Thursday, September 29, 2011

Lennar Appoints Jan Lucas New Home Sales Associate at Bahia Lakes in Ruskin

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division, recently named Jan Lucas a new home sales associate in the Tampa region.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Lucas has more than five years of experience in new home sales. Lucas will sell new homes at Bahia Lakes in Ruskin.

Meritage Homes Opens two new communities in Apopka

ORLANDO, Fla. – Meritage Homes has opened and presales are underway at two new communities in Apopka.

Brian Kittle, director of sales for Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said Meritage plans to build 19 homes at Quail Estates located off Vick Road in Apopka. New single-family homes by Meritage ranging from 2,700 square feet of living space to 5,070 square feet will be priced from $226,990 at Quail Estates.

At White Jasmine, located off Welch Road, Meritage Homes has 19 home sites for new single-family homes priced from the mid-$200s. Homes will range from 2,841 square feet of living space to 5,070 square feet.

Meritage Homes at both Quail Estates and White Jasmine will offer four to eight bedroom designs, Kittle said.

Ryland Homes Opens New Model Townhome at Lenox Overlook in Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. --- Ryland Homes, a leading home builder in the Atlanta area, recently opened the Clairmont, a new model at Lenox Overlook, its private, gated townhome community on Buford Highway in North Atlanta one-half mile east of I-85.

The new model townhome offers three spacious bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a two-car garage with 1735 square feet of living space, according to Bill Carter, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Ryland Homes in the Atlanta Division.

The craftsman and traditional styled townhomes at Lennox Overlook in the revitalized North Druid Hills area of Atlanta are priced from the low $200s.

Townhomes at Lenox Overlook also include all of the energy efficient features of Ryland Homes’ nationally recognized Houseworks program, Carter said.

Ryland is building 113 townhomes at Lenox Overlook in four distinctive two-story designs ranging from 1,710 square feet to 2,010 square feet.

Special features at Lenox Overlook include brick or stone front exteriors, two-car garages, community walkways, patio privacy areas and a new “Bark Park” with water fountains, shade trees and benches.

For more information, visit www.ryland.com or telephone 404-633-0604.

SeaGate Homes Opens West Indies-Style Model at Palm Coast Model Center

PALM COAST – SeaGate Homes, Flagler County’s largest homebuilder, recently opened The Sabal model at a new Palm Coast Model Center located on the corner of Bayside Drive and Belle Terre Parkway.

The 2,049-square-foot, four-bedroom, two-bath furnished model was professionally decorated in a British West Indies style and features an airy kitchen with bay windows in the large breakfast area. It is priced at $144,990, according to Michael Sawdai, SeaGate’s vice president of operations.

“The Sabal was designed to meet the demands of today’s discriminating homebuyers,” Sawdai said. “The model showcases features, such as granite countertops, ceramic tile floors, upgraded appliances and a stone-front exterior with concrete pavers in the driveway that would cost extra in many other homes.”

The model also has a large master closet, an oversized great room and a fourth bedroom that works well as a den, home office or guest quarters, he said.

For more information about new model and other new floor plans by SeaGate Homes, please call 386-445-1779 or visit SeaGateHomes.com.

About SeaGate Homes:
SeaGate Homes, Flagler County’s largest homebuilder, is a 17-year-old, family-owned company with headquarters in Palm Coast. SeaGate builds quality homes at communities in St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Daytona Beach and Edgewater, as well as through their On-Your-Lot program in Volusia, Flagler and St. Johns counties. Prices range from the $100s to the $400s.

Del Webb Stone Creek in Ocala to Host a Fall Grand Opening Oct. 15

OCALA, Fla. --- Del Webb Stone Creek in Ocala will host a Fall Grand Opening that will include an information session from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon on Saturday, Oct. 15 to give potential new residents an “inside look” at the active adult community and a chance to talk to residents one-on-one.

Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for the North Florida Division of Del Webb, said the event will include presentations by the community’s lifestyle director, sales team and homeowners, along with tours of the community and the opportunity to attend the Del Webb Stone Creek Fall Festival being hosted by the residents from Noon to 4 p.m.

Strickler said guests at the Fall Grand Opening will get a grand tour of Del Webb Stone Creek’s Reflection Bay and Elan Spa clubhouses on more than 29 acres with a grand ballroom, fitness center, movement studio, indoor spa, steam and sauna room, indoor pool and outdoor pool, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, pickleball courts and bocce ball courts.

“The grand opening event is a chance to meet some of our residents and learn more about the lifestyle available here at Del Webb Stone Creek,” Strickler explained.

Residents interested in attending the fall grand opening need to RSVP by Oct. 3 by calling 888-817-2249.

About Del Webb
Del Webb, the pioneer of active retirement communities, is America’s leading builder of developments for people 55+ since 1960. By building quality homes and communities that help active adults optimize their next phase in life, Del Webb’s amenities and programs enable homeowners to easily engage creatively, socially, athletically and intellectually. In concert with Baby Boomer residents, the brand is continually redefining retirement and retirement living. Del Webb communities have grown to include more than 50 communities currently open for new home sales in 20 states. For more information on Del Webb, visit www.delwebb.com. To learn more about how to plan a smart future, check out financial tools at delwebb.com/value.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

First Green Bank Hopes to Turn Lake County ‘Green’ one Customer at a Time, says Bank’s Chief Executive Officer

EUSTIS, Fla. – When Eustis native Kenneth LaRoe capped a successful career by selling Florida Choice Bank in 2006 he and his wife Cindy set out on a lengthy, soul searching journey across the U.S. in a motor home.

“I retired,” LaRoe explained.

Along the way he began reading a book his brother had given him: Let My People Go Surfing, by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, a highly successful outdoor clothing and equipment company.

“Chouinard’s philosophical approach to business influenced me greatly,” LaRoe said. “Business can be holistic. In addition to making a profit, business can have a positive impact on society. Chouinard developed a business model which integrated his principles and professional acumen. He was able to experience enduring success without the degree of ethical compromise that often counters the contributions business leadership is capable of making to our environment and culture.”

When LaRoe returned, he decided to put his philosophy to work.

“I have been a committed environmentalist all my life,” LaRoe said. “Efficient, wise use of our resources — conservation — is a fundamental virtue and an economic necessity,” he said.

LaRoe returned to Eustis with a new passion: How to put his principles to the test in the banking business.

“I began talking with some of my colleagues and friends and we got very excited,” LaRoe said. “We wanted to create a business that would be both profitable and focus on doing the right thing. Those two concepts aren’t mutually exclusive.”

First Green Bank now has locations in Clermont and Eustis and will open its new headquarters facility in Mount Dora in October, with a third full service branch opening in Volusia County before the end of the year.

The 12,000 square foot First Green Bank headquarters building, under construction on U.S. 441 in Mount Dora was designed by Environmental Dynamics, Inc. emphasizing energy efficiency and water conservation while utilizing recycled and healthy building materials. Both the interior and exterior of the building were meticulously planned to minimize environmental impact during construction as well as over the long term. Even the siting of the building was chosen to minimize costs and maximize efficiency.

“It should exceed the LEED Platinum standard set by the U.S. Green Building Council for energy efficiency, environmental sensitivity and the safety, security and comfort of its customers, workers and the community. The goal was to fuse form and function in the design of our headquarters, and a great deal of time and thought went into achieving that synergy,” LaRoe said.

Visually reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s mature, organic style, the building has a remarkable “Butterfly Roof,” which funnels collected rainwater to a 75,000 gallon storm vault. The stored rainwater provides 100 percent of the water used in irrigating the landscaping, which was sustainably designed to utilize plants native to the Florida ecosystem.

An additional 80,000 gallons of HVAC condensate water per year will be captured to a subterranean storage cistern and used to flush toilets and irrigate interior vegetation systems. The multitude of windows on the structure optimize the use of natural sunlight and provide over 90 percent of those working inside with external views, while the efficient fluorescent and LED fixtures provide interior lighting that uses 62 percent less electricity than a standard lighting scheme.

LaRoe’s environmental principles mesh perfectly with his conservative business principles, he said.

“Our headquarters building will use approximately 66 percent less energy than a traditionally designed building of the same size, and be 79 percent more water efficient. Overall efficiency gains of this size will result in a measureable reduction in operating expenses over time. ” LaRoe said.

First Green Bank supplies its couriers with hybrid Toyota Prius vehicles, and provides a Prius as an employee loaner vehicle for use on local business as well as extended personal trips.

“Reducing our carbon footprint is a critical component of our business model. If we can do business in way that reduces the amount of greenhouse gases produced by burning less fossil fuels for electricity and transportation, we not only save operating costs, we also have less environmental impact. We encourage our customers to do likewise, and support those that do by providing complimentary electrical vehicle charging stations at all of our branch locations,” LaRoe said.

“All of us hope that through education and influence that we can change attitudes,” LaRoe said. “We can show people there is a better way.”

Maximize Angel Investments to Showcase High-Powered Sponsors at Dave Berkus Seminar Nov. 9 at Grand Bohemian Hotel

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Maximize Angel Investments of Central Florida, Inc., which plans to invest millions of dollars in startup industries in Central Florida to increase jobs and stimulate the local economy, plans to showcase a core group of powerful sponsors at its Dave Berkus Seminar on Nov. 9 at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando.

Berkus, the California angel investments guru whose personal angel investments track record includes more than 70 successful investments and an internal rate of return that exceeds 97 percent, will present a two-hour lesson on angel investing for up to 100 participants expected at the seminar, said William De Temple, chief executive officer of Maximize Angel Investments.

Sponsors of the seminar will lend credence to the importance of De Temple’s effort. They include AP Capital Partners, Platinum Sponsor of the Seminar. AP Capital Partners funded ZeroChaos, an Orlando tech startup that recently sold for more than $200 million.

