BRIEFLY IN BUSINESS

Fletcher Jones rated top Mercedes dealer

Fletcher Jones Motorcars announced Tuesday it was again named “Best of the Best” by Mercedes-Benz USA.

The Newport Beach Mercedes dealer has been honored with the award for seven consecutive years.

The award is given by the carmaker to recognize dealerships in the country that have had an excellent overall track record in all operations, including sales, repair, parts and customer service.

Fletcher Jones Motorcars is at 3300 Jamboree Road in Newport Beach. For more information visit www.fjmercedes.com.

Rutan and Tucker celebrates 50 years of practice

Newport Beach resident Paul Marx, who is a senior partner at Costa Mesa-based Rutan and Tucker LLP, recently marked half a century of practicing law.

Marx has spent about half of his time as an attorney at Rutan, having practiced at the firm from 1969 to 1979, then rejoining in 1989.

The law veteran concentrates on corporate tax, trusts and estates law and is a California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization certified tax specialist.

He’s served as a trustee and counsel for the UC Irvine Foundation, Orange County Community Foundation Board of Governors chairman, as well as other positions.

FirmGreen to sponsor Breakers tennis

FirmGreen Energy Inc. announced last week it will be a sponsor of the professional and recreational leagues of the World TeamTennis in 2007.

The company has been named the official green energy company of the Newport Beach Breakers and the Sacramento Capitals.

FirmGreen patented technology to make alterative fuels and “green energy” from facilities like landfills. For more information visit www.firmgreen.com.

William Lyon reports big dip in income last year

Newport Beach-based William Lyon Homes reported that net income in 2006 was down 61% from 2005, with the amount of net home orders going from about 3,300 in 2005 to about 2,200 last year.

During the fourth quarter last year, the company reported net income down 91% from the same period in 2005 — from more than $87.9 million to more than $7.6 million.

The last month-and-a-half of the year, William Lyon reported a slow-down in new orders and more cancellations, as well as some stiff pricing competition from competitors.

William Lyon Homes designs, builds and sells single-family homes in California, Arizona and Nevada.

Dining club meeting scheduled in Newport Beach

On Friday, The Single Gourmet dining club for singles will meet at The Ritz in Newport Beach.

The club, which is not a matchmaking service, arranges dinners every month at fine dining establishments around Orange County.

The Newport Beach-based social club was created to bring men and women together who enjoy food and fun.

For more information visit www.singlegourmetlaoc.com or call (949) 854-6552.