ST. CLOUD, Fla. --- cinematiKa Studios, headquartered at the University of Central Florida Business Incubator in St. Cloud, was recently named one of the 10 hottest tech startups in Florida by TechVenture 2011, the third annual showcase of new concepts, tools and resources hosted by Florida Technology Journal.
Ricardo Bernardini, founder and creative director of cinematiKa Studios, said he was invited to present his project at the conference of technology leaders, entrepreneurs and investors at the Hard Rock Live venue in City Walk at Universal Studios Tuesday Dec. 6.
The project, Angal Tentara, a revolutionary new iPad entertainment application, has launched for additional funding through Kickstarter.com, the world's largest funding platform for creative projects.
CinematiKa’s unique entertainment technology merges three major storytelling platforms–book, movie and video game–into a compelling multi-level production that engages viewers as active participants.
Bernardini hopes Kickstarter.com investors will help finance the completion of his project, which has been 10 years in the making so far at a cost of more than $150,000.
Bernardini said the opportunity to showcase his project at TechVenture 2011 comes at just the right time.
“TechVenture 2011 is free to attend, you will pay for parking and you must register to attend online at www.TechVenture2011.com. The event brings together many of the top technology experts in our respective fields in a platform for peer-to-peer interaction and crowdsourcing,” Bernardini explained.
“Our new technology expands storytelling possibilities to draw the reader in, ignite the imagination, awaken the senses, and inspire the emotions with a magical interactive historical adventure,” Bernardini 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.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers & Planners names new Engineer, Project Coordinator, Designer
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers & Planners LLC, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently named a new senior structural engineer, a project coordinator and a mechanical designer.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said Roberto Archila PE, was named senior structural engineer. Archila holds a Masters of Science in Structural Engineering from California State University and Bachelor of Science degrees in Ocean Engineering and Marine Science/Mathematics from Florida Atlantic University and University of Tampa respectively. Archila has more than 25 years of experience.
Cuhaci & Peterson also named Daniel Barrett senior project coordinator. Barrett who has 11 years of experience in the architectural and engineering field, graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Design.
Randy Green, who was appointed mechanical designer, graduated from Valencia College with an Associates Degree in Arts and Sciences and an Associates of Science in Building & Construction Management. Green is currently attending the University of Central Florida to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Operations Management. He has 18 years of experience in the architectural and engineering field.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said Roberto Archila PE, was named senior structural engineer. Archila holds a Masters of Science in Structural Engineering from California State University and Bachelor of Science degrees in Ocean Engineering and Marine Science/Mathematics from Florida Atlantic University and University of Tampa respectively. Archila has more than 25 years of experience.
Cuhaci & Peterson also named Daniel Barrett senior project coordinator. Barrett who has 11 years of experience in the architectural and engineering field, graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Design.
Randy Green, who was appointed mechanical designer, graduated from Valencia College with an Associates Degree in Arts and Sciences and an Associates of Science in Building & Construction Management. Green is currently attending the University of Central Florida to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Operations Management. He has 18 years of experience in the architectural and engineering field.
New Program Assistant Named for University of Central Florida’s Daytona Beach Business Incubator
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Arlene Wilson, a former executive assistant with a background in business and education, has been named program assistant for the University of Central Florida Business Incubator at Daytona International Airport, 601 Innovation Way.
Wilson – an honors’ graduate of Daytona State College – has more than 25 years of experience in the educational and business fields, having spent 10 years at Daytona State College, and many years in the business arena, including an administrative position for ITT Community Development Corp.
She recently began putting both – as well as her years of experience as a volunteer – to work in her new position, according to Site Manager Doris “Connie” Bernal.
“Arlene’s many skills are proving to be perfectly suited for the position,” Bernal said. “And, her experience as a volunteer and office holder for organizations such as the DeLand Art Festival and the March of Dimes are invaluable.”
The 9,607-square-foot incubator – a partnership between UCF, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council – opened July 27 after a $1.4 million renovation to part of the airport’s international terminal building. Like incubators in Orlando, Sanford, Leesburg, Kissimmee, St. Cloud and Winter Springs, the Daytona Beach incubator helps start-up companies, as well as established businesses that need assistance getting to the next level of their operations, Bernal 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 Central Florida, 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.
Wilson – an honors’ graduate of Daytona State College – has more than 25 years of experience in the educational and business fields, having spent 10 years at Daytona State College, and many years in the business arena, including an administrative position for ITT Community Development Corp.
She recently began putting both – as well as her years of experience as a volunteer – to work in her new position, according to Site Manager Doris “Connie” Bernal.
