Sabalcore Selected by Analytical Services to to Design Aerospike Nozzles for Missile Interceptors

by: Larry Vershel

Fri Jul 30, 2010 at 13:51:34 PM EDT

ORLANDO - Sabalcore, a provider of high performance computer (HPC) on-demand services, was selected by Analytical Services, Inc. (ASI), a U.S. Department of Defense Missile Defense Agency subcontractor, to design aerospike nozzles for future missile systems. Aerospike nozzles have a significant performance advantage over traditional bell nozzles. As enemies of the United States develop offensive weapons with more and more capability, future missile defense interceptors (like PAC-3, THAAD, etc.) will naturally be required to have more and more performance.

“Using Sabalcore's HPC on-demand services, ASI was able to access our powerful Linux clusters designed to quickly run compute intensive applications, including ASI's computational fluid dynamics (CFD) application, while at the same time cutting costs significantly.” said John D. Van Workum, president at Sabalcore Computing, Inc.

“CFD is critical to our design efforts, which means that we cannot complete that design without Sabalcore’s Linux cluster.  We, like many small businesses, cannot afford the luxury of buying and maintaining our own.” said Joseph Sims, Ph.D. technical director at Analytical Services, Inc.

“Without the Sabalcore Linux clusters available to us, we could not hope to support our design efforts with CFD running on a serial computer (e.g., a desktop workstation).  Comparing the cost of buying access to Sabalcore clusters to buying, maintaining and replacing our own cluster is overwhelmingly in favor of Sabalcore.  They truly represent a huge cost savings to us and to our customers.” said Sims.

Sabalcore is a client company of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park.
* * *

For more information, contact:  
Dr. Joseph D. Sims, Technical Director, Analytical Services, Inc, (256) 562-2191, simsj@asi-hsv.com;  
John D. Van Workum, President, Sabalcore Computing, Inc. 877-492-8027; john@sabalcore.com;  
Carol Ann Dykes, Site Manager, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-0211, cdykes@mail.ucf.edu;  
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142 or LvershelCo@aol.com  

Mattamy Homes Acquires 58 Home Sites at Canyon Trails in Goodyear Ariz.

by: Larry Vershel

Fri Jul 30, 2010 at 12:28:06 PM EDT

TEMPE - Mattamy Homes U.S. Group, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest home builder, recently acquired 58 home sites at Canyon Trails, located off Canyon Trails Blvd. and W. Yuma Rd. near I-10 in Goodyear.

Carolyn Morrison, vice president of operations at Mattamy Homes in Arizona, said the homebuilder plans to build three, four and five bedroom single-family homes at Canyon Trails that feature open great rooms and two and three car garages.

New homes at Canyon Trails will range in size from 1,400 square feet of living space to 2,500 square feet, priced from the $130s.

“We’re excited to open our new neighborhood before the end of the year, featuring five distinctive new home designs for the Canyon Trails community,” Morrison said. “Canyon Trails is a wonderful master planned community built around a five-acre park with lighted walking trails, open green spaces and neighborhood parks throughout,” she said.
* * *

For more information, contact:       
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142 Lvershelco@aol.com 

About Mattamy Homes: 
Mattamy Homes, www.mattamyhomes.com, expanded into the U.S. in 2003 and is headquartered in Winter Park, Fla., with divisions in Arizona, Minneapolis, Charlotte, Jacksonville and Orlando.  The homebuilder, the largest and most active in Canada with annual revenues exceeding $1.3 billion, was ranked among the highest of all homebuilders in the greater Toronto and Ottawa areas in a nationwide customer satisfaction survey conducted by J.D. Power Associates.  

360 Software Corp. to develop simulator software for Arab Academy for Science & Technology in Egypt

by: Larry Vershel

Fri Jul 30, 2010 at 09:38:28 AM EDT

ORLANDO - 360 Software Corp., an Orlando based simulation developer, was recently awarded a major contract to develop simulator applications and equipment for the Arab Academy for Science and Technology and Maritime Transport in Alexandria, Egypt.

