Pulte Homes and Cameratta Companies Form Joint Venture to Develop Community of 700 Single-Family Homes in Estero

Fort Myers, Fla. --- Pulte Homes and Cameratta Companies have formed a joint venture to develop a master-planned community of 700 single-family homes on a 722-acre site located three miles east of Interstate 75 on Corkscrew Rd. in Estero. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for Pulte Homes in South Florida, said the site includes a 222-acre lake. Several of the homesites offer spectacular views of the lake along with natural wooded preserves, he said.   Land development at the site should start in the fall and the first new homes are projected to go on sale in early 2014. “The surrounding area includes many established master-planned communities and a wide selection of retail, restaurant, and entertainment venues, with excellent primary and higher education opportunities,” Mairn said. “The property is well served with easy access to I-75 and Southwest Florida International Airport, along with Germain Arena, Miromar Outlets, Gulf Coast Town Center, Coconut Point Shopping Mall, and Florida Gulf Coast University,” he added. Mairn said the development team has plans for a secluded community recreational amenity on a large peninsula along the northern side of the lake. This will be the second project involving Pulte Homes and Cameratta Companies, having successfully opened The Preserve at Corkscrew in Estero this past summer.

NAI Realvest negotiates $3.9 Million sale of property to be developed as restaurant complex to include Bahama Breeze, Olive Garden brands

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest negotiated a $3.9 million price in the sale of the 127-room former Ramada Inn hotel at 1798 International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach. Paul P. Partyka, managing partner at NAI Realvest, negotiated the sale representing seller Consolidated Inns of Daytona Beach, Inc. Development Options Center, LLC of Chattanooga, Tenn. acquired the 4.1-acre property to develop as a three-restaurant complex that will include a Bahama Breeze restaurant and an Olive Garden restaurant, Partyka said. “We were able to negotiate successfully on the property due to its prime location and the development plan with very popular Darden Restaurant brands is just perfect for the site,” said Partyka. “This has been a win-win-win transaction all around,” he said. The site is located directly across International Speedway Blvd. from Daytona International Speedway.

Henin Homes Reports 30 New Home Sales in Past Nine Months, Up More than 70 Percent over 2011

DeBary, Fla. --- Henin Homes, which builds luxury homes at Riviera Bella, the award-winning luxury community that overlooks the St. Johns River in DeBary, reported it sold 30 new homes since April. Matt Boltz, recently named vice president of Henin Homes, Inc., said the sales represented revenues of close to $10 million and an increase of more than 70 percent over 2011 sales.

Henin Homes Has Three Move-In Ready Homes Underway at Riviera Bella in DeBary

DeBary, Fla. – Henin Homes will have three ready-to-move-in homes opening for viewing in mid-January through early Spring. The homes are located at Riviera Bella, the luxury community the Henin Group is developing on the St. Johns River in DeBary. Matt Boltz, vice president of Henin Homes, Inc., said the new homes range is size from 2,300 square feet of living space to 3,100 square feet priced from the $300s.

Park Square Homes Appoints Kenny Geils Senior Purchasing Agent

Orlando, Fla. --- Park Square Homes has appointed Kenny Geils senior purchasing agent. Anthony Rouhana, marketing coordinator at Park Square Homes, said Geils earned his B.A. Degree in Social Science from Auburn University and has more than 11 years of experience as a purchasing executive, having worked on projects all over the world. Geils began his career in the U.S. Air Force, working for the 42nd Air Base Wing and Air University. As a purchasing agent for Pulte Homes, Geils made all purchases for Land Development. As a purchasing consultant, Geils’ projects included the renovation of Disney’s Contemporary Resort Pool Deck, the Ritz Carlton’s Wedding Pavilion and Municipal Park for City of Ocoee. As director of purchasing for Technomedia Solutions, Geils oversaw worldwide projects for Abercrombie, Margaritaville, Universal Studios, Hard Rock Café and Hollister. Geils earned his Construction Estimating Certification from University of Florida Rinker School of Construction and has enrolled in the University of Florida’s MBA Program..

University Club of Orlando to Host Cocktails for a Cause Jan. 24 to Benefit Coastal Conservation Association

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The University Club of Orlando will host a Cocktails for a Cause reception Thursday, Jan. 24, to raise more than $5,000 for the Central Florida Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), an organization of saltwater anglers and conservation activists in 17 states with 30 Florida chapters. Justin Wright, general manager of the University Club of Orlando, said the Fifth Annual CCA Cocktails for a Cause event is an important one for the club. “CCA has held a Cocktails for a Cause event at the University Club of Orlando for the past four years and we’ve established a tradition among the group of influential men and women who are thoroughly committed to the conservation of coastal resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public,” Wright said. The University Club’s Cocktail for a Cause events have helped raise more than $175,000 over the past five years to benefit a wide range of civic, community, educational and charitable organizations. Wright emphasized Cocktails for a Cause events give organizations the opportunity to raise money while having fun. “When the leaders of an organization play cocktail servers, you’re bound to have a good time,” Wright said. “They donate all their tips to the cause, and some organizations have raised as much as $5,000 in a single evening,” Wright added.

“Sustainable” is the Standard for New Breed of Community Banks, Says First Green Bank Chairman Ken LaRoe

Mount Dora, Fla. --- “Sustainable” is the standard for a new generation of bankers who aim to make a difference along with a profit in the market that’s emerged since the collapse of too-big-to-fail Lehman Brothers four years ago. Kenneth M. LaRoe, chairman of First Green Bank in Mount Dora, said sustainable banking practices will steer the industry back to its original course---stable and solid financial returns and resiliency through strong capital positions---and restore the world economy. A critical industry analysis issued last month by the Global Alliance for Banking on Values---a worldwide network of proponents of sustainable banking practices---proves LaRoe’s point. “Sustainable banks allocate almost twice as much of their balance sheet to lending to the real economy than the too-big to-fail banks,” LaRoe said. “Dominant big banks lend less, attract fewer deposits and have a weaker capital base than sustainable banks, and financial results over the last ten years show sustainable banks are resilient, support the real economy, and provide stable returns,” he said. “Those are fundamentals of sustainable banking,” LaRoe said recently. “It’s who we are, it’s why we do business.” Banks have a huge role to play in their communities, with a vested interest in real economic growth, LaRoe said. Earlier this year First Green Bank became the first Florida bank admitted to The Global Alliance for Banking on Values. The group’s study, “Strong and Straightforward: The Business Case for Sustainable Banking,” has LaRoe and his colleagues excited. “’Strong and Straightforward’ lays out the philosophy mainstream banking will eventually embrace, but it will take time,” LaRoe predicts. “I’m delighted the evolution is under way,” he said. LaRoe, whose First Green Bank opened its award-winning headquarters facility in Mount Dora last year and a branch facility in bustling downtown Orlando recently, said sustainable banking practices form the core of First Green’s expanding business model. First Green Bank also has locations in Ormond Beach, Clermont and a planned branch in Winter Park sometime next year. It’s a highly successful model: First Green reports its assets grew by more than 20 percent in 2012 and its loan volume by more than 25 percent. First Green Bank scored the highest among Central Florida banks in a recent Asset Quality Review by the Carson Medlin Company. LaRoe said the benefits of sustainable banking extend well past the bank’s bottom line. “Sustainable banks increased their activity during the financial crisis, expanding their lending to small and growing businesses in particular,” LaRoe said. “Sustainable banks provide demand-driven banking services to the real economy with a long-term view toward developmental and environmental needs. We are stewards of equitable and environmentally sound capitalism,” he said.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Expansion Lease with Tenant who will occupy over 15,400 Square Feet at The Citadel in East Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently completed a lease agreement for 4,393 square feet of office space at Citadel III, 5950 Hazeltine National Drive in southeast Orlando. The NAI Realvest leasing team of Senior Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM, Matt Cichocki and Kevin O’Connor principals at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction representing the landlord, Citadel Partners, LTD based in Groveland, Fla. Local tenant Pentaho Corporation, already leasing 11,034 square feet at The Citadel III, will expand into two more suites which will increase its occupancy to 15,427 square feet by Jan. 1. NAI Realvest is the leasing and management representative of Citadel III.

Golden Bear Club in Windermere Hosts two major events to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank

WINDERMERE Fla. --- The Golden Bear Club at Keene’s Pointe in Windermere recently hosted two major community events to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank. Matthew Allen, director of golf at Golden Bear, said more than 500 runners, walkers and bicyclists participated in the 10th Annual Keene’s Pointe HOA Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. The entry fee for the event — which started and ended at the Golden Bear Club — was a donation of non-perishable food items for charity. “Winners in each age group earned a first place pumpkin pie instead of a ribbon or trophy,” Allen said. The Annual Turkey Trot benefit was started by Golden Bear Club members and Keene’s Pointe residents Doug and Deborah Irmscher A week later, Golden Bear Club members and their guests took part in their inaugural “Evening of Giving” which also benefited Second Harvest Food Bank. The event was sponsored by Golden Bear Club Members and Keene’s Pointe residents Stan and Lynne Hildebrand and resulted in $2,145 in contributions and more than 2,500 pounds of food.

With Florida Home Sales on the Rebound, Aggressive Home Builders are Cherry-Picking the Best Deals

ORLANDO, Fla. --- New and existing housing sales are up in almost every region of Florida and real estate sales professionals are bracing for a busy 2013, according to Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty in Orlando. “We are seeing tremendous interest from national and regional builders, developers and investors seeking well-positioned properties for single-family homes, attached homes and apartments,” Soderstrom said. Developers are particularly active in the Miami market right now. “I remember hearing news stories in 2009 that it could take 10 years or more for the Miami real estate market to restore its equilibrium and today construction is booming,” Soderstrom said. Soderstrom said most of the standing building sites in Central Florida have been acquired over the past 12 to 18 months and builders and developers are now aggressively pursuing properties with development approvals and well-positioned properties that require approvals. “We are seeing extremely high demand in southwest Orlando, especially in the Horizons West area, and southeast Orlando with Lake Nona and the new medical city, Seminole County, as well as most of our neighboring counties,” Soderstrom said. Soderstrom said investors are finding undeveloped properties priced at a fraction of their values seven years ago. “Florida is benefiting from pent-up demand, new employment, and foreign investment,” Soderstrom said. “Florida attracts the largest percentage of foreign buyer sales nationally.” he added. Soderstrom said an improving housing market nationally benefits Florida too. “As the economy improves and housing markets recover in the Northeast and Midwest, older home owners are seeing the window of opportunity reopen for them,” Soderstrom said. “They are selling their homes so they can relocate to retirement communities in Florida.” Florida is on the rebound, Soderstrom emphasized.

Lennar Homes acquires home sites at Cypress Falls at The Woodlands in North Port, To Introduce New Floor Plans

NORTH PORT, Fla. --- Lennar Homes has acquired home sites at The Woodlands, the gated master-planned active adult community located on Arugula Drive in North Port in Sarasota County. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar Homes in southwest Florida, said Lennar is introducing four new floor plans from its Executive Homes series in Cypress Falls at The Woodlands, and a grand opening is planned for late January. New three, four and five-bedroom single-family homes priced from the mid $100s at Cypress Falls at The Woodlands will range in size from 1,677 square feet of living space to 2,529 square feet. Devereaux added that all Lennar Executive Homes at Cypress Falls at The Woodlands come with the homebuilder’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: Extras such as granite kitchen countertops, wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, crown molding and tile are all included in the Lennar Homes price. Visit www.lennar.com.

