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.

NAI Realvest Negotiates New Long-Term Restaurant Lease at Boardwalk Plaza in UCF area

ORLANDO, Fla. – NAI Realvest recently negotiated a new five-year lease agreement for Suite 1018, an endcap space with drive-through in the Boardwalk Plaza located at 3100 Alafaya Trail in Oviedo.

NAI Realvest principals Matt Cichocki and Kevin O’Connor negotiated the transaction representing both the landlord, Boardwalk Plaza LLC of Gardena, Calif. and the new tenant AC/BA LLC of Oviedo.

The tenant plans to open a Mediterranean style café by the end of March serving coffees, fresh baked goods, sandwiches, Middle Eastern dishes and smoothies.

The 8,312 square foot Boardwalk Plaza is currently 83 percent leased.
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For more information, contact: Matt Cichocki and Kevin O’Connor, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989; mcichocki@realvest.com; koconnor@realvest.com; Patrick Mahoney, President, NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989 pmahoney@realvest.com

About NAI Realvest: NAI Realvest, serving all of Central Florida, is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, development, investment, leasing and management, consulting and research services in the U.S. and worldwide. NAI Global is an international commercial real estate network with over 325 offices spanning the globe. Since 1978, clients have built businesses on the power of NAI Global’s expanding network. Extensive services include multi-site acquisitions and dispositions, sublease, tenant representation, lease administration and audit, investment services, due diligence and related consulting and advisory services. To learn more, visit www.nairealvest.com.

UCF Incubator in Kissimmee to Host St. Patrick’s Day Networking Reception for Area Entrepreneurs

KISSIMMEE - The University of Central Florida Business Incubator in Kissimmee will host a networking reception for area entrepreneurs from 5 to7 p.m. on Thursday March 17.

Rafael Caamano, site manager at the UCF Business Incubator in Kissimmee, said the St. Patrick’s Day reception is a chance for entrepreneurs with startup businesses to meet and discuss issues in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

The event is free and open to all entrepreneurs, Caamano said.

The UCF Business Incubator in Kissimmee is located on the fourth floor of the Kissimmee City Centre, 111 Monument Ave. in Kissimmee
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For more information, contact: Rafael Caamano, Site Manager Kissimmee UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-343-4300 rcaamano@mail.ucf.edu

About the UCF Incubation Program: Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 160 emerging companies (including 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.

sdPhotonics Nears Completion of Second Phase of Contract to Develop High Power Laser for U.S. Air Force

ORLANDO, Fla. – sdPhotonics is nearing completion of the second phase of a research and development contract to develop a specialized high-powered laser for the U.S. Air Force.

Dr. Sabine Freisem, president of sdPhotonics, said she expects to complete the work in March.

Dr. Dennis Deppe, chief executive officer of the firm, said the contract is worth $850,000.

“The work we are doing represents a major breakthrough in laser technology,” Dr. Deppe said.

Researchers from UCF spin-off sdPhotonics, in collaboration with the College of Optics and Photonics/CREOL at the University of Central Florida, have now demonstrated what may become the most reliable laser diode technology ever developed. Recent laboratory measurements show that the new laser diodes pass unprecedented stress testing, and the new approach provides important insights into why other laser diodes fail. The new technology may ultimately produce the most reliable laser diodes ever developed, with failure times that could reach 10 M hours (1000 years) or more. The new technology could reduce testing and lower the cost for laser diodes.

The new laser diodes represent a sharp departure from past commercial devices in how they are made, especially that they can be made smaller while eliminating the need for non-semiconductor materials around their active light generating part. The most surprising aspect of the new technology is how it responds to high internal temperature and high current stress. The new devices show almost no change in operation under stress conditions that cause commercial devices to rapidly fail. Although the research team was expecting the new laser diodes to be more reliable, actually reaching high reliability can be a tedious process in laser development, requiring extensive optimization of numerous separate fabrication steps. The new laser diodes did not require these steps, and their unique characteristics are now shedding new insights into just why existing commercial laser diodes fail.