Gus Perez-Poveda, president of 360 Software Corp., said the simulator 360 Software it is developing will help the Arab Academy teach maritime technicians how to operate the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), which links shipboard, satellite and terrestrial communications to provide instant automatic alerts in the event of a marine emergency.

Poveda said Global Simulations, Inc., and MPRI, a division of L3 Communications, Inc., awarded 360 Software the contract.

“The GMDSS simulator is a highly realistic, low cost device to train sailors to handle emergencies efficiently, Poveda explained.

360 Software’s GMDSS simulator employs touch-screen technology and virtual GMDSS equipment.

“Our GMDSS simulator allows the instructor to create realistic multi-channel communications scenarios with a virtual device that looks and functions like the real GMDSS equipment,” Poveda said.

360 Software, a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program located in the Central Florida Research Park in East Orlando, is a leading provider of photo-realistic virtual equipment that simulates the look and functions of the real hardware to train technicians to operate communications equipment and aircraft and transportation gauges, panels, and displays.
* * *

For more information, contact:  
Gus Perez-Poveda, Chief Executive Officer, 360 Software Corporation 407-380-6322; gpoveda@360softwarecorp.com; 
Carol Ann Dykes, Site Manager, UCF Technology Incubator 407-882-0211, cdykes@mail.ucf.edu;  
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142 Lvershelco@aol.com
* * *

About the UCF Incubation Program:  
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 140 emerging companies (including 90 current clients) create over $800 million in annual revenue and more than 1,600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With eight facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the 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 and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

Mercantile Capital Corp. Reports SBA 504 Commercial Loan Volume up in June

by: Larry Vershel

Fri Jul 23, 2010 at 14:16:44 PM EDT

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS - Mercantile Capital Corp. reports the dollar volume of commercial loans it closed in June was up more than 284 percent over the same period last year.

At the same time, Christopher Hurn, chief executive officer of Mercantile Capital Corp., said since January Mercantile Capital closed 29 commercial loans for projects valued at $81.6 million, a spectacular jump (416.46 percent) over the same six-month period in 2009 when $15.8 million was funded for 10 loans. 

“This marks the best six-month period in our company’s history,” Hurn said.

Mercantile Capital Corp. – which ranks as one of the most active providers of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loans in the nation – closed seven loans in June for projects that totaled just over $20 million in four different states and the District of Columbia.

Visit www.504Experts.com and www.504Blog.com.

For more information about this press release, contact:  
Chris Hurn, CEO Mercantile Capital Corporation, 407-786-5040;  
Robin Lashley, Mercantile Capital Corporation, 407-786-5040  

Nano Discovery, Inc. Wins $100,000 Florida Technology Grant

by: Larry Vershel

Fri Jul 23, 2010 at 14:01:12 PM EDT

ORLANDO - Nano Discovery, Inc., a medical research bioassay company headquartered in southeast Orlando was recently awarded a Florida Technology Transfer and Commercialization Partnership Grant.

Dr. Qun Huo, founder and chief executive officer of Nano Discovery, LLC, and an associate professor at University of Central Florida’s NanoScience Technology Center, said the $100,000 grant will help further her efforts to develop a new bioanalytical technology for biomolecular and research and medical diagnosis using gold nanoparticles.

Nano Discovery expects to commercialize this new technology to the biomedical research community in 1-2 years and diagnostic market in 3-5 years.

Nano Discovery exhibited its latest technology products last month during the Particle 2010 conference on Medical/Biochemical Diagnostic, Pharmaceutical, and Drug Delivery Applications of Particle Technology at the Regal Sun Resort at Lake Buena Vista.

Nano Discovery LLC is a client of the UCF Business Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park.
* * *

For more information about this release contact:  
Dr. Qun Huo, Chief Executive Officer, Nano Discovery, Inc, 407-770-8954 huo@nanodiscoveryinc.com;  
Carol Ann Dykes, Site Manager, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-0211, cdykes@mail.ucf.edu    

About the UCF Business Incubation Program:  
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 140 emerging companies (including 90 current clients) create over $800 million in annual revenue and more than 1600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With seven facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, City of Sanford, the City of Winter Springs, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, The City of Kissimmee, the City of St. Cloud and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council.  For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu. 

