Thursday, February 26, 2009

Alfredo M. Gapuz, D.M.D. opens new offices at Stirling Place in Lake Mary to Provide Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry


Alfredo M. Gapuz, D.M.D. opens new offices at Stirling Place in Lake Mary to Provide Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry


LAKE MARY, Fla. - Alfredo M. Gapuz, Jr., D.M.D. has opened new offices to provide cosmetic and restorative dentistry at 737 Stirling Center Place, located off Rinehart Rd., south of SR 46A in Lake Mary.


Dr. Gapuz, who has practiced dentistry for 28 years, also has offices in the Hunter’s Creek area in southwest Orlando.


Dr. Gapuz recently completed an extensive course in Advanced Adhesive Aesthetic Dentistry at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies in Nevada. He earned his doctoral degree in dental medicine from De Ocampo Memorial College in the Philippines, formerly known as Philippine Dental College.


In addition, Dr. Gapuz recently completed specialized post-graduate training that included studies of headache diagnosis and acquired specialized computer-based instruments that enable precision studies of jaw function and related muscles.


“Many people don’t think to tell their dentist when they suffer from chronic headaches,” said Dr. Gapuz, “but such headaches can be triggered when the jaw and related muscles aren’t functioning properly. Our new instrumentation helps us to determine whether this is the case with simple, painless and non-invasive tests that can be performed right here in the office,” he said.


For more information, contact:

Dr. Alfredo M. Gapuz, D.M.D. or Virginia Grace Gapuz, Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of Lake Mary, P.L., 407-805-8808 or 407-902-3949; VGGaesthetics@aol.com;

Lynn Kellicut, Office Manager, Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of Lake Mary, P.L., 407-805-8808;

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142; lvershelco@aol.com

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Launches 2nd Annual “Jeans for Charity” drive to Benefit Four Orlando-Area Charities

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Launches 2nd Annual “Jeans for Charity” drive to Benefit Four Orlando-Area Charities


ORLANDO, Fla. - Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently launched (March 2) its annual “Jeans for Charity” drive to benefit Habitat for Humanity in Orange County; Give Kids the World; Susan G. Komen for the Cure; and the Russell Home for Atypical Children.

Tina Kennedy, director of human resources at Cuhaci & Peterson, said the firm hopes to raise as much as $500.00 for the individual charities quarterly during the drive which will run until Dec. 31.


Kennedy said employees who choose to wear jeans Monday-Thursday, pay $2.00 per day. The first drive will be for the month of March to benefit Habitat for Humanity; June’s drive will benefit Give the Kids the World; September’s drive will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure and December’s drive will benefit the Russell Home for Atypical Children.


For information about how to donate or participate, call Tina Kennedy at 407-661-9100.


For more information about this press release, contact

Tina Kennedy, Director of Human Resources Cuhaci & Peterson Architects LLC 407-661-9100;

Lonnie Peterson, Chairman Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC 407-661-9100

Jed Downs, President Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC 407-661-9100

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

University Club of Orlando looking for partner from radio or TV station to honor hero


University Club of Orlando looking for partner from radio or TV station to honor hero


ORLANDO, Fla. - The University Club of Orlando would like to join forces with a local media affiliate to produce “A Hero’s Wedding.”


The concept, according to Susan Greene, general manager of the University Club of Orlando, is that the Club is providing a glamorous wedding – the complete package – during the early fall of this year for one of Orlando’s heroes.


Any media affiliate who would like to join with the University Club will play the major role in nominating and selecting the hero – a returning veteran, a firefighter, police officer or teacher who is worthy of praise.


“We will provide a wedding package in the $10,000 range, including invitations, flowers, cake, reception, bar service, dinner, and photography,” Greene said.


The media partner will promote the hero’s wedding concept heavily through public relations and local media.


The wedding event itself will likewise generate sustained media content.


If you are interested in joining in this event, please contact Susan Greene, University Club general manager, to discuss the parameters.


Contact:

Susan Greene, General Manager, University Club of Orlando 407-425-2514 GM@UCLUBORLANDO.COM; or

Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142 Lvershelco@aol.com.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Mattamy Homes USA Appoints Chris Adams New Home Sales Associate in Minnesota


Mattamy Homes USA Appoints Chris Adams New Home Sales Associate in Minnesota

WINTER PARK, Fla. - Mattamy Homes USA, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest home builder, has appointed Chris Adams a new home sales associate in for its Minnesota division in the Twin Cities region.

