RSH allies with SIOR

The RSH Group (RSH) of Irvine, California, a commercial real estate and economic development services company, announced that they have entered into a strategic alliance with The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR). Read the story here.

Harmonized Solar Standards?

The pace of new solar products and emerging technologies entering the marketplace is faster than ever before, and with these new technologies inherently come questions on how the standard harmonization efforts and also product testing and certification processes will be streamlined to help address the needs of this growing market, according to this article.

Osceola Youngster Honored

Congrats to Osceola's Joshua Best for his photo being selected as part of the 4-H photo contest. His picture is on display in Sen. Mike Haridopolos' Tallhassee office. Here it is http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/detail.sfly?imageIndex=0&sid=0AZt27hy5csWTEIA&fid=396ff52f24d69764

Link-o-rama 3-28-10

Nothing but the best links...

• Osceola County Teacher of the Year. And the winner is....
• Senate passes massive economic development bill dubbed "Jobs for Florida" but not without some heartburn.
• Shingle Creek Adventure Challenge.
• Celebration-based Channel Intelligence makes some news.
• Tupperware empowers women in India and received 51% of its revenue from emerging-market nations.
• St. Cloud supports Expressway Authority. Story here.
• Google plus Kissimmee equals this website.
• Check out the Solar Bill of rights: http://www.solarbillofrights.us/
• Florida High Speed Rail Web site.
• ESPN 3D makes news HERE, HERE and HERE. 
• Spring Training: Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves.

General Audit Management (GAM2010) conference March 29-31

ACL Services Ltd., the leading provider of technology for audit and compliance professionals, announced that Steve Biskie, ACL director of services product management, will present at this year’s Institute of Internal Auditors’ (IIA) General Audit Management (GAM2010) conference March 29-31 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center.

Small Business help from Governor's Office

    The Governor's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development (OTTED) is bringing together state and partner organizations that support Florida's small businesses and entrepreneurs with an event in Orlando on Wednesday (March 31).
   The free forum is a chance to hear from and interact with key resources for expanding a business, including technical assistance and financing opportunities.
Featured Resources Include

• Black Business Loan ProgramLoans and loan guarantees for black owned businesses
• Disney Entrepreneur CenterResources for small business in Central Florida from free one-on-one business counseling, and low-cost seminars, to high-impact networking opportunities
• Economic Gardening Loan Program Loans for small businesses that are in the best position to continue making a successful long-term business commitment to Florida 
• GrowFL - Technical Assistance Program Provides a suite of high-end, high-speed technical assistance and business resources to companies that have grown beyond the startup phase.
• New Markets Development Program Provides capital investment to businesses located in Florida's low income communities.
• Small Business Development Center Network Provides entrepreneurs and established businesses with the assistance needed to start, grow and succeed, contributing to the Florida economy 

EVENT DETAILSMARCH 31, 2010 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: Disney Entrepreneur Center, 315 E. Robinson Street, Ste 100, Orlando, FL
To reserve your seat call the BBIF of Central Florida at 407.649.4780
e-mail: info@bbif.com

High Speed Rail meeting in Lakeland Today (March 24)

   The Mayors of Tampa, Orlando and Lakeland will convene the first Super-Regional Rail Summit hosted by CONNECT US, the Central Florida Partnership, and Tampa Bay Partnership at the Lakeland Civic Center on March 24, 2010 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.  The Summit is free and open to the public
   This from CONNECT US Website: "It is the first time that the leaders of the three Florida High Speed Rail cities, FDOT, and station area stakeholders will be together.  FDOT will present a status report on the project.  There also will be presentations by the Chairmen of SunRail and TBARTA on the status of regional rail projects.  Business, labor and environmental leaders will participate in the discussions that will focus on Super Regional connectivity.  We also are privileged to have the Right Honorable Lord Adonis, Minister of Transport for the United Kingdom attending and participating.  Lord Adonis unveiled last week plans for a $30 billion British pound High Speed Rail system running from London to Glasgow and Edinburgh."

Tone Software at VoiceCon Orlando 2010

Tone Software Corporation, a global provider of comprehensive network monitoring and management solutions for converged telecommunications and IT infrastructures, is demonstrating its newly announced ReliaTel-Streamline^®Management Solution 2.6 Release with the Operational Knowledge Base at the VoiceCon Orlando 2010 Conference March 22-24 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, booth number 1232.

VoiceCon Orlando 2010

   SecureLogix Corporation CTO and VP of Engineering Mark Collier moderated a panel discussing a host of security issues and concerns facing enterprise voice and interactive communications at the VoiceCon conference and exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center. Collier is a telephony security and enterprise communications expert and co-author of the book Hacking Exposed: VoIP (McGraw Hill, 2006). He is also the author of the widely read VoIP Security Blog at http://www.voipsecurityblog.com/.

