Vol. 29 No. 10 March 7, 2011 A Weekly Space Coast Business Magazine Please see Linda Geiger, page 19 Please see Overqualified, page 16 BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS, INC. ‘Overqualified’ applicant may be the best person for job opening By Allison Bruce Scripps Howard Service It can be a common but discouraging thing for job seekers to hear: You’re overqualified. Some admit to leaving an advanced degree off a resume or not listing their entire career history to improve their chances at a job. Others question whether “overqualified” is just another way of saying “too old.” But while some companies shy away from considering applicants with more experience or education — thinking they might want more pay or might leave for something better — an automatic rejection could be a disservice to both parties, recent research and recruiters indicate. “People are selling their companies short if they don’t consider people who have more than the qualifications they’re seeking,” said Denise Figueiredo, a former board president of the National Human Resources Association. “I think it’s really sad and unfortunate, not just for the candidates, but unfortunate for the companies that might have benefited greatly from adding that person to their staff.” Figueiredo said human–resources employees often feel overwhelmed when 400 or 500 people apply for a single job, and they turn to the “overqualified” label to weed through them. A hiring manager might be intimidated by an applicant with education or experi- ence equal to his or her own, she suggested. “It’s shortsighted — to not consider that person,” who “may work beautifully with the needs and requirements you have for that position,” Figueiredo said. A December piece in the “Harvard By Ken Datzman VIERA — In an era of mass–produced goods made by what seems like a limitless supply of cheap labor, it is refreshing to watch artist and businesswoman Linda Geiger work so meticulously in her studio creating by hand expressive art–doll masterpieces. No, these are not Barbie–type dolls produced in volume. There are no ma- chines involved in the process, only the use of small instruments and tools of the craft. “That’s the first thing that comes to mind when you mention the word ‘doll.’ But art dolls, or cloth dolls as they are sometimes called, are entirely different creations,” Geiger said. Every detail of her dolls, with their unique shapes and colors, is produced the old–fashioned way. Generally, the dolls are dressed or draped in eye–catching fabrics, which help set off this dynamic art form. The sculpting, painting, costuming, and sewing of these unique dolls, puppets, and character figures, showcase the highly creative, artistic skills of Geiger, who for Art–doll maker Geiger has keen eye for detail, teaches others the craft years ran her own graphic–design business in Brevard County. Many of the logos she designed years ago for area companies are still being used today. Geiger has worked in visual, perform- ing, and literary arts, in a career that has spanned nearly three decades. Art–doll design became the centerpiece of her business several years ago. “It’s a great art form, especially for me, because it combines graphics, fibers, clays, yarns, and paints — really all the medi- ums,” said Geiger, president and founder of Bright Ideas Graphic Design Studio, a 26– year–old business that today makes art dolls, puppets and character figures for sale to the public and conducts workshops and teaches classes in the field. The business is now known as Bright Ideas Studio. She said her art–doll business is “exploding. I’m teaching art– doll classes, too, and getting all kinds of good feedback.” It takes her much time to make just one art doll, with the face being the most Artist Linda Geiger is president and founder of Bright Ideas Graphic Design Studio, an area business whose roots go back 26 years. Today, the business is known as Bright Ideas Studio. Geiger specializes in art– dolling making and teaching art–doll classes and workshops. She recently joined the teaching team at the new Art Gallery of Viera in The Avenue and will be conducting art–doll workshops there in April. BBN Brevard Business News
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Vol. 29 No. 10 March 7, 2011 A Weekly Space Coast Business Magazine
Please see Linda Geiger, page 19
Please see Overqualified, page 16
BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth
PRESORTEDSTANDARD
US POSTAGEPAID
BREVARD BUSINESSNEWS, INC.
‘Overqualified’ applicant may be the best person for job openingBy Allison BruceScripps Howard Service
It can be a common but discouraging
thing for job seekers to hear: You’re
overqualified.
Some admit to leaving an advanced
degree off a resume or not listing their
entire career history to improve their
chances at a job. Others question whether
“overqualified” is just another way of
saying “too old.”
But while some companies shy away
from considering applicants with more
experience or education — thinking they
might want more pay or might leave for
something better — an automatic rejection
could be a disservice to both parties, recent
research and recruiters indicate.