Laura Bailey, vice president of sales and marketing for Mattamy Homes USA, said Adams has more than five years of experience as a new home sales associate. Adams is a graduate of Augsburg College in Minneapolis.

Mattamy Homes USA, headquartered in Winter Park, builds new homes in 11 communities priced from the $100s in the Twin Cities area.

The firm’s Minnesota division is headquartered in Burnsville.

For more information please contact:

Laura Bailey, VP of Sales and Marketing, Mattamy Homes-USA 407-599-9994

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club in Ormond Beach Appoints Dave Brown Tennis Director

Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club in Ormond Beach Appoints Dave Brown Tennis Director

ORLANDO, Fla. - ICI Homes has appointed Dave Brown tennis director at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club in Ormond Beach.

Rosemary Messina, vice president of ICI Homes, said Brown is a USPTA Master Professional with 25 years of experience managing tennis facilities at resorts, commercial and private clubs, major colleges and municipal tennis centers.

He formerly served as Director of Tennis for the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach. Brown was high school and college standout tennis player who graduated from St. Mary’s College of California. He has held USPTA national rankings in both singles and doubles.

As a tennis teaching professional, Dave served as head coach for Colorado State University’s men’s team, and he has coached numerous sectional and nationally ranked players over the past 20 years in Colorado and Florida.

From 1998-2002 he served as USTA Florida’s Community Coordinator for South Florida.

For more information, contact.

Lisa Egle, Marketing Manager, ICI Homes 386-236-4273 legle@icihomes.com

Maria Tuohy, Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club 386-437-4844 Ext. 304

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

About ICI Homes

ICI homes, ranks among the top 100 Builders by Builder magazine and is one of the largest privately owned homebuilders in the nation. The 28-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as in Jacksonville, Orlando, Melbourne and Tampa.

University Club of Orlando Raises more than $50,000 Through Cocktails for a Cause Fundraisers

University Club of Orlando Raises more than $50,000 Through Cocktails for a Cause Fundraisers, Next one will Benefit Florida Health Systems’ Orlando Health Foundation


ORLANDO, Fla. - The University Club of Orlando, which has raised more than $50,000 since last September through its Cocktails for a Cause program for local charities, plans to host “Tips for Trauma” on Thursday, Feb. 26.

The Cocktails for a Cause fundraiser will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and will benefit Florida Health Systems’ Orlando Health Foundation.

Susan Greene, general manager of the University Club of Orlando, said one recent Cocktails for a Cause helped raise more than $11,000 for Coastal Conservation.


The University Club of Orlando is located across from the Orlando Public Library on Central Ave. and Rosalind Blvd. in downtown Orlando.


For more information about this press release, contact:

Susan Greene, General Manager, University Club of Orlando 407-425-2514, gm@ucluborlando.com;

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

Friday, February 13, 2009

Grubb and Ellis Commercial Florida negotiates new long term lease of 50,000 square foot industrial facility in Lakeland

Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida negotiates new long term lease of 50,000 square foot industrial facility in Lakeland

TAMPA, Fla. - Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida, associated with 200 Grubb & Ellis offices worldwide, recently negotiated a long-term lease of a 50,000 square foot industrial facility at 4920 S. Frontage Rd. in Lakeland.

Jan Boltres, CCIM and Mike Scott, principals and senior vice presidents at Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida, negotiated the lease agreement representing the landlord, RS Land Development, Inc., based in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

The new tenant is Lakeland-based RINCAT, LLC.


About Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida

Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida is an affiliated commercial real estate services firm specializing in the leasing and sale of office, industrial, retail, land and investment properties. Currently Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida has 30 brokers divided among its Tampa, Orlando and Melbourne offices which serve the entire mid-Florida marketplace.

About Grubb & Ellis

Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE) is one of the largest and most respected commercial real estate services and investment companies. With more than 130 owned and affiliate offices worldwide, Grubb & Ellis offers property owners, corporate occupants and investors comprehensive integrated real estate solutions, including transaction, management, consulting and investment advisory services supported by proprietary market research and extensive local market expertise.

