Local Restaurant, Airport and Software Leaders Headline BNS on Jan. 29

The leaders of software company CLARIFIRE®, Tampa International Airport and restaurant management company Front Burner Brands Inc. are slated to speak at the next Business Network Symposium on Tuesday, Jan. 29, at The University of Tampa.

The event begins with a continental breakfast at 7:15 a.m. with the program running from 7:45–9 a.m. on the 9th floor of the Vaughn Center. The symposium is free and open to the public.

Jane Mason is founder, president and CEO of the business-processing software company CLARIFIRE. Mason has redefined client-focused service by applying Web-based technology to automate complex processes in the businesses she has run and in those businesses that license CLARIFIRE.

Joseph W. Lopano has been CEO of Tampa International Airport since Jan. 1, 2011. Prior to accepting this position, Lopano worked at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport for 14 years as its executive vice president for marketing and terminal management. Additionally, he has 22 years of airline and airport expertise.

Bob Johnston serves as CEO and chairman of the board of directors for Front Burner Brands Inc., a full-service and fast-casual restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa. Front Burner Brands is affiliated with dynamic and niche-specific brands, including The Melting Pot, Burger 21 and GrillSmith restaurants.

The event is hosted by The University of Tampa Board of Fellows and the presenting sponsor is Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Other sponsors include the Tampa Bay Business Journal and Sodexo Campus Services. The Board of Fellows holds this networking event three times a year to allow businesses that are well known, changing or new to the Tampa Bay area the opportunity to share their accomplishments and plans with the business community.