The team is currently perfecting other aspects of the new laser technology, including its efficiency and beam properties. They believe that one of the most important applications could be for laser diodes in space. These laser diodes will require very high reliability, and defects caused by space radiation can play a major role in their failure. By reducing the flow of point defects in the crystalline semiconductor of the new technology, these could prove the most resistant laser diode yet to space radiation, making them useful on earth and in space because of their high reliability.

High power laser diode technologies that sdPhotonics is developing provide improved power, efficiency, brightness and reliability, Dr. Deppe said.

Dr. Freisem, a native of Germany, is a graduate of Leiden University in the Netherlands and has more than six years of experience in laser technology. She is currently senior research scientist for the College of Optics and Photonics at the University of Central Florida.

Dr. Deppe, a graduate of University of Illinois has more than 20 years of experience focused on laser physics, semiconductor lasers and materials, nanostructures and quantum optics. He is currently endowed chair / professor of the College of Optics and Photonics at the University of Central Florida.

sdPhotonics is located at the University of Central Florida Business Incubator-Photonics in the Center for Research & Education in Optics & Lasers (CREOL) on the University’s main Campus in East Orlando.
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For more information contact: Sabine Freisem, President, sdPhotonics 407-929-6675, sfreisem@cfl.rr.com; Dennis Deppe, Chief Executive Officer, sdPhotonics, 407-823-6870. ddeppe@creol.ucf.edu; Gordon Hogan, Director of Operations, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-1577, ghogan@mail.ucf.edu

About the UCF Business Incubation Program: Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 160 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.

Innovative Software Products, Inc. Forms Strategic Relationship with Ingram Micro to Offer Clients Discounted Software

ORLANDO, Fla. — Innovative Software Products, Inc. (ISP), an Orlando technology company that provides custom retail software solutions for the banking, insurance, financial services and medical industries, has formed a strategic relationship with Ingram Micro, Inc. the world’s largest technology distributor for the IT industry, to provide discounted software products for clients and customers.

Adam Jones, president of Innovative Software Products, said the strategic relationship with Ingram Micro means his company can offer pre-packed software and hardware products with discounts of up to 20 percent off retail prices.

“Sales of these products to our customers are incidental to our primary business,” Jones explained. “Instead of recommending hardware and software acquisitions, we can now sell them to the client, and Ingram’s portfolio of products and manufacturers means we can offer the widest range of products from which to choose,” Jones said.

Innovative Software Products, Inc. is located in east Orlando’s Central Florida Research Park and is a University of Central Florida Business Incubator company. www.i-softwareproducts.com
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For more information contact: Adam Jones, President, Innovative Software Products, Inc. 407-381-0037 ext. 101; ajones@i-softwareproducts.com; Carol Ann Dykes, Site Manager, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-0211, cdykes@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 160 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.

Golden Brothers Studios in Kissimmee to Host Open Casting Call Starting Feb. 26 for Orlando-Area Feature Film

ORLANDO - Golden Brothers Studios, a Kissimmee based production company and film studio, will host a series of open casting calls for 365 Decision Time, a feature-length family drama set for production in the Orlando area later this year.

Golden Brothers producers Giovanni Reyes and Benjamin Guadalupe said Ariel Santiago will direct the film and award-winning cinematographer Jose Zambrano Cassela (Second Coming, The Sacred, The Tenant) will film the story of a typical middle-class American family that confronts dramatic real-world issues that threaten to break them apart.

“Divorce, a middle child accused of murder, the youngest one facing a decision of abortion and the adultery of the oldest are among the challenges that will attempt to destroy the unity of this family,” Reyes said. “These individual situations will lead to hard decisions that will change their lives.”

Cast auditions will be held at Golden Brothers Studios on the fourth floor at 111 E. Monument Ave. in Kissimmee.

Visit www.365decisiontime.com, telephone 407-558-5783 or email talent@goldenbrothersstudios.com for registration information, casting locations, dates and guidelines.

Golden Brothers Studios is a University of Central Florida Business Incubation company based at the Kissimmee City Centre, 111 Monument Ave.
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For more information, contact: Giovanni Reyes, Principal, Ariel Santiago, Production or Benjamin Guadalupe, Creative Director, Golden Brothers Studios, 407-558-5783 info@goldenbrothersstudios.com; Rafael Caamano, Site Manager Kissimmee UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-408-4297 rcaamano@mail.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 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.

