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Vol. 31 No. 13 April 1, 2013 A Weekly Space Coast Business Magazine printed in Brevard County, Florida since 1984

Please see PIRTEK USA, page 19

Gwyn O’Kane is vice president of franchise development for PIRTEK USA. The company has 41 franchisesacross America and is growing. His company, with its corporate office at Rockledge Business Park, is theindustry leader in on–site hydraulic hose replacement. It’s a business–to–business franchise. Originally fromNew Zealand, O’Kane, an engineer by training, started with the firm 25 years ago in London as a techniciandriving a mobile van. PIRTEK UK has its own racing team, competing with a Honda Civic NGTC in the BritishTouring Car Championships.

BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth

PRESORTEDSTANDARD

US POSTAGEPAID

BREVARD BUSINESSNEWS, INC.

By Ken Datzman

ROCKLEDGE — In the conference room at PIRTEK USA’s corporate head-

quarters, the company’s large territorial franchise map on the wall clearly

pinpoints the franchisor’s growth, from Boston to Seattle and a host of Metropoli-

tan Statistical Areas in–between.

New Zealander Gwyn O’Kane, an engineer who started with PIRTEK 25 years

ago in the United Kingdom and also worked in Australia, where the firm was

founded, says he is excited about his company’s growth potential in America and

the unique entrepreneurial franchise opportunity it presents to businesspeople.

“We are in a perfect position to grow in the years ahead. We have built a solid

foundation. PIRTEK is a different kind of franchise model. We are industrial–

based, business–to–business,” said O’Kane, whose company is recognized in the

latest “Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500 Rankings.”

O’Kane, the vice president of franchise development for PIRTEK USA, said a

growing number of non–traditional business–to–business franchises are coming

from abroad to America. “PIRTEK is a proven model. We’ve been in the arena for

three decades and are in 22 countries (more than 350 locations).”

PIRTEK expanded to the U.S. in 1996. Its corporate campus at Rockledge

Business Park includes a more than 20,000–square–foot warehouse and training

facility. PIRTEK supplies all of its locations in the U.S. from Rockledge.

The administrative offices house information technology, finance, marketing,

and other operations. Thirty–five people work here.

While there is currently a fairly wide PIRTEK footprint of exclusive franchise

territories around the nation under ownership, the company seems to have only

begun to grow in the business–to–business segment, where it has reshaped the

way the market is serviced with its model for on–site hydraulic–hose replacement

and fittings.

PIRTEK’s mobile–service vans go directly to the customer, conveniently

providing on–site replacement for quality hoses and fittings. It saves the client

money and downtime on the job, said O’Kane.

“You can imagine a big bulldozer on a construction site that is idle because of a

hose breakdown. It’s costing the company serious money. We work on machines

that cost $500,000,” he said.

PIRTEK’s customers are businesses that use hydraulic hose, pneumatic hose,

or other kinds of hoses. These companies are involved in a range of industries,

from construction and manufacturing to transportation and aerospace.

“Hydraulics is everywhere,” said O’Kane, adding that the industry is character-

ized by labor–intensive processes.

The three largest segments of the fluid–power industry are mobile hydraulic,

industrial hydraulic, and pneumatic, according to the National Fluid Power

Association.

Historically, mobile–hydraulic applications have accounted for about 50

percent of fluid–power sales, while the other two segments each have held roughly

25 percent of the market.

Today, PIRTEK touts itself as the “world’s leader” for on–site hose replace-

ment. Two aspiring service–minded entrepreneurs in Australia have seen their

idea sprout into a full–fledged global franchise system.

“The founders of PIRTEK (Peter Duncan and Wally Davis), who are still with

the company today, changed the way the hose–fittings market was serviced,” said

O’Kane, who joined PIRTEK as a mobile sales and service technician and later

Franchisor PIRTEK poised to grow with new locations around nation

BBN Brevard Business

News

APRIL 1, 2013Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising InformationBREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 2

Visit us at www.CandlelightersofBrevard.org for more information, or call 321-728-5600. 1875-A South Patrick Drive, Indian Harbour Beach, FL 32937Candlelighters of Brevard is a 501(c)3 tax exempt, non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. ID# 59-3068501 A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling 800-435-7352 within the State. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the State.

RED ROSE BOUQUET - $20,000+Brevard County Hyundai Dealers

M.C.M. Fine Furniture

WHITE ROSE - $10,000+Clear Channel

Media & Entertainment WLRQ/WFKS/WMMB

Maverick Multimedia, Inc.

PINK ROSE - $5,000+Arnott, Inc.

Clevens Center for Facial Cosmetic Surgery

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YELLOW ROSE - $2,500+BABOR Cosmetics America

Baldino StudiosBrevard Business News

Color Concepts Mobile Reconditioning Inc.Consolidated Environmental Engineering, LLC

Diaz Plastic SurgeryEssentials Spa & Salon

Fanto Group LLCFlorentine JewelersFLORIDA TODAY

Gary Stein & Kelly PalmerGlobal Marketing Research ServicesGreat Southeast Flooring America

Henderson & FutchkoHerndon’s Classic Wood Flooring

Hot Rays LimousinesKendall Automotive

O’Brien, Riemenschneider & Wattwood, P.A.Paul & Karen Viollis

PIP Printing and Marketing ServicesSpace Coast Charm Magazine

Steve & Michelle RussellThe Ultimate Rose

Therese’ NelsonTracey & Kris Latshaw

WA1A – Timmy VeeYour Backyard Superstore, Inc

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American Laser SkincareBangz Salon

Berman, Hopkins, Wright & Laham, CPA’s & Company, L.L.P.

Bill & Debbie KleinCathy Carulli

Cason PhotographyChristine Lance

CFL Ad Group-Mike FerdinandDana Investment Advisors

Dave & Linda ParkerDiane Gray

Dino Martin ConsultingDr. Anita Saluja, MIMA DermatologyDr. Larry Bishop, MIMA Dermatology

Ema Savahl Couture Executive Cigar

Falasiri Oriental RugsFifth Avenue Jewelers

Flirty FitnessFrank Rao-Master Muralist

Genna JewelersHairteck

Hearth & HomeHoliday Inn, Viera

Ideal ImageIn2 Health, Inc.,

Sara M. Diaz, AP, CSMAJack Becker Distributors, Inc.

Jacobus FieldingJacqueline Salazar, DNP, ARNP,

MIMA Medical AethesticsJessup’s of Melbourne

Ken Smith & Edna Fairbanks-SmithKendall Automotive

Kirk Kessel Laurel Crowe

Lifestyle HomesMainwold Jewelers

Maybeck Animal HospitalMr. & Mrs. John O’Neill

Nancy Dyer DesignsNuVantage Insurance

OB/GYN Specialists of BrevardPatrick & Christina Murtha

Paul & Fride PhelpsRobin Carroll

Road Runner Shop Supplies & MoreRockwell Collins, Inc.Sarno Metal Recycling

Dr. Scott M. Reader, DMD, PASorelli Hair Studio & SpaSpace Coast Auto Auction

T. Edwards

The Laughlin McCarthy Group at UBS

Tom & Kim DownsURECON, Ricardo Matus

Wells Fargo Advisors, Leasha Flammio Watson,

CFP & Thomas Bedor, CFPWhittaker Cooper Financial Group

Wyland Worldwide, LLCZipper Urogyn

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Have-a-Heart Committee— This year’s event raised $192,000.

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Health Council announces its new officers,board members; Rozek elected chairman

OVIEDO — The Health Council of East Central Florida

has announced its newly elected officers and board

members for 2013.

l Thomas Rozek was elected chairman. Rozek retired in

2008 after serving for nine years as president and chief

executive officer of Miami Children’s Hospital. He received

his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New

York at Buffalo, and his master’s in hospital and health

administration from Xavier University. Rozek serves on a

number of other boards including the Brevard Healthcare

Forum. He is a Life Fellow in the American College of

Healthcare Executives.

l Maria Stahl was elected vice–chairwoman. Stahl is

nursing services’ director for the state of Florida, Brevard

County Health Department, where she has also held

numerous other positions. Stahl is an adjunct instructor in

public health and community health nursing at the

University of Central Florida. She has bachelor’s degree in

nursing from the University of Buffalo and a master’s in

nursing from the University of Central Florida.

l Ron Randolph was elected treasurer. He is a licensed

real–estate broker living and working in Central Florida.

He served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army and

then as an information technology consultant to the

military overseas. Randolph received his bachelor’s degree

in chemistry from Arizona State University and his

master’s in engineering from The University of Virginia.

l Karrie Howard was elected secretary. She is the

provider administration manager, senior segment, with

Humana Health Plans. Howard has extensive experience

in network development and operations with Humana and

other health plans. She holds a bachelor’s degree in

psychology from Washburn University in Topeka, Kan.

The Health Council of East Central Florida is a private,

nonprofit health–care planning agency providing research,

program development and evaluation services that enable

community–based health organizations to improve

population health. The East Central Florida District VII

encompasses the four counties of Brevard, Orange, Osceola

and Seminole.

