ORLANDO, Fla. --- Noted former Inc. 500 CEO Dave “Mr. Trend” Berkus will present at a seminar on Angel Investing strategies Sept. 15 at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando.
The seminar, sponsored by Maximize Angel Investments Orlando, Inc. is open to all accredited investors interested in learning about the benefits of Angel Investing, both personally and for the community.
William C. De Temple, of Maximize Angel Investments Orlando, Inc., said Berkus, who posts the popular Berkonomics blog at www.berkonomics.com, is one of America’s most sought-after speakers on corporate economic issues.
“Dave Berkus is a two-time Inc. 500 CEO with more than 50 years of experience as an entrepreneur, manager, CEO and board member for some of the best known corporations in the U.S.,” De Temple said.
Berkus is one of the nation’s leading experts on angel investing, he added.
“Berkus has invested in more than 70 successful companies with an IRR of more than 97 percent,” De Temple said. The internal rate of return (IRR) is used in capital budgeting to measure and compare the profitability of investments.
Registration for the seminar costs $249 and includes valet parking and dinner at the Grand Bohemian.
For more information or to register for the seminar, visit www.maxangelinvestments.com.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sydspeak, Inc. Readies Release of iPad Application to help Parents, Therapists Teach Children to Speak
WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. --- Sydspeak, Inc. based in Winter Springs will release its Talk to Me 100® iPad application this summer to help parents, teachers and therapists help young children master language skills.
Veteran speech and language pathologist Sydney Birr, MA, CCC, president of Sydspeak, Inc., said Talk to Me 100 is an engaging interactive communications tool designed for children who are learning to talk or who have difficulty mastering verbal expression. This iPad app is a digital replica and companion to the original “child friendly” Talk To Me 100® available at www.sydspeak.com.
“Talk to Me 100 provides graphics, text and sound that allows children to see words, hear words, understand their meaning and experience the joy of communication by pressing buttons, Birr said.
"Many children struggle with developing a large core vocabulary," Birr explained. "Talk to Me 100 follows the child's lead and meets them at the point of readiness to learn," she said.
Birr said the Talk to Me 100 focuses on 100 important words with corresponding graphic symbols that express the meaning of each word. A recorded voice demonstrates proper pronunciation.
Recently Birr was invited to address the annual convention of the Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists in Marco Island, Fla. Her presentation outlined strategies and results achieved using the same 100 words in daily conversation with over 50 students nationwide during the 2010-2011 school year.
“Talk to Me 100 was designed to help parents, teachers and therapists jumpstart verbal expression for children who are struggling to communicate,” Birr said.
Birr, who earned her M.A. Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Houston, has more than 35 years of experience as a speech and language pathologist. She developed Talk to Me 100 with her son, Andrew, who serves as vice president of Sydspeak.
Sydspeak, Inc. is a member of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation program in 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. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.
Veteran speech and language pathologist Sydney Birr, MA, CCC, president of Sydspeak, Inc., said Talk to Me 100 is an engaging interactive communications tool designed for children who are learning to talk or who have difficulty mastering verbal expression. This iPad app is a digital replica and companion to the original “child friendly” Talk To Me 100® available at www.sydspeak.com.
“Talk to Me 100 provides graphics, text and sound that allows children to see words, hear words, understand their meaning and experience the joy of communication by pressing buttons, Birr said.
"Many children struggle with developing a large core vocabulary," Birr explained. "Talk to Me 100 follows the child's lead and meets them at the point of readiness to learn," she said.
Birr said the Talk to Me 100 focuses on 100 important words with corresponding graphic symbols that express the meaning of each word. A recorded voice demonstrates proper pronunciation.
Recently Birr was invited to address the annual convention of the Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists in Marco Island, Fla. Her presentation outlined strategies and results achieved using the same 100 words in daily conversation with over 50 students nationwide during the 2010-2011 school year.
“Talk to Me 100 was designed to help parents, teachers and therapists jumpstart verbal expression for children who are struggling to communicate,” Birr said.
Birr, who earned her M.A. Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Houston, has more than 35 years of experience as a speech and language pathologist. She developed Talk to Me 100 with her son, Andrew, who serves as vice president of Sydspeak.
Sydspeak, Inc. is a member of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation program in 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. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.
Springs of Walnut Creek, David Weekley Homes Set to Open Eight New Homes in 4th Quarter
AUSTIN, Tex. --- Avalonpark Texas has reported that David Weekley Homes will start construction of eight new single-family homes priced from the low $200s this August at The Springs of Walnut Creek, located near I-35 and Yager Lane in North Austin.