Summit Wealth Management Inc. Selected for State-Funded Economic Growth Program

ORLANDO – Summit Wealth Management Inc.,(www.mysummitwealth.com) a nationwide 30-year-old investment advisory firm, has been selected to participate in GrowFL, a state-financed program that helps Florida-based second-stage companies achieve their potential.

GrowFL, part of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute, was created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature and is based at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Dr. Tom O’Neal, associate vice president of the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization, serves as the institute’s executive director.

O’Neal said Summit Wealth’s consistent returns and Chief Executive Officer Mitch Levin’s solid leadership make it an ideal candidate for the GrowFL program.

“Companies like Summit Wealth have great potential, but sometimes need a little assistance to reach the next level,” O’Neal said,

A federally-registered investment advisory firm with nearly 50 employees in six offices across the nation, Summit Wealth “clarifies investing,” according to Levin, managing director of the company’s Orlando and Naples offices.

“Our advisory team ensures that each client’s needs and objectives are met, while providing the peace of mind they need to sleep well and plan confidently,” said Levin, a member of the Wealth Preservation Institute who is certified in wealth preservation planning and asset protection planning.

GrowFL will provide Summit Wealth with support through a number of free services, including access to market research and technology, strategy analysis, database research and website optimization.

“We’re excited to work with the GrowFL team and eager to derive support, data and input from their excellent members to help us more effectively know and understand our market and our competitors, as well as our target clients,” Levin said. “Thus far, the first GrowFL engagement has provided tremendous research and insight, delivered in a highly organized, well coordinated manner.”

About Summit Wealth Management: A federally-registered investment advisory firm, Summit Wealth Management empowers investors by delivering solid, safely managed growth and trusted advice. Summit’s advisory team delivers clients the greatest probability of goal achievement – consistently excellent returns with appropriate risks. Visit www.mysummitwealth.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.

For more information about this release, please contact: Mitch Levin, CEO Summit Wealth Management, 407-656-2252 levin.mitch@gmail.com; Linda Nelson, Outreach Serivces GrowFL, 407-882-0046 Linda@GrowFl.com; Charlene Hager-Van Dyke, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, chagervandyke@yahoo.com

BrightFleet.com launches online commercial driving simulator that applies behavioral technology to improve fleet driver safety

SANFORD, Fla. --- Compendium Software Systems, LLC based in Sanford Fla., has launched a new online commercial driving simulator and testing program that uses behavior-tracking technology to improve the safety of the nation’s commercial fleet drivers.

Michael Bragg, president of Compendium Software Systems, LLC, said the firm’s new website,
BrightFleet.com®, hosts the Hazard Perception Evaluation online testing system that has shown to reduce preventable collision rates by 30-40 percent.

“The Hazard Perception Evaluation is an online driving simulator that presents the trainee with a drivers-eye-view through the windshield, along with the rear-view and side-view mirror perspectives in dynamic real world video,” Bragg explained.

The state-of-the-art evaluation is a predictive behavior analysis tool that measures driving skills in six core categories including; speed management, space management, scanning, attitude, danger zones, and the other motorist.

Participating fleets can use the Hazard Perception Evaluation to quickly identify their high risk drivers and provide corrective action, Bragg said. Based on each driver's performance, the software automatically assigns comprehensive computer-based training modules that are designed to address weaknesses identified in the evaluation test.

The Hazard Perception Evaluation at BrightFleet.com is available to fleets of any size, Bragg said. To learn more, visit www.BrightFleet.com or telephone Compendium Software Systems at 407-545-2200.

Compendium Software Systems, LLC is a member of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program and located at the incubator in downtown Sanford.
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For more information, contact: Michael Bragg, Compendium Software Systems LLC 407-545-2200 or 866-706-2499, Michael.Bragg@compendiumusa.com; Gordon Hogan, Director of Operations, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-1157, ghogan@mail.ucf.edu

About the UCF Incubation Program: Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 160 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 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.

