Mattamy Homes Names Carolyn Cesario New Home Counselor at Circle Cross Ranch in Queen Creek

TEMPE, Ariz. – Mattamy Homes recently named real estate sales executive Carolyn Cesario as new home counselor at Circle Cross Ranch in Queen Creek.

Carolyn Morrison, vice president of operations for Mattamy Homes in the Arizona region, said Cesario has more than 25 years of experience in real estate and new home sales. She has been consistently recognized for outstanding customer commitment throughout her career, Morrison added.

Most recently Cesario was a new home counselor for eight years with a new home builder in the Phoenix region and in 2008 was their only associate whose sales volume ranked her in the top one percent of the nationwide organization for two consecutive months. Cesario received a MAME (Major Achievement in Marketing Excellence) award from the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona for sales in excess of $50,000,000 in 2007.

“We are delighted to welcome such an excellent and experienced new home professional to our Mattamy team,” said Morrison.

Mattamy Homes Arizona Division is building new single-family homes priced from the low $100s in the continuing phase of Circle Cross Ranch. For more information about Mattamy Homes Arizona, please call 480-302-6080 or visit http://www.mattamyhomes.com/.
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For more information contact:

Carolyn Morrison, VP Operations, Mattamy Homes Phoenix, 480-302-6080

About Mattamy Homes: Mattamy Homes, http://www.mattamyhomes.com/, expanded into the U.S. in 2003 and is headquartered in Winter Park, Fla. with divisions in Orlando, Jacksonville, Phoenix, Minneapolis and Charlotte. The homebuilder, the largest and most active in Canada with annual revenues exceeding $1.3 billion, was ranked among the highest of all homebuilders in the greater Toronto and Ottawa areas in a nationwide customer satisfaction survey conducted by J.D. Power Associates.

Randall-Paulson Architects launched or completed 35 major design projects in 2009

ROSWELL - Thirty-five major design projects, including facilities for health care, manufacturing, retail, educational, church organizations and six U.S. Post Office buildings, kept Roswell based Randall-Paulson Architects busy in 2009.

The award-winning planning and design firm launched or completed projects in 2009 that total more than five million square feet of space in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, Colorado and Washington according to Michael Randall, Principal at Randall-Paulson Architects.

“We’ve been fortunate. We’ve had a very busy past year and we have a strong list of projects that will start this year,” Randall said.

The firm’s largest projects include the 872,000 square foot Northport Logistics facility in Jacksonville, Fla. for Oakmont Industrial Group; the 780,000 square foot Orgill retail distribution facility in Sikeston, Mo. for ARCO Design-Build; and the 605,000 square foot Interstate Centre II distribution facility in Bryan County, Ga., for TPA Realty.

Randall-Paulson Architects’ church and school facilities---a specialty of the firm---included a large addition to the Fellowship Christian School in Roswell and the Bethany Primitive Baptist Church in Forsyth County.

The firm designed public buildings as well, Randall said, including U.S. Post Office facilities in Bethlehem, Grayson, Villa Rica, Monroe, Guyton, and Braselton, Ga.

“We also make an effort to incorporate “green” design techniques wherever appropriate in our work because it’s the right thing to do for our clients,” said Randall.

Randall-Paulson Architects is a 16-year-old commercial architectural firm that specializes in the design of industrial, office, retail, mixed-use, education, religious, childcare, hospitality facilities and sustainable design.

Visit www.randallpaulson.com.
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For more information contact:
Leslie C. Carruth, AIA, LEED AP, Randall-Paulson Architects 770-650-7558 x135 lcarruth@randallpaulson.com;
Michael B. Randall, AIA, Co-founder/Principal Randall-Paulson Architects 770-650-7558; mrandall@randallpaulson.com

Crossman & Company Associate Courtney Kowalchuk Named Real Estate “Woman of Influence” by Real Estate Florida Magazine

ORLANDO - Courtney Kowalchuk, senior associate at Crossman & Company, the Orlando firm that ranks as one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management firms in the Southeast, was recently named a “Woman of Influence in Florida Real Estate” by Real Estate Florida, a magazine supplement to the national publication Real Estate Forum.

Last year Kowalchuk negotiated over 35 lease agreements valued at more than $15 million.

“Courtney Kowalchuk is one of the brightest young commercial real estate executives in Florida,” said John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company.

“She plays a major role at Crossman & Company and we expect her to play an even bigger role as we expand,” Crossman said.

Kowalchuk is also a new mother. The twin girls, Katie Rayne and Lilly, were born on December 8th, 2009.

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For more information please contact:

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

About Crossman & Company: Crossman & Company is one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management companies in Florida with over 16 million square feet under leasing and/or management. 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 and serves clients including Publix Super Markets, Inc., Lake Nona, PREIT, and LaSalle Investment Management. Please visit http://www.crossmanco.com/, or call 407-423-5400 for more information.

Congressional Candidate Paul Partyka: Recent Supreme Court Ruling an Assault on American Values

WINTER SPRINGS - The recent Supreme Court decision regarding corporate spending on political campaigns is a direct assault on American values that flies in the face of common sense and diminishes the rights of every American, said former Winter Springs Mayor Paul Partyka, a commercial real estate executive who is running for the Democratic nomination to the U.S. Congress in Florida’s 24th District.

“I don’t believe the ruling will stand,” Partyka said. “I believe we Americans---Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Libertarians, all of us---will change it. The question is how much damage to the American cause will we endure before we can undo this?”

“It will be harder for individuals to challenge incumbents now since much of the corporate money will go to support them,” Partyka said.

“The ruling overturns decades of precedent and practice. Common sense says there is a difference between the First Amendment rights of people and those of corporations and special interest groups,” Partyka said.

“I agree with what Justice John Paul Stevens said in his dissenting opinion,” Partyka said.

“Corporations are different because they “have no consciences, no beliefs, no feelings, no thoughts, nor desires. “…They are not themselves members of “We the People” by whom and for whom our Constitution was established.”

Partyka said that if he is elected, he will work on campaign finance reform.