Information sessions scheduled forBCC’s new four–year degree programs

Brevard Community College is set to start accepting

applications for its first bachelor’s degree programs that

are tailored for traditional students and working adults

seeking management careers.

The enrollment period for a bachelor’s degree in

general–business management or health–care manage-

ment runs from April 1 to July 3. Classes begin in August.

College officials will provide information on the degrees

at information sessions, discussing topics such as

coursework and financial aid.

The sessions are free of charge and open to the public:

l Wednesday, April 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. on the Cocoa

campus in Building 14, Room 104.

l Thursday, April 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. on the Melbourne

campus in Building 7, Room 114.

Call 632–1111 or visit www.brevardcc.edu/go/bachelors.

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BrevardBusinessNews.com

PUBLISHERAdrienne B. Roth

EDITORKen Datzman

SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITORBill Roth

Brevard Business News is published every Monday byBrevard Business News Inc. Bulk Rate postage is paid atMelbourne, FL and Cocoa, FL. This publication servesbusiness executives in Brevard County. It reports onnews, 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 signatureand printed or typed name, full address and telephonenumber. Brevard Business News reserves the right to editall letters. Send your letters to: Editor, Brevard BusinessNews, 4300 Fortune Place, Suite D, West Melbourne, FL,32904, or email [email protected].

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form of reality shows on many 24–hour cable–program-

ming cycles. The airwaves are filled with quirky notions of

obscure Egyptology, extraterrestrial ancestors, and

human–animal creatures in the woods. We consume books

listed in the top 10 most prominent non–fiction categories

on “The New York Times” bestseller lists — that are

actually fiction.

We populate theaters that offer us outlandish and silly,

but frighteningly popular “reality–based” movies of

modern–day vampires, werewolves and ghosts, which

appear to be replacing a formerly legitimate genre —

science fiction — the staple primer for future scientists and

innovative thinkers.

Worse yet are the popular plethora of television

“documentaries” about paranormal activity equipped with

high–tech sensors prominently depicted as measures of

reliable truth.

In the fine arts, particularly the traditional visual arts,

a similar phenomenon has occurred, as fashionable art is

becoming more popular than the more thought–provoking

art. But because the fine arts are sometimes deemed less

relevant to the lives of many in our contemporary culture, I

think the issue unfortunately goes less noticed and may be

considered unequal to the issues confronting science,

especially as pseudoscience attempts to usurp and

misconstrue the language and methodologies of real

science. To those who are uninformed and not exposed to

significant experiences or opportunities for education in

the arts, the visual arts are often relegated to the same

realms as pseudoscience.

Leonardo da Vinci has always been celebrated as both

an artist and a scientist for his beautiful and meticulous

renderings of the observable world while also offering us

his visions of futuristic flying machines. M.C. Escher, a

recently popular contemporary artist, created complex

interlocking geometric forms that can be perceived as

either birds or fish or both simultaneously, depending on

how you look at them. Da Vinci and Escher are well known

examples of artists/scientists.

Long ago, Paul Cézanne, the indisputable “father of

modern art,” was considered radical for simply eliminating

directional light and shadow in his paintings. By doing

this, his forms began to exist in a “universal” light rather

than a specific moment in time. Light, therefore, became

integral to color — a static and timeless light.

He also challenged ideas about space by suggesting that

space is not empty. By interlocking and converging broad

planes of space with broad planes of mass in his land-

scapes, Cézanne made paintings in which space is affected

by objects, and objects are affected by space.

Cézanne’s paintings demonstrated new conceptions of

space, time and light that were being elaborated at the

time by the physicists who were challenging assumptions

in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

To some of us working as research educators with

students to reconnect the arts and sciences, this compari-

son between modern art and modern physics is fundamen-

tal.

UCF physics major Christopher Frye and art student

Mary Joy Torrecampo are both interested in relationships

between science and art, and are currently collaborating on

an undergraduate interdisciplinary research project.

Based on Frye’s explanations to Torrecampo about the

geometry of our universe, her challenge is to recreate those

explanations in a painting.

Frye said: “Did you ever play an arcade game as a kid,

where if you leave the right side of the screen then you

return on the left? In such a universe, space is wrapped up

like a cylinder or a torus (a doughnut–shaped surface) so

that if you keep going in one direction, you will always

return to where you began. Physicists believe that our

universe might be wrapped up like a cylinder or a torus,

and the theory of relativity tells us what life should be like

in such a universe.”

His explanation goes on, and it will be a challenge for

Torrecampo to find a way to depict his ideas in a creative

way that is relevant to both her interests and skills as an

artist.

In the future, Frye will continue to pursue advanced

physics, but in a world that values pop–science over real

science his field may become more and more obscure. I

hope Torrecampo’s imagery, however, might compel people

to become excited about Frye’s complex theoretical ideas.

On the other hand, without Frye’s subject matter,

Torrecampo’s abstract paintings may seem incomprehen-

sible and irrelevant to a public that often cares little about

the seemingly radical imagery of contemporary art.

I hope that more students like them will be encouraged

to collaborate for the sake of achieving and obtaining a

more expansive, interdisciplinary opportunity for seeking

truth and knowledge.

Together, science and art can provide answers in search for truth, knowledgeBy Carla PoindexterUCF Forum columnist

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of UCF this year,

we are reminded that the core benefit of an upper–level

education is the opportunity to pursue and obtain insight

and knowledge over blindness and ignorance.

We live in a time in which faith in religion is believed

by many to provide the best solutions to our most profound

and unknowable questions. To others, the discipline of

mathematics and the scientific method of inquiry are

considered to be the best rational means for navigating

human dilemmas.

While these age–old debates between the sacred and

secular continue, we must be cautious to not overlook the

subtle changes that have taken place in the means and

manners for pursuing truth that are offered to us outside

the academic world.

More and more, we are being inundated in media and

politics with pseudoscience presented as real science in the

UCF Forum columnist Carla Poindexteris an associate professor of fine art at theUniversity of Central Florida and can bereached at [email protected].

Habitat for Humanity of Brevard announces annual art contest winners in three divisionsHabitat for Humanity of Brevard County Inc. has announced the winners of its 25th Youth Art contest.

The organization invited local elementary, middle and high school art students to share their vision of Habitat and its

tie to its largest fund–raiser, the annual Strawberry Festival.

Students competed in three categories. The winner and their teacher in each category are: Elementary Division,

Hailey Harris from Saturn Elementary; art teacher is Tracey Asby; Middle School, Rachel Clary, Southwest Middle

School; art teacher is Janet Tucker; and High School, Erika Dietl from West Shore High School; art teacher is James

Finch.

“We were excited to have professional artists from The Art Gallery of Viera in the Avenue as distinguished judges this

year,” said Diane Koenig, Habitat’s ReStore manager. “It gives the students a professional’s view of their work which

raises the bar in this competition.”

For more information, go to www.BrevardHabitat or call 728–4009.

Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationAPRIL 1, 2013 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 5

BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWSHarris selects Coastal Mechanical forproject; Coastal makes donation to UW

Harris Corp. and Balfour–Beatty Construction selected

Melbourne–based Coastal Mechanical to lead the mechani-

cal build–out of the new Harris Technology Center in Palm

Bay.

The selection of a local contractor brings with it “much–

needed opportunities for local employment.”

Florida construction was one of the hardest hit indus-

tries during the Great Recession of 2008, when the once–

booming housing market collapsed, creating hard times for

many families in the region. They had to reach out to seek

help from support agencies such as United Way of

Brevard.

Harris Corp. continues to be the largest United Way

Workplace Campaign contributor in Brevard County.

To show appreciation for Harris’ commitment to

rebuilding the local community with its choice of a local

contractor, and to thank United Way for supporting those

in need during a difficult time in the construction industry,

Coastal Mechanical recently made the first donation of the

2013 United Way of Brevard Campaign in the amount of

$10,000.

“We are optimistic of the recent upswing in construction

activity statewide,” said P.J. Goodwin, Coastal

Mechanical’s president. “Most importantly, we are

encouraged by such a large local project that allows us to

offer jobs in our own backyard. We thank Harris for that

opportunity, and we thank United Way for taking care of

our community during our time of need.”

Coastal Mechanical has been providing employment to

Floridians since 1985. It currently employs 230 people in

the state.

Brevard Paralegal Association to host itsannual meeting at Suntree Country Club

The Brevard Paralegal Association will host its annual

meeting and election of officers at 6 p.m. on Thursday,

April 11, at Suntree Country Club in Melbourne.

Active members in good standing will be entitled to

vote, and non–members are encouraged to attend as well.

Active members who are unable to attend should complete

and return their proxy by April 1 to ensure BPA has a

quorum at the election. To RSVP or receive more informa-

tion, contact Sabine Martel at [email protected].

