Over Seeding of Fairways at Legends Golf Club Now Complete, Course Ready for Winter Visitors

CLERMONT, Fla. --- With a new look on the fairways at Legends Golf Club in Clermont, golfers are ready for the winter season here. Jay Scruggs, general manager at Legends Golf Club, said they recently completed over seeding the fairways for the first time in six years; resulting in lush fairway turf on every hole. “The visual appeal of the fairways is almost as important as their playability,” Scruggs said. Also adding that, “Over seeding at this time of the year means golfers can look forward to a great season of playing golf on a beautiful course.” Scruggs said as many as three times the number of golfers will play Legends Golf Club over the next five months than in prior years. Legends Golf Club in Clermont also purchased 75 new 2013 Club Car Precedent model golf carts that will be available before Christmas, Scruggs added. Visit www.cgmgolfproperties.com.

Fasold Global Consulting marshals latest techniques, technology to help A-list firms gauge, guide executives, key workers

APOPKA, Fla. -- When million-dollar projects are on the table, precise, effective communication is critical. Misperceptions or miscommunication can kill a deal in an instant. So what happens to a company’s bottom line when a new team leader runs up against a sluggish status quo? Or when a star player can’t fit in with a team that has its own way of doing things? Regina Fasold, principal of Fasold Global Consulting in Apopka, knows the answer. “The bottom line always suffers and that means the whole team suffers,” Fasold said. “Every one of us comes with a set of skills and challenges. Knowing what those are---and using them effectively---is the key to maximizing the team’s potential, empowering team leaders and motivating teams that are substantially more productive,” Fasold said. Fasold’s company, Fasold Global Consulting, works with corporations, institutions and startup companies to help principals better understand their producers’ personalities, leadership skills and performance issues, and to help producers maximize their potential. Fasold focuses on innovative techniques known as Adaptive Testing to provide an accurate and in depth view of an employee’s strengths and challenges. “Adaptive Online Assessments are the wave of the future,” Fasold said. “Adaptive Online Assessments offer real time custom feedback based on answers the employees provide instead of questions that are predetermined,” she said. As an authorized global distributor of Everything Disc Assessments, Fasold Global Consulting helps companies around the world identify personality, leadership and performance issues at minimal cost. “Surveys range from testing high-potential leaders to full teams,” Fasold said. “We have a Comparison Survey that helps employees deal with each other most effectively.” Fasold’s Adaptive Online Assessments can help companies of any size access a full library of assessment tools they can use anytime. “Our Adaptive Online Assessments are designed for organizations that want to further their leadership development and get the most out of their people,” Fasold said. Fasold Global Consulting is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program located at the incubator site in Apopka. “We also offer onsite, in-depth workshops at any of the other nine UCF Business Incubation Program sites,” Fasold added.

Sales up 300 Percent this Year, Henin Homes to Start Construction of Two Luxury Move-In Ready Homes at Riviera Bella in DeBary in December

DeBary, Fla. --- Henin Homes will start construction of two ready-to-move-in luxury homes in December at Riviera Bella, the award-winning luxury community that overlooks the St. Johns River in DeBary. Matt Boltz, director of sales and operations at Henin Homes, said one of the new homes will offer four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths in 2,354 square feet of living space with a two-car garage. Boltz said the home will be priced at $290,000 when it opens in the spring. A second home, with four bedrooms and two baths in 2,396 square feet of space with a two-car garage, will be priced at $310,000. Boltz said sales of luxury homes at Riviera Bella in 2012 are up more than 300 percent over 2011. Henin Homes, the exclusive home builder at Riviera Bella, reports it sold 24 new homes at Riviera Bella since Jan. 1. Boltz said revenues of more than $8 million represent a 300 percent increase over 2011 sales.

First Green Bank Plans to Open Downtown Orlando Branch Dec. 10 at 1118 S. Orange Ave.

Mount Dora, Fla. --- One of the nation’s greenest banks – and one of Florida’s safest – expects to open its doors for business in downtown Orlando Monday, Dec. 10 at 1118 S. Orange Ave. across the street from the Orlando Health campus and ORMC. First Green Bank, headquartered in Mount Dora with branch facilities in Ormond Beach and Clermont, was named one of America’s Greenest Banks by the American Banking Association and the Independent Bankers Association. 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 is the only Central Florida Bank awarded the coveted 5-Star rating from Bauer Financial two years in a row. In addition, Carson Medlin has ranked First Green Bank #1 for asset quality. First Green Bank is one of only 20 world members in the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, which is a membership organization, made up of the world's leading sustainable banks. Members believe that we must improve the quality of life for everyone on the planet, recognizing that we are economically interdependent and responsible to current and future generations. Kenneth LaRoe, chairman of First Green Bank, said he hopes First Green Bank’s sustainable practices will inspire other businesses throughout the world. “Our mission is to do the right thing for the environment, our people, our community and our shareholders,” LaRoe said. “We’re a local bank with a global mission.” Downtown Orlando’s new First Green Bank facility had to undergo major changes before opening. “First Green Bank performed an extensive remodel of the leased space to bring it to a proposed LEED ® Silver standard,” LaRoe explained. LaRoe said he plans to host a more festive Grand Opening event after the holiday season. “Right now we want to get down to business,” LaRoe said. “We’re very excited to open an Orlando bank, and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the City Beautiful,” he said. When First Green Bank opened its iconic headquarters facility in Mount Dora in 2011, it ranked as only the second privately owned commercial building in Florida to qualify for the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Platinum certification

Ashton Woods Homes Opens Two Move-In Ready Homes at Starling at FishHawk Ranch in Southeast Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has opened two ready-to-move-in luxury homes at Starling at FishHawk Ranch, the master planned community located off FishHawk Blvd. west of Riverview in Southeast Tampa. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said the four bedroom homes offer three-and-a-half baths in 2,972 square feet of living space priced from $322,183. Ashton Woods Homes is building single-family luxury homes at Starling at FishHawk Ranch that range in size from 2,283 square feet of living space to 2,972 square feet in five distinctive designs. 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.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Four Industrial Lease Agreements in Sanford, Winter Park and Orlando Totaling More than 19,000 Square Feet

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated four lease agreements totaling 19,022 square feet at Monroe CommerCenter South in Sanford, at the Goldenrod CommerCenter in Orlando and at the industrial facility on Metric Drive in east Winter Park. Aron Harrison, broker associate at NAI Realvest, represented the new tenant, Boss Laser, LLC, in the lease of 2,000 square feet at 651 Progress Way in Monroe CommerCenter South in Sanford. Michael Heidrich, Sr. a principal in the firm, represented the landlord, COP-Monroe, LLC of Maitland. Heidrich Sr. also completed a lease agreement with Sanford-based Dignoti Group, Inc. a reupholstery and furniture repair company for 4,240 square feet at 4265 Church St. in Monroe CommerCenter. A.J. Property Holdings, LLC, the landlord at the industrial facility at 4100 Metric Drive in Winter Park, was represented by Heidrich, Sr, in the lease of Suite 700 with 6,000 square feet where the new tenant is a local firm of insurance adjusters and investigators, Specialty Group, Inc. A & B Stucco, Inc., longtime tenant at Goldenrod CommerCenter at 1467 N. Goldenrod Rd. in Orlando has expanded by leasing another 6,782 square feet and now occupies a total of 15,606 square feet at the industrial center. Heidrich Sr. brokered the transaction representing the landlord COP-Goldenrod, LLC of Maitland.

Golden Bear Club in Windermere Hosts 14 Teams at 2012 Ladies Member Guest Invitational Golf Tournament

WINDERMERE Fla. --- The Golden Bear Club in Windermere recently hosted 14 golf teams competing in the 2012 Ladies Member Guest Invitational Golf Tournament. Matthew Allen, director of golf at Golden Bear, said all 14 teams competed in the one-of-two best ball format over a two-day period. The first place net and first place gross teams from each flight competed in the final shoot-out, where the overall winning team was determined, Allen said. Golden Bear golf club member Cassandra Doty and her guest Myra Murray, were crowned the 2012 member guest champions. Flight shoot-out teams included Linda Palmer and Violet Rosenblit, Murray and Doty, Shelley Jones and Paul Hodges and Sherry Glisson and Linda Brown.

DiVosta Homes Starts Construction of Two Story, Three Bedroom Nautica Model Home at Windsor Park in Abacoa

Jupiter, Fla. --- DiVosta Homes has started construction of the two-story, three bedroom Nautica model home at Windsor Park at Abacoa, located east of I-95 on Indian Creek Parkway in Jupiter. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida Division of PulteGroup, DiVosta’s parent company, said the Nautica model home is priced from $297,000 for 1,831 square feet of living space with three distinctive elevations. The three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath Nautica model home also offers a two-car garage at the rear of the home, a master suite with a private balcony, tiled floors in all wet areas and shower walls, Whirlpool Gold Energy Star® appliances, a kitchen island and multiple exterior porches. The model is scheduled to be decorated and ready for viewing this Spring. “The Nautica model home at Windsor Park at Abacoa is a real breakthrough for DiVosta,” Mairn said. “It offers tremendous value, energy efficiency and remarkable design features.” DiVosta plans to build 380 new single-family homes and town homes at Windsor Park at Abacoa. Three-bedroom town homes range in size from 1,499 square feet of living space to 1,831 square feet priced from the $200s. Two, three, four and five-bedroom single-family homes at Windsor Park at Abacoa range from 1,791 square feet to over 3,768 square feet in 12 different floor plans priced from the $300s. Windsor Park at Abacoa will feature a community clubhouse with state-of-the-art fitness center, community and activity rooms, resident mailroom and catering kitchen. Outdoors, residents will enjoy a community swimming pool, barbeque grill, fire pit and event lawn. Visit Divosta.com/WindsorPark.

Henin Realty names Mitch Gover Realtor Associate

WINTER PARK, Fla. – Henin Realty has named Mitch Gover Realtor Associate in Orlando and Winter Park. Jerome Henin, who heads Henin Realty, said Gover holds a degree in business administration from the University of Florida and has more than 25 years of residential real estate and mortgage lending experience. Gover is an entrepreneur who started his own mortgage company that he operated for eight years and he later created an internet real estate firm, BidOnRealty.com, an online negotiation platform. Gover was formerly with Charles Rutenberg Realty in Orlando and achieved more than $2 million in sales volume in 2011-2012. He was formerly a Wholesale Account Executive for North American Mortgage and also for Chase Home Mortgage where he tripled sales volume in one year. “The skills and experience that Mitch brings together with his passion for achieving outstanding results should play a decisive role in our growth at Henin Realty and we’re excited to have him on board,” Henin said.

