April 28, 2014 - Brevard Business News

Transcription

April 28, 2014 - Brevard Business News
BBN
Vol. 32 No. 17
April 28, 2014
$1.00
Brevard
Business
News
A Weekly Space Coast Business Magazine printed in Brevard County, Fla. since 1984
Laughlin McCarthy Group helps families plan for college
By Ken Datzman
BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth
The Laughlin McCarthy Group, a full–service advisory team under the UBS Financial Services’ umbrella in Melbourne, works with clients
in a wide range of areas, including the planning for their son or daughter’s college education, using tax–advantaged investment
vehicles. From left: Dennis Laughlin, senior portfolio manager; Suzanne Clark, client–service associate; Brendan McCarthy, vice
president–wealth management; Brian Laughlin, vice president–wealth management; and Judy McCarthy, client–service associate.
the community.
“We work with these veterans on a multi–year basis,
helping them acclimate back into society,” said Brian
Laughlin. “These are guys who come back ‘shell–shocked.’
Basically, we fill the gaps the VA leaves open, and we
befriend them. Right now, we are working with two
veterans and their families. It’s a hands–on program, very
PRESORTED
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PAID
BREVARD BUSINESS
NEWS, INC.
32904
If you have a newborn son or daughter, now, without
delay, is the time to begin making regular contributions to
his or her higher–education savings plan.
If you have two, three, or four youngsters and you
desire to see them become college educated, call Fort Knox
because the projected sticker price of tuition at a four–year
private or public institution around the same time they
will be looking at schools is gut–wrenching.
In his book “Paying for College Without Going Broke,”
author Kalman Chany pegs projected tuition costs for the
2029–2030 school year at $92,869 at a four–year private
nonprofit institution, $71,373 at a four–year public out–of–
state university, and $41,228 at a four–year public in–state
college. The estimates include room and board. The
projections are based on 5 percent annual increases.
The spiraling upward trend of the cost of college in the
U.S. — which has one of the most expensive higher–
education systems in the world — is concerning as rising
pricing shrinks accessibility to college opportunities while
loading students with debt.
“Higher education has become so expensive that some
students will be paying on their college loans for 10, 15,
even 20 years into the future, which will impact their
retirement savings in general,” said Dennis Laughlin, the
senior portfolio manager and first vice president of wealth
management for the Laughlin McCarthy Group, under the
UBS Financial Services Inc. umbrella in Melbourne.
Student–loan debt in America has surpassed $1 trillion,
overtaking credit–card debt for the first time in this nation,
says the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. College
presidents, politicians, families, and students alike are
scrambling to find answers as a national discussion has
begun.
One of the focuses of the Laughlin McCarthy Group’s
practice is showing families how to save and fund their son
or daughter’s college education, through such investment
tax–advantaged vehicles as 529 Plans and the Coverdell
Education Accounts.
The family oriented advisory team includes Brendan
McCarthy, vice president–wealth management; Certified
Financial Planner Brian Laughlin, vice president–wealth
management and Dennis Laughlin’s son; Judy McCarthy,
client–service associate and Brendan McCarthy’s mother;
and Suzanne Clark, client–service associate.
They are active in their communities in service roles.
Brian Laughlin, for example, a U.S. Army veteran and
finance graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania,
helps steer the nonprofit Sentinels of Freedom Space
Coast, an organization that reaches out to severely injured
returning war veterans. Sentinels of Freedom helps the
veterans become independent and successful members of
low in scope in terms of numbers. As an organization, we
are helping to change their lives.”
“Part of our business model is being involved in the
community,” added Brendan McCarthy, who comes from a
family whose community volunteer roots go back more
Please see Laughlin McCarthy Group, page 19
BBN
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
Melbourne High’s ‘Fostering Connections’
project advances to international event
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BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 2
Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
A team of 10 students from Melbourne High School won
second place at the state of Florida’s Future Problem–
Solving Competition March 16–19 in Orlando. The
Melbourne High students competed in the Community
Problem– Solving division.
They presented their project “Fostering Connections,”
which the team started in September 2013. The goal of
their work is to provide critical resources to teens in foster
care so they can achieve their goals. The key resources
include computers, cellphones, teen–to–teen mentoring,
scholarships for athletics and extracurricular activities,
help with finding a job, tutoring, and assistance with
obtaining driver’s licenses.
Through collaboration with Brevard County Legal Aid,
Fostering Connections is providing teens in foster care
with the critical assets they need to become successful and
independent young adults. Among the teens who age out of
foster care, “one in four will be incarcerated, more than one
in five will be homeless, and four in 10 will not graduate
high school,” research shows.
The Fostering Connections team consists of students
Sydney Markham, Dominic D’Alessandro, Zoe
D’Alessandro, Lee Deffebach, Kimberly Bress, Jesse
Kessler, Katie Galluscio, Malia Byrtus, Olamide Onasoga
and Meagan Tumiatti. Major stakeholders in the community providing Fostering Connections with support include
Jeffrey Mahl, dependency circuit court judge; Mick
Hansen, clinical supervisor at Devereux; Dr. Sally Shinn,
Brevard Public Schools; and Mike Hubler, executive
director of the South Brevard Sharing Center.
Winning second place at the state competition earned
the Melbourne High team an invitation to the international competition where they will present their Fostering
Connections project.
Only two teams were selected from all of the high
schools in Florida to present at the international competition. “It is quite an honor to be representing not just
Melbourne High School, but also the entire state of Florida
at the Future Problem–Solving International Competition,” said the Melbourne High coaches, Pamela Bress, a
staff attorney at Brevard County Legal Aid, and Diane
Grover, a teacher at Melbourne High.
The International Future Problem–Solving Competition will be held June 12–15 at Iowa State University. The
Future Problem–Solving Program International was
established in 1974 by Dr. E. Paul Torrance at the
University of Georgia. It has grown to include students
from 42 states and 16 countries. Hundreds of thousands of
students participate each year in the program.
The Fostering Connections Community Project Team
from Melbourne High is actively fund–raising in order to
cover the team costs to attend the competition.
The team would “greatly appreciate the community’s
support.” By making a donation to the South Brevard
Sharing Center, with a notation that it is for “Fostering
Connections,” you can help get the team to Iowa for the
competition, and earn a tax deduction at the same time.
Mail your donation to Coach Pamela Bress at Brevard
County Legal Aid, 1058 Harvin Way, Suite 100, Rockledge,
Fla., 32955.
For questions about the event, Bress at 795–6205.
APRIL 28, 2014
BBN
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
Health First Foundation awards 21
scholarships to graduating seniors
ROCKLEDGE — The Health First Foundation recently
awarded 21 $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors at
13 area high schools who will be pursuing degrees in
medical–oriented studies at various colleges across the
region. The criteria for scholarship selection included
grade–point average, school and community activities,
financial need and a written essay by applicants on their
career goals and future plans.
Seventy–three applications were received and reviewed
by the selection committee. Winners are eligible for a
second–year grant of an additional $1,000 if they continue
their studies and maintain a 3.0 GPA.
