Identifying Local Opportunities

Opportunity #1
Title: Dogs patronize Gainesville restaurants, never pick up tab
Link: http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A88EA81308DD20?p=AWNB

•     This article explained the increasing popularity of restaurants allowing dogs inside their establishments here in Gainesville. However, the problem here is that only 5 businesses here in Gainesville have the proper permits to do so and other businesses taking part in this new trend do not. 
• The problem here is that businesses can face a hefty fine for allowing dogs into the establishment without having a permit to allow dogs. This is an issue due to sanitary conditions and the business owners who are unaware of this permit or who do not have the permit are the ones suffering from this problem.

Opportunity #2

Title: Rock Gym faces unstable ground, buoyed by locals' support 

Link: http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A7E65B287302D0?p=AWNB

• This article explained the growing popularity of a local Gainesville gym. The location was growing in membership and popularity and thoughts of expansion were halted due to the location closing last month and continues to remain closed due to much needed repairs that were discovered. The community has responded to this business's attempt to raise funds and have donated money, as well as organized three fundraisers to help the business return back to normal
• The problem here is one of serious misfortune. Rock Gym was a growing business that was looking to continue its growth and has been closed since December due to much needed repairs and now needs help with ongoing finances. The support of the community in this case is extremely wonderful, however the business still faces serious financial troubles outside of the almost $10,000 they have received in donations. 

Opportunity #3

Title: Vellos closes, Buffalo Wild Wings opens

Link: http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A6696306A50108?p=AWNB

• This article discusses the introduction of a new business to the Gainesville area, while a location that has been open for six years has closed its doors. The article also mentions stories about other locations in Gainesville that are either expanding, relocating or completely changing into something else.
• The problem here is what we see happen with most businesses when they initially start up, they eventually fail. In this case, Vellos, is the one suffering from that problem. Originally known as Urban Flats until its parent company went out of business, Vellos faced a similar fate because as mentioned in the article, the business owner says he has the wrong concept in that location.

Opportunity #4

Title: CareerSource executive director resigns to pursue real estate work

Link: http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A598DEF3C49428?p=AWNB

• This article primarily describes the resignation of a the executive director of CareerSource North Central Florida, that will be effective January 29 in pursuit of new career ventures. After the executive's decision to resign to follow more personal life ventures, CareerSource will have someone else step into the position until a permanent replacement is found.
• While it is amazing that the executive director has chosen to follow her own path in life and accomplish a greater goal in her own life, CareerSource is presented with the problem of losing a top manager at the company. They now need to find someone to fill the position because as I have seen in many businesses, without proper top level management, things can get chaotic. 

Opportunity #5

Title: Dunnellon store manager arrested after video camera found in women's restroom

Link: http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A442A3C029A428?p=AWNB

• This article discusses a case in which a women went to use the restroom at a business and found a fake plant on a trashcan in the bathroom and found a camera inside the plant. When she reported it to authorities, the manager threw the camera plant into the storm drain and was arrested. 
• The problem that took place was that a serious crime was committed. Someone was violated and possibly many more people. Gator Smokes, the business involved in this incident, has to not only deal with the issue of replacing the manager who was arrested, but they now need to attempt to rebuild their business due to the horrible public perception it has now.