JACKSONVILLE, Fla., – Portofino Pools, a 55-year-old award-winning Jacksonville-based pool and spa company, has been selected to participate in GrowFL, a state-funded program that is part of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute (FEGI).
Founded in 1956 as Al Jackson Pools, the business was acquired by Portofino Pools in 1996, according to Jack Manilla, president and owner.
“We are humbled by this designation as it recognizes our strength in achieving second-stage growth during the difficult economic recession,” he said.
Manilla is an active member of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, a regional FEGI GrowFL partner. He responded to Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton’s Champion Letter calling for growth companies to apply to GrowFL.
Created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature, GrowFL is based at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. When selecting businesses the institute looks for ones with the potential for success, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute.
“Portofino Pools has shown that it has potential by becoming a second-stage company during a downturned economy,” said O’Neal, who also is associate vice president for the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization. “And, it’s consistency in being named the ‘Best of Jacksonville’ Award winner for pools for the third consecutive year by the U.S. Commerce Association also shows the company’s strengths.”
GrowFL will support the company through a number of services, including access to market research and technology, strategy analysis, CEO roundtables and forums, database research and website optimization.
“The secret to being in business for more than 55 years is that we have a passion and love for helping our customers save money while increasing their water enjoyment,” said Manilla, who now oversees a staff of 20 full-time and 45 part-time employees. “The designation confirms our success is due to commitment to core values, employee selection and continuing education/training.”
With assistance from GrowFL, Manilla said Portofino Pools has been shown “new windows of opportunity by a team of the best and brightest economic development consultants in Florida.”
“Our minds have been re-energized and shown new ways to think by these experts,” he said. “We are strategically preparing for continued growth to third stage.”
About Portofino Pools:
Portofino’s, customers have peace-of-mind knowing their word is the best guarantee. Armed with knowledge and innovative green technologies, Portofino’s technical team has years of business know-how, and aquatic facility expertise as they maintain more than 20 million gallons of water every week. The company also helps clients reduce operating costs and increase sustainability through lower energy use, while reducing carbon emissions and equipment repairs, and increasing pool surface life. For details, visit www.PortofinoPools.com
About the Florida Economic Gardening Institute:
The Florida Economic Gardening Institute was created by the 2009 Florida Legislature as the Economic Gardening Technical Assistance Program to stimulate investment in Florida’s economy by providing technical assistance for expanding businesses in the state. Qualified companies must be engaged in the following sectors to receive no-cost technical assistance: Manufacturing; Finance and Insurance Services; Wholesale Trade; Information Industries; Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Management Services and Administrative and Support Services. Additional information is available at www.GrowFL.com.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Beazer Homes Names Val Austin Sales Associate
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Beazer Homes has appointed Val Austin sales associate in the Orlando region.
David Byrnes, president of Beazer Homes Florida in the Orlando area, said Austin has more than eight years of experience in real estate sales and sales management.
Austin formerly served as a sales associate and sales manager at Taylor-Morrison Homes and Wyndham Worldwide Resort at Lake Buena Vista.
David Byrnes, president of Beazer Homes Florida in the Orlando area, said Austin has more than eight years of experience in real estate sales and sales management.
Austin formerly served as a sales associate and sales manager at Taylor-Morrison Homes and Wyndham Worldwide Resort at Lake Buena Vista.
NAI Realvest Negotiates New Office Leases in South Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new office lease for 1,830 square feet in the South Park Business Center, an office/warehouse development located at 8600 Commodity Circle in south Orlando.
Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, principal at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction on behalf of landlord, South Park, LLC of Miami. The tenant, Orlando-based Sunshine Limousine and Sedan Service was represented by Charles Hwang of Global Properties.
Kelley also negotiated a new office lease in Orlando Central Park, 6900 South Orange Blossom Trail, representing the landlord Rene Mestdagh Revocable Trust of Orlando. The new tenant, Roman Realty, LLC leased 380 square feet.
About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest in Orlando, 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.
Tom R. Kelley II, CCIM, principal at NAI Realvest, negotiated the transaction on behalf of landlord, South Park, LLC of Miami. The tenant, Orlando-based Sunshine Limousine and Sedan Service was represented by Charles Hwang of Global Properties.
Kelley also negotiated a new office lease in Orlando Central Park, 6900 South Orange Blossom Trail, representing the landlord Rene Mestdagh Revocable Trust of Orlando. The new tenant, Roman Realty, LLC leased 380 square feet.
About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest in Orlando, 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
ATLANTA, Ga. --- Ryland Homes recently opened a new model home at Waterstone Falls, a new gated 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.
