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.

UCF Business Incubator in St. Cloud to Host Discovery Tour Open House for Entrepreneurs March 30

ST. CLOUD, Fla. --- The UCF Business Incubator in St. Cloud will host a Discovery Tour Open House for entrepreneurs from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30, in the Corporate Campus building at Stevens Plantation, 3201 Budinger Ave. in St. Cloud.

Jim Bowie, site manager at the UCF Business Incubator in St. Cloud, said the Discovery Tour event is open to established business owners and potential entrepreneurs who are considering new business startups.

Bowie said a formal presentation of how the Incubator can help grow your business will begin at 5:20 p.m.

“The Discovery Tour is a brief overview of the services and facilities offered at the UCF Business Incubator to see whether a new business startup is the right fit for our program,” Bowie explained.

Bowie said recent studies show that 87 percent of entrepreneurs who launch their business startups in an incubator facility are still in business after five years.

“The UCF Business Incubator offers facilities, a network of community partners dedicated to the support of emerging enterprises and business coaching,” Bowie said. “Our goal is to help promising startup enterprises accelerate their growth and flourish,” Bowie said.

No RSVP is required, Bowie said. For more information about the Discovery Tour Open House, contact the UCF Business Incubator in St. Cloud at 407-498-0432 or visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.
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For more information, contact: Jim Bowie, Site Manager UCF Business Incubator St. Cloud 407-498-0432, Jim.Bowie@ucf.edu; Gordon Hogan, Director of Operations, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-1157; Gordon.Hogan@ucf.edu

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.

Silent Auction at University Club of Orlando Raises $25,000 to Benefit Wounded Warriors Outdoors

ORLANDO, Fla. --- A silent auction at The University Club of Orlando raised more than $25,000 to benefit Wounded Warriors Outdoors, a not-for-profit group whose mission is to reward active duty wounded servicemen with the therapeutic trip of their lifetime: a small way of thanking them for their unselfish personal sacrifices in helping to preserve our freedom.

Cole Whitaker, who heads Hendricks & Partners’ Orlando regional office emceed the Cocktails for a Cause event, which was Wounded Warriors Outdoors first ever fundraiser.

More than 150 people attended, said Susan Greene, general manager of The University Club of Orlando.

The University Club of Orlando Cocktails for a Cause events have raised more than $100,000 over the past three years to benefit area civic, community and charitable organizations.
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For more information, contact:Susan Greene, General Manager, The University Club of Orlando 407-425-2514, gm@ucluborlando.com; Cole Whitaker, Southeast Partner, Hendricks & Partners 407-218-8880 cwhitaker@HPAPTS.com

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

University Club of Orlando to Host Cocktails for a Cause Fundraiser on Feb. 24 to Benefit Wounded Warriors Outdoors

ORLANDO, Fla. --- The University Club of Orlando, which ranks as Central Florida’s oldest and most prestigious social club for business leaders and corporate executives, will host a Cocktails for a Cause fundraiser reception on Thursday, Feb. 24 to benefit Wounded Warriors Outdoors whose mission is to reward active duty wounded servicemen with the therapeutic trip of their lifetime: a small way of thanking them for their unselfish personal sacrifices in helping to preserve our freedom.

Justin Wright, events director at The University Club of Orlando, said the event will start at 6 p.m.

Cocktails for a Cause receptions at The University Club have raised more than $100,000 for civic and charitable groups over the past three years.
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For more information contact: Justin Wright, Events Director, The University Club of Orlando 407-425-2514; Susan Greene, General Manager, The University Club of Orlando 407-425-2514, gm@ucluborlando.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.

Local Beermeister Hopes His Orange Blossom Pilsner Honey Beer Creates a Buzz at DeLand’s February Beer fest

ORLANDO – Tom Moench, founder of Orlando-based Orange Blossom Pilsner, is one of more than 30 craft brewers who will be featured next month at the 2nd annual DeLand Craft Beer Festival.

