OLDSMAR, Fla. – COLTS Laboratories, a Pinellas County company that performs lens tests for the ophthalmic lens industry, has been selected to participate in the state-funded GrowFL program.
Part of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute, GrowFL was created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature and is based at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
The program uses strategies such as referral services, CEO peer roundtables and forums to support Florida-based businesses that have reached second-stage status, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute.
“When selecting businesses the institute looks for ones that have the potential to be successful,” said O’Neal, who also is associate vice president for the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization.
Founded in 1997 by President John Young, COLTS Laboratories now has a staff of 16 employees.
“We are very proud to be affiliated with GrowFL and to be recognized and listed as a growth company,” Young said.
In addition to testing and certifying lens products – including goggles, face shields and welding helmets – COLTS Laboratories also has expanded into the testing and certification of head protection, and builds and sells proprietary abrasion equipment to buyers in 39 countries.
COLTS is accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation for world-wide accreditation, and also is certified by the Safety Equipment Institute.
The company will receive technical assistance from GrowFL through a number of free services, including access to market research and technology, strategy analysis, CEO roundtables and forums, database research and website optimization.
About COLTS Laboratories:
COLTS Laboratories performs ophthalmic lens tests for the ophthalmic lens industry and certifies lens products used by manufacturers and retailers such as LensCrafters. For more information, visit www.colts-laboratories.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 & Insurance Services; Wholesale Trade; Information Industries; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Management Services; and, Administrative & Support Services. Additional information is available at www.GrowFL.com.
Showing posts with label Economic Gardening Program. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Economic Gardening Program. Show all posts
Friday, June 24, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Orlando Caregiver Provider Selected to Participate in State’s GrowFL Economic Gardening Program
ORLANDO, Fla., – Orlando-based American Home Companions, a 19-year-old family-owned business that recruits, screens and matches caregivers with clients, has been selected to receive free technical assistance through the state-funded GrowFL program.
Founded by Don Reynolds in 1992, American Home Companions (AHC) has 15 employees and more than 400 contractors in six district offices that serve 20 counties in Florida.
The company currently is led by Reynolds’ son-in-law and company President Jim Mark, who says he is pleased that his family-owned business and the services it provides have been recognized as being important to the future of Florida.
As a second stage company, Mark said AHC is making an investment in management and staff, but is “constantly reviewing our markets and our model to make sure we are poised for future growth.”
“But, because AHC has successfully moved out of the entrepreneur phase of growth doesn’t mean that we can sit back and enjoy the view,” Mark said. “In fact, the skills that helped us through the first phase may actually hinder us in the second phase. This is where I see GrowFL providing the greatest benefit to American Home Companions as we build the momentum for the next stage of growth.”
Part of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute, GrowFL was created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature and is based at the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization. When selecting businesses the institute looks for companies that have potential for success, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of GrowFL.
“American Home Companions is an ideal candidate for the program as it has continued to grow and has moved from the entrepreneurial stage,” said O’Neal, who also is associate vice president for UCF’s Office of Research and Commercialization.
GrowFL will support AHC through a number of free services, including access to market research and technology, strategy analysis, CEO roundtables and forums, database research and website optimization.
About American Home Companions:
Founded in 1992 by Don Reynolds, family-owned and operated American Home Companions recruits, screens and matches qualified caregivers with clients from its six district offices in 20 counties in Florida. For details, visit www.AHCcares.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 & Insurance Services; Wholesale Trade; Information Industries; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Management Services; and, Administrative & Support Services. Additional information is available at www.GrowFL.com.
Founded by Don Reynolds in 1992, American Home Companions (AHC) has 15 employees and more than 400 contractors in six district offices that serve 20 counties in Florida.
The company currently is led by Reynolds’ son-in-law and company President Jim Mark, who says he is pleased that his family-owned business and the services it provides have been recognized as being important to the future of Florida.
As a second stage company, Mark said AHC is making an investment in management and staff, but is “constantly reviewing our markets and our model to make sure we are poised for future growth.”
“But, because AHC has successfully moved out of the entrepreneur phase of growth doesn’t mean that we can sit back and enjoy the view,” Mark said. “In fact, the skills that helped us through the first phase may actually hinder us in the second phase. This is where I see GrowFL providing the greatest benefit to American Home Companions as we build the momentum for the next stage of growth.”
Part of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute, GrowFL was created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature and is based at the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization. When selecting businesses the institute looks for companies that have potential for success, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of GrowFL.
“American Home Companions is an ideal candidate for the program as it has continued to grow and has moved from the entrepreneurial stage,” said O’Neal, who also is associate vice president for UCF’s Office of Research and Commercialization.
GrowFL will support AHC through a number of free services, including access to market research and technology, strategy analysis, CEO roundtables and forums, database research and website optimization.