The scholarship program is made possible by the
Health First Foundation’s community fund–raising efforts,
as well as individual donors who provide financial gifts for
named scholarships. The following students received
named scholarships:
l Carol Buydos — Palm Bay High School; Genevieve
Brombacher Memorial Scholarship.
l Danielle Wells — Cocoa High School; Dr. Thomas
Garell Memorial Scholarship.
l Sebastian Ortero — Viera High School; Marjorie E.
Spezzano Scholarship.
l Ryan Zinone — Melbourne Central Catholic High
School; Vince Spezzano Memorial Scholarship.
l Alexandra Knodel — Holy Trinity High School;
Dr. Robert and Patricia Griffin Scholarship.
l Haley Gaume –Melbourne Central Catholic High
School; Dr. Brian P. Gibbons Memorial Scholarship.
l Ellie Hudgins — Rockledge High School; Shirley Ann
Lopez Memorial Scholarship.
l Indiaella Kemm–Piniero — Merritt Island High
School; Bruce A. Mochwart Scholarship (JROTC).
These students received Health First Foundation
Scholarships:
l Whitney Sylliac– Bayside High School.
l Sara Stavros — Cocoa Beach High School.
l Romani Wahba — Cocoa Beach High School.
l Christopher Yanick — Cocoa Beach High School.
l Courtnie Curry– Eau Gallie High School.
l Natasha Humes — Eau Gallie High School.
l Alexandra Horn — Edgewood High School.
l Rebecca Campbell — Melbourne High School.
l Melanie Williams — Melbourne High School.
l Jennifer Le– Palm Bay High School.
l Sevonte Miller — Rockledge High School.
l Shelby Dugan — Satellite High School.
l Allison Schleeper — Viera High School.
For more information on this program, call 434–7353.
Naming opportunities for scholarships are also available
for the 2014 school year.
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Central Brevard Humane Society event
The Central Brevard Humane Society will host its
“Adoptable Pets Event” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at the organization’s Molly Mutt III Thrift
Shop, 876 North U.S. Highway 1 in Rockledge. There will
be some cats for adoption at the event. For more information about this program, contact the Central Brevard
Humane Society at 636–3343 or visit CritterSavers.com.
APRIL 28, 2014
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BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 3
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BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
Employers need to do more to help maintain careers of employees with babies
By Leandra Preston–Sidler
UCF Forum columnist
It’s amazing how quickly humans adapt to changing
circumstances.
A few months ago I wrote about how incredibly
challenging my first month of life was with a newborn —
what many refer to as “baby boot camp,” a perfect term
since that’s exactly what it was like thrust into a completely new state of being where life is organized around
one thing.
Now that I am back to work full–time and trying to
write a dissertation and keep my house livable, boot camp
has become how to get anything (or rather, everything)
done with a very needy little one demanding all my time
when I have so many other demands and responsibilities.
In my Women’s Studies classes I teach about “the
second shift”: women working during the day and coming
home to domestic responsibilities, essentially working two
full–time jobs. It is more commonly called “doing it all,” one
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PUBLISHER
Adrienne B. Roth
EDITOR
Ken Datzman
SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR
Bill Roth
Brevard Business News is published every Monday by
Brevard Business News Inc. Bulk Rate postage is paid at
Melbourne, FL and Cocoa, FL. This publication serves
business executives in Brevard County. It reports on
news, trends and ideas of interest to industry, trade,
agribusiness, finance, health care, high technology,
education and commerce.
Letters to the Editor must include the writer’s signature
and printed or typed name, full address and telephone
number. Brevard Business News reserves the right to edit
all letters. Send your letters to: Editor, Brevard Business
News, 4300 Fortune Place, Suite D, West Melbourne, FL,
32904, or email BrevardBusinessNews@earthlink.net.
Subscription Rates for home or office mail delivery are
$26.00 for one year (52 issues). Send all address
changes to: Circulation Department, Brevard Business
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BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 4
unplanned outcome from the women’s liberation movement. While women gained access to the workforce (albeit
still unequally), they also predominately maintain primary
childcare and home responsibilities.
While we can rightfully cite stay–at–home fathers or
egalitarian households to counter this notion, according to
the Labor Department’s 2011 “American Time–Use
Survey,” men spend on average one third less time on
housework and childrearing than women. Statistically,
significantly more women are primary caregivers and do
the majority of housework whether they work full–time.
My situation is unique because I teach online, which
means working full–time from home. The upside is I do not
spend an exorbitant amount of my salary on childcare, but
the downside is actually trying to work full–time at home.
When my husband is not home, I temporarily become a
single parent during those periods, like others do. But even
when he is home, I still find it hard to get everything done.
I am luckier than some, because at least I have a willing
partner in all of this.
However, this is not only about me, since many folks–
men and women–work at home with children present
without the option of expensive childcare or for other
reasons. This is an issue of class as well as convenience.
My position is a luxury, as childcare is not an option for
many working parents but a necessity, whether they can
afford it.
Excuse me for a moment. The baby is crying.
When I was pregnant, I was shocked at how things
worked. I was permitted 12 weeks of unpaid parental
leave. Unpaid parental leave seems like a penalizing
oxymoron because having a baby means one needs pay
more than ever. My accrued sick time allowed me to
receive a paycheck on leave but I was not sick. Being a
teacher meant I could only take off six weeks or I would
lose another semester, which extended beyond my
allowance.
The United States is dreadfully behind other countries
when it comes to taking care of folks on parental leave.
Sweden and Norway have the best parental leave in the
world–more than a year of combined pay for the mother
and father. Canada provides a year at partial pay. The
United States is the only industrialized nation that does
not mandate that parents of newborns get paid leave.
Some argue that having a child is a choice, and
institutions should not have to accommodate personal
decisions. And it certainly is a choice.
But folks should be permitted to have children and still
maintain careers. Loyal employees should be supported
whether we choose to have children. The fact is, many
people have children — and the strength of professions is
in long–term employees. Not being provided a more
substantial leave after working for an employer many
years is disheartening, particularly if the employees have
never taken off for any other reason. To equalize, maybe
employers could offer a six or 12–week time off to non–
parent employees every five years for personal benefit.
Healthy employees mean healthy businesses.
Most days I juggle like a clown–grading, online
discussions for class, attending meetings as needed,
squeezing in dissertation research and writing, chairing
committees, and whatever else work requires.
Then there is the baby. “Duty calls” has become “doodie
calls.” She is my number one priority–but meeting
expectations and deadlines, obviously, are important, too.
I have an exceptionally supportive work environment so
I am better off than most and I want to excel in my career,
but I do not want to create the impression that I am falling
behind because I have a baby.
But I am falling behind on sleep. And personal time.
And showers. And that pesky dissertation.
To first establish my career, I waited almost 40 years to
have a baby. I don’t want to compromise that or the
developmental and precious time with my baby in her first
year of life. Because, as the Rolling Stones say, “You can’t
always get what you want.”
But you can certainly try.
