Keeping the Lights On with Service and a Smile

September 2015
Partner Connections Magazine connects partners to the CEP,
to each other and to our community.
Keeping the
Lights On with
Service and
a Smile
Pg. 6
Photo by
Jim Jernigan Studios
Melissa was right to be concerned about her husband. Family
history is a primary contributor to a person’s overall cardiovascular
health. It’s never too early to ask your doctor for an assessment.
Never too soon to ask for recommendations to help. The good
news, after a thorough workup at ICE, their cardiologists were able
to determine that his heart was in good shape. His cholesterol
was high but it was manageable through medication. Melissa’s
heart felt as if a great weight had been removed from it.
[ we’re on it. ]
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Pub l i sher s’ U p d a t e
exC EP tional C onnections
Dear Partners,
a wonderful time to really dig into your business.
Our calendar of events is a great place to start, and don’t
E
ach month brings more reports of how our community is
are growing local businesses. We do this through several initia-
becoming an economic leader. While we notice each day
tives in our Business Retention efforts. One program which
Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Partner Connections.
miss the Th!nk Local Expo at the College of Central Florida
this growth with new and expanding businesses throughout the
is getting a remake this year and one for which we are very
September has arrived and change is in the air... School is officially
on September 19th, or the Live2Lead Leadership Summit at
community, it is always significant when others outside of our
excited is our Th!nk Local Expo planned for September 19th at
back in session, area snowbirds are returning and football sea-
Church of Hope on October 9th. Maybe we’ll see you at one of
area objectively highlight the growth and future growth of the
the College of Central Florida Klein Center. The theme this year
son is restarting. Hopefully soon, temperatures will be dropping
these events! You can find all the details on these events, and
Ocala MSA.
is Buy Local, Eat Local, Learn Local.
and we’ll find some relief from the scorching heat and humidity.
more in this issue. Enjoy!
A newly-added component of this year’s Th!nk Local Expo
Top 10 for Job Growth
Can you believe fall officially arrives this month, on Sept. 23rd
Have a wonderful month and Happy Fall!
to be exact?
With the arrival of the fall season, we’re sure that your calen-
Sincerely,
dar is filling with all kinds of great events. And if it isn’t, then
we encourage you to get busy! There isn’t a better time to get
Tina Atha
Klodiana Palushi
involved in the community, not to mention the abundance of
fall events presents so many opportunities for networking. Be-
Business Division Publishers
Best Version Media
fore you know it, the holiday season will be upon us and we’ll
all want to relax a little and enjoy the festivities. Indeed, fall is
Inside This Issue
Klodiana Palushi
Tina Atha
Advertising Index
exCEPtional Connections . . . . . . . . . . 5 Th!nk Local Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Leadership Ocala/Marion Class XXIX
Feature Story: SECO Energy:
Announced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Keeping the Lights On with Service
and a Smile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
exCEPtional Mornings
Business After Hours Photos . . . . . . 21
Speaker & Bio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
What Sparks YOUR Interest? . . . . . . 22
Ribbon Cuttings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Heart of Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Church of Hope and the CEP to Host
Live2Lead Leadership Summit . . . . . 14
ICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
On Top of the World
Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
HDG Hotels & Developing
Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Deluca Toyota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Ocala UAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Homes of Deltona Florida . . . . . . 14
Ocala/Marion Prescription
Drug Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Studio 45 Photography . . . . . . . . . 16
BJ Trophies, Awards & Gifts . . . . . 16
Angie Lewis State Farm . . . . . . . . 17
Homes to Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
McCall Technology Group . . . . . . 18
Ocala/Marion Capital Finance . . . 19
Brian Ehlers Construction . . . . . . . 20
Hawthorne Village
Retirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Career Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Mail Marketing Pros. Inc. . . . . . . . 22
Daniel Hightower . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
The Bridge At Ocala . . . . . . . . . . . 24
You may recall that two years ago, Forbes (based on research
will include Learn Local—a DIY learning concept that has
become popular in cities across the US, such as Skillshare
from Moody’s Analytics) ranked the Ocala MSA in the Top 10
events. Learn Local is a free learning opportunity focused on
for Best Cities for Future Job Growth through 2015. In turn,
DIY experiences accessible to anyone that wants to learn, and
over the last 24 months we have consistently been a leader in
to anyone that wants to teach. Classes are focused on learning
job growth in the state of Florida including leading the state in
by doing, interaction instead of lecturing, with topics covering
job growth in 2014.
a myriad of skills. Most classes will last between 1 and 2 hours
Now, Forbes has updated the list for the next few years and
the Ocala MSA is once again ranked in the Top 10 (#5 to be
and will take place in blocks throughout the day.
Also new to the Th!nk Local Expo this year will be an Eat
exact). Ocala joins Orlando, Phoenix and San Jose on this new-
Local campaign. Have you ever wanted to sample fare with
est ranking. Ocala was the only Florida community to make the
friends from multiple food trucks? This is your chance! As
list both times and the only community east of the Mississippi
a part of the push to Eat Local, we will invite Marion County
River to make both lists.
food truck vendors to set up close to the Expo.
