Doing Biz In ...

NEW POST! Doing Biz in San Antonio, Texas

 

City Smarts
Amid spring-fed rivers and rolling hills, San Antonio’s rich culture flourishes with a repertoire of culture, architecture and historic legacies that welcomes 26 million business and leisure travelers each year. San Antonio has evolved into an ideal business destination and stands as the seventh largest city in the nation with a population of just under 2 million.

Offerings like SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, historic missions and a mélange of museums, have made tourism one of the city’s top industries, second only to healthcare. The city is also a large military community with one army and two air force bases. Major companies who have made homes in an Antonio include USAA, Valero and Toyota. 

Jetsetter 

Marketing consultant, coach, and entrepreneurial mentor, Walt Laurel calls San Antonio, Texas, home, after relocating from Atlanta in 2010. “The perks for entrepreneurs doing business in Texas are unmatched,” he says. San Antonio’s proximity to the larger metro areas of Dallas and Houston, as well as its population’s diversity makes it an ideal hub for his growing marketing practice. Laurel jetsets to see clients in major cities including Atlanta, Houston, Dallas and Tampa. “San Antonio has all the advantages of a large metropolitan area with the charm found in much smaller cities,” he says. 
www.passiondrivenprofit.com.


 
Getting Around 

The San Antonio International Airport is approximately eight miles from downtown, where you will find one of San Antonio’s most notable features, the   River Walk. It connects business and meeting venues with hotels, restaurants, shopping, entertainment options and historic sites — making San Antonio an easy city to get around whether by foot, river taxi or charming trolley.

Survival Kit 

Bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes. All within downtown, you can walk to the Alamo, the River Walk, a Mexican market, a historic arts village, the 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas and so much more.

 

Catching ZZZs 

San Antonio has something for everyone with more than 43,000 hotel rooms throughout the metro area. The city’s newest addition is the spacious JW Marriott Hill Country Resort and Spa, located just 20 minutes from the River Walk and featuring 1,002 rooms. The JW Marriott is a prime destination for meetings and conventions, offering 265,000 square feet of event space, three outdoor event venues, and high-tech capabilities. The resort offers six distinct restaurants and lounges, and of course, a to-die-for spa. 
www.jwsanantonio.com

Power Lunch
Located close to the popular Alamo Quarry Market, Paesano’s offers a delectable atmosphere. Peruse their menu filled with Italian specialties like my favorite Vegetable Ravioli with Pesto. Spaces within this eatery are flexible for the most intimate or grand of power lunches.  
www.paesanos.com

Cultural Chow 

Stop at Mi Tierra Café y Panaderia, and explore the flavors of authentic Tex-Mex. To start a busy day, I recommend the crisp corn tortilla strips scrambled with eggs, and topped with ranchero sauce and melted cheddar cheese. www.mitierracafe.com

 

Cyber Site

Prestigious Main Plaza is a beautiful outdoor location with Wi-Fi connectivity. Known as the center of the city, this urban retreat is close to all the amenities of downtown and offers direct access to the River Walk.

Networkin’
TThe Alamo City Black Chamber of Commerce promotes and encourages programs and services that contribute to economic development and growth of minority and small business throughout San Antonio. www.alamocitychamber.org

De-Stress
Relax in the picturesque Hill Country around San Antonio. This fertile province is home to the Texas wine country where more than 20 vineyards lie in wait of your arrival.

Footloose & Fancy-free
San Antonio’s entertainment options are as eclectic as the city itself. Feed the dolphins at SeaWorld San Antonio. Just down the road, Six Flags Fiesta Texas is kickin’ up a good time with a great mix of shows and rides. The city’s newest park offering is Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first ultra-accessible family fun park designed for children and adults with special needs. Looking for something a little more authentic? Head out to Mission Trail which connects San Antonio’s five 18th century Spanish colonial missions. For a bit more culture, venture to a bold assortment of historic districts and museums, including the Smithsonian-affiliated Institute of Texan Cultures, which tells the story of the state’s diverse ethnic heritage

Flight Time

AirTran offers daily non-stop flights to San Antonio and flights to more than 71 destinations. www.airtran.com.

Someone Helpful
Thanks to our friends at San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau for providing us with facts, figures and fun information. 800-THE-ALAMO, www.visitsanantonio.com AT

Doing Biz In ... San Francisco!

 

City Smarts

San Francisco is one of the most scenic cities in the world and yet one of the most compact. The city resides on a 46.6-square-mile peninsula bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean, on the north by the Golden Gate Strait and from north to east by San Francisco Bay.

 

Today, there are some 7 million people in the San Francisco Bay Area. The hub of a nine-county complex and one of the financial and biotech capitals of the West, the city has a resident population of about 824,525. San Francisco is a collection of more than 40 neighborhoods, each reflecting the diversity of its population and distinct history, atmosphere and personality.

 

The San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau features a section on its website, to help visitors explore the city from end to end. www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/neighborhoods 

 

 

Jetsetter 


 London-born and raised Chef David Lawrence merges classic French cooking spiked with southern flavors in his elegant restaurant, 1300 On Fillmore. French trained, and of Jamaican heritage, the chef uses the freshest of California’s seasonal ingredients to whip up ingenious soulful dishes that will wow you no matter where you’re from. Chef David and his wife, Monetta White will be the first to tell you that the locale has become a melting pot of tourists and locals alike, who can’t resist “getting their grub on” at the popular eatery. www.1300fillmore.com

 

Getting Around 


 BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) offers travelers a direct link from the airport to the city. For a train schedule and map, visit www.bart.gov. 