Royal Oak Homes hosted Open House at Hammock Reserve in Clermont

CLERMONT, Fla. --- Royal Oak Homes, a third generation family home builder whose tract record includes more than 14,000 new homes in Central Florida over the past 30 years, recently hosted an Open House for area Realtors and the general public at Hammock Reserve, located off Hammock Ridge Rd. in Clermont. Matt Orosz, co-president at Royal Oak Homes, said the event highlighted Royal Oak Home’s growth in the West Orange and South Lake areas, with five communities in Clermont, Winter Garden and Apopka. Orosz said Royal Oak is building three, four, five, six and seven-bedroom single-family homes at Hammock Reserve. New Royal Oak built homes at Hammock Reserve range in size from 2,291 square feet of living space to 4,731 square feet priced from the low $200s. Seven distinctive Royal Oak floor plans are available at Hammock Ridge in one and two-story designs. Royal Oak Homes builds single-family homes in 10 Central Florida communities.

Lennar opens 10 New Premium Home Sites in Next Phase at Twin Eagles Golf Course Community in Naples

NAPLES, Fla. --- Lennar Southwest recently opened 10 new premium home sites for sale in the next phase at Twin Eagles Golf Course community off Immokalee Rd. in Naples. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar in Southwest Florida, said all the new home sites in the new phase of Twin Eagles have views of the Twin Eagles Golf Course and nature preserve. Devereaux said all new homes in the 600 member golf and country club community are priced from $399,990. In addition to an 18-hole championship golf course and 47,000 square foot clubhouse, Twin Eagles offers miles of biking, jogging and walking paths and future plans that include a fitness center and swimming pool.

Royal Oak Homes to Open Baldwin Model Home in December at Vista Grande in Clermont

CLERMONT, Fla. -- Royal Oak Homes will open the 3,000 square foot Baldwin model home in December at its newest community of Vista Grande, located off Lakeshore Rd. in Clermont. The four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath Baldwin model home features a bonus room and a optional three-car garage. New homes by Royal Oak at Vista Grande range in size from 2,200 square feet of living space to 4,700 square feet. Matt Orosz, vice president of operations, said Royal Oak Homes is building 88 four, five and six-bedroom homes at Vista Grande priced from the high $100s. Vista Grande is three miles away from Royal Oak’s successful Hammock Reserve project.

Local Personal-Injury Law Firm to Help Out with Motorcycle Run for Holiday Food and Longtime Christmas Parade

PORT ORANGE – Staffers from the Port Orange-based law firm of Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell will get into the holiday spirit early this year as they kick off a motorcycle run for holiday food on Dec. 1 and offer free food at a popular Christmas parade on Dec. 2. “We always look forward to these holiday events, but we’re less than two weeks away from them and we need lots of help to collect canned and boxed food for those in need,” said Jessica Eckelbarger, marketing director for the personal-injury firm. The “2nd Annual Volusia County Grub Run” – an escorted motorcycle tour along scenic Volusia roadways – will begin with registration at 10 a.m. Saturday Dec. 1 in the firm’s parking lot at 640 Dunlawton Ave. and end at the First Turn Steakhouse & Sports Lounge, 5236 S. Ridgewood Ave. in Port Orange. The cost is $10 or the donation of non-perishable food. The “36th annual Port Orange Christmas Parade” – a two-hour, 1.5-mile-long event with floats, marching bands, horses, fire trucks, dancers, beauty queens and Santa Claus – will begin at 2 p.m. Dec. 2 at Nova Road and Dunlawton Avenue. Several Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell employees will be on hand at each event by assisting with food collection or riding in the bike run on Saturday, or giving away hot dogs and hamburgers along the parade route on Sunday, Eckelbarger said. Along with other bike run sponsors – Thunder Roads Magazine and First Turn Steakhouse – Rue, Ziffra & Caldwell is encouraging bikers to sign up early to participate in this year’s event. Highlights will be live bands, raffles, food and giveaways, including $100 prizes for the most pounds of food collected, according to firm partner David Sweat, an avid motorcyclist, who will ride in the Grub Run to help collect food and cash for the Second Harvest Food Bank and the Children’s Home Society. “For anyone who can’t make it to the Grub Run, we’ll also have donation boxes set up at both of our Port Orange offices at 632 and 640 Dunlawton Avenue,” he said. “We know that people are in need all year long, but, we especially want to make someone’s holidays brighter by donating food for their Holiday dinner.” For details or to register for the ride, visit www.rueziffra.com/volusia.county.grub.run or call 386-788-7700. For parade information, call 386-506-5936.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Named Marketing Agents for $2.75 Million Lakefront Estate in Windermere

LAKE MARY / HEATHROW, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been named exclusive sales and marketing agents for a unique $2.75 million lakefront estate at 9575 Westover Roberts Rd. in Windermere. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the estate overlooks Lake Olivia in Windermere. Soderstrom said International Luxury Homes Specialists Sally Andy and David Warren—Stirling Stars who recently sold two luxury estate homes on Millionaire Row in Windermere that involved clients from China and France—are representing the Lake Olivia estate. The 5.44 acres of property which is privately gated and secured has an 8,690 square foot estate home with nine bedrooms including two master suites and eight bathrooms plus two separate guest quarters apartments, Warren explained. The home also boasts a private theater with stadium seating and a unique outdoor living area with custom infinity edge pool and spa, he said. “The estate was completely rebuilt from the ground up in 2008 with master craftsmanship, detailing and millwork, and is in like new condition,” Andy said. Polished marble floors, professional kitchen with marble counters, custom-crafted cabinetry and state-of-the-art high end appliances are among the home’s many detailed features, she added. The property also comes with its own private boathouse and dock with boatlift, Warren said.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Office Lease in Longwood for Intervention Services Fourth Central Florida Location

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 5,277 square feet of office space at 587 East S.R. 434 in the Longwood Office Park. Juan Jimenez sales associate at NAI Realvest and Paul P. Partyka, managing partner, negotiated the transaction representing the new tenant Intervention Services, Inc., the largest independent family intervention service provider in North America. Intervention Services, which has been in business for 10 years, has other offices in Kissimmee, Orlando and Maitland. The local landlord, Longwood Office Park, LLC was represented in the transaction by Nicholas Fouraker of Bishop Beale.

Signs Point to Florida’s Economic Recovery: Tourism, Retirement, Technology, Population Growth

MAITLAND, Fla. --- A robust economic recovery in Florida is already under way, and that’s good news for the rest of the U.S.--- the Sunshine State will play a lead role in America’s economic rebound, according to longtime Florida investment analyst George Livingston. Livingston, chairman of NAI Realvest in Maitland, said a recent report from Jones Lang LaSalle shows that Florida’s year-over-year economic growth is outpacing most of the nation. “Florida’s population growth is expanding at an estimated 1.5 percent per year. That’s high, and that’s good news for our economy,” Livingston said. Population growth fuels Florida’s economic engine, Livingston explained. “Senior citizens moving to Florida and minorities---especially Hispanics---are leading our economic recovery,” Livingston said. “As the economy expands, workers will move to Florida to fill the new jobs,” he said. Key growth industries are healthcare, life sciences, bio-tech, aerospace, simulation, gaming, software and IT and clean tech, Livingston said. “Florida has significant assets in science, technology, engineering and mathematics that support high value economic growth,” Livingston said. The state continues to provide launch services to the space industry, and emerging medical and bio-tech clusters such as Lake Nona in Orlando attract new technology. “Florida’s universities aggressively license their intellectual research properties to support new company start-ups and technologies,” Livingston added. International trade is likewise important. Florida is the fourth largest exporting state in the U.S., with major ports at Jacksonville, Canaveral, Everglades, Miami, and Tampa and many regional cargo ports. But tourism remains Florida’s number one industry. “We host about 86 million visitors a year, roughly 1.5 million every day, and they spend $67 billion here annually. That is a huge economic driver,” Livingston said. Florida’s housing industry is starting to recover, fueled in part by Latin American buyers, Asians and Europeans. “Florida is renowned as a retirement destination, it is international in scope and historically ingrained,” Livingston said. “Warm weather, beaches, affordability, and our low tax environment are our primary assets and they are proving invaluable as our economy recovers,” he said. Florida historically has been a fast growing economic driver for America. The new emerging technology, agriculture, and logistic components will assist the state in recovering its dynamics and contribute to national growth, Livingston said.

Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida sees a challenging 2013 ahead

LAKE MARY, Fla. --- With Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida, Inc. averaging a 30 percent increase in mortgage transactions thus far this year compared to 2011, Matt Malloy, president, sees a “challenging” 2013 ahead. Malloy said 2013 will be challenging with interest rates going higher and many government participation programs due to expire at the end of next year. “Right now,” Malloy said, “the government is helping homeowners who are under water. That’s a government sponsored program through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, due to expire the end of next year and it makes up about 20 percent of our business,” he said. Thus far this year Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida has been handling more than 3,000 mortgage transactions. “With rates going higher, and with the government cutting back on programs, it could be a little challenging.” However, Malloy said, the purchase market is now starting to turn around and that should help. “It should be a very interesting year for our industry,” he said. 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.

PulteGroup promotes Blake Lapinsky to General Sales Manager in Sarasota Area

SARASOTA, Fla. --- The South Florida division of PulteGroup, Inc. recently promoted Blake Lapinsky to general sales manager in the Sarasota region, which includes five communities located between Sarasota and Port Charlotte. Lapinsky joined PulteGroup six years ago as a sales consultant. Just prior to his promotion to general sales manager, Lapinsky served for three months as a selling sales manager for three Sarasota area communities where PulteGroup’s Centex and DiVosta brands are sold. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for PulteGroup, Inc. in South Florida said in his new role Lapinsky will be overseeing sales of new DiVosta homes at The Isles on Palmer Ranch in Sarasota and IslandWalk at the West Villages in North Port and for new Centex homes at Venetian Falls in Venice, Cypress Falls at The Woodlands in North Port and Riverwood in Port Charlotte. Lapinsky will also be managing The Reserve at Crossing Creek in Bradenton, a new Centex community opening for sales this summer. A Gainesville native, Lapinsky holds a degree in economics from the University of Florida and is currently working on his MBA at University of South Florida in St. Petersburg. He has lived in Florida 28 years. “We expect Blake to continue his superlative career and play a major role in the growth and development of our south Florida division,” Mairn said.

ICI Homes Names Brent Seaman New Home Sales Associate at Greenleaf Preserve at Nocatee in St. Johns County

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- ICI Homes has named Brent Seaman Sales Associate at Greenleaf Preserve at Nocatee in St. Johns County. Seaman has more than five years of experience in residential real estate sales and was formerly with Richmond American Homes in Jacksonville where he was ranked as a top 10 percent sales person, said Don Wilford, North Florida division president for ICI Homes. Seaman attended Tusculum College in Tennessee prior to moving to Ponte Vedra where he has been a resident for 10 years. Wilford said Seaman will be assisting new homebuyers at ICI Homes' newest neighborhood, Greenleaf Preserve at Nocatee, where ICI is building luxury estate style homes priced from the $400s to the $600s. “Brent is an outgoing professional and we’re excited that he’s joined our sales team at Greenleaf Preserve,” Wilford said.