First Green Bank Reports Healthy Growth in Assets, Loan Volume in 2012

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – First Green Bank, the Mount Dora based community bank with locations in Clermont and Ormond Beach and downtown Orlando, reported its assets grew by more than 20 percent in 2012. First Green Bank Chairman Kenneth M. LaRoe said he projects the bank will finish the year with $203 million in total assets, up from $163 million at the start of the year. Asset growth at First Green Bank means more lending to local businesses and consumers, LaRoe said: First Green Bank’s loan volume grew more than 25 percent in 2012 and will end the year with a projected balance of $148 million. In its Asset Quality Review of independent banks in Florida earlier this year, the Carson Medlin Company ranked First Green Bank Number One in Central Florida and fifth in Florida. First Green was one of only seven Florida banks to earn a coveted “zero” on the famed Texas Ratio---a widely regarded measure of sound banking practices developed by Texas banker Gerard Cassidy and RBC Capital Markets more than 30 years ago. First Green Bank posted zero past due loans, zero nonaccrual assets, zero REOs (real estate that the bank has taken back to cover debts) and only $288,000 in restructured loans, when the region-wide average is almost $5.5 million per bank. “We have taken an aggressive approach to lending for projects that improve the economic vitality and quality of life in Central Florida,” LaRoe said. “The community bank business model requires a broader scope of vision than many institutions are able to provide. Our experience---affirmed by Carson Medlin’s Asset Quality Review---is that these are the best loans to make,” LaRoe said. “In our business, character counts.” No less authority than American Banker magazine ranks First Green Bank as one of America’s “greenest” banks. Earlier this year First Green Bank was named the U.S. Green Building Council’s 2011 Business of the Year in Central Florida. LaRoe said First Green Bank is presently looking for a site in Winter Park.

First Green Bank names Branch Manager, Customer Service Representatives in Orlando

Mount Dora, Fla. – First Green Bank, the Mount Dora based bank that recently opened its fourth branch facility on South Orange Ave. in downtown Orlando, appointed a branch manager and two customer service representatives for the Orlando location. Kenneth LaRoe, chairman of First Green Bank, said he named Mary Sekac branch manager in Orlando. Sekac, a former SunTrust executive is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of North Orlando, Longwood Chamber of Commerce and is a volunteer for Sheperd’s Hope. She earned her B.S. Degree in Mathematics from University of Florida and is an active member of the Chi Omega Alumni Assn. LaRoe also appointed Deloris Crisp senior customer service representative at First Green Bank in Orlando. A native of Clarksville, Tenn. Crisp began her banking career with First American National Bank, FirstStar Bank and Legends Bank. LaRoe also named Denise Smith customer service representative in Orlando. Smith has many years of banking experience having served with First Southern Bank in Winter Garden and First Green Bank in Clermont.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Named Exclusive Broker for Prime Residential Site near Mount Dora

LAKE MARY, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been named exclusive sales and marketing agents for a prime 85.54-acre residential site located in the Sorrento-Mount Plymouth area of Lake County off S.R. 46 between Heathrow and Mount Dora. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the site has excellent road frontage near planned interchanges with the Wekiva Parkway and S.R. 429 toll road. Current Future Land Use (FLU) planning allows for two housing units per acre and rezoning could permit as many as three or four homes per acre. Utilities are located less than a mile from the site, Soderstrom added. The site, which is totally fenced, currently includes a 5,156 square foot six-bedroom house with four-and-a-half baths, along with several barns. Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty International Luxury Homes Specialist Benjiman Hillman in the firm’s Dr. Phillips' Global Marketing Center is representing the property, which is currently listed at $2.6 million, or $30,395 per acre. “The price is very realistic, and with the completion of the Wekiva Parkway and S.R. 429 toll road, this is a superb upscale residential development,” Hillman said. To view a brochure on the property, go to http://www.stirlingsir.com/resources/SiteResources/My%20Folder/31216SR437withPressRel.pdf .

Henin Group Promotes Matt Boltz to Vice President of Henin Homes

Winter Park, Fla. --- The Henin Group, parent company of Henin Homes, has promoted Matt Boltz to vice president of Henin Homes, Inc. Jerome Henin, founder and president of the Henin Group, developer of Riviera Bella overlooking the St. Johns River in DeBary, said Boltz joined the firm in early 2012 and took over as director of sales and operations at Henin Homes. Boltz has more than 20 years of experience as a homebuilding executive in Florida and was formerly division president and regional vice president for a national homebuilding firm overseeing production and semi-custom homebuilding operations for 17 years. “Since Matt Boltz joined us as director of sales and operations, we have seen a significant improvement and positive changes,” Henin said. “We have quadrupled our production, and we have reorganized many of our procedures and processes to make them more efficient, more productive and easier to manage,” Henin said. Henin said he is enthusiastic about the future. “This is the first time in years that I have been able to concentrate on managing our growth, and while I know the real estate recovery has yet to hit full stride, I can confidently say we are far better off than we were a year ago,” Henin said. “Matt Boltz is one of the big reasons for that,” Henin said.

M/I Homes Acquires 200 Home Sites in St. Cloud to start development of Narcoossee Village

LAKE MARY, Fla. --- M/I Homes will start developing its newest community of Narcoossee Village in St. Cloud, offering 200 home sites. David G. Byrnes, area president of M/I Homes in the Orlando region, said the homebuilder’s new single-family homes Narcoossee Village will range from 1,500 square feet of living space to 3,500 square feet and will be priced starting from $179,900. Narcoossee Village is located off Narcoossee Road and Jack Brack Blvd. in St. Cloud. Development of the community will start in early March, Byrnes said. M/I Homes currently has 10 active communities in the Orlando area.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Named Marketing Agents for the Bulk Sale of 72 Estate Home Sites at Hunter’s Ridge in Ormond Beach

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been named exclusive sales and marketing agents for the 88-acre Ashford Lake Estates development site at Hunter’s Ridge, the 5,000 acre master-planned community which straddles the Volusia-Flagler line just west of Interstate 95 in Ormond Beach. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Ashford Lake Estates at Hunter’s Ridge includes 72 estate home sites of one-third-acre or more, each of which offers more than 100 feet of street frontage. Soderstrom said the ready-to-build estate home sites “which will be very attractive to custom home builders” are being listed for sale in bulk at $2.5 million. “Most of these very private estate home sites offer either lakefront or conservation area frontage,” Soderstrom said. Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty International Commercial Investment Specialists John Kurtz and Mark Arnold, along with Soderstrom, are listing agents for the property.

University Club of Orlando promotes April Wootten to Service Manager

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The University Club of Orlando recently promoted April Wootten to service manager. Justin Wright, general manager of the University Club of Orlando, said Wooten has been with the University Club for nearly two years as a service captain.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Office Lease at the Winter Park Commerce Center

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently completed a lease agreement for 2,490 square feet of office space at 917 N. Pennsylvania Ave. in the Winter Park Commerce Center near downtown Winter Park. Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest negotiated the transaction representing the landlord, Winter Park-based WFI, LLP. A local massage therapy firm, Gifted Touch, LLC, is the new tenant.

Only Five Town Homes Remain for Sale at Autumnwood Grove in Lakeland

LAKELAND, Fla. --- Only five town homes remain for sale at Autumnwood Grove, Lennar’s gated community of town homes and villa homes located on Bartow Road (U.S. 98) one mile south of Polk Parkway in Lakeland. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the Nottingham town home, judged home of the year in 2010 with the best floor plan, best kitchen and best overall quality in its category, is one of three distinctive floor plans available at Autmnwood Grove. Lennar’s award winning Nottingham town home at Autumnwood Grove offers four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths in 1,612 square feet of living space priced from $100s. The Berkshire town home at Autumnwood Grove offers two bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths in 1,178 square feet of living space priced from $70s. The Canterbury town home is a three-bedroom design with two-and-a-half baths in 1,559 square feet of living space priced from $100s. Metheny said town homes at Autumnwood Grove offer pond and conservation views. Autumnwood Grove features a community swimming pool and cabana. Lennar builds townhomes and villa homes at Autumnwood Grove priced from the $70s and each home comes with Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: a wide range of appliances, special features and add-ons at one “everything’s included” price.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Lease renewals totaling 21,825 square feet of industrial space at Hanging Moss CommerCenter and Monroe CommerCenter South

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest negotiated two industrial lease renewals totaling 21,825 square feet at the Hanging Moss CommerCenter in Orlando and at Monroe CommerCenter South in Sanford. Michael Heidrich, Sr., principal at NAI Realvest brokered both transactions on behalf of the landlords. At Monroe CommerCenter South in Sanford, TekQuest Industries Corporation renewed its lease of 16,200 square feet at Suite 1000, 4275 Church St. The landlord is COP-Monroe, LLC of Maitland. At 6124 Hanging Moss Rd. in the Hanging Moss CommerCenter the tenant, RTR Suppliers, Inc., renewed its lease of Suites 350 and 360 with 5,625 square feet. Maitland-based COP-Hanging Moss, LLC is the landlord.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects design renovated Publix Supermarket on U.S. 41 and Golden Gate in Naples

ORLANDO, Fla. — Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners were on hand for the recent reopening of the Publix supermarket on U.S. 41 and Golden Gate Drive in Naples. Lonnie Peterson, chairman of the architectural firm based in Baldwin Park, said his firm designed the renovations for the project which included 56,300 square feet of retail space. Cuhaci & Peterson completed design and construction documents for both the canopy renovation and the interior for Publix. The developer is Brixmor Property Group.

ICI Homes selects Prudential Tropical Realty to take over sales of single family homes at Grand Hampton in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. -- ICI Homes has selected Prudential Tropical Realty of Tampa to take over sales of the single family luxury homes ICI Homes is building at Grand Hampton, located on Dunham Station Drive off Grand Hampton Drive and E. County Line Rd. in New Tampa. Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing for ICI Homes based in Daytona Beach, said ICI is building 24 new homes at Grand Hampton and recently started construction of a new model there. Priced from $469,900 ICI’s Teramo design boasts five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and a three-car garage, Messina said.