 

Survival Kit 


 Due to its mild climate (temperatures rarely rise above 75 or drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit), San Francisco is an ideal year-round destination. However, it’s always advised to dress in layers and pack a sweater or light jacket.

 
 

Catching ZZZs 


 Hotel Diva, the chic, high-tech boutique hotel, offers my kind of sleep-over. All 118 guestrooms are

equipped to make women executives feel like queens, though men are welcome as well. The “Suite ESC” (aka “Suite Escape” named after the keyboard tab “ESC”) provides an oversized computer screen, and every indulgence that a diva needs to burn the midnight oil. Four cutting-edge 24-hour Diva Lounges, staged by San Francisco’s hottest artists and designers, offer guests an inspirational space for brainstorming. www.hoteldiva.com

 

Power Lunch

San Francisco has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the nation and is repeatedly named one of the best restaurant cities in the United States and the world. However, nothing is more “San Francisco” than dining along the Embarcadero Waterfront. My favorite power lunch spot is the Waterbar, which showcases spectacular aquariums and the finest seafood from local and global waters. www.waterbarsf.com


 

Cultural Chow 


 The African-American heritage of the Fillmore Jazz District is vividly portrayed at 1300 On Fillmore where American cuisine with soulful influences is served. Be sure to ask when live jazz is performed. www.1300fillmore.com


 
 

Cyber Site

“Locally-grown” Peet’s Coffee and Tea offers both exceptionally strong coffee and an urban environment to log in or log on. And, they have a location in nearly every neighborhood. www.peets.com

 

Networkin’

While the club scene in San Francisco is still a lure, some of the latest hot spots are to be found in major museums and arts organizations in the city. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, noted for its film series in the 1970s, and the Asian Art Museum, which launched Art After Hours in 1998, were among the first to launch a series of post-work evening events merging cocktails with culture. For updates on more San Francisco after hours activities visit www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/escape

 

To De-Stress

The racially diverse Barber Lounge combines grooming with culture by offering head-to-toe sprucing (hair, skin, nails, massage and spray tanning), an art gallery and event space. www.barberlounge.com

 

Footloose & Fancy-free

A must-do is the 210-foot Coit Tower located in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. The tower, located in the city's Pioneer Park, was built in 1933 as a monument to the firefighters of San Francisco. It offers perhaps the city’s best view of San Francisco including other must-sees: the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island, Treasure Island, Russian Hill, Nob Hill, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, the Financial District and Lombard Street.

 

 

 

Flight Time


 AirTran Airways offers daily, non-stop flights to San Francisco International Airport  and more than 71 destinations. www.airtran.com 

 

Someone Helpful

Thanks to our friends at Only in Francisco for providing fun facts and information used in this column. www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com AT

New! Doing Biz In... Boca Raton

 

City Smarts

Boca Raton is located 26 miles south of Palm Beach, 40 miles north of Miami, and 21 miles north of Fort Lauderdale. “Boca,” as it is affectionately called, is easily reached via AirTran Airways from either the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport or the Palm Beach International Airport as both airports are 20 minutes away.

With a population of 85,377 residents, the total city area is only 29.6 square miles. Swarms of Rolls-Royces, Lamborghinis and Ferraris are not-so-subtle signs of the cashflow throughout the charming settlement once inhabited by the Tequesta Indians.  

Boca Raton is polished and pricey. Residents and tourists alike rave over the city’s première dining, upscale shopping, sprawling beachfronts and 756 acres of parks. Palm Beach County boasts approximately 145 golf courses, including the must-see Boca Raton Resort & Club course.

Top Palm Beach County employers include IBM Corp., Tyco Safety/ Sensormatic, Siemens and Florida Atlantic University. A myriad of restaurants, retailers and hotels comprise a bustling tourism industry.

 

Jetsetter 


Wayne Barton, CEO of the Wayne Barton Study Center, felt that is was necessary to set up a cost-free tutoring, educational and recreational facility for students struggling in school. The Fort Lauderdale native and former law enforcement officer witnessed the high black male occupancy in the jail system, and after moving to Boca Raton, decided to do something about it. A product of public housing himself, Barton watched the center grow from being housed in a one bedroom, two bathroom apartment, to a 25,000-square-foot building. The big-hearted jetsetter traveled the country “community-policing” and getting to know residents in low-income areas. Barton pays for every student of his center to attend a college or trade school. www.waynebartonstudycenter.org

Getting Around 


PalmTran’s eye-catching pink- and aqua-colored buses, run county-wide from Boca Raton to Jupiter; to the western communities and the Glades. A rental car is recommended. 

Survival Kit 


Pack statement-making designer sunglasses for brand-conscious Boca. Hats to shield the face when you’re boating, beachcombing or golfing are also a must.

