ICI Homes Names New Sales Associate for Two Communities in Ormond Beach

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. --- ICI Homes, which ranks as one of the most active luxury home builders and developers in the U.S., with Florida operations in the Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Orlando and Tampa areas, has named Elizabeth “Shannon” Penett as new sales associate at Chelsea Place and Breakaway Trails in Ormond Beach. Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing for ICI Homes said Penett has more than 10 years experience in new home sales and is a graduate of UCLA with a B.S. Degree in business economics. About ICI Homes ICI Homes is ranked by Builder magazine as one of the top 100 homebuilders in the nation. The 32+-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as in Jacksonville, Orlando, Melbourne and Tampa.

Integrity Home Loan to launch extensive training program for mortgage loan officers

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Integrity Home Loan, which ranks as one of the region’s largest and most active mortgage lenders with nine Florida branches including Central Florida headquarters in Lake Mary and a new branch in the Detroit area, announced it will launch an extensive training program for aspiring mortgage loan officers by the end of the year. Matt Malloy, president of Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida, said the six-month training program is open to some 50 college graduates and young mortgage bankers. Salaries will start at $36,000 annually, Malloy said. Malloy said interested parties should forward a resume to him at Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida, 901 International Parkway, Suite 380, Lake Mary, FL 32746. Integrity Home Loan currently has locations throughout Florida in Coral Springs, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and in the Detroit suburb of Southfield, Mich.

Calling all Volusia, Flagler Realtors: ICI to host Appreciation Day at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club Nov. 2

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. --- ICI Homes will host a Realtor Appreciation Day with an open golf tournament for all Florida licensed realtors in Volusia and Flagler County, Friday Nov. 2 at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club in Ormond Beach. Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing at ICI Homes said only Volusia and Flagler area Realtors can register for the golf tournament. The golf play will get underway at 11 a.m. Massages are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and relaxing by the pool is welcomed all day, Messina said. To register, telephone 386-437-4164. About ICI Homes ICI Homes is ranked by Builder magazine as one of the top 100 homebuilders in the nation. The 32+-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as in Jacksonville, Orlando, Melbourne and Tampa.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects named to design interior renovations of four J. C. Penney stores

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, have been given the assignment to work on interior renovations of four southwest Florida J.C. Penney stores on a design-build basis. Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the stores are located at Westshore Mall in Tampa, Brandon Town Center in Hillsborough County, DeSoto Mall in Bradenton and the Mall at Port Charlotte. The contractor for the projects is Kellogg-Kimsey out of Sarasota.

Ryland Homes Opens Post Preserve, Receives Immediate Overwhelming Response to 60 oversized homesites offered

ATLANTA, Ga. --- Ryland Homes recently opened Post Preserve, a new single-family home community located off Post Road, 3.8 miles from Hwy. GA-400 in Cumming in Forsyth County, Ga. Mark Uriell, Senior Sales Counselor for Ryland Homes in the Atlanta division said the response has been overwhelming with lots of interest in Post Preserve immediately upon its opening for sales. Ryland plans to build 60 single family homes on oversized homesites at Post Preserve from Ryland’s Premier Collection designs that boast impressive curb appeal including brick exteriors. Three, four and five bedroom homes at Post Preserve priced from the upper $220s range in size from 2,600 square feet of living space to 3,600 square feet. “With so much family fun minutes away – Fowler Park, the Big Creek walking trails, Family YMCA and great shopping and dining venues – Post Preserve has something to offer everyone,” Uriell said. For more information, visit www.ryland.com or call 678-777-7187.

Change in Venue for Art Show--Dr. Cynthia A. LaRoe’s Paintings to be Exhibited Nov. 9 at First Green Bank in Mount Dora

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – First Green Bank will host a reception to exhibit the paintings of Dr. Cynthia A. LaRoe on Friday, Nov. 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The by invitation event will be held at First Green Bank’s world headquarters located at 18251 U.S. Highway 441 in Mount Dora. Dr. LaRoe is the wife of Kenneth LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank in Mount Dora, a sponsor of the event, along with the Windhorse Theatre of Eustis. Dr. LaRoe has been painting for many years but this will be the first exhibit of her work in the Lake County area. For more information about the exhibit, contact Rhonda DeCandia at First Green Bank at (352) 483-9100.

Integrity Home Loan names manager for new Detroit area office

LAKE MARY, Fla. --- Integrity Home Loan, a leading mortgage lender with nine Florida offices, has appointed Jeremiah Claramunt manager of Integrity Home Loan’s newest office in the Detroit area at 3000 Town Center, Southfield, Mich. Matt Malloy, president of Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida, said the new Detroit office is a key part of his strategy to expand the firm outside Florida, Malloy said Integrity Home Loan is also looking for sites in Fairfax, Va. and Texas. Last year Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida reported it closed on residential mortgage loans totaling more than $400 million. This year, Malloy said Integrity Home Loan expects to close on mortgage loans totaling more than $625 million. Malloy said Claramunt has more than 17 years of experience as a mortgage banker. Already, Claramunt has hired 10 new mortgage lender specialists in the Detroit area and plans to hire 10 to 15 more.

NAI Realvest negotiates new lease with water damage experts at Hanging Moss CommerCenter in Orlando

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new industrial lease agreement for 1,875 square feet in Suite 330, 6124 Hanging Moss Rd. at Hanging Moss CommerCenter in Orlando. NAI Realvest Principal Michael Heidrich brokered the transaction representing the landlord COP-Hanging Moss, LLC of Maitland and the tenant, Dry-Tech Restoration, Inc., water damage experts. About NAI Realvest: NAI Realvest, serving all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.NAIRealvest.com.

Villages of Royal Palm designing bigger, better Windsor model floor plan, also a lease / sale model

PORT ORANGE, Fla. --- The Villages of Royal Palm, which ranks as one of the Southeast’s best retirement communities, is designing a new bigger, better version of its popular award-winning Windsor model home floor plan. Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, Inc., the developer of The Villages of Royal Palm, said the new floor plan will offer three or four bedrooms, a den and two baths in 2,350 square feet of living space with a gourmet island kitchen unlike anything in the Port Orange area. “The floor plan will be unique in the Port Orange area,” Schwartz explained, “It’s better, more luxurious, and it offers many unique features,” he said. The new floor plan will be ready in the fall, Schwartz said. Schwartz said the Villages of Royal Palm is also building a new model home designed to offer for sale or for lease. “We’ve needed a good option for residents who would prefer to lease, and for home owners who want to lease out their home when they aren’t living here, Schwartz said. The new model home, with two bedrooms and two baths is 2,226 square feet of living space with a three car garage, will be move-in ready in 60 days.

Meritage Homes Names Land Acquisition Director, Promotes Director of Purchasing

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Meritage Homes has appointed a new director of land acquisition and promoted a new purchasing director. Brian Kittle, director of sales and marketing for Meritage Homes, said the company recently appointed Lara Swanson director of land acquisition in Orlando and Tampa. Kittle said Swanson is a graduate of the University of Florida and has more than 10 years of experience in real estate. Meritage also promoted Thad Lynch to director of purchasing. He joined Meritage two years ago as construction manager and more than seven years of experience in the homebuilding industry.

ICI Homes Names Mary McCollum New Home Sales Associate at Magnolia Preserve at Julington Creek in St. Johns County

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- ICI Homes has appointed Mary McCollum new home sales associate at Magnolia Preserve in Julington Creek off Race Track Rd. and Flora Branch Blvd. in St. Johns County. Don Wilford, north Florida division president for ICI Homes, said McCollum has 15 years of experience combining the fields of general real estate and new home construction where she worked closely with homebuyers on customizing their new homes. McCollum, a long-time Jacksonville area resident, received her associate degree in Marketing at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Wilford said McCollum is an enthusiastic professional whose efforts have earned her several awards as a top producer and sales excellence for multiple years. About ICI Homes ICI Homes is ranked by Builder magazine as one of the top 100 homebuilders in the nation. The 32+-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as in Jacksonville, Orlando, Melbourne and Tampa.

Emerson International Negotiates Lease Agreement at Major Plaza in Southwest Orlando

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. --- Emerson International, which owns Major Plaza I office building on Kirkman Road near Southwest Orlando’s International Drive area, recently negotiated a lease agreement for 549 square feet of office space at Major Plaza I. Kenneth R. Koch, commercial portfolio director at Emerson International negotiated the lease agreement. Creative Impressions and Memories is the new tenant.

Winston James Development signs new lease with Mako Shark for 938 square feet at Aloma Business Center

Winter Park, Fla. --- Winston James Development Company leased a 938 square foot suite at Aloma Business Center on Aloma Ave. in Winter Park to Mako Shark. Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, Inc, said Mako Shark is a commercial and residential electrical contractor. Winston James Development developed the Aloma Business Center.