“People are selling their companies
short if they don’t consider people who have
more than the qualifications they’re
seeking,” said Denise Figueiredo, a former
board president of the National Human
Resources Association. “I think it’s really
sad and unfortunate, not just for the
candidates, but unfortunate for the
companies that might have benefited
greatly from adding that person to their
staff.”
Figueiredo said human–resources
employees often feel overwhelmed when
400 or 500 people apply for a single job, and
they turn to the “overqualified” label to
weed through them.
A hiring manager might be intimidated
by an applicant with education or experi-
ence equal to his or her own, she suggested.
“It’s shortsighted — to not consider that
person,” who “may work beautifully with
the needs and requirements you have for
that position,” Figueiredo said.
A December piece in the “Harvard
By Ken Datzman
VIERA — In an era of mass–produced
goods made by what seems like a limitless
supply of cheap labor, it is refreshing to
watch artist and businesswoman Linda
Geiger work so meticulously in her studio
creating by hand expressive art–doll
masterpieces.
No, these are not Barbie–type dolls
produced in volume. There are no ma-
chines involved in the process, only the use
of small instruments and tools of the craft.
“That’s the first thing that comes to
mind when you mention the word ‘doll.’
But art dolls, or cloth dolls as they are
sometimes called, are entirely different
creations,” Geiger said.
Every detail of her dolls, with their
unique shapes and colors, is produced the
old–fashioned way. Generally, the dolls are
dressed or draped in eye–catching fabrics,
which help set off this dynamic art form.
The sculpting, painting, costuming, and
sewing of these unique dolls, puppets, and
character figures, showcase the highly
creative, artistic skills of Geiger, who for
Art–doll maker Geigerhas keen eye for detail,teaches others the craft
years ran her own graphic–design business
in Brevard County.
Many of the logos she designed years
ago for area companies are still being used
today.
Geiger has worked in visual, perform-
ing, and literary arts, in a career that has
spanned nearly three decades. Art–doll
design became the centerpiece of her
business several years ago.
“It’s a great art form, especially for me,
because it combines graphics, fibers, clays,
yarns, and paints — really all the medi-
ums,” said Geiger, president and founder of
Bright Ideas Graphic Design Studio, a 26–
year–old business that today makes art
dolls, puppets and character figures for sale
to the public and conducts workshops and
teaches classes in the field.
The business is now known as Bright
Ideas Studio. She said her art–doll
business is “exploding. I’m teaching art–
doll classes, too, and getting all kinds of
good feedback.”
It takes her much time to make just one
art doll, with the face being the most
Artist Linda Geiger is president and founder of Bright Ideas Graphic Design Studio, an area business whoseroots go back 26 years. Today, the business is known as Bright Ideas Studio. Geiger specializes in art–dolling making and teaching art–doll classes and workshops. She recently joined the teaching team at thenew Art Gallery of Viera in The Avenue and will be conducting art–doll workshops there in April.
BBN Brevard Business
News
MARCH 7, 2011Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising InformationBREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 2
BBN DIGESTTeams needed to take part in ACSRelay for Life event at Satellite High
Registration is under way for the American Cancer
Society’s “Relay for Life” of the South Brevard Beaches, a
team event that will be held April 9 and 10 at Satellite
High School. The Relay begins at 2 p.m. on April 9 and 7
a.m. the next day.
Teams are needed to participate in the event and help
raise money for cancer research, programs and services
that benefit the local community. To register, visit
www.relayforlife.org/southbrevardbeaches.fl or call
253–0361, extension 5755.
This year’s theme, “A Cure Takes Center Stage,” will
highlight the performing arts of Satellite High School and
the beachside community. The event will feature live
music, dance, and performances from many of the
beachside school groups, drama and more.
“The Relay theme this year compliments the Perform-
ing Arts Academy at Satellite High School and we are very
excited to once again be part of this important community
event,” said Mark Elliott, Satellite High School principal.
“We have many students, teachers and community
partners already signed up and think this will be our best
Relay yet.”
At the Relay, the “Wall of Hope” will be unveiled.
“We are asking the community to submit pictures of
loved ones battling cancer or those that have lost their
fight, in an effort to put a face on this disease,” said
Jennifer Jackson Stewart, event chairperson. “We are still
looking for cancer survivors in our community to partici-
pate in the event, but this year we want to honor those
who are not able to attend. We are looking to line the track
at the Relay with a wall of pictures to personalize our
event and really see who we are honoring and walking for
at the Relay.”