Catching ZZZs 


A virtual "village by the sea," the Boca Raton Resort & Club is so massive that it demands space on both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway. The 963-room compound features two 18-hole golf courses, 30 tennis courts, five pools, a 27-slip marina, private beach and the spectacular Spa Palazzo. The resort's half-mile stretch of private beach offers 46 private cabanas, and your own Cabana Boy and a massage therapist are on call to service you. There are business amenities to boot — if one can concentrate on business. www.bocaresort.com

Power Lunch

Nothing exudes the aura of power leisure quite as much as lounging, in fashionable resort attire and in a restaurant overlooking the Atlantic, while feasting on the best catches in the sea. You’ll get all of that and more at Seagrille, located in the Beach Club of Boca Raton Resort & Club. www.bocaresort.com


Cultural Chow 


Chow down on the best cultural grub in Boca at the internationally acclaimed Morimoto restaurant. The namesake sushi bar of Food Network's "Iron Chef" Masaharu Morimoto is known for its imaginative ingredients and thirst-quenching martinis. 
www.bocaresort.com


Cyber Site

As a prime resort destination, you can fire up the laptop from most hotels, bed and breakfasts or vacation rentals. You can even send e-mails from your trusty smartphone while out on the ocean.

Networkin’

The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County is the go-to source for networking. They supplied me with three much-needed business connections in less than 10 minutes.  www.bdb.org

 

To De-Stress

Boca Raton Resort’s award-winning Spa Palazzo is styled after the Alhambra Palace and the staff makes you feel like royalty. Following a three-step hypotherapy “Ritual Bath” I relaxed in a whirlpool with a platter of strawberries, grapes, mango and kiwi at my fingertips. www.bocaresort.com

Footloose & Fancy-free

Waterside mansions can be seen on an intra-coastal tour at Sailfish Marina. Visitors can spend time walking on the docks looking at the million-dollar yachts and watching hundreds of fish in the crystal clear water. 
http://sailfishmarina.com

 

Flight Time


AirTran Airways offers daily, non-stop flights to Fort Lauderdale- Hollywood International Airport or the Palm Beach International Airport and more than 56 major U.S. cities. 1.800.AIR.TRAN, www.airtran.com     

Someone Helpful

Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 800.554.PALM or 561.233.3000;  www.palmbeachfl.com AT

NEW POST! Doing Biz In ... Tunica, Miss.

City Smarts

Tunica, Miss., is located 30 minutes south of Memphis, Tenn., and is known as the South’s “Casino Capital.” With nine, world-class casino resorts, luxurious hotel rooms and spas, three championship golf courses, a sporting clay range/indoor clay tennis courts, outlet and antique shopping, mile-long buffets, fine dining award-winning museums, and casino floor entertainment, it is nearly impossible to not enjoy your stay.

 

The nine casino resorts are located in close proximity to one another, allowing the city’s more than 10 million visitors and 10,000 residents to try their luck in each one. All casino properties are owned by Las Vegas-based casino groups. The top employers are Harrah’s Entertainment, owner of Harrah’s, Horseshoe and Roadhouse casinos; MGM International, owner of the Gold Strike Casino Resort; and Boyd Gaming, owner of Sam’s Town Casino & Hotel Tunica. The city’s newest employer is Schulz Xtruded Products, a pipe manufacturing company that will employ 500 people.

 

 

Jetsetter 


Enterprising Oxford, Miss. native Stanley Taylor owns five businesses in Tunica’s Casino Way Court Shopping Center: Blue Belt BBQ & Deli (southern food and BBQ); Museum de Sankofa (African art museum opening in August 2010); The Lounge (a bar near the casinos); Blues Belt Marketplace (meeting space and retail store); and Lipscomb Financial (investment and tax services).

 

Taylor’s trek began as a former army telecommunications specialist and then as a contract engineer for the first cellular telephone installation in the Ivory Coast, Africa. When the entrepreneurial bug bit, he opened a flourishing African art gallery in Memphis, Tenn., before establishing his businesses in Tunica in 2002. “Because my businesses are located within five minutes of nine casinos that attract millions of tourists annually, I am sitting in the cat bird seat,” boasts Taylor, adding that the casinos have ushered in plenty of income opportunities for Tunica County’s predominantly African-American population. Casino Way Court Shopping Center, 3468 Casino Way.




Getting Around 


There is no public transportation in Tunica. Although several of the casinos are within walking distance of one another, for passengers flying into the Tunica or Memphis Airports, renting a car or using a car service is recommended. 

 

Survival Kit 


The most important thing to pack when planning your trip are elastic pants to try all of Tunica mile-long buffets, fine dining restaurants and diners.   