Stirling Sotheby's International Realty Named Exclusive Broker for Luxury Home on Clermont Chain of Lakes

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been named exclusive sales and marketing representative for a four-bedroom luxury home overlooking Crescent Lake on the Clermont Chain of Lakes. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said International Luxury Home Specialist Benjiman Hillman with Stirling Sotheby’s Orlando/Dr. Phillips Marketing Center is representing the property located at 10800 Crescent Lake Ct. which is listed at $625,000. The luxury home offers 5,416 square feet of air-conditioned living space with four oversized bedrooms and a custom-crafted kitchen with large center island, granite countertops and stainless appliances. The family room, living room and master bedroom have all been designed around lake views and with easy access to the pool and spacious patio. The home is professionally landscaped and in a highly desirable location and neighborhood, said Hillman. To view a brochure on the property, visit http://www.stirlingsir.com/resources/SiteResources/My%20Folder/10800_Crescent_Lake_Ct.pdf

Legends Golf Club in Clermont hosts Relay for Life Golf Tournament that raises more than $9,000

CLERMONT, Fla. --- Legends Golf Club in Clermont, a Celebration Golf Management facility, hosted the Fourth Annual Relay for Life Golf Tournament recently that raised more than $9,000 for research and awareness programs sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Jay Scruggs, general manager at The Legends and tournament organizer Jim Rhodes said they were delighted with the record turnout for the golf play and Rhodes has already booked Legends Golf Club for the Fifth Annual Relay for Life tournament Dec. 14, 2013. Rhodes said the weather was perfect, course was in excellent shape and the staff and management at Legends put on a thoroughly enjoyable tournament. “Best of all we raised more than $9,000 and we still have donations coming in,” Rhodes said. The 18-hole championship golf course at Legends Golf Club ranks as one of the best efforts of golf course designer Lloyd Clifton. The Clifton-Ezell-Clifton course stretches 6911 yards from the gold tees with a par 72, a Slope Rating of 131 and Course Rating of 73, said Scruggs. Visit www.cgmgolfproperties.com

University Club of Orlando raises $800 and 150 toys at Cocktails for a Cause Reception to Benefit Toys for Tyler

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The University Club of Orlando recently raised more than $800 and more than 150 toys during its Cocktails for a Cause recently to benefit Toys for Tyler, the charitable organization that collected more than 2,000 toys for children at Arnold Palmer Hospital last year. Toys for Tyler is named for Orlando cancer survivor Tyler Youtz, who started the annual effort with a single toy in 2004, than 11 toys in 2005 and 156 toys the following Christmas. Justin Wright, general manager of the University Club of Orlando, said the social club’s Cocktails for a Cause events have raise more than $60,000 this year for Central Florida civic and charitable organizations.

AceApplications certified as Minority Owned Business

ORLANDO, Fla. -- AceApplications LLC, an information technology solutions and staffing provider to businesses, schools, and government agencies, was recently certified as a Minority-Owned Business by the Central & North Florida Minority Supplier Development Council (FMSDC). Courtney Powell, president of AceApplications LLC, said the certification is an important step in bidding for city, county and state projects that include IT development. “The Central & North Florida Minority Supplier Development Council certification automatically qualifies us for certification from the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), and that opens up a market that includes municipal governments, schools, and public facilities in 30 states,” Powell said. AceApplications, LLC, a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program located in Central Florida Research Park in east Orange County, is a state and county certified minority owned business that offers information technology consulting services, custom software and web development, IT staffing and 21st Century education and training solutions for businesses, government agencies and schools.

Omega3 Innovations Announces Fish Oil Secret: Celebrities and CEOs Drink Their Omega-3 Supplements

Venice, Fla. -- Since Jennifer Aniston gave an unsolicited endorsement of Omega Cure liquid fish oil to InStyle Magazine, Omega3 Innovations has seen a dramatic increase in the number of celebrities and high-powered professionals ordering their product. But what has the affluent and powerful drinking their omega-3 fish oil? Omega3 Innovations explains. Have you noticed that some celebrities and high-profile industry leaders look younger and have more energy than they should at their age? What’s their secret? The answer might surprise you. Many stars and high-power professionals are turning to fish oil supplements to help them maintain their sharp wit and vigor. But, they’re not using traditional omega -3 capsules. Instead, they’re putting their fish oil faith in a liquid version - namely the Omega Cure. Omega3 Innovations, the producers of Omega Cure, noticed an increase in orders from prestigious addresses after an unsolicited endorsement from actress Jennifer Aniston appeared earlier this year in InStyle Magazine. “We always knew that we had an esteemed clientele,” says Omega3 Innovations co-founder, Anne-Marie Chalmers, MD. “But, after Jennifer Aniston mentioned that she took our oil in an interview with InStyle Magazine in March, we noticed a significant increase in orders from wealthy producers, celebrities and high-profile CEOs.” Since then, the company has seen a 50 percent increase in orders shipped to New York City addresses. Of those orders, the highest concentration comes from the affluent Upper East Side zip codes. While celebrity endorsements can help raise a company’s profile and sales, Omega3 Innovations attributes the growing customer base of celebrities and C-level executives to the product’s freshness and hefty omega-3 dose. “Omega Cure is the Rolls-Royce of fish oil,” says Dr. Chalmers. “Our oil is significantly fresher than what’s found in capsules, so it’s no surprise that our customers are upgrading to Omega Cure. And they are experiencing the difference as a result.” One of United States’s top orthopedic surgeons agrees. “The benefits of taking fresh omega-3 fish oil are clear,” says Sarasota-based Dr. William Kennedy. “It helps with joints, it helps with the cardiovascular system, and much more. By adding Omega Cure in adequate amounts of 2,000 – 3,000 mg of EPA/DHA per day to a patient’s arthritis medication, we have heard much positive feedback. Arthritic pain complaints have gone down, and we have seen other benefits with our patients as well. Some even report a reduction in their bad cholesterol,” he said. Omega-3 Innovations co-founder Bo Martinsen, MD, is not surprised that celebrities and CEOs are choosing Omega Cure. His succinct answer for the attraction: “It works.” 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 16 years – the company offers several varieties of Omega Cookies, Omega Passion chocolates, as well as Omega Cure supplements. Each 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 calcium. The company was an innovation winner at the 2010 annual Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County’s Hall of Fame awards and was nominated in this year’s young business category. Omega3 Innovations is the first to create a bakery product that contains an effective dose of omega-3 fish oil.

Cuhaci & Peterson Complete Design of 18 Leslie's Pool Mart Stores in 12 States

Orlando, Fla. – Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, completed design work to build 18 new Leslie’s Pool Mart stores in nine states during 2012. Jed Downs, president of Cuhaci & Peterson, said the new Leslie’s Pool Mart stores are located in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, Louisiana and Florida. Downs said the stores range in size from 2,400 square feet of retail space to 4,000 square feet.

First Green Bank in Mount Dora officially awarded U.S. Green Building Council’s Coveted LEED Platinum Certification

Mount Dora, Fla. --- First Green Bank was recently awarded the U.S. Green Building Council’s coveted Platinum Certification for its 12,000 square foot headquarters facility opened last year on U.S. 441 in Mount Dora. Kenneth LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, said the LEED Platinum Certification is the highest U.S. award for energy efficient and sustainable design, engineering, construction and maintenance. “Our LEED Platinum Certification has been a five year process,” LaRoe explained. “It began with our mission to create a community banking institution that expresses the highest ideals of good corporate citizenship. Our new headquarters facility was conceived, designed and built to very exacting standards in order to incorporate the best examples of sustainability and energy efficiency,” he said. Sixty rooftop solar panels on the facility provide 14.4 kilowatts of power, and the building is also designed to consume as little electricity as possible. The pitched butterfly-shaped roof streams rainwater into an 80,000 gallon cistern that irrigates planters outside and provides indoor plumbing. An 1,800 square-foot rooftop garden with native wildflowers is used for events and employee breaks, and the vegetation helps to insulate the building, reducing heating and cooling costs. LaRoe said sustainability was the guiding principle behind the building’s location. “We wanted a spot that would disturb the fewest trees,” he said. Pine trees harvested on the site were turned into flooring. The ceilings are made from cedar recycled from a nearby building that was torn down. Charging stations for electric and hybrid cars are available free for bank customers and employees. Bank couriers use hybrid cars to pick up deposits from customers, and another hybrid car serves as an employee loaner vehicle. First Green Bank provides zero percent interest loans to bank workers who buy high mileage cars. Low-wattage LED lights at the facility were designed to produce zero "light pollution." Florida-friendly, drought-tolerant landscaping is evident everywhere. Fieldstone used in the building is locally sourced. Large overhangs shade the building, and large windows reduce the need for artificial lighting. Flooring in the company gym is recycled cork and rubber composite. A juice bar for customers is made from recycled counterfeit money shredded by the Fed. “In the short term, green building standards cost more,” LaRoe said. “But we’re here for the long term, and our investment in sustainable building and banking practices is already paying a return,” he said. The U.S. Green Building Council is comprised of more than 18,000 member companies and organizations that include builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials, concerned citizens, teachers and students, 80 local affiliates and more than 167,000 LEED Professional Credential holders.

Stirling Sotheby's International Realty hopes to lease 20,000 square foot Plaza North Tower Penthouse to National Nightclub Operation

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty plans to lease its 20,000 square foot penthouse suite in The Plaza’s North tower on Orange Ave. and Pine Street in downtown Orlando and hopes to find a national or international night club operator to take over the space. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the facility is ideal for an upscale night club. “We have almost 10,000 square feet on the 16th floor overlooking downtown Orlando and it includes a 10,000 square foot garden terrace,” Soderstrom said, adding, “The space is ideally suited to become the sort of upscale night club that can be found in Miami, New York, London or Paris. John Kurtz, commercial specialist with Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, is representing the property. “The Plaza South building is located in the heart of Orlando’s entertainment district and the sort of visionary club operator who would develop this facility would draw from a national and international market for entertainment and customers alike,” Kurtz said. “Orlando is an international destination and is ready for a nightclub at an exclusive venue like this,” he added. A brochure on the property may be seen at http://www.stirlingsir.com/resources/SiteResources/My%20Folder/JKurtz_Plaza_16_ebrochure.pdf

Animation Producer Ninjaneer Studios earns contract from Orlando Science Center to work on U.S. Department of Defense Exhibit

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. --- Ninjaneer Studios, which creates animation and projection mapping content, recently earned a contract to help produce an interactive exhibit for the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Corrosion and Oversight. Joe Rosa, Director of Ninjaneer Studios, said the contract was awarded by the Orlando Science Center, which teamed up with the University of Akron and Bruno White Entertainment, an Orlando video production company, to help produce a unique educational experience. The exhibit utilizes 3D projection mapping technology, a new creative medium where digitally created content is projected onto physical everyday objects, giving the illusion that the surface is being transformed. By employing this technology to fully immerse visitors within the science of corrosion, the experience entertains as it educates, raising awareness of the detrimental effects corrosion has on our infrastructure and utilities systems. The new exhibit for the Orlando Science Center is scheduled to debut in March of 2013. Ninjaneer Studios is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in Winter Springs, Florida.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Begins Design of Four Fresh Market Stores in Houston

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park recently started design of four Fresh Market stores in Houston at locations including the Uptown/Tanglewood, Memorial, River Oaks and West University areas. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said each store is approximately 23,000 square feet and are slated to open toward the end of 2013.