NAI Realvest names Dan Colachicco senior vice president

by: Larry Vershel

Fri Jul 23, 2010 at 13:52:03 PM EDT

MAITLAND - NAI Realvest has appointed Dan Colachicco senior vice president.

George Livingston, chairman of NAI Realvest, said Colachicco has more than 30 years of experience as a commercial real estate broker including six years at Marcus & Millichap.

Colachicco attended Florida Atlantic University.

“Dan Colachicco is one of the most experienced commercial real estate executives in the Central Florida region and we are humbled he has joined the NAI Realvest family,” Livingston said.

For more information, contact:  
George Livingston, Chairman, NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989 glivingston@realvest.com;  
Dan Colachicco, Senior Vice President, NAI Realvest, 407-875-9989, dcolachicco@realvest.com;  
Patrick Mahoney, President, NAI Realvest 407-875-9989 pmahoney@realvest.com  

Former Developer Launches Green Technology Company with eye on Important Industry Niche

by: Larry Vershel

Tue Jul 20, 2010 at 16:18:11 PM EDT

APOPKA - Michael Young, who headed Pelican Bay Development’s Orlando operations and oversaw construction of the Windermere Business Center in southwest Orlando, has launched a new green technology company that could play a big role in an important industry niche and save commercial property owners millions of dollars.

American Soda Blast Company, based in Apopka, cleans and strips surfaces---from building exteriors to food service equipment to antique cars---using highly pressurized sodium bicarbonate and dry ice.

Young said his process replaces traditional sand blasting---a century-old technique that scores and gouges surfaces with pressurized sand crystals---with a kinder, gentler surface stripping process that won’t harm the underlying substrate and utilizes common, easily biodegradable materials.

“Sodium bicarbonate is one of the most common compounds found in nature, and dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide, which is what we exhale,” Young said.

Young said pressurized soda and dry ice can clean building exteriors or strip the paint from cars without harming the surfaces underneath. Scientists used the soda stripping process to restore the Statue of Liberty in the 1980s, Young said, but the stripping industry has been slow to give up its traditional sand blasting process.

“Sand blasting has always been the benchmark even though everyone knows it pits and scores the surface underneath,” Young said.

Young said American Soda Blast Company processes have a wide range of applications, from restoring the surfaces of technology equipment to stripping paint or molds from building exteriors.

“This process removes every bit of  mold, paint or finish without harming the environment or the surface underneath,” Young said. “Weighed against chemical strippers, it is far safer and less toxic, and it is far less harmful to the object surface than sand blasting,” Young said.

Young said he expects first-year revenues to exceed projections.
* * *

For more information, contact:  
Michael Young, American Soda Blast Co. Apopka, Florida; 407-931-6191; Michael@americansodablast.com  

Stirling Sotheby's International Realty Closes on Largest Home Sale in Brevard County

by: Larry Vershel

Tue Jul 20, 2010 at 15:39:04 PM EDT

ORLANDO - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty recently closed on the $2.5 million sale of a luxury home at 2740 N. Riverside Drive in Indialantic that ranks as the largest home sale in Brevard since 2008.

Roger Soderstrom, owner and founder of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said luxury home specialist Jack Jeffcoat negotiated the sale to an all cash buyer for nearly 93 percent of the asking price after only six months on the market.  

The home, with 8,054 air-conditioned square feet situated on 1.35 acres, offers six bedrooms, six full baths, two half baths a 1,300 square foot entertainment room and over 11,000 square feet of space under roof.

The property boasts 101 feet of frontage along the inter coastal waterway, Jeffcoat said.