 

 

Catching ZZZs 


Harrah's Tunica is not only the largest casino resort between Las Vegas and Atlantic City, it also offers the largest world-class convention center in the area. Harrah’s Bellissimo Spa, and The Links at Cottonwoods, a Hale Irwin-designed golf course, add to the allure. www.harrahstunica.com


 

Power Lunch

The 560-seat Paula Deen Buffet at Tunica’s Harrah’s is, bar none, the best power lunch spot in Tunica — no one has the power to resist the Southern fried diet-blowing fixings laid out by America’s Food Network star. www.harrahstunica.com 

 

 

Cultural Chow 


The Hollywood Café, as featured on the Travel Channel’s “Deep Fried Paradise,” is the home of the fried pickle. For the best catfish, fried green tomatoes, burgers, and of course, fried pickles, make this a stop during your Tunica trip.

www.thehollywoodcafe.com 



 

To De-Stress

The Bellissimo Spa at Harrah’s Casino is the largest spa in Tunica offering dozens of pampering choices for men and women. Services include massages, facials,  hair styling, manicures and pedicures — all in a relaxing setting overlooking two pools, Jacuzzis, steam rooms and saunas.www.harrahstunica.com

 

Footloose & Fancy-free
 

Nowhere can you better see and understand America's greatest river and its history than at the stunning new Tunica RiverPark. The 168-acre Tunica RiverPark includes nature trails, outdoor exhibits, a veranda and an observation deck for spectacular views of the Mississippi River. Don’t leave the RiverPark without cruising on the Tunica Queen. www.TunicaRiverPark.com and www.TunicaQueen.com

 

 

Flight Time


AirTran Airways offers daily, non-stop flights to Tunica Airport, and flights to more than 60 major U.S. cities. 1.800.AIR.TRAN, 
www.airtran.com.  

 

Someone Helpful

Tunica Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1.888.4.TUNICA; www.tunicatravel.com AT

 

NEW POST! Doing Biz in Jacksonville, Fla.

By Regina Lynch-Hudson

 

City Smarts

Since the beginning, Jacksonville has laid out a proverbial welcome mat to people of many diverse backgrounds. From the native Timucuan Indians, French Huguenots and the Spanish of the region’s formative years; to the achievements and experiences of African Americans, Hispanic Americans and others — all have their place in Jacksonville’s history. 

 

Today, Jacksonville continues to be a cornucopia of cultures, which extends to its diversity in business. The northern Florida city is home to FORTUNE 1000 companies such as CSX Corporation, Winn-Dixie Stores and Fidelity National Information Services. Corporate headquarters anchored here include Stein Mart, PSS World Medical, The Haskell Company and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Florida.

 

Jacksonville has also gained prominence as one of the top health and medical destinations in the country, and home to various institutions including one of three Mayo Clinics in the country.

 

The Jacksonville MSA population is 1.2 million, which includes Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties.

 

Jetsetter

What started out as a hobby on steroids, became a full-fledged business,” says Tony Peacock, president of Executive Circle Promotions Inc., which provides unique advertising opportunities to corporations that desire to increase their market share, brand awareness and recruiting efforts in the multicultural marketplace. He conducts e-Marketing campaigns for clients such as the City of Jacksonville, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, and Prudential; and hosts a multicultural reception to add sizzle to the campaigns. Peacock moved from Atlanta to Jacksonville in 2001 for its vast business opportunities. The company celebrates its eighth anniversary in September. www.executive-circle.com

 

 

Getting Around

While Jacksonville has the traditional options of bus, taxis and rental cars to get around the area, some of the city’s quirkier modes of transportation are found downtown. The St. Johns River flows through downtown Jacksonville, dividing the Northbank from the Southbank and in addition to three bridges connecting the two districts, river taxis like the S.S. Marine Taxi, and the low-cost, elevated Skyway (35 cents) also connects both sides of the river.

www.jaxwatertaxi.com

 

 

Survival Kit

Pack those hiking shoes. Jacksonville boasts the largest urban parks system in the country with more than 111,000 acres including the 46,000-acre Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve.   

 

Catching ZZZs

Hotel Indigo opened January 2009 at Tapestry Park on the south side of Jacksonville. Tapestry Park is a lifestyle center with unique shops and restaurants, conveniently located near the bustling Southside business district. The boutique hotel features a waterfront café, as well as 2,100 square feet of meeting space that overlooks a lake. www.hotelindigo.com


 

Power Lunch

Located in the heart of downtown Jacksonville, Chew Restaurant is a hip hotspot for lunch and dinner. Chew's chef and owners are all late 20-somethings, from Jacksonville, who trained elsewhere, then returned to open their restaurant. www.chewrestaurant.com 

 

 

Cultural Chow

13GYPSIES is truly a unique tapas experience, specializing in the preservation of traditional flavors. Chef Howard has captured recipes that originated along the Gypsy migratory trail — out of India, through Central Europe and northern Africa. www.13gypsies.com





Cyber Site

Located in downtown Jacksonville, Chamblin’s café offers the perfect place to fire up your laptop and enjoy complimentary wireless Internet along with a cup of coffee and a sandwich, soup or pastry. www.chamblinbookmine.com

 

Networkin'

Grab a drink and rub elbows with Jacksonville’s business elite at Bistro AIX’s ONYX Bar in the San Marco neighborhood just outside of downtown. www.bistrox.com


 

 

To De-Stress

The Spa at One Ocean features six ocean-view treatment rooms where guests can indulge in massage and skin care treatments using Phytomer, an exclusive line of all-natural skin care products derived from seaweed, algae and pure seawater harvested off the Brittany Coast of France. 
www.oneoceanresort.com

 

Footloose & Fancy-free

Amelia Island is a fast 30-minute drive from Jacksonville International Airport. Recently voted one of the top 10 North American Islands in Conde Nast Traveler's Reader's Choice Awards, the isle’s 13 miles of breathtaking beaches, pristine beauty, world class resorts, charming Victorian inns, luxury spas, and championship golf make it the prime getaway in the Jacksonville area. www.ameliaisland.com 

 

 

Flight Time

AirTran Airways offers daily, non-stop flights to Jacksonville International Airport and more than 56 major U.S. cities. 1.800.AIR.TRAN, www.airtran.com.  