Chris Hurn of Mercantile Capital Corp. in Orlando is Major Media Resource for Small Business Banking, Lending Reports

ORLANDO, Fla. — Christopher G. Hurn, chief executive officer of Mercantile Capital Corporation in Orlando, is getting use to his new role as the in-demand resource for major media reports that range from the Washington Post to the Huffington Post to Fox News. Hurn, whose expertise ranges widely but centers on financing small business enterprises, writes regularly for the Huffington Post website and even produces his own videos for YouTube. “It makes for a very demanding schedule, but I’m on a mission,” Hurn admits. “I believe small business entrepreneurs fuel the national economy, and I enjoy the work I do to help them grow their businesses,” Hurn said recently. Off hand, Hurn can only recite a short list of his recent media appearances: “The Washington Post article I contributed to; a Fox business article I appeared in; my recent Huffington Post column; a radio interview with The Small Business Advocate; a YouTube video of my appearance on Fox Business a few weeks ago — there have been about eight other radio shows as well, in addition to a local television interview on News Channel 12 in Minneapolis-St. Paul,” he said. He is more eloquent when he talks about the importance of his work financing small business enterprises. “Small business entrepreneurs are the Kit Carsons and Daniel Boones of my generation,” Hurn said. “They play a huge role in how we can make America a better country,” Hurn said. Led by Hurn and chairman Geof Longstaff, Mercantile Capital Corporation is a three-time member of Inc. magazine’s Inc. 500|5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. and ranks as one of the nation’s leading providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans, also known as SmartChoice Commercial Loans. In the first 10 months of this year, Mercantile announced it closed 85 commercial loans to finance projects totaling $364 million in total project costs. By the end of the year the company’s loan volume could reach $450 million. Hurn, named a Top 100 Small Business Influence Champion for 2012, recently published his first book, The Entrepreneurs Secret to Creating Wealth: How the Smartest Business Owners Build Their Fortunes, which has become an Amazon.com bestseller.

CUHACI & PETERSON ARCHITECTS WRAP UP MAJOR DESIGN, REMODELING PROJECTS IN THREE STATES

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers, Planners based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently completed a major remodeling project and facelift for the 49,600 square foot Big Y Supermarket in Palmer, Mass. Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the firm also completed design work to remodel the 80,000 square foot Stop and Shop supermarket in Warwick, R.I. Cuhaci & Peterson Architects also recently completed design work for a new warehouse and distribution center on Landstar Blvd. in Airport Industrial Park for Hoshizaki Ice Machine Company. Peterson said the 25,000 square foot, office and warehouse center will start construction next year. Over the past 12 months Cuhaci & Peterson Architects completed design work for nine L.A. Fitness centers in Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Sarasota, Windermere in the southwest Orlando area, Valrico near Tampa and in Houston. Peterson said L.A. Fitness center facilities average 50,000 square feet of space.

Park Square Homes to open two model homes in January at Summerbrooke in Mount Dora

ORLANDO, Fla. – Park Square Homes will open new model homes in January at Summerbrooke, the luxury community located off U.S. 441 near SR 46 in Mount Dora. Abbie Mirata, director of sales and marketing at Park Square Homes, said the Walton model home offers three bedrooms and two baths in 1,821 square feet of living space with a two-car garage, priced from $156,900. The Margate model, priced from $171,900, offers 2,000 square feet of living space with three bedrooms and two baths and a two-car garage. Summerbrooke features a community clubhouse and recreation areas and parks. Visit www.parksquarehomes.com

Pulte Homes Has Two New Models under Construction at The Plantation in Fort Myers

Fort Myers, Fla. --- Pulte Homes is currently building two new luxury model homes at The Plantation, a gated golfing community located off Treeline Avenue, just north of Daniels Road in Fort Myers. The single family home models are scheduled to be completed by the end of January. The Dartmouth II model offers three bedrooms plus a den and three baths in 2,547 square feet of living space priced from the mid-$350s with a two-car, plus golf-cart garage. The Jamison II model offers four bedrooms plus a den and three baths in 3,093 square feet priced from the $400s with a side load, two-car garage. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for south Florida, said Pulte Homes plans to build approximately 1,100 carriage homes and single family homes at The Plantation in nine distinctive floor plans priced from the high $100s to low $400s. New two, three and four-bedroom homes at The Plantation range in size from 1,641 square feet to 3,093 square feet with two to three baths, Mairn said. The Plantation is a gated and guarded community that features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Hurdzan-Fry, a golf clubhouse with formal restaurant and bar, tennis courts, a pro shop, billiards and card rooms, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Park Square Homes Unveils the Abbey Luxury Model Home at Waters Edge at Lake Nona

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Park Square Homes has opened the Abbey, a single-family luxury model home at Waters Edge at Lake Nona, the gated, master planned luxury community located off Narcoossee Road in Southeast Orlando. Abbie Mirata, director of sales and marketing at Park Square Homes, said the Abbey model home at Waters Edge offers five bedrooms and four baths in 3,500 square feet of living space with a three-car garage, priced from $332,900.

Royal Oak Homes to Start Construction in New Phase with three, four and five bedroom homes at Hammock Trail in Kissimmee

BALDWIN PARK, Fla. --- Royal Oak Homes, based in Baldwin Park will start construction of single family homes priced from the $150s early next year at Hammock Trails located on Ham Brown Road in Kissimmee. Matt Orosz, vice president of operations at Royal Oak Homes, said 224 home sites are planned in the new phase with new single family homes priced from the $150s. Orosz said Royal Oak plans to build three, four and five bedroom single family homes at Hammock Trail that range in size from 1,800 square feet of living space to 3,000 square feet. Currently Royal Oak Homes builds single-family homes in seven Central Florida communities. The third generation family home builder’s track record includes more than 14,000 new homes in Central Florida over the past 30 years.

Lennar opens three-bedroom Isabella executive model home at Millbrook at Fiddler’s Creek in Naples

NAPLES, Fla. --- Lennar has opened the three-bedroom Isabella executive model home at Fiddler’s Creek, the award-winning, private master-planned residential community located just off SR 41 south of Collier Boulevard between Naples and Marco Island. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales at Lennar Homes in the Southwest Florida region, said the one story Isabella model, in the Millbrook phase of Fiddler’s Creek, offers 2,246 square feet of living space with three bedrooms, two baths, and two-car garage priced from $379,990. Devereaux said the Isabella model home features Lennar’s popular open concept floor plan that connects the living room, kitchen, formal dining room and breakfast nook. Lennar plans to build 54 new two, three and four bedroom Executive homes at Millbrook at Fiddler’s Creek that range in size from 1,649 to 2,246 square feet priced from the $300s. Devereaux said Lennar plans to start its Estate home collection in the next phase, Runway Bay at Fiddler’s Creek, early next year. All Lennar built homes at Fiddler’s Creek come with the homebuilder’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: Extras such as Granite kitchen countertops, wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, crown molding and tile are all included in the Lennar Homes price. Fiddler’s Creek features a private 54,000 square foot square foot Club & Spa, fitness center, resort-style pools, tot lot, tennis, casual and elegant restaurants and a very active social calendar for the entire family. Homeowners may join The Golf Club at Fiddler's Creek, featuring an 18-hole Arthur Hills signature course ranked among Golfweek’s Top 100 Best Residential Golf Course Communities for eight consecutive years and The Tarpon Club, offering a desirable beach and boating lifestyle. Fiddler’s Creek is an award-winning community that has been selected by the readers of the Naples Daily News and Bonita Daily News as “Best Community” in the 2012 Southwest Florida Readers’ Choice Awards. The community is also the recipient of three 2012 CBIA Sand Dollar Awards for “Community of the Year,” “Best Special Event for Residents – New Year’s Eve Party” and “Best Community Newsletter.” For more information on the Millbrook village at Fiddler’s Creek, call 239-732-9300, stop by the Fiddler’s Creek Information Center located at 8152 Fiddler’s Creek Parkway or visit the community online at http://www.fiddlerscreek.com.

Centex Recognizes Sales Consultant of the month for November

Fort Myers, Fla. --- Centex has named Steven W. Palmer Sales Consultant of the Month for selling the highest number of new homes during November at Hawthorne in Bonita Springs and the community is nearly sold out. Palmer joined Centex nearly one year ago and is a native of New Jersey who has lived in Florida most of his life. He holds an AA degree in Business Administration from Daytona Beach College. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the company in South Florida, said Palmer began his real estate career in 1988, earned a sales director position at a timeshare firm in 1995 and in 2001 he was named second highest sales achiever for another nationwide homebuilder.

Emerson International Negotiates Lease Agreement for Class A Office Space in Altamonte Springs

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. --- Emerson International recently completed a long-term lease agreement for 761 square feet of office space in the Altamonte Lakeside Park at 307 Crane’s Roost Blvd. in Altamonte Springs. Emerson International Commercial Associate, Zac Starkey, negotiated the transaction. The tenant is Crank Communications, a marketing and advertising firm that specializes in creative, branding and media buying for the education, financial and healthcare industries. Starkey negotiated the transaction representing Landlord Emerson International, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Emerson Group, the global corporation that is one of the largest privately-owned property development companies.

Creators of Omega Cookies and Candy Have “Tasteful” Holiday Ideas for Corporate Gift Giving

VENICE, FL – The folks at Omega3 Innovations, creators of the heart-healthy Omega Cookie, have the perfect edible gift for some of those “hard to shop for” types on your holiday list. You know who they are: employees, clients and other corporate and business professionals. So yes, Virginia, somewhere between all the sticky fruitcakes, sugary cookies and gooey candies that so often are offered as holiday gifts, there actually are healthy – not to mention yummy - alternatives. Dr. Anne-Marie Chalmers, co-founder of the Venice-based biotech company, says why not give the gift of health to your business associates? “Our cookies and chocolate truffles contain the exact dose of omega-3 that it takes to boost heart-health and more,” she says. “Plus, they contain other 'superfood ingredients' like oat-soluble fiber and non-alkalized dark chocolate.” You can choose between three nutritious and delicious products: ●The 150-calorie Omega Passion, a heart-healthy and oat fiber truffle slathered with decadent, dark chocolate that acts like an appetite suppressant, ●The Omega Cookie, a home-style gluten-free oat fiber treat chock-full of essential nutrients like vitamin D3, calcium, and seven fish oil capsules worth of omega-3, or ● The Omega Bundle, a box of Omega Passion truffles, a variety sampler of Omega Cookies, and a bottle of Omega Cure liquid fish oil. “The bundle makes it easy to try different ways of getting the necessary amount of omega-3 fish oil without compromising taste, and more importantly, quality,” Chalmers says. For details about the benefits of Omega3 Innovations’ products, visit www.omega3innovations.com or call 941-485-4400.

