Thursday, December 29, 2011

MyEduLife selected to provide customized, multi-phase data governance solution for Baruch College in New York

ORLANDO, Fla, --- MyEduLife, headquartered in the Central Florida Research Park near the University of Central Florida campus, was recently selected to provide a customized, multi-phase data governance initiative. The effort will help improve Baruch College’s data management infrastructure by connecting the dots between disparate systems within the New York college’s data environment.

Dr. Mark Mooney, co-founder of MyEduLife said his firm is working with Arthur Downing, chief information officer at Baruch College, to automate Baruch’s data management activities and create transparency, accountability and cost controls.

“MyEduLife provides software suites that can align programs including admissions, student records, financials and residential life among the tens to hundreds of other programs universities typically use to assist with decision making and forecasting,” Dr. Mooney explained.

“Being able to integrate data from a variety of fragmented systems gives the administration an unprecedented ability to truly know what is happening within the college. It allows them to have all the relevant data to fully see trends and patterns, have a much more complete picture much faster, and make much more informed decisions. The cost savings that can result will more than pay for the software in a short period of time.”

Colleges and universities were among the first institutions to adopt data management procedures, Dr. Mooney said. Typically, large institutions incorporated data management systems on a piecemeal basis, one department or division at a time.

After more than two decades of upgrading and innovation, universities typically employ a wide range of different data processing systems.

“Data governance is a growing concern in large institutions and MyEduLife has developed an excellent solution that can link all the disparate entities together securely,” Dr. Mooney said.

Founded in 2009, MyEduLife provides a suite of software applications that address the specific problem of data governance for educational institutions.

MyEduLife is a client of the UCF Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in east Orange County.

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.

Growing Synergy, LLC, aims to Connect Local Ranchers / Farmers with Restaurants, Hotels, Chefs Who Want Fresher, Healthier Fare

ST. CLOUD, Fla. --- Growing Synergy, LLC is a brand new company with a noble mission: to connect quality-minded Central Florida restaurants, hotels and chefs in Orlando, Tampa and South Florida with local food growers who offer fresher, healthier beef, lamb, veal, poultry, dairy and eggs.

It’s all part of the growing “locavore” movement that shortens the distance between farm and table and results in foods that are fresher, healthier and require less energy to process, transport and produce, says Trish Strawn, co-founder and partner of Growing Synergy.

Strawn’s roots in the Florida cattle industry go back to the 19th century. She was raised around her family’s Deep Creek Ranch in West Volusia County, which raises Angus and South Poll cattle and Katahdin sheep. Long an advocate of locally grown foods, Strawn teamed up with Rebecca Reis-Miller as founder of Slow Food Orlando, to launch Growing Synergy at the UCF Business Incubator in St. Cloud.

“Demand for locally grown foods in rapidly expanding and growing. Synergy provides the distribution link to connect small Florida farms with Florida restaurants, hotels, and chefs, Strawn said.

Growing Synergy will focus on farm-raised proteins —typically the most expensive items on a menu —and hopes to expand eventually to include farm products produce and even specialty products such as cheeses, herbs and wines, Strawn added.

“We’re focusing on the area where we can have the biggest impact,” said Reis-Miller.

“The giant food processors aren’t going to go away and processed food will remain the largest part of the American diet,” she said, “But there is a large and growing demand for more sustainable foods that don’t require so much energy to produce, process, store, and truck to market.”

And there are big gaps in America’s food production chain, Reis-Miller added.

“If we can reduce the steps that go into food production and distribution, we can make food at the grocery store — and on the restaurant table — fresher, healthier and better for the world,” she explained.

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.

Hendricks & Partners Negotiates sale of apartment properties in Winter Springs, Largo that total more than $30 million

ORLANDO / TAMPA, Fla. --- Hendricks & Partners, which ranks as one of the largest and most active multi-family investment banking and research companies in the U.S., recently negotiated the sale of apartment properties in Largo in Pinellas County and Winter Springs in Seminole County that totaled $30.6 million.

Cole Whitaker, partner and director of the Southeast Division of Hendricks & Partners in Orlando and Associate Partner Hal Warren negotiated the sales.

The Hendricks & Partners team negotiated the sale of Waterchase, a gated apartment community located at 401 Rosery Rd. N.E. in Largo for $14,750,000. Whitaker and Warren represented the seller, Largo Westmarc Limited Partnership.

Westdale Investment Partners, LLC acquired the 278-unit property, which was built in 1969 and renovated in 2003 on an 18.3 acre site. Three swimming pools and fitness center are among the amenities on the property.

Whitaker and Warren negotiated the sale of Chatham Pines, 1020 Chatham Cr. in Winter Springs for $15,850,000 representing the seller Chatham Pines Apartments, LLC.

Seminole-Winter Springs Associates, LLC acquired the 208-unit property, built in 1992 and renovated in 2007 on its 20.6 acre site. Amenities included a resort-style pool, fitness and business centers and children’s playground.

First Green Bank “Grand Green Opening” to unveil 1.25 percent, 24 month Hybrid Flex CD, 1.9 percent loans for Green Cars

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – When Lake County’s First Green Bank hosts its official grand opening Saturday, Feb 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. bank officials plan to showcase more than its new LEED Platinum certified 12,000 square foot headquarters facility at 18251 U.S. Hwy. 441 in Mount Dora.

Kenneth LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, said First Green Bank is introducing special offers for bank customers, including 1.9 percent APR automobile loans on cars that rate higher than 30 mile per gallon fuel efficiency EPA combined minimum standard and a new 24 month Hybrid Flex CD that generates 1.25 percent average percentage yield (APY). These offers are effective starting Dec. 26.

LaRoe said the new 24 month Hybrid Flex CD is available to customers who open a new checking account.

The “Grand Green Opening Celebration” will include tours of the award winning facility that meets U.S. Green Building Council’s Platinum LEED standards for energy efficiency, environmental quality and durability.

LaRoe said bank employees are planning a host of other surprises at the First Green Bank opening event including an Audubon Society’s Birds of Prey Exhibit, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Mounted Posse, a live band, balloon artist, face painting for children and promotional giveaways as well as plenty of food and beverages.

Legends Golf and Country Club raises more than $4,000 for co-worker undergoing treatment for breast cancer

CLERMONT, Fla. –Legends Golf and Country Club in Clermont recently hosted a golf tournament that raised more than $4,000 to benefit co-worker Linda Adelson, a server at Legends Grille and Tavern at Legends Golf and Country Club who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Gene Garrote, president of Celebration Golf Management, which owns and operates Legends Golf and Country Club, said 40 Legends golfers entered the tourney, which featured hole sponsors and raffles.

“Linda Adelson is a very special person, and Legends is a very special golfing community,” Garrote said. “We have conducted many fundraisers at Celebration Golf Managements family of courses throughout Central Florida, but you never realize how important these events are until it hits close to home like this,” Garrote said.

ABD Development Company starts construction of $370,000 Portofino luxury model home at Heritage Green at Providence

DAVENPORT, Fla. – ABD Development Company has started construction of the 2,673 square foot Portofino model home at Heritage Green at Providence, just south of Orlando in Polk County.

David Kohn, president of ABD Development Company, which is developing the 1,800 acre Providence luxury golf course community, said the single story luxury home with four bedrooms and three baths, lanai and a two-car garage, will be priced at $370,000 when it opens for public tours in the spring.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Appoints Bill Steward Senior Electrical Designer

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers & Planners LLC, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently appointed Bill Steward senior electrical designer.

Tina Kennedy, director of human resources at Cuhaci & Peterson, said Steward earned his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) Technology from ITT Technical Institute in Maitland.

Steward has more than 16 years of experience in electrical design.

Ashton Woods Homes opens three new ready-to-move-in homes at Reserve at Berkshire Park in Windermere

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes recently opened three new ready-to-move-in homes at The Reserve at Berkshire Park, located off Overstreet Road and C.R. 535 in Windermere.

Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Orlando region, said the new four and five-bedroom single-family homes range in size from 2,066 square feet of living space to 3,518 square feet and are priced from $234,900.

Premium home sites at The Reserve at Berkshire Park front on conservation areas, community ponds or are oversized home sites.

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.

ICI Homes Starts Two Ready-To-Move-In Luxury Homes at Breakaway Trails in Ormond Beach

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --- ICI Homes has started construction of two new ready-to-move-in luxury homes priced from the mid $200s at Breakaway Trails, located off Timber Creek Rd. and S.R. 40 in Ormond Beach.

Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing at ICI Homes, said the homes range in size from 1,843 square feet of living pace to 2,976 square feet with many of ICI Homes’ most popular designer features, including wood cabinets, granite counter tops and deluxe master baths.

The homes should be ready for move in by April.

Recently, ICI Homes opened the new Pimlico model home at Breakaway Trails with six bedrooms, five baths in 3,679 square feet of living space at a base price of $439,900.

