Thursday, August 23, 2012

NAI Realvest Negotiates Sale of Volusia Building Industry Assn. headquarters building for Port Orange church relocation

Daytona Beach, Fla. --- NAI Realvest recently negotiated the sale of the 4,108 square foot office building and its 1.83-acre site previously occupied by Volusia Building Industry Assn. at 3520 W. International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach.

Chris Butera, investment associate at NAI Realvest in Maitland, brokered the transaction representing the seller Volusia Building Industry Assn.

The buyer, New Church Family from Port Orange paid $287,500 for the property that will serve as the church’s new sanctuary. Sue Turnbull of Swann and Associates represented the buyer.

About NAI Realvest
NAI Realvest, covering 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

Meritage Homes Names Reed Williams Sales Director in the Tampa Bay region

TAMPA, Fla. --- Meritage Homes has appointed Reed Williams as sales director in the Tampa Bay region.

Brian Kittle, vice president of sales for Meritage Homes, said Williams is a graduate of the University of South Florida and has more than 26 years of experience in new home sales and the homebuilding industry.

Meritage Homes names Denver Marlow land development manager

ORLANDO, Fla. – Meritage Homes, with 19 communities in the Orlando region and four more in the Tampa Bay area has appointed Denver Marlow land development manager.

Brian Kittle, vice president of sales for Meritage Homes said Marlow is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and has more than four years of experience in land development.

VENICE-BASED OMEGA3 INNOVATIONS FOUNDER SAYS BACK TO SCHOOL SHOULD MEAN BACK TO HEALTHY EATING

VENICE, Fla. – As school bells begin to ring across the country, Dr. Anne-Marie Chalmers worries that more teenage girls will become statistics as they sacrifice a daily morning ritual: a healthy breakfast.

Numerous studies done on the effects of not eating breakfast on teenage girls show that not only is the practice unhealthy by making the participants hungrier later in the day, but that the habit actually can lead to obesity, says Chalmers, co-founder and president of Omega3 Innovations.

“I’ve seen statistics that about 1/3 of all teen-age girls don’t eat breakfast,” she says. “And other findings show that nearly one in every three adolescent girls in the United States is overweight. This is a real concern that can lead to a lifetime of obesity.”

Her solution: Make breakfast healthy, convenient, and also make it into a variety of tasty oatmeal-based cookies!

“How much easier can it be than to toss a delicious, individually-wrapped, healthy Omega Cookie into a pocket, purse or backpack,” she asks.

According to Chalmers, one cookie from her Venice-based Omega3 Innovations has the healthful benefits of seven capsules worth of omega-3 fish oil, five grams of fiber, 200% of the daily value of vitamin D and 35% of calcium.

A bonus of consuming high-doses of omega-3 fish oil – according to several other studies – is the link between eating a healthy breakfast and improved memory, higher grades and better school attendance.

“Why wouldn’t you want your children to be at their best in the classroom,” Chalmers asks.

In addition to the Omega Cookie, Omega3 Innovations also is the creator of Omega Cure, liquid omega-3 fish oil; and the Omega Passion, a healthy, frozen chocolate truffle.

For details, visit www.omega3innovations.com.

About Omega3 Innovations:
Founded by Bo Martinsen, M.D., and Anne-Marie Chalmers, M.D. – two physicians who have worked with omega-3 fish oil for more than 16 years – the company also offers several varieties of Omega Cookies, as well as Omega Cure supplements. Each cookie contains seven capsules worth of omega-3 fish oil, five grams of fiber, 200% of the daily value of vitamin D and 35% of calcium. The company was an innovation winner at the 2010 annual Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County’s Hall of Fame awards and was nominated in this year’s young business category. Omega3 Innovations is the first to create a bakery product that contains an effective dose of omega-3 fish oil. For more information, visit www.omega3innovations.com.


Campaign to Keep Kids Safe Online supported by Champion Media Worldwide and Social Rubicon

ORLANDO, Fla., -- The Children’s Internet, Inc. announced that the recently launched crowdfunding campaign to raise $200,000 for its KidWideWeb project to help provide only age-appropriate content and communications, and keep kids safe online, is being spearheaded by the public relations firm Champion Media Worldwide and by the social media firm Social Rubicon.