The Paralegal Association of Florida Inc. (PAF) also

announced it will conduct its Spring Seminar on May 17

and 18 at the Hotel Duval in Tallahassee. The seminar,

which is approved for 10.5 hours of continuing legal

education credit, is titled “Branching Out — Growing in

New Directions.”

The program is being hosted by the PAF Big Bend

Chapter. Visit www.pafinc.org to register. The deadline is

May 3.

The BPA will be collecting donations for a basket to be

raffled off at the seminar, which reflects the seminar’s

theme and the Tallahassee Live Oak Trees, to benefit the

Tree House of Tallahassee Charity.

Bring the items to the BPA annual meeting on April 11

or contact Toni–Marie D’Alessandro at

ToniMarie.DAlessandro@Gray–Robinson.com.

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Dr. Sheikh of Health First Medical Groupto make presentation at May symposium

ROCKLEDGE — Cardiovascular specialist Khalid

Sheikh of the Health First Medical Group has been invited

to present his research at the 2013 International Cardiol-

ogy Symposium in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.

The symposium will be held May 16–18 and will

include speakers from around the world. Dr. Sheikh will

present on “A personalized care approach is superior to

usual care for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular

disease events in a managed–care environment.”

The scientific program is supported by various national

and international societies, including the Emirates Cardiac

Society, the Brazilian Society of Cardiology and the

European Society of Cardiology.

The symposium is co–sponsored by the International

Society of Arteriosclerosis. The event will cover topics on

diabetes, coronary artery diseases, interventions, heart

failure and hypertension. It will highlight all areas of

cardiology and will focus on everyday clinical practice.

Dr. Sheikh is board certified in echocardiography from

the National Board of Echocardiography. He earned his

medical degree from University of Florida in Gainesville.

Dr. Sheikh served an internship and residency at the

University of Colorado Medical Center in Denver.

He’s a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal

Medicine, is board certified by ABIM in cardiovascular

diseases and is also a certified lipid specialist. Dr. Sheikh’s

special medical areas include invasive cardiology, consulta-

tive cardiology, echocardiography, adult congenital heart

disease, preventative cardiology, and clinical research

trials.

Central Brevard Humane Society seeksvendors for its ‘Bark in the Park’ benefit

The Central Brevard Humane Society and the Brevard

County Manatees will be hosting “Bark in the Park” on

Sunday, April 14, at Space Coast Stadium in Viera. Gates

open at 4 p.m. with the game scheduled to start at 5:05

p.m. Parking is free at the entrance to Gate 5.

The CBHS is seeking vendors for the event. Booth

space is $50 per business. Vendors must supply their own

tables, chairs, promotional materials, display racks and

setup staff.

The Brevard County Manatees will play the Clearwater

Threshers that day. The cost to attend the game is $5 per

person and $2 per dog. All animals must be on a leash and

have proof of current shots along with a county tag.

The CBHS will be at the event with shelter dogs

available for adoption, merchandise and fun educational

information about responsible pet ownership.

Proceeds from this event will help to raise awareness

and financial support for the thousands of “unwanted and

abandoned” pets that visit the humane society each year

needing a safe and loving “forever” home.

If you are interested in being a vendor or for more

information, contact the CBHS at 636–3343 or visit

www.crittersavers.com.

For ticket information, contact Kevin Soto with the

Brevard County Manatees at 633–9200, extension 3006, or

[email protected].

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Fifth Avenue Art Gallery artist Jini Jamesshowcasing her work in ‘Travels’ exhibit

The work of Fifth Avenue Art Gallery member artist

Jini James is featured in a solo show throughout the

month of April. The studio is located in the Eau Gallie Arts

District of Melbourne.

Her exhibit is titled “Travels: A Solo Exhibit of Land-

scapes from America and Abroad.”

James has created all new works in oil from her

“endless list” of visual inspirations from the Chesapeake

Bay, the American Southwest, Central America, Paris, and

Iceland.

Her first painting trip was to Honduras. “The explora-

tion of Mayan ruins in Copan, Central America, was a life–

changing experience,” says James.

“Through art, I realized how cultures survive. It was the

artists who recorded Mayan history in stone. I also learned

that with each subsequent trip, I packed lighter and

lighter until watercolors and mini sketchbooks took the

place of the oils, canvases, and an easel. My watercolor

studies, along with photographs, were translated into oil

paintings when I returned to my studio.”

In her artistic endeavors and travels, James has

received numerous awards and signature memberships in

the art world.

Her training began in her teens when she studied

privately with a “well– known” New York Illustrator and

went to on study at Moore College of Art and The Pennsyl-

vania Academy.

James will discuss her work at the Fifth Avenue Art

Gallery’s “Second Saturday Art Talk” at 2 p.m. on April 13.

The program will include a painting demonstration.

The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery, artist–owned and

operated, is located at 1470 Highland Ave.

Screenwriters of Brevard to a host full–dayworkshop on May 11 at International Palms

The Screenwriters of Brevard will present its second

annual Screenwriters Workshop from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on

Saturday, May 11, at the International Palms Resort and

Conference Center in Cocoa Beach.

The workshop is designed to inform and inspire with

tips from screenplay editors and consultants, independent

film festivals and producers.

The program will feature guest speaker Charlene

Crandall, a producer, director and consultant with 20 years

experience. She will present “Polishing Your Pitch and

Reaching the Decision Makers.”

Karen Cupp, of the Austin Independent Film Festival

competition, will present “Getting Past the First Round”

and tips on entering independent filmmakers’ and

screenwriters’ contests.

The workshop is designed for all levels of instruction,

from the beginning, intermediate and advanced screen-

writers to authors interested in adapting works into

screenplays.

The registration fee is $60 per person (includes

continental breakfast and a box lunch).

For more information phone 266–3589 or contact Dean

Nagel at [email protected]. The website address is

ScreenwritersofBrevard.org.

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Florida Air Academy and Barnes & Noble on New

Haven Avenue in Melbourne are teaming up for a special

community event. In an effort to raise funds for the school’s

programs, Barnes & Noble will host a bookfair from 6 p.m.

to 8 p.m. on April 19.

The store will donate a percentage of every sale made

with a special book voucher to Florida Air Academy.

Vouchers will be available at Florida Air Academy’s

website (www.FLAir.com), at the event, and in hard copy

at the school.

The Barnes & Noble Bookfair will help Florida Air

Academy in several ways, the school said. First, a percent-

age of the bookfair sales will underwrite school programs.

Second, the school’s library will be able to create a “wish–

list” of titles to enhance its own library collection.

Bookfair supporters may choose books from an in–store

“wish–list” display to purchase for the library.

Florida Air Academy’s events and programs at the store

that evening will include musical and dance performances,

Florida Air Academy Bookfair scheduled April 19 at Barnes & Noble on New Haven Avenue in Melbournepoetry readings, a trivia contest, and more.

For more information about the event, contact Melissa

Alton, Florida Air Academy principal, at 723–3211,

extension 30088, or [email protected].

Fundraising Professionals elects Rosalind Weiss as the president of its boardThe Space Coast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals has named its board of directors for 2013.

Rosalind Weiss, director of marketing and development for Brevard Achievement Center, has been elected chapter

president. Serving on the board with Weiss are these professionals: president–elect, Michele Murrrell, executive director,

Brevard Community College Foundation; secretary, Patricia Hurst, assistant director of development, Devereux of

Florida; treasurer, Leslie Bardo, development director, Children’s Home Society of Florida, Brevard Division; and

immediate past president, Jane McCallum, director, corporate and annual giving, Health First Foundation.

The members–at–large include: Jeanene Donilon, director, individual and planned giving, Health First Foundation;

Tracy Steele, development director, Melbourne Central Catholic High School; and Mary Wallis, director of advancement,

Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy

The Association of Fundraising Professionals represents nearly 30,000 members in 231 chapters throughout the

world, working to advance philanthropy through education, training, mentoring, research, credentialing, and advocacy.

The Space Coast Chapter hosts bimonthly educational meetings and special events throughout the year. Its mission is

to support the professional development of fund–raising professionals throughout Brevard and to advance the culture of

philanthropy in the community. For more information, visit AFPSpaceCoast.afpnet.org.

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Area young people ages 8 to 17 will have a chance to

take to the skies on Saturday, April 27, as Experimental

Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 724 hosts a Young

Eagles Flight Rally at Merritt Island Airport.

The rally is part of the EAA Aviation Foundation’s

Young Eagles Program, created to get more young people

interested in aviation.

Volunteer EAA pilots had a goal of providing 1 million

young people an airplane ride by the 100th Anniversary of

Flight, Dec. 17, 2003. To date more than 1.7 million Young

Eagles have experienced the thrill of flight since 1992.

(5,610 at Merritt Island Airport)

Free airplane rides are just part of the Flight Rally. The

pilots hope to “build one–to–one relationships between

pilots and young people, giving a new generation a chance

to learn more about possibilities that exist in the world of

aviation.”