“Arlene’s many skills are proving to be perfectly suited for the position,” Bernal said. “And, her experience as a volunteer and office holder for organizations such as the DeLand Art Festival and the March of Dimes are invaluable.”
The 9,607-square-foot incubator – a partnership between UCF, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council – opened July 27 after a $1.4 million renovation to part of the airport’s international terminal building. Like incubators in Orlando, Sanford, Leesburg, Kissimmee, St. Cloud and Winter Springs, the Daytona Beach incubator helps start-up companies, as well as established businesses that need assistance getting to the next level of their operations, Bernal 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 Central Florida, 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.
University Club of Orlando to Celebrate 11-year-old Cancer Survivor at Christmas Party for Member’s, Families Dec. 3
ORLANDO, Fla. --- The University Club of Orlando will celebrate the health of 11 year old cancer survivor Tyler Youtz at a special Christmas party for University Club members and their families Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University Club, on the corner of Central Blvd. and Rosalind Ave. across from the library in downtown Orlando.
Justin Wright, general manager of the University Club of Orlando, said the event will benefit the Toys for Tyler Foundation and raise awareness of the children in Central Florida recovering and suffering from cancer.
“We’re asking that all members’ children bring toys to contribute to the Toys for Tyler Foundation,” Wright said.
The toys will be distributed to the children throughout Central Florida,” Wright explained.
Wright said the University Club is planning a wide range of events and activities for the party, including Christmas tree decorating, bounce house, visit from Santa and plenty of holiday snacks and refreshments.
Justin Wright, general manager of the University Club of Orlando, said the event will benefit the Toys for Tyler Foundation and raise awareness of the children in Central Florida recovering and suffering from cancer.
“We’re asking that all members’ children bring toys to contribute to the Toys for Tyler Foundation,” Wright said.
The toys will be distributed to the children throughout Central Florida,” Wright explained.
Wright said the University Club is planning a wide range of events and activities for the party, including Christmas tree decorating, bounce house, visit from Santa and plenty of holiday snacks and refreshments.
Mercantile Capital Corporation Will Mark Record Year of Commercial Loans, move to Downtown Orlando in December
Altamonte Springs, Fla. --- Mercantile Capital Corporation in Altamonte Springs will mark a record year of commercial loan transactions this year and will be in new offices in the Old Florida National Bank building at 60 N. Court St. in downtown Orlando this December.
The firm, which ranks as one of the largest and most active providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans to small business owners, merged with Winter Park-based Old Florida National Bank earlier this year and plans to relocate to the historic downtown Orlando building before Christmas.
Geof Longstaff, chairman of Mercantile Capital Corporation, said he projects the firm will end 2011 with over 60 closed loans to fund projects in more than 15 states, totaling more than $150 million.
That’s a new record for the eight-year-old company.
Longstaff said he’s sorry to leave Mercantile Capital’s Altamonte Springs headquarters but the merger with Old Florida National Bank opens big, new doors for the firm’s mission: local economic growth and new job creation.
“Job creation is one of the principal aims of the SBA 504 loan program,” Longstaff said.
Chris Hurn, Mercantile’s chief executive officer, said new SBA 504 lending rules are already stimulating economic activity and will likely generate another record year in 2012.
“The SBA 504 program is certainly the smart choice and often the only choice for small business owners who see an opportunity to grow,” Hurn said.
Last year Mercantile Capital Corporation closed 51 loans to fund projects worth more than $140.6 million.
The firm, which ranks as one of the largest and most active providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans to small business owners, merged with Winter Park-based Old Florida National Bank earlier this year and plans to relocate to the historic downtown Orlando building before Christmas.
Geof Longstaff, chairman of Mercantile Capital Corporation, said he projects the firm will end 2011 with over 60 closed loans to fund projects in more than 15 states, totaling more than $150 million.
That’s a new record for the eight-year-old company.
Longstaff said he’s sorry to leave Mercantile Capital’s Altamonte Springs headquarters but the merger with Old Florida National Bank opens big, new doors for the firm’s mission: local economic growth and new job creation.
“Job creation is one of the principal aims of the SBA 504 loan program,” Longstaff said.
Chris Hurn, Mercantile’s chief executive officer, said new SBA 504 lending rules are already stimulating economic activity and will likely generate another record year in 2012.
“The SBA 504 program is certainly the smart choice and often the only choice for small business owners who see an opportunity to grow,” Hurn said.
Last year Mercantile Capital Corporation closed 51 loans to fund projects worth more than $140.6 million.