Champion Media Worldwide (“CMW”) is a unique and distinctive leader in the field of “new media” internet marketing and public relations, with access to over 85,000 media outlets. CMW specializes in helping companies develop and execute optimized online media strategies and search engine marketing.

David Lampel, president of The Children’s Internet, noted that, “ to have a successful crowdfunding campaign, you need to create an online presence and buzz that grows exponentially throughout the course of your campaign. With its extensive media outlet base and its cutting edge approach to online marketing and public relations, I feel very fortunate to add Champion Media to our Indiegogo project team.”

The other new addition to The Children’s Internet’s Indiegogo team is Social Rubicon, a social media consulting firm based in Orlando. Social Rubicon specializes in helping businesses connect with potential clients through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media outlets.

“Social Rubicon excels at increasing website traffic, which is precisely what we need to introduce people to our KidWideWeb project and to our Indiegogo capital campaign. The more traffic we can drive to our website the more likely we will meet our capital campaign goal of $200,000,” Lampel explained.

“We have 56 days left to our Indiegogo campaign,” Lampel said. “Please help us make the internet a safe and age appropriate place for our children by visiting our KidWideWeb website and our Indiegogo project site and contribute what you can and help spread the word,” he added.

For additional information on the KidWideWeb, visit www.kidwideweb.net and/or go to their fundraising site http://www.indiegogo.com/KidWideWeb


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.




The KidWideWeb and Campaign to Keep Kids Safe Online on Live National Radio tonight

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla., Aug. 23, 2012, -- The Children’s Internet announced today that David Lampel, president, will be interviewed on the web radio talk show, “Wellness for the Real World” hosted by Dr. Veronica Anderson, or Dr. Veronica as she is known by her over 11 million listeners worldwide.

The interview will be conducted over the course of the 1-1/2 hour long program and will focus on the KidWideWeb, including its proprietary technology and its efforts to offer children a more positive, age-appropriate experience, while keeping them safe online. The KidWideWeb Indiegogo campaign will also be featured.

To listen to the show, please tune in to the radio program on Blog Talk Radio at 8 p.m. EST Thursday evening, Aug. 23.

Lampel noted that, “Dr. Veronica’s online talk show has a large and loyal following of people interested in living healthier and making the world a better place. I am really proud to be a part of this environment, and furthermore, I want to thank Dr. Veronica for helping us introduce the KidWideWeb to concerned parents throughout the world.”

Mr. Lampel concluded by saying that, “We have 55 days left in our capital campaign to raise the funds necessary to finalize our platform to make the internet a safer, more age-appropriate place for our children. With the increased exposure that Dr. Veronica’s show will bring, we are hopeful the people will be encouraged to visit our project through the site Indiegogo and support our efforts.”

The Children’s Internet, Inc. is also featured in the front page of the August 28th issue of the Seminole Chronicle. The newspaper article, written by Marissa Ramiccio, can be found online at www.seminolechronicle.com.

David Lampel, President of The Children’s Internet, stated, “I am really thankful that newspapers like the Seminole Chronicle still reach out and publish positive articles in support of local businesses, especially businesses concerned with the safety of our children.”

For additional information on the KidWideWeb, visit www.kidwideweb.net and/or go to their fundraising site http://www.indiegogo.com/KidWideWeb

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.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Tolaris Built Home in Lake Forest: 3,614 Square Feet of Living Space, July Electric Bill: $88.14 including taxes

LAKE FOREST, Fla. – When the owners of a 3,614 square foot luxury home Tolaris Homes built in Lake Forest early this year, got their July electric bill they couldn’t help but chuckle. Despite record temperatures that kept most air conditioners in the neighborhood working overtime, their electric bill — including taxes — was just $88.14.

And while that’s not unusual, says Rick Bavec, president of Tolaris Homes, it’s no accident either.

“We spent several weeks to determine the optimum placement of the house on the home site to minimize direct sunlight into the home and maximize exposure to the solar systems we installed,” Bavec said.

Those systems — including 10 photovoltaic panels to generate electrical power and passive panels to heat the home owner’s swimming pool and hot water — were part of an energy efficiency package Bavec designed to work in conjunction with Icynene® insulation, PGT Low-e windows, and eight inch concrete block walls.