The Th!nk Local Expo is an excellent, cost-effective oppor-
Top 10 Fastest Growing Economies
We have shared several times that the economy of the Ocala
tunity to showcase your business and services to area businesses and consumers that attend the event. Attending the
MSA grew 1/3 faster than the national average in 2013 and 2014
Expo is free to the public, with easy
and is predicted to be one of the 30 fastest growing areas in
access and plenty of parking. Contact
2015. This is based on a report prepared by IHS Global Insights
Diana Schwartz today to learn how
for the US Conference of Mayors. In an update to that report re-
you can be a part—629.8051 or Diana@
cently published in Bloomberg’s, the Ocala MSA was predicted
OcalaCEP.com. ■
to be one of 10 fastest growing MSAs for 2016.
Best,
Kevin Sheilley,
Th!nk Local Expo
President & CEO of the CEP
We want to make sure that as our community is growing, we
For more information contact publishers:
Klodiana Palushi
Phone: 352-470-7302
Email: kpalushi@bestversionmedia.com
Publication Team
Tina Atha
Phone: 352-817-1866
Email: tatha@bestversionmedia.com
Publishers:
Klodiana Palushi, Tina Atha
Content Coordinator: Sadie Fitzpatrick
Designer: Greg Miller
Contributing Photographer:
Heather Spohn of Studio 45
FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS
ADVERTISING
BVM has numerous business and neighborhoodspecific publications that micro-target all areas of
Marion County.
4
Partner Connections
•
Have feedback, ideas, or submissions?
We are always happy to hear from you!
Deadlines for submissions are the 15th of each
month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com
and click “Submit Content.” You may also
email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to:
sadie@ocalacep.com.
September 2015
Magazines usually arrive in mailboxes the first
week of the month. Dates may vary depending
on the post office.
mission Statement
CEP Partner Connections’ mission is to connect
partners to the CEP, to each other and to the
community. To support CEP Partner Connections
or to learn more, please contact Publishers.
Volume 2 • Number 9
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements
and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the
views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners
associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves.
BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of
any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole
discretion of the submitting party. © 2015 Best Version Media.
All rights reserved.
September 2015
•
Partner Connections
5
Fe atur e S tor y
SECO Energy: Keeping
the Lights on with Service
and a Smile
segment. The J.D. Power study ranks
carries the most weight in the calcula-
ficient appliances that are consuming large
midsize and large electric utilities in
tion of the overall satisfaction score. It’s
amounts of energy, thereby causing your
four geographic regions: East, Midwest,
clear that SECO members recognize the
usage and therefore your bill to be higher.
South, and West. Companies in the
company’s efforts to improve system
They can recommend replacement options
midsize utility segment serve between
reliability over the last decade and its
and give other energy efficiency lifestyle
100,000 and 499,999 residential cus-
employees stand ready to respond in the
tips for your household. All of this is of-
tomers. The study measures customer
rare event of an outage.
fered free of charge for SECO members.
satisfaction by examining six key factors:
The Energy Services department also
A key component of SECO’s customer
investor-owned companies of the time
power quality and reliability; price; bill-
service is their Energy Services depart-
presents to more than 800 civic clubs,
would not serve their specific area be-
ing and payment; corporate citizenship;
ment, which focuses on making sure their
schools, businesses, and other organiza-
ECO Energy knows a thing or two
cause there were not enough customers
communications; and customer service.
members, both businesses and residential
tions about the benefits of SECO, par-
about providing excellent service to
to pay for the infrastructure, and the area
SECO scored high in all categories,
households, are using energy as efficiently
ticularly safety and energy conservation.
especially reliability, billing and pay-
as possible. Members can also request a
As Duncan noted, “We’re one of the few
ment, and customer service. As CEO
home energy audit where a SECO Energy
industries that tries to convince people
counties since 1938. The cover
Jim Duncan explained, “Our purpose
Services Specialist comes to your home to
to use less of our product.”
photo with CEO Jim Duncan says
statement drives everything we do,
assess energy consumption. They inspect
it all – the company just earned
which is ‘to provide excellent service
the structural components of the home
can email (customerservice@secoenergy.
the highest ranking of all midsize
to our customers, our coworkers, and
(walls, windows, doors and insulation) to
com) or call with questions. A customer
utilities in the South per a recent
our communities.’ Our sole mission is
find where energy loss is occurring. They
service representative will walk through
J.D. Power announcement. And
to provide good service and low rates
evaluate the HVAC system and provide
the bill to explain each charge. A dedicat-
here’s how it all began:
to our members, who are our owners.”
counsel on energy efficient thermostat
ed, local call center receives hundreds of
Reliability is the J.D. Power “factor” that
settings. Oftentimes, they find older, inef-
By Sadie Fitzpatrick
S
their members. After all, it’s been keep-
was thus deemed unprofitable.
