February 11, 2013 - Brevard Business News

Transcription

BBN
Vol. 31 No. 6
February 11, 2013
Brevard
Business
News
A Weekly Space Coast Business Magazine printed in Brevard County, Florida since 1984
Clay Stephens Lifestyles
opens in Eau Gallie Arts
District; veteran designer
By Ken Datzman
Please see Clay Stephens Lifestyles, page 19
BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth
Interior designer Clay Stephens and business partner Dennis Johnson have opened Clay Stephens Lifestyles in the Eau Gallie
Arts District of Melbourne. Their retail store, with a showroom and an art gallery, is at 1399 Highland Ave. Stephens has
worked in the local market for the past 30 years as a designer. He’s an artist, too, and plays the piano. Their store plans to
host events throughout the year, including seminars in design, vendor trunk shows, charity fund–raisers, and wine–tastings.
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Clay Stephens, one of the region’s top interior designers, with
30 years in the field and a portfolio that includes projects from Cocoa
Beach to Park Avenue in New York City, has opened a home–
furnishings store and studio in the Eau Gallie Arts District of
Melbourne.
The housing market is rebounding and interior designers are
starting to regain their footing after a five–year business drought.
“We think the timing is perfect. It has been a rough few years,
but things are definitely turning around. We are excited about our
new venture in Eau Gallie,” said Stephens.
The National Association of Home Builders is forecasting
housing starts to rise 22 percent in 2013 over the previous year, and
jump an additional 30 percent in 2014.
That’s positive news for interior–design professionals like
Stephens, who anticipate getting a lift from the important spring
homebuying season. The season is mainly the months of April, May
and June, as families go on vacation in July.
Stephens has been prepping his store in Eau Gallie in advance of
the spring season, which could be the best in years for builders,
retailers of home furnishings and accessories, appliance stores and
other businesses that are closely aligned with home ownership,
including lumber companies.
Artisans and other creative individuals have been forming a hub
in Eau Gallie over the last several years, launching studios, galleries
and shops. They are driving the resurgence of this riverfront
community, which showcases an eclectic mix of businesses.
Stephens and his business partner, Dennis Johnson, have
renovated a 2,001–square–foot space at 1399 Highland Ave. and set
up Clay Stephens Lifestyles, which combines a showroom with
furnishings and unique accessories for sale to the public, an
interior–design studio, and an art gallery.
Johnson has a business background in accounting and bookkeeping. “He’s great with spreadsheets and numbers,” said Stephens.
“Of course, this business is a whole new ballgame for me, but I’m
learning the industry lingo very quickly,” added Johnson.
Stephens added, “We talked about starting this business for the
past few years. But we weren’t in a big hurry and wanted to see
some signs that the market was indeed improving. We did see an
increase in the number of inquires we were getting about interior–
design work, which was a signal for us to move ahead with our
plans.”
They said they looked at commercial spaces in downtown
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS
BBN
Dawn Faust moves into marketing role at Space Coast Cancer Center and the Cancer Center Foundation
Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce Board.
She has led and facilitated breast–cancer support
groups for Space Coast Cancer Center for the past two
years. Faust was named “Survivor of the Year” for Space
Coast Cancer Center in 2011.
She began her career path as a laboratory technician in
Maryland. Faust worked for 15 years in sales management
and has successfully led sales organizations. In recent
years, she has helped many nonprofits and
businessowners in Brevard County raise brand awareness
and grow market share.
For more information, visit www.spacecoastcancer.com.
Pregnancy Resources invites Brevard residents to ‘Walk for Life’ at Gleason Park
Pregnancy Resources’ 23rd annual “Walk for Life” will be held on Saturday, March 16. The event is free of charge and
open to the public. More than 500 people are expected to participate in this family event and fund–raiser at Gleason Park
in Indian Harbour Beach. To register to walk or sponsor a walker, go to www.PRWalkforLife.com.
Proceeds from the Walk will directly benefit Pregnancy Resources, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free
programs and services to include medical–grade pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, pregnancy and parenting classes,
resource referrals and baby necessities to assist women and families who are facing an unexpected pregnancy.
Walk for Life begins at 8:30 a.m. Families are encouraged to participate in the event. There will be refreshments and
activities for children of all ages.
For more information or to receive a printed pledge form, contact Becky at Pregnancy Resources at 752–5540,
extension 105, or via e–mail at Events@MelbournePRI.com.
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Titusville–based Space Coast Cancer Center has hired
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specialist.
She will be responsible for the planning, directing and
coordination of marketing efforts for Space Coast Cancer
Centers and Space Coast Cancer Foundation.
Faust recently transitioned from a director’s role with
SCB Marketing to her new position at Space Coast Cancer
Center. Before that, Faust was a patient at Space Coast
Cancer Center, were she was treated in 2009 and is a
breast–cancer survivor.
For the past three years, Faust has given much time
and energy to cancer causes. She is currently on the Space
Coast Cancer Foundation Board.
Faust has been involved with American Cancer Society
events including the Cattle Baron’s Ball and Making
Strides Against Breast Cancer.
She is a noted public speaker and runs an inspirational
website for cancer patients as well. Faust also sits on the
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FirstWave Financial doubles as an art gallery; painting sells for undisclosed price as part of Art in Public Places
SATELLITE BEACH — Meike Aton walked into the
FirstWave Financial office and bought a Frits Van Eeden
acrylic painting “right off the wall.”
Works by the Melbourne–based and internationally
known artist often fetch prices in the “thousands of
dollars.” Aton, who is also an artist and a former student of
Van Eeden, had been searching for his work. A quick call
to the Brevard Cultural Alliance identified the independent wealth–management company as one of several
Brevard locations hosting Art in Public Places, a program
run by the BCA.
“Migration” by Frits Van Eeden was soon in Aton’s
hands. Businesses pay a small fee to take part in the
program that stimulates the local economy by promoting
art sales without commission.
Different artwork from the Art in Public Places
program will be installed at FirstWave Financial in early
February.
For more information about FirstWave Financial, call
773–7773 or visit www.FirstWaveFinancial.com.
FirstWave Financial President Tom Kirk is a longtime
supporter of the arts and Brevard Cultural Alliance. A
former member of the BCA Board of Directors, Kirk’s
colorful yellow building at 1300 Highway A1A boasts
tropical styling and lends itself to the display of artwork.
“This is a program where everybody wins,” said Kirk.
“Artists can display their work without charge, the public
can browse what’s on our walls and we get to work in a
building filled with beautiful art. We’re happy to partner
with the Brevard Cultural Alliance for Art in Public
Places.”
The Warbird Museum at airport to host dinner on Feb. 16; open to the public
For the first time, The Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum is inviting the public to attend its membership
meeting at 5 p.m. on Feb. 16. The program will include a cocktail hour, followed by dinner and the presentation by special
guest speaker Robert Cabana.
Cabana is the director of Kennedy Space Center and has flown in space on four shuttle missions. He is a former U.S.
Marine Corp. pilot who has logged more than 7,000 hours in 45 different aircraft.
America’s space program is undergoing an evolution. With the retirement of the shuttle program, KSC is now
positioning itself for the next era of space exploration, transitioning to a 21st century launch facility with multiple users,
both private and government.
Dinner reservations are $20. Call 268–1941 or visit www.vacwarbirds.org. The museum is at 6600 Tico Road at the
Space Coast Regional Airport.
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FEBRUARY 11, 2013
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Bloomberg commits $350 million to Johns Hopkins for transformational initiative
BALTIMORE — Philanthropist and New York City
Mayor Michael Bloomberg has committed $350 million
to The Johns Hopkins University, anchoring a major
initiative aimed at bringing significant innovation to
U.S. higher education. The total commitment — the
largest ever to the university — lifts Bloomberg’s
lifetime giving to Johns Hopkins beyond $1 billion.
The majority of the new gift, $250 million out of $350
million, will be part of a larger effort to raise $1 billion
to facilitate cross–disciplinary work across the university to galvanize people, resources, research and
educational opportunities around a set of complex global
challenges.
Initially, the funds will be used to support the
appointment of faculty in the areas of water resource
sustainability, individualized health care delivery,
global health, the science of learning and urban
revitalization. The remaining $100 million will be
dedicated to need–based financial aid for undergraduate
students, ensuring that the most talented and driven
students are admitted to the university’s classrooms,
BBN
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West Melbourne, FL 32904
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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
News, 4300 Fortune Place, Suite D, West Melbourne, FL,
32904, or email BrevardBusinessNews@earthlink.net.
regardless of economic circumstance.
