Monday, June 20, 2011

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Completing Design Work on North Hollywood Shopping Center

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park is completing design work on the renovation of a 15,000 square foot shopping center in North Hollywood, Fla.

Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said the Broward County center is located at Sheridan Street and N. Dixie Highway in Hollywood.

The developer is M&P Shopping Centers out of Atlanta.

VOLUSIA LAW FIRM TO SPONSOR BLOCK PARTY FOR DAYTONA BEACH FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT

DAYTONA BEACH – Tickets are on sale now for a fundraising block party the law firm of Rue & Ziffra is sponsoring on June 25 for members of Daytona Beach Fire and Rescue.

The event, which begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 25 along Seabreeze Boulevard in Daytona Beach, will include food, drinks and entertainment.

Highlights will be disc jockey D.J. Tremble from WVYB-FM 103.3 radio, who will be mixing jams live from the Rue & Ziffra tent, according to Jessica Eckelbarger√ spokeswoman for the Port Orange-based, personal injury firm.

“The proceeds from the block party are earmarked for a fund that helps local firefighters when they get hurt and can’t work,” Eckelbarger said.

The $25 admission includes an event T-shirt, event cup with refills, and entry into a variety of raffles, she said.

For more information or to buy tickets in advance, call 386-255-6348 or stop by the Oyster Pub at 555 Seabreeze Blvd., Daytona Beach.

About Rue & Ziffra: Founded by John D. Rue and Allan L. Ziffra, the personal-injury law firm of Rue & Ziffra has served the Central Florida community for more than 25 years. The firm’s commitment to its profession and its clients has earned it a reputation as one of the top personal-injury law firms in Central Florida. Known for handling everything from automobile and motorcycle accidents to medical malpractice, wrongful death, and social security and disability cases, Rue & Ziffra has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients and their families. With a staff of nine attorneys, the firm maintains offices in Port Orange and Orange City. For more information, visit www.rueziffra.com.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Celebration Golf Management Names Tano Malentin General Manager at Celebration Golf Club

CELEBRATION, FL. --- Celebration Golf Management, Inc., (CGM) which owns and operates six golf courses in the Central Florida region, has appointed Tano Malentin general manager of Celebration Golf Club near Walt Disney World in Celebration.

Gene Garrote, president of Celebration Golf Management, sale Malentin joined Celebration in 1996 as assistant golf pro, worked his way up to golf shop manager and most recently served as operations manager at Celebration Golf Club.

Malentin has more than 20 years of experience in the golf industry.

Crossman & Company Names Craig A. Katterfield Senior Associate

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Crossman & Company, the Orlando-based commercial real estate company that ranks as one of the largest retail property management, leasing and development companies in the Southeast, has appointed Craig A. Katterfield a senior associate.

John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, said Katterfield is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and has more than five years of real estate experience. During his career he has focused on management of client relationships, lead generation and relationship development, landlord and tenant representation, transactional services, direct marketing and target tenant identification, strategic investment analysis and market review for acquisition and disposition of commercial property.

“Craig Katterfield is an outstanding associate and we are delighted he has joined the Crossman team,” Crossman said.

About Crossman & Company:
Headquartered in Orlando, 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. 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.

Central Florida Commercial Cleaning Company Gets New CEO

KISSIMMEE, Fla., - Calvert Corporation, Inc. a leading commercial cleaning services provider for businesses throughout Central Florida, has named Patricia Calvert its chief executive officer.

Calvert assumed the new role as part of the company’s growth strategy for 2011, which included the relocation of the company to the UCF Business Incubation Program’s Kissimmee site at 111 E. Monument Ave. in the City Centre.

Expanding the firm’s service coverage to the Orlando-area’s top industries and companies, including hotels, restaurants, hospitality management companies and business organizations are among her new responsibilities.

Calvert Corporation—formerly Calvert Cleaning Services—has been providing commercial cleaning services and onsite hospitality staffing for hotels and restaurants for ten years under the leadership of its President, Jeff Calvert, Pat’s husband and a hotel management veteran with over 20 years of experience managing international hotel brands.

