Sheryl Chelena never sat down. For three hours the tiny blond whirlwind sold her purses, talked with each of her guests and walked away with future business contacts. ...more

February 11, 2008

Sheryl Chelena was giving a party at her Trinity-area home to promote Purse Party, a home-based, direct-sales business selling purses and jewelry. Women arrived throughout the event, chatting about families and other aspects of their lives while examining Chelena's purses. Purse Party is one of more than 200 companies that are members of the Direct Selling Association. The DSA is a national trade association of direct-sales firms that are committed to ethical business practices. ...more

January 30, 2008

Beach Updates Online People wanting to enjoy the beach have an online tool that provides twice-daily updates on conditions at beaches from Pinellas County south to Collier County. Mote Marine Laboratory's Beach Conditions Report provides real-time information about the presence of red tide and other conditions at 23 locations along the west coast. The report can be found at www.mote.org/beaches. ...more

January 21, 2008