Beazer Homes opens new phase with 40 villa homes priced from the $150s at Gulfwinds just north of Tarpon Springs
TAMPA, Fla. --- Beazer Homes recently opened a new phase with 40 villa homes priced from under $160,000 at Gulfwinds, located off Alt. U.S. 19 and Anclote Blvd. in Holiday just north of Tarpon Springs
Ed Suchora, market manager at Beazer Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said three bedroom villa homes in the new phase of Gulfwinds offer two baths and range in size from 1,745 square feet of living space to 1,883 square feet with two car garages.
All new Beazer villa homes at Gulfwinds are Energy Star® certified.
Ed Suchora, market manager at Beazer Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said three bedroom villa homes in the new phase of Gulfwinds offer two baths and range in size from 1,745 square feet of living space to 1,883 square feet with two car garages.
All new Beazer villa homes at Gulfwinds are Energy Star® certified.
ICI Homes Names Online New Homes Specialist at its Corporate Office in Daytona Beach
DAYTONA BEACH, 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 Bethany Kempf, Online New Homes Specialist.
Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing for ICI Homes said Kempf holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the University of Central Florida and a Florida Real Estate license
Messina said Kempf has a big job to do. “Most home buyers consult online resources before buying a new home in a luxury neighborhood such as ICI’s Plantation Bay in Ormond Beach, Amelia National and Julington Creek in Jacksonville, Cypress Reserve south of Orlando and at Grand Hampton in Tampa.”
“Today’s social marketing strategies are increasingly important,” Messina explained.
Kempf, a social networking veteran and new homes specialist, has six years of experience in the industry.
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.
Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing for ICI Homes said Kempf holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the University of Central Florida and a Florida Real Estate license
Messina said Kempf has a big job to do. “Most home buyers consult online resources before buying a new home in a luxury neighborhood such as ICI’s Plantation Bay in Ormond Beach, Amelia National and Julington Creek in Jacksonville, Cypress Reserve south of Orlando and at Grand Hampton in Tampa.”
“Today’s social marketing strategies are increasingly important,” Messina explained.
Kempf, a social networking veteran and new homes specialist, has six years of experience in the industry.
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 WDI-IRC East Employee who Survived Fiery Accident Settles into her “She Den” to write Series of Children’s Books at Del Webb Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. – Donna Morris never set out to be a writer of children’s books, but fate led her in that direction just as it led her to a place she said she never wants to leave.
“I had not planned to be an author,” the Florida native said from her home office at the Del Webb Orlando community near Davenport. “It chose me; I didn’t choose it.”
But, she and her husband Jeff, did choose their home at Del Webb Orlando in 2008 and they’re very glad they did.
“I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” said Morris. “My husband feels that when he’s away, I’m taken care of by our incredible neighbors.” Because of their jobs the couple travels a lot, but they always have someone to look after their 15-year-old rescued pets, a gray cat and a boxer named Morris who she lovingly says looks like a “bug-eyed dingo.”
Morris, a former large theme park employee who grew up in the Fort Myers/Sanibel Island area, lost all of her hair and most of her skin in 2004 when a fireball engulfed her body as she stoked a fire pit near her home in Lake Wales.
“I was burned over most of my body,” she said. “I have scarring, but it really doesn’t bother me. I’m just thankful I’m alive. I tell people ‘it was a heck of a way to get a chemical peel!’ ”
While Donna was recuperating from her injuries, Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne blew across Florida destroying the Morris’s Lake Wales home and everything in it. Like so many others, the couple had to start over from scratch.
During her recovery Donna Morris had an epiphany. As she looked outside, a firefly landed on the screen. She thought to herself how beautiful this creature was that lit up such a vast amount of darkness and immediately thought of Edison creating the light bulb. Thus her first series was born.
The rest, as they say, is history. Or at least, historical in the sense of children’s books, as Morris – aka Donna Raye – took a different approach to her literary works. Each of her children’s books are written in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
Since then she has published several books in different genres, including a new series called “Faith-a-Leapin’ ” that is written from the point of view of a frog, one of Morris’s favorite creatures. Donna Raye’s children’s series teaches about diversity, being kind to others and that children can grow up to do anything they set their minds to, Morris said.
“We have a pond in our backyard and we hear croaking all the time,” she said. “I have a collection of frogs in my office that range from ceramic ones to a Chinese frog carved from a nut to one from Africa that sounds like a bull frog when you rub a stick against its back.”
When she isn’t holed up in her “she den” writing, Morris – the mother of two sons and three grandsons – said she enjoys numerous amenities at Del Webb Orlando, including a dog park, hot tubs, pickleball courts, and gathering rooms for movies or parties.