Over the next 10 years, 2,600 Bloomberg Scholarships will be awarded. Former Brevard County resident
Margaret Roth, a graduate of Cocoa Beach Junior–
Senior High School’s International Baccalaureate
Program, was awarded a Bloomberg Scholarship. She is
a two–time graduate of Johns Hopkins University.
The transformational gift from Bloomberg will
enhance Johns Hopkins’ flexible and multi–disciplinary
approach to solving fundamental societal problems. It
will bring together scientists and scholars from numerous disciplines — ranging from politics and policy to
healthcare delivery to basic curiosity–driven research —
to support more meaningful collaboration.
The goal, simply put, is to make it as easy for faculty,
staff and students to work across disciplines as within
them.
“Michael Bloomberg is a visionary philanthropist, a
force for social good on the order of Andrew Carnegie,
John D. Rockefeller, Leland Stanford and our own
founder, Johns Hopkins,” said Ronald Daniels, president of The Johns Hopkins University.
“This latest initiative allows us to greatly accelerate
our investment in talented people and bring them
together in a highly creative and dynamic atmosphere,”
Daniels added. It illustrates Mike’s passion for fixing
big problems quickly and efficiently. It will ensure not
only that Johns Hopkins helps to solve humanity’s
problems, but also that it leads the world’s universities
in showing how it should be done.”
“Johns Hopkins University has been an important
part of my life since I first set foot on campus more than
five decades ago,” Bloomberg said. “Each dollar I have
given has been well–spent improving the institution
and, just as importantly, making its education available
to students who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
Giving is only meaningful if the money will make a
difference in people’s lives, and I know of no other
institution that can make a bigger difference in lives
around the world through its groundbreaking research,
especially in the field of public health.”
This gift will endow 50 Bloomberg Distinguished
Professors whose expertise crosses traditional academic
disciplines; they will anchor collaborative, cross–
disciplinary research. These distinguished faculty
members — each a forward–thinking leader with cross–
cutting research interests — will be recruited from
around the world and will serve as human bridges
among disciplines and schools spanning medicine and
the humanities, public health and education, social
science and engineering.
The Bloomberg Distinguished Professors will carry
their interdisciplinary and research–focused approach
into their teaching, ensuring that the university’s
students are equipped to graduate from their classrooms into the real world to solve real problems.
Johns Hopkins was America’s first research university, establishing a model emulated throughout the
nation and around the world. It has also been home to
groundbreaking examples of interdisciplinary partnerships in areas such as biomedical engineering, public
health, space studies and international studies.
Drawing on this legacy and through this latest gift
from Bloomberg, Daniels said, Johns Hopkins seeks to
reconceive the traditional model and make collaboration
across disciplines the convention rather than the
exception.
“When the Baltimore merchant Johns Hopkins left
$7 million nearly 140 years ago to create our university
and hospital,” Daniels said, “it incited nothing less than
a revolution in American higher education. It led to the
modern research university and academic medical
center, brand new institutions that recognized the
power in combining knowledge creation with its
teaching and its use for the good of humanity.
He added, “Now, with Michael Bloomberg’s commitment to this transformational initiative as the centerpiece of our efforts, Johns Hopkins seeks again to
redefine higher education in America. We want nothing
less than to accelerate the pace of change in universities
and academic medicine, to create the new model for
institutions intended to make the world a better place.”
Bloomberg is believed to be the first person ever to
reach the $1 billion level of giving to a single U.S.
institution of higher education. With this new commitment, Bloomberg — chairman of the university’s board
of trustees from 1996 to 2002 and previously chairman
of the Johns Hopkins Initiative fund–raising campaign
— has now given Johns Hopkins $1.1 billion in the 49
years since he graduated.
His first Johns Hopkins gift was $5 in 1965, a year
after he received his bachelor’s degree in engineering
from the university. His support has benefitted students
and faculty in every school of the university, patients at
The Johns Hopkins Hospital and anyone whose life has
been touched by Johns Hopkins.
Friends Book Sale at Satellite Beach Library to include estate collections, CDs and DVDs
The annual Book Sale sponsored by the Friends of the Satellite Beach Library is open to the public on Thursday,
Feb. 7, from 12 to 8 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “We have
received an overwhelming amount of patron donations to the library this past year, many of which are added to our
library collection. The rest are given to the Friends for the book sale,” says Satellite Beach Library Director Nancy
Grout. The sale books are from the library collection, patron donations, and estate collections including oversized,
hardcover and paperback. Multimedia formats such as DVDs, books on tape, CDs, various history, biographies, travel
and reference books can be purchased. Hardcover and mass–market fiction will also be available. Both fiction and
non–fiction books for children and teens are available as well as many titles in large print. Proceeds from the sale will
benefit the Satellite Beach Library to purchase items not funded in the library budget and to fund various library
adult and children programs. Volunteers are needed for the book–sale set–up and breakdown. To volunteer, call Polly
Jordan, the Book Sale chairwoman, at 426–9027. For more information, contact Grout at 779–4004.
FEBRUARY 11, 2013
BBN
‘What types of games do you play with your students in America?’
By Denver Severt
UCF Forum columnist
I agreed to travel to Hainan, China, to teach an
intensive two–week, 13–session hospitality course at
Hainan University. Instead, it became a transformational teaching and learning experience for me.
Hainan is a tropical–island province and the largest
vacation destination in China.
The mutual happiness, respect, and gratitude
between the students and myself provided a charged
and unmatched feeling of excitement. Students excelled
at assignments, asked deep questions and showed an
authentic desire to learn and study.
Aside from our intensive course schedule, the
students invited me to dinner three times. One evening
they first invited me to meet them in the park, where I
was happily surprised to be playing games that involved
chasing, running, and dancing. These games were like
“Duck, Duck,” “Goose” and “Ring Around the Rosies.”
The activities allowed for the quick observation of the
unique qualities of many students that may not have
surfaced in a typical course. During dinner, a student
asked: “What types of games do you play with your
students in America?”
I replied, “I don’t and wouldn’t.”
“Why is that?” asked the student. I said that I did not
immediately know why and would get back to him on
that.
Though obvious and true, I did not like this answer
and felt that a possibility for a good experience, the
opportunity for healthy, decompressed, connected
exchange was lacking in my courses. Not a world
traveler and an expert only to my personal experiences,
I continued to search for my answer to that question.
During reflection, my mind landed on a conversation
I had on my arrival flight with a 16–year old Chinese
student from Beijing who attended a private high school
in Boston.
I had asked him: “What surprised you most about
studying in the USA?”
Without hesitation, he said: “The mindset or
preoccupation related to sex of many students.”
Surprised by the answer, I asked: “And how is it
different from what you are used to?”
He said: “I am quite trained to keep my mind on
study and have less access to these things.” He said he
had attended the top–ranked high school in Beijing and
was at a high–end private Boston high school. He was
hoping to differentiate himself in the application process
to U.S. universities.
Before I left China, the students presented me with a
notebook of appreciation filled with personal letters
Some playfully wrote in Chinese, challenging me to read
it.
Later back in my UCF office, a Chinese student was
looking at one of the Chinese writings and read what
one young man had written. He translated it to:
“Yesterday we went to the park with the American
professor. Today in class, the professor came up to me
and said, ‘This young man is a leader.’ Tonight I am
going to bed knowing for the first time, I am a leader.”
Getting back to the question I was asked in China,
the answer lingered in my mind. Maybe it would seem
inappropriate to play games here with students in a
park or elsewhere. Maybe American students are too
busy. Maybe it was even a rare situation for students
and a professor to go to the park in China, yet I had
confirmed that the innocent games were typically played
by university students. The games were unassuming
and innocent and fun.
Do other cultures preserve the innocence of children
for a longer time? How do they teach and sustain the
purity in the desire to learn and study? How can we
sustain purity in the desire to learn and advance?
These are questions I cannot answer aside from the
obvious fact that maybe comparing different groups is
not appropriate, whereas in China a university experience is a privilege and perhaps in the United States it is
a necessity.
Is it the advanced nature and freedom of our society
that somehow also exposes too much too soon?
I know I could not answer these questions. I reflected
and wondered if perhaps my mind was too closed when
trying to answer this question back in China.
But I made a determination: I can play games and
maintain an openly, friendly demeanor with my
American students. No matter the answer, I knew that
something was vastly different in the two societies and
in the games played at this age and stage of life.
I returned to my classes with a new determination,
approaching my courses and others with an invigorated
and open mind to playing or singing or dancing or
meeting outside the course room to extend the discussions or just to get to know each other better.
As Gandhi told us, we must be the change we want
to see in the world.
UCF Forum columnist Denver Severt is an
associate professor with the Rosen College of
Hospitality Management at the University of
Central Florida. He can be reached at
Denver.Severt@UCF.edu.
