Entrust Administrative Services to Launch Sunday Morning Radio Program to Advise Small Investors on “Capital Ideas”

Entrust Administrative Services to Launch Sunday Morning Radio Program to Advise Small Investors on “Capital Ideas”

LAKE MARY, Fla. - Entrust Administrative Services, which administers more than 2,000 self-directed retirement accounts with a net worth of more than $200 million from offices in Lake Mary, Jacksonville and Boca Raton, is sponsoring the launch of “Capital Ideas,” a one-hour radio program on WORL-660 AM to advise small investors on new investment opportunities.

Glen Mather, president of Entrust Administrative Services, said he plans to host special guests and investment experts to talk about alternative investment opportunities.

The program will kick off May 24 at 9 a.m.

“Most investors are familiar with stocks and bonds and we’ll touch on those topics, but we plan to focus on the sorts of alternative investment opportunities that can be overlooked by many investors,” Mather said.

Mather said Capital Ideas will capture the real power of American capital in today’s economy.
“With all the attention on bailouts and macro economics, we’ve overlooked the most important element in our financial system, the millions of small investors who have worked hard all their lives and now hold the power to save the U.S. economy,” Mather said.

“Capital Ideas will celebrate their new power in this economy and analyze ways they are rebuilding the American economic system from the grassroots right up to the power centers,” he said.

For more information please contact:
Glen Mather, President Entrust Administrative Services, Inc. 407-367-3472 gmather@entrustfl.com;

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

More Than 400 Residents at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club Participate In Annual Music in The Park

More Than 400 Residents at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club Participate In Annual Music in The Park

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. - More than 400 residents turned out for the annual Music in the Park event recently at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club in Ormond Beach.

Greg Brousse, managing director of Plantation Bay, said the turnout was the highest on record.

“Residents enjoyed the sounds of RiverDan Band and Ormond Beach’s Hershey’s Ice Cream Company and Papa’s Kettle Korn,” Brousse said.

Snickers the Clown was on hand to entertain the children, Brousse added.

For more information, please contact:
Lisa A. Egle, Marketing Manager ICI Homes-Daytona Beach, 386-236-4273
Rosemary Messina, VP Sales & Marketing ICI Homes, 386-236-4231
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 homebuilder in the US. The 30-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as Northeast Florida, Orlando and Tampa.

ABD Development Company opens new model luxury home at Wyndham Lakes Estates in South Orlando

ABD Development Company opens new model luxury home at Wyndham Lakes Estates in South Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. - ABD Development Company, which ranks as one of Central Florida’s most active custom home builders and one of the region’s largest community developers, recently opened a new model luxury home 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 the Riviera model home offers four bedrooms in 3,100 square feet of living space priced at $499,000.

Only 20 home sites remain for sale at Windsor Landing, Kohn said.

New three, four and five bedroom luxury homes at Windsor Landing at Wyndham Lakes Estates are priced from $349,000.

For more information contact:
David Kohn, President, ABD Development Company, 407-370-6400
Sofi Coffey, Marketing Manager ABD Development Company, 407-370-6400
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

ICI Homes, Beazer Homes Joint Venture opens $2.7 million fire station on Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville adjacent to Tamaya

ICI Homes, Beazer Homes Joint Venture opens $2.7 million fire station on Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville adjacent to Tamaya

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A joint venture that included ICI Homes and Beazer Homes recently opened a new $2.7 million fire station on Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville adjacent to the new community of Tamaya. Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing at ICI Homes, said the joint venture paid for the new four-bay fire station to replace an antiquated two- bay station.

“One important feature of the new fire station is the high roof,” said Messina, “It is high enough to accommodate the fire department’s largest ladder trucks,” she said.

The joint venture, Beach Blvd. Ventures, LLC also paid $2.5 million to relocate power lines for a spine road that connects Hodges Rd. and Kernan Rd. so local drivers can avoid Beach Blvd.

“We also donated $500,000 to the Parks Department for improvements to the adjacent park and are treating a storm water retention pond to end the longstanding flooding problem off Sandalwood Canal,” Messina reported.

ICI Homes and Beazer Homes recently hosted a grand opening of the fire station.

For more information, please contact:
Lisa A. Egle, Marketing Manager ICI Homes-Daytona Beach, 386-236-4273

Rosemary Messina, VP Sales & Marketing ICI Homes, 386-236-4231

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 homebuilder in the US. The 30-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as Northeast Florida, Orlando and Tampa.

BioTRAiTS, Inc. Selected to Present at Florida Venture Forum’s Early Stage Capital Conference May 15

BioTRAiTS, Inc. Selected to Present at Florida Venture Forum’s Early Stage Capital Conference May 15

ORLANDO, Fla. – BioTRAiTS, Inc., a biometric technology company that provides private companies and public agencies with customized software and hardware solutions for access control and time & attendance tracking, has been selected to present at the Florida Venture Forum’s Early Stage Capital Conference on May 15 at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate.

Peter A. Wengert, president of BioTRAiTS, Inc., said their selection represents a significant milestone in the company’s growth.

“The Early Stage Capital Conference is a gathering of potential investors from across the country looking for emerging enterprises that promise substantial returns,” he said.

“We are already in the market with a powerful package of solutions that can benefit almost any business,” Wengert said. “We make access control as well as tracking, accounting and control of worker time, attendance and project responsibilities almost effortless and absolutely accurate,” he said. “Additional capital will enable us to ramp up our expansion and become a major market player.”

BioTRAiTS, Inc., already counts among their diverse customer base The Vue at Lake Eola, a luxury condo development in downtown Orlando, Merrimac Industries in New Jersey, and New York and South Florida based Joseph’s Classic Markets, a specialty grocer. The company recently acquired Orlando-based Reliable Tech Experts.

BioTraits Inc. is a University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program client at the Technology Incubator in Research Park.

For more information about this release contact:
Peter A. Wengert, CEO BioTraits, Inc. 3267 Progress Drive, Suite 103, Orlando, FL 32826; 866-815-0888 or peter@biotraits.com

Carol Ann Dykes, Site Manager, UCF Technology Incubator, 407-882-0211, cdykes@mail.ucf.edu

Tom O’Neal, Executive Director, UCF Incubation Program, 407 882-1120, oneal@mail.ucf.edu

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

About BioTraits:
Founded in March 2003, BioTraits, Inc. is a biometric company providing solutions for biometric identification and verification products through its development of a suite of workforce management products and distribution of biometric access control products. For more information, visit http://www.biotraits.com/.