Home-Grown Gasoline---Incubator Company Pioneers Production of Plant Biofuels to Power Ships, Jets, and the Family Car

Winter Springs, Fla. -- Whether you worry more about the high cost of gasoline or the increasing environmental damage fossil fuels create, Precision Renewable Energy---PRE---has some news that’s worth sharing: one very powerful solution may be right around the corner. “Alternative fuels are doable right now and it’s only going to get better over the next five years,” says W. Steven Edmonds, Jr. PRE’s executive vice president of industry development. PRE is a leading pioneer in the development of biofuels, which promise to replace fossil fuels as a sustainable, renewable, cleaner-burning source of power for everything from ships and jets to the family car and even the local electric company. PRE was founded by the individuals who were first in the U.S. to earn ASTM certification for camelina, an oily flax-like plant that has been cultivated since Neolithic times in Mediterranean regions of Europe and Asia for its cold-hardiness and oil-producing qualities. When the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels performed at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River Air Expo last year, their flyover marked the first time an entire military aviation unit was powered by a 50/50 blend of camelina biofuel and common jet fuel. And that was just a demonstration. In three years, the U.S. Navy plans to deploy its “Great Green Fleet,” a carrier battle group powered entirely by non-fossil fuels. The U.S. Air Force has also announced plans to use 50 percent biofuels in its aircraft by 2016. “Camelina is just one fuel crop under development right now,” Edmonds said. “We are currently testing seven crops and we plan to have as many as 50 crops in testing within five years,” he said. PRE’s pioneering efforts could generate a potentially enormous payoff for farmers, seed producers and consumers, not to mention the environment. That’s one reason PRE attracted the attention of Tony Wise of Wise Seed Company, one of the largest seed harvesters in the southeastern U.S. Wise, a partner at PRE, envisions a multi-billion dollar alternative fuels industry that could end America’s dependence on fuel imports, provide a thriving marketplace for farmers---and future Wise Seed Company customers---and power most of the cars, trucks and buses on America’s highways. “The future has already started,” Edmonds said. “We are developing crops now that require very little water to meet an enormous proportion of our energy needs, and we’re already seeing powerful results,” he said. PRE is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in Winter Springs. About the UCF Business Incubation Program Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, the City of Winter Springs, the City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease for Brooks Design Studio in Altamonte Springs

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 1,753 square feet of Class B office space in the three story building at 234 N. Westmonte Drive off SR 436 and I-4 in Altamonte Springs. Michael Heidrich, a principal in the firm, negotiated the transaction representing the tenant, Brooks Design Studio, LLC. The landlord, Alleve Investments LLC was represented by Christi Davis CCIM of Morrison Commercial Real Estate. About NAI Realvest: NAI Realvest, serving all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide through NAI Global, an international commercial real estate network with over 350 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built their businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.nairealvest.com.

NAI Realvest negotiates new lease with water damage experts at Hanging Moss CommerCenter in Orlando

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new industrial lease agreement for 1,875 square feet in Suite 330, 6124 Hanging Moss Rd. at Hanging Moss CommerCenter in Orlando. NAI Realvest Principal Michael Heidrich brokered the transaction representing the landlord COP-Hanging Moss, LLC of Maitland and the tenant, Dry-Tech Restoration, Inc., water damage experts. About NAI Realvest: NAI Realvest, serving all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.NAIRealvest.com.

Hendricks & Partners Negotiates $3.465 Million Sale of Roselea Manor Apartments in Sanford

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Hendricks & Partners, one of the nation’s largest and most active multi-family investment banking and research companies, recently negotiated the sale of Roselea Apartments on Ridgewood Ave. in Sanford for $3,465,000, or $26,250 per unit and $26.41 per square foot. The community was 60 percent occupied at the time of closing. Cole Whitaker, partner who heads Hendricks & Partners in the Southeast, negotiated the sale with associate partner Hal Warren. Bob Hold, with Hold Thyssen, acted as receiver and assisted in the sales effort. The 132 unit Roselea apartment community was built in 1974, with an average unit size of 994 square feet.

Celebration Golf Club to Host Annual Mid-Florida CAI Golf Tournament Oct. 19 with $5,000 in Cash Prizes

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Celebration Golf Club will host the second annual Mid-Florida CAI golf tournament Friday, Oct. 19, Kenny Nairn, club general manager and executive vice president of Celebration Golf Management, said the tournament will feature $5,000 in cash prizes and a new car to anyone who scores a hole in one. Nairn said a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start has been scheduled for the four person scramble tournament. A portion of the proceeds raised will benefit the Sunshine Foundation Dream Village. CAI — the Community Association Institute — is a national organization dedicated to fostering vibrant, competent, harmonious community associations.

Author Chris Hurn offers deal to entrepreneurs: Proceeds from sale of multiple books to support Young Entrepreneur Foundation

ORLANDO, Fla. — Christopher Hurn, chief executive officer of Orlando based Mercantile Capital Corporation, has a special offer for entrepreneurs: buy two or more copies of his new book — The Entrepreneur’s Secret to Creating Wealth: How the Smartest Business Owners Build Their Fortunes, out Oct. 1 — and he’ll donate all proceeds to the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation. The book, which sells for $19.95, offers Hurn’s unique perspective on wealth he gained lending money — $318 million so far in 2012 — to fund the efforts of small business entrepreneurs to acquire or develop their own facilities. Hurn, a frequent guest as a small business commentator on Fox Business News, The Huffington Post, and other media outlets, said he knows how small business entrepreneurs think because he is one. Hurn believes it’s that entrepreneurial spirit that makes America exceptional. But it takes more than just spirit to make a business thrive. “There’s no magic to starting a business; more than 500,000 Americans do it every year. The secret is how to grow your net worth, while simultaneously growing your business,” Hurn said.

Chris Hurn Publishes Book Aimed at Helping Entrepreneurs Reignite the American Economy

ORLANDO, Fla. — Christopher G. Hurn, chief executive officer of Mercantile Capital Corporation in Orlando, can add the title ‘published author’ to his professional resume. On Oct. 1 Hurn plans to release The Entrepreneur’s Secret to Creating Wealth: How the Smartest Business Owners Build Their Fortunes, his first book. The Entrepreneur’s Secret offers a unique perspective on wealth Hurn gained lending money — $318 million so far in 2012 — to fund the efforts of small business entrepreneurs to acquire or develop their own facilities. Hurn, a frequent guest as a small business commentator on Fox Business News, The Huffington Post, PBS and other media outlets, said he knows how small business entrepreneurs think because he is one. “American small business entrepreneurs bear more of the burden when there’s a recession yet they do more to power the American economy than government, multi-national corporations, big banks and the Federal Reserve combined,” Hurn said. Hurn believes it’s that entrepreneurial spirit that makes America exceptional. But it takes more than just spirit to make a business thrive. “There’s no magic to starting a business; more than 500,000 Americans do it every year. The secret is how to grow your net worth, while simultaneously growing your business,” Hurn said. “When you do both, with the strategies I explain in my book, you can literally build a fortune.” Hurn knows whereof he speaks. So far this year, Mercantile Capital Corporation has closed 75 loans that have financed projects valued at more than $318 million. One of the nation’s leading providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loans, Mercantile Capital Corporation financed projects valued at just $174 million during all of 2011. Hurn said he is already at work on his second book.

Mez Birdie Appointed Court Receiver for Commercial Properties in Orlando and Jacksonville

MAITLAND, Fla. – Mez R. Birdie CCIM, CPM, SCSM, director of special assets at NAI Realvest, has been appointed court receiver for properties located at: 6220 SOBT, Orlando; 8101 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville; 3720 St. John’s Bluff, Jacksonville; Birdie is responsible for all property management and leasing functions and will report to the Circuit Court of the 9th Judicial Circuit in Orange County, Fla. About NAI Realvest: NAI Realvest, serving all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide through NAI Global, an international commercial real estate network with over 350 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built their businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.NAIrealvest.com.

Ashton Woods Homes Names Kelley Finley Marketing and Design Manager in Orlando, Tampa

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has appointed Kelley Finley marketing and design manager for the Orlando and Tampa Bay markets. John Reny, president of Ashton Woods Homes in Orlando and Tampa, said Finley who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management from Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Mo., has more than 15 years of experience in new home sales and residential development. Finley has worked with various builders and developers and most recently was a sales executive with Beazer Homes. 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 .