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Attorney Dearborn to speak at paralegal meeting
The Brevard Paralegal Association, an affiliate of the Paralegal Association of Florida Inc., will meet at 6 p.m. on
Thursday, Feb. 14, at Suntree Country Club in Melbourne. The guest speaker for the dinner meeting will be attorney
Grant Dearborn, whose talk is titled “Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420 and 2.425 and Other Privacy Issues for
Law Offices.” From the time of its formation in 1991, BPA has supported the needs of paralegals and paralegal
students on the Space Coast by providing a local forum for networking and continuing legal education. To RSVP for the
meeting, contact Sabine Martel at BPAmeetings@yahoo.com.
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Taking a pro–active approach to critical–incident preparedness is focus of Brevard Sheriff’s Office
By Wayne Ivey
Brevard County Sheriff
First, I would like to thank everyone for the tremendous support since we took office on Jan. 8.
While the first three weeks have been fast–paced for
our agency, no single issue is more immediate than our
focus on school security for our children and teachers.
In the aftermath of the horrible incident in Newtown,
Conn., school–security measures are being revisited to
make sure that in the event of an incident we are
properly prepared to protect our children and school
employees.
I have always believed that we must be aggressive
and pro–active in our approach to crime prevention and
that now, more than ever, we can’t afford to wait for the
emergency to happen before we go into action.
Immediately following the Sandy Hook incident, I met
with Dr. Brian Binggeli, superintendent of the Brevard
Public School system, to discuss a strategic approach to
ensure we are prepared for any type of threat to our
children and teachers.
Each of our citizens should feel confident in knowing
that our Brevard County Schools have a very effective
“Critical Incident Plan” in place. In fact, critical–incident
responses are not new to our schools as I can personally
recall being in school years ago (actually many years ago)
when our teachers would have us practice what to do in
the event of an air raid or tornado.
While critical–incident preparedness may not be new
to our schools, what is new are the types of critical
incidents we face. Today we face various types of threats
that cause great concern for the safety of our children and
citizens throughout our country.
Our strategic plan with our schools engages a multi–
pronged approach, designed to work through partnerships with not only our schools but also with our local law
enforcement and public–safety components as well.
The model is designed to build on an already strong
foundation by taking a multi–pronged approach to
protecting our most precious commodity, our children.
This approach includes increased law–enforcement
presence on our campuses, tactical–site awareness for
each individual campus, and an education component
that is delivered to our school employees and teachers.
This program provides information on how to
recognize a potentially developing incident and what to
do to keep our children safe.
While our primary focus at this point is directed
toward protecting our schools, it is important for everyone to remember that our schools are not the only venue
we face dangers associated with critical incidents.
Months before Sandy Hook occurred, we were all
saddened by similar events that occurred at a movie
theater and even before that at a temple and mall. In law
enforcement we encourage our citizens to be pro–active in
helping to protect themselves by always being aware of
their surroundings and being prepared to respond to any
type of emergency.
I strongly believe that the greatest resource we
possess in our war against crime is the ability to educate
our citizens on measures to better protect themselves and
others around them.
Rotary Club members are recognized for years of perfect attendance at meetings
Members of the Eau Gallie Rotary Club were recently honored for their perfect attendance.
John Rourk was honored for his attainment of 50 years of perfect attendance. Pat Ponder was recognized for 41
years and Nelson Hamilton was recognized for 27 years. In addition, Rich Sutter and Bruce Waters were recognized for
two years of perfect attendance. “The Eau Gallie Rotary Club is proud of these members’ achievement. It demonstrates
their commitment to the work of Rotary,” said Mary Bonhomme, club president.
Rourk added, “After a period of time, you really don’t want to start over. It’s the first and second years of attendance
that sets the pattern.”
The Eau Gallie Rotary Club meets at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday at the Palm Café in the Kiwi Tennis Club, in Indian
Harbour Beach. For membership information, contact Jay Sutherland at sutherland.js@gmail.com or Joe Langlois at
JosephLanglois2@Gmail.com.
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FEBRUARY 11, 2013
BBN
BCC interior–design students Jan Reed and Victoria Bellucci earn statewide honors in NKBA competition
Two BCC interior–design students, Jan Reed and
Victoria Bellucci, won first and second place, respectively,
in the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s Statewide
Design Competition.
Reed earned an all–expenses paid trip to the Kitchen
and Bath Industry Convention in New Orleans in April,
and Bellucci was presented with a trophy and a $500 cash
award.
“This is an exciting accomplishment for both our
students and our BCC Interior Design Program,” said BCC
President Dr. Jim Richey. “Recognition of this caliber —
from peers, faculty and industry leaders — may lead to
internship opportunities and jobs for our graduates.”
The 2012–2013 competition challenged students to
design a kitchen and bath from an architect’s plan using
the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s Planning
Guidelines with Access Standards.
The task was to renovate the basement of a Midwest
suburban raised ranch home and convert it into a down-
stairs apartment for the client’s 74–year–old mother, who
uses a walker.
“The project was challenging, but a lot of fun,” said
Reed. “It was a great opportunity to put my education to
work in a real–life way. All you had to do was imagine
yourself in the client’s shoes and how you would want your
own parent to be treated. Then you go to work using
creativity as your guide.”
The BCC interior–design program is accredited by the
National Kitchen and Bath Association. Established in
1963, the nonprofit trade association promotes the
professionalism of the $265 billion industry.
Dr. Seidel to present workshop Feb. 23 for Space Coast Authors of Romance
Space Coast Authors of Romance will host its “Super Saturday” workshop from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 23 at the
West Melbourne Public Library, 2755 Wingate Blvd.
The guest speaker will be Dr. Kathy Gilles Seidel, award–winning author and lecturer. Seidel has a doctorate degree
in English literature from Johns Hopkins University. Her previous novels have “won every major romance–market
award.” Dr. Gilles’ workshop is titled “How To Make Your Happy Endings Happier.”
The program is open to the public. The cost, which includes a continental breakfast, a light lunch and snacks, is $40
per person. Visit the website at AuthorsofRomance.com/SuperSaturday for registration details.
Space Coast Authors of Romance hosts monthly meetings and workshops to provide a forum where published and
unpublished writers share knowledge about the ever–changing romance fiction industry.
Beginners or seasoned, multi–published romance writers are welcome to participate in the meetings.
ERA
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BBN
Robert Lewis’ paintings of nostalgic Florida showcased in the Harris Art Gallery at King Center in Melbourne
The colorful paintings of Highwaymen artist Robert
Lewis will be on display at the Harris Corp. Art Gallery of
the Maxwell C. King Center lobby from Feb. 4 through
Feb. 24.
The King Center is on the Melbourne campus of
Brevard Community College. The exhibit can be viewed by
ticketed patrons attending King Center main–stage
events.
His exhibit will be open to the public on Thursday,
Feb. 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. Lewis will be performing a live
demonstration during the evening.
In the early 1950s through the 1980s a group of 26
African–American artists painted landscapes that
displayed the serene, undeveloped Florida of their time.
Today, these artists are known as the “Florida Highwaymen” and because of the tranquil scenes and history
involved, their original paintings are “highly demanded” by
collectors and enthusiasts.
Lewis uses an imaginative color palette where the skies
take center stage amongst lush greenery. Trees are also a
prominent feature of his work.
On his older paintings, the palms often curve and lean.
On his newer works, the trees are more refined and scenes
often appear to be places of timelessness in an ever–
changing landscape.
His newer pieces also tend to display wildlife, especially
coastal birds. His personal theme is to “capture Florida as
art history on canvas before it disappears.”
Visit www.FloridaHighwayMenArtist.com for more
information, or contact Lewis at RLLewisArtist.com or at
543–1919.
Author Nicki Joy to conduct program on Feb. 12 at the HBCA in Melbourne
The Sales and Marketing Council of the Home Builders and Contractors Association of Brevard will host nationally
renowned speaker and author Nicki Joy on Tuesday, Feb. 12, in the HBCA Auditorium at 1500 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., in
Melbourne.
Breakfast will be served at 8 a.m. Lunch will be available following the program.
Joy has been a trainer and motivational speaker for the housing industry for more than 30 years.
Sponsors for the event include Adams Homes, Bella Better Insurance Group, Bill Lavender Credit Restoration
Services, “Florida Today” Communications, Holiday Builders, LifeStyle Homes, Melbourne Regional Chamber of
Commerce, Roland Schoff’s Allstate Insurance Co., Shelter Mortgage Co., Space Coast Credit Union, Stanley Homes and
The Title Company.
Registration and payment of $10 may be made at www.HBCA–Brevard.org.
