Business Observer 01.27.11

+ CornerStone Title to present Alan Thompson
Sales trainer and coach Alan B. Thompson will be the featured speaker at CornerStone Title’s “Jet Pilots Don’t Have Rear View Mirrors” seminar from 9:30-11:30 a.m., Jan. 27, at The Polo Grill and Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

Thompson, an expert in neuro-linguistic programming and mind-mapping techniques, is an inspirational speaker for the real estate industry in the United States and Canada. He teaches how to master your mind by updating your triggers, tools and strategies. Thompson has more than 20 years of experience in the real estate and mortgage industry as a broker, manager, owner, Florida Real Estate Commission instructor and management/sales training consultant. He is a former radio and television personality and instructor for the Columbia School of Broadcasting.

This week’s event kicks off CornerStone Title’s 2011 educational series for real estate professionals, CornerStones For Success.

“Our goal is to invest in our clients’ success by helping them get more deals to the closing table in 2011,” said CornerStone Title partner Mary Howard.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. A complimentary lunch will follow.

To register, call 708-0300 or send an email to [email protected]. There is no cost for the seminar and lunch. Supporting materials will be made available for $4.95.

+ Trendgraphix ranks Prudential No. 1 in Ranch
Trendgraphix ranked Prudential Palms companies No. 1 in Lakewood Ranch in every real estate sales category for 2010.

The Trendgraphix statistics for the 34202 Zip code show Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty with top placement across a range of categories, including total sales, percentage of listings, percentage of buyers, listing sales and buyer sales.

“Last December, we purchased Lakewood Ranch Realty, the residential resale division of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, and converted it to the Prudential brand,” said Helen Sosso, president and CEO of Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty and its sister agency, Prudential Palms Realty. “That has helped us expand and solidify our position as the leading real estate company in this community.”

In addition to acquisitions, Prudential is increasing its number of locations, expanding its number of agents and capitalizing on its affiliation with the Prudential brand. This month, Prudential Lakewood Ranch opened a new storefront location on Main Street.

+ Community Bank has profitable fourth quarter
Community Bank, which has two East County branch locations, announced last week it made more than $84 million in new loans and had a profitable fourth quarter.

Chairman and CEO William H. Sedgeman Jr. said the company posted net income of $306,000 in the fourth quarter of 2010 — its third consecutive profitable quarter.

Community Bank specializes in small business administration loans, traditional commercial loans and residential mortgage loans including “jumbo” mortgages.

The bank’s East County locations are at 2025 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. and 6000 S.R. 70 E.

For more information, visit the bank’s website, www.CommunityBankNow.com, or call 877-266-2265.