Richard Kunz, a principal at Avalonpark Texas, LP which is developing The Springs of Walnut Creek, said two of the single family homes are model homes (a one-story model home and a two-story model home), and six are ready-to-move-in homes.
All eight new homes are slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Kunz said The Springs at Walnut Creek recently launched a new web site that tracks the progress of the new home construction. To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/TheSpringsAtWalnutCreek.
Richard Kunz, a principal at Avalonpark Texas, LP which is developing The Springs of Walnut Creek, said two of the single family homes are model homes (a one-story model home and a two-story model home), and six are ready-to-move-in homes.
All eight new homes are slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Kunz said The Springs at Walnut Creek recently launched a new web site that tracks the progress of the new home construction. To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/TheSpringsAtWalnutCreek.
Orlando Caregiver Provider Selected to Participate in State’s GrowFL Economic Gardening Program
ORLANDO, Fla., – Orlando-based American Home Companions, a 19-year-old family-owned business that recruits, screens and matches caregivers with clients, has been selected to receive free technical assistance through the state-funded GrowFL program.
Founded by Don Reynolds in 1992, American Home Companions (AHC) has 15 employees and more than 400 contractors in six district offices that serve 20 counties in Florida.
The company currently is led by Reynolds’ son-in-law and company President Jim Mark, who says he is pleased that his family-owned business and the services it provides have been recognized as being important to the future of Florida.
As a second stage company, Mark said AHC is making an investment in management and staff, but is “constantly reviewing our markets and our model to make sure we are poised for future growth.”
“But, because AHC has successfully moved out of the entrepreneur phase of growth doesn’t mean that we can sit back and enjoy the view,” Mark said. “In fact, the skills that helped us through the first phase may actually hinder us in the second phase. This is where I see GrowFL providing the greatest benefit to American Home Companions as we build the momentum for the next stage of growth.”
Part of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute, GrowFL was created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature and is based at the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization. When selecting businesses the institute looks for companies that have potential for success, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of GrowFL.
“American Home Companions is an ideal candidate for the program as it has continued to grow and has moved from the entrepreneurial stage,” said O’Neal, who also is associate vice president for UCF’s Office of Research and Commercialization.
GrowFL will support AHC through a number of free services, including access to market research and technology, strategy analysis, CEO roundtables and forums, database research and website optimization.
About American Home Companions:
Founded in 1992 by Don Reynolds, family-owned and operated American Home Companions recruits, screens and matches qualified caregivers with clients from its six district offices in 20 counties in Florida. For details, visit www.AHCcares.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.
Founded by Don Reynolds in 1992, American Home Companions (AHC) has 15 employees and more than 400 contractors in six district offices that serve 20 counties in Florida.
The company currently is led by Reynolds’ son-in-law and company President Jim Mark, who says he is pleased that his family-owned business and the services it provides have been recognized as being important to the future of Florida.
As a second stage company, Mark said AHC is making an investment in management and staff, but is “constantly reviewing our markets and our model to make sure we are poised for future growth.”
“But, because AHC has successfully moved out of the entrepreneur phase of growth doesn’t mean that we can sit back and enjoy the view,” Mark said. “In fact, the skills that helped us through the first phase may actually hinder us in the second phase. This is where I see GrowFL providing the greatest benefit to American Home Companions as we build the momentum for the next stage of growth.”
Part of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute, GrowFL was created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature and is based at the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization. When selecting businesses the institute looks for companies that have potential for success, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of GrowFL.
“American Home Companions is an ideal candidate for the program as it has continued to grow and has moved from the entrepreneurial stage,” said O’Neal, who also is associate vice president for UCF’s Office of Research and Commercialization.
GrowFL will support AHC through a number of free services, including access to market research and technology, strategy analysis, CEO roundtables and forums, database research and website optimization.
About American Home Companions:
Founded in 1992 by Don Reynolds, family-owned and operated American Home Companions recruits, screens and matches qualified caregivers with clients from its six district offices in 20 counties in Florida. For details, visit www.AHCcares.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.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Miami-based Promotions Company Selected to Participate in State’s GrowFL Economic Gardening Program
MIAMI, Fla. – Y-Not Promos – a Miami-based company that designs and develops promotional ítems, sales incentives, and custom made and branded premiums – has been selected to receive technical assistance through the state-funded GrowFL program.
As an arm of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute, GrowFL will support Y-Not Promos with a number of services, including access to market research and technology, strategy analysis, CEO roundtables and forums, database research and website optimization, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute.
Created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature, GrowFL is based at the University of Central Florida’s Department of Research and Commercialization at Central Florida Research Park in east Orlando.