Winter Springs-Based Greensleeves Completed Contract with NASA to Build Geothermal Field at Cleveland Research Center

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. --- Greensleeves LLC, which designs energy efficient air conditioning and heating systems for commercial buildings that reduce energy costs by 30 percent to 50 percent, recently completed a contract by NASA to design, engineer and install a geothermal borefield at NASA’s John H. Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.

Sharon K. Keeran, vice president of marketing and operations at Greensleeves LLC, said the contract includes thermal conductivity testing, engineering, and installation of the borefield. The borefield consists of eight 275-foot bore holes.

“Greensleeves’ state-of-the-art systems harvest, store and distribute energy. In addition, they substantially reduce fossil fuel energy needs. Geothermal is one of the components that we often utilize in our solutions,” Keeran explained.

Flexible design requirements and a small footprint make Greensleeves’ systems a good choice for schools, office buildings, government buildings and almost any commercial facility, Keeran added. The savings---in lower operating and maintenance costs, durability, and energy conservation---can exceed the total cost of building construction over the life of a facility.

Greensleeves LLC is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program located at the Seminole County/Winter Springs Incubator on E. State Road 434 in Winter Springs.
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For more information, contact: Sharon K. Keeran, Vice President Marketing & Operations, Greensleeves LLC 407-278-7507 x1001 skeeran@greensleevesllc.com; Esther Vargas-Davis, Site Manager, UCF Incubator-Seminole County, 407-278-4881, evargasd@mail.ucf.edu

About the UCF Business Incubation Program: Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 160 emerging companies (including 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.

BDG Construction Services Earns Contract to Build out Interior for New Simply Frozen Yogurt Store in Altamonte Springs

ORLANDO - BDG Construction Services, LLC in Winter Springs was awarded a contract to build out the interior for a new Simply Frozen Yogurt store in the Renaissance Retail Center at 397 E. Altamonte Drive in Altamonte Springs.

Kevin Guffee, president of BDG Construction Services, said construction is underway on the 2,210 square foot retail shop and is expected to be completed by mid March.

BDG Construction Services, LLC is headquartered at the University of Central Florida Business Incubator in Winter Springs at 1511 East State Road 434.
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For more information, contact: Kevin Guffee, Principal, BDG Construction Services, LLC, 407-729-5832; Esther Vargas-Davis, Site Manager, UCF Business Incubator–Winter Springs, 407-278-4881, evargasd@mail.ucf.edu

About BDG Construction Services, LLC: BDG Construction Services, LLC is a Florida based general contractor that builds and renovates a variety of commercial construction projects including retail shopping centers, restaurants, office spaces, and medical facilities.

About the UCF 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.

Former Florida Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff Joins Board of Advisors at Excel Recruiting

ORLANDO - Charles (Chuck) Drago, who served as deputy chief of staff to Florida Governor Charlie Crist and secretary of the Florida Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation, has joined the Board of Advisors of Excel Recruiting, of Orlando.

Excel Recruiting provides full service staffing specializing in technical specialists in aerospace and defense, simulation and training, gaming technology, healthcare, information technology and manufacturing.

Jay Weaver, vice president of operations at Excel Recruiting said Drago served as the governor’s senior advisor on law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Corrections, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and Juvenile Justice.

Drago was responsible for the licensing and regulation of more than one million Florida businesses including the gaming, beverage and hospitality industries, Weaver said.

Drago, who has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, was appointed assistant chief of police for the Fort Lauderdale Police Dept. In 2004 he was named chief of police for the City of Oviedo.

Drago stated that “Excel Recruiting has a proven record of high ethical standards and a commitment to customer service. The strong management team and experienced recruiters have fostered an environment of innovation and continued business development. I am thrilled to be associated with Excel Recruiting and I am looking forward to a great year.”

