CASSELBERRY, Fla. – SURE Motorsports, a four-year-old designer of Mazda performance equipment, recently was selected to receive free technical assistance through the state’s GrowFL program.
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 in Orlando. When selecting businesses the institute looks for companies that have the potential to be successful, according to Dr. Tom O’Neal, executive director of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute.
“SURE Motorsports is an ideal candidate for the program as it has shown that it has much potential and its employees are eager to learn from the institute’s experts,” said Dr. O’Neal, who is also the associate vice president for the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research and Commercialization.
SURE Founder and Chief Executive Officer Cullen Mariacher said the company’s employees welcome the experience and expertise behind the GrowFL name.
“We will be soaking up the knowledge of the GrowFL team and applying it immediately,” he said. “Our employees are meticulous, passionate and give excessive attention, detail and creative design to every product we create.”
GrowFL will support SURE Motorsports through a number of free services, including access to market research and technology, strategy analysis, CEO roundtables and forums, database research and website optimization.
Mariacher said he is very thankful for the opportunity.
“We are looking forward to the next step, so we can grow into the next level in Central Florida with leaps and bounds.”
About SURE Motorsports:
SURE Motorsports is all about Mazda passion, meticulous engineering, creative design and excessive attention to detail all performed by an irreplaceable staff. Every SURE product is held to the highest of standards; often creating new standards. Products are built for the customer that wants nothing less than the best on their Mazda. SURE guarantees the use of its products and will troubleshoot for any problems and find a solution immediately. Products also carry a limited lifetime warranty, which includes wear items. For details, visit SUREMotorsports.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.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Local Law Firm Presents 3rd annual Sizzlin’ Summer Nights July 21 on Flagler Avenue in Downtown New Smyrna Beach
NEW SMYRNA BEACH – The Port Orange-based law firm of Rue & Ziffra is the presenting sponsor of Thursday’s (7/21) “Sizzlin’ Summer Nights – The Flagler Open” from 5 to 9 p.m. on Flagler Avenue in downtown New Smyrna Beach.
The highlight of the event – which marks the height of the summer season – will be an adult 18-hole mini-golf tournament with food and beverage specials at every hole.
Also featured will be live bands, a kids’ zone, community displays, food vendors and sponsor exhibits, according to Jessica Eckelbarger√, marketing manager for the personal-injury law firm.
Tickets are $10 for 18 holes of putt-putt golf and golfers must be at least 21 years old to participate, Eckelbarger said. Free T-shirts will be given to the first 250 golfers, and more than $2,000 will be awarded in cash and prizes.
“We’re excited to sponsor this event for our community and several of our attorneys and staff members will be participating,” she said.
For more information, call 1-800-541-9621.
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.
The highlight of the event – which marks the height of the summer season – will be an adult 18-hole mini-golf tournament with food and beverage specials at every hole.
Also featured will be live bands, a kids’ zone, community displays, food vendors and sponsor exhibits, according to Jessica Eckelbarger√, marketing manager for the personal-injury law firm.
Tickets are $10 for 18 holes of putt-putt golf and golfers must be at least 21 years old to participate, Eckelbarger said. Free T-shirts will be given to the first 250 golfers, and more than $2,000 will be awarded in cash and prizes.
“We’re excited to sponsor this event for our community and several of our attorneys and staff members will be participating,” she said.
For more information, call 1-800-541-9621.
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.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
First Green Bank Sponsored Cyclist Finishes 11th in Race Across America
EUSTIS, Fla. – Steven Perezluha, the 20-year-old Longwood cyclist First Green Bank sponsored recently in the 30th annual Race Across America (RAAM), finished 11th overall in the 3,000 mile marathon event.
Ken LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, said Perezluha pedaled his bicycle from Oceanside, Calif. to Annapolis, Maryland in 10 days and eight hours.
Forty-one elite international cyclists competed in the event, LaRoe said. Perezluha placed fourth among 18 American cyclists competing in the event and ninth among cyclists who are younger than 50 years of age, LaRoe said.
Perezluha was honored with a special award – named after 5-time reigning RAAM champion, Jure Robic, who was tragically hit and killed by a car this past year while he was training for RAAM -- for the fastest rider through the hilliest section of the race, in climbing feet per mile, from Cumberland, MD to Hancock, MD.