The Baker & Hostettler law firm, one of Central Florida’s largest, is the Seminar’s Gold Sponsor. Among Baker & Hostettler’s clients is AP Capital Partners.

Greenberg Traurig, another Orlando-area legal powerhouse, is the Seminar’s Bronze Sponsor. Among Greenberg Traurig‘s clients is the founder of ZeroChaos, Harold Mills.

“Dave Berkus is an informative, entertaining speaker who is widely recognized as an international leader in angel investment strategies and best practices,” De Temple said.

“Maximize Angel Investments has already recruited 30 angel investors who have pledged to invest $50,000 annually in local startup companies. The momentum is moving in our direction,” De Temple said.

For more information about the seminar, contact Maximize Angel Investments of Central Florida, Inc., at 407-674-1925 or visit www.maxangelinvestments.com.

BEAZER HOMES STARTS NEW PHASE AT DUPREE LAKES IN LAND O'LAKES WITH 81 HOMESITES

TAMPA, Fla. --- Beazer Homes has started a new phase of 65-foot home sites at Dupree Lakes, located off of Collier Parkway three miles north of SR 54 in Land O’Lakes.

Ed Suchora, president of Beazer Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said 81 new home sites in the new phase will feature new four, five and six-bedroom single-family homes that range in size from 2,500 square feet of living space to 3,400 square feet and all homes will include a three car garage.

New homes at Dupree Lakes will be priced from the low $200s, Suchora said.

Dupree Lakes features a community sports complex and clubhouse that includes a resort-style swimming pool and splash zone with playground area, tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts. The Pasco County community is convenient to shopping, entertainment a new hospital and 15 minutes from three highly rated schools.

Visit www.beazer.com or call 813-929-0710 at Dupree Lakes which is open 10-6 Tuesday through Saturday and Noon to 6 Sunday and Monday.

About Beazer Homes:
Beazer Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the country's 10 largest single-family homebuilders with operations in 17 states. Beazer Homes is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "BZH."

GroundFlights begins formal operations in Central Florida Signs first client: Tel-Tron Technologies

ORLANDO, Fla., ---- GroundFlights has officially launched their exclusive and innovative ground transportation service in Central Florida. Their fleet currently consists of their specially designed and technologically advanced Lincoln Navigator Mobile Executive Offices.

These MEOs provide the productivity, comfort, flexibility and attentiveness of a private jet at a fraction of the cost. GroundFlights is an alternative mode of business travel within the state of Florida for those who typically use commercial air or personal and company vehicles to reach cities around the state for meetings, events, and other business-focused matters.

It was the promise of the benefits of being able to recapture the massive amounts of lost productivity typically experienced with conventional business travel that made GroundFlights an easy decision for Tel-Tron Technologies. Tel-Tron, located in Daytona Beach, is a leading manufacturer of technology solutions for senior living communities and regularly travels throughout the state to visit new prospective clients, to strengthen relationships with existing clients and for technical service installations and upgrades.

Brian Dawson, president and chief executive officer of Tel-Tron said, “The decision to use GroundFlights was a no-brainer. Our growth depends on business travel to prospect and customer sites, but that doesn’t mean we can afford an entire day of lost productivity while doing so. GroundFlights Mobile Executive Offices offer my staff comfortable surroundings, technology to stay connected and productive, and at a price point that makes sense for our business.”

After a recent GroundFlights trip, Malcolm Graham, vice president at Tel-Tron said, “I basically doubled my productivity,” adding that the best part of his GroundFlights experience was, “Being productive while I would have otherwise been driving. I visited four customer sites and was effectively ‘in the office’ all day.”

About GroundFlights
GroundFlights is Your Premier Source for Executive Transportation and Maximized Productivity.

When traveling throughout the state of Florida, utilize GroundFlights on-demand, door-to-door Mobile Executive Office (MEO) service. Our MEOs are specially constructed and technologically advanced Lincoln Navigator SUVs (and coming soon, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans) with all of the amenities expected of an executive office suite and driven by a trained and certified GroundPilot.

At GroundFlights, our goals are to alleviate your stress and maximize your productivity while you are traveling on business. Our services provide business travelers the freedom and control to travel in a way never seen before. We provide the comfort, attentiveness, safety and exclusivity of a private jet at a fraction of the cost.

If you are traveling five hours or less or 300 miles or less (each way) within the state of Florida, we can get you to your destination faster, and oftentimes cheaper, while keeping you fully connected and productive and alleviating the stresses normally associated with business travel.

For more information, contact Thomas Duffy of GroundFlights, Inc. at 407.809.4500 or thomas@GroundFlights.com.

About Tel-Tron
Tel-Tron Technologies Corporation, a technology leader in the business of aging, helps senior living operators run a better business by improving resident lifestyle, optimizing staff performance, and lowering operating costs.

By blending next-generation emergency call system and communications technologies with specialty expertise, Tel-Tron enables senior living companies to achieve the outcomes that are critical to their success, and provide peace of mind for their residents and their residents’ families.

Tel-Tron's website is http://www.tel-tron.com.

John Crossman, Rich Crotty to Unveil Future of Central Florida Economy on Oct. 6

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Former Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty will unveil the future of metro Orlando and Central Florida at an Oct. 6 discussion with Jody Barry of Florida Hospital and Craig Ustler of Ustler Development, Inc. moderated by John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company.

Crotty serves as executive vice president of Crossman and Company.

“The Orlando metro community has some exciting news ahead and we plan to lay it all out,” said Crossman. “The dynamics that are driving growth in the Orlando metro area are creating opportunities for the entire region,” he said.

The panel discussion, hosted by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Downtown Orlando from 5 to 7 p.m., will feature a Q & A session, Crossman said.

Admission is free and non-members are invited to attend.

About Crossman & Company:
Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Crossman & Company is a commercial real estate brokerage firm that specializes in the retail industry. Currently their portfolio under leasing and/or management exceeds 150 shopping centers throughout the Southeast U.S. Founded in 1990, Crossman & Company focuses solely on landlord representation and serves clients including Publix, PREIT, and GE. Please visit www.crossmanco.com, or call 407-423-5400 for more information.

Melrose-Sovereign Companies Launches Intern Program

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Melrose-Sovereign Companies which ranks as one of Florida’s most active homeowner and condominium association management firms, has launched an intern program to expose entry level student candidates to the intricacies of neighborhood management.

Jack Hanson, LCAM, co-founder and partner of Melrose-Sovereign Companies with Ellen Lumpkin, LCAM, said marketing manager Michael Gonzalez will head the program.

“Our internship program is designed to provide a good working knowledge of a wide range of job-specific skills, including search engine optimization (SEO) techniques and strategies, social networking and online marketing skills, expertise in verbal communication through recorded videos and interviews of Melrose-Sovereign executives and keyword research,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez said workplace skills gained through the Melrose-Sovereign internship program are immediately transferable to other companies.

“Knowing how to make your web page rank well is critical because every day billions of people begin their searches with an online search engine,” Gonzalez explained. “This holds true whether your company is engaged in community management or alternative energy technology,” he said.

“The power of social networking sites such as, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn is growing at astronomical rates. Knowing how these sites work and more importantly how to use them to grow a business will be key in gaining an edge over competitors,” he said.

Gonzalez said interns at Melrose-Sovereign will be expected to learn how to compose and edit press releases, manage social media accounts, record and post YouTube videos and network with Melrose-Sovereign executives.

“We’ve developed a pretty comprehensive program that mixes meaningful work with valuable skills development and an in-depth understanding of universal business processes,” Gonzalez said.

Headquartered in Orlando, Melrose-Sovereign Companies has eight offices throughout the state.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects to design renovations to Corona Cigar Co. in Heathrow

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects LLC, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, was recently awarded a contract to design renovations to the Corona Cigar Company at Colonial Town Center in Heathrow.

Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the facility is 2,000 square feet.

Oct. 5 is Deadline for Pragmatic Works Foundation’s Next Free IT Training and Job Placement Class

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Pragmatic Works Foundation, a non-profit branch of Jacksonville-based Pragmatic Works, is accepting applications through Oct. 5 for an upcoming training and job-placement class.

The free session – scheduled for Oct. 24-28 – is designed for military personnel transitioning back to civilian life, those who have suffered a job loss, and others who are struggling and do not have the financial means to break into the Internet technology field, said Brian Knight, founder of Pragmatic Works.

“With thousands of soldiers returning from military service abroad and many companies cutting jobs, the foundation is trying to help jump start IT careers while filling a skill shortage in the industry,” he said.

In its fourth year, the Pragmatic Works Foundation’s classes offer technical training such as database administration, business intelligence and application development. The foundation recently added an optional second week of training to their curriculum.

In addition to the technological training the program provides, students in the program also are mentored on skills to help them master interviews and are given job placement services through an onsite recruiter.

“We’re passionate about changing the lives of the individuals going through the program by giving them a career path that will excite them and give them the maximum opportunity,” Knight said. “The veterans we typically see may have had a very technical job in the military but, when they try to transition those same skills to the civilian world hiring managers want more focused skills.”

Knight said the foundation looks for those who are “very passionate” about getting into the technology field, but can’t make the financial investments needed for training and hardware.

“Our goal is to provide candidates the opportunity to learn new technologies from industry experts,” he said. “We can teach them the technical aspects, but we can’t teach them the passion.”

Those interested in attending the session should complete a profile at www.pragmaticworks.com/foundation.

In addition to prospective students, the Foundation also is seeking businesses to serve as partners by providing jobs to those who complete the training program. Interested hiring managers can contact Pragmatic Works at foundation@pragmaticworks.com.