(View tour:  http://www.jackjeffcoat.com/tour.php?id=560834 )
* * *

For more information contact:  
Jack C. Jeffcoat, III, Coastal Lifestyle Group, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, 321-536-1461, jjeffcoat@stirlingsir.com;  
Roger Soderstrom, Founder/Owner Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407-581-7890  

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

Atlanta Property Group acquires The Park at Perimeter Center East, Lavista Associates Leasing Agent

by: Larry Vershel

Tue Jul 20, 2010 at 15:11:07 PM EDT

ATLANTA - Atlanta Property Group (APG) recently acquired three mid-rise office buildings totaling 284,000 square feet at 41, 47 and 53 Perimeter Center East in Atlanta and have rebranded the property as “The Park at Perimeter Center East.”

The transaction represents one of the few significant office acquisitions in Atlanta’s Central Perimeter submarket in the past two years, Court Thomas, a partner at Atlanta Property Group, said.  

“The Park at Perimeter Center East is a compelling opportunity for tenants,” Thomas said. “We have ample capital available for renovations, tenant improvements and leasing commissions, and our basis will allow us to compete aggressively for new tenants,” he explained.

Thomas said extensive renovations are already underway at The Park at Perimeter Center East, including upgrades to the lobbies, corridors, restrooms and building systems.

APG partnered with Atlanta-based Lavista Associates, Inc. to rebrand the buildings and have named Lavista Associates exclusive leasing representatives for the five and six- story buildings which are currently 50 percent occupied.   Austin Chase and Kirven Brantley will be the on-site leasing representatives for Lavista at The Park at Perimeter Center East.

“Atlanta Property Group has differentiated itself as a well-capitalized, hands-on, local owner that will aggressively meet the market to attract new tenants and foster loyal tenant relationships,” said Chase.

Lincoln Property Company will manage the properties.

For more information contact:  
Austin Chase,  Lavista Associates, Inc. 770-729-2842; Achase@lavista.com;  
Kirven Brantley, Lavista Associates, Inc. 770-729-2813 KBrantley@lavista.com;  
Kimberly Steele, Director of Marketing & Administration Lavista Associates, Inc. 770-729-2824; ksteele@lavista.com  

About Atlanta Property Group, LLC:   
Formed in 2003 to invest in multi-tenant office and industrial properties in the Atlanta area, Atlanta Property Group currently owns and operates assets totaling 1.6 million square feet, including the Peachtree 25th Building, Hightower Centre, Roswell North, Pavilion Center, North Gwinnett Medical Plaza, 1001 Cherry Drive and Mansell Commons.  Visit www.atlantapg.com.

About Lavista Associates, Inc.:  
Serving Atlanta for over 37 years, Lavista Associates, Inc. is one of metro Atlanta’s leading commercial real estate companies, representing clients in the sale and leasing of a broad spectrum of commercial, industrial, office and retail properties.  The firm’s goal is excellence of service to its clients resulting in the highest value for their real estate holdings.  Visit www.lavista.com.

GeoMotion Group Welcomes Marianna Clampett as an Advisory Board member

by: Larry Vershel

Tue Jul 13, 2010 at 15:38:58 PM EDT

Orlando - GeoMotion Group Inc recently named Marianna Clampett as an advisory board member. Clampett, based in Raleigh, N.C., is a seasoned business executive with a rich background in sales and marketing management, consulting, and general operations.  She held several executive positions at SAS, one of the world’s leading software companies, including president of the Americas, vice president of Commercial Sales, and vice president of various industry, market, and geographic segments. 

Clampett, who has a passion for improving fitness and academic success in children, will be instrumental in forwarding GeoMotion Group’s partner relations with private foundations, corporations, government agencies and like-minded individuals. 

GeoMotion Group Inc. is an innovative fitness and learning leader, providing fun, safe and easy methods and products to encourage learning, physical activity and fitness. GeoFitness, Dance and Learnercise products and curriculum are movement-based, developmentally appropriate, easy to use and cost effective to increase fitness and academic achievement.

Based in Orlando, GeoMotion Group, Inc. was founded in 2002 by Dr. Debby Mitchell, Ed.D. Curriculum & Instruction, BA/MA Physical Education, associate professor and coordinator of Sports and Fitness, College of Education, University of Central Florida.  Dr. Mitchell started GeoMotion Group because of her passion to get children more physically active while learning.

