Larry Vershel Communications

Winston James’ Beville Road Business Park leases 1,050 square foot Office to Longtime Local Business

2012-02-02T12:14:00.000-05:00

SOUTH DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --- The Beville Road Business Park in South Daytona, developed and owned by Winston-James Development Co., recently leased 1,050 square feet of office space to Daytona Pressure Washing, Equipment & Supply.

Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, said the new tenant owner is longtime local businessman Garry L. Boyd who is relocating from another Daytona industrial area. The firm provides equipment sales, parts and services of all types of pressure washing equipment.

Tolaris Realty Group Posts Record Sales of More Than $20 Million in 2011, Best Year Since 2007

2012-02-02T12:09:00.000-05:00

LAKE FOREST, Fla. --- Tolaris Realty Group, which focuses on sales of luxury homes in Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties, reported it closed on sales valued at more than $20 million in 2011.

“We had our best year since 2007,” said Rick Bavec, president of Tolaris Realty Group.

Bavec said he expects to double that figure in 2012.

“We are seeing a significant increase in queries from home buyers and we currently have more than $4 million in sales in the works now,” Bavec said.

Bavec added that he projects sales in 2012 will top $40 million.

Eukairos Technologies Corp.’s new Intel AppUpSM Small Business Service Lets Small Business Users Pay as They Grow

2012-02-01T14:16:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. – Eukairos Technologies Corp has launched the Intel AppUpSM Small Business Service to provide leading technology solutions to small business users at a lower cost.

Karl H. Muhlbach, president and chief executive officer at Eukairos Technologies said the Intel AppUpSM Small Business Service is a result of a partnership with Intel Corp.

“The Intel AppUpSM Small Business Service allows small business users to access leading technology solutions without the initial capital expense of hardware and software purchases,” Muhlbach said.

Muhlbach said the Intel AppUpSM Small Business Service provides a locally hosted Intel-based server with a comprehensive catalog of business software, including Microsoft Windows Small Business Server, available through an affordable monthly subscription.

“The Intel AppUpSM Small Business Service is remotely managed and maintained by Eukairos Technologies via the cloud,” Muhlbach explained.

But Eukairos Technologies offers a critical distinction: data is securely housed on the user’s premises rather than an off-site data center.

“This feature provides users with greater accountability and security,” Muhlbach said.

Eukairos Technologies is a member company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation program at Central Florida Research Park in East Orlando.

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.

Crossman & Company Named Exclusive Leasing, Management Representatives at Shoppes at Deer Creek in Atlanta Area

2012-02-01T14:12:00.000-05:00

Douglasville, Ga. / Orlando, Fla. – Crossman & Company, based in Orlando, has been named exclusive leasing and management representatives at the Shoppes at Deer Creek, located at 4300 Chapel Hill Rd. in Douglasville, Ga. west of Atlanta.

John Crossman CCIM, president of Crossman & Company, said the firm’s senior vice president John Zielinski CCIM, is the principal contact for the Shoppes at Deer Creek.

The Publix anchored shopping center with 64,460 square feet of retail space includes 11 shops. Five of the shops are already leased.

Crossman & Company is one of the largest and most active retail property management and leasing companies in the Southeast.

About Crossman & Company
Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., Crossman & Company is a commercial real estate brokerage firm that specializes in the retail industry. Currently their portfolio under leasing and/or management exceeds 150 shopping centers throughout the Southeast US. Founded in 1990, Crossman & Company focuses solely on landlord representation and serves clients including Publix, PREIT, and GE. Please visit www.crossmanco.com, or call 407-423-5400 for more information.

SeaGate Homes Leads Again in Palm Coast New Construction Permits

2012-02-01T14:08:00.000-05:00

PALM COAST – SeaGate Homes, Flagler County’s largest homebuilder, led the 2011 construction in Palm Coast by pulling 34 percent of the single-family home permits issued in the city.

Of the 20 builders who were issued a total of 79 permits, SeaGate Homes requested 27 of them, according to Michael Sawdai, SeaGate’s vice president of operations.

“Despite a slow economy we are happy to have pulled 27 permits,” he said, adding that the figure is as many as the next four builders’ numbers combined.

The strong 2011 finish even surpassed the previous year when SeaGate led the competition with 31 percent of permits issued.

Sawdai said he believes the high numbers for the 18-year-old, family-owned company partly are due to the variety of homes the company builds for a range from between $100,000 to more than $400,000.

“It also shows the confidence so many homebuyers have in our company because of the quality we put into all of our homes,” he said.

For more information about SeaGate’s new models and these and other new floor plans, please call 386-445-1616 or visit www.SeaGateHomes.com.

About SeaGate Homes:
SeaGate Homes – an 18-year-old, family-owned company with headquarters in Palm Coast – builds quality homes at communities in St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Daytona Beach and Edgewater, as well as their On-Your-Lot program in Volusia, Flagler and St. Johns counties. Prices range from the $100s to the $400s.

Del Webb Southshore Falls to Host Community Event Feb. 18 -- Meet the Residents, Tour Models, Amenities

2012-02-01T14:03:00.000-05:00

APOLLO BEACH, Fla. --- Del Webb Southshore Falls in Apollo Beach will host a community event and reception on Saturday, Feb. 18 to showcase 10 floor plans and its Wellspring Club, a 14,000 square foot community facility that boasts a heated lagoon style swimming pool, ballroom and state-of-the-art fitness facility.

Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for Del Webb in North Florida, said the event is free and open to the public from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“We plan to provide plenty of appetizers, beverages in our model homes and live music by the pool,” Strickler explained. “It’s a chance to tour our four model homes where prospective homebuyers can meet our residents and find out what it’s really like to live here,” he said.

Del Webb Southshore Falls boasts 10 floor plans with two and three-bedroom homes including single-family home and villa floor plans priced from $129,990 to $208,990, Strickler said.

New homes at Del Web Southshore Falls range in size from 1,363 square feet of living space to 2,278 square feet.

The main attraction is Del Webb Southshore Falls’ Wellspring Club, a magnificent 14,000-square foot community clubhouse that features a heated lagoon style swimming pool, a resistance walking pool, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, an Internet café, billiards and game rooms, a grand ballroom, bocce ball courts, and putting green.

Del Webb Southshore Falls is located on 5815 Sunset Falls Drive in Apollo Beach.

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

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

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

Apple Seed Marketing Receives Platinum Award for Video

2012-01-31T17:40:00.000-05:00

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.

First Green Bank Hopes to Turn Lake County ‘Green’ one Customer at a Time, says Bank’s Chief Executive Officer

2012-01-31T17:32:00.000-05:00

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.”

Ashton Woods Homes Opens Two Models, Starts Sales of 24 town homes at Fountain Park in Lake Mary

2012-01-31T17:28:00.000-05:00

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.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Office Lease at Regency Pointe in Lake Mary

2012-01-31T17:25:00.000-05:00

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.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Named Exclusive Agents for 227 Acre French County Estate in Lake County

2012-01-31T17:20:00.000-05:00

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.

Meritage Homes Showcases New Model Homes at Three Orlando-area Communities at recent Grand Openings

2012-01-31T17:11:00.000-05:00

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.

Ashton Woods Homes opens new phase with 40 home sites at The Landings in South Tampa

2012-01-27T15:36:00.000-05:00

TAMPA, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes has opened a new phase with 40 single family home sites for three, four and five bedroom homes priced from $229,990 at The Landings in South Tampa, located off Interbay and Westshore Blvds. in the Westshore region of Tampa.

Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes, said the single family homes in the new phase will range in size from 1,556 square feet of living space to 2,801 square feet.

Roche said Ashton Woods Homes has increased energy efficiency features on its Energy Star Homes in the Tampa Bay area.

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.

Lennar’s New “Next Gen” Homes in Four Tampa Communities Focus on Changing American Demographics

2012-01-27T15:31:00.000-05:00

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar has started construction of its first “Next Gen” homes in four Tampa Bay area communities that feature integrated “home within a home” floor plans for live-in relatives or guests.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Lennar’s new five and six bedroom “Next Gen” homes reflect changing American demographics.

“More and more Americans are seeking homes to provide for families that include more than one generation,” Metheny said.

“That may include elderly parents or grandparents, adult children with their own families, in-laws or extended families,” Metheny said.

The “home within a home” features include a complete living suite with eat-in kitchenette, living area, bedroom, walk-in closet, private bath and private entrance.

Metheny unveiled two new “Next Gen” floor plans. One offers 3,357 square feet of living space with five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and three-car garage.

A second “Next Gen” floor plan offers 3,867 square feet with six bedrooms, four- and-a-half baths and three-car garage.

Lennar will premier its “Next Gen” homes at Ayersworth Glen in Riverview off U.S. 301 and Big Bend Road; Concord Station in Land O’Lakes off SR 54 in Pasco County; Live Oak Preserve in New Tampa and Panther Trace in Riverview.

“Next Gen homes aren’t for every family, but for larger multi-generation and extended families, Next Gen should be the perfect solution,” Metheny said.

NAI Realvest negotiates New Lease for 7,200 square feet at Apopka Industrial Center

2012-01-27T15:26:00.000-05:00

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement that includes an option for the tenant to buy the property at 2325 Clark St. in Apopka.

NAI Realvest principal Michael Heidrich assisted his son, Michael Heidrich, Jr., a new associate at the firm, in negotiating the lease of the 7,200 square foot facility on behalf of the tenant, Avery Holdings, LLC of Colorado Springs, Colo.

It’s the first closed transaction for Michael Heidrich, Jr. who just joined NAI Realvest in the fourth quarter of last year.

The landlord, RJP Properties LLC of Tavares was represented by Robby Robinson of Florida Site Selectors.

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

NAI Realvest Negotiates Lease for 3,000 square feet at Industrial facility in Sanford

2012-01-27T15:24:00.000-05:00

MAITLAND, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a lease agreement for 3,000 square feet of industrial space at 3665 Delphini Way in the Delphini Airport Industrial Park North in Sanford off Lake Mary Blvd.

NAI Realvest associate Sean DuPree, CCIM brokered the transaction representing the landlord, Delphini Industrial Park at Northstar LLC. of Altamonte Springs and the new tenant Conifer, LLC, a local manufacturer.

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.

Acquisition of NAI Global by C-III Capital Partners is Complete Local affiliate NAI Realvest to benefit from acquisition

2012-01-27T15:11:00.000-05:00

Maitland, Fla., — NAI Global, the largest network of independent commercial real estate firms worldwide, announced that its previously reported acquisition by C-III Capital Partners LLC (C-III) has been completed. The transaction will help create a leading fully integrated commercial property services company that will operate in markets around the world. Locally based NAI Realvest is the central Florida representative of NAI Global.

C-III is a leading commercial real estate services company engaged in a broad range of activities, including primary and special loan servicing, loan origination, fund management, CDO management, principal investment, title services and multifamily property management. C-III is led by chief executive officer Andrew L. Farkas, who founded and was Chairman and CEO of Insignia Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:IFS). Its principal place of business is located in Irving, TX, and it has additional offices in New York, New York; Greenville, South Carolina; McLean, Virginia; Chicago, Illinois; Dallas, Texas and Nashville, Tennessee.

NAI Global will continue to operate as a separate company under its current management. C-III will accelerate NAI Global’s growth by exploring business development opportunities in strategic locations, including New York, London, Singapore and other primary global business centers. It will also invest in the growth of the corporate solutions and capital markets offering, expanding asset/property management, project/facilities management and valuation services worldwide.