She also makes good use of the community’s fitness center and swimming pools, exercising 1.5 hours daily at the gym and two hours at the inside pool
“I love the outdoors,” Morris said. “We really love our home here, but the only time I’m inside very long is when I’m writing. Otherwise, we’re on the golf cart riding around the community with our dog, just enjoying life.”
“I had not planned to be an author,” the Florida native said from her home office at the Del Webb Orlando community near Davenport. “It chose me; I didn’t choose it.”
But, she and her husband Jeff, did choose their home at Del Webb Orlando in 2008 and they’re very glad they did.
“I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” said Morris. “My husband feels that when he’s away, I’m taken care of by our incredible neighbors.” Because of their jobs the couple travels a lot, but they always have someone to look after their 15-year-old rescued pets, a gray cat and a boxer named Morris who she lovingly says looks like a “bug-eyed dingo.”
Morris, a former large theme park employee who grew up in the Fort Myers/Sanibel Island area, lost all of her hair and most of her skin in 2004 when a fireball engulfed her body as she stoked a fire pit near her home in Lake Wales.
“I was burned over most of my body,” she said. “I have scarring, but it really doesn’t bother me. I’m just thankful I’m alive. I tell people ‘it was a heck of a way to get a chemical peel!’ ”
While Donna was recuperating from her injuries, Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne blew across Florida destroying the Morris’s Lake Wales home and everything in it. Like so many others, the couple had to start over from scratch.
During her recovery Donna Morris had an epiphany. As she looked outside, a firefly landed on the screen. She thought to herself how beautiful this creature was that lit up such a vast amount of darkness and immediately thought of Edison creating the light bulb. Thus her first series was born.
The rest, as they say, is history. Or at least, historical in the sense of children’s books, as Morris – aka Donna Raye – took a different approach to her literary works. Each of her children’s books are written in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
Since then she has published several books in different genres, including a new series called “Faith-a-Leapin’ ” that is written from the point of view of a frog, one of Morris’s favorite creatures. Donna Raye’s children’s series teaches about diversity, being kind to others and that children can grow up to do anything they set their minds to, Morris said.
“We have a pond in our backyard and we hear croaking all the time,” she said. “I have a collection of frogs in my office that range from ceramic ones to a Chinese frog carved from a nut to one from Africa that sounds like a bull frog when you rub a stick against its back.”
When she isn’t holed up in her “she den” writing, Morris – the mother of two sons and three grandsons – said she enjoys numerous amenities at Del Webb Orlando, including a dog park, hot tubs, pickleball courts, and gathering rooms for movies or parties.
She also makes good use of the community’s fitness center and swimming pools, exercising 1.5 hours daily at the gym and two hours at the inside pool
“I love the outdoors,” Morris said. “We really love our home here, but the only time I’m inside very long is when I’m writing. Otherwise, we’re on the golf cart riding around the community with our dog, just enjoying life.”
Four Mattamy Homes Site Superintendents Win Cornerstone Awards from Home Builders Assn.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. --- Four site superintendents at Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest home builder, were presented with Cornerstone Awards during a recent luncheon meeting of the Home Builders Assn. of Charlotte.
Bill Kiselick, division president for Mattamy Homes in the Charlotte region, said Jim Brodnik, Keith Holiday, Price Leonard and Brian Smith earned Cornerstone Awards for their home building efforts during the period of Oct. 1, 2010 through Sept. 30, 2011.
Kiselick said Brodnik was awarded in the category of 15-25 homes built, and Holiday, Leonard and Smith received the award for building more than 26 homes during the past year, the highest achievement category of the HBA Cornerstone awards.
The Home Builders Assn. of Charlotte is the only HBA in the nation that recognizes the builders themselves for their labors, according to Kiselick.
“We are very careful in the selection and supervision of our home builders and Jim, Price, Keith and Brian rank among the most conscientious, hardest working and most knowledgeable home builders in the Charlotte region and they deserve every accolade they receive,” Kiselick said.
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.
Bill Kiselick, division president for Mattamy Homes in the Charlotte region, said Jim Brodnik, Keith Holiday, Price Leonard and Brian Smith earned Cornerstone Awards for their home building efforts during the period of Oct. 1, 2010 through Sept. 30, 2011.
Kiselick said Brodnik was awarded in the category of 15-25 homes built, and Holiday, Leonard and Smith received the award for building more than 26 homes during the past year, the highest achievement category of the HBA Cornerstone awards.
The Home Builders Assn. of Charlotte is the only HBA in the nation that recognizes the builders themselves for their labors, according to Kiselick.
“We are very careful in the selection and supervision of our home builders and Jim, Price, Keith and Brian rank among the most conscientious, hardest working and most knowledgeable home builders in the Charlotte region and they deserve every accolade they receive,” Kiselick said.
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.
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