“Steven Perezluha is a remarkable young Central Floridian who is just beginning his career and we were proud to sponsor his entry,” LaRoe said. “He is an inspiration to us all and a rising star in the sport,” LaRoe added.
Ken LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, said Perezluha pedaled his bicycle from Oceanside, Calif. to Annapolis, Maryland in 10 days and eight hours.
Forty-one elite international cyclists competed in the event, LaRoe said. Perezluha placed fourth among 18 American cyclists competing in the event and ninth among cyclists who are younger than 50 years of age, LaRoe said.
Perezluha was honored with a special award – named after 5-time reigning RAAM champion, Jure Robic, who was tragically hit and killed by a car this past year while he was training for RAAM -- for the fastest rider through the hilliest section of the race, in climbing feet per mile, from Cumberland, MD to Hancock, MD.
“Steven Perezluha is a remarkable young Central Floridian who is just beginning his career and we were proud to sponsor his entry,” LaRoe said. “He is an inspiration to us all and a rising star in the sport,” LaRoe added.
Maximize Angel Investments Orlando founder aims to fund home-grown business startups, create jobs
ORLANDO, Fla. --- The most efficient way to spur the local economy and create new jobs is to grow your own. That’s the motto of William C. De Temple, chief executive officer of Maximize Angel Investments Orlando, Inc., and he’s putting his money where his mouth is.
De Temple founded Maximize Angel Investments Orlando www.MaxAngelInvestments.com after meetings with Gordon Hogan, director and Dr. Tom O’Neal, founder of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program.
“Central Florida has a vibrant network of startup entrepreneurs and support groups,” De Temple said. “The biggest need now is capital to launch some of these newly emerging enterprises and help them grow into large companies with international markets,” he said.
Already, De Temple has recruited 22 angel investors, each of whom has committed $50,000 annually to fund startup ventures.
But it’s not just money, De Temple is quick to add.
“Capital is the most critical single need, but successful angel investing requires a much broader approach,” De Temple said.
“We have a rigorous selection protocol to determine which companies have the greatest potential to grow quickly, efficiently and sustainably,” De Temple said. “We also have stringent requirements of our angel investors. With their knowledge and experience, they need to play an active role coaching entrepreneurs and overseeing the growth of companies we invest in,” he said.
De Temple has more than 30 years of experience in angel investing. When he launched his first company in Vancouver, B.C., angel investors helped fund its growth. When annual revenues topped the $12 million mark in 1984, he and his investors sold the company and monetized their investment. DeTemple then relocated to southern California.
There, he launched three more companies with angel investment capital and sold them. With the proceeds, he became an angel investor himself.
“I have personally invested in six companies, and I’ve been very pleased with the results so far,” De Temple said.
De Temple modeled Maximize Angel Investments Orlando after the Tech Coast Angels network in Southern California, the most successful angel investment network in the U.S.
“I was frustrated with the state of the art here in Central Florida,” De Temple said. “Angel investing isn’t a benevolent effort. It’s a sound business strategy with definitive goals and objectives and it’s based on the most fundamental principles of capitalism,” De Temple said.
“What makes Central Florida unique and worth the effort here is the entrepreneurial community and the network of support services that have grown from the UCF Business Incubation Program,” he said. “We have created a fertile field here, and now it’s time to plant some seeds,” De Temple said.
Maximize Angel Investments Orlando is focused on startup and second stage growth companies located in the Central Florida triangle that runs from Palm Coast in Flagler County down to Palm Bay in south Brevard County to west of Lakeland. Orlando is the hub, De Temple said.
“I’m talking to Chambers of Commerce in each community. I’m talking to the Economic Development Commissions, law firms, CPA firms and individual Angels that I get referred to. I’m making everybody well aware of what we are doing,” De Temple said.
In September, Maximize Angel Investments Orlando will host a seminar featuring Dave Berkus, the rock star of the angel investment movement who has more than 70 successful angel investment startups to his credit. Registration for the event is $249.
De Temple has published a book, How to Raise Capital Quickly, available free at www.RaiseCapitalQuickly.com.
De Temple founded Maximize Angel Investments Orlando www.MaxAngelInvestments.com after meetings with Gordon Hogan, director and Dr. Tom O’Neal, founder of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program.