About American Home Companions:
Founded in 1992 by Don Reynolds, family-owned and operated American Home Companions recruits, screens and matches qualified caregivers with clients from its six district offices in 20 counties in Florida. For details, visit www.AHCcares.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 & Insurance Services; Wholesale Trade; Information Industries; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Management Services; and, Administrative & Support Services. Additional information is available at www.GrowFL.com.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Award-winning Jacksonville Swimming Pool Company Selected to Participate in State’s GrowFL Economic Gardening Program
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.
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.
Friday, March 4, 2011
South Florida Ball Bearing Company Selected to Participate in State-Funded Economic Gardening Program
DELRAY BEACH – Boca Bearing, a Palm Beach County ball bearing company, has been selected to receive free assistance through the state-funded GrowFL program, part of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute.
Founded in 1987 by Owner/President Allen Baum, Boca Bearing imports and exports miniature bearings for a multitude of purposes, including robotics, prototyping, food and medical device manufacturing, radio-controlled hobbies and performance racing, according to Baum’s son Jason Flanzbaum, vice president of sales and marketing.
“We have been steadily growing every year even during the economic downturn,” Flanzbaum said. “As a result we have struggled with growing pains as well as succession-planning issues. Hopefully, GrowFL will help us through this transition period.”
Created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature, GrowFL is based at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. GrowFL will support Boca Bearings through a number of free services, including access to market research and technology, strategy analysis, CEO roundtables and forums, database research and website optimization.
When selecting businesses the institute looks for ones that have the potential to be successful, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute.
“Companies like Boca Bearing are chosen for the program because of the potential they have shown and their efforts in becoming a second-stage company,” said O’Neal, who also serves as associate vice president for the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization.
Flanzbaum said his family’s Delray Beach company, which currently has 15 employees, is “working through the many hurdles” that they feel are preventing them from faster growth.
“We are looking to expand our product range, buy a new building, hire three to five employees and invest in new infrastructure this year,” he said. “We believe with the assistance from GrowFL we can accomplish all of those goals.”
****
About Boca Bearing: As a specialist in ceramic bearing technology, the Boca Bearing Company has been a trusted name in after-market and upgrade bearing replacement for more than two decades. The company focuses on conserving energy while reducing rolling resistance for extreme applications. Boca Bearing solves challenging application problems for many industries, including robotics, prototyping, food and medical device manufacturing, radio-controlled hobbies and performance racing.
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 & Insurance Services; Wholesale Trade; Information Industries; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Management Services; and, Administrative & Support Services. Additional information is available at www.GrowFL.com.
For more information about this release, please contact: Jason Flanzbaum, Boca Bearing, 561-998-0004, Jason@bocabearings.com; Linda Nelson, Outreach Services GrowFL, 407-882-0046, Linda@Growfl.com; Jane Teague, Enterprise Development Corp. of S. Fla. 561-620-8494, jteague@edc-tech.org; Charlene Hager-Van Dyke, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, chagervandyke@yahoo.com or Lvershelco@aol.com
Founded in 1987 by Owner/President Allen Baum, Boca Bearing imports and exports miniature bearings for a multitude of purposes, including robotics, prototyping, food and medical device manufacturing, radio-controlled hobbies and performance racing, according to Baum’s son Jason Flanzbaum, vice president of sales and marketing.
“We have been steadily growing every year even during the economic downturn,” Flanzbaum said. “As a result we have struggled with growing pains as well as succession-planning issues. Hopefully, GrowFL will help us through this transition period.”
Created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature, GrowFL is based at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. GrowFL will support Boca Bearings through a number of free services, including access to market research and technology, strategy analysis, CEO roundtables and forums, database research and website optimization.
When selecting businesses the institute looks for ones that have the potential to be successful, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute.
“Companies like Boca Bearing are chosen for the program because of the potential they have shown and their efforts in becoming a second-stage company,” said O’Neal, who also serves as associate vice president for the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization.
Flanzbaum said his family’s Delray Beach company, which currently has 15 employees, is “working through the many hurdles” that they feel are preventing them from faster growth.
“We are looking to expand our product range, buy a new building, hire three to five employees and invest in new infrastructure this year,” he said. “We believe with the assistance from GrowFL we can accomplish all of those goals.”
****
About Boca Bearing: As a specialist in ceramic bearing technology, the Boca Bearing Company has been a trusted name in after-market and upgrade bearing replacement for more than two decades. The company focuses on conserving energy while reducing rolling resistance for extreme applications. Boca Bearing solves challenging application problems for many industries, including robotics, prototyping, food and medical device manufacturing, radio-controlled hobbies and performance racing.
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 & Insurance Services; Wholesale Trade; Information Industries; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Management Services; and, Administrative & Support Services. Additional information is available at www.GrowFL.com.
For more information about this release, please contact: Jason Flanzbaum, Boca Bearing, 561-998-0004, Jason@bocabearings.com; Linda Nelson, Outreach Services GrowFL, 407-882-0046, Linda@Growfl.com; Jane Teague, Enterprise Development Corp. of S. Fla. 561-620-8494, jteague@edc-tech.org; Charlene Hager-Van Dyke, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, chagervandyke@yahoo.com or Lvershelco@aol.com
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