Gearing up for Google

Kissimmee is making a bid for Google's super fast Internet connection experiment. Here's the video and details.

UCF ranks 3rd in patent strength

     The University of Central Florida ranks third in the nation for the strength and impact of its patents, according to recent rankings released by IEEE, the world’s leading association for the advancement of technology. UCF moved up from seventh place last year in the rankings. No other Florida university made either list.
      The rankings illustrate the strength of patents issued at UCF and the potential they hold for positively impacting the local and state economies, said M.J. Soileau, vice president for Research and Commercialization at UCF.
   “With the help of our partners, UCF is strategically focusing on the technical areas needed to support and lure viable technological industry to our state,” he said. “By hiring some of the best faculty in the world, we have built some of the nation’s strongest concentrations of intellectual capital in lasers and optics, simulation and training, computer sciences, solar energy, nanoscience, materials and now biomedical sciences right here in Central Florida.”
Full story here.

Mom and Pop Business Day is March 29

   Small businesses account for 70% of U.S. commerce, according to Fast Company. For advice and sympathy, the magazine recommends SCORE -- a not-for-profit partner of the Small Business Administration, which offers free counseling. Its volunteers -- mostly retired business owners -- have advised more than 8 million clients, many of them clueless.
    National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day celebrates small business owners -- individuals who spend countless hours nurturing and growing their young enterprises.

Photoshop World Comes to Central Florida

Photoshop World is big. How big?
"Photoshop World is the ONLY Photoshop and digital photography conference designed to put you at the top of your game with fast and furious classes from the world's leading experts. Photoshop World is where Photoshop users go to learn hard!
And the keynote is from Adobe’s John Loiacono
Adobe often uses the opening Keynote of Photoshop World to showcase or “sneak peek” unreleased Photoshop technology. Adobe VP John Loiacono will be giving the presentation. It kicks off Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. (door’s open at 8:45 a.m.).

    Orlando Flight Training is expanding its service offerings to include a sport pilot training program with an addition of four new Cessna Skycatcher aircraft to its fleet in Summer 2010 at Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM) announces today that its airport business. OFT is the first flight school in Florida to offer these aircraft.
    “These new aircraft will allow our team to provide students with additional flight training program options,” said Adam Brumbaugh, director of sales & marketing at Orlando Flight Training. “The new program is an excellent fit with our current service offerings, as it provides a low cost option for becoming licensed to aviation enthusiasts.”
   The sport pilot training program costs less than a traditional pilot license program and allows the school to accommodate aviation enthusiasts who seek this specific type of license. Introductory flight and ground training in the new aircraft will be available for interested participants. For more information, please contact admissions@flyoft.com.

   Good link about certifying solar energy panels:
   The short of it: When a concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) manufacturer completes design and assembly of a solar product, the work is just beginning. To reach market, the product must also be certified according to the regulatory requirements set by the installation site’s country and regional location.

Update: Utility-scale solar projects in the U.S.

    Greentech Media has an interesting report from Rhone Resch, CEO of SEIA, on utility-scale solar projects in the U.S.
    "In 2009 there was 58 megawatts of utility-scale solar deployed in the U.S. in 5 projects. The compelling news is that SEIA expects to see more than 200 megawatts of utility-scale solar from concentrated solar power (CSP) and photovoltaics (PV) coming online in 2010. Those projects include Florida Power and Light's 75-megawatt trough project and thin film solar efforts by First Solar.
     Even more encouraging is that there are over 100 utility-scale solar projects in the U.S. totaling 17,000 MW now in the planning stage."
     Read more here: www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/seia-on-utility-scale-solar

ESPN: Scoring a Field Goal in S3D Sports

    The NAB Show, the annual conference and expo for professionals who create, manage and distribute entertainment across all platforms, has announced the participants in a Content Theater session titled "ESPN: Scoring a Field Goal in S3D Sports.”
    The panelists will be Anthony Bailey, vice president emerging technologies, ESPN; Phil Orlins, coordinating producer, ESPN X Games; Vince Pace, CEO and Cinematographer, PACE; and Bob Toms, vice president, production enhancements & interactive TV, ESPN.
    ESPN recently announced that its 3D division was moving to Osceola County and the Wide World of Sports complex.
    The 2010 NAB Show takes place April 10-15 in Las Vegas. 

