Kissimmee Vice Mayor Art Otero Endorses Feature-Length Film “365 Decision Time” set for Production in Kissimmee this year

– Golden Brothers Studios, UCF Incubator Company produced the film -

KISSIMMEE, Fla.- Kissimmee Vice Mayor Art Otero recently endorsed 365 Decision Time, a feature-length film set to start production in the Kissimmee area later this year by Kissimmee-based Golden Brothers Studios.

“I am delighted to be a part of this project and to endorse a family-oriented film production in the Kissimmee area,” Otero said.

365 Decision Time, to be directed by Ariel Santiago, tells the story of a typical middle-class American family faced with divorce, abortion, adultery and a murder charge.

“They are buffeted by crises that threaten to destroy their unity, and the film focuses on the hard decisions they make and the way those decisions change all their lives,” Santiago said.
Giovanni Reyes, a producer of the film and a principal at Golden Brothers Studios, said the film examines how the family’s Christian values and indomitable spirit help them survive strife, misfortune and tragedy.

365 Decision Time is now auditioning, Reyes said. For further information, contact Golden Brothers Studios at 407-558-5783, visit www.365DecisionTime.com or email talent@goldenbrothersstudios.com.

Golden Brothers Studios is a member of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program located at 111 Monument Ave. in Kissimmee.
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For more information, contact: Giovanni Reyes, Ariel Santiago or Benjamin Guadalupe, Golden Brothers Studios, 407-558-5783 info@goldenbrothersstudios.com; Rafael Caamano, Site Manager Kissimmee UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-343-4300 Rafael.Caamano@ucf.edu

About Golden Brothers Studios: Golden Brothers Studios, based in Kissimmee, is an independent filmmaking company founded by three professionals with more than 50 years of combined experience in the audiovisual and multimedia medium. The mission of the company is production of feature films and television programs that convey a positive, uplifting message to a cultural society who frequently witnesses the disintegration of the family unit and lacks positive role models and spiritual foundation. It strives to produce films and programming with the latest technological advancements available to present relatable life issues, providing solutions that will positively change lives.

About the UCF Business Incubation Program: Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 160 assisted emerging companies (including nearly 100 current clients) create over $800 million in annual revenue and more than 1,600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With eight – and soon nine – facilities opened across the Greater Orlando community, the Business 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, The City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, the Florida High Tech Corridor Council and will be adding Volusia County. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

Osceola Woman Newspaper to Host Contagious Confidence Conference for Women at Kissimmee Civic Center March 23

KISSIMMEE, Fla. --- Osceola Woman Newspaper will host a conference for women executives on March 23 at the Kissimmee Civic Center Ball Room, 201 E. Dakin Ave.

James Bowie, site manager of the UCF Business Incubator in Kissimmee, said the Contagious Confidence Conference will help executive women develop leadership and management skills to further their careers and improve their job performance.

“The conference will help women professionals, managers and entrepreneurs develop personal and professional management skills that will help them succeed,” Bowie said.

Featuring professional trainer and coach Monica Wofford, MBA. CSP, the Contagious Confidence Conference is sponsored by the St. Cloud Regional Medical Center, Kissimmee Parks and Recreation Department, Smooth 103.1 Radio, Girl Scouts of Citrus, Osceola Regional Medical Center, Silva Entertainment, the Kissimmee Utility Authority and the Kissimmee Civic Center.

Registration for the conference costs $149. For further information and registration, call 1-866-382-0121 or visit www.contagiousconferences.com.
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For more information contact: James Bowie, UCF Business Incubation Program 407 498-0432 jim.bowie@ucf.edu

Lennar Unveils New “Everything’s Included Homes”–Upgrades at no extra charge–in all Orlando and Space Coast area communities

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lennar has unveiled its “Everything’s Included Homes” with valuable upgrades and extras in each of its 23 Central Florida communities throughout Orange, Osceola, East Polk, Lake, Seminole and Brevard Counties.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said “Everything’s Included” means just that--- all appliances – refrigerator, range, microwave, washer and dryer, along with upgraded counters, cabinetry, crown moulding and even premium landscaping.

“In these economic times, homebuyers are doing everything they can to stretch their dollars,” Metheny said. “Lennar’s ‘Everything’s Included Homes’ afford homebuyers more upgrades and extras at no additional charge, along with record low pricing and interest rates,” he added.

Lennar sells single-family homes and town homes priced from under $100,000 to more than $300,000 in 23 communities in the Orlando and Space Coast regions, including active adult communities.