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FAA’s Future Business Leaders of America students get an up–close look at
Makoto’s operations; dressings, sauces processed at plant shipped nationwide
By Ken Datzman
A group of students at Florida Air Academy recently saw firsthand
the ingredients that have made Makoto Dressing Inc. and Makoto’s
Japanese Steakhouse successful businesses. The latter is one of the
longest–standing, family–operated restaurants in South Brevard
County.
Members of the newly launched FAA Future Business Leaders of
America Club visited Makoto’s restaurant on South Babcock Street in
Melbourne and also toured the production plant and warehouse at
nearby Sunny Dale Drive, where a full line of dressings and sauces are
manufactured and shipped to retailers across the nation.
The managers of these businesses, David Cobb and Patrick Greene,
spoke to the Future Business Leaders of America students giving them
insight into how their operations run.
Future Business Leaders of America is headquartered in Reston,
Va., and organized on local, state, and nationwide levels. Business
teachers, advisers, and advisory councils guide local chapters.
“We are all about integrating education with business,” said FAA
teacher Stephanie Pinsky, who oversees the school’s Future Business
Leaders of America Club, which has 12 to 15 student members.
“The mission is to try to incorporate a spirit of entrepreneurship in
the students, to spark an interest in business. One of the ways we try to
do that is by visiting area companies and organizations, and we also
have guest speakers.”
She said FAA’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter is new
this year. “We are re–establishing the club. FAA had a chapter about
five years ago.”
Future Business Leaders of America is a nonprofit education
association with a quarter–million students preparing for careers in
business or business–related felids. The organization has four divisions,
including Future Business Leaders of America for high–school students. The high–school division touts 215,000 members nationwide.
Makoto’s has longstanding ties to FAA. Tom Cobb, who has owned
Makoto’s Japanese Steakhouse since 1985, is a 1966 graduate of FAA.
“He met my mother while at FAA,” said son David Cobb. “I went to
FAA for seventh grade and ninth grade. My daughter is now attending
FAA. So this is our third generation at FAA. We’re proud of that.”
David Cobb and Greene, Tom Cobb’s son–in–law, manage Makoto’s
operations. “My dad has stepped back a little bit from the business,”
said David Cobb.
Makoto’s was started in 1982. Tom Cobb, who had owned food
businesses at Melbourne Square Mall, purchased the restaurant three
years later from the founder and went on to build it into a thriving
enterprise and expand into Makoto Dressing Inc.
The businesses today employ nearly 100 people. They work in
restaurant operations, production and warehouse, and administration.
David Cobb says his family’s restaurant has been able to sustain
itself for nearly three decades in one of the most competitive businesses
by delivering “quality food and good service on a consistent basis to
customers. And we make it fun. People enjoy coming to Makoto’s.”
A study conducted by Perry Group International shows that the
majority of restaurants usually fail in the first year. Of those restaurants and foodservice businesses that made it beyond a year, 70 percent
failed within the next three to five years. Of those that made it beyond
that stretch, 90 percent remained successful and stayed in business
longer than 10 years.
Florida Air Academy’s Future Business Leaders of America Club toured the Makoto Dressing Inc. manufacturing plant and
Makoto’s Japanese Steakhouse, both in Melbourne, and heard from the managers of the businesses. Front row, from left:
Gloria Semenitari, Justice Chiusano, teacher Stephanie Pinsky, Chase Divertie, and Kelby Smith. Back: manager Tom
Cobb, Matt Cannon, Thomas Popper, Jean–Michael Querol, Cameron Finch and manager Patrick Greene. They are at
the processing plant.
According to RestaurantBrokers.com, the average
restaurant lifespan is five years, with up to 90
percent of independently owned restaurants
shutting their doors in year one.
The Cobb family has not only run a successful
restaurant business all these years, but they also
started and have steered a growing business
producing a variety of bottled dressings and sauces
that are trucked across the nation to vendors.
The comprehensive Makoto brand includes
Ginger Dressing, Coleslaw Dressing, Honey
Mustard Dressing, Raspberry Pomegranate,
Teriyaki Sauce, Vegetable Sauce, and Dill Dressing.
“We do all aspects of production at our facility,”
said Greene, whose company got into the processing
end of the business years ago. “We receive raw
ingredients such as onions and celery, for example.
They come to us unprocessed.”
He added, “We have a vegetable–processing room
where we take the product, wash it, prep it, and cut
it into quarter–inch cubes. It goes on to our blending
room. Then we bring all of the other ingredients and
freshly processed vegetables together and create the
dressings. We have a special room for bottling.”
Makoto Dressing Inc. processes more than 1.5
million bottles of dressing and sauces yearly. “We
ship all over the country, from Maine to Southern
California,” said Greene.
There are two loading docks at the facility, one for
shipping and one for receiving. “We have Publix,
Target, and Walmart coming through here,” he said.
The dressings and sauces are sold at leading
retailers and independent grocers. The original
Makoto Ginger Dressing served at the restaurant
sparked the dressing and sauce venture. Customers
asked if the Ginger Dressing was available for
purchase.
So in 1990, the family started packaging and
selling its line of dressings and sauces to retailers in
Melbourne. Later, Makoto Dressing Inc. expanded
and created a nationwide distribution system and
retailer network for its products.
“This was a great experience for the students of
the Future Business Leaders of America Club,” said
Pinsky. “We are fortunate to have this relationship
with Makoto’s.”
FEBRUARY 11, 2013
BBN
Community Bank of the South looks to expand its involvement in SBA 504 loan
program for small businesses; Nancy Brower promoted to first vice president
By Ken Datzman
COCOA — Community Bank of the
South, one of the few standalone, independent banks in Brevard County, has clearly
defined its company goal for 2013 and is
now working to deliver that message to its
targeted customer.
“We really want to expand our involvement in the SBA 504 loan program,” said
William “Bill” Taylor, the founding
president and chief executive officer of
Merritt Island–based Community Bank of
the South, with offices in Cocoa and
Rockledge.
“That is our emphasis this year. We
have been a partner in the program for the
past 90 days and we’re closing our second
504 loan. It’s an attractive lending vehicle
for small businesses.”
In general, he said Community Bank of
the South has the capacity to make up to
$40 million in loans this year to qualified
borrowers. “We are structured to grow, we
are positioned to grow, and we have the
appetite to grow” through lending.
The U.S. Small Business
Administration’s 504–loan program, a “50–
40–10” participation among the lending
partners, is designed to help small–
business owners get long–term financing
for capital assets such as the purchase of
commercial real estate and equipment.
The program includes facility renovation
and expansion.
In most cases, a 504 loan includes a
first mortgage from a private–sector
lender, such as a bank, that covers 50
percent of the cost, an SBA–guaranteed
second mortgage from a “certified development company” that covers 40 percent of
the cost, with the borrower contributing 10
percent equity.
Today, banks usually require a 20 to 25
percent downpayment on a commercial
real–estate loan.
“The way the 504 loan is structured, it
enables a small business to buy property or
to purchase their primary building with 10
percent down,” said Taylor, whose bank
had a profitable year in 2012. “Many times,
because of the 20–year amortization and
the low rates from the SBA, the loan
payment is lower than the lease payment
for a building. That is a huge benefit for a
small business.”
The fixed interest rate benefits small
FEBRUARY 11, 2013
companies allowing them to conserve
working capital and plan for the future. He
said the 504 loan rates are “normally lower
than market rates.”
A certified development company is a
nonprofit corporation that promotes
economic development within its community through 504 loans.
These organizations are certified and
regulated by the SBA and work with
participating lenders to provide financing
to small businesses, which, in turn, plays a
role driving economic development in
communities.
“I would think this is the government’s
most attractive small–business lending
program right now,” said Nancy Brower,
first vice president at Community Bank of
the South, adding that her bank teams
with the Florida Small Business Development Corp., a CDC whose executive vice
president is Tim Cramer. “We work with
Tim. He’s great.”
A Brevard resident and former banker,
Cramer oversees the Central and North
regions for the Florida Small Business
Development Corp., which includes the
Space Coast, one of his key markets for 504
transactions.
The CDC works closely with the small–
business borrower to process, approve,
close, and service the SBA 504 loan.
Funding is provided by the CDC issuing
a 10– or 20–year debenture bond that is
sold to investors on Wall Street, giving
entrepreneurs access to capital at low,
fixed interest rates — usually only
available to large corporations. And
debenture bonds are especially attractive
to investors since they are backed by the
SBA and fully guaranteed by the U.S.
Treasury.
As it pertains to 504 lending, Taylor
said his bank is “focused on owner–
occupied real estate.”