Bill Carter, vice president of sales and marketing at Ryland Homes in the Atlanta region, said the two-story Albany “B” model home offers five bedrooms and four baths in 3,758 square feet of living space with a two-car garage, priced from $338,900.
Altogether, Ryland plans to build 80 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.
Carter said a 2.5 acre community center at Waterstone Falls will include a resort style swimming pool, cabana, two tennis courts and children’s playground.
For more information, visit www.ryland.com
Bill Carter, vice president of sales and marketing at Ryland Homes in the Atlanta region, said the two-story Albany “B” model home offers five bedrooms and four baths in 3,758 square feet of living space with a two-car garage, priced from $338,900.
Altogether, Ryland plans to build 80 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.
Carter said a 2.5 acre community center at Waterstone Falls will include a resort style swimming pool, cabana, two tennis courts and children’s playground.
For more information, visit www.ryland.com
NAI Realvest Negotiates $6 Million Purchase of 5.44 Acre Beachfront Development Site in Daytona Beach by Toronto Investment Firm
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the purchase of a 5.44 acre beachfront development site at 801-905 S. Atlantic Avenue in Daytona Beach for $6,000,000.
Chris Butera associate at NAI Realvest in Maitland, negotiated the sale representing the buyer Toronto-based Bayshore Capital. The seller is Regions Bank of Birmingham, Ala.
The site is comprised of four separate lots and three former beachfront motels that AJ Daytona Developers acquired for $26 million in 2004 and combined into a single parcel for development of a luxury hotel before Regions foreclosed in 2009
Located in the core Daytona Beach tourist area, the site ranks as the largest and highest-priced oceanfront parcel to sell in all of Daytona Beach in recent years.
“Bayshore Group has been acquiring strategic development sites in the Daytona Beach area for several months,” Butera said. “They were a perfect match for this site.”
Since last August, Bayshore Group has spent more than $14 million to acquire beachfront sites in Daytona Beach that total more than 12 acres in four separate transactions.
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 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.
Chris Butera associate at NAI Realvest in Maitland, negotiated the sale representing the buyer Toronto-based Bayshore Capital. The seller is Regions Bank of Birmingham, Ala.
The site is comprised of four separate lots and three former beachfront motels that AJ Daytona Developers acquired for $26 million in 2004 and combined into a single parcel for development of a luxury hotel before Regions foreclosed in 2009
Located in the core Daytona Beach tourist area, the site ranks as the largest and highest-priced oceanfront parcel to sell in all of Daytona Beach in recent years.
“Bayshore Group has been acquiring strategic development sites in the Daytona Beach area for several months,” Butera said. “They were a perfect match for this site.”
Since last August, Bayshore Group has spent more than $14 million to acquire beachfront sites in Daytona Beach that total more than 12 acres in four separate transactions.
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 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.
Beazer Homes starts construction of final town home building at Heritage Commons in Seminole County
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Beazer Homes has started construction of the final building at Heritage Commons, located off Dodd Rd. two miles west of the Highway 417 exit at Red Bug Lake Rd. in Seminole County.
David Byrnes, president of Beazer Homes in Florida, said eight three and four bedroom town homes will be available in the final building.
Town homes are priced from $119,990 and range in size from 1,313 square feet of living space to 1,784 square feet.
Byrnes added that there are 13 town homes available now in the community.
Heritage Commons features a community swimming pool and cabana and a children's playground.
Beazer Homes is one of the country’s 10 largest single-family homebuilders with operations in 17 states. Headquartered in Atlanta, Beazer Homes is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “BZH.”
David Byrnes, president of Beazer Homes in Florida, said eight three and four bedroom town homes will be available in the final building.
Town homes are priced from $119,990 and range in size from 1,313 square feet of living space to 1,784 square feet.
Byrnes added that there are 13 town homes available now in the community.
Heritage Commons features a community swimming pool and cabana and a children's playground.
Beazer Homes is one of the country’s 10 largest single-family homebuilders with operations in 17 states. Headquartered in Atlanta, Beazer Homes is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “BZH.”
Henin Signature Homes to Host Realtor Showcase June 16 at Riviera Bella in DeBary
DeBary, Fla. --- Henin Signature Homes will host a Realtor Showcase from 4 to 6 p.m. on June 16 to showcase the Turino model home at Riviera Bella, the luxury community Henin Group is developing on the St. Johns River in DeBary.
Jerome Henin, founder and president of the Henin Group, said he plans to unveil the new decorated Turino model home at that time.
The five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath luxury home offers 3,577 square feet with a two-car garage priced from $282,000 on the water.