Mercantile Capital Corporation Names Veteran Banker Penny Brake Portfolio Manager

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Mercantile Capital Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Old Florida National Bank, that ranks as one of the nation’s largest providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans for small business owners who want to acquire or develop their own facilities, has appointed Penny Brake as portfolio manager. Geof Longstaff, chairman at Mercantile Capital Corporation, said Brake has more than 26 years of experience in the banking industry, including a fifteen (15) year tenure with Florida Community Bank, formerly First National Bank of Central Florida.

NAI Realvest negotiates sale of landmark church building on Bentley St. in Orlando to Christian Church based in Baltimore

ORLANDO, Fla. -- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a $70,000 sale price for the church property at 921 and 1024 Bentley St. in Orlando. Paul P. Partyka, principal and managing partner at NAI Realvest, who represented the seller International Church of the Foursquare Gospel based in Los Angeles, said the property was purchased by Maximum Life Christian Church (www.maximumlifechurch.com) which is relocating from a temporary space in west Orlando. The 5,465 square foot building was built in 1925.

Oviedo-Based OptiGrate Corp. Earns President’s Award from Manufacturers Association of Central Florida

OVIEDO, Fla. --- OptiGrate Corp. in Oviedo has earned the President’s Award from the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida (MACF) in the Small Manufacturer category. Dr. Alexei Glebov, chief executive officer and president of OptiGrate Corp., said the annual award is a significant one for the company. “This award is a significant milestone for us,” Dr. Glebov said. “Recognition as a small manufacturer of the year clearly shows that we succeeded in transitioning advanced university research into commercial products that we manufacture now at our own production plant in Oviedo and deliver to hundreds of customers all over the globe,” he said. Over the past three years OptiGrate doubled its workforce to 30 engineers, specialists and technicians. OptiGrate spun out from the University of Central Florida’s College of Optics (UCF/CREOL) in 1999. In its early years OptiGrate was supported mainly by R&D programs from US government agencies such as NASA, DARPA, Navy, Air Force, and others. The government funding allowed OptiGrate to develop and bring to market the unique technology of volume Bragg gratings (VBGs) currently generating most of OptiGrate’s revenue. “OptiGrate demonstrated a good example of efficient synergy between academic research, government funding, and commercial success,” Dr. Glebov added. OptiGrate is a graduate of the UCF Business Incubator in the Central Florida Research Park in east Orange County.

ICI Homes to Host Luncheon Dec 5 for Realtors in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco Counties

TAMPA, Fla. --- ICI Homes, which ranks as one of Florida’s largest and most active luxury community developers and luxury custom home builders, will host a luncheon for Realtors in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties on Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing at ICI Homes, said the luncheon will be held at the Community Clubhouse at Grand Hampton, located at 8301 Dunham Station Drive in Tampa between Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and I-75 south of County Line Rd. ICI Homes is building new four and five-bedroom luxury custom homes at Grand Hampton that range in size from 2,682 square feet of living space to 3,971 square feet priced from the $300s.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease Agreement for 5,000 square feet of warehouse/flex space on O’Brien Rd. in Fern Park

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for a 5,000 square foot free-standing warehouse/flex building at 244 O’Brien Rd. in Fern Park. Paul P. Partyka, managing partner at NAI Realvest, along with associate Juan Jimenez, negotiated the lease representing the local landlord, Larry Carroll. First Call Restoration of Central Florida LLC based in Sanford leased the space which includes 2,000 square feet of office space. Alison Reynolds of Sperry Van Ness represented the tenant.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Sale of 10 Acre Residential Development Site in New Smyrna Beach

MAITLAND, Fla. -- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of 10 acres designated for up to 60 single-family residential lots located north of Turnbull Cove Drive in Turnbull Bay in New Smyrna Beach. Chris Butera, investment associate at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction representing the seller CharterBank of Carrollton, Ga. The buyer NSB OSM Properties, LLC based in Ormond Beach paid $185,000 for the vacant land and was represented in the transaction by Herb Lubansky Realty.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty names Susan Wilkinson International Luxury Home Specialist at its Dr. Phillips Marketing Center

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed Susan Wilkinson an International Luxury Home Specialist in the firm’s Dr. Phillips Marketing Center. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Wilkinson will specialize in luxury homes and unique properties in the greater Orlando market area. Wilkinson, who was born in Great Britain and grew up close to the famous English Lake District, relocated to Orlando three years ago. She has experience in international marketing and has worked with clients from around the world. She is also the owner of a concierge company in Keene’s Pointe and surrounding communities in Windermere. Wilkinson worked in the Middle East for 16 years, where she managed private luxury jets for ruling families, government officials and celebrities throughout the region. The world traveler is an avid golfer and former member of Dubai Nad Al Sheba Course in the Middle East and St. Andrews, Scotland’s Regulus Golf Club. Most recently, Wilkinson was the Membership Director at Golden Bear Golf Club at Keene’s Pointe in Windermere.

With interest rates at an all-time low, now is the time to acquire commercial property, says Author/CEO of Mercantile Capital Corp

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Mortgage rates for commercial properties are at their lowest ever and that means now is the best time to acquire commercial property, says Christopher Hurn, chief executive officer of Mercantile Capital Corp. in Orlando. Since Jan. 1, Mercantile Capital Corp. has closed more than 85 commercial loans to finance projects totaling $364 million, and by the end of the year that total could reach $450 million, Hurn projects. Mercantile Capital ranks as one of the nation’s leading providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans for small business owners who want to acquire or develop their own facilities. Hurn said the SBA 504 loan program is offering a fixed 4.16 percent interest rate on a 20-year loan. SBA 504 loan proceeds can be used for a variety of expenses besides development or acquisitions of commercial real estate, Hurn said. “Eligible uses for SBA 504 financing include commercial property remodeling; conversions; expansions or renovations; improvements, including grading, street work, utilities, parking lots and landscaping; energy-efficient “green” projects; purchase of long-life machinery; furniture, fixtures and equipment; contingency reserves; and soft costs,” Hurn explained. As traditional lenders have yet to loosen their purse strings, Hurn said SBA 504 lending ranks as perhaps the nation’s most effective stimulus for economic recovery. “Small business entrepreneurs all across the nation are using 504 loans to secure their enterprises, add more workers and grow businesses,” Hurn said, adding that “interest rates are the lowest ever and its now a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for entrepreneurs.”

Lennar Opens Unique NexGen Model Home at Concord Station in Land O'Lakes to Meet Demands of America's Changing Demographics

TAMPA, Fla. – Lennar has opened the Independence model home at Concord Station, located on S.R. 54 two miles east of the Suncoast Parkway in Land O’Lakes in Pasco County. David Parker, director of sales and marketing for the Central Florida Division of Lennar, said the Independence is the first example in Lennar’s new NexGen floor plan series designed for a new generation of multi-generational American families. “The number of multi-generational households in the U.S. has increased by 60 percent since 1990 as adult children continue to live with their parents, sometimes with children of their own or as grandparents move in with their children,” Parker said. “Lennar’s NexGen homes are designed to accommodate this trend with separate, private living quarters – a home within a home that features its own private entrance, eat-in kitchenette, bedroom, bathroom, laundry room and living room,” Parker said. The two-story Independence model home at Concord Station offers 3,357 square feet of living space with five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and a three-car garage. Parker said Lennar’s NexGen homes have proved popular throughout the country. “Lennar has sold more than 400 NexGen homes nationwide and we’re only getting started here in the Tampa Bay region,” Parker added. So far, the Central Florida Division of Lennar reports sales of 12 NexGen homes in five communities in the Tampa Bay region. Lennar’s NexGen homes range in size from 3,300 square feet of living space to 3,600 square feet priced from the $200s to the $300s. Visit www.LennarTampa.com.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Complete Design Work For Fresh Markets in Pensacola and Daphney, Ala.

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently completed design work for two Fresh Market Supermarket stores – one in Pensacola and another in Daphney, Ala. Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the facilities total 21,000 square feet and 19,400 square feet. Both stores are finishing construction.

Henin Homes remodels $600,000 Bear Creek Estates Luxury Home for Resale

DEBARY, Fla. --- Henin Homes has started work remodeling a $600,000 luxury home at Bear Creek Estates in the Tuskawilla area for resale. Jerome Henin, who heads the Henin Companies, said the two story luxury home at 1507 Black Bear Court required about $100,000 worth of new landscaping and a new lawn, classic marble tile and hardwood flooring, granite and stainless kitchen, a new energy efficient HVAC system, plumbing fixtures, and new painting and millwork. Henin said the four-bedroom home offers 4,106 square feet of living area, with a 950-square foot glass-enclosed, air-conditioned patio with wet bar that is ideal for entertaining. The floor plan features two master suites, three full baths and two half-baths, plus two additional bedrooms with fireplaces upstairs and down. “This home is ideal for the discriminating buyer with a taste for classic elegance,” Henin said.

Lennar to Unveil its First NextGen Home for Multiple Generations at Somerset Landing at Wyndham Lakes

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar will unveil its first NextGen model home in the Orlando region in November at Somerset Landing at Wyndham Lakes, located in south Orlando off Wyndham Lakes Blvd. For thousands of American families today the family unit has grown to include grandparents, in-laws or adult children who may have children of their own. Lennar ranks among the first U.S. home builders to address these changing demographics with its NextGen Homes, designed to accommodate extended families with privacy. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the new NextGen home at Somerset Landing offers six bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths in 3,858 square feet of living space with a three-car garage and one more unique feature. “Lennar’s NextGen home designs offer a home within a home, Metheny said. Besides traditional bedrooms, baths, living and dining rooms and family room, each NextGen home features a private suite that includes a kitchen, breakfast nook, bedroom, bathroom, living room and one-car garage. Metheny said designers carefully planned each home to accommodate a traditional single-family layout. “Home owners can use the private suite for a parent, a child, or even to rent out for additional income,” Metheny said. Lennar’s NextGen homes at Somerset Landing at Wyndham Lakes are priced from the low $300s. For more information, visit www.Lennar.com.

Celebration Golf Management to hold Certified Training Course for golf cart mechanics, superintendents at Stoneybrook West

CELEBRATION, Fla. --- Celebration Golf Management, which manages nine golf courses in the Central Florida area, will hold a certified training course for superintendents and golf cart mechanics and maintenance specialists Nov. 28 at Stoneybrook West Golf Club in Winter Garden. Gene Garrote, president of Celebration Golf Management and Scottish PGA Golf Professional Kenny Nairn, executive vice president of golf for Celebration Golf Management, said they expect more than 20 participants in the training sessions, which are being conducted by club cart specialists. Nairn said mechanics and superintendents will receive the Club Car Maintenance training certification when they successfully complete the training course. “This is the first time we know of that this has been done,” Nairn said. “This training is normally available only at the Club Cart Headquarters in Augusta,” he said. Nairn said he organized the training program so Celebration Golf Management can play a more proactive role in preventing golf cart failures.