Leandra Preston–Sidler is an instructor in the
University of Central Florida’s Women’s
Studies. She can be reached at
Leandra.Preston–Sidler@UCF.edu.
Cocoa Beach JDRF Walk a big success as 1,000 people took part in fund–raiser
An estimated 1,000 people of all ages recently gathered
at Cocoa Beach’s Lori Wilson Park for the annual “Walk to
Cure Diabetes,” an event hosted by the Central Florida
Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
More than $131,000 was raised to help support Type 1
diabetes research. The work of JDRF is to eliminate T1D
and lessen the impact it has on the lives of those living
with the disease.
This year’s walk was headed by Corporate Chairman
Joe Mirachi, the chief executive officer of Merritt Island–
based KSC Federal Credit Union. KSCFCU joined 74
other teams made up of companies, friends and families.
“We had our biggest team so far,” said Mirachi. “Our
fund–raising efforts included dress–down days, employee
lunches, and more. We also accepted donations from our
members and staff and their friends and family to help
support the cause. We were thrilled to learn we earned
first place, raising an astounding $7,936.42. I was honored
to be a part of this event, and I encourage other organizations to get involved next year.”
Funds are still being collected for this event through
June 30. If you would like to donate online, visit
www.JDRF.org. Checks can also be mailed to JDRF at
370 Center Pointe Circle, Suite 1154, Altamonte Springs,
Fla., 32701. Please note the Brevard JDRF Walk on your
checks.
As the largest charitable supporter of T1D research,
JDRF is currently sponsoring $530 million in scientific
research in 17 countries. In 2012 alone, JDRF provided
more than $110 million to T1D research. More than
80 percent of JDRF’s expenditures directly support
research and research–related education. In 2012 “Forbes”
magazine named JDRF one of its five “All–Star” charities,
citing the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness.
Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
APRIL 28, 2014
BBN
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
Viera
Voice
Wrap up
SPORTS
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the county Majors softball
championship.
In all, there were 87 young
athletes selected to one
of the eight All-Star teams
representing the VSLL this
season.
Viera will also be the host
the Southeast Regional
tournament for Seniors Aug.
5-11. VV
VIERA VOICE Photo
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BY CARL KOTALA
It’s time to create a few
more memories, which is
certainly what the Viera/
Suntree Majors All-Stars did
last year, winning the state
championship and advancing
all the way to the Southeast
‡‰‹‘ƒŽ–‘—”ƒ‡–ϐ‹nal. Most of those players
are now on the Junior level,
which features 13 and 14
year olds.
The teams were announced
June 15, with All-Star play
beginning at the end of June
for the 9-10 and 11-year
old teams and July 5 for the
Majors, Juniors and Seniors.
“We’re excited about our
Juniors team because we
have a lot of talented 14 year
olds as well,” VSLL president
Eric Power said. “Now, we’re
going to pool the 13-year
olds with the 14 year olds.”
Other teams to look out for
will be the 9-10 year-old All
ͳʹ
Stars. Because the league had
so many players this season,
‹–‹•‰‘‹‰–‘ϐ‹‡Ž†–™‘†‹ˆˆ‡”ent squads—the Green team
and the Gold team.
Considering last year’s
9-10 year-old team reached
the state championship
game, the VSLL has doubled
its chances of returning to
the big game.
Christian Smallwood,
who played a key role on
last year’s Majors team that
brought national attention
to the Viera Suntree Little
League, is again playing on
the Majors level and should
be a force as the VSLL tries to
make another long postseason run.
Other teams competing for
Viera during the All-Star season include the 9-10 year-old
and Majors division softball
teams. Viera’s All-Stars could
be a team to watch in the
Majors division considering
the Thundering Herd won
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MAJORS BASEBALL
Peter Balsitis
Christian Smallwood
Zach Kaye
Ale Cortina
Cameron Cannon
Brannon Dimare
Matthew Pillado
Ryan Flajole
Alex Balsitis
Kyle Dentmon
Jake Barrett
Tyler Sexton
Manager: Rob Dimare
Coach: Dave Balsitis
Coach: Jason Allen
MAJORS SOFTBALL
Aly Loyd
Savannah Simpson
Molly McLaughlin
Kaitlyn Jensen
Amanda Fentress
Kellie Bobango
Haley Roundy
Casey Cohen
Logan Ewing
Carly Kish
Stephanie Vetrano
Manager: Suzanne
Sanborne
Coach: Greg Loyd
ϵͳϭϬ^>>
GOLD TEAM
Tyler Pruett
Chris Murphy
Ryan Adams
Zach Taylor
Tyler Midl
Jackson Taylor
Eric Adler
Trey Schaneville
Zach Kornick
Connor Leary
Joe Malatino
Manager: Brandon Taylor
Coach: Bobby Pruett
Coach: Joe Madl
GREEN TEAM
Evan Blake
Shawn Humphrey
Joe Veltri
Billy Barrett
Jacob Aulicino
Dane Campbell
Karsun Barrett
Nick Durgin
Ryan Tsarnas
Dustin Belknap
Caleb Smallwood
Thomas Kaye
Preston Konold
Manager: Lew Veltri
Coach: Dave Belknap
Coach: Shawn Humphrey
ϵͬϭϬ^K&d>>
Hannah Alba
Makayla Brewer
Corrin Flajole
Daphne Furman
Zoie Hatley
Madison Headley
Taylor Jensen
Summer Johnson
Livi King
Sadie McLaughlin
Olivia Nimmo
Lauren Rozic
‹‡”ƒ‘‹…‡Ȉ—Ž›ʹͲͳͳ
Katie Shine
Manager: Russell Sanborne
Coach: Joe Pallante
Coach: Paul Rozic
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JT Santos
Cameron Matos
Colton Farrington
Kevin Murphy
Carson Helton
Mason Behrens
Jack Szachacz
Kyler Doane
Connor Scheer
BJ Lanza
Alex Roundy
Manager: Keith Szachacz
Coach: Gary Doane
Coach: Brandon Lanza
JUNIORS BASEBALL
Alex Klinger
Ryley Howe
Nathan Beck
Bailey Hewitt
Jordan Cummings
Jack Wagner
Brody Legate
Anthony Martinez
Dylan Owens
Devon Pishalski
Ian Swan
Bryson Wallace
Anthony Iannaccone
Manager: Steve Martinez
Coach: Kevin Beck
Coach: Aaron Pishalski
SENIORS BASEBALL
CJ Aguirre
Gabriel Ahrendt
Bradley Bierman
Augustine D’Arco
Connor Hermida
Nicholas Loyd
Kevin Trainor
Chris LaChance
Jason Martell
Alex Wojahn
Jake Glendinning
Devon Lorentzen
Max Menkes
Manager: Mitch Ahrendt
Coach: Matt Aguirre
vieravoice.com
To Be Continued ...
APRIL 28, 2014
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APRIL 28, 2014
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
BBN
March of Dimes walk for stronger, healthier babies is scheduled for April 26 at Space Coast Stadium
March for Babies, the nation’s oldest walking event
which honors healthy babies and those born too soon or
too sick, will take place April 26 at Space Coast Stadium
in Viera. Hundreds of walkers will join forces as
individuals or as a family or company team to give all
babies a healthy start in life.