About the Florida Venture Forum:
The Florida Venture Forum offers programs statewide to provide expert counsel, educational advice and managerial assistance to entrepreneurial ventures. The Forum hosts two capital conferences each year. The Early Stage conference in May is focused on companies seeking their first round of equity funding. The Capital Conference in January is focused on high growth companies seeking later stage funding. In the past 18 years, presenters at the Forum’s capital conferences have raised over $1.8 billion. For more information, visit http://www.floridaventureforum.org/.

About the UCF Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business 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, the City of Orlando, Orange County, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit http://www.incubator.ucf.edu/.

Stirling Sotheby's International Realty to Participate in Two-Weekend Community Open House at Oxford Moor in Southwest Orlando

Stirling Sotheby's International Realty to Participate in Two-Weekend Community Open House at Oxford Moor in Southwest Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is coordinating a community open house at the luxury gated community, Oxford Moor in the Windermere area of southwest Orlando the weekends of May 16-17 and May 23-24.

Roger Soderstrom, owner and founder of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said real estate agents will be on hand at each of the upscale residences that range from 4,000 square feet and up, priced from $630,000 to $1,149,000.

KC Ye, sales executive with Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s Windermere-Dr. Phillips office, lives in Oxford Moor and is the organizer of the event in cooperation with the community’s Owners Association.

“KC has been working closely with the Oxford Moor Owners Association, who have graciously allowed this type of open house in their exclusive community,” said Soderstrom.

Ye said homes being showcased at Oxford Moor, situated on half-acre plus lots in one of the Windermere area’s newest communities off SR 535, will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday on both weekends.

For information, call KC Ye at 407-925-7909 and for directions, go to http://www.mapquest.com/ insert a starting address and destination: 5926 Oxford Moor Boulevard, Windermere, FL 34786.

For more information, contact:

KC Ye, Sales Executive, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty-Windermere/Dr. Phillips; 407.925.7909 (http://www.homesbykcye.com/);

Roger Soderstrom, Founder/Owner, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, 407.588.1260

Beth Payan,Larry Vershel Communications Inc. 407.644.4142

Home Sales Hottest in Three Market Sectors: Distressed Sales, First-Time Buyers and Vacation Homes

Home Sales Hottest in Three Market Sectors: Distressed Sales, First-Time Buyers and Vacation Homes

ORLANDO, Fla. - Central Florida home sales may still leave a lot to be desired but three market segments are warming up fast, according to Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty in Orlando.

“About half of all home sales in the Central Florida market today qualify as distressed sales,” said Soderstrom. “These include short sales and foreclosures,” he said.

That’s no secret, Soderstrom said, but two emerging market segments are much more promising.

“First-time home buyers seeking houses priced under $400,000 are mostly younger buyers, under 34, who were priced out of the market from 2004-2007, but are now able to purchase a home due to a 40-50 percent drop in the median sale price,” Soderstrom said.

Today’s up to $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers is also enhancing current sales activity, he said.

Families seeking vacation homes, pre-retirement and retirement homes are starting to heat up the market, Soderstrom added.

“Many Americans, Canadians and U.K. residents are looking for homes priced from $125,000 to just under $300,000,” Soderstrom said, “and generally they prefer new homes or recently built homes and condominiums.”

“We are seeing substantially more activity in all three of these market sectors, but at the same time we’re seeing some recovery in the upper tier – $1,000,000 to $3,000,000 range – that Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty (http://www.stirlingsir.com/) is most recognized for. There are some amazing values and opportunities in the market right now and I don’t know when it will be a better time to buy a home,” he explained.

“It will be many years before we see a return to 2005 levels but we are seeing many bright spots here and there,” Soderstrom said.

For more information please contact
Roger Soderstrom, Founder/Owner Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407-588-1260

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

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty:

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, commercial, worldwide auctions, property management, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates five performance centers which serve all of Central Florida.

Melrose Sovereign Companies Awarded Community Management Contract in Bradenton area

Melrose Sovereign Companies Awarded Community Management Contract in Bradenton area
ORLANDO, Fla. - Melrose Sovereign Companies, the Orlando-based property management firm that specializes in residential communities and multi-family properties was recently awarded a contract to manage Gillette Grove on Moccasin Wallow Road West in Palmetto north of Bradenton.
Jack B. Hanson, LCAM, co-founder and partner at Melrose Sovereign Companies, said Maronda Homes is building 141 new homes in the community.
Melrose-Sovereign Companies currently manages properties for more than 150 developers, investors and owners throughout Florida. The firm employs more than 100 property management specialists with offices in Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Palm Harbor, Bradenton/Sarasota, Port Charlotte and Fort Myers.
For more information, contact:
Ellen G. Lumpkin, LCAM, Partner/Co-founder, Melrose-Sovereign Companies, 407-228-4181, elumpkin@melrose-sovereign.com
Jack B. Hanson, LCAM, Partner/Co-founder, Melrose-Sovereign Companies, 407-228-4181, jhanson@melrose-sovereign.com
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, Lvershelco@aol.com

Local Entrepreneurs Attend Chamber Workshop to Learn How to Obtain Governmental Contracts

Local Entrepreneurs Attend Chamber Workshop to Learn How to Obtain Governmental Contracts

ORANGE CITY, Fla. – The Chamber of Commerce West Volusia recently was the site of a workshop for business owners interested in obtaining governmental contracts.

The session – titled “Doing Business with Federal and Local Governments” – was sponsored by The Center for Business Excellence, and presented by The Small Business Development Center of Daytona State College. It was held at the chamber’s Business Learning Center in Orange City.

Speakers were Rick Fraser, president of the Center for Business Excellence; Ned Harper, SBDC director at Daytona State College; and Linda White and John Wanamaker, chamber president/CEO, and treasurer/corporate secretary, respectively.