Messina said 50 home sites remain for sale at Breakaway Trails and new single-family homes there are priced from the mid-$200s.

About ICI Homes
ICI Homes is ranked by Builder magazine as one of the top 100 homebuilders in the nation. The 32+-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as in Jacksonville, Orlando, Melbourne and Tampa.

Former Northerners like Being Able to Choose Between a Revved-up or Relaxed Lifestyle at Del Webb Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – When Bob and Beth Hofmann first visited the Del Webb Orlando community nearly four years ago they had an idea that living there would be dramatically different from their small Milwaukee suburb of Wauwatosa, Wis. But, not just because of the lack of snow in Central Florida.

“We were first attracted to the community because it was new,” Bob Hofmann said. “Because of that, we thought it was more likely to have younger residents with interests similar to ours.”

Hofmann was right.

“The best thing about living here is the people,” said Hofmann, 60, a retired Harley-Davidson motorcycle design engineer and former Mercury Marine employee, adding that during the 18 years that he and Beth lived near the often-frozen Menomonee River they only knew the first names of their neighbors.

Since moving to Del Webb Orlando, the two, who married 31 years ago, have met “many wonderful friends.”

Beth Hofmann, 53, a music therapist by training, previously worked in the healthcare industry, where she was a Director of Therapeutic Recreation and then moved into a position as Quality Assurance Director, before moving to Del Webb Orlando.

One of the things the two like about their home is that the community offers a lifestyle where you can be as busy as you want and pursue as many interests as you wish. Or not.

When the Hofmanns aren’t socializing with neighbors, they enjoy movies, plays, concerts and other cultural events, as well as traveling, cooking, reading and playing ping pong or pickle ball.

And with the numerous amenities in their community, many activities can be done without even leaving their home at Del Webb Orlando. Unless, that is, you consider riding through the community on a Harley-Davidson inspired golf cart leaving home.

Del Webb Orlando features world class health and wellness amenities that are all part of the lifestyle---an endless choice of recreational activities, pastimes, hobbies and events that are educational and entertaining and make life worth living. These are administered by a full time Lifestyle Director and Community Association Manager.

But, when the Hofmanns do want to get away, they do it often and in a big way. Living near Disney World and the cruise ports was another reason they selected Del Webb, as they often visit theme parks and love to cruise the high seas.

“Now that we’re retired, we go as often as we can, Hofmann said just days back from a Western Caribbean voyage that included ports of call in Labadee, Haiti, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Earlier in the year they cruised the Mexican Riviera, he said, stopping in Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallerta; took a Mediterranean cruise to France and Italy; and then made two transatlantic trips that toured the Azores, Barcelona, Gibraltar, Madeira, St. Maarten and Tortola.

Their second Mediterranean cruise included the company of eight of their neighbors…all of whom the Hofmanns know on much more than just a first-name basis.

Next year they have plans for several other cruises, including ones that sail around the Hawaiian Islands, the Eastern Caribbean and the New England and St. Lawrence Seaway areas. Who knows how many neighbors will join in those excursions.

Del Webb Orlando builds homes that range from one, two, three and four-bedroom designs with one-and-a-half to three baths, plus one-and-a-half or two-car garages with a variety of options and price points starting from the $120s.

About Del Webb
Del Webb, the pioneer of active adult retirement communities, is America’s leading builder of developments for people ages 55+. Since 1960, Del Webb has redefined retirement and retirement living by meeting the housing and lifestyle needs of the active Baby Boomer. Del Webb’s amenities and program offerings provide residents an engaging environment, which fulfills their creative, social, physical fitness and intellectual needs as they journey into the next chapter in their lives – whether it means retirement or still working. Del Webb has grown to 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.

About PulteGroup
PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM), based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is one of America’s largest home building companies with operations in approximately 60 markets throughout the country. Through its brand portfolio that includes Centex, Pulte Homes and Del Webb, the company is one of the industry’s most versatile homebuilders able to meet the needs of multiple buyer groups and respond to changing consumer demand. PulteGroup conducts extensive research to provide home buyers with innovative solutions and new homes designed for the way people actually live today. As the most awarded home builder in customer satisfaction, PulteGroup brands have consistently ranked among top home builders in third-party customer satisfaction studies.
For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, see pultegroup.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com

Beazer Homes nearing completion of ready-to-move-in homes at Woodland Lakes Preserve in East Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Beazer Homes is building four ready-to-move-in homes that will be available in January at Woodland Lakes Preserve, located on Balsam Willow Trail off Curry Ford Road just south of Alafaya Trail in east Orlando.

Theresa Tilton, vice president of sales for Beazer Homes in Orlando, said the three to five bedroom homes range in size from 2,056 square feet of living space to 3,226 square feet starting at $224,990.

NAI Realvest Negotiates new lease of 11,356 square feet where a new China Buffet will open -- Former Barnhill’s on S.R. 54 in New Port Richey

MAITLAND, Fla. - NAI Realvest recently negotiated a long term lease of the 11,356 square foot former Barnhill’s restaurant facility at 6301 S.R. 54 in New Port Richey, Fla.

Paul P. Partyka, principal and managing partner at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction representing the landlord, Eifers, Fla-based Silverton Financial Management Inc. c/o Riverpine, Inc.

The new tenant is J & K China Buffet, Inc. who was represented by Josephine Wang of Carlino Commercial Group.

It will be the second location for China Buffet when it is anticipated to open in March. The firm’s first restaurant is in Orange Park, outside of Jacksonville, Partyka said.

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.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Extension Lease for TLC Engineering for Architecture on N. Westshore Blvd. in Tampa

Orlando / Tampa, Fla. – NAI Realvest based in Maitland recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 8,240 square feet of Class A office space at 500 N. Westshore Blvd. in Tampa.

Paul P. Partyka, managing partner at NAI Realvest, negotiated the lease representing the tenant Orlando-based TLC Engineering for Architecture with an assist from Chairman George Livingston and Christie Alexander, principal.

“TLC Engineering, which has 10 offices throughout Florida plus Nashville and Dallas, extended its lease in the Tampa Bay market for another five years, as they feel very bullish about the Tampa market,” Partyka said.

TLC ranks among the most respected engineering firms in the nation, with a portfolio including projects in 46 states.

The landlord, 500 WS Owner LLC c/o Parkway Realty Services LLC of Jacksonville was represented in the transaction by Nancy Herz of Parkway Realty Services.

About NAI Realvest:
NAI Realvest 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.

CommerCenters LLC shifts focus to International Capital Markets

MAITLAND, Fla. --- CommerCenters, LLC, which has developed flex warehouse distribution centers that total more than 1.5 million square feet in six Central Florida locations, is shifting its focus to concentrate on private equity funds and investments that target commercial real estate assets and associated service companies.

George Livingston, CIPS a principal of CommerCenters, LLC, as well as Chairman of NAI Realvest Development in Maitland and a longtime area real estate investment analyst, said CommerCenters has evolved into an international capital market company that offers proven expertise in commercial real estate development, asset management and long-term growth.

Livingston said CommerCenters funds will invest in rental apartment properties driven by work force and population growth, senior housing and assisted living facilities, and new medical facilities, especially those that are age related.

“The U.S. economy and its commercial real estate market is in the early stage of recovery from a deep and long recession,” Livingston explained.

“The financial markets still suffer from a shortage of capital, yet opportunities for development and investment can be identified and exploited. With a dependable source of equity capital, investors can react to opportunities quickly, and that’s where CommerCenters will focus,” Livingston said.

Livingston added that CommerCenters plans to diversify its investment portfolio across several property types, with multiple developers and investor partners.

Livingston said CommerCenters will look for opportunities that offer solid long-term potential.

“We anticipate returns in the 15 to 20 percent range over a period of seven years,” he said.

About CommerCenters, LLC
CommerCenters, LLC and its subsidiary, Realvest Development, LLC are involved in all aspects of speculative and build-to-suit commercial real estate investment and development from acquisition, planning, design, permitting, and construction through sale or lease. Over the past decade, CommerCenters and its development partners have developed over 1,500,000 square feet of industrial and office space in the Central Florida area.

NAI Realvest Launches New Associate Program, Appoints Five New Broker Associates

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest, which ranks as one of Central Florida’s largest and most active commercial property developers and one of the region’s most active commercial property firms, recently launched a new Associates Program to recruit and train broker associates.

Paul P. Partyka, principal and managing partner at NAI Realvest, said the firm’s new Associates Program was designed to give promising young commercial real estate specialists the opportunity to launch their careers in Central Florida.

“We’ve developed a comprehensive orientation and training program that will serve the commercial real estate industry here in Central Florida and energize our own efforts,” Partyka said.

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.

Villages of Royal Palm Offers Special Incentive Discounts on Ready-To-Move-In Homes, Villas

PORT ORANGE, Fla. --- The Villages of Royal Palm, the luxury active adult community Winston James Development is developing in Port Orange, is offering special incentives — whopping discounts — on five ready-to-move-in luxury homes priced from the $150s.

Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, Inc., the developers of The Villages of Royal Palm, said the active adult community is offering price discounts worth as much as $28,000.

Schwartz said one villa home remains for sale. The 1,300 square foot home offers two bedrooms, two baths, bonus room and a two car garage.

Winston-James Development Reports Two Large Lease Agreements at Aloma Business Center

Winter Park, Fla. --- Winston James Developer reports it recently closed on two lease agreements at Aloma Business Center, developed by Winston-James Development, LLC, and located on Aloma Ave. in Winter Park.

Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, said new tenant New Horizons Development, leased 930 square feet of office space and International Professional Realty expanded its office space from 930 square feet to 1,200 square feet.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Venice Florida Creator of Heart Healthy Cookies Speaks at Parisian Food Expo

VENICE, Fla. – Dr. Bo Martinsen√ and Dr. Anne-Marie Chalmers√ of Venice-based Omega3 Innovations recently returned from Paris, France, where Martinsen was a speaker at Biovelop product presentation at the “Food Ingredients Europe” trade show.

Martinsen, who co-founded Omega3 Innovations with Chalmers, his wife and partner, said the international FIE show included more than 1,200 exhibitors from 65 countries; with a huge focus on nutritious ingredients that aim to improve the health of consumers.

Martinsen presented a talk about the many health benefits of beta-glucan oat fiber, which along with 2,000 mg of omega-3 fish oil, form the foundation for the company’s Omega Cookie®.

“Fiber, unlike vitamins and essential fatty acids, is the one family of nutrients for which the government has set a minimum-required dose of 750 mg to achieve heart benefits,” he said. “Unfortunately, most food manufacturers fail to clarify that all of the more than 250 types of fiber are not equal.”

Only the long chained beta-glucan oat fibers are particularly effective in reducing cholesterol, he said. And, Martinsen said, they also have an added bonus that in combination with omega-3 fish oil these oat fibers seem to have an added appetite suppressant benefit.

For more information on any of Omega3 Innovations’ products, call 866-414-0188 or visit www.omegacookie.com or www.omega-cure.com.

About Omega3 Innovations: Founded by Bo Martinsen√, M.D., and Anne-Marie Chalmers√, M.D. – two physicians who have worked with omega-3 fish oil for more than 15 years – the company offers several varieties of Omega Cookies, as well as Omega Cure supplements. Each Omega Cookie contains seven capsules worth of omega-3 fish oil, five grams of fiber, 200% of the daily value of vitamin D and 35% of the daily value of calcium. The company was named a winner in the category of innovation at the 2010 annual Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County’s Hall of Fame awards. The honor came as the result of being the first company to create a bakery product that contains an effective dose of omega-3 fish oil. For more information, visit www.omegacookie.com or www.omega-cure.com.

Only 20 Three bedroom condominiums remain for sale at DiMucci Twin Towers in Daytona Beach Shores

DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. --- Only 20 three bedroom condominiums remain for sale at the DiMucci Twin Towers, located at 3315 S. Atlantic Ave. in Daytona Beach Shores.

Anthony DiMucci, who heads DiMucci Realty, said the luxury condominium units range from 2,100 square feet of living space and are priced from the mid $300s.

DiMucci said all of the two bedroom condominiums at the Twin Towers have been sold.

However, a few two bedroom condominiums are available for resale, DiMucci added.

First Green Bank to Host Official “Green Opening” Celebration at Award-Winning Mount Dora Headquarters Facility on Feb. 4

MOUNT DORA, Fla. --- First Green Bank of Lake County will host the official grand opening of its new 12,000 square foot headquarters facility at 18251 U.S. Hwy. 441 in Mount Dora on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dubbed the “Grand Green Opening Celebration,” First Green Bank officials said the event will include tours of the award-winning facility, which ranks as the second privately constructed building in Florida designed and built to exceed the U.S. Green Building Council’s rigid Platinum LEED standards for energy efficiency, environmental quality and durability.

First Green Bank was recently named Florida’s Green Business of the Year for 2011 by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Central Florida chapter.

The building---with a design reminiscent of pioneer architect Frank Lloyd Wright---is constructed from materials that required minimal energy for their manufacture and maintenance. Windows, insulation and even the building siting were chosen to reduce energy needs and provide a safe, secure environment for customers.

There’s are recharging stations for electric cars, said Kenneth E. LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, and their use is free to all customers at all times.

LaRoe promised an exciting family fun day with food refreshments and entertainment at the bank’s “Green Opening” event.

“We’ll feature an Audubon Society’s Birds of Prey exhibit and the Lake County Sheriff’s Department’s Mounted Posse, along with a caricature and balloon artists, clowns, face painting, and plenty of food, beverages and live music,” LaRoe said.

LaRoe said the bank plans to hold a contest with cash prizes and give away promotional items.

Ashton Woods Homes opens three new ready-to-move-in single family homes at Grand Hampton in New Tampa region

TAMPA, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has opened three new ready-to-move-in homes at Grand Hampton, located on Dunham Station Drive off County Line Road just west of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in New Tampa.

Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said new three and four bedroom homes range in size from 1,981 square feet of living space to 2,822 square feet and are priced from $212,900.

Grand Hampton features a community clubhouse with multi-use aquatic center, tennis and basketball courts, excessive conservation areas, a park and lakes.

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.

Mattamy Homes opens new phase with 30 Homesites at Greenleaf Village at Nocatee in Ponte Vedra

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- Mattamy Homes, with only two home sites remaining in phase I, has now opened phase II with 30 homesites at Greenleaf Village at Nocatee, located off U.S. 1 just north of Race Track Rd. in Ponte Vedra.

Kerry Soltis, marketing manager for the Jacksonville division of Mattamy Homes, said 12 of the new home sites in Phase II are 50-foot and 18 are 60 foot, and sales are underway for new homes priced from $206,990.

Mattamy Homes recently started construction of a new model home that will open in February in phase II at Greenleaf Village at Nocatee.

Homes at Greenleaf Village feature the Innovation Series of single family homes that range from 2,483 square feet of living area to 3,221 square feet, with three and four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and with two or three car garages.

There is one model home — The Kaila — in phase I that is available for viewing.

The Kaila offers a spacious first floor master suite, a formal dining room, a family-sized gathering room with vaulted ceilings and an optional oversized covered lanai.

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.

Kinder, Gentler Online Travel Company Joins UCF Business Incubation in Kissimmee, Recently Launched Web Portal

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Inspire Travel, a kinder, gentler online travel company that provides a platform that can be leveraged to support social causes and community organizations, has joined the University of Central Florida Business Incubator in Kissimmee.

Rafael Caamano, site manager for the UCF Business Incubation Program in Kissimmee, said Inspire Travel is a startup company with a conscience and a business model that combines the best features of online booking agencies with group discounting and social media while promoting social entrepreneurship.

Inspire Travel recently had a soft launch of www.InspireTravel.com, its web portal, Caamano said. A more robust version of the dynamic web portal is scheduled for launch next year.

“Inspire Travel is a next-generation travel company that focuses on a whole package of services from airline flights, hotel and resort accommodations and rental cars, with plans to add dining and entertainment,” Caamano said.

Bill Haberman, founder and chief executive officer of Inspire Travel said he began working on Inspire Travel’s socially-conscious business model while developing a luxury condominium hotel in Celebration, Florida.

“Inspire Travel is a natural evolution of online travel that combines discount travel options with a social media driven marketing strategy,” Haberman said.

“Most importantly, we aim to be practitioners of ‘kinder capitalism’ by leveraging our platform to support the awareness and philanthropic efforts of worthy causes,” he said.

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.

About Inspire Travel
Inspire Travel is a next-generation web-based travel portal that combines the best practices of the current online booking engines and group buying discounters with personalization, immersive imagery, and a social network and cause marketing strategy. Through the Inspire Giving initiative, Inspire Travel aims to be a successful practitioner of what has been described as “kinder capitalism”. While operating as a for-profit enterprise, Inspire Travel’s mission includes the dual purpose of providing a medium through which charitable, educational and other worthy non-profit organizations can raise awareness, generate donations and affect social change. Please visit www.inspiretravel.com to learn more.

CELEBRATION GOLF CLUB HOSTS D.J. GREGORY'S WALKING FOR KIDS FOUNDATION CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

Celebration, Fla. – Celebration Golf Club hosted the 2011 Walking for Kids Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament recently for D.J. Gregory, whose inspirational trek earned him a spot as the ABC News “Person of the Week” and the admiration of professional golfers and golf fans across the country.

A slew of Gregory’s admirers participated in the tournament, including PGA Tour stars Spencer Levin, Steve Marino, Rory Sabbatini, Paul Stankoski, Lucas Glover, Donnie Hammond, former Minnesota Twins General Manager Frank Viola and Comedian Michael Collins.