NAI Realvest negotiates industrial sales totaling $935,000 on Hanging Moss Rd. in Orlando and in Sanford Central Park

ORLANDO, Fla. — NAI Realvest recently negotiated two sales totaling $935,000 for industrial properties on Hanging Moss Road in Orlando and at Sanford Central Park. Michael Heidrich, a principal at NAI Realvest, represented Barrios Investment Property, Inc. of Lake Mary in negotiating the sale of its 11,395 square foot stand alone building on a 0.78± acre site at 3850 St. Johns Parkway in Sanford Central Park. Aubrey Silvey Enterprises, Inc. of Carrollton, Ga. paid $575,000 for the 10-year-old building that includes private offices, showroom and production space. Mike Maier of Pointe Central Florida Realty represented the buyer. Heidrich also negotiated a sale of 1.53 acres of industrial land at 6790 Hanging Moss Rd. in Orlando representing Seller Hanging Moss Industrial Properties, Inc. of Winter Park. G.L.N. Hanging Moss Road LLC of Orlando purchased the land for $360,000. Bill Wikle of Fischer & Company represented the buyer.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects completes design of Feeding Children Everywhere facility in downtown Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, completed pro bono design and engineering work on the newest Feeding Children Everywhere facility on West Pine Street in Downtown Orlando. Lonnie Peterson, chairman of the architectural firm said the 9,600 square foot warehouse and distribution center will serve the international charity organization that mobilizes volunteers and donors to assemble thousands of simple, nutritious meals that are shipped to isolated parts of the world where hunger and malnourishment are rampant. Meals are also distributed to local schools as part of their Love Local initiative. Peterson said Nathan Griffis of Cuhaci & Peterson served as project manager for the warehouse project and provided architectural and engineering services.

Ashton Woods Homes Acquires 91 Home sites at Rosedale Golf & Country Club in Bradenton

BRADENTON, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has acquired 91 home sites at the Rosedale Golf & Country Club, located on Lakewood Ranch Blvd. at Hwy. 70 in Bradenton. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for the Tampa Bay area homebuilder, said three new model homes that are under construction. Ashton Woods Homes is building new ranch-style homes at Rosedale Golf & Country Club that range in size from 1,600 square feet of living space to 2,600 square feet priced from the high $200s. Rosedale Golf & Country Club features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Ted McAnlis. The country club features full-service dining, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a heated junior Olympic-sized pool along with lighted Har-Tru tennis courts. Ashton Woods Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies with operations in growth communities in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Killeen, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Raleigh and Tampa. For more information, visit http://www.ashtonwoods.com .

Winston James Development reports three new lease agreements at Aloma Business Center in Oviedo/Winter Park

Winter Park, Fla. --- Winston James Development, based in South Daytona Beach, developers of the Aloma Business Center in Oviedo, reported they recently closed on three new lease agreements at the center. Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, Inc. said the new tenants include Suncolor Paint, which leased 3,752 square feet of space, Performance Roofing, which leased 2,814 square feet and Eco Systems, Inc. a security systems firm, which leased 2,814 square feet.

Integrity Home Loan reports it will close on 3,500 new mortgage loans in 2012 that total more than $500 million

LAKE MARY, Fla. --- Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida reports it will close on 3,500 mortgage loans in 2012 valued at more than $500 million. Matt Malloy, president of Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida, Inc., said some 65 percent of the new loans refinanced previous mortgage loans at substantially lower rates under the federal government’s HARP program that helps home owners burdened by the housing collapse. Malloy said it is essential for Congress to renew and extend the HARP program, which targets home owners whose mortgage balance is greater than the assessed value of their home but who have kept their mortgage payments current. Malloy said Integrity’s 2012 loan volume is up more than 30 percent over last year. Integrity Home Loan ranks as one of the region’s largest and most active mortgage lenders with nine Florida branches including the Central Florida headquarters in Lake Mary and a new branch in the Detroit area.

Lennar Starts Presales of Estate, Executive and Spyglass Design Series Homes at River Bend in Ruskin, New Models Opening in Early January

TAMPA, Fla. – Lennar has started presales of its new Estate, Executive and Spyglass design series of homes priced from the mid-$150s at River Bend, located on Cumberland Cliff Drive in the Southshore area of Ruskin. David Parker, director of sales and marketing for Lennar’s Central Florida division, said two model Estate Homes will open for viewing in early January at River Bend. Several home sites at River Bend have pond views and river frontage as the community is bordered on the south by the Little Manatee River. Three, four and five bedroom Estate Homes in 10 distinctive floor plans at River Bend range in size from 1,596 square feet of living area to 3,385 square feet priced from $156,990 to $236,990. Lennar’s Executive Homes at River Bend come in nine different floor plans with four, five, six and seven-bedrooms priced from $197,990 to $266,990 and range from 2,267 to 4,054 square feet of living area. Parker added that Executive Home designs include Lennar’s unique NexGen “home within a home” floor plan for America’s new trend of multi-generational families. Spyglass Home designs feature eight distinctive floor plans that range from 2,563 square feet of living area to 4,396 square feet with three, four and six bedrooms, priced from $242,990 to $312,990. Nine Spyglass home sites front on the Little Manatee River, Parker said. All new Lennar homes at River Bend come with Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: a wide range of appliances, special features and add-ons at one “everything’s included” price. Riverbend features a community clubhouse with swimming pool, community center, lake, ponds and picnic areas.

Centex Starts Construction of Three Bedroom Vanderbilt Model at Riverwood in Port Charlotte

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. --- Centex has started construction of the Vanderbilt model home at Riverwood, a master-planned community overlooking the Myakka River west of SR 776 in Port Charlotte. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the company, said the Vanderbilt model offers three bedrooms, two baths and a den in 1,911 square feet of living area with a two-car garage, priced from the $230s. Mairn said the Vanderbilt model home will open before the end of February in Riverwood’s Fisher’s Landing neighborhood, which offers 70 single-family home sites. New two, three and four-bedroom Centex homes at Riverwood range in size from 1,557 square feet of living space to 3,193 square feet, priced from $155,990 to $360,990, Mairn said. Altogether, Riverwood includes more than 1,300 home sites. The gated resort-style master planned community, which opened in 1992, is 95 percent completed, and features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Gene Bates, a private beach club with bar and grille, heated junior Olympic sized swimming pool, spa, Tiki bar, six Har-Tru tennis courts, three bocce ball courts, two horseshoe pits, fitness center, golf pro shop, billiards, library, arts and crafts room, dance floor and performance stage, dog park, tot lot, walking and biking trails and onsite boat and RV storage. Visit www.Centex.com.

Orange County National has Christmas Season Offer for Golfers

Winter Garden, Fla. --- Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge in Winter Garden, which boasts the largest driving range in the nation, has a big seasons greeting to share with golfers now through Dec. 31. Judged as one of Golf Magazine’s top 10 golf courses, Orange County National is offering free greens fees, a free swing clinic and free club evaluations and fittings as part of the nationwide Grow the Game initiative to appeal to more golfers to play golf. That’s the word from Tano Malentin, general manager at Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge, and Michael J. Neumann, retail and marketing manager at Orange County National. Both Malentin and Neumann said green fees have been waived on Orange County National Tooth Practice Course through Dec. 31. Golf Range Magazine recently called Orange County National’s world class practice facility, “a Woodstock for golf.” In addition, Orange County National golf instructor Tom Coman will present a free swing clinic from 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 15. Admission to the clinic is free and the public is invited. And Orange County National Club guru Kevin Naylor will conduct complimentary club evaluations and fitting discussion Dec. 16 from 2 to 4 p.m.

NAI Realvest Negotiates $1.2 Million Sale Price for Former Dairy Queen building in The Villages

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of a former Dairy Queen building in The Villages at 3391 Wedgewood Lane for $1,200,000. NAI Realvest principals Kevin O'Connor and Matt Cichocki negotiated the transaction on behalf of the Scottsdale, Arizona-based seller, GE Capital Franchise Finance. Deborah Farkus Revocable Living Trust of Wildwood, Fla. purchased the 4,438 square foot building on the 1.5 acre site.

PARK SQUARE HOMES APPOINTS JIM DAVIS DIRECTOR OF CONSTRUCTION

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Park Square Homes has appointed Jim Davis director of construction. Anthony Rouhana, marketing coordinator at Park Square Homes, said Davis has more than 20 years of experience directing homebuilding operations in the Orlando region. Davis holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Nova Southeastern University.

Lennar to Start Construction of Normandy Model Home at Wilson Preserve in Riverview

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar will start construction of the Normandy model home in January at Wilson Preserve, located north of Cone Grove Road between I-75 and U.S. 301 in Riverview. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the four bedroom, three bath Normandy is among Lennar’s Manor home series, and offers 1,909 square feet of living space with a two car garage priced from $202,990. Lennar plans to build 62 Manor and 70 Estate Homes at Wilson Preserve, Metheny said. Lennar’s Manor Homes feature one and two story designs that range from the 1,353 square foot, three bedroom St. Moritz model home to the five bedroom, two-and-a-half bath Montego model with 2,719 square feet of living space. Lennar’s Manor Homes at Wilson Preserve will be priced from the mid $100s to the mid $200s, Metheny said. Lennar’s Estate Homes at Wilson Preserve will range from the four bedroom Corsica model home with 1,752 square feet of living space to the five bedroom Independence model home with 3,357 square feet of living space and three-and-a-half baths. The Independence is one of Lennar’s NextGen Homes that features a unique design for a private home within a home for multi-generational families. Lennar’s unique NextGen home designs boast two private entrances, with two separate living areas under a single roof. All new homes at Wilson Preserve feature two more Lennar specialties — its Eco Smart homes with energy saving features and efficient appliances, as well as its Everything’s Included” pledge: a wide range of special features from granite kitchen countertops, wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances to crown molding and tile in high traffic living areas. For directions and more information, visit www.LennarTampa.com or call 888-536-6272.

Innovative Software Products CEO Named To Industry Advisory Committee for Web Development Program

Orlando, Fla. – Adam Jones, chief executive officer of Innovative Software Products, Inc. in Orlando, has been appointed to the Industry Advisory Committee for the Web Development program at Winter Park Tech, a career and technical education center which has campuses in Winter Park, and in Avalon Park in southeast Orlando. Jones, whose company is a leading provider of custom retail software solutions for the banking, insurance, financial services and medical industries, said he hopes his expertise will make a major contribution to the school’s web development program. “Winter Park Tech provides hands-on skills for careers in arts, audio-visual technology and communication, business management and administration, health science, human services and information technology,” Jones said. “Web Development is a key component of each one of those disciplines, not especially the information technology component,” he added. Innovative Software Products, Inc. is a member of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program and located in the Central Florida Research Park in east Orange County.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease of 2,814 square feet of Industrial Space in Oviedo

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new industrial lease agreement for 2,814 square feet at 2784 Wrights Rd. in Oviedo. NAI Realvest Associate Michael Heidrich, Jr. was the lead broker in the transaction along with Principal Michael Heidrich Sr. representing the local tenant, Performance Roofing, Inc. Landlord Dunhill Investments, Inc. of Longwood was represented by Tyler Brackney.