To submit a photograph for the Wall of Hope, e–mail
MARCH 7, 2011Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN EDITORIAL
BBNBrevard
Business
News
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 4
4300 Fortune Place, Suite DWest Melbourne, FL 32904
(321) 951–7777fax (321) 951–4444
BrevardBusinessNews.com
PUBLISHERAdrienne B. Roth
EDITORKen Datzman
OFFICE MANAGERFrank Schiffmann
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].
Subscription Rates for home or office mail delivery are$26.00 for one year (52 issues). Send all addresschanges to: Circulation Department, Brevard BusinessNews, 4300 Fortune Place, Suite D, West Melbourne, FL,32904, or email [email protected].
Survey says Floridians remain confident about the economyBy Milenko Martinovich
Consumer confidence among Floridians remained at
77 out of 100 in February further demonstrating the
public’s positive view of the economy, according to a new
University of Florida survey.
The index rose seven points last month, an unex-
pected increase considering the economic climate in
Florida. That the index didn’t change dramatically after
January’s increase is noteworthy.
“We had expected a correction to last month’s seven–
point increase in consumer confidence,” said Chris
McCarty, director of UF’s Survey Research Center in the
Bureau of Economic and Business Research. “A second
month at this high level makes it much less likely that
the increase for January was an aberration and more
likely that consumers view the economy and their
personal economic situation as having improved.”
McCarty said several factors are contributing to
Floridians’ increased optimism, and at the top of the list
is the bull market in stocks that are lifting portfolios.
Another factor, McCarty said, is that those nearing
retirement age whose 401(k) accounts were almost
halved by the recession have mostly recovered those
losses.
Work wages have shown steady improvement and
the stimulus agreement, passed by Congress at the end
of last year, is now appearing in workers’ paychecks,
increasing optimism about personal finances, McCarty
said. Inflation has remained in check, McCarty said, but
high inflation could resurface by the summer. Gas prices
have begun to rise again and are expected to keep rising,
as are prices for basic food items like wheat and corn,
McCarty said.
“At 77, the index represents a dramatic improvement
over consumer confidence for the past three years,”
McCarty said. “The one exception was April 2010, when
a confluence of tax rebates artificially lifted confidence. It
fell in the following months as those programs ended
and the Gulf oil spill raised pessimism. This month, the
sustained higher level of confidence is more broadly
based and is an indicator that consumers are seeing
some stability in the overall economy.”
Among the five components that make up the index,
four increased or remained the same. Confidence in
purchasing big–ticket items such as cars and appliances
had the largest gain, rising three points to 88, and
perceptions of U.S. economic conditions over the next
year rose two points to 79. Perceptions of U.S. economic
conditions over the next five years (81) and perceptions
of personal financial situation now compared to a year
ago (58) were unchanged.
The only component to decrease this past month was
perceptions of personal finances expected a year from
now, which dipped three points to 81.
There is also some good news for the unemployed.
The national unemployment rate declined from 9.4
percent to 9 percent in January as several major
national and international firms such as Google and The
Home Depot have announced intentions to hire.
Florida’s unemployment rate for January won’t be
available until March 10, but hopes are the state will
also reveal a decline in unemployment as well, McCarty
said.
McCarty said housing prices have still shown some
declines, but it appears that prices for single–family
homes are bottoming out.
Although consumer confidence is high, McCarty said
Floridians should be cautious as decisions on spending
cuts both at the state and national level are expected the
next few months. McCarty said signs point to many
state workers and teachers losing their jobs and others
receiving what are functionally a salary cut through
forced pension contributions and lower state contribu-
tions for health care.
The divisions in Congress cloud the national picture,
McCarty said, although there is already a freeze on
federal pay increases in place.
And McCarty said the cuts are far–reaching and
could impact the private sector.
Florida Tech student Gilbert Castillo Scholar of Week on Great Minds siteGilbert Castillo, a Florida Tech senior, was recently featured as the “Scholar of the Week” on the Great Minds in
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) website. As part of the honor, he will present himself as a
student role model to elementary, junior and high school students through the organization’s outreach programs.
Castillo, majoring in chemical engineering, is interested in pursuing research and development in the pharmaceuti-
cals field and plans to enter a doctoral degree program in chemical engineering. He currently works in the Florida Tech
Department of Chemistry where he is examining the potential of the antibiotic tryptanthrin in treating malaria.
