Real Estate Investment Analyst sees Angel Investment Group as Key to Local Economic Growth

MAITLAND, Fla. --- Local investment in local enterprises is the key to economic growth in Central Florida, says George Livingston, chairman of NAI Realvest in Maitland and a leading and longtime Orlando-area real estate investment analyst.

And Livingston is willing to put his money where his mouth is.

Livingston recently signed on as a founding member of Maximize Angel Investments Orlando, Inc., an angel investment firm that aims to invest in Florida companies with a bright future.

“We are not going to substantially improve the local economy by luring companies here with big tax breaks,” Livingston said.

“Every community in the U.S. is playing that game, and they’re all chasing the same half dozen companies,” Livingston said.

Livingston is convinced a “grow our own” philosophy is the more cost-effective path toward economic development.

“We should be investing in new, innovative approaches in information technology, energy, life sciences, software, clean tech, communications and entertainment,” Livingston said. “Those are sustainable industries, and we have the talent right here in Central Florida to make those industries thrive,” he said.

Livingston said groups like Maximize Angel Investments Orlando, help identify prospective growth companies and track their investment value.

“We have substantial resources right here in Central Florida — at the UCF Business Incubation and GrowFL programs, for example — to identify appropriate startup companies that have high potential for accelerated growth,” Livingston said.

“We also have investment capital. Angel investment networks like Maximize Angel Investments Orlando, puts the capital and mentors together with the entrepreneurs who will lead a new, sustainable economy recovery,” he said.

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.

Dave “Mr. Trend” Berkus to Present Seminar on Angel Investing Sept. 15 at Grand Bohemian Hotel in Downtown Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Noted former Inc. 500 CEO Dave “Mr. Trend” Berkus will present at a seminar on Angel Investing strategies Sept. 15 at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando.

The seminar, sponsored by Maximize Angel Investments Orlando, Inc. is open to all accredited investors interested in learning about the benefits of Angel Investing, both personally and for the community.

William C. De Temple, of Maximize Angel Investments Orlando, Inc., said Berkus, who posts the popular Berkonomics blog at www.berkonomics.com, is one of America’s most sought-after speakers on corporate economic issues.

“Dave Berkus is a two-time Inc. 500 CEO with more than 50 years of experience as an entrepreneur, manager, CEO and board member for some of the best known corporations in the U.S.,” De Temple said.

Berkus is one of the nation’s leading experts on angel investing, he added.

“Berkus has invested in more than 70 successful companies with an IRR of more than 97 percent,” De Temple said. The internal rate of return (IRR) is used in capital budgeting to measure and compare the profitability of investments.

Registration for the seminar costs $249 and includes valet parking and dinner at the Grand Bohemian.

For more information or to register for the seminar, visit www.maxangelinvestments.com.