“The completion of this transaction represents a significant step forward in our strategy to build a fully diversified commercial real estate services company,” said Mr. Farkas. “With the NAI Global acquisition, we are gaining the world’s leading commercial real estate network and a tremendous foundation for future growth. As we begin a new year, we look forward to partnering with the NAI team to provide enhanced services to the commercial and institutional real estate markets they serve as well as continuing to take advantage of other opportunities to grow and expand our platform.”

“We are thrilled to be joining forces with C-III and excited about the opportunity to deliver an even broader range of services to our members and add greater value to our collective corporate and investment clients. We look forward to tapping into their extensive resources and expertise to assist all of our clients in strategically optimizing their commercial real estate assets,” said Jeffrey M. Finn, president and chief executive officer of NAI Global.

“We’re very excited about the opportunities this transaction will provide. NAI Realvest will continue to be the largest independently-owned full service real estate firm in this area, but this partnership with C-III will make us even more competitive both nationally and internationally”, said Patrick Mahoney, president.

Founded in 1977 by Gerald Finn, NAI Global has grown from covering 15 countries in 1999 to offering a full, collaborative platform of services to clients in over 350 offices in 55 countries, with over 300 million square feet of commercial space under management.

C-III commenced operations with the purchase of Centerline Capital Group’s institutional real estate debt fund management and commercial mortgage loan servicing businesses in March 2010. Since that time, C-III has successfully launched mortgage origination, investment sales and title insurance businesses, and expanded its principal investment, loan origination, fund management and primary and special loan servicing businesses, including acquiring the special servicing and CDO management businesses of JER Partners in August 2011.

Financial terms of the NAI Global acquisition were not disclosed.

NAI Global (www.naiglobal.com) is the largest network of independent commercial real estate firms worldwide, comprised of over 5,000 professionals in 55 countries with more than 350 offices. NAI advisors work in tandem with our global management team to ensure our clients strategically optimize their real estate assets. NAI offices complete over $45 billion in combined transactions annually and manage more than 300 million square feet of commercial space.

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. To learn more, visit www.nairealvest.com.

NAI Realvest Launches Energy Site Selection Team to Focus on Alternative Energy Market

2012-01-26T12:45:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest, which ranks as one of Central Florida’s largest, fully integrated commercial real estate companies, has launched an Energy Site Selection Team to assist alternative energy producers with locating suitable sites for solar, waste-to-energy, and biomass production facilities.

George Livingston, chairman at NAI Realvest, said alternative energy production is an increasingly important industry segment with exceptional growth potential.

“The solar market is changing,” Livingston said.

“While the U.S. Government subsidies have been removed, the cost of panels has declined dramatically and may continue to do so over the foreseeable future,” Livingston explained.

As solar technology advances and solar panel costs decline, the industry will compete head to head with fossil fuel producers on a cost basis, Livingston explained.

“Environmental concerns over coal and nuclear power will also increase demand for solar power, which is clean and renewable,” he said.

Increasing fuel costs will drive the overall cost to produce electricity higher, which makes solar more attractive.

“It is likely that ‘solar utilities’ will flourish in the coming years,” Livingston said.

But the biggest advantage is a secret.

“Solar power production requires a short time to permit, build and bring online, and life cycle maintenance is very low-cost,” Livingston said.

A solar farm can be permitted, constructed and brought online in a year or less, Livingston said.

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

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners names three new professionals

2012-01-26T12:39:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park recently appointed three new professionals to its staff.

Tina Kennedy, Director of Human Resources at Cuhaci & Peterson, said John Dietz, LEED-AP, was appointed an Architectural Graduate. Dietz, who earned his LEED professional accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council, earned his Bachelor’s in Architecture from the University of Miami in 2010.

Brian Mullin, P.E., LEED-AP, is the firm’s newest Structural Engineer who earned his B.S. Degree from the University of North Florida in 2007.

Margaret Quintas, LEED-AP, who was named an Architectural Graduate at the firm, earned her Masters in Architecture from Norwich University in Connecticut in 2005.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Names Veteran World Traveler Michael Pitcairn International Luxury Home Specialist

2012-01-26T12:31:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed world traveler Michael Pitcairn International Luxury Home Specialist with the firm’s Orlando Marketing Center.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Pitcairn was raised in Historic Charleston, S.C., where he learned the real estate trade by his parents’ side — his mother and father are long time real estate professionals.

After living and working in California, and traveling throughout the world including Africa, Australia, Alaska, South America, Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean, Pitcairn relocated to Windermere to join Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty global marketing team.

“Michael Pitcairn has traveled extensively throughout the world and has made many contacts in overseas markets that will benefit his real estate career here in Orlando,” Soderstrom said.

“We expect him to play a major role in our growth,” he added.

Pitcairn is a member of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association, Florida Realtor Association and the National Realtor Association.

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

New Truffle’s Grill restaurant in Winter Park; Cuhaci & Peterson Architects handled the design work.

2012-01-26T12:20:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners did the design work for the new Truffle’s Grill restaurant that recently opened at the Winter Park Village.

Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects said the work included construction drawings for interior design and improvements for the 3,500 square foot restaurant.

Del Webb Stone Creek to Host Community Event Feb. 11 with Live Band, Food and Drinks

2012-01-26T12:10:00.000-05:00

OCALA, Fla. – Del Webb Stone Creek in Ocala will host a community event with food and drinks and a live band Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Stone Creek model park 6320 SW 89th Court Rd. in Ocala.

The event is free and open to the public.

Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for Del Webb in the north Florida region, said the event, scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. will include tours of 11 model homes at Del Webb Stone Creek along with plenty of food and beverages and prizes, including AMC, Shell Gas and Visa gift cards.

“We’re hosting receptions in our model homes with gourmet foods and beverages, Strickler said.

He added he expects to host record crowds at the active adult community.

“This is our busiest time of the year,” he said. “We have many guests and visitors who are here for the winter season and we are looking forward to entertaining them at Del Webb Stone Creek,” he added.

Del Webb sells single family homes and twin villas at Del Webb Stone Creek that range in size from 1,157 square feet of living space to 2,611 square feet.

One of the largest Del Webb communities in the U.S., Del Webb Stone Creek features the Reflection Bay and Elan Spa community clubhouses and 29 acre gardens along with its own 18-hole championship golf course and the Stone Creek Grille, a favorite of the residents.

For more information, visit delwebb.com/stonecreek or call 877-333-5932.

About Del Webb:
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2010, award-winning Del Webb communities provide a vibrant, enriched lifestyle for those ages 55 and older, creating an unmatched experience for the next phase of life. Del Webb communities began with the original Sun City which opened outside Phoenix, Arizona in 1960 and have grown to include more than 50 communities currently open for new home sales in 21 states. Del Webb is the undisputed leader of active adult communities in America and draws on its 50 years of experience of providing residents an engaging life which fulfills their creative, physical, mental, and social needs. Together with Del Webb residents, the brand is redefining retirement. For more information on Del Webb, visit www.delwebb.com

Solodev’s Shawn Moore Tapped as Speaker at New York Marketing Conference

2012-01-25T08:08:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. - Solodev founder and chief technology officer, Shawn Moore, has been chosen as a guest panelist for the Inbound Marketing Summit in New York City, Feb. 28-29.

The primary developer of Solodev’s enterprise website content management system (CMS), Moore will be joined by fellow CMS experts from other leading software companies such as Sitecore, Ektron, Hippo and Bridgeline Digital to discuss “What Marketers can tell IT about Content Management.” The moderator of the discussion is Scott Liewehr, the web content management analyst from Gilbane Services.

IMS is a conference for digital, social and mobile marketing and features nationally known speakers on topics such as social media, technology and emerging online trends. The summit will take place at 404, a new event space on New York’s West Side.

“We designed our software to be utilized by marketers without having to rely on their IT department for website updates so I am a looking forward to speaking on the subject,” Moore said. “I am also looking forward to learning about some of the latest developments in online marketing during the rest of the conference so we can further enhance our product line.”

Moore is considered a thought leader on the subject of website content management and functional website design. He has a passion for integrating the latest technologies in order to create dynamic online experiences and excels at helping Solodev clients maximize their digital marketing strategies.

Moore is a 2000 graduate of Stetson University. He founded Solodev in 2006, but has been working on the software platform since 2001. He was named to the Orlando Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” in 2009.

About Solodev
Solodev is an Internet software company with a growing suite of powerful yet easy to use tools that give organizations total control of their online presence. Solodev’s flagship product is an enterprise-level Website Content Management System built from the ground up with SEO, security and scalability in mind. This platform independent code base merges extensible back-end data processes with a custom user interface to create multifunctional and highly scalable online experiences. It centrally powers intranets, extranets, websites, micro-sites, mobile sites and even native smart-phone applications, giving administrators the ability to streamline operations and increase productivity. For more information about Solodev, please visit www.solodev.com.

About IMS
The must-attend conference for digital, social and mobile marketing is coming to New York City for the first time on February 28-29 at the West Side’s stylish new events space: 404. With a unique mix of inspirational speakers like Chris Brogan, Laura Fitton, Tim Hayden and Barry Libert, cutting edge content and real-world case studies, IMS is where innovative marketing and media professionals meet face to face, participate in sessions and network with their peers.

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 100 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. Please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook.

Son of NAI Realvest Executive wins $10,000 Body Building Prize While Serving in Afghanistan

2012-01-24T16:05:00.000-05:00

MAITLAND, Fla. – Sean W. Lynch, son of NAI Realvest executive Jack W. Lynch, recently won the $10,000 grand prize in a body building contest while serving in Afghanistan.

Jack W. Lynch said Nutrex, an Oviedo firm, sponsored the body building contest and awarded the prize.

Sean W. Lynch, a U.S. Marine, who competed against over 100 participants, was on his fifth tour of duty overseas, his third tour in Afghanistan — he previously served two tours in Iraq.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Industrial Renewal Lease at Springview CommerCenter in DeBary

2012-01-24T15:53:00.000-05:00

DeBary, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a lease renewal for 12,897 square feet of industrial space at Springview CommerCenter in DeBary.

Michael Heidrich, principal in the Maitland-based firm, negotiated the transaction on behalf of the landlord, Springview CommerCenter LLC.

The tenant, Avatar Relocation, Inc. of Longwood, renewed its lease of Suite 6 at 290 Springview Commerce Drive in the center located in the Springview Industrial Park off Shell Road.

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

Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange reports best December and best month of 2011

2012-01-24T15:49:00.000-05:00

PORT ORANGE, Fla. --- The Villages of Royal Palm in Port Orange, reported its best month of 2011 — that was in December, Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, Inc., said.

Winston-James is the developer of The Villages of Royal Palm.

Schwartz said sales of new homes at The Villages of Royal Palm exceeded $1 million for the month.

Only three ready-to-move-in homes remain for sale at the community, Schwartz added.

New homes at The Villages of Royal Palm range in size from 1,300 square feet of living space to 1,600 square feet and are priced from the $150s.

Beazer Homes Starts Construction of the Last Six Townhomes at Sawgrass Village in Pinellas Park

2012-01-24T15:42:00.000-05:00

TAMPA, Fla. – Beazer Homes has started construction of the last six town homes at Sawgrass Village, located in Pinellas Park on 70th Avenue, south of Park Blvd., east of 48th Avenue.

Ed Suchora, market manager for Beazer Homes in the Tampa Bay area, said the two and three bedroom townhomes are priced from the $140s with two-and-a-half baths and one-car garages.

Beazer Homes began building new homes at Sawgrass Village in 2005. When the last townhomes are completed, Beazer will have built and sold 308 townhomes there, Suchora said.

Sawgrass Village features a resort-style community swimming pool with a covered cabana, with easy commute to Tampa Bay’s shopping venues and beaches.