The SBA’s loan programs posted the
second largest dollar volume ever in fiscal
year 2012, supporting $30.2 billion in loans
to small businesses, according to the SBA.
This is a sign that both the business
and lending communities are regaining
their confidence in the economy.
The 2012 SBA dollar volume was paced
by a record year for the 504–loan program,
which supported $15 billion in small–
business credits.
“The program has a lot of attractive
features and that’s why small businesses
Nancy Brower, first vice president at Community Bank of the South, and Bill Taylor, president and
CEO, plan to grow the bank’s loan portfolio through the SBA’s 504 program. It is designed to help
small–business owners get low–rate, long–term financing for capital assets such as the purchase of
commercial real estate and equipment. The rate is fixed for the term of the loan and requires as little
as 10 percent down from the borrower. They are at the Cocoa office.
are embracing it,” said Brower, who was
recently promoted to first vice president,
stepping up from her vice president’s
position.
She now oversees the bank’s three
offices and is a commercial lender. Brower
is a former small–business owner, having
run Evergreen Mortgage Co. in Central
Brevard for years.
“Community Bank of the South’s
operating philosophy mirrors the philosophy that guided Evergreen Mortgage. We
always put the customer first. We answered the phone and did not use
voicemail. Returning calls was a priority.
Customer service is all I had to sell in the
mortgage business, and it’s the same with
banking — customer priority and employee
priority.”
Taylor said Brower’s years as an
entrepreneur is helpful to Community
Bank of the South’s small–business clients.
“Nancy knows what it’s like to make
payroll. She understands the challenges
facing small–business owners in the
region, with capital needs and everything
else. So when Nancy is talking to a
commercial customer about his or her loan,
she can relate. She’s been there.”
Taylor added, “That helps us from a
competitive aspect because we are a small
business with 20 employees catering our
services to other small businesses. The
culture between Nancy’s background and
the bank’s background really complements
each other.”
“We think 2013 is going to be a great
year for our bank,” said Taylor.
BBN
‘Merritt Island Mardi Gras Street Party’ scheduled at host location Mavericks Sports Bar & Grill; free event
The 2013 “Merritt Island Mardi Gras Street Party” set
for Feb. 9 will feature the theme “Fantasy.” The event,
starting at 5 p.m., has free admission.
The party is being held at a new location this year,
right in the center of Merritt Island. The host site is
Mavericks Sports Bar & Grill, located on the State Road
520 Causeway near Walmart.
The streets surrounding Mavericks, formerly known as
Dogs Grill, is where the activities will take place.
“Thanks to our community sponsors, the Merritt
Island Mardi Gras Street Party will be free for all — with
no admission charge in 2013,” said Giles Malone, committee member of the 2013 Merritt Island Mardi Gras.
He added, “Our committee used to manage the Mardi
Gras in Cocoa Village but we moved it to a new location in
the center of Brevard on Merritt Island.”
Malone said the Merritt Island Mardi Gras Street
Party “is an opportunity for all Brevardians and visitors to
gather together to celebrate ‘Fat Tuesday’ — the traditional name for the day before Ash Wednesday, the first
day of Lent — so it is only fitting that the event be free
with no admission charge.”
“Fat Tuesday” is more commonly known as Mardi
Gras, which is “Fat Tuesday” in French. It gets its name
from the custom, in many Catholic countries, of marking
the day with feasting before the fasting season of Lent
begins.
People who plan to attend the event are encouraged to
dress with a “fantasy” theme to celebrate Mardi Gras.
Whether you wear your favorite Mardi Gras mask, shirt
or full–blown Mardi Gras costume, you will be a part of
the celebration.
The chefs at Mavericks Sports Grill & Bar will be
preparing plates of “authentic” New Orleans–style food for
the “revelers to feast on” at the Merritt Island Mardi Gras.
“We want people to be able to feast and celebrate Fat
Tuesday New Orleans style,” said Nick Zervos, a partner
with Mavericks Sports Grill & Bar.
Event sponsor Coors Lite and 69 other varieties of
custom brews will be available at Mavericks for the
Merritt Island Mardi Gras Party.
At the Street Party’s outdoor Coors Lite stage,
Suzanah Free, the Cajun All–Stars, and Danny Blues will
entertain from 5 to 9 p.m. Merritt Island DJ “Amsterdan”
will “pump up the party” with rock dance tunes.
Mavericks is also the newly appointed restaurant
where the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame is now
located.
West Melbourne permits up sharply; single–family home starts highest since 2005
In 2012, building permits issued by the City of West Melbourne increased 9 percent, while valuations rose 71 percent
compared to 2011.
This past year, the city issued 2,652 building permits with an aggregate valuation of $65.9 million, up from 2,434
permits valued at $38.5 million in 2011.
Included in this total were 214 new single–family housing units, which represent the highest number of new single–
family housing starts in the City of West Melbourne since 2005, and more than double the 2008 low.
West Melbourne continues to be the fastest–growing municipality in Brevard County.
“Another good year for new housing starts in 2012 demonstrates the increasing preference new homebuyers in
Brevard have for West Melbourne,” said West Melbourne Mayor Hal Rose.
“Our community is a great place to live, whether you are raising a family with children attending local ‘A’ schools, or
you are retired and looking for a safe place to live near outstanding shopping and medical services.”
Commercial building permits issued by the City of West Melbourne during 2012 included renovations, additions, or
new construction for Aspen Dental, BC Kupcake, the Bross Building, Cheddar’s Casual Café, David’s Bridal shop,
Environmental Manufacturing Solutions, Family Christian Stores, Giant Oil, Little Asia restaurant, Pollo Tropical,
Publix Supermarket, Sports Training, Subway restaurant, the Vette Doctor, and Wesley United Methodist Church.
City Manager Scott Morgan said, “We are pleased that non–residential development continues strong in West
Melbourne, building our employment and tax base. As West Melbourne continues to satisfy a good portion of the area’s
new housing demand, additional commercial development is sure to follow the new housing roof tops.”
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FEBRUARY 11, 2013
BBN
Simpkins lecture to feature entertainment industry leader Mike Curb; presentations open to public at two sites
An innovative leader in the entertainment industry
whose company has produced more than 400 chart–
topping hits will be the featured Simpkins Lecture Series
speaker Feb. 14 at Brevard Community College.
Mike Curb, the founder and chairman of Curb Records
in Nashville, Tenn., and former head of MGM Records and
Verve Records, will speak twice in free sessions open to
students and the public.
His first presentation will be at 10 a.m. at the Simpkins
Fine Arts Center on the Cocoa campus, followed by
another at 11:45 a.m. at the King Center for the Performing Arts on the Melbourne campus.
Curb’s company has produced more than 400 No.1
records, 1,500 Top 10 records and charted more than 4,500
total records featuring some of the top names in country,
pop, rock and Christian music, such as Tim McGraw and
Wynonna Judd.
Curb Records was honored as “Billboard Magazine’s”
2001 Country Music Label of the Year and “Radio and
Record Magazine’s” 2005 Overall Gold Label of the Year.
He has a star on the “Hollywood Walk of Fame” and is a
member of the National Business Hall of Fame.
Curb’s interests have produced success in other fields as
well, including motorsports where his teams have won 10
national championships with more than 300 races in 25
different series.
He also has a distinguished record in public service and
philanthropy.
Curb served as the 1976 co–chair of the Ronald Reagan
California Campaign for President, and later co–chair of
President Gerald Ford’s campaign in California. In
November 1978, he was elected as California’s lieutenant
governor and served as acting governor for about a year.
His Mike Curb Family Foundation has donated
millions in support of programs in music, education, health
care and the arts at colleges and universities.
“Mike is a shining example of an entrepreneur whose
hard work has led to great success, and who has used that
success to help others through his many philanthropic
efforts,” said BCC President Dr. Jim Richey. “We’re
honored to have him on our campuses and in our community.”
The lecture series is named after Bernard Simpkins, a
former member of the BCC Board of Trustees who set up
an endowment to create the sessions that have brought
some of the nation’s top businesses leaders to the college.
Simpkins’ endowment also started BCC’s Business
Entrepreneurship Program, which was named the best
emerging program in the nation in 2010 by the National
Association for Community College Entrepreneurship.
Gemini School to host run event March 16 to raise money for Technology Fund
Gemini Elementary School will host the inaugural “5K Sunset Run” at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 16. The school is
at 2100 Oak St. in Melbourne. Gemini is partnering with the Melbourne Beach Rotary Club for this event. All age
categories are welcome to participate in the run. To register, visit www.geminiPTO.org/sunset5K.