 

Someone Helpful

Thanks to our friends at www.visitjacksonville.com and other tourist venues for providing us with facts, figures and fun information for this article.

[NEW POST] Doing Biz In ... Phoenix, AZ

City Smarts

Phoenix doubles as one of the country’s most enticing vacation cities and the United States’ fifth-largest, with a population of nearly 1.5 million. Here, over 310 sunny days per year, a bevy of resorts, and more than 200 golf courses lure 13-15 million people to Greater Phoenix (which includes Chandler, Glendale, Scottsdale and Tempe, and other cities covering 2,000 square miles, with a population of nearly 3.8 million). Major industries include high-tech manufacturing, tourism and construction. 

Jetsetter

Maria Bailey-Benson opened the doors of Nyla Simone, an exotic furniture boutique, two and a half years ago. The store carries the urban chic furnishings of Bailey-Benson’s father Arthur L. Bailey, who designs and manufactures the masterpieces in Tucker, Ga. The family-owned enterprise also sells the urban chic furnishings through larger furniture outlets and fabric stores. “Doing business in Phoenix has been profitable, according to Bailey-Benson, and being an African American in a city with so few us, simply adds to our shop’s intrigue and mystique.”  www.nylasimonehome.com

 

 

Getting Around

To tour the sprawling city of Phoenix, the desert and surrounding area, a rental car is needed. Pick up a Thrifty Rental Car with GPS system at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Rental Car Center. 877.283.0898

Survival Kit

Bring hiking gear to trek Camelback Mountain; golf clubs to hit the many resort courses; and your eye pads to indulge in blissful spa services.

 

Catching ZZZs

The Arizona Biltmore opened in 1929, and is known as the “jewel of the desert.” Nestled on 30 acres at the foot of the Phoenix Mountain Reserve, panoramas of majestic Squaw Peak loom in the distance. A business executive’s dream unfolds in the form of two 18-hole championship golf courses, an 18-hole putting course, and full-service spa/salon and fitness centre. Ocatilla, a boutique hotel within the Arizona Biltmore, offers the ultimate VIP experience. 
www.arizonabiltmore.com

Power Lunch

For a meal that is sure to seal any deal, it’s a coin toss between Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn (www.lons.com) and Different Pointe of View, at the The Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort (www.tapatiocliffshilton.com). Both boast breathtaking vistas and sufficient cuisine. Lon’s quaint desert view of Camelback Mountain or a private lunch in the eatery’s intimate wine cellar would win-over Donald Trump himself. Meanwhile, Different Pointe of View, which is perched on a cliff, is sure to bedazzle clients.

 

Cultural Chow

Petite Maison is a chic and cozy cultural eatery that flaunts classic French cuisine. The wee size spells intimacy, and the reasonably priced and impeccably prepared dishes and wine pairings are magnifique.

www.petitemaisonaz.com

Cyber Site

Netlans Internet Café is Phoenix’s state-of-the-art spot to grab a caffeine and cyber boost. 602.494.5450

 

Networkin’

For the ultra-mod biz networking spot that’s close to the airport, book a room at the urban-business/boutique hotel, the Aloft. It’s a youthful think tank for fresh ideas.  www.aloftbrandbuzz.com

To De-Stress

Never will you be so tempted to buy mud and sea plants. After a healing mud wrap administered at the Arizona Biltmore Spa I was floating on “Cloud 9.” At the Tocasierra Spa at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, I found myself lathered in exotic emollient yet again. This time it was a seaweed body treatment. 

www.arizonabiltmore.com;

www.pointehilton.com

Footloose & Fancy-free

I've rode camels in Egypt, swam with the dolphins in Hawaii, been on Safari in South Africa, picked bananas in St. Lucia — but no experience is as exhilarating as a hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert. www.hotairexpeditions.com

 

Flight Time

AirTran Airways offers daily, non-stop flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and more than 56 major U.S. cities. 1.800.AIR.TRAN, www.airtran.com  

Someone Helpful

Thanks to our friends at www.visitphoenix.com and other tourist venues for providing us with facts, figures and fun information for this article.  

[New City!] Doing Biz In ... Baltimore, MD

City Smarts

Baltimore is a vibrant metropolis with small-town character. Originally a bustling waterfront port, the Inner Harbor has become the heartbeat of the city and the inauguration point of Baltimore’s urban renaissance. Since the redevelopment of the Inner Harbor in the late 1970s, Baltimore has set the standard for urban renewal and now welcomes more than 12 million visitors annually. Major industries include  biotechnology, financial services, IT and defense, healthcare and education. And for the nearly 2.7 million residents in the Baltimore Metropolitan Area, primary employers include Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Hospital, University System of Maryland, Northrop Grumman and Fort Meade. 