“It’s been a very productive campaign supporting the
mission of the March of Dimes and I can’t wait to share
this special day with all fund–raisers,” said Sean
Gregory, March of Dimes event chairman and president
at Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center in
Melbourne. “When you participate in March for Babies,
you are walking for stronger, healthier babies. That’s a
cause everyone can feel good about supporting.”
Gregory has been a loyal supporter of March for
Babies. A father of three, he feels the mission of the
March of Dimes should be embraced by the community
so that all moms and dads can be spared the pain of
having a premature baby or one with a birth defect.
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He is joined by this year’s “Ambassador Family,”
Mr. and Mrs. Sterling, to rally support and participation
at March for Babies. The Sterling family knows the
importance of this fund–raiser. Nathaniel Sterling was
born prematurely at 28 weeks. A full–term birth is 40
weeks. Today, he is a strong and healthy child, sharing
his parent’s motivation to make sure that more moms
have healthy, full–term pregnancies.
Registration for March for Babies begins at 7:30 a.m.,
with the three–mile walk kicking off at 9 o’clock. The
event will feature live music and family fun.
Participants can sign up now and raise funds at
MarchforBabies.org.
The event’s top corporate partner is Publix Super
Markets Inc. Other local sponsors include Melbourne
Terrace Rehabilitation Center, Lexus of Melbourne and
OB Hospitalist Group, Health First Inc., Wuesthoff
Health System, Parrish Medical Center, and Makoto’s.
The media partners include Lite Rock 99.3, “Viera
Voice,” SCB Marketing, Brighthouse Networks, “Florida
Today” Communications and “Brevard Business News.”
The 2014 March for Babies is sponsored by Kmart,
Macy’s, Famous Footwear, Cigna, Sanofi Pasteur,
Mission Pharmacal and United Airlines.
Book signing at B&N for local authors Leigh Duncan and Diane Burke
Barnes & Noble at 1955 W. New Haven Ave. in West Melbourne will host a book–signing event at 2 p.m. on
Saturday, May 10. The booking signing is for Leigh Duncan and Diane Burke. The two local, nationally published
authors will be signing books as personalized gifts for Mother’s Day. Harlequin author Duncan will be signing “The
Bull Rider’s Family” and Burke will be signing “One Perfect Day,” a memoir about adoption.
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APRIL 28, 2014
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Rosen to induct former Brevard motel manager Landwirth, Paul Mears Jr. into Hospitality Hall of Fame
ORLANDO — The Rosen College of Hospitality
Management at the University of Central Florida will
honor Henri Landwirth and Paul Mears Jr. at The
Pineapple Ball on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Rosen Shingle
Creek in Orlando.
The event will be produced by Rosen College faculty,
staff and students. Proceeds will benefit academic initiatives and scholarships.
“We are honored to recognize Henri Landwirth and
Paul Mears, Jr. for their contributions to the hospitality
industry, as well as their undeniable influence in our
community,” said Dr. Abraham Pizam, dean of Rosen
College. “We hope our industry partners and friends will
join us to celebrate this special occasion.”
Landwirth is a hotelier, philanthropist and founder of
Give Kids the World, a 70–acre, nonprofit resort in Central
Florida that creates “magical memories” for children with
life–threatening illnesses and their families. Landwirth’s
roots in the Central Florida hospitality industry run deep,
starting in 1954 when he managed the 100–room Starlight
Motel in Cocoa Beach.
Mears Jr. is the chairman of Mears Transportation and
the son of company founder, Paul Mears Sr. The younger
Mears has guided the company for almost 40 years and
helped transform it from three taxicabs to a ground–
transportation industry leader. Mears Transportation is
also an active community partner, providing free transportation to families staying at the Give Kids the World
Village for the last 25 years.
Sponsorship and ticket information for The Pineapple
Ball will be available online at hospitality.ucf.edu/the–
pineapple–ball. Tickets will go on sale starting May 5. If
you have any questions about the event, contact Premila
Whitney at (407) 903–8020 or premila.whitney@ucf.edu.
For the last three years, Rosen College has partnered
with the National Association for Catering and Events to
perform the induction into the Central Florida Hospitality
Hall of Fame through the Grand Tour Gala. However,
neither Rosen College nor the Central Florida Hospitality
Hall of Fame are affiliated with this year’s Grand Tour
Gala.
The Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the
University of Central Florida provides students with a
great opportunity to learn and work in the heart of
hospitality. Uniquely positioned in America’s top tourism
destination, Rosen College educates the next generation of
industry leaders through internationally recognized
faculty, innovative academic programs, cutting–edge
research and strong industry and community partnerships. To learn more about the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, visit Hospitality.UCF.edu.
The University of Central Florida is the nation’s
second–largest university, with nearly 60,000 students.
The institution offers more than 200 degree programs at
its main campus in Orlando and more than a dozen other
locations, including the Brevard County market in Palm
Bay and Cocoa.
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BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 9
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BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
College–bound students from Florida Air’s latest graduating class land seats at
wide range of institutions; Wilson–Reid is tops in academic scholarship money
By Ken Datzman
The season is over. Celebrations have begun among
families. And, of course, there are letdowns.
Every year between November and April, college
admissions counselors review piles of applications from
anxious high–school seniors looking to win a slot in the
incoming freshman class of that particular institution.
Having a strategic plan is imperative to achieving
success and landing entry into your dream college. It’s an
increasingly competitive admissions environment at both
private and public institutions as “yield,” or acceptance,
rates are generally declining.
Stanford University accepted only 5 percent of
applicants for its 2014–2015 freshman class. The school
received more than 40,000 applications from students
with high hopes.
And it’s pretty much the same story this admissions
season at other elite universities and colleges in America.
The odds are especially stacked against most students
who target Ivy League schools and other top–20 institutions.
But Florida Air Academy in Melbourne has been an
odds–buster of late, going back a couple of years.
“We’ve had two students accepted at Harvard in the
last three years,” said Jason Zigariello, Florida Air
Academy’s college counselor. “For a school our size, it’s a
big deal.”
Jeanette Middleton says FAA students are being
accepted at some of the top–tier colleges in the nation
“because of the work that Jason is doing. His recommendation letters, of which there are many, are right on
target. He has relationships with the admissions people at
Harvard and at many other colleges. Jason is very
involved in the counseling process with the students and
we’re seeing the results.”
Middleton works in public relations at FAA. Students
in this year’s spring graduating class have earned seats at
a wide range of universities, including Indiana, Illinois,
Purdue, Pittsburgh, Iowa, Auburn, Alabama, Drexel,
Syracuse, Georgia, Miami and Florida Southern. FAA has
a track record of 100 percent college acceptance.
Some of the students knew in advance the colleges
they favored, and moved quickly to close the deal. An
example is Robin Putira, who is ranked third in FAA’s
2014 graduating class of 67 students and has long been
involved in the school’s Junior Reserved Officer Training
Corps.