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Names Vicky McVay-Froom International Marketing Specialist

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed Vicky McVay-Froom an International Marketing Specialist in the firm’s Orlando/Dr. Phillips Marketing Center. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said McVay-Froom is a Florida native who has lived in Southwest Orlando for over 13 years and currently resides on the 16th Green at Bay Hill. McVay-Froom was formerly a nurse in pediatrics, in medical management of a mental health therapy practice and the owner of a radiology business. She attended University of Florida College of Nursing and the Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business. Her career activities also include manufacturing and sales, commercial and residential real estate and futures and options trading in the stock market. “Vicky is well known and respected in business locally, nationally and internationally and is always involved in a wide variety of markets,” Soderstrom said. “She brings a phenomenal background and experience to international sales and marketing of luxury residential property and income opportunities in Central Florida and to the Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Global Brand,” he added. About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive global marketing services include luxury residential, new homes, new home communities, commercial and investment properties. In addition the company provides support to builders and developers locally and internationally. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

Red Tail Golf Club Names Chris DePinto Golf Course Superintendent

SORRENTO, Fla. – Red Tail Golf Club, in Sorrento, a Celebration Golf Management facility, has promoted Chris DePinto golf course superintendent. Larry Snyder, principal and vice president of Agronomy for Celebration Golf Management, LLC, which manages Red Tail Golf Club said DePinto, a California native, began his career with Heathrow Land & Development Company in 2006. Snyder said in 2008, DePinto earned the Turf Grass Management Certification from Penn State University. Snyder said DePinto joined Red Tail Golf Club in late 2008.

Lennar Offers Whopping Six Percent Commissions to Realtors Who Sell Homes at Emerson Park, Cortland Woods at Providence and Wyndham Lakes

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division is offering up to six percent commissions to Orlando-area Realtors who sell new homes at three Lennar communities in the Orlando region: Emerson Park in Apopka, Cortland Woods at Providence in Davenport and Wyndham Lakes in south Orlando. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Realtors will earn four percent commission for the first home they sell and five percent for any sale thereafter that closes before the end of November. Metheny said Realtors who successfully complete Lennar’s Realtor ACES program will earn an additional one percent commission. Home builders in Central Florida typically pay area Realtors three percent commissions on sales of new homes. “Lennar recognizes that area Realtors are the backbone of the housing industry in Florida and we want to reward them for their efforts,” Metheny said. Metheny said Realtors can earn an additional one percent (4%) for sales of new homes in any Lennar community in Central Florida if they successfully complete Lennar’s ACES program. Realtors must register for Lennar’s ACES Realtor program at www.lennarlovesrealtors.com, complete the online orientation program and pass the test to be eligible for the expanded commission, Metheny added.

Emerson International closes on lease agreement for 15,100 square feet of office space at CenterPointe I in Altamonte Springs

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. --- Emerson International recently closed on a new lease agreement for 15,100 square feet of Class A office space at CenterPointe I, located at 240 E. Central Parkway in Altamonte Springs. Kenneth R. Koch, commercial portfolio director at Emerson International, said AmeriCredit Financial Service, LLC, is the new tenant. Koch negotiated the lease agreement. Emerson International is the owner and developer of the CenterPointe I.

ICI Homes Names Roy S. Ratcliff Jr. Autocad Design Technician at its corporate headquarters in Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --- ICI Homes, which ranks as one of the most active luxury home builders and developers in the U.S., with Florida operations in the Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Orlando and Tampa areas, has named Roy S. Ratcliff, Jr. as Autocad Design Technician. Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing for ICI Homes said Ratcliff, who has 12 years of experience, received his Associates Degree in Computer Aided Drafting and Design from ITT Technical Institute. The Florida native, a resident of Titusville on the Space Coast, was most recently employed as an architectural CAD coordinator at the Orlando division of another national homebuilder. Messina said Ratcliff is based at ICI’s corporate headquarters in Daytona Beach. About ICI Homes ICI Homes is ranked by Builder magazine as one of the top 100 homebuilders in the nation. The 32+-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as in Jacksonville, Orlando, Melbourne and Tampa.

Avex Homes Names Amy Joslyn Director of Sales at Avalon Park West in Wesley Chapel

ORLANDO / WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. -- Avex Homes, the Orlando-based home builder that has started construction of new homes at Avalon Park West in Wesley Chapel, has appointed Amy Joslyn director of sales. Eric Marks, President of Avex Homes, which is building in Avalon Park West, said Joslyn is a lifelong resident of the Tampa Bay area who has more than eight years of experience in new home sales in the Tampa Bay region. Marks said Joslyn is an enthusiastic sales professional whose efforts have already earned her such accolades as the Diamond Circle Award for Sales Excellence from the Tampa Bay Builders Association’s Sales and Marketing Council and Sales Person of the Year in 2010. “Amy Joslyn is a high-achiever and a team builder and we expect her to play a major role in our continued growth at Avex Homes,” Marks said. Avex Homes has started construction of a model home and several pre-sale and move-in ready homes at Cypress Village at Avalon Park West, the first phase of the new master-planned community. Marks said Avex Homes plans to build 342 single-family homes priced from the $150’s at Cypress Village at Avalon Park West. Avalon Park West plans to develop up to 4,400 single-family and multi-family homes at Avalon Park West and 700,000 square feet of commercial space. Avex Homes is a partnership that includes Avalon Park Group Management, Inc. and sitEX Properties USA. Avalon Park West is located on S.R. 54, 3.5 miles east of I-75 in Wesley Chapel.

Orlando-Based Geocove to Provide GIS Technology to Disaster Officials in Three Florida Counties, North Carolina

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Geocove, Inc., the Orlando firm whose ARM-360® GIS system for disaster relief officials helped Osceola County, Kissimmee and St. Cloud win the prestigious Florida Local Government Information Systems Assn. (FLGISA) 2012 Technology Achievement Award recently, has earned contracts to provide ARM360® GIS systems to three Florida counties and one in North Carolina. Karyn Tareen, president and chief executive officer of Geocove, Inc., said the ARM360® system allows county disaster officials to provide accurate and comprehensive disaster assessments within hours of a cataclysmic event such as a hurricane, tornado or firestorm. Designed by Geocove engineers, ARM360® is a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based application that allows field assessors from each municipality to report real-time findings to a centralized Emergency Operating Center (EOC). “ARM360® enables local and remote decision makers to allocate resources quickly and efficiently,” Tareen explained. Within the past 90 days Sarasota, Highlands and Gulf counties in Florida have deployed Geocove’s ARM360® system, as has Onslow County, North Carolina. “Most U.S. municipalities have invested in GIS systems to identify and inventory their assets,” Tareen said. “Geocove’s ARM360® system helps them leverage their GIS investment so that digital maps rich in locally maintained data are instantly available to disaster assessors in the field on their mobile computers,” she said. “With a couple of clicks, they can report the percentage of damage they observe for buildings and properties,” she said. “Call centers use the same maps and data to log caller-reported damage and to provide callers with disaster information such as shelter locations, points of distribution, outages, road blocks, and so on,” she said. Earlier this year Geocove partnered with Florida’s Lee County to develop a sophisticated GIS-based disaster management system that won the 2012 Florida Governor’s Hurricane Conference Public Information Award. Geocove is a member of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in East Orange County. About Geocove Geocove, Inc. provides scalable assessment solutions built using the power of GIS across a multitude of industries. The Geocove team has extensive experience in providing assessment, reporting and mapping tools for emergency management, building officials, public health and other government agencies as well as utilities and other private industries. Geocove, Inc., a privately held corporation located in central Florida, is an authorized partner of Esri, the world’s leading GIS software provider. Please visit www.geocove.com or www.facebook.com/geocove. About the UCF Business Incubation Program Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, the City of Winter Springs, the City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.

HENIN HOMES APPOINTS MERYL DUNN DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

DeBary, Fla. --- The Henin Group, developers of Riviera Bella on the St. Johns River in DeBary, has appointed Meryl Dunn director of marketing. Matt Boltz, director of sales and operations for Henin Homes, Inc. said Dunn is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a B.S.B.A in Marketing. She also holds her real estate license in the states of Florida and New York.

Emerson International Names Real Estate Veteran Greg Fabian Senior Property Manager

Altamonte Springs, Fla. -- Emerson International, which develops Class A office buildings, luxury condominiums and golf course communities, has appointed veteran commercial real estate professional Greg Fabian senior property manager. Kenneth Koch, commercial portfolio director at Emerson International, said Fabian has more than 30 years of experience in commercial real estate. “We are delighted to welcome a professional with Greg Fabian’s vast range of experience and we look forward to his contributions as we continue to grow,” Koch said. Emerson International is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Emerson Group, the global corporation that is one of the largest privately-owned property development companies in the U.K.

CuffCare Systems of Winter Springs Reaches Distribution Agreement with Buxton Products, Inc.