News on VoiceCon 2010

Acme Packet® (NASDAQ: APKT), the leader in session border control solutions, will showcase its Net-Net® session border controller (SBC) solutions that deliver trusted, first-class unified communications for enterprise, contact center and government organizations March 22 – 25 at VoiceCon 2010, which is being held at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. Acme Packet, a Best of VoiceCon award finalist, will be presenting, exhibiting and demonstrating its Net-Net product family  in booth 1129 located in the Florida Exhibit Hall on the lower level.

Benchmark announcement at ICBA

Benchmark Technology Group, a leading provider of branch automation solutions and technology management services, announced at the ICBA National Convention & Techworld held at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center that Richmond, Va.-based Franklin Federal Savings Bank implemented Compass™, Benchmark Technology Group’s new account automation software.

Canon showing at ICBA show at Gaylord

    Canon USA Inc., an award-winning provider of image capture solutions, is showcasing the precision, speed and ease-of-use of its digital document scanners and check transports at the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) National Convention and Techworld Show at Kissimmee's Gaylord Palms Convention Center. Canon’s exhibit will be located in Booth # 320.
    “Financial institutions are continuously seeking new ways to streamline business practices, improve the payment and transaction process, and enhance record keeping,” said Jim Rosetta, vice president and general manager, Imaging Systems Group, Canon U.S.A. “At ICBA, Canon will demonstrate the time-saving capabilities of our document scanners, check transports and image scanners, offering end-users a practical solution to meet the changing needs of the financial marketplace.”   

"The Second Wave of Electricity"

FCC's National Broadband Plan: In what some say is akin to "the second wave of electricity" in America, the FCC wants to expand and increase high-speed Internet access nationwide while encouraging competition among service providers. Set to be unveiled to Congress and the public today, the national broadband plan seeks to prioritize high-speed Internet as a "foundation for economic growth, job creation, global competitiveness and a better way of life." 

Fitch rates TOHO bonds

  Fitch Ratings, takes the following rating action on Tohopekaliga (TOHO) Water Authority, affirming a AA- rating on approximately $185.5 million water and sewer revenue bonds.
  The Rating Outlook is Stable.
  The rating reflects strong financial operations providing solid debt service coverage and liquidity levels.
  The system has ample water supply and treatment capacity with a large and diverse customer base. The system has a sizable capital improvement program over the next five years pending customer growth.
   KEY RATING DRIVER: The Authority's maintenance of its financial profile while implementing a significant capital improvement program will be key to maintaining the current rating and Stable Outlook.

U.S. Small Business Administration to Host a Small Business Workshop

   SBDC at UCF, Kissimmee has partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide this half day session for Osceola County Businesses March 26 at the Stetson University campus at Celebration from 8 a.m. to noon. Join us for workshops and panel discussions on SBA programs to include, financing, counseling, training, procurement and an update on the American Recovery Reinvestment Act.
    Opening remarks by Maria Toumazos, Administrator, Osceola County Economic Development Department. or more details call 772-466-3176 or 772-466-1944
    R.S.V.P. via e-mail at: SBA_event_Celebration@yahoo.com

Micro Key Solutions heading to ISC West

Kissimmee-based Micro Key Solutions is preparing for ISC West in Las Vegas, on March 24-26, 2010, where company officials will continue the celebration of Micro Key's 25th Anniversary. Micro Key is at booth 24077.

Greening your business deadline Tuesday

  "Greening Your Small Business: Small changes can have a positive impact on your bottom line" is set for March 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Kissimmee/Osceola Chamber of Commerce, 1425 E. Vine Street.
  The Session is free but the deadline to register is March 16.
  With just a few changes you can often reduce your firm's carbon footprint and save money by conserving energy and reducing waste. Doing right by the planet can also mean doing right by your business. Finding ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption can help you save money and add a whole lot more "green" to your bottom line.
    Complimentary session and lunch as representatives from UF Extension Services, TriStar Energy and Kissimmee Utility Authority share with us tips and resources available to implement immediately to help your business become green and gain a competitive edge.
    WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Osceola County businesses and property owners interested in learning more about the programs and incentives available in going green.
    For more information contact: 407.847.2452.

A.M. Best at Gaylord Palms Event March 17

    A.M. Best Co. will be exhibiting at the Independent Community Bankers of America National Convention and Techworld, March 17-21 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee. Representatives will be available to discuss A.M. Best’s interactive credit ratings for U.S. banks.
    A.M. Best is offering financial strength, issuer credit and debt security ratings to community banks and bank holding companies. Ratings are based on an assessment of a bank’s strategy and competitive position beyond just its reported financial results, and the rating process focuses on a bank’s operation through various stages of the industry cycle. Visitors to Best’s Banking Center, www.ambest.com/banks, can search for banks based on select financial criteria and can view A.M. Best’s Rating Methodology for Banks, Best’s Bank Statement Reports, which contain key balance sheet data, and Best’s Bank Ratio Reports, featuring operating statistics and financial ratios.