Last year, Castillo was named a scholarship recipient by the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards
Corp.–Shaw Industries Group. This award is given to those who are academically and professionally successful in a
STEM–related area.
Encouraged by his math and science teachers, Castillo entered the engineering field. As a role model and mentor, he
is dedicated and committed to inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists, and providing assistance to
students in math and science.
“I am very proud to have been selected as scholar of the week and I hope that I can be a role model to younger
students, so that they can pursue a degree in the STEM disciplines,” he said.
A gateway for Hispanics who are in STEM–related fields, the Great Minds in STEM is a nonprofit organization that
focuses on spreading awareness about available educational programs for underrepresented and underserved students.
Applications available for Junior League grantJunior League of South Brevard’s Community Application Grant is now available at www.JLSB.net. The deadline
to submit applications is April 1. The winner will be announced April 29. JLSB is an organization of women founded in
the 1960s that is “dedicated to promoting voluntarism and improving the local community.” Separately, on Jan. 18
JLSB President Anne Gregg presented a $20,000 check to Community of Hope, a local nonprofit organization providing
transitional housing for families recovering from homelessness. This was the second installment paid to COH, and part
of the three–year $60,000 financial commitment JLSB made to this organization. “Because of the success of our annual
fund–raiser, the Festival of Trees this past fall, we are thrilled to be able to offer further financial support to worthy
causes in South Brevard,” said Gregg. Nonprofits seeking funding for programs or projects that benefit South Brevard
are invited to apply for the Community Grant. Visit http://jlsb.net/grants.htm or send an e–mail message to
[email protected] for more information about submitting an application for consideration.
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationMARCH 7, 2011 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 5
BBN DIGESTUCF students traveling to theUnited Kingdom over break tolearn about English justice system
ORLANDO — Riding along with English constables,
cruising the River Thames and visiting the famed New
Scotland Yard are among the ways some University of
Central Florida students will be spending spring break.
Seventeen criminal–justice majors, along with associate
professor Ross Wolf, are traveling to the United Kingdom
to get a first–hand look at the English system.
“The American criminal justice system is founded on
the UK model,” Wolf said. “I hope students gain a better
understanding of the American system and local govern-
ments by exploring another culture’s.”
The students will learn about police operations
including firearms, forensics and dog handling through
tours of police headquarters and seminars at the Universi-
ties of Chester and Glouster. They’ll also explore the
different elements of community policing, which is a
keystone of the UK system.
“Students are going to see a lot of the interaction
between the police officers and the community,” said Wolf.
“They’ll be able to compare that to the ride–alongs and
other job–shadowing they’ve done here.”
Although the American policing system is rooted in UK
traditions, the two are very different.
The UK’s police system is comprised of fewer than 40
agencies, whereas the U.S. has a more decentralized
system with more than 18,000 different police and law–
enforcement entities.
Additionally, volunteer community policing is a major
aspect of the UK’s criminal justice system, where many
officers patrol unarmed.
Students will learn more about how volunteer officers
are recruited and trained during a presentation on how the
UK is preparing to host the 2012 Olympics in London.
The international travel experience also gives UCF
students an edge when applying for jobs. Karla Amaya
graduates in May and hopes to one day work for a federal
agency.
“It’s great that I’ll already have an understanding of
foreign law enforcement and that I’ve been to other parts of
the world,” said Amaya. “It won’t be a complete culture
shock if my job requires that I travel.”
For others, such as Kena Bracey, there are added
benefits to the experience. The trip marks her first time on
an airplane.
“This is a once–in–a–lifetime opportunity for me,” said
Bracey.
Canoe trips offered in Cocoa BeachThe Central Area of Brevard County Parks and
Recreation conducts Interpretive Canoe Trips in the
Thousand Islands on the fourth Friday of the month,
meeting at 9:30 a.m. at Ramp Road Park, 599 Ramp Road,
in Cocoa Beach. Upcoming trips are set for March 25 and
April 22. This two–hour trip is a “nice easy paddle” that
will afford participants the opportunity to learn more
about the wildlife and environment which surrounds
Cocoa Beach. The cost is $10 per person and registration is
required. Call 455–1385 to register for the trip or for more
information.