Excel Recruiting is a client of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park in East Orange County.
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For more information about this press release, contact: Jay Weaver, Vice President of Operations, Excel Recruiting 321-293-3333, jweaver@excelrecruiting.com; Mark Piccini, President, Excel Recruiting 321-293-3330, mpiccini@excelrecruiting.com; Carol Ann Dykes, Site Manager UCF Business Incubation Program 407-882-1120 cdykes@mail.ucf.edu

About Excel Recruiting, Inc: Excel Recruiting, founded by principals Mark Piccini and Jay Weaver, delivers highly qualified professionals that specialize in aerospace, defense, simulation/training, casino and gaming technology, information technology/applications and manufacturing and design. Excel’s goal is to provide highly qualified contract, contract-to-hire and direct hire opportunities to its clients and candidates. www.excelrecruiting.com

About the UCF 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.

UCF Business Incubation Program Names New Site Manager for Business Incubator Program in Kissimmee

ORLANDO - The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program has appointed Rafael Caamano site manager at the UCF Business Incubator in Kissimmee.

Gordon Hogan, director of operations for the UCF Business Incubation Program, said Caamano joined the UCF Business Incubation Program three years ago.

Caamano has more than three years of experience in business incubation management as program coordinator at the UCF Business Incubator in Winter Springs, Hogan said. He also serves currently as interim point of contact at the Business Incubator in Sanford.

Camaano holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico and an Incubator Management Certification from the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA).

Dr. Tom O’Neal, founder and executive director of the UCF Business Incubation Program said Caamano has made a valuable addition to the program’s executive staff.

“Rafael Caamano is one of the new generation of economic development specialists whose experience is focused on new jobs and new opportunities,” Dr. O’Neal said.

UCF, Osceola County and Kissimmee city officials recently opened the UCF Business Incubator in the City Centre Business Building on East Monument Avenue in Kissimmee. The 8,000 square foot facility has offices and administrative space to accommodate 20 startup enterprises selected to join the UCF Business Incubation program, Hogan said.
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For more information contact: Gordon Hogan, Director of Operations, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-1577, ghogan@mail.ucf.edu; Rafael Caamano, Site Manager Kissimmee UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-408-4297 rcaamano@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 90 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 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.

Nano Discovery, Inc. Wins $100,000 Florida Technology Grant

ORLANDO - Nano Discovery, Inc., a medical research bioassay company headquartered in southeast Orlando was recently awarded a Florida Technology Transfer and Commercialization Partnership Grant.

Dr. Qun Huo, founder and chief executive officer of Nano Discovery, LLC, and an associate professor at University of Central Florida’s NanoScience Technology Center, said the $100,000 grant will help further her efforts to develop a new bioanalytical technology for biomolecular and research and medical diagnosis using gold nanoparticles.

Nano Discovery expects to commercialize this new technology to the biomedical research community in 1-2 years and diagnostic market in 3-5 years.

Nano Discovery exhibited its latest technology products last month during the Particle 2010 conference on Medical/Biochemical Diagnostic, Pharmaceutical, and Drug Delivery Applications of Particle Technology at the Regal Sun Resort at Lake Buena Vista.

Nano Discovery LLC is a client of the UCF Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park.
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For more information about this release contact: Dr. Qun Huo, Chief Executive Officer, Nano Discovery, Inc, 407-770-8954 huo@nanodiscoveryinc.com; Carol Ann Dykes, Site Manager, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-0211, cdykes@mail.ucf.edu

About the UCF Business Incubation Program: Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 140 emerging companies (including 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, City of Sanford, the City of Winter Springs, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, The City of Kissimmee, the City of St. Cloud and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

Compendium Software Systems to Provide Fuel Conservation Technology for Trial Use on City of Sanford Vehicles

SANFORD - Compendium Software Systems, LLC was recently awarded a contract to install its Fuel Clinic.com® Fleet System fuel conservation and risk reduction technology on select City of Sanford vehicles on a trial basis.

Michael Bragg, president of Compendium Software Systems, LLC, said the Sanford Economic Development Office played a big role in shaping the agreement.

Compendium Software Systems’ FuelClinic.com® Fleet System closely records real-world driver behavior and provides data analysis and reporting.

“FuelClinic.com® Fleet System provides a fuel efficiency report card for drivers and vehicles that will enable the city’s fleet of vehicles to achieve maximum fuel efficiency while reducing fleet risk,” Bragg explained. “The goal is to show how FuelClinic.com® Fleet System can help the City save money by reducing the fuel consumption of normal fleet operations.”