Florida Business Incubation Assn to Host Bi-annual Meeting Dec 10-11 at Ocala Power Plant Business Incubator

Orlando, Fla., - The Florida Business Incubation Association (FBIA), a professional network that supports business incubators and economic development throughout Florida, will host its bi-annual meeting on Dec. 10-11 at the Ocala Power Plant Business Incubator located on S.E. Osceola Avenue and S.E. 4th Street in Ocala, five blocks south of SR 40 (Silver Springs Blvd). Dr. Tom O’Neal, president of the Florida Business Incubation Assn. and executive director of the UCF Business Incubation Program in Orlando, welcomes everyone interested in supporting entrepreneurs in Florida to participate in the meeting in Ocala. O’Neal emphasizes that entrepreneurship should be on everyone’s agenda in this current economy, and it needs to become a movement that everyone gets behind, recognizing entrepreneurs as the true drivers of economic wealth and prosperity. The agenda for the bi-annual meeting includes presentations on engagement marketing, FBIA advisory board new initiatives, angel network program and business startup funding. The concluding roundtable discussions, which have been highly regarded by participants in the past, will focus specifically on marketing to entrepreneurs, new client practice, sponsorships and data collection from clients. O’Neal said he looks forward to presenting the new initiatives from the FBIA, and to again exchange best practices and ideas from around the State with all the participating groups at the upcoming conference. Cost to attend the two-day meeting is $40 for FBIA members and $65 for nonmembers, which includes a one-year membership. Parking is ample and free. For additional information regarding the event and accommodations, visit www.fbiaonline.org or www.facebook.com/FLBIA.

Tolaris Homes Kicks off New Program with Free Home Analysis for Realtors

LAKE FOREST, Fla. – Tolaris Homes, a leading home builder based in Lake Forest in North Seminole County has rolled out an innovative new program for all Central Florida Realtors: Tolaris Homes is offering a free home analysis. “It should make their job much easier,” said company president Rick Bavec. At the same time, Tolaris Homes will start construction in the next 30 days of a new 5,000 square foot home in Lake Forest. The four-bedroom home, with three-baths and a three-car garage boasts a Carolina Coastal elevation in a one-story design. Tolaris Homes also plans to start a major remodeling project in November. The home in Spring Lakes Estates in Altamonte Springs that will receive a major overhaul including redesign of the elevation into a modern traditional design and a 350 square foot addition.

Ashton Wood Homes Starts Presales of 66 three and four bedroom luxury townhomes at Copley Square near Downtown Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has started presales of 66 new three and four bedroom luxury townhomes near Downtown Orlando at Copley Square, located on Delaney and Michigan Aves. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes, said new townhomes at Copley Square range in size from 2,863 square feet of living space to 3,046 square feet with two and three-and-a-half baths and two car garages. New townhomes at Copley Square are priced from the mid-$200s. Copley Square amenities include community swimming pool and cabana. 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.

NAI Realvest negotiates new leases for warehouse space totaling 6,450 square feet in West Orange County

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated two lease agreements for warehouse space totaling 6,450 square feet in West Orange County at Carter CommerCenter in Winter Garden and at the Countyline Industrial Park in Oakland. Michael Heidrich, a principal at NAI Realvest negotiated both transactions representing the landlords. At Carter CommerCenter, 890 Carter Rd., Jacksonville-based Fastenal Company leased units 150 and 160 with 3,750 square feet. Maitland-based COP-Carter LLC is the landlord. At Countyline Industrial Park, 940 W. Oakland Ave. off W. Colonial Drive, Universal Network Unlimited, Inc. based in Windermere leased Suite A-7 with 2,700 square feet. Countyline Suites, LLC is the landlord.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Two Lease Renewals Totaling 33,000 Square Feet of Industrial Space in Orlando

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated two lease renewals totaling 33,000 square feet at industrial facilities in Orlando. Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest negotiated both transactions representing the landlords. Hajoca Corporation of Ardmore, Pa., a plumbing and heating supplier, renewed a lease of 30,000 square feet at 2499 Mercy Drive where LB Sowell Corp. of Brandon, Fla. is the landlord. Heidrich also negotiated a renewal with electrical contractor 4Evolution, Inc. at 7466 Narcoossee Rd. for unit 200-G with 3,000 square feet in Airport Industrial Center where the landlord is Columbus, Ohio-based Airport Investment Properties, LLC.

Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge promotes Kevin Naylor to Golf Shop Supervisor

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge has promoted Kevin Naylor to golf shop supervisor. Tano Malentin, general manager, said Naylor joined Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge in March 2012 as golf shop attendant. Naylor is currently attending the Professional Golfers Career College. “Kevin’s great skills and attention to details make him the perfect supervisor for the golf shop,” Malentin said, adding “He has a passion for this profession.” In his new role, Naylor will report directly to general manager Tano Malentin.

Creators of Healthy Omega Cookie™ Help Local Food Bank Provide Thanksgiving Dinners for those in Need

Healthy Cookies and “Clicks” Equal Dollars for All Faiths Food Bank VENICE, FL – In addition to the usual Thanksgiving contributions, a Sarasota food bank is receiving some creative donations this holiday season, compliments of Omega3 Innovations, creator of the Omega Cookie. For every box of Omega Cookies sold at the Sarasota Farmer’s Market and every Facebook “like” the company receives this month, Omega3 Innovations is donating $1 to All Faiths Food Bank, according to Dr. Anne-Marie Chalmers, co-founder of the Venice-based biotech company. “I’m impressed with the nutrition courses that All Faiths gives to young families,” Chalmers said. “They not only provide food for the hungry, but they teach how to make inexpensive, healthy and good-tasting meals. That’s very much in line with our mission, too.” Omega3 Innovations – a family-owned company that produces healthy oatmeal-based cookies and dark chocolate truffles rich in omega-3 fish oil, as well as fresh-tasting liquid fish oil – is hoping to help provide food to those who need it most by working with All Faiths Food Bank. Previously, the company donated Omega Cookies directly to All Faiths Food Bank to not only help feed hungry people, but also provide them with nutritious food, Chalmers said. With the help of nearly 200 partner agencies and programs, All Faiths Food Bank gathers and distributes more than 88,000 meals weekly in Sarasota and Desoto counties, according to All Faiths Executive Director Sandra Frank. “Every day, thousands of people in southwest Florida struggle with hunger,” Frank said. “Statistics indicate that the face of hunger has changed with unemployment being the stronger predictor of food insecurity. Today, the hungry also include hard-working adults, children and seniors who simply cannot make ends meet and are forced to go without food for several meals, or even days.” Chalmers said she hopes her company’s donations will help the food bank provide more food for the hungry this holiday season than ever before. “All Faiths does so much for our community, and this year they desperately need more resources.” To join the November donation effort, visit www.facebook.com/Omega3Innovations or the Omega3 Innovations booth at the Sarasota Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.

Ryland Homes Launches the Great Ryland Homes Toy Drive, Including an Extra $500 worth of Design Options to Homebuyers Who Donate a Toy

Charleston, S.C. --- Ryland Homes plans to include an extra $500 worth of design options to new home buyers who donate a toy to the Great Ryland Homes Toy Drive in time for Christmas. Brian Cartwright, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland’s Charleston/Myrtle Beach Division, said the offer applies to new to be built homes that are contracted between Nov. 26 and Dec. 16. Toys should be new and unwrapped and dropped off at any Ryland Homes Sales Center, “Ryland is a 2012 National Corporate Sponsor of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation,” Cartwright said. Ryland builds single family homes priced from $128,990 to more than $300,000 in Charleston at Brickhope Plantation, Carolina Park, Charleston Oaks, Taylor Plantation, Victoria Pointe, Wellborn Village and Whitney Lake, and at The Shoreline and The Woodlands at Creekhaven in Myrtle Beach. For more information, visit www.ryland.com.

FIRST GREEN BANK APPOINTS REGIONAL PRESIDENT, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR ORLANDO MARKET

Mount Dora, Fla. – First Green Bank whose Mount Dora headquarters is the second privately built commercial building in Florida to qualify for U.S. Green Building Council’s Platinum LEED certification, recently appointed Alan Rowe regional president and Jeffrey B. Cowherd senior vice president of Commercial Lending in First Green Bank’s new Orlando office opening by early December at 1118 S. Orange Ave. Kenneth LaRoe, chairman of First Green Bank, said Rowe holds a Masters of Business Administration from The Fogelman College of Business and Economics in Memphis, Tenn. and has more than 25 years of experience in the banking industry. He has held several official positions at Central Florida Banks during his career, most recently as regional president of First Southern Bank in Orlando. Rowe just completed a term on the Board of Governors of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce. LaRoe said Cowherd, who graduated from University of Central Florida with a degree in Accounting, was formerly senior vice president and senior lender for the central Florida region of First Southern Bank. He has nearly 30 years of experience in banking and finance and throughout his career has held leadership positions at local civic organizations including Hospice of Central Florida, American Red Cross Central Florida Chapter and East Orlando Kiwanis. “Alan and Jeff have impeccable track records with numerous accomplishments in the industry. They both will play a major role in our growth within the Orlando market,” LaRoe said. First Green Bank www.FirstGreenBank.com is one of only five banks in Central Florida to earn the prestigious Five-Star rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., the independent community bank rating group based in Coral Gables.

Ryland Homes in the Charleston region offers home buyers washers, dryers, refrigerators included with purchase of ready-to-move-in homes closing before Dec. 31

CHARLESTON, S.C. --- Ryland Homes in Charleston has a big offer for new home buyers: buy a new move-in ready home in select Ryland Home communities in the Charleston area and Ryland will include a washer, dryer and refrigerator. Brian Cartwright, vice president of sales and marketing for Ryland’s Charleston/Myrtle Beach division, said the offer is good if the contract to purchase the home is signed by the end of November and closes by Dec. 31. “Ryland Homes has 30 ready-to-move-in homes in eight communities in the Charleston region with new appliances for the buyer who goes to contract by Nov. 30,” Cartwright said. Ryland builds single family homes priced from $128,990 to more than $300,000 in Charleston at Brickhope Plantation, Carolina Park, Charleston Oaks, Taylor Plantation, Victoria Pointe, Wellborn Village and Whitney Lake For more information, visit www.ryland.com.