Proceeds from the race will benefit Gemini’s Technology Fund. Race T–shirts are “guaranteed” for the first 250
participants, and all runners will receive discount coupons in their race packets, as well as free post–race refreshments.
Race management and timing will be provided by the Running Zone.
“We encourage members of the entire community to participate in this inaugural Sunset 5K,” said Rachelle Butler,
race director. “Not only will you have fun and get healthy, you’ll also be benefiting the school’s Technology Fund. It’s a
win–win proposition.”
Gemini Elementary Principal Joseph Loffek added, “Gemini continues to be a high–performing quality school. With
the current budget situation confronting schools, we find it necessary to find creative ways to support the plans and
programs of our school. This inaugural 5K is one example of our community coming together to support our school.”
Loffek said “all the money raised as a result of this race will go toward continuing the quality education our boys and
girls receive at Gemini.”
Fees are $25 for individuals and $15 for kids 12 and younger; race–day registration increases by $5. Online registration will close on Wednesday, March 13.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event. Contact Butler at GeminiJetStars5K@gmail.com.
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United Third Bridge, Florida Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber team up to present celebration of the landing
United Third Bridge Inc. and The Florida Puerto Rican
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Inc. will present “The V
Centennial Celebration of the Discovery of Florida” by
Juan Ponce de Leon in Melbourne Beach.
“The First Landing” event will take place at the Juan
Ponce de Leon Landing Park beginning on March 28 and
the activities will run through April 7.
The events will include the re–enactment of the 1513
landing, unveiling of the Juan Ponce de Leon statue, the
U.S. Marine Corp fly–over, the Tall Ship Exhibition,
cultural festivals, an arts and crafts show and the Juan
Ponce de Leon international parade.
United Third Bridge and The Florida Puerto Rican
Hispanic Chamber say they have confirmed the commitment of Paul Sorvino, Ray Franza, Tito Puente Jr.,
Federico Castelluccio, Emilio Rosa, Winston Scott, Rafael
Picón, Sen. William Delgado from Illinois, Sen. Darrin
Soto, Sen. Rene Garcia, Lt. Col. Douglas Peck, Frank
Thomas, Michael Jamieson, and Augusta Williams to the
event.
This project and historical event has support from the
public as well as elected officials, who are Democratic,
Independents and Republicans. They will be invited to
attend this weeklong celebration.
Other supporters of the project are the Secretary of the
State of Florida, Viva 500, the Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County, and the City Council of the
Town of Melbourne Beach.
As President Obama said in his “State of the Union”
address on Oct. 19 of 2010: “More than 52 million strong,
including 4 million in Puerto Rico, Hispanics constitute the
country’s largest and fastest–growing minority. They have
had a profound and positive impact on our country,
through among other things, their community’s strong
commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service. Our
country was built on and continues to thrive on its
diversity and there is no doubt that the future of the
United States is inextricably linked to the Hispanic
community.”
United Third Bridge is a not–for–profit organization
woking in the areas of educational, cultural and civil
rights. It was founded 37 years ago in New York and
opened its Florida office in 1993. It is in partnership with
the Florida Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Inc., which is an umbrella coalition of Hispanic Chambers
throughout Florida.
The partnership for this historical event also includes
the Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County,
Secretary of the State of Florida, Viva Florida, the Town of
Melbourne Beach and many others.
New grant awarded to BCC provides disabled students better chance at success
Students with intellectual disabilities will have a better chance for living independently and finding employment,
thanks to a new state grant that Brevard Community College has received.
The $15,000 allocation will fund a program called TOGETHER that teams the college with Brevard Public Schools to
assist disabled students 18 to 22 years old.
Using academic and social mentors, the students will have the opportunity to audit classes, get involved in student
clubs and participate in Student Government Association events.
The goal is to help them learn employable skills through BCC’s vocation programs and use social interaction on
campus to improve their ability to live independently.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for intellectually disabled students who previously have had few options after high
school,” said Dr. Suzanne O’Neill, director of BCC’s Office for Students with Disabilities.
“This has very good potential to help them improve their lives and find a rewarding job that matches their abilities.”
The grant was obtained through the efforts of Dr. O’Neill, who said the program will be based on the Cocoa campus. It
will start with six students in August and hopefully grow. “We’ll work closely with Brevard Public Schools to make the
program available to as many students as possible,” she said. “We’re eager to get started.”
BCC offers more than 100 two–year degree and certificate programs and will launch its first bachelor degree programs
in August, when it changes its name and becomes Eastern Florida State College.
For more information on the TOGETHER program, contact Dr. O’Neill at ONeillS@BrevardCC.edu or 433–7008.
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FEBRUARY 11, 2013
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SBA announces key changes to contracting program for women–owned small businesses; greater access
WASHINGTON — Women–owned small businesses
will have greater access to federal contracting opportunities as a result of changes included in the National
Defense Authorization Act of 2013 (NDAA) to the U.S.
Small Business Administration’s Women–Owned Small
Business Federal Contract Program.
“This new law is a prime example of how the Obama
Administration is embracing a more inclusive view of
entrepreneurship, helping small businesses and America
succeed,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills.
“Today, women own 30 percent of all small businesses
up from just 5 percent 40 years ago. As one of the fastest–
growing sectors of small business owners in the country,
opening the door for women to compete for more federal
contracts is a win–win.”
The NDAA removes the anticipated award price of the
contract thresholds for women–owned small businesses
(WOSB) and economically disadvantaged women–owned
small businesses (EDWOSB) to allow them greater access
to federal contracting opportunities without limitations to
the size of the contract.
Before the new law, the anticipated award price of the
contract for women–owned and economically disadvantaged women–owned small businesses could not exceed
$6.5 million for manufacturing contracts and $4 million
for all other contracts.
The Women’s Federal Contract Program allows
contracting officers to set aside specific contracts for
certified WOSBs and EDWOSBs and will help federal
agencies achieve the existing statutory goal of five
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percent of federal contracting dollars being awarded to
WOSBs.
The law also requires the SBA to conduct another
study to identify and report industries underrepresented
by women–owned small businesses. As a result, more
eligible women–owned businesses may be able to
participate in SBA’s Women’s Federal Contract Program
and compete for and win federal contracts.
The SBA is working with the Office of Federal
Procurement Policy under the President’s Office of
Management and Budget on the implementation
including changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulations.
“There are 1,115 businesses designated WOSB in the
South Florida District and 25 percent of small businesses
enrolled in SBA South Florida District’s 8(a) Program
assisting eligible socially and economically disadvantaged
business owners are designated WOSB,” said SBA South
Florida District Director Francisco “Pancho” Marrero.
“These changes will help stimulate small business
opportunities for women in this traditionally underserved
market through government contracting.”
Every firm that wishes to participate in the WOSB
program must meet the eligibility requirements and
either self–certify or obtain third party certification.
There are four approved third–party certifiers that
perform eligibility examinations: El Paso Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce, National Women Business
Owners Corp., U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and
the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
Additional information and links about approved third–
party certifiers are available at www.sba.gov/wosb.
To qualify as a WOSB, a firm must be at least 51
percent owned and controlled by one or more women, and
primarily managed by one or more women.
For more information or to access the instructions,
applications or database, visit www.SBA.gov/wosb.
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church to host spring Dinner Auction on March 1
VIERA — St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church will host its first “Wish Upon a Star Dinner Auction” at 5 p.m. on
Friday, March 1, at Suntree Country Club in Melbourne. The event is planned to be the church’s “largest fund–raiser,”
with proceeds going to the Building Fund, which will be utilized to construct the new church.
The committee is being chaired by local residents and parishioners Ernie and Tina Euler.
“This extravagant evening will include a reception with a cocktail party and dinner, along with a silent and live
auction featuring many one–of–a–kind items,” said Ernie Euler. “This will be an event you will not want to miss.”
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church has more than 2,100 families that live in the nearby communities, he said.
For reservation, sponsorship, or event information, visit the church website at www.StJohnViera.org, or call Tina
Euler at TinaEuler@aol.com.
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FEBRUARY 11, 2013
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Pegasus Q&A kicks off UCF’s 50th anniversary year, has grown into the nation’s second–largest university
Pegasus flew in to serve as the University of Central
Florida’s official seal on April 5, 1968 — five years after
the institution was founded in Orlando and six months
before the fledgling university’s classes began.
The image of the winged horse from Greek mythology
was unveiled by UCF’s first president, Charles Millican,
and serves to connect the old and new, and the humanities with science and technology.
Pegasus has long been a world traveler and …well, let
him tell his own story in this recent Q&A:
l Where is your home?
By Greek tradition, I was born beside the waters of
Oceanus, the river that encircled the world. But today I
live in Central Florida, a terrific place to live and learn
and be a part of something extraordinary. You can see
me on the campuses every day.
l Tell us about your family.