Bragg said the trial project will be conducted in two phases. Each phase will include data collection and analysis, he said.

Bragg said installation of the monitoring equipment will commence in July.

Compendium Software Systems LLC is a client company of the UCF Business Incubation Program and headquartered at the Incubator on West First Street in downtown Sanford.

Compendium specializes in advanced information systems for use in driver behavior analysis.
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For more information, contact: Michael Bragg, Compendium Software Systems LLC 407-545-2200 or 800-706-2499, Michael.Bragg@compendiumusa.com; Rafael Caamano, UCF Business Incubation Program-Sanford 407-407-4297, rcaamano@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 140 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 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.

GeoMotion Group Welcomes Marianna Clampett as an Advisory Board member

Orlando - GeoMotion Group Inc recently named Marianna Clampett as an advisory board member. Clampett, based in Raleigh, N.C., is a seasoned business executive with a rich background in sales and marketing management, consulting, and general operations. She held several executive positions at SAS, one of the world’s leading software companies, including president of the Americas, vice president of Commercial Sales, and vice president of various industry, market, and geographic segments.

Clampett, who has a passion for improving fitness and academic success in children, will be instrumental in forwarding GeoMotion Group’s partner relations with private foundations, corporations, government agencies and like-minded individuals.

GeoMotion Group Inc. is an innovative fitness and learning leader, providing fun, safe and easy methods and products to encourage learning, physical activity and fitness. GeoFitness, Dance and Learnercise products and curriculum are movement-based, developmentally appropriate, easy to use and cost effective to increase fitness and academic achievement.

Based in Orlando, GeoMotion Group, Inc. was founded in 2002 by Dr. Debby Mitchell, Ed.D. Curriculum & Instruction, BA/MA Physical Education, associate professor and coordinator of Sports and Fitness, College of Education, University of Central Florida. Dr. Mitchell started GeoMotion Group because of her passion to get children more physically active while learning.
GeoMotion Group is a client of the UCF Business Incubation Program located in the Central Florida Research Park in east Orlando.

About GeoMotion Group: GeoMotion Group is an innovative fitness and learning company which offers a variety of programs for pre-school, schools, and active seniors. They include: Nutrition Education, Active Learning, Choreography, Integrated Academics and Games, Hip Hop, Partner and Latin Dance, Cardiovascular Activities. The company, based in Orlando, Florida, was founded in 2002 by Dr. Debby Mitchell, UCF Associate Professor. To learn more about GeoMotion Group please visit: www.geomotiongroup.com or call 407-275-0510

About the UCF Incubation Program: Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 140 emerging companies (including 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 open across the Greater Orlando community and one more underway, 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, The City of St. Cloud and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu

UCF Business Incubator-Sanford Welcomes City, County Officials to Open House Showcasing Expanded Facilities

SANFORD - The UCF Business Incubator-Sanford recently hosted local business leaders and city and county officials during an open house to showcase its newly expanded facilities at 110 W. First St. in Sanford.

Rafael Caamano, point of contact for the UCF Business Incubator-Sanford, said the facilities at the UCF Business Incubator-Sanford have grown from 3,800 square feet of office space to 5,700 square feet and is currently housing five client companies.

Caamano said the UCF Business Incubator-Sanford expects to add one more client company within the next two weeks, and with the expansion there is now available space for a couple more new companies.

The University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program operates eight business incubation sites at the UCF campus, Research Park and E. Colonial Drove in Orlando, as well as Sanford, Leesburg, Winter Springs, Kissimmee and St. Cloud.
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For more information, contact: Rafael Caamano, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-407-4297, rcaamano@mail.ucf.edu; Gordon Hogan, Director of Operations, UCF Business
Incubation Program 407-882-1577, ghogan@mail.ucf.edu;

About the UCF Incubation Program: Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 140 emerging companies (including 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 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.