“I chose Florida Southern College because of its strong
reputation in athletic training and because of its ROTC
program,” said Putira, who has made FAA’s “President’s
List” for six years and earned JROTC’s Order of the
Purple Heart Medal as well as a host of other JROTC
honors and awards that fill her action–packed resume.
Putira, a Melbourne resident, is a horse counselor–in–
training at FAA and is involved in a range of community–
service activities. The multi–talented student competes on
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 10
BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth
Florida Air Academy spring graduating students, from left, Monica Wilson–Reid, Robin Putira, and Johnny Koh are set to take their next
step up on the education ladder as they enter college in the fall, attending University of Miami, Florida Southern, and University of Illinois,
respectively. The members of FAA’s 2014 graduating class are heading to a host of colleges around the nation. Jason Zigariello is FAA’s
college counselor. His work in the field has helped propel FAA students.
the volleyball court and in other outdoor sports, can rope a
calf, and spin a military rifle.
She said she applied to six colleges, including George
Mason, UCF, and Highpoint University, and received
acceptance letters from all of them plus a number of
scholarship offers including a Florida Bright Futures
package.
A student’s high–school grade performance is the most
important factor in college admission decisions, according
to survey results released in January by the National
Association for College Admission Counseling.
The 11th annual edition of NACAC’s “State of College
Admission” report shows that students’ grades and the
academic rigor of their course loads weigh more heavily in
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decisions to admit than standardized test scores, high–
school class rank, or demonstrated interest in attending
that particular institution.
The report also suggests that the U.S. postsecondary
schools are less able to predict enrollment trends today
than they were 10 years ago, as evidenced by declining
“yield rates” as well as the increasing numbers of students
placed on “wait” lists.
Monica Wilson–Reid of Miami, an outstanding student
who enrolled last year at FAA, applied to 13 universities
including Duke, Indiana, Princeton, Miami, Pittsburgh,
and Drexel. “My top two were the University of Miami
Please see Florida Air Academy, page 15
APRIL 28, 2014
BBN
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
Cocoa Village Playhouse seeks applicants for scholarships honoring late
educators Jim Melia and Dr. Mary Cathryne Park; June 30 deadline set
By Ken Datzman
COCOA — The Historic Cocoa Village
Playhouse, whose mission in the community includes a sharp focus on education,
is seeking students to apply for two
separate college scholarships that honor
distinguished late educators in Brevard
County.
The Jim Melia Memorial Scholarship
is in memory of the longtime Cocoa
Village Playhouse volunteer who was the
vice principal of West Shore Junior–
Senior High School in Melbourne. The
scholarship was established by the Melia
family.
The Dr. Mary Cathryne Park Memorial Scholarship was set up by friends of
Dr. Park and honors the educator who
was with Brevard Community College,
now Eastern Florida State College.
The scholarship is offered through the
Dr. Mary Cathryne Park Memorial
Foundation.
“They were both wonderful educators
in the community and we’re excited to be
honoring them and keeping their memory
alive,” said Staci Hawkins–Smith,
executive director of the Cocoa Village
Playhouse.
The application deadline for both
scholarships is June 30. The applications
are online at CocoaVillagePlayhouse.com,
or may be obtained directly at the Cocoa
Village Playhouse box office, 300 Brevard
Ave.
The Jim Melia Memorial Scholarship
is for both new and returning college
students who have worked at the Cocoa
Village Playhouse. Their roles could
include performing in “Stars of Tomorrow” or in the “Broadway on Brevard”
productions, as a musician, a member of
the production team, or volunteering as
an usher, for example.
“The work Jim did as a volunteer in
the lobby, in the front of the house, during
shows and auditions, was critical to our
success,” said Hawkins–Smith. “Jim was
an inspiration to all of us at the Playhouse and he was dedicated to his
students. His children are active here.
We’re very proud of them.”
The $1,000 Jim Melia Memorial
Scholarship award may be used at any
college or university in which the student
has been accepted or is currently enrolled,
APRIL 28, 2014
said Hawkins–Smith.
“We will be awarding the first Jim
Melia Memorial Scholarship at our 25th
Season Announcement Party on Friday,
July 12, at the Maxwell C. King Center
for the Performing Arts in Melbourne.
There is also some exciting news that
surrounds the Jim Melia Memorial
Scholarship and we will be announcing it
in conjunction with the scholarship
recipient award at the event.”
Hawkins–Smith said soon after the
inaugural Jim Melia Memorial Scholarship award is presented and the Playhouse kicks off its 25th Season, her
organization “will begin fund–raising for
future Jim Melia Memorial Scholarship
awards.”
Meanwhile, the Dr. Mary Cathryne
Park Memorial Scholarship was awarded
last year and was just approved for a
second round. “This is going to be three
$1,000 scholarships awards, which is a
great opportunity for area students,” said
Hawkins–Smith. This scholarship is
designated for new or returning students
at Eastern Florida State College who
have been in the Stars of Tomorrow
program or are active in the Broadway on
Brevard shows. Complete eligibility
requirements for both scholarships are on
the website.
A centerpiece of the Playhouse is its
Stars of Tomorrow program, which
involves youngsters in the community
participating in various aspects of
productions. They develop skills in the
performing arts and learn life–management skills as well. The program meets
one day per week beginning in October
through June, with a holiday break.
Melia was an avid supporter of Stars
of Tomorrow, said Hawkins–Smith,
always encouraging the young people in
the program to pursue higher education
in order for them to achieve their dreams.
The Stars program covers a wide age
range, from 7 years old through high–
school graduation. Each student production features a certain age bracket.
“There are about 200 young people in the
Stars program and we are very proud of
all of them,” she said.
The Stars of Tomorrow’s Youth
Performing Arts Series opens May 30 at
the Playhouse with Disney’s “The Jungle
Book.” Performances are scheduled May
30–June 1. Next up in the series is
BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth
Staci Hawkins–Smith, executive director of The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse, will be leading the
third annual Summer Musical Theatre Project, a collaboration of her organization and the King
Center for the Performing Arts. This year’s project is the Broadway musical ‘Thoroughly Modern
Millie.’ Auditions are set for 12:30 p.m. on Monday, June 16, at the King Center in Melbourne. Also,
the Playhouse is accepting applications for two scholarships.
Disney’s “My Son Pinocchio” (June 6–
June 8). “Once Upon a Mattress” (June
13–June 15) and “Friday Funday” (June
13) round out the Stars’ lineup.
Tickets for these shows are $11 to $13.
Friday Funday tickets are $2.50 each.
They can be purchased at the Playhouse
website, except for the Friday Funday
event. To buy Friday Funday tickets, call
the Playhouse box office at 636–5050.
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The new dates for auditioning for the
Stars program will be released at the
25th Season Announcement Party, said
Hawkins–Smith. “We will spend three
days during the last week in September
hosting auditions for Stars. The exact
dates will be announced at the event at
the King Center.”