Following the flight, each young person will receive a

certificate making him or her an official Young Eagle.

EAA to host Young Eagles Flight Rally on April 27 at Merritt Island Airport; plane rides part of programTheir name will then be entered into the “world’s largest

logbook,” which is on permanent display at the EAA Air

Adventure Museum in Oshkosh, Wis. The logbook is also

accessible at www.youngeagles.org.

Young people and their parents attending the flight

rally on April 27 are asked to come to the large hangar at

the end of Airport Road (two miles south of State Road 520

on South Courtney Parkway).

Registration will start at 8:30 a.m. and will close at

noon. Flights will begin at 9 a.m. A parent or guardian

must sign a permission form for each young person. No

reservations are required or accepted.

Additional information about EAA, the EAA Aviation

Foundation and Young Eagles is available at www.eaa.org,

or call 636–5346. The e–mail address is

[email protected]

LBR’s Robison and McGuire lease retail space to two national brandsMelbourne–based Lightle Beckner Robison Inc. has announced the closing of two national retail leases. The retail

team of Jeffery Robison, principal, and Brandon McGuire, associate, executed the leases. AAA has signed a 10–year lease

for roughly 4,800 square feet of space in the Post Commons Shopping Center on Wickham Road in Melbourne.

At the Cocoa Commons Shopping Center on State Road 524, Anytime Fitness has signed a five–year lease for about

4,800 square feet.

Lightle Beckner Robison is a full–service real–estate firm, committed solely to the commercial segment of real estate.

Specializing in office, retail, industrial, investment properties and asset–property management, the firm serves

Brevard County extending across the entire states of Florida and Georgia. Visit www.TeamLBR.com

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By Ken Datzman

Florida Business Bank is back on a growth track and looking to the

future with optimism, as a steady turnaround in the market has the

Melbourne institution tracking a solid year and winning accolades for its

financial performance.

“Our lending started to increase last summer and has continued at

a pace we haven’t seen in several years,” said William “Bill” Norris, the

president and chief executive officer of Florida Business Bank, which was

founded in March 2000 by area businesspeople.

“I think businesses are making the commitment to do what they need

to do in order to grow and expand. Our business has been very strong. The

first quarter has been awesome. We’re doing a lot of lending — strong

borrowers, good deals.”

Florida Business Bank’s core lending range is $250,000 to $800,000,

Norris said.

“We certainly do larger loans. In fact, we have closed several of them in

the last couple of months alone. And we do smaller loans, but in general

the $250,000 to $800,000 range is our ‘sweet spot’ in the market.”

Norris says being a small bank has its advantages, especially when it

involves a loan request. “I always tell the customer the loan decision is

made in Melbourne, Florida. Our board of directors is made up of local men

and women. We’re proud to say that.”

He added, “The beauty of what we do as a small bank is make loan

decisions in a timely fashion, and customers appreciate it. We inform our

customers, particularly on the real–estate side, that we will be ready to

close their loan five days prior to the contract date. No excuses.”

The last five years has been a brutal operating environment for banks,

which saw their portfolios torpedoed by record numbers of both individual

and business bankruptcies.

Bankers also experienced lukewarm demand for loans. And their

margins, the rates at which they borrow and lend, have been razor–thin.

“Like every other small bank, we have been through the wringer,” said

Norris, who has steered his bank’s turnaround.

He was named interim president last May and promoted to his current

title two months later, in July.

An economics graduate of Lake Erie College in Ohio, Norris has wide

banking and mortgage experience, including the areas of branch develop-

ment, product development, and market analysis, with various size

institutions.

He led a small–business bank group for Fifth Third Bank on the West

Coast of Florida.

Norris credits the Florida Business Bank board for its steady approach

guiding the organization through the rough economy the last several years.

“One of the key things that has greatly assisted in getting us to where

we are today, and where we plan to go in the future, is the outstanding

support of our board members. They have stuck to the plan in dealing with

the portfolio and cleaning it up in a methodical way,” he said.

And the board’s commitment to staying the course, working through

loan issues, and sticking to its niche and mission, has paid off with a

sterling bank rating by a 30–year–old Coral Gables–based ratings firm.

Newly released bank and credit–union ratings from BauerFinancial Inc.

indicate the banking industry is clawing its way back from the downturn

that sent financial institutions into a tailspin.

Florida Business Bank has received a “4–Star” rating from

BauerFinancial’s newest performance survey. The company rates banks

and credit unions on a quarterly basis using its Star system, with “5” being

Florida Business Bank in Melbourne sees surge in lending, is firmly back ongrowth track; shines with ‘4–Star’ performance in latest BauerFinancial ratings

The quarterly data is subjected to a “thor-

ough analysis” and compared with historical

data for consistency. Upon completion of the

analysis, a star rating is assigned to the bank or

credit union.

The percentage of banks recommended by

BauerFinancial (for example, rated 4–Stars or

5–Stars) is approaching 69.5 percent, a number

the industry has not seen since the fourth

quarter of 2007.

On the flip side, only eight banks failed

during the fourth quarter of 2012 while 43

improved enough to be removed from “Bauer’s

Troubled and Problematic Report.”

Excluding the three banks that failed so far

this year, troubled and problematic banks now

stand at 663, a number not seen in over four

years, or since the third quarter of 2008.

Florida Business Bank, with one location,

has roughly $115 million in assets.

“We’re small, but we’re mighty,” said Norris.

“And we’re proud of that. We think it’s going to

be a great year for our bank.”

the highest and “0” the lowest score.

BauerFinancial is an independent rating

service. No institution pays for its rating, and no

institution can “avoid a rating.”

Florida Business Bank is the only locally

based bank to receive the 4–Star rating from

BauerFinancial covering the last quarter.

“We have great ratios. The regulators like

what we’re doing and we were rewarded with

BauerFinancial’s 4–Star rating, which is a nice

recognition,” said Norris.

He continued, “Our goal is have a 4.5 rating

by fall and 5 by the end of this year. I think we

can do it. We have a great team of people at this

bank. They are dedicated to serving the

customer. I’m working alongside some of the

finest people I’ve ever worked with in my

30–year career in this industry.”

Each bank and credit union in the U.S. is

required to file a detailed financial report with

federal regulators four times a year.

BauerFinancial obtains this data in its raw

form from the government.

Bill Norris is president and chief executive officer of Florida Business Bank on North Harbor City Boulevard in Melbourne.His bank is seeing strong lending growth and has posted one of its best quarters. Florida Business Bank has earned oneof the highest ratings from BauerFinancial, a respected, independent ratings firm, for its financial performance.




By Ken Datzman

VIERA — The Brevard Zoo, a startup

community–build project that uniquely

involved more than 16,000 volunteers nearly

two decades ago, has grown into one of the

region’s most visible and successful family

entertainment complexes.

The organization even posted record

attendance in 2012 and was ranked among

America’s most popular zoos by TripAdvisor.

The local facility holds the No. 8 spot on

TripAdvisor’s “Popularity Index of America’s

Top 10 Zoos.”

“It was quite an honor for the Brevard

Zoo to gain that ranking,” said business-

woman Jackie Barker, who sits on the Zoo’s

board of directors and is president of area

firm Sky Advertising. “You can check

TripAdvisor and see what people from

around the nation are saying about us. The

Brevard Zoo has evolved into a very success-

ful enterprise.”

“I can say that the ‘buzz’ is certainly out

there about the Brevard Zoo,” added Brevard

Zoo board member Mary Ann Sperando.

Last year, the Brevard Zoo saw a total of

401,837 visitors, a 10 percent increase over

2011’s number and its best performance

ever. The 2012 tally does not include guests

for “Boo at the Zoo” in October or those who

visited the attraction “Treetop Trek,” a

challenge course. The latter drew an

additional 32,883 guests.

In tallying the 2012 record number, the

Brevard Zoo has successfully expanded its

reach into bordering counties and beyond,

under the leadership of Executive Director

Keith Winsten.

“It was an exciting year for the Brevard

Zoo,” said Winsten. “Our visitor increase has

come from the surrounding counties and the

tourism market. We are experiencing nice

growth, to the point where we are seeing

almost 40 percent of our guests come from

outside the county. They recognize that ‘our

zoo’ is ‘their zoo’ and they are bringing their

dollars here.”

Contributing to the Brevard Zoo’s growth

and its ability to fulfill its conservation

mission while adding attractions, which

helps drive traffic to the destination, is the

longtime community fund–raiser “Safari

Under the Stars.”

The program has consistently raised tens

of thousands of dollars for the Zoo on an

annual basis. The funding is helping the

Businesses see ‘Safari Under the Stars,’ Brevard Zoo’s main fund–raiser, as ahighly visible marketing platform; April 27 event expands with VIP reception

private, not–for–profit organization, one of

only a small number of such zoos in America,

continue to make investments in key areas,

including new technologies and education

programs for the community.

