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.
* * *
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.

Crossman & Company Names Former Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty Executive Vice President

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Crossman & Company, which is one of the largest retail leasing and management firms in the Southeast, recently appointed former Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty Executive Vice President in a move that will enhance the company’s leadership role in the industry and facilitate continued growth throughout the Southeast, said the company’s president.

John Crossman, President, said Mayor Crotty is one of the most recognizable and powerful people in the State of Florida, and will be able to offer some insight and leadership that will help propel the company into the future.

“We are a strong, growing company, and Mayor Crotty brings a level of experience, maturity and leadership that will substantially enhance our capacity to serve our clients throughout the Southeast,” said Crossman, a frequent speaker at regional and national retail conferences who is widely regarded as one of the industry’s leading experts.

Crossman said Mayor Crotty’s public service experience–14 years in the Florida legislature and 19 years in Orange County government, including two terms as Orange County Mayor– may open doors, but his strategic skills will prove more valuable.

“Mayor Crotty tends to look at the longer term and the bigger picture,” Crossman said. “He brings a perspective to this industry that is already facilitating opportunities to increase business, create jobs and help Florida recover from this recession.”
* * *

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

About Crossman & Company: Crossman & Company is one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management companies in the Southeast with over 16 million square feet under leasing and/or management. Founded in Orlando in 1990, Crossman & Company is a full service commercial real estate firm that advises its clients in leasing, management, development and investment sales of retail and office properties and serves clients including Publix.

Crossman & Company Releases ICSC 2010 Florida Retail Report

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Crossman & Company, one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management firms in the Southeast, presented the bi-annual ICSC Spring Florida Retail Report at the ICSC West Florida Idea Exchange in Tampa recently. Crossman & Company has produced the report on behalf of ICSC for the past 15 years. The report includes contributions from over 45 separate companies throughout the state.

“We have seen a return to stability in the market in the first half of 2010,” said Justin Greider, the primary author of the report. “In nearly every market of the state we have seen the freefall of rents and occupancy leveling off, indicating we may have found the bottom of the market, though significant challenges still remain for owners and retailers alike.”

The report notes that rental rates for the entire state average $14.27 for year-end 2010, down nearly 15 percent from the peak in the first quarter of 2008. Occupancy has leveled off at 89 percent, a decrease of about 6 percent from its peak in 2006.

“The outlook for the next 6-12 months is one of cautious optimism,” Greider said, “People throughout the state are very positive, but the recovery is going to be long and slow, and there is still a lot of over-valued product that has to work its way through the system.”
* * *

For more information, contact:Justin M Greider, Vice President – Director of Leasing, Crossman & Company, ICSC Southern Division NextGen Chair, 407-581-6225John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com;Molly Delahunty, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6220 mdelahunty@crossmanco.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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CFCAR to host Forum on Jobs and Impact on Commercial Real Estate Sept. 9 at Orlando Fashion Square

ORLANDO - The Central Florida Commercial Association of Realtors (CFCAR) will host a community forum on Sept. 9 at Orlando Fashion Square titled, “Job Growth - How it Will Affect Our Industry.”

John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, the Orlando commercial real estate firm that serves as exclusive leasing agents at Orlando Fashion Square, said the event is scheduled from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and the cost of admission is $25.

Speakers include Jerry Ross, executive director of the Disney Entrepreneur Center, which is relocating to Orlando Fashion Square; Thomas Chatmon, executive director of the City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board and Rick Fraser, president of the Workforce Development Board of Flagler/Volusia-Center for Business Excellence.

“Employment and job growth is the single most important issue facing the commercial real estate industry,” Crossman said. “The CFCAR forum will discuss several major efforts under way to stimulate job growth and what we can do to support and enhance those efforts,” he said.

To find out more or to register for the forum, contact CFCAR Executive Shirley Knapp at 407-816-7368 or visit http://www.cfcar.net.