See Cocoa Village Playhouse, page 17
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 11
BBN
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
Friends for Animals Sanctuary is Proud to Announce Our
2nd Annual “A Night For Paws Dinner & Auction”
May 3rd, 6:00-10:00 PM, Crowne Plaza Oceanfront Hotel
2605 Highway A1A, Indialantic
Friends of the Animals
Junior Achievement Bowling
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4/21/14
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There will be a Cash Bar from 6:00-8:00 PM, Dinner, Raffles, &
Great Silent Auction Items Including:
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Disney Park Hopper Passes/ Round of Golf for 4 at Duran Golf Club plus 1 year's
Membership / Jack Hannah Autographed Memorabilia /12 Bottles Windsor
Wines ($209 value)/ 1-week Stay at a Mexican Resort ($2,400 value)
Suntree Country Club Round of Golf for 4 plus 1/2 hour of private lessons / $500 Wine
Tasting courtesy of Total Wine/ Amethyst Necklace ($425 value)/ Publix $50 Gift Card
/ Fujiyama Steak House $50 Gift Card / Pet Psychic Sonya Fitzpatrick, Autographed
Book, and much, much more!
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** All Sponsors receive FREE Advertising in All our Gala Publications!
Our Featured Guest Speaker, Jeff Godwin, DVM, from Animal
Medical Clinic in Melbourne will be speaking on the Human/Animal
Bond!
Our Gracious Sponsors Include: A $5,000 Donation from our Title Sponsor ,
PETCO! Along with $3,000 from Flammio Financial Group, $1,000 from TD
Bank, $1,000 from All Promotions, $1,000 Courtesy of Eleanor Sheldon, and
many more!
Your donations will help us to build a no-kill sanctuary for many abused
& homeless domestic animals!
Exciting NEWS to be announced at the Gala!
Tickets only $50.00 per person. You can purchase tickets from our website:
www.FFAS.co/Galainfo ** Friends for Animals Sanctuary, Inc. **
(321.259.9627) / www.ffas.co / Tax ID: 45-3231864
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APRIL 28, 2014
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
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UF/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences research findings shed light on seagrass–bed needs
By Brad Buck
GAINESVILLE — Seagrass beds represent critical and
threatened coastal habitats around the world, and a new
University of Florida study shows how much sunlight
seagrass needs to stay healthy.
Loss of seagrass means fish, crabs and other animals
lose their homes and manatees and sea turtles lose a
source of food. Nutrients, such as phosphorous, may
prevent seagrass from getting the sunlight it needs to
thrive. Nutrients may come from many sources, among
them fertilizers used in agriculture, golf courses and
suburban lawns, pet waste and septic tank waste.
Scientists often use seagrass to judge coastal ecosystems’ vitality, said Chuck Jacoby, a courtesy associate
professor in the Department of Soil and Water Science and
co–author of a new UF study that examines light and
seagrass health.
“By protecting seagrass, we protect organisms that use
seagrass and other photosynthetic organisms that need
less light,” said Jacoby, a faculty member in UF’s Institute
of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
When nutrient levels are too high, microorganisms in
the water, called phytoplankton, use these nutrients and
light to grow and reproduce until they become so abundant
that they block sunlight seagrass needs to survive, said
Zanethia Choice, a former UF graduate student who led
the investigation.
“Seagrass can cope with short–term light reductions,
but if those conditions last too long or occur too frequently,
seagrass will deteriorate and ultimately die,” Choice said.
“Good water clarity is vital for healthy coastal systems.”
Choice, now a natural resource specialist with the
U.S. Forest Service in Mississippi, conducted the study as
part of her master’s thesis, under the supervision of Jacoby
and Tom Frazer, a professor of aquatic ecology and director
of the UF School of Natural Resources and Environment.
Choice studied seagrass beds in a 700,000–acre swath
off the coast of Florida’s Big Bend. She combined 13 years
of light and water quality data and two years of seagrass
samples from habitats near the mouths of eight rivers that
empty into the Gulf of Mexico.
Seagrass off the Steinhatchee, Suwannee, Waccasassa,
Withlacoochee, Crystal, Homosassa, Chassahowitzka and
Weeki Wachee rivers constitutes part of the second largest
seagrass bed in Florida. The largest bed is in Florida Bay,
between the Everglades and the Florida Keys, Jacoby said.
Choice wanted to see how much light was needed to
keep the seagrass in this region healthy. She found
different seagrass species needed varying amounts of light,
ranging from 8 to 27 percent of the sunlight at the water’s
surface.
The UF/IFAS study will give water resource managers,
such as the state Department of Environmental Protection, water–clarity targets they can use to set proper
nutrient levels for water bodies, Jacoby said.
Reducing nutrient levels can promote the health of
seagrass and coastal waters. For example, concerted efforts
to reduce nutrients flowing into Tampa Bay over the past
20–plus years resulted in a 50 percent reduction in
nitrogen, a 50 percent increase in water clarity and a
return of lost seagrass, according to a study conducted by
the Tampa Bay Estuary Program.
Unlike Tampa Bay, there is no evidence that elevated
nutrient levels in Choice’s study area have led to loss of
seagrass. UF researchers are trying to make sure nutrients
do not pollute the seagrass beds off the coast of the Big
Bend, and they hope their results will guide managers as
they strive to prevent any damage.
The study of seagrass light requirements is published
in April’s issue of the journal “Marine Pollution Bulletin.”
‘Visioning Workshop’ set May 3 in Cocoa
Cocoa City Council will be hosting a “Visioning Workshop” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, in the Council
Chambers at City Hall, 65 Stone St. Staff members will be presenting to the council information from the recent strategic–planning sessions. The presentation will include a “revised mission statement.” Once the information is presented
and discussed, staff will hold subsequent meetings to follow up on the council’s direction. Community support and input
in this process is “crucial to the success of this workshop.” For more information on the event, contact Samantha Senger
at 433–8685 or SSenger@CocoaFL.org.
Career Source
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4/21/14
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APRIL 28, 2014
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BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 13
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BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
5":/13= "3/ !" ;
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Presenting the 9th Annual Genesis House
Golf Tournament
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Sunday, April 27, 2014
Suntree Country Club Classic Course
7:00 a.m. Registration
8:00 a.m. Shotgun Start • Scramble
$100 per person • Dinner • Beverages
Awards • Prizes • Raffles • Silent Auction
Genesis House
All proceeds go to Genesis House, Inc., providing shelter homes for women and children in Melbourne, FL.
For more information and sponsor opportunities call 321-984-8884 or 288-4754,
or email 4genesis_house_ad@att.net.
Go to http://genesishouse-shelter.org/events.html to download sponsor or team entry forms.
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Florida Air Academy
Continued from page 10
and the University of Pittsburgh, and I was accepted at
both of those schools.” She chose the University of Miami.
Wilson–Reid, who plans to study political science in
college, led her classmates with $270,000 in scholarship
money. “Not only is Monica getting into these schools but
they are also giving her on average $40,000 in academic
scholarships,” said Zigariello. “She has received the
largest amount of scholarship money of any student in
this year’s graduating class.”
FAA’s 2014 class has earned $2 million in scholarships.