GeoMotion Group is a client of the UCF Business Incubation Program located in the Central Florida Research Park in east Orlando.

Crossman & Company Senior Associate Negotiates Seven New Retail Leases at Publix Shopping centers

by: Larry Vershel

Fri Jul 09, 2010 at 14:10:30 PM EDT

ORLANDO - Crossman & Company, one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management firms in the Southeast, recently negotiated seven new lease agreements at for a total of 61,450 square feet of retail space in less than 60 days. 

John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, said senior associate Justin Greider negotiated all seven transactions on behalf of the landlord at Publix anchored centers in Orange, Seminole, Polk and Collier counties.  All of the centers are part of the 10.4 million square foot Publix-owned shopping center portfolio handled by Crossman & Company.  

At Imperial Lakes Plaza, 2040 Shepherd Rd. in Mulberry, Polk County, Joshua’s Diner leased 3,200 square feet and Dollar Shop leased 2,800 square feet;

Coast Dental leased 1,403 square feet at Plantation Square located at 5375 N. Socrum Loop Rd. in Lakeland;

Tri-Florida Pool Supply leased 1,247 square feet at the Publix in the Highlands shopping center located at 2125 E. C.R. 540A in Lakeland;  

Passion Nail and Spa leased 1,200 square feet at Palm Springs Crossing, 482 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs.  Michael Battey of CBRE Orlando represented the tenant;

Halloween Express subleased space in two retail centers commencing July 1 for the Halloween season (six months) – at Tarpon Springs Plaza, 2415 Tarpon Bay Blvd. in Naples, 21,600 square feet and 30,000 square feet at Colonial Marketplace, 2999A E. Colonial Drive in Orlando. 
* * *  

For more information, contact:  
Justin Greider, Senior Associate, Crossman & Company/ICSC Florida Next Generation Chair, 407-581-6225; jgreider@crossmanco.com;  
John Crossman, CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218, jcrossman@crossmanco.com

Ashton Woods Homes Names Kyle Upper Vice President of Land Acquisition in Orlando, Tampa

by: Larry Vershel

Fri Jul 09, 2010 at 14:07:38 PM EDT

ORLANDO - Ashton Woods Homes has appointed Kyle Upper vice president of land acquisition in the Orlando and Tampa regions. 

John Reny, president of Ashton Woods Homes in Orlando and Tampa, said Upper graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and has more than 20 years of experience.

Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group of companies, a North American real estate conglomerate headquartered in Toronto, and currently has communities under development in Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix, Tampa, Denver and Orlando.      

For more information, contact:  
Michael Roche, VP Sales & Marketing Ashton Woods Homes Orlando-Tampa 407-647-3700;  
John Reny, President, Ashton Woods Homes Orlando-Tampa 407-647-3700

UCF Business Incubator-Sanford Welcomes City, County Officials to Open House Showcasing Expansion

by: Larry Vershel

Fri Jul 09, 2010 at 10:55:51 AM EDT

SANFORD - The UCF Business Incubator-Sanford recently hosted local business leaders and city and county officials during an open house to showcase its newly expanded facilities at 110 W. First St. in Sanford.

Rafael Caamano, point of contact for the UCF Business Incubator-Sanford, said the facilities at the UCF Business Incubator-Sanford have grown from 3,800 square feet of office space to 5,700 square feet and is currently housing five client companies.

Caamano said the UCF Business Incubator-Sanford expects to add one more client company within the next two weeks, and with the expansion there is now available space for a couple more new companies.

The University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program operates eight business incubation sites at the UCF campus, Research Park and E. Colonial Drove in Orlando, as well as Sanford, Leesburg, Winter Springs, Kissimmee and St. Cloud.