 

 

Jetsetter 


Baltimore native Tom Saunders launched Renaissance Tours & Productions in 1990. As Baltimore's premiere tour company, his tourism services provide insight into the city's history from a black perspective. “We have more African American-related landmarks [in Baltimore] than any place in the nation,” Saunders boasts. “History comes to life on my tours. You actually meet Harriet Tubman at Orchard Street Church, thanks to re-enactments of historical characters by local actors.” Additionally, Tom claims to bring patrons to tears when he introduces them to the slave ship and lynching exhibit at the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum. The local jetsetter also conducts tours of Harlem, and other New York landmarks such as the Schomburg 
Center for Research in Black Culture, and The Apollo Theater — among a list of intriguing excursions.

www.renaissanceproductions.biz

 

Getting Around
A new Charm City Circulator runs every 10 minutes, providing free bus transportation along the main downtown corridor from Harbor East to the B&O Railroad museum. A second route links Baltimore’s Penn Station with the Inner Harbor area. 
www.charmcitycirculator.com

 

 

Survival Kit 


Bring your walking shoes so you can explore this very pedestrian-friendly collection of 
downtown neighborhoods, including historic Fell’s Point, chic Harbor East and Federal Hill.

 

Catching ZZZs


The InterContinental Harbor Court Baltimore is a business man (or woman’s) dream locale. Situated on Baltimore's Inner Harbor, the hotel is across the street from Harborplace and within walking distance of the downtown business district. Two award-winning restaurants, an array of meeting facilities and a state-of-the-art fitness center to “get your work-out on” between appointments make this an unrivaled biz hotel. www.harborcourt.com

 

 

The Power Lunch


Meli, Greek for honey, serves international fare all influenced in some way by honey. The dual-level dining area provides elegant seating on level one, and more intimate dining on the lower level. Executive chef Rashad Edwards is one of Baltimore’s best African-American chefs. The crab cake with sweet corn emulsion is not to be missed. www.kalismeli.com

 

Cultural Chow 


Located in the heart of Baltimore’s Mount Vernon Cultural District, The Helmand is consistently rated by locals as the best ethnic restaurant. Your palette will be dazzled by the flavors that lie at the intersection of Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine.

www.helmand.com

 

 

 

Cyber Site 


Teavolve in Baltimore’s Harbor East neighborhood offers free Wi-Fi along with 48 different tea-inspired beverages. There’s also a selection of sandwiches, salads and wraps. www.teavolve.com

 

Networkin’


The B&O American Brasserie in the new Hotel Monaco offers a hip and happening spot to mix and mingle. Tell “Master Mixologist” Brendan Dorr to concoct your favorite cocktail. www.bandorestaurant.com

 

 

To De-Stress 


Soak up some relaxation at The Pearl Spa, located in the Ritz Carlton Residences. Spa packages include the urban retreat — an age-defying facial, botanical massage, and a manicure and pedicure. www.thepearlspa.com

 




Footloose & Fancy-free 


You may not have a personal invitation to the White House, but you’ll stand eye-ball to eye-ball with President Barack Obama at the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum. 
www.ngbiwm.com

 

Flight Time 


Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall airport is 15 minutes from 
downtown Baltimore. AirTran Airways offers daily, non-stop flights to Baltimore and more than 56 major U.S. cities. www.airtran.com 

 

Someone Helpful 


Thanks to our friends at Visit Baltimore and other tourist venues for providing us with facts, figures and fun information for this article. www.baltimore.org | 
www.visitmybaltimore.com

Doing Biz In ... Tampa Bay, FL

City Smarts

The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area is Florida’s second largest (2.7 million-plus) and represents Florida’s second largest workforce (approx. 1.3 million). Some of Tampa’s prominent industries include retail and trade; government; professional and business services; and travel and tourism with some of the city’s largest employers being the Hillsborough County School District, Tampa International Airport and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Also, many companies are stationing their headquarters in Tampa, including Sweetbay Supermarkets, the PBS&J Corporation, WellCare Health Plans Inc., Bausch & Lomb Pharmaceuticals and others. 

Jetsetter


GourmetTrek is a novel enterprise offering culinary and wine tours around Tampa Bay, Sarasota and downtown Dunedin. Anita Gary’s online business started in November 2009. The Sarasota native loved coordinating events and ingeniously incorporated all of her passions into what has become a booming venture. www.gourmettrek.com

Getting Around


There are many ways to navigate Tampa, and all have their own special flair. The In-Town Trolley and the TECO Line Streetcar system help visitors explore downtown Tampa, Channelside Bay Plaza and historic Ybor City and everywhere in between. www.tecolinestreetcar.org 

Survival Kit
Pack your sunscreen and shades so you can enjoy Tampa’s year-round sunshine.