About 20 local business owners attended the workshop, including Mike Chinelli, an Orange City-based contractor.

“The class offered good direction on how to obtain contracts,” Chinelli said. “And, that should be important with the stimulus package creating a lot of government work."

Wanamaker, broker for Coldwell Banker Commercial AI Group in Orange City, has attended similar classes in other counties, but said this session was a first for the West Volusia area.

“There are other cities and counties that sponsor classes like this for local businesses,” he said. “We’re hopeful that this will catch on here and we’ll see more local governmental agencies sponsoring educational classes for our business owners.”

About Coldwell Banker Commercial AI Group:
Owned and operated by commercial real estate veterans John Wanamaker and Chuck Rudis, Coldwell Banker Commercial AIG is a leader in the listing, leasing and selling of properties, as well as a premier developer of community-friendly and LEED-accredited projects for small business owners.

For more information about this release, please contact:

Chuck Rudis, John Wanamaker or Stepan Babanin, Coldwell Banker Commercial AI Group, 386-775-8633, chuck@cbcaigroup.com, john@cbciagroup.com or stepan@cbciagroup.com

Charlene Hager-Van Dyke, Larry Vershel Communications, 386-837-8780, 407-644-4142 or chagervandyke@yahoo.com

Cotter-Ryan Commercial Nears Completion of Three-Story Office Building at Summerhaven in DeBary

Cotter-Ryan Commercial Nears Completion of Three-Story Office Building at Summerhaven in DeBary

LONGWOOD, Fla. - Cotter-Ryan Commercial LLC in Longwood is nearing completion of a 16,000 square foot office building at Summerhaven, located 410 Summerhaven Drive in DeBary.

Scott Ryan, president of Cotter-Ryan Commercial LLC, said the three-story office building is scheduled to open before the end of May.

For more information, contact:

Scott H. Ryan, President, Cotter Ryan Commercial, LLC, 407-786-7686, sryan@cotterryan.com

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

Randall-Paulson Architects Complete Renovation Services at Jameson Inn and Suites in Peoria, Ill.

Randall-Paulson Architects Complete Renovation Services at Jameson Inn and Suites in Peoria, Ill.

ROSWELL, Ga. – Randall-Paulson Architects, the award winning Roswell-based architectural firm, recently completed exterior renovation and addition design services for the second phase of work at the 111-room Jameson Inn and Suites hotel at 4112 N. Brandywine Drive in Peoria, Ill.

Alex S. Paulson, AIA, co-founder and Principal at Randall-Paulson Architects, said the 58,138 square foot inn and suites hotel boasts dramatic changes to the exterior and a stunning new glass enclosed swimming pool. Now a fresh, contemporary destination the renovated drive-through canopy, roof and wood brackets, entry vestibule and updated color palette establish a new welcome for guest arrivals.

The first phase of renovations included substantial interior improvements to lobby and common rooms, guest rooms and suites, Paulson said.

Headquartered in Roswell, Ga., Randall-Paulson Architects is a 15-year old commercial architectural design firm that specializes in the design of industrial, office, retail, mixed-use, education, religious, childcare, and hospitality facilities.

For more information, contact:
Alex S. Paulson, AIA, Principal, Randall-Paulson Architects, 770-650-7558, apaulson@randallpaulson.com

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

NAI Realvest Negotiates Sale of Captain D’s Restaurant Facility in Sebring

NAI Realvest Negotiates Sale of Captain D’s Restaurant Facility in Sebring

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated the $915,000 sale of a 2,210 square foot corporate net leased Captain D’s restaurant facility on a 0.65-acre site at 3400 Highway 27 South in Sebring to a California investment trust.

Mez Birdie, CCIM, director of retail and investment services at the firm, brokered the transaction on behalf of Sebring-based Brothers Two Developers and the buyer Haupt Family Trust of East Palo Alto, Calif.

Birdie provides various real estate services including sale-leaseback, leasing, brokerage, and surplus site selection to Sagittarius Brands, the parent company for Captain D’s and Del Taco restaurants.

For more information, contact:

Mez Birdie, CCIM, Director/Retail & Investment Services NAI Realvest 407-875-9989, Mbirdie@realvest.com

Patrick Mahoney, President and COO NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989, pmahoney@realvest.com

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

About NAI Realvest:

NAI Realvest, 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 through NAI Global, an international commercial real estate network with over 325 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built their 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/.

Crossman & Company Closes on Retail Leases in Central Florida that total more than 13,370 Square Feet

Crossman & Company Closes on Retail Leases in Central Florida that total more than 13,370 Square Feet

ORLANDO, Fla. - Crossman & Company, one of the largest property management and leasing firms in Central Florida, recently closed seven lease agreements in Orange, Lake and Volusia Counties totaling 13,373 square feet of retail space.

John Crossman, president of firm, said Leasing Associate Daniel Germano negotiated all seven lease agreements, representing the landlords.

The Payment Fighters is a new tenant that leased 4,773 square feet in Fashion Village, 3911 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando. F.F. Fashion Village Partnership is the landlord;

Happy Harmonies renewed its lease for 1,600 square feet at 1000 Lee Rd. in the Lee Road Shopping Center in Winter Park. Lee Road Partners is the landlord.

At the Eustis Square Shopping Center in Lake County Cyberlink Group Business Solutions leased 1,600 square feet at 253 W. Ardice Ave., El Korita Restaurant renewed its lease for 1,200 square feet at 256 W. Ardice Ave., and Jackson Hewitt renewed a lease for 1,000 square feet at 224 W. Ardice. The landlord at the center is Eustis Square One.

Hair Trek renewed a long term lease of 1,600 square feet at 2431 Enterprise Rd. and Forever Formal renewed its 1,600 square feet at 870 Saxon Blvd., both at Orange City Marketplace in west Volusia where Orange City Marketplace, LLC is the landlord;

For more information please contact:
Daniel Germano, Leasing Associate, Crossman & Company, 407-423-5400 or 407-581-6223

John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com

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

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 Named Exclusive Broker for D.R. Horton Commercial Tracts in Winter Garden, Kissimmee, St. Cloud

NAI Realvest Named Exclusive Broker for D.R. Horton Commercial Tracts in Winter Garden, Kissimmee, St. Cloud

ORLANDO, Fla. - NAI Realvest has been named exclusive broker to sell commercial tracts adjacent to three residential developments in Winter Garden, Kissimmee and St. Cloud.