“It’s our largest fund–raiser and we’re

spicing it up this year with a special VIP

reception before the main event,” said

Barker, who is the 2013 Safari Under the

Stars committee chairwoman, working with

Sperando, the event’s vice chairwoman.

The gala will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday,

April 27. All guests attending Safari Under

the Stars will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, full bars,

and a dinner (catered by Carrabba’s Italian

Grill on North Wickham Road), followed by

dessert, specialty coffees, and dancing at

“Safari After Dark.”

Channel 6 news anchor Lauren Rowe will

be the master of ceremonies. The program

will include an auction and raffles. Specially

planned for the event will be naming

opportunities for the Zoo’s newest members

— a jaguar cub and two Masai giraffe. A

“Raffle Walk” with prizes is also planned.

And, the winner of this year’s grand raffle

will be announced. The raffle prize will

include a trip for four to Chicago with VIP

behind–the–scenes experiences at the

Lincoln Park Zoo and Shedd Aquarium.

Tickets for the grand raffle are available

to anyone and do not require attendance at

Safari Under the Stars. Tickets can be

purchased by calling the development

department at 254–9453, extension 234.

The title sponsor of the 2013 Safari

Under the Stars is ndtArtemis. “We are so

pleased to be developing a relationship with

them and with many other companies in the

community,” said Sperando.

“They were the title sponsor last year, too.

Karen Davis, our new development director,

is doing an incredible job leading the effort to

build these relationships with businesses

and organizations. We are seeing a lot of new

businesses support Safari Under the Stars,

which is exciting.”

Holiday Builders and Green Turtle

Market of Indian Harbour Beach are the

event’s presenting sponsors. Holiday is

presenting the VIP reception and Green

Turtle the “Safari After Dark” party

following the main event.

The entry–level sponsorship for Safari

Under the Stars is $500, which admits you to

the VIP gathering. It will include food,

“signature” entertainment, an auction, and

some surprises.

Davis said the overall sponsorship support from the business community for

Safari Under the Stars has been uplifting. “People are stepping up, rallying

around the event as sponsors. It’s truly a reciprocal partnership with the

sponsors because we are able to highlight and help publicize their enterprises

through the Safari Under the Stars marketing format. We try to demonstrate

our appreciation through recognition,” she said.

A range of sponsorship levels with various benefits that reflect the Brevard

Zoo’s commitment to highlight its donors are available. To date, the VIP Pegasus

sponsors at the $5,000 level include: Central Florida Hand Center, Disney

Cruise Line, DNC Parks and Resorts at Kennedy Space Center, Four C’s

Nursery, Shelter Mortgage, Sperando Family Foundation, and Toyota of

Melbourne.

“Safari Under the Stars reflects the uniqueness of the Zoo and the fun of the

zoo,” said Winsten. “We think it presents great value to sponsors, money that is

well invested in the community, because the zoo touches everybody. The

exposure of this event is so positive. The Safari Under the Stars committee has

been very innovative in its approach and that is what you have to do in this

economy and market.”

He added, “People can feel really good that the Zoo is a wonderful steward of

their resources. Their funds are being used effectively. We continue to receive

additional requests for our education programs in the community as the need

keeps growing.”

For more information about sponsorship opportunities for Safari Under the

Stars, contact the Brevard Zoo development department at 254–9453.

It takes a lot of planning and coordination to make the ‘Safari Under the Stars’ benefit asuccess. The committee members working toward that goal are, from left: Becky Crews,Jackie Barker, Karen Davis, Jerri Figueroa, Cathy Johnson, Adrienne Chandler, and TomBedor. Back: Lysee Kierstein, Sara Petrosky, Laura Bomalaski, Jill Reyes, Aimee Balda, JessicaAssam, Mary Ann Sperando, and Amy Bird.





Space Coast Early Intervention, Revolutions Cyclery ‘Cycle Jam’ set for April 21 at Florida Tech in MelbourneSpace Coast Early Intervention Center and Revolutions

Cyclery will host the fourth annual “Cycle Jam for the

Kids” on Sunday, April 21. This is a non–competitive ride

through scenic Brevard and parts of Indian River County.

It will be held at Crawford Greene on the campus of

Florida Tech in Melbourne. Registration opens at 6 a.m.

Riders may choose from four distances: English Century

(100 mile), Metric Century (62 mile), Third Century (33

mile) and a Family Fun (10 mile) ride.

The cost to enter is $40 per person before April 21 and

$45 on the day of the event.

The program includes an “Educational Bike Rodeo,”

designed to help kids learn the rules of the road and bike

safety while enjoying an opportunity to practice their

cycling skills.

The “Family Fun Ride” encourages families to ride

together. This escorted ride is great for families with young

children. Children too young to ride a 20–inch bike may be

pulled in bike trailers or put in child carriers. The entry fee

Riders have the option to fund–raise with incentive prizes

for the top raisers. New this year is a VIP tent (includes a

catered lunch and a message). riders or individuals who

raise $350 will get a cycling jersey. Volunteers can e–mail

[email protected] or call 729–6858 for more information.

The SCEIC is a nonprofit therapeutic preschool serving

children both with and without special needs.

for those aged 16 and younger is half price, with a paying

adult.

A “pre–ride jam party” sponsored by Publix Supermar-

ket Charities will take place from 12 to 7 p.m. on April 20

at Broken Barrel Tavern on April 20.

The SCEIC is seeking Cycle Jam riders and volunteers.

Riders can visit www.SCEIC.com for registration details.

Brevard Theatrical Ensemble to perform ‘We Are’ at Palm Bay Library on April 17The Palm Bay Library, 1520 Port Malabar Blvd. NE, will host a free performance of the Brevard Theatrical Ensemble

at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17. The program is titled “We Are . . . Women of Courage.”

BTE cast members Beth Davison, Gail Doscher, Doris Gonzalez, Margaret Pescar and Frankie Rinaldi will offer

portrayals of women — some famous, some not so famous– whose courage and savvy forever changed the lives of others.

“We Are” is a show that was first performed in 1990. It has since been seen by more than 200,000 BTE audience

members. “We are excited to host this performance,” said Christine Sullivan, who oversees Palm Bay Library. “Lady Gail,

one of the founders of the BTE, has been a patron of our library for more than 20 years. Our reference staff can’t wait to

see their research in action on April 17. We hope lots of people come to see this show.”

For more information about the program, call Palm Bay Library at 952–4519.

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lines are subject to credit approval.

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Regions Mobile Banking. Bank anytime, anywhere, on any device. Just download the Regions app for your phone, then check balances, transfer funds and pay bills. It’s that easy. For more information, visit your Regions branch, call 1.800.regions or go to regions.com/open.

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Sams House at Pine Island on North Tropical Trail on

Merritt Island has announced its schedule of events for

April, “Wildlife Month.”

The programs are offered free of charge to the

community.

l Story Hour: “Raccoon at Clear Creek Road” —

Saturday, April 6, 10 to 11 a.m. Staff members will read

the story and use puppets to introduce children and their

parents to a day in the life of a wild–raccoon family.

Participants will make and take raccoon puppets after

the story.

l Story Hour: “Monarch Butterfly of Aster Way” —

Saturday, April 13, 3 to 4 p.m. Staff members will read

the butterfly book and use puppets to teach children and

their parents about these amazing creatures.

l “Bald Eagles” — Saturday, April 20, 10 to 11 a.m. Al

McKinley, volunteer with the Merritt Island National

Wildlife Refuge, will give a presentation on our national

bird, followed by a short hike to the active eagle nest–

viewing area.

l “Fun Facts About Indian River Lagoon Fish” —

Friday, April 26, 3 to 4 p.m. Land Manager Scott Taylor

will discuss the nearly 400 fish species in the Indian

River Lagoon.

l “Animal Baby Shower” — Saturday, April 27, 10:30

a.m. to 1 p.m. Help the Florida Wildlife Hospital

celebrate 40 years with an Animal Baby Shower. Bring

in donations for the center and meet the “Animal

Ambassadors.” Check our Facebook page for a list of

items needed by the hospital.

Sams House on Merritt Island announces its schedule of community programs for April — ‘Wildlife Month’l “Guided Hike” — Saturday, April 27, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Enjoy the beautiful palm hammock on this one–half

mile–guided hike where participants will look for

evidence of the wildlife that abounds on Pine Island.

l “Historic House and Cabin Tour” — every Thursday,

3 to 3:30 p.m.

l “Pine Island Horseback Trail Rides” — Sunday,

April 14, 21 and 28. Explore the Pine Island Conserva-

tion Area off Pine Island Road by horseback. Reserva-

tions and payment are required. Call Donna Hakanson,

Desert Acres Stables owner, at 759–1605. The 90–minute

rides are $50.

l “Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition” — April 6–

21; Sams House at Pine Island is featured on several

trips. For more details, visit www.facebook.com/

ExpeditionBrevard.