ing the lights on in seven Central Florida
Today, SECO Energy, a not-for-profit
The Sumter Electric Coopera-
For general billing inquiries, members
Continued on page 9
tive (now d/b/a SECO Energy)
ALACHUA
Electrification Administration (REA)
program implemented
employees, provides energy for more
than 192,000 members in seven counties
Roosevelt, thus creating
(Marion, Lake, Sumter, Citrus, Levy, Her-
a not-for-profit energy
nando, and Pasco), with 55,000 of those
nesses in Marion County. SECO delivers
customers (called
power to members through a partnership
members) in rural
with their wholesale power provider,
Sumter County. The
Seminole Electric Cooperative. Semi-
intent was to allow
nole is one of the largest generation and
everyday people to
transmission cooperatives in the nation,
create their own
serving 1.4 million consumers in Florida.
power company
It is owned by nine electric distribution
by providing
low-interest rate
the fact that
6
Partner Connections
•
75
SUMTER
27
CITRUS
SEMINOL
HERNANDO
ORANGE
LAKE
PASCO
27
RAINBOW LAKES
POLK
OCALA
Marion County
BELLEVIEW
cooperatives, and SECO is one of those
27
nine member-owners.
loans, which
grew out of
VOLUSIA
MARION
Levy County
members having homes and/or busi-
ing several hundred
FLAGLER
LEVY
301
cooperative with a staff of 400 dedicated
by President Franklin D.
cooperative serv-
Service Territory
PUTNAM
Marion County Service Area
was formed as part of the Rural
SECO was recently awarded the 2015
41
301
J.D. Power Highest Customer Satisfaction Award for the midsize south
September 2015
Citrus County
75
Sumter County
Lake County
September 2015
•
Partner Connections
7
Continued from page 7
service territory were evaluated based on their scholastic
calls a week from members, and their call system has consis-
achievements, school and community service activities, and
tently been rated as friendly, easy-to-use, and personable.
financial need. The winners of the scholarships were select-
Monthly billing statements include a monthly newsletter
ed by SECO Energy’s Scholarship Committee of independent
containing important news about SECO. Those enrolled in
educators using the application materials submitted by each
their online billing program, SmartHub, also receive a digital
student. The winners and their families were honored at a
version of the newsletter. August’s newsletter announced the
special reception at SECO Energy’s headquarters building
J.D. Power award as well as provided details regarding a drop
in Sumterville.
in SECO members’ electricity costs.
The Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) is one of the compo-
An Open Letter to Our CEP Partners...
An automotive dealership where the #1 goal is always putting the customer
first is proud to announce the Grand Opening of Central Florida’s newest
serving seven counties in Central Florida, the cooperative
nents of members’ monthly bills, and a decrease in the PCA
has incorporated the name “SECO Energy.” The company is
results in a higher credit on their monthly bill. Energy bills
also going through a re-branding process, developing the new
have dropped 8.3 percent over the past 20 months, allowing
logo to strengthen SECO Energy’s brand identity. The blue
SECO members to pay one of the lowest residential rates
and orange colors remain the same, and the plug remains as a
(based on 1,000 kilowatt-hours) in the state.
tribute to the previous logo.
Additionally, each member’s pro-rata share of the co-op’s
CEO Jim Duncan noted of the new logo, “The
margins are allocated annually to Capital Credit accounts in
partial circle or arc over the top speaks to SECO
each member’s name. In November with Board of Trustee ap-
Energy’s presence in The Sunshine State---its
proval, Capital Credits may be retired (paid to) current mem-
beautiful sunrises, sunsets, solar power,
bers in the form of a bill credit (under $1,000). Retirements to
continuous energy flow, Florida oranges,
current members over $1,000 are paid by check, as are retire-
and truly, anything under the sun. The
their greatest growth since 2001. What that means for our CEP Partners and
ments to former members. To date, SECO has retired more
logo commemorates the significance of
local business owners is that right now you can take advantage of never before
than $42.7 million back to current and former members. Capital
the company’s identity today and in the
Credits are one of the most tangible benefits of cooperative
future as SECO Energy.”
dealership, the all new DeLuca Toyota.
As you may or may not know, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and
numerous other publications has indicated that Toyota sales are experiencing
savings on new and used Toyota cars, trucks and SUVs thousands off MSRP
with 0% financing.
membership.
As part of SECO’s commitment to providing for the commu-
Currently, SECO is re-evaluating
the company’s member communica-
nities they serve, the company has created the Pennies from
tions via its website and storm cen-
Heaven Program – in which members donate extra pennies
ter platforms. Research is being
by allowing SECO to round up their bills each month. The
conducted on adding technology
average contribution is $6 annually. These dollars are used
that would allow for two-way
to supplement the SECO Angel Fund, which is designed to
communication between mem-
personal guest experience to make your visit pleasurable and comfortable.
provide funds for energy bill payment assistance, provide safe
bers and the company. SECO’s
lighting at school bus stops, and help those who have experi-
Facebook and Twitter platforms
We look forward to seeing you soon at the all new DeLuca Toyota.
enced a major emergency such as a house fire. Recently, the
continue to keep members
SECO Angel Fund donated $5,000 to the Marion County Disas-
engaged and up-to-date on
ter Relief Network after the April 20th tornado. The fund also
the latest company news and
provides money each month to the United Way for individuals
energy-efficiency resources.