Paul P. Partyka, managing partner of NAI Realvest, is the principal broker for the development sites which include:

• two parcels that total 14.65 acres on W. Colonial Drive in Winter Garden at the entrance to Tucker Oaks, a community of single-family homes. Both parcels – 9.49 acres on the west and 4.71 acres on the east side of the entrance – are zoned for commercial with projected retail and office development, priced at $4.24 million for both;

• a 5.29-acre site zoned to permit Neighborhood Business development on Kissimmee Park Rd. at Anthem Park, priced at $1.275 million;

• a 1.27-acre site at 3797 Boggy Creek Rd. in Kissimmee adjacent to Springlake Village. The site, priced at $395,000, is zoned to permit construction of a convenience store or medical or dental office center.

Partyka said the owner, Central Florida homebuilder D.R. Horton, Inc., has priced the parcels for immediate sale.

For more information contact:
Paul P. Partyka, Managing Partner, NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989, ppartyka@realvest.com

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

About NAI Realvest:

NAI Realvest, 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 new office lease for 5,391 square feet at Maritime Center in Port Canaveral for Barry University

NAI Realvest negotiates new office lease for 5,391 square feet at Maritime Center in Port Canaveral for Barry University

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new long-term lease agreement for Barry University Adult and Continuing Education to facilitate relocation of the university’s Merritt Island campus to the Maritime Center at Port Canaveral.

NAI Realvest associate Richard Leuner and Paul P. Partyka, managing partner, negotiated the transaction representing the landlord, Canaveral Port Authority.

The tenant, Melbourne-based Barry University, Inc. leased 5,391 square feet of office space at 445 Challenger Rd., Cape Canaveral to facilitate the university’s regional administration offices and additional classrooms.

For more information, please contact:

Paul P. Partyka, Managing Partner, NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989, ppartyka@realvest.com or Richard Leuner, Associate, NAI Realvest, RLeuner@realvest.com

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

About NAI Realvest:
NAI Realvest, with offices 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 through NAI Global, an international commercial real estate network with over 325 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built their 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/.

Avalon Park Seeks Sponsors for July 4 Community Festival with Night-Time Fireworks Exhibition

Avalon Park Seeks Sponsors for July 4 Community Festival with Night-Time Fireworks Exhibition

ORLANDO, Fla. - Avalon Park in east Orlando is seeking sponsors for a community festival and fireworks exhibition that is expected to draw upwards of 20,000 people to Avalon Park on July 4.

Stephanie Hodson, marketing coordinator at Avalon Park Group, said the community festival, scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday July 3, will host a wide variety of events and entertainment, including a hot dog eating contest, an apple pie bake-off and live music.

For more information contact:
Stephanie Hodson, Marketing Coordinator, Avalon Park Group, 407-658-6565Beat Kahli, Owner/Founder, Avalon Park Group, 407-658-6565

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

Lennar’s Central Florida Division Building Ready-To-Move-In Spec Homes in 29 Active Communities

Lennar’s Central Florida Division Building Ready-To-Move-In Spec Homes in 29 Active Communities

TAMPA, Fla. - Lennar’s Central Florida Division, which builds new town homes and single-family homes in 29 active neighborhoods in Central Florida, is currently building ready-to-move-in spec homes in all 29 communities.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’ Central Florida Division, said ready-to-move-in homes are just as important now as they were during the height of the housing boom.

“A significant proportion of home buyers are ready to move in immediately and if we can’t provide for them they will look elsewhere,” said Metheny.

“We anticipate sales in all of our communities and we are pretty accurate,” Metheny said. “We aren’t building as many ready-to-move-in homes as we have in the past, but we always have ready-to-move-in homes available,” he said.

Lennar’s ready-to-move-in homes range in size from 1,260 square feet of living space to 4,900 square feet and are priced from under $100,000.

For more information, contact:
Jassy Friddle, Marketing Manager Lennar, 888-317-7489Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 888-317-7489

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

Emerson International Appoints Kathyrn Biddle Legal Administrator

Emerson International Appoints Kathyrn Biddle Legal Administrator

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. - Emerson International, who develops commercial facilities and residential communities throughout the Central Florida region, recently appointed Kathryn Biddle legal administrator.

Eric Emerson, vice president and general manager of Emerson International, said Biddle is a paralegal professional and legal administrator who received her Associates Degree from Valencia Community College.

Biddle has more than five years of experience, Emerson said.

For more information, contact
Eric J. Emerson, Vice President and General Manager Emerson International, Inc. 407-834-9560; ejemerson@emerson-us.com;

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

Cotter-Ryan Commercial to open First 20,000 Square Foot Office Building at Savannah Park at Heathrow in May

Cotter-Ryan Commercial to open First 20,000 Square Foot Office Building at Savannah Park at Heathrow in May

LONGWOOD, Fla. - Cotter-Ryan Commercial LLC in Longwood will open the first of two planned office buildings at Savannah Park at Heathrow in late May.

Scott Ryan, president of Cotter-Ryan Commercial LLC, said the 20,000 square foot building will provide new headquarters for Cotter-Ryan on the top floor.

Some 15,000 square feet of space in the new building will be available for lease.

Cotter-Ryan will start construction of a second 20,000 square foot office building at Savannah Park at Heathrow in August, Ryan said.

For more information, contact:
Scott H. Ryan, President, Cotter Ryan Commercial, LLC, 407-786-7686 sryan@cotterryan.com

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

Only 10 Ready-to-Move-in Luxury Villas Remain for Sale on the Water at Lakeside Villas at Providence Golf & Country Club

Only 10 Ready-to-Move-in Luxury Villas Remain for Sale on the Water at Lakeside Villas at Providence Golf & Country Club

ORLANDO, Fla. - Only 10 ready-to-move-in luxury villas remain for sale at Lakeside Villas at Providence Golf & Country Club, located off U.S. 17-92/441 in the Loughman-Davenport area of Polk County.

