Larry Vershel Communications

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Mercantile Capital Corporation Appoints Four New SBA 504 Loan Specialists

Mercantile Capital Corporation Appoints Four New SBA 504 Loan Specialists

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. - Mercantile Capital Corporation, which ranks as one of the nation’s leading providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans for small business owners who want to acquire or develop their own facilities, recently appointed four new SBA 504 loan specialists.

Christopher G. Hurn, CEO of Mercantile Capital Corporation, said he promoted Jon DeJulio from intern to marketing associate.

Yelena Sulyagina was promoted from intern to credit analyst.

Tammy Hennen was named operations administrator and Carolyn Skog was named credit analyst. Both Hennen and Skog have more than 20 years of experience.

For more information contact:

Chris Hurn, CEO, Mercantile Capital Corporation, 407-786-5040

Geof Longstaff, Chairman, Mercantile Capital Corporation, 407-786-5040

Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida Appoints Paula Buffa, CCIM, RPA Senior Vice President, Office Group in Tampa

Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida Appoints Paula Buffa, CCIM, RPA Senior Vice President, Office Group in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. - Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida has named Paula Buffa, CCIM, RPA senior vice president of its Office Group. Buffa is currently president of the Westshore Alliance in Tampa.

Jeffrey Sweeney, SIOR, president and managing principal of Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida with offices in Tampa, Orlando and Melbourne, said Buffa has 23 years of experience in commercial real estate and ranks as one of the most highly qualified office specialists in Florida. A three-time CoStar Power Broker awardee, Buffa was also named one of 2005’s Top 20 Women in Commercial Real Estate by Florida Real Estate Journal.

She attended Middle Tennessee State University and began her commercial real estate career with CB Richard Ellis in Nashville. She relocated to Tampa in 1997. Most recently Buffa was associated with GVA Advantis in Tampa. She is also past president of both the Florida Gulfcoast Commercial Assn. of Realtors and Tampa Bay Chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women.

Buffa is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) and designated a Real Property Administrator (RPA) by Building Owners and Managers Institute International.

At Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, Buffa’s clients include American General Insurance, Troy State University, IVANS, Sage Software Healthcare, GolfTec, HCA Healthcare, Professors Capital, Arcis Investments and RR Tampa LLC.

“We are delighted Paula Buffa has joined our Tampa office,” Sweeney said. “She will play a major role in our continued growth in the region.”

About Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida:

Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida is an affiliated commercial real estate services firm specializing in the leasing and sale of office, industrial, retail, land and investment properties. Currently Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida has 40 brokers divided among its Tampa, Orlando and Melbourne offices to serve the entire mid-Florida marketplace.

About Grubb & Ellis:

Named to The Global Outsourcing 100™ in 2009 by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals™, Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE) is one of the largest and most respected commercial real estate services and investment companies in the world. Our 6,000 professionals in more than 130 company-owned and affiliate offices draw from a unique platform of real estate services, practice groups and investment products to deliver comprehensive, integrated solutions to real estate owners, tenants and investors. The firm’s transaction, management, consulting and investment services are supported by highly regarded proprietary market research and extensive local expertise. Through its investment subsidiaries, the company is a leading sponsor of real estate investment programs that provide individuals and institutions the opportunity to invest in a broad range of real estate investment vehicles, including public non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs), tenant-in-common (TIC) investments suitable for tax-deferred 1031 exchanges, mutual funds and other real estate investment funds. For more information, visit http://www.grubb-ellis.com/ <http://www.grubb-ellis.com/> .

Contacts:

Paula Buffa, CCIM, RPA 813-830-7887

Jeffrey Sweeney, SIOR President 407-481-5387

Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

NAI Realvest Appointed Exclusive Sales, Marketing Agents for $2.7 Million New Smyrna Beach Retail Center

NAI Realvest Appointed Exclusive Sales, Marketing Agents for $2.7 Million New Smyrna Beach Retail Center

MAITLAND, Fla. - NAI Realvest has been appointed exclusive sales and marketing agents for a 20,495 square foot community shopping center located at 1700 Canal St. (S.R. 44) in New Smyrna Beach.

The retail center, which includes a 5.27-acre site, is contiguous to K-Mart. Major tenants include Curves, MetCare, Volusia Therapy and the Florida Dept. of Motor Vehicles. Built in 1982 and remodeled earlier this year, the center is 53 percent leased.

Thomas E. Hankins, CCIM, SIOR, a principal at NAI Realvest, negotiated the exclusive broker agreement with owner Concord Americas Corporation.

The property is listed for sale at $2.7 million.