“This ruling cannot stand, it will not stand,” Partyka said. “The people of the United States---Democrats, Republicans, Independents, all of us---will control our government, not the corporations and special interest groups.
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For more information please contact: Paul P. Partyka, 407-341-0805 PaulPartykaforCongress@Gmail.com; Bruce Pronovost, Campaign Manager 407-375-1578 Bapjap@cfl.rr.com

Paid for and approved by the Paul Partyka for Congress Committee

University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program’s Open House at Orlando site on Colonial Drive set for Feb. 18

ORLANDO – The public is invited to attend an open house of the recently expanded University of Central Florida Business Incubator-Orlando Thursday, Feb. 18 at 3218 E. Colonial Drive.
The festivities, which are scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m., will include welcome speeches by Dr. Thomas O’Neal, UCF Associate Vice President for Research and Commercialization and executive director of the Business Incubation Program, and by Tony Ortiz, Orlando City Commissioner for District 2.

The open house also will feature self-guided tours of the 6,400 square-foot facility, as well as finger foods and beverages.

The incubator – a partnership between the City of Orlando and the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program – opened on Colonial Drive nearly two years ago in a 2,400 square foot office across from Fashion Square Mall with plans to expand into a neighboring office with nearly 4,000 additional square feet, according to Site Manager Melissa Wasserman.

The expansion offers dramatically more common space for clients to meet with business associates including a training room equipped with the latest AV technology and work stations with wireless internet access.

“We are very proud of the quality of our new clients and the functionality of our newly expanded space,” Wasserman said. “We are eager to welcome the local community to see how the partnership between UCF and Orlando is growing.”

The center’s established residents – OC Grant Consulting Associates, SeaQuarius, Social Security Advocates and Therigy – recently were joined by Brand Advance, Eginity, Excelsior Communications Services Inc., MTK Sports Training, InBusiness Inc., Learn to Learn, MyDocHub, Perceptive Technologies and VideoProof, some of who recently moved in from other UCF incubator locations.

The Orlando incubator is one of six such facilities in the university’s Business Incubation Program. Others are in East Orange County near UCF, and in Seminole and Lake Counties.
The UCF Business Incubation Program serves nearly 80 full-time client companies and provides a wide range of services, including business mentors, educational classes, affordable office space, as well as access to a receptionist, a site manager, and necessary business equipment like multi-line phones, FAX and high-speed Internet.

For more information please call, 321-281-8384.
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For more information about this release, please contact:
Melissa Wasserman, UCF Business Incubator Orlando Site Manager, 321-281-8384, mwasserm@mail.ucf.edu; Gordon Hogan, Director of Operations, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-1157; bizdev@mail.ucf.edu

About the UCF Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 130 emerging companies (including nearly 80 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 1600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With six 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, The City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

Ashton Woods Homes to Host Grand Opening in March at Eagles Landing at Westyn Bay in Ocoee

ORLANDO - Ashton Woods Homes will host a public grand opening in March at Eagles Landing at Westyn Bay, located on West Road (CR 437) off Ocoee-Apopka Road (SR 429) in Ocoee.

Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Orlando region, said one new model home under construction now will be completed in late February.

Ashton Woods Homes has 105 home sites at Eagles Landing at Westyn Bay priced from the low $200s. New homes range in size from 2,100 square feet of living space to 3,500 square feet.

Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group of Companies, a North American real estate conglomerate headquartered in Toronto, and currently has communities under development in Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix, Tampa, Denver and Orlando.

For more information, contact:
Michael Roche, VP Sales & Marketing Ashton Woods Homes-Orlando 407-647-3700; John Reny, President, Ashton Woods Homes-Orlando 407-647-3700

Stirling Sotheby’s Commercial Group Negotiates New Long-Term Office Lease at Lexington Park in Sanford

SANFORD - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Commercial Group, recently negotiated a new five-year lease agreement at Lexington Park, the professional office campus located off S.R. 46 and Mangoustine Ave. adjacent to Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford.

Frank Dever, managing director of Stirling Sotheby’s Commercial Group, negotiated the lease agreement representing both the landlord, Lex15, LLC of Lake Mary and the new tenant, Sanford-based GMTR, P.A.

The new tenant leased 1,200 square feet of space for its pain management medical practice at 1444 Lexington Green Lane.

For more information contact:
Frank Dever, Managing Director, Stirling Sotheby’s Commercial Group 407-571-2234

Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida Negotiates Expansion lease at Cypress Point Office Center in Tampa

TAMPA - Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, associated with 130 offices worldwide, recently negotiated an expansion lease agreement for 2,246 square feet of professional office space in the Cypress Point Office Center at 10008 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa.

Richard Andretta, SIOR, vice president in the firm’s Office Group and associate Rob Turner negotiated the transaction representing the landlord, Tomorrow VII Cypress LP, of Santa Fe, N.M.

The tenant, Health Integrated, Inc. is a local firm who already leased 24,651 square feet, at Cypress Point and now occupies a total of 26,897 square feet at the office center.

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: Named to The Global Outsourcing 100™ in 2009 by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals™, Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE) is one of the largest and most respected commercial real estate services and investment companies in the world. Our 6,000 professionals in more than 130 company-owned and affiliate offices draw from a unique platform of real estate services, practice groups and investment products to deliver comprehensive, integrated solutions to real estate owners, tenants and investors. The firm’s transaction, management, consulting and investment services are supported by highly regarded proprietary market research and extensive local expertise. Through its investment subsidiaries, the company is a leading sponsor of real estate investment programs that provide individuals and institutions the opportunity to invest in a broad range of real estate investment vehicles, including public non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs), tenant-in-common (TIC) investments suitable for tax-deferred 1031 exchanges, mutual funds and other real estate investment funds. For more information, visit www.grubb-ellis.com.

Emerson International Negotiates Eight Office Lease Agreements That Total Over 18,000 Square Feet

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS - Emerson International recently negotiated eight lease agreements that total 18,188 square feet of office space in Altamonte Springs, Longwood and Winter Park.
Sean Westcott, director of leasing for Emerson International, negotiated all eight transactions on behalf of the landlord.