Gene Garrote, president of Celebration Golf Management, said he was proud to host the tournament and delighted at the number of celebrity golfers who participated.

“D.J. Gregory’s story has captured the hearts of the golfing community throughout the country,” Garrote said. “He is an inspiration to all of us and we were most pleased to accommodate the Walking for Kids Foundation Tournament,” Garrote said.

Michael J. Neumann, social media supervisor at Celebration Golf Management, said D.J. Gregory’s Walking for Kids Foundation raises funds for children’s charities throughout the U.S.

“Last year Walking for Kids Tournament donated almost $85,000 to children’s charities including United Cerebral Palsy of Central, Florida,” Neumann said. “The goal in 2011 is to donate more than $100,000,” he added.

In 2008 Gregory, who suffers from cerebral palsy, began walking the PGA tour as a way to raise awareness for children’s charities. That first year followed 3,256 holes on tour, walking more than 988 miles.

Orlando EB5 Investment, LLC raises $16.5 Million to help fund two restaurants atop Los Angeles W Hotel

MAITLAND, Fla. --- Orlando EB5 Investments, a subsidiary company of Orlando based CommerCenters LLC, helped finance two upscale restaurants at the W. Hotel in West Hollywood, Calif. recently with $16.5 million in investment capital.

Richard A. Asta, president of CommerCenters, LLC and Orlando EB5 Investments, said the private equity group helps international investors obtain permanent U.S. immigration visas by investing $500,000 or more in U.S. projects that will generate or retain at least 10 jobs for U.S. workers.

Asta said financing the W. Hotel project was a joint venture that includes Orlando EB5 Investments and American Dream Fund of Los Angeles.

CommerCenters, LLC is a privately-owned, fully integrated real estate investment and development firm, affiliated with NAI Realvest and NAI Global, one of the largest worldwide commercial real estate brokerage firms. Headquartered in Maitland, Florida, CommerCenters has clients and joint venture partners in various cities in the United States and around the world.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Renewal Agreements with two long-time tenants at The Citadel in Southeast Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently completed two lease renewal agreements for a total of 1,858 square feet of office space at The Citadel located at 5950 Hazeltine National Drive in Southeast Orlando.

Mary Frances West, CCIM, senior broker associate at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transactions representing the landlord, Citadel Partners, LTD, based in The Villages, Fla.

Noresco LLC, who has been a tenant in Citadel III since 1999, renewed its lease of Suite 510 with 1,010 square feet. Noresco is a premier energy service company headquartered in Westborough, Mass.

JTB International, Inc., a Japan-based company that specializes in group and individual travel reservations and tours, renewed its lease of Suite 250 with 848 square feet in the Citadel International building where JTB has been a tenant for over 10 years.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Office Lease at Alafaya Corporate Center Wise up is the new Tenant

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 2,045 square feet of office space at Alafaya Corporate Center, 2000 North Alafaya Trail, Suite 900, in east Orlando.

Robert Blackwell, SIOR, a principal at NAI Realvest, brokered the transaction representing the tenant, 9801 Investment LLC d/b/a Wise Up, a language school that teaches English as a second language.

The landlord, represented by Faith Thompson, is Orlando-based Alafaya Corporate Center LC.

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.

Hendricks & Partners Negotiates REO Sale of 64 Unit Palm Villas Apartments in Fort Myers for $1,575,000

FORT MYERS, Fla. --- Hendricks & Partners, which ranks as one of the largest and most active multi-family investment banking and research companies in the U.S., recently negotiated the REO sale of the 64 unit Palm Villas Apartments property in Fort Myers for $1,575,000.

Cole Whitaker, director of the Southeast Division of Hendricks & Partners in Orlando, said Associate Partner Hal Warren and he negotiated the sale of the apartment property representing the seller PNC Bank.

Promotora Inmobiliaria, LLC was the buyer of the apartments consisting of four two-story garden-style buildings situated on 4.6 acres. The buyer was represented by Michael Maurer of RE/MAX Estates.

Palm Villa Apartments was constructed in 1968 and renovated in 2006.

Stirling Sotheby's International Realty Named Exclusive Brokers for Luxury Home Short Sale at Windsong in Winter Park

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been named exclusive sales and marketing agents for a luxury home short sale at Windsong in Winter Park.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the listing represents one of the best values available in Winter Park.

“The home was recently appraised at $890,000 and it is being listed for sale on a short sale basis at $789, 000,” Soderstrom said.

International Luxury Homes Specialist Erin Wanner is representing the property.

The 3,899-square foot two-story Italiante luxury home offers four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a private swimming pool and spa on a quarter-acre home site, Wanner said.

The home features a large game room with a balcony and wet bar, she added.

“There is only one lender involved, which makes the short sale process much easier,” Wanner explained. “We expect this home to sell quickly because it’s such a great value.”

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.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Stirling Sotheby's International Realty negotiates sales of two luxury properties in Lake and Osceola Counties

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty recently negotiated the sales of two luxury properties — one in Lake and the other in Osceola County.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Trusted Real Estate Advisor Chris Wilson, a luxury home specialist with Stirling Sotheby’s brokered both deals.

In Lake County, Wilson negotiated the short sale of a 5,195 square foot, five bedroom home on Medici Way in the upscale community of Bella Collina in Monteverde for $865,000. The seller was a doctor in the U.K. and the transaction took months to complete with several obstacles to overcome, including foreign tax issues. The buyer is a Michigan real estate broker trading up on a second home in the luxury golf community which boasts a grand 42 million dollar clubhouse.

At the same time, Wilson negotiated the sale of a 3,340 square foot home on Harbor Isle Court in the Bellalago community in Kissimmee. That home was sold by the Michigan real estate broker to move up into a larger second home on Medici Way in Bella Collina. The Michigan owner sold the Bellalago property, which boasts a private boat dock and large upstairs bonus room, to a New York buyer for $349,000. This transaction took only 44 days to sell, Wilson said.

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.

New Year’s Resolutions for Commercial Real Estate to Increase Productivity from WeinPlus

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. --- Leading commercial real estate consultant Rachel Elias Wein, AIA, founder and principal of WeinPlus Real Estate Advisory Services in St. Petersburg has some programmatic year-end advice for property owners, landlords, developers and real estate firms: clean out the corners of your company’s operations, and plan some time for executives, department heads and office workers to invent faster, better ways to serve your customers.

“In today’s market, no enterprise can afford to overlook better ways to serve customers,” Wein said. “And most companies have outdated policies and procedures that are in place for no better reason other than that’s the way it’s always been done,” she said.

Wein said “cleaning the corners” means taking a close look at everything from decision-making procedures to policies that govern reporting, project approvals and productivity.

“Some of the best strategies come from workers who are dealing with customers every day, fielding their complaints and hearing their success stories,” Wein said.

Wein said focused efforts to develop new ways reach out to tenants and establish strategic partnerships with retailers can be particularly beneficial.

Even elemental tasks such as manual reporting or chasing after non-productive leads can waste valuable time that could be spent more productively.

“This real estate cycle is unlike any that most of us have ever experienced,” Wein said. “Successful landlords, developers and their representatives are the ones who are working on strategies to overcome market weaknesses, and smart ones know that the core of every business is customer service,” she said.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease of “Class A” Office Space for Nationwide Employee Recruitment Firm headquartered in Central Fla.

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 4,108 square feet of Class A office space at 429 S. Keller Rd., Suite 225 in the Maitland Center area of Orlando.

Senior Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM negotiated the transaction representing the tenant Crawford Thomas, LLC, a nationwide employee recruitment firm relocating its headquarters from Lake Mary.

The landlord, Keller Road, LLC of Orlando was represented in the negotiations by Jeff Bloom of Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT.

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.

Rue & Ziffra’s Partners Arrested to Help Charity

Partners Donated the More than $1,500 They Raised from the Event to Help a Local Homeless Family with Housing

PORT ORANGE – Three partners in the Port Orange-based law firm of Rue & Ziffra recently were “arrested” and placed under lock and key until they could raise enough charity bail money for their release.

Longtime partners in the personal injury firm – Allan Ziffra, David Sweat and Luis Gracia – were arrested and taken into custody by the firm’s “charity police” Thursday afternoon according to Ziffra, a founding partner in the firm.

The event was similar to the United Way’s “Jail and Bail,” in which individuals volunteer their time to raise funds by collecting “bail money” to get out of jail.

The trio was detained until they raised more than $1,500 by calling, texting and emailing co-workers, business associates, friends and family members to gather up their “bail” money, which had been earmarked for a homeless Port Orange family.

“One of the other partners was contacted about a family in need and after we heard the circumstances we decided to help out as much as we possibly could,” Ziffra said. “They’re like so many others right now; the father lost his job more than a year ago and the mother has medical problems.”

The cash contributions were used to pay for two month’s rent at a local motel. The partners also netted several gift cards for the family and collected several boxes of food during their two-hour incarceration, he said.