Local Not Quite Right Comedy Improv Troupe to perform at the Henegar CenterThe Space Coast’s own Not Quite Right Comedy Improv Troupe will be performing on the stage and in the classroom

at the Henegar Center for the Arts in downtown Melbourne. NQR’s rapid–fire improv comedy will entertain audiences

for two shows at 8 p.m. on April 19 and 20, in “Upstairs at the Henegar.” Those interested in trying their hand at this

unscripted, fast–paced humor can sign up for the NQR Improv Academy opening the following week.

“I used to teach improv years ago, and in the last year started offering occasional Saturday workshops,” said Jessica

Taylor, NQR founder. “But it didn’t seem like that was enough. So I’ve opened the Improv Academy to fill that need” in

the market for this type of instruction.

The academy will give students ages 16 and up the opportunity to learn beginning improv and free play through

regular “drop–in classes” or to sign up for Level 1 of the academy with the goal of becoming an improvisational artist

and eventually joining NQR on stage.

The first drop–in class will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on April 22 at the Henegar Center. Registration at

www.jessicataylorproductions.com is $10, or participants may pay $15 at the door. Class size is limited to 25 students.

Level 1 of the academy is from 7 to 9 p.m. beginning April 29 and will run for a total of six consecutive Mondays, also

at the Henegar. Registration for these classes is $155 online or $175 at the door. Class size is limited to 16 students.

Tickets to the NQR show are $15 and may be purchased through the Henegar Center Box Office at 723–8698 or at

www.henegar.org.

“I’m really excited about the future of acting and improvisation in the community,” said Taylor.

“Improv is an art form all its own and can be very beneficial to those wanting to hone their acting skills or people

who just want to become comfortable in their own personal interactions and public speaking.”

Astronaut hall of fame

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Protraits of Possibilities

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Join us for “An Evening in China” Friday, April 26, 2013 at 6 p.m.

Eau Gallie Civic Center at 1551 Highland Avenue Eau Gallie Arts District, Melbourne

Sponsorships beginning at $500 Tickets $150 per person Cocktail attire

Gourmet food and beverage stations Exciting casino Fabulous auctions Limited space available, reserve your tickets today!

For tickets or sponsorships, call 321-752-3170 or visit www.chsportraitsofpossibilities.com

CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY OF FLORIDA, REGISTRATION #CH180, IS REGISTERED WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA UNDER THE SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS ACT, 1991. 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 IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

Sixth Annual Portraits of Possibilities


BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWSUCF’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center helps areacompany gain key government certification, grow its revenues

ORLANDO — Morris and Associates Chief Executive Officer Ellen Yarckin had built a

terrific company that was a great candidate for doing government contract work. She

knew the contracts were out there. And the only barrier standing in the way of winning

more of them was a certification to help her compete better for those contracts. But she

wasn’t being approved for that government certification and she didn’t understand why.

Morris and Associates is a Lake County, Fla., woman–owned business specializing in

cost–effective infrastructure rehabilitation. The company provides cost–effective, non–

invasive solutions for repairing and cleaning leaky water and sewage systems. It restores

existing water–system infrastructure elements to new, watertight, corrosion–resistant

conditions, and provides clean groundwater, which helps protect the environment.

The firm’s client list is comprised of municipalities, government agencies and large

commercial enterprises. Morris and Associates crews have completed projects in Florida,

Georgia, Alabama, North and South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. And the client list

keeps growing, she said.

Yarckin became the majority owner of the company and took the helm in 2011 after

deciding to follow her lifelong passion of “protecting the environment” by helping ensure

the availability of clean water for the community–at–large. Larry Morris, an expert in

utilities and general construction, had founded the company in 2003. From day one, it was

clear to Yarckin that the company’s growth potential was significant.

As CEO, the challenge for Yarckin was to determine the best ways to realize that

growth potential. When she learned that government agencies sponsor Woman–Owned

Business Enterprise (WBE) programs that help woman entrepreneurs compete for

contracting opportunities, she got to work submitting certification applications.

She submitted her first application to Orange County but she was “disappointed and

disillusioned” to learn that her certification application had not been approved. So she

decided to appeal the decision. But before she did, Yarckin sought assistance from the

Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) in the Small Business Development

Center at the University of Central Florida.

PTAC’s Derek Hudson met with Yarckin and assisted her in developing a strategy that

would help guarantee certification approval. Hudson, as a former U.S Navy supply corps

officer and consultant on state of Florida projects totaling more than $700 million, is no

“stranger to government language and processes.”

Together, they determined that the next Morris and Associates’ certification applica-

tion would require additional substantiating documentation and greater clarity about how

the application met and exceeded the certifying agency’s policies and requirements.

Having reviewed each of the areas of concern expressed by the county’s certification

review board and helped Yarckin methodically address each issue in writing, he also

coached her regarding how to present her case at an upcoming review board meeting at

which she would actually make an appeal presentation to board members. Ellen Yarckin

walked in prepared, polished and with confidence and gained unanimous board approval.

Morris and Associates is now a certified woman–owned small business with several

municipal governments as well as a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

with the state of Florida.

“Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me to go over my WBE applica-

tions,” Yarckin wrote to Hudson and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center. “You

answered all of my questions and took the time I needed to master the process. I appreci-

ate all your help and guidance in contract negotiations. You have helped me change the

way I approach and prepare for a business meeting and, because of your help, I landed

additional contracts.”

Almost immediately after receiving assistance from PTAC, Morris and Associates

revenues increased by 15 percent, she said. Overall company growth for the year 2012 was

more than 100 percent. Also, since following Hudson’s guidance, Yarckin has applied for

and received her DBE certification with the Florida Department of Transportation and

her SBA Woman–Owned Small Business certification with the federal government.

When asked about her experience with the SBDC at UCF’s PTAC, Yarckin said, “The

SBDC is an amazing resource that we are very lucky to have in Central Florida. It is

comprised of a group of successful people who have decided to give back to community. It

is worthwhile to check out this resource to get advice on all aspects of business. And best

of all — it is free!”

For more information, visit www.SBDCorlando.com.

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BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWSPalm Bay’s Jim Hamor honored in Tallahassee as theFlorida Career Firefighter of Year for his ‘heroic actions’

Palm Bay Fire–Rescue Lt. Jim Hamor has received the highest recognition for career

firefighters in the state of Florida.

Hamor was named Florida Career Firefighter of the Year for 2012.

He accepted the award at a special ceremony in Tallahassee and was recognized by the

governor and cabinet during a regular meeting.

Hamor was accompanied by his wife, Andrea, Palm Bay Fire Chief Jim Stables, and

several of his colleagues. Hamor was selected from a pool of dozens of nominations

representing thousands of firefighters throughout the state.

Stables nominated Hamor for his “heroic actions” in July of 2012 when he put himself

in harm’s way to save the life of a woman in distress.

“It was this action among many others that stood out as a shining example of what

true character is all about,” Stables said. “Lt. Hamor epitomizes the fire–rescue commit-

ment to always do the right thing.”

During the award presentation State Fire Marshal and Chief Financial Officer Jeff

Atwater read an account of Hamor’s heroic actions.

On July 22, 2012, at approximately 7:30 a.m. Lt. Hamor was heading home after

completing his shift. While driving on Babcock Street near Port Malabar Boulevard, Lt.

Hamor noticed a slow–moving vehicle. The vehicle was heading south toward him. Lt.

Hamor glanced at the driver and noticed she appeared to be in distress. The vehicle

continued southbound and crossed the median into oncoming traffic. At that time, Lt.

Hamor turned around and positioned his vehicle in front of hers in an attempt to get her

to stop.

Once he stopped the vehicle, he found the driver unconscious and barely breathing.

Firefighter Matthew St. Pierre, who was also on his way home, pulled up to render aid.

The woman stopped breathing and the two firefighters immediately began CPR while an

off–duty police officer controlled traffic in the area. Lt. Hamor notified emergency dis-

patchers to send rescue units. The woman was stabilized, transported to the hospital and

survived what appeared to be a heart attack.

“For his selfless and decisive action many lives were saved that day as well as that

individual,” Atwater read. “For this reason Lt. James Hamor is being recognized as

Florida’s Career Firefighter of the Year and we thank him for his service.”

Hamor began his career with Palm Bay Fire–Rescue in February 1988. He rose to the

rank of driver engineer in December 1996 and to the rank of lieutenant in September

2007. Hamor serves on the Technical Rescue Team and is “always available to mentor

new paramedics.”

His personnel jacket contains numerous letters of commendation by citizens, supervi-

sors and city officials. He is also an adjunct professor at Brevard Community College’s

Institute of Public Safety on the Melbourne campus, where he has taught medical first

responder and EMT and paramedic lab, clinical and lecture classes since 2008.

In September 2012 the Palm Bay Fire–Rescue Department honored Hamor with its

Medal of Valor and a Life–Saving Award for his actions during this incident.

According to Hamor the most rewarding part of that ceremony was the unexpected

presence of the patient and her family and their heartfelt thanks.