Grubb & Ellis and its subsidiaries are leading sponsors of real estate investment programs that provide individuals and institutions the opportunity to invest in a broad range of real estate investment vehicles, including tax-deferred 1031 tenant-in-common (TIC) exchanges; public non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs) and real estate investment funds. As of March 31, 2008, more than $3.4 billion in investor equity has been raised for these investment programs. The company and its subsidiaries currently manage a growing portfolio of more than 218 million square feet of real estate. In 2007, Grubb & Ellis was selected from among 15,000 vendors as Microsoft

Contacts:

Jan Boltres, CCIM,Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida - 813-639-1111 ext 270

Michael Scott, Grubb & Ellis Commercial Florida - 813-639-1111 ext 275

Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

ABD Development introduces new affordable floor plans at Wyndham Lakes Estates

ABD Development introduces new affordable floor plans at Wyndham Lakes Estates

ORLANDO, Fla. - ABD Development Company has introduced new affordable floor plans at Windsor Landing at Wyndham Lakes Estates, located off Town Center and Landstar Blvds. in southeast Orlando.

David Kohn, president of ABD Development Company, said one new floor plan offers three bedrooms with 3,000 square feet of living space priced from the mid $300s.

A second, two-story floor plan offers three bedrooms in 2,500 square feet.

Kohn said 20 home sites remain for sale at Windsor Landing at Wyndham Lakes Estates, including 15 lakefront home sites on Lake Wyndham.

New four, five and six-bedroom homes at Windsor Landing are priced from $499,900 to more than $1 million and range in size from 2,900 square feet to 5,000 square feet.

For more information, contact:

Sofi Coffey, Marketing Manager, ABD Development Company, 407-370-6400

David Kohn, President ABD Development Company, 407-370-6400

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Home-Building Recovery Will Start This Year And Active Adults Will Lead The Way

Home-Building Recovery Will Start This Year And Active Adults Will Lead The Way


Central Florida homebuilders could see the start of a dramatic recovery as early as this summer, and retirement-aged adults will lead the way.


Despite seemingly endless news cycles devoted to our national economic ailments, we forget the enormous size and scope of the fabled “baby boom” generation.


I don’t mean to discount our national economic cycle. But we shouldn’t discount our active adults either. Most of them are pretty smart, after all, and many of them saw this coming.


As a real estate developer who focuses on superior lifestyles for active adults at Providence Golf and Country Club community in the Loughman-Davenport area of Polk County and Wyndham Lakes Estates in south Orlando, I’m very familiar with the lifestyle preferences, spending habits and financial acumen most retirement-aged adults possess.


We anticipate the net in-migration of active adults will increase substantially starting this summer, and we expect the active adult market will lead a major recovery of the home building industry in Florida---especially Central Florida---that will hit its stride in 2010.


The recovery will be more measured than the recent housing boom, and that’s a good thing. We won’t see a return to 2005 levels of sales and construction, but we won’t see the subsequent ballooning of materials costs, pricing, taxes, insurance and accompanying expenses either.


What we will see is a return to strong, sustainable levels of activity the Central Florida region is known for.


Economic analysts at ABD Development Company anticipate a rebound in the U.S. securities markets resulting from economic stimulus programs the new presidential administration has already announced.


The securities markets---stocks and bonds---are usually referred to as ‘leading indicators’ of economic health. In this case, they are a sign of better times to come.


The President’s emphasis on tax cuts for the middle class are particularly promising.


Once our immediate crisis begins to wane, lower interest rates and exceptional values that are evident in almost every Florida market will generate sustainable growth rates led by the active adult segment.


Typically, when an economic cycle starts to improve, it gathers steam rapidly. Adults who may have postponed their retirement a year or two will join adults who are just now reaching retirement age to produce what builders and developers call ‘pent-up demand.’


As much as we might worry about the national economy, the baby boom generation represents enormous financial depth. Active adults are still retiring---you can’t stop the clock---and for a significant proportion of them, Florida’s warm climate and relatively affordable lifestyle opportunities are just the ticket.


Certainly baby boomers have more opportunities than ever before, and for some, North Carolina, Arizona, and other parts of the country are appealing. But Florida’s century-old heritage as a retirement mecca is still a compelling factor we sometimes overlook in our spates of hand-wringing.


For Florida homebuilders, the market cycle has been particularly painful. But builders and developers who took measures to prepare for the inevitable market slowdown are surviving, if not thriving.


Before we know it---before the end of 2009, to be sure---the housing market will come back wiser, healthier, and more sustainable than before.


Builders and developers are looking forward to it. But the biggest beneficiaries are home buyers.


Providence Golf and Country Club community will accommodate some 4,800 new homes when the community is completed in 2018. Some 500 new homes have been sold at Providence and 1,700 new homes are planned in 20 different neighborhoods in the first phase of the development.