“Central Florida has a vibrant network of startup entrepreneurs and support groups,” De Temple said. “The biggest need now is capital to launch some of these newly emerging enterprises and help them grow into large companies with international markets,” he said.
Already, De Temple has recruited 22 angel investors, each of whom has committed $50,000 annually to fund startup ventures.
But it’s not just money, De Temple is quick to add.
“Capital is the most critical single need, but successful angel investing requires a much broader approach,” De Temple said.
“We have a rigorous selection protocol to determine which companies have the greatest potential to grow quickly, efficiently and sustainably,” De Temple said. “We also have stringent requirements of our angel investors. With their knowledge and experience, they need to play an active role coaching entrepreneurs and overseeing the growth of companies we invest in,” he said.
De Temple has more than 30 years of experience in angel investing. When he launched his first company in Vancouver, B.C., angel investors helped fund its growth. When annual revenues topped the $12 million mark in 1984, he and his investors sold the company and monetized their investment. DeTemple then relocated to southern California.
There, he launched three more companies with angel investment capital and sold them. With the proceeds, he became an angel investor himself.
“I have personally invested in six companies, and I’ve been very pleased with the results so far,” De Temple said.
De Temple modeled Maximize Angel Investments Orlando after the Tech Coast Angels network in Southern California, the most successful angel investment network in the U.S.
“I was frustrated with the state of the art here in Central Florida,” De Temple said. “Angel investing isn’t a benevolent effort. It’s a sound business strategy with definitive goals and objectives and it’s based on the most fundamental principles of capitalism,” De Temple said.
“What makes Central Florida unique and worth the effort here is the entrepreneurial community and the network of support services that have grown from the UCF Business Incubation Program,” he said. “We have created a fertile field here, and now it’s time to plant some seeds,” De Temple said.
Maximize Angel Investments Orlando is focused on startup and second stage growth companies located in the Central Florida triangle that runs from Palm Coast in Flagler County down to Palm Bay in south Brevard County to west of Lakeland. Orlando is the hub, De Temple said.
“I’m talking to Chambers of Commerce in each community. I’m talking to the Economic Development Commissions, law firms, CPA firms and individual Angels that I get referred to. I’m making everybody well aware of what we are doing,” De Temple said.
In September, Maximize Angel Investments Orlando will host a seminar featuring Dave Berkus, the rock star of the angel investment movement who has more than 70 successful angel investment startups to his credit. Registration for the event is $249.
De Temple has published a book, How to Raise Capital Quickly, available free at www.RaiseCapitalQuickly.com.
Cuhaci & Peterson Architects awarded contract to design interior build-out for Social Security Office in Venice
ORLANDO, Fla. --- Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, was recently awarded a contract to design the build-out for the interior of a Social Security office at Venice Commons, located on East Venice Ave. and Capri Isles Blvd. in Venice.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said the build-out includes 8,150 square feet of space.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman at Cuhaci & Peterson, said the build-out includes 8,150 square feet of space.
UCF’s Dr. Tom O’Neal Testifies before the Subcommittee on Science and Space of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Sometimes, the biggest new things can come in the smallest packages. That’s the thrust of testimony Dr. Tom O’Neal delivered to the Subcommittee on Science and Space of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in Washington recently.
Dr. O’Neal, associate vice president of Research in the Office of Research and Commercialization at the University of Central Florida, appeared before the subcommittee to provide insight into the commercialization and potential for NanoScience technology.
“Science is on the verge of revolutionary breakthroughs in NanoScience,” Dr. O’Neal explained.
“We can look forward to orders-of-magnitude increases in computer efficiency, human organ restoration using engineered tissue, “designer” materials created from directed assembly of atoms and molecules, and the emergence of entirely new phenomena in chemistry and physics,” he said.
Dr. O’Neal said the effect of nanotechnology on the health, wealth, and standard of living for people in this century could be at least as significant as the combined influences of microelectronics, medical imaging, computer-aided engineering, and man-made polymers developed in the last century.
The future is not that far away. Already, nanoscience has ‘infiltrated’ or enabled new devices or improvement in older devices, Dr. O’Neal said.
“For example, Photonic band gap materials are nano devices that enhance telecommunications,” Dr. O’Neal said. Another example is “Photo-thermal-refractive (PTR) glass, a nano structure material, that is used to bend light at different angles by using nanoparticles and Bragg gratings,” he said.