Visit www.Lennar.com.
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For more information contact: Jassy Friddle, Marketing Manager Lennar-Orlando Region, 888-317-7489; David Parker, Director of Sales Lennar-Orlando Region, 888-317-7489; Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 727-479-1700

NAI Realvest Negotiates $300,980 Sale Price for 4-Acre Development Site in Poinciana Office & Industrial Park in Osceola County

MAITLAND – NAI Realvest completed the $300,980 sale of an industrial development site at Poinciana Office and Industrial Park on Poinciana Blvd. and U.S. Hwy.17-92 in Poinciana, Osceola County.

NAI Realvest Principals Robert Blackwell, SIOR and Michael Heidrich negotiated the transaction representing the seller Avatar Properties, Inc. of Coral Gables.

Williams Properties, an Orlando-based developer, bought the site designated as four acres of Tract N and plans to use the property for an office warehouse development.
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For more information, contact: Robert Blackwell SIOR or Michael Heidrich, Principals at NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989; rblackwell@realvest.com, mheidrich@realvest.com; Patrick Mahoney, President NAI Realvest , 407-875-9989 pmahoney@realvest.com; Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, Inc. 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.

Marketplace Advisors, Inc. negotiates the sale of a nine-acre Poinciana site for $1.9 million, rental apartment community planned

ORLANDO - Marketplace Advisors, Inc. of Orlando recently negotiated the sale of a nine-acre Poinciana parcel for $1,900,000.

David Marks, president of Marketplace Advisors, Inc., negotiated the sale representing buyer Fountains at San Remo Court, LTD.

The seller was Avatar Properties, Inc.

Marks said the buyer plans to build The Fountains at San Remo Court, a rental apartment
community, with construction to start shortly.

For more information, contact:
David Marks, Marketplace Advisors, Inc., 407-599-0007, dmarks@cfl.rr.com; Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, LV Communications, 407-644-4142

Crossman & Company Named Exclusive Management, Leasing, and Marketing Representatives at Water Tower Place in Celebration

ORLANDO - Crossman & Company, the Orlando real estate firm that ranks as one of the largest retail property specialists in the southeast, has been named exclusive property management, leasing and marketing representatives at Water Tower Place, a 124,000 square foot retail center located in Celebration in Osceola County.

John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, said the firm has launched a major marketing campaign to reposition the retail center.

The campaign will start with a name change to Water Tower Shoppes at Celebration, Crossman said, and will include outdoor billboards on U.S. 192, extensive print and internet advertising and new signage.

Bruce Lyons will serve as the principal contact for management, leasing and marketing at Water Tower Shoppes at Celebration, Crossman added.
* * *

For more information please contact:
John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com

About Crossman & Company:
Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Crossman & Company is a commercial real estate brokerage firm that specializes in the retail industry. Currently their portfolio under leasing and/or management exceeds 150 shopping centers throughout the Southeast US. Founded in 1990, Crossman & Company focuses solely on landlord representation and serves clients including Publix, PREIT, and GE. Please visit www.crossmanco.com, or call 407-423-5400 for more information.

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects awarded interior renovations contract at Loop West in Kissimmee

ORLANDO - Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, have been awarded a contract for interior renovations at the Loop West, a lifestyle center being developed by The Wilder Companies of Boston.

Renovations, according to Chairman Lonnie Peterson of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, will total 4,600 square feet at the facility located on Osceola and John Young Parkways in Kissimmee.
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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

Osceola County Partners Break Ground on UCF Incubator in Kissimmee at City Centre

KISSIMMEE – Osceola County, City of Kissimmee and University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program officials participated in the ground breaking of the UCF Business Incubator–Kissimmee recently at the City Centre, 111 E. Monument Avenue.

The University of Central Florida partnered with Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee and Kissimmee’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) on the facility that will offer support services to help start-up companies accelerate their growth and generate jobs in downtown Kissimmee.

“This incubator highlights everything that is making downtown Kissimmee a must-visit destination,” said County Commission Vice Chairman Brandon Arrington, whose district includes the incubator. “Just around the corner there will be a SunRail stop to help connect us with the rest of the region. Simply put, this incubator delivers on all the planning that has been going on locally and regionally for a number of years to link jobs and transportation in our urban core,” added Arrington.

“This is a win-win situation for the City as we partner with UCF and Osceola County. The City is committed to reviving the downtown and attracting more enterprises, such as the UCF Incubator,” said Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan.