David Kohn, president of ABD Development Company, developer at Providence and one of the leading custom homebuilders in Central Florida, said all 10 luxury villas front on the water.

New three, four and five bedroom luxury villa homes at Lakeside Villas at Providence Golf & Country Club range in size from 2,250 square feet of living space to 3,000 square feet and are priced from the $200s.

For more information, contact
David Kohn, President, ABD Development Company, 407-370-6400

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

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

Designers at Randall-Paulson Architects Earn LEED-AP Professional Designation for Energy-Efficient Design

Designers at Randall-Paulson Architects Earn LEED-AP Professional Designation for Energy-Efficient Design

ROSWELL, Ga. – David Krogh, Don Buschert, Heather Anderson, Lauren Harper, Marcus Mello and Peter Jamieson, architectural and interior designers at Randall-Paulson Architects, the award winning Roswell-based architectural firm, recently earned their LEED AP accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council.

LEED or Leadership in Energy and Environmental design –– promotes the Green Building Rating System developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which provides standards for environmentally sustainable construction and has more than 10,000 membership organizations.

Alex Paulson, AIA, Principal at Randall-Paulson Architects, said LEED accredited building designers and contractors will dominate the industry within the next few years.

“Since its inception in 1998, the LEED program has grown to encompass more than 22,000 projects in 50 states and 91 countries,” Paulson said.

“Most people in the design, construction and lending industries understand the critical importance of reducing carbon emissions and building more energy-efficient environmentally sustainable structures,” Paulson said.

Randall-Paulson established a Sustainability Studio in the last year. It offers a full range of Sustainability Consultation services including existing building analysis,commissioning, company training, high performance design, LEED and Green Globes consultation and administration, and tax credit evaluations.

Headquartered in Roswell, Ga., Randall-Paulson Architects is a 15-year old commercial architectural design firm that specializes in the design of industrial, office, retail, mixed-use, education, religious, childcare, and hospitality facilities.

For more information, contact:
Alex S. Paulson, AIA, Principal, Randall-Paulson Architects 770-650-7558, apaulson@randallpaulson.com

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

Lennar’s Central Florida Division unveils May Realtor Bonus Offer worth $5,000 For Each New Home Sold with Progressive Commissions

Lennar’s Central Florida Division unveils May Realtor Bonus Offer worth $5,000 For Each New Home Sold with Progressive Commissions and $10,000 Shopping Spree

TAMPA, Fla. - Lennar’s Central Florida Division, which builds new single-family homes and town homes priced from the $100s to the $400s in 32 Lennar communities throughout the Tampa Bay, Orlando and Space Coast regions, is offering the Florida home building industry’s most generous Realtor bonus program during the month of May.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said local Realtors who sell new homes in all 31 Lennar communities in Central Florida will be offered a $5,000 cash bonus for all homes sold and closed during May in addition to their co-broker commission.

And that’s not all, Metheny said.

“Realtors who sell more than one Lennar home during the month of May will receive bigger commissions,” Metheny said. “For the first home sold and closed, the co-broker commission is 3 percent. For the second home, it’s 3.5 percent, for the third, 4 percent, fourth 4.5 percent and for the fifth and subsequent homes sold and closed Realtors will receive 5 percent commission,” Metheny explained.

And there’s more.

“The top 10 Realtors will receive shopping sprees worth up to $10,000,” Metheny said. Lennar’s Central Florida Division will choose the top 10 Realtors based on the dollar volume of sales that go to contract and close between May and November, Metheny added.

Metheny said Lennar’s Realtor Bonus program could generate as many as 500 to 700 new home sales during that time period.

“May is the start of the busy summer selling season for new homes,” Metheny said. “Local Realtors in our communities account for as many as half of all home sales and we want to reward them for their efforts,” he said.

Contact:
Jassy Friddle, Marketing Manager Lennar, 888-317-7489 orMark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 888-317-7489;

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

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Agent Named One of Orlando’s “Hot 100 Realtors”

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Agent Named One of Orlando’s “Hot 100 Realtors”

ORLANDO, Fla. - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty agent Lauren Hendrickson was recently named one of Orlando’s “Hot 100 Realtors” by Orlando Magazine.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Hendrickson completed sales that totaled more than $10.4 million in 2008 to earn her “Hot 100” award, which was announced recently.

Hendrickson also ranked as the top listing agent at Stirling Sotheby’s World Marketing Center in downtown Orlando for the first three months of 2009, Soderstrom added.

She also received a “Star Performer” award for 2008 presented by the Orlando Realtor Assn. at their recent awards luncheon.

Hendrickson, who has been with Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty for five years, earned a B.A. Degree in English Education from the University of Central Florida and has more than seven years of experience in real estate.

For more information contact
Roger Soderstrom, Founder/Owner Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407-588-1260

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

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, commercial, worldwide auctions, property management, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates five performance centers which serve all of Central Florida.

Emerson International in Altamonte Springs to take part in Anniversary events to honor U.K. based The Emerson Group

Emerson International in Altamonte Springs to take part in Anniversary events to honor U.K. based The Emerson Group

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. - The Emerson Group, a global corporation based in the U.K. and serves as parent company to Emerson International, Inc., in Altamonte Springs, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with festivities and events scheduled this month.

Eric J. Emerson, vice president and general manager of Emerson International, said The Emerson Group is one of the largest privately-owned property development companies in the U.K.

“Emerson International, one of the three principal divisions of The Emerson Group,” develops residential and commercial properties in the U.S. and internationally,” Emerson explained.

Emerson International’s Central Florida projects include Eagle Creek off Narcoossee Rd. in southeast Orlando, Emerson Pointe, adjacent to Bayhill in southwest Orlando; Emerson Plaza and CenterPointe on the Park in Altamonte Springs.

For more information contact:
Eric J. Emerson, Vice President and General Manager Emerson International, Inc. 407-834-9560; ejemerson@emerson-us.com;

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

Centex Homes to Host Centexclusive 72-Hour Sale May 15-17 Throughout Florida with Bonus Incentives Worth More Than $10,000

Centex Homes to Host Centexclusive 72-Hour Sale May 15-17 Throughout Florida with Bonus Incentives Worth More Than $10,000

ORLANDO, Fla. - Centex Homes in Florida will host the Centexclusive 72-hour sale May 15-17, offering bonus incentives worth more than $10,000 in addition to already great pricing.