NexGen Global Technologies Partners with UCF Police Department to Send Photos, Video and Text to 9-1-1

Winter Springs, Fla.,– NexGen’s Global Technologies has just successfully completed Beta Testing of its new NexGen’s 9-1-1 technology with the UCF Police Department 9-1-1 Communications Center. Rick Shaffer, co-founder and managing partner at NexGen Global Technologies, said NexGen 9-1-1 is a cloud based technology which allows the general public to call in and speak to a 9-1-1 operator, after which they can be directed to send in photos, video and text to the Emergency Communications Center from their mobile phones. There’s no special software or app needed and cell phone users can use any wireless carrier. UCF Police Chief Richard Beary said the NexGen system will allow his 9-1-1 Dispatch Operators to send and receive photos, video and text from citizens then distribute them to his Officers within minutes. “This technology supports and enhances our mission in a big way,” said Chief Beary. “Add this to NexGen’s partnership with the newest aerial drone technology company, Hoverfly, and we can now effectively patrol all areas with a virtual birds eye view of the entire campus while using high resolution imagery to capture, record and transmit events in a 4G LTE and cloud-based wireless environment,” Chief Beary said, adding “We are negotiating a contract in order to implement these next generation technologies as soon as possible.” The NexGen technology suite also includes Satellite Assisted Mobility (SAM Alerts) which allows for satellite communication in areas where land based and wireless infrastructures become disabled; and aerial drone technology which provides virtual mobile aerial surveillance and assessment. Shaffer said NexGen is paving the way to a new level of safety and security during emergency incidents when time is of the essence. “No other company or wireless carrier in the world has this technology,” said Shaffer, a 25 year veteran of the FBI. NexGen Global Technologies is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in Winter Springs.

Over seeding of Fairways at Kings Ridge Golf Club Now Complete, Course Ready for Winter Visitors

CLERMONT, Fla. --- Winter is the season for golf in Florida, and the ‘Kings Course’ at Kings Ridge Golf Club in Clermont is ready for action! Jay Scruggs, general manager at Kings Ridge Golf Club, said they recently completed over seeding the fairways for the first time in four years; resulting in lush fairway turf on every hole. “The visual appeal of the fairways is almost as important as their playability,” Scruggs said. Also adding that, “Over seeding at this time of the year means golfers can look forward to a great season of playing golf on a beautiful course.” Scruggs said as many as three times the number of golfers will play Kings Ridge Golf Club over the next five months than in prior years. “We’re ready, and we’re already seeing a big increase in play!” Scruggs said. Visit www.cgmgolfproperties.com.

Fleet of New Golf Carts headed for Legends Golf & Country Club in Clermont

CLERMONT, Fla. --- Legends Golf Club in Clermont is getting a new fleet of golf carts! Gene Garrote, president of Celebration Golf Management which operates Legends Golf Club and Jay Scruggs, General Manager at Legends, said they have acquired 75 new 2013 Club Car Precedent model golf carts. “As a division of Ingersoll Rand, the world leader in creating and sustaining safe, comfortable and energy efficient environments, Club Car ranks on the forefront of environmentally responsible Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) technologies,” Scruggs said. Garrote added that the new Club Car Precedent models will be available at Legends Golf Club before Christmas. Visit www.cgmgolfproperties.com

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Names Alice Lincoln Coastal Property Specialist at Volusia County’s Spruce Creek Fly-In

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed Alice Lincoln a Coastal Property Specialist in the firm’s Volusia County office at the Spruce Creek Fly-In luxury community in Port Orange. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Lincoln is a Tampa native who will focus on unique and luxury properties in the coastal and intercoastal areas of Ponce Inlet, Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach. A Florida licensed Realtor for more than 10 years, Lincoln is also a certified personal trainer and Aqua Aerobics instructor, a certified Florida B.P.R.Community Association Management professional, and served more than six years on the board for Adopt-A-Child. “Alice Lincoln is an enthusiastic, highly creative Realtor who will help our Volusia County division grow,” Soderstrom said.

First Green Bank is growing greener — Bank plants citrus trees at Mount Dora headquarters

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – First Green Bank, heralded as one of the nations’ greenest banks by the American Bankers Association and the Independent Bankers Association, is about to grow even greener. Kenneth LaRoe, chairman of First Green Bank, said workers recently planted 60 citrus trees at the bank’s headquarters facility on U.S. 441 in Mount Dora. LaRoe said he wanted to celebrate the region’s history as a citrus industry leader, but he has other plans too. “We plan to give away fruit to our customers who visit the bank, along with organic cookies and other locally grown seasonal fruits,” LaRoe said. Citrus trees aren’t the bank’s only effort to grow greener---First Green Bank is a lead sponsor of the Community Garden at South Lake Hospital in Clermont, LaRoe said. “We are particularly interested in helping to expand the Community Garden so that more people can benefit from it,” LaRoe said.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Focuses Charitable Efforts on Feeding the Hungry

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, which ranks as one of the nation’s leading designers of supermarkets and other retail facilities focused its 2012 charitable efforts on feeding the hungry. The Baldwin Park architectural firm recently completed the design of a 10,000 square foot warehouse for Feeding Children Everywhere, an international charity that mobilizes volunteers and donors to assemble thousands of simple, nutritious meals that are shipped to isolated parts of the world where hunger and malnourishment are rampant. Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said Nathan Griffis served as project manager for the warehouse project and provided engineering services. The warehouse, located on West Pine Street has been submitted for permitting. Cuhaci & Peterson also participated in Canstruction 2012, a charitable event to raise awareness across the U.S. and provide food for the local second Harvest Food Bank. The firm created a massive display depicting a Sherwin Williams Paint Can---one of the event’s primary sponsors---surrounded by Van Gogh’s famous painting, Starry Night. The entry, displayed at Orlando Fashion Square, earned Cuhaci & Peterson Architects the Can-O-Rama award.

Avex Homes to host “Lunch and Learn” event Nov. 29 at Avalon Park West Community Center

WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. -- Avex Homes, the Orlando-based home builder that has started construction of new homes at Avalon Park West in Wesley Chapel, will host a “Lunch and Learn” event starting at 11 a.m. Thursday Nov. 29 at the Avalon Park West Community Center. Stephanie Hodson, marketing director for Avalon Park Group said the event will begin with a networking session at 11 a.m. and the complimentary luncheon will conclude at 1:30 p.m. Open to all Realtors, the focus of the program will be risk management and overcoming barriers to completing your sale. The Avalon Park West Community Center is located at 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive, Wesley Chapel FL 33545. Enter the community off SR 54, 3.5 miles east of I-75. For more information contact Hodson at 813-364-4918. Avex Homes plans to build 342 single family homes priced from the $150s at Cypress Village, the first phase, at Avalon Park West.

Ramada Inn Expansion Designed By Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Wins Eagle Award from Associated Builders & Contractors

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The Ramada Inn expansion on International Drive added 134 new units to the hotel property and an impressive award for construction contractor Welbro Construction. The new tower consists of 12 floors with rooftop pool and bar amenities as well as meeting space. Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, which designed the Ramada Inn expansion, said Welbro deserved credit for its contracting effort. “They did an outstanding job,” Peterson said. Welbro won an Eagle Award, the Chapter’s highest recognition in the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) annual Excellence in Construction competition.

International Affairs and Business Administration Graduate Adds Two New Words to Her Resume: Business Owner

ORLANDO, Fla. – A 25-year-old world traveler who backpacked through 15 third-world countries, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and won best-in-show at a Central Florida art festival, recently took on her most daunting challenge ever by starting her own business. Alexandra Gramatikas and her partner, Tripp Driskell, are the masterminds behind ALTR, a new off-site internet business client of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program–Orlando. The product: decorative button covers. “We had a nautical-themed wine tasting and we wanted our blazers to have gold buttons, but we didn’t want to sew on new ones or buy new blazers just for the buttons,” Gramatikas said. After creating button covers for style, she quickly realized there was a huge market for branded button covers. “UCF and University of Florida button covers inexpensively customize whatever you’re wearing and they’ve helped us build a grassroots market during our early stages,” she said. A Florida State University graduate, Gramatikas majored in international affairs and minored in business with an emphasis on marketing. She received her MBA from the University of Central Florida earlier this year and soon afterward decided to become her own boss. With the idea in mind, the two entrepreneurs needed a model in hand. They turned to Mydea, a graduate of the Incubation Program, to create their first button cover. Once the prototype – a molded plastic cover with a slip-on, fork-like back – was complete, Gramatikas said Mydea also helped build her first injection mold machine and create the final product. She and Driskell used the prototypes to win a UCF “joust” for new business ideas and were awarded $10,000 in seed money, which they have used to produce about 10,000 button covers. Melissa Wasserman, site manager at the UCF Business Incubation Program-Orlando on Colonial Drive, is excited about ALTR’s rapid advancement. “They’re about to secure the UCF license and launch locally,” said Wasserman, who worked with Gramatikas when she was a marketing executive for Brand Advance, another UCFBIP client. “ALTR is a great example of how to take an idea, create a product and turn it into a valid business.” The button covers currently are being produced in gold and orange and are decorated with a UCF Pegasus or a capitol “F.” They come in two sizes in boxes of four or six. When the products officially launch later this month, each set will sell for $12. “Our five-year plan is to offer button covers for all the schools,” she said. “We’d also like to do customized covers for holidays, elections and other special occasions.” For now, she may just sell button covers, but Gramatikas doesn’t want her company to be pigeonholed. That’s why the name ALTR [the founders’ initials] was chosen. “We plan to look beyond the button cover,” she says, keeping her eyes and ears open to other ideas for ALTR to latch onto. As her business card reads: “Life Was Made to ALTR.” To learn more about the company and its products, visit www.madetoaltr.com or call 407-492-1423. About the UCF Business Incubation Program: Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 300 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 $60,000. 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 Two Office Lease Agreements totaling 3,200 Square Feet at Wekiva Center in Apopka

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease and a lease renewal, both for 1,600 square feet of office space at Wekiva Center located at 1706 E. Semoran Boulevard near the intersection of U.S. 441 in Apopka. Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, principal at NAI Realvest represented Landlord Wekiva Center Partnership of Maitland in both transactions. NAI Realvest Associate Chris Adams assisted Kelley in negotiating the new lease with tenant Allied Controls, Inc., an industrial machinery and equipment firm that relocated from Altamonte Springs. Kelley also negotiated a lease renewal with Tenant Laboratory Corporation of America, which is headquartered in Tampa.

Lennar to Start Construction of Four New Model Homes at ChampionsGate South of Orlando near Disney

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar will start construction of four new model homes in December at ChampionsGate, located south of Orlando off I-4 at ChampionsGate Blvd. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the home builder plans to host a Grand Opening for area Realtors and potential home buyers at ChampionsGate in January. All four model homes will be fully furnished priced from the $200s. The Bali model home is a vacation home with five bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths in 2,766 square feet of living space with a two-car garage. The Maui model home, also a vacation home, will offer eight bedrooms and five baths in 3,826 square feet of living space with a two-car garage. Lennar is offering both vacation homes and single-family homes at ChampionsGate, Metheny said. The Hideaway, a single-family model home, will offer four bedrooms and two baths in 2,246 square feet of living space with a two-car garage. The Sand Dollar model home, also single-family, will offer four bedrooms and three baths in 2,460 square feet with a three-car garage. Single family homes by Lennar at ChampionsGate will range in size from 1,800 square feet of living space to 2,500 square feet. Lennar’s vacation homes at ChampionsGate will range from 2,200 square feet to 3,800 square feet, Metheny said. For more information, visit www.Lennar.com.