Jeff Calvert will continue in his role as president, working with Patricia on the business development aspects of the company and strengthening Calvert Corporation’s network of clients as the company enters a new decade of opportunity in the Orlando market.

“This is a great opportunity to add to the already successful business enterprise that my husband started,” said Patricia Calvert as incoming CEO. “Calvert Corporation is poised to offer the highest quality in commercial cleaning and staffing services to Orlando’s top hospitality and corporate clients.”

Calvert, who attended Indiana University, has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and also serves as Director of Human Resources for Solutions in Hospitality, a division of Calvert Corporation focused on providing staffing services for a wide variety of positions in hotels, restaurants and event management companies.

Calvert Corporation was recently featured as a sponsor of the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association (CFHLA) and has worked with many of the Orlando area’s leading companies, including Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, and Waste Management, among many others.

About Calvert Corporation
Calvert Corporation, Inc. is a leader in commercial cleaning and hospitality staffing services, covering the communities of Orlando and Kissimmee in Central Florida and serving a wide variety of companies in the hospitality industry—including restaurants, hotels and other event, entertainment and tourism organizations. The company is a client company of the University of Central Florida Incubation Program and it is located at the Incubator’s facilities located at 111 Monument Avenue in Kissimmee, Florida.

About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 160 emerging companies (including more than 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 nine facilities 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, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. Please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

Daytona Airport Business Incubator to have ribbon cutting, grand opening July 27

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Volusia County and the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program, will formally open its new 8,000 square foot business incubation facility at the international terminal at the Daytona Beach International Airport July 27.

Gordon Hogan, director for the UCF Business Incubation Program, said county, city and state officials, as well as university administrators will join participating businesses for the ribbon cutting ceremony starting at 4 p.m.

The UCF Business Incubator-Daytona Airport offers a campus like environment that will house ultimately up to 20 start up companies in a supportive environment designed to accelerate growth and create local employment opportunities.

With the opening of the UCF Business Incubator-Daytona Airport, the program will be assisting more than 100 growing client companies at all of its sites including Central Florida Research Park, Kissimmee, Leesburg, Orlando, UCF Campus, , Sanford, St. Cloud, and Winter Springs.

About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 160 emerging companies (including more than 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 nine facilities 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, Volusia County and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. Please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Exclusive Marketing Agents for Luxury Alaqua Golf Front Home Priced at $575K

–Less Than Most Vacant Golf Front Sites at Alaqua

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty recently listed a luxury home for sale on a one-acre golf and water view homesite in Alaqua, the exclusive Seminole County country club community located off Markham Woods Road just south of Lake Mary Blvd. in Longwood.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the 5,174 square foot home has been priced for prompt sale at $575,000 in a community where several homesites on the golf course are currently listed from $575,000 to $725,000 each. In recent years golf front homesites have sold in the $750,000 to nearly one million dollar range, Soderstrom said.

“This offering is unique because the buyer will not only be getting a prime lot on the award-winning Gary Player designed 18-hole golf course, but also a luxurious residence with four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a light and airy open floorplan, spectacular water and golf views and an entertainment size pool with covered patio.

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s International Luxury Home Specialists Bo Cooksey and Alan Bird are representing the property.

“I don’t think we’ve ever seen a bargain of this significance in Alaqua,” said Soderstrom.

Bordered by the Little Wekiva River with a gated and manned 24-hour guarded security entrance and well-lighted, tree-lined streets, Alaqua Country Club is Seminole County’s premier luxury neighborhood. “This is truly an unbelievable opportunity.”

To view the property visit http://www.stirlingsir.com/eflyers/agents/abird/albo2.html

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

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Wayne, Barbara Rabineau bring Musical Greatness to Southshore Falls, Apollo Beach as DJ’s, Party Planners

BAPOLLO BEACH, Fla. --- Wayne and Barbara Rabineau know good music. A professional musician, Wayne Rabineau played with Mitch Ryder, Bob Seger, Tommy James and many other stars during his long career.