At 2160 Sanlando Center on W. SR 434 in Longwood, Westcott negotiated leases with University Diagnostic Institute of Winter Park, Inc. for 2,161 square feet, Real Estate Support Systems, Inc. for 2,021 square feet and K2 Evolution 1,564 square feet. Greg State with Bishop Realty Development Inc. represented University Diagnostic.

Select Communication & Marketing leased 6,427 square feet at 417 CenterPointe Circle in CenterPointe Office Park off E. Central Parkway in Altamonte Springs; VFT Marketing, Inc. leased 3,125 square feet at 385 CenterPointe Circle; Softworx Solutions, Inc. leased suite 1166 with 424 square feet at 370 CenterPointe Circle and Hennen Appraisal, Inc. leased suite 1102 with 650 square feet in the same building.

Surrey Homes, LLC leased suite 106 with 1,716 square feet at Louisiana Office Park located at 1133 Louisiana Ave. in Winter Park.
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For more information contact:
Eric J. Emerson, Vice President and General Manager Emerson International, Inc. 407-834-9560; ejemerson@emerson-us.com; Sean Westcott, Director of Leasing, Emerson International, Inc. 407-834-9560

University Club of Orlando to Sponsor African American Networking Reception Jan. 29

ORLANDO - The University Club of Orlando, which ranks as the oldest and most exclusive business club in downtown Orlando and National Circle of Friends, will host an African American networking reception on Friday, Jan. 29, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Justin Wright, events director at the University Club of Orlando, said Orlando Magic, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney are sponsoring the event.

The University Club expects more than 300 participants, Wright said.

The University Club hosted an African American networking reception after the Florida A&M/Bethune Cookman Classic in November that attracted more than 250 participants, Wright added.
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For more information about this press release, contact:
Petréa Litscher, Director of Services and Communications, University Club of Orlando 407-425-2514, membership@ucluborlando.com; Justin Wright, Membership & Events Director, The University Club of Orlando 407-425-2514; PRIVATEEVENTS@UCLUBORLANDO.COM; Gregory McNeill, President, University Club of Orlando 407-418-6309 Greg.McNeill@lowndes-law.com

Data Transfer Solutions Appoints David Buckley Vice President of GIS Solutions

ORLANDO - Data Transfer Solutions, LLC, a leading providing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), transportation planning, asset management, web applications, and video and multimedia production services to local governments and regional and state agencies throughout the U.S., has appointed David Buckley vice president of GIS Solutions.

A.M. “Trey” Fragala III, AICP, chief operating officer at Data Transfer Solutions, based in downtown Avalon Park, said Buckley is recognized as a leading consultant in GIS implementation planning and applications development throughout North America. He holds an undergraduate degree from York University in Toronto and a Master’s Degree from the University of Alberta, both in Geography.

“We are extremely excited to have David join our team.” Fragala said, adding “He has an innate ability to easily organize complex issues, and summarize technical GIS alternatives to meet client’s needs.”

Fragala said Buckley will support projects and business development opportunities across the country working closely with the DTS GIS geo-web software development team in Ft. Collins, Colorado.

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For more information, contact:

A.M. “Trey” Fragala, III, AICP, Chief Operating Officer, Data Transfer Solutions, 3680 Avalon Park East Blvd., Suite 200, Orlando, 32828; 407-382-5222; tfragala@edats.com; Jade Winfrey, Marketing Coordinator, Data Transfer Solutions, 407-382-5222; jwinfrey@edats.com

University Club of Orlando Hosting “Cocktails for a Cause” Jan. 28 to Raise Funds for Coastal Conservation

ORLANDO - The University Club of Orlando and members Jennifer and Ray Kennedy will host “Cocktails for a Cause” Thursday, Jan. 28, to raise funds for the Coastal Conservation Assn.

Petréa Litscher, director of services and communications at the University Club of Orlando, said the event is open to the public and will feature a live auction and several raffle prizes.

In addition, Club staff the cocktail party and donate their tips to the Coastal Conservation Assn., which educates and promotes the public on conservation of present and future marine resources.
Last year, The University Club of Orlando’s Cocktails for a Cause event raised more than $10,000 for the Coastal Conservation Assn.

“Cocktails for a Cause has become a local institution that mixes good times with worthy local causes,” said Litscher.

“Admission is free and we typically raise several thousand dollars for our charitable organizations,” she said.

For information about the event, call 407-425-2514.

The University Club of Orlando is located at 150 E. Central Ave. at Rosalind across from the Orlando Public Library in downtown Orlando.
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For more information about this press release, contact:
Petréa Litscher, Director of Services and Communications, University Club of Orlando 407-425-2514, membership@ucluborlando.com;
Justin Wright, Membership & Events Director, The University Club of Orlando 407-425-2514; PRIVATEEVENTS@UCLUBORLANDO.COM

Lennar has introduced New Model Homes, New Low Pricing for the New Year in Three Brevard County Communities

VIERA - Lennar’s Central Florida Division began the New Year with new homes and new low pricing in three Brevard County communities.

David Parker, director of sales and marketing for Lennar’s Central Florida division, said the home builder is unveiling new model homes and new mortgage financing plans that require no down payments on qualified homes.

New town homes and single-family homes at the three Lennar communities qualify for up to $8,000 in U.S. tax credits for first-time home buyers and up to $6,500 in tax credits for existing home owners, Parker added.

Lennar’s new pricing and new home designs have been introduced at the following communities in the Town of Viera

•Heritage Isle off Wickham Rd. west of I-95, with Manor Homes priced from the $190s and Villas from the $120s;

•Daintree, located off Tavistock Drive and Solerno Blvd. west of I-95 with single-family homes priced from the $180s

•Sunstone on Tavistock Drive off Solerno Blvd with single-family homes priced from the $240s.
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For more information, contact:
David Parker, Director of Sales & Marketing Lennar-Orlando Region, 888-317-7489;
Jassy Friddle, Marketing Manager Lennar-Central Florida, 888-317-7489;
Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 727-479-1700

Lennar Starts Construction of Three New Model Homes, Introduces Eight New Floor Plans at Bella Terra in Estero

ESTERO - Lennar’s Southwest Florida Division has introduced eight new floor plans and started construction of three model homes at Bella Terra, the master planned resort style community located south of Corkscrew Rd. east of I-75 in Estero.