Henin said Henin Signature Homes will host a public grand opening to showcase the Turino model on Saturday June 18 with refreshments and prizes.
Jerome Henin, founder and president of the Henin Group, said he plans to unveil the new decorated Turino model home at that time.
The five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath luxury home offers 3,577 square feet with a two-car garage priced from $282,000 on the water.
Henin said Henin Signature Homes will host a public grand opening to showcase the Turino model on Saturday June 18 with refreshments and prizes.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Mercantile Capital Corporation closes on loans in May to finance commercial real estate projects valued at more than $11.6 million
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. --- Mercantile Capital Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Old Florida National Bank, closed on loans to finance commercial real estate projects valued at more than $11.6 million in May.
Geof Longstaff, chairman of Mercantile Capital Corporation, said the firm’s largest single loan financed the construction of a $6.5 million multi-specialist medical office facility in Newport Beach, Calif.
Mercantile Capital Corporation ranks as one of the nation’s largest providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans for small business owners who want to acquire or develop their own facilities.
For information visit www.TheSmartChoiceLoan.com or www.504Experts.com and post: www.504blog.com.
Geof Longstaff, chairman of Mercantile Capital Corporation, said the firm’s largest single loan financed the construction of a $6.5 million multi-specialist medical office facility in Newport Beach, Calif.
Mercantile Capital Corporation ranks as one of the nation’s largest providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans for small business owners who want to acquire or develop their own facilities.
For information visit www.TheSmartChoiceLoan.com or www.504Experts.com and post: www.504blog.com.
Volusia Law Firm Sponsors 13th Annual Crime Stoppers Banquet During National Police Week
PORT ORANGE – The personal-injury law firm of Rue & Ziffra recently helped sponsor the 13th annual Crime Stoppers Community Banquet as Crime Stoppers recognized four top tier crime fighters as “Officers of the Year.”
Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida recognized the four individuals – one from each county in the 7th Judicial District – from a slate of 19 nominees from law enforcement agencies in Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia counties for their distinguished accomplishments and outstanding service to the community during the past year.
“We couldn’t be more proud to sponsor an event to honor the dedicated men and women who make such a difference in our communities and in our lives,” said Allan L. Ziffra√, president of the Port Orange-based law firm.
Those selected and their respective counties were:
Volusia County – Officer Nicholas Gurucharri, Daytona Beach Police Department,
Putnam County – Det. Robert Smith Jr., Putnam County Sheriff’s Office,
Flagler County – Inv. James Parker, Office of the State Attorney, 7th Judicial Circuit,
St. Johns County – Det. Laurie-Ann Lucas, St. Augustine Beach Police Department.
This year’s banquet, held May 18 in Daytona Beach, coincided with National Police Week, when law enforcement officers are recognized nationwide for their service and sacrifice.
Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida works with law enforcement agencies in the 7th Judicial Circuit by providing the Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line in Volusia, Flagler, Putnam and St John counties to receive anonymous information to help solve crimes, according to Shira Johnson√, executive director of Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida.
In 2010, 173 arrests were made based on information anonymously given to Crime Stoppers, which has a mission "to solve and prevent crime through citizen participation," Johnson said.
For more information about Crime Stoppers, call 386-212-6543 or click on www.WeStopCrime.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 and Orange City. For more information, visit www.rueziffra.com.
Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida recognized the four individuals – one from each county in the 7th Judicial District – from a slate of 19 nominees from law enforcement agencies in Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia counties for their distinguished accomplishments and outstanding service to the community during the past year.
“We couldn’t be more proud to sponsor an event to honor the dedicated men and women who make such a difference in our communities and in our lives,” said Allan L. Ziffra√, president of the Port Orange-based law firm.
Those selected and their respective counties were:
Volusia County – Officer Nicholas Gurucharri, Daytona Beach Police Department,
Putnam County – Det. Robert Smith Jr., Putnam County Sheriff’s Office,
Flagler County – Inv. James Parker, Office of the State Attorney, 7th Judicial Circuit,
St. Johns County – Det. Laurie-Ann Lucas, St. Augustine Beach Police Department.
This year’s banquet, held May 18 in Daytona Beach, coincided with National Police Week, when law enforcement officers are recognized nationwide for their service and sacrifice.
Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida works with law enforcement agencies in the 7th Judicial Circuit by providing the Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line in Volusia, Flagler, Putnam and St John counties to receive anonymous information to help solve crimes, according to Shira Johnson√, executive director of Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida.