About Pragmatic Works: Pragmatic Works – a privately held technology company headquartered in Jacksonville – provides training, tools, and implementation services on the Microsoft business intelligence platform. Whether you are just getting started, or need full scale BI projects, Pragmatic Works is your source for SQL Server SSIS, SSAS, SSRS, and SharePoint. The company has additional sales office in Boston and a technology center in Atlanta. For details, please visit www.pragmaticworks.com.

Crossman & Company Names Commercial Industry Veteran John Zielinski Senior Vice President, to head Atlanta office

ATLANTA, Ga. / ORLANDO, Fla. --- Crossman & Company, the Orlando based commercial real estate firm that ranks as one of the largest retail leasing and management firms in the Southeast with over 16 million square feet of properties, is expanding its operations in Atlanta and the Southeast.

John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, said commercial industry veteran John Zielinski, CCIM, has joined the firm as senior vice president and will head the firm’s Atlanta division. Crossman said Zielinski will direct all leasing and management services for Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and South Carolina.

“We are thrilled to have John Zielinski as part of the team,” said Rich Crotty, executive vice president. Zielinski served as an executive with Publix Super Markets, Inc. for more than 15 years, Crossman said, and most recently as real estate manager for Publix’s Atlanta division, which, in addition to the Atlanta Metro area, includes Chattanooga, Knoxville and Greenville/Spartanburg, S.C.

Zielinski graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and earned an MBA from the University of South Florida. He is a licensed real estate broker and holds the CCIM designation.

A member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, Zielinski is a frequent panelist at conferences and seminars, and most recently served on the ICSC Retail Advisory Board.

About Crossman & Company
Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., Crossman & Company is a commercial real estate brokerage firm that specializes in the retail industry. Currently their portfolio under leasing and/or management exceeds 150 shopping centers throughout the Southeast US. Founded in 1990, Crossman & Company focuses solely on landlord representation and serves clients including Publix, PREIT, and GE. Please visit www.crossmanco.com, or call 407-423-5400 for more information.

Build a SeaGate Home in Palm Coast and Get the Lot for Free

PALM COAST – New homebuyers who select SeaGate Homes to build their house in Palm Coast are now getting a little something extra for free…the property!

SeaGate Homes – Flagler County’s largest homebuilder – currently is offering to build any of their floor plans on one of the many lots they have throughout the Palm Coast area, according to Michael Sawdai, SeaGate’s vice president of operations.

The 17-year-old, family-owned company, which builds homes from the $100s to more than $400,000, has designated several of the numerous lots it owns in Palm Coast for the promotion.

“We hope prospective homebuyers recognize not only the quality workmanship and the 15-year structural warranty offered in a SeaGate Home, but also the savings they now can receive by getting their lot free,” Sawdai said.

For more information about new models and floor plans by SeaGate Homes, please call 386-445-1616√ or visit SeaGateHomes.com.

About SeaGate Homes
SeaGate Homes, Flagler County’s largest homebuilder, is a 17-year-old, family-owned company with headquarters in Palm Coast. SeaGate builds quality homes at communities in St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Daytona Beach and Edgewater, as well as through their On-Your-Lot program in Volusia, Flagler and St. Johns counties. Prices range from the $100s to the $400s.

Tolaris Realty Group Names Sherrie Bavec Senior Vice President

Sanford, Fla. –Tolaris Realty Group, a real estate firm located at off SR 46 near Sanford in Seminole County has named Sherrie Bavec senior vice president of the company.

Rick Bavec, president of Tolaris Realty Group, said Sherrie Bavec has more than 10 years of real estate sales and management experience and over 25 years in corporate management.

Mattamy Homes Names Two New Home Sales Counselors for Jacksonville Region

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest home builder, recently appointed two New Home Sales Counselors in the Jacksonville region.

Donna Sadowski, sales manager for Mattamy Homes in the Jacksonville region, said John Binnie was named New Home Sales Counselor at King’s Trace, off Lewis Point Rd. in St. Augustine.

Binnie has eight years of experience in the new home industry, Soltis said. Binnie is a member of the Sales and Marketing Council of the Northeast Florida Builder’s Assn. and was formerly a sales associate with Mercedes Homes/Seda Construction in Jacksonville.

Andrea (Andie) Patton was also named a New Home Sales Counselor. She is a resident of Neptune Beach, and will be working out of Cedar Bay off North Main Street (Hwy. 17) in north Jacksonville.

Patton has 15 years of experience in New Home Sales and holds a BS in Interior Design from the University of Florida.

Sadowski said Patton is an affiliate member of the Northeast Florida Assn. of Realtors (NEFAR), the National Assn of Homebuilders (NAHB) and the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. She received a Certified Marketing Professional (CMP) designation from NAHB, and was also awarded the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS I&II) and E-Pro and Site Professional (CSP) certifications.

Visit www.mattamyhomes.com.

About Mattamy Homes:
Mattamy Homes, www.mattamyhomes.com, expanded into the U.S. in 2003 and is headquartered in Winter Park, Fla. with divisions in Jacksonville, Orlando, 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.

ABD Development starts construction of two luxury model homes at Heritage Green at Providence

DAVENPORT, Fla. – ABD Development Company has started construction of two luxury model homes at Heritage Green at Providence, the luxury golf course community ABD is developing in the south Orlando region.

David Kohn, president of ABD Development Company, said the Portofino model home offers four bedrooms and three baths in 2,670 square feet of living space with a lanai and a two-car garage, priced from $360,000.

The two-story Courtyard II luxury model home offers four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and a loft in 2,700 square feet with a lanai and a two-car garage, priced from $370,000.

Kohn said both new model homes will open before the end of this year.

VOLUSIA LAW FIRM TO SPONSOR ANGEL FLIGHT POKER RUN BENEFIT OCT. 8

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – The Port Orange-based law firm of Rue & Ziffra will sponsor the 4th annual Angel Flight Southeast Poker Run Oct. 8.

The event – held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – will feature live music by Banditz, silent auctions, raffles and a free barbecue lunch. A highlight will be the attendance of celebrity guest motorcycle riders NASCAR legend Geoff Bodine, former Jets football player Matt Robinson, and TV’s The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams’ star Dan Haggerty.

Angel Flight Southeast is a Leesburg-based, non-profit organization of more than 650 volunteer pilots who use their own aircraft to provide transportation to medical facilities for those who are financially distressed or unable to travel on public transportation. The agency also coordinates missions involving organ transplants, clinical trials, chemotherapy, the relocation of abuse victims, and families receiving help from Ronald McDonald Houses or Shriners hospitals.

“We’re very proud to sponsor this annual event to help those who help so many others in need,” said Alan Ziffra, president of Rue & Ziffra.

Tickets for the scenic poker run are $10 each and include stops at Linda’s Landing in Bunnell, the Cheyenne Saloon in Palatka, Andersen’s Lodge in Welaka and 3 Bananas in Crescent City. Registration will be from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the White Eagle Lounge, 5533 U.S. Highway 1 in Korona, (zip 32110) just south of Bunnell in Flagler County – Telephone 386-437-2341

For details on the ride, contact 850-206-6991 or 386-437-2341. For more information about Angel Flights, click on angelflightse.org.

About Rue & Ziffra:
Founded by John D. Rue and Allan L. Ziffra, the personal-injury law firm of Rue & Ziffra has served the Central Florida community for more than 25 years. The firm’s commitment to its profession and its clients has earned it a reputation as one of the top personal-injury law firms in Central Florida. Known for handling everything from automobile and motorcycle accidents to medical malpractice, wrongful death, and social security and disability cases, Rue & Ziffra has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients and their families. With a staff of nine attorneys, the firm maintains offices in Port Orange, Palm Coast and DeLand. For more information, visit www.rueziffra.com.

Ride Green Scooters Reports Big Increase in Sales of Fuel-Efficient Motor Scooters

WINTER PARK, Fla. – Ride Green Scooters on West Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park reports a big jump in sales of fuel-efficient scooters in September.

“As of Sept. 19, we sold as many scooters as we did during the entire month of August,” said principal Ron Schwartz,

Schwartz said back-to-school buyers accounted for many of the new sales throughout summer as sales figures continued to increase, and they continued to increase after Labor Day.

“For two thirds of the world’s population, fuel efficient scooters are the most economical way to commute to work and school, Schwartz said.

Some scooters Ride Green sells log as much as 90 miles on a single gallon of gasoline, and Ride Green’s electric scooters get the equivalent of more than 110 mpg.

Ride Green also sells larger scooters that can cruise safely and comfortably at 60 miles per hour and can be driven on Interstate highways.

“We always have more than 25 new scooters in our showroom, and special orders are filled in a couple of days,” Schwartz said.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Dave Brewer Starts Construction of Five Luxury Homes, Four Large Additions in Central Florida

SANFORD, Fla. --- Dave Brewer, Inc. has started construction of five new luxury homes in Central Florida valued at more than $1 million each, since January.

Matt Trask, vice president of Dave Brewer, Inc. said all five new homes have been pre-sold and are underway.

The luxury homes are located in Seminole and Volusia Counties and range in design from Tuscan to Transitional.

Trask said all of the homes will be ready for occupancy early next year.

Trask added that the company’s remodel division has also seen an uptick with four new additions planned to start in October. The additions range in price from $150,000 to $350,000.

Ryland Homes unveils new Houseworks Energy Efficient Home Building Standards

TAMPA, Fla. --- Ryland Homes has unveiled its new Houseworks standards for energy efficient home construction that will save home buyers hundreds of dollars each month in energy costs.

Joe Fontana, division president of Ryland Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said Ryland’s new Houseworks includes many additional features, such as Tech-shield Radiant Barrier Roofing, low-E windows, and high energy-efficient Houseworks standards in most of the new homes we build. Ryland Homes is an ENERGY STAR Partner

Fontana said independent parties will determine the HERS Index rating for new homes Ryland builds.