The City and County are making matching contributions totaling $405,000 each for three years. Additionally, onetime payments are being made by the City for $57,000 and $183,000 from the CRA for the facility’s build out. The incubator will be managed by the University of Central Florida.

Gordon Hogan, director of operations for the UCF Business Incubation Program, said the new 8,000 square foot facility to be built out on the fourth floor of the City Centre Kissimmee will open in September with office and administration space for promising enterprises selected to join the UCF Business Incubation Program.

Research has shown that 87 percent of incubator graduates are still in business five years after graduating from an incubation program, said UCF’s Business Incubation Program Founder/Executive Director Dr. Tom O’Neal.
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For more information about this release, please contact: Maria G. Toumazos, Osceola County Economic Development Administrator 407-742-4200, mgru@osceola.org; Gordon Hogan, Director of Operations, UCF Business Incubation Program 407-882-1577, ghogan@mail.ucf.edu; Dr. Tom O’Neal, Executive Director, UCF Business Incubation Program 407 882-1120, oneal@mail.ucf.edu; Carla Banks, Manager of Communications, City of Kissimmee 407-518-2314, cbanks@kissimmee.org; Osceola County Public Information Office, 407-742-4200, www.chooseosceola.com

About the UCF Incubation Program: Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 140 emerging companies (including nearly 100 current clients) create over $800 million in annual revenue and more than 1600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With eight 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, The City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee, City of St. Cloud, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

UCF, St. Cloud, Osceola County to Host Grand Opening April 28 for New Business Incubator

ST. CLOUD, Fla. - University of Central Florida, The City of St. Cloud and Osceola County officials will participate in the grand opening of the new UCF Business Incubator–St. Cloud facility at 3201 Budinger Ave. in St Cloud on April 28 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Gordon Hogan, director of operations for the UCF Business Incubation Program, said the new 14,000 square foot facility will launch an exciting new addition to economic development activity in Osceola County.

Four incubation client companies plan to locate offices in the new facility immediately, Hogan said, and the UCF Business Incubation Program expects to name a full time site manager within the next 30 days.

Eventually, the UCF Business Incubator-St. Cloud could accommodate as many as 20 client companies.

“We provide a wide range of services that accelerate the growth of promising young companies so they can play a greater role in economic expansion in the local area,” Hogan explained.

The UCF Business Incubation Program currently supports nearly 90 full-time client companies, Hogan said, and ranks as one of the premier university-based incubation programs in the U.S.

Since 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 140 emerging companies generate more than $800 million in annual revenues and more than 1,600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000,” Dr. Tom O’Neal, founder of the UCF Business Incubation Program, said.

Incubators are a great place to start a new company. They significantly increase your chances of success. In fact, research has shown that 87 percent of incubator graduates are still in business five years after graduating from an incubation program.

“In these tough economic times, it is essential to grow our own companies. The new UCF St. Cloud incubator is not only a great resource for our entrepreneurs, but also a great tool to add to our economic development tool box,” said Maria Grulich Toumazos, Osceola County Economic Development Administrator.

“St. Cloud is very excited to have one of the premiere incubation programs in the country in St. Cloud. The UCF Business Incubator-St. Cloud will not only assist in growing our own companies, but will help to achieve the long-time goal of diversification in the local job markets and the overall economy,” said Ernie Gearhart, Economic Development Consultant for the City of St. Cloud.

The St. Cloud incubator facility is one of seven in the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation program. Additional incubator facilities are located at UCF Campus, Research Park in east Orlando, and in Orlando, Sanford, Winter Springs and Leesburg.
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For more information about this release, contact:Gordon Hogan, Director of Operations, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-1577, ghogan@mail.ucf.edu; Dr. Tom 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 the UCF Business Incubation Program:Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 140 emerging companies (including more than 90 current clients) create over $800 million in annual revenue and more than 1600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With seven 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, The City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County and the City of St. Cloud, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

UCF Business Incubation Program to be Introduced in St. Cloud at Greater Osceola Chamber Feb. 17

ST. CLOUD – The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program, partnering with the City of St. Cloud and Osceola County will host a kick-off meeting to introduce the new UCF Business Incubator-St. Cloud to all interested parties on Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 5-7 p.m. at the St. Cloud Greater Osceola Chamber of Commerce, 1200 New York Avenue in St. Cloud.

The meet and greet event will feature a presentation, entitled “Is the new UCF Business Incubator-St. Cloud Right for You?” given by Gordon Hogan, director of operations for the UCF Business Incubation Program.