Johnny Koh, an FAA student since the sixth grade who
is among the 2014 graduates, applied to at least 10
schools, he said. They included the University of Illinois,
University of Florida, UCF, Auburn University, University of North Carolina, Tulane University, Syracuse
University, and Columbia University.
Koh, who is ranked No. 4 in this year’s FAA graduating class and is interested in studying finance and
marketing, selected the University of Illinois at Urbana–
Champagne.
He said his classroom training and the cadet environment at FAA has propelled and prepared him for college.
“It’s a great learning atmosphere,” said Koh, who is from
Korea.
At FAA, he pursued JROTC leadership training, which
earned him a place among the top–ranking cadets of the
school as a prestigious squadron commander. He is also
president of the National Honor Society and is a
President’s List student. During his high–school career
Koh says he stood by these four words: “leadership,
respect, initiative, and teamwork.”
The three college–bound students — Putira, Wilson–
Reid, and Koh — say they are ready to take the next step
in their lives.
“I am looking forward to the challenge, but at the same
time it’s kind of scary stepping into the college environ-
ment. However, I feel like I’m well–prepared,” said Putira.
“For me,” said Wilson–Reid, “I think it will be a good
change. I have been in boarding school for three years. I’m
ready to go to college and learn. I’m definitely excited
about taking that next step.”
Koh says “college will open a new world of opportunity.
I’m ready.”
Young Eagles Flight Rally set for May 3 at Merritt Island Airport; free plane rides
MERRITT ISLAND — Area young people ages 8 to 17 will have a chance to take a free plane ride on Saturday,
May 3, as Chapter 724 of the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter hosts a “Young Eagles Flight Rally” at Merritt
Island Airport.
Those attending the flight rally are asked to come to the “big white building” on the south side of the airport, starting
at 8:30 a.m. to register for their flight. Flights will begin at 9 o’clock, with registration closing at noon. A parent or
guardian must sign a permission form at the airport. The rides are for kids only. Go to www.EAA724.org for directions to
the airport.
The program was created to interest young people in aviation. Since it was launched in 1992, volunteer EAA pilots
have flown more than 1.8 million young people who reside in more than 90 countries. More than 6,000 Young Eagles
have been flown at Merritt Island Airport.
“Free airplane rides are just part of the Flight Rally,” said Mike Teders, spokesman for the event. “We hope to build
one–to–one relationships between pilots and young people, giving a new generation a chance to learn more about the
possibilities that exist in the world of aviation.”
Following the flight, each young person, will receive a certificate making them an “official” Young Eagle. Their name
will then be entered into the “World’s Largest Logbook,” which is on permanent display at the EAA Air Adventure
Museum in Oshkosh, Wis. The logbook is also accessible at www.youngeagles.org.
Along with flight rallies, EAA members also fly Young Eagles on an individual basis. Each pilot volunteers their time
and aircraft so the flights can be provided free of charge for interested young people.
For additional information about EAA and the EAA Young Eagles Program, visit www.EAA.org.
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Cocoa Village Playhouse
Continued from page 11
For the third year, the Playhouse and the King Center
are collaborating on a Summer Musical Theatre Project.
This year’s production is the Broadway musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” It will be presented through
special arrangements with Music Theatre International.
The project is under the direction of Hawkins–Smith.
Auditions will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, June 16,
at the King Center.
Classes for the project will be conducted daily from
12:30 to 4:30 p.m. June 18 through July 18. Applications
for the Summer Musical Theatre Project are available at
both websites, KingCenter.com and
CocoaVillagePlayhouse.com.
“This is probably one of our all–time favorite things
that we do for the young people in the community. And
this year we are accepting into the program anyone who
is going into high school, all the way up to the fourth year
in college.”
She added, “And we are accepting students up
through a certain age who are not necessarily enrolled in
college, which is something new. We are hoping to get
people interested in the educational environment at
Eastern Florida State College’s Melbourne campus. We
want to promote education and perhaps influence some
of these young people to enroll and begin their college
education, if it’s just taking one course online.”
One of her Playhouse participants is “finishing his AA
degree online with Eastern Florida State College and is
performing in Sarasota as a paid performer.”
Hawkins–Smith holds an honorary doctorate degree
from BCC, which was awarded years ago by the school.
While the Stars program is gearing up for its productions, the Playhouse’s Broadway on Brevard schedule
winds down with the final performance of the season set
to roll out. “LaCage aux Folles” is a musical comedy
based on the 1973 French play of the same name by Jean
Poiret. It focuses on a gay couple: Georges, the manager
of a Saint–Tropez nightclub featuring drag entertainment, and Albin, his romantic partner and star attraction, and the farcical adventures that ensue when
Georges’ son, Jean–Michel, brings home his fiancée’s
ultraconservative parents to meet him.
The show opens at the Playhouse at 7:30 p.m. on
Friday, May 9, and runs on select dates through Sunday,
May 25. The original 1983 Broadway production received
nine nominations for Tony Awards and won six, including Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book. The success
of the musical spawned a West End production and
several international runs. The music and lyrics are by
Jerry Herman. Harvey Fierstein wrote the book.
“I believe Dan Hill (the Playhouse’s costume designer)
will pull out some of his finest designs for the showgirls
in this performance. ‘LaCage aux Folles’ is a great way to
close this season’s Broadway on Brevard series,” said
Hawkins–Smith.
NetLander of Titusville announces the Ed Beever 2014 Scholarship recipients
TITUSVILLE — NetLander Inc., a leading project management company, recently awarded the Ed Beever Scholarship to two students, Nitou Makidi and Jocelyn Beever.
The $1,000 scholarship applies to the 2014–2015 school year. Scholarships were awarded based on the students’
response to the essay topic “Describe Your Plan for America’s Long–Term Sustained Economic Growth.”
Makidi attends the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she majors in chemical and biomolecular engineering.
Beever will attend Florida State University, where she plans to major in biology.
“I’m consistently inspired and impressed by the insights of today’s students. We’re pleased to offer our assistance as
these deserving students strive to be the leaders of tomorrow,” said Tom Beever, NetLander founder and president.
Since 2007, NetLander has awarded more than $10,000 in scholarships to college students in the memorial of Ed
Beever, the father of NetLander’s Tom Beever. The scholarship is awarded annually and the winner is selected based
on academic excellence and financial need.
Founded in 1998, NetLander serves both commercial and government customers worldwide. For more information
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Laughlin McCarthy Group
Continued from page 1
than three decades in the county. “We feel we really need
to give back to the community, and the benefit of a team
like ours is we are able to do that.”
The two Laughlins and Brendan McCarthy, who is
board president of Candlelighters of Brevard Inc., have
nearly 65 years experience as licensed investment
professionals. They came together and formed their group
years ago.
“We’ve had this partnership intact for over 10 years,”
said Brendan McCarthy, “which in this industry is unique
because people always seem to be looking for greener
pastures. Groups break up as people come and go in this
field. We’ve found a team that works great together, and
Suzanne (Clark) and Judy (McCarthy) have been a big
part of our success.”
