First Response Disaster Team Selected by UCF Business Incubator as 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – First Response Disaster Team, a client of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program at Daytona Beach International Airport, has been named the Incubator’s 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year. Incubator Site Manager Connie Bernal recognized First Response Disaster Team founders Anne-Marie and Ken Poulin at a formal presentation recently by presenting them with a commemorative plaque after going over some of their accomplishments, specifically their significant growth. Since joining the UCF Business Incubation program last year with just two people, the company employs nine today and plans to continue the growth, creating jobs in Volusia County. “The Poulins are visionaries determined to succeed. They have all the potential for creating and maintaining a successful high-growth company,” Bernal said. In the past year, Ken Poulin received certification as a Master Restorer with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification; his wife, Anne-Marie Poulin became a Florida-licensed mold remediator; and the business expanded into an 8,000-square-foot building in Edgewater. Additionally, the First Response Team went through a rigorous process before being approved as a partner/contractor with First Choice Repair, a third-party administrator that refers insurance carriers to approved restoration and emergency mitigation contractors. First Response is a full-service restoration service team that handles water extraction, water damage restoration, mold removal, and fire and smoke damage restoration. The company focuses on developing trusted relationships with business partners, including plumbing contractors, property managers, real estate and insurance agents and others.

EPIC Engineering & Consulting Group Relocating Corporate Headquarters to Winter Springs, bringing 20 employees

ORLANDO, Fla. -- EPIC Engineering & Consulting Group, a client of the UCF Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in east Orange County, is poised to graduate from the program and relocate their corporate headquarters to the Vistawilla Office Center in Winter Springs. “The City of Winter Springs offers a highly appealing location for the company and our 18 employees. It’s ideally located for easy access to UCF as well as locations where our employees live,” said Prasad Chittaluru, chief executive officer of EPIC and resident of Seminole County. In addition, EPIC’s strategic partner Genensys LLC will also relocate, adding two additional employees to the Winter Springs location. David McLeod, managing partner of the Vistawilla Office Center said he supports the UCF Business Incubation Program and is pleased to welcome EPIC Engineering & Consulting. McLeod added that he works with emerging companies by offering favorable leasing rates in an effort to help them get their new businesses off the ground. “We are glad to have EPIC Engineering & Consulting and their strategic partner Genensys become part of the Winter Springs business community as new tenants in our building,” McLeod said. EPIC provides technology strategies, business process optimization services, web, mobile and GIS software products and integrated information management solutions to customers in the government, commercial and nonprofit sectors. EPIC delivers practical, scalable and sustainable solutions to address business situations requiring simplified information management and delivery, workflow efficiency and organizational transparency. Visit www.epicgroupllc.com. Genensys LLC delivers SimplifiedEMR and other fully customizable products to simplify and automate a medical practice enabling health care providers to deliver more personalized care. For more information visit, www.genensys.com.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Named To The ZweigWhite List of 100 “Hot Firms” for 2014

ORLANDO, Fla. – Baldwin Park-based Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, one of the nation’s leading designers of retail space, was recently named to the ZweigWhite Hot 100 Firms List for 2014. Cuhaci & Peterson President Jed Downs said ZweigWhite consulting firm based in Fayetteville, Ark., surveys architectural, engineering and environmental firms throughout the U.S. and Canada to select the 100 fastest growing companies based on revenue growth. This year’s 100 firms posted the highest percentage of revenue growth and dollar revenue growth over a three-year period compared to the other entrants. Downs said Cuhaci & Peterson’s revenues topped $15 Million in 2013. The firm employs a total staff of over 180 in Orlando and the Philadelphia area. The ZweigWhite Hot Firm List recognizes the firms that have outperformed the economy and competitors to become leaders in their chosen fields.

LENNAR TO UNVEIL NEW LUXURY HOME DESIGNS AT WATERLEAF

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar will introduce a new line of luxury home designs next month at Waterleaf located off Big Bend Road and Balm Riverview Road. Mark Metheny, president of the Central Florida division, said Lennar’s upcoming LH Collection series will offer luxury features and architectural elements normally found in homes that cost more than twice Lennar’s mid-$200s starting prices at Waterleaf. Lennar’s new LH Collection series of homes will range in size from 1,700 square feet of living space to 2,600 square feet. Standard features in Lennar’s LH Collection include eye-popping architecture and granite exteriors with Mediterranean barrel tile roofs and dramatic entryways. Indoors, Metheny said Lennar has advanced its open plan design concept to a new level with sweeping interiors, cathedral, vaulted and trey ceilings, crown molding and covered lanais that create dramatic outdoor living areas. All Lennar’s LH Collection series of homes at Waterleaf come with the homebuilder’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: a wide range of GE energy smart appliances, special features and upgrades at the one Lennar price. The first new LH Collection home at Waterleaf will open by Nov. 1, Metheny added.