“Ryland Homes is determined to be one of the leaders for home buyers who want to be energy efficient,” Fontana explained.

About Ryland Homes
With headquarters in Southern California, Ryland is one of the nation’s largest homebuilders and a leading mortgage-finance company. The company currently operates in 28 markets across the country and has built more than 285,000 homes and financed more than 235,000 mortgages since its founding in 1967. Ryland is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RYL.”

MATTAMY HOMES OPENS SECOND PHASE AT CORNERSTONE AT WATERMILL IN DUVAL COUNTY

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest home builder, has opened Phase 2 at Cornerstone at Watermill located off Argyle Forest Blvd. at Oakleaf Village Parkway in Duval County.

Kerry Soltis, marketing manager for Mattamy Homes in the north Florida region, said the homebuilder is building 33 town homes in the new phase called “Watermill South,” and six have already been sold.

Two town home buildings with four units each were completed and, according to Soltis, three sold in each building at prices in the low $100s.

The three-bedroom townhomes range in size from 1,500 square feet of living space to 1,700 square feet with one and two-car garages.

Soltis said the next town home building will get underway in September and will be completed by the end of the year.

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.

Pulte Homes Closes on First New Home Sale at Forest Hammock at OakLeaf Plantation in Orange Park

ORANGE PARK, Fla. --- Pulte Homes has closed on the sale of the first new home at Forest Hammock at OakLeaf Plantation.

Sean Strickler, Pulte’s vice president of sales for North Florida, said the 1,875 square foot home is the homebuilder’s Gordon model – a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath design, base priced at $184,990.

“One of the most popular attractions at Forest Hammock at OakLeaf Plantation is the Community Development District (CDD) fees — we don’t have any,” Strickler said.

Pulte offers five distinctive floor plans at Forest Hammock at Oakleaf Plantation that range in size from 1,266 square feet of living space to 2,371 square feet, starting from the $150s.

“We have several new homes under contract now that we expect to close before the end of the year,” Strickler added.

About Pulte Homes
Award-winning Pulte Homes communities are designed to deliver the best quality of life for home owners. By combining innovative life-enhancing designs, an unwavering commitment to quality and attention to detail, Pulte Homes is the nation’s premier home brand for upwardly mobile home buyers in 26 states and the District of Columbia. As the most awarded homebuilder in customer satisfaction, Pulte Homes has ranked tops in the annual JD Power and Associates® New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Studysm more than 75 times since 2000. For more information about Pulte Homes, visit www.pultehomes.com.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Lease Renewal for Engineering Consultants at the American Building in Maitland

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a lease renewal for 3,795 square feet of office space at 1051 Winderley Place in Maitland.

Jack W. Lynch, senior associate at NAI Realvest negotiated the transaction representing the tenant, CHP & Associates Consulting Engineers, Inc. who renewed its lease in Suite 101 of the American Building for another 44 months.

The landlord, MPM Holdings, Inc. of Maitland was represented by Paul Reynolds of Coldwell Banker.

About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, serving all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 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.

Crossman & Company Negotiates Three New Long Term Leases at Retail Centers Pinellas and Collier Counties

Largo / Marco Island, Fla. --- Crossman & Company, the Orlando-based firm that ranks as one of the largest retail property management, leasing and development companies in the Southeast, recently negotiated three lease agreements for retail space at shopping centers in Largo and Marco Island.

Leasing Associate Tracy Harrison represented the landlord in all three transactions totaling 4,955 square feet.

Sage’s West Bay Bistro leased 2,023 square feet for five years at Pinellas Shopping Center, 857 W. Bay Drive in Largo.

At the West Bay Village Town Centre, 301 W. Bay Drive in Largo, La Chic Inc., a salon and spa, leased 1,632 square feet for three years.

At the same time, Harrison negotiated a new lease at the Shops of Marco, 137 S. Barfield Drive in Marco Island. Sapphire Dry Cleaners leased 1,300 square feet for five years at the retail center.

About Crossman & Company
Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Crossman & Company is a commercial real estate brokerage firm that specializes in the retail industry. Currently their portfolio under leasing and/or management exceeds 150 shopping centers throughout the Southeast US. Founded in 1990, Crossman & Company focuses solely on landlord representation and serves clients including Publix, PREIT, and GE. Please visit www.crossmanco.com, or call 407-423-5400 for more information.

Team Volusia EDC Launches New Website Built by Solodev

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Solodev, a leading website design and software development company, has launched a new website for the Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation, www.TeamVolusiaEDC.com. Chartered to help expand Volusia County Florida’s economic base, Team Volusia plans to use the website to educate and influence business owners and site selectors regarding relocation to Volusia County.

“Our new website is designed to provide easy access to information about Volusia County and our cities,” said Helen Cauthen, president & chief executive officer of Team Volusia EDC.

“Solodev did a great job building a site that presents the many compelling reasons why Volusia County is an excellent business destination. It tells the story of why Business Shines Brighter Here and will be a valuable tool for us in our economic development efforts.”

The site’s features include:
• An interactive site and building database;
• Leadership highlighted with logos of investor partners who are working collaboratively to support economic development;
• Community pages highlighting investor cities and the county;
• Document downloads with detailed statistics on demographics, employment, and labor force.

Solodev was able to draw on its extensive economic development experience in the creation of the website and incorporated some of its latest technological elements into the site’s framework. Solodev has spent the past 10 years developing what has become one of the leading website software platforms for economic development agencies as well as governmental and public-private entities.

Solodev is a client of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in East Orlando.

About Solodev
Solodev is a website design and Internet software development company in Orlando, Florida with a satisfied client list that spans a variety of industries across the country. With its proprietary website content management system, Solodev empowers organizations to comprehensively and efficiently manage their online presence. Multiple websites, intranets, extranets, landing pages, various directories, social media feeds, event calendars and more can all be easily controlled through this single application. More information is available at www.solodev.com.

About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 100 current clients) create over $200 million in annual total economic output and more than 1,600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With nine facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business 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, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. Please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook.

More than 50 participants Attend University Club of Orlando’s 9-11 First Responders Dinner

ORLANDO, Fla. --- More than 50 participants attended the University Club of Orlando’s 9-11 First Responders Dinner recently.

Susan Greene, general manager of the University Club of Orlando, said noteworthy 9-11 first responders were in attendance including Keith Jeffries and master security trainer Paco Rios from the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security, along with officials from the local and area police and fire departments.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Ryland Homes to open new model home in October at Alsace, one mile east of Collier Parkway in Pasco County

TAMPA, Fla. – Ryland Homes will open its Siesta model home in October at Alsace, Ryland’s newest gated community is in the Tampa Bay area, located off Hale Rd. one mile east of Collier Parkway in Pasco County.

Tony Crimi, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said Ryland recently acquired 18 estate style home sites at Alsace, where new single family homes will be priced from the $200,000s.

“Alsace is a small gated community of just 18 new estate style homes in a very desirable location in Pasco County, and we expect all 18 new homes to sell before spring,” Crimi said.

The Siesta model, with five bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths, offers more than 3,000 square feet of living space with a three-car garage.

For more information please call 813-299-1275 or www.ryland.com/tampa.

About Ryland Homes
With headquarters in Southern California, Ryland is one of the nation’s largest homebuilders and a leading mortgage-finance company. The company currently operates in 28 markets across the country and has built more than 275,000 homes and financed more than 230,000 mortgages since its founding in 1967. Ryland is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RYL.”

Tolaris Homes named a Preferred Builder at RedTail Golf Club Community in Lake County

SANFORD, Fla. --- Tolaris Homes, which builds luxury custom homes throughout Central Florida, was recently named a “Preferred Builder” at RedTail, a luxury gated golf community located in Sorrento off SR 46 in Lake County.

RedTail is home to the award-winning links-style RedTail golf course designed by Dave Harman and dotted with century-old oak trees and azaleas.

Rick Bavec, founder and principal of Tolaris Homes, said he is excited about the opportunity.

Bavec said Tolaris Homes will start construction of a 2,800 square foot ready-to-move-in luxury home at RedTail by the end of the year.

The luxury homes Tolaris builds at RedTail will be priced in the $400s, Bavec said.

Other preferred builders at RedTail include Dave Brewer, Inc., Heidenescher Homes, Hillcrest Homes and Keith D. Field.

Lennar to open Ayersworth in Southshore with new homes priced from the $160s

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division plans to build 121 new single family homes priced from the $160s at Ayersworth, its newest residential community, located off U.S. 301 and Big Bend Road in the Southshore area.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said presales of new homes on 60 and 70 foot home sites at Ayersworth will begin in late-September.

Grub Taxi Launches iPhone, iPad App for Business, Home Food Delivery Service

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Grub Taxi, LLC, the three year old Orlando based catering and restaurant delivery service, has launched an iPhone app and iPad app to enable users to place instant delivery orders anywhere in Grub Taxi’s delivery area which includes East Orlando, Seminole County and the newly established Orlando Airport area.

David Gray, marketing manager for Grub Taxi, said the app offers customers a new level of convenience.

“For customers without proper internet access at work, for example, the iPhone/iPad app is a great time-saver,” Gray said.

“We want to offer our customers as much convenience as possible,” Gray said.

Grub Taxi, a University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program client located at Research Park near the UCF campus, delivers from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. through 11 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays.

About Grub Taxi LLC
Grub Taxi partners with more than 90 Orlando area restaurants to offer customers choices beyond traditional pizza and Chinese delivery, although Grub Taxi does offer those restaurants. They deliver non-traditional cuisines such as BBQ, Bar & Grill, Ice Cream, Smoothies, Deserts, Diner meals, Sushi, Mediterranean, Latin and more. Grub Taxi also provides convenient drop-off and corporate catering – parties, social events, office meetings – for large groups at discounted prices. Visit www.grubtaxi.com

About the UCF Business Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 100 current clients) create over $200 million in annual total economic output and more than 1,600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With nine facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business 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, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. Please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook.