Centex Starts Development of 85 planned single-family home sites at The Reserve at Crossing Creek in Bradenton

BRADENTON, Fla. --- Centex has started development of a planned 85 single-family home sites at The Reserve at Crossing Creek, located at 44th Avenue East and 69th Street East just north of the intersection of Creekwood Blvd. and SR 70 in Bradenton. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the company, said new one and two story single-family homes at The Reserve Crossing Creek will be priced from the low $200s. Mairn said a model park with two model homes and a sales center are scheduled to start construction early next year at The Reserve at Crossing Creek. Visit www.Centex.com

Pulte’s Village Walk at Lake Nona to host a Farmers Market from 6 p.m. to 9 on Wednesdays

ORLANDO, Fla. --- VillageWalk at Lake Nona, Pulte Homes’ luxury community located in the Lake Nona community off Narcoossee Road in southeast Orlando, will sponsor a weekly Farmer’s Market from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays starting in December. Sean Strickler, Vice President of Sales for Pulte Group’s North Florida Division, said the Farmer’s Market will be held at the VillageWalk Deli in the community’s Town Center. More than a dozen vendors plan to participate in the VillageWalk Farmer’s Market, Strickler said, including luxury provisioners Bone Bons, which markets unique pet foods, Bamboo Life Tea Company, and produce vendor Eat More Produce, which sells fresh eggs, Amish butter, local honey and fresh baked breads in addition to fresh farm produce. Admission to the VillageWalk Farmer’s Market is free and the public is invited, Strickler said. Pulte Homes currently has move-in ready homes available at VillageWalk at Lake Nona priced from the mid-$200s to the low $400s. VillageWalk at Lake Nona, which has easy access to the 417 expressway and S.R. 528, is one mile from the Medical City complex that includes Nemours children’s hospital, medical research facilities and the UCF medical college.

Lake Mary Town Center SunRail Station Stimulates Development Opportunities in Downtown District

HEATHROW / LAKE MARY, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been named exclusive sales and marketing agents for a 0.6-acre commercial development site located on the corner of East Wilbur Ave. and Second St. just 600 feet from the new Lake Mary Town Center SunRail Station. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the development site which measures 224 feet on Wilbur Ave. and 116 feet on Second St. is zoned commercial and fully served by all utilities but will likely be developed as a residential infill project steps from the new SunRail station. Judy Werth, a Five Star Agent with Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s Heathrow Marketing Center, is representing the property. “This close to the Sunrail station the most likely development strategy is upscale town homes or flats,” Werth said. The property---already divided into seven lots---is very realistically priced at $225,000. To view a brochure on the property, visit http://www.stirlingsir.com/resources/SiteResources/My%20Folder/166Wilber.pdf

Meritage Homes Promotes Daniel Fischer to Area Sales Manager

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Meritage Homes has promoted Daniel Fischer to area sales manager. Brian Kittle, division vice president for Meritage Homes, said Fischer is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and has been with Meritage Homes for more than four years. Fischer was formerly a sales associate. In his new role, Fischer will oversee the communities on the east side of Orlando. Meritage Homes builds new homes in 15 communities throughout the Orlando region with from two to eight bedrooms priced from the low $100s to the high $700s.

15th Annual Seniors Showcase Basketball Tournament Set for March 27-30 in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The 15th Annual Seniors Showcase Weekend Basketball Classic will be held at Amway Center in Orlando March 27-30. David D. Davis, Assistant Event Director, said the four-day event will feature the nation’s best high school basketball players. Davis said the Florida vs. Hardwood Classic, a basketball game that assembles the most recognizable high school basketball players in the state and nation for an NBA –style all star weekend experience. Although events for the players begin on Wednesday, March 27, the actual All-Star game will be played on Friday, March 29. Throughout the years, the All-Star games have provided opportunities for nearly one thousand players to receive academic and athletic scholarships.

Exit Realty of Daytona Beach Names New Broker Associate, New Sales Associate

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --- Exit Realty of Daytona Beach has appointed one new broker associate and one new sales associate. Aswin Suri, principal of Exit Realty of Daytona Beach, said he named Patrick Sullivan broker associate. Sullivan who received his Florida broker’s license in 1998, has 20 years of experience in real estate sales and has been consistently one of the top sales leaders in the area’s Board of Realtors. He is recognized as a sales specialist in new homes, investments, single-family developments and commercial property throughout the Daytona, Ormond Beach, Holly Hill, Port Orange, Ponce Inlet, New Smyrna and surrounding areas. Suri also named Cheryl Heller a sales associate. Heller, who holds a Masters Degree in Education from Ball State University in Indiana, began her real estate career in 2005 after a storied career of teaching high school in six different states, then working as a clinical social worker for the ACT Corporation in Volusia County. The expertise and professionalism Heller accumulated through the years has enabled her to easily help buyers and sellers of real estate on both sides of the Intracoastal. This year Exit Realty has sold condos, homes and commercial properties totaling over $40 million which is double what the firm sold its first year 2009, Suri said. Visit www.exitrealtyofdaytona.com.

Melken Solutions Approved as Vendor to Market Document Scanning for Health Care Providers Converting to Electronic Health Record Systems

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The University of Central Florida Regional Extension Center (REC) in the College of Medicine has approved Melken Solutions in Orlando as a vendor to market document scanning to health care providers who are converting their medical files to electronic medical records in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia Counties. Melanie Wheeler, co-founder and partner at Melken Solutions, said the approval is a critical one for their business. Federal law requires all physicians to adopt Electronic Health Records by end of 2015. That means doctors and health care providers must digitize all of their existing documents and images. “That’s precisely what Melken Solutions does,” Wheeler explained. “We specialize in customer-focused scanning for doctors and health care providers,” she said. Approval by the UCF REC program means Melken Solutions will be exposed to a wide range of physician and health care groups in the seven-county region. The UCF College of Medicine was recently awarded a $7.8 million grant by the federal government to develop its Regional Extension Center (REC). “The REC aims to improve health care delivery by promoting widespread adoption and meaningful use of health information technology,” Wheeler said. “The REC will assist health care providers in the selection and adoption of adequate EHR solutions to improve patient care,” she added. Melken Solutions is a member of the UCF Business Incubation Program and located in the Central Florida Research Park in east Orange County.

PulteGroup promotes Pierre de Amezola to General Sales Manager in Southeast Florida region

JUPITER, Fla. --- The South Florida division of PulteGroup, Inc. recently promoted Pierre de Amezola to general sales manager for the Palm Beach and Treasure Coast areas. With more than 15 years of experience in residential real estate sales, de Amezola joined PulteGroup as a sales consultant in January 2012. He spent 11 years with another national homebuilder where he served as vice president of sales in Tampa prior to working in Central Florida with Emerson International, a British-based development and management firm. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for PulteGroup’s South Florida division said de Amezola will be responsible for sales of new Pulte and DiVosta brand homes at communities from the Palm Beaches through the Treasure Coast up to Palm Bay including Oak Haven in Lake Worth; Castellina in Wellington, Sandpiper Cove and Windsor Park at Abacoa in Jupiter; Copperleaf in Palm City; Waterway Village and Provence Bay in Vero Beach; and Heron Bay at Waterstone in Palm Bay. A South Florida native, de Amezola graduated from St. Thomas University in Miami. He was an independent real estate broker in the South Florida area upon returning from Central Florida and just before joining PulteGroup’s South Florida division.

UCF Business Incubation Program Transfers Management Responsibilities of the Leesburg Business Incubator to Lake County Economic Development

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program, which has managed the Leesburg Business Incubator in downtown Leesburg since early 2010 with the help of City of Leesburg and Lake County, plans to turn over operation of the business support facility to the Economic Development Group of Lake County, which operates two additional Business Opportunity Centers. Gordon Hogan, director of the UCF Business Incubation Program, said the entrepreneurial community in Lake County will be better served with a more consistent offering at all three locations. Hogan said UCF will serve as a consultant and advisor if needed in the operation of the facility. The UCF Business Incubation Program operates business incubation facilities in Orlando, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Daytona Beach, Sanford, Winter Springs, Apopka, the Central Florida Research Park in east Orlando and on the UCF campus.

First Green Bank Sponsored Cyclist Wins Three Major Road Races

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Central Florida cyclist powerhouse Steve Perezluha, the Longwood native who ranks as one of America’s best young long-distance bicyclists, recently won three state championships. Kenneth LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank in Mount Dora and Perezluha’s principal sponsor, said the young cyclist recently competed on Oct. 7 for the Florida State Time Trials Championship, a 24.8 mile race in Olustee, and won with a time of 52:09, beating his previous record by 1:04. LaRoe said the weekend of Oct. 27-28, Perezluha won two races in the Florida Road Race Championship in Clermont. Perezluha won the Men’s ages 19-23 category with a time of 2:20:37 and the Men’s Pro 1-2 with a time of 2:53:37 winning by almost 3 minutes.

Emerson International negotiates office lease agreements totaling over 6,740 square feet in Orlando and Altamonte

Altamonte Springs, Fla. --- Emerson International recently negotiated new office lease agreements totaling 6,743 square feet in Orlando and Altamonte Springs. Kenneth Koch, commercial portfolio director at Emerson International, negotiated a new lease agreement for 2,028 square feet of office space at Major Plaza I at 5728 Major Blvd. in Southwest Orlando off Kirkman Rd. near the I-Drive tourism corridor. The new tenant is Dynamic Marketing Solutions. Koch also negotiated a lease expansion and renewal for 4,715 square feet in Altamonte Lakeside Park, 283 Cranes Roost Blvd. in Altamonte Springs with tenant Apple One Employment Agency.

Fortress Construction Group Celebrates Busiest Year Ever, Eyes Expansion in 2013

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Fortress Construction Group, which opened its doors in 2007, reports its business grew by more than 100 percent this year and projects even more growth in 2013. Charles Ayers, president of Fortress Construction Group, Inc. said he launched Fortress with partner and longtime friend Dean Mannino when the Florida home building industry entered its downturn. The two have known each other since their days at the University of Florida’s Building Construction School. “It was the best thing that’s ever happened to either of us,” Ayers said. For the first few years the company focused on luxury home remodeling, additions and repair work. “We’ve always had work,” Ayers said. “We never really had a slow period,” he added. Charles’ son Chad, an experienced commercial builder, joined Fortress in 2011. “That paid off for us big time this year with numerous commercial jobs including interior build-outs, renovations, and our largest project of the year, a new medical facility for the Central Florida Pulmonary Group in Orlando,” Ayers said. That project, located at 326 North Mills Ave. included a 12,000 square foot two story state-of-the-art pulmonary clinic complete with research lab, pharmacy, CT and x-ray facilities, and a new administration building. The cost of the project is estimated at $1.5 million and the new facility is expected to open early next year. Other projects in 2012 include interior build-outs for a barber shop, beauty salon, pharmacy, and another doctor’s office, along with several residential contracts for room additions and kitchen and bath renovations plus construction of a new single family custom home. “We are optimistic that we’ll see continued growth through 2013,” Ayers said. “We have active contracts now and we plan to start construction on several projects in the coming weeks,” he said. Visit www.Fortressconstructiongroup.com

Avalon Park West to host “Movie Under The Stars” Featuring “The Polar Express ”Dec 14 at 7 p.m.

WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. --- Avalon Park West, the master planned community located 3.5 miles east of I-75 on SR 54 in Wesley Chapel, will once again host its “Movie Under the Stars”, Dec. 14 starting at 7 p.m. Stephanie Hodson, marketing director for Avalon Park West, said the feature film at Movie Under the Stars will be “The Polar Express” ‒ the famous story of a boy who boards the mysterious train that waits for him bound for the North Pole. The film will be shown outside the Avalon Park West Community Center and the public is invited to attend the free movie, Hodson said. “Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy the free popcorn too,” Hodson said. Local vendors will also be on hand to handle and sell refreshments. The Avalon Park West Community Center is located at 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545. For information call 813-364-4918 or email Stephanie @avalonparkgroup.com.