In 2010, 173 arrests were made based on information anonymously given to Crime Stoppers, which has a mission "to solve and prevent crime through citizen participation," Johnson said.
For more information about Crime Stoppers, call 386-212-6543 or click on www.WeStopCrime.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 and Orange City. For more information, visit www.rueziffra.com.
CEO Nexus Forum slated for Rollins College June 13, Dan Devine, founder of Compass Knowledge is speaker
ORLANDO, Fla. --- The Rollins College Center for Advanced Entrepreneurship in collaboration with CEO Nexus and GrowFL, will host a CEO Nexus forum June 13 at Rollins College SunTrust Auditorium in Winter Park from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Steve Quello, president of CEO Nexus, a firm that works with public and private organizations to serve growing businesses, said Dan Devine, founder and former CEO of Compass Knowledge Group, will be the featured speaker.
Devine launched Compass Knowledge Group in 1993 to help colleges and universities develop successful online and distant learning programs. Devine later sold the business.
The CEO Nexus Forum, open to company CEOs and principals who are leaders of established, second-stage businesses, will feature a presentation by Devine followed by question and answer forum, Quello said.
For information or reservations for qualified CEOs, contact Quello at info@CEONexus.com.
About CFAE
The Rollins College Center for Advanced Entrepreneurship, located within the Crummer Graduate School of Business, is a catalyst and thought leader in the advancement of successful entrepreneurship. Core to its mission is to prepare the advanced students of the Rollins MBA program for entrepreneurial thought and action. The Center connects students in a meaningful way with advanced entrepreneurs, and likewise, brings together entrepreneurs for peer-to-peer networking. This results in real-world insights providing advanced action learning for both students and entrepreneurs which is critical to the Center’s success. The Rollins MBA Entrepreneurship Program is ranked first in Florida and 22nd in the nation for graduate entrepreneurial education by Entrepreneur Magazine and the Princeton Review.
About CEO Nexus:
CEO Nexus is an organization that works in concert with public and private organizations interested in providing business leaders—owners, CEOs and presidents—with practical tools and techniques designed specifically for growing second-stage companies. Sponsors include the Edward Lowe Foundation, the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, the University of Central Florida Office of Research & Commercialization, Rollins College Center for Advanced Entrepreneurship and GrowFL.
About GrowFL:
GrowFL is the official Economic Gardening Technical Assistance Pilot Program for the State of Florida and a program of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute. Created in 2009 to stimulate investment in Florida’s economy by providing technical assistance for expanding businesses in the state, the Florida Economic Gardening Institute is headquartered at the University of Central Florida under contract with the State of Florida’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development under the Executive Office of the Governor.
Steve Quello, president of CEO Nexus, a firm that works with public and private organizations to serve growing businesses, said Dan Devine, founder and former CEO of Compass Knowledge Group, will be the featured speaker.
Devine launched Compass Knowledge Group in 1993 to help colleges and universities develop successful online and distant learning programs. Devine later sold the business.
The CEO Nexus Forum, open to company CEOs and principals who are leaders of established, second-stage businesses, will feature a presentation by Devine followed by question and answer forum, Quello said.
For information or reservations for qualified CEOs, contact Quello at info@CEONexus.com.
About CFAE
The Rollins College Center for Advanced Entrepreneurship, located within the Crummer Graduate School of Business, is a catalyst and thought leader in the advancement of successful entrepreneurship. Core to its mission is to prepare the advanced students of the Rollins MBA program for entrepreneurial thought and action. The Center connects students in a meaningful way with advanced entrepreneurs, and likewise, brings together entrepreneurs for peer-to-peer networking. This results in real-world insights providing advanced action learning for both students and entrepreneurs which is critical to the Center’s success. The Rollins MBA Entrepreneurship Program is ranked first in Florida and 22nd in the nation for graduate entrepreneurial education by Entrepreneur Magazine and the Princeton Review.
About CEO Nexus:
CEO Nexus is an organization that works in concert with public and private organizations interested in providing business leaders—owners, CEOs and presidents—with practical tools and techniques designed specifically for growing second-stage companies. Sponsors include the Edward Lowe Foundation, the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, the University of Central Florida Office of Research & Commercialization, Rollins College Center for Advanced Entrepreneurship and GrowFL.
About GrowFL:
GrowFL is the official Economic Gardening Technical Assistance Pilot Program for the State of Florida and a program of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute. Created in 2009 to stimulate investment in Florida’s economy by providing technical assistance for expanding businesses in the state, the Florida Economic Gardening Institute is headquartered at the University of Central Florida under contract with the State of Florida’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development under the Executive Office of the Governor.
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