4PSA opens U.S. Headquarters in Orlando, Appoints Veteran Telephony Executive Mike Ross as President

ORLANDO - 4PSA, a leading global provider of cloud computing software and infrastructure based in Bucharest, has opened its U.S. headquarters at the Central Florida Research Park in southeast Orlando and appointed veteran U.S. telephony executive Mike Ross as President
Ross, whose industry credits span a 25-year career and a pioneering role in the development of voicemail and VOIP, a computer-based telephone system that is rapidly expanding around the world, formerly served as a top executive with Dialogic Corporation, Rhetorex/Octel, Aculab USA, Esnatech, Acredo Technologies, and Conversif.

“VOIP is the future of telephone communications,” Ross said. “The integration of cloud computing with the software infrastructure developed by 4PSA will revolutionize voice communications at a fraction of the cost of telephone service today,” Ross said.

The U.S. headquarters of 4PSA is a client company of the University of Central Florida Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park.
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For more information contact: Mike Ross, President, 4PSA; 850-250-1118, mross@4PSA.com; Carol Ann Dykes, Site Manager, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-0211, cdykes@mail.ucf.edu

About 4PSA: 4PSA is a leading innovative software development company specializing in applications that run on computer clouds. The company provides, under the 4PSA brand, solutions that help service providers and enterprises better manage their IT infrastructure, automate processes, and improve communications services.

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 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, City of Sanford, the City of Winter Springs, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, The City of Kissimmee, the City of St. Cloud and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

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.

Florida Economic Gardening Institute names Fran Korosec Director of Client Services

ORLANDO - The Florida Economic Gardening Institute has appointed Fran Korosec director of client services.

Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute, said Korosec earned his undergraduate degree from Clarkson University and his master’s degree from State University of New York at Binghamton.

Korosec has more than 24 years of experience in corporate management, including executive positions at Bell & Howell, Lockheed Martin and IBM.

“The Economic Gardening Institute is a critical effort to provide promising second stage companies with the resources to accelerate their growth and expand employment throughout Florida,” Dr. O’Neal said.

“Fran Korosec is a seasoned executive with a unique combination of business development/sales, program management, and technical expertise. We expect him to play a major role in the growth and success of the Economic Gardening Institute.

Funded by the Florida Legislature at the University of Central Florida, the Florida Economic Gardening Institute is a joint venture of the University of Central Florida, the Florida Development Council, Enterprise Florida, Workforce Florida, Florida High Tech Corridor Council and others working to identify and cultivate hundreds of growth companies.

Visit www.GrowFL.com
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For more information, contact:
Fran Korosec, Director of Client Services, Fla. Economic Gardening Institute; 407-882-0210; Fran@Growfl.com; Dr. Tom O’Neal, Executive Director Fla. Economic Gardening Institute; 407-882-1120; oneal@mail.ucf.edu

Orlando’s OC Grant Consulting Offers New Series of Classes to Help Faith- and Community-Based Organizations Attain Non-Profit Status

ORLANDO – Olivette Carter, owner of OC Grant Consulting Associates, will conduct the next in a Spring series of seminars on attaining non-profit status and grant funding Saturday May 8, at the University of Central Florida Business Incubator-Orlando.

The session, titled “Board Development for New Non-Profits,” will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at 3218 E. Colonial Drive.

OC Grant Consulting is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program, one of the program’s eight business incubators throughout the Central Florida area.
Designed for executives, administrators, managers and other leaders of aspiring or new start-up grassroots organizations, the series began earlier this month with “How to Start a Non-Profit and Obtain 501(c)3 Status” seminar.

Additional Saturday seminars are: “Program Design and Planning,” May 15; and “Introduction to Grant Writing,” May 22.

The cost of each class is $35.00. To register, call 321-281-8346 or go on-line at ocgrantconsulting.com. Please resister by the Wednesday prior to each seminar.

For more information about this release, please contact:
Olivette Carter, owner, OC Grant Counseling, 321-281-8346 or ocgrants@obdc2.fdn.com; Henriette Schoen, UCFBI-Orlando site manager, 321-281-8383, hschoen@mail.ucf.edu; Gordon Hogan, director of operations, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-1157; ghogan@mail.ucf.edu; Charlene Hager-Van Dyke, Larry Vershel Communications, 386-532-8862, 407-644-4142; Lvershelco@aol.com or chagervandyke@yahoo.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 90 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 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, City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, The City of St. Cloud and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.