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla., -- CuffCare Systems, which manufactures products to clean and disinfect blood pressure cuffs in healthcare facilities, has reached a strategic distribution agreement with Buxton Products, Inc., a leading U.S. provider of both domestic and international market development services. Jorge Rivera, president of CuffCare Systems, said the agreement will provide a major boost for CuffCare Systems. “Buxton is one of the world’s leading providers of business consulting services and product sales, focusing on their clients’ preferences and expectations,” Rivera said. “We anticipate that this agreement will help us to identify segments of the health care industry we have not yet reached,” he said. CuffCare Systems products eliminate the need for disposable cuffs and provide infection prevention that has proved superior to the strategies used in many healthcare facilities today. Cuffcare Systems is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in Winter Springs. About the UCF Business Incubation Program Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, the City of Winter Springs, the City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty cuts asking price on historic Britt House and grounds in Winter Garden

LAKE MARY, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has significantly reduced the asking price for a unique and historic luxury home in Winter Garden. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the three-story, 5,292 square foot Britt House, built as a southern mansion for a prominent citrus grower in 1927, includes three office buildings that total 7,256 square feet of space. The asking price has been reduced from $ 1,750,000 to $ 1,495,000, and the seller is now considering all offers, Soderstrom said. Though totally renovated, the Britt House may be more valuable for its location on the recently four-laned E. Plant Street in Winter Garden just off S.R. 429, the Central Florida Expressway. The 5.15 acre site is zoned for high intensity office and retail development, Soderstrom added. “This is a prime corner site with full signalization that offers offsite storm water retention,” Soderstrom said. “The property offers tremendous future expansion and development opportunities.” Soderstrom said the estate has been fully restored to its original condition with beautiful hardwood floors, a grand staircase, custom millwork, several fireplaces, large architectural windows, and a double porte cochere. “The brick exterior features two-story columns along the front veranda with an impressive front entrance,” Soderstrom said. “The main level features a large tiled Florida room wrapped in windows. The original tile is still intact and in perfect condition. It was originally used for dancing and parties,” he said. About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive global marketing services include luxury residential, new homes, new home communities, commercial and investment properties. In addition the company provides support to builders and developers locally and internationally. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

Henin Homes Starts Construction of Two Move-In Ready Luxury Homes at Riviera Bella on St. Johns River

DeBary, Fla. --- Two ready-to-move-in homes are underway by Henin Homes at Riviera Bella, the exclusive luxury community the Henin Group is developing on the St. Johns River in DeBary. Matt Boltz, director of sales and operations for Henin Homes, Inc. said the new Anna model home offers four bedrooms and two baths in 1,928 square feet of living space with a covered lanai. The Anna model home is priced at $234,500. The Sophia IV model home offers four bedrooms and two baths priced at $245,500 with 2,017 square feet of living space and a covered lanai. Boltz said both new homes will be completed before the end of the year.

Green Global Investments Acquires Seniors Housing Operator- International Care Management Services

MAITLAND, Fla. --- Green Global Investments, Inc. (OTCBB-GGIX) recently acquired International Care Management Services (2040177 Ontario Ltd.), an Ontario, Canada corporation and International Care Management Services Ltd. Inc., a Washington, USA corporation. The companies’ founder, David B. Edwards, will serve as president of these businesses which will operate as Green Global’s LivingVentures subsidiary. The ICMS companies currently manage and provide services to over 1,000 units in 10 seniors housing facilities, including the prestigious Living on the Avenue and The Kensington Place properties in Toronto, Canada. Edwards has over 30 years of experience in the seniors housing industry. “We are extremely pleased to have an industry leader like Dave heading up our Seniors Housing management business in North America,” said Green Global Chief Executive, Richard A. Asta. “Under Dave’s leadership, we fully expect to grow the number of units under management and services from 1,000 to 3,000 by the end of 2013,” Asta added. About Green Global Investments: Green Global Investments ("GGI") is a fully integrated real estate investment, development and operating company. GGI operates seniors housing projects in Canada and Florida, with plans to develop and own seniors housing assets in markets across the US and Canada. GGI global headquarters is in Maitland, Florida with offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai. The company also provides EB-5 equity capital and debt financing, as well as real estate brokerage and other services. To learn more, visit www.greenglobalinvestments.com.

NAI Realvest negotiates leases totaling more than 4,100 square feet at Monroe CommerCenter South

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease and a renewal lease totaling 4,160 square feet of industrial space at Monroe CommerCenter South in Sanford. Michael Heidrich, a principal in the firm, brokered the transactions on behalf of the landlord, COP-Monroe, LLC of Maitland. Kevin Mercadel of Sanford signed a new lease for suite 1021 with 2,160 square feet at 4295 Church Street in Monroe CommerCenter South, and Transit Designs, LLC renewed its lease of 2,000 square feet at 711 Progress Way in the industrial center. About NAI Realvest NAI Realvest, serving all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide through NAI Global, an international commercial real estate network with over 350 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built their businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.nairealvest.com.

NAI Realvest Negotiates class A office Lease agreement with advertising firm at Primera Court I in Lake Mary

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 2,670 square feet of Class A office space at Suite 200 Primera Court I, 725 Primera Blvd. in Lake Mary. NAI Realvest Senior Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM brokered the transaction representing the landlord RREF Interchange-FL Primera I, LLC, based in Daytona Beach. The tenant is the Wisdek Corporation, an online advertising company headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario. There was no co-broker. About NAI Realvest NAI Realvest, serving all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.NAIRealvest.com

NAI Realvest Negotiates Renewal Lease at the Citadel International in southeast Orlando

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently completed a renewal lease for office space at Citadel International III located at 5950 Hazeltine National Drive in Southeast Orlando. Senior Associate Mary Frances West, CCIM negotiated the transaction on behalf of the landlord, Citadel Partners, LTD. The tenant, Cottingham & Butler Limited renewed and relocated to suite 635 with 760 square feet. NAI Realvest handles management and leasing of the Citadel International III. About NAI Realvest NAI Realvest, serving all of central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.nairealvest.com.

Sponsors, Golfers Sought for 6th Annual Oakley Seaver Memorial Golf Tournament Oct. 5

CELRMONT, Fla. --- Legends Golf Club, located three miles south of SR 50 off U.S. 27 at 1700 Legendary Blvd. in Clermont, will host the Kiwanis Club of Clermont’s 6th Annual Oakley Seaver Memorial Golf Tournament Friday Oct. 5. Jay Scruggs, general manager of Legends Golf Club, said proceeds from the Oakley Seaver Memorial Golf Tournament, will help fund four year higher education scholarships for some deserving at risk students from South Lake County who have made significant contributions to their school and community. Scruggs said the Kiwanis Club of Clermont has partnered with Take Stock in Children to administer the scholarships. Kathy B. Scherer, president of Kiwanis Club of Clermont and one of the organizers of the Oakley Searver Memorial Golf tournament, said the Kiwanis Club of Clermont is seeking sponsors and golfers for the tournament, as well as donations for the silent auction that will be held at the event. Sponsorship levels available are Title Sponsor at $5,000, a Presenting Sponsor at $3000, a Meal Sponsor at $1,000, All-in-One sponsor at $600, and Hole and Souvenir Hole Flag Sponsors at $300 and $200. Oakley Seaver’s son-in-law Hal Cummings is the original organizer of the memorial golf tournament, according to Scherer. “The late Oakley Seaver is well remembered for the time, energy and spirit he invested in the Clermont community and especially in the education of young people in our community,” Scherer said.

STIRLING SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY TAKES OVER HEATHROW REALTY’S ROLE AS OFFICIAL BROKER AT HEATHROW COMMUNITY

HEATHROW, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has recently taken over Heathrow Realty’s role as the official brokerage company for the Heathrow community. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said his firm is perfect for the new role as dominant real estate broker within the Heathrow community. Soderstrom served as president of Heathrow Land and Development Company in the 1980s and worked closely with Heathrow developer Jeno Paulucci to design the luxury community that many Realtors at the time derided as unrealistic. In time, Realtors and the development community alike patterned new development after many of the trends Heathrow pioneered in Central Florida. “Heathrow is a special community and I am very pleased that Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty will continue to serve our Heathrow home owners and bring new families to the north Seminole County area from all over the world,” Soderstrom said. In the near future, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty may also handle the marketing and sales of new residential homes within Heathrow. “As the Heathrow community is now nearly developed, we saw an opportunity to carry the Heathrow Real Estate flag into the future,” Soderstrom said. The Heathrow sales center is now located in Stirling Sotheby’s state-of-the-art, flagship marketing center located on Lake Mary Blvd. and International Parkway in Heathrow. About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive global marketing services include luxury residential, new homes, new home communities, commercial and investment properties. In addition the company provides support to builders and developers locally and internationally. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

Emerson International Negotiates two new lease agreements totaling more than 3,370 square feet of office space at Louisiana Office Park

Altamonte Springs, Fla. --- Emerson International recently closed on two lease agreements totaling 3,372 square feet of office space at Louisiana Office Park, 1133 and 1155 Louisiana Ave. in Winter Park. Zac Starkey, commercial associate at Emerson International, negotiated both lease agreements. Behavioral Associates leased 2,099 square feet of office space while Onward Behavioral Health, Inc. leased 1,273 square feet of space.