The University of Central Florida is emerging as one of the leading research centers contributing to the advance of nanotechnology.
UCF Stands For Opportunity: The University of Central Florida is a metropolitan research university that ranks as the second largest in the nation with more than 56,000 students. UCF's first classes were offered in 1968. The university offers impressive academic and research environments that power the region's economic development. UCF's culture of opportunity is driven by our diversity, Orlando environment, history of entrepreneurship and our youth, relevance and energy. For more information visit http://news.ucf.edu.
Dr. O’Neal, associate vice president of Research in the Office of Research and Commercialization at the University of Central Florida, appeared before the subcommittee to provide insight into the commercialization and potential for NanoScience technology.
“Science is on the verge of revolutionary breakthroughs in NanoScience,” Dr. O’Neal explained.
“We can look forward to orders-of-magnitude increases in computer efficiency, human organ restoration using engineered tissue, “designer” materials created from directed assembly of atoms and molecules, and the emergence of entirely new phenomena in chemistry and physics,” he said.
Dr. O’Neal said the effect of nanotechnology on the health, wealth, and standard of living for people in this century could be at least as significant as the combined influences of microelectronics, medical imaging, computer-aided engineering, and man-made polymers developed in the last century.
The future is not that far away. Already, nanoscience has ‘infiltrated’ or enabled new devices or improvement in older devices, Dr. O’Neal said.
“For example, Photonic band gap materials are nano devices that enhance telecommunications,” Dr. O’Neal said. Another example is “Photo-thermal-refractive (PTR) glass, a nano structure material, that is used to bend light at different angles by using nanoparticles and Bragg gratings,” he said.
The University of Central Florida is emerging as one of the leading research centers contributing to the advance of nanotechnology.
UCF Stands For Opportunity: The University of Central Florida is a metropolitan research university that ranks as the second largest in the nation with more than 56,000 students. UCF's first classes were offered in 1968. The university offers impressive academic and research environments that power the region's economic development. UCF's culture of opportunity is driven by our diversity, Orlando environment, history of entrepreneurship and our youth, relevance and energy. For more information visit http://news.ucf.edu.
VOLUSIA LAW FIRM OPENS FLAGLER COUNTY OFFICE TO SERVE GROWING CLIENTELE
PALM COAST – The Port Orange-based law firm of Rue & Ziffra has opened an office at 389 Palm Coast Parkway, Suite 4, in Palm Coast.
The addition of the 2,400-square-foot Flagler County office is designed to help the firm meet the growing needs of clients in that area, according to Rue & Ziffra President Allan L. Ziffra.
“The expansion into Flagler County marks the opening of our third office,” Ziffra said. “It was a natural place to expand with a number of clients residing there and with the number of Flagler County fund-raising efforts our firm participants in.”
“As when we opened our Orange City location in 2009, we hope the addition of this office will make it easier for our clients to meet with our attorneys,” he said.
For more information or to schedule an appointment at the Palm Coast office, call 386-439-0249.
The addition of the 2,400-square-foot Flagler County office is designed to help the firm meet the growing needs of clients in that area, according to Rue & Ziffra President Allan L. Ziffra.
“The expansion into Flagler County marks the opening of our third office,” Ziffra said. “It was a natural place to expand with a number of clients residing there and with the number of Flagler County fund-raising efforts our firm participants in.”
“As when we opened our Orange City location in 2009, we hope the addition of this office will make it easier for our clients to meet with our attorneys,” he said.
For more information or to schedule an appointment at the Palm Coast office, call 386-439-0249.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
ICI Homes offers $50,000 incentive package at Amelia National Golf & Country Club through Sept. 5
AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. --- ICI Homes, developers of Amelia National Golf & Country Club at Amelia Island in the Jacksonville area is offering a $50,000 open incentive to home buyers through Sept. 5.
Don Wilford, north Florida division president for ICI Homes said home buyers can apply the $50,000 discount however they want.
“A new home buyer at Amelia National can discount the price of the home by $50,000, they can apply up to $10,000 of the discount to closing costs, they can apply it toward golf club membership, or they can add up to $50,000 worth of customized features and upgrades to their home,” Wilford said.
ICI Homes builds luxury homes at Amelia National Golf and County Club priced from the $300s to more than $1 million.
