ST. CLOUD, Fla. --- Nepalese-American tour operator, TREKT Himalaya, LLC., with offices in Saint Cloud and Kathmandu, Nepal has teamed up with the Mountain Fund Charity (based in New Mexico and Kathmandu) to launch a series of Medical Treks aimed at doctors, nurses and medical students who would like to volunteer in Nepal.
“We wanted to focus on sustainable tourism in Nepal,” said TREKT Himalaya founder Sandra Krasa BK, “and one thing that I have noticed in my years of living there is that outside of Kathmandu there is a glaring lack of even basic medical care. When Nepali people see a tourist on the trekking path, or in their village, they will often ask you for some kind of first-aid even if you are not a medical professional. Just on the basis of being Western, they know we have some type of first-aid kit with us. I have been asked to look at cuts, burns, a broken arm and to diagnose internal pain. I have no medical background, and I tell them that, but the people are just desperate for help and empathy,” she said
In early 2012 TREKT Himalaya embarked on organizing adventures in the Himalayan region that incorporated not only classic treks, like Everest Base Camp, but also educational adventures that would help the people of Nepal as well as Western tourists who are looking for meaningful travel experiences that connect them with the local culture.
“I had been talking with Scott MacLennan from the Mountain Fund while I was in Kathmandu last year, and when we opened up the TREKT Himalaya office in Central Florida with the idea of ‘volunteerism’ as a focus, he was one of the first people I thought of,” Krasa said. “His volunteer organization is one of the most respected in Nepal.”
The Mountain Fund had worked with medical volunteer placements before, and Scott had knowledge of the rural areas that get the least attention, and that was exactly where we wanted to focus, Krasa said.
“I ran the plan for Medical Trek Nepal past my mother, Linda Krasa, who is a nurse at Dr. Phillips Hospital in Orlando, and she said ‘sign me up!’ I hope others will be as eager to help too,” she said.
TREKT Himalaya’s Medical Trek promises a trip on the road less traveled. The October 2012 trek will focus on the Gorkha & Dhading regions of Nepal. Considered to be the heartland of the nation, medical trekkers will enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalaya, spend time in remote villages, and experience a majestic culture for removed from the modern world, Krasa said.
The medical volunteers will set up a triage tent and treatment tents mid way through the trek to treat villagers from the surrounding area. Medical tents donated by Mountain Hardware serve as a movable clinic, she explained.
Last year, a similar medical camp was able to treat over 900 Nepali villagers in three days. Medical volunteers should be prepared to get busy Some common ailments among villagers are skin problems, gastro-intestinal illness, dental problems, dysentery, eye problems, untreated wounds, ob-gyn care, and infant-child wellness needs.
TREKT Himalaya needs doctors and nurses for exams and treatment, medical assistants and students for triage and there are also opportunities for non-medical volunteers to handle administrative duties and to boost morale, according to Krasa.
“The Nepali villagers love seeing the medical teams and volunteers come away knowing they gave much needed help and had a totally unique volunteer travel experience,” she said.
Sign-up is now open and is limited to the first 12 people who qualify. Volunteer applicants are encouraged to sign-up online at trekthimalaya.com/trek-nepal/volunteer .
TREKT Himalaya is a client company with the UCF Business Incubation Program and located at the St. Cloud Incubator.
About TREKT Himalaya
TREKT Himalaya, LLC is a Nepali-American tour company specializing in adventure travel and educational tours to the Himalaya. TREKT Himalaya, along with their extreme adventure sports affiliate company, Hardcore Nepal (P.) Ltd. (hardcorenepal.com) is dedicated to sustainable tourism. They have started a training program for Dalits (untouchables) to help breakdown social stigma of caste based jobs, and have recently teamed with Italian charity “Finale for Nepal” to provide rock climbing adventures with proceeds benefiting rural Nepal schools. TREKT plans to launch a “made in Nepal” Fair Trade clothing line in 2013. Trekthimalaya.com
About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, 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 about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Centex Homes Acquires Five More Homesites at Starling at FishHawk Ranch in Lithia
TAMPA, Fla. – Centex Homes has acquired five additional home sites at Starling at Fishhawk Ranch, located on FishHawk Blvd. in Lithia.
Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for the North Florida division of Centex Homes, said Centex, which is currently building on nine lots at Starling at FishHawk Ranch, is seeing an increasing demand there.
“FishHawk Ranch is one of the most desirable communities in this whole region and as Florida’s real estate market recovers, demand for new homes at FishHawk Ranch will grow faster than many other markets,” Strickler said. “We’re already seeing signs of this growth,” he added.
Strickler said these home sites offer the lowest CDD fees in Starling at FishHawk.
“The lower CDD rates represent lower overall payments,” Strickler said, “and that means more value for our homebuyers.”
Centex Homes, is building new three, four, five and six bedroom single-family homes on 60 foot home sites at Starling at FishHawk Ranch priced from $ 247,990 with three-car garages.
About Centex
Reliably built, smartly designed and affordable, Centex homes bring the pride of home ownership to value-conscious buyers in 20 states. As the leading brand for first-time and value-conscious homebuyers looking for just the right home, Centex balances affordability with unique form and function leading to better living. Buyers put themselves in a better place by choosing Centex. For more information about Centex, visit www.centex.com
About PulteGroup
PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM), based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is one of America’s largest home building companies with operations in approximately 60 markets throughout the country. Through its brand portfolio that includes Centex, Pulte Homes and Del Webb, the company is one of the industry’s most versatile homebuilders able to meet the needs of multiple buyer groups and respond to changing consumer demand. PulteGroup conducts extensive research to provide home buyers with innovative solutions and new homes designed for the way people actually live today. As the most awarded home builder in customer satisfaction, PulteGroup brands have consistently ranked among top home builders in third-party customer satisfaction studies.
For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, go to pultegroup.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com
Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for the North Florida division of Centex Homes, said Centex, which is currently building on nine lots at Starling at FishHawk Ranch, is seeing an increasing demand there.
“FishHawk Ranch is one of the most desirable communities in this whole region and as Florida’s real estate market recovers, demand for new homes at FishHawk Ranch will grow faster than many other markets,” Strickler said. “We’re already seeing signs of this growth,” he added.
Strickler said these home sites offer the lowest CDD fees in Starling at FishHawk.
“The lower CDD rates represent lower overall payments,” Strickler said, “and that means more value for our homebuyers.”
Centex Homes, is building new three, four, five and six bedroom single-family homes on 60 foot home sites at Starling at FishHawk Ranch priced from $ 247,990 with three-car garages.
About Centex
Reliably built, smartly designed and affordable, Centex homes bring the pride of home ownership to value-conscious buyers in 20 states. As the leading brand for first-time and value-conscious homebuyers looking for just the right home, Centex balances affordability with unique form and function leading to better living. Buyers put themselves in a better place by choosing Centex. For more information about Centex, visit www.centex.com
About PulteGroup
PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM), based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is one of America’s largest home building companies with operations in approximately 60 markets throughout the country. Through its brand portfolio that includes Centex, Pulte Homes and Del Webb, the company is one of the industry’s most versatile homebuilders able to meet the needs of multiple buyer groups and respond to changing consumer demand. PulteGroup conducts extensive research to provide home buyers with innovative solutions and new homes designed for the way people actually live today. As the most awarded home builder in customer satisfaction, PulteGroup brands have consistently ranked among top home builders in third-party customer satisfaction studies.
For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, go to pultegroup.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com
Mercantile Capital Corporation closes on 14 Commercial Loans in June to Finance Projects totaling $66 Million Plus
ORLANDO, Fla. — Mercantile Capital Corporation, which ranks as one of the nation’s leading providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans to small business owners who want to acquire or develop their own facilities, closed 14 commercial property loans in June to finance projects valued at more than $66 million.
Chris Hurn, chief executive officer of Mercantile Capital Corporation, said loan closings in June represent the nine-year-old company’s biggest month ever.
The largest single loan during the month provided refinancing for a Wyndham hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana, with a total project cost of $13.3 million.
Since January, Mercantile Capital Corporation has closed 58 commercial loans to finance projects that total $220.7 million. That’s more than the company closed during all of 2011.