You’re invited to come see the all new state of the art DeLuca Toyota which
includes a deli, coffee bar, nail salon, putting green and so much more! All
this so we can accomplish our mission of providing you with an exceptional
“Toyota makes the car, DeLuca makes the difference”.
Frank DeLuca,
President/Owner, DeLuca Toyota
1719 S.W. COLLEGE RD. (SR 200)
352-433-4190 • DelucaToyota.com
8
In an effort to showcase the company’s mission as a utility
Partner Connections
•
September 2015
“Serving customers with
honesty & integrity
for over 37 years”
who need help paying their energy bills.
The company also recently awarded 12 graduating seniors
As the company celebrates its accomplishments and continues provid-
from SECO’s service territory scholarships worth $3,000
ing excellent, reliable service to its
each. SECO’s scholarship program began in 1996, and has
members, it is clear that the future
awarded 245 scholarships to deserving high school seniors
of SECO Energy is bright, just
since its inception.
like the lights in their 192,000
This year 156 qualified applicants from throughout SECO’s
happy members’ homes. ■
September 2015
•
Partner Connections
9
exCE P ti onal M o r n i n g s
Our speaker will be Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’
and Owners’ Association. He will discuss the importance of the equine community to the Ocala/Marion County area, and we will debut our equine web portal.
September 16, 2015
7:30-9:00 A.M.
Marion County Extension Auditorium
2232 NE Jacksonville Road
By Sadie Fitzpatrick
F
TBOA CEO Lonny Powell was raised
in a thoroughbred- and quarter
horse-racing family, his father having
been a jockey for more than 25 years.
Powell has literally spent every day of
his life somehow connected to the horse
and/or pari-mutuel industries. He may
stand alone as the only person in the industry’s history to have served as a chief
or senior executive of racetracks; a racing regulator, an industry academic, an
account-wagering provider, a corporate
track owner and as head of a breeders’
and owners’ association.
He has worked as a jockey valet, as-
sistant starter and track maintenance
worker at small tracks in Idaho and
Arizona. He completed his collegiate
studies at the University of Arizona,
where he returned to serve as Director of
its vaunted Race Track Industry degree
program there.
Known as an enthusiastic advocate,
communicator and student of the sport,
much of Powell’s career has been spent
as president, CEO or COO over the operations of numerous successful racetracks (in locales as diverse as Longacres
near Seattle, Turf Paradise in Phoenix,
Multnomah near Portland, Oregon, and
Santa Anita Park in Southern California)
while leading them to various all-time
wagering and attendance records.
As Executive Vice President of Racing
Operation, the first corporate officer
hired for what was then-emerging Magna
Entertainment Corp., Powell oversaw
the presidents, facilities and budgets
at all Magna tracks which, at the time,
included Gulfstream Park in Florida;
Santa Anita, Golden Gate Fields and Bay
WHY ARE YOU STILL IN THE DARK? By Dr. Katarina Mizouni
A QUEST FOR ANSWERS
It’s in mankind’s nature to ask questions about our place in the universe. And
the possibilities are thrilling. Strange sightings are increasing all around the
world with no explanation.
Meadows in California, Remington Park
in Oklahoma and Thistledown in Ohio.
Much of Powell’s work has been on the
regulatory and legislative front, including stints as CEO and President of the
Lexington, Kentucky-based Racing Commissioners International; cabinet member
and Director of Racing, Boxing and Mixed
Martial Arts for Arizona Governor Jan
Brewer, and Government and Regulatory
Affairs Senior Advisor for the NTRA.
Additionally, he was recruited to serve
as a top executive for the publicly held
corporation Youbet.com, the nation’s
leading advanced-deposit wagering
platform. While there, he was also named
Chief Compliance Officer and Chair of
Policy and Internal Review.
He also has served as a registered lobbyist in California, Washington, Oregon,
Arizona and Florida and has received
a racing and/or gaming license in many
U.S. jurisdictions.
As the proprietor of his own successful
management and consulting company
(Lonny Powell Strategy & Solutions of
Lexington, Kentucky). Powell has had
the opportunity to advise a wide variety
of CEOs in the racing, gaming, agriculture and business management spaces.
His past clients include the NTRA, MultiMedia Games, Am West Entertainment
and Bethlehem Farm.
Also a pleasure- and show-horse
owner, he has been widely recognized by
industry groups for his service to people,
animals and industry. Such recognition
includes the RCI William H. May Award,
the University of Arizona John K. Goodman Outstanding Alumni Award, the UARTIP Distinguished Service Award, the
University of Arizona President’s Club
Award, the Arizona Racing Commission
Award of Service and the AQHA Winners
Circle Award.
