LEESBURG, Fla., – Apple Seed Marketing, a division of Hometown Health TV LLC, recently won a 2011 Platinum AVA Award for its video “Where Hope Comes to Life” which was produced for the LifeStream Behavioral Center in Leesburg.
The 10-minute video details the services, including residential programs, day programs and outpatient care, LifeStream provides to residents of Lake and Sumter counties, according to Apple Seed President Marc Robertz-Schwartz.
“We’re excited that LifeStream is receiving international recognition because of the video,” he said. “And, in my 20-plus years of producing and five previous Gold Audio Visual Awards, we’re excited to receive our first Platinum.”
The AVA Awards is an international competition that recognizes outstanding work by creative professionals involved in the concept, direction, design and production of media that is part of the evolution of digital communication. Work ranges from audio and video production to developing websites.
Apple Seed Marketing was launched in 2011 and is a client of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program in Leesburg.
In addition to Apple Seed’s recent AVA Award, Hometown Health won its sixth Gold Award since 2009 for the December 2011 year-in-review episode.
About Apple Seed Marketing: Apple Seed Marketing provides logo/image development, product launch, media/public relations outreach, web site development and other consulting services through a network of specialists. For more information, visit www.appleseedmarketing.com or call 352-267-7247.
About the UCF Business Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 125 current clients) create over $200 million in annual total economic output and more than 1,600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With nine facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, The City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. The UCFBIP will open its 10th incubator in Apopka in Spring 2012 . Please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
First Green Bank Hopes to Turn Lake County ‘Green’ one Customer at a Time, says Bank’s Chief Executive Officer
EUSTIS, Fla. – When Eustis native Kenneth LaRoe capped a successful career by selling Florida Choice Bank in 2006 he and his wife Cindy set out on a lengthy, soul searching journey across the U.S. in a motor home.
“I retired,” LaRoe explained.
Along the way he began reading a book his brother had given him: Let My People Go Surfing, by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, a highly successful outdoor clothing and equipment company.
“Chouinard’s philosophical approach to business influenced me greatly,” LaRoe said. “Business can be holistic. In addition to making a profit, business can have a positive impact on society. Chouinard developed a business model which integrated his principles and professional acumen. He was able to experience enduring success without the degree of ethical compromise that often counters the contributions business leadership is capable of making to our environment and culture.”
When LaRoe returned, he decided to put his philosophy to work.
“I have been a committed environmentalist all my life,” LaRoe said. “Efficient, wise use of our resources — conservation — is a fundamental virtue and an economic necessity,” he said.
LaRoe returned to Eustis with a new passion: How to put his principles to the test in the banking business.
“I began talking with some of my colleagues and friends and we got very excited,” LaRoe said. “We wanted to create a business that would be both profitable and focus on doing the right thing. Those two concepts aren’t mutually exclusive.”
First Green Bank has a location in Clermont, just opened its new headquarters facility in Mount Dora in November 2011, and is now opening a third full service branch in Ormond Beach on Feb. 6.
The 12,000 square foot First Green Bank headquarters building on U.S. 441 in Mount Dora was designed to maximize energy efficiency and water conservation while utilizing recycled and healthy building materials. Both the interior and exterior of the building were meticulously planned to minimize environmental impact during construction as well as over the long term. Even the siting of the building was chosen to minimize costs and maximize efficiency.
“It exceeds the LEED Platinum standard set by the U.S. Green Building Council for energy efficiency, environmental sensitivity and the safety, security and comfort of its customers, workers and the community. The goal was to fuse form and function in the design of our headquarters, and a great deal of time and thought went into achieving that synergy,” LaRoe said.
Visually reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s mature, organic style, the building has a remarkable “Butterfly Roof,” which funnels collected rainwater to a storm vault. The stored rainwater provides 100 percent of the water used in irrigating the landscaping, which was sustainably designed to utilize plants native to the Florida ecosystem.
100 percent of the building’s HVAC condensate water is captured to a subterranean storage cistern and used to flush toilets and irrigate interior vegetation systems. The multitude of windows on the structure optimize the use of natural sunlight and provide over 90 percent of those working inside with external views, while the efficient fluorescent and LED fixtures provide interior lighting that uses 62 percent less electricity than a standard lighting scheme.
LaRoe’s environmental principles mesh perfectly with his conservative business principles, he said.
“Our headquarters building was designed to use approximately 66 percent less energy than a traditionally designed building of the same size, and to be at least 79 percent more water efficient. Overall efficiency gains of this size will result in a measurable reduction in operating expenses over time. ” LaRoe said.
First Green Bank supplies its couriers with hybrid Toyota Prius vehicles, and provides a Prius as an employee loaner vehicle for use on local business as well as extended personal trips.