For More Information Contact:

David Kohn, President ABD Development Company, 407-370-6400

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Lennar Forms Nine-County Central Florida Division with Offices in Tampa, Clermont



Lennar Forms Nine-County Central Florida Division with Offices in Tampa, Clermont

TAMPA, Fla. - Lennar, which ranks as one of Florida’s most active home builders, has merged its Tampa Bay and Orlando divisions to form a single nine-county Central Florida Division.

Mark Metheny, who has served as president of Lennar’s Tampa Bay division since 2006, has been appointed president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division.

Metheny, who joined Lennar in 2001, will oversee community development, new home design and construction and new home sales in 32 Lennar communities in Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Polk, Osceola, Orange, Lake, Seminole and Brevard counties.

In Tampa, Metheny oversaw one of Lennar’s most productive divisions nationwide.

“Lennar is meeting the challenge of today’s home building market and we will continue to press forward with a strategy that includes and intense focus on reducing costs and delivering the best valued homes in the market,” Metheny said.

The Central Florida Division will be headquartered at Lennar’s corporate offices on Westshore Blvd. in Tampa, with an Orlando-area office at 2955 Heritage Hills Blvd. in the Heritage Hills community off U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont.

Metheny has named several top Lennar executives to new positions with division and area-wide responsibilities.

Mike Southward, was named director of purchasing and Judd Tyler, was named controller for the Central Florida Division.

Robert Jesski, was named director of sales in Tampa and Paul Brooks, director of sales in the Orlando territory.

David Parker, Fiona DiDomenico and Karen Morgan were named vice presidents of sales.

Steve Smith and Wayne Broedel were named directors of construction.

Ben Gainer, Anthony DeSimone, Kevin Stream and Wes Stapp were named senior area construction managers in Tampa.

Joe Fulghum, director of customer relations and Jennifer Siemering, director of closings.


For information about this press release, please contact:

Mark Metheny, Division President Lennar Central Florida 888-317-7489 mark.metheny@lennar.com

Paul Brooks , Director of Sales & Marketing, Lennar Central Florida Division; 407-654-2735 paul.brooks@lennar.com;

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Lake Nona area commercial development will play leading role in Central Florida’s economic recovery, says John Crossman, retail property expert


Lake Nona area commercial development will play leading role in Central Florida’s economic recovery, says John Crossman, retail property expert


ORLANDO, Fla. - Commercial development in the Lake Nona area will play a leading role in Central Florida’s economic recovery, says a prominent retail property broker who is a frequent lecturer in college and university real estate programs.


“Central Florida has long relied on its thriving tourism and services industries as our hedge against downturns in economic cycles,” said John Crossman, CCIM, president of Crossman & Company commercial real estate and one of the leading retail property brokers in the region.


“Commercial development in the Lake Nona area, which centers on medical research, health care and medical facilities, will change the face of Central Florida and add an enormous engine to our local economy,” Crossman said.


The University of Central Florida College of Medicine and the Burnham Institute for Medical Research facilities that are under development now provide a tremendous incentive for new and innovative development in the region that will include retail, restaurants, and a wide range of services, Crossman said.


“A decade ago the Central Florida job base was centered on the tourism corridor from International Drive to Disney and the U.S. 192 area,” said Crossman.


“Ten years from now we will have another job center that will be just as prominent, and it will focus on the Lake Nona area. The advantages in East Orlando will be that much of this new development is upscale, with higher technology and higher paying jobs,” Crossman said.


“Whether you are a Starbucks barista or a medical student about to launch your professional career, east Orlando in general and the Lake Nona area in particular are where you want to look,” Crossman said.


For more information please contact:

John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142


About Crossman & Company

Crossman & Company is one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management companies in Central Florida, based upon the total number of retail square footage. Founded in Orlando, Fla. in 1990, Crossman & Company is a full service commercial real estate firm that advises its clients in leasing, management, development and investment sales of retail and office properties. Please visit http://www.crossmanco.com/, or call 407.423.5400 for more information.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Industrial Lease for Arizona Iced Tea at Airport Commerce Center in Orlando

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Industrial Lease for Arizona Iced Tea at Airport Commerce Center in Orlando


MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new industrial lease of 4,000 square feet at 8350 Parkline Blvd. in the Airport Commerce Center off South Orange Ave. in Orlando.


Michael Heidrich, a principal in the firm, negotiated the lease representing the landlord, Columbus, Ohio-based Parkline Properties, LLC. The tenant, Arizona Beverage Company LLC of Lake Success, NY leased unit 14 at the industrial center for office, storage and distribution of its Arizona Iced Tea products.


Lee Zerivitz of Bishop Realty & Development represented the tenant.


