M.M.

M.M.'s Posts

• Flower Power

  by M.M.

  In an unusual form of eco-terrorism, activists allegedly planted an endangered species of wildflower to block a housing development in Santa Rosa, Calif. The state Department of Fish and Game says the flowers, known as Sebastopol meadowfoam, were deliberately transplanted. The 145-acre proposed development borders a Fish and Game preserve and has been contested by environmentalists.

• Project No. 1

  by M.M.

  When Al Hoffman retired from his role as CEO of Bonita Springs, Fla.–based WCI Communities earlier this year, he told BUILDER, “I intend to have a lot of new projects.” In July, President Bush presented Hoffman, now chairman of WCI's board of directors, with an impressive project to help kick off his retirement: He nominated Hoffman to be the United States' ambassador to Portugal. Hoffman is well versed in Bush's policy priorities, having served as his presidential campaign's national co-chair and Florida state finance chairman.

• C-Level Power

  by M.M.

  Senior executives buy into the idea that information is power. At least, that's what a recent survey by the Association of Executive Search Consultants indicates. Of 497 top executives polled, 38 percent said the chief marketing officer is the most powerful C-level title other than CEO. The title of chief information officer grabbed another 28 percent of respondents.

• Big Deals

  Florida Trend

  by M.M.

  Public builders moved further into Florida in June. Toll Brothers purchased Landstar Homes in Orlando, which closed 471 homes for $115 million in revenue in 2004. The acquisition gives Toll control of 2,500 lots in Central Florida. Hollywood-based Technical Olympics USA (TOUSA) didn't look far for its purchase of Coral Springs–based Transeastern Homes. The joint company will control about 40,000 home sites in Florida, according to Antonio Mon, TOUSA's CEO and president.

• Big Deals

  Spring Sales

  by M.M.

  Irvine, Calif.