He has also been recognized for his
work with numerous charities and organizations, such as founding president of
the Blue Grass Farms Chaplaincy, founding member of the UA RTIP Advisory
Council, Vice Chair of the AQHA Racing
Council, NTRA Director, TRA Director,
RCI Director, Arizona 4-H State Board of
Trustees Treasurer and National Secretary
for the Race Track Chaplaincy of America.
Since coming to Florida, Powell has
been appointed by Florida Dept. of
Agriculture & Consumer Services Commissioner Adam Putnam to serve as
Chairman of the Board of Directors and
Director of the Florida Horse Park, as
well as the Equine Representative for
the Florida Animal Industry Technical
Council, and as Equine Technical Advisor
for the Florida Farm Bureau.
He was recently elected by the statewide association of CEOs to serve as Director of the Florida Society of Association Executives, in which he is the only
elected representative of Marion County
and the only representative of the equine,
pari-mutuel and gaming industries.
He was also elected as the only equine
industry representative for the Ocala/
Marion County Chamber & Economic
Partnership. ■
R ibbon C uttings
Photo’s By Erin Emanuel
WHAT ELSE IS OUT THERE?
A team of experts in Ocala, FL, is accumulating photographic evidence of
Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) of unknown origin. The UAP emit
light of various colors, exhibit strange behavior that suggest intelligence, and
resemble descriptions found in top-secret files declassified with the Freedom
of Information Act.
THE ANSWERS ARE HERE
Led by Theorist Steve Nakonechny and Ph.D. Physicist Katarina Mizouni,
the Ocala UAP Affiliation has started a rigorous scientific analysis of the
phenomena for publication. State-of-the art technical equipment is allowing us
to get closer to the truth, one day at a time, but additional studies are needed.
EMBARK ON OUR MISSION
Participate in Ocala UAP’s scientific study and help us get to the bottom of a
worldwide phenomenon that has been amongst us since the dawn of time.
We are in need of business partners to help us
complete our research.
Interested investor parties may contact Steve Nakonechny for
more information at 352.427.3537 or nako1858@gmail.com.
Ocala Health
Campus USA Credit Union
A presentation date for serious investors will be announced.
Private presentations may be available by appointment.
10
Partner Connections
•
September 2015
September 2015 • Partner Connections
11
Heart of Florida
Heart of Florida Health Center
Sinks Its Teeth into Pediatric
Dental Care with New Facility
A
t the Heart of Florida Health
Center’s new pediatric dental care
facility, smiles are all around. From the
cheerful receptionist who greets you as
you sign in to the reassuring attending
dentist fixing your cavities, it is impossible not to break out in a grin. This nonprofit facility, which opened in May 2015,
is helping thousands of children improve
their dental health at a low cost.
“I have been in many communities and
the need translates everywhere---dentistry is such a disparity; it is always in
demand. There are always children that
need to be served and people who need
to be educated about dental health. We
are in the perfect spot in Marion County
to fulfill that need to treat and educate,”
explained Dr. Ayana Williams, Dental
Director and one of three dentists providing dental care at the new facility.
This pediatric dental care office is a
part of Heart of Florida Health Center,
a federally qualified health center with
seven locations countywide that pro12
Partner Connections
•
vides medical access to individuals and
families who are uninsured or those on
Medicaid or Medicare, as well other commercial insurances. The minimum charge
for a visit at a Heart of Florida Health
Center location is between $15 and $50.
September 2015
All charges for services rendered are
discounted on a sliding fee scale according to an individual’s household income
based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
BlueCrossBlueShield is also accepted.
In addition to receiving federal funding
as a health center, Heart of Florida also
receives state funding as well as local
funding from Munroe Regional Medical
Center, Ocala Regional Medical Center,
the United Way of Marion County, and
the Marion County Board of County
Commissioners. Private donations are
also accepted.
Their former dental facility provided
two chairs for pediatric dental health
while the current facility has eight chairs,
thereby increasing their percentage of
patients served over 400 percent.
The new facility is housed in the former Churchill Dentistry practice, and as
part of their agreement with the former
practice, Heart of Florida absorbed the
approximately 9,500 patients that practice served. In addition to those patients,
they also serve the more than 3,000
patients that were at their former Heart
of Florida facility, bringing the total of
patients served annually to nearly 13,000.
On average, the three doctors at the facility see 42 children daily.
The pediatric dental care facility treats
children ages 6 months to 18 years of
age. X-rays, exams, cleanings, minor oral
surgeries, fillings, sealants, and space
maintainers are all provided at a low cost.
A patient does not need to be a resident
of Marion County to become a patient of
the Heart of Florida. Some patients come
from Citrus, Sumter, and Alachua counties to take advantage of Heart of Florida’s
medical and dental services.
The practice has a full circle medical
approach with pediatricians on the medical side of Heart of Florida ensuring their
patients have a pediatric dentist while
the pediatric dentists make sure their
patients have a full-time pediatrician.
Dentists at the facility also communicate
regularly with their patients’ primary
care physician to stay up-to-date on their
patients’ care.