He still plays in a band in Michigan during the summer with his friends Frank Cusmano, Tom and Debbie Reno, but this year they won’t make the trip---Barbara has a job in Tampa.

But that’s okay, because the Rabineaus enjoy their lifestyle at Del Webb Southshore Falls so much.

Wayne and Barbara, owners of Elite Entertainment, serve as Southshore Falls’ resident DJ and Party Planners.

They specialize in 50’s and 60’s music, and they have organized more than 10 events so far at Del Webb Southshore Falls this year, including a dinner dance for the Women's Club.

“We do all kinds of parties, from banquets, karaoke, and pool parties to weddings,” Wayne said.

Next October, the Rabineaus will perform at the wedding of Dominique Cotrone, Southshore Falls’ Lifestyle Director.

“We plan to expand our services to Del Webb communities in Orlando and Pulte Group communities in Sarasota,” Rabineau explained.

Wayne and Barbara purchased their home in Del Webb Southshore Falls three years ago.

When they honeymooned in Key West, they both decided they wanted to live in Florida. A brother-in-law with ties to Pulte Homes and Centex Homes told them about Pulte's building practices and so the Rabineaus decided to learn more about Del Webb communities. One visit to Southshore Falls was all it took.

“The staff and people we work with here are amazing,” Rabineau said. “The people living in Southshore Falls really love our music---they are our generation,” he said.

Elite Entertainment has been in business since 1990 in Michigan and Florida.

“We strive for excellence at every event, providing quality entertainment for you and your guests,” Rabineau said. “Elite Entertainment listens to you, making your vision become reality.”

Self-taught “Mechanical Genius” doubles service dept. volume at Ride Green Scooters in Winter Park

Winter Park, Fla. – Whenever there’s a question about scooter engines — or anything else mechanical for that matter — the first thing anyone at Ride Green Scooters asks is “Where’s Max?”

Max is Max Ogden, the 30 year old, self-taught mechanic who ranks as resident expert in all things mechanical at Ride Green Scooters.

Brian Schwartz, general manager and chief executive officer of Ride Green Scooters, calls Max a mechanical genius.

“Max is self taught. He grew up in West Virginia. When he was a kid he would fix lawnmowers, chain saws and all sorts of small engines and sell them to his neighbors. He loves what he does and I’ve seen him diagnose problems from nothing more than the sound of the engine,” Schwartz said.

Ogden’s proficiency in all things mechanical has been a boon for Ride Green Scooters. While sales of the fuel-efficient scooters are currently booming, scooter sales are notoriously dependent on gas prices. Ride Green’s service department is the most reliable revenue generator, Schwartz said.

“Thanks to Max, we have doubled the volume of service work since the start of this year,” Schwartz said.

“Repair and maintenance services for scooters are in its infancy here in Orlando,” Schwartz said. “Most scooter dealers only service the brands they sell. We service every make and model scooter in the universe,” he said “And that’s brought us a lot of very steady business. It’s good to know there’s one place where you can always get your problems fixed and the word is getting out about us,” he said.

Visit www.ridegreenscooters.com.

Here’s a Unique Opportunity: Tolaris Realty Group to Offer Real Estate Scholarships

SANFORD, Fla. –Tolaris Realty Group, a major real estate firm, located at off SR 46 by Sanford in Seminole County is offering a unique opportunity for future real estate professionals.

Rick Bavec, president of Tolaris Realty Group, said his company is offering three major real estate scholarships for interested persons that want to start a career in real estate.

“It’s a unique opportunity,” Bavec said. “We will pay for the licensing qualifications and training how to succeed as a luxury home specialist.

Three slots are opened. These will be full time opportunities, Bavec emphasized.

Bavec said that first quarter results at Tolaris Realty Group was 70 percent higher than first quarter of last year and the second quarter is shaping up to be even more successful.

For more information about the scholarships, please call Tolaris Realty Group at 407-322-5253.