Orlando Company Wins License to Convert NASA Technology to Commercial Use in Maintenance and Repair Operations

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Diversified Industries, Consulting and Investment Services, Inc. in Orlando, has earned an exclusive copyright license for NASA’s System Maintenance Automated Repair Tasks (SMART) software. Created by a team of United Space Alliance (USA) and NASA software engineers, SMART was used by the shuttle program to generate repair instructions for maintenance technicians. Martin Belson, chief executive officer of Diversified Industries, Consulting and Investment Services, said SMART software is a collection of repair instructions issued over 30 years of shuttle maintenance operations. The software was designed with intelligence to select appropriate instructions for specific shuttle problems and organize them into a repair procedure for use by shuttle technicians. “SMART greatly reduced the time needed to process a shuttle for its next launch, significantly improved repair procedure accuracy, and helped increase overall shuttle program safety,” Belson said. A former USA mechanical design engineer, system engineer and project manager, Belson worked on the development and deployment of SMART for shuttle operations. Diversified Industries is targeting aircraft and spacecraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations as its primary customer for SMART technology. Belson estimates the market potential for the software is several million dollars. “SMART can significantly reduce the time it takes to engineer repair and maintenance protocols for sophisticated industrial equipment by 30% to 40%,” Belson said. “That savings can number in the millions of dollars, depending on the critical nature of the equipment and the extent of the work to be done,” he said. Diversified Industries is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in east Orange County.

Lennar’s Year-End Closeout Sale Offers New Home Buyers Whopping Incentives to Buy Before Nov. 30

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar is hosting a Year-End Closeout Sale at communities in the Orlando, Clermont and Space Coast regions that offers new home buyers whopping incentives to buy before Nov. 30. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said buyers of select new homes can choose between two new iPads, a Summer Kitchen Grille or a 60-inch flat screen TV if they close on the sale of their new home by Nov. 30. Metheny said the offer is good in select Lennar communities throughout Central Florida that have available inventory homes for sale. Lennar Homes builds new single-family homes and town homes priced from under $100,000 at communities in the Orlando region, including Clermont and Melbourne. For more information, visit www.Lennar.com.

DiMucci Companies Completes Three Luxury Condominiums for lease at Bouchelle Island

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Bouchelle Island in New Smyrna Beach, has opened three new luxury condominiums that are now available for long term lease. Anthony DiMucci, president of the DiMucci Companies, which is developing Bouchelle Island, said the two and three-bedroom luxury condominiums range in size from 1,100 square feet of living space to 1,500 square feet. Rents for the units, which are served by elevators, start at $1,100 per month.

UCF Business Incubation Program Names Juana Brand Program Assistant at Winter Springs Incubator

APOPKA, Fla., --- The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program hired Juana Brand as Program Assistant at its Winter Springs incubator. Esther Vargas-Davis, site manager in Winter Springs, said Brand graduated from Florida International University in Miami with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a minor in International Business and has 14 years of administrative experience. Brand formerly held administrative positions at the Orlando area offices of CNA Commercial Insurance and Zurich North America.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Earn First Place Award for use of REVIT (BIM) Software in Construction Documentation

BALDWIN PARK, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently earned a First Place award in an international competition sponsored by the producers of REVIT (BIM) software. Cuhaci & Peterson Project Manager Steve Blevins led a team of designers who showed off their skills using the software to record construction documentation. The international users conference sponsored by REVIT (BIM) was held in Atlanta. Blevin’s team used REVIT (BIM) software to depict the transformation of a Winn Dixie store that’s being remodeled.

Tolaris Homes to Start Construction of New 7,000 Square Foot Home at Cedar Cove in Longwood

LAKE FORSEST, Fla. --- Tolaris Homes will start construction of a new 7,000 square foot single-family luxury home at Cedar Cove, a luxury neighborhood located off Markham Woods Road in Longwood. Rick Bavec, president of Tolaris Homes, said the two-story home will offer five bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths with a three-car garage. Bavec said the luxury home will start construction before Jan. 1 and Bavec plans to have the home ready for its new owners in the summer.

Lennar Homes in Southwest Florida Unveiling New Model Homes at The Preserve at Corkscrew in Estero

FORT MYERS, Fla. --- Lennar Homes is unveiling two new model homes at The Preserve at Corkscrew, located at 13525 Villa di Preserve in Estero off Corkscrew Road. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing at Lennar Homes in the southwest Florida region, said Lennar is building 35 new Executive Homes and Manor Homes at The Preserve at Corkscrew. Manor Homes at the Preserve at Corkscrew will range in size from 1,861 square feet of living space to 3,867 square feet priced from the mid $200s. Executive Homes at the Preserve at Corkscrew will range in size from 1,340 square feet to 3,257 square feet priced from $266,990. The two-story, five-bedroom Monte Carlo model home features a three-car tandem garage. The Tivoli model home features four bedrooms and three baths in 2,267 square feet of living space with a three-car garage. Devereaux added that all Lennar built homes at The Preserve at Corkscrew come with Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: Extras such as granite kitchen countertops, wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, crown molding and tile are all included in the Lennar Homes price. Visit www.lennar.com.

Lifestyle opportunities for seniors, Active Adults Will Lead Housing Recovery in Florida, Sunbelt Markets, says Leading Real Estate Veteran

MAITLAND, Fla. --- Older Americans’ demand for more, better and more affordable lifestyle opportunities will likely drive the housing industry recovery in Florida and other regions that appeal to seniors, according to longtime regional real estate investment expert George Livingston. Livingston, chairman of Green Global Investments in Maitland, said longtime demographic trends point to a wave of demand for senior housing opportunities as the population ages. “More than 10,000 Americans reach retirement age every day.” Livingston said. “The population of senior adults aged 85 or more in the U.S. is growing faster than our population as a whole, and it will increase by 20 percent through 2024. With little new development underway, supply is restricted, Livingston explained. “Current new development of senior housing is modest at best, and currently property valuations are below normal despite low interest rates,” Livingston said. Those factors point to powerful opportunities for investors in senior housing as risk capital comes off the sidelines. Demand is strongest for specialized housing such as assisted living facilities. “Assets with dementia units are especially in high demand,” Livingston said. “More than five million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease and a new case is diagnosed every 60 seconds in the U.S.” “Cap rates for properties that include dementia units range as high as seven percent,” Livingston said. Nationwide, independent living facilities are about 85 percent occupied, substantially below past highs of about 92 percent. But occupancy has been on the rise through the past seven quarters and is expected to improve through 2013. Rents are projected to increase by 3.5 percent. The graying of the baby boom generation will result in a greening of the housing industry,” Livingston said.

SOUTHWEST ORLANDO MILLION DOLLAR LUXURY HOUSING MARKET STABLE, GROWTH EXPECTED IN 2013

ORLANDO, Fla. --- A new market trends study by Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty shows that $1 million plus luxury housing sales in the southwest Orlando area, which stretches from Windermere to Disney, have stabilized and points to a substantial uptick in sales in 2013. Vicky McVay-Froom, International Marketing Expert with Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s Dr. Phillips Marketing Center, said 78 million-dollar plus homes sold in the southwest Orlando quadrant through the third quarter of 2012, up from 74 million-dollar plus homes during the same period last year. McVay-Froom, who conducted the study, said the average sale price was just under $1.7 million, down from an average of just over $1.8 million in 2011. The surprise market was Golden Oak, Walt Disney World Resorts’ new mega luxury community, which posted 10 sales through the third quarter with an average sale price of $2.5 million or $520 per square foot. “Listing activity was down by 29 percent through the third quarter in 2012. The overall average sale price is down, and sales are stable,” McVay-Froom said. “Those three indicators are relevant,” said Roger Soderstrom founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty. “The market has bottomed out. Demand is increasing, supply has decreased, and we anticipate that sales will increase in 2013 as well as sale prices,” he said.

Ashton Woods Homes Has Six Move-in Ready Townhomes at Crenshaw Reserve in Lutz

TAMPA, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has completed six new ready-to-move-in three and four-bedroom townhomes at Crenshaw Reserve, located off S.R. 19 in Lutz. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said new townhomes at Crenshaw Reserve range in size from 1,791 square feet of living space to 2,315 square feet and are priced from $219,990. Amenities at Crenshaw Reserve include a community clubhouse and swimming pool. 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.

Lennar Starts Construction of 51 Town Estate Homes at Grand Hampton in New Tampa, First model ready in January

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar has started construction of 51 new Town Estate Homes at Grand Hampton, located on Grand Vista Lane off County Line Rd. in New Tampa. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said three and four-bedroom floor plans will be available at Grand Hampton Town Estates priced from under $200,000. Lennar’s first model at Grand Hampton will open in January, Metheny said. Town Estate Home floor plans will include: The Begonia floor plan offering three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and a loft in 1,930 square feet of living space with a two-car garage, priced from $198,990; The Azalea with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths with a loft in 2,056 square feet of living space with a two-car garage, priced from $203,990; and The Camellia, a four-bedroom design with two-and-a-half baths a loft in 2,466 square feet of living space with a two-car garage. Grand Hampton is a gated, master-planned community that boasts Old Florida-style living amongst stately oaks with a clubhouse, swimming pools and hiking trails among its amenities. Visit www.LennarTampa.com.

Royal Oak Homes Starts presales of 81 new homes priced from $135,000 at Barrington Estates in Clermont

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Royal Oak Homes, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, has started presales of 81 new homes priced from $135,000 at Barrington Estates, a gated community just south of the intersection of Log House Road and CR. 561. Matt Orosz, vice president of operations at Royal Oak Homes, said the home builder has already sold five new homes at Barrington Estates. Royal Oak Homes has started construction of the Monica model home at Barrington Estates with four bedrooms and two baths in 1,927 square feet of living space priced from $154,999. New three, four and five-bedroom homes at Barrington Estates will range in size from 1,500 square feet of living space to 3,251 square feet. Barrington Estates is located directly next to Pine Ridge Elementary and only three miles from Royal Oak's successful Hammock Reserve development. Currently, Royal Oak Homes builds single-family homes in 10 Central Florida communities.

Cuhaci & Peterson Helps Wawa Reach Further

ORLANDO, Fla. — Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, in conjunction with CBX based in New York City, has designed Orlando’s first six Wawa stores, which are now open on Central Fla. Parkway, Goldenrod Road, Silver Star Road, S. Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando, N. Orange Blossom Trail and Hwy 192 in Kissimmee. In addition, another 20 Wawa stores are set to open in Florida in 2013, said Jed Downs, president of the architectural firm based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park. The new prototype stores are intended to reflect the style and influence of Florida architecture and include exterior characteristics that reference south and central Florida historical building types, Downs added. Five of the 20 additional stores will open in the Central Florida region by the second quarter of 2013 and another four are scheduled to open in the Tampa Bay area

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease at Boardwalk Plaza in UCF area with franchisee for Dunkin Donuts

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new long-term lease agreement for 1,780 square feet in the Boardwalk Plaza at 3100 Alafaya Trail in Oviedo. NAI Realvest principals Matt Cichocki and Kevin O’Connor negotiated the transaction representing the landlord, Boardwalk Plaza LLC of Gardena, Calif. The new tenant MSVG Alafaya LLC of Norwood, Mass., leased Unit 1018, a southern endcap unit at the retail center to open a Dunkin Donuts by the end of this year. David Cobb of Bishop Beale represented the tenant.

Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida names Ian Geibeig Senior Loan Officer at Jacksonville branch

Lake Mary, Fla. – Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida, Inc., one of the region’s most active residential mortgage lenders, has named Ian Geibeig, senior loan officer in the firm’s Jacksonville branch. Matt Malloy, president of Integrity Home Loan, said Geibeig has more than 10 years of experience in the banking and mortgage lending industry. He was formerly employed with Charles Schwab and Bank of America. Integrity Home Loan currently has nine locations throughout Florida including is Central Florida headquarters in Lake Mary, and in Coral Springs, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and a new branch in the Detroit suburb of Southfield, Mich.

M/I HOMES STARTS DEVELOPMENT OF NEW LUXURY COMMUNITY

LAKE MARY, Fla. --- M/I Homes has started development of the new residential community, Versailles, located off Orange Avenue, north of S.R. 46 in North Seminole County. David G. Byrnes, area president of M/I Homes in the Orlando region, said M/I Homes plans to build 57 new three, four, five and six-bedroom homes at Versailles, priced from $389,990 to more than $500,000. Byrnes said presales will start in January and the first model home at Versailles will start construction in April.

First Green Bank Ranks First Among Central Florida Independent Banks in Asset Quality, Fifth in Florida According to Study

MOUNT DORA, Fla. --- First Green Bank in Mount Dora ranks first among independent Central Florida banks and fifth in Florida, according to a massive statewide Asset Quality Review by the Carson Medlin Company, which provides specialized corporate financial services to banking institutions nationwide. Kenneth LaRoe, chairman of First Green Bank, said Carson Medlin analyzed a range of parameters to evaluate 29 leading independent banks in Central Florida and 188 banks statewide. First Green Bank’s total assets of $196,275,000 rank the bank eleventh among the region’s independents, LaRoe said---right in the middle. But First Green’s community-focused lending policies have served the best interests of investors, depositors and customers while earning First Green the Number One spot in asset quality. “What the study really means is that our values based investments in our communities have resulted in far fewer bad loans than most independent banks in Florida,” LaRoe explained. First Green Bank posted zero past due loans, zero non accrual assets, zero REOs (real estate that the bank has taken back to cover debts) and only $288,000 in restructured loans when the region-wide average is almost $5.5 million per bank. Independent banks in Central Florida average more than $12 million in non-performing assets---NPAs or bad loans. First Green Bank has none. And while Central Florida banks posted an average NPA-to-asset ratio of 4.48 percent, First Green scored a big fat zero, according to LaRoe. Most notably, First Green was one of only seven Florida banks to earn a coveted zero on the famed Texas Ratio---a widely regarded measure of sound banking practices developed by Texas banker Gerard Cassidy and RBC Capital Markets more than 30 years ago. “We have taken an aggressive approach to lending for projects that improve the economic vitality and quality of life in Central Florida,” LaRoe said. “That might earn us criticism in some circles, but our experience---affirmed by Carson Medlin’s Asset Quality Review---is that these are the best loans to make. We play fair. We respect our customers. We do the right thing. And our borrowers are good, solid people,” he said. “In our business, character counts,” LaRoe said.

Ashton Woods Homes Acquires Townhome Sites at Community South of Downtown Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – Ashton Woods Homes has acquired 66 three and four bedroom townhome sites at Copley Square located off Michigan Street and Delaney Avenue south of Downtown Orlando. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes, said the townhomes range in size from 2,000 square feet of living space to 2,400 square feet with two car garages. Ashton Woods townhomes at Copley Square will be priced from the mid $200s, Roche said, and are designed and built according to Power House Green and Environments for Living™ standards for high levels of efficiency and comfort. Models under construction will be completed and ready for viewing in December, Roche added. The community offers a pool and cabana. 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.

LENNAR TO START CONSTRUCTION OF SINGLE FAMILY HOMES AT BRANDON POINTE IN BRANDON

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar will offer three, four and five-bedroom single-family homes at Brandon Pointe in Brandon starting in January. Mark Metheny, president of the Central Florida Division of Lennar Homes, said new single-family homes at Brandon Pointe will range in size from 1,610 square feet of living space to 2,558 square feet, priced from the $170s with two-car garages. All Lennar homes at Brandon Pointe feature the homebuilder’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: a wide range of appliances, special features and add-ons at one “everything’s included” price. Located just off Causeway Boulevard in the heart of Brandon across from the Westfield Brandon Shopping Mall, Brandon Pointe features a lake, a private park and a large community swimming pool. Visit www.LennarTampa.com.

Women Empowerment Institute to Host Second Workshop in Sanford Dec 8 to Help Women Maximize Their Potential

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The Women Empowerment Institute will hold its second workshop for women who want to achieve their potential as entrepreneurs and business innovators from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8 in the University of Central Florida Business Incubation facility at 100 West 1st Street in Sanford. Tekoa Pouerie launched the Power Promise Organization initially to help students. Then earlier this year she and college friend Sherlina Stephens – both UCF alumni – together launched the organization’s subsidiary The Women Empowerment Institute from their headquarters at the UCF Business Incubation facility. Stephens, Director of the Women Empowerment Institute, said the group’s workshops are very popular. “We are focusing on providing women the tools they need to further their careers as top-level executives and entrepreneurs,” Stephens explained. Pouerie, president of the Power Promise Organization, said the Women Empowerment Institute aims to help women become self-sufficient trailblazers in their community. “Women own 7.8 million small businesses in the U.S. and that’s 30 percent of all small businesses nationwide,” Pouerie explained. Altogether, women-owned businesses generate approximately $1.2 trillion annual sales, she added. The Institute’s first workshop---“Get in the Game,” was a resounding success, Pouerie explained. “Women came from as far away as Ft. Lauderdale to learn how they can get in the game,” Stephens said. Women Empowerment Institute workshop trainers employ a wide range of motivational and educational tactics to inspire, encourage and empower women to play a bigger role in the economy. From the ‘Freedom Huddle,’ where women physically chase their dreams, to the official Women Empowerment Institute pledge, participants expressed nothing but praise for the workshop. “We want to encourage women to put their thoughts onto paper and into action, Pouerie explained. Admission to the workshop is $39.99 and open to every woman who is ready to take charge and put their words to action. To register for this workshop please visit www.walkthewalktalkthetalk.eventbrite.com.

Mercantile Capital Corporation Reports it closed on Seven Commercial Loans to Finance Projects Valued at $28.2 Million in October

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Mercantile Capital Corporation, which ranks as one of the nation’s leading providers of U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) 504 loans to business owners who want to acquire or develop their own facilities, reported it closed seven commercial loans in October that financed projects totaling $28.2 million in total project costs. Christopher G. Hurn, chief executive officer of Mercantile Capital Corporation, said the loans helped finance projects in California and Illinois as well as Florida. The largest single loan helped finance a TownePlace by Marriott hotel in Sacramento, Calif. valued at $9.5 million. Hurn said Mercantile Capital’s loan volume for October is up 200 percent over last October. Mercantile Capital expects to end this year with a total of 95 loans to finance projects valued at more than $420 million, up from 174 million in 2011. “We are seeing record growth this year because the regular credit markets are basically frozen,” Hurn said. “Banks are not loaning money in great enough quantity to meet demand and we are a terrific and available alternative,” he said.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Retail, Industrial Leases totaling more than 6700 square feet on 17-92 in Longwood

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated two new lease agreements – a retail lease for a bakery and an industrial lease for a carpet firm – both located on U.S. Highway 17-92 in Longwood. At 2350 S. US Highway 17-92, Michael Heidrich, a principal at NAI Realvest, represented the local landlord SGS Holdings in a lease agreement with The Carpet Shack for 5,500 square feet of industrial space in suite 1000 at the facility. Paul P. Partyka, managing partner at NAI Realvest, represented the tenant in the transaction. NAI Realvest Associate Aron Harrison represented local landlord Placeway, Inc. in the lease of 1,218 square feet of retail space at Lake Kathryn Plaza, 1271 S. US Highway 17-92. Epic Delights Bakery is the new tenant who also operates Cut the Cake as a subsidiary at the retail center.

University of Central Florida Business Incubator to Host Human Resources Symposium at Daytona Beach International Airport Nov 27

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A dozen well-versed business professionals will share their expertise at a human resources symposium Nov. 27 at the University of Central Florida Business Incubator at Daytona Beach International Airport. The event, which is open to the public, is titled “Staff, Train and Develop Your People.” It will begin with registration at 8:15 a.m. and will conclude at 4:30 p.m., according to Connie Bernal, site manager of the incubator. In addition to UCF, Snell Legal, and the Center for Business Excellence also are helping to sponsor the symposium. “Hiring decisions take time, energy, and often money. The speakers will teach simple bullet point steps to save the expense and headaches of a termination down the road. They will cover topics ranging from understanding the hiring process and complying with employment regulations to employment tax and building a management team,” Bernal said. The speakers include: ● Rick Fraser, Center for Business Excellence ● Ned Harper, Small Business Development Center ● Greg Snell, Snell Legal ● Suzanne Forbes and Van Lapointe, James Moore & Co. ● Jim Cairns, The Cairns Foundation Inc. ●Tom Sanders, Daytona State College Representatives from five area colleges and universities – Cheryl Miller, Daytona State College; Raphel Robinson, UCF – Daytona; Lisa Scott Kollar, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Davita Bonner, Bethune-Cookman University; and Robin Kazmarek, Stetson University – will round out the seminar with a session on finding and hiring student interns. Admission to the symposium is free to incubator client companies and $30 for all others. Included will be a continental breakfast, and lunch. Seating is limited and reservations can be made by contacting Arlene Wilson at arlene.wilson@ucf.edu or 386-872-3100, 386-872-3101. The incubator is a partnership between UCF, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. It is designed to help start-up companies as well as established businesses that need assistance getting to the next level of their operations, Bernal said. “We believe our clients, as well as other entrepreneurs who attend, can learn much from the group of local experts we’ve assembled for this symposium,” Bernal added.