Hendricks & Partners Negotiates $8 Million+ Sale of The Park at Ashley Place Apartments in New Port Richey

TAMPA, Fla. --- Hendricks & Partners, which ranks as one of the nation’s largest and most active multi-family investment banking and research companies, recently negotiated the sale The Park at Ashley Place luxury apartments located on Vista Verde Drive in New Port Richey for $8.050 million or $56,293 per unit. The community was 95 percent occupied at the time of closing. Cole Whitaker, partner who heads Hendricks & Partners in the Southeast, negotiated the sale with senior investment advisor Jason Stanton of the firm’s Tampa Bay office representing the seller, Blue Rock Partners, LLC. The 143-unit apartment property was built in 1986 with an average unit size of 784 square feet.

University Club of Orlando to Recognize Scholarship Winners from Local Schools at Annual Foundation Dinner Oct. 4

ORLANDO, Fla. – The University Club of Orlando will honor and recognize more than 20 local student scholarship winners during its annual Foundation Scholarship Dinner Oct. 4. Justin Wright, general manager of the University Club of Orlando, said the scholarships totaling some $50,000 were recently awarded to deserving students at the University of Central Florida, Rollins College, Valencia State College, Seminole State College, and Florida A&M School of Law. Wright said raising money for these local scholarships is one of the principal missions of the University Club members.

AceApplications Earns One-Year Extension to Continuing Services Contract with Florida Agencies

ORLANDO, Fla., --- AceApplications, LLC in Orlando was recently awarded a one-year extension of its continuing services contract to provide state agencies in Florida with Custom Application Development and Integration, Analysis and Design, Operational Support and IT Staffing Services, via State of FL Contract # 973-561-10-1. Courtney Powell, CEO at AceApplications, LLC, said the firm was initially awarded a continuing services contract in September 2009. The extension means AceApplications can continue to serve Florida agencies through August, 2013. Powell said the continuing contract process makes it easier for state agencies to hire highly qualified professional service providers in a timely and efficient manner. “State agencies don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time they let a contract for specified services,” Powell said. With a continuing services contract, a formal bid process is not required by the agency, best practices for agencies are built in to the contract, vendors are pre-qualified and project and practice areas are specified. Hourly rates are classified, capped, and easily accessible to users before the buying process begins. AceApplications, LLC, a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program located in Central Florida Research Park, is a state and county certified minority owned business that offers information technology consulting services, software applications and web development, and technical training for small and large businesses, government agencies and schools. About AceApplications, LLC – AceApplications is a state and county certified minority owned business established in 2001. The firm is a technology solutions provider for businesses, schools, and government agencies, delivering custom software and web development, cloud computing solutions, IT staffing, and technology sales. Their team has over 50 years of combined industry experience, and has built a strong reputation for consistently delivering high quality, reliable solutions and great customer service to clients including Florida Hospital, State of Florida universities (UCF, UF), Florida Department of Transportation, and others. For more information, please visit www.AceApplications.com. About the UCF Business Incubation Program Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, the City of Winter Springs, the City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Purchase of Daytona Beach Oceanfront Parcel

MAITLAND, Fla. -- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the acquisition of a vacant oceanfront residential parcel at 1299 S. Atlantic Ave. in Daytona Beach for $775,000. Chris Butera, investment associate at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction representing the buyer, a local investor. The $775,000 sale price of the 1.21 acre oceanfront site is among some of the most attractive pricing the area has seen yet for vacant oceanfront property, according to Butera. The seller, Equity Resource Partners IV, LLC of Atlanta was represented by Bill Little of Watson Commercial Realty in Jacksonville. About NAI Realvest NAI Realvest, covering all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.NAIRealvest.com.

Two Jacksonville Area Del Webb Communities to Host “Cook for the Cure ” Fundraising events Sept. 22 and 28 to Benefit Susan G. Komen Foundation

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- Two Del Webb communities in the Jacksonville area – Sweetwater by Del Webb and Del Webb Ponte Vedra – will host “Cook for the Cure” fundraising events to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for the North Florida Division of Del Webb, said Del Webb communities across the nation have been cooking up events featuring KitchenAid prizes and activities to benefit the Komen breast cancer foundation.

At Sweetwater by Del Webb the fundraising event is scheduled for Saturday Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to Noon at the Sweetwater Summerland Hall clubhouse, featuring a brunch and guest speaker.

At Del Webb Ponte Vedra the fundraising event on Friday Sept. 28 includes breakfast in the community’s Anastasia Clubhouse starting at 9:30 a.m. and will also feature a guest speaker.

Strickler said both “Cook for the Cure” events will feature raffle prizes.

The public is invited and RSVP is requested. To RSVP for the Sept. 22 event at Sweetwater, go to www.delwebb.com/sweetwater or telephone 877-418-1705.

To RSVP for the Sept. 28 event Del Webb Ponte Vedra, www.delwebb.com/pontevedra or telephone 877-418-1706.

“‘Cook for the Cure’ is one of many events that our Del Webb residents enjoy participating in to give back to a great cause,” Strickler said.

Last year, residents living in Del Webb communities raised more than $50,000 toward the fight against breast cancer, supporting a partnership with KitchenAid and Komen, which has raised more than $8 million in the past decade.

About Del Webb
Del Webb, the pioneer of active adult retirement communities, is America’s leading builder of developments for people ages 55+. Since 1960, Del Webb has redefined retirement and retirement living by meeting the housing and lifestyle needs of the active Baby Boomer. Del Webb’s amenities and program offerings provide residents an engaging environment, which fulfills their creative, social, physical fitness and intellectual needs as they journey into the next chapter in their lives – whether it means retirement or still working. Del Webb has grown to more than 50 communities currently open for new home sales in 20 states. For more information on Del Webb, visit www.delwebb.com. To learn more about how to plan a smart future, check out financial tools at delwebb.com/value.

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

For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, go to pultegroup.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com

ICI Homes Names Seasoned Executive to serve in Sales Operations in Daytona Beach Area

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --- ICI Homes, which ranks as one of the most active luxury home builders and luxury community developers in the U.S., has appointed Alistair Robert Brown to serve in sales operations in the Daytona Beach area.

Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing for ICI Homes said Brown, a golf professional in Scotland for many years, is an award-winning sales executive who has more than 20 years of experience in the homebuilding industry and community development.

Brown was formerly vice president of sales for WCI Communities in Bonita Springs, Fla., according to Messina. More recently Brown was president of Old Palm Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens.

In the new role Brown will be based at ICI’s community of Plantation Bay Golf and Country Club in Ormond Beach.

“Alistair is a very talented sales executive. With the advantages of his extensive experience he will serve our sales operations team very well,” Messina said.

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

University Club of Orlando to host golf tourney Oct. 13 to benefit scholarships for deserving Central Florida students

ORLANDO, Fla. – The University Club of Orlando will host a golf tournament at Rio Pinar Country Club, Saturday, Oct. 13 to benefit University Club Foundation scholarships for deserving Central Florida students.

Justin Wright, general manager of the University Club of Orlando, said the golf play is open to University Club members and guests.

The four person scramble tourney will tee off at 1 p.m., Wright said.

Rino Pinar Country Club is located at 8600 El Prado Ave. Orlando Fl 32825.

Entry fee for the tourney is $100. For information or to register call 407-425-2514 or visit www.ucluborlando.com

Lennar Offers Zero Down or Zero Closing Costs on 153 Move-In Ready Homes in 14 Communities in the Tampa Bay Area

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar is offering potential home buyers their choice of either Zero Closing Costs or a Zero Down Payment on the purchase of 153 ready-to-move-in homes in 14 communities in the Tampa Bay region.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said monthly mortgage payments for a new Lennar-built home can be as low as $1,103 with Lennar’s preferred lender Universal American Mortgage Co.

“Nearly 200 home buyers took advantage of our Zero Down offer last month,” Metheny said. “With record low interest rates and the lowest pricing in years, this is the best time ever to buy a new home in a Lennar community in the Tampa Bay region,” Metheny said.

The offer applies to Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” homes, which offer a wide range of appliances, special features and add-ons at one “Everything’s Included” price.

Plan to visit one of Lennar’s Welcome Home Centers in the Tampa Bay area open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday–Saturday and Sundays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Visit www.lennar.com, for more details, or call 888-317-7489.

Mercantile Capital Corporation reports loan volume for first eight months of 2012 up more than 190 percent

ORLANDO, Fla. — Mercantile Capital Corporation, which specializes in U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans for small business owners who want to acquire or develop their own facilities, reported it closed 75 SBA loans to finance projects valued at more than $318 million thus far this year from January through August.

Christopher Hurn, chief executive officer of Mercantile Capital Corporation, said the loan volume represents a 190 percent increase over the firm’s loan volume for the first eight months of 2011.

Hurn said the firm provided loans in 2011 to finance projects valued at $174 million in total project costs.

In August, Mercantile Capital closed seven SBA 504 loans to finance projects worth more than $26.6 million in total project costs.

Evergreen Construction Breaks Ground on $2.1 Million Building For Beacon College in Downtown Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla. – Evergreen Construction Management recently started site work for the construction of a new $2.1 million administration and classroom building for Beacon College in downtown Leesburg.