Visit www.beazer.com

About Beazer Homes:
Beazer Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the country's 10 largest single-family homebuilders with operations in 17 states. Beazer Homes is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "BZH."

Incentive Properties, Inc. opens offices in Altamonte Springs

2012-01-24T15:35:00.000-05:00

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. --- Incentive Properties, Inc. has opened new offices at 445 Douglas Ave. Suite 2205-D in Altamonte Springs.

Joseph Schwartz and Andy Katzman, partners and principals at Incentive Properties, said the firm helps investors acquire real estate properties.

“Our focus is to help investors obtain a 15 percent return on their real estate properties,” Schwartz said.

The firm has been in business a little over a year and, according to Schwartz, has more than 30 working portfolios now and adding more and more on a daily basis.

NAI Realvest negotiates new Lease of 7,500 square feet for Massey Services Orange City Office

2012-01-24T15:25:00.000-05:00

ORANGE CITY, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a lease agreement for 7,500 square feet of office/warehouse space at 830 South Volusia Ave. in Orange City.

Michael Heidrich, principal at NAI Realvest, based in Maitland, brokered the transaction on behalf of landlord John T. Mahoney of Winter Park.

The new tenant is Orlando-based Massey Services, Inc. who relocated its Orange City offices from another nearby industrial facility in the area.

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.

Value, Accountability are Keys to Success in Professional Consulting Practice WeinPlus Head Tells MArch Candidates

2012-01-24T15:15:00.000-05:00

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. --- Value and accountability are the most important keys to a successful professional practice, according to Rachel Elias Wein, founder and principal of WeinPlus Real Estate Advisory Services in St. Petersburg.

Wein, who addressed students in the Masters in Architecture program at the University of Florida recently, said the economic downturn has increased demand for these metrics in all segments of professional consulting.

“Value and accountability are objective measures and successful professionals demonstrate and document those measures to their clients in ways the clients can grasp enthusiastically,” Wein said.

“Professional consultants typically view a project in ways managers don’t,” Wein told the group.

“There is always a temptation for consultants to perpetuate a problem — as the problem exists the consultant still has work to do and fees to bill. That perspective has negative consequences for the individual and the profession. Clients won’t want to hire you and colleagues won’t want to work with you,” Wein said.

“You’re not here to sell your services,” Wein said. “You’re here to help your clients succeed.”

Wein, whose professional credentials include Masters Degrees in both architecture and real estate, said successful consultants today can document the value of their contribution toward a project.

“When I do project planning, I aim to generate a return of 10 to 15 times my fees for the client. If that sort of return is not feasible — if I can’t generate 10 to 15 times the profits a client is paying for — we’ll stop,” she said.

Tolaris Realty Group Names Dennis Gaynor an Associate

2012-01-24T15:05:00.000-05:00

Lake Forest, Fla. --- Tolaris Realty Group, located in Lake Forest off SR 46 west of Sanford, has appointed veteran real estate professional Dennis Gaynor its newest associate.

Rick Bavec, president of Tolaris Realty Group, said Gaynor has more than 25 years of experience in real estate – both residential and commercial. He has been involved in building, remodeling, investing, property management and has bought and sold over 100 single-family homes in Central Florida.

Meritage Homes names David Brown Land Development Manager

2012-01-23T12:29:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. – Meritage Homes has named David Brown land development manager.

Brian Kittle, vice president of sales said Brown is a graduate of the University of Miami and holds degrees in Political Science and Civil Engineering.

Brown and has more than eight years of land development experience and was formerly with Centex/Pulte Homes in Orlando.

Rhodes+Brito Architects Awarded Continuing Service Contract by City of Ocoee to Handle “Key” Architectural Projects

2012-01-23T12:14:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla., --- Rhodes+Brito Architects based in Orlando was recently awarded a continuing services contract to handle architectural projects for the City of Ocoee for construction projects not to exceed $2 million, Ruffin Rhodes, co-founder and partner of the firm reported.

Rhodes+Brito Architects, a full-service architectural firm that opened its offices in downtown Orlando in 1996, specializes in design of public facilities, including schools, airports and courthouses.

Pulte Homes to Unveil Two New Model Homes at Harrison Ranch Feb. 11

2012-01-23T12:09:00.000-05:00

PARRISH, Fla. --- Pulte Homes will host a grand opening Feb. 11 to showcase its new model park with two new model homes and to introduce ten new floor plans at Harrison Ranch located at 5755 Harrison Ranch Blvd. off U.S. 301 North in Parrish.

Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for Pulte Homes North Florida, said Radio Disney will be on hand for the grand opening event with fun activities for families along with

“The Crooked Spoon” food truck from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Strickler said Pulte Homes will showcase its new Mendoza model home, which features five bedrooms and three baths in 3,242 square feet of living space, and the Atwater model home, with three bedrooms, flex room and two baths in 2,162 square feet of living space.

“With our model park grand opening, we are introducing ten new floor plans in the community as well as new features integrated into the floor plans based on feedback derived from focus groups conducted with homeowners,” said Lyndsey Patterson, director of marketing for Pulte’s North Florida division.

Harrison Ranch features a 6,500 square foot community center with full-time lifestyle director, planned resident events, a state-of-the-art fitness center, junior Olympic-size swimming pool, media/gameroom, tennis courts and children’s playground, Patterson said.

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

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

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

Beazer Homes Announces Its Make Your Move Sales Event Feb 1-15 Beazer Offers Savings, Energy Efficiency and Personalization

2012-01-20T11:20:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO / TAMPA, Fla. – Beazer Homes, USA, INC. (NYSE: BZH), one of the country’s top 10 homebuilders, is giving homebuyers a chance to save big on a new home with its Make Your Move Sales Event, Feb. 1-15. During this two-week national promotion, Beazer is offering special incentives on its quick move-in and to-be-built ENERGY STAR® homes.

Beazer has been building energy efficient homes since 2006, and they continue to improve their commitment to providing quality homes. Every Beazer home guarantees energy-efficiency that meets and exceeds ENERGY STAR requirements. That means lower utilities and a lower cost of ownership for homeowners.

But Beazer doesn’t stop there - they also allow homebuyers to add their own personal touch to their homes. Homebuyers can personalize their floorplan with structural options to ensure that they get a home that suits their lifestyle. They can also go even further by personalizing their finishes through design upgrades such as flooring, lighting, cabinetry and more.

“Today’s homebuyers want to get more out of their home,” said Marty Shaffer, Division President of Beazer’s Tampa-Orlando Division. “By allowing homebuyers to personalize their home and providing energy efficiencies that go above and beyond ENERGY STAR, they can do just that.”

For those prospective homebuyers who may be on the fence in today’s market, the time to buy a new home couldn’t be better. During the Make Your Move Sales Event, Beazer is offering special incentives that allow prospective homebuyers to capitalize on the savings in a variety of their single-family, townhome and condominium communities in 22 metropolitan areas across the country. For more information, visit www.beazer.com.

Beazer Homes USA Inc.
Beazer Homes USA Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the country’s 10 largest single-family homebuilders, with operations in Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Beazer Homes is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “BZH”.

Lake Harris Estate offered at Fraction of Original Cost

2012-01-20T11:15:00.000-05:00

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty named exclusive broker for the Lake County Property

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty recently announced that one of its most prestigious listings on Lake Harris – one of a nine-lake chain of lakes in Lake County – has been dramatically reduced to $1,195,000 for immediate sale.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the lake front estate with its master crafted 6,226 square foot, four bedroom luxury home was originally built at a cost of well over $2,000,000.

“The national recession and the housing slowdown have generated hundreds of spectacular buys, but this one is one of the most attractive in the whole region,” Soderstrom said.

“The western exposure in the rear of the home affords spectacular sunsets and panoramic views from almost every room,” Soderstrom added.

“The lanai extends the entire length of the home, adding outdoor living space, a summer kitchen, large heated pool and spa with unobstructed views of the lake, and an enticing walkway to the private boathouse complete with two boat lifts and picnic areas,” he said.

The home features his and her studies, butler’s pantry with commercial icemaker and wine refrigerator, and a huge gourmet kitchen featuring Dacor appliances, built-in cooling drawers and a Subzero refrigerator.

The Lake Harris estate is listed by Stirling Sotheby’s International Luxury Home Specialists Deborah Breaux and Diana Smith with the firm’s Heathrow Sales Center 407-333-1900.

To view a brochure on the property, visit http://dianasmith.stirlingsir.com/eng/sales/detail/278-l-717-4323865/tavares-florida-tavares-fl-32778 or, go to http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=760858&r=www.sothebysrealty.com for a video tour.

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty:
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Names Qiping Shen International Marketing Expert and “China Connection”

2012-01-20T11:09:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed Qiping Shen an International Marketing Expert based at the firm’s Heathrow marketing center.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Shen, who was born in China, emigrated to the U.S. in 1991 and holds a Master’s Degree in mathematics and electronic engineering. He will focus on international investments in Central Florida residential and commercial properties.

“We have seen a significant increase in real estate inquiries and investments from China and other parts of Asia and we see that as a major area of growth in 2012,” Soderstrom said.

“Qiping Shen has an extensive network of colleagues and business contacts in the Asian community in the U.S., Canada and overseas and we expect him to play a major role in our growth,” Soderstrom said.

Shen, who relocated to the Orlando area in 1997, was a mathematics instructor at Shandong University in China for 10 years before emigrating to the U.S., where his career as a software engineer led him to Orlando’s simulation industry.

Soderstrom said Shen will focus on marketing unique, luxury residential and commercial opportunities to Asian investors.

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

First Green Bank in Mount Dora to showcase newest technology for environmental efficiency

2012-01-19T15:10:00.000-05:00

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – First Green Bank’s newest headquarters facility in Mount Dora, which will host its official “Grand Green Opening” on Saturday, Feb 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is a marvel of modern environmental engineering that’s as much a museum of science and technology as a working bank.

Kenneth LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, said he plans to host tours of the bank facility to show off the building’s environmental features, including a unique “living wall” system that helps reduce CO2 and VOC.

“This is the way of the future,” LaRoe said, “and we are very proud to unveil this technology here in Lake County.”

A rooftop solar panel system will generate 17 percent of the total operating energy the building will need, LaRoe said. New LEED parking lights utilize only 20 percent of the typical energy requirements to generate 14,000 lumens — more than enough light to keep the area secure without adding to “ambient light pollution” that blacks out stars and confuses nocturnal wildlife.

Inside, specially designed fluorescent lighting and automated lighting controls reduce energy usage by almost 40 percent.

Ninety percent of the bank’s workers have windows to capitalize on daylight and reduce indoor electrical consumption.

And not just any windows! Engineers designed special green screens, efficient glazing and exterior shades to block infrared heat and decrease energy demand for interior cooling.

Building materials were selected for their environmental qualities. Structured steel studs that reinforce walls were made from 100 percent recycled steel. The plaster finish was made from natural American clay that is non-toxic and environmentally benign. The cedar wood canopy above the drive-through tellers is made from 100 percent locally reclaimed wood. And pine trees removed to make way for the building were used for building construction and interior décor.

“There’s a lot of Lake County in this building,” LaRoe said.

The building’s “butterfly roof” was designed to collect rain water for use in irrigating the Florida native landscaping, and roofing vegetation and reflective material further reduce the building’s energy needs.

The air-conditioning system funnels more than 80,000 gallons of condensate annually to a special cistern so it can be reused to flush toilets and irrigate indoor plants. Altogether, First Green Bank’s water usage is almost 80 percent more efficient than comparably sized buildings in Florida.

Only the second commercial building in Florida to claim the U.S. Green Building Council’s prized LEED standard, First Green Bank was designed to stand out as a local landmark.