ICI HOMES TO HOST REALTOR RECEPTION DEC 11 AT TIDEWATER IN JACKSONVILLE

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- ICI Homes plans to host a Realtor Reception from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 11 to showcase three, four and five-bedroom custom luxury homes at Tidewater, the gated luxury community located on Clapboard Creek Drive in Jacksonville off Cedar Point Road near the I-95 and I-295 beltway. Don Wilford, Northeast Florida division president at ICI Homes, said the Realtor Reception is open to all Jacksonville-area Realtors and brokers. Food and beverages will be provided along with prizes. Wilford said the ICI Homes’ Realtor Reception will be held in the 1,700 plus square foot Georgetown model home, one of 20 distinctive customizable floor plans that are available at Tidewater priced from the high $100s to the $300s. ICI Homes’ Tidewater features a community swimming pool, fitness center and children’s playground.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease Agreements in Kissimmee and Sanford at key locations in the industrial sector

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated two new lease agreements at two office/warehouse facilities – one in Kissimmee and one in Sanford – both in close proximity to major interstate highways via SR 417. NAI Realvest Associate Michael Heidrich, Jr., and Principal Michael Heidrich Sr. represented local tenant Magic Tires in a lease agreement for 2,000 square feet of office-warehouse/flex space at 2701 Michigan Ave. just south of SR 417 and its intersection with the Florida Turnpike in Kissimmee. The landlord, Reich Properties, Inc. was represented in the transaction by Anna Bungart. Heidrich Jr. and Heidrich Sr. negotiated a lease in Sanford on behalf of the Landlord Brio LLC, of Winter Park, to 4 Sons Vending, Inc. for 1,980 square feet of space in the Brio Business Center, an industrial center at 1279 W. Airport Blvd. off Lake Mary Blvd. just east of SR 417.

Central Florida based Luhse Tea featured in Tastingtable.com, results in 10,000 immediate queries

KISSIMMEE, Fla. --- A recent online review of Luhse Tea, the Kissimmee based distributor of fine teas and tea accessories, generated more than 10,000 online visitors over a 12-hour period. Mindy S. Ferris and Brittney M. Wholihan, co-founders of Luhse Tea, LLC, said the positive product review by Tasting Table, the independent web-based fine dining network, generated record sales too. “The review was a huge success, skyrocketing the number of web site hits over a 12 hour period,” Ferris said. The review highlights the startup and background of the company titled, Army Wives: Not the Show, the Tea, can be viewed online at http://www.tastingtable.com/entry_detail/national/10880/Not_the_show_the_tea.htm. Wholihan said Luhse Tea also appears as a featured store at obaz, the online shopping site that focuses on unique name brands. “We are steadily improving our market presence and our sales continue to grow,” Ferris said. “We anticipate strong gift sales through the holiday season,” she added. Luhse Tea is a University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program company based in Kissimmee.

Charleston Home Builders, Home Energy Group and Ryland Homes to host three hour training on new state energy code for builders, contractors Dec. 13-14

CHARLESTON, S.C. --- Ryland Homes has announced that the Charleston Home Builders Assn. will sponsor a three-hour field training course on new state energy code requirements for builders, contractors, framers and code officials Thursday, Dec. 14 and Friday, Dec. 15 at Whitney Lake, a Ryland Homes community on Johns Island. Don McDonough, division president for Ryland Homes in the Charleston region, said the Home Energy Group is offering the three hour training course in four different sessions. Home Builder Association Members and Code Officials can register free for sessions from 9 a.m. to noon or from 1 to 4 p.m. both days. There will be a fee for non-members. The 2009 IECC energy code goes into effect Jan. 1, 2013 throughout South Carolina, McDonough said. The field training course will include instruction, course materials and live demonstrations of new code requirements in homes currently under construction at Whitney Lake, which is located off River Road and Maybank Highway.

Brothers Matt and Steve Orosz named co-presidents of family owned Royal Oak Homes in Baldwin Park

BALDWIN PARK, Fla. --- Brothers Matthew and Stephen Orosz were named co-presidents of Royal Oak Homes, the Baldwin Park based home builder that has grown from a single community that sold 20 new homes in 2011 to 10 communities with 200 new home sales this year. Longtime Orlando area home builder William S. Orosz, Jr., president of Hanover Capital Partners, LLC announced the appointments. Stephen Orosz earned his B.S. Degree in accounting from Villanova University and his M.S. Degree in accounting from the University of Central Florida before launching his career with Deloitte and Touche, LLP and served as financial analyst with the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL. He joined K. Hovnanian Cambridge Homes in 2005. He was appointed vice president at Hanover Capital Partners at the firm’s inception in 2007. Matthew earned his B.S. Degree in accounting and business administration from Villanova University and his MBA from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College. At KTR Capital Partners, a private real estate investment trust in Philadelphia, he was responsible for the acquisition of more than 1.2 million square feet of industrial real estate. He was appointed vice president of investments at Hanover Capital Partners in 2009. So far this year, Royal Oak Homes has sold more than 185 single family homes priced from the mid-$100s to more than $300,000 in 10 communities in Clermont, Apopka, St. Cloud, Kissimmee and Eustis for revenues of more than $20 million.

M/I HOMES HAS ONLY 30 HOME SITES REMAINING AT WEKIVA RUN IN APOPKA

LAKE MARY, Fla. – M/I Homes has only 30 developed home sites remaining at its community of Wekiva Run located off Ponkan Road and S.R. 441 in Apopka. David Byrnes, area president for M/I Homes in the Orlando region, said homes at Wekiva Run range from 2,400 square feet of living area to 5,200 square feet and are priced from $241,000 in three, four, five and six bedroom designs. Byrnes added that there are two move-in ready homes available and three more under construction. There are also two model homes for viewing at Wekiva Run.

Lennar opens four-bedroom Trevi model home at Copper Cove in Naples priced from $252,000

FORT MYERS, Fla. --- Lennar recently opened the Trevi model home at Copper Cove, located at 3815 Treasure Cove Circle off Colliers Blvd. south of Tamiami Trail in Naples. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar in southwest Florida, said the Trevi model home offers four bedrooms and three baths in 2,032 square feet of living space with a two-car garage. Priced from $252,990, the Trevi model home is one of eight distinctive floor plans available in Lennar’s Executive Series of homes at Copper Cove that range in size from 1,340 square feet of living space to 3,357 square feet. Features such as granite kitchen countertops, wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, crown molding and tile floors in common areas are included in Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pricing. Devereaux said 40 home sites are in the current phase at Copper Cove. Altogether, Lennar plans to build 80 new Executive and Manor Homes at Copper Cove. Visit www.lennar.com.

Emerson International awards contract for 15,100 square foot tenant improvement project at CenterPointe I in Altamonte Springs

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. --- Emerson International recently awarded a contract to complete tenant improvements in 15,100 square feet at the CenterPoint I office building at 240 E. Central Parkway in Altamonte Springs. Kenneth R. Koch, commercial portfolio director at Emerson International, said Macdade Construction will complete the work in the class A office space that will be occupied by GM Financial / Americredit.

Park Square Homes to start Construction of 100 new Resort-Style Homes at Solterra in Polk County

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Park Square Homes plans to start construction of the first of 100 new homes in January at Solterra, a new resort-style community located on Ronald Reagan Parkway in Davenport in Polk County. Anthony Rouhana, marketing coordinator, said Park Square Homes recently started construction on two model homes, and presales will begin early next year. Rouhana said new homes at Solterra will range in size from 2,000 square feet of living space to 3,300 square feet and are priced from the mid $200s.

Integrity Home Loan Expanding, Plans to Hire over 100 College Graduates at Starting Salaries of $36,000

Lake Mary, Fla. --- Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida, which ranks as one of the largest residential mortgage companies in the state, has announced plans to hire more than 100 college graduates at starting salaries of $36,000, a six-month training program and the potential to earn as much as $100,000 within the first two years. Matt Malloy, president, said Integrity Home Loan is averaging 300 residential mortgage loans per month from 10 locations in Coral Springs, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and the Detroit suburb of Southfield, Mich. Integrity’s residential mortgage business is up more than 30 percent over last year, Malloy said. “We’re seeking college graduates interested in mortgage banking to qualify to enter a six month extensive training program,” Malloy said. “It has gotten more and more difficult to find knowledgeable, experienced residential mortgage professionals since the housing meltdown six years ago,” Malloy said. “Now that the housing industry is reviving, we are expanding rapidly to meet demand,” he said. With a comprehensive training program, Integrity can thoroughly train mortgage loan officers to tailor services to the individual needs of the clients and process loan applications efficiently, Malloy added. Preference will be given college graduates with degrees in banking and finance, but all applicants will be considered.

Mercantile Capital Corporation reports its best year ever, loan volume up more than 149 percent over last year

ORLANDO, Fla. — Mercantile Capital Corporation reports its commercial property loan volume is up more than 149 percent over last year and 2012 will end up as its best year ever. Christopher Hurn, chief executive officer of Mercantile Capital Corporation, said the 10 year old firm should close commercial property loans to finance projects valued at a total of more than $450 million in 2012. In 2011, Mercantile Capital closed $174 million in loans. In November, Mercantile Capital financed $15 million in total project costs. Hurn said the largest single loan in November financed the $11.2 million purchase of a multi-building campus for an aviation training institute in Inglewood, Calif. Mercantile Capital Corporation is one of the nation’s leading providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans for small business owners who want to acquire or develop their own facilities.