Catching ZZZs


The posh beachfront Don CeSar Resort and Spa, a Loews Hotel, is often referred to as the Pink Palace because of its color and grandeur. The once preferred hang-out of Al Capone is frequented by business patrons, moneyed celebs and tourists who want to claim a chic night’s sleep at the area’s most extravagant historical site. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, each of the near-300 rooms offers a picturesque backdrop of either the Gulf of Mexico or the Boca Ciega Bay.  www.doncesarshop.com


The Power Lunch
The Columbia Café, housed inside the Tampa Bay History Center, is the perfect spot to grab lunch and savor the flavor of Tampa. There are waterfront tables for those who wish to bask in the amazing weather. And it’s close to the action too; it’s located in the Channelside District, next to downtown Tampa. You can walk (or hop aboard a streetcar) and be back in time for the next meeting.  
www.columbiarestaurant.com/cafe.asp

Cultural Chow


The Columbia Restaurant has been a staple of Tampa since 1905 when it was founded by the Hernandez family. It’s the largest Spanish/Cuban restaurant in the world (seats up to 1,700 patrons and takes up an entire city block) and the oldest restaurant in the State of Florida. I recommend the Columbia Restaurant classics like Spanish Bean Soup, Paella, Arroz con Pollo "Valenciana" and more. www.columbiarestaurant.com

Cyber Site 


Channelside Bay Plaza has become one of Tampa’s hottest entertainment complexes.  Within the plaza you’ll find free wireless connections, dining and entertainment options and retail establishments. 
www.channelsidebayplaza.com

Networkin’


Ocean Prime is one of Tampa’s newest hotspots and the best place to network. While there, enjoy a large selection of seafood and steaks, not to mention tropical cocktails and world-class wines. 
www.ocean-prime.com 

To De-Stress


Check into the Spa Oceana at the Don CeSar Resort and Spa and you just may pass on seeing the spectacular environs surrounding the area. The OceaCustom facial and Bamboo massage are sure to relive the stress and tension of hours spent bent over a laptop. 727.360.1881

Footloose & Fancy-free


If you are looking to let loose, then Historic Ybor City is the place. From comedy clubs and movie theaters to dining and nightlife options, Ybor City will satisfy your wanderlust. www.ybor.org 

Flight Time


Tampa International Airport is considered one of the most passenger-friendly airports in the nation. www.TampaAirport.com

AirTran Airways offers daily, non-stop flights to Tampa and more than 56 major U.S. cities. www.airtran.com.  

Someone Helpful

Thanks to our friends at Tampa Bay & Company and other tourist venues for providing us with facts, figures and fun information for this article. www.VisitTampaBay.com  AT

 

 

Doing Biz In ... Des Moines, Iowa

 
By Regina Lynch Hudson

 

City Smarts

In the heart of the Midwest lies the capital city of Iowa. Des Moines has undergone a renaissance over the last five years, becoming the essence of a cosmopolitan city with small-town charm. Because of its central location — at the intersection of Interstates 80 and 35 — the city is easy to get to from anywhere in the country.

The Greater Des Moines area boasts a population of 556,230. As the third largest insurance center in the world, Des Moines serves as the hub for Wells Fargo Financial, Principal Financial Group and Nationwide/Allied Insurance companies. The city is also known for publishing, finance, manufacturing and agribusiness. Other major employers include Iowa Health, Mercy Medical Center, MidAmerican Energy and CDS Global.

 

Jetsetter 


Steven James has lived in Des Moines since 1977, after relocating from New Orleans in search of “a slower pace.” Leaving his “young and crazy” days behind, the former data processing professional opened Fat Tuesday, a Cajun restaurant located one mile from the Des Moines International Airport, in March of 2009. Not to be confused with the Fat Tuesday chain, the name derives from James’ status as a once chubby baby. The menu also threatens to add inches to the waist line. Fat Tuesday’s airport-friendly address makes it easy for jetsetters to indulge in the delectable cuisine. 
www.fattuesday-restaurant.com

 

Getting Around 


It takes less than 30 minutes to commute across the entire metro region. Downtown, the Des Moines Regional Transit Authority buses and the free downtown trolley, the D-line, make getting from place to place a cinch. www.dmmta.com ww.seedesmoines.com/get_around/d-line_downtown_shuttle.php

 

Survival Kit 


The addition of the new $40 million John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park has made Des Moines an energized cultural focal point. There’s no admission charge, so all you need to bring is your camera. www.seedesmoines.com/do_more/sculpture_park.php

Catching ZZZs 


The Suites of 800 Locust Hotel caters to the upscale businessperson and offers its visitors a luxurious stay. The hotel’s Cosmopolitan Lounge — featuring a martini bar with jazz-infused atmosphere — is the perfect place for business networking. A full-service spa allows guests a satisfying retreat; and a boardroom and business center make it the ideal stay for professionals.

 www.800locust.com

 

The Power Lunch 


The Western Gateway Park district’s  recently opened Proof Restaurant,  is a contemporary fine-dining eatery featuring Mediterranean flavors. Proof, a favorite lunch spot of downtown workers, is also open for dinner on Fridays.  
www.proofrestaurant.com

Cultural Chow 


Yanni’s Grill and Vineyard offers a unique combination of Greek and Italian dishes. Try a gyro platter with zesty Tzatziki sauce, or Mousaka, a Greek-style beef and eggplant specialty. www.yannisgrill.com

 

Cyber Site


Java Joes offers fresh cups of coffee with beans roasted daily. Connect with your own computer while you enjoy the relaxing atmosphere or use one of the computers in the CyberCafe.  
www.javajoescoffeehouse.com

Networkin’


Court Avenue Brew Pub’s welcoming atmosphere and location in downtown Des Moines’ Court District ensures you’ll see a number of business professionals — and they’ll see you. 
www.courtavebrew.com

 

To De-Stress 


Voted “Best Public Course” by the Des Moines Business Record in 2009, Legacy Golf Club continues to be a favorite of locals and visitors.  
www.thelegacygolfclub.com

 

Footloose & Fancy-Free


‘Do More’ in Des Moines — there’s plenty of attractions to keep you busy. The 110,000-square-foot Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theater encourages learning with interactive areas and hands-on experience. Enjoy the arts by visiting the Des Moines Art Center.