“It was a small thing for us to do by donating a few hours of our time,” Ziffra said. “But, it really was a big deal for those parents and their two children who are so grateful to have a roof over their heads.”

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, DeLand and Palm Coast. For more information, visit www.rueziffra.com.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

John Crossman, President of Crossman & Company to speak on retail development and trends at Institute of Real Estate Management Annual Forecast

ORLANDO, Fla. --- John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company in Orlando will be on a panel of experts at the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) 20th Annual South Florida Breakfast Forecast Jan. 11 in Boca Raton.

Crossman, who ranks as one of the most prolific retail property brokers in the southeast, will discuss retail developments and trends.

The event begins with registration and networking at 7:30 a.m., breakfast at 8 and the program begins at 8:30 at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 661 NW 53 St., Boca Raton 33487.

The panel of industry experts will discuss past, present and future trends in South Florida in the areas of commercial, retail and residential, according to George Chrismark, IREM Association Executive for the South Florida Chapter.

The cost is $47 for IREM members, $67 for guests and $87 at the door for everyone.

Reliable Systems Solutions, Inc. offers one week intensive course in February to prepare for CRE Certification

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Reliable Systems Solutions, Inc. will host a one-week intensive course to prepare for the ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) professional certification exam starting Feb. 20 at the University of Central Florida Office of Research and Commercialization on the second floor in the University Towers Bldg. 12201 Research Parkway in east Orlando.

Richard Coronado, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Reliable Systems Solutions, said the 28-hour course will meet from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Mr. Coronado said the course is open to reliability engineers, system safety engineers, quality professionals, technical managers, and project design engineers who plan to qualify for the CRE professional certification by successfully completing the CRE exam, offered twice annually in the spring and fall.

Tuition for the course is $1,295 which includes course materials. The tuition does not include the CRE exam fee, which is collected directly by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

Course participants who are currently unemployed will receive a 15 percent discount.

Reliable Systems Solutions is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program, located in the Central Florida Research Park in east Orlando.

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.

Plantation Bay Golf & County Club Tennis pro David Brown’s family named USTA Florida Family of the Year

PORT ORANGE, Fla. – Dave Brown, director of tennis at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club in Ormond Beach, is well known around Port Orange for the extra work he puts in promoting tennis play.

Now the Florida Section of the U.S. Tennis Assn. — the governing body for tennis in Florida — has named the Brown family its Family of the Year for 2011.

The Brown family was formally recognized at the USTA 62nd Annual Florida Meeting held recently in Orlando.

“The Family of the Year award honors the family that had the most significant impact in tennis in Florida,” said Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing at ICI Homes, the developer of Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club.

Besides heading the tennis program at Plantation Bay, Dave Brown serves as volunteer program director for the FTC Foundation, a free after school program for youngsters aged 10 and under in the Port Orange and Daytona Beach areas.

Dave’s wife Ann Brown serves as coordinator of competitive education at USTA Florida’s Daytona Beach headquarters.

Son Aaron grew up playing USTA junior tournaments and held national and state rankings, Brown said. Ranked tops in his class when he graduated from Spruce Creek High School, Aaron went on to play in college and recently earned his USTA (USPTA) professional tennis certification. He currently teaches tennis at the Trails Racquet Club in Ormond Beach.

“All of us at ICI Homes are proud of Dave and his family,” Messina said. “They are an inspiration to us all.”

Local Law Firm Employees Spend Consecutive Saturdays Helping to Collect Christmas Toys, Cash and Food for Residents in Need during the Holidays

Items Collected were donated to Toys for Tots, the Children’s Home Society and Second Harvest Food Bank

PORT ORANGE – At two recent events, employees of the Port Orange-based law firm of Rue & Ziffra helped to collect more than a ton of food, as well as $1,500 cash and 238 children’s toys, all of which was donated to three local agencies for distribution to those in need during the holiday season.

The Dec. 3 “Volusia County Grub Ride” – a charity motorcycle run that Rue & Ziffra co-sponsored with Thunder Roads Magazine and the First Turn Steakhouse – sent 130 motorcycle riders on a scenic tour of Volusia County to compete for cash and prizes to see who could bring the most donated food to the finish line.

More than 2,032 pounds of food, along with $1,500 in cash, was collected at the event which benefited the Children’s Home Society and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, according to John Rue, a partner in the longtime personal-injury firm.

Charity was on the minds of the firm’s employees again the following Saturday [Dec.10] when Rue & Ziffra hosted its annual Client Appreciation Christmas party at the Shores Resort and Spa in Daytona Beach Shores and accepted 238 toys from guests for donation to the local Toys for Tots program, Rue said.

“I believe everyone had a lot of fun on both weekends,” Rue said. “But, the best part is knowing that many individuals and families will have a brighter Christmas because of those events and the people who participated in them.”

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, DeLand and Palm Coast. For more information, visit www.rueziffra.com.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Names Benjiman Hillman International Marketing Specialist in Southwest Orlando area

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed Benjiman Hillman an International Marketing Specialist in the Southwest Orlando area.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Hillman is a former hotelier and restaurateur who was once appointed a popular restaurant chain’s youngest area director. He later opened his own restaurant in Arkansas.

Disney recruited Hillman as a top manager and brought him to the Orlando area, Soderstrom said. After service at The Peabody, one of Disney’s most fashionable resort hotels, Hillman launched his own real estate career in 2004.

“Benjiman Hillman has a terrific background in hospitality and food service and a tremendous drive to succeed for his real estate clients,” Soderstrom said.

“We expect him to play a major role in our growth and development in the Southwest Orlando area,” Soderstrom said.

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.

NAI Realvest Completes 5th Expansion Lease Agreement with Nemours Foundation for office space at La Vina Marketplace at Lake Nona

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a lease expansion agreement with The Nemours Foundation for 1,416 square feet of office space in Building B of LaVina Marketplace at Lake Nona, 9161 Narcoossee Rd. in southeast Orlando.

Senior Broker Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM negotiated the transaction representing the landlord, Orlando-based Ripley’s International LLC.

With the addition of the 1,416 square feet, The Nemours Foundation, headquartered in Jacksonville, will now occupy 32,112 square feet at La Vina Marketplace at Lake Nona.

Mickey Hage of Mickey Hage, Inc. represented The Nemours Foundation in the transaction.

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.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Office Lease for Solar Energy Provider at Lake Mary Professional Campus off I-4

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease of 2,248 square feet of office space at Lake Mary Professional Campus, the office development at the intersection of I-4 and Lake Mary Blvd.

Jack W. Lynch, senior associate at NAI Realvest brokered the transaction representing the tenant, ESA Renewables, LLC, a solar energy provider expanding into an additional space adjacent to its existing 2,320 square feet in suite 2401. ESA now occupies a total of 4,568 square feet at Lake Mary Professional Campus.

Cloud Holdings, LLC of Lake Mary is the landlord, and was represented by Louis Joachim of Dover International 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. 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.

Meritage Homes Names New Sales Associate at Waterford Trails

ORLANDO, Fla. – Meritage Homes has named Sally Harrop, sales associate at Waterford Trails on Pellicer Drive off Avalon Park Blvd & S.R. 50 in East Orlando.

Brian Kittle, vice president of sales for Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said Harrop has four years of experience in residential real estate sales.

A 120-MPH SCOOTER? RIDE GREEN SCOOTERS KNOWS HOW TO DO IT

WINTER PARK, Fla. --- Ride Green Scooters on W. Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park is now offering a wide range of upgrades and accessories to turn most makes and brands of scooters into high-performance machines with top speeds of up to 120 miles per hour.

“As more Central Floridians opt for scooters to make their daily commutes more pleasurable and more energy efficient, some scooter riders want to get the best performance they can out of their machines,” explained Ron Schwartz, principal at Ride Green Scooters.

Ride Green Scooters has the answer. Service manager George Agutter said new performance-enhancing equipment now available at Ride Green Scooters can boost performance in almost any make and model scooter.

Ride Green service technician Edwin Amador is an expert at making motor scooters go fast, Agutter said.

“We can turn a 49-cc scooter into an 80-cc powerhouse and boost the engine capacity of a 150-cc scooter to 160-cc,” he said.

A special racing performance muffler available at Ride Green Scooters can help boost performance by up to 50 percent,” Agutter added.

“Edwin Amador is a genius at making scooters faster,” Agutter said. “His personal scooter can do 120 mph,” Agutter boasted.

Visit www.ridegreenscooters.com.

Mercantile Capital Corporation moves into new headquarters at Old Florida National Bank in Downtown Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Mercantile Capital Corporation, which ranks as one of the nation’s largest and most active providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans for small business owners who want to acquire or develop their own facilities, has relocated its corporate headquarters to the Old Florida National Bank building at 60 N. Court Ave. in downtown Orlando.