The event will also provide opportunities to chat with managers from other UCF Business Incubation Program sites in Central Florida.

The St. Cloud incubator, which will be one of seven such facilities in the university’s Business Incubation Program, is planned to open the end of this month.

The UCF Business Incubation Program serves nearly 80 full-time client companies and provides a wide range of services, including business mentors, educational classes, affordable office space, as well as access to a receptionist, a site manager and high-speed Internet.

For more information and to RSVP please call the Chamber at 407-892-3671.

About the UCF Incubation Program: Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 130 emerging companies (including nearly 80 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 1600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With six 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, The City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

University of Central Florida Eyes Future Biomedical Incubator, New Osceola County Facility over Next 12 Months

ORLANDO - One of the nation’s most promising economic development initiatives is expanding at the University of Central Florida.

The UCF Business Incubation Program, which recently opened a new incubator facility in downtown Sanford, will open its seventh incubator facility at Stevens Plantation in St. Cloud early next year when construction of the 14,000 square foot facility is completed.

Dr. Tom O’Neal, founder and executive director of the UCF Business Incubation Program, said administrators are studying the feasibility of a new biomedical incubation program to support emerging enterprises that will surround the new Medical City under development in southeast Orlando.

“We can conservatively project dozens of new enterprises to develop and commercialize emerging biomedical technologies once Medical City is operational,” Dr. O’Neal said.

That could prove a big boost for the Central Florida economy: a major U.S. study shows that successful business incubation programs rank as the most cost-effective strategy to develop local economic expansion.

“Business incubation focuses on new small business enterprises that evidence strong potential to expand and provide more jobs,” O’Neal explained.

“We provide expertise in planning, administration, marketing and business development to help new enterprises expand at an accelerated pace,” he said.

The UCF Business Incubation Program provides a wide variety of services to client companies, including:
•Mentoring and advising in all aspects of business development and growth including business and strategic planning, legal counsel, accounting/tax, human resources, government contracting, strategic partnerships, marketing and PR, financing, grant preparation, insurance, and risk management;

•Educational programs;

•Marketing and Public Relations Support;

•Networking opportunities with peer groups, area professionals, university faculty and support organizations;

•Complimentary memberships in a variety of professional and trade organizations;

•Adaptable space and flexible leases in several locations in Central Florida;

•Shared reception, office equipment, conference rooms, and other support services.

“Most new jobs created by incubation client companies stay in the community,” Dr. O’Neal said.
Since it opened in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has served more than 120 emerging companies that have created more than 1,600 jobs and currently generate revenues in excess of $500 million.

The UCF Business Incubation Program currently encompasses more than 100,000 square feet of office space in six locations at Central Florida Research Park, the UCF campus, the City of Orlando, the City of Winter Springs, Leesburg and downtown Sanford.

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For more information about this release contact:
Dr. Tom 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 UCF Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 130 emerging companies (including over 80 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 1,600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With six 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, City of Sanford, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

Osceola School Board Awards Rhodes+Brito Architects Continuing Services Contract

ORLANDO, Fla. – The School District of Osceola County recently awarded Rhodes+Brito Architects a contract to provide continuing services in 2009-2010 worth up to $2 million.
Ruffin Rhodes, co-founder and partner at Rhodes+Brito Architects, said the continuing services contract means the award winning architectural firm can be called on at any time to work on a variety of projects during the term.

For more information contact:
Ruffin Rhodes, Rhodes+Brito Architects, 407-648-7288 ruffin@rbarchitects.com
Maximiano Brito, Rhodes+Brito Architects, 407-648-7288 max@rbarchitects.com
Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications Inc. 407-644-4142 (fax: 4410)

NAI Realvest Appointed Exclusive Town Center Broker for the Unique Harmony Community in Osceola County

MAITLAND, Fla. - NAI Realvest and Managing Partner Paul P. Partyka have been appointed exclusive town center property brokers for Harmony, the unique community under development in eastern Osceola County on U.S. 192-441.

Partyka said the community plans to develop 38,000 square feet of commercial space in the first phase.

Construction is expected to start during the first quarter of next year and Harmony plans to open the space in 2011, Partyka said.

Almost half of the planned space is already committed, Partyka said---an Energy and Sustainability Center plans to open a 15,000 square foot center that will be part of the Florida Sustainable Energy Research Park at Harmony, a program that hopes to attract renewable energy companies to work with its researchers on developing and improving technology .