ABIpick up BBN
2/21/11page 9
Community Bank of the Southpick up BBN
2/07/11page 4
MARCH 7, 2011Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN ADVERTISER
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 6
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Call today for your free copy of 5 Steps to Creating a Healthy Workplace, and fi nd out how you can pump up your health plan with:
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Freedom to select out-of-network coverage for services.
Access to the area’s premier hospitals, plus access to urgent and emergency care anywhere in the world.
Benefi ts like gym memberships and wellness and preventive care to help keep employees healthy and healthcare costs lower.
This guide is from Health First Health Plans, a nationally recognized1 local health plan backed by our highly experienced, expert staff. Because when companies are faced with important decisions, Health First Health Plans is here to inspire healthy moments.
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BBN DIGEST
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 7
BankFirst ranked as top SBA lenderin Florida for the second year in a row
WINTER PARK — Donald McGowan, president and
chief executive officer of BankFirst, recently announced
that his financial institution has retained its standing as
the “No. 1 Small Business Lender in Florida.”
This marks the second consecutive year that
BankFirst, which has operations in Brevard County, has
secured the top position, as ranked by the Office of
Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration from
call reports of all Florida financial institutions in 2008 and
2009.
“We are extremely pleased to have solidified our
ranking as the No. 1 Small Business Lender in Florida,”
said McGowan.
“BankFirst’s commitment to small–business lending
and community economic development is unparalleled in
the banking industry. Our SBA Express Loan Center
serves as an economic–development resource for the
Central Florida community by offering small businesses
access to one of the widest arrays of government–guaran-
teed loan programs available at any bank in Florida.”
BankFirst is an SBA Preferred Lender. As such, the
SBA delegates its underwriting and approval authority
directly to BankFirst.
In addition, the bank’s SBA Express Loan Center
provides clients with a number of benefits, including terms
that offer 90 percent real–estate financing, loans up to $5
million, and lines of credit up to $1 million, McGowan said.
BankFirst has been the recipient of numerous awards,
including having been voted the “Best Community Bank
in Central Florida” by the readers of the “Orlando
Business Journal” in 2006 and 2009.
It also won the 2009 “Business Achievement Award for
Civic and Community Efforts,” presented by the Lake
Eustis Chamber of Commerce.”
For more information, visit www.bankfirst.com.
Kenaston to talk about her world voyageThe Cocoa Beach Public Library will present “People in
Print” at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9, with guest
Jeanne Kenaston. Her visual presentation is titled “On
Sabbatical,” an “exciting tale and photo journal” of Jim
and Jeanne Kenaston’s three–year sail around the world
in their 32–foot sailboat, “Sabbatical.” Cocoa natives, the
Kenastons left from Seattle in 1979 and returned to
Brevard in 1982, after completing a 30,000–mile voyage.
They accomplished this at a time when there “were no
sophisticated electronics of any kind.” They communicated
with friends and family using a ham radio. The voyage
took the Kenastons across three oceans, with stops in
California, Mexico, Tahiti, and New Zealand. The library
is at 550 N. Brevard Ave.
Vendors sought for garage sale at WhitlockVendors and crafters are being sought for a garage sale
to be held on Saturday, March 12, at the Ted Whitlock
Community Center at Palm Bay Regional Park, 1951
Malabar Road. The event is being sponsored by the
Brevard Parks and Recreation Department, and will be
held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tables are available indoors and
outdoors, for $15.90 per table. To reserve a table or for
more information, call 952–3231.
Visual Dynamics
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Cocoa, Fla., 32926. The deadline is March 8. Proceeds from
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weeklong summer sleep–a–way camp at Camp Keystone,
in Keystone Heights, Fla.
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MARCH 7, 2011Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
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Florida Tech’s ‘Sporting Affair and Chopper–Dropper’ benefit setMarch 18 at Suntree Country Club — supports the school’s athleticscholarships; $50 ticket on chance to win thousands of dollarsBy Ken Datzman
One of the biggest, fun–filled bashes in the
community, typically attracting hundreds of
businesspeople annually in support of Florida
Institute of Technology’s athletic programs, is
around the corner with a chance for ticket purchas-
ers to win stacks of cash and other giveaways.
The school’s “Sporting Affair XIX and Chopper–
Dropper” social, its most successful and longest–
running athletic department annual fund–raiser,
will take place on Friday, March 18, at Suntree
Country Club in Melbourne.