* * *

For more information, contact:  
Rafael Caamano, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-407-4297, rcaamano@mail.ucf.edu;  
Gordon Hogan, Director of Operations, UCF Business Incubation Program 407-882-1577, ghogan@mail.ucf.edu;  

About the UCF Incubation Program:  
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 140 emerging companies (including 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 eight facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the 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 and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

Rhodes+Brito Architects Completes Design Work for $7 Mill 1st Phase of FL Citrus Bowl Renovations

by: Larry Vershel

Fri Jul 09, 2010 at 10:14:37 AM EDT

ORLANDO - Rhodes+Brito Architects of Orlando recently completed design work for the first phase of a major renovation of the Florida Citrus Bowl.

Ruffin Rhodes, co-founder and partner at Rhodes+Brito Architects, said the $7 million first phase of renovation work at the landmark 70,000-seat stadium will include the facility’s infrastructure and rest room facilities.

The facility, which opened in 1936 as the Orlando Stadium, accommodated a record crowd of 74,635 fans at WrestleMania XXIV in 2008.

Construction of Phase I of the renovations is underway, Rhodes said.

For more information, contact:  
Ruffin Rhodes, Rhodes+Brito Architects, 407-648-7288 ruffin@rbarchitects.com;  
Maximiano Brito, Rhodes+Brito Architects, 407-648-7288 max@rbarchitects.com  

About Rhodes+Brito:  
Rhodes+Brito Architects, which opened in Orlando in 1996, currently employs a staff of 17, including seven registered architects. The firm served as lead architect for the Florida A&M University College of Law facility in downtown Orlando.

Orlando's InBusiness Inc. Hires Four New Employees and Expands into Larger Quarters

by: Larry Vershel

Thu Jul 08, 2010 at 12:41:15 PM EDT

ORLANDO - After the hiring of four new employees, Orlando’s InBusiness Inc. has expanded from one to two office suites at the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubator–Orlando on East Colonial Drive.

Founded last summer by CEO Rod Vargas, a seasoned engineer, author and business consultant, and David Wolf, a young business entrepreneur, InBusiness Inc. is an Orlando-based company that specializes in both business consulting and Internet marketing.

InBusiness joined the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program last fall and has continued to grow ever since, according to Wolf.

“When we started, we knew there were a large number of companies that could not afford the expertise we posses in-house full time. Outsourcing these activities makes sense for both parties. We continually strive to improve our service to customers and our four new hires will only make that trend continue.”

While the firm’s growth spurt may surprise some, it’s what others, including the Orlando incubator’s site manager, have been preparing for.

“InBusiness started in a down-turned economy and yet they’re prospering like current big and strong founded companies, such as Disney, which also started in a similar period in the 1930s,” Interim Site Manager Henriette Schoen remarked. “Their accomplishments are a result of hard work, a huge talent pool, and especially having an ability to be very flexible in the adaptation of new business models for their business. This is one company that’ll be very interesting to watch grow, and the UCF Business Incubator-Orlando is supporting this fast-paced company as much as possible by accommodating its rapidly changing needs,” Schoen said.

Vargas – a professional engineer and an advisory board member of the Small Business Development Center at UCF and Valencia Community College – spent more than 17 years running Apex Environmental Engineering in Orlando and O’Brien & Gere Engineers in Cape Canaveral. 

Florida’s Small Business Administration named him Man of the Year in 2007.  He currently is an adjunct professor at the Orlando campus of the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, a member of the Technical Assistance Committee for the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund, and chairman of the Disney Entrepreneur Center 100 Club.

Wolf – who serves as InBusiness Inc.’s vice president of marketing strategies – has business and finance degrees from Valencia Community College and the University of Central Florida, respectively. He was the leader of the winning team of the prestigious Capstone Competition at UCF and routinely placed in the top three for entrepreneurial competitions during his academics.

Wolf has consulted over 50 companies on how to better utilize their companies intellectual property and assets to achieve business growth. He gives marketing seminars regularly which focus on the topic of online marketing for businesses that generate under 20 million in revenue annually. 
-30-

About InBusiness, Inc.:    
InBusiness Inc. is an Orlando-based company that specializes in business consulting and Internet marketing. What makes InBusiness different is the approach they take in helping the companies they work with. Everything is geared toward focusing on a company’s strongest attributes and growing from there.  InBusiness is separated into two divisions that work together to create a complete business growth solution. The concept allows companies to benefit either one of their services independently, or benefit from the exponential growth effects of combining the two. Their solutions are price competitive and affordable even for small businesses.