Passport School to launch new school year with 21st Century Learning Tools for Every Student

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Orlando-based Quatro Solutions is teaming up with Passport School on Curry Ford Rd. in southeast Orlando to launch the region’s first 21st Century Learning Experience for students starting on Friday, Aug. 22 at 9 a.m. Jose Espejo, chief executive officer of Quatro Solutions Consulting Group LLC, said his firm will provide every student with the eBOLT Technology Program, including a powerful Android tablet with a full complement of interactive educational aps and media to link students and teachers to sophisticated learning resources. “The Quatro Solutions eBOLT Technology Program is the most advanced educational technology program on the market today,” Espejo said. “We have designed an innovative professional development program with training for teachers as well as students and a full range of powerful online resources to enhance the teachers-student experience throughout the school year,” Espejo explained. Espejo said community leaders and news media have been invited to visit Passport School on opening day to see the technology firsthand. Passport School will serve 179 students in grades K-8 this year, Espejo said. The student body is approximately 70 percent Hispanic, 19 percent White, and 8 percent Black, he added. The Title I school serves a predominately Hispanic area with a high proportion of low-income families---approximately 84 percent of Passport’s student body qualifies for free or reduced-price school lunches, Espejo said. “Quatro Solutions is partnering with Passport School faculty and students to pioneer the most advanced, most innovative educational system available today,” Espejo said. Quatro Solutions Consulting Group is located at the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program site at Central Florida Research Park in East Orange County.

PulteGroup Recognizes Top Sales Consultants for May, June, July

Venice / Ft. Myers, Fla. -- PulteGroup has named three top sales consultants in the South Florida division as New Home Sales Leaders for selling the highest number of new homes during the months of May, June and July. Scott Mairn, vice president of sales and marketing for PulteGroup, Inc. in South Florida, said the three sold more homes in those months than any other PulteGroup sales consultant in more than 20 communities in the south Florida region. At the DiVosta community of IslandWalk at the West Villages in Venice, Michael Barbalato sold the most homes during May. The Buffalo, NY native has been with PulteGroup over four years. “Mike has been a significant driver of the continued success of IslandWalk,” Mairn said. Sam Perry, working out of The Preserve at Corkscrew community in Fort Myers, sold more new homes than any other associate in the South. Perry is a Michigan native who has been with Pulte in South Florida for less than a year. “Sam did a great job presenting this community and its amenities during a typically slower home buying month,” Mairn said. Back up at DiVosta’s IslandWalk at the West Villages, PulteGroup’s newcomer Julie Walburn topped Barbalato’s May sales as she became July’s sales leader. Walburn who has six years of real estate experience moved to Florida from Washington state a year ago and has only been with PulteGroup since April. “Walburn and Barbalato are hot this summer selling new two and three-bedroom single-family DiVosta homes in seven different designs,” Mairn said For more information about these communities, visit divosta.com/islandwalk or pulte.com/preserve.

FANlando to Present Promising Startups to Investors at Pitch Events Aug. 20, Oct 15

ORLANDO, Fla. -- FANlando, a charter group of Florida Angel Nexus (FAN), which fosters the state’s angel and entrepreneurial communities, will privately showcase promising startup companies to their members Wednesday Aug. 20 and Oct. 15 at the Gray Robinson law offices in downtown Orlando. Blaire Martin, director of Florida Angel Nexus, said FAN provides services and resources to efficiently launch and administer early stage investment groups. Accredited investors interested in accessing Florida’s pipeline of interesting investment opportunities and FAN’s robust resources for vetting and supporting ventures should contact Martin at blaire@floridaangelnexus.com. Entrepreneurs interested in pitching their high-growth venture to investors should visit www.floridaangelnexus.org to apply online. Florida Angel Nexus aims to link qualified companies with aggressive development plans to Florida investors. FANlando has over 45 members and committed $1 million in 2013. “Our membership seeks high growth ventures with strong management teams. These companies have a sustainable competitive advantage, address a significant market opportunity, and often solve a pressing need for their customers,” said Kathy Chiu, FAN’s chief operating officer. Located at 12201 Research Parkway at Central Florida Research Park in Orlando, the Florida Angel Nexus is a network of 33 partners that includes the Florida Institute for Commercialization of Public Research, the Florida High Tech Corridor, the University of Central Florida, the Angel Capital Association, Gray Robinson Attorneys, and co-investment partners. To stay informed, follow Florida Angel Nexus on twitter@flangelnexus.