“It has been a great event for the university,”
said Bill Jurgens, Florida Tech’s director of
athletics. “Over the years, we have been very
pleased by the reception of the business community
in Brevard County. Roughly 850 people attended
last year’s Sporting Affair and Chopper–Dropper.
We’re thankful for their support.”
“The event continues to grow in popularity,”
added businessman and Florida Tech computer–
science graduate Travis Proctor, who chairs the
2011 Sporting Affair and Chopper–Dropper
volunteer committee.
“People pencil in this event on their social
calendar every year. In fact, it’s around December
when I begin to hear from Florida Tech supporters
asking about the availability of Chopper–Dropper
tickets. So it’s nice that some of those tickets are
selling themselves,” said Proctor, president of the
information–technology company Artemis Interna-
tional, headquartered in Melbourne.
The centerpiece of the benefit is a golf–ball drop
called the “Chopper–Dropper,” which has created a
lot excitement since it was added to the program
years ago. The ball drop produces instant cash
winners.
Exactly 2,000 numbered golf balls are loaded
into a helicopter and dropped near the clubhouse.
The ball that lands closest to the pin wins $25,000,
while second place is worth $10,000 and $5,000
goes to the third–place finisher.
Also, 10 runner–up prizes of $1,000 each will be
awarded to Chopper–Dropper ticket holders, for a
grand total of $50,000 to be given away at the
event.
“When we expanded with Chopper–Dropper, it
really sparked the event’s growth,” said Jurgens,
adding that as many as 1,000 people have attended
the function at Suntree Country Club. “The fun part
is when Florida Tech hands out checks to the
Chopper–Dropper winners. They have a blast
receiving the money.”
One individual per $50 ball sponsorship may
attend the 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception, which
includes a selection of food, beer, and wine. Every-
one may gather around to watch the balls drop from
the helicopter.
“It’s a great environment for this type of fund–
raising event. The Suntree Country Club venue has
been outstanding,” Jurgens said. A big tent is set up
of dollars” for Florida Tech athletic scholarships.
“We started it for the purpose of raising funds for
athletic scholarships and we continue to do so to
this day. Those dollars are very helpful in producing
the high–quality athletic programs that we have,”
he said.
More than 30 percent of Florida Tech students
participate in intercollegiate athletics. Upon
graduation, many of the school’s student athletes
remain in the community to work and raise
families.
Jurgens says area students have “greatly
benefited” from Florida Tech scholarships. “We
have a lot of local talent on our athletic teams. This
past year, Florida Tech’s women’s soccer team
finished fourth in the nation. On that team were at
least seven local students who benefited from
athletic financial aid.”
Following its most successful soccer season to
date, Florida Tech earned a program–best No. 4
ranking in the final National Soccer Coaches
Association of America Division II Top 25 Poll. The
women’s soccer program is eight years old.
The number of sports that Florida Tech men and
women compete in is growing. The school is adding
men’s swimming as well as women’s swimming,
and men’s and women’s diving. These will be NCAA
varsity sports. New swimming and diving facilities
are under construction on the Florida Tech campus
in Melbourne.
The university has added 11 intercollegiate
sports since 2002, including lacrosse and the
recently announced start of a football program, with
its first game planned for September of 2013.
Sporting Affair features a number of activities
throughout the day, including a golf tournament; a
$1 million Hole–in–One Shootout sponsored by
Berman Hopkins Wright & LaHam, CPAs and Associates LLC; and a
live auction.
“We’ve been doing the Shootout for years,” said Jurgens, who has
spearheaded Sporting Affair since its inception two decades ago. “No
one has ever made a hole–in–one (about a 170–yard shot), but we have
seen some close ones. The Shootout has created a lot of excitement.”
During the Sporting Affair Golf Tournament, players qualify to
participate in the Shootout for $1 million. The top 10 players in a
closest–to–the hole competition advance to the Shootout. They have
the opportunity to shoot in front of hundreds of spectators at the event,
aiming for the $1 million payoff.
Florida Tech also recognizes with prizes the three closest balls to
the pin, given there is not a $1 million hole–in–one winner. The prizes
are a set of irons, a driver, and a putter, respectively, for first, second
and third finishers.
The activities begin with the Sporting Affair Golf Tournament at
1 p.m. at Suntree Country Club. The format for the tournament is a
four–player team scramble. Registration opens at 11 a.m.