“Reducing our carbon footprint is a critical component of our business model. If we can do business in a way that reduces the amount of greenhouse gases produced by burning less fossil fuels for electricity and transportation, we not only save operating costs, we also have less environmental impact. We encourage our customers to do likewise, and support those that do by providing complimentary electrical vehicle charging stations at all of our branch locations,” LaRoe said.
“All of us hope that through education and influence that we can change attitudes,” LaRoe said. “We’re showing people there is a better way.”
“I retired,” LaRoe explained.
Along the way he began reading a book his brother had given him: Let My People Go Surfing, by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, a highly successful outdoor clothing and equipment company.
“Chouinard’s philosophical approach to business influenced me greatly,” LaRoe said. “Business can be holistic. In addition to making a profit, business can have a positive impact on society. Chouinard developed a business model which integrated his principles and professional acumen. He was able to experience enduring success without the degree of ethical compromise that often counters the contributions business leadership is capable of making to our environment and culture.”
When LaRoe returned, he decided to put his philosophy to work.
“I have been a committed environmentalist all my life,” LaRoe said. “Efficient, wise use of our resources — conservation — is a fundamental virtue and an economic necessity,” he said.
LaRoe returned to Eustis with a new passion: How to put his principles to the test in the banking business.
“I began talking with some of my colleagues and friends and we got very excited,” LaRoe said. “We wanted to create a business that would be both profitable and focus on doing the right thing. Those two concepts aren’t mutually exclusive.”
First Green Bank has a location in Clermont, just opened its new headquarters facility in Mount Dora in November 2011, and is now opening a third full service branch in Ormond Beach on Feb. 6.
The 12,000 square foot First Green Bank headquarters building on U.S. 441 in Mount Dora was designed to maximize energy efficiency and water conservation while utilizing recycled and healthy building materials. Both the interior and exterior of the building were meticulously planned to minimize environmental impact during construction as well as over the long term. Even the siting of the building was chosen to minimize costs and maximize efficiency.
“It exceeds the LEED Platinum standard set by the U.S. Green Building Council for energy efficiency, environmental sensitivity and the safety, security and comfort of its customers, workers and the community. The goal was to fuse form and function in the design of our headquarters, and a great deal of time and thought went into achieving that synergy,” LaRoe said.
Visually reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s mature, organic style, the building has a remarkable “Butterfly Roof,” which funnels collected rainwater to a storm vault. The stored rainwater provides 100 percent of the water used in irrigating the landscaping, which was sustainably designed to utilize plants native to the Florida ecosystem.
100 percent of the building’s HVAC condensate water is captured to a subterranean storage cistern and used to flush toilets and irrigate interior vegetation systems. The multitude of windows on the structure optimize the use of natural sunlight and provide over 90 percent of those working inside with external views, while the efficient fluorescent and LED fixtures provide interior lighting that uses 62 percent less electricity than a standard lighting scheme.
LaRoe’s environmental principles mesh perfectly with his conservative business principles, he said.
“Our headquarters building was designed to use approximately 66 percent less energy than a traditionally designed building of the same size, and to be at least 79 percent more water efficient. Overall efficiency gains of this size will result in a measurable reduction in operating expenses over time. ” LaRoe said.
First Green Bank supplies its couriers with hybrid Toyota Prius vehicles, and provides a Prius as an employee loaner vehicle for use on local business as well as extended personal trips.
“Reducing our carbon footprint is a critical component of our business model. If we can do business in a way that reduces the amount of greenhouse gases produced by burning less fossil fuels for electricity and transportation, we not only save operating costs, we also have less environmental impact. We encourage our customers to do likewise, and support those that do by providing complimentary electrical vehicle charging stations at all of our branch locations,” LaRoe said.
“All of us hope that through education and influence that we can change attitudes,” LaRoe said. “We’re showing people there is a better way.”
Ashton Woods Homes Opens Two Models, Starts Sales of 24 town homes at Fountain Park in Lake Mary
LAKE MARY, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes recently completed two models and started sales of 24 town homes priced from the $219,000 in the first phase at Fountain Park, located off Rinehart Road in Lake Mary.
Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes, said the new three and four bedroom town homes at Fountain Park range in size from 2,067 square feet of living space to 2,504 square feet with two car garages and balconies.
Roche said six ready-to-move-in town homes will open in February.
Fountain Park features a state-of-the-art amenity center.
Ashton Woods Homes is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies, with operations in Orlando, Tampa, Atlanta, Raleigh, Dallas, Houston, Austin and Phoenix. Visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com.
Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes, said the new three and four bedroom town homes at Fountain Park range in size from 2,067 square feet of living space to 2,504 square feet with two car garages and balconies.
Roche said six ready-to-move-in town homes will open in February.
Fountain Park features a state-of-the-art amenity center.
Ashton Woods Homes is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies, with operations in Orlando, Tampa, Atlanta, Raleigh, Dallas, Houston, Austin and Phoenix. Visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com.
NAI Realvest Negotiates New Office Lease at Regency Pointe in Lake Mary
MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement at Regency Pointe, 153 Parliament Loop in Lake Mary.
NAI Realvest Principal Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM negotiated the transaction representing the landlord 153 Parliament Loop, LLC.
The 2,725 square feet of office space – the remainder of a two-suite 4,000 square foot office condominium – was leased to Nesco Resources, a national recruiting and staffing service. Betsy Owens & Mindy Boehm of Cushman & Wakefield represented the tenant.
About NAI Realvest:
NAI Realvest, serving all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.NAIRealvest.com.
NAI Realvest Principal Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM negotiated the transaction representing the landlord 153 Parliament Loop, LLC.
The 2,725 square feet of office space – the remainder of a two-suite 4,000 square foot office condominium – was leased to Nesco Resources, a national recruiting and staffing service. Betsy Owens & Mindy Boehm of Cushman & Wakefield represented the tenant.
About NAI Realvest:
NAI Realvest, serving all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 350 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.NAIRealvest.com.
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Named Exclusive Agents for 227 Acre French County Estate in Lake County
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been appointed exclusive sales and marketing agents for a unique 227 acre French County estate on Ella Lake north of Eustis in Lake County.
Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner, said Stirling Sotheby’s International Marketing Specialist Mary Jean Walker of the firm’s Heathrow Center is listing the estate property at $3.25 million.
Soderstrom said the property will surely attract international attention.
The 15,000 square foot estate home features eight bedrooms with five full baths and three half baths, two gourmet kitchens with multiple ovens and dishwashers, a large swimming pool, spa, expansive patio and meeting rooms, along with its own private helicopter pad.
The estate also boasts a five to six car garage and carriage house with an apartment.
“We anticipate that this magnificent estate home will attract interested buyers in Europe, Canada, the Middle East, Asia and South America in addition to the continental U.S.,” Soderstrom said.
“It is a one-of-a-kind luxury estate with magnificent grounds, gardens and a perfect setting,” he said.
Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner, said Stirling Sotheby’s International Marketing Specialist Mary Jean Walker of the firm’s Heathrow Center is listing the estate property at $3.25 million.
Soderstrom said the property will surely attract international attention.
The 15,000 square foot estate home features eight bedrooms with five full baths and three half baths, two gourmet kitchens with multiple ovens and dishwashers, a large swimming pool, spa, expansive patio and meeting rooms, along with its own private helicopter pad.
The estate also boasts a five to six car garage and carriage house with an apartment.
“We anticipate that this magnificent estate home will attract interested buyers in Europe, Canada, the Middle East, Asia and South America in addition to the continental U.S.,” Soderstrom said.
“It is a one-of-a-kind luxury estate with magnificent grounds, gardens and a perfect setting,” he said.
Meritage Homes Showcases New Model Homes at Three Orlando-area Communities at recent Grand Openings
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Meritage Homes recently hosted three grand opening events to showcase new model homes at three Orlando-area communities, according to Brian Kittle, vice president of sales.
At Stevens Plantation in St. Cloud off Canoe Creek Road the homebuilder will showcase its new Kerrville model home. Meritage is building 24 new homes in five different designs at Stevens Plantation that offers four, six, seven and eight bedrooms priced from the low $200s.
Meritage will unveil its Abilene model home at Quail Estates located on Vick Road in Apopka. Meritage is building 19 new single family homes at Quail Estates that range is size from 2,794 square feet of space to a whopping 5,070 square feet priced from $226,990. Four floor plans are available at Quail Estates with four, six and eight bedrooms.
Kittle said Meritage will open its McKinney model home at White Jasmine, located off Wekiva Springs Road in Apopka. Meritage is building 19 new six and seven bedroom homes at White Jasmine priced from the $270s.
At Stevens Plantation in St. Cloud off Canoe Creek Road the homebuilder will showcase its new Kerrville model home. Meritage is building 24 new homes in five different designs at Stevens Plantation that offers four, six, seven and eight bedrooms priced from the low $200s.
Meritage will unveil its Abilene model home at Quail Estates located on Vick Road in Apopka. Meritage is building 19 new single family homes at Quail Estates that range is size from 2,794 square feet of space to a whopping 5,070 square feet priced from $226,990. Four floor plans are available at Quail Estates with four, six and eight bedrooms.
Kittle said Meritage will open its McKinney model home at White Jasmine, located off Wekiva Springs Road in Apopka. Meritage is building 19 new six and seven bedroom homes at White Jasmine priced from the $270s.
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