Winter Springs Health Care Equipment Manufacturer wins Top Awards at Emergency Medical Trade Shows in New Orleans, Baltimore

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. --- Advanced EMS Designs in Winter Springs won top awards for their latest invention at emergency medical equipment trade shows in Baltimore and New Orleans recently. Scott Neusch, president of Advanced EMS Designs, said the firm’s most successful product---Board Armor®, a sterile disposable covering used by Emergency Medical Services teams, earned the “2012 Hot Products Award” at the EMS Today—The JEMS Conference and Exposition in Baltimore recently and followed that up a month later with the “2012 Innovation Award” at the EMS World EXPO in New Orleans. Board Armor® is a patented high-grade plastic covering for medical spine boards---rigid frames--used to immobilize victims of neck and back injuries for transport to medical facilities. Developed with funds from the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate, Board Armor® was invented and developed by career firefighters and paramedics who saw a big problem firsthand and designed a solution for it, according to Neusch. “We tested hundreds of spine boards in use and found that every single one of them was contaminated by one or more organic or noxious compounds, from petroleum products to blood, vomit and feces,” Neusch said. Board Armor®, their solution, is manufactured in the U.S. of Tyvek plastic, a high-grade and cost-effective barrier that protects accident victims---who often have open wounds themselves---from contamination that might exist on a spine board. Neusch said Board Armor® sales have been increasing steadily since Advanced EMS Designs licensed their manufacture to CSI Medical, Inc. in Tennessee. Board Armor® is currently being evaluated by several metropolitan area EMS teams around the country, and the company is poised to be launched soon in the international market. Advanced EMS Designs is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubator in Winter Springs, Fla.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease for 14,000 square feet of Industrial Space in Altamonte Springs

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new industrial lease agreement with Architectural Glass Products, LLC for 14,000 square feet of industrial space at 1007 Sunshine Lane in Altamonte Springs. NAI Realvest associate Michael Heidrich, Jr., was the lead broker in the transaction along with Michael Heidrich Sr., principal at NAI Realvest, representing the landlord, Edward T. Quinn of Longwood. The tenant was represented by Nam Snipper of Results Real Estate Partners.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Associate has a Nose for Real Estate, a Heart for Community Service

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Vicky McVay-Froom, an International Luxury Homes Specialist in Stirling Sotheby's International Realty‘s Dr. Phillips Marketing Center in southwest Orlando, has a nose for real estate deals. But she has a heart for community service activities. During the past six months, McVay-Froom has participated in • the 2012 Fashion Flair fashion show produced by the Orlando Women's Auxiliary of Salvation Army; • the Ninth Annual Gala Luncheon and Silent Auction to benefit Sally House, an Orlando Women and Children's Shelter; • Tasting on the Green at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, an LPGA event to benefit the Cord of Life Foundation; • Heart Health for Women, a lecture presentation by ORMC specialist Dr. Linda Jaffe; • a Meet and Greet sponsored by Evershore Financial Group at Neiman Marcus, • the Winter Park Historical Society’s Peacock Ball fundraiser; and • the 19th Annual Benefit for St. Jude Children's Hospital. “Vicky McVay-Froom is a highly energetic professional who pours her heart into every task,” Soderstrom said. “She would make a great congressperson if she weren’t such an excellent real estate associate,” Sodertstrom said.

Small business growth is Mercantile Capital Corp.’s mission, says CEO Chris Hurn, armed with record low interest rates, 90-percent financing, 20-year fixed terms

ORLANDO, Fla. — If small business is the lifeblood of America’s economic success — and it surely is — then the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 504 loan program might be just the tonic to cure the nation’s economic ailments. Christopher G. Hurn, chief executive officer of Mercantile Capital Corporation in Orlando, said SBA’s 504 loan program offers record below-market, fixed interest rates; up to 90-percent loan-to-cost financing; and 20-year terms for projects up to $15 million for small business owners who want to acquire or develop their own facilities. SBA loan proceeds can be used for a variety of expenses besides development or acquisitions, Hurn said. “Eligible uses for SBA 504 financing include commercial property remodeling; conversions; expansions or renovations; improvements, including grading, street work, utilities, parking lots and landscaping; energy-efficient “green” projects; purchase of long-life machinery; furniture, fixtures and equipment; contingency reserves; and soft costs,” Hurn explained. As traditional lenders have yet to loosen their purse strings, Hurn said SBA 504 lending ranks as perhaps the nation’s most effective stimulus for economic recovery. “Small business entrepreneurs all across the nation are using 504 loans to expand their operations, create jobs, and grow their businesses,” Hurn explained, adding that interest rates are the lowest ever making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for entrepreneurs. Led by Hurn and chairman Geof Longstaff, Mercantile Capital Corporation is a three-time member of Inc. magazine’s Inc. 500|5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. and ranks as one of the nation’s leading providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans, also known as SmartChoice Commercial Loans. In the first 10 months of this year, Mercantile announced it closed 85 commercial loans to finance projects totaling $364 million in total project costs. By the end of the year the company’s loan volume could reach $450 million. Hurn, named a Top 100 Small Business Influence Champion for 2012, recently published his first book, The Entrepreneurs Secret to Creating Wealth: How the Smartest Business Owners Build Their Fortunes, which has become an Amazon.com bestseller.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Lease Agreement with Tampa Based Carpeting Firm for 21,000+ Square Foot Industrial Building in Orlando

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for the 21,142 square foot industrial building at 4573 Dardanelle Drive, off Silver Star Rd. near the intersection of John Young Parkway and I-4 in Orlando. Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest in Maitland, brokered the transaction representing Landlord Orange Distributors, based in Lithia near Tampa. Lifestyle Carpets, Inc., a Tampa-based firm that supplies the single and multi-family homebuilding industry, leased the property, which includes 3,640 square feet of office space in the fenced-in building situated on 2.1 acres.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Named Exclusive Broker for 3,100 acre development site at I-95 in Ormond Beach

LAKE MARY, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been named exclusive sales and marketing agents for the 3,100 acre Hunter’s Ridge development site, located off SR 40 two miles east of I-95 in Ormond Beach. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of the Lake Mary real estate firm, said he will personally head an international campaign to market the property, assisted by Stirling Sotheby’s International Commercial Investment Specialists Mark Arnold and John Kurtz. The Hunter’s Ridge (http://www.huntersridgefla.com) mixed use development of regional impact (DRI) was approved in 1988 and updated in 2010, Soderstrom said, and it allows for 1,885 residential units and more than 600,000 square feet of commercial development. The first phase of the project with approximately 910 acres has been developed and all major roadways, utilities, elementary school and fires stations are currently in place. Hunter’s Ridge is located minutes from the newly constructed 396 bed Florida Memorial Hospital, along with major medical complexes, retail and dining. The Daytona Beach Airport and International Speedway are nearby. Hunter’s Ridge is planned and positioned for immediate development and would be ideal for an active adult mixed-use community with a major core component that could include health, wellness, exercise, educations, shopping and dining,” Soderstrom emphasized. The property is listed for sale at $15 million.

Meritage Homes to start construction of six-bedroom model home at East Lake Park in Lake Nona area, presales underway now

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Meritage Homes will start construction of a six-bedroom model home at East Lake Park, located off Narcoossee Rd. south of Lake Nona in Osceola County. Brian Kittle, division vice president of Meritage Homes in the Orlando region, said Meritage Homes has started presales at East Lake Park and plans to build 61 new four, five, six, seven and eight bedroom single-family homes that range in size from 3,082 square feet of living space to 5,111 square feet. New homes at East Lake Park are priced from the mid-$200s. Kittle said the Kerrville model home will offer six bedrooms in 4,161 square feet priced from the high $200s. Meritage Homes builds single-family homes in 16 Central Florida communities.

Association of Change Management Professionals establishes world headquarters in Winter Springs, Florida

Winter Springs, Fla. --- The Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) has a new headquarters in Winter Springs, and is expanding its membership and member services to advance the profession and discipline of change management. Linn Wheeling, CAE, executive director said, “ACMP is a professional membership organization committed to the establishment and advancement of change management as a profession. Efforts are currently underway to develop a global standard for change management and accompanying credential and body of knowledge.” Within its first two years, ACMP has engaged over 1,500 change management professionals in over 15 countries around the world. “Our membership reflects change leaders from a variety of organizations, including public and privately held corporations, education, government, and non-profits who are committed to improving the global economy through effective change within their organizations and communities. These professionals work in consulting, human resources, project management, information technology, marketing, and more,” Wheeling explained As part of this effort, ACMP announced it will host a global conference for change management professionals on April 14-17, 2013 in Los Angeles. This global conference entitled “Lights, Camera, Change: Producing Results in a Global Economy” will bring together change management professionals for three days of education sessions focused on various aspects of change management, thought-provoking keynote speakers, networking opportunities and idea sharing sessions. The 2012 Global Conference held in Las Vegas had more than 800 attendees. “The Association of Change Management Professionals empowers change management professionals to lead the people side of change, ensuring the needs of infrastructure, systems, culture, and personnel are addressed in a way that reflects positively on the bottom line of the organization. These are results-driven leaders who will move economic growth forward,” Wheeling said. To learn more about the Association of Change Management, visit www.acmpglobal.org. The Association of Change Management is a client company of the UCF Business Incubation Program in Winter Springs.

Meritage Homes to start presales at newest community of Tuscany Ridge in Clermont

LAKE FOREST, Fla. – Meritage Homes will start presales and a model home will get underway in early December at its newest community of Tuscany Ridge located off Steve’s Road in Clermont. Brian Kittle, vice president of sales for Meritage Homes, said Tuscany Ridge will offer three to eight bedroom homes priced from the mid-$200s. Kittle said 30 home sites will be available for Meritage-built homes in the community. Homes as Tuscany Ridge will range from 3,082 square feet of living space to 5,107 square feet. Meritage Homes builds single-family homes in 16 Central Florida communities.

Hendricks & Partners Negotiates Record $26.5 Million Price in Sale of Watermark at EastChase Apartments in Montgomery, Ala.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Hendricks & Partners, one of the nation’s largest and most active multifamily investment banking and research companies, recently closed on the sale of Watermark at EastChase, a 272-unit apartment community located in Montgomery, Ala. The price---$25.6 million or $91 per square foot---is a record for a multi-family property in the Montgomery market, according to David Oakley, senior investment advisor of Hendricks & Partners Alabama office. Oakley negotiated the transaction with Tim McKay of Hendricks & Partners in Oklahoma City and Aaron Hargrove of Hendricks & Partners in Tulsa. The three brokers represented the seller, Watermark at Eastchase, LLC, an Indiana limited liability company based in Terre Haute, Ind. Built in 2011, Watermark at EastChase totals 282,636 square feet of rentable living space with one, two and three bedroom apartments. The property is located approximately 10 miles east of downtown Montgomery, just west of Chantilly Parkway. The site is bordered by a lake and several acres of unspoiled forest, offering natural views from many of the apartment homes. The buyer, Montgomery-based Broadstreet at Eastchase Apartments, LLC, assumed an existing HUD 221 (d)(4) mortgage with an all in rate of 5.75 percent. Oakley, who recently negotiated the $18.25 million sale of the 468-unit Belmont Apartments, said recent transactions point to a resurgence in the Montgomery market. “Investors are looking at the Montgomery market with new respect,” Oakley said. Foshee Management Company, also based in Montgomery, has been named exclusive property management representative at Watermark at EastChase.

VOLUSIA LAW FIRM LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE TO HELP STREAMLINE COMMUNITY GIVING

PORT ORANGE – The Port Orange-based law firm of Rue & Ziffra recently launched a new website to simplify charitable donations, both for those giving and for those on the receiving end. The new site – www.rzcares.com – is intended as a “know-all, share-all” internet space that offers charitable organizations and community partners an easy way to give or receive, according to Jessica Eckelbarger, marketing director for the personal-injury law firm. “In the past 30 years, Rue & Ziffra – and its employees – have been very involved in our community, helping local charities, schools and other agencies by donating funds and needed items, as well as helping out at events to show our support,” she said. The new user-friendly site contains an events calendar, photo and video galleries of previous charity events, as well as a list of local charities and community partners. A feature is an area where those seeking funds, as well as those looking to donate, can register. The idea for the site came naturally, according to firm President Allan L. Ziffra. “During 2011 we contributed more than $171,000 to charitable events and activities that benefited many residents of Volusia and Flagler counties,” he said. “We continue to set goals so that we can help even more non-profit organizations help others.”