For more information contact: Molly Delahunty, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6220 mdelahunty@crossmanco.com; John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com

Disney Entrepreneur Center Gets Green Light on Relocation

ORLANDO – Today the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve a five-year lease at the Orlando Fashion Square for the relocation of the Disney Entrepreneur Center. Representatives of the Disney Entrepreneur Center (DEC), Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) and Orlando Fashion Square had finalized a proposed lease agreement, and with today’s approval of the Orange County Commission, the center will relocate to Orlando Fashion Square next spring.

Since 2003, The Disney Entrepreneur Center has provided local entrepreneurs easy access to a variety of business coaching, education and resources in a single shared facility overlooking Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. The DEC proved to be both efficient for the resident organizations who share resources and for local entrepreneurs who can visit several organizations in a single visit. Based on the unanimous decision of its Board of Directors in early August, the DEC representatives had been in negotiations to occupy 21,000 square-feet on the north side of Orlando Fashion Square, near Barnie’s® Coffee and Tea.

“On behalf of the Disney Entrepreneur Center, our sponsors, and our service provider organizations, I am pleased to announce we are embarking on the next innovative chapter for our center.” said Jerry Ross, Executive Director of the Disney Entrepreneur Center. “This allows us to continue our growth, explore new partnerships, and expand opportunities for our small business community!”

“This seemed to be a natural fit for PREIT and Orlando Fashion Square” added Joseph F. Coradino, President, PREIT Services, LLC and PREIT-Rubin, Inc. “Their mission complements our own, as being innovative in our approach to business development, , and pro-active in our outreach to our community.” He said PREIT pursued the relocation of the Disney Entrepreneur Center because of the many positive opportunities it presented for Fashion Square, the community, the DEC, and the small businesses of Central Florida.

“I believe the awareness of Disney Entrepreneur Center will increase because of the additional exposure at Orlando Fashion Square, and the new opportunities that this space presents” Said Ross. “Since inception in 2003, our service provider organizations have assisted thousands of existing businesses, and helped to start hundreds more, however, there are still many folks who don’t know we’re here, or what we can offer them!”

The Disney Entrepreneur Center plans to have its own entrance on the north side of the mall where there is plenty of free parking in the adjacent garage. Renovations to the space, using plans designed by the Evans Group of Orlando, are scheduled to be complete in April 2011. In total, PREIT Services will facilitate the construction to accommodate the Disney Entrepreneur Center which is estimated at $1.5 million, while each resident organization of the center is expected to see a reduction in rental expenses upon relocation in April of 2011. The initial term for the new lease is five years.

“The DEC was established through a collaborative partnership of sponsors and service provider organizations, so it is no surprise that bringing the DEC to Orlando Fashion Square required the collaboration of many organizations. Relocating the DEC to Orlando Fashion Square is a very creative and innovative idea that can now move toward reality,” Coradino said.

Local leasing agent Whitaker Leonhardt of Crossman & Company negotiated the lease, and represents Orlando Fashion Square which is located at the corner of Maguire Road and Colonial Drive, and has been in operation since 1973.

###
About the Disney Entrepreneur Center:
The Disney Entrepreneur Center is a public/private partnership established in 2003 to support and assist small business development in Central Florida. The center houses a variety of non-profit business support organizations and is funded by Orange County, Walt Disney World Resort, The University of Central Florida, The City of Orlando, the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, Regions Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, Banco Popular, The Orlando Magic, Bank First, Orlando Utilities Commission, and Bright House Business Solutions.

Organizations affiliated with the Disney Entrepreneur Center are:
The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, The UCF Small Business Development Center, The Central Florida Disability Chamber, The National Assn. of Women business Owners, The UCF Business Incubation Program, The British American Chamber of Commerce, The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, The Hispanic Business Initiative Fund, SCORE, The Urban League of Central Florida, The Black MBA Assn, and the US Dept. of Commerce.