For more information, contact:

Paul P. Partyka, Managing Partner/Principal NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989, ppartyka@realvest.com

Patrick Mahoney, Principal/Chief Operating Officer, 407-875-9989

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

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 http://www.nairealvest.com/.

ICI Homes to Host Realtor Socials Sept. 17, Sept 24 in Kissimmee, Lake Nona Areas

ICI Homes to Host Realtor Socials Sept. 17, Sept 24 in Kissimmee, Lake Nona Areas

ORLANDO, Fla. - ICI Homes will host receptions for area Realtors on Sept. 17 at Avilla in Kissimmee and on Sept. 24 at Live Oak Estates in the Lake Nona area of southeast Orlando.

Rosemary Messina, vice president of sales and marketing at ICI Homes in Florida, said ICI plans to showcase two new luxury model homes priced from the $300s at Avilla, an intimate gated community located off John Young and Osceola Parkways in Kissimmee. The Realtor reception is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. at 2760 Swoop Circle, Kissimmee 34741

Avilla offers 81 estate home sites and new luxury homes in a California contemporary design.

New homes at Avilla range in size from 2,500 square feet of living space to more than 3,500 square feet, and include 18-inch tile throughout, solid surfaces in kitchen and baths, tiled roofs, brick pavers in the driveways and streets and lush landscaping.

Decorative street lamps and mailboxes define the community, which offers a community swimming pool with a large covered lanai, tot lot, tennis and basketball courts.

Live Oak Estates, a gated community located off Moss Park Rd. across from Lake Mary Jane and Lake Hart, features spacious one-acre wooded home sites and spectacular luxury homes priced from the $600s.

ICI Homes will showcase one new luxury model home, and its six new floor plans at Live Oak Estates from 5 to 7 p.m., on Sept. 24 at 14121 Bella Lane, Orlando 32832 Messina said.

For more information, please contact:
Allison Pope, Marketing Manager ICI Homes-Central Florida, 407-466-9663
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

About ICI Homes
ICI Homes is ranked as one of the largest privately owned homebuilders in the US. The 30-year-old firm builds new homes and develops communities and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as Northeast Florida, Orlando and Tampa.

Showcase Estate Home for sale in Harmony represents Extreme value for buyer

Showcase Estate Home for sale in Harmony represents Extreme value for buyer

ORLANDO, Fla. - An exclusive 5,400 square foot luxury home for sale at Harmony near southeast Orlando’s new Medical City offers an unusual value for the next buyer.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and principal at Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty in Orlando---exclusive sales and marketing representatives for the $1.4 million luxury home---said the showcase builder estate was beautifully furnished as a model home.

“The design and construction details evident in this showcase luxury home are amazing,” Soderstrom said. “The furnishings, which will be sold with the house, are equally breathtaking, and the current sale price is a full $560,000 below the initial offering price,” Soderstrom said.

The seller is offering to finance the sale of the home with 20 percent down and will negotiate a lease-option with qualified buyers, Soderstrom said.

The USGBC LEED “Green” Certified luxury home offers four bedroom suites, five-and-a-half baths, five fireplaces, a private elevator, a courtyard swimming pool and cascading waterfall, billiard room, game room, and private breakfast lanai.

Jody Connor, an associate with Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s (www.stirlingsir.com) Downtown World Center, listed the estate home for sale with an asking price of $1,387,500. Harmony is a unique environment with a town square and art sculptures throughout.

The master-planned community features the only Johnny Miller signature designed golf course in Central Florida, with 70 percent of the land area set aside for conservation, more than 900 acres of private lakes and miles of natural and urban trails, a private lakefront camping area, its own aquatics center, and a Town Tavern that delivers to private homes.

“This is a unique luxury home in a unique community that’s just minutes from southeast Orlando’s Medical City and technology corridor,” Soderstrom said.

For more information please contact:
Jody Connor, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Downtown World Center 407.242.3424

Roger Soderstrom, Owner/Founder, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407.588.1260; http://www.StirlingSIR.com

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407.644.4142

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty:
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, commercial, property management, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates five performance centers which serve all of Central Florida.

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.