When selecting businesses for the GrowFL program the institute looks for companies that have the potential to be successful, said Dr. O’Neal, who also is associate vice president of UCF’s Office of Research and Commercialization.
“Y-Not Promos is an ideal candidate for our program by being a relatively small company with large clients throughout the world,” he said.
Angelina Garcia, founder and president of the five-year-old Miami-based business with a secondary office in China, said she is excited that her 100 percent woman and minority-owned company will have access to a team of experienced and talented professionals that can help take Y-Not Promos to the next level.
“With the assistance from GrowFL, we will be able to grow at a faster pace, be better organized and structured, and hire key players; thus making the company more profitable,” she said.
About Y-Not Promos:
Y-Not Promos develops promotional items, give aways, and custom made products for retail. The company provides warehousing, fulfillment and delivery anywhere in the world. Y-Not Promos has maintained its clientele by providing great service, creative design, quality and safety, and great pricing. For details, visit www.y-not.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.
As an arm of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute, GrowFL will support Y-Not Promos with a number of services, including access to market research and technology, strategy analysis, CEO roundtables and forums, database research and website optimization, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute.
Created in 2009 by the Florida Legislature, GrowFL is based at the University of Central Florida’s Department of Research and Commercialization at Central Florida Research Park in east Orlando.
When selecting businesses for the GrowFL program the institute looks for companies that have the potential to be successful, said Dr. O’Neal, who also is associate vice president of UCF’s Office of Research and Commercialization.
“Y-Not Promos is an ideal candidate for our program by being a relatively small company with large clients throughout the world,” he said.
Angelina Garcia, founder and president of the five-year-old Miami-based business with a secondary office in China, said she is excited that her 100 percent woman and minority-owned company will have access to a team of experienced and talented professionals that can help take Y-Not Promos to the next level.
“With the assistance from GrowFL, we will be able to grow at a faster pace, be better organized and structured, and hire key players; thus making the company more profitable,” she said.
About Y-Not Promos:
Y-Not Promos develops promotional items, give aways, and custom made products for retail. The company provides warehousing, fulfillment and delivery anywhere in the world. Y-Not Promos has maintained its clientele by providing great service, creative design, quality and safety, and great pricing. For details, visit www.y-not.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.
Joe and Shirley Stetina named Prom King and Queen at Del Webb Southshore Falls
APOLLO BEACH, Fla. --- Joe and Shirley Stetina were recently named Prom King and Queen at the annual Prom dinner and dance at Del Webb Southshore Falls in Apollo Beach.
The Stetinas moved to Del Webb Southshore Falls in July, 2005 from Newark, Delaware.
Joe retired from the Newark School System after 36 years as a high school guidance counselor, then worked an additional four years for Hillsborough County Schools.
Shirley retired from her post in the finance department at Discover Card in New Castle, Delaware, as an executive assistant to the vice president and chief financial officer for more than 15 years.
Joe and Shirley have two loving sons ages 38 and 34 and a pretty daughter-in-law.
The couple enjoys traveling and spending quality time together, and with the family.
They are great fans of Tampa Rays, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL.
Mostly, they said, they love retirement living at Del Webb Southshore Falls where homeowners enjoy 24-hour security, planned activities and friendly neighbors.
Del Webb Southshore falls boasts a 14,000 square foot community amenity center called the Wellspring Club with fitness center, billiards room, Internet café, resort style swimming pool, bocce ball courts and putting greens.
The Stetinas moved to Del Webb Southshore Falls in July, 2005 from Newark, Delaware.
Joe retired from the Newark School System after 36 years as a high school guidance counselor, then worked an additional four years for Hillsborough County Schools.
Shirley retired from her post in the finance department at Discover Card in New Castle, Delaware, as an executive assistant to the vice president and chief financial officer for more than 15 years.
Joe and Shirley have two loving sons ages 38 and 34 and a pretty daughter-in-law.
The couple enjoys traveling and spending quality time together, and with the family.
They are great fans of Tampa Rays, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL.
Mostly, they said, they love retirement living at Del Webb Southshore Falls where homeowners enjoy 24-hour security, planned activities and friendly neighbors.
Del Webb Southshore falls boasts a 14,000 square foot community amenity center called the Wellspring Club with fitness center, billiards room, Internet café, resort style swimming pool, bocce ball courts and putting greens.
Mattamy Homes in Jacksonville names new sales manager
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest homebuilder, has named Donna Sadowski sales manager for the Jacksonville region.