Matt Devereaux, director of sales for Lennar in the Fort Myers/Naples region, said the new floor plans range in size from 1,483 square feet of living space to 3,800 square feet.

Three new model homes to open in mid-February are priced from the mid-$100s with many pre-construction incentives, Devereaux said.

Lennar’s Southwest Florida Division builds condominiums, town homes, villas, terrace homes, executive homes, and luxury homes priced from the $100s to more than $500,000.
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For more information, contact:
Matt Devereaux, Director of Sales, Lennar-Southwest Florida 239-278-1177

Lennar has introduced New Model Homes, New Low Pricing for the New Year in 11 Orlando Communities

ORLANDO - Lennar’s Central Florida Division began the New Year with new homes and new low pricing in eleven Orlando-area communities.

David Parker, director of sales and marketing for Lennar’s Central Florida division, said the home builder is unveiling new model homes and new mortgage financing plans that require no down payments on qualified homes.

New town homes and single-family homes at the eleven Lennar communities qualify for up to $8,000 in U.S. tax credits for first-time home buyers and up to $6,500 in tax credits for existing home owners, Parker added.

Lennar’s new pricing and new home designs have been introduced at
•Camden Landing Town Homes near Lake Hart in southeast Orlando, priced from the $140s;
•Celery Estates in Sanford, priced from the $130s;
•Heritage Hills off Hancock Rd. and S.R. 50 in Clermont, priced from the $150s
•Legends Golf & Country Club off Hwy. 27 in Clermont, priced from the $200s
•Preston Woods at Providence Golf and Country Club in Davenport, priced from the $190s;
•Reserve at Lost Lake off Citrus Tower Blvd. in Clermont, priced from the $210s.
•Stoneybrook Hills on U.S. 441 in Mount Dora, priced from the $140s;
•Wyndham Lakes in south Orlando, single-family homes priced from the $150s and Townhomes from the $130s;
•The Shire At Westhaven in Davenport, priced from the $250s;
•Wekiva Landing Town Homes in Longwood, priced from the $160s;
•Westbrook Town Homes in Winter Garden, priced from the $140s.
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For more information contact:
David Parker, Director of Sales & Marketing Lennar-Orlando Region, 888-317-7489; J
assy Friddle, Marketing Manager Lennar-Central Florida, 888-317-7489;
Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 727-479-1700

Lennar Introduces Seven New Floor Plans at River Strand Golf & Country Club in Bradenton

BRADENETON - Lennar has unveiled seven new floor plans priced from the mid-$100s at River Strand Golf & Country Club, located within Heritage Harbor in Bradenton off S.R. 64.

Matt Devereaux, director of sales for Lennar’s Southwest Florida Division, said the new floor plans range in size from 1,677 square feet of living space to 3,800 square feet.

Golf, tennis and country club membership at River Strand Golf & Country Club is included with each new home purchase, said Devereaux. Homeowners will enjoy a 39,000 square foot members-only clubhouse and a 27-hole Arthur Hills-designed championship golf course.

Lennar reported is sold more than 175 new homes at River Strand Golf & Country Club in 2009.
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For more information, contact:
Matt Devereaux, Director of Sales, Lennar-Southwest Florida 239-278-1177

NAI Realvest Negotiates New and Renewal Leases totaling 8,200SF at Hanging Moss and Goldenrod CommerCenters in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new long-term lease agreement for 4,200 square feet of industrial space in the Hanging Moss CommerCenter located at 6100 Hanging Moss Rd.

Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest, brokered the transaction on behalf of the landlord, Maitland-based COP-Hanging Moss, LLC and the new tenant, Vibe Dance Center LLC of Orlando. The Dance company leased Suite 570 for 63 months.

Heidrich also negotiated a two-year renewal agreement with Class A Carpets, Inc. at Goldenrod CommerCenter. The tenant renewed the lease of Suites 110 and 115 with 4,000 square feet at 1460 N. Goldenrod Rd. COP-Goldenrod, LLC of Maitland is the landlord.

For more information, contact: Michael Heidrich, Principal, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 or mheidrich@realvest.com; Patrick Mahoney, President, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 pmahoney@realvest.com

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 www.NAIRealvest.com.

Ashton Woods Homes Reports Record Sales in Orlando Area in 2009

ORLANDO - Ashton Woods Homes reports it closed on sales of 198 new homes in seven Orlando communities in 2009.

Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Orlando region, said 2009 sales are up more than 11 percent over 2008 sales.

“This is the second year in a row we have reported record sales,” Roche said. In 2008 the home builder reported it closed on sales of 179 new homes, up 48 percent over 2007 sales.

Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group of Companies, a North American real estate conglomerate headquartered in Toronto, and currently has communities under development in Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix, Tampa, Denver and Orlando.

For more information, contact:
Michael Roche, VP Sales & Marketing Ashton Woods Homes-Orlando 407-647-3700;
John Reny, President, Ashton Woods Homes-Orlando 407-647-3700

Lennar to Open Three New Model Homes at Stoneybrook at Venice in Mid-February and the Key Word is “Efficiency”

VENICE - Lennar’s Southwest Florida Division will premier three new model homes at Stoneybrook at Venice, located off N. River and Center Roads west of I-75 exit 191 in Venice.

Matt Devereaux, director of sales for Lennar in the Naples/Fort Myers region, said the new model homes range in size from 1,677 square feet of living space to 3,300 square feet.

“The key word here is efficiency,” Devereaux said. “These new model homes have been designed and engineered to offer the lowest energy costs, the lowest maintenance, and the most lifestyle in southwest Florida,” he explained.

Stoneybrook at Venice was recently ranked as the only Florida community on Builder Magazine’s Top 10 list of top-selling communities in the U.S.

Lennar’s Southwest Florida division builds condominiums, town homes, villas, terrace homes, executive homes, and luxury homes priced from the $100s to more than $500,000.

For more information, contact:
Matt Devereaux, Director of Sales, Lennar-Southwest Florida 239-278-1177

Sevilla Womenade Reception Raises $1,200 for daniel Kids

JACKSONVILLE - Mattamy Homes hosted a gathering of 44 Womenade participants at the community clubhouse at Sevilla in Jacksonville recently. The group raised $1,200 for daniel Kids, the oldest child serving agency that assists troubled youth and their families with a variety of innovative and nationally recognized programs.