Del Webb Stone Creek to unveil new softball amenity complex and fishing pier on Sept. 13

OCALA, Fla. --- Del Webb Stone Creek in Ocala will unveil the first and only private Del Webb softball amenity in Florida with an inaugural softball game on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. A new fishing pier will also be unveiled and plans for a neighborhood dog park are under review. Sean Strickler, vice president of sales and operations for Del Webb in the North Florida region, said the inaugural game will be played between the Del Webb Stone Creek softball club and Del Webb employees. The public is invited to attend and registration for tickets is required. The new softball facilities will feature golf cart parking, a concession stand with grill, Bermuda grass outfield, covered dugouts for Home and Visitors, a clay warning track in the outfield, an electronic scoreboard and two sets of bleachers for fans. Strickler said Del Webb Stone Creek will also open its fishing pier and plans for a possible dog park are underway. The all-weather pressure-treated Trex decking fishing pier will be six feet wide and over 150 feet long and will hold up to 144 people. Del Webb Stone Creek offers active adults new, single-family homes priced from $135,990 to $271,990 in nine home designs that range in size from 1,133 square feet of living space to more than 2,589 square feet. One of the largest Del Webb communities in the U.S., Del Webb Stone Creek features Reflection Bay, an amenity center encompassing almost 50,000 square feet with fitness and event gathering areas, softball field, and recreational, social and educational activities to match every lifestyle. The Stone Creek Golf Club, a Terry-Doss designed Championship 18-hole golf course, and the Stone Creek Grille are located immediately outside the neighborhood gates and offer residents a country club-like atmosphere. Model homes at Del Webb Stone Creek are open daily for viewing. For event ticket details, email heather.haight@pulte.com.

Stirling Sothyeby’s International Realty appoints Tiffany Licata an International Luxury Home Specialist in new Lake Nona Real Estate Gallery

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed Tiffany Licata an International Luxury Homes Specialist serving the Lake Nona Medical City Area from the new Lake Nona Real Estate Galley on Narcoossee Rd. in southeast east Orlando. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Licata is a native of New York who lived in Central Florida since 1988 A seasoned hospitality and corporate food service executive – Licata formerly managed several restaurant chains – and she and her husband have owned a commercial and residential renovations firm since 2011. “Tiffany Licata is a highly experienced service industry executive who has an excellent eye for real estate values,” Soderstrom said. “We expect her to play a major role in our growth in the Lake Nona Medical City area,” he said.

Park Square Homes opens its newest community Waterside Vista in Lake Nona area

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Park Square Homes recently opened its newest community of Waterside Vista situated on the northeast shore of Fells Cove, east of Lake Tohopekaliga on Narcoossee Rd. in Southeast Orlando. Jeff Menzel, director of sales and marketing, said Park Square Homes has 24 oversized home sites at Waterside Vista for new homes ranging from 2,494 square feet of living area to 5,010 square feet, priced from $400,000. One model–The Palazzo–is completed, furnished and ready for viewing. The Palazzo offers six bedrooms and four baths in 5,010 square feet of living area. Waterside Vista is masterfully planed with access to the canal to East Lake Tohopekaliga through a community boat ramp.

AccelaRx, University of Central Florida to Offer Internships in Scientific Communications

