Business Observer

+ International Martial Arts Academy comes to Sarasota
The International Martial Arts Academy will host a grand-opening celebration for its Sarasota location from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, at 1915 Northgate Blvd.

International Martial Arts Academy is a martial arts training center that offers training in karate, jiu-jitsu, krav maga and more. IMAA is the only officially recognized and certified training facility in the state for International Bodyguard and Security Services Association.

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce will perform the ribbon cutting at 2:30 p.m.

For information, visit international-martial-arts-academy.com.

+ Laura Bauman elected to Child Protection board
Adams and Reese attorney Laura Bauman has been elected to the Child Protection Center’s board of directors.

At Adams and Reese, Bauman is a member of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, handling a variety of commercial litigation matters, including contract disputes, title defects and lien foreclosures. She represents contractors, lenders property owners, community associations and title insurance underwriters.

Bauman has served as a board member for the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County, which provides awareness and assistance to community families and employers regarding the importance of early childhood education. She is also president-elect of the Sarasota Seminole Club.  

Established in 1980, Child Protection Center works toward a community in which children are safe from abuse and free to thrive through its mission in the prevention, intervention and treatment of child abuse.

+ Linda Apple joins Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
Linda Apple has joined Premier Sotheby’s International Realty as a sales associate in the Plaza at Five Points location.

Apple will join the Soda Group, specializing in Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Sarasota and Bradenton.

“Linda is known for her commitment to clients, and along with her passion for homes and décor, she brings skills that set her apart from most Realtors,” said Premier Sotheby’s President and CEO Judy Green. “She is skilled in working with international customers and wants all of her customers to enjoy every moment of the process, whether selling, buying, or building.”

A Realtor since 2007, Apple has been a top-producing buyer’s agent with an international realty firm for 10 years, earning the million-dollar designation. With more than 25 years of experience in business consulting and real estate, she served as president of Linda Apple Inc., an Ohio-based consulting business, for 25 years before becoming a full-time Florida resident in 2004.

She is a member of Lakewood Ranch Country Club, Selby Gardens, The Ringling Museum and Sarasota Ballet.

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty is located at The Plaza at Five Points, 50 Central Ave.