For more information, please contact:
Thomas E. Hankins, CCIM, SIOR, Principal, NAI Realvest 407-949-0727 (Direct) or thankins@realvest.com
Patrick Mahoney, President, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 pmahoney@realvest.com
Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142 lvershelco@aol.com

About NAI Realvest:
NAI Realvest, 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 325 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.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Data Transfer Solutions Names Marketing Coordinator

Data Transfer Solutions Names Marketing Coordinator

ORLANDO, Fla. - Data Transfer Solutions, LLC, the Orlando-based firm that provides GIS (Geographic Information Systems) asset management, transportation planning, web design, database applications, and video and multimedia production services to local governments and regional and state agencies throughout the U.S., appointed Jade Winfrey as marketing coordinator.

A.M. “Trey” Fragala III, AICP, chief operating officer at Data Transfer Solutions, said Winfrey attended the University of Northern Iowa and has more than ten years experience.

Winfrey will oversee responses to RFPs (request for proposals), develop collateral materials and coordinate conferences for DTS. She has extensive experience preparing marketing materials and coordinating marketing activities on behalf of professional service firms.

“We are excited to have her as part of the team and look forward to her insights,” Fragala said.
Data Transfer Solutions, LLC, has offices in eight U.S. cities.

For more information, contact:

A.M. “Trey” Fragala, III, AICP, Chief Operating Officer, Data Transfer Solutions, 3680 Avalon Park East Blvd., Suite 200, Orlando, 32828; 407-382-5222; tfragala@edats.com;

Jade Winfrey, Marketing Coordinator, Data Transfer Solutions, 407-382-5222; jwinfrey@edats.com;

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142 lvershelco@aol.com.

Beazer Homes Appoints Karey Rhodes Sales Manager in the Tampa Bay Area

Beazer Homes Appoints Karey Rhodes Sales Manager in the Tampa Bay Area

TAMPA, Fla. - Beazer Homes has appointed Karey Rhodes sales manager in the Tampa Bay area.

David Byrnes, president of Beazer Homes in Florida, said Rhodes has more than eight years of experience in real estate sales and formerly served as sales manager for ParkView Homes in Tampa.

Beazer Homes sells single-family and town homes priced from the $150s in four communities in the Tampa Bay area.

For more information, contact:

David Byrnes President Beazer Homes / Florida Division - 407-339-4114 dbyrnes@beazer.com;

Theresa Tilton, Vice President of Sales Beazer Homes /Florida Division 407-339-4114; ttilton@beazer.com;

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

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."

BioTraits, Inc. Enters Distributor Contracts to Market Panasonic Systems Solutions

BioTraits, Inc. Enters Distributor Contracts to Market Panasonic Systems Solutions

ORLANDO, Fla. - BioTraits, Inc., the biometric technology company that provides customized biometric software and turnkey security/IT solutions for a wide range of clients, recently signed contracts to distribute Panasonic security products.

Peter A. Wengert, founder and chief executive officer of BioTraits, Inc., said the distribution contracts establish important new business lines for the firm, which is currently expanding to accommodate more than $1 million in upcoming contracts.

“Panasonic System Solutions Company is a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America,” Wengert explained.

Panasonic offers a wide range of IP and analog video surveillance equipment, imaging devices for the medical, industrial, and entertainment industries, point-of-sale and drive-thru communications systems for food service and hospitality industries, and large-screen LED digital signage and digital sports coaching systems.

BioTraits Inc. is a UCF Business Incubation Program client in the Central Florida Research Park.

For more information about this release contact:
Peter A. Wengert, CEO BioTraits, Inc. 3267 Progress Drive, Suite 103, Orlando, FL 32826; 866-815-0888 or peter@biotraits.com

Carol Ann Dykes, Site Manager, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-0211, cdykes@mail.ucf.edu

Thomas O’Neal, Executive Director, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407 882-1120, oneal@mail.ucf.edu
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142 or LvershelCo@aol.com

About BioTraits:
Founded in March 2003, BioTraits, Inc. is a biometric company providing solutions for biometric identification and verification products through its development of a suite of workforce management products and distribution of biometric access control products. For more information, visit www.biotraits.com.

About the UCF Business Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 120 emerging companies (including nearly 70 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 1600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With five facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the 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, Lake County, the City of Leesburg and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

NAI Realvest Negotiates Lease Expansion, Renewal for Palmano’s Café on Park Ave. in Winter Park

NAI Realvest Negotiates Lease Expansion, Renewal for Palmano’s Café on Park Ave. in Winter Park

ORLANDO, Fla. - NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new lease expansion and renewal for Palmano’s Café, located at 333 Park Ave. South at the intersection of Lyman Ave. in downtown Winter Park.