Mark Starcher, LEED, AP, President of Evergreen Construction Management, said the new two-story building located on East Main Street across from the Leesburg Public Library will accommodate the college’s growth and replaces the old administration building torn down in 2011.

Completion is scheduled for spring 2013, Starcher added.

Evergreen Construction Management, based in Central Florida, is a commercial construction firm led by Mark Starcher and Gary Klein, who have a combined 50 years of diverse large commercial project experience. The company focuses on general contracting, construction management and design build projects statewide in the education, healthcare, institutional, corporate and interiors markets.

Beacon College, founded in 1989, is the only accredited college offering BA and AA degrees for students with learning disabilities, ADHD and gifted LD. Beacon College serves students with ADD/ADHD, auditory and visual processing differences, dyslexia, expressive / receptive language deficits, gifted LD, language-based learning disabilities, as well as disabilities in reading/writing and math.

About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, the City of Winter Springs, the City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.

Del Webb Stone Creek to Host Cook for the Cure Fundraising Event Sept. 28 with Community Walk, Dinner, Live Entertainment

OCALA, Fla. --- Del Webb Stone Creek on SW 89th Ct. Rd. in Ocala will host “Cook for the Cure” Friday, Sept. 28, to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for the North Florida Division of Del Webb, said the fundraising event is scheduled from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Del Webb Stone Creek clubhouse. The community walk is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

The public is invited and RSVP is requested. To RSVP, go to www.delwebb.com/stonecreek or telephone 877-333-5932.

Del Webb communities across the nation are cooking up events this summer featuring KitchenAid prizes and culinary activities to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

Last year, residents living in Del Webb communities raised more than $50,000 toward the fight against breast cancer, supporting a partnership with KitchenAid and Komen, which has raised more than $8 million in the past decade.

Strickler said “Cook for the Cure” at Del Webb Stone Creek will feature live entertainment by the band Sugar Bear along with raffle prizes and dinner.

“‘Cook for the Cure’ is one of many events that residents at Del Webb Stone Creek create to give back to the community,” Strickler said.

About Del Webb
Del Webb, the pioneer of active adult retirement communities, is America’s leading builder of developments for people ages 55+. Since 1960, Del Webb has redefined retirement and retirement living by meeting the housing and lifestyle needs of the active Baby Boomer. Del Webb’s amenities and program offerings provide residents an engaging environment, which fulfills their creative, social, physical fitness and intellectual needs as they journey into the next chapter in their lives – whether it means retirement or still working. Del Webb has grown to more than 50 communities currently open for new home sales in 20 states. For more information on Del Webb, visit www.delwebb.com. To learn more about how to plan a smart future, check out financial tools at delwebb.com/value.

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

For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, go to pultegroup.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com

Full Economic Recovery Will Take Two to Three more Years in Central Florida

By George Livingston, CIPS

(Ed. note: George Livingston is chairman emeritus of NAI Realvest in Maitland and a 30-year veteran real estate and investment analyst.)

Economic recovery in the Orlando area and throughout Florida is slowly gaining momentum and might take another two to three more years. The momentum will likely pick up speed in 2014 and 2015.

Florida’s and Orlando’s Gross Production, a measure of economic activity, is expanding and should improve into 2015. Consumption is positive. Governments are spending on infrastructure, and that’s good strategy.

Exports remain strong and are improving. But private and business investments are lagging, largely due to uncertainty at home and abroad.

Florida’s housing market is improving steadily, and Orlando’s housing market is helping to lead the growth, but year-over-year numbers are still well below past market peaks.

Foreign buyers are absorbing a large part of the for sale inventory.

Commercial real estate is improving across the board---apartments, senior housing, retail, warehousing, office, and hotel sectors are advancing in that order.

Occupancies are up and rent rates are flat to increasing.

Unemployment and underemployment continues to be a problem, and we may not see much recovery in the jobs market until 2013 or later. Government employment is likewise under pressure.

Population growth--- positive this year---continues to play a significant role in Florida’s economic health, especially in Orlando.

Population growth is expected to improve into 2015, and it is a significant driver of growth in the Central Florida region and throughout the state.

Entertainment, the conventions and tourism trade, and technology, logistics and medical clusters continue to accelerate business growth in Central Florida.

We’re seeing serious expansion in the entertainment, conventions, and vacation sector.

Orlando’s central location and our access to air, roads, rail, and close-by ports are significant growth factors.

The outlook for Orlando continues to improve, but at a moderate pace.

Winston James Development Negotiates New Long-Term Lease Agreement at Aloma Business Center

WINTER PARK, Fla. --- Winston James Development recently negotiated a new lease agreement at Aloma Commerce Center in Winter Park.

Winston Schwartz, president of Winston James Development, said Christina Wong leased 938 square feet at Aloma Commerce Center to establish a service and maintenance facility for cellular phones.

Aloma Commerce Center was represented by Tyler Brackney of Dunhill Properties.

First Green Bank Reports Record Quarter Results: Assets up 18 Percent, Deposits Up 20 Percent, Loan Volume Up 15 Percent

Mount Dora, Fla. --- First Green Bank, the Lake County-based community bank that boasts it is “a local bank with a global mission,” reports its assets grew by more than 18 percent during the first half of 2012 and its deposits grew by more than 20 percent during the same period.

Kenneth LaRoe, chairman of First Green Bank, said the bank’s combined assets as of June 30, 2012, totaled $193 million, up more than $30 million from Dec. 31, 2011.

During the second quarter First Green Bank’s assets grew by more than $17 million, LaRoe said.

Bank deposits, which totaled $171 million at the end of the second quarter, were up more than 20 percent since the start of the year.

“We increased our deposits by $17 million during the second quarter alone,” LaRoe said.

First Green Bank, headquartered in Mount Dora, has offices in Clermont and Ormond Beach. LaRoe announced First Green will open an office in downtown Orlando before the end of this year and offices in Winter Park next year.

“Our mission to encourage more sustainable communities that can rebuild our economy from the ground up is finding its market and gaining momentum,” LaRoe said. “We are very pleased, and we are greatly encouraged,” he said.

First Green reported similar growth in its retail and small business lending. Loans at the end of the second quarter totaled $140 million, up more than 15 percent since the start of the year.

First Green Bank’s loan volume grew by almost seven percent during the second quarter, LaRoe said.

The bank’s bottom line---profits---are likewise promising. First Green Bank reported year-to-date pre-tax profits of $522,698, with most of it---$375,931---coming in the second quarter.

A recent survey of 7,300 U.S. banks by MSN.com ranked First Green Bank one of the 359 safest banks in America and the only Central Florida bank to earn that distinction.

First Green Bank Names Five Bank Employees to First Green Foundation Board of Directors

MOUNT DORA, Fla. --- The First Green Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization established to promote the environmental mission of First Green Bank in Mount Dora, recently appointed five First Green Bank employees to the foundation’s Board of Directors.

Kenneth LaRoe, founder and chairman of First Green Bank, said new appointments to the First Green Foundation Board include Rhonda DeCandia, Robbie Gossett, Darla Leonard, Denise Smith and Barbara Szczepanski.

LaRoe said the appointments signal the Foundation’s commitment to seeking small effective ways to strengthen the communities First Green Bank serves with a positive approach to environmental awareness.

“Typically, civic and charitable foundations appoint individuals to their boards whose stature in the community add credibility and gravitas, and you have to respect that,” LaRoe said.

“But sometimes those same individuals, while worthy of every respect, have earned for themselves a social and economic status that distances them from the people and institutions their foundations mean to serve,” LaRoe said.

“We wanted to try a different approach, with a board of directors open to significant input from a more youthful and perhaps more energetic and even idealistic perspective,” he said.

“Our new Board appointments are highly enthusiastic, highly committed young banking professionals whose focus on the community and on our environmental goals is not only admirable but infectious,” LaRoe said.

LaRoe said new appointments to the First Green Foundation Board of Directors include:
• DeCandia, who joined First Green Bank last November as Marketing Director and will serve in that capacity for the Foundation;
• Gossett, who joined First Green Bank as a Credit Analyst two years ago because he wanted to take part in the bank’s slogan: “A local bank with a global mission;”
• Leonard, head teller in the Mount Dora headquarters offices of First Green Bank, is likewise one of the bank’s first employees. “Darla Leonard is on the front lines every day, meeting and greeting our customers and providing the sort of customer service that really defines who we are,” LaRoe said.
• Smith, one of the bank’s newest employees, serves as a customer service representative at the Clermont facility. “When we put the call out for employees who might be interested in getting the Foundation up and running, she was the first to respond,” LaRoe explained.
• Szczepanski, who joined First Green Bank a year ago as Chairman Ken LaRoe’s executive assistant, will serve as the Foundation’s secretary.

First Green Foundation recently announced plans to provide grants to home owners and small business owners who want to make their homes and facilities more energy efficient using solar hot water heaters or photo voltaics.