The event, scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, will be held in the Artisan Alley at 118 W. New York Ave. in downtown DeLand.

Moench – a client member of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubator Program – said he fell in love with his first beer when he was only 12 and started brewing in his family’s garage at the age of 18.

After years of studying books on brewing, visiting breweries, and tasting lots of beer, Moench began experimenting with everything from ginseng and shitake mushrooms to coconut and fresh fruit. But, it was the 2.3 teaspoons of fermented orange blossom honey that seemed to give every bottle of his Orange Blossom Pilsner exactly what he had been searching for: a clean, crisp, yet complex, flavor.

The flavor combination has been a huge hit as Orange Blossom Pilsner currently is on tap at 50 locations in Central Florida and is available in bottles at more than 600 locations throughout the state, including many Publix supermarkets and ABC Liquors. It’s also the number one selling beer at the Mellow Mushroom.

In addition to his OBP beer, Moench also will be pouring two other samples at the DeLand festival: OBP2, which has the same ingredients as OBP but with half the water; and Toasted Coconut Porter, which Moench calls the “little brother” to stout beer.

Tickets for the festival – which are available from the DeLand Beacon, daVinci Cafe, The Abbey Wine and Beer Bar and the Mainstreet DeLand office – are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. For details, call 386-738-0649.
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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.

For more information about this release, please contact: Tom Moench, Owner, Orange Blossom Pilsner, Tom@OrangeBlossomPilsner.com; Melissa Wasserman, Site Manager, UCF Business Incubator-Orlando, 321-281-8384, mwasserm@mail.ucf.edu; Charlene Hager-Van Dyke, Larry Vershel Communications, 386-532-8862 or 407-644-4142; chagervandyke@yahoo.com

OptiGrate Receives Florida Companies to Watch Award

ORLANDO – OptiGrate Corp has been recognized as a recipient of the 2011 Florida Companies to WatchSM award, an honor presented by GrowFL, the Florida Economic Gardening Institute, in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation. The 50 companies were chosen after evaluating more than 310 nominations for the awards, represent industries ranging from alternative energy development to food production and industrial gear makers to information technology firms.

“It is truly an honor for us to be a part of the inaugural class of 50 Florida Companies to Watch,” says OptiGrate’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Alexei Glebov. “A strong presence of high-tech companies in the group is a sound indicator of the changing face of the Florida’s economy and OptiGrate is excited to contribute to it with our dedication to new technologies and innovation”.

Florida Companies to Watch is an awards program that celebrates privately held second-stage companies headquartered in the state. Awardees are selected for demonstrating the intent and capacity to grow based on employee or sales growth, exceptional entrepreneurial leadership, sustainable competitive advantage or other notable strengths.

“This statewide event lauds the success of business leaders who have taken their operations to the "second-stage" of growth and hold the potential to continue to create new jobs in their communities and industries, thereby making a difference in regional communities”, says Dr. Tom O’Neal, vice president for Research & Commercialization at the University of Central Florida.

The companies will receive their awards at an awards gala on Thursday, Feb. 17 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida.

About OptiGrate Corp: OptiGrate Corp, founded in 1999, pioneered and successfully brought to market the innovative technology of volume Bragg grating based optical filters. The unique micro-optic components made by OptiGrate enable dramatic performance improvement of laser systems, vast miniaturization and cost reduction of analytical instruments and ultrafast lasers for medical, pharma, defense, nanotech, and other applications. OptiGrate supplies custom builds as well as volume orders of diffractive optical components to more than 200 customers on 5 continents, including government contractors, key industrial and academic players in optoelectronics, analytical, and semiconductor industries. Additional information about the company can be obtained at www.OptiGrate.com.

University Club of Orlando to Host Cocktails for a Cause Fundraiser to Benefit Canine Companions

ORLANDO - The University Club of Orlando will host a Cocktails for a Cause fundraiser reception on Thursday, Sept. 16, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Susan Greene, general manager of the University Club of Orlando, said Cocktails for a Cause events have raised more than $50,000 so far this year to benefit local civic, community and charitable organizations.