Businessman Travis Proctor, right, president of area firm Artemis International Technolo-gies Inc., chairs Florida Tech’s 2011 ‘Sporting Affair and Chopper–Dropper’ benefit,where a total of $50,000 will be given away. Chopper–Dropper tickets are $50. BillJurgens is Florida Tech’s director of athletics. He’s spearheaded Sporting Affair since itsinception two decades ago. They are on the Florida Tech campus.
BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationMARCH 7, 2011
BBN BUSINESS
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 11
BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth
Business community rallies around Titusville Area Chamber ofCommerce — 700–member organization holds steady — reachesinto East Orlando and South Volusia; ‘Taste of Titusville’ March 22By Ken Datzman
TITUSVILLE — As businesses continue to close
around the nation and cut back on expenses because
of the uncertain economy, Chambers of Commerce
of all sizes are reeling from the impact in their
communities.
Retaining dues–paying members and trying to
recruit new ones these days is a steep challenge for
many nonprofit Chambers.
For Marcia Gaedcke, the veteran president of the
Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce, the voice
and advocate of the businesses community in North
Brevard, it’s not only the economy she has to deal
with, but also NASA’s space–shuttle program
transition that is cutting jobs from the local work
force.
But despite the swirling negativity, Gaedcke has
been able to steer the Titusville Chamber up a
steady path during these trying times and even
reach into new markets to the north of Titusville in
an effort to gain new members.
The Titusville Chamber membership has
remained strong. The business community is
rallying around the organization.
“We are seeing good participation and a lot of
interest in the Chamber,” said Gaedcke, who came
aboard the organization 13 years ago. “Now, more
than ever, we’re seeing people reach out to the
Chamber. They see it as an effective, inexpensive
way to promote their business.”
“A lot of companies are looking for new avenues
and new ways of marketing in this environment,
and I think it has helped our membership stay
steady,” said businessman Micah Loyd, chairman of
the Titusville Chamber and president and owner of
Loyd Contracting Co., a longtime area general
contractor serving both commercial and residential
markets.
Loyd himself knows the challenges entrepre-
neurs and businessowners face today. He purchased
Loyd Contracting Co., a family enterprise, from his
father in January of this year, taking charge of the
business at a time when the construction market is
at a standstill.
“The bid market for construction projects is very
competitive and our profit margins are slim. We are
trying to create ways to keep costs down in order to
just win the job,” said Loyd, who has been a strong
supporter of the Chamber.
Many of the companies that are members of the
Titusville Chamber have a sense of community and
a genuine interest in seeing North Brevard grow
and prosper, he said. “It’s not only about market-
ing.”
Gaedcke said there are existing businesses in the
Titusville area that are experiencing “good growth
and even expanding their operations.”
An example is Bristow Academy, a global
company that provides helicopter flight training and
related services. Bristow is expanding at Space
Coast Regional Airport, one of three airports run by
the Titusville–Cocoa Airport Authority. The other
two are Merritt Island Airport and Arthur Dunn
Airpark. Michael Powell is TICO’s director.
“I think Michael Powell is doing a terrific job.
He’s really been pursuing some different options for
our community to help spur growth. TICO has a lot
of land, so there are many opportunities for
companies that need an airport and these types of
facilities,” said Loyd, who’s chairing the Chamber
for the first time.
The Titusville Chamber has roughly 700
members, not too far off the high mark it hit six or
seven years ago when the economy and real–estate
markets were experiencing a powerful surge.
“We’re thrilled that it has not dramatically
deceased,” Gaedcke said about the membership
numbers. “A lot of Chambers in the industry are
merging with other Chambers, and some are closing
their doors altogether. It’s not a guarantee that a
Chamber is always going to be in a community. So
we are very happy that we have been able to
maintain and stay competitive. We try to run this
Chamber like a business.”
Loyd said Gaedcke does a “great job with the
Chamber budget every year. Her projections for
membership growth are very conservative. We’re
never in the red; always in the black.”
Their Chamber not only caters to a sizable
demographic in North Brevard, but also has built
relationships in East Orlando and beyond.
“At this Chamber, we really think regionally,”
said Gaedcke.
“We work well with all of the Chambers in
Brevard through the County Council of Chambers.
But we’ve done outreach into East Orlando and
have honed good relationships with the East
Orlando Chamber. That is a very close market for
us. We also have a good relationship with the
Central Florida Partnership in the Orlando
Chamber, through MyRegion.org,” she added.