The facility’s main mission is to increase awareness of their services as well
as to educate parents and children about
the importance of oral healthcare. Chil-
dren are taught how to correctly brush
and floss their teeth while parents are
educated about proper nutrition for both
good oral health and overall good health.
“It doesn’t stop at oral health; oral
health affects the whole body,” noted Dr.
Williams.
For a typical visit, dental staff comes
out to patients and their families in the
waiting room and explains the process:
what they will be doing that day, what
to expect, and then invites the parent to
come back with the patient. The focus
of the dentists and dental assistants is in
preventing not curing dental health. They
believe that if parents and children are
armed with the facts about the importance of oral health, they will take better
care of themselves and prevent future
health problems.
Dr. Williams encourages parents to begin
bringing their children to the dentist at a
young age to begin a lifetime of consistent
oral healthcare. The American Academy of
Pediatrics recommends that a child receive
an oral evaluation at six months of age.
Beginning at a young age allows a child to
learn good oral hygiene habits and allows
visiting the dentist to become second
nature, according to Dr. Williams.
“We make sure that every parent is
educated about the importance of oral
healthcare for themselves and their
children before they leave to walk out
that door. We want them to know that it
doesn’t just stop with the teeth,” Dr. Williams explained.
The patients are welcomed into a brightSeptember 2015
ly-colored room with TVs on the ceiling
and fun, whimsical art on the walls. While
patients wait, they can watch a feature
film in the movie theatre complete with
stadium seating. The lively atmosphere
takes the fear out of the dentist, making
the experience warm and welcoming.
To raise awareness of their services,
the facility focuses largely on outreach efforts. They work with schools,
churches, libraries, and children-based
organizations such as the Early Learning
Coalition, Head Start, Kids Central, Inc.,
and Childhood Development Services to
educate parents and teachers as well as
to receive patient referrals.
In addition to providing excellent
healthcare, Heart of Florida also connects patients and their families to other
resources they may need such as lodging,
food, employment, and paying utility
bills. Cynthia O’Connor, CCM, CDMS,
the Director of Patient Services for Heart
of Florida, works diligently with other
charitable agencies in Marion County to
make sure families receive any additional
help they may need.
Ultimately, Heart of Florida Health
Center’s pediatric dental care facility
hopes to provide care to ALL the children for whom cost has been an issue
before when seeking oral healthcare.
“We want people to know we’re here,
and we’re here to help. We will not turn
anyone away and we will make sure
they receive the care that they need,”
said Heather James, Director of Patient
Access. ■
•
Partner Connections
13
Chu r ch of H o p e
Church of Hope and the
CEP to Host Live2Lead
Leadership Summit
By Sadie Fitzpatrick
T
he Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership, in
partnership with Church of Hope, will host Live2Lead, a half-day
leadership development summit designed to equip attendees with
practical tools and takeaways to aid them in becoming more effective
leaders in their communities.
Attendees will learn from world-class leadership experts and will be
prepared to implement their new action plan and start leading when they
get back to the office with renewed passion and commitment.
The event will take place on Friday, October 9th at 8:00 A.M. at the
Church of Hope Auditorium at 3233 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala.
There is no cost to attend.
Register at www.leadocala.com ■
“If you’re Looking for Quality You’ve Come to The Right Place”
Homes by Deltona now Building in Summer Crest
9139 S.E. 48th Court Road | Ocala, FL 34480
352-350-5263 | Models Open 7 Days a Week
14
Partner Connections
•
September 2015
Th!nk Local Expo
Th!nk Local Expo Set for September
19th at the Ewers Center at CF
By Diana Schwartz
This one-day event highlights what makes our community
the best place for business!
he Chamber & Economic Partnership’s Th!nk
Local Fall Business Expo is the perfect opportunity for local businesses to showcase themselves to the public and make connections with
other area businesses. The synergy created at the
Think Local Business Expo is part of a larger CEP initiative to
educate the public about the benefits of buying locally.
Being the catalyst for a prosperous community comes in
many forms, and this year we are proud to introduce a new
concept to the Think Local Business Expo that can benefit anyone in the community that wants to teach or learn about a new
hobby, skill, or business idea.
Plan to attend our complimentary one- and two-hour DIY workshops throughout the day and learn about a variety of topics, from
how to do simple bicycle maintenance, to how to change a tire,
T
and much, much more! We will have an opportunity for you to
have professional headshots taken to enhance your business presence, as well as food trucks, seminars, and everything you need to
be immersed in our local business community.
Whether you are drawn to the CEP’s Th!nk Local
Business Expo as a business owner, employee or
consumer, this event is a great way to get local
shoppers in the same location with area retailers
and service companies. The Expo is free and open
to the public with plenty of parking. Adding to the excitement
of the event, a number of exhibitors will be raffling off prizes
throughout the Expo at their individual booths. ■
This year’s Expo will be Saturday, September 19th from
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the College of Central Florida. We
have sponsorship, booth, instructor, and food truck opportunities available for this event. For more information,
contact Diana Schwartz at 352.629.8051 x. 102 or Diana@
OcalaCEP.com.