VOLUSIA LAW FIRM AND CAR DEALERSHIP TEAM UP AGAIN TO HELP STUDENT DRIVERS AVOID ACCIDENTS

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – The Port Orange-based law firm of Rue & Ziffra and Gary Yeoman’s Ford Lincoln in Daytona Beach are collaborating on a project this month that intends to educate student drivers on the perils of texting while driving.

The five-day program – which includes a state-of-the-art, hands-on texting and driving simulator – will begin Sept. 17 at Seabreeze High School, and will be offered at four other high schools in Volusia and Flagler counties through Sept. 21, according to Carlos Lira, general manager at Gary Yeoman’s.

“We’ve teamed up with the Rue & Ziffra folks on other occasions to offer safe driving classes for teens, but this is the first time for something quite like this,” Lira said.

The week-long program is being presented free of charge by the law firm and car dealership.

Representatives from both sponsoring companies will be on hand during the sessions, according to John Rue, a senior partner in the personal-injury law firm.

“We’re excited to be able to bring this type of interactive, educational event to our community to help prevent senseless accidents that often are fatal,” Rue said. “Our goal is to reach out to as many as 5,000 students and faculty members during the week.”

A state-of-the-art driving simulator will be connected to a car provided by Gary Yeoman’s dealership and set up 9/17 at Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach, Tuesday 9/18 at Spruce Creek High School in Port Orange, Wednesday 9/19 at Father Lopez High School in Daytona Beach, Thursday 9/20 at DeLand High School, and Friday 9/21 at Flagler-Palm Coast High School in Palm Coast.

Staggering U.S. statistics provided by the PEERS Foundation show that nearly 50 percent of drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 text while driving, and of those, 11 teen-aged drivers die each week in accidents that involve texting while driving.

In interactive sessions throughout the U.S. data compiled showed that nearly all of the students who got behind the wheel to experience “distracted driving” failed after swerving, speeding and even hitting pedestrians.

For more information about the program, please visit rueziffra.com.

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

Park Square Homes to Host Chili Cook-Off at Waters Edge to Benefit Breast Cancer Outreach Program

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Park Square Homes will host a Chili Cook-off on Saturday, Sept. 29 at Waters Edge at Lake Nona on Narcoossee Road in southeast Orlando to benefit Compassionate Hands and Hearts Breast Cancer Outreach Program.

Anthony Rouhana, marketing coordinator at Park Square Homes, said participating chili chefs will pay a $50 entry fee and admission to chili patrons is $5.

The public is invited and all proceeds will benefit the cancer outreach group, Rouhana said.

The Waters Edge Chili Cook Off is part of Park Square Home’s month-long fundraising effort in September to support the breast cancer outreach program.

Luhse Tea Resizes, Rebrands to Offer Lower Price Points

Kissimmee, Fla. --- Luhse Tea LLC, an innovative online retailer of gourmet loose teas, a spice blend and tea accessories, has rebranded its products with an eye-catching ‘Prohibition’ design that focuses on Luhse Tea’s iconic 1920s-era graphics.

Luhse Tea co-founder Mindy S. Ferris said the new packaging includes Crushed, its popular Spice of Your Life blend now available in rebranded pouches in the Prohibition theme.

Brittney M. Wholihan, Ferris’ partner and co-founder, said Luhse Tea downsized Crushed to 2-oz pouches, but will continue to make the 4-oz. pouches available. “Our gang had also requested that our teas be offered in smaller packages. Taking their advice, we have changed our tea size from 4oz to 2oz.,” said Wholihan.

New economical pricing is already in effect, she said.

Luhse Tea is phasing out its third-party products and plans to introduce Luhse-branded tea accessories soon.

Ferris said the firm’s blog offers new easy-to-make recipes every week that are free and user-friendly.

Visit www.luhsetea.com or follow Luhse Tea on Twitter @LuhseTea, Facebook, www.facebook.com/luhseTea or the Luhse Tea blog at LuhseTea.com.

Luhse Tea is a University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program company based in Kissimmee.

About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, the City of Winter Springs, the City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.

Pulte Homes to host Grand Opening of Bonvida in Valrico on Sept. 29

TAMPA, Fla. -- Pulte Homes will host the Grand Opening of Bonvida, Pulte’s newest residential community in the Tampa Bay region on Saturday, Sept. 29.

Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for Pulte Homes in the Tampa Bay area, said Bonvida---the word means “Good Life”---features new single-family homes priced from the high $100s through the mid-$200s on 50-foot and 70-foot home sites.

The Grand Opening event, scheduled from noon to 2 p.m., will feature a complimentary lunch, WQYK 99.5 FM Radio, along with tours of the four-bedroom, two-bath Trentino II model home.

Pulte is building three to six-bedroom single-family homes at Bonvida in five different designs.

Strickler said 63 home sites are available at Bonvida and will accommodate new homes that range in size from 2,162 square feet of living space to 3,476 square feet with two and three-car garages.

“Bonvida was developed without CDD bonds, meaning no additional monthly CDD expenses,” Strickler said.

Bonvida, located in Valrico off Hwy. 60 at North Valrico and Landside Roads, features a private passive community park as well.

For more information about the new homes at Bonvida, go to www.Pulte.com/tampa or visit a Pulte New Home sales consultant onsite at 2253 Landside Drive, Valrico, FL or phone 888-817-2196.

About Pulte Homes
Communities built by Pulte Homes are designed to deliver the best quality of life for home owners. By combining innovative Life-Tested® designs, an unwavering commitment to quality and attention to detail, Pulte Homes is the nation’s premier home brand for upwardly mobile home buyers. As the most awarded homebuilder in customer satisfaction, Pulte Homes has consistently ranked among top home builders in third-party customer satisfaction studies. For more information about Pulte Homes, visit www.pulte.com.

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

For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, go to pultegroup.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com

Winston James Development Negotiates New Lease Agreement at Beville Road Business Center in South Daytona

South Daytona Beach, Fla. --- Winston James Development recently negotiated a new long-term lease agreement for 1,050 square feet of industrial space at Beville Road Business Center on Beville Road in South Daytona Beach.

Winston Schwartz, president of Winston James Development, said Mary Maids, a national franchise home and office cleaning service, leased 1,050 square feet at Beville Road Business Center.

Winston James Development is the developer of the Beville Road Business Center.

New Daytona area residents John and Emily Miller own the Mary Maids franchise. Schwartz said the couple moved to the Daytona Beach area in order to establish their new business.

Park Square Homes to Host Grand Opening Sept 22 to Showcase New Model Home at Green Neighborhood in Harmony Community in Osceola County

ORLANDO Fla. --- Park Square Homes will host a Grand Opening from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22 to showcase a new model home at the Green neighborhood at Harmony, a luxury community located off E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy. near St. Cloud.

Anthony Rouhana, marketing coordinator at Park Square Homes, said the home builder plans to build 26 new homes at Green at Harmony that range in size from 2,000 square feet of living space to 3,700 square feet.

New homes at Harmony are priced from the $190s to the $280s, Rouhana said.

Rouhana said the Fairview model home offers four bedrooms and two and a half baths in 2,620 square feet of living space with a two-car garage.

Rouhana said the Grand Opening event will feature a gardening workshop, a bounce house for kids, a gourmet food truck and a special picnic area.

Admission to the event is free and the public is invited.

VILLAGES OF ROYAL PALM GETTING NATURAL GAS

PORT ORANGE, Fla. --- New home owners at the Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange will soon be cooking with gas.

Winston Schwartz, president of Villages of Royal Palm developer Winston James Development, Inc., said he plans to install lines to provide natural gas to all newly constructed homes in the new third phase at the Villages of Royal Palm.

“Natural gas is the most cost-effective environmentally sustainable way to power hot water heaters, dryers and cooking stoves,” Schwartz said.

Altogether, 50 new homes will be built in the new phase. Schwartz said new two and three bedroom homes in the new phase will be priced from the $200s.

Orange County National Golf Center Shows off Faster, Smoother Greens on Crooked Cat Golf Course, and Newly Renovated Lodge

Winter Garden, Fla. --- Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge opened its Crooked Cat championship golf course with faster, smoother greens after a three-month renovation effort with the widely-acclaimed Champions Bermuda Ultra Dwarf Turf.

Tano Malentin, general manager at Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge, said the renovated greens are worth the wait.

“Ultra Dwarf Bermuda turf is well known in golfing circles for incredible ball roll and quick speed,” Malentin said.

“We used the same turf on our Panther Lake golf course last year with amazing success. People still talk about the difference,” he said.

Malentin said Orange County National also recently completed major renovations of its Lodge including all new furniture and beddings as well as some interior design improvements.

The Lodge is an important amenity. Besides local golfers, Orange County National accommodates thousands of tourists annually who visit the resort-style golf retreat to improve their game or just to get away for a while.