Christopher G. Hurn, president of Mercantile Capital Corporation, said the firm’s new 9,000 square foot office is almost 23 percent larger than the former Altamonte Springs headquarters the firm opened eight years ago, and will allow for future expansion.

Since 2003, Mercantile Capital has closed 366 SBA 504 loans that financed projects valued at more than $732.9 million in 33 states, including Florida, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Hendricks & Partners Associate Partner Hal Warren Earns Second Master's Degree from UCF

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Longtime Central Florida commercial real estate executive Hal Warren, associate partner for the Orlando based Southeast Division of Hendricks & Partners, a multi-family investment banking company, recently earned his second Master’s Degree from the University of Central Florida.

Warren’s new post-graduate degree — Professional Master of Science in Real Estate in Business Administration — is the inaugural Master of Science in Real Estate program, from the Dr. P. Phillips School of Real Estate in the College of Business.

The former Cushman & Wakefield executive is also a Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS), a designation from the National Apartment Association and he currently serves on the City of Orlando’s Historical Preservation Board.

Offbeat Idea Leads Advanced EMS Designs to New Product, New Company and New Market

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. --- It started with a small idea in the head of a retired firefighter and paramedic Scott Neusch. He thought he perceived a problem that could be a major one for injured patients, and he thought he might be able to create a solution. That’s how a free market works.

Neusch enlisted the University of Miami to help him gauge the problem in empirical terms. Then he set about inventing his solution. That, it turns out, was the easy part.

The problem was backboards — hard plastic shelves molded to accommodate patients with back injuries who need safe, secure transport to hospitals.

Backboards are one of the most common pieces of equipment aboard emergency vehicles. But they’re uncommonly dirty.

“We tested a random sampling of 55 backboards in several parts of the state,” Neusch explained. “What we found was a little scary. Despite careful cleaning after each use — hospital scrubbings — every one of the backboards we tested harbored infectious microbes such as MRSA that posed a danger to the next patient,” he said.

Injuries that require use of a backboard are usually serious.

And Neusch said, they often entail blood, vomit or other bodily fluids.

“If you’re an paramedic, that comes with the territory,” Neusch explained.

But the scratches, gouges and tape residue on typical backboards can harbor all sorts of infectious bacteria, despite careful cleaning. The next patient to use the equipment — and who may have open wounds — could easily pick up the bacterial infection.

Neusch and his colleagues, Joe McCluan , Mark Steinert, and Scott McIntyre contacted the Dept. of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate’s Tech-solutions Division with an idea.

“Tech-solutions was a great help, Neusch said. The result — Board Armor — is now a fully licensed, commercially available product that will undoubtedly save lives and protect against infections as it takes hold.

Board Armor is a disposable Tyvek sheath that covers the body board before use. After the patient is safely transported, the Board Armor is disposed of sanitarily.

Its use prevents body fluids from contaminating the backboard, prevents any contaminants on the backboard from infecting the patient, and reduces turnaround time so that EMTs and paramedics can get back on the road saving lives faster.

“It’s a simple solution. It won’t make us millionaires anytime soon, but it will help a lot of patients, and that’s what we set out to do,” said Neusch.

Neusch and his colleagues formed Advanced EMS Designs, which markets Board Armor and is developing additional solutions for first responders, from its corporate headquarters at the University of Central Florida Business Incubator in Winter Springs, Fla.

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.

NAI Realvest Completes $2.7 Million Sale of 7,527 Square Foot International Drive Restaurant Building

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of the 7,527 square foot former Bola Restaurant at 8148 International Drive in Southwest Orlando for $2,700,000.

NAI Realvest principals Kevin O’Connor and Matt Cichocki negotiated the transaction representing the seller, Hollywood Plaza Holdings, LLC of Brooklyn N.Y.

TC Holdings-International Drive, LLC purchased the property and was represented by Jon Rose of Charles Wayne Properties.

After renovation of the building, which will be expanded to 8,500 square feet, the buyer intends to open a 250 seat Kobe Japanese Steakhouse restaurant. Opening is projected for May of 2012.

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

Friday, December 16, 2011

NAI Realvest negotiates new lease agreement of 27,404 square feet for Seattle firm

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new three-year lease agreement for 27,404 square feet at Suite D, 5051 L.B.McLeod Rd. in Orlando.

Robert Blackwell, SIOR, a principal at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction representing the tenant, Univar USA, Inc. a Seattle based chemical distributor.

McLeod Properties, Inc., is the Orlando-based landlord represented by Doug Clerget of Kidder Mathews.

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.

Newmark Knight Frank's Southeast Capital Group Negotiates $14.6 Million Sale of Centennial Village - Phase II in Roswell

ATLANTA, Ga. --- Whitney Knoll, Fred Victor and Mark Hillis of Newmark Knight Frank’s Southeast Capital Group brokered the $14.6 million sale of Centennial Village- Phase II (CV-II), located at 2342 Holcomb Bridge Rd. in Roswell.

Rothenberg Rosenfield, Ltd. acquired the retail center from M&J/Centennial, LLC, said Knoll, a principal who heads the Southeast Capital Markets Group at Newmark Knight Frank.

Knoll, Victor and Hillis represented M&J Wilkow in the transaction.

The 99 percent leased, 117,392 square foot neighborhood retail center is anchored by Kohl’s and Petco.

“The Purchaser was a natural fit for the acquisition of CV-II since they own the first phase of the development,” Knoll said.

“Combining the first and second phase of Centennial Village creates significantly higher long-term investment returns for ownership,” Knoll said.

The transaction involved a CMBS loan assumption of $11.2 million.

“The extensive CMBS loan assumption process presented the only obstacle throughout the transaction,” said Victor.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Associate’s determined attitude saves family with wheelchair-bound twins

ORLANDO, Fla. --- When Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s Associate Naresh Mistry first visited his new clients, all he heard was “no”.

That’s what other real estate professionals had been telling the clients for months.

They had a special need. Thankfully in Mistry, they found a special agent.

“Their circumstances were definitely unique,” Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said.

Like many central Floridians, the clients owned their home, but they were upside down in their mortgage terms, owing more than the house was worth, Soderstrom said

“They were struggling, but they were making their payments in time,” Soderstrom added.

The clients have a special medical need — twin children who are confined to wheelchairs. As their mortgage payments grew increasingly more difficult.

“They could see the handwriting on the wall,” Soderstrom and Mistry said. “They knew they couldn’t keep up their payments and their medical bills forever,” Mistry explained.

The best solution was clearly a short sale, Soderstrom said.

“Short sales are typically accommodated when a buyer falls behind in their mortgage payments,” Mistry said.

“The client didn’t see it that way. Falling behind meant ruining their credit — credit was especially important to them given their children’s medical needs.

“Their unique and immediate medical needs actually qualified them for a short sale,” Mistry said. “All we had to do was to find someone to do the financing,” Soderstrom explained.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty strategic partner Integrity Home Loans joined in the search.

Soderstrom said Mistry is a one-of-a-kind agent.

“Naresh Mistry’s diligence on behalf of his clients is a story that needs to be told,” he said.

At Mistry’s urging, Integrity Home Loans researched the entire finance industry before finding a suitable lender.

We found a lender who would agree to participate,” Soderstrom said.

“To our knowledge, this was the first time a short sale had been attempted on the basis of medical necessity when the homeowner was current on their payments, he said.

Finally, the short sale was approved, the client was able to get out from under an oppressive mortgage and into a smaller, smarter home they could afford.

“Their struggle isn’t over,” Soderstrom said. “They have tremendous sacrifices ahead of them to care for their children. But they are highly motivated and determined to beat this, and they deserve to win,” he added.

“Naresh Mistry defines what real service is all about,” Soderstrom said. “He is the epitome of the innovative real estate professional who isn’t going to settle for the common wisdom. He makes his own,” Soderstrom said.

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.

Co-founder of Orlando-based Educational Technology Company is featured in new book “CIO’s at Work”

ORLANDO, Fla, --- Dr. Mark Mooney, co-founder of MyEduLife, a local educational technology company, is featured in the new book “CIO’s at Work” by Ed Yourdon.

Yourdon, an internationally recognized computer consultant, interviewed Dr. Mooney as one of the world’s most influential chief information officers.

“CIO’s at Work” is available at most book stores and at Amazon.com.

Dr. Mooney co-founded MyEduLife to provide data governance for educational institutions.

Dr. Mooney’s profile in “CIO’s at Work” details how MyEduLife creates partnerships between technology professionals, college and university business unit leaders and external customers, suppliers and business partners to address data governance problems arising from the emergence of new technology within the college and university environment.

Dr. Mooney also shares his personal insights into the changing role of technology in business, such as his decisions and futuristic approaches to new data sources with the increased use of mobile devices.

“New technology is reshaping the delivery of educational services in the industrialized world and creating tremendous opportunities for educators and students,” Dr. Mooney said.

“The widespread use of mobile devices and new applications promises the potential to provide higher education to greater numbers of students in a more cost-effective mode than the traditional university campus, classroom and lecture halls,” Dr. Mooney said.