“Part of the reason why it works is because we are a
family,” said Dennis Laughlin. “It’s a family environment
and I think our clients see that type of atmosphere here
and they like it.”
The Laughlin McCarthy Group works as a financial
team “to help better the lives of their clients and the lives
of their clients’ children. And helping families get on track
saving money for their child’s college education is one of
the areas we are heavily involved in. College loan debt has
soared and it is a concern in society,” said Dennis
Laughlin, whose group volunteers to teach the popular
Dave Ramsey financial courses in the community. The
courses are open to the public.
There are roughly 37 million student–loan borrowers
with outstanding loans, reports the Federal Reserve Board
of New York, with the under–30 age group leading the
way, strapped with debt. Today’s college graduates have
the dubious distinction of carrying far more student debt
than previous generations.
According to the College Board’s 30th annual “Trends
in Student Aid” report, and its companion, “Trends in
College Pricing,” about 60 percent of students who earned
bachelor’s degrees in 2011–2012 from the first public or
private nonprofit college in which they enrolled graduated
with debt. Among those who borrowed, the average debt
was $26,500.
There is, however, some upbeat news in the College
Board’s report, that being the 2.9 percent increase in
published tuition and fees for in–state students at public
four–year colleges from 2012–2013 to 2013–2014 is the
smallest one–year increase since 1975–1976.
But clearly, financial considerations are exerting an
ever–greater influence on incoming freshmen in the U.S.,
with college costs and financial aid playing an increasingly
decisive role in the school–selection process, as detailed in
UCLA’s annual “CIRP Freshman Survey.”
The survey, part of the Cooperative Institutional
Research Program, is administered nationally by the
Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA’s Graduate
School of Education and Information Studies.
Although more than three–quarters of those surveyed
were admitted to their first–choice campus in 2013, the
number of those who actually enrolled at their first–choice
school hit an all–time low, as cost and financial–aid
incentives swayed decisions.
Dennis Laughlin, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps
APRIL 28, 2014
from 1969 to 1972 before attending Pennsylvania State
University, says he has seen this firsthand in his practice.
“A very bright son of one of our clients wanted to go to
college out of state. It was a very expensive school he was
targeting. The family had already invested in a Florida
Prepaid College Plan package for him. They asked if I
would sit down with him and go over the entire scenario of
what it would cost to attend this out–of–state school,” said
Dennis Laughlin.
After the projected calculations were made and put on
the table for consumption, the student favored the Florida
Prepaid College Plan. “He went on to earn his degree
without having any student–loan debt, which is great.”
According to a recent study by financial investment
website NerdWallet, by the time a college graduate pays
off his or her student loans they will have saved around
$2,466 for retirement. If the same student had graduated
without debt they could have saved more than $30,000.
One avenue the Laughlin McCarthy Group recommends for families saving for college education is the tax–
advantaged Section 529 Plan.
“The 529 plans are very popular for college savings. A
lot of families are using these plans because of their
versatility and the favorable changes that have been made
to them over the years. The government took a lot of the
boundaries away, making them much more attractive to
savers,” said Brian Laughlin.
These college savings plans originated from states
rather than the federal government. With the Economic
Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, when
President George W. Bush was in office, 529 plans gained
their current prominence and tax advantages.
Today, total investment by American families in 529
plans has reached a record $227 billion. In 2013, total
assets in 529 plans increased by $36.3 billion, growing 19
percent from December 2012 to December 2013.
The results are from the College Savings Plans
Network “529 Year–End Report.” CSPN is a national
nonprofit association and an affiliate of the National
Association of State Treasurers. CSPN collects data
quarterly to examine 529 plan assets, contributions, and
distributions.
A 529 Savings Plan, named after Section 529 of the
Internal Revenue Code, lets you have control over your
college savings. All of your earnings are tax–free when
used for qualified educational expenses, such as tuition,
books, housing, supplies and equipment, at any accredited
college, university, or vocational school in the nation, and
at some foreign institutions.
Brian Laughlin said there are two types of 529 investment vehicles, prepaid plans and savings plans. Prepaid
plans allow one to purchase tuition credits at today’s rates
to be used in the future. Therefore, performance is based
upon tuition inflation. Savings plans are different in that
all growth is based upon market performance of the
underlying investments, which typically consist of mutual
funds and index funds.
In Savingforcollege.com’s most–recent 529 five–year
composition rankings of the performance of 42 plans,
Florida’s College Investment Plan was fourth, following
leaders Nevada, Utah, and New York. Florida’s plan has
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising Information
multiple money managers.
As part of their outreach effort in the community,
the Laughlin McCarthy Group advisors teach courses
designed by radio personality Dave Ramsey, whose
Nashville, Tenn.–based “The Dave Ramsey Show” is
heard by 6 million listeners each week on 500 radio
stations throughout America, including the local market.
Ramsey is the creator of “Financial Peace University,”
a nine–week program that helps people “dump their debt,”
take control of their money, and learn new behaviors
around money that are founded on commitment and
accountability. “We have helped a lot of families through
the Dave Ramsey courses,” said Brendan McCarthy, a
Florida State University graduate.
Dennis Laughlin and Brian Laughlin teach the courses
at Calvary Chapel, while Brendan McCarthy teaches at
Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. “Between
Indialantic, Melbourne, and Viera, we have the community
covered for the Dave Ramsey courses,” said Brendan
McCarthy.
More than 1.5 million people have attended Financial
Peace University classes at their workplace, church,
military base, local nonprofit organizations, and community–group settings, according to the Dave Ramsey
website.
“It’s very rewarding when you see someone who is
struggling with debt and is going the wrong way, turn their
life around through these courses,” said Dennis Laughlin.
“The bottom line is that Ramsey’s principles are right–on,
and if you do what he recommends, it works. There are no
gray areas.” He added, “When you see someone who took
the course and they later come up to you and say, ‘I’m
debt–free.’ You know you have made a difference in their
life. And, as a community–based financial group, we are in
a position to do that.”
Ramsey, who has a degree in finance and real estate
from the University of Tennessee, had built a $4 million
real–estate portfolio by age 26 only to lose it four years
later. Using the wisdom he gained from that experience,
Ramsey rebuilt his financial life and now teaches others
how to be responsible with their money. Ramsey has
authored four “New York Times” best–selling books,
including “Financial Peace.”
“We had listened to him on the radio and that eventually led us as a group to look into the possibility of teaching
the Ramsey program in the local market,” said Brendan
McCarthy, who heads the board of Candlelighters of
Brevard at a time when the nonprofit entity is marking its
25th year in the county. The organization provides
financial help and emotional support to the families of
young sons or daughters who have cancer. Candlelighters
of Brevard now has a staff of three people, with the recent
addition of a development director.
“There are no pediatric oncology services available in
Brevard County,” Brendan McCarthy said, adding that
these local families have to travel out of the area to seek
treatment for their children. Later this year,
Candlelighters of Brevard plans to announce its 25th
Anniversary Capital Campaign. “There is so much more
we can do for these families. We’re excited about the new
initiative.”
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 19
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