For more information, contact:

Michael Heidrich, Principal, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 mheidrich@realvest.com

Janice Paiano, Director of Marketing, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 jpaiano@realvest.com

Beth Payan or Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142


About NAI

RealvestNAI Realvest in Orlando, covering all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 325 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit http://www.nairealvest.com/.

Beazer Homes to offer free home buyer counseling seminars at two Tampa area communities in March

Beazer Homes to offer free home buyer counseling seminars at two Tampa area communities on March 7, March 14


TAMPA, Fla. - Beazer Homes will offer free home buyer seminars from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 7 at Dupree Lakes* in Land O’Lakes and on March 14 at Sawgrass* in Pinellas Park. *(Locations below)


Alan Beulah, sales manager for Beazer Homes in the Tampa region, said both seminars are free to the public.


Experts in housing credit, mortgage loans and financing will be on hand to explain today’s mortgage and credit requirements and state and federal mortgage assistance programs and to answer any questions.


“Mortgage financing is available today at historically low rates and we want everyone to know about it,” said Beulah. “Both seminars are open from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are free to the public,” he said.


*Dupree Lakes is located on Tigerflower Court off of Ehren’s Cutoff and U.S. 41. *Sawgrass is located on 68th Terrace off Park Blvd. and U.S. 19.


For more information about this press release, contact

Alan Beulah, Sales Manager Beazer Homes-Florida Division 813-663-9002

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

UCF Incubation Program's Seminole County/Winter Springs Incubator Graduates First Company

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. - Spectrum Bridge, Inc., which provides new internet marketplace and mapping technologies to help the wireless industry identify, lease and make use of underutilized and available radio spectrum, has become the first client company to graduate from the UCF Incubation Program’s Seminole County/Winter Springs Incubator.


Esther Vargas-Davis, site manager at the Seminole County/Winter Springs Incubator, said Spectrum Bridge has started generating revenue and just successfully completed an $8.1 million round of venture capital funding.


The firm joined the Incubation Program in February 2008, and is currently headquartered in Lake Mary.


Seminole County/Winter Springs Incubator currently serves 10 client companies, eight of which are headquartered at the Seminole County/Winter Springs Incubator facility in the Vistawilla Office Center building on East S.R. 434 and the 417.


The Seminole County/Winter Springs Incubator opened its doors in 2008 to serve high growth startup firms in Seminole County and is a partnership of UCF, Seminole County Government, the City of Winter Springs and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council.


For more information contact:

Esther Vargas-Davis, Site Manager, UCF Incubator–Seminole County, 407-278-4881; evargasd@mail.ucf.edu;

Dr. Tom O’Neal, Executive Director, UCF Incubation Program, 407-882-1120;

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142


About the UCF Incubation Program Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Incubation Program has helped more than 100 emerging companies (including nearly 70 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 900 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With five facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit http://www.incubator.ucf.edu/.

Friday, February 6, 2009

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Long-Term Retail Lease at Boardwalk Plaza in Oviedo

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new seven-year lease agreement for 3,512 square feet of retail space in the Boardwalk Plaza located at 3100 Alafaya Trail in Oviedo.


NAI Realvest principals Matt Cichocki and Kevin O’Connor negotiated the lease on behalf of the landlord, Boardwalk Plaza LLC of Gardena, Calif.

The new tenant in suite 1000 at the center is Winter Park-based Summer Tan Enterprises LLC who was represented by NAI Realvest principal Michael Heidrich.


For more information, contact:

Matt Cichocki and Kevin O’Connor, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989; mcichocki@realvest.com; koconnor@realvest.com;

Michael Heidrich, NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989; mheidrich@realvest.com

Janice Paiano, Director of Marketing, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 jpaiano@realvest.com

Beth Payan or Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142


About NAI RealvestNAI Realvest in Orlando, covering all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 325 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit http://www.nairealvest.com/.

Crescent Resources negotiates lease agreement for more than 7,000 square feet of Class A office space in Lake Mary

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Crescent Resources, LLC recently negotiated a long-term lease for 7,171 square feet of Class A office space at 300 Primera Blvd. in the Primera Four building at The Crescent at Primera in Lake Mary.


Ida I. Wozniak, CCIM, vice president of commercial leasing for Crescent Resources LLC in Florida, negotiated the lease agreement with the tenant, Tel Affects, representing the landlord Sun Life Assurance of Canada, based in Wellesley Hills, Mass.


Sarah Castor of CresaPartners participated in the transaction representing the tenant Tel Affects, LLC, of Lake Mary.