Kerry Soltis, marketing manager for Mattamy Homes in the Jacksonville region, said Heirlooms Café and Market catered the Womenade dinner reception and Fazzini’s Coffee & Tea provided gifts.

Womenade was founded in 2002 by Judy Hicks with RE/MAX Coastal Real Estate. Since 2002 Womenade has raised over $100,000 for the kids at daniel. For more information on Womenade visit www.womenadejax.com

“Our mission is to show the kids that there is a great big world out there waiting for them but they have to be prepared and they must dream big,” Hicks said.

For more information, contact:
Kerry Soltis, Marketing Manager, Mattamy Homes-Jacksonville 904-279-9502;
Dennis Ginder, Division President Mattamy Homes-Jacksonville 904-279-9500

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 www.mattamyhomes.com.

Winston-James Development leases 2,250 square feet of space at Beville Road Business Park to Shoreline Kitchens, Baths and More

SOUTH DAYTONA - Winston-James Development, Inc., which is developing the Beville Road Business Park, located on Beville Road at SR 5A in South Daytona, reported it recently completed a long term lease agreement for 2,250 square feet of industrial showroom space with Shoreline Kitchens, Baths and More, a company that specializes in kitchens and baths.

Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, said Shoreline Kitchens, Baths and More is locating its principal showrooms and warehouse space at Beville Road Business Park.

For more information, contact:
Winston Schwartz, President, Winston-James Development, Inc. 933 Beville Rd., South Daytona, Fla. 32119, 386-760-2555,
James Adley, Principal, Winston-James Development, Inc., 386-760-2555

Meritage Homes to Unveil Eight New Floor Plans, New Pricing Jan. 30 at The Oaks at Brandy Lake in Winter Garden

WINTER GARDEN - Meritage Homes will unveil eight new floor plans priced from $169,900 on Saturday, Jan. 30 at The Oaks At Brandy Lake, the lakefront community located just off the West Orange Trail at 623 Bending Oak Trail in Winter Garden.

Heather Barnes, marketing manager for Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said Meritage is building 80 new homes at The Oaks at Brandy Lake---some on lakefront home sites---that range in size from 1,660 square feet of living space to 2,661 square feet.

Barnes said Meritage Homes will be showcasing one new model home and reduced prices at The Oaks at Brandy Lake, which is within walking distance of downtown Winter Garden.

The first 50 families to register at The Oaks at Brandy Lake on Jan. 30 will receive a free Super Bowl Fun Pack with snacks and soda for the big game, Barnes said.

For more information contact: Heather Barnes, Marketing Manager, Meritage Homes-Orlando, 407-712-8648, Heather.Barnes@meritagehomes.com;
Brian Kittle, Director of Sales, Meritage Homes-Orlando, 407-712-8669; Brian.Kittle@meritagehomes.com;
Jim Bagley, Division President, Meritage Homes-Orlando 407-712-8669, Jm.Bagley@meritagehomes.com

Orlando Developer/Investor Ron Schwartz Launches Florida REO Managers, Inc. to Manage Distressed Properties Nationwide

ORLANDO - Central Florida developer and investor Ronald Schwartz has launched Florida REO Managers, Inc. (www.floridareomanagers.com) to provide receiver and property management services to lenders nationwide.

Schwartz said the firm has already contracted with several property lenders nationwide on a variety of projects.

“We specialize in overseeing and/or managing commercial and residential properties that are in foreclosure, or where a receiver is needed, or for properties that have already been taken over by the lender,” Schwartz said.

“Our principal focus is to protect and maintain the assets as Receiver appointed by the court until such time as the lender completes the foreclosure process on the property,” he said. “Florida REO Managers can then manage the property for the lender.”

Schwartz is a Special Trustee for the US Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida and has more than 30 years of experience as a builder, developer and property manager.

For more information, contact: Ron Schwartz, Principal, Florida REO Managers, Inc. 407-342-3648 (direct)

NAI Realvest negotiates Long-term Industrial lease for 6,400 square feet at Poinciana CommerCenter West in Kissimmee

ORLANDO – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new five-year lease agreement for 6,400 square feet of industrial space at 1754 Business Center Lane at Poinciana CommerCenter West in Kissimmee.

Michael Heidrich, vice president and principal at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction representing the landlord, Maitland-based Realvest-Poinciana LLC.

The new tenant is Plastronic Enclosures, Inc. a manufacturer headquartered in Piscataway, N.J., and who was represented in the transaction by Dean Fritchen of Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT.

Plastronic is the largest lease closed at Poinciana CommerCenter West since the facility was completed in 2008.

For more information contact: Michael Heidrich, VP and Principal, NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989 mheidrich@realvest.com; Patrick Mahoney, President, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 pmahoney@realvest.com

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 www.NAIRealvest.com.

University Club of Orlando Elects New Officers

ORLANDO - Orlando attorney H. Gregory McNeill, a partner at Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A. in Orlando, was recently elected as president of The University Club of Orlando.

Justin Wright, events director of The University Club of Orlando, said McNeill took over as president in January.

Jennifer Nichols Kennedy, a partner at Nichols Design Group in Winter Park and a commercial interior designer who specializes in health care facilities, was elected vice president, Wright said.

Wright said three University Club members were elected to the club’s Board of Directors: Orlando attorney Ralph Martinez of McEwan, Martinez & Dukes, P.A., Yatan Patel, Internet entrepreneur and Arthur Lee, food management company owner and concessionaire for the Amway Arena.

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For more information about this press release, contact:
Justin Wright, Events Director, The University Club of Orlando 407-425-2514, PRIVATEEVENTS@UCLUBORLANDO.COM

Three Top Orlando Area Realtors Awarded $12,000 in Prizes in Lennar Loves Realtors Sales Contest

ORLANDO - Lennar’s Central Florida Division, which builds new single-family homes and town homes priced from the $90s to the $400s more than 30 Lennar communities in the Orlando, Tampa Bay and the Space Coast regions, recently awarded $47,500 in prizes to 10 of the Central Florida region’s top Realtors competing in a Lennar Loves Realtors sales contest from May 1 through Nov. 30.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the 10 contest winners posted sales and closings that totaled more than $11.7 million during the contest.