“We are a local community bank with a global mission and we are proud of our Lake County heritage,” LaRoe said.

Beazer Homes opens new phase with 81 home sites at Dupree Lakes in Land O’Lakes

2012-01-19T15:05:00.000-05:00

TAMPA, Fla. --- Beazer Homes has opened a new phase with 81 home sites in Dupree Lakes, a residential community located on Wood Violet Court in Land O’Lakes between Collier Parkway and Land O’Lakes Boulevards (US41).

Ed Suchora market manager for Beazer Homes in the Tampa Bay region said the 65-foot home sites will accommodate new single-family homes that range in size from 2,500 square feet of living space to 3,400 square feet, priced from the $230s.

Suchora said Beazer Homes plans to unveil new floor plans at Dupree Lakes that include four, five and six bedroom single-family homes with three-car garages.

Visit www.beazer.com. Dupree Lakes is open 10-6 Tuesday through Saturday and Noon to 6 Sunday and Monday.

About Beazer Homes:
Beazer Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the country's 10 largest single-family homebuilders with operations in 17 states. Beazer Homes is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "BZH."

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Office Lease in Maitland Center

2012-01-19T14:59:00.000-05:00

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest negotiated a new lease agreement for 1,991 square feet of office space in suite 104 at 1015 Maitland Center Commons Blvd.

Michael Heidrich, a principal in the firm, brokered the transaction representing the Maitland-based landlord, 1015 Maitland Center Commons, LLC and the tenant, Internet Performance Group, LLC.

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

Del Webb Ponte Vedra to Host Community Event including Car Show, Live Entertainment at its Model Park Feb. 4

2012-01-19T14:53:00.000-05:00

PONTE VEDRA, Fla. --- Del Webb Ponte Vedra will showcase nine model homes at a community event Saturday, Feb. 4, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Del Webb model park.

Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for Del Webb in the North Florida region, said the event will include a car show, live entertainment, plenty of food and beverages and prizes.

“We’re hosting receptions in five of our nine model homes with gourmet foods and non-alcoholic beverages,” Strickler said. Foods range from tea sandwiches and wraps to shrimp and crab dips, crudités, marinated artichoke hearts, shallot dipping sauce and gourmet cookies.

Prospective homebuyers are invited to tour the models where resident ambassadors will be on hand to answer any questions about why they chose to purchase at Del Webb Ponte Vedra and what they like about living there. Visitors will get a behind-the-scenes look while enjoying food and entertainment, and may even meet potential neighbors at Del Webb Ponte Vedra.

“This is our busiest time of the year,” Strickler said. “We have many guests and visitors who are here for the winter season and we are looking forward to entertaining them at Del Webb Ponte Vedra,” he said.

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

VOLUSIA LAW FIRM TO HELP SPONSOR FLAGLER ROTARY CLUB’S CYCLING AND 5K EVENTS NEXT MONTH

2012-01-19T14:40:00.000-05:00

FLAGLER BEACH – The Port Orange-based law firm of Rue & Ziffra is a Gold sponsor of the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach’s Run Flagler 2012 and Cycle Flagler 2012, scheduled for Feb. 11.

The 5K event, dubbed the 5K Race of the Runways, will be held at the Flagler County Airport. The cycling event, the 9th annual Cycle Flagler, is a tour of Flagler County’s best scenic highways. Cycle tours will be for 25, 40, 62 and 100 miles.

“We’re happy to help the Rotary Club with two such exciting events that give so much back to our communities,” said, John Rue, a partner in the personal-injury law firm.

The events are the primary fund-raising activities for the Rotary Club and funds raised from each stay here in the community, according to Rotary Event Director Kim Carney√.

For details or to register for either event, contact Carney at 386-846-5493 or kimcarney@cfl.rr.com.

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

Bellagio Custom Homes Hires Interior Designer as Design Coordinator

2012-01-18T12:34:00.000-05:00

PALM COAST – Bellagio Custom Homes recently hired Melissa Pomp, a licensed interior designer, to fill a newly created position as design coordinator.

Pomp, a native of Longwood, Fla., has more than 10 years of interior design experience including Arthur Rutenberg Homes, Inc., Robb and Stucky, Builders Design Studio and the Sherwin Williams Corporation, according to Michael Sawdai, vice president for Bellagio Homes.

“Because of the success we have had this past year and increased demand for our product we felt the need to create this full time position,” he said. “With her background and experience, we’re certain that Melissa will prove a valuable asset to our company.”

For more information, please call 386-246-6175 or visit www.BellagioHomesFL.com.

About Bellagio Homes: Bellagio Custom Homes is a leading custom homebuilder specializing in the construction of unique luxury residences throughout Flagler, St. Johns and Volusia counties.

Rhodes+Brito Architects Earns One Year Continuing Services Contract from Seminole County Schools

2012-01-18T12:31:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Rhodes+Brito Architects based in Orlando was recently awarded a continuing services contract from Seminole County Schools.

Ruffin Rhodes, co-founder and partner at the architectural firm said the one year contract, which starts in November, covers small projects valued at $2 million or less, and it can be renewed for an additional year.

Rhodes+Brito Architects is a full-service architectural firm that opened its offices in downtown Orlando in 1996 to specialize in design of public facilities, including schools, airports and courthouses.

After a Sale of one Luxury Model, Bellagio Custom Homes Makes Plans for New Luxury Palm Coast Model

2012-01-18T12:24:00.000-05:00

PALM COAST – Only two months after completing the 3,490-square-foot Florenza II luxury model home in the Wild Oaks estate community of Grand Haven, Bellagio Custom Homes has sold the home with a leaseback and is making plans for a new luxury model in Palm Coast. The company is currently planning the location of its next model and expects to break ground later this year.

Completed this summer at 212 Willow Oak Way, the four-bedroom, four-bath Florenza II – which recently sold for $742,000 – is situated on a nearly half-acre lakefront lot with a breathtaking pool and spa, according to Michael Sawdai, who serves as vice president for Bellagio. The professionally decorated model is open for viewing and will be featured in the Flagler County Parade of Homes in March.

The Grand Haven community, which includes a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, borders a 4,000-square-foot nature preserve with walking and biking trails and the Intracoastal Waterway.

For more information about the Florenza II or other Bellagio properties, please call 386-246-6175 or visit www.BellagioHomesFL.com.

About Bellagio Homes:
Bellagio Custom Homes is a leading custom homebuilder specializing in the construction of unique luxury residences throughout Flagler, St. Johns and Volusia Counties.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Expansion Lease at Goldenrod CommerCenter in Orlando

2012-01-18T12:21:00.000-05:00

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest negotiated a new lease agreement for 2,206 square feet of industrial space at Suite 250 Goldenrod CommerCenter, 1468 N. Goldenrod Rd. in Orlando.

Michael Heidrich, a principal in the firm, brokered the transaction representing the Maitland-based landlord, COP-Goldenrod, LLC and the tenant, A & B Stucco, Inc. of Orlando.

A & B Stucco, Inc., who already occupies suites 240 and 255 with 8,824 square feet increased its occupancy by another 25 percent and now leases a total of 11,030 square feet at Goldenrod CommerCenter.

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

Beazer Homes to start construction of new model homes in February at FishHawk Ranch in Lithia

2012-01-18T12:16:00.000-05:00

TAMPA, Fla. --- Beazer Homes plans to start construction of new model homes in early February at FishHawk Ranch located off FishHawk Boulevard in Lithia.

Ed Suchora, market manager for Beazer Homes in the Tampa Bay area, said Beazer’s new single family homes at FishHawk Ranch will range in size from 1,910 square feet of living space to 2,086 square feet with two-and-a-half baths and a two car garage.

Pricing will start in the $170s.

Visit www.beazer.com.

About Beazer Homes:
Beazer Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the country's 10 largest single-family homebuilders with operations in 17 states. Beazer Homes is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "BZH."

NAI Realvest Names Five Young Sales Associates to Next Generation Mentoring Program

2012-01-17T13:24:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest, which ranks as one of the region’s largest and most active commercial property companies and one of the area’s largest developers of industrial facilities, recently named five young sales associates to its Next Generation mentoring program.

Paul P. Partyka, principal and managing partner and Patrick Mahoney, president and chief executive officer of NAI Realvest, said the firm’s Next Generation mentoring program was designed to generate new career opportunities for young commercial real estate professionals and expand the pool of talent at NAI Realvest.

New associates accepted into the Next Generation mentoring program are required to complete NAI Realvest’s rigorous eight-week training program.

Upon successful completion of the training program, each Next Generation associate is paired with a top performing NAI Realvest professional who will serve as mentor, Mahoney said. The new appointments include:

• Aron M. Harrison, who joined NAI Realvest in 2008 as a data analyst intern while pursing his B.S. degree at the University of Central Florida. Harrison specializes in retail sales and leasing, site selection, market and demographic analytics, management services and tenant representation. Harrison will mentor with Mez R. Birdie, CCIM, SCSM, director of retail and investment services.

• Erik Halverson, who majored in Finance at UCF, started his own construction company that he sold in 2007. He worked as an investment banking analyst for PCE Holdings before joining NAI Realvest and will be receiving his Master of Business Administration from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College this April. Halverson will be mentored by senior vice president and 30-year veteran Dan Colachicco and will specialize in multi-family and investment properties.

• Eric Parrs, who recently earned his Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) degree from the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business Administration. Parrs specializes in office investment sales and will mentor with NAI Realvest principal Tom Hankins.

• Mitch Heidrich, a recent University of Central Florida graduate who will specialize in retail properties and land. Heidrich will mentor with NAI Realvest principals Kevin O’Connor and Matt Cichocki.

• Michael F. Heidrich, Jr., a recent graduate of Boston College who majored in economics and finance. Heidrich, the son of NAI Realvest principal Michael F. Heidrich, Sr., will specialize in tenant and landlord brokerage, leasing, site selection, consultation, build-to-suit, and management services. Heidrich will mentor with his father.

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

Emerson International Leases 1,838 Square Feet of Office Space at Maitland Center

2012-01-17T13:20:00.000-05:00

MAITLAND, Fla. --- Emerson International, Inc. recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 1,838 square feet of office space at 2600 Maitland Center Parkway in Maitland.

Eric Emerson, vice president and general manager of Emerson International, said John Gilbert CBRE represented Emerson International in the lease agreement and Max Borling of Grubb & Ellis represented the tenant, Futility First Insurance Group, Inc.

About Emerson International
Emerson International is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Emerson Group, the global corporation that is one of the largest privately-owned property development companies.

Meritage Homes Promotes Scott MacLure to Vice President of Construction in Orlando

2012-01-17T13:04:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Meritage Homes has promoted Scott MacLure to vice president of construction in the Orlando region.

Fred Vandercook, regional president of Meritage Homes, said MacLure formerly served as director of construction in Orlando and has been with Meritage since 2010.

MacLure, who has more than 16 years of experience in the homebuilding industry, studied Political Science at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn. while serving in the Army.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Named Exclusive Agents for Turtle Creek Luxury Home

2012-01-17T12:42:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty was recently named exclusive sales and marketing agents for a luxury custom home in Turtle Creek, an exclusive gated and guarded community located in southwest Orlando.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said International Marketing Expert Ace Ernst with Stirling Sotheby’s Orlando Marketing Center is representing the property, which is priced at $899,000.

The 5,092 square foot luxury home at 10526 Emerald Chase features five bedrooms, four baths, a master suite with its own wet bar, a gourmet kitchen, fireplace, a pool and spa, large screened lanai with summer kitchen plus an oversized three-car garage with custom cabinets.