Volunteers from the beneficiary organization serve as bartenders at Cocktails for a Cause and all gratuities are donated to the charity.

Justin Wright, events director at the University Club of Orlando, said admission to the Sept. 16 Cocktails for a Cause fundraising event is free. Guests are encouraged to donate as generously as they can to Canine Companions.

For more information contact: Justin Wright, Events Manager, The University Club of Orlando 407-425-2514; Susan Greene, General Manager, The University Club of Orlando 407-425-2514, gm@ucluborlando.com

University Club of Orlando Hosts Cocktails for a Cause to Benefit MicheLee Puppets, youngsters

ORLANDO - The University Club of Orlando will host a Cocktails for a Cause event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25 to benefit MicheLee Puppets at the Club located on Central Blvd. and Rosalind Ave. in downtown Orlando.

MicheLee Puppets travel statewide to perform for schools and other organizations to teach and entertain youngsters age 5-18, delivering the messages that will empower them to focus on positive family values and overcome challenges.

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres are served by volunteers from these benefit agencies and all gratuities are donated to the agencies, Justin Wright, events director at University Club of Orlando, explained.

Cocktails for a Cause events are open to the public and admission is free.

Over the past year Cocktails for a Cause events at the University Club of Orlando have raised more than $100,000 to benefit local civic, community and charitable organizations including the Special Olympics, Canine Companions PACE Center for Girls, Coastal Conservation, Friends of the Wekiva and many more, Wright said.
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For more information contact: Justin Wright, Events Manager, The University Club of Orlando 407-425-2514; Susan Greene, General Manager, The University Club of Orlando 407-425-2514, gm@ucluborlando.com; Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

Brand Advance Names Well-Traveled International Affairs Graduate as Account Executive

ORLANDO – Brand Advance, an Internet marketing and web-design business, has named Alexandra Gramatikas?a world traveler who had backpacked through 15 countries by the time she was 18 and reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro when she was 20?as an account executive with its marketing team.

Gramatikas, a recent Florida State University graduate, majored in international affairs and minored in business with an emphasis in marketing. During her time at FSU, the Dean’s-list student and Zeta Tau Alpha leader gained valuable experience heading up marketing efforts that helped raise more than $400,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network and $50,000 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Her accomplishments, which also include a Best in Show ribbon from the Maitland Art Festival and a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, are not limited to the college campus, says Brand Advance Chief Operations Officer Robert Urban.

“Alexandra’s strong will, devotion and determination knows no boundaries, as is evidenced by her numerous life experiences,” Urban said.

“Her accomplishments at such a young age–backpacking through Third-World countries, scuba diving in more than 100 of the world’s most exotic waters, and hiking through jungles to count monkeys for an Amazonian research center–are indicative of a positive attitude and a strong work ethic that can only complement Brand Advance’s free-spirited team,” he said.

Brand Advance – headed up by Chief Executive Officer David Brim – is a client company in the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program and is based at its Orlando location at 3218 East Colonial Drive.

About Brand Advance: Brand Advance LLC is a full-service web-design, development and marketing company based in Orlando, Fla. Led by industry veterans David Brim and Robert Urban, the company’s goal is to advance brands, websites and ventures. Brand Advance has the perfect mix of talented designers and developers, as well as marketing professionals to help grow businesses. For more information, please visit www.brandadvance.net

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.

For more information about this release, please contact:David Brim CEO or Robert Urban COO, Brand Advance, 407-219-0031, or david@brandadvance.net, robert@brandadvance.net;Melissa Wasserman, Site Manager, UCF Business Incubation Program-Orlando, 321-281-8384, mwasserm@mail.ucf.edu; Charlene Hager-Van Dyke, Larry Vershel Communications, 386-532-8862 or 407-644-4142; chagervandyke@yahoo.com

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