Flaviano Bullian of Union II Realty and Investments in Orlando posted sales and closings that totaled $1,120,503 to take the Orlando area’s top prize---a $5,000 shopping spree through the Lennar Loves Realtors Wish Book, an online catalogue of more than 3,000 luxury items that range from luggage to house wares to furnishings, jewelry and travel.

Other Orlando region winners included Philippa Liddel of IPG Realty in Clermont, with $982,666 in sales and closings and Patrick Washburn of Sunstate Guaranteed Realty in Lakeland, with $582,802. Liddel and Fisher both won shopping sprees valued at $3,500.

Other contest winners included Janith Overstreet of Lithia, an associate at New Homes Realty, who won a $10,000 shopping spree for sales and closings that totaled $2,750,549; Miguel Beltran of Charles Rutenberg Realty in Clearwater and Danny Christian of REMAX Paramount Properties in Lakeland, who both won $5,000 shopping sprees for sales that totaled $2,222,513, and $1,298,893 respectively; and $3,500 award winners Luisa Mizgorski of Tampa For You Realty, with $805,797; Suanne Vagnini of New Homes Realty in Valrico, with $772,441; Stuart Hurry of New Home Finders in Lakeland, with $627,992; and Tammy Keller of Charles Rutenberg Realty in Clearwater, with $617,116.
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For more information, contact:
David Parker, Director of Sales & Marketing Lennar-Orlando Region, 888-317-7489
Jassy Friddle, Marketing Manager Lennar-Central Florida, 888-317-7489
Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 727-479-1700

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Launches StirlingOrlando.com to Promote Downtown Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, headquartered in 16th floor penthouse suites in the Plaza Towers at S. Orange Ave. and Pine St. in downtown Orlando, has launched www.StirlingOrlando.com, a new web site designed to promote downtown Orlando events, blogs and real estate opportunities.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said www.StirlingOrlando.com offers interactive searches for properties for sale, rentals, downtown attractions, and offices for sale and for lease.

“The home page features a Google map function and users can select between map and aerial views,” Soderstrom said.

All major downtown Orlando condominiums and apartment communities are identified within the map search database, Soderstrom explained. “Click on any building and we provide an overview of the property with photographs. Users can also search for all units for sale or for rent in that building,” he said.

The site also identifies major downtown Orlando attractions and special events, along with videos related to downtown events and activities and local blogs.

For more information contact:
Roger Soderstrom, Founder/Owner Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407-581-7890

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, property management, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates three performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

Mattamy Homes to Close out Three North Florida Communities

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest home builder, will close out three communities in the Jacksonville area soon.

Dennis Ginder, division president for Mattamy Homes in the Jacksonville region, said only nine home sites remain for sale at Kensington in St. Augustine with new single-family executive homes priced from the $230s.

Only three home sites and four ready-to-move-in homes priced from the $130s remain for sale at North Campus, located in north Duval County near the I-95/I-295 junction.

Only one ready-to-move-in home and one model home remain for sale at Worthington Park, a gated community in St. Johns County where new single-family homes are priced from the $270s.

Ginder said ready-to-move-in homes in all Mattamy Homes communities qualify for up to $8,000 in U.S. tax credit incentives.

Mattamy Homes builds new single-family homes and town homes priced from the low $100s in nine communities in the Jacksonville area.

For more information, contact:
Kerry Soltis, Marketing Manager, Mattamy Homes-Jacksonville 904-279-9502;
Dennis Ginder, Division President Mattamy Homes-Jacksonville 904-279-9500

Lennar to Host La Tamborrada Spanish Musical Festival at Heritage Hills in Clermont

CLERMONT, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division will host the La Tamborrada Spanish musical festival on Jan. 30 in the new community clubhouse at Heritage Hills, the active adult community located in Clermont off Hartwood-Marsh Rd. at Hancock Rd. south of S.R. 50 in Clermont.

David Parker, director of sales and marketing Lennar’s Central Florida Division in the Orlando area, said the La Tamborrada Festival is major international cultural event every year in San Sebastian, Spain, that includes music, dancing, and Spanish foods.

“La Tamborrada is an historic Latin music festival with a tremendous musical theme that centers on drums,” Parker explained. “We are hosting a Latin orchestra and many Spanish delicacies to enjoy,” he said.

Admission to the La Tamborrada festival is free, Parker said. La Tamborrada will be held from Noon to 3 p.m. in the ballroom at the new Heritage Hills community clubhouse, an 18,900 square foot facility that includes a swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, fitness center, billiards room, aerobics studio, bocce ball courts, a vineyard and olive grove park, fitness walking trails, bike trails, golf simulator and social director.

“We like to invite everyone in the Orlando region to come tour the Heritage Hills clubhouse and enjoy the music, dancing, and foods,” Parker said.

Many new homes at Heritage Hills are eligible for $8,000 and $6,500 U.S. tax credit incentives for new homebuyers and qualified existing homeowners, Parker added.
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For more information contact:
David Parker, Director of Sales & Marketing Lennar-Orlando Region, 888-317-7489
Jassy Friddle, Marketing Manager Lennar-Central Florida, 888-317-7489
Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 727-479-1700

Central Florida Congressional Candidate Paul Partyka on Record in Favor of Fair Districts

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. --- Former two-term Winter Springs Mayor Paul Partyka, a candidate for the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Congress in Florida’s 24th District, says he favors the “Fair Districts” congressional apportionment plan proposed by FairDistricts.org, a non-partisan citizens group.

“The purpose of fair districts is to draw congressional district lines as practically and compactly as possible without hurting minority groups,” Partyka said.

“Fair districts is the logical way of establishing congressional representation for our communities, insulated from the whims of political fortune,” Partyka said.
“Our congressional representatives should be able to travel their districts efficiently and represent all their constituents, not just the population centers, interest groups and party organizations,” he said.

