Gulfshore Business Daily: Article

Gulfshore Business Daily News Article - Naples, FL (April 11, 2008)

FRONTIER FILES CHAPTER 11 >>Frontier Airlines, which serves Southwest Florida International Airport, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection following "moves by a credit-card processor to increase a holdback of customer receipts," according to the Wall Street Journal. The airline will continue to operate its full flight schedule.

PAUL MARINELLI DIES >>Paul J. Marinelli, the president and CEO of the Barron Collier Cos., died Thursday in a New York hospital where he was undergoing medical testing, according to published reports. Marinelli, 52, joined Barron Collier Cos. as treasurer and chief financial officer in 1986 and was named to the top post in 1997, reports say. Company representatives could not be reached for comment.

ROBOT DISTRIBUTOR >>Takanori Shibata, a Japanese research scientist and inventor of the Paro therapeutic service robot, has announced the formation of Paro Robots U.S. Inc. (www.parorobotsus.com) to handle sales and distribution in the United States from its headquarters in Fort Myers. The Paro robot is designed to look like a baby harp seal. The furry white robot features a hard inner skeleton, under which are dual processors that control software for behavior generation and voice recognition systems, as well as an array of sensors that enable Paro to respond in a lifelike manner. The new company is headed by Walter K. Weisel, a 30-year veteran of the robotics industry. He is the former chairman and CEO of Innova Robotics & Automation Inc. of Fort Myers.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROS' DAY >>The Institute of Government at Florida Gulf Coast University on April 23 will hold its third annual Administrative Professionals' Day Conference, this year titled "The Power of One...Success Needs a Partner." The daylong event, which will include various sessions, recognizes and celebrates the vital role played by administrative staff. The conference will feature facilitator Ava Fluty, who has more than 30 years of experience in teaching, training and business. The cost is $129. For more information or to register, call Joanne Hartke at 590-7815.

HIGHRISE IS UP >>Boran Craig Barber Engel Construction Co. Inc. has completed the 17-story, 186-unit condominium building in Pompano Beach for WCI Communities. The Plaza at OceanSide features an indoor spa treatment room facility, fitness center, swimming lagoon and a virtual indoor golf simulator. The mixed-use project also includes high-end retail and restaurants, two-story lofts and eight penthouses.