Celebration Golf Academy Student Wins First Pro Tourney Days After Her Lesson in the new Teaching Center

CELEBRATION, Fla. --- One of the students at Celebration Golf Club’s Ping nFlight Fitting and Teaching Center won her first professional golf tournament.

Kenny Nairn, Scottish PGA golf professional and executive vice president of golf at Celebration Golf Management, said student golfer Jacqui Concolino of Orlando led the Suncoast Ladies Series tournament field at Reunion Resort Golf Course with a 69, 65 and 65 to finish 17 under par---a new SCL record for 54 holes---just two days after her lesson in the new teaching studio at the golf academy.

“Jacqui Concolino is a superb young golfer but the state-of-the-art technology we now have in our new studios propelled her to win,” Nairn said.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

NAI Realvest negotiates three leases totaling 13,320 square feet at three industrial centers in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated three leases totaling 13,320 square feet at three Orlando industrial centers.

NAI Realvest principal Michael Heidrich negotiated a new 37-month lease agreement with Luis Flooring Corporation of Sanford for 3,000 square feet at 5032 Forsyth Commerce Rd., Suite 1. Heidrich represented the landlord, Forsyth Central Commerce Park, LLC.

Heidrich also negotiated new lease for 2,000 square feet at Hanging Moss CommerCenter, 6112 Hanging Moss Rd. Orlando based Carroll Bradford Land Management Group, Inc. leased Suite 420 at the center for 26 months and was represented in the transaction by Danny Rice of Colliers International.

Heidrich negotiated a renewal agreement on behalf of landlord Parkline Properties, LLC of Columbus, Ohio with Duane Norman Aviation, Inc. the Orlando-based tenant who renewed its lease of 8,320 square feet for another 38 months in Units 4 and 5 at 8350 Parkline Blvd.

About NAI Realvest:
NAI Realvest in Orlando, covering all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 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.

Del Webb Southshore Falls in Apollo Beach to Host a Fall Grand Opening Oct. 1

APOLLO BEACH, Fla. --- Del Webb Southshore Falls in Apollo Beach will host a Fall Grand Opening that will include a seminar and cocktail hour from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1 to give potential new residents an “inside look” at the active adult community and a chance to talk to residents one-on-one.

Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for the North Florida Division of Del Webb, said the event will include presentations by the community’s general sales manager, lifestyle director, sales team and resident ambassadors, along with a cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres, live music and tours of the community.

Strickler said participants can also receive a day pass for Sunday at Del Webb Southshore Falls’ Wellspring Club.

“The grand opening event is a chance to meet some of our residents and learn more about the lifestyle available here at Del Webb Southshore Falls,” Strickler explained.

Southshore Falls will host another event earlier that same day.

“We’re unveiling our newest amenity, Eagle Falls Court, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,” Strickler said. Hot dogs, chips and soft drinks will be on tap for participating residents, and the Southshore Falls tennis pro and pickleball pro will be on hand to greet residents and answer questions.

Residents interested in attending the fall grand opening need to RSVP at 888-817-2249.

About Del Webb
Del Webb, the pioneer of active retirement communities, is America’s leading builder of developments for people 55+ since 1960. By building quality homes and communities that help active adults optimize their next phase in life, Del Webb’s amenities and programs enable homeowners to easily engage creatively, socially, athletically and intellectually. In concert with Baby Boomer residents, the brand is continually redefining retirement and retirement living. Del Webb communities have grown to include more than 50 communities currently open for new home sales in 20 states. For more information on Del Webb, visit www.delwebb.com. To learn more about how to plan a smart future, check out financial tools at delwebb.com/value.

University Club of Orlando Foundation to Distribute $50,000 in Scholarships to Local College Students Oct. 6

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The University Club of Orlando Foundation will hand out more than $50,000 worth of scholarships at its annual awards dinner Oct. 6 at the University Club in downtown Orlando.

Susan Greene, general manager of the University Club of Orlando, said the scholarship awards dinner has been an annual event at the University Club since 1932.

Scholarship recipients from the University of Central Florida, Florida A&M University, Seminole State College, Valencia College, and Rollins College will be in attendance at the event.

ICI’s Plantation Bay gets starring role at Ideal Living Retirement and Real Estate Expo in NY, NJ

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --- ICI’s community of Plantation Bay in Ormond Beach played a starring role in the Ideal Living Retirement and Real Estate Expo in Islandia, N.Y. Sept 10 and 11 and in Whippany, N.J. Sept. 17-18.

Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing at ICI Homes, said she and corporate marketing manager Lisa Egle attended the trade shows to showcase lifestyle opportunities at Plantation Bay.

“These shows are an important part of the overall marketing effort at Plantation Bay,” Messina explained. “Many expo participants come back year after year to see the new developments at Plantation Bay. They are on our mailing lists and they plan to buy homes at Plantation Bay when it comes time to retire,” she said.

“Every year we meet hundreds of new families who want to learn about Plantation Bay, and every year we see dozens of old friends who get the updates,” Egle said.

MORE THAN 6,800 MOTORCYCLE RIDERS PARTICIPATED IN FLAGLER COUNTY MEMORIAL SERVICE AND MOTORCYCLE RUN ON 10th ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICA’S TRAGEDY

PALM COAST – More than 6,800 motorcycle riders – who collectively created what appeared to be an 11-mile river of leather and chrome – participated in the Sept. 11 weekend memorial service and motorcycle run honoring the 10th anniversary of America’s tragedy.

The free all-day event, which was organized and presented by Chapter 11 of the Red Knights Firefighters Motorcycle Club and sponsored by the Port Orange-based law firm of Rue & Ziffra, began at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center in Bunnell.

Speakers at the memorial service included the Rev. Tim Jones of Epic Church in Palm Coast; Flagler County Commissioners Barbara Revels, Milissa Holland and George Hanns; and Joe Vece and Paul Metzner of the Red Knights Firefighters Motorcycle Club.

Highlights included the singing of the National Anthem and God Bless America by Yvonne Robinson, Everyday Heroes by Katriahna Karma, Amazing Grace by bagpiper Patrick Juliano of the Palm Coast Fire Department, and Taps by bugler Bob Moore of the Red Knights.

Vece also led participants in the Pledge of Allegiance, and member of the Palm Coast Fire Department offered a Presentation of Colors, according to Attorney David Sweat, a partner in the personal-injury law firm.

“We couldn’t be happier to have sponsored such a moving event to memorialize our fellow firefighters and American heroes,” said Sweat, whose firm had several motorcycle-riding attorneys and staff participating.

The 67-mile ride, which was escorted by members of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Department, included free food, beverages and live entertainment.

About Rue & Ziffra:
Founded by John D. Rue and Allan L. Ziffra, the personal-injury law firm of Rue & Ziffra has served the Central Florida community for more than 25 years. The firm’s commitment to its profession and its clients has earned it a reputation as one of the top personal-injury law firms in Central Florida. Known for handling everything from automobile and motorcycle accidents to medical malpractice, wrongful death, and social security and disability cases, Rue & Ziffra has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients and their families. With a staff of nine attorneys, the firm maintains offices in Port Orange and Orange City. For more information, visit www.rueziffra.com.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Heritage Hills Active Adult Community in Clermont Reports Sales of More Than 80 New Homes, 30 New Homes under Construction

CLERMONT, Fla. --- Heritage Hills, Lennar’s award-winning active adult community located off U.S. 27 in Clermont, reports sales of more than 80 new homes since Jan. 1.

Sara Nakamine, marketing manager for Lennar’s Active Adult Division, said 30 new homes are under construction now at Heritage Hills, where villas and single-family homes are priced from the $130s.

“Our new home buyers are telling us that the convergence of low pricing, low interest rates and the wide availability of move-in ready homes outweighs the gloomy economic forecasts they are hearing in the news,” Nakamine said.

Lennar recently re-introduced its “Everything’s Included” offer at Heritage Hills, which lumps thousands of dollars worth of features and upgrades under a single sale price.

Heritage Hills is approved for USDA financing, Nakamine said, and for qualified buyers, that means the most buyer-friendly loan process on the market today.

Nakamine said Lennar will celebrate the second anniversary of the 19,000 square foot Heritage Hills community clubhouse this month with a residents party.

For newcomers, Heritage Hills offers a three-day, two-night “Play Away” visitor program that lets potential homebuyers try out the community before they buy.

“Resident volunteers serve as ambassadors and join guests in activities, dining and touring the area,” Nakamine said.

“We’ve set aside two villa homes---the St. Marten and the St. Lucia---for our Play Away guests, and residents are inviting their friends and family to come for a visit and see whether they want to become neighbors,” she said.

Nakamine said Lennar recently added eight new floor plans at Heritage Hills.

“We have the lifestyle, we have the home for any budget, and we have the terms to make this the best place to retire in Central Florida,” Nakamine said. “I think our sales are showing that,” she said.

Visit www.HeritageHillsLennar.com

Osceola Woman Newspaper to Host Contagious Confidence Conference for Women at Kissimmee Bay on Nov. 9

KISSIMMEE, Fla. --- Osceola Woman Newspaper will host a conference for women executives and entrepreneurs Wednesday, Nov. 9 at the Kissimmee Bay Country Club, 2801 Kissimmee Bay Blvd.

Kena Blain publisher of the Osceola Woman Newspaper said the Contagious Confidence Conference will help women in the workplace deal with difficulty and stress.

“Our conference at the beginning of this year was a success. Monica Wofford’s interaction with the attendees keeps everyone entertained,” Blain said. “There will be numerous vendors there and women can explore what Osceola County has to offer. It’s going to be a fun educational day for all. You won’t want to miss it,” she said.