Last year Mercantile closed 57 loans to finance projects valued at more than $174 million in total project costs. Loan volume for the first six months of 2012 is up 240 percent from the same period in 2011, which was a record-breaking year for the company.
Hurn said job creation is one of the principal goals of the SBA 504 loan program. Since Mercantile Capital Corporation opened its doors in 2003, its SBA 504 loans — which are approaching the $1 billion mark — have helped create or retain 6,584 jobs.
“The SBA 504 loan program is one of the most effective economic development and job creation programs the U.S. government has to its credit,” Hurn said.
“We can help small business enterprises grow by helping them take control of their commercial real estate expenses with long-term, below-market, fixed interest rates, and longer terms than are available with ordinary commercial financing right now.” Hurn said.
Chris Hurn, chief executive officer of Mercantile Capital Corporation, said loan closings in June represent the nine-year-old company’s biggest month ever.
The largest single loan during the month provided refinancing for a Wyndham hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana, with a total project cost of $13.3 million.
Since January, Mercantile Capital Corporation has closed 58 commercial loans to finance projects that total $220.7 million. That’s more than the company closed during all of 2011.
Last year Mercantile closed 57 loans to finance projects valued at more than $174 million in total project costs. Loan volume for the first six months of 2012 is up 240 percent from the same period in 2011, which was a record-breaking year for the company.
Hurn said job creation is one of the principal goals of the SBA 504 loan program. Since Mercantile Capital Corporation opened its doors in 2003, its SBA 504 loans — which are approaching the $1 billion mark — have helped create or retain 6,584 jobs.
“The SBA 504 loan program is one of the most effective economic development and job creation programs the U.S. government has to its credit,” Hurn said.
“We can help small business enterprises grow by helping them take control of their commercial real estate expenses with long-term, below-market, fixed interest rates, and longer terms than are available with ordinary commercial financing right now.” Hurn said.
First Green Bank to Launch Small Farmers Loan Program
MOUNT DORA, Fla. – First Green Bank, headquartered in Mount Dora, will launch a small farmers loan program before the end of this year to provide loans to small farming operations throughout Central Florida.
Kenneth LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, said the loan program is approval driven.
First Green Bank was named Florida’s 2011 Green Company of the Year by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Central Florida Chapter. Its Mount Dora headquarters is the second privately constructed building in Florida to qualify for the Council’s LEED Platinum certification for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
First Green Bank also has branches in Clermont and Ormond Beach and plans to open a branch in downtown Orlando by the end of the year.
Kenneth LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, said the loan program is approval driven.
First Green Bank was named Florida’s 2011 Green Company of the Year by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Central Florida Chapter. Its Mount Dora headquarters is the second privately constructed building in Florida to qualify for the Council’s LEED Platinum certification for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
First Green Bank also has branches in Clermont and Ormond Beach and plans to open a branch in downtown Orlando by the end of the year.
Henin Homes appoints Bion Davis sales associate at Riviera Bella in Debary
DEBARY, Fla. – Henin Homes, a luxury home builder at Riviera Bella overlooking the St. Johns River in DeBary, has named Bion Davis sales associate at Riviera Bella.
Jerome Henin, who heads Henin Homes, the home building division of the Henin Group, said Davis graduated from the University of Maine and has four years of experience in new home sales.
Riviera Bella a guard gated community offers luxury homes ranging from the 190,000s to over $2 million.
Jerome Henin, who heads Henin Homes, the home building division of the Henin Group, said Davis graduated from the University of Maine and has four years of experience in new home sales.
Riviera Bella a guard gated community offers luxury homes ranging from the 190,000s to over $2 million.
Ashton Woods Homes Acquires 100 Home Sites at Tanglewood Preserve in South Hillsborough County
TAMPA, Fla. --- Ashton Woods Homes recently acquired 100 home sites at Tanglewood Preserve, located off Symnes Road in South Hillsborough County near Gibsonton.
Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes, said presales of three, four and five bedroom single family homes priced from the $140s will start in July.
Roche said Ashton Woods Homes will start construction of two model homes in July as well.
New Homes at Tanglewood Preserve will range in size from 1,600 square feet of living space to 3,000 square feet.
Ashton Woods Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies with operations in growth communities in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Killeen, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Raleigh and Tampa. For more information, visit http://www.ashtonwoods.com .
Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes, said presales of three, four and five bedroom single family homes priced from the $140s will start in July.
Roche said Ashton Woods Homes will start construction of two model homes in July as well.
New Homes at Tanglewood Preserve will range in size from 1,600 square feet of living space to 3,000 square feet.
Ashton Woods Homes, headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation’s largest private homebuilding companies with operations in growth communities in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Killeen, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, Raleigh and Tampa. For more information, visit http://www.ashtonwoods.com .
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
West Marine Store Awards Interior Renovation Design Contract to Cuhaci & Peterson Architects
ORLANDO, Fla. – Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Engineers Planners based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, was recently awarded a contract to design the interior of a new West Marine store at Naples Plaza on U.S. 41 in Naples.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman Cuhaci & Peterson, said the project will comprise 13,500 square feet of space formerly occupied by a Books-A-Million, which closed recently.
West Marine, considered the largest boating supply company in the world with 300 stores in 38 states, has 10 locations in southwest Florida.
The Naples Plaza West Marine is scheduled for completion and opening by the end of this year along with renovations of the entire Naples Plaza -- owned by Brixmor Property Group.
Lonnie Peterson, chairman Cuhaci & Peterson, said the project will comprise 13,500 square feet of space formerly occupied by a Books-A-Million, which closed recently.
West Marine, considered the largest boating supply company in the world with 300 stores in 38 states, has 10 locations in southwest Florida.
The Naples Plaza West Marine is scheduled for completion and opening by the end of this year along with renovations of the entire Naples Plaza -- owned by Brixmor Property Group.
Dr. Cynthia A. LaRoe to Exhibit Paintings at Windhorse Theatre in Eustis Nov. 9
EUSTIS, Fla. – Dr. Cynthia A. LaRoe will exhibit her paintings at the Windhorse Theatre located at 353 Plaza Drive in Eustis, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.
Dr. LaRoe is the wife of Kenneth LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank in Mount Dora.
Dr. LaRoe has been painting for many years but this will be the first exhibit of her work at in the Lake County area.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Al Chiodi at (352) 516-4309
Dr. LaRoe is the wife of Kenneth LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank in Mount Dora.
Dr. LaRoe has been painting for many years but this will be the first exhibit of her work at in the Lake County area.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Al Chiodi at (352) 516-4309
Yuval Botansky Named President of ABD Development Company to Replace the late David Kohn, Development of Providence to Continue
PROVIDENCE, Fla. -- ABD Development Company has appointed civil engineer Yuval Botansky president to replace the late David Kohn, who passed away recently.
Botansky, who has more than 14 years of experience in community development, is a former managing director of resort community development in Jamaica and The Turks and Cacicos in the Caribbean.
Botansky said all current operations at ABD Development will continue as planned, including development of Providence, the 1,800 acre golf course community just south of Orlando, of Toscana, the luxury home community in Palm Coast, along with luxury custom home building at Heritage Green and Lakeside Villas at Providence and at Windsor Landing at Wyndham Lakes Estates in South Orlando.
Botansky, who has more than 14 years of experience in community development, is a former managing director of resort community development in Jamaica and The Turks and Cacicos in the Caribbean.
Botansky said all current operations at ABD Development will continue as planned, including development of Providence, the 1,800 acre golf course community just south of Orlando, of Toscana, the luxury home community in Palm Coast, along with luxury custom home building at Heritage Green and Lakeside Villas at Providence and at Windsor Landing at Wyndham Lakes Estates in South Orlando.
CAMead Technologies is main line in Technology Partnership Poised to Impact Major Industry Markets
WINTER SPRINGS, Fla., – CAMcad Technologies, Inc., (CAMCAD) in Winter Springs has entered a partnership with a leading U.S. machine tool manufacturer that is poised to play a major role in specialized U.S. manufacturing industries.
Don McKillop, chief technology officer at CAMCAD, said the company has partnered with C.R. Onsrud, Inc (ONSRUD), the Waukegan, Ill.-based firm that ranks as North America’s foremost builder of high quality CNC machine tools for the aerospace, woodworking, plastics, and composites industries.