Ernst added that the home is a Parade of Homes winner built by Alex Hannigan, an Orlando custom home builder.

To view a brochure on the property, visit http://aaronernst.stirlingsir.com/eng/sales/detail/278-l-717-4364261/orlando-florida-orlando-fl-32836.

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty:
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Names Former International Airline Pilot Broker Associate

2012-01-16T15:13:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has appointed Tom Foglia a broker associate in its Orlando Marketing Center.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Foglia has more than 30 years of experience as an international airlines pilot. But he’s no rookie to the real estate industry.

“Tom Foglia has been dealing in real estate for 15 years,” Soderstrom said. “For the past 10 years he has held an active brokers license in addition to his responsibilities as an airline pilot,” Soderstrom explained.

Foglia, who earned his B.S. Degree in aerospace science and technology, also served as chairman of the Accident Investigating Committee for ATA and the Airlines Pilots Assn.

“Tom Foglia is a veteran real estate professional with contacts all over the world,” Soderstrom said. “We expect him to play a big role in our continued expansion,” he added.

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty:
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

Data Transfer Solutions expands at Avalon Park, announces plans to hire 15 specialists by Spring

2012-01-16T15:03:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Data Transfer Solutions, LLC (DTS), which ranks as one of the nation’s leading providers of GIS services to government agencies and private corporations recently expanded its Orlando headquarters at Avalon Park in East Orlando by an additional 5,000 square feet.

A.M. “Trey” Fragala III, AICP, PMP, chief operating officer at Data Transfer Solutions, said the firm’s Orlando headquarters now encompasses 12,000 square feet of office space.

Fragala said DTS plans to hire nine GIS technicians immediately and potentially six more by early summer.

Altogether, DTS employs 60 GIS planning, engineering and survey professionals at offices in Avalon Park, Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Collins, Colo., Portland, Ore, Nashville and New Hampshire.

DTS provides geographic information systems and software applications, asset management, data collection and development, transportation planning and engineering, web design, database applications and video and multimedia production services to local governments and regional and state agencies throughout the U.S.

Landlords Should Shower Love and Attention on Small Retailers Hit Hardest by Recession, says Rachel Wein of WeinPlus

2012-01-16T14:55:00.001-05:00

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. --- Retail property owners and retail center landlords have been hard hit by the recession, but small retailers---those who lease less than 10,000 square feet of space---have been hit even harder, says commercial real estate consultant Rachel Elias Wein, principal of WeinPlus Real Estate Advisory Services in St. Petersburg.

Smart landlords are making special efforts to form strategic partnerships with their small retail tenants to assure the success of both parties in tough times.

“Nationwide, vacancy rates for neighborhood shopping centers set a 10-year high during the second quarter and range just under eight percent now,” Wein said. “On average, small shop retailers account for about eight percent of the space in neighborhood retail centers, so it’s imperative that property owners and managers do everything they can to encourage the success of their mom-and-pop tenants,” she said.

Wein said rent concessions and lease contract modifications may form a part of the solution, but successful landlords are looking elsewhere.

“The best retail property owners look at their small shop tenants as strategic partners,” Wein said. “They realize that marketing efforts, signage, and organizational efforts like marketing co-ops can play a big role in the success of small retailers and that can make a difference between a thriving retail center and a lot of “for rent” signs,” she said.

The most important asset a property manager can provide is time, Wein said. “Property managers should cultivate tenant relationships and learn what their tenants’ needs are,” Wein said.

“In the long run, small tenants require more time and energy, but they play a vital role in creating the synergy that shoppers seek in a neighborhood retail center,” she said.

Landlords Should Shower Love and Attention on Small Retailers Hit Hardest by Recession, says Rachel Wein of WeinPlus

2012-01-16T14:55:00.000-05:00

Stirling Sotheby’s Int'l Realty Named Exclusive Agents for Alaqua County Club Luxury Home

2012-01-16T14:45:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been named exclusive sales and marketing agents for a one acre golf course estate home at Alaqua County Club, the private, gated community off Markham Woods Road in Longwood.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said International Marketing Expert Mary Ann Hartmann of Stirling’s Sotheby’s Heathrow Real Estate Gallery has listed the estate home at 3207 Tala Loop in the third phase at Alaqua County Club. To view entire listing go to http://maryannhartmann.stirlingsir.com/eng/sales/detail/278-l-717-4253967/longwood-florida-longwood-fl-32779

The 6,422 square foot custom estate home offers five bedrooms, five full baths and two half baths, along with an impressive front entry with brick paver circular drive, a chef’s kitchen featuring Wolf and SubZero appliances, a game room with wet bar, a large master suite with breakfast bar, safe room, saltwater pool with island stone bridge, water features and separate spa, and a four car garage.

The home, which was built in 2003, is priced at $1,550,000.

To view a video of the property, visit http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=807414&r=www.sothebysrealty.com

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty:
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Long Term Lease of Class A Office Space in Maitland

2012-01-13T14:07:00.000-05:00

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a 5.5 year lease agreement for 3,255 square feet of Class A office space at Suite 151 in Maitland Promenade, 485 N. Keller Rd., Maitland.

Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, a principal in the firm, negotiated the transaction representing the new tenant, Groelle & Salmon, P.A., a law firm specializing in insurance law and litigation headquartered in Wellington in Palm Beach County with offices in Vero Beach and Tampa.

The landlord Maitland Office Company, LLC., based in Baltimore, was represented by Micah Strader of CBRE.

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.

Ryland Homes Opens Waterstone Falls near Windermere Golf Course in Cumming in Forsyth County

2012-01-13T14:00:00.000-05:00

ATLANTA, Ga. --- Ryland Homes recently opened a new section of homesites at Waterstone Falls, a new home community located off Trammel Road two miles east of GA-400 and GA-20 near the Windermere Golf Course in Cumming in Forsyth County, Ga.

Brian Johnson, Senior Sales Counselor for Ryland Homes, said the response has been overwhelming, with several sites in the new section going under contract immediately upon release.

Altogether, Ryland plans to build 81 single family homes at Waterstone Falls from Ryland’s Georgian and Masters Collection designs with side entry garages and brick exteriors on oversized home sites.

Three, four and five bedroom homes at Waterstone Falls priced from the low $300s range in size from 2,515 square feet of living space to 5,155 square feet.

Johnson said a 2.5 acre amenity center at Waterstone Falls has recently been constructed, with a resort style swimming pool, cabana, two tennis courts and children’s playground.

For more information, visit www.ryland.com

New home buyers at Del Webb Ponte Vedra at Nocatee can get a head start on community amenities

2012-01-13T13:56:00.000-05:00

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- New home buyers at Del Webb Ponte Vedra at Nocatee can now get a head start on enjoying the amenities at the Anastasia Clubhouse in the popular active adult community.

Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for Del Webb in the north Florida region, said new home buyers now receive full access to amenities at Nocatee as well as Del Webb Ponte Vedra as soon as their purchase goes to contract.

“New home buyers at Del Webb Ponte Vedra can start reaping the benefits of home ownership in this community as soon as their contract is signed,” Strickler said.

That includes Central Park and the Anastasia Club, one of the largest community centers in any active adult community in Florida.

The $14 million Anastasia Club in Del Webb Ponte Vedra includes a grand ballroom, social café, fitness center with Techno-gym equipment, movement studio, indoor spa, steam and sauna room, indoor and outdoor pools, outside tennis courts, pickleball and bocce ball courts. Residents will also enjoy their very own Central Park, where they can actively garden or enjoy an outdoor concert in the amphitheater.

The master plan of Nocatee features a splash water park, fitness center and planned activities for residents and families as well.

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

NAI Realvest Negotiates $650,000 Sale of 15,000 Square Foot Industrial Building in Lakeland

2012-01-13T13:51:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. -- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of the 15,000 square foot office/warehouse building on 4.26 acres at 3306 Waterfield Rd. in Lakeland.

Senior broker associate Sean DuPree CCIM at NAI Realvest negotiated the transaction representing the seller, JST Properties, LLC of Fort Pierce.

CLM Polk Properties, LLC of Bartow paid $650,000 for the property which includes 1,500 square feet of office space and fenced outside storage. The facility was built in 2003.

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 Int'l Realty Named Exclusive Realtors for two $1. 5 Million Waterfront Home Sites in Dr. Phillips / Windermere area

2012-01-13T13:41:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been named exclusive sales and marketing agents for adjoining estate home sites on the east shore of Lake Sheen, on the Butler Chain of Lakes in the Dr. Phillips/Windermere area of southwest Orlando.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said Broker Associate Alan Bird is representing the owners of two adjacent 4.5 acre properties that are listed for sale at $1.5 million each.

“These two properties probably rank as the finest lakefront luxury home sites available in the southwest Orlando area,” Soderstrom said.

Each of the two home sites – at 9250 and 9300 Kilgore Rd. on Millionaire Row – offer 1.8 acres of buildable land, Bird said, adding that the adjacent home sites are available individually or combined.

“It will be very interesting to see what type of luxury home, or homes, are constructed on these sites,” Soderstrom said. “These lots are the last of their kind in this market.”

The home sites are just minutes from Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club golf course, close to upscale shopping, restaurants and the attractions and within 20 minutes of downtown Orlando and the International Airport.

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty:
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, new home communities, commercial and investment properties, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates two performance zones which serve all of Central Florida. Visit www.StirlingSIR.com.

Celebration Golf Club to premier new state-of-the-art Ping I-20 Golf Club Jan. 21

2012-01-13T13:40:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Celebration Golf Club will unveil the new Ping I-20 golf club for the first time in the southeast on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kenny Nairn, executive vice president of golf for Celebration Golf Management, said Ping’s new I-20 golf club — which will be on sale at Celebration — is the best club in the field.

Nairn said factory technicians, Ping reps and Celebration’s Team of nFlight certified golf fitters will be on hand to assist golfers in selecting, sizing and fitting their new clubs.

First Green Bank Offers Unique 1.25 Percent Hybrid CDs, Below-Market Auto Loan Rates

2012-01-13T13:28:00.000-05:00

MOUNT DORA, Fla. --- First Green Bank, which will host a Grand Green Opening to showcase its new award-winning LEED Platinum certified headquarters facility on U.S. 441 in Mount Dora on Feb. 4, is marking the date with two special products in Lake County: a 1.25 percent APY Certificate of Deposit and a 1.9 percent APR auto loan.

“We are able to offer the highest interest rate on Certificates of Deposit and the lowest interest rate on auto loans in Lake County,” said Kenneth LaRoe, First Green Bank's chairman and CEO.

LaRoe said the special offers are First Green Bank’s way of celebrating its new Green headquarters---one of only two buildings in Florida to earn the U.S. Green Building Council’s Platinum LEED rating for energy efficiency and environmental quality.

LaRoe said the 1.9 percent APR automobile loans apply on cars that have a higher than 30 mile per gallon EPA combined minimum standard fuel efficiency rating.

The new 24-month Hybrid Flex CD is available to all customers who open a new checking account.

Emerson International Negotiates Six Commercial Leases in Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Winter Park

2012-01-12T14:13:00.000-05:00

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. --- Emerson International, Inc. recently negotiated six commercial lease agreements that total more than 10,300 square feet of office space.

Eric Emerson, vice president and general manager of Emerson International, said Emerson leasing director Sean Westcott negotiated all six lease agreements.

The new tenants include:

Central de Alabanza Y Restauracion, Inc. with 4,000 square feet leased, Debit Mediators, LLC, 2,200 square feet and Rockin Nutrition leased 958 square feet at CenterPointe Office Park in Altamonte Springs;

SDR Investment Management, Inc. leased 1,919 square feet and Siler Financial Group, LLC leased 730 square feet at Sanlando Office Center in Longwood;

Maxine Carr ED. D., P.A. leased 493 square feet at 1177 Louisiana Ave. at Louisiana Office Park in Winter Park.

