• The Florida Federal Judicial Nominating Commission is now accepting applications for the following positions: U.S. district judge for the Northern, Middle (which includes Jacksonville) and Southern Districts of Florida. Applications are due by 5 p.m. June 15. Personal interviews for the Middle District opening will be Aug. 4 at the George C. Young U.S. Courthouse in Orlando.
• Solantic has named Michael Klein its new president and CEO. Karen Bowling, Solantic co-founder and CEO, was named senior strategic advisor to the company effective immediately. Most recently, Klein was president and CEO of Renal Advantage, Inc., a 154-center dialysis company operating in 19 states with more than 12,000 patients, a specialized renal laboratory more than $500 million in annual revenue. Since opening its first four centers in 2002 in North Florida, Solantic has expanded to more than 30 centers located throughout the state.
• The First Coast Manufacturers Association has a new brand strategy to reflect its industry image as more high-technology and energy/green efficient while educating the public of Northeast Florida on the value of manufacturing. The strategy is being launched over the next several months and includes a new logo (above), new brand slogan and new website, among other updates.
• Watch where you stand if playing golf with Jacksonville attorney Crystal Freed. She picked up a golf club for the first time at the miniature 17th hole at The Players Stadium Village Thursday and inadvertently hit one of the volunteers at the attraction with her chip shot. She apologized to the volunteer.
• The Players Championship might have ended early, but the planning is already under way for next year’s event. The tournament is offering grounds tickets good for any one day for $30. That’s down from 2011 tournament gate prices of $65. Fans can also purchase weekly packages at $110, down from $135 this year. The offer was available in merchandise tents and the Clubhouse Golf Shop, but if you didn’t buy them over the weekend, you still can at www.pgatour.com until Sunday.