Last month, we started discussing nuggets to lessen the fear of public speaking. These are proven practices I use with coaching clients and talk about in my presentation seminars.

The Colonial Marketplace in Ladue is almost complete. With only a small handful of vacancies left and stores opening left and right, this shopping strip is becoming a destination—in fact, so much so we thought you might like a guide book.

DON ROCHLEAU II has joined the investment firm Alvery Bartlett Group as a registered representative. Rochleau earned a B.S.B.A. in finance from Lindenwood University.

Working in family services at Bellerive Gardens, Jodi Wimmer is used to helping families through a time of grief. “We want to provide good service and help them find a nice resting place for their loved one in a time of need,” she says. But Wimmer urges families to think about burial plans before there is an immediate need, such as during estate planning. “We’ve had families tell us, I’m so glad my mom and dad picked out their marker. Everything is so nice for the family when they’ve done that—they can grieve without worrying, Did I do the right thing for Mom? Would she have liked that?”

Reliance Bank has turned over a new leaf. The personal and business banking institution recently emerged from major losses during the recession to become a profitable player ready to meet the community’s finance service and lending needs. And expansion is even in the works, with a new branch set for the prime intersection of Clayton Road and Lindbergh Boulevard.

By day, they may be all business behind an office desk. But by night, they know how to let loose. LN recently caught up with some local working dads who use their garage bands as an after-hours outlet.

Orlando’s has grown to be one of the biggest catering operations in St. Louis, and through the generations, the one thing that hasn't changed is family.

Despite scandal, off-shore bank accounts exist, offering financial benefits—or that’s the assumption. With new regulations in place, the realm of legitimate off-shore banking is changing to smoke out tax evaders. 

Some of you have noticed that in the last several months, we’ve debuted a couple of new columns in our Business Connection section: It’s All Relative and Talking Points.

You relax as the chair warms and massages your back. Soothing colors surround you, and calming music fills your ears. No one can interrupt this 30 minutes just for you. No phone calls, no demands, no guilt about just being still and doing nothing—with your mouth wide open.

Extremely rare pieces from one of the largest private collections of Alexander McQueen’s work are among those to be showcased in an upcoming exhibition at the World Chess Hall of Fame. 

With a loyal local following and rave reviews from The Wall Street Journal to The New York Times, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis continues to draw adoring audiences from throughout the world. And its new season is set to be no exception. General director Tim O’Leary recently filled us in on the company’s worldwide impact and its four new shows, to feature classic and modern opera, jazz, romance and comedy.

Directions in Design, an interior architectural and design firm, has welcomed ERIN SWENSON as its director of business development.

Spring is finally here! And when the weather gets warm, people run outside. Then they fall down. Or twist their ankle. Or throw the ball just a little too hard for their own good.

This summer, think of your backyard as the next decorating frontier. Use designer-quality furniture, rugs, lighting and charming decorative accents for stunning results.

Creating good by giving back is a gift to yourself, local financial advisers say. But before making a major donation to support your favorite cause, heed the following pieces of advice to avoid scams, maximize that gift and leave a lasting legacy of philanthropy. 

By following their dreams, these three women each built a business that has seen more success than most of us would dare to dream for.

The work-life balance: Every professional knows the phrase, and every employee tries to find that harmonious level of give and take to somehow manage it all. For parents, this may be an even bigger challenge. But at the law firm of Carmody MacDonald, the support is there for employees to thrive in the courtroom, as well as at home. 

What did you want to be when you grew up? In our special Women in Business section, you’ll read about some St. Louis women who dreamed big and worked hard to turn their vision into reality. Their path to success serve as an inspiration to others who may be seeking their calling—either as a fledgling employee or someone who is embarking on a second career.

Following graduation from college, I spent four years in medical school, then three years in a pediatric residency. This was long before medical student and resident work hours were restricted, so I spent up to 100 hours each week for many years learning medicine – specifically pediatric medicine. I’ve spent the rest of my life practicing to get it right. After all the time, effort and expense, what have I spent most of my professional time doing? Talking about poop: too much, not enough, too hard, too loose—you name it, some mom, dad or grandma has worried about it, and I’ve discussed it.

Love to report new places opening up: The Sweet Divine's new Soulard location at 1801 S. Ninth St. is now open for business. Likewise, Piccione Pastry at 6197 Delmar Blvd. in the U-City Loop is now up and running.