ICI Homes’ New president of Orlando, Tampa Divisions is Hitting the Ground Running

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. --- ICI Homes’ new president of its Orlando and Tampa divisions, Tim Oak, is hitting the ground running and projects an upsurge in the area’s housing market and growth for ICI Homes in Orlando and Tampa. Oak, a veteran homebuilding executive with more than 25 years of experience, said he projects ICI’s growth in 2013 to be on the upswing and sees four new communities in the Orlando and Tampa areas. Right now ICI Homes is active in three Orlando area communities and one in Tampa. “I sense a major recovery in the area housing market. Buyers are beginning to feel the housing recovery is real,” he said. Before joining ICI Homes Oak was an executive with the homebuilding division of WCI Communities serving more than 23 years as its West Florida division president.

Integrity Home Loan names Lee A. Pearson Senior Loan Consultant in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. --- Integrity Home Loan, which ranks as one of the state’s fastest growing mortgage loan companies, has appointed Lee A. Pearson senior loan consultant in the firm’s Tampa office, located at 3030 Rocky Point Drive. Matt Malloy, president of Integrity Home Loan of Central Florida, said Pearson has more than 10 years of experience as a mortgage banking executive. A native of Derbyshire, England, Pearson was raised in Tampa where he graduated from Chamberlain High School. Pearson earned his B.S. Degree in Business Administration from the University of South Florida with a focus in Business Management. “Lee Pearson is a highly experienced loan officer with particular experience in refinancing home mortgages,” Malloy said. “We expect him to play a big role in our growth in the Tampa Bay region,” Malloy said.

Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge promotes Eric Roux to Outside Service Supervisor

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge has promoted Eric Roux to outside service supervisor. Tano Malentin, general manager at Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge, said Roux is a graduate of Professional Golfers Career College (PGCC) and joined Orange County National in March 2012 as a First Impression Team member In his new role, Roux will oversee the entire FIT operations including scheduling and training the team in all areas of the operation.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Industrial Leases totaling 7,000 Square feet in Casselberry and Sanford

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement and a renewal lease at industrial centers in Casselberry and Sanford for a total of 7,000 square feet. NAI Realvest Associate Michael Heidrich, Jr. along with Michael Heidrich, Sr., a principal in the firm, represented the tenant National Installations & Services, Inc. in a new lease agreement for 2,000 square feet at 360 Melody Lane in Casselberry. Robin Weeks of RJ Weeks, Inc. represented the local landlord Melody Lane Partners, Ltd. In Sanford Heidrich Jr. negotiated a renewal lease of 5,000 square feet representing the tenant Uni Select USA, Inc. d/b/a Parts Depot Inc. The local landlord, Riverboat Landing, Inc. was represented in the transaction by Clark Brandt of Bywater Company.

Lennar Homes Starts Construction of New Model Home at Orange Blossom Ranch in Naples

FORT MYERS, Fla. --- Lennar Homes has started construction of a new model home at Orange Blossom Ranch, a new community located off Immokalee Rd. in Naples. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar in southwest Florida, said Lennar plans to build 30 new three, four, five and six-bedroom single-family homes at Orange Blossom Ranch that range in size from 1,677 square feet of living space to 3,231 square feet. New homes at Orange Blossom Ranch, priced from the low $200s, will feature Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: Extras such as granite kitchen countertops, wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, crown molding and tile are all included in the Lennar Homes price. Visit www.lennar.com.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Professional Office Lease in Longwood

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest negotiated a new lease agreement for 3,455 square feet of professional office space at 1920 Boothe Circle off SR 434 and I-4 in Longwood. Michael Heidrich, a principal in the firm, brokered the transaction representing the Maitland-based landlord, Ray A. Kennedy. The Law Offices of Scott M. Miller, P.A. is the tenant who signed a lease for Suite 100 in the office building.

DiVosta Homes Lauds Top Sales Consultant for October

JUPITER, Fla. --- DiVosta Homes has named Elizabeth Christle its October New Home Sales Leader for selling the highest number of new homes during the month at Windsor Park at Abacoa located on Indian Creek Parkway in Jupiter. Christle, who has been with DiVosta Homes for nine years, is a native of Brooklyn, N.Y. but has lived in South Florida most of her life. She attended Palm Beach State College where she majored in real estate and has more than 10 years of experience in residential real estate sales. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for PulteGroup, Inc. in South Florida, said he looks forward to Christle’s continued sales success at Windsor Park at Abacoa, a master-planned community featuring 16 distinctive townhome and single family home floor plans priced from the $220s to over $800,000. A planned amenity center at Windsor Park at Abacoa will include a fitness center, activity room, swimming pool, fire pit and event lawn. For more information, visit www.divosta.com or call 877-235-8173.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Renewal Lease with Cape Publications at The Quadrangle in East Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a renewal lease for 2,295 square feet of office space in the University Center building at The Quadrangle in east Orlando. Mary Frances West, CCIM, senior associate at NAI Realvest, negotiated the lease agreement on behalf of the local landlord, Jebden, LLC. Cape Publications, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of media holding company Gannett in Tysons Corner, Va., renewed its lease of suite 100 at 11825 High Tech Ave. Nan McCormick of CBRE represented the tenant in the transaction.

Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange to start construction of three ready-to-move-in homes, only two remain for sale

PORT ORANGE, Fla. --- The Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange recently sold three new ready-to-move-in luxury homes and Jamie Adley, president of The Villages of Royal Palm, said he plans to start construction of three more ready-to-move-in homes at The Villages of Royal Palm before Dec 31. Currently, only two move-in ready homes remain for sale, Adley said. The three and four-bedroom single-story luxury homes are priced from $275,000.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Acquisition of 1.17 acres of Land for Water Treatment Contractor in Apopka

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated the purchase of 1.17 acres of vacant land at 2500 Clark St. in Apopka for $150,000. NAI Realvest Associate Michael Heidrich, Jr., and Michael Heidrich Sr., principal at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction representing the buyer – a local water treatment contractor – Huntington Storage LLC who purchased the land for a storage yard. The seller Leiffer Excavating, Inc. was represented by Steve MacGeorge of Commercial Equity Partners.

NAI Realvest brings innovative natural product retailer to lease 10,384 square foot market space in Lake Mary

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest, working in conjunction with NAI Brannen Goddard in Atlanta, represented health food retailer Earth Origins Outlet recently in negotiations to lease 10,384 square feet of space in Oaks at Lake Mary Shopping Center, 3005 W. Lake Mary Blvd. in Lake Mary. NAI Realvest principal Christie Alexander and broker associates Drew Saphos CCIM represented Earth Origins Market, along with Chairman George Livingston and Associate Paul Vera. The Lake Mary store will be Earth Origins Outlet’s 13th U.S. location and the first of its Earth Origins Outlet concept. Earth Origins Market is a division of Providence, RI-based UNFI, the leading U.S. independent national distributor of natural, organic, specialty foods, and related products. The Landlord, Oaks at Lake Mary Ltd. of Altamonte Springs was represented by Jim Gruber of Quest Company.

DEL WEBB SOUTHSHORE FALLS RESIDENT DECIDED TO EXERCISE, TURNS INTO CHAMPION TRIATHLETE

Apollo Beach, Fla. --- You’re never too old to reinvent yourself. It’s the American way. When Del Webb Southshore Falls resident Jan Miller decided she might feel better if she lost a little weight, she began exercising under the tutelage of Del Webb Southshore Falls Personal Trainer Deb Peterson. Within a few months, Miller began to feel differently. Swimming, exercises and jogging were having an effect. As her conditioning improved, she was able to exercise longer, swim more, jog farther. Over the next 12 months she dropped more than 40 pounds. And then it happened. She unleashed her inner triathlete. She participated in local 5K runs at Gasparilla, Island Run and Shape Up For Summer. In September she participated in her first triathlon and placed first in her age group. “That was a wonderful feeling,” Miller said. And it came with a big surprise. Her competitive time qualified her for the Florida State Senior Games in Lakeland in December. Her performance there could qualify her for the National Senior Games in Cleveland next July. “It started out as a hobby and it’s turned into a passion,” Miller said. “The regular exercise has certain side effects that are invigorating. I feel healthier, I relax more easily, I enjoy every moment,” she said. The competitive achievements have added a little more spring to her step too, she admits. “I never really thought of myself as an athlete, but now that I know how good it feels I wish I’d been doing it all my life,” she said. Some of the features of the 14,000-square-foot Wellspring Club at Del Webb Southshore Falls that help resident athletes train are a heated lagoon-style pool, a resistance-walking pool, an auxiliary pool, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, Internet café, billiards and game rooms, a grand ballroom, tennis, bocce ball and pickleball courts, and a putting green.

One Model under Construction, 50 Home Sites Available at Olympia Pointe at Lehigh Acres in Fort Myers

FORT MYERS, Fla. --- Lennar Southwest has a new model underway and 50 home sites available at Olympia Pointe in Lehigh Acres in Fort Myers. Matt Devereaux, vice president of sales and marketing for Lennar in the Southwest Florida region, said Olympia Pointe is a gated master-planned community located off Colonial Blvd. in Lehigh Acres and Lennar’s Executive Homes there will range from 1,677 square feet of living area to 3,231 square feet priced from $159,990 to $264,990. The Alexandria model under construction will offer four bedrooms, three baths and a two-car garage, Devereaux said. With Lennar’s “Everything’s Include” pledge, features such as granite countertops, wood cabinets, diagonal floor tile, paver driveway and lanai, home automation system, in-wall pest control and tile roof are all included at no extra cost.

Fourth-Quarter Trends, Immigration Law Foretell Increase in Foreign Investment in Florida Commercial Real Estate Projects

MAITLAND, Fla. --- Positive fourth-quarter economic trends will likely lead to increased foreign investment in Central Florida commercial real estate development, particularly benefiting assisted living facilities, according to longtime regional real estate investment expert George Livingston. Livingston, chairman of NAI Realvest in Maitland, said a law President Obama signed three months ago to extend the nation’s EB-5 immigration policy came at just the right time. “Sales of industrial properties are up, office prices have improved, sales of large regional retail malls have been strong, and the financing environment is improved with low interest rates that are falling still,” Livingston said. “Overall, real estate prices are generally stable with hotel prices lower, however, apartment prices continue to show strength,” he said. But the real gem is found in senior housing, Livingston said. “Senior housing occupancies have improved and rents are trending higher,” he said. Assisted living facilities are among the best positioned for the international EB-5 investors due to the high new job count and positive outlook for this section. Under EB-5 rules, foreigners can obtain a two-year resident card for their entire family if they invest a minimum of $500,000 in a “Targeted Employment Area”--- a high unemployment or rural area --- that creates or preserves at least 10 jobs for U.S. workers, not including the investor’s family. The bill President Obama signed extended a provision creating Regional Centers to facilitate foreign EB-5 investment. Florida has 22 Regional Centers, second only to California. “The market now favors acquisition of U.S. real estate, particularly apartment and senior living properties in select markets,” Livingston said. There currently is a shortage of capital for new development in the U.S., so now is the appropriate time for foreign investors who want a U.S. Visa to join with an experienced developer in a Regional Center to construct a high job-producing commercial property such as a hotel or assisted living facility,” he said.