For more information, contact

Ida I. Wozniak, CCIM, Vice President of Commercial Leasing / Florida, Crescent Resources LLC; 201 S. Orange Avenue, Orlando, Fla; 407-472-3383; iiwozniak@crescent-resources.com

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142


About Crescent Resources LLCCrescent Resources is a joint venture between Duke Energy and Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund. Crescent’s formation in 1969 to its position today as a real estate force in the Southeast and Southwest remains a dominant development and land management company comprised of dedicated people with uncompromising integrity. More information about Crescent Resources is available on the Internet at http://www.crescent-resources.com/.

NAI Realvest appoints Tom Hankins Principal, Broker


ORLANDO, Fla. - NAI Realvest, which ranks as one of the Central Florida region’s most active commercial property companies and a major area developer of industrial facilities, has appointed Thomas E. Hankins, CCIM, SIOR a principal and broker.


Paul P. Partyka, managing partner of NAI Realvest, said Hankins, who specializes in investment sales and land, has more than 25 years of experience as a commercial property broker including his own consulting business.


Throughout his commercial real estate career as an executive with realty and development firms in Central Florida, Hankins served as president of CCIM Institute’s Florida Chapter and received the organization’s Hank Thompson Award. He was charter president, establishing the 11-county Central Florida Commercial Association of Realtors.


Currently, Hankins is a member of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission’s Governor’s Council and Executive Board.


Prior to entering real estate, Hankins had a distinguished 13-year career with UNISYS (formerly Burroughs Corporation).


“Tom Hankins is a leading broker in the commercial real estate industry in Florida and we are delighted that someone of his experience has joined our firm,” said Partyka.


Hankins has brokered commercial property transactions valued at more than $200 million since 1997.


For more information contact:

Paul P. Partyka, Managing Partner NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 (x1758) ppartyka@realvest.com;

Janice Paiano, Director of Marketing, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 jpaiano@realvest.com

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142 lvershelco@aol.com


About NAI Realvest NAI Realvest in Orlando, covering all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 325 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit http://www.nairealvest.com/.

NAI Realvest negotiates Lake Mary office condo sale to real estate agency

ORLANDO, Fla. - NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of a 1,300 square foot office condo at 1331 S. International Parkway in Lake Mary for $312,000.


Jack W. Lynch, broker associate in the Investment Services Group at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction.


Marathon Realty, LLC of Lake Mary purchased the property from Dr. Santiago Calderone.


For more information, contact:

Jack W. Lynch, Investment Services Group, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 JLynch@realvest.com;

Janice Paiano, Director of Marketing, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 jpaiano@realvest.com

Beth Payan or Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142


About NAI Realvest NAI Realvest in Orlando, serving all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 325 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit http://www.nairealvest.com/.

Seminole County Commissioner Brenda Carey to join Kolter Homes for VIP Preview/Reception at Grande Oaks at Heathrow

Seminole County Commissioner Brenda Carey to join Kolter Homes for VIP Preview/Reception Feb. 19 to Showcase New Luxury Townhomes at Grande Oaks at Heathrow


Lake Mary, Fla. - Kolter Homes, which is developing luxury townhomes at Grande Oaks at Heathrow on H.E. Thomas, Jr. Parkway at Orange Blvd. in north Seminole County, will host a VIP preview/reception Feb. 19 to showcase new townhomes in the community and a public grand opening on Feb. 21.


Steven Bovio, senior project manager for Kolter Homes in the Orlando region, said the preview and reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Grande Oaks at Heathrow sales and preview center said Seminole County Commissioner Brenda Carey will be one of the honored guests.


Bovio said the community’s newest building features eight luxury three and four-bedroom townhomes that range from 1,857 square feet of living space priced from $305,000.


Bovio said he expects to host crowds at both the VIP preview and the grand opening as buyer interest has been brisk.


Refreshments will be served and Bovio plans to give away a special prize.


“We have been entertaining more than 30 prospective buyers almost every week here,” Bovio said.


For more information about this press release,contact:

Mary Kay Willson Marketing Group 561-471-8887; marykay@mkmarketinggroup.com

Steven V. Bovio, Senior Project Manager, Kolter Homes, 407-333-1733 sbovio@kolter.com;

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Kolter Homes Expects Big Showing at Public Grand Opening at Grande Oaks at Heathrow

Kolter Homes Expects Big Showing at Public Grand Opening of New Townhome Designs at Grande Oaks at Heathrow Feb. 21


LAKE MARY, Fla. - Kolter Homes, which is readying new luxury townhome designs inspired by extensive input from potential townhome buyers, expects a big showing when it unveils the new townhomes at a public grand opening during the weekend of Feb. 21-22.