Osceola Woman Newspaper is a client of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in St. Cloud.

“This is the second conference hosted by Osceola Woman Newspaper,” said Jim Bowie, site manager for the UCF Business Incubator. “The great success of the first event will certainly be an indicator of the exciting information and new activities that are in store for the attendees of the Kissimmee Bay event in November,” Bowie said.

Registration for the conference is $149. Enter promo code “OWN11” to receive the Osceola Woman Newspaper promo rate of $105. For further information and registration, call 407-891-9771 or visit www.osceolawoman.com.

About Osceola Woman Newspaper -
Osceola Woman Newspaper is an educational bimonthly Newspaper. In 2011 OWN will be celebrating five years of providing women through out Osceola County with educational readings. The newspaper can be picked up at Walgreens in Osceola County may also be read online at www.osceolawoman.com. To be on Osceola Woman’s mailing list for information concerning future Conferences, email info@osceolawoman.com

About the UCF Business Incubation Program -
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 100 current clients) create over $200 million in annual total economic output and more than 1,600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With nine facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business 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, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. Please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook.

Greensleeves, LLC earns contract to install Greensleeves Energy Exchange™ System at University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. – Greensleeves LLC of Winter Springs recently earned a contract to install its Greensleeves Energy Exchange™ Energy Management System in the 41,000 square foot Davis Street Science addition at the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio.

W. Michael “Mickey” Linn, chief executive officer and president of Greensleeves, said the Greensleeves Energy Exchange™ Energy Management System will reduce long-term energy costs by an estimated 50 percent or more.

“The Greensleeves Energy Exchange™ is a packaged energy management system containing geothermal heat pumps, circulating pumps, integrated controls, thermal storage and radiant heating and cooling systems,” Linn explained.

“The ISO9001 factory assembled solution harvests energy sources, stores energy for later use and distributes it by selecting the most cost effective source at any given point in time,” Linn said.

The University of Findlay’s David Street Science addition will include a lecture theater, instruction labs, classrooms and offices.

Dan May, vice president of academic affairs at the University of Findlay, said he looks forward to the projected cost savings.

“We are always concerned about energy costs,” May said. “Financially, 85 percent of the long-term cost of a building is its utilities.”

Linn said the University’s “green” addition will leverage existing equipment in the current building structure and combine it with newer more efficient technologies for the best total solution.

“The integrated advance control package manages the temperature of the total system including the geothermal earth heat exchanger to improve system efficiency,” Linn said.

“Greensleeves is passionate about making sustainability affordable in order to reduce the energy footprints of the commercial market,” Linn said.

Greensleeves LLC is a client of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program at the Winter Springs incubator located at 1511 E. State Road 434.

About Greensleeves LLC
Greensleeves is an energy solution provider that has assembled a unique combination of technologies and proven professionals that can deliver a 35-50 percent reduction in energy use for the life of a building with little to no increase in construction costs. This solution is more comfortable, attractive, and healthier than the heating and cooling systems currently used in the U.S. It is also less expensive to own and operate. Visit www.greensleevesllc.com

About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 100 current clients) create over $200 million in annual total economic output and more than 1,600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With nine facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business 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, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. Please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook.

# # #
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

CEO of Maximize Angel Investments Central Florida to Participate in Rollins College MBA Program

ORLANDO, Fla. --- William De Temple, chief executive officer of Maximize Angel Investments Central Florida, has been invited to participate in the MBA program at Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business.

De Temple, who plans to invest millions of dollars of angel investment capital in Central Florida startup enterprises, said he will judge MBA candidates on their business plans.

De Temple said he will focus on financial productivity and the competition among other topics.

Johns Lake Point Starts Construction of 4,000 Square Foot Community Facility with Fitness Center, Tennis, Swimming and more

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Johns Lake Point, the luxury community located off Avalon Blvd. in Winter Garden, has started construction of a new 4,000 square foot community center that will include a junior Olympic size swimming pool, two tennis courts, fitness center, catering kitchen and a gathering area, along with a children’s playground.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty in Orlando, said the facility will open next April.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty was appointed exclusive sales and marketing broker for nine new homes at Johns Lake Point earlier this year and the company’s associates team of Jennifer and Luis Gonzalez are representing the developer at Johns Lake Point.

Altogether, 323 new homes are planned at Johns Lake Point in three distinct villages with 50-, 75 and 85 foot home sites.

Soderstrom said six of the nine ready-to-move-in homes at Johns Lake Point have sold and three remaining ready-to-move-in homes range in price from $299,990 to $424,990.

“All of the homes include custom upgrade finishes,” Soderstrom said.

The homebuilder’s custom model home, which is priced at $424,990, includes over $200,000 in upgrades and features 3,743 square feet of luxury living space with five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths, and game and media rooms. The home is complete with a screen enclosed swimming pool with brick paver patio and brick paver driveway, Soderstrom added.

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, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

Ashton Woods Homes Names Jarret Phillips Sales Associate

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes in Orlando has appointed Jarret Phillips a new home sales associate at Eagle’s Landing in Ocoee.

Mike Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes, said Phillips has more than 10 years of experience in new home sales.

Ashton Woods Homes is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies, with operations in Orlando, Tampa, Atlanta, Raleigh, Dallas, Houston, Austin and Phoenix. Visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Ashton Woods Homes Names Brianna Pyles New Home Sales Associate at Palm Cove in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has appointed Brianna Pyles a new homes sales associate at Palm Cove in Tampa.

Mike Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes in the Tampa area, said Pyles has more than 10 years of experience in new home sales.

Ashton Woods Homes is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies, with operations in Orlando, Tampa, Atlanta, Raleigh, Dallas, Houston, Austin and Phoenix. Visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Lease Renewal at Northpoint Center I in Lake Mary

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a three-year lease renewal for 3,393 square feet of office space at 1025 Greenwood Lakes Blvd. in Lake Mary.

Tom Kelley CCIM, a principal in the firm negotiated the transaction on behalf of the tenant, Koos Technical Services, Inc. (KTS) who specializes in product development for wireless services. Kelley also represented KTS for its initial lease at Northpoint five years ago.

The landlord, Orlando-based North Point Limited Partnership No. I, was represented by Tim Perry of Duke Realty.

About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, 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 350 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 www.nairealvest.com.

Winston-James Development Signs Lease for Tenant Expanding Facilities at Beville Road Business Park

SOUTH DAYTONA, Fla. --- Daytona Twin-Tec, which manufactures high performance components for motorcycles and racing cars, has expanded its facilities at Beville Road Business Park, located on Beville Road at SR 5A in South Daytona.

Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, which is developing Beville Road Business Park, said Daytona Twin-Tec recently renegotiated its lease at Beville Rd. Business Park for 3,150 square feet of industrial space.

The firm formerly leased 2,100 square feet of space Beville Road Business Park, Schwartz said.

SeaGate Homes Applies for Permit for San Marcos Lakefront Spec Home in St. Augustine Beach’s Seagrove Community

ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH – SeaGate Homes has applied for a construction permit for The San Marcos, a roomy 3,100-square-foot, two-story spec home in the seaside community of Seagrove on Anastasia Island off of State Road A1A.

The floor plan – which was specially designed for the lakefront location – will have an open great room layout and a first-floor master bedroom, according to Michael Sawdai, SeaGate’s vice president of operations. Other features include granite countertops, ceramic tile, 42-inch kitchen cabinets, upgraded appliances, crown molding, walk-in closets and lots of storage space.

“The San Marcos will have three bedrooms, 3½ bathrooms, and a loft, as well as a den/home office/fourth bedroom, with all three bedrooms having their own bathroom,” Sawdai said. “But, one of its best features is its outdoor living space.”

Built on a lake, the San Marcos will offer great views from its three outdoor living areas: 10-by-16-foot porches on the front and off of the master suite, and a 10-by-28-foot veranda off of the voluminous great room, Sawdai said.

Priced at $389,000, the spacious home will be within walking distance to the beach and only five minutes to historic downtown St. Augustine. The Seagrove community has all the pleasures of coastal living with 1,700 acres of nature trails and bird sanctuary that make up Anastasia State Park and Recreation Area.

SeaGate also owns two other lots in Seagrove and has started construction of a four-bedroom, two-bath, 2,048-square-foot model called The Seaspray in the Seagrove community.

For more information about new models and other new floor plans by SeaGate Homes, please call 386-445-1616 or visit SeaGateHomes.com.

About SeaGate Homes:
SeaGate Homes, Flagler County’s largest homebuilder, is a 17-year-old, family-owned company with headquarters in Palm Coast. SeaGate builds quality homes at communities in St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Daytona Beach and Edgewater, as well as through their On-Your-Lot program in Volusia, Flagler and St. Johns counties. Prices range from the $90s to the $400s.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Del Webb to Host Fall Grand Opening Cocktail Reception Oct. 8 at Sweetwater Active Adult Community in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- Del Webb will host a fall Grand Opening reception and tours of Summerland Hall on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Sweetwater, Del Webb’s award-winning active adult community located on Surfbird Circle off Baymeadows Road East in Jacksonville.

Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for Del Webb in the Jacksonville region, said the Sweetwater event is scheduled from 2 to 5 p.m.

“We’re hosting a free cocktail hour that will feature several of our Sweetwater residents,” Strickler said.

Visitors need to call 888-817-2249 and RSVP by Oct. 3 to gain access to the community for the event.

“The Grand Opening event is a chance to meet some of our residents and learn more about the lifestyle available here at Sweetwater,” Strickler explained.

Del Webb offers spacious two-bedroom Carriage Homes at Sweetwater with a den and an attached garage. The maintenance free homes are priced from the mid-$100s.