 

Flight Time


AirTran Airways offers flights to Des Moines (The Des Moines International Airport) and more than 56 major U.S. cities. 1.800.AIR.TRAN, www.airtran.com. 

 

Someone Helpful 


Thanks to our friends at The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and other urist venues for providing us with facts, figures and fun information for this article. www.SeeDesMoines.com

Doing Biz In ... Key West, FL

By Regina Lynch-Hudson

City Smarts
Key West lies at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys island chain that curves beneath the Florida peninsula. More than 150 miles from Miami, but only 90 miles from Cuba, the island is characterized by a laidback atmosphere, year-round subtropical climate, flourishing cultural community and a historic district featuring almost 3,000 structures.

Tourism drives Key West’s economy, with businesses ranging from upscale oceanfront resorts and seafood restaurants, to water sports operations and attractions that spotlight the island’s rich history. A majority of the town’s nearly 24,000 full-time residents are employed in tourism, hospitality or related services.

Getting Around
At a scant two-by-four miles, no car is necessary in Key West. Many hotels and inns are located in the Old Town historic district which is within comfortable walking or bicycling distance of gourmet and casual restaurants; the enticing galleries and boutiques of Duval, Caroline and Greene streets; and the quaint Historic Seaport. Bicycle and scooter rentals abound, as do eco-friendly hybrid taxis. Some properties offer shuttle service for guests, and the Old Town Trolley offers an entertaining narrated tour of the island. www.trolleytours.com/key-west

Jetsetter Keith Ricks
Jetsetter
Bermuda-born Keith Ricks, has spent close to 25 years producing music for tourist consumption, and constructing home theatre systems for Key West locals. A Boston, Mass., transplant, the former jingle singer originally found it difficult to get his feet wet. “Many people come thinking they are going to start businesses, but then are overcome by the wave of expenses associated with the area,” he says. Nothing is grown or produced in Key West (food, clothing, gasoline), thus, all items have to be brought in, and the expense is passed onto the consumer. Fortunately, Ricks was quickly acknowledged by the local mainstream community, which opened doors. “Being reliable is important to building a clientele in a small place were everyone knows everybody. Having a product that is unique also boosts sales.” www.oneworldkeywest.com

Survival Kit

This is a city where dressing up — even for bank presidents — means wearing “formal flip-flops.” Bring shorts or sundresses, sunglasses, bathing suits for swimming and snorkeling, and a light sweater for evening breezes.

Smathers Beach
Catching ZZZs
Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club — the grande dame of Key West’s resort hotels — features 311 luxuriously styled guestrooms and suites, more than 22,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space, wireless high-speed Internet access, onsite catering and a 1,100-foot private Atlantic Ocean beach. www.casamarinaresort.com

The Power Lunch
The power to relax is prized above all — and a prime site for relaxation-seeking seafood lovers is the Hogfish Bar & Grill, a hard-to-find hideaway just outside Key West on neighboring Stock Island. The restaurant’s signature dish is hogfish, a diver-caught fish with a light yet flavorful taste.www.hogfishbar.com

Marathon Seven Mile
Cultural Chow
El Meson de Pepe serves authentic Cuban cuisine in a setting adjacent to Key West's Mallory Square, site of the famed nightly sunset celebration. Dine indoors amidst memorabilia recalling Key West's Cuban heritage; or outdoors on a colorful patio; or in a garden festooned with lights. Specialties include Cuban pork dishes, ropa vieja and picadillo, and the traditional black beans and rice with Cuban bread. 
www.elmesondepepe.com

Cyber Site
A community favorite, the Coffee Plantation is located in a converted 100-year-old home where the coffee, pastries and conversation are as good as the Internet connection. www.coffeeplantationkeywest.com

Key West Harbor
Networkin'
Networking in Key West often means connecting with an expert fishing guide or low-key literary legend instead of a corporate contact. Highly recommended for such pursuits is the Afterdeck Bar at Louie’s Backyard, an upscale open-air spot on the Atlantic Ocean where local personalities and visiting celebrities gather to share tall tales and cocktails. www.louiesbackyard.com

To De-Stress
Few sites in the island city are more tranquil and visually appealing than the Civil War-era fort known as West Martello Tower. It’s open to the public without charge, so visitors can wander secluded courtyard gardens set against the fort’s weathered bricks, and discover native and exotic vegetation — including lush orchids and bromeliads. 
www.keywestgardenclub.com

New Keys Road
Flight Time
Key West International Airport recently underwent a $31.6 million construction and renovation project that doubled the size (and more than quadrupled the convenience) of its terminal facilities. AirTran Airways offers daily, non-stop flights to more than 56 major U.S. cities. 1.800.AIR.TRAN, www.airtran.com

Someone helpful
For comprehensive information on Florida Keys and Key West visit www.fla-keys.com, or call 1.800.FLA.KEYS.

Thanks to our friends at Stuart Newman Associates and other tourist venues for providing us with facts, figures and fun information for this article. AT