My parents were Poseidon and Medusa. My brother,
Chrysaor, was a warrior born the same time I was.
l What is your motto for life?
“Reach for the Stars.” Ever since this institution was
founded as Florida Technological University, I have
challenged others to aim high and go beyond what they
think is possible.
l What is your occupational background?
I’ve done many things through the years. I carried
thunderbolts for Zeus, fought in battles, carried heroes on
many exploits, inspired artists and filmmakers, worked
in many marketing campaigns, and served as a model for
a constellation.
l What are your favorite movies?
Some of my favorites that I’ve been portrayed in are
“Fantasia” (1940), “Clash of the Titans” (1981), and
“Disney’s Hercules” (1997). Some other films I like are
“Black Beauty,” “National Velvet” and “Seabiscuit.”
l Where else could we see your likeness?
I worked with Mobil Oil, “Reader’s Digest,” TriStar
Pictures, Air France, Turkey’s Pegasus Airlines, Pontiac
Fiero, Buell Motorcycle Co., Pegasus Mail and other
corporations. Nike has a line of shoes called Air Pegasus,
and Hasbro based a My Little Pony on me. Pegasus
Transportation, Pegasus Engineering and other Pegasus–named companies are right here in Central
Florida. My portfolio is pretty diverse.
l What are some of your favorite pastimes?
I like to travel, attend UCF Alumni Association
events, find adventure where I can, play the game of
HORSE, look for my picture on Florida license tags, that
sort of thing.
l Are you a member of any campus organizations?
I belong to several at UCF — the Astronomy Club,
Equestrian Club, Chess Club and the Greek Council.
l What is something that most people may not know
about you?
Since ancient times, wherever I strike my hoof to the
earth a spring bursts forth.
l What is in your future?
I love my long and productive relationship with UCF
and will continue trying to inspire others to achieve great
things. UCF is turning 50 years old this year, but I don’t
see retirement in my plans anytime soon. And please
remember this whenever we happen to see each other:
We are all classics in our own ways.
Stay up to date on UCF’s 50th anniversary activities
all through 2013 at UCF.edu/50.
UCF, the nation’s second–largest university with
nearly 60,000 students, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013.
Junior League of Central and North Brevard accepting scholarship applications
MERRITT ISLAND — The Junior League of Central and North Brevard, a not–for–profit 501(c)3 organization, is
accepting applications from high school students for its 2013 Scholarship Program. The Thomas Oliver Brown Memorial Scholarship and the Junior League of Central and North Brevard Scholarship are available to high school students
accepted to attend an accredited two–year or four–year college or university in the U.S. as a full–time student.
Applications with supporting documents are due March 22. Visit the JLCNB website at
www.brevardjuniorleague.org for complete details and to download an application form. The scholarships are awarded
in the amount of $500 each and recognize Central and North Brevard County students who demonstrate a commitment
to voluntarism. A JLCNB scholarship representative plans to attend each recipient’s school award ceremony in May.
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FEBRUARY 11, 2013
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Ecosphere in Stuart announces appointment of Becker to its board of directors; expertise to help drive growth
STUART — Ecosphere Technologies Inc., a water
engineering, technology licensing and innovative
manufacturing company, has appointed Dean Becker to
its board of directors, effective Jan. 1.
Becker will also serve as an intellectual property
consultant to Ecosphere and will work with Dennis
McGuire, founder and chief technology officer, to
monetize the company’s intellectual property and
accelerate the deployment of its patented Ozonix
technology in fields beyond U.S. onshore energy production.
Becker is currently the chief executive officer of ICAP
Patent Brokerage and ICAP Ocean Tomo Auctions. As a
creator and leader of patent auctions since 2006, he has
distinguished himself as one of the “world’s leading
entrepreneurs” in the development of next–generation
technology markets.
“Dean is a leading expert on monetizing intellectual
property and will play a key role in helping Ecosphere
execute on our ‘Open Innovation’ business model,” said
Charles Vinick, chairman and CEO of Ecosphere
Technologies. “Licensing our Ozonix technology across a
range of industries and applications globally is a key
component of our growth strategy, and Dean’s expertise
and experience will be critical as we enter new industrial
and geographic markets.”
Becker is recognized for his “vision and concept
implementation.”
Under his leadership, ICAP Patent Brokerage has
closed “record–setting transactions in various industries,”
including cloud computing, social networking, smart
cards, and consumer electronics.
“Ecosphere’s business model, which is focused on
developing and licensing its patented technology, is
directly in line with my career experience,” said Becker.
“I am looking forward to assisting Ecosphere’s management team in licensing its Ozonix technology to industry
partners and solving water treatment issues across a
range of industries and applications globally.”
Ecosphere Technologies Inc. (OTCBB:ESPH) is a
recipient of Frost & Sullivan’s 2012 North American
“Product Leadership Award in Disinfection Equipment
for Shale Oil and Gas Wastewater Treatment.”
Ecosphere has enabled oil and gas customers to
recycle and reuse over 2 two billion gallons of water on
more than 600 oil and natural gas wells in major shale
plays around the U.S. since 2008.
For more information, visit www.EcosphereTech.com.
25
Melbourne Area Association of Realtors partners with My Florida Regional MLS
MAITLAND — The Melbourne Area Association of Realtors has signed an agreement to become the 16th shareholder of My Florida Regional MLS (MFRMLS).
Shareholders actively participate in shaping MFRMLS policy and strategic direction to benefit the subscribers and
the real–estate community.
MAAR, which has roughly 1,500 Realtor members, will officially participate in the governance of the organization,
effective immediately, and its members will access the MFRMLS listing database this summer.
With the addition of MAAR to the MFRMLS listing database, MFRMLS will have more than 34,500 members who
are subscribers to their MLS system and products.
It is the largest MLS in Florida, with a listing database that covers most of Central Florida, including a core of
listings that extend from southwest Florida to west Volusia County.
The MFRMLS is also one of the largest MLS companies in the nation, said Merri Jo Cowen, chief executive officer of
the organization.
“We are beyond thrilled to have Melbourne and its members join our MLS family. “We look forward to providing
their members with the highest level of service in order to add to their success,” she said.
Added Barbara Van Dam, the 2013 MAAR president: “We are very excited about joining My Florida Regional MLS,
and we look forward to providing our members with a superior system and an incredible suite of products to enhance
their business, as well as their clients’ experience.”
Visit www.MFRMLS.com or www.melbournerealtors.org for more details about the partnership.
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25th Anniversary Celebrations
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Wednesday, April 10, 2013
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Rock of Ages Broadway musical
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THE KING CENTER IS A DIRECT SUPPORT ORGANIZATION OF BREVARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND IS A 501(C)(3)NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE.
REGISTRATION DOES NOT EMPLY ENDORESMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE REGISTRATION NUMBER CH-12561. 100% OF THIS CONTRIBUTION IS RECEIVED BY THIS ORGANIZATION.
FEBRUARY 11, 2013
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Palm Bay Library children’s festival to feature
pony rides, friendly farm animals on Feb. 16
The Palm Bay Library will host its “Kritters ‘n Kids
Festival” from 12 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16.
The event includes free pony rides and friendly farm
animals from Della Cox’s Princess Ponies, visits from
Space Coast Therapy Dogs and from “McGruff the Crime
Dog,” and the “mysterious workings” of the “Magic Dove
Shop’s” magicians and balloon artists.
Refreshments and gently used books will be sold by the
Friends of the Libraries of Palm Bay, the group that
sponsors Kritters ‘n Kids.
“We’re thrilled that we are able to bring Kritters ‘n
Kids back to our community. We hope that all our patrons
come for an afternoon of free family fun,” said Chris
Sullivan, Palm Bay’s librarian–in–charge.
The Palm Bay Library is at 1520 Port Malabar Blvd.,
next to Turkey Creek Sanctuary. Call the library at
952–4519 for more information about the Kritters ‘n Kids
Festival.
National motivational speaker Gordon
to visit BCC in Melbourne on Feb. 18
Brevard Community College in Melbourne will host
national speaker and author Jullien Gordon from 3 to
4:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 18, in the Building 4 auditorium. Gordon will present DREAM Awake, an interactive
presentation that celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. and teaches participants how to achieve personal
goals such as “Desired Relationships, Employment and
Money.”
The event is free of charge and open to the public.
Gordon is the author of “The Innerviewer and 101
Things to do Before You Graduate.” He has addressed
more than 10,000 students on over 50 college campuses,
nationwide, sharing how to “use college as a four–year
stepping stone for a 40–year career.”