Carol-Ann Barody, director of operational marketing for Centex Homes in Florida, said the Centexclusive 72-Hour sale is taking place at all Centex communities in Florida.

During the Centexclusive 72-hour sale, Centex Homes is offering all home buyers up to $10,000 worth of design options to personalize their new home.

In addition, Barody said, Centex Homes will provide a Whirlpool appliance package, including a stainless refrigerator and white washer/dryer package for anyone who purchases during the event.

For more information, contact:
Carol-Ann Barody, Director of Operational Marketing, Centex Homes East Fla. 407-661-1416; Carol-Ann.Barody@Centex.com

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

About Centex Homes
Dallas-based Centex (NYSE: CTX), founded in 1950, is one of the nation’s leading home building companies. Centex operates in major U.S. markets in 25 states and delivered more than 35,000 homes in the United States in its most recent fiscal year ended March 31, 2007. Its leading brands include Centex Homes, Fox & Jacobs Homes, CityHomes and Centex Destination Properties.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty to Welcome 200 Participants to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates Conference at Universal Studios

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty to Welcome 200 Participants to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates Conference at Universal Studios

ORLANDO, Fla. – Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty plans to welcome more than 200 participants at the Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates 2009 Southeast Region Networking Conference May 14 and 15 at the Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Studios Orlando.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said conference participants will include Mike Good, president and chief executive officer of Sotheby’s International Realty, Philip White, chief operating officer of the firm, and Wendy Purvey, senior vice president of marketing.

Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates include more than 10,000 real estate professionals in over 500 offices in 36 countries and territories worldwide.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty (http://www.stirlingsir.com/), the network’s Central Florida affiliate, is one of the largest in the southeast.

For more information, please contact:
Roger Soderstrom, Founder/Owner Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407-588-1260

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

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty:
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, commercial, worldwide auctions, property management, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates five performance centers which serve all of Central Florida.

Avalon Park Group Negotiates Four New Commercial Leases that Total 9,383 Square Feet of Space in Downtown Avalon Park

Avalon Park Group Negotiates Four New Commercial Leases that Total 9,383 Square Feet of Space in Downtown Avalon Park

ORLANDO, Fla. - Avalon Park Group, which is developing Avalon Park in east Orlando, recently negotiated four new long-term lease agreements in downtown Avalon Park that total 9,383 square feet of retail and office space.

Brendon Dedekind, director of leasing/business development for Avalon Park Group, said the new downtown tenants include:

• Avalon Park Kid’s, LLC, a child care agency with 2,706 square feet of space;

• Avalon Park Eye Care, LLC, an optometrist’s office with 1,960 square feet;

• Avalon Dance, LLC, with 1,717 square feet; and

• Loyal Source Pharmaceutical Staffing, an executive employment agency specializing in the pharmaceutical industry, with 3,000 square feet.

For more information contact:
Brendon Dedekind, Director of Leasing/Business Development, Avalon Park Group Management Inc., 407-658-6565;

Stephanie Hodson, Marketing Coordinator, Avalon Park Group, 407-658-6565

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

Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida negotiates sublease renewal agreement for 12,000 square feet of industrial space in Tampa

Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida negotiates sublease renewal agreement for 12,000 square feet of industrial space in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. - Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, associated with 130 Grubb & Ellis offices worldwide, recently negotiated a long-term sublease renewal of 12,000 square feet in the industrial center located at 9302 Florida Palm Drive in Tampa.

Jan Boltres, CCIM and Michael Scott, principals and senior vice presidents at Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, represented the sublessor, Qwest Communications Company of Denver, in the negotiations with the tenant, Tampa-based Office Pavillion of South Florida.

About Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida:
Grubb & EllisCommercial 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 & EllisCommercial 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 Corporation's Vendor of the Year. For more information regarding Grubb & Ellis Company, please visit http://www.grubb-ellis.com/.

For Information Please Contact
Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, 3030 N. Rocky Point Drive W., Tampa, FL 33609, http://www.commercialfl.com/

Jan Boltres CCIM 813-639-1111 ex270
Michael Scott 813-639-1111 ex275
Jeffrey Sweeney 407-481-5387
Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Awarded Contract to Design 13,000 Square Foot Banyan Cove Retail Center in Leesburg, Va.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Awarded Contract to Design 13,000 Square Foot Banyan Cove Retail Center in Leesburg, Va.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, was recently awarded a contract to design the Banyan Cove retail center in Leesburg, Va.

Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC said Urban Scope of Maitland is developing the 13,000 square foot center off Edwards Ferry Rd. and Heritage Way.

For more information, contact:
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

Stirling Sotheby's International Realty Launches Coastal Lifestyles Group to Serve Florida’s East Coast Communities

Stirling Sotheby's International Realty Launches Coastal Lifestyles Group to Serve Florida’s Coast Communities – Stirling Sotheby's World Marketing Center Appoints Kyle Hogan, Karen Nierenberg, Jack Jeffcoat to Head New Marketing Group

ORLANDO, Fla. - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has launched a new marketing group – the Coastal Lifestyles Group – to serve Florida’s east coast communities with expert real estate marketing services.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the new group includes three of Brevard County’s most successful real estate agents.
Soderstrom said Kyle Hogan, Karen Nierenberg and Jack Jeffcoat, are part the firm’s new Coastal Lifestyles Group, which will be aligned with Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s World Marketing Center.

“Our Coastal Lifestyles Group will focus on providing exceptional opportunities for buyers and sellers on Florida’s east Coast,” Soderstrom said.

“These are three of the Florida east coast’s most successful real estate executives,” Soderstrom said.

About Kyle Hogan (*standing right in photo)

Kyle Hogan has consistently ranked as a top producing agent representing buyers and sellers of unique properties throughout the coastal cities of Florida. He specializes in the areas of Satellite Beach, Lansing Island, Colfax Landing, the country club communities of Suntree, La Cita and Rockledge.

Hogan attributes his success to exceptional high standards and values, honesty, integrity, great people skills and skillful negotiation techniques.