“We now feature two of the finest championship golf courses in Florida, a nine-hole short course, a wide choice of onsite instruction schools and the largest driving range and practice facility in America, all at one location,” Malentin said.

Women Empowerment Institute to Launch “Get in the Game” Workshop Sept. 15 with Goal to Evoke Change in Every Woman

Sanford, Fla. --- The Women Empowerment Institute, headquartered in Sanford with offices in Orlando and Atlanta, will host “Get in the Game,” a two-hour seminar on Saturday, Sept. 15, that aims to help women unleash their inner top-level executive.

Sherlina L. Stephens, MSW, director of the Women Empowerment Institute said the workshop is designed to help women clarify their dreams and start putting them into action as a leader or an entrepreneur.

The Women Empowerment Institute is a division of the Power Promise Organization, a 501(c)(3) organization, and a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program located on West First Street in downtown Sanford.

Tekoa Pouerie, the President of the Power Promise Organization, is thrilled to launch this new division. “Our mission is to help each woman begin shaping their destiny, maximizing their potential, and become self-sufficient trailblazers in their community,” Pouerie said.

Through coaching and education, women who embark on their next life journey often witness remarkable transformations, Pouerie explained.

“Get in the Game” will be the first of many bi-monthly workshops held at the UCF Incubator in Sanford, Fl.

“This is not your typical workshop. Participants should be prepared to get out of their seats, network with some phenomenal women, and begin shaping their own destinies,” Stephens said.

Registration for the workshop, to be held at 110 West 1st St. in Sanford, is $59.99.

For more information and to register, contact Sherlina Stephens at 1.888.601.0178, ext. 2.

About the Women Empowerment Institute
The Women Empowerment Institute is a subsidiary of The Power Promise Organization a 501 (c) (3). The Power Promise Organization was established in 2009 and currently has several employees, with offices in Orlando and Atlanta. For the past three years this organization has successfully serviced students, parents, and schools and is now happy to introduce its fourth component for women.

About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, the City of Winter Springs, the City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.

imediaReach® Reports 300 Percent Growth

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. – imediaReach®, a cloud based, full service marketing company, reports it has grown by more than 300 percent since husband and wife partners Leslie and Gary Bonner launched the company in 2009.

Co-founder Leslie Bonner, president of imediaReach, said the firm now employs 10 sales specialists, four senior managers and two administrative staffers.

“Gary and I were the only two employees when we opened our doors three years ago,” Bonner said.

Gary Bonner, who serves as chief marketing officer at imediaReach, said he expects to end the year with 40 percent growth in sales and revenues over 2011.

Bonner said the firm is awaiting approval of a patent for a new cell phone loyalty reward program.

imediaReach® focuses on developing a loyalty database of mobile phone users for its clients to generate recurring revenue growth.

“All our messaging is to the personal mobile appliance,” Bonner explained.

imediaReach® develops messaging campaigns using SMS, SMS with full color static ads, or HD quality video, builds mobile web sites, deploys proximity networks, integrates mobile based loyalty rewards programs, and also offers specialty products and traditional media, Bonner explained.

imediaReach® is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program at its Winter Springs site.

About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, the City of Winter Springs, the City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.

Omega3 Innovations Omega Cure Liquid Fish Oil Ranks Freshest Among 100 brands in Recent Norwegian Study

Venice, Fla. -- Omega3 Innovations recently learned that their Omega Cure liquid fish oil ranked the freshest in a Norwegian study that examined more than 100 brands of omega-3 fish oil products.

A large percentage of capsules and other fish oils studied contained rancid oil.

The physician-directed, Venice-based health-food company was excited to hear of the high ranking in a study published in the Norwegian health magazine, Vitenskap & Fornuft (“Science & Reason”), according to co-founder Dr. Bo Martinsen.

“We are extremely proud of the results,” Martinsen said, adding that the findings showed Omega Cure’s freshness was attributed to it having one-hundredth the oxidation levels of other leading omega-3 products.

"With the results of this study, we can see why our oil makes such a big difference."

To view a video about how to test the freshness of your omega-3 fish oil product, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRjQff8AZFI&feature=plcp .

The study examined more than 100 brands of omega-3 marine-sourced products, including capsules and liquid fish oils. Martinsen said that more than half of the products initially selected were excluded because they contained too many added ingredients to provide an accurate oxidation value, and 95 percent of the remaining 56 products didn’t meet industry standards.

Published in May, the report – which displayed a photograph of a bottle of Omega Cure – comes on the heels of other recently-released research that suggests consuming fresh fish oil is far more beneficial than consuming older or even rancid fish oils, and that taking the latter may even be harmful.

The paper’s author – Johnny Laupsa-Borge – explained the findings in Vitenskap & Fornuft, adding that while no long-term studies analyzing the effects of consuming rancid marine oil have been done, animals that consumed large doses of rancid plant oil in other studies showed an increase in liver fat and cell death in the animals’ stomachs.

“Many of our customers say they have experienced significantly more health benefits with Omega Cure than with their previous omega-3 supplements,” Martinsen said. “And, with the results of this study, we can see why our oil makes such a big difference.”

The oil used in Omega3 Innovations’ products – including the high-fiber Omega Cookie and the Omega Passion chocolate truffle – is fished off the coast of Norway and purified in small batches under cold temperatures with limited exposure to air and light, Martinsen said.

“As soon as it reaches our Venice production facility, it is bottled and shipped directly to the consumer, providing a minimal turn-around time from fish date to delivery,” he explained.

Dr. Anne-Marie Chalmers, fellow co-founder of Omega3 Innovations, says the findings also may explain why Omega-3 products’ heart-healthy benefits recently have been scrutinized in other studies, leading researchers to speculate that those contradictory results could be because participants were given rancid omega-3 fish oil products.

“While more than 10,000 studies have already shown that omega-3 can provide a multitude of health benefits, there is still much more to learn,” she says. “But we do know, you can’t go wrong with taking a super-fresh fish oil that is as close to Mother Nature as you can get.”

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 also offers several varieties of Omega Cookies, 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. For more information, visit http://www.omega3innovations.com.

Del Webb Southshore Falls to Host Cook for the Cure Fundraising Event Sept. 29 with Live Entertainment

APOLLO BEACH, Fla. --- Del Webb Southshore Falls on Sunset Falls Drive in Apollo Beach will host “Cook for the Cure” Saturday, Sept. 29, to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for the North Florida Division of Del Webb, said the fundraising event is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Del Webb Southshore Falls clubhouse.

Admission to the event is free, the public is invited and RSVP is requested. To RSVP, go to www.delwebb.com/southshorefalls or telephone 866-813-4712.

Del Webb communities across the nation are cooking up events this summer featuring KitchenAid prizes and culinary activities to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

Last year, residents living in Del Webb communities raised more than $50,000 toward the fight against breast cancer, supporting a partnership with KitchenAid and Komen, which has raised more than $8 million in the past decade.

Strickler said “Cook for the Cure” at Del Webb Southshore Falls will feature live entertainment provided by a handful of local musicians and disc jockeys along with a silent auction.

“‘Cook for the Cure’ is one of many events that residents at Del Webb Southshore Falls create to give back to the community,” Strickler said.

About Del Webb
Del Webb, the pioneer of active adult retirement communities, is America’s leading builder of developments for people ages 55+. Since 1960, Del Webb has redefined retirement and retirement living by meeting the housing and lifestyle needs of the active Baby Boomer. Del Webb’s amenities and program offerings provide residents an engaging environment, which fulfills their creative, social, physical fitness and intellectual needs as they journey into the next chapter in their lives – whether it means retirement or still working. Del Webb has grown to more than 50 communities currently open for new home sales in 20 states. For more information on Del Webb, visit www.delwebb.com. To learn more about how to plan a smart future, check out financial tools at delwebb.com/value.

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

For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, go to pultegroup.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease Agreement for Invacare Corp at Goldenrod CommerCenter in Orlando, Renewals at Monroe in Sanford

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 2,206 square feet of industrial space at 1468 N. Goldenrod Rd. in suite 215 of Goldenrod CommerCenter in Orlando.

NAI Realvest Associate Michael Heidrich, Jr. negotiated the transaction representing the tenant, Invacare Corporation, a leading supplier of wheelchairs and other home health assistance products.

The landlord, COP-Goldenrod, LLC of Maitland was represented by Michael Heidrich Sr., principal at NAI Realvest who also brokered two lease renewals for the Maitland-based landlords of Monroe CommerCenter North and South in Sanford

Sanford based American Battery Company renewed its lease of unit 1018 with 9,336 square feet at Monroe CommerCenter North, 4200 Church Street in Sanford where COP-Monroe North, LLC is the landlord.

Southern Custom Creations based in Enterprise in Volusia County, renewed its lease of 2,000 square feet at 667 Progress Way in Monroe CommerCenter South, where COP-Monroe, LLC is the landlord.

About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, serving all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.NAIRealvest.com.