About the UCF Incubation Program:  
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 140 emerging companies create over $800 million in annual revenue and more than 1600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With eight facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the 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, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit.

* * *

For more information about this release, please contact:  
David Wolf, Vice President of Internet Marketing at InBusiness Inc., dwolf@inbis.us or 407-284-1992;  
Henriette Schoen, University of Central Florida Business Incubator–Orlando Interim Site Manager, hschoen@mail.ucf.edu or 407-882-0107;  
Charlene Hager-Van Dyke, Larry Vershel Communications, chagervandyke@yahoo.com, 386-532-8862 or 407-644-4142 or lvershelco@aol.com   

Ashton Woods Homes Reports Steady Three-year Growth in New Home Sales in Tampa Bay Region

by: Larry Vershel

Thu Jul 08, 2010 at 11:02:41 AM EDT

TAMPA - Ashton Woods Homes reports it has posted steady growth in new home sales in the Tampa Bay region over the past three years.

Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Tampa Bay region, said the home builder closed out its 2010 fiscal year on May 31 with sales of 97 new homes in four Tampa Bay-area communities at an average sale price of $236,000.

Roche said 2010 sales represent 21 percent growth over 2009, when Ashton Woods Homes sold 80 new homes. The home builder sold 69 new homes in fiscal 2008, Roche said.

“We have continued to focus on fundamentals through this market cycle with desirable locations, high-quality building, energy efficiency and affordable pricing and we’re very pleased our approach is working,” Roche said.

Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group of companies, a North American real estate conglomerate headquartered in Toronto, and currently has communities under development in Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix, Tampa, Denver and Orlando. Visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com. 

* * *  
For more information, contact:  
Michael Roche, VP Sales & Marketing Ashton Woods Homes Tampa-Orlando 407-647-3700;  
John Reny, President, Ashton Woods Homes Tampa-Orlando 407-647-3700

4PSA opens U.S. Headquarters in Orlando, Appoints Veteran Telephony Executive Mike Ross as Pres.

by: Larry Vershel

Wed Jul 07, 2010 at 10:38:51 AM EDT

ORLANDO - 4PSA, a leading global provider of cloud computing software and infrastructure based in Bucharest, has opened its U.S. headquarters at the Central Florida Research Park in southeast Orlando and appointed veteran U.S. telephony executive Mike Ross as President

Ross, whose industry credits span a 25-year career and a pioneering role in the development of voicemail and VOIP, a computer-based telephone system that is rapidly expanding around the world, formerly served as a top executive with Dialogic Corporation, Rhetorex/Octel, Aculab USA, Esnatech, Acredo Technologies, and Conversif.

“VOIP is the future of telephone communications,” Ross said. “The integration of cloud computing with the software infrastructure developed by 4PSA will revolutionize voice communications at a fraction of the cost of telephone service today,” Ross said.

The U.S. headquarters of 4PSA is a client company of the University of Central Florida Incubation Program in the Central Florida Research Park.
* * *

For more information contact:  
Mike Ross, President, 4PSA; 850-250-1118, mross@4PSA.com;  
Carol Ann Dykes, Site Manager, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-0211, cdykes@mail.ucf.edu  

About 4PSA:  
4PSA is a leading innovative software development company specializing in applications that run on computer clouds.  The company provides, under the 4PSA brand, solutions that help service providers and enterprises better manage their IT infrastructure, automate processes, and improve communications services. 

About the UCF Business Incubation Program:  
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 140 emerging companies (including more than 90 current clients) create over $800 million in annual revenue and more than 1600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With eight facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, City of Sanford, the City of Winter Springs, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County, The City of Kissimmee, the City of St. Cloud and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council.  For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu. 

Osceola County Partners Break Ground on UCF Incubator in Kissimmee at City Centre

by: Larry Vershel

Wed Jul 07, 2010 at 09:07:28 AM EDT

KISSIMMEE – Osceola County, City of Kissimmee and University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program officials participated in the ground breaking of the UCF Business Incubator–Kissimmee recently at the City Centre, 111 E. Monument Avenue.