Osceola K-8 Teacher honored

    Congratulations to Jennifer Ludwig of the new Westside K-8 School. She is one of 200 elementary school teachers from across the country who will be heading to the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy to learn innovative new math and science teaching skills at three academies to be held this summer.

     The selection of the teachers from applications submitted at www.sendmyteacher.com marks the second year that teachers from all 50 states have been chosen to participate in the five-year-old professional development program.
     The academy is an intensive one-week, all-expense paid professional development program designed to provide teachers with innovative math and science teaching skills. The participants were selected by a panel of educators from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Science Teachers Association based on their qualifications, dedication to inspiring students at an early age and overall commitment to enhancing the teaching profession.
    “We’re excited to announce the selection of the teachers today and encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive response we have received from academy graduates,” said PGA golfer Phil Mickelson. “Working with ExxonMobil, we designed the academy to be an exciting learning experience that will provide more teachers with tools to inspire students in these critical areas.”
    In 2005, ExxonMobil partnered with Mickelson and his wife, Amy, the teachers association and Math Solutions to launch the program, which has hosted more than 2,000 teachers at one of the three annual academies, which will be held this summer in New Jersey, Texas and Louisiana.

Gaylord update on March 18

Gaylord Entertainment Company (NYSE: GET) announced that it will present to attendees of the 2010 J. P. Morgan Gaming, Lodging, Restaurant & Leisure Management Access Forum being held at the Encore at the Wynn in Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday, March 18. Colin Reed, chairman and chief executive officer of Gaylord Entertainment, will communicate the Company's recent financial performance, growth objectives and business strategy. Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee is one of the company's property's.

FP&L links solar and natural gas

A promising approach to reducing the cost of solar power is moving forward with the construction of an installation in Indianatown that will combine a field of solar concentrators with a natural gas power plant. Read about it here.

New Soccer Franchise in 2011

  Orlando will have a professional franchise starting in 2011 in what the USL is calling a ‘re-established’ first division USL, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
   The team will be owned and operated by the Orlando Titans (the indoor lacrosse team in town) and has not had a name or location announced yet. The home stadium is expected to be announced soon as they are still exploring options.
   According to the press release, the club hopes to announce a partnership with a European club in the future and is hoping to bring major international exhibitions to the Central Florida area.
   So what do you think Central Florida?

OUC goes solar.

Orlando's electric utility has selected a Florida company to build what will stand, for a short while at least, as one of the nation's largest assemblies of solar panels.

Regenesis Power outlasted nearly 30 competitors to be selected late last month by the Orlando Utilities Commission as the preferred vendor for the project. The company recently installed a large solar-energy system at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, the company's home city.

OUC's governing board is expected next Tuesday to authorize the utility's managers to negotiate and sign a contract with Regenesis that spells out the final details of the Orlando system's size, cost and performance.

Full story.

Pro Soccer in Central Fla?

Orlando Sentinel Soccer Blog says that professional futbol may be coming to Central Florida! Of course for all the fans of the sport, pro-level leagues have struggled over the years. Used to love those Tampa Bay Rowdies!

Travelocity Founder Speaking at Kissimmee Tradeshow

   Terry Jones, the founder of Travelocity, is the keynote speaker this year AirCargo 2010, the premier conference and trade show for the airfreight forwarding and express delivery/logistics industries that will be held March 14-16 at the Omni ChampionsGate Resort.

   Over 800 attendees and 100 exhibitors and sponsors will come together to network and take part in important educational meetings covering topics such as successful marketing techniques, compliance issues in managing domestic and global supply chains and what to expect for our industry with the quickly increasing percentages of screening requirements.

   Other key industry leaders presenting this year include Brian Clancy of Merge Global, Neil Lenok of the World Academy and Bob Reilly of the GovPro Alliance.

    Specific discussions include:

'Chessie' presents at Kissimmee Conference

Chesapeake System Solutions Inc. (www.chessys.com), a provider of integrated financial governance, risk management and compliance software solutions to the world’s foremost enterprises, announced at the BAI Payments Connect Conference & Expo in Kissimmee that it has integratedA2iA CheckReader™, a comprehensive check-processing toolkit, into its T-Recs® Enterprise reconciliation system to offer advanced bank account reconciliation and positive pay functionality.