About Orlando Fashion Square/PREIT:
Orlando Fashion Square is owned and operated by Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust. Founded in 1960 and one of the first equity REITs in the U.S., PREIT has a primary investment focus on retail shopping malls and power centers. Currently, the company’s retail portfolio is approximately 34 million square feet and consists of 56 properties, including 38 shopping malls, 14 strip and power centers, and four properties under development. The company’s properties are located in 13 states in the eastern half of the United States, primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region. PREIT is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pa. The company’s Web site can be found at www.preit.com. PREIT is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol PEI.

CONTACT: Jerry Ross, 407-420-4848

Crossman & Company Releases ICSC 2010 Florida Retail Report

ORLANDO - Crossman & Company, one of the largest third party retail leasing and management firms in the Southeast, will be presenting the bi-annual ICSC Florida Retail Report at the Keynote Presentation, Monday Aug. 23 at 1 p.m. Crossman & Company has produced the report on behalf of ICSC for the past 15 years, and includes contributions from over 75 separate companies throughout the state.

“We have seen a return to stability in the market in the first half of 2010,” stated Justin Greider, the primary author of the report. “In nearly every market of the state we have seen the freefall of rents and occupancy leveling off, indicating we may have found the bottom of the market, though significant challenges still remain for owners and retailers alike.”

The report notes that rental rates for the entire state average $16.60 for mid-year 2010, down nearly 15 percent from the peak in the first quarter of 2008. Occupancy has leveled off at just over 89 percent, a decrease of about 6 percent from its peak in 2006.

“The outlook for the next 6-12 months is one of cautious optimism,” Greider added, “People throughout the state are very positive, but the recovery is going to be long and slow, and there is still a lot of over-valued product that has to work its way through the system.”
***
To view the 2010 ICSC Florida Retail Report go to: http://crossmanco.com/assets/files/2010%20ICSC%20Florida%20Retail%20Report.pdf
* * *
For more information, contact:
Justin M Greider, Senior Associate, Crossman & Company, ICSC Southern Division NextGen Chair, 407-581-6225; John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com; Molly Delahunty, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6220 mdelahunty@crossmanco.com; Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

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

Crossman & Company's Courtney Kowalchuk completes 11 leases in Three Counties totaling over 21,000sf

ORLANDO - Courtney Kowalchuk, senior leasing associate at Crossman & Company, one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management firms in the Southeast, recently closed on 11 lease transactions that total 21,147 square feet of retail and office space in Winter Park, Orlando, Lakeland, and Tampa.

John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, said Kowalchuk negotiated the 11 transactions representing the landlords of the shopping centers including two centers–City Plaza at Tampa Palms and Aloma Shopping Center–that Crossman & Company is redeveloping--
•Kowalchuk negotiated a five-year lease of 790 square feet with TP Nails & Spa in City Plaza at Tampa Palms at 16055 Tampa Palms Blvd.;

•Charles Jewelers renewed its lease at City Plaza at Tampa Palms for another five years. They occupy 1,395 square feet.

•Lemon Lime d/b/a Ciccio & Tony’s The Lodge renewed the lease of 4,285 square feet for five years at 16023 Tampa Palms Blvd. in City Plaza at Tampa Palms;

•At 2203 Aloma Ave. in the Aloma Shopping Center in Winter Park, Kowalchuk negotiated a 10-year lease for 3,576 square feet with Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen, which will be the first location of Tijuana Flat’s new concept featuring a Cajun/Creole menu.

•Aloma Cinema Grill signed a new five-year lease for 1,250 square feet to expand from the 13,134 square feet it already occupies at Aloma Shopping Center;

•Dance Unique renewed its lease of 1,200 square feet for three years at Aloma Shopping Center and

•Leslie’s Pool Mart renewed its lease of 2,700 square feet for three years at Aloma Shopping Center;

•Also in Winter Park at nearby Shoppes of Aloma, T-Mobile carrier Hello Unlimited is a new tenant who leased 1,273 square feet for three years at 2250 Aloma Ave.

•In Lakeland at Southgate Shopping Center, 2,328 square feet was leased for three years by new tenant Top USA Gold Buyers at 2803 S. Florida Ave.