Bavec said he installed a renewable energy system that sells electrical power back to Florida Power and Light whenever the solar panels generate excess current.

Bavec also adapted an old Florida trick, designing and building almost 1,000 square feet of roof overhangs and screened patio to cool the air surrounding the home and provide extensive “outdoor living” areas.

“Altogether, the home has 5,545 square feet under roof,” Bavec said.

Too, the home owners had a little help. For 10 days they flipped the switch on their electric hot water heater to “vacation mode”, turned up the thermostat on the Carrier Infinity® Control heat pump digital air conditioning controls and took a vacation.

“Measured against their neighbors’ electric bills they saved about $400,” Bavec said. “That’s not quite enough to pay for their vacation, but it sure helped,” Bavec added.




Meritage Homes hosts potential home buyers at Grand Opening of Bella Casa in Lutz

TAMPA, Fla. – Meritage Homes hosted scores of potential home buyers at the Grand Opening recently at Bella Casa, located off Lake Magdelene Road and Indian Head Drive in Lutz in the Tampa Bay area.

Brian Kittle, vice president of sales for Meritage Homes, said the home builder is building 16 four, five, six and seven bedroom single family homes at Bella Casa that range in size from 3,200 square feet of living space to 5,100 square feet priced from the mid-$300s.

Bella Casa is the first new home community in the Tampa Bay area for Meritage Homes.



Emerson International Negotiates Long-Term Lease Renewal for 6,593 Square Feet of Office Space at Major Plaza I in Southwest Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Emerson International recently negotiated a long-term lease renewal for 6,593 square feet of office space at Major Plaza I, 5728 Major Center Blvd. in southwest Orlando.

Kenneth Koch, commercial portfolio director for Emerson International, negotiated the lease agreement representing the landlord.

Shannon Rzeznikiewicz of Jones Lang LaSalle represented the tenant, ADP, Inc.

Emerson International is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Emerson Group, the global corporation that is one of the largest privately-owned property development companies in the U.K.

Del Webb’s BellaTrae Vacation Home Community South of Disney Reports Big Increase in Second Home Buyers

ORLANDO, Fla. --- It might be a sign that the world’s economy is improving: BellaTrae, the luxury vacation home community Del Webb is developing in the ChampionsGate area south of Walt Disney World, reports it has seen a significant increase in customers looking for a second home.

Sean Strickler, vice president of sales for the North Florida division of Del Webb, said the recent appeal is a result of rock bottom pricing and incredible interest rates.

“I think we’re seeing the results of pent-up demand in both the active adult market and the second home market. Those folks who have dreamed of having a second home in Florida now realize their window of opportunity is closing quickly,” Strickler said.

If he’s right, BellaTrae by Del Webb stands to gain handsomely.

“Vacation home buyers and active adults share similar values,” Strickler said. “Resort-style amenities---from swimming and tennis to planned activities like cruises and attraction visits, sporting events, and recreational activities that range from softball to chess to cooking classes are important to vacationers as well as active adults,” he said.

“During the fall and winter season, thousands of active adults will come to tour our Del Webb communities in the Orlando area,” Strickler said.

BellaTrae at ChampionsGate boasts the 12,500 square foot Club Bella Vista where residents enjoy a fitness center, billiard room, locker rooms, a resort style swimming pool and spa, bocce ball courts, and a putting green.

BellaTrae by Del Webb at ChampionsGate offers luxury condos in four designs priced from the mid $150s to the mid $200s and is not age restricted to those 55 or older, unlike many of the Del Webb communities nation-wide..

Four move-in ready homes are available now priced from $140s to $170s.

About Del Webb
Del Webb, the pioneer of active adult retirement communities, is America’s leading builder of developments for people ages 55+. Since 1960, Del Webb has redefined retirement and retirement living by meeting the housing and lifestyle needs of the active Baby Boomer. Del Webb’s amenities and program offerings provide residents an engaging environment, which fulfills their creative, social, physical fitness and intellectual needs as they journey into the next chapter in their lives – whether it means retirement or still working. Del Webb has grown to more than 50 communities currently open for new home sales in 20 states. For more information on Del Webb, visit www.delwebb.com. To learn more about how to plan a smart future, check out financial tools at delwebb.com/value.

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.