Dr. Mooney also said his company recently partnered with Baruch College on an overall data governance initiative.

MyEduLife.com is a client company of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program located in the Central Florida Research Park near the UCF campus in east Orange County.

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.

Golden Bear Club, Keene’s Pointe Ladies Golf Assn. in Windermere raises more than $24,000 for Cancer Research

WINDERMERE Fla. --- The Golden Bear Club at Keene’s Point in Windermere and the Keene’s Pointe Ladies Golf Assn. recently hosted a second annual golf tournament and raised more than $24,000 for T.I.M.E.

Carlos Puerto, general manager at The Golden Bear Club, said T.I.M.E. supports cancer research, education and awareness efforts.

Puerto said 120 golfers participated in the tournament.

“We were delighted to host the second annual T.I.M.E. tournament and we had a great day on the course,” Puerto said.

Golden Bear is part of the Celebration Golf Management team headed by president Gene Garrote.

Meritage Homes promotes three, including Kittle to VP of Sales

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Meritage Homes has promoted Brian Kittle to vice president of sales for the Orlando division.

Kittle has been with Meritage for three years director of sales, and has more than 13 years of sales and executive experience.

Other promotions include:

Tatiana Souza to area sales manager. A graduate of the University of Central Florida, Souza was formerly a sales associate and has been with Meritage for more than three years.

Rob Beal is now area construction manager. He has 11 years of experience and attended Florida Atlantic University. Prior to his promotion he was a construction manager at Meritage.

Tolaris Homes Completes $120,000 Remodeling Project at Lake Forest, Hosts Open House To Show Off Work To 125 Neighbors

Lake Forest, Fla. --- Tolaris Homes based in Lake Forest off S.R. 46 west of Sanford marked completion of a $120,000 remodeling project at a luxury home in Lake Forest recently with an open house to show off their work.

Most of the more than 125 people who attended the event were Lake Forest neighbors, said Tolaris Homes president Rick Bavec.

Bavec said Tolaris completed the project in less than 45 days, updating the home’s interior and retrofitting several new technologies to make the home more energy-efficient.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Named Exclusive Agents for $1.975 Million Waterfront Estate near Disney

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty was recently named exclusive sales and marketing agents for a $1.975 million waterfront estate situated on six-acres at gated Hidden Palms south of Walt Disney World.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said International Luxury Home Specialists Angie Hernandez and Erin Wanner listed the property for sale that includes the 13,000 square foot custom built home.

The home includes a large lounge with mood lighting and silk fans and interconnected spacious leisure room, electric fireplaces, a gourmet “chef’s” kitchen, and a cinema room with luxury seating for eight that doubles as a safe room.

The six bedroom home with eight-and-a-half baths features two master suites, one with its own screened veranda overlooking the lake, large pool and conservation area.

“It’s like owning your own personal, private resort,” Wanner said. “And it’s all surrounded by privacy and security.”

The home boasts a built-in monitored security system plus a large emergency generator with automatic start to power at least 75 percent of the home in the event the power fails, Wanner added.

The property features two swimming pools – one in the courtyard with a spa and waterfall, and a large swimming pool in rear with a beach entrance, night mood lighting, in-pool tables and seating area with independent solar panel heating and electric heat pump for winter boost.

And that’s not all, Hernandez said, the home also comes with a game room complete with nine foot snooker table, dart board, 92-inch monitor and projector and a full size Norwegian cedar sauna for up to eight people.

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.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

ICI HOMES TO OPEN NEW MODEL HOME AT BREAKAWAY TRAILS IN ORMOND BEACH WEEK OF DEC. 19

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --- ICI Homes plans to open its new Pimlico model home at Breakaway Trails located off Timber Creek Road and S.R. 40 in Ormond Beach on Dec. 19.

Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing at ICI Homes, said the Pimlico model home offers six bedrooms, five baths in 3,679 square feet of living space and is priced at $439,900.

The Pimlico model home at Breakaway Trails is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Messina said 50 home sites remain for sale at Breakaway Trails and new single-family homes there are priced from the mid-$200s.

About ICI Homes
ICI Homes is ranked by Builder magazine as one of the top 100 homebuilders in the nation. The 32+-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as in Jacksonville, Orlando, Melbourne and Tampa.

Rachel Elias Wein to speak at University of Florida

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Rachel Elias Wein, AIA, principal of WeinPlus Real Estate Advisory Services in St. Petersburg, has been invited to speak at the University of Florida on Jan. 20.

Wein will present a lecture to a class in the Univeristy of Florida’s Master of Architecture program on architecture licensing and administering a practice.

Wein, who earned a Bachelor Degree, Master of Architecture and Master of Business in Real Estate from the University of Florida serves on the advisory board of the Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies. She is a member of Florida Blue Key and the University of Florida Hall of Fame.

Celebration Golf Club Names Former Food Network Chef Christopher Robb Murray Executive Chef at Windmill Restaurant

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Celebration Golf Club in Celebration has appointed Christopher Robb Murray executive chef at Celebration Golf Club’s popular Windmill Restaurant.

Gene Garrote, president of Celebration Golf Management, said Murray is a graduate of the famed Culinary Institute of America in New York and Penn State University.

Murray has more than 14 years of experience in New York and California restaurants, Garrote said, including four years as a production chef for the Food Network.

“Christopher Murray is an exceptionally talented chef who will add an innovative flair to the Windmill Restaurant,” Garrote said.

Murray also was formerly affiliated with Heathrow Country Club and RedTail golf Club in Lake County.

Tolaris Realty Group Names Former NY Police Officer Peter Sileo an Associate

LAKE FOREST, Fla. --- Tolaris Realty Group, which sells luxury homes throughout Central Florida, recently appointed Peter Sileo a sales associate.

Rick Bavec, who heads Tolaris Realty Group, said Sileo is a former New York police officer who recently earned his Florida real estate license.

Emerson International negotiates new long term least at Major Plaza in Southwest Orlando

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. --- Emerson International, Inc. recently negotiated a new three-year lease agreement for 1,245 square feet at Major Plaza II, an office building located on Major Blvd. in Southwest Orlando off Kirkman Rd. near the I-Drive tourism corridor.

Eric Emerson, vice president and general manager of Emerson International, said Kenneth Koch, commercial portfolio director at Emerson International, negotiated the lease agreement.

Paulo Maia Business Consulting, Inc. is the new tenant.

About Emerson International
Emerson International is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Emerson Group, the global corporation that is one of the largest privately-owned property development companies.

Lennar Unveils EcoSmart Homes in Bid to Claim Crown for Energy Efficient Homes in Tampa Bay region

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division is ready to rewrite the standards for energy efficient living – and claim the crown for energy efficient homes in the Tampa Bay region.

Mark Metheny, president of the homebuilder’s Central Florida Division, said Lennar’s new EcoSmart energy-efficient homes---available in all 18 Lennar communities in the Tampa Bay region---feature all-new engineering, design, construction and equipment standards to make easy living a lot more affordable.

“Lennar’s new EcoSmart homes offer eight major engineering, design, construction and equipment features that exceed building codes and give us the most energy-efficient homes by any major home builder in Florida,” Metheny said.

Lennar’s new EcoSmart homes offer such features as the new Lennox 15-SEER high-efficiency HVAC system designed for Florida’s climate; Energy Star-rated GE Appliances, the new GE GeoSpring Hybrid Water Heater, and the LP TechShield Heat Barrier that prevents 97 percent of the sun’s heat from entering the attic.

All new homes Lennar builds in the Tampa Bay region will feature the RESNET Home Energy Ratings System (HERS) Index.

“Our HERS Index ratings compare our energy efficiency to a typical existing home in the region as determined by the U.S. Department of Energy,” Metheny said.

“As one of the nation’s leading home builders, we always look for ways to improve the energy efficiency and environmental safety and security of the homes we build,” Metheny said.

Lennar to Open New 4,054 Square Foot Himalayan Model Home with Seven Bedrooms at Ayersworth Glen in Southshore

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division will open its 4,054 square foot, seven-bedroom Himalayan model home in December at Ayersworth Glen, located off U.S. 301 near Big Bend Road in Southshore.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the new two-story model home offers seven bedrooms, four baths and a three-car garage priced from the $280s.

Lennar plans to build as many as 180 new single-family homes at Ayersworth Glen priced from the $150s on 60-foot and 70-foot home sites.

New homes at Ayersworth Glen range from 2,267 square feet of living space with four bedrooms to the six-bedroom, 4,259 square foot Brandywine model.

Ayersworth Glen features a community center and clubhouse with a swimming pool, fitness center, picnic area, basketball court, park, playground, sport court, and tot lot.