Real Technology - Real People - Real Solutions
SERVICES OFFERED:
• TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS
• IT CABLING INTEGRATION
• LOW VOLTAGE
STRUCTURED CABLING
• VOICE & DATA
• CAT5E, CAT6E & FIBER
• PAGING AND
SURVEILLANCE
DAN MCCALL, PRESIDENT
PHONE: 352-369-1600
OCALA, FL 34470
WWW.MTGFLORIDA.COM
State of Florida License No: ES12000773
16
Partner Connections
•
September 2015
Leadership Ocala Marion Announces Participants in Class XXIX
Leadership Ocala/Marion
Class XXIX Announced
By Sadie Fitzpatrick
L
eadership Ocala Marion (LOM), a program of the Ocala/
Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP),
is designed to develop, engage and inspire developing leaders
in our community. Through a nine month immersion into all
sectors of Ocala/Marion County, the LOM program seeks to
develop and prepare leaders, from diverse backgrounds, to
address community challenges.
Now in its 29th year, this leadership experience strives to create
awareness and to connect leaders with issues and opportunities.
New this year, is the addition of the Positive Leadership Curriculum.
The CEP’s community leadership program is the 23rd in the nation
to adopt this innovative leadership development initiative.
The following individuals were selected for the nine month program
which begins in September and concludes with graduation in May
2016. ■
TWO GENERATIONS
SERVING YOU
Experience the
difference!
GREG LORD
AMY (LORD)
JOHNSON
Name
Business
Jason Barde
Ocala Regional Medical Center
Summer Best
Summertime Enterprises
Nicole Bloom
Frank DeLuca YMCA Family Center
Stacie Causey
Marion County Board of County Commissioners
Tony Chisolm
Munroe Regional Medical Center
Tony Clayton
City of Ocala
Krystal Dale
Combined Insurance Services, Inc.
Mike Dodd
Marion County Sheriff’s Office
Richard Fowler
Marion County Sheriff’s Office
Suzie Futch
Marion County Board of County Commissioners
Chris Gwin, P.E.
Radcliffe Engineering
Laurie Harmon
Rasmussen College
Matt Hibbs
On Top of the World
Alicia Jacobs
Lockheed Martin
Lindsay King
The Vines Hospital
Ryan Lilly
Ocala/Marion CEP
Chad Lynch
City of Ocala
Esther Maitha
Ambleside School of Ocala
Heather Morey
Munroe Regional Medical Center
Vicky Morrison
Remax Premier Realty, LLC
Wayne Pope
Cox Communications
Saul Reyes
College of Central Florida
Holly Shepardson
Hospice of Marion County
Gary Silver
Signature Brands, LLC
Clinton Slier
Ocala Regional Medical Center
Elysia Snyder
Lindsay, Crabb and Associates, PLLC
Lisa Walsh
City of Ocala
Scott Weeks
Causseaux, Hewett, & Walpole, Inc.
Brandon Whiteman
Benefit Advisors
Promoting awareness of sources of capital
for businesses in Marion County.
Are you a business looking for capital?
Are you a finance professional interested in
increasing awareness of sources of capital?
Join us for the Access to Capital Summit!
Included are panel presentations on sources of
capital including equity, crowdfunding, traditional
financing, government programs, and more!
For a full agenda visit www.OcalaFund.com
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Private residential estates to large scale
commercial equine operations
EXPERTISE, INTEGRITY & SERVICE
2455 NW 44th Avenue • Ocala, FL 34482 • (352) 732-3276
www.HomesToRanches.com
18
Partner Connections
•
September 2015
8 AM — 3 PM
College of Central Florida
Ewer’s Century Center, Klein Conference Center
3001 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL 34474
Registration Information (Lunch Included):
CEP Legacy Level Partners and Above: FREE
CEP Entrepreneur, Business, & Premium Partners: $10
Future CEP Partners: $20
MUST RSVP BY SEPTEMBER 22 TO:
JESSICA AT 352-629-8051 / JESSICA@OCALACEP.COM
OR VISIT WWW.OCALAFUND.COM
[All events are held at the CEP unless otherwise noted]
September 1st:
September 24th:
September 9th and 23rd:
Non Profit Business Council Monthly
Meeting: 2:00 P.M.
Network Marketing Council
11:30 A.M.
NetWorks: Success Partners
8:15 A.M.
September 1st and 15th:
September 25th:
Tuesday Talks: 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.
FridayTalks in Dunnellon
8:30 A.M.
Dunnellon Chamber of Commerce
September 28th:
President’s Lunch
12:00 P.M.