•The UPS Store leased 1,450 square feet for five years at 2423 S.Orange Ave. in Orange Avenue Square. Mike McNeil of BizBroker USA represented the tenant.

•Primary Care Associates leased 1,300 square feet in suite C in the Orlando Medical & Professional Complex at 1140 SR 436.

For more information contact: Courtney Kowalchuk, Senior Associate Crossman & Company, 407-581-6232; ckowalchuk@crossmanco.com; John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com

Crossman & Company Negotiates Two New Long-Term Lease Agreements at Hunter’s Creek Plaza in southwest Orlando

ORLANDO - Crossman & Company, one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management firms in the Southeast, recently negotiated two new long-term lease agreements for 1,400 square feet each at Hunter’s Creek Plaza in southwest Orlando.

John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, said Whitaker Leonhardt negotiated both leases on behalf of the landlord, Hunter Creek Plaza, LLC.

Hurricane’s Ice Cream leased the space at 2061 Town Center Blvd. and Marco’s Pizza leased 2097 Town Center Blvd. in the plaza.

“With the addition of Hurricane’s Ice Cream and Marco’s Pizza, this Super Target-anchored shopping center in Hunter’s Creek gained two complementary uses to the existing strong tenant mix. It’s a positive sign for the retail market to have small shop deals getting transacted,” Leonhardt said.

For more information contact: Whitaker Leonhardt, Crossman & Company 407-581-6232; WLeonhardt@crossmanco.com; Molly Delahunty, Crossman & Company 407-481-6220 mdelahunty@crossmanco.com; John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com; Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

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

Florida Trend Magazine ranks Crossman & Company one of Florida’s Best Companies to Work For

ORLANDO - Crossman & Company, one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management firms in the Southeast, was recently named one of the “2010 Best Companies to Work For in Florida” by Florida Trend magazine, a leading corporate business monthly publication.

“We have assembled a great staff of highly motivated, well-educated and dedicated professionals and the credit, frankly, goes to them,” Crossman said.

Crossman & Company could rank as one of Florida’s fastest growing professional companies, Crossman added. Nine Crossman & Company specialists started work during the last fiscal year.

For more information, contact: John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com; Molly Delahunty, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6220 mdelahunty@crossmanco.com; Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

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

Crossman & Company negotiates renewal lease at Eustis Square

EUSTIS - Crossman & Company, one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management firms in the Southeast, recently negotiated a three-year lease renewal agreement with Ron’s Coins for 400 square feet at 218 West Ardice Ave. in the Eustis Square Shopping Center.

Leasing Associate Daniel Germano negotiated the transaction representing the landlord Eustis Square One.
* * *

For more information please contact: Daniel Germano, Leasing Associate, Crossman & Company, 407-423-5400 or 407-581-6223; John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com; Molly Delahunty, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6220 mdelahunty@crossmanco.com; Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

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

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is critical link in Downtown Orlando resurgence, John Crossman says

ORLANDO - The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is one of Orlando’s “Big Three” projects to redevelop the downtown district. The new Amway Center is set to open in October and work to renovate the Citrus Bowl is scheduled. The open parking lot across from City Hall where the Center for Performing Arts will be located is now fenced off with construction to commence shortly, said John Crossman, CCIM, president of Crossman & Company, the Orlando firm that ranks as one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management firms in the Southeast.

Crossman recently moderated a panel discussion at Embassy Suites Hotel on Pine Street in downtown Orlando to discuss the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts and the future of downtown Orlando. Speakers included Davon Barbour, assistant director of the Downtown Development Board/Community Redevelopment Agency, Alexis Jackson, vice president of communications for the Dr. Phillips Center and Walter O’Shea, vice president of development for Hines.

“Sports facilities are important as business generators, and the Orlando region will turn out to support our sports teams,” Crossman told the group. “But long-term, the educational, community and cultural growth that will emanate from the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will result in more cultural and educational enrichment and greater long-term benefits,” Crossman said.