“I have a strong commitment to providing the highest level of service,” Hogan said, “and have long list of loyal repeat clients.”

“Kyle’s expertise and talents have made him a recognized leader in the real estate industry. He believes strongly in building long term relationships, which is evidenced by his impressive list of referral clients,” Soderstrom said.

“He prides himself on his ability to do whatever it takes to find the ‘perfect home,’ and negotiate the smoothest transaction possible,” he added.

About Jack Jeffcoat (*Seated front in photo)

Jack Jeffcoat has consistently ranked among the top-producing real estate agents throughout Brevard County and the Central Florida area.

Jeffcoat earned his CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist) designation in 2008 and he specializes in luxury real estate properties in Satellite Beach, Lansing Island, Summer Lakes, Whyndam at Duran, Baytree, Charloias Estates, Colfax Landing, the country club communities of Suntree, La Cita, Rockledge, Isleworth, Bayhill and Keenes Pointe, Soderstrom said.

He also has expertise in luxury waterfront properties in Melbourne Beach, Indian Harbour Beach and Cocoa Beach.

“Jack Jeffcoat is a recognized leader in the coastal lifestyle real estate industry,” Soderstrom said. He was born in Key West and currently resides in Melbourne.

“Jack is tirelessly dedicated to his clients and his community, which allows him to provide the finest services to the affluent homebuyers and sellers of Central Florida and the Space Coast areas,” he said.

Jack is actively involved with several charitable foundations, including American Cancer Society and Young Professionals of Brevard. He is a member of Suntree Country Club.

Among his many awards, Jeffcoat was “Rookie of the Year,” “Top Producer” and “Top Listing and Sales Associate.”

About Karen Nierenberg (*Standing Left in Photo)

Karen Nierenberg previously served as a sales associate for the Vieira Company which developed much of West Brevard County. At McCluskey GMAC Realty, Nierenberg was the top single producer from 2001 through 2006 and the top individual agent for Brevard County.

At GMAC Realty, Nierenberg ranked among the top five percent nationally within GMAC. At Keller Williams Realty, she ranked as the top single producer and top group producer in 2005 and 2006.

Nierenberg served as Director of the Board at Resurrection Ranch, a shelter for women and children), and is a member of Suntree Country Club since 1988. She has resided at Suntree since 1989 and sat on the marketing committee at the club. Nierenberg is also a member of the Kiwi Tennis Center and Trinity Presbyterian Church.

For more information please contact
Roger Soderstrom, Founder/Owner Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407-588-1260

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

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty:
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world.

Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, commercial, worldwide auctions, property management, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates five performance centers which serve all of Central Florida.

University Club of Orlando to Host Antique Car Show May 12

University Club of Orlando to Host Antique Car Show May 12

ORLANDO, Fla. - The University Club of Orlando will host an antique car show on Tuesday, May 12.

Susan Greene, general manager of the University Club of Orlando, said the event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be held behind the University Club at 150 E. Central Blvd. in downtown Orlando.

For information about the antique car show, call 407-425-2514.

For 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

Sue Andrews and Sharon Pacetti at Mattamy Homes USA in Jacksonville win Laurel Awards for Sales at Bartram Springs

Sue Andrews and Sharon Pacetti at Mattamy Homes USA in Jacksonville win Laurel Awards for Sales at Bartram Springs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Sales associates Sue Andrews and Sharon Pacetti, partners for more than 20 years who work for Mattamy Homes USA in Jacksonville, recently won Laurel Awards for their sales efforts in 2008 at Bartram Springs in Duval County.

Laura Bailey, vice president of sales and marketing for Mattamy Homes USA http://www.mattamyhomes.com/, said the awards were presented recently by the Sales & Marketing Council of the Northeast Florida Home Builders Association at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront.

(left to right) Sharon Pacetti and Sue Andrews

Andrews and Pacetti both posted sales worth more than $10 million in 2008, Bailey said.

Andrews and Pacetti joined Mattamy Homes in 2000 and they both have more than 30 years of experience selling homes. They are currently selling new Mattamy Homes at Sevilla (904-940-9222) in St. Augustine.

For more information contact:
Kerry Soltis, Marketing Manager, Mattamy Homes-Jacksonville, 904-279-9502

Laura Bailey, VP of Sales & Marketing Mattamy Homes USA, 407-599-9998

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

About Mattamy Homes:
Mattamy Homes expanded into the U.S. in 2003 and has divisions in Jacksonville, Orlando, Charlotte, Phoenix and Minneapolis. The homebuilder is the largest and most active in Canada with annual revenues exceeding $1.3 billion. Visit http://www.mattamyhomes.com/.

Coldwell Banker Commercial sponsors green information session at Chamber of Commerce of West Volusia

Coldwell Banker Commercial sponsors green information session at Chamber of Commerce of West Volusia

ORANGE CITY, Fla. – Nearly two dozen of city, county and state officials, as well as local business types, attended a recent “going green” seminar sponsored by Coldwell Banker Commercial AI Group.

The two-hour session – titled “Rebuilding the Local Economy through Sustainable Alternatives” – was intended to create awareness and a dialog between community leaders and elected officials, according to John Wanamaker, Coldwell Banker Commercial AI Group broker.

In addition to Wanamaker and CBC’s Stepan Babanin, who talked about the savings their own company has seen since they began using sustainable alternatives, several other speakers offered insight about recycling, water conservation, and electric company rebates available through their agencies.

The speakers were Darlene Keefe and Kathy Lapp, Progress Energy; Lindsey Roberts, WAV (Water Alliance of Volusia); Ann Benedetti, St. Johns River Water Management District; and Laura Raftery, Gel Recycling.

“We had about 20 people who attended and their feedback was fantastic,” Wanamaker said of the session held at the new Chamber of Commerce of West Volusia building in Orange City.

One such attendee was Andy Kelly, Volusia County Councilman for District 1, who also is a member of the Florida Association of Counties’ Energy Independence Work Group.
Kelly said he is excited about the positive results and hopes to see some of the ideas implemented at the county level.

“It was an excellent program with a lot of quality ideas,” he said. “I hope that everyone who attended will apply some of those ideas – even if it’s only changing out light bulbs or turning down the thermostat – in their own homes and businesses.”
Wanamaker said he thinks those attending were impressed by the way the session was all tied together at the end.