September 16th:
NetWorks Meetings:
exCEPtional Mornings:
7:30 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. @ Marion
Extension Auditorium
September 1st and 15th:
Business After Hours Hosted by Ocala Civic Theatre
Photo’s By Erin Emanuel
Cal endar O f E v e n t s
NetWorks: Promoters
September 8th and 22nd:
September 17th:
NetWorks: CEMG
Business After Hours
Hosted by Renasant Bank
September 8th and 22nd:
NetWorks: Stiletto Network
Held at the Power Plant Business
Incubator
5:00-7:00 P.M.
design build
commercial buildouts
construction management
custom homes
Your partner in construction.
Brian Ehlers Construction Co., Inc.
2801 SE 1st Avenue, Suite 402
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 861-4333
www.brianehlersconstruction.com
20
Partner Connections
•
September 2015
September 2015
•
Partner Connections
21
Bus i ness Re t e n t i o n
What Sparks YOUR Interest?
By Felecia Judge
A
s the summer draws to a close and the anticipation of
sweater weather lies ahead, the change of season is a
great time to reflect upon the year. Although 2016 resolutions
are months away from declaring, the remainder of the year can
be a transition period for collecting ideas for those New Year’s
resolutions. What would you do differently? What could be
improved? What could you do with a little inspiration?
On Saturday, September 19, the CEP in partnership with the
College of Central Florida will host the Th!nk Local Business
Expo. This year’s event will have a little twist by encouraging
everyone to not only BUY local, but to also LEARN local, a
newly-added component to this year’s expo. This DIY learning concept has become popular in cities across the country,
and is a free instructional opportunity focused on DIY experiences. It is available to anyone who wants to learn, and to
anyone who wants to teach. Classes are focused on knowledge by interaction instead of lecturing, with topics covering
a myriad of skills. Most classes will last between one and
two hours and will take place in blocks throughout the day.
Finally, to make sure our exhibitors and visitors have enough
energy to enjoy the day, some of our local food trucks will be
CareerSource CLM- CEPartners Connection ad for SEPT 2015.pdf 8/17/2015 9:59:47 AM
on hand to satisfy your appetite and promote an EAT local
concept to round out this motivating afternoon.
Following, on September 23, for those who may have
over-contributed to the EAT LOCAL aspect, we offer a solution! Worksite Wellness Wednesday, at CF’s Webber Center,
will help you kick-start preparations for those looming 2016
resolutions. Presented in partnership with Fisher & Phillips
LLP and Measure Up Marion, this workshop is to encourage
the implementation of a worksite wellness program. After
all, the workplace and culture directly affect the health of the
employees within it, and this ultimately affects the employer.
Particularly, with the Affordable Healthcare Act in full swing
and January bringing new requirements, this workshop will
offer practical advice for implementing a wellness program,
areas of legal concern, and the remarkable advantages to
employers who offer them. Of course the day wouldn’t be
complete without another EAT LOCAL endorsement, so a
healthy breakfast is included with this free event compliments
of Rosemary & Thyme Catering.
Roll up your sleeves and grab a notepad because September
will give you two great opportunities to spark new interests
and turn your workplace into a picture of health for the New
Year. For more information about the Th!nk Local Expo or
Worksite Wellness Wednesday, please visit our website at www.
OcalaCEP.com or call 352.629.8051. ■
Helping You Reach More Customers!
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Connecting employers with qualified,
skilled talent and job seekers with
employment and career development
opportunties. All at no charge to you!
352.873.7955 | 800.746.9950
careersourceclm.com
An equal opportunity program/employer. Auxiliary aids/services available upon request
to persons with disabilities. For accommodations, call 800-434-5627, ext. 7878.
• Political Campaign Mail
• Full Service Printing
• Direct Mail Consulting
• Business Cards and Letterhead
• Graphic Design
• Booklets and NCR Forms
• Targeted Mailing Lists
• Flyers, Postcards & Envelopes
info@mailmarketingpros.com
www.mailmarketingpros.com
Fighting for Accident Victim Justice
Since 1976
• Car Accidents
• Work Accidents
• Personal Injury
• Wrongful Death
• Social Security Disability
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7 East Silver Springs Boulevard, Suite 300, Ocala
352-629-7777 | 888-LAW-1976
www.facebook.com/danhightowerlawyer
www.danhightower.com
111
September 2015
When Mom became
withdrawn and
inactive, we chose
Socialization plays a leading
role in our well-being, and
we are dedicated to helping
seniors maintain this part of
their health.
Our residents have multiple
opportunities to socialize and
can take comfort knowing
they will see genuine, familiar
faces every day.
Tuesday, Sept 8 @ 2 pm • Dr. OZ Has Nothing On Us
Seminar presented by Hospice of Marion County
Friday, Sept 11 @ 9 am-1 pm • Yard Sale
Tuesday, Sept 15 @ 2 pm • Laughter is the Best Medicine
Seminar presented by Gentiva Home Health
Thursday, Sept 24 @ 2 pm • Veterans Seminar PLEASE RSVP
Presented by Gary Marriage, Jr. Operation: Veteran Aid
(352) 873-2036
PLEASE RSVP(000)
(352) 873-2036
000-0000
2800 SW 41st Street, Building 200 • Ocala, FL 34474
www.thebridgeatocala.com