Wilford said recent sales at Amelia National spurred the incentive offer.
“We have experienced a tangible increase in activity at Amelia National and we wanted to capitalize on the momentum, so the timing for an all-out incentive seemed perfect,” Wilford said.
Don Wilford, north Florida division president for ICI Homes said home buyers can apply the $50,000 discount however they want.
“A new home buyer at Amelia National can discount the price of the home by $50,000, they can apply up to $10,000 of the discount to closing costs, they can apply it toward golf club membership, or they can add up to $50,000 worth of customized features and upgrades to their home,” Wilford said.
ICI Homes builds luxury homes at Amelia National Golf and County Club priced from the $300s to more than $1 million.
Wilford said recent sales at Amelia National spurred the incentive offer.
“We have experienced a tangible increase in activity at Amelia National and we wanted to capitalize on the momentum, so the timing for an all-out incentive seemed perfect,” Wilford said.
NAI Realvest Negotiates Sale of Retail site in Deltona for $360,000
ORLANDO, Fla. -- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the $360,000 sale price for a retail site on Welcome Center Drive and Deltona Boulevard in Deltona. .
Paul P. Partyka, managing partner at NAI Realvest, who represented the seller, SAM III Deltona LLC of Fisher Island, Fla., said the property was purchased by local investment firm, Constant Level LLC.
The 48,787 square foot parcel of land was originally slated for a Sonic drive-in restaurant but the new owner has not yet disclosed how the property will be developed, Partyka said.
Barbara Burnett of Omega One Realty represented the buyer.
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 350 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.
Paul P. Partyka, managing partner at NAI Realvest, who represented the seller, SAM III Deltona LLC of Fisher Island, Fla., said the property was purchased by local investment firm, Constant Level LLC.
The 48,787 square foot parcel of land was originally slated for a Sonic drive-in restaurant but the new owner has not yet disclosed how the property will be developed, Partyka said.
Barbara Burnett of Omega One Realty represented the buyer.
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 350 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.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Mattamy Homes Continues to Outpace the Twin Cities Market
Edina, Minn. --- Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest home builder, was ranked as one of the region’s top homebuilders for the first six months of 2011.
Steve Logan, vice president of Mattamy Homes in Minnesota, said that according to the recent Metrostudy report, Mattamy Homes sold more homes per neighborhood than any other home builder participating in Metrostudy in the region during the first half of the year.
For the month of June, Mattamy Homes outsold all other home builders participating in Metrostudy in the Twin Cities region.
Logan said Mattamy Homes plans to open two new communities later this year.
Mattamy Homes will open Chevalle in Chaska in August and the builder plans to open Jeffers Waterfront in Prior Lake in September.
Mattamy Homes builds townhomes at Stonemill Farms in Woodbury; single family homes at Chevalle in Chaska, Riverbend in Farmington; Madeline Woods in Maple Grove; Riverside Bluffs in Shakopee; Pinehill in Waconia; Heritage Park and Stonemill Farms in Woodbury.
About Mattamy Homes U.S. Group:
The Canadian based homebuilder, with annual revenues exceeding $1.3 billion, operates US home building divisions in Minneapolis, Phoenix, Charlotte, Jacksonville and Orlando. Visit www.mattamyhomes.com.
Steve Logan, vice president of Mattamy Homes in Minnesota, said that according to the recent Metrostudy report, Mattamy Homes sold more homes per neighborhood than any other home builder participating in Metrostudy in the region during the first half of the year.
For the month of June, Mattamy Homes outsold all other home builders participating in Metrostudy in the Twin Cities region.
Logan said Mattamy Homes plans to open two new communities later this year.
Mattamy Homes will open Chevalle in Chaska in August and the builder plans to open Jeffers Waterfront in Prior Lake in September.
Mattamy Homes builds townhomes at Stonemill Farms in Woodbury; single family homes at Chevalle in Chaska, Riverbend in Farmington; Madeline Woods in Maple Grove; Riverside Bluffs in Shakopee; Pinehill in Waconia; Heritage Park and Stonemill Farms in Woodbury.
About Mattamy Homes U.S. Group:
The Canadian based homebuilder, with annual revenues exceeding $1.3 billion, operates US home building divisions in Minneapolis, Phoenix, Charlotte, Jacksonville and Orlando. Visit www.mattamyhomes.com.
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