* * *

For more information please contact: John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218; Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

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

Crossman & Company appoints Brian Carolan as Research Analyst

ORLANDO - Crossman & Company, the Orlando-based commercial property firm that ranks as one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management firms in the Southeast, has appointed Brian Carolan as research analyst.

John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, said Carolan earned his Master’s Degree in Real Estate from the University of Florida and has more than two years of experience.

For more information, contact: John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com; Molly Delahunty, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6220 mdelahunty@crossmanco.com

About Crossman & Company: Crossman & Company is one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management companies in the Southeast with over 16 million square feet under leasing and/or management. Founded in Orlando in 1990, Crossman & Company is a full service commercial real estate firm that advises its clients in leasing, management, development and investment sales of retail and office properties and serves clients including Publix

Former Developer Launches Green Technology Company with eye on Important Industry Niche

APOPKA - Michael Young, who headed Pelican Bay Development’s Orlando operations and oversaw construction of the Windermere Business Center in southwest Orlando, has launched a new green technology company that could play a big role in an important industry niche and save commercial property owners millions of dollars.

American Soda Blast Company, based in Apopka, cleans and strips surfaces---from building exteriors to food service equipment to antique cars---using highly pressurized sodium bicarbonate and dry ice.

Young said his process replaces traditional sand blasting---a century-old technique that scores and gouges surfaces with pressurized sand crystals---with a kinder, gentler surface stripping process that won’t harm the underlying substrate and utilizes common, easily biodegradable materials.

“Sodium bicarbonate is one of the most common compounds found in nature, and dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide, which is what we exhale,” Young said.

Young said pressurized soda and dry ice can clean building exteriors or strip the paint from cars without harming the surfaces underneath. Scientists used the soda stripping process to restore the Statue of Liberty in the 1980s, Young said, but the stripping industry has been slow to give up its traditional sand blasting process.

“Sand blasting has always been the benchmark even though everyone knows it pits and scores the surface underneath,” Young said.

Young said American Soda Blast Company processes have a wide range of applications, from restoring the surfaces of technology equipment to stripping paint or molds from building exteriors.

“This process removes every bit of mold, paint or finish without harming the environment or the surface underneath,” Young said. “Weighed against chemical strippers, it is far safer and less toxic, and it is far less harmful to the object surface than sand blasting,” Young said.
Young said he expects first-year revenues to exceed projections.
* * *

For more information, contact: Michael Young, American Soda Blast Co. Apopka, Florida; 407-931-6191; Michael@americansodablast.com

Crossman & Company Senior Associate Negotiates Seven New Retail Leases at Publix Shopping centers, more than 61,000 square feet in less than 60 days

ORLANDO - Crossman & Company, one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management firms in the Southeast, recently negotiated seven new lease agreements at for a total of 61,450 square feet of retail space in less than 60 days.

John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, said senior associate Justin Greider negotiated all seven transactions on behalf of the landlord at Publix anchored centers in Orange, Seminole, Polk and Collier counties. All of the centers are part of the 10.4 million square foot Publix-owned shopping center portfolio handled by Crossman & Company.

At Imperial Lakes Plaza, 2040 Shepherd Rd. in Mulberry, Polk County, Joshua’s Diner leased 3,200 square feet and Dollar Shop leased 2,800 square feet;

Coast Dental leased 1,403 square feet at Plantation Square located at 5375 N. Socrum Loop Rd. in Lakeland;

Tri-Florida Pool Supply leased 1,247 square feet at the Publix in the Highlands shopping center located at 2125 E. C.R. 540A in Lakeland;

Passion Nail and Spa leased 1,200 square feet at Palm Springs Crossing, 482 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs. Michael Battey of CBRE Orlando represented the tenant;

Halloween Express subleased space in two retail centers commencing July 1 for the Halloween season (six months) – at Tarpon Springs Plaza, 2415 Tarpon Bay Blvd. in Naples, 21,600 square feet and 30,000 square feet at Colonial Marketplace, 2999A E. Colonial Drive in Orlando.
* * *

For more information, contact: Justin Greider, Senior Associate, Crossman & Company/ICSC Florida Next Generation Chair, 407-581-6225; jgreider@crossmanco.com; John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com

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

Crossman & Company Negotiates New Long term Lease Agreement for Restaurant Facility at Belle Isle Commons on S. Conway in Orlando

ORLANDO - Crossman & Company, one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management firms in the Southeast, recently negotiated a new five-year lease agreement for 1,600 square feet of retail/restaurant space at 5174 S. Conway Rd. just south of CR 528 in Orlando.