Beazer Homes offers home buyers incentives worth up to $20,000 at Woodland Lakes Preserve in East Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Beazer Homes is offering incentives valued at up to $20,000 on the purchase of new single-family homes priced from the low $200s at Woodland Lakes Preserve, located on Balsam Willow Trail off Curry Ford Road just south of Alafaya Trail in east Orlando.

Theresa Tilton, vice president of sales for Beazer Homes in the Orlando region, said the incentives are good on new homes sold through Dec. 31.

Buyers can use their incentives for free design upgrades, homesite premium discounts or closing costs, Tilton said.

Beazer Homes is building 151 three, four and five-bedroom single-family homes at Woodland Lakes Preserve.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Named Exclusive Agents for $1.6 Million Lakefront Estate Southwest of Disney

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty was recently named exclusive sales and marketing agents for a unique two acre estate overlooking Lake Juliana southwest of Disney, priced at $1,599,000.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the estate located at 500 Lake Juliana Drive, Auburndale, Fla., includes a 6,400 square foot luxury home with five bedrooms, six full baths and two half baths.

The property will likely draw plenty of interest in the international market, said Soderstrom.

Associate Chris Wilson is the Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Luxury Homes Specialist representing the property, which boasts a two acre park-like site with white sandy beach on spring-fed Lake Juliana.

“This is truly a world class estate property,” Wilson said. “The design and construction of the home are of the highest quality and the setting is unique in Florida,” he said.

Wilson said the property’s unique features will sell themselves on the international market.

“International home buyers are particular about quality design and construction, but they also look for features that make an estate property unique — they are affluent enough to afford a home anywhere in the world,” Soderstrom said.

World class luxury homes tend to focus on one of two principal qualities, Soderstrom said.

“Luxury homes serve as either a showcase to demonstrate the affluence of the owner or as a resource for a luxury lifestyle,” Soderstrom said. “For a showcase home, the entrance is the visual focal point. With a lifestyle home, the visual focus is often directed outward from the home. What makes the Lake Juliana estate unique is that it’s mix of both. The site was chosen with astronomical precision to provide magnificent Florida sunsets from the grand verandah year round,” he said.

With a state-of-the-art kitchen that features commercial grade appliances, granite counters and an abundance of pantry and cabinet space, hardwood floors throughout and unmistakable quality in the millwork, hardwood flooring and layout, the property was designed for elegant living.

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.

Mattamy Homes US Group Names New Home Counselors in the Orlando Region

WINTER PARK, Fla. --- Mattamy Homes US Group, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest home builder, recently appointed Patricia Castillo New Home Counselor and Jerry Rullo Lead New Home Counselor in its Orlando Division.

Steve Parker, president of Mattamy Homes US Group, said Castillo has 15 years of experience in residential real estate sales and she was formerly a sales associate for Park Square Homes. Castillo will be assisting new home buyers at The Enclave at Lake Jean, Mattamy’s single family community located off University Blvd. and Goldenrod Rd. in east Orlando.

At the same time Parker said Rullo joined the firm as lead new home counselor at the homebuilder’s townhome community, Tuscany Place, located on Millennia Blvd. near the Millennia Mall. Rullo, who was formerly an associate at Park Square Homes has more than eight years of residential real estate sales experience and holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Rutgers University.

About Mattamy Homes:
Mattamy Homes, www.mattamyhomes.com, expanded into the U.S. in 2003 and is headquartered in Winter Park, FL with divisions in Orlando, FL; Jacksonville, FL; Phoenix, AZ; Minneapolis, MN; and Charlotte, NC. 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.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Selected to Market 6,000 Square Foot Professional Office Building in Inverness, Florida

Inverness, Fla. / Orlando, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, based in Orlando, has been named exclusive sales and marketing agents for Building “B” in the Inback Office Park at 2231 S.R. 44 West in Inverness, totaling 6,000 square feet of office space.

The newest professional office building in Inverness includes four office units of 1,500 square feet each. Half the building--two combined units with 3,000 square feet---is already leased to a national tenant, said Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty. “A purchase of the combined unit would be ideal for an investor,” he said.

Two units with 1,500 square feet each are currently unoccupied and can also be acquired singularly. “These units would be particularly attractive to a professional user-investor,” said Soderstrom.

Stirling Sotheby’s associates, Mark Arnold and Linnette Sanzalone, who are representing the property, said the entire building is listed for sale at $980,000.

“Inverness is the Citrus County seat and the In-Back Office Park is located within two miles of the courthouse downtown and the Citrus Memorial Hospital, so office space here is particularly appealing to attorneys, doctors and health care enterprises,” Arnold said.

Lennar Homes Offers Holiday Incentives: Five Percent Commission to Realtors / Zero Closing Costs, Below Market Interest to Home Buyers

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar Homes is offering Realtors in the Orlando region a Christmas bonus: a five percent commission on new homes that sell and close by Dec. 31.

The offer is good on new homes in 13 communities in the Orlando region, which includes Lennar communities in Orlando, Kissimmee, Davenport, Clermont, Mount Dora, Winter Garden, Sanford and Viera near Melbourne.

Lennar is also offering home buyers huge pricing discounts of up to $18,000 with zero closing costs and below market financing on select new homes sold and closed by Dec. 31 in 13 Lennar communities in Orlando, Sanford, Winter Garden, Clermont, Davenport, Mount Dora, Kissimmee and Viera in Brevard County.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said qualified buyers may opt for zero closing costs or a fixed interest rate of 3.75 percent (4.625% APR) when using Lennar’s preferred lender Universal American Mortgage Company.

Metheny said the offer includes new maintenance free town homes and villas, single-family homes and Lennar’s popular active adult communities and vacation homes.

Pricing discounts range from $5,000 on select vacation homes at Paradise Palms in Kissimmee to $22,000 for a four-bedroom, three-bath single-family home with a three-car garage at Lennar’s Stoneybrook Hills in Mount Dora.

Metheny said each new home comes with Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” package of upgrades, energy-saving appliances and extras.

“We’ve reduced pricing, we’ve lowered mortgage interest rates and we’ve included absolutely everything to make these homes the best values to be found in the Central Florida region,” Metheny said.

Visit www.Lennar.com.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Delaware Dept. of Transportation awards DTS Three-year, $3 Million Contract to Inventory, Evaluate Transportation Assets

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Data Transfer Solutions, LLC (DTS), based in east Orlando’s Avalon Park, has been awarded a three year contract to inventory and evaluate highway assets controlled by the Delaware Dept. of Transportation.

A. M. “Trey” Fragala III, AICP, PMP, chief operating officer at DTS, said the contract is valued at $3 million.

Fragala said DTS will utilize its Mobile Asset Collection vehicle, equipped with a wide range of high-tech recording devices including LIDAR and video, to gather data about DOT assets.

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

Emerson International Helps Coalition for the Homeless Decorate for Christmas

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. --- Emerson International, Inc., which develops Class A office facilities and luxury condominiums and golf course communities in Central Florida, recently volunteered its services to decorate the Coalition for the Homeless for Christmas.

Eric Emerson, vice president and general manager of Emerson International, said the firm purchased Christmas decorations and 12 Emerson International employees spent the workday decorating and lighting Coalition for the Homeless facilities in Orlando.

Mattamy Homes Reports Record Month in November

WINTER PARK, Fla. --- Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest homebuilder, reported it sold some 60 homes valued at approximately $15 million in communities in Florida, North Carolina, Minnesota and Arizona in November.

Steve Parker, president of Mattamy Homes U.S. division, said sales for the month were the best ever since November 2005.

At Lake Nona Preserve, Parker said the Mattamy sold 31 townhomes during the last four months and in November six townhomes were sold.

Ten Minnesota communities averaged 20 sales during November, while in the Orlando region sales totaled 13 for the month of November.

Mattamy Homes U.S. Group builds single family and townhomes in five Orlando communities, 10 in Jacksonville, three in Phoenix, nine in the Charlotte area and 11 in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota.

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.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

ICI Homes Appoints Gena Davidson Sales Associate in the Jacksonville Region

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- ICI Homes, which ranks as one of the largest and most active luxury home builders and luxury community developers in the U.S., has appointed Gena Davidson a new luxury homes sales associate in the Jacksonville region.

Don Wilford, north Florida division president for ICI Homes said Davidson, who has 11 years of experience in the sales and marketing of residential real estate, will be working out of ICI’s communities of Amelia National and North Hampton in Fernandina Beach near Jacksonville.

Davidson, a resident of Saint Simons Island, Ga., holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from Georgia Southern University and a Masters Degree in Education and Behavioral Science from Georgia State.

A licensed Realtor and member of the National Assn. of Realtors and Atlanta Institute of Real Estate, Davidson was formerly general manager of sales and marketing for The Village at Woodside in Aiken, S.C. where she received numerous sales awards on both the regional and national levels throughout the last decade.

About ICI Homes
ICI Homes is ranked by Builder magazine as one of the top 100 homebuilders in the nation. The 32+-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as in Jacksonville, Orlando, Melbourne and Tampa.