 1,200-square-foot space just north of Broward […]
Here are the winners of the 2012 Business Plan Challenge
A winery at sea, an aquaculture venture, coupons on the go, a cookbook for kids, Priceline for brides — all were winners in the 2012 Miami Herald Business Plan Challenge. South Florida is often recognized as one of the nation’s most entrepreneurial communities, and this year’s winners and contestants represent the passion and diversity of […]
Manufacturing ends a big slump in Broward
Defying a slump that’s been around for about a decade, Broward factories are suddenly hiring. The 10 percent gain in March could mean a big shift for a battered industry. The latest employment figures continue one of the biggest turnarounds we’ve seen this year on the hiring front. Broward’s manufacturing industry has seen at least […]
South Florida businesses blend ideas
Ever wanted to grab a sandwich while mailing out a package? How about grab a cup of coffee and a croissant while waiting for a prescription to be filled? South Florida is home to all kinds of business, including several with two very different concepts under one roof. The idea of blended space isn’t a […]
While others struggle, 1st United Bank of Boca Raton thrives
While many Florida banks have struggled or failed, Boca Raton-based 1st United Bank is thriving. It’s buying other state banks, has plenty of capital and is known for strong, experienced management. Since the financial crisis hit in 2008, 1st United has raised money twice on Wall Street and bought four small Florida banks, including Anderen […]
South Florida incomes growing, thanks to government
New figures show government aid accounts for 23 cents of every dollar of income in Miami-Dade. That’s up from 8 cents in the 1960s. Incomes are on the rebound in South Florida, thanks almost entirely to government aid. New figures show government aid to residents soared about 40 percent throughout the recession, while overall income […]
S. Florida independent jewelers see rise in sales
South Florida area independent jewelry stores are rebounding after weathering several rough years of slow sales. Cutler Altier, owner of Altier Jewelers in Boca Raton, said he expects more ofMother’s Day this year, hopefully marking another year of growth for his 52-year-old company. South Florida jewelers say they have fared better than some other areas […]
Plan to park in South Florida? Raid the piggy bank
Jay Rooney seeks out street spots, takes public transportation and stays away from valet — anything he can do to avoid the high cost of parking. “I love downtown, I love Brickell. I don’t go as often as I would just because parking is too crazy,” said the 27-year-old. “I used to work on the […]
JetBlue in growth mode in South Florida
JetBlue Airways is adding flights to the Caribbean and Latin America from South Florida, hoping to cash in on South Floridians’ roots in those areas. The New York-based airline operates hundreds of flights across the United States and is now a leading carrier at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International and Palm Beach International airports. Experts say JetBlue […]
Rothstein’s Fort Lauderdale mansion fetches $5.1 million
The Fort Lauderdale mansion that became the centerpiece of Ponzi schemerScott Rothstein’s self-described “rock star lifestyle” sold this week for $5.1 million. A “quiet, private person” who does not want to be identified made the purchase, said Tim Elmes, a real estate agent wth Douglas Ellman Florida. The home originally listed for $6 million. Rothstein’s […]
Norwegian Getaway latest in series of new cruise ships set to sail from Miami
A parade of new ships is set to sail from Miami, with the latest to be announced Tuesday. After a lull that ended in the summer of 2010, new cruise ships keep lining up to call Miami home. The latest announcement is expected Tuesday, when Norwegian Cruise Line is set to officially reveal that its […]
Sales of Miami Marlins merchandise off to a strong start
Apparently no one wants to be the only fan in the stands wearing an old Florida Marlins jersey. Sales of Miami Marlins shirts, jerseys and hats at the first three games in the new ballpark eclipsed total sales last season, said Sean Flynn, senior vice president of marketing for the Marlins. “The fans have fallen […]
South Florida’s dollar stores growing into competition for Walgreens, CVS
While many retailers have struggled to stay afloat in a tough economy, South Florida’s dollar stores chains have been steadily growing to compete with drug store chains. In South Florida, dollar store chains have big plans for expansion and remodeling stores. The discount companies are revamping stores to include larger food sections, health and beauty […]