“Lt. Hamor is just one of the many reasons why Palm Bay is such a great place to call

home,” said Palm Bay Mayor William Capote. “We are so proud of him and appreciate all

he, and of all the men and women who dedicate their lives to public safety, do on a daily

basis to serve our citizens. That is what we are all about.”

Brevard Rescue Mission to host luncheonBrevard Rescue Mission will host its fourth annual “Women Who Care Share” ladies’

luncheon from 11:15 to 1 p.m. on Friday, April 19, at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto. The

event will highlight the work of the mission, which is to break the cycle of homelessness by

providing homeless women with children housing and resources, which “enables them to

achieve self–reliance in one to two years.” Stacia Glavas, the founder and CEO, will also

share a testimony from a former client who has achieved self–sufficiency. Because this is a

benefit for the women and children of Brevard Rescue Mission, guests will be asked to

make a donation during the luncheon. Event sponsorships are also available. RSVP to

Ginny Whitley at 482–9596 or e–mail [email protected]. Further

information can be found at www.BrevardRescueMission.org.

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BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS

Invent Now Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to

honoring and fostering invention and creativity, has

announced that its nationally acclaimed Camp Invention

summer program is returning to Melbourne for 2013.

The camp is a weeklong summer day program for

children entering grades one through six, created in

partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame

and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The program engages children to discover their own

innate creativity and inventiveness through hands–on

science, technology, engineering and math content.

“Based on feedback from the country’s finest school

districts, Camp Invention has earned a reputation as a

leader in high–quality summer programming,” said

Michael Oister, chief operating officer for Invent Now.

“This has helped the organization grow to a national

program serving over 77,000 children. Parents tell us

Camp Invention improves their child’s outlook on

learning and increases their child’s interest in using

science to solve problems.”

Ascension Catholic School will host Camp Invention

during the week of June 17 and June 21. This year’s

program is “Geo–Quest,” which features the “I Can

Invent: Launchitude” module, where children combine

physics and re–engineered household items to create the

ultimate “Duck–Chucking Device.”

Each day children rotate through integrated modules

that employ creative thinking to solve real–world

challenges. Children learn vital 21st century life skills

such as problem–solving and teamwork through

Ascension Catholic School to host Camp Invention in June; weeklong summer day program for youngstersimaginative play.

Even if a child has participated in Camp Invention in

the past, he or she “will benefit from new adventures

throughout the week.”

To register a child for these programs or to learn more

about Invent Now programming, visit

www.campinvention.org or call (800) 968–4332.

Since Camp Invention’s inception, the program has

grown to include more than 1,200 school partnerships in

49 states. In 2012, more than 77,000 children partici-

pated nationwide.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office continues to

support Invent Now’s mission to inspire creativity and

inventive thinking in children of all ages.

Central Florida Chapter of JDRF to host its annual Brevard ‘Walk to Cure Diabetes’Walkers have already started preparing for Saturday, April 6, as they begin to raise funds for research to find a cure

for diabetes and its complications.

Walkers from all across Central Florida will come together at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach with the goal to raise

more than $153,000, with this year’s theme of “Mission: Possible.”

“This is such a great opportunity for the community to come together to raise money and awareness,” said JDRF

Board of Directors President Joseph Ranaldi. “Diabetes has a huge impact on many Central Florida families. Insulin is

a necessity, not a cure.”

Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the 5K starting in the “Memory Mall” area at 9:30 a.m. Walkers are asked to

register at www.jdrf.org/centralflorida.

“We never lose sight of our ultimate goal to remove T1D from our lives forever,” said JDRF Director Martin

Bernstine. “However, along the path to a cure we are inspired by the many achievements toward the treatment and

prevention of this disease. The outpouring of support and commitment of people enables JDRF to continue funding

cutting–edge research.”

The Walk to Cure Diabetes is supported by many local companies and in–kind donors. The event will feature a

“great day of family fun and entertainment” and diabetes–related vendors.

JDRF was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with Type 1 diabetes, a disease that strikes children, adoles-

cents, and adults suddenly, makes them insulin–dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating

complications. Since its inception, JDRF has provided more than $1.6 billion to diabetes research worldwide. More than

“80 percent of JDRF’s expenditures directly support research and research–related education.” For more information,

visit www.jdrf.org or call (407) 774–2166.

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Black and white if possibleDr. & Mrs. Martin AvalosBankFIRSTBrowning’s Pharmacy & Health Care, Inc.Ms. Mary Anna BrusheCertified General Contractors, Inc.Curri PropertiesDivine Mercy Catholic CommunityMr. & Mrs. Tony GinevraDr. & Mrs. Michael GreeneMr. & Mrs. John McGintyMr. & Mrs. Campbell McKeggDr. & Mrs. Michael McLaughlin ‘76Melbourne Architectural Millwork Company/ Mr. & Mrs. Tom Soyk

Nelson Engineering/Ms. Carolyn SeringerNotre Dame Club of MelbourneOur Lady of Grace Catholic CommunityOur Lady of Lourdes Catholic CommunityRiverside Animal Hospital/ Rebecca Colombo, DVMRobinson Insurance Inc./ Mr. & Mrs. Frederic Robinson Mr. & Mrs. George SantiagoRev. Francis X. J. SmithState Farm/Mr. & Mrs. Eric PonceThe Sun Shoppe Café/Mr. & Mrs. Long DoVolk Law Offices, PAMr. Ron Young

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Melbourne Central Catholic High School cordially thanks the many volunteers and benefactors who made our 2013 green & gold gala a success.

Honorary ChairpersonsDonna & Michael McLaughlin, MD ‘76

ChairpersonsFreddie & Mike ErdmanKim & Ken Vilardebo



ORLANDO — The Florida Home Builders Associa-

tion–sponsored Southeast Building Conference (SEBC)

will celebrate its 35th anniversary this year and is

marking the occasion with changes that it hopes will keep

the show “vibrant and relevant for years to come.”

For the first time, the event moves into the new South

Hall of the Orange County Convention Center, giving

exhibitors and delegates a fresh venue for the vast array

of building–industry products and services to be displayed

at the July 11–13 show.

To make sure exhibitors get maximum attention, this

year’s show schedule has set aside designated hours (12 to

3 p.m. each day) for homebuilders, remodelers, and allied

construction–related professionals to tour the displays.

There will be specialty pavilions featuring “Hurricane

Alley,” “Green Building,” and “Masonry.” The Florida

Department of Community Affairs sponsors the hurri-

cane–mitigation displays while the Florida Masonry

Association presents exhibits as part of its co–location

partnership with SEBC.

As the “only major building industry trade show in the

South this year,” SEBC expects to draw a “large audience

to its world–class educational programs.” The program

will include all 14 hours that Florida contractors need to

achieve their continuing–education requirement.

Top key elements of SEBC over the years — the New

Southern Home and the Aurora Awards — will remain

staples of the show experience.

The New Southern Home is being built by Nathan

Cross of NWC Construction Inc., and will be a “living

Southeast Building Conference to celebrate 35th year with new format and venue at Orange County Centerlaboratory” for builders and consumers with a keen

interest in Green building and energy–efficiency.

The Aurora Awards, the premier building–industry

design competition in the Southeast, will honor its

winners on Saturday evening, July 13, at the Rosen

Centre Hotel.

For more details, visit www.sebcshow.com and

www.TheAuroras.com.

VIERA — An idea of two retired military wives has culminated in $6,702 in donations for the Veterans Transitional

Facility in Melbourne, which provides housing for homeless veterans.

Nancy Carroll and Judi Bickmore of Indian River Colony Club in Viera, produced and printed the $11 “Simply Soup”

cookbook, with sponsorship by the Indian River Chapel Foundation and recipes by IRCC Sous Chef Kathy Green.

On March 6, the pair presented checks from the cookbook sales and a recent golf tournament to Audra Leary, director

for the Melbourne facility that has housed 40 veterans and family members so far this year. IRCC is a fully maintained

and gated golf–course community of nearly 800 homes on 453 acres in Viera.

Leary said she was “overwhelmed by the generosity” shown by the residents of IRCC, which began as a retirement

destination for military officers. “We’ve seen so much support from that community. Several of their clubs have helped

us with clothing, furniture, housewares and even a generator, but the magnitude of this last donation caught me off

guard. We feel really honored,” she said.

The goal of the Veterans Transitional Facility, which is affiliated with Vietnam & All Veterans of Brevard, is to

transition homeless veterans, some with families, into a stable housing situation.

“We have a veteran with a spouse and four children who just moved into permanent housing,” said Leary. “Their

entire kitchen has been outfitted with donations from IRCC. We’re just so grateful.”

Visit www.IndianRiverColonyClub.com or call (877) 298–8124 for more details about the program. The Veterans

Transitional Facility is located at 700 East Fee Ave. The phone number is 409–8167.