“It showed them how much money can actually be saved for a very small investment,” he said.

About Coldwell Banker Commercial AI Group:
Owned and operated by commercial real estate veterans John Wanamaker and Chuck Rudis, Coldwell Banker Commercial AIG is a leader in the listing, leasing and selling of properties, as well as a premier developer of community-friendly and LEED-accredited projects for small business owners.

For more information about this release, please contact:
John Wanamaker, broker for Coldwell Banker Commercial AI Group, 386-775-8633, john@cbciagroup.com

Charlene Hager-Van Dyke, Larry Vershel Communications, 386-837-8780, 407-644-4142 or chagervandyke@yahoo.com

Park Plaza Gardens to Offer Economic Stimulus Menus in May With Three Course Meals at a Special Price

Park Plaza Gardens to Offer Economic Stimulus Menus in May With Three Course Meals at a Special Price

WINTER PARK, Fla. - Park Plaza Gardens Restaurant at 319 Park Avenue South in downtown Winter Park is offering special Economic Stimulus Menus in May.

Ron Schwartz, a principal at Park Plaza Gardens, said Chef John Tan has created a special three-course menu priced at $29.95 on any day during the month of May that includes soups, salads and choice of pork tenderloin, grilled chicken breast or fresh catch filets.

A separate Stimulus Menu featuring tenderloin of beef is offered every Sunday and Monday during May for $29.95, Schwartz said.

For more information, contacts:
Park Plaza Gardens, 407-645-2475, http://www.parkplazagardens.com/

Ron Schwartz, Principal, Park Plaza Gardens, 407-342-3648

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

Scalini’s Pizza ‘N Pasta Introduces “Two-Timer” Offer For Free Topping

Scalini’s Pizza ‘N Pasta Introduces “Two-Timer” Offer For Free Topping

ORLANDO, Fla. - Scalini’s Pizza ‘N Pasta, the gluten-free pizzeria which opened its first location in the Dr. Phillips area recently, is introducing a special “Two-Timer” offer in May.

Ron Schwartz, a principal of the restaurant, said patrons on Fridays and Saturdays will get a coupon good for a free extra topping on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
“Pizza is fun food and we want to make it even more fun,” said Schwartz.

Scalini’s Pizza ‘N Pasta at 5106 Dr. Phillips Blvd. offers traditional New York style and gluten-free pizza with a wide variety of special toppings that are healthier and more nutritious, said Schwartz who hopes to open additional locations throughout Central Florida.

For more information, please contact:
Scalini’s Pizza 'N Pasta, 407-291-9349, info@scalinispizza.com

Ron Schwartz, Owner, Scalini’s Pizza 'N Pasta, 407-342-3648

Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-461-3780 or 644-4142

Centex Homes to Unveil Nine New Floor Plans at Copperleaf in Palm City

Centex Homes to Unveil Nine New Floor Plans at Copperleaf in Palm City

PALM CITY, Fla. - Centex Homes will unveil nine new three and four-bedroom floor plans at Copperleaf, a community of single-family homes located off Sand Trail Avenue and Martin Downs Blvd. (S.R. 714) in Palm City.

Carol Ann Barody, director of operational marketing for Centex Homes’ Florida Division, said the homebuilder has completed construction of a new model home at Copperleaf.

The Coral model home offers 2,496 square feet of living space with four bedrooms and three baths, priced from $289,990. Barody said the Coral model home will be fully-furnished when it opens May 16.

The model grand opening event coincides with the Centexclusive 72-hour sale. Refreshments and model tours will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Sales through the weekend will include up to $10,000 in design options, plus a Whirlpool® appliance upgrade.

New Centex Homes floor plans at Copperleaf range in size from 1,698 square feet to 3,300 square feet and are priced from the mid-$200s to the low $300s. The new home plans are available on the 65 foot wide home sites.

Among the features of the community are a 5,000 square-foot clubhouse with a grandroom, catering kitchen, a fitness room, heated resort-style pool and lighted tennis courts.

For more information, contact:
Carol-Ann Barody, Director of Operational Marketing, Centex Homes East Florida, 407-661-1416, Carol-Ann.Barody@Centex.com

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

About Centex Homes:
Dallas-based Centex (NYSE: CTX), founded in 1950, is one of the nation’s leading home building companies. Centex operates in major U.S. markets in 25 states and delivered more than 35,000 homes in the United States in its most recent fiscal year ended March 31, 2007. Its leading brands include Centex Homes, Fox & Jacobs Homes, CityHomes and Centex Destination Properties.

George Livingston: Last Quarter was The Worst, This One will be Better, Positive Growth should start by December

George Livingston: Last Quarter was The Worst, This One will be Better, Positive Growth should start by December

MAITLAND, Fla. - The first quarter of 2009 was the worst of the recession, according to longtime area market analyst George Livingston, chairman emeritus of Orlando-area based NAI Realvest.

“The current quarter will be less bad, and we’re already seeing signs of improvement, but we won’t see positive growth until the last quarter of this year or the first quarter of next year,” Livingston said.

“Initial recovery will be slow, full recovery won’t occur until well into the next decade,” Livingston said.

“Consumer confidence is low but it is getting better, and the same can be said for business confidence,” Livingston said.

“Profits are improving in some cases. Banks should do better as we move forward and the third quarter should see broad improvement in corporate earnings,” he said.

Livingston said housing should bottom by year-end, and recovery will be slow due to the drag of foreclosures. “When the housing market recovers, we won’t see the sort of peaks we’ve seen in the past,” he said.

The reason? “Unemployment will continue to increase through year-end,” Livingston said. “Job creation will be slow."

Economic trends will continue to have a negative effect on most commercial real estate sectors, Livingston added, including retail, office, warehouse and distribution.

“Rental apartments should be among the first to recover,” Livingston said.

For more information please contact:
George Livingston, Chairman Emeritus, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 glivingston@realvest.com;

Janice Paiano, Director of Marketing, NAI Realvest jpaiano@realvest.com

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

About NAI Realvest:
NAI Realvest, 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/.