About Del Webb
Award-winning Del Webb active adult communities provide an optimum lifestyle at an affordable price for those ages 55 and older, creating an unmatched experience for “retirement.” Del Webb communities began with the original Sun City, which opened outside Phoenix, in 1960 and have grown to include more than 50 communities currently open for new home sales in 21 states. Del Webb is the best-known brand of active adult communities in America and draws on more than 50 years experience of providing residents an engaging life that fulfills their creative, physical, mental and social needs. For more information on Del Webb, see www.delwebb.com.

Patriot Golf Day at Six Orlando Golf Courses Raises More Than $3,100 for Folds of Honor Foundation Scholarships

CELEBRATION, Fla. – Golfers at six Orlando area courses raised more than $3,100 for the Folds of Honor Foundation during Patriot Golf Day recently.

Gene Garrote, president of Celebration Golf Management, Inc., said Folds of Honor Foundation provides post-secondary educational scholarships for children and spouses of military service men and women killed or disabled while serving in the U.S. Military.

Golfers at Celebration Golf Club at Celebration, The Golden Bear Club in Windermere, Kings Ridge Golf Club and Legends Golf and Country Club and in Clermont, Stoneybrook West in Winter Garden and Eagle Creek Golf Club in southeast Orlando contributed to the scholarship drive, Garrote said.

“To date more than 2,000 scholarships have been awarded by the Folds of Honor Foundation,” Garrote said.

Crossman & Company Ranked as One of 20 Best Small Companies in Florida by Leading Business Magazine

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Crossman & Company, the Orlando-based commercial real estate firm that ranks as one of the largest retail property management, leasing and development companies in the southeastern U.S., was recently named one of the 20 best small companies in Florida by Florida Trend magazine.

John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, said his staff of 20 professionals---including five recent hires---probably rank among the most productive and most enthusiastic in the commercial real estate industry.

“We’ve learned that companies that focus on profits to the exclusion of all else succeed in one very narrow sense of the word,” Crossman said.

“Our company supports more than 20 families, our clients appreciate our enthusiasm as much as our expertise, and in this market cycle that makes a big difference,” said former Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty, executive vice president at Crossman & Company.

Crossman & Company employs more than a dozen strategies, from continuing professional education to practical jokes, to keep their brokers and support staff engaged, enthusiastic and open to innovative ideas.

ABD Development to start Construction of two Model Homes at Heritage Green at Providence in Polk County

PROVIDENCE, Fla. – ABD Development Company, which is developing the Providence Golf and Country Club community south of Orlando off US 17-92, will start construction of two new luxury model homes at Heritage Green at Providence within the next 30 days.

David Kohn, president of ABD Development Company, said the award winning Courtyard model home offers 3,700 square feet of living space with four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, two car garage and a private indoor courtyard, priced at $360,000.

The Portofino luxury model home with 2,673 square feet of living space offers four bedrooms, three baths, and a two-car garage priced from $360,000.

Kohn said both model homes will open early next year.

Lennar Offers Orlando Area Realtors Seven Percent Commissions on September Sales of Ready-To-Move-In Homes that Close By Nov. 30

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar is offering Orlando-area Realtors seven percent commissions on select ready-to-move-in single-family homes, villas and townhomes that sell by Sept. 30 and close by Nov. 30 in 13 Orlando-area communities.

Dean Luce, director of operations for Lennar in the Orlando region, said the “Seven Percent Solution” offer applies on select ready-to-move-in homes at Legacy Park and Cortland Woods at Providence in Davenport, Camden Landing and Preston Pointe at Wyndham Lakes in south Orlando, Nona Terrace in southeast Orlando, Treviso, Celery Estates and Retreat at Twin Lakes in Sanford, Independence in Winter Garden, Stoneybrook Hills in Mount Dora, Eagle Dunes in Sorrento, and active adult communities Heritage Hills in Clermont and Heritage Isle in Viera in Brevard County.

At the same time, Lennar is offering a powerful homebuyers incentive on the same select ready-to-move-in homes: Zero Down, Zero closing costs and up to $33,000 in savings.

“I think we’ve established a new high water mark for Orlando area Realtors,” Luce said. “We’ve put together the best package of Realtor incentives and homebuyer incentives on the market, and we’re already seeing a marked increase in new home sales,” she said.

Visit www.Lennar.com.

Lennar Offers 10 Percent Commissions on September Sales of Luxury Vacation Homes in Two Orlando Communities

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar is offering Orlando area Realtors 10 percent commissions on sales of luxury vacation homes in two Orlando vacation home communities if sold by Sept. 30 and closed by Nov. 30.

Dean Luce, director of operations for Lennar in the Orlando region, said the 10 percent commission offer applies at Paradise Palms, located on Paradise Palms Blvd. off U.S 192 in Kissimmee where Lennar is building elegant resort vacation townhomes priced from the low $200s.

Paradise Palms features a 9,500 square foot community clubhouse with a sauna, movie theatre, game room, internet lounge, basketball and volleyball courts, lighted tennis courts, state-of-the-art fitness center, resort-style swimming pool with waterfall, grotto, spa, and slide, poolside Tiki bar and grill, and a special children’s swimming pool.

Luce said the 10 percent commission offer also applies at The Shire at Westhaven, located off U.S. 17-92 in Davenport.

At the Shire at Westhaven, Lennar is building one and two-story luxury vacation homes that range in size from 1,862 square feet of living space to 3,212 square feet.

The Shire at Westhaven features a community clubhouse with a resort-style swimming pool and fitness center, a children's playground, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts and an abundance of open green space.

Visit www.Lennar.com

Lennar Offers Zero Down, Zero Closing Costs and Up to $33,000 in Savings on Ready-To-Move-In Homes in 15 Orlando Area Communities

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar is offering zero down payment, zero closing costs and up to $33,000 in savings on select ready-to-move-in homes sold by Sept. 30 in 15 Orlando-area communities, including Heritage Isle at Viera in Brevard County.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the offer---along with Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge---applies to ready-to-move-in homes at Legacy Park and Cortland Woods at Providence in Davenport, Camden Landing and Preston Pointe at Wyndham Lakes in south Orlando, Nona Terrace in southeast Orlando, Treviso, Celery Estates and Retreat at Twin Lakes in Sanford, Independence in Winter Garden, Stoneybrook Hills in Mount Dora, Eagle Dunes in Sorrento, and active adult communities Heritage Hills in Clermont and Heritage Isle in Viera in Brevard County.

Metheny said homes sold in September must close by Nov. 30 to qualify for this special buyers incentive offer.

Visit www.Lennar.com.

Beazer Homes Now Open for Pre-Sales is Offering Incentives for First Five Home Buyers at Woodland Lakes Preserve in Southeast Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Beazer Homes is offering the first five new home buyers a free pre-Grand Opening Energy Saving Green Package valued up to $10,000 at Woodland Lakes, Beazer’s newest community located off Curry Ford Road and Alafaya Trail in southeast Orlando near S.R. 408.

Theresa Tilton, vice president of sales for Beazer Homes in the Orlando region, said Woodland Lakes Preserve, with 77 home sites and new three, four and five-bedroom homes priced from the $190s, is scheduled to have a model Grand Opening Oct. 23.

New homes at Woodland Lakes Preserve range in size from 1,603 square feet of living space to 3,600 square feet.

Woodland Lakes Preserve features a community center with a swimming pool and children’s playground.

All new Beazer homes at Woodland Lakes Preserve feature eSMART energy-saving engineering with programmable thermostats, cost-saving CFL light bulbs, water-saving Moen low flow shower heads and faucets, MERV 8 air filters, and low VOC paints and carpets.

Mattamy Homes in Orlando earns Best Model Home Merchandising award at Metro Orlando Home Builders Association’s Sales and Marketing Council

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The Home Builders Association of Metro Orlando awarded Mattamy Homes the best Model Home Merchandising award at the organization’s recent award ceremony.

Steve Parker, president of Mattamy Homes U.S. Group in Orlando, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest homebuilder, said the Richmond model home, decorated by Carolyn Gardy of Gardy Interiors at Lake Jean in East Orlando won the best merchandising award.

Kerry Soltis, marketing manager at Mattamy Homes said several sales associates at Mattamy Homes also won achievement awards. Gary Kelly won a platinum award, Teri Boyer won a gold and Denise Rapp, Melissa Valley, Twiggy Reyes and Noel Wehrle won silver awards for sales performance.

About Mattamy Homes U.S. Group
Mattamy Homes 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.

Sydspeak, Inc. Releases Talk to Me 100® iPad Application to Help Parents, Therapists Teach Children to Speak

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. --- Sydspeak, Inc. based in Winter Springs has released its Talk to Me 100® iPad application to help parents, teachers and therapists help young children master language skills.

The iPad App is now available from the iTunes Store, said veteran speech and language pathologist Sydney Birr, MA, CCC, president of Sydspeak, Inc., who co-developed Talk To Me 100® with her son, Andrew Birr, who serves as vice president of Sydspeak.

As a speech and language pathologist, Birr saw a need to provide an affordable and simple way to give autistic and developmentally disabled children a voice. So she and her son, contacted NerdsGeeksGurus, LLC to build their own application to replicate their existing device, Talk To Me 100®.

“This iPad app is a digital replica and companion to the original “child friendly” Talk To Me 100® available at www.sydspeak.com,” she explained. “Talk to Me 100® is an engaging interactive communications tool designed for children who are learning to talk or for those who have difficulty mastering verbal expression,” Birr said.

“Talk to Me 100® provides graphics, text and sound that allows children to see words, hear words, understand their meaning and experience the joy of communication by pressing buttons, Birr said. “The communication board can be expanded and moved around on the tablet as needed.”

Tips for successful language instruction and additional adaptations are built into the application.