Steve Parker, President of Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, said Sadowski has more than 14 years of home building experience in all phases of new home sales and marketing, as well as training and strategic planning. She was formerly vice president of sales and marketing for Mercedes Homes in Jacksonville
While at Mercedes, Sadowski sold more than 100 homes and was honored by the Northeast Fla. Builders Assn.’s Sales and Marketing Council as Rookie of the Year, Agent of the Year and Sales Manager of the Year throughout her career. Parker said.
About Mattamy Homes
Mattamy Homes expanded into the U.S. in 2003 and has divisions in Jacksonville, Orlando, Charlotte, Phoenix and Minneapolis. The homebuilder is the largest and most active in Canada with annual revenues exceeding $1.3 billion.
Steve Parker, President of Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, said Sadowski has more than 14 years of home building experience in all phases of new home sales and marketing, as well as training and strategic planning. She was formerly vice president of sales and marketing for Mercedes Homes in Jacksonville
While at Mercedes, Sadowski sold more than 100 homes and was honored by the Northeast Fla. Builders Assn.’s Sales and Marketing Council as Rookie of the Year, Agent of the Year and Sales Manager of the Year throughout her career. Parker said.
About Mattamy Homes
Mattamy Homes expanded into the U.S. in 2003 and has divisions in Jacksonville, Orlando, Charlotte, Phoenix and Minneapolis. The homebuilder is the largest and most active in Canada with annual revenues exceeding $1.3 billion.
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Reports Prices for Single Family Homes, Condominiums on the Rebound in Downtown Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty reports that inventories of available homes and condominiums for sale are at a six year low and prices for single family homes and condominiums in the downtown Orlando area appear to be on the rebound.
A recent market study by Stirling Sotheby’s Luxury Homes Specialist Jane Scrima shows that 73 single family homes are currently listed for sale in the Downtown Orlando area at an average price of $164.42 per square foot.
Scrima reported that 61 single family homes have sold in the Downtown Orlando area so far this year at an average sales price of $127.36 per square foot.
Sixteen single family homes sold during May at an average square foot price of $128.71
Scrima reported that 34 condominiums are currently listed for sale in the Downtown Orlando area at an average asking price of $234.60 per square foot.
From January through May 80 condominiums have sold in the downtown district at an average price of $141.72 per square foot.
Scrima said 15 condominiums sold during May at an average of $141.04 per square foot.
“We are definitely seeing an uptick in the average sale price of homes in the downtown area,” said Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty.
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
A recent market study by Stirling Sotheby’s Luxury Homes Specialist Jane Scrima shows that 73 single family homes are currently listed for sale in the Downtown Orlando area at an average price of $164.42 per square foot.
Scrima reported that 61 single family homes have sold in the Downtown Orlando area so far this year at an average sales price of $127.36 per square foot.
Sixteen single family homes sold during May at an average square foot price of $128.71
Scrima reported that 34 condominiums are currently listed for sale in the Downtown Orlando area at an average asking price of $234.60 per square foot.
From January through May 80 condominiums have sold in the downtown district at an average price of $141.72 per square foot.
Scrima said 15 condominiums sold during May at an average of $141.04 per square foot.
“We are definitely seeing an uptick in the average sale price of homes in the downtown area,” said Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty.
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
Cuhaci & Peterson Architects completes design contract on Southlake Family Health Center in Groveland in Lake County
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, completed design work on South Lake Family Health Center on E. Broad St. in Groveland in Lake County.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said the Southlake Family Health Center offers 13,800 square feet of professional office space.
The contractor was Rieker Duley of Orlando.
Construction is completed on the facility, Peterson said.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said the Southlake Family Health Center offers 13,800 square feet of professional office space.
The contractor was Rieker Duley of Orlando.
Construction is completed on the facility, Peterson said.
Volusia Law Firm’s Sponsorship of Poker Run Helps Mammogram Foundation Raise More Than $15,000
PORT ORANGE – The Port Orange-based law firm of Rue & Ziffra recently helped the Tracy Dillon Mammogram Foundation raise more than $15,000 by matching the first 100 entry fees of $10 each for a poker run held recently by the Bikers for First Amendment Rights.
The event, dubbed the “Poker Run to Nowhere and All Day Jam,” was a fundraiser for the Tracy Dillon, a disc jockey at WHOG Radio Station 95.7 FM who has been diagnosed with cancer.
More than 100 bikers participated in the traveling hand of poker that also included live music, a silent auction, raffles, games and T-shirts.
The event, dubbed the “Poker Run to Nowhere and All Day Jam,” was a fundraiser for the Tracy Dillon, a disc jockey at WHOG Radio Station 95.7 FM who has been diagnosed with cancer.
More than 100 bikers participated in the traveling hand of poker that also included live music, a silent auction, raffles, games and T-shirts.
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