NAI Realvest principal Christie Alexander and George Livingston, chairman emeritus of the firm, negotiated the long-term lease agreement representing Palmano’s Café. Patti Jackson of the Bradley Corporation represented the landlord.

The new lease agreement expands Palmano’s Café by 700 square feet of space, with interior seating in addition to existing outdoor seating, Alexander said.

Palmano’s plans to add a dinner menu. The roastery, wine and coffee bar currently serves breakfast and lunch.

For more information, contact:
Christie Alexander, Principal, NAI Realvest 407-949-0704 calexander@realvest.com
George Livingston, Chairman Emeritus, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 glivingston@realvest.com
Patrick Mahoney, President, NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989 pmahoney@realvest.com
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142 lvershelco@aol.com

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 325 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.

Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida Negotiates New Lease agreement with Culinary School at Cory Lake Isles Professional Center in New Tampa

Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida Negotiates New Lease agreement with Culinary School at Cory Lake Isles Professional Center in New Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. - Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, associated with 130 offices worldwide, recently completed a new lease agreement at Cory Lakes Isles Professional Center in New Tampa.

Richard Andretta, SIOR, vice president in the firm’s Office Group and associate Rob Turner negotiated the lease representing the landlord.

The new tenant, Tampa Bay Culinary School leased suites C&D with 1,760 square feet at the center located at 10335 Cross Creek Blvd.

About Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida:
Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida is an affiliated commercial real estate services firm specializing in the leasing and sale of office, industrial, retail, land and investment properties. Currently Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida has 30 brokers divided among its Tampa, Orlando and Melbourne offices which serve the entire mid-Florida marketplace.

About Grubb & Ellis:
Named to The Global Outsourcing 100™ in 2009 by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals™, Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE) is one of the largest and most respected commercial real estate services and investment companies in the world. Our 6,000 professionals in more than 130 company-owned and affiliate offices draw from a unique platform of real estate services, practice groups and investment products to deliver comprehensive, integrated solutions to real estate owners, tenants and investors. The firm’s transaction, management, consulting and investment services are supported by highly regarded proprietary market research and extensive local expertise. Through Grubb & Ellis Realty Investors, the company is a leading sponsor of real estate investment programs that provide individuals and institutions the opportunity to invest in a broad range of real estate investment vehicles, including public non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs), tenant-in-common (TIC) investments suitable for tax-deferred 1031 exchanges and other real estate investment funds. For more information, visit www.grubb-ellis.com.

Contacts:
Richard Andretta, SIOR 813-639-1111 (255)
Rob Turner, 813-639-1111 (235)
Jeffrey Sweeney, SIOR President 407-481-5387
Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects named to design interior buildout for Wine World Outlet at Village Crossroads in Lady Lake

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects named to design interior buildout for Wine World Outlet at Village Crossroads in Lady Lake

ORLANDO, Fla. – Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, was recently given the assignment to design an interior buildout for Wine World Outlet at the Village Crossroads retail center in Lady Lake.

The facility is estimated at 4,150 square feet at buildout, said Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC.

The project was assigned by The Benchmark Group of Amherst, N.Y., developer of the Village Crossroads power center on N. U.S. Hwy. 441.

For more information, contact:
Lonnie Peterson, Chairman Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, 407-661-9100
Jed Downs, President Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, 407-661-9100
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

UCF Business Incubation Program Underway in St. Cloud

Pictured left to right: Chad Pert, Osceola Development Group, LLC; Ernie Gearhart, St. Cloud economic development consultant; Byron Knibbs, OUC; Dr. Tom O’ Neal, UCF Dept of Research & Commercialization; Nick Gross, Jr., Osceola Development Group, LLC; Michael E. Harford, Osceola County Commissioner District 1; Fred Hawkins, Jr., Osceola County Commissioner District 5; Tom Griffin, St. Cloud deputy mayor; Mickey Hopper and Jay Polachek, St. Cloud city council members; Donna Hart, St. Cloud mayor; and Maria Toumazos, Osceola County Economic Development administrator

Incubator Program Underway in St. Cloud ---

The University of Central Florida, City of St. Cloud and Osceola County officials recently broke ground on a new Business, Technology and Research Center under construction at Stevens Plantation in St. Cloud. Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the UCF Business Incubation Program, said the new facility will help accelerate new business startups with guidance, advice and business skills. “New businesses that start here in Osceola County will not want to leave here,” O’Neal said.