About Emerson International
Emerson International is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Emerson Group, the global corporation that is one of the largest privately-owned property development companies.

Allogy Interactive Smart Phone Application Endorsed by the White House Feeds Federal Register Updates

2012-01-12T14:05:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- A smart phone application developed at the University of Central Florida to make it easier to access the Federal Register---the U.S. government’s newspaper of record---is making waves all across the country.

Orlando-based Allogy Interactive is developed the app in partnership with IST’s METIL lab and MobileGov, a D.C. based consulting firm. Design of the app was guided by technology officers from the White House and the Government Printing Office.

Colin Forward, Communications Director for Allogy Interactive, said the Federal Register app was developed to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Government Printing Office, which issues the Federal Register daily---in printed form---to announce rules, proposed rules, and notices of the Federal Government.

“Allogy wanted to create an app to demonstrate rapid development and deployment of new mobile applications,” Forward said. “The idea for an app for the Federal Register grew from concept to working model in less than six weeks,” he said.

The app leverages public information feeds provided by data.gov.

The U.S. Government spends approximately $16 million annually to print and distribute the Federal Register---costs that could be greatly reduced or eliminated if the app is widely utilized.

About Allogy Interactive:
Allogy Interactive, a leading developer of mobile applications for education, healthcare, business, and social enterprises, connects people to promote learning, opportunity, and economic growth by understanding the relationships, creating intuitive interfaces and using data to promote the transparency and accountability necessary for achievement.

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 100 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. Please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook.

InternEdge Launches Social Recruitment Software to Link Workers with Employers via Facebook, LinkedIn

2012-01-12T13:58:00.001-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- InternEdge, which offers recruitment solutions linking Central Florida area college and university students with local companies that offer student workers traditional internships, part-time, full-time jobs, seasonal employment, contracts for services and other career-starting opportunities, has launched a new suite of social recruitment software.

Michael W. O’Donnell and Adam H. Singh, founders and managing partners at InternEdge, said the new tool — suggested by customer feedback — meets emerging recruitment trends in social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn and similar facilities.

“This new social media recruitment platform will link job and talent – students and recent graduates who are job seekers with company representatives who are seeking workers,” Adam Singh said.

Adam Singh said the new tool will help hopeful intern placements and job applicants to communicate and build professional relationships with companies that rely on social connections to make better decisions in the hiring process.

InternEdge offers employers sophisticated Applicant Tracking System(ATS) that integrates social media and cloud computing.

“InterEdge offers the best solution for leaders of small to medium sized companies who want to cost-effectively manage their workflow fluctuations or prepare for emerging opportunities by leveraging per-professional talent,” Adam Singh explained.

InternEdge is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in East Orange County.

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 100 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. Please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Named Exclusive Agents for Historic 5.15-Acre Winter Garden Commercial Site

2012-01-12T13:39:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been named exclusive sales and marketing agents for an historic 5.15 acre high intensity development site in Winter Garden that includes an historic mansion.

The site, located at 1305 E. Plant St. in Winter Garden, includes the Britt Mansion, an elegant residence built in 1929, along with two additional free standing buildings.

The home and buildings---a combined 7,256 square feet of commercial space---have been used as professional offices.

The property is located on the corner of Plant Street and East Crown Point Road a quarter mile west of the S.R. 429 interchange, said Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty.

“This highly visible site sits on the main thoroughfare or “gateway” into downtown Winter Garden from the Central Florida Toll-way,” Soderstrom said. “Surrounding properties on both sides are positioned for commercial development, and Plant St. was recently improved, including utilities,” he said.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty associate Mark Arnold is listing agent for the site, Soderstrom said.

“This property will be particularly appealing to attorneys, doctors, financial service firms and health care enterprises,” Soderstrom added.

“We will be marketing the property to developers and investors using a number of development scenarios encompassing the site’s 224,000 square feet which is served by an off site storm water retention pond,” Arnold explained.

“A professional commercial office space user seeking a Winter Garden location would find that the historic residence will also offer interesting and unique opportunities for current use, future expansion and proprietary participation in the growth and development of the property,” he added.

The entire property, including acreage, historic buildings and high intensity zoning is listed for sale for $1.75 million.

To view a video of the property, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-pZava582c.

NAI REALVEST NEGOTIATES $1 MILLION SALE OF 8.39-ACRE MIXED-USE SITE AT CELEBRATION

2012-01-12T13:36:00.000-05:00

MAITLAND, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of an 8.39-acre mixed-use site at 205 Celebration Place in Celebration for $1 million.

Patrick Mahoney, president of NAI Realvest, said NAI Realvest principals Kevin O’Connor and Matt Cichocki negotiated the REO sale representing the seller.

The Celebration Company of Lake Buena Vista acquired the site, situated at the Celebration office park that fronts on US-192. The buyer was not represented by a broker.

Cichocki said the Celebration Company originally sold the property to an office developer in 2006 for $2,850,000.

Earlier this year Cichocki and O’Connor negotiated a $1,000,000 purchase contract with a retail developer which prompted The Celebration Company to exercise a right of first refusal it retained on the property in the event it was not developed.

Currently there are no plans to develop the property but Cichocki says the property will likely be developed in the future as a mixed use concept with restaurant and office users.

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

Lennar to host Grand Opening Jan. 21 to showcase new seven-bedroom Himalayan model home at Ayersworth in SouthShore

2012-01-12T13:33:00.000-05:00

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar will showcase its new seven-bedroom Himalayan model home at a special opening on Saturday, Jan. 21, at Ayersworth located off U.S. 301 near Big Bend Road in SouthShore.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the Himalayan model home is one of the largest new model homes in the Tampa Bay region with 4,054 square feet of living space that includes four full baths and a gameroom.

The two-story, seven-bedroom home with a huge kitchen and a three-car garage is priced from $251,990, Metheny said.

Lennar plans to build 120 new single-family homes on 60 and 70 foot home sites at Ayersworth with 27 different floor plans that range in size from 1,550 square feet to 4,529 square feet.

Pricing at Ayersworth starts from the $150s. The community features a clubhouse with swimming pool, fitness center, picnic area, basketball court, park, and playground.

Metheny said Lennar plans a festive grand opening with food, beverages and games for the kids.

Lennar Opens New Community with 297 home sites at Emerson Park in Apopka

2012-01-12T13:27:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar has started presales in a new community at Emerson Park in Apopka with 297 home sites.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said Lennar is building townhomes at Emerson Park priced from the $120s and single-family homes priced from the $170s on 55 and 75 foot home sites.

Three and four bedroom townhomes at Emerson Park will range in size from 1,600 square feet of living space to 1,900 square feet.

New three, four and five bedroom single-family homes will range in size from 1,700 square feet to 3,700 square feet.

Emerson Park, located off Ocoee-Apopka Road near S.R. 429, features a community clubhouse, swimming pool, children’s playground and conservation areas.

Visit www.Lennar.com.

LENNAR’S CENTRAL FLORIDA DIVISION RELOCATES ITS HEADQUARTERS BACK TO TAMPA

2012-01-12T13:22:00.000-05:00

TAMPA, Fla. --- Lennar’s Central Florida Division, which builds new homes in more than 40 communities in Tampa, Lakeland, Orlando and Brevard County, has relocated to new offices at 4600 W. Cypress St. in Tampa’s Westshore area.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the home builder has been active in the Tampa Bay market for over 40 years.

Metheny said the company’s new offices include two floors that total some 26,000 square feet of office space.

Emerson International completes renewal lease agreement for 18,212 square feet at Lakeside Office Park in Altamonte Springs

2012-01-12T13:07:00.000-05:00

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. --- Emerson International recently closed on a renewal lease for 18,212 square feet of office space at Lakeside Office Park, 283 Crane’s Roost Blvd. in Altamonte Springs.

Eric Emerson, vice president and general manager of Emerson International, said Sean Westcott, director of leasing at Emerson International, negotiated the renewal lease with Sodexo Operations, LLC.

Mohl Partners participated in the lease negotiations representing Sodexo.

Emerson International is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Emerson Group, the global corporation that is one of the largest privately-owned property development companies.

Crossman & Company to Sponsor 5K Baldwin Park Race to Benefit Samaritan Village

2012-01-12T12:56:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Crossman & Company, the Orlando-based firm that ranks as one of the largest retail property management and leasing firms in the Southeast, hopes a 5K run in April at Baldwin Park near downtown Orlando will prove a major fundraiser for Transitions-a Resale Boutique that supports Samaritan Village, Inc.

Samaritan Village is a transitional home for women seeking freedom from addiction and street life. The event has a special appeal for John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company.

“It combines all of my passions - running, retail, and helping people in crisis,” Crossman said.

Crossman & Company plans to recruit more than 40 runners for the event from Crossman & Company, Central Florida FSU Track Boosters, a Baldwin Park Friday Men's Bible Study that Crossman participates in, and several company contacts.

“The mission of Samaritan’s Village benefits the entire community, not just the young women it helps,” Crossman said. “The Central Florida community has a big stake in its continued success,” he said.

For more information, visit www.samaritanvillage.net and www.transitionsresale.net.

About Crossman & Company
Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Crossman & Company is a commercial real estate brokerage firm that specializes in the retail industry. Currently their portfolio under leasing and/or management exceeds 150 shopping centers throughout the Southeast US. Founded in 1990, Crossman & Company focuses solely on landlord representation and serves clients including Publix, PREIT, and GE. Please visit www.crossmanco.com, or call 407-423-5400 for more information.

Emerson International, Eagle Creek Golf Community to help raise funds for Susan G. Komen Cancer Fund — Community will donate $10,000 to “For the Cure”

2012-01-11T15:15:00.000-05:00

MAITLAND, Fla. --- Emerson International, Inc. and Eagle Creek Golf Course Community in East Orlando have pledged to raise more than $10,000 for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure cancer fund.

Eric Emerson, vice president and general manager of Emerson International, said public tours of new luxury golf course homes by Centerline Homes at Eagle Creek will generate contributions of at least $10,000 toward the Susan G. Komen for the Cure fund.

Emerson said contributions will be collected at select new Centerline Homes at Eagle Creek from Feb. 18 – 24.

Emerson said his company will also make a $10,000 donation to the fund.

Eagle Creek Golf Course community is located in southeast Orlando on Narcoossee Rd. south of the 417 near Lake Nona.

About Emerson International
Emerson International is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Emerson Group, the global corporation that is one of the largest privately-owned property development companies.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Sale of Retail Parcel at Prime Intersection in Kissimmee

2012-01-11T15:07:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. -- NAI Realvest recently negotiated a sale of the 1.37 acre retail parcel at 3195 S. John Young Parkway in Kissimmee.

Robert Blackwell, SIOR principal at NAI Realvest and associate Sean DuPree, CCIM negotiated the transaction representing the seller, Branch Banking & Trust of Winston-Salem, N.C.

Hutton Florida One, LLC purchased the property located at the intersection of Pleasant Hill Rd. and Northgate Drive. Steven DeWitt of Shorecrest Retail Partners represented the buyer.

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.

University Club of Orlando to Host Cocktails for a Cause Jan. 27 to Benefit Coastal Conservation Association

2012-01-11T15:01:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The University Club of Orlando will host Cocktails for a Cause Friday, Jan. 27, to benefit the Coastal Conservation Association of Florida (CCA), the well-connected environmental group that advocates using coastal resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public.