ORLANDO, Fla. --- One of the hottest new technology fields for aspiring professionals got a big boost recently when the University of Central Florida teamed up with AccelaRx---a global scientific communications company specializing in regulatory and medical writing---to offer Internships in Scientific Communications. Dr. Christine Ong, PharmD, BCPS, Head of Scientific Communications at AccelaRx, said the partnership with UCF’s Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, will expose students to the field of scientific communications focusing on clinical research, regulatory science and medical writing. “Our collaboration is part of the PRIME STEM initiative aimed at fostering the academic and social growth of eligible student scholars at UCF,” Dr. Ong said. First-generation college students who demonstrate financial need or have a documented disability and who are pursuing STEM related majors---Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics---can qualify for an Internships in Scientific Communications appointment, Dr. Ong explained. “There is a huge need for this type of training environment particularly in the scientific communications and medical writing arena,” Dr. Ong said. “Our collaboration in this internship program will prove of tremendous benefit to UCF students and also to the biotech and pharmaceutical industry. We will expose students to a whole different field of medical science and provide relevant experience and knowledge they can utilize throughout their professional life,” Dr. Ong said. Dr. Ong said AccelaRx will host one or two students every semester for internships that last up to six months. Some students will be hired as full time employees by AccelaRx when they graduate, Dr. Ong added. AccelaRx is a client of the UCF Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in East Orange County.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty names Veteran Banking Executive Barbara Ashley Jones an International Luxury Home Specialist in Lake Nona

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has names veteran banking executive Barbara Ashley Jones an International Luxury Home Specialist firm’s Lake Nona Real Estate Marketing Center. Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Jones began her banking career in 1973 in New York and moved to the Orlando area in 1987. She served as assistant treasurer and operations manager at The First FA Bank in Orlando from 1988 to 1993 during which time she earned her Florida Mortgage Broker and Florida Real Estate licenses. Jones is a graduate of the Realtor® Institute, is a Florida Real Estate Military Specialist, a Military Relocation Professional, a Certified International Property Specialist, a Certified Distressed Property Expert and a Certified Notary Signing Agent. Barbara was recently recognized by the 2013 Honor Society for Florida Realtors and ORRA 2013 Honor Society. A native of Guyana, Jones was the founding Treasurer of the Guyanese American Cultural Association of Central Florida (GACACF). She was appointed to the boards of directors of the Orange County Minority Women Business Enterprise and the Orange County Housing Finance Authority, which she chaired for two years. “Barbara Jones is an outstanding senior executive with enormous skills and experience,” Soderstrom said. Jones will focus on the Lake Nona, Medical City and St. Cloud areas, Soderstrom added.

Cuhaci & Peterson completes design work on The Grove in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, completed design work of the retail section at The Grove at Isleworth, a mixed-use development located on Apopka Vineland Rd. off Conroy-Windermere Rd. Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the development includes some 125,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. Tavistock Group is the developer of The Grove at Isleworth with current tenants that include Fifth Third Bank, LA Fitness, Panera Bread and Walgreens.

Pulte Homes has only 19 Luxury Townhomes Remaining for Sale at Vizcaya in Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Fla. --- Pulte Homes has only 19 luxury townhomes remaining for sale at Vizcaya, the popular gated community located on Hodges Blvd. near Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville just four miles from Jacksonville Beach. Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for the Pulte Homes North Florida Division, said that with only three move-in ready townhomes available, the award-winning home builder recently released two more buildings of townhomes to be built at Vizcaya, both with water views. New three-bedroom luxury townhomes at Vizcaya range in size from 2,052 square feet of living space to 2,369 square feet with two-and-a-half baths and attached two-car garages. Open floor plans offer plenty of entertainment and living space, with the bedrooms, especially the huge owner’s suite, designed for privacy and convenience. Both the Mirella and Portofino home designs offer the spacious owner’s suite on the first floor. Along with Mediterranean-inspired architecture, barrel tile roofs and paver driveways, Vizcaya is a gated community and features a community clubhouse with a resort-style swimming pool, fitness center and meeting room. All three ready-to-move-in townhomes available today at Vizcaya boast the popular Portofino floor plan with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, and upgraded tile or wood flooring, priced from $294,730.

M/I Homes Opens Narcoossee Village near Medical City

Orlando, Fla. --- M/I Homes recently opened two new model homes and completed three move-in-ready homes at Narcoossee Village located on Narcoossee Rd. off Jack Brack Blvd. in St. Cloud near Medical City and Lake Nona. David Byrnes, president of M/I Homes in the Orlando region, said the homebuilder plans 100 new homes in the first phase at Narcoossee Village. New homes range in size from 1,758 square feet of living space to 4,700 square feet with three, four and five bedrooms priced from $235,990 to $350,000. The two models recently completed by M/I Homes at Narcoossee Village are the four-bedroom, two-bath Capastrano with 2,100 square feet and the Sonoma with five bedrooms, three baths in 3,642 square feet of living area.