Charity benefits from cookbook sales; IRCC organization helps veterans transition

Morgan elected chairman of commissionJoseph Morgan, a former mayor of Cocoa Beach, was recently re–elected chairman of the Brevard County Historical

Commission. The announcement was made by Michael Boonstra, director. Also elected were Bob Swenson, first vice

chairman, and Roz Foster, second vice chairperson. Dan Reiter was appointed to the Historical Commission by Brevard

County Commissioner Chuck Nelson.

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BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWSPIRTEK USAContinued from page 1

was named director of training before heading up franchise

development in 2002.

“They started the business with a couple of vans

visiting job sites. When hydraulic hosing breaks down,

typically you have to go to the OEM (original equipment

manufacturer). We changed that.”

PIRTEK’s trained technician goes to the job site with all

the tools to do the work, said O’Kane. “He takes the hose

off and manufacturers a new custom–built high–pressure

hose assembly. Some of these are 2, 3, 4 and 5 psi (pounds

per–square inch). It’s not something you can buy from a

big–box home–improvement store. This is very specialized

equipment.”

PIRTEK franchise operators run their business from a

2,500– to 3,500–square–foot Hose Service and Supply

Center. The industrial space also supports a fleet of vans,

said O’Kane. “We are usually located close to industrial–

supply businesses such as W.W. Grainger or Fastenal.”

The franchise owner starts his business with three vans

and a leased building. The company’s “turnkey system”

provides them the opportunity to open their doors on the

first day of business with a fully equipped hose service

center, mobile–service units, and trained employees, said

O’Kane.

“The owner has everything to launch the venture,

including business cards in their pocket.”

The five–person team includes an operations manager

who works alongside an administrator, who handles

receivables and payables. “We tell the franchise owners

they are going into business for themselves, but not by

themselves,” he said.

The total PIRTEK investment is around $500,000.

“There are franchises you can buy for $5,000 and you can

anticipate getting a return based on that amount of

investment. We are not the most expensive franchise and

we are not the cheapest.”

O’Kane said the majority of PIRTEK owners are “age

45–plus” and have worked as middle to senior corporate

executives and managers. “They have sound business–

management, people–management, and financial–

management skills. They want to build an enterprise,

build equity in a business.”

He said the type of individual who is attracted to

PIRTEK is the “franchise entrepreneur,” as opposed to

someone who embraces the business–startup undertaking.

“They are looking for a proven system and do not want

to create a business from scratch. And this is what we

offer. As a franchise owner, you have a building, your sign

is on the door, your shop is outfitted, your office space is

outfitted, you have marketing materials, vans ready, and

people hired and trained.”

New franchisees receive three weeks of training at the

Rockledge facility. PIRTEK also provides several weeks of

on–site support when a center is opened, in addition to

ongoing assistance from the company’s regional franchise–

support representatives.

In early March, PIRTEK owners from around the

nation came to Brevard County. The company hosted its

15th annual Franchise Owner Conference and Vendor

Expo at the Crowne Plaza Oceanfront Resort & Spa in

Indialantic.

“We had 100 percent attendance among the franchise

owners,” said Karin Ferretti, PIRTEK’s franchise–

development administrator. “We start off each franchise

conference with a vendor showcase. It’s a huge opportunity

for the vendors to get in front of all of our franchise owners

at one place and one time.”

The conference included roundtable sessions and

meetings, and an awards dinner, she said. “The format

presents a great opportunity to share ideas. The

takeaways include the learning experiences gained from

colleagues.”

As a franchisor, O’Kane said PIRTEK looks for

businesspeople who want to build a team and not “stand

behind a counter. We want our franchise owners to focus

on their community and the potential for business. So

more than anything else, they are going to be out network-

ing and building relationships, and nurturing their

employees.”

PIRTEK is not positioned in a high–visibility franchise

business but offers wide opportunity to build wealth, he

said.

“The hose and fittings business is not glamorous. But

you can be home on weekends with your family and enjoy

vacations. It’s about quality of life. And, you can actually

influence how big you grow the enterprise. This is a

repeat–business venture.

An expanding number of PIRTEK owners have more

than one franchise location, he said.

Businessman Jim Lager of Dallas, Texas, recently

started with one PIRTEK franchise and now owns five in

that region of the country. He was a top producer with a

national tool franchise and had a fleet of trucks before his

association with PIRTEK.

“Jim came across us selling to one of our franchises in

Dallas,” said O’Kane. “He joined us in 2010. By the end of

2012, he had 10 trucks and opened his second PIRTEK

store. He now has 14 trucks on the road providing service

in the Dallas–Fort Worth region.”

In the U.S., PIRTEK has grown to 41 individually

owned locations.

“With the population size and geography that we are

dealing with in the U.S., we are probably looking at 300 to

400 locations over the long–term development of the

company. So there is much untapped territory for us,” said

O’Kane.

PIRTEK stands for Pirelli Technology. Pirelli of Italy

manufactures PIRTEK’s products but has no ownership or

involvement in the company, said O’Kane, adding that

PIRTEK also has no ownership or investment in Pirelli.

“It’s strictly a value proposition. There is no ownership

in either direction. There is no other relationship except for

the fact that they supply our product. To this day, our

product still comes out of Italy. Even though PRITEK was

started in Australia, it went all the way to Italy to source

Pirelli. Everybody knows the Pirelli name is synonymous

with quality,” said O’Kane.

His company typically targets a population base of

500,000 people per PIRTEK franchise.

“For example, in the Atlanta MSA of 4 million people,

we have three locations. But we could ultimately end up

with seven or eight locations there. Jacksonville’s MSA is

1.2 million people. We have one location and are looking

for another. In general, we have a lot of territory to grow

the franchise in Florida. We’re not in West Palm Beach,

Fort Lauderdale, or Miami.”

MSAs, regions of 500,000 or more people, are defined by

the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and used by

the U.S. Census Bureau for statistical purposes.

In Brevard County, where more than a half–million

people live, PIRTEK has one location. “In Brevard, the

name is known because we have been here for 15 years

offering service. Most of the companies that deal with hose

or hydraulics know our brand.”

PIRTEK, a private, 33–year–old company, is “a

household name in Australia,” he said. The company

started franchising in 1985.

“In Australia and the UK you cannot buy a PIRTEK

franchise unless it’s an existing one. We are sold out. And

that will happen in the U.S., but it’s going to take some

time,” said O’Kane, whose company competes in the

British Touring Car Championship with its Honda

Civic NGTC entry.

The company’s growth is detailed in the 34th annual

2013 “Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500 Rankings.”

PIRTEK made a substantial climb, to the No. 260 spot on

the list. In 2011, the company was No. 389. PIRTEK has

jumped 129 spots in three years.

Only companies that supply full franchise–disclosure

documents verified by “Entrepreneur” are eligible for

listing consideration. The magazine uses a mathematical

formula that considers financial strength, stability, growth,

and size of the franchise system.

“While reviewing the Franchise 500 listings, I noticed

that many systems, including some very well–known

brands, had lost many franchise or company–owned units

during the difficult years,” said O’Kane.

“For PIRTEK, the light started to shine through in 2011

and our system was able to enjoy a very strong 2012. We

are now seeing candidates who are interested in franchis-

ing, having confidence again knowing it’s a great time to

start a business. Lending is becoming more available to

new entrepreneurs, which will help us focus again on unit

growth and building the PIRTEK brand.”

PIRTEK USA is listed on the U.S. Small Business

Administration registry and has relationships with

“preferred” status SBA lenders.

O’Kane said the recession forced his franchise owners to

look beyond the construction industry, “which has always

been low–hanging fruit for us.”

“One of the things we really stress to our owners is

work hard to diversify the business in order to have heavy

receivables spread across hundreds of companies.”

He said PIRTEK franchise owners pursued that goal

during the five–year downturn.

“They really did a fantastic job getting into municipali-

ties, manufacturing facilities, and other industries. As the

construction pie got smaller and smaller, the other

industries started to grow for us. Now, construction is

starting to come back in many communities. We are

looking forward to that growth engine again. We’re upbeat.

We think it’s going to be a very good year for PIRTEK

franchise owners,” said O’Kane.

Reserve your seat today!Space is limited.

Y0089_EL3250 CMS Accepted 01132013 Health First Health Plans is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. The benefi t information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefi ts. For more information, contact the plan. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefi ts, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call toll free 1.877.904.4909 (TDD/TTY 711).

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Call toll free 1.877.904.4909 (TDD/TTY relay 711) Weekdays 8 am–8 pm, Saturdays 8 am–noon

Titusville Chamber of Commerce 2000 S. Washingon Avenue, TitusvilleThursday, April 4 at 2 pm

Holmes Regional Medical Center 1350 S. Hickory Street, MelbourneTuesday, April 9 at 2 pm (Auditorium A)

One Senior Place 8085 Spyglass Hill Rd., VieraTuesday, April 16 at 10 am

Viera Hospital8745 N. Wickham Road, MelbourneWednesday, April 17 at 5:30 pm

The Knowledge Exchange 5151 Babcock Street NE, Palm BayThursday, April 25 at 9:30 am

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