“Without fair districts, we have regular political distortions that aren’t fair to anyone,” he said.
Partyka said gerrymandering---the practice of drawing district lines to favor the political party that holds the majority of seats in the state legislature---is an outmoded policy that should be disbanded.

“Gerrymandering should have no role in good government and the democratic process,” Partyka said. “We Americans know how to govern ourselves, and we should be able to do that without the interference of imbalanced districts,” he said.

Paid for and approved by the Paul Partyka for Congress Committee

For more information please contact:

Paul P. Partyka, 407-341-0805 PaulPartykaforCongress@Gmail.com

Bruce Pronovost, Campaign Manager 407-375-1578 Bapjap@cfl.rr.com

Lennar to Host Grand Openings in Six Communities Jan. 23-24 to Showcase New Lower Pricing Starting From the $80s

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division will host grand opening events in six Tampa Bay-area communities on Saturday and Sunday Jan. 23 and 24, to showcase new lower pricing that starts from the $80s for town homes and from the low $100s for single-family homes.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the home builder has retooled its new homes to bring the lowest possible prices to the market for new home buyers.

“With up to $8,000 in tax credit incentives and our new lower pricing structure this is truly the best time ever to buy a new home,” Metheny said.

Grand Opening events are scheduled at:
Cobblestone Landing in Lakeland, town homes priced from the $80s;
River Bend in Ruskin, priced from $116,990;
Creekside in Mulberry, priced from $119,990;
Hampton Hills in Lakeland, priced from $124,990;
The Verandahs in Hudson, priced from $139,000;
South Fork in Riverview, priced from $145,000.* * *

For more information contact:
Francine Miller, Director of Sales & Marketing Lennar-Tampa Region, 727-479-1747
Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 727-479-1700

Lennar Reports it Sold More Than 150 New Homes in 2009 at Stoneybrook at Venice

VENICE, Fla. --- Lennar’s Southwest Florida Division reported it sold more than 150 new homes in 2009 at Stoneybrook at Venice, a gated community located on North River Road at Center Road, west of I-75 in Venice.

Matt Devereaux, director of sales for Lennar’s Southwest Florida Division, said community amenities and low pricing with exciting new home styles at Stoneybrook at Venice proved to be the biggest draws in 2009.

Lennar builds single-family homes priced from the mid $100s at Stoneybrook at Venice.
Community amenities at Stoneybrook at Venice include a large recreational campus and community center with resort-style pool, kid’s splash pool and state-of-the-art health club with an on-site activities director; four lighted tennis courts, basketball court; two sand volleyball courts; a multi-purpose sports field and an in-line skating rink.
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For more information, contact:
Matt Devereaux, Director of Sales, Lennar-Southwest Florida 239-278-1177

Data Transfer Solutions Awarded Contract from State of Texas to Develop Web-Based Portal for Wildfire Risk Information

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Data Transfer Solutions (DTS), based in Orlando’s downtown Avalon Park and a leading provider of geo-spatial software solutions and services, has been awarded a contract from the Texas Forest Service to develop a web based portal to support the distribution of wildfire risk information to the public, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

The Texas Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal (TX_WRAP) will be the next step in making wildfire risk information more readily available and usable for risk management, mitigation planning and prevention efforts, said A.M. “Trey” Fragala III, AICP, PMP, chief operating officer at Data Transfer Solutions.

Tom Spencer, manager of Predictive Services for the Texas Forest Service said “Increasing the availability of wildland fire risk assessment information to all potential users across the state of Texas is a high priority for the Texas Forest Service. The Texas Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal will accomplish this, and we look forward to working with Data Transfer Solutions on this important project.”

Fragala said DTS will develop a web mapping portal for the Texas Forest Service that will integrate the latest in GIS web mapping capabilities with recent assessment information developed by the state to support proactive fire protection planning efforts.

Data Transfer Solutions provides geographic information systems (GIS), transportation planning and engineering, asset management, web design, custom applications development, and video and multimedia production services to local governments and regional and state agencies throughout the U.S. The firm has offices in six states.
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For more information, contact:
A.M. “Trey” Fragala, III, AICP, PMP, Chief Operating Officer, Data Transfer Solutions, 3680 Avalon Park East Blvd., Suite 200, Orlando, 32828; 407-382-5222; tfragala@edats.com

Lennar Reports Sales of More Than 350 New Homes in 2009 at Heritage Bay in Naples, Bella Terra Estates in Estero

NAPLES, Fla. --- Lennar’s Southwest Florida Division reports it sold more than 350 new homes in the Naples/Fort Myers area in 2009 at Heritage Bay in Naples and Bella Terra in Estero.

Matt Devereaux, director of sales for Lennar in southwest Florida, said Lennar sold more than 200 new homes at Heritage Bay, a gated golf and country club resort community located four miles east of I-75 on Immokalee Rd. in Naples. Lennar sells terrace condominiums, town homes, coach homes, executive homes and classic luxury homes at Heritage Bay priced from the $100s to the $500s. All homeowners at Heritage Bay enjoy free country club membership that includes tennis and a 27-hole Gordie Lewis-designed championship golf course.

Lennar sold more than 150 new homes at Bella Terra in Estero, a gated golf and country club community located east of I-75 on Corkscrew Rd. in Estero.

Lennar builds villa homes, manor homes, executive homes and luxury estate homes at Bella Terra priced from the $100s to the $300s. Amenities at Bella Terra include southwest Florida’s largest swimming pool, bocce ball courts, a tot lot, beach volleyball, inline skating rink, baseball and soccer fields, tennis courts, clubhouse, fitness center and banquet room.
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For more information, contact:
Matt Devereaux, Director of Sales, Lennar-Southwest Florida 239-278-1177

Villages of Royal Palm reports Christmas Holiday Home Sales Valued at in Excess of $1 Million

PORT ORANGE, Fla. --- The Villages of Royal Palm, the luxury community located west of I-95 off Williamson Road between C.R. 400 and C.R. 421 in Port Orange that was voted one of America’s best 100 master planned communities by Where To Retire Magazine, reported it sold new single family and villa homes valued in excess of $1 million during their year end holiday sale.

Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, Inc., which is developing the Villages of Royal Palm, said one ready-to-move-in villa home and six single-family homes remain for sale at the Villages of Royal Palm.

The villa home offers 1,300 square feet of living space with two bedrooms and a one car garage priced in the low $100s.

Single family homes at the Villages at Royal Palm range in size from 1,500 square feet of living space to 2,300 square feet priced from the low $200s.

Schwartz said 90 homes are planned in the next phase at the Villages of Royal Palm.
All ready-to-move-in homes at the Villages of Royal Palm qualify for up to $8,000 in federal tax credit incentives.
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For more information about this press release, contact:
Winston Schwartz, President, Winston-James Development, Inc. 386-760-2555
Charles N. Kasza, Vice President Winston-James Development, Inc. 386-760-2555

Taylor Morrison Acquires 425 Home Sites at Las Calinas in St. Augustine, To Start Development of New Phases this Month

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. --- Taylor Morrison has acquired 425 home sites at Las Calinas, located on U.S. 1 near Palencia at International Golf Parkway (Nine Mile Rd.) four miles south of C.R. 210 in St. Augustine.

Kristin Vuckovic, marketing manager at Taylor Morrison in the North Florida region, said the homebuilder will start development of new phases at Las Calinas this month.

Presales of new three, four and five-bedroom single-family homes priced from the $150s will start in March, Vuckovic said.

“In the short term we are conducting presales for Las Calinas at the sales and information center at Austin Park at Nocatee,” Vuckovic explained. Austin Park at Nocatee is located off Coastal Ridge Blvd. just east of U.S. 1 in the Town of Nocatee.

Taylor Morrison will feature its new Heritage Series of one and two-story designer homes at Las Calinas with spacious family rooms, dining nooks, lanais, lofts and dens.

New homes at Las Calinas will range in size from 1,442 square feet of living space to 3,284 square feet.

Vuckovic said Las Calinas home owners will enjoy a wide range of amenities, including a community swimming pool and children’s water park with cabana and tot lots, a basketball court, tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, sports field, covered pavilion and fishing pier.

“St. Johns County’s highly-rated schools will be a big draw at Las Calinas,” Vuckovic said. “In addition, Las Calinas has no CDD fees, which represents an additional savings.”

Taylor Morrison plans to host a grand opening of Las Calinas in the spring, Vuckovic said.
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For more information, contact:
Kristin Vuckovic, Marketing Manager, Taylor Morrison, Inc. North Florida Division 321-397-7510, kvuckovic@taylormorrison.com

CFCAR Seeks Sponsors for 2010 Real Estate Outlook Conference on Jan. 27, Speakers Include Crossman & Company President John Crossman

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The Central Florida Commercial Association of Realtors (CFCAR) is seeking sponsors for the 2010 Real Estate Outlook conference, scheduled for Wednesday,
Jan. 27 at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Orlando.

John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, the Orlando-based company that ranks as one of the largest retail property firms in the southeast, will be a featured panelist at 2010 Real Estate Outlook.

Dr. Sean Snaith of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Competitiveness will be the keynote speaker.

A panel discussion that includes the region’s top commercial real estate brokers will include moderator Robin Webb of Coldwell Banker Commercial, Crossman, David Murphy of CB Richard Ellis, Jay Ballard of Cushman & Wakefield, and Greg Morrison of Morrison Commercial Real Estate.

A second panel discussion on financial trends will include moderator David Patten of Commercial Mortgage Advisors, G. Geoffrey Longstaff of Mercantile Capital Corporation, Susan G. Hostettler of CNL Bank Central Florida, and Andy Johnson of RBC Bank.

Registration for the conference will start at 7 a.m. breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. and the program will start at 8:30 a.m. at the Marriott located at 400 W. Livingston St.

Crossman said sponsorship opportunities include event sponsorship, table sponsorship and program advertising opportunities.
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For more information, contact:
John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com

Justin Greider, Senior Associate, Crossman & Company/ICSC Florida Next Generation Chair, 407-581- 6225; jgreider@crossmanco.com

About Crossman & Company:
Crossman & Company is one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management companies in the Southeast with over 16 million square feet under leasing and/or management. Founded in Orlando 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 and serves clients including Publix Super Markets, Inc., Lake Nona, PREIT, and LaSalle Investment Management. Please visit www.crossmanco.com, or call 407-423-5400 for more information.

Henin Group Sells Harbor Walk Condominium Property in Virginia Beach for $4.8 Million

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Henin Group, based in Orlando, developers of Riviera Bella luxury community on the St. Johns River in DeBary, recently sold Harbor Walk condominiums in Virginia Beach, Va. for $4.8 million.

Jerome Henin, founder and president of the Henin Group, said Franciscus Homes, which develops single-family homes and condominiums in six communities in the Virginia Beach /Norfolk area, acquired the remaining development sites that accommodate 156 new condominiums at Harbor Walk.

Originally planned to include 237 condominiums, Harbor Walk started development in 2003. The Henin Group assumed control of the property in 2007.
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For more information contact:
Jerome Henin, Founder / President, Henin Group, 407 644-8595

Mercantile Capital Corp. Reports 12.8 Percent Jump in Commercial Lending Volume in 2009

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. --- Mercantile Capital Corporation, the Altamonte Springs firm that ranks as one of the largest providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans in the nation, reported it saw a 12.8 percent increase in lending volume in 2009 over 2008 dollar volume totals.

Chris Hurn, president of Mercantile Capital Corporation, said the number of transactions declined slightly in 2009 but loan amounts---to small business owners who want to acquire or develop their own facilities---increased, Hurn said.

Geof Longstaff, chairman, said the firm’s largest single loan was $8.1 million to Blaine Convention Services in California to acquire a retail warehouse.

Mercantile Capital Corporation provided loans to small businesses in some 14 states in 2009, Longstaff said.

Since Mercantile Capital opened its doors in late 2002, the firm has provided 262 commercial loans valued at more than $424.7 million and created 2,983 jobs.
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For more information about this press release, contact:
G. Geoffrey Longstaff, Chairman, Mercantile Capital Corporation 407-786-5040
Christopher G. Hurn, CEO, Mercantile Capital Corporation, 407-786-5040