Contacts:

Dr. Tom O’Neal, Exec Director,UCF Business Incubation Program,407 882-1120, oneal@mail.ucf.edu

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

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Appointed Exclusive Sales and Marketing Agent For $1.4 Million Harmony Luxury Home

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Appointed Exclusive Sales and Marketing Agent For $1.4 Million Harmony Luxury Home

-- Seller financing, 20 percent down and lease-purchase option

ORLANDO, Fla. - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has been appointed exclusive sales and marketing agent for an exclusive 5,400 square foot luxury home at Harmony near Orlando – a bedroom community for the new Lake Nona Medical City underway in Southeast Orlando.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the unique home comes with some unique propositions, including owner financing with 20 percent down and 6.5 percent for five years, or a lease-purchase option.

Soderstrom said the USGBC LEED “Green” Certified luxury home offers four bedroom suites, five-and-a-half baths, five fireplaces, a private elevator, a courtyard swimming pool and cascading waterfall, billiard room, game room, and private breakfast lanai.

For Property Details: (http://www.stirlingsir.com/index.php?action=listingview&listingID=710035)

Soderstrom said Jody Connor with Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s (www.stirlingsir.com) Downtown World Center has listed the estate home for sale with an asking price of $1,387,500.
Harmony is a unique environment with a town square and art sculptures throughout.

The master-planned community features the only Johnny Miller signature designed golf course in Central Florida, with 70 percent of the land area set aside for conservation, more than 900 acres of private lakes and miles of natural and urban trails, a private lakefront camping area, its own aquatics center, and a Town Tavern that delivers to private homes.

To View Virtual: (http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=536177)

Soderstrom said the luxury home sale price was recently reduced by more than $550,000.

“This is a unique luxury home in a unique community that’s just minutes from southeast Orlando’s Medical City and technology corridor,” Soderstrom said.

For more information please contact:
Jody Connor, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Downtown World Center 407.242.3424
Roger Soderstrom, Owner/Founder, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407.588.1260, http://www.StirlingSIR.com
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407.644.4142

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty:
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, commercial, property management, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates five performance centers which serve all of Central Florida.

University of Central Florida Business Incubator to Open at Stevens Plantation in St. Cloud Early Next Year

University of Central Florida Business Incubator to Open at Stevens Plantation in St. Cloud Early Next Year

New Facility to break ground Thursday, Aug. 13, opening set for early 2010

ORLANDO, Fla. - The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program, which currently serves nearly 70 client companies at facilities in the Central Florida Research Park adjacent to the UCF campus, on East Colonial (S.R. 50) near downtown Orlando, in Winter Springs, Sanford, and Leesburg, has formed a joint partnership with the City of St. Cloud and Osceola County to develop a Business Incubator facility at Stevens Plantation in St. Cloud.

Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the UCF Business Incubation Program, said a groundbreaking for the new St. Cloud Business Incubator is set for Thursday, Aug. 13, from 2 to 3 p.m. at West Nolte Rd. and Budinger Ave. in St. Cloud.

Successful business incubators have proved to be the most cost-effective strategy to generate local economic development, according to a recent national study.

Dr. O’Neal said the UCF/St. Cloud/Osceola County Business Incubator has leased 14,000 square feet of office space in the new facility, which will open during the first quarter of next year.

“Our goal in developing the UCF/St. Cloud/Osceola County Business Incubator is to empower new business and industry in the local area and to generate new jobs,” Dr. O’Neal said.

For more information about this release contact:
Dr. Tom 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 the UCF Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 100 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, the City of Orlando, Orange County, 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.

University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program Promotes Gordon H. Hogan to Director of Operations

University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program Promotes Gordon H. Hogan to Director of Operations

ORLANDO, Fla. - The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program has promoted Gordon H. Hogan to director of operations.

Hogan joined the UCF Business Incubation Program ten years ago when it opened and most recently served as business development executive and site manager of the UCF Downtown Orlando Incubator facility and Photonics Incubator. He has a Bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays Kansas State University in Hays, Kansas and attended the University of Kansas.

Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the UCF Business Incubation Program, said Hogan will oversee UCF Business Incubation Program facilities at Research Park, the Orlando Business Development Center, the UCF Seminole County/Winter Springs facility, the Leesburg Business & Technology Center and the UCF Sanford Business Incubator

The UCF Business Incubation Program which currently serves more than 70 client companies that provide close to 2,000 jobs in Central Florida, plans to soon open the incubator facility in Sanford and in the coming months in St. Cloud.

For more information, contact:
Gordon Hogan, Director of Operations, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-1577, bizdev@mail.ucf.edu

Tom 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 the UCF Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 100 emerging companies (including nearly 70 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 900 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, the City of Orlando, Orange County, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.