StoneGate Golf Club at Solivita Names New Food & Beverage Director

KISSIMMEE, Fla. --- StoneGate Golf Club at Solivita in Kissimmee has named Carmen Cherico food and beverage director. Arto Rahmani, general manager of Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita, said Cherico has more than 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Cherico began his career in Fort Lauderdale at Pierre 66 Restaurant and Marina. Most recently, Cherico was kitchen manager at TGI Fridays in Kissimmee. “We are excited that Carmen joined our staff at StoneGate Golf Club and look forward to enjoying his creative cooking and seeing our members and guests enjoy it as well,” Rahmani said.

VILLAGES OF ROYAL PALM NOW HAS FOUR FULLY FURNISHED MODELS READY FOR VIEWING – 12 HOMESITES REMAINING IN THE LAST PHASE

Port Orange, Fla. – The Villages of Royal Palm now has four fully-furnished model homes ready for viewing at the gated community in Port Orange developed by Winston-James Development. Jamie Adley, president of The Villages of Royal Palm, said two new fully-furnished models have just been completed to make a total of four fully furnished models. In addition, the community has five move-in-ready homes available for immediate occupancy One of the new furnished models offers 1,304 square feet of living area with two bedrooms and two baths and a large screened lanai under the structural roof. The price of the home is $222,600 The other new furnished model is a two-bedroom, two-bath plan with 1,618 square feet of living area and features a flex room, spacious great room, kitchen and breakfast area, perfect for entertaining. The price of the home is $239,258 Adley said there are 12 home sites available in the last phase at The Villages of Royal Palm for homes that range from 1,304 square feet of living area to 1,680 square feet, priced from the low $200s. “This is the last chance to buy a new home in the Villages of Royal Palm,” Adley said. Visit the sales office located at 1483 Areca Palm in Port Orange.

Hold-Thyssen Negotiates new lease for Children’s Therapy provider at Westbay Professional Park

TAMPA, Fla. --- Hold-Thyssen, Inc., a commercial property firm based in Winter Park, with offices in Tampa, recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 1,200 square feet of professional office at 6911 Pistol Range Rd. at Westbay Professional Park. Richard J. Fisher, vice president / investor services in Hold-Thyssen’s Tampa office, said Transaction Specialist Theresa Margaris negotiated the transaction representing the landlord J&C Property Holdings, LLC. Margaris said the new tenant, Therapy Station, a well-established children’s physical, occupational and speech therapy provider, found that their relocation to Westbay Professional Park provides better access to public transportation for patients and increased exposure to enhance future growth. Hold-Thyssen, Inc. provides commercial property and leasing and management services to institutional and private investor clients nationwide. The 40-year old firm’s current portfolio includes more that 100 commercial properties throughout the United States.

Cuhaci & Peterson completes design for The Fresh Market in Lake Mary

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, completed design work for The Fresh Market located at Lake Mary Center off Lake Mary Blvd. and Lake Emma Rd. in Lake Mary. Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson said the Fresh Market facility is 24,680 square feet and construction was recently completed. Equity One of South Florida and New York is the developer of Lake Mary Center. Cuhaci & Peterson Architects is one of the nation’s leading designers of retail space with projects that total more than two million square feet annually.

Tech TY Online Security firm joins UCF Business Incubator in Apopka

APOPKA, Fla. – Tech TY, an online security firm providing full-service consulting and training, has been accepted into the UCF Business Incubation Program in Apopka. Sandy Masin, principal and co-founder of Tech TY, said the firm specializes in mission critical security projects for government, healthcare, education and commercial clients. Masin is a 30-year veteran of the technology industry whose experience includes managing secure projects for the Pentagon and White House, working with Ross Perot, key roles at AT&T and pioneering the Tech Data government project. “Our mission is to deliver innovative, cost effective security solutions,” Masin said. The firm currently employs two full time professionals and plans to add two more within the next 12 months.

Lennar Appoints Veteran Community Leader Brock Nicholas to Oversee Orlando Homebuilding Operations

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar has appointed veteran community leader and executive Brock Nicholas to Division Manager of Lennar’s home building and community development operations in the Orlando area, which includes 33 communities across Orange, Lake, Seminole, Polk, Osceola and Brevard counties. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Nicholas earned an MBA Degree from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College and has 15 years of experience in real estate related acquisition, development, construction or management in markets including California, Hawaii, Connecticut and Florida as well as the UK, Canada and Caribbean. “Brock is one of the most experienced business leaders in Florida with a very well-rounded background coming from the private equity investing space, including exposure to a wide range of businesses like renewable energy power generation, luxury golf resorts, finance, government relations and the gaming industry in addition to home building,” Metheny said. Nicholas, who serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of Florida Community Developers and will take over as chairman of Boys and Girls Clubs of Osceola County, will report to Metheny.

ATI Companies Earns Three Contracts in Orange County, Lee County to Locate, Map Utility Structures Using Sophisticated Technology

Kissimmee, Fla. --- Ambient Technologies, Inc. was recently awarded three contracts in Orange and Lee counties to locate and map utilities structures that are critical to water conservation and supply in both counties. Albert Franklin Rodriguez, vice president of marketing at Ambient Technologies, said his company earned the contracts due to a wide range of sophisticated technologies the company marshaled under one roof. Work on one contract is part of a major Orange County project to improve the Western Regional Water Supply Facility at 2552 Lakeville Rd. in Orlando. The work includes geophysical surveying, designating and mapping utilities at the site where Orange County recently awarded a $10 million contract to demolish old facilities and construct a new operations building. Rodriguez said ATI’s expertise in the use of ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electronic utility locating equipment was key to the contract award. A second contract, also in Orange County, includes work on the Southern Service Area Transmission Main, where ATI will survey, map and stake the water main and its ancillary structures that range in size from 12 inches to 42 inches. In Lee County, ATI’s contract calls for company specialists to locate, map and stake more than 31,000 feet of water main pipeline as part of Lee County’s Cape Coral Water Main Replacement Project. ATI is a diverse, multi-disciplinary engineering group that offers environmental and geotechnical drilling, geophysical services, surveying and mapping and Solar Energy field applications to consulting, engineering and general construction companies. ATI is a client company of the UCF Business Incubation Program at 111 Monument Drive in downtown Kissimmee.

FAZ Technology Graduates from University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program

ORLANDO, Fla. --- FAZ Technology, which developed the FAZT Platform family of laser interrogators, custom fiber optic sensors and software applications that serves a wide range of industrial processes, recently graduated from the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program. Gordon Hogan, director of the UCF Business Incubation Program, said in addition to their R&D facility in Dublin, Ireland, FAZ Technology is adding 5,000 square feet to its current 10,000 square foot global headquarters in Orlando, and has recently opened offices in Houston, Texas, to serve the oil and gas and power generation industries and Athens, Greece to serve the marine transportation industry. “FAZ Technology developed a robust, reliable high precision optical sensing and measurement platform with applications in oil and gas, power generation, rail and marine transportation, pharmaceutical manufacturing and other industries,” Hogan said. Tim Fritzley, chief executive officer (CEO) at FAZ Technology, said the FAZT high precision optical sensing and measurement platform is capable of performing in the world’s harshest environments based on years of operational lifecycle. “Optical sensing and measurement will increase the precision and timeliness of process measurements while decreasing the initial costs of installation and lifecycle maintenance,” Fritzley said. “FAZ Technology solutions can dramatically increase health and safety for workers, for the infrastructure and for the environment. Our goal is to reduce human and process-control induced disasters while providing open and verifiable data to the public,” he said.

Lennar’s Spanish-Style Coach Homes at Sonoma at Fiddler’s Creek in Naples offers carefree lifestyle, elegant design

NAPLES, Fla. --- Lennar’s elegant Coach Homes are proving to be one of the homebuilder’s most popular designs at Sonoma at Fiddler’s Creek, the private, master-planned, luxury residential community located off Collier Blvd. on Fiddler’s Creek Parkway in Naples. David Meyers, director of sales for Lennar’s Southwest Florida Division, said Lennar’s Coach Homes match perfectly with the world-class vacation lifestyle at Sonoma at Fiddler’s Creek where championship golf is just one of the attractions. Meyers said Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge is one of the biggest selling points at Sonoma at Fiddler’s Creek. “We really mean everything's included in our “Everything's Included” pledge, and home buyers in Naples really appreciate that,” Meyers said. The Everything’s Included offer means crown molding in the living areas, granite counter tops, wood cabinetry, recessed lighting, designer light fixtures, pendant lighting, stainless steel appliances and many additional features are all included in the one Lennar Homes price.