“Many children struggle with developing a large core vocabulary," Birr explained. "Talk to Me 100® follows the child's lead and meets them at the point of readiness to learn,” she said.

Birr said the Talk to Me 100® focuses on 100 important words with corresponding graphic symbols that express the meaning of each word. A recorded voice demonstrates proper pronunciation.

“I recently evaluated a three-year old child who was nonverbal. His parents said he only spoke two words: “mama” and “bye”. When presented with the Talk To Me 100®, he began exploring the board, pressing the symbols and listening to the words. I began using my version on the iPad, and he immediately began imitating my words by pressing the symbols on his device. What sometimes takes months of therapy to achieve, he was imitating words within a few minutes,” Birr said.

“Talk to Me 100® was designed to help parents, teachers and therapists jumpstart verbal expression for children who are struggling to communicate,” Birr said.

Birr, who earned her M.A. Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Houston, has more than 35 years of experience as a speech and language pathologist.

Sydspeak, Inc. is a member of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation program in Winter Springs.

About the UCF Business Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 100 current clients) create over $200 million in annual total economic output and more than 1,600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With nine facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business 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, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. Please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

The Golf Academy at Celebration Golf Club continues its support of the Fairways for Warriors program – Fits disabled veterans with New Ping Golf Clubs

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The Golf Academy at Celebration Golf Club, which is actively involved with the Fairways for Warriors program, recently fit two disabled war veterans with complimentary Ping golf clubs donated by the manufacturer.

Kenny Nairn, executive vice president of golf at Celebration Golf Management, said Ping donated five sets of clubs to the Fairways for Warriors program.

Nairn said Chris Gordon and William Castillo received the new clubs and will participate in The Golf Academy clinics for returning war veterans.

Fairways for Warriors is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) company focused on providing golf to wounded warriors. Visit www.fairwaysforwarriors.org for additional information.

ABD Development Company Names Dwight Adams Chief Financial Officer

PROVIDENCE, Fla. --- ABD Development Company, which is developing the Providence Golf Course Community south of Orlando near Disney and builds custom homes in the southwest Orlando region and in Palm Coast, recently appointed Dwight Adams chief financial officer.

David Kohn, president of ABD Development Company, said Adams is a graduate of University of Central Florida and has more than 20 years of experience in corporate finance.

“We are delighted Dwight Adams has joined ABD Development Company and we look forward to his contribution to our growth and development,” Kohn said.

Mattamy Homes U.S. Group Earns Gold, Silver Medals in St. Johns County Parade of Homes

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, which builds new single-family homes in six neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, St. Johns County and St. Augustine, earned Gold and Silver Awards during the recent Northeast Florida Home Builders Association’s St. Johns County Parade of Homes.

Kerry Soltis, Marketing Manager for Mattamy Homes in the Jacksonville region, said The Rosebury model home at Old Sebastian Point earned the Parade’s Gold Award among homes priced from $301,000 to $350,000.

Old Sebastian Point is located on Plaza Del Rio Drive near Woodlawn Rd. and Lewis Speedway Rd. west of U.S. 1 in St. Augustine.

Soltis said the Innovations Series single-family home offers three bedrooms plus a generous study with three baths, a formal dining room and family-sized gathering room in 2,117 square feet of living space plus a generous covered lanai and a three-car garage, priced from $229,990

Mattamy Homes is building new single-family homes at Old Sebastian Point starting at $197,990. There are 78 available home sites and four spec homes available to purchase. Most home sites back up to preserve or the central community pond.

Mattamy Homes earned a Silver Award for its two-story Kaila model home at Greenleaf Village at Nocatee, located off U.S. 1 just north of Race Track Rd. in Ponte Vedra.

The Innovations Series single-family home offers three bedrooms plus a generous study, two-and-a-half baths and a chef’s kitchen in 2,483 square feet of living space with a three-car garage.

Soltis said the Kaila model home – base priced at $239,990 – also features a spacious first floor master suite, a formal dining room, a family-sized gathering room with vaulted ceilings and an optional oversized covered lanai.

Mattamy is building new single-family homes at Greenleaf Village at Nocatee that range in size from 1,663 square feet of living space to 2,483 square feet affordably priced from $199,990. Mattamy is also offering additional floor plans at Austin Park at Nocatee from 2,100 to 3,200 square feet and priced from $258,990.

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.

Seminole County-based Technology Firm Completes GrowFL Economic Gardening Program

LONGWOOD, Fla. – PHXX, a Longwood-based platform development technology firm with international ties, recently participated in the Florida Economic Gardening Institute’s GrowFL program allowing its employees to receive assistance from local experts through numerous free services.

Founded by President and Chief Executive Officer Shane Robinett and Steven Sack Chief Operating Officer, PHXX has been a successful enterprise since 2004, as it has continued to expand and update its role in the media and technology markets, according to Robinett.

With 37 employees in Longwood, London, Dubai and Cairo, PHXX focuses primarily on the deployment of video-on-demand (VOD) and over-the-topology (OTT) solutions, as well as media portal production and management and online gaming portal services. Whether as a package or as one unique solution, the services provided by PHXX assist telecommunication companies, as well as other industries, around the globe.

“Working with GrowFL offered us the opportunity to have local, experienced business leaders help us springboard our own growth,” Robinett said. “The opportunity we received thereby enables strong Florida-based growth.”

Created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature, the GrowFL program is based at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. When selecting businesses to participate, members of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute sought companies with growth potential, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute.

“PHXX was a good candidate for the program because of its previous success and its potential for continued growth,” said Dr. O’Neal, who also is associate vice president for the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization.

GrowFL supported PHXX through a number of services, including access to market research and technology, strategy analysis, CEO roundtables and forums, database research and website optimization.

“Working with GrowFL was a very positive endeavor that shows that we want to grow local jobs and, at the same time, bring foreign revenue to our Central Florida home,” Robinett said.

About PHXX:
Founded in 2004 by Shane Robinett and Steven Sack, PHXX is a Florida-based platform development technology firm that focuses on advanced media delivery solutions, including VOD, OTT, media portal production and management, and online gaming portal services. The company’s initial marketing focus for its new media platform is targeted at emerging markets such as the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe. PHXX currently has clients as far away as Dubai, Saudi Arabia and London, and as close to home as Central Florida. For more information about the company and its services, visit www.PHXX.com or connect on LinkedIn or Twitter at @PHXX.

About The Florida Economic Gardening Institute / GrowFL:
The Florida Economic Gardening Institute at the University of Central Florida was established in 2009. Initially funded by the Florida Legislature, the Institute has provided services via the State of Florida’s Economic Gardening Technical Assistance Pilot Program, known as GrowFL. With various partnerships throughout the state, including Orange County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, the Institute collaborates with statewide partners to support the growth of second-stage businesses through localized entrepreneurial ecosystems. Additional information is available at www.GrowFL.com.

University of Central Florida’s New Daytona Beach Business Incubator Welcomes Two More Clients

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The University of Central Florida Business Incubator in Daytona Beach recently welcomed two new clients – Fusion Fitness Designs and Black Creek Financial – to its newly opened offices at the Daytona Beach International Airport.

Site Manager Doris (Connie) Bernal said Fusion Fitness Designs, an Ormond Beach designer and manufacturer of high-end exercise equipment, officially moved into their leased office space at 601 Innovation Way on Sept. 1. The five-year-old company was founded by Phaedra Lee and Cy Manula.

Black Creek Financial, a two-year-old Daytona Beach risk management and auditing company owned by Daytona Beach resident Kearn Williams, also has set up an office at the incubator. Both Williams and Lee say they now plan to hire employees to help grow their respective companies.

The two companies join Mel Hall’s I-RED LLC [Innovation Research Engineering and Development] an Edgewater alternative energy company that is developing wind-turbine technology to provide low-cost, sustainable electrical power.

The 8,000 square-foot incubator – a partnership between UCF, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council – opened its doors July 27 after a $1.4 million renovation to part of the airport’s international terminal building. Like its counterparts in Orlando, Sanford, Leesburg, Kissimmee, St. Cloud and Winter Springs, the Daytona Beach International Airport incubator is designed to help start-up companies as well as established businesses that may need assistance getting to the next level of their operations, Bernal said.

“We help established companies that have been in research and development and are ready to do their commercialization strategy,” Bernal said. “Most entrepreneurs are good with the product-development part of the business, but often need help when it comes to sales and marketing strategies, and accessing investors, consultants, future clients, etc. Such is the case with our first three clients.”

Bernal, a former manager at Daytona State College’s Small Business Development Center, said ten additional applicants from area businesses have been interviewed for space in the incubator which eventually can house up to 20 clients.

About the UCF Business Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 100 current clients) create over $200 million in annual total economic output and more than 1,600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With nine facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business 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, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. Please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Data Transfer Solutions, LLC names Brian Sovik, GISP Director of GIS-T Solutions

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Data Transfer Solutions, LLC (DTS), has appointed Brian Sovik, GISP, director of GIS-T Solutions.

A.M. “Trey” Fragala III, AICP, PMP, chief operating officer at DTS, said Sovik is based at the company’s downtown Avalon Park headquarters and will head the Orlando GIS-T group of developers and be responsible for overseeing the programming and focus primarily on Florida Dept of Transportation clients.

Fragala said Sovik formerly performed a similar role for AMEC, leading a team of 10 GIS professionals and developers.

“Sovik is a great fit for us at DTS as his record demonstrates a real passion for client success and the GIS profession,” Fragala said.

Sovik earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Geography from Bowling Green University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration also from Bowling Green University. Sovik is currently working on his Ph.D in Geography from Arizona State University School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning.

DTS provides asset management, geographic information systems (GIS), transportation planning/engineering, web design, database/software applications, and video and multimedia production services to local governments and regional and state agencies throughout the U.S.