The program is one of more than 50 events planned for
February on BCC’s four campuses in the county in
celebration of Black History Month.
For more information about activities and locations,
visit www.BrevardCC.edu.
24th Junior League of South Brevard
Rummage Roundup set for Melbourne
The Junior League of South Brevard Inc. will present
its 24th Rummage Roundup on March 2 at the Melbourne
Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. The Early Bird Sale is
from 6:30 to 8 a.m. and has a $5 entrance fee. The 8 a.m.
to 12 p.m. sale is $1.
The event will feature 20,000 square feet of gently used
household goods, furniture, collectibles, electronics, books,
tools, children’s toys and clothes, adult clothes and more.
More than 150 families have donated items to this
sale. In addition, there will be private vendors offering a
variety of goods and services.
To donate items for the sale or to help promote the
event by placing posters and signs at your business, call
the Junior League at 610–8950, visit www.JLSB.net or
send an e–mail message to RumageRoundup@JLSB.net.
FEBRUARY 11, 2013
BBN
Clay Stephens Lifestyles
Continued from page 1
Melbourne and in Cocoa Village before deciding the Eau
Gallie Arts District was where they wanted to make their
investment and open Clay Stephens Lifestyles.
“When we saw this place (on Highland Avenue), we felt
like it was the right location,” said Stephens, an artist
himself.
“It had the right vibe. We think it’s an up–and–coming
area and love being part of the art scene and all the
activities surrounding the ‘First Friday Art Walk’ and the
other events that attract people to the area, including the
Eau Gallie Farmers Market on Saturdays.”
The “First Friday Art Walk,” a community event that
typically draws hundreds of people, is held in the Eau
Gallie Arts District from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the first
Friday of the month. Merchants in the Eau Gallie area
stay open late that evening hosting art exhibitions and
demonstrations.
Eau Gallie has been designated as the “Arts District of
Melbourne” and as a “Florida Main Street Community,” a
program that is administered by the state’s Bureau of
Historic Preservation. The Main Street initiative is for
traditional historic commercial quarters.
The Eau Gallie Arts District hub of businesses includes
the Foosner Art Museum, the historic Rossetter House
Museum and Gardens, the Brevard Symphony Orchestra’s
administrative office, Junior League of South Brevard, the
Eau Gallie Civic Center, and the Ginter Building.
Stephens and Johnson reworked their store space on
Highland Avenue, making many improvements. They
installed new flooring that shows off a classy whitewashed–wood look and designed the facility around the
feel of a home–like environment.
“We are trying to create an experience and really want
people to feel like they are a guest in our home,” said
Stephens, whose business has comfortable furniture and
dedicated spaces where people can relax and look through
design books and magazines while enjoying refreshments.
There is even a Schumann piano in the store, which
Stephens plays from time to time. Schumann built pianos
in Chicago around the turn of the century.
Clay Stephens Lifestyles plans to host events throughout the year, including wine–tastings, seminars in design
and art, vendor trunk shows, and fund–raisers for charities
in the region.
The business features the work of different artists each
quarter. “We’ll be showcasing the work of local and Central
Florida artists,” said Stephens, whose custom–home
projects have been featured in glossy trade publications,
including “Open House.”
“Currently, we are showing the work of five or six
artists. We’ll include pottery artists, painters, and sculptors. The artists will change quarterly and we will host
opening events for them.”
Stephens’ paintings are displayed in the store, too. Over
the years, he has been active in the community donating
special pieces of his artwork to charitable organizations for
auctions and volunteering his time as well.
Some of his painting inspiration comes from the trips
he makes. For example, Stephens traveled to Honduras
and produced a number of paintings from that experience.
“I haven’t made any overseas trips lately, but Paris,
FEBRUARY 11, 2013
France, is on my to–do travel list. They have a market
every year and I would love to experience that event.”
His store’s emphasis is on retailing “one–of–a–kind
pieces, things that have a story and are not sold in the
mass market,” said Stephens, who is an allied member of
the American Society of Interior Designers, the industry’s
leading professional organization.
The retail side of Clay Stephens Lifestyles favors
organic and handmade items. “That is the theme we are
building our inventory around — special accessories,
accent furniture, or an art piece that will help give the
home its own unique personality and flavor.”
Tying in with that theme, the store’s current merchandise mix includes pottery from the Black Sea region, old
cooking pots, antiques originally used for food storage, and
many other gems from around the world.
Clay Stephens Lifestyles is also a dealer for Beach
Organics, a personal–care products company in Cocoa
founded by businesswomen Susan Moore, who is chief
executive officer of the growing firm. Its products are
manufactured free of chemicals.
Looking ahead, Stephens said he believes his business
is well positioned to benefit from the recovery of the
housing market this year. “I think it’s going to be a good
year for our business. We have a lot of jobs perking
already.”
The housing upturn that took root last year is expected
to pick up momentum in 2013, according to the National
Association of Home Builders. Nearly every measure of
housing–market strength — sales, starts, prices, permits,
and builder confidence — has been trending upward in
recent months.
Other factors that bode well for the housing outlook
include low mortgage rates, strong housing affordability,
rising household formations, and the fact that two–thirds
of housing markets can now be considered “improving,”
says the National Association of Home Builders/First
American Improving Markets Index.
According to Freddie Mac, the national average for a
30–year conventional, fixed–rate mortgage was a record
low 3.35 percent in December; it was 3.96 in December
2011.
For the past five quarters, housing has acted as a net
contributor to the economy, steadily increasing its share to
12.8 percent of economic growth in the fourth quarter of
2012, according to the National Association of Home
Builders.
However, developers continue to face challenges
including tight mortgage–lending conditions, rising prices
for materials, and a declining inventory of buildable lots in
many communities.
But the key progress being made is the dwindling
existing inventory of homes on the market, with levels
coming way down over the past 24 months, including
lowering the glut of condominiums.
“Locally,” said Stephens, “Realtors are telling us that
the condominium inventory in the county has shrunk
considerably, which is a good sign for the overall housing
market. And now we are seeing new–home construction in
certain parts of the county.”
Single–family custom homes from Lansing Island
estates to beachside condominiums are Stephens’ niche,
though he has built a portfolio that includes having
designed the interiors for yacht owners over his long
career, as well as working on hotel projects.
He has designed condominium models for developers
who did high–rises in Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island,
Satellite Beach, and in other areas of the county, including
Eau Gallie.
His firm designed the models for The Pineapple House
on Pineapple Avenue, a luxury condominium in the heart
of the Eau Gallie Arts District. It was built in 2007 and is
near Clay Stephens Lifestyles.
As new home sales are trending upward, residential
remodeling is expected to show steady growth throughout
2013 and 2014. Many homeowners are upgrading and
creating value by adding bonus space without building full
additions to their home.
“We have done a lot of primary homes, secondary
homes and sometimes third homes for clients over the
years,” said Stephens, adding, “I just got call from a client
whose home I worked on 15 years ago. The client is now
ready to update the interiors of that home. So we have
been doing a lot of remodeling projects.”
The National Association of Home Builders projects
that remodeling spending for owner–occupied single–
family homes will increase 2.4 this year, and another 1.7
percent in 2014.
Whether it’s a new or existing home, the design trend is
toward high–quality detailing. Regardless of the home
size, buyers want authentic, high–quality detailing in all
aspects of the home, as pointed out during the January
International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.
“I think it’s all about having a very personalized home,
and the trend is more toward contemporary spaces that
show off a clean look,” said Stephens.
The kitchen remains at the top of the homebuyer’s
priority list, with marble, cooking hearths, and intricate
light fixtures in demand. “Mega–islands” are also popular,
providing an area for prepping a meal, cooking, or socializing with guests.
Another home trend: Specialty rooms such as outdoor
cooking spaces, wine rooms, and pet–friendly spaces are
finding their way into traditional floor plans.
Meanwhile, the ever–changing interior–design color
palate seems to be embracing green in 2013. “Emerald is
huge right now,” said Stephens about the color being used
in interiors and fashion. “Blues are really big, too; all
shades of blue, from navy to turquoise–aqua. The mixing of
the various shades of blue is another trend.”
Influential Pantone LLC, long considered the global
authority on color and provider of the professional color
standards for the design industries, including interior
design, has chosen “Emerald as its Color of the Year for
2013.”
Pantone’s 17–5641 Emerald is described as a “lively,
radiant, lush green.” This jewel–like hue will create a
luxurious feel in an entryway, dining room, study or
powder room.
“I’m also seeing a lot gray, and I like that. Terracotta
and black are popular as well as shades of orange,”
Stephens added.
SM
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February 11, 2013 - Brevard Business News

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