The University of Central Florida partnered with Osceola County, the City of Kissimmee and Kissimmee’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) on the facility that will offer support services to help start-up companies accelerate their growth and generate jobs in downtown Kissimmee.

“This incubator highlights everything that is making downtown Kissimmee a must-visit destination,” said County Commission Vice Chairman Brandon Arrington, whose district includes the incubator. “Just around the corner there will be a SunRail stop to help connect us with the rest of the region. Simply put, this incubator delivers on all the planning that has been going on locally and regionally for a number of years to link jobs and transportation in our urban core,” added Arrington.

“This is a win-win situation for the City as we partner with UCF and Osceola County. The City is committed to reviving the downtown and attracting more enterprises, such as the UCF Incubator,” said Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan.

The City and County are making matching contributions totaling $405,000 each for three years. Additionally, onetime payments are being made by the City for $57,000 and $183,000 from the CRA for the facility’s build out.  The incubator will be managed by the University of Central Florida.

Gordon Hogan, director of operations for the UCF Business Incubation Program, said the new 8,000 square foot facility to be built out on the fourth floor of the City Centre Kissimmee will open in September with office and administration space for promising enterprises selected to join the UCF Business Incubation Program.

Research has shown that 87 percent of incubator graduates are still in business five years after graduating from an incubation program, said UCF’s Business Incubation Program Founder/Executive Director Dr. Tom O’Neal.
* * *

For more information about this release, please contact:  
Maria G. Toumazos, Osceola County Economic Development Administrator 407-742-4200, mgru@osceola.org;  
Gordon Hogan, Director of Operations, UCF Business Incubation Program 407-882-1577, ghogan@mail.ucf.edu;   
Dr. Tom O’Neal, Executive Director, UCF Business Incubation Program 407 882-1120, oneal@mail.ucf.edu;  
Carla Banks, Manager of Communications, City of Kissimmee 407-518-2314, cbanks@kissimmee.org;  
Osceola County Public Information Office, 407-742-4200, www.chooseosceola.com   

About the UCF Incubation Program:  
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 140 emerging companies (including nearly 100 current clients) create over $800 million in annual revenue and more than 1600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With eight facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the 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, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.

Stirling Sotheby's International Realty Sells $410,000 Luxury Home In Sweetwater Island

by: Larry Vershel

Wed Jul 07, 2010 at 08:47:39 AM EDT

ORLANDO - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty recently sold a $410,000 luxury home in Sweetwater Island, a gated community near Wekiva Springs in Longwood.

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said associate Espe Almarza Anderson in the firm’s Windermere-Dr. Phillips office in southwest Orlando negotiated the sale.

The four-bedroom, three-bath home boasts 2,664 square feet of living space with a swimming pool on its three-quarter-acre home site, which overlooks a conservation area.

Sweetwater Island features a boat ramp, tennis courts, picnic area, playground and nature trails.
* * *

For more information, contact:  
Espe Almarza Anderson, MA, CSP, SFR, Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407-992-8900; ealmarza@stirlingsir.com;  
Roger Soderstrom, Founder/Owner Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, 407-581-7890  

Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Design Prototype Green Publix Store in Sarasota

by: Larry Vershel

Tue Jun 22, 2010 at 06:35:52 AM EDT

ORLANDO - Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, designed the prototype Publix Super Market facility and Publix-anchored retail center that recently opened on Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota.

The facility is the first prototypical Publix store to receive the U.S. Green Building Council’s Gold Standard for green building design, engineering and construction, said Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects.

The 28,000 square foot facility which recently opened utilizes numerous sustainable features, including construction waste recycling, reclaimed water systems, LED light fixtures, skylights, low-flow plumbing fixtures, low-energy vehicle parking and a heat reflecting roof system.

For more information contact:  
Lonnie Peterson, Chairman Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, 407-661-9100;  
Jed Downs, President Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, 407-661-9100