“We conducted detailed interviews with about a hundred clients and potential townhome buyers before we began the design of the new townhomes,” said Steven Bovio, project director for Kolter Homes at Grande Oaks at Heathrow.


“The new townhomes are based on their input, and their ideas were truly enlightening. We’ve created a brand new product,” Bovio said.


An invitation-only preview and reception for VIPs, including elected officials, civic leaders, partners and local news media is slated for Feb. 19, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Grande Oaks at Heathrow Sales and Preview Center, Bovio said. Kolter expects an overflow crowd to attend the event.


“Interest has been high among potential buyers and among area Realtors as well,” Bovio said.


Eight new three and four-bedroom, two-story townhomes priced from $305,000 will be unveiled that range from 1,857 to 2,138 square feet of air-conditioned living space.


For more information about this press release, contact:


Mary Kay Willson Marketing Group 561-471-8887; marykay@mkmarketinggroup.com


Steven V. Bovio, Senior Project Manager, Kolter Homes, 407-333-1733 sbovio@kolter.com;


Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142


Lennar Launches Home Buyer Economic Stimulus Program Feb. 13 Through President’s Day

Lennar Launches Home Buyer Economic Stimulus Program Feb. 13 Through President’s Day With 3.875 Percent Fixed-Rate Mortgage, Discounted Pricing In 14 Orlando-Area Communities

ORLANDO, Fla. - Lennar’s Central Florida Division has launched a President’s Day Home Buyer Economic Stimulus Program that offers a 3.875 percent fixed-rate mortgage with discounted pricing in 14 Orlando-area neighborhoods.

Paul V. Brooks, director of sales and marketing for Lennar’s Central Florida Division in Orlando, said the President’s Day Home Buyer Economic Stimulus Program also offers a mortgage insurance program that is free for the first six months.

Brooks said Lennar will launch its President’s Day Home Buyer Economic Stimulus Program Feb. 6 through Feb. 16.

For more information, contact

Paul V. Brooks, Lennar Director of Sales & Marketing-Central Florida 407-475-6621

Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida 813-769-5277

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

Lennar is Hosting Month-Long Grand Opening at Wekiva Landing in Longwood

Lennar is Hosting Month-Long Grand Opening at Wekiva Landing in Longwood with three bedroom town homes priced from $210s

ORLANDO, Fla. - Lennar’s Central Florida Division is hosting a month-long grand opening to showcase new three-bedroom town homes priced from the $210s at Wekiva Landing, located on Hunt Club Rd. in Longwood.

Paul V. Brooks, director of sales and marketing for Lennar’s Central Florida Division in Orlando, said new town homes at Wekiva Landing range in size from 1,484 square feet of living space to 1,775 square feet.

Brooks said Lennar has opened one fully-furnished model home at Wekiva Landing.

For more information, contact

Paul V. Brooks, Lennar Director of Sales & Marketing-Central Florida 407-475-6621

Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida 813-769-5277

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Handex Consulting and Remediation, LLC Signs President to Multi-Year Contract


Handex Consulting and Remediation, LLC Signs Irvin L. Heath to Multi-Year Contract as President


MOUNT DORA, Fla. - Handex Consulting and Remediation, LLC, (HCR) which ranks as one of the leading soil and groundwater remediation and cleanup contractors in the southeastern U.S., has signed a three-year contract to retain Irvin L. Heath as president.


Brett Fadeley, chairman of HCR said Heath engineered the firm’s successful transition to new ownership at their headquarters in Mount Dora, Florida and has substantially increased revenues during his 15-year tenure with the firm and during his recent years as the firm’s president.


Heath, an attorney, also serves as Co-Chair of the Florida Petroleum Marketers Association (FPMA), the largest petroleum marketing lobbying group in Florida, and will become its chairman later this year.


HCR has offices in Mount Dora, Tampa, Tallahassee and Delray in South Florida. The firm reported revenues last year that totaled more than $25 million. HCR currently employs more than 150 environmental professionals and also maintains extensive operations and offices in Monroe, N.J.