John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, said associate Katherine Rush negotiated the lease agreement with Restaurant Realty LLC the new tenant, who plans to open a Quiznos Subs at Belle Isle Commons retail center.

Rush negotiated the agreement on behalf of the Landlord Belle Isle Commons, LLC.
* * *

For more information contact: Katherine Rush, Associate, , 407-581-6232; krush@crossmanco.com; Molly Delahunty, Crossman & Company, 407-481-6220 mdelahunty@crossmanco.com; John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com

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

Crossman & Company Negotiates New Retail Lease at Publix at University Walk Shopping Center in Sarasota

ORLANDO - Crossman & Company, which ranks as one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management companies in the Southeast, recently negotiated a lease agreement for 1,800 square feet at the Publix at University Walk shopping center in Sarasota.

John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company said associate Ashley Thornburg negotiated the lease on behalf of the landlord.

The new tenant is Sniglet’s Pet Bakery.

“This tenant – two local entrepreneurs with an ingenious concept – helps bring an end to the current void in the market,” Thornburg said.

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

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

Crossman & Company negotiates new lease at Plaza on Main Shopping Center in Kissimmee

KISSIMMEE - Crossman & Company, one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management firms in the Southeast, recently negotiated a new lease agreement with Onyx Global Services at Plaza on Main Shopping Center, 1712 N. Main St. in Kissimmee.

John Crossman, president of the firm, said associate Daniel Germano negotiated the transaction representing the landlord Plaza on Main Limited Partnership.

The tenant, a business services consultant, leased 1,200 square feet at the center, Germano said.

For more information please contact: Daniel Germano, Leasing Associate, Crossman & Company, 407-423-5400 or 407-581-6223; John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com

About Crossman & Company: Crossman & Company is one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management companies in Florida with over 16 million square feet under leasing and/or management. Founded in Orlando in 1990, Crossman & Company is a full service commercial real estate firm that advises its clients in leasing, management, development and investment sales of retail and office properties and serves clients including Publix Super Markets, Inc., Lake Nona, PREIT, and LaSalle Investment Management. Please visit www.crossmanco.com, or call 407-423-5400 for more information.

Crossman & Company Closes on Three Retail Leases for a total of 3,150 Square Feet at Colonial Corners Shopping Center

ORLANDO - Crossman & Company, one of the largest property management and leasing firms in the Southeast, recently completed three lease agreements totaling 3,150 square feet at Orlando’s Colonial Corners Shopping Center.

John Crossman, president of firm, said Leasing Associate Daniel Germano negotiated all three transactions representing F.F. Colonial, LLC, the landlord for the property located at 5600 W. Colonial Drive.

Hendra’s Uniforms is the new tenant who leased unit 306 at the retail center with 1,050 square feet.

Two tenants – Colonial Counseling and Liberty Tax Service -- renewed leases of 1,050 square feet each at Colonial Corners.

Germano said a total of six leases have been signed at Colonial Corners thus far in 2010.
* * *
For more information please contact: Daniel Germano, Leasing Associate, Crossman & Company, 407-423-5400 or 407-581-6223; John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com

About Crossman & Company: Crossman & Company is one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management companies in Florida with over 16 million square feet under leasing and/or management. Founded in Orlando in 1990, Crossman & Company is a full service commercial real estate firm that advises its clients in leasing, management, development and investment sales of retail and office properties and serves clients including Publix Super Markets, Inc., Lake Nona, PREIT, and LaSalle Investment Management. Please visit www.crossmanco.com, or call 407-423-5400 for more information.