Justin Wright, general manager of the University Club of Orlando, said the Coastal Conservation Association of Florida’s Cocktails for a Cause events at the University Club have raised nearly $30,000 in the last three years.

University Club’s Cocktail for a Cause events have raised more than $175,000 to benefit many local civic, community and charitable organizations.

Mercantile Capital Corporation reports record-breaking 2011

2012-01-11T14:56:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Mercantile Capital Corporation, which recently opened new offices in the Old Florida National Bank building on Court Avenue in Downtown Orlando, reported it had a record-breaking year in 2011.

Chris Hurn, chief executive officer at Mercantile Capital Corporation, said the eight year old firm closed 57 commercial loans in 15 states in 2011 to finance commercial real estate projects valued at more than $174.4 million, a 24 percent increase over 2010.

Most important, Hurn said, the loans helped create 1,132 new jobs.

Mercantile Capital Corporation is one of the nation’s largest providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans for small business owners who want to acquire, develop, or refinance their own facilities.

SBA 504 loans typically require only 10 percent down and offer below market rates and very favorable terms, Hurn said.

In December, Mercantile Capital closed five loans to finance projects valued at $18.4 million, including a $4 million loan to a West Virginia hotelier. It was Mercantile Capital’s first loan to a West Virginia company, Hurn added.

In the past eight years Mercantile Capital has closed over $744.8 million worth of commercial loans in 36 states that helped create 5,081 jobs.

Hurn said he expects loan volume — and job creation — to increase dramatically in 2012.

“The SBA 504 loan program was developed to stimulate small business growth, create new jobs, and generate wealth for entrepreneurs,” Hurn said. “Today, the SBA 504 ranks as one of the nation’s most efficient economic stimulus efforts and one of the best job generators.”

Recent changes in SBA rules now allow SBA 504 financing for a wider range of business expenses, including refinancing of current commercial mortgages.

Hurn said Mercantile Capital’s largest single loan in December 2011 financed a $6.7 million self-storage facility in Tallahassee.

Lennar’s “New Year’s New Home Resolution Solution” offers special financing, upgrades and discounts

2012-01-11T14:03:00.001-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar is offering a “New Year’s New Home Resolution Solution” incentive to buyers of select move-in ready homes in 15 Orlando area communities including Clermont and Space Coast communities worth up to $20,000 through the end of January.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida division, said special below-market financing, discounted pricing and free upgrades valued at more then $20,000 are available on select homes in all of the homebuilder’s Orlando-region communities through January.

All new homes – priced from the $90s in the Orlando region – come with Lennar’s “Everything’s Included” features as well as Lennar’s “No Worry” home builder’s warranty.

Visit www.Lennar.com.

UCF Business Incubation Program to open Apopka Incubator within next 90 days

2012-01-11T13:57:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The City of Apopka and the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program anticipate opening an incubator site in downtown Apopka before April 1.

The UCF Business Incubation Program provides technical assistance and support to help promising startup companies accelerate their growth and create more local jobs.

Currently, the UCF Business Incubation Program manages facilities in Winter Springs, Sanford, Leesburg, St. Cloud, Kissimmee and Daytona Beach, in addition to Central Florida Research Park and on Colonial Drive in Orlando.

Dr. Tom O’Neal, founder of the UCF Business Incubation Program and one of the nation’s leading experts on university-based business incubation, said that over the past 10 years the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 client companies create more than 1,600 new jobs.

Startup businesses range from a St. Cloud company that helps Florida ranchers and farmers sell fresh, locally grown foods to Florida restaurants and hotels, to a Daytona Beach company gearing up to mass-produce its patented wind turbines that out-perform anything on the market. One client company in Kissimmee is currently filming a feature length motion picture. A client company in Leesburg produces an award winning video series on healthcare, a client company in the Research Park developed a GIS platform that helps disaster management agencies cope with tornadoes and hurricanes.

“Our client companies range from industry leaders to the fields of laser photonics, simulation technology, rapid prototyping, web development and alternative energy to commercial delivery services for area restaurants,” said Dr. O’Neal, who currently serves as president of the Florida Business Incubation Assn.

Last year the UCF Business Incubation Program graduated more than 20 companies that are succeeding without further assistance from the program. Over the same 12 month period, the program accepted a record 64 new start-up companies, Dr. O’Neal said.

The UCF Business Incubation Program carefully screens each company before admitting them to the program.

“We have delivered sophisticated tools to gauge the potential for success of a startup company within the incubator program and we are very selective in our process,” Dr. O’Neal said.

“We aim to provide assistance to companies that have the greatest potential to grow and create jobs,” he said.

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 100 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. Please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook.

Distinctive Décor Expands at Beville Road Business Park

2012-01-11T13:37:00.000-05:00

SOUTH DAYTONA, Fla. --- Winston-James Development, developer of Beville Road Business Park in South Daytona, reported it recently closed on a new expansion lease agreement at Beville Road Business Park.

Winston Schwartz, president of Winston-James Development, said Distinctive Décor, which markets sports memorabilia, expanded into 1,050 of office, retail and warehouse space at Beville Road Business Park.

Celebration Golf Management to take over RedTail Golf Club in Lake County in January

2012-01-11T13:09:00.000-05:00

CELEBRATION, Fla. – Celebration Golf Management, LLC, which owns and operates eight golf courses in Central Florida and two more in Tennessee and South Carolina, signed a long-term lease for RedTail Golf Club in Lake County on Jan. 1.

Gene Garrote, president of Celebration Golf Management, said the firm has leased RedTail Golf Club from Starwood Land Ventures, LLC with an option to acquire the course and facilities.

The 7,150 yard, par 72 Dave Harman-designed RedTail Golf Course is one of the most challenging and attractive links in Florida, winding through seasoned live oaks, ponds and a wide range of elevations, Garrote said.

“We have been looking at RedTail for many months now. It really is one of the most beautiful courses in the southeast,” Garrote said.

“Celebration Golf Management is a perfect fit for RedTail as they know how to manage private and semi-private clubs, and we are excited that they have decided to work with Starwood in completing this project,” said Mike Moser, chief executive officer at Starwood Land Ventures, LLC.

Celebration Golf Management now ranks as one of the largest golf course management companies in the U.S.

Over the past 12 months Celebration added Eagle Creek Golf Club in East Orlando and two golf courses at StoneGate Golf Club at Solivita in Kissimmee to its portfolio.

Garrote said more acquisitions are under consideration.

With the addition of RedTail Golf Club, Celebration Golf Club’s portfolio of golf clubs now include Celebration Golf Club in Celebration; The Golden Bear Club in Windermere; Kings Ridge Golf Club and Legends Golf Club in Clermont; Stoneybrook West Golf Club in Winter Garden; Eagle Creek Golf Club in East Orlando; Stonegate Golf Club at Solivita in Kissimmee; Crockett Ridge Golf Club in Kingsport, Tenn. and The International Club in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Landlords gain by helping new retail tenants open earlier, sell more

2012-01-11T12:36:00.000-05:00

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. --- Retail property landlords who “partner” with their new tenants reap substantial benefits, says Rachel Elias Wein, AIA, the real estate consultant who heads WeinPlus Real Estate Advisory Services in St. Petersburg.

Wein, a former development manager with the Sembler Company in St. Petersburg who served as senior associate with Ernst & Young’s Construction and Real Estate Advisory Service, said landlords should begin monitoring tenant progress even before the lease is signed.

“It a landlord can accelerate the tenant’s opening by 90 days that’s three months worth of additional revenues for the landlord and three months worth of tenant sales,” Wein said.

Typically, Wein said, gains of 30 to 60 days are more common.

“If you are the landlord, the tenant is your customer,” Wein said. “Landlords who focus on partnering with their tenants can accelerate a tenant’s success, and that generates new revenues for the landlord,” Wein said.

“Landlords can provide the greatest assistance in the area of tenant improvements, site signage and marketing, Wein said.

“Landlords need to set tenants up for success,” Wein said.

“After the lease is signed, landlords can’t just forget about the tenant until the first rent check comes due. The sooner the tenant opens, the sooner the landlord gets paid,” she said.

Landlords should consider hiring a tenant consultant or a tenant coordinator who can help kick-start tenants’ marketing efforts to drive sales from the beginning.

“Don’t wait until that tenant owes rent to offer help,” Wein warned, “By then, it may be too late; set them up for success from the beginning,” she added.

Greensleeves to design, build Geothermal Borefield at NASA's John H. Glenn Research Center

2012-01-11T11:59:00.001-05:00

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla., – Greensleeves LLC, which designs energy efficient air-conditioning and heating systems for commercial buildings that reduce energy costs by 30 to 50 percent, has earned a second contract to design, engineer and install a geothermal bore field at NASA’s John H. Glenn Research Center near Cleveland.

Sharon Keeran, vice president of operations for Greensleeves LLC, said the project will significantly reduce energy costs for a new 15,470 square foot warehouse receiving building that NASA is building at the Center.

Greensleeves, LLC designs and builds state-of-the-art systems that harvest, store and distribute geothermal energy to substantially reduce fossil fuel energy needs.

“The savings in lower operating and maintenance costs, durability, and energy conservation can exceed the total cost of building construction over the life of a facility,” Keeran said.

Greensleeves is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program located at the incubator in Winter Springs.

About Greensleeves LLC
Greensleeves is an energy solution integration innovator that provides a unique combination of technologies and proven professionals that can deliver a 35-50% reduction in energy use for the life of a building with little to no increase in construction costs. This solution is more comfortable, attractive, healthier, and less expensive to own and operate than the heating and cooling systems currently used in the U.S. Greensleeves has locations in Findlay, Ohio; Zeeland, Michigan; and Winter Springs, Fla. For more information visit www.greensleevesllc.com.

About the UCF Business Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 100 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. Please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects awarded contracts for two shops at Charlotte International Airport

2012-01-05T15:16:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, based in Baldwin Park was recently awarded a contract for HMS Host’s two shops at Charlotte N.C. International Airport as well as some main food court seating.

Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects said the two shops include: Bad Daddy’s 1,000 square feet and Fox Sports Grill with 1,200 square feet.

ICI Homes to Represent Plantation Bay, Amelia National at Live South Retirement and Real Estate Expo in Long Island, NJ, CT

2012-01-05T15:10:00.000-05:00

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --- A team of five sales associates and marketing executives from ICI Homes will attend the Live South Retirement and Real Estate Expo in Long Island, N.Y. Jan. 7-8.

Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing at ICI Homes, said the sales and marketing team will represent both Plantation Bay and Amelia National at the event, which is expected to attract more than 10,000 area residents.

Messina said the ICI Homes team will attend Live South Retirement Expos in Morris County, N.J., Jan. 21-22 and Fairfield County, Ct. Feb. 11-12.

“We anticipate three very busy weekends and weeks of followup afterward,” explained Messina, a veteran of the trade shows, along with her corporate marketing manager Lisa Egle.

“These events are very popular in the northeast,” Egle said.

“Each year that we attend we make more friends, and spend hours catching up with people we met last year or the year before.”

Eventually, Egle said, many of these friends plan to move to Florida to retire. “We have several homeowners at Plantation Bay and Amelia National that first learned about our communities at a retirement expo,” Messina said.

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

NAI Realvest Negotiates Industrial Lease at Carter CommerCenter in Winter Garden

2012-01-05T15:08:00.000-05:00

Maitland, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a lease agreement for 1,875 square feet of industrial space at 890 Carter Rd., suite 140 at the Carter CommerCenter in Winter Garden.

Michael Heidrich, a principal at NAI Realvest, brokered the transaction on behalf of the landlord COP-Carter, LLC of Maitland and the locally based tenant, Lavcoat, Inc.