In 2011, CAMCAD, ranked as the leading U.S. reseller of Surfware’s SURFCAM software, which is used to control ONSRUD four and five axis CNC routers that can be programmed to shape extremely precise components and parts for manufacturing industries, McKillop explained.
Under the agreement CAMCAD will provide professional technical support, factory-certified postprocessors, and customer specific on-site training for ONSRUD four and five axis applications used in aerospace, woodworking, plastics, and composites industries, McKillop said.
“Our agreement means no excuses, no finger-pointing, and no lengthy ramp-up time for ONSRUD customers. A new ONSRUD five-axis CNC router can be productive as soon as it is installed,” McKillop said.
CAMCAD is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program at the Winter Springs incubator located at 1511 E. State Road 434.
C.R.Onsrud Inc.
C.R. Onsrud, Inc. specializes in high quality CNC machinery designed for the aerospace, woodworking, plastics, and composites industries. We offer a comprehensive line of high-precision machining products including almost 50 standard models of three thru five axis CNC Routers, CNC Mills, and CNC Machining Centers, four models of Inverted Pin Routers, as well as a complete line of tooling and accessories. C.R. Onsrud is well known for superior service capabilities, high-tech training facilities, and an extensive Applications Engineering department to further reinforce our pledge to provide the industry with the best products, service, and customer support! Website: www.cronsrud.com
Surfware,Inc.
Surfware, Inc., developer of SURFCAM CAD/CAM systems and patented TRUEMill technology, provides world class solutions for today's manufacturing challenges. Surfware is dedicated to continuous innovation and development of new technologies that increase customers' machining productivity and profitability. Surfware's goals are to provide top-quality technology, customer service and world class solutions that allow its customers to gain a competitive edge in a changing global marketplace. www.surfware.com
About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, 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 about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.
Don McKillop, chief technology officer at CAMCAD, said the company has partnered with C.R. Onsrud, Inc (ONSRUD), the Waukegan, Ill.-based firm that ranks as North America’s foremost builder of high quality CNC machine tools for the aerospace, woodworking, plastics, and composites industries.
In 2011, CAMCAD, ranked as the leading U.S. reseller of Surfware’s SURFCAM software, which is used to control ONSRUD four and five axis CNC routers that can be programmed to shape extremely precise components and parts for manufacturing industries, McKillop explained.
Under the agreement CAMCAD will provide professional technical support, factory-certified postprocessors, and customer specific on-site training for ONSRUD four and five axis applications used in aerospace, woodworking, plastics, and composites industries, McKillop said.
“Our agreement means no excuses, no finger-pointing, and no lengthy ramp-up time for ONSRUD customers. A new ONSRUD five-axis CNC router can be productive as soon as it is installed,” McKillop said.
CAMCAD is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program at the Winter Springs incubator located at 1511 E. State Road 434.
C.R.Onsrud Inc.
C.R. Onsrud, Inc. specializes in high quality CNC machinery designed for the aerospace, woodworking, plastics, and composites industries. We offer a comprehensive line of high-precision machining products including almost 50 standard models of three thru five axis CNC Routers, CNC Mills, and CNC Machining Centers, four models of Inverted Pin Routers, as well as a complete line of tooling and accessories. C.R. Onsrud is well known for superior service capabilities, high-tech training facilities, and an extensive Applications Engineering department to further reinforce our pledge to provide the industry with the best products, service, and customer support! Website: www.cronsrud.com
Surfware,Inc.
Surfware, Inc., developer of SURFCAM CAD/CAM systems and patented TRUEMill technology, provides world class solutions for today's manufacturing challenges. Surfware is dedicated to continuous innovation and development of new technologies that increase customers' machining productivity and profitability. Surfware's goals are to provide top-quality technology, customer service and world class solutions that allow its customers to gain a competitive edge in a changing global marketplace. www.surfware.com
About the UCF Business Incubation Program
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 200 emerging companies (including more than 134 current clients) create over $363 million in annual total economic output and more than 3,120 new jobs (taking direct and indirect and induced impact into account) with an average salary of $59,000. With ten facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Business Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development among the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Apopka, 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 about the Program and its clients and graduates, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu and UCFBIP on Facebook, on www.facebook.com/ucf4bip.
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