HCR serves federal, state, county and local environmental agencies, major oil companies, large convenience store operators, and private sector clients. The firm specializes in providing environmental soil and ground water remediation for hydrocarbon impacted sites and provides consulting, civil construction, sludge dewatering, emergency response services, remedial system design, installation, operation and maintenance and both Brownfield and infrastructure project management.
“I am excited about continuing my role at HCR. These are challenging times and we have tremendous opportunities before us and all of HCR knows we have a very important job to do as we protect our environment while we expand and diversify our client base,” Heath said.


For more information, contactIrv Heath, President, HCR (Handex Consulting and Remediation, LLC) 352-735-1800 ext. 127Brett Fadeley, Chairman, HCR (Handex Consulting and Remediation, LLC) 352-735-1800 ext. 113Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

NovaSol Energy, NAI Realvest form partnership to provide renewable energy for commercial facilities and utilities throughout Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. - NovaSol Energy, Inc., an emerging cleantech firm, has formed a unique partnership with Maitland-based NAI Realvest to provide renewable ‘green’ energy---with no upfront costs---to commercial facilities and utilities throughout Florida.


Haseeb Qadri, president and chief executive officer of NovaSol Energy, said NAI Realvest will serve as exclusive agent representing NovaSol’s solar energy systems to potential retail, multi-family residential, commercial, and industrial properties. The NAI Realvest partnership will provide NovaSol Energy with a sales and marketing partner, along with an immediate customer base. NAI Realvest will market the economic and ‘green’ advantages of ‘going green’ to its portfolio of properties. NovaSol Energy will be the exclusive provider of renewable energy, via its solar generation facilities, for properties in the Realvest portfolio that are seeking renewable energy solutions to qualify for LEED certification.


“We are pleased to partner with a progressive industry leader like NAI Realvest to make solar a reality throughout Florida, the Sunshine State,” Qadri said. A recent study conducted by Navigant Consulting for the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Florida revealed solar as the largest renewable resource available in Florida, and with the potential to create over 32,000 new local ‘cleantech’ jobs.


NovaSol and NAI Realvest plan to explore the possibility of expanding their partnership beyond the Florida market where NovaSol is assessing opportunities being presented throughout the United States, Asia, Africa, and Europe.


George Livingston, chairman of NAI Realvest, said that their strategic alliance with NovaSol Energy will add value to the properties of their clients as well as to their own development projects. “We are excited about the opportunity this presents us to move towards green, renewable energy solutions while, at the same time, enhancing property values,” Livingston stated.


NovaSol Energy and NAI Realvest will offer potential customers several bottom-line advantages. “We are developing green energy solutions that can provide renewable solar energy to commercial buildings without any upfront costs to the consumer or building owner,” Qadri explained.


“Our solution requires no upfront costs to provide companies with protection from energy rate hikes; ability to manage energy overhead with predictable costs; savings on long-term energy costs; eliminating risk of owning and operating power generation equipment; reducing their organization’s environmental footprint; qualify facilities for LEED certification and reduce grid dependency by making it possible to generate power even when transmission lines are down,” Haseeb said.


Qadri said NovaSol Energy has negotiated agreements with two utilities to sell green energy generated via the company’s solar energy generation facilities hosted on commercial buildings. He declined to provide specifics at this time. NovaSol is also in preliminary discussions with additional utilities and municipalities to incorporate solar energy into their overall electricity generation portfolio. Qadri said they have over $30 Million in their project pipeline and expect to triple that capacity by the end of 2009.


NovaSol Energy, Inc. joined the University of Central Florida Incubation Program in September and is located in the Technology Incubator in the Central Florida Research Park.


For more information please contact:S. Haseeb Qadri, President/CEO NovaSol Energy, Inc. 407-377-6641 haseeb@novasolenergy.com Carol Ann Dykes, Site Director, UCF Technology Incubator 407-882-0211, cdykes@mail.ucf.edu; Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142 Lvershelco@aol.com


About the UCF Incubation Program:Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Incubation Program has helped more than 100 emerging companies (including nearly 70 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 900 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With five facilities across the metro Orlando community, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between UCF, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit http://www.incubator.ucf.edu/.


About NovaSol Energy:NovaSol Energy is a, virtual, independent, “green” power company committed to generating and distributing clean and affordable renewable energy for commercial and utility customers. The company owns, installs, and operates solar generation facilities at various locations and sells the energy generated via those facilities to commercial customers and utilities. NovaSol Energy also has an innovative ‘smart-grid’ energy transmission technology in early developmental stage. For more information, please visit http://www.novasolenergy.com/.


About NAI Realvest:NAI Realvest in Orlando, covering all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 325 offices spanning the globe, managing over 200 million square feet of commercial space. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit http://www.nairealvest.com/.