Business briefs

Tourist council to meet in LP
SEBRING The Highlands County Tourist Development Council will meet Sept. 2 in Lake Placid.
The meeting will begin at 8:15 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, 608 S. Lakeview Road.
One of the items on the agenda is a request for approval of sponsorship to the Sebring Airport Authority for the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo on Jan. 19-23, 2011 in the amount of $6,295.91.
The council has a new member. The Highlands County Commission has appointed John Ruggiero to the tourist council. Ruggiero, who is a member of the Highlands County Lakes Association, is replacing Jack Richie.

Drury named convention center's marketing director
SEBRING Tenille Drury has been named the marketing and sales director at the new Highlands County Fair Convention Center in Sebring.
Originally from New Hampshire, Drury has called Florida home since she was 12. She graduated from Sebring High School in 1996 and then graduated from Santa Fe Community College with an associate's degree in 1999.
Drury said she worked in retail management from the time she was 18 until moving back to Sebring in 2003. She had worked as the sales manager for the Kenilworth Lodge since February 2005.

'What's Up Downtown' meeting scheduled at HLT
SEBRING The Community Redevelopment Agency will host its next "What's Up Downtown" meeting on at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31 at the Highlands Little Theatre in Anthony's Lounge (just off the lobby in the main building).
Refreshments and appetizers will be available for purchase.
The meeting will provide updates on the Streetscape project, upcoming downtown Sebring events and CRA marketing initiatives, including the Buy Downtown Program.

Highlands Rehab opens AP office
AVON PARK Highlands Rehab has opened a new office in Avon Park.
The address of the physical therapy office is 1030 U.S. 27 S.
Office hours for people who have been injured or suffer from chronic are 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Builders recognize Secor
SEBRING The Highlands County Builders Association presented Mike Secor with a plaque in appreciation for serving 2½ years as president during the general membership meeting last Monday.
During this unprecedented length of time as president, in a most challenging economy, it was noted that Secor had tirelessly given of himself to the industry and organization. He received a standing ovation.
Due to health concerns Secor resigned recently but remains on the board of HCBA. Tommy James is the new president until January when Keith Carter takes over as president in 2011.