First Green Bank Plans To Expand To Volusia In 2011

EUSTIS, Fla. – First Green Bank, the new Lake County bank that has already opened locations in Eustis and Clermont and announced plans to open a headquarters location in Mount Dora in June, also plans opening a branch in Ormond Beach later this year.

Kenneth E. LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, said First Green’s mission-driven business is catching on in Lake County with its emphasis on personal customer service and respect for the environment.

The bank offers personal and business banking courier services with a fleet of energy-efficient Toyota Priuses, remote deposit capture machines that mean businesses don’t even have to visit the branch locations, energy efficient and environmentally sustainable business practices that include the bank’s new 11,800 square foot Mount Dora headquarters facility — only the second privately-owned building in Florida to seek the LEED platinum certification, denoting the highest possible energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

“Our mission is an environmental and social one,” LaRoe said. “We take a holistic approach to business in which we meld capitalism and shareholder value with environmental and social responsibility,” he said.

Lake Forest Realty to Host Free Home Buyer Seminar at Florida Bank of Commerce in Lake Mary on March 2

LAKE FOREST - Lake Forest Realty, which sells homes and home sites in Lake Forest, the luxury gated community located on S.R. 46 west of Sanford, will host a free seminar for potential home buyers on Tuesday, March 2 at 6 p.m. at the Florida Bank of Commerce, 1190 Business Center Dr. in Lake Mary.

Rick Bavec, a principal at Lake Forest Realty and Tolaris Homes, said CPA Lou Lauteria will offer seminar participants independent advice on how to buy a home; how to qualify for the $8,000 tax credit incentive for first-time home buyers; Lake Forest Realty Sales Manager Eleanor Bliss will discuss the home buying process – what happens between contract and close; Senior Mortgage Consultant Bill Siegrist of FBC Mortgage LLC will talk about the mortgage approval process and several other professionals will cover what to expect from appraisers, how to negotiate with mortgage lenders; and how and when to take advantage of short sales and foreclosure sales.

Bavec said the seminar is co-sponsored by Legacy Title, Inc. of Seminole County and the Florida Bank of Commerce.

Refreshments will be served, Bavec said. To register for the seminar phone 407-377-6323 or visit www.laura@legacytitlecf.com.

For more information, contact: Rick Bavec, Principal Lake Forest Realty/Tolaris Homes, 407-322-5253