Orlando based ALTR is a winner in recent SCORE Competition

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando based ALTR was named one of three finalists in the existing business category of the recent SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) business plan competition. ALTR won in its division of the SCORE competition and received $1,500 plus free SCORE services and meetings with banking executives and a marketing strategist, according to company Founder Alexandra Gramatikas. The two-year-old company creates colorful button covers in a variety of motifs, and customizes them with logos and designs for companies, schools, events, philanthropies or marketing. ALTR’s plastic covers, which are machine washable, were created to slide onto most existing buttons on shirts, blouses and blazers and also can be used on shoes, hats, handbags and other items. To learn more about ALTR and its products, visit www.madetoaltr.com. SCORE is a non-profit organization of volunteers who have successfully set up and run small or large companies. ALTR is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program.

NAI REALVEST NAMES TOM MILLER DIRECTOR OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

ORLANDO, Fla. -- NAI Realvest, one of central Florida’s largest commercial real estate services companies, recently named Tom Miller as director of property management. Patrick Mahoney, president and chief operating officer at NAI Realvest, said Miller has more than 19 years of experience in commercial real estate. Prior to joining NAI Realvest Miller held leadership positions with Divisions Maintenance Group, Jones Lang LaSalle and National City Corporation. Miller has directed teams in managing a wide variety of property types, including commercial office, high-rise, flex/warehouse, critical operations/data center space and retail. Miller holds a Master of Business Administration and Management from the University of Akron and his specialized training, certifications and affiliations include Certified Facilities Manager (CFM), Facilities Management Administrator (FMA), Real Property Administrator (RPA) and Certified Property Manager (CPM). As Director of Property Management, Miller has bottom line responsibility and accountability for the comprehensive performance of the Property Management department at NAI Realvest.

Lennar Central Florida Division breaking ground on new Claridge Townhomes at Meadow Pointe just North of New Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar Homes is breaking ground on its newest community, Claridge Townhomes at Meadow Pointe, located off Meadow Point Blvd. just north of New Tampa in southern Pasco County. Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Claridge Townhomes at Meadow Pointe is planned for 88 town homes ranging from 1,178 square feet of living area to 1,612 square feet. Town homes will be priced from the $120s Metheny said. All Claridge Townhomes at Meadow Pointe come with Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” pledge: a selection of upgrades such as crown molding, granite countertops, wood cabinetry, designer light fixtures, stainless steel appliances and a highly rated energy efficiency package all for the one Lennar Homes price. The community is conveniently located within minutes of The Shops at Wiregrass and Florida Hospital, and homeowners have access to three Meadow Pointe amenity centers. Meadow Pointe, an 1,800-acre designated CDD with several hundred acres of nature preserve, includes an array of amenities including swimming pools, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, playgrounds, nature trails and bike paths. Visit www.LennarTampa.com to sign up and be notified when new Claridge Townhomes at Meadow Pointe floor plans are ready to preview.

Vision Engineering Solutions LLC, Plasmonics Inc. Win 4th Annual Sikorsky Innovations Entrepreneurial Challenge Competition

Orlando, Fla. --- Two Orlando technology companies---Vision Engineering Solutions LLC and Plasmonics Inc.---were named winners of the 4th Annual Sikorsky Innovations Entrepreneurial Challenge Competition recently. Both firms are client companies of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program near the UCF campus. Ed Logue, chief executive officer of Vision Engineering Solutions, said the two companies shared proprietary technologies to develop the novel laser warning and attribution system that won the competition. “There is a growing problem of aircraft in flight being illuminated by lasers from the ground. These illuminations can cause pilot disorientation, eye injury, and even an aircraft crash. Our system, the Laser Detection and Attribution System (LDAS), will detect laser illuminations, warn the aircrew, and provide the location of where the laser is coming from. LDAS will greatly improve the protection of aircrews and aircraft from laser illuminations, and lead to significant reductions in the harmful or deadly effects,” Logue explained. Nathan Post, chief operations officer at Plasmonics, said the collaborative companies were uniquely positioned to turn a bright idea into a marketable---and award-winning---technology. Plasmonics specializes in infrared technologies. The firm is primarily engaged in research, design and fabrication of thermal management materials for satellites and profile detection cameras for long range perimeter security, Post explained. Vision Engineering Solutions focuses on modeling and simulation, sensor design and fabrication, optical design and testing, and a range of field data collection and data analysis areas. Its PASS System is already marketed to defense contractors to protect satellites, personnel and assets from inadvertent illumination by lasers. Sikorsky is a United Technologies Company that specializes in aircraft and aerospace services. Sikorsky created their Entrepreneurial Challenge to stimulate the advancement of innovators with concepts pertaining to the vertical flight field.