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

Legends Golf and Country Club in Clermont promotes former Big 10 player of the year Lee Williamson to head golf instructor

2012-01-05T15:02:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The Legends Golf and Country Club, located off U.S. 27 south of SR 50 in Clermont has promoted former Big 10 player of the year Lee Williamson as head golf instructor.

Gene Garrote, president of Celebration Golf Management, who owns and operates the Legends Golf and Country Club, said Williamson lettered in golf and graduated from Purdue University, where he earned Big 10 Conference player of the year honors.

Williamson turned pro in 2002, Garrote said. He won the Indiana Open in 2004, the Toledo Open in 2005 and was Winnipeg Press Champion in 2005.

The Henin Group Names Veteran Home Builder Fred Colwell Operations Manager

2012-01-05T15:00:00.000-05:00

DEBARY, Fla. – The Henin Group, which is developing the Riviera Bella luxury community in DeBary, has appointed veteran home builder Fred Colwell as operations manager.

Jerome Henin, who heads the Henin Group, said Colwell has more than 30 years of experience building homes and formerly owned his own custom home building company.

Colwell is an Air Force veteran, Henin said.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Names Four New Professionals to Design, Project Teams

2012-01-05T14:48:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects LLC, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, appointed four professionals to its design and project teams.

Tina Kennedy, director of human resources at Cuhaci & Peterson, said Christian Paulo was appointed a CAD technician. Paulo earned his Associate of Science degree in computer drafting and design from ITT Technical Institute and has two years of experience.

Jose Diaz, E.I., was named senior mechanical designer. Diaz earned is Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Puerto Rico in 2003 and has more than seven years of experience.

Lee Murrah was appointed project coordinator. Murrah, who attended the University of Alabama, Seminole Community College and Brevard Community College, served in the U.S. Army Airborne Infantry in Iraq where he received awards for outstanding service and bravery.

Jaison Moras was appointed electrical project manager. Moras earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Kansas and has more than six years of experience.

Celebration Golf Club Earns Golf Digest Magazine Architecture Award for one of Florida’s Best Designed Courses

2012-01-05T14:43:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Celebration Golf Club is celebrating a prestigious new honor.

Golf Digest Magazine recently presented Celebration with its Architecture Award, designating Celebration Golf Course as one of the best-designed courses in Florida.

Tano Malentin, general manager of Celebration Golf Club, said Golf Digest Magazine assembled a panel of expert judges to rate courses all across the country.

“We are delighted at this recognition,” Malentin said. “It confirms a fact thousands of golfers throughout Central Florida and many more from around the world already know---Celebration offers one of the best golf courses in Florida,” he said.

Celebration Golf Course, co-designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior and Robert Trent Jones Junior, has hosted the U.S. Senior Open Qualifier, Robert Gamez Celebrity Invitational, Florida State Public Links Championship, Buick Scramble National Championships, and The Golf Channel’s Drive, Chip & Putt Finals.

Cotter Ryan Commercial earns three construction contracts

2012-01-05T14:40:00.000-05:00

LONGWOOD, Fla. --- Cotter Ryan Commercial LLC, based at Savannah Park off SR 46 by Sanford, has started interior improvements for EyeMax Ophthalmologists’ facilities at the new Tavares Surgical Center off U.S. 441 in Tavares.

Scott Ryan, founder and president of Cotter Ryan Commercial, said the construction contact is worth an estimated $100,000 on the 4,000 square foot medical office space, part of the 20,000 square foot Tavares Surgical Center the construction firm built last year.

Cotter Ryan also earned a contract to provide improvement renovations for Express Label at 1955 Corporate Square, Longwood, Fla. and a 1,000 square foot renovation improvement at Aloma Cinema Grill in Winter Park at Lakemont and Aloma Avenues.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Awarded Contract to Design New Fresh Market in Miami Suburb

2012-01-05T14:35:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. – Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently completed the design for a new Fresh Market facility at the Village of Pinecrest, a suburb in Miami-Dade County.

Lonnie Peterson, chairman of the architectural firm, said the Fresh Market will offer 22,500 square feet of grocery store space.

The new Fresh Market will be located on U.S. 1 (S. Dixie Hwy) at S.W. 136th St. in the South Miami suburb.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects awarded contract to design new Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant in Kendall, Fla.

2012-01-05T14:32:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects LLC, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, have been awarded a contract to design a new Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant on 117th and 88th in Kendall in South Dade County Florida.

Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects LLC, said the new Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant will be 3,500 square feet and scheduled to open in 2012.

Riviera Bella opens two ready-to-move-in luxury homes, offers big discounts, free closing costs

2012-01-05T14:27:00.002-05:00

DEBARY, Fla. --- Riviera Bella, the award-winning gated, luxury community overlooking the St. Johns River in DeBary, has opened two ready-to-move-in luxury homes priced from the high $200s.

Jerome Henin, president of the Henin Group, which is developing Riviera Bella, said the Maranello offers four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths in 2,244 square feet of living space, priced at $272,845.

The Turino offers six bedrooms with three-and-a-half baths plus a bonus room in 3,307 square feet of living space, priced at $373,770.

Henin said both luxury homes include tile roofs, covered patios and gourmet kitchens among many luxury upgrades.

Del Webb Orlando to Host Grand Opening Jan. 28 to Unveil New Model Park with Five New Homes and Sales Center

2012-01-04T14:31:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. – Del Webb Orlando, the award-winning active adult community located on Ridgewood Lakes Blvd. in Davenport just south of Orlando, will host a Grand Opening on Saturday, Jan. 28 to unveil its new model park and sales center.

Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for Del Webb’s North Florida Division, said Del Webb plans to unveil five new model homes and eight new floor plans that feature larger rooms, gourmet kitchens and optional second stories.

Strickler said grand opening events from 1 to 4 p.m. will include tours of the Montecito clubhouse the new model homes and the sales center. A live band will perform throughout the event and refreshments will be served

New model homes in Del Webb’s classic series range in size from 1,600 square feet of living space to 2,931 square feet, priced from the $160s.

New classic series homes come with a unique feature: the option to add a bonus second floor with media and guest rooms designed to accommodate visiting family and friends.

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

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

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

Henin Group Division to Market Condominiums in Largo

2012-01-04T14:19:00.000-05:00

DEBARY, Fla. – Henin Realty, a division of the Henin Group in DeBary, has been named exclusive sales and marketing agents for 59 condominiums at Whispering Palms located off Wilcox Rd. in Largo.

New condominiums at Whispering Palms range in size from 1,000 square feet of living space and are priced from $89,900.

Jerome Henin, who heads the Henin Group, is a principal in Whispering Palms .

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Lease Agreement for Class A Office Space in East Orlando

2012-01-04T13:52:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla. — NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease agreement for 3,869 square feet of class A office space at 11869 High Tech Ave. in an office park off Quadrangle Blvd. and High Tech Ave. in east Orlando.

Senior Associate Mary Frances West CCIM, negotiated the transaction representing the tenant, Numera Social, LLC, a start up healthcare software firm based in Seattle.

The landlord Liu Family, Ltd. was represented by Nicholas Fouraker of Bishop Beale.

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.

Top PGA Golf Pro John Cook joins forces with PlayGolfPlanet.com

2012-01-04T13:38:00.000-05:00

KISSIMMEE, Fla. --- PlayGolfPlanet.com, the start up company that provides golfers with a social way to book tee times and deals with their favorite courses, has landed its second PGA golf pro endorsement from John Cook.

Cameron Cress, founder and chief executive officer of PlayGolfPlanet.com, said Cook is going to place the PlayGolfPlanet.com logo to his golf bag for the duration of the PGA tour.

Cress said he is delighted with the endorsement and especially the exposure.

“John Cook is a friend and supporter and we are very excited about his endorsement and support,” Cress said.

Cook is one of the top money winners on the senior golf circuit and is the winner of some 11 PGA tournaments.

PlayGolfPlanet.com is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program located in Kissimmee at 111 E. Monument Avenue.

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 100 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. Please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook.

MyEduLife selected to provide customized, multi-phase data governance solution for Baruch College in New York

2011-12-29T13:50:00.000-05:00

ORLANDO, Fla, --- MyEduLife, headquartered in the Central Florida Research Park near the University of Central Florida campus, was recently selected to provide a customized, multi-phase data governance initiative. The effort will help improve Baruch College’s data management infrastructure by connecting the dots between disparate systems within the New York college’s data environment.

Dr. Mark Mooney, co-founder of MyEduLife said his firm is working with Arthur Downing, chief information officer at Baruch College, to automate Baruch’s data management activities and create transparency, accountability and cost controls.

“MyEduLife provides software suites that can align programs including admissions, student records, financials and residential life among the tens to hundreds of other programs universities typically use to assist with decision making and forecasting,” Dr. Mooney explained.

“Being able to integrate data from a variety of fragmented systems gives the administration an unprecedented ability to truly know what is happening within the college. It allows them to have all the relevant data to fully see trends and patterns, have a much more complete picture much faster, and make much more informed decisions. The cost savings that can result will more than pay for the software in a short period of time.”

Colleges and universities were among the first institutions to adopt data management procedures, Dr. Mooney said. Typically, large institutions incorporated data management systems on a piecemeal basis, one department or division at a time.

After more than two decades of upgrading and innovation, universities typically employ a wide range of different data processing systems.

“Data governance is a growing concern in large institutions and MyEduLife has developed an excellent solution that can link all the disparate entities together securely,” Dr. Mooney said.

Founded in 2009, MyEduLife provides a suite of software applications that address the specific problem of data governance for educational institutions.

MyEduLife is a client of the UCF Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in east Orange County.

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 100 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. Please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook.

Growing Synergy, LLC, aims to Connect Local Ranchers / Farmers with Restaurants, Hotels, Chefs Who Want Fresher, Healthier Fare

2011-12-29T13:29:00.000-05:00

ST. CLOUD, Fla. --- Growing Synergy, LLC is a brand new company with a noble mission: to connect quality-minded Central Florida restaurants, hotels and chefs in Orlando, Tampa and South Florida with local food growers who offer fresher, healthier beef, lamb, veal, poultry, dairy and eggs.

It’s all part of the growing “locavore” movement that shortens the distance between farm and table and results in foods that are fresher, healthier and require less energy to process, transport and produce, says Trish Strawn, co-founder and partner of Growing Synergy.

Strawn’s roots in the Florida cattle industry go back to the 19th century. She was raised around her family’s Deep Creek Ranch in West Volusia County, which raises Angus and South Poll cattle and Katahdin sheep. Long an advocate of locally grown foods, Strawn teamed up with Rebecca Reis-Miller as founder of Slow Food Orlando, to launch Growing Synergy at the UCF Business Incubator in St. Cloud.

“Demand for locally grown foods in rapidly expanding and growing. Synergy provides the distribution link to connect small Florida farms with Florida restaurants, hotels, and chefs, Strawn said.

Growing Synergy will focus on farm-raised proteins —typically the most expensive items on a menu —and hopes to expand eventually to include farm products produce and even specialty products such as cheeses, herbs and wines, Strawn added.

“We’re focusing on the area where we can have the biggest impact,” said Reis-Miller.

“The giant food processors aren’t going to go away and processed food will remain the largest part of the American diet,” she said, “But there is a large and growing demand for more sustainable foods that don’t require so much energy to produce, process, store, and truck to market.”

And there are big gaps in America’s food production chain, Reis-Miller added.

“If we can reduce the steps that go into food production and distribution, we can make food at the grocery store — and on the restaurant table — fresher, healthier and better for the world,” she explained.

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 100 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. Please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook.