Welcome to the S2 Report, your daily intelligence briefing of business news relevant to Sarasota and Manatee counties. Send us your business news and announcements for inclusion in the S2 Report: press@S2Report.com. We can’t publicize it if we don’t know about it!

H.I.G. invests in Gould & Lamb: Miami-based private equity firm H.I.G. Capital has completed an investment in Bradenton-based Gould & Lamb, a leading insurance services firm. Gould & Lamb helps its clients (mostly large insurance organizations) evaluate the long term medical costs of injured claimants and ensure proper regulatory compliance. Gould & Lamb’s products and services are used by 18 of the largest 25 Workers’ Compensation insurance carriers, among many others – the company is the largest provider of these services in the U.S.

Michael’s Online: Michael’s on East has announced that after several months under construction with local design group AtLarge Inc., BestFood.com has gone live. The site will act as a landing site for the others in the Michael’s family. MichaelsonEast.com will offer users access to the restaurant itself (with online reservations), while catering needs can be met through MichaelsonEastCatering.com. WineFlorida.com offers customers the chance to order wine from Michael’s Wine Cellar in real time. When a user places his order on the site, the orders go directly and immediately to the store, where they are fulfilled and delivered by UPS.

Gevity buying back $75M of stock: Yesterday, Bradenton-based Gevity HR announced plans to buy back $75 million of its common stock, in addition to the 332,000 shares still available for repurchase under the company’s last buyback program, which began Feb. 28. The company has received a $50 million, five-year unsecured revolving credit facility – that can be increased up to $75 million – from Bank of America that Gevity will use for general corporate purposes, including share buybacks. Yesterday, the company also announced a 9-cent quarterly dividend, payable Oct. 31 to shareholders of record as of Oct. 16.

Area home sales… need we even say it?: The Florida Association of Realtors published its report on 2Q 2006 home sales and median home prices and, well … anyone involved in real estate already knows what it says. Between 2Q 2005 and 2Q 2006, home sales in the Sarasota-Bradenton area dropped by 39%, from 3,728 to 2,281. Median home prices in the area remained about the same: $317,800 in 2Q 2005 to $318,500 in 2Q 2006. Statewide, home sales decreased by 27% quarter-to-quarter and the median sales price rose 9%, to $254,800. To read the report, click here.

It’s a Sign: The UPS Store in Canada has selected CCi’s Retail Digital Media Solution to provide dynamic digital video signage at select stores across Canada. CCi, in turn, has partnered with Sarasota-based Real Digital Media, whose NEOCAST digital signage solution has been specifically designed to create effective digital signage. The NEOCAST platform will be used to control the digital elements used in The UPS Store’s visual marketing campaigns. For more information, visit Real Digital Media.

The Sweet Smell of Success: Sarasota resident Peggy Dean has introduced a new fragrance called Sarbez Perfume, with a companion book called “Sarbez-The Renaissance of a Fragrance” which chronicles the perfume’s 20-year journey. The perfume and book are both available at SarbezPerfume.com.

Wanted: Diversity in the Workplace: The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota is inviting employers to one of two focus groups – employers are asked to come share their individual views and needs regarding diversity in hiring and managing. The EDC hopes these sessions will help them identify activities, training classes and other initiatives to support recruiters’ efforts to retain a diverse workforce. The sessions will be held on August 25 at the Sarasota County Admission Center at 1660 Ringling Blvd. and on August 30 at the MCC Center for Innovation and Technology in Lakewood Ranch. Both sessions will run from 8:30 until 11am. There is no fee. For information email Darek Houston.

TODAY, Aug. 16: Manatee Business After Business: The Manatee Chamber of Commerce will host this after-hours networking event this afternoon. There is no charge to attend – members and prospective members are invited to attend. Wed., Aug. 16, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, at Colonial Bank, 2925 University Parkway, Sarasota. For more information, go to www.ManateeChamber.com.

TOMORROW, Aug. 17: PNL2: This is the new, second Power Networking Lunch group that has just formed for members of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Chamber members meet for lunch; one member makes a presentation on his or her business. Cost is $12. Thursday, Aug. 17, 11:45 am, at Homewood Suites, 3470 Fruitville Road, catered by K2 Cuisine. For more information, contact Joe Brachle at jpbrachle@csinetworks.com.

MONDAY, Aug. 21: MYP Luncheon: The Manatee Young Professionals host this Special Guest Luncheon with County Administrator Ernie Padgett, who will present a “State of the County” overview, highlighting the opportunities and challenges facing Manatee County. Cost is $15 per person. Monday, Aug. 21, 11:45 am – 1:00 pm, at Stoneybrook Golf & County Club. Must RSVP by Aug. 16 by emailing RSVP@MYPonline.com.

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