Gaedcke worked as the “executive on loan” for
one year for the East Orlando Chamber, which has
about 500 members. She was there running the
organization two days a week while it searched for a
full–time executive. The Titusville Chamber Board
of Directors approved the deal.
She says since North Brevard County is “very
narrow in size,” her Chamber is trying to go beyond
county lines to tap new growth. “That does not
Marcia Gaedcke is president of the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce. Herorganization is faring well in North Brevard despite the economic challenges.Businesses value their Chamber membership and have a sense of community.Businessman Micah Loyd is the Chamber’s chairman and president of LoydContracting Co. in Titusville.
mean we’re ignoring the county, we’re just stretching beyond it and
even into South Volusia County, where we have lots of eco–tourism
similarities. We share the Canaveral National Seashore, for instance.
We’re trying to reach beyond Brevard because it makes sense to do so
from where we sit.”
The Titusville Chamber is especially known for its activities and
networking events that bring the business community together. “For
eight years running, we’ve had a contract with the City of Titusville to
produce events in the downtown area. We have put on a lot of ‘street
parties’ and ‘cruise–ins,’ as well as other events that not only attract
local residents but also draw people from outside the community to see
Titusville,” said Gaedcke.
On March 22, the Chamber will host its popular “Taste of
Titusville” at Searstown Mall. “It’s a huge event for us and draws
people from all over the county. So far, we have 30 restaurants signed
up to participate, and area business vendors will showcase their
products and services to the community,” she said.
To participate as a vendor or be a sponsor of the event, contact the
Spring Break camps offered in Central BrevardThe Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department is offering Spring Break camps
at six locations in Central Brevard for children currently in kindergarten through sixth
grade, as well as a camp for persons with disabilities. The camps will be held March 28
through April 1. Camps will be offered at these locations: Travis Park Community Center,
Cocoa; Cocoa West Community Center, Cocoa; Joe Lee Smith Community Center, Cocoa;
McLarty Park Community Center, Rockledge; Kiwanis Island Community Center,
Merritt Island; and Woody Simpson Community Center, Merritt Island. Camp Kaleido-
scope, for persons with disabilities, will be held at the Lower Level Teen Center in Cocoa.
Registration is required by March 25. The fee is $60 per child or $20 per day. For more
information about these camps, call 633–1874.
Brevard Art Museum fund–raiser to feature ‘achievers’The Brevard Art Museum School in Melbourne will host its new spring fund–raiser,
“Alter Ego,” from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 12. Alter Ego is an exhibition of
photography work. “Brevard County’s highest achievers reveal their `other’ side through
the lens of professional photographers.” Alter Ego stars include Andrea Bortner, Kelly
Collazo Camirand, Dr. Ross Clevens, Carol Craig, Tim Deratany, Robin Willson
Hattaway, Jose Hixon, Jackie Pantello, Maria Seelman, Nancy Scott, Jonnie Swann, and
Ritch Workman. The Alter Ego red–carpet reception will feature gourmet food and
cocktails, a live auction and entertainment. Event sponsorships start at $350. Individual
tickets are $125. For more details, visit www.brevardartmuseum.org or call 242–0737.
Erna Nixon Park to host ‘Moonlight Stroll’The semi–annual “Moonlight Stroll” sponsored by Brevard County Parks and Recre-
ation will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at Erna Nixon Park, 1200
Evans Road, in West Melbourne. Parking will be available at Melbourne Square Mall
(Pole 4, on the west side of JC Penney’s). Admission is $3 per person. Children under 3
will be admitted free of charge. All children must be accompanied by an adult. The
Brevard Astronomical Society will be there with telescopes for stargazing and sky
watching. Musical entertainment will be provided by a number of groups including The
Grace Notes, Tina Eno, Frank and Patti Sanzone, and Gayle and Terry Stafford. Food will
be available for purchase from Hot Stuff Catering. For more information, call Erna Nixon
Park at 952–4525.
Bluegrass band to perform at libraryThe Cocoa Beach Public Library’s “Music on a Sunday Afternoon” will present “Atlan-
tic Bluegrass” at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 13. This band plays traditional bluegrass
influenced by Flatt and Scruggs, Bill Monroe, and Jimmy Martin. The library is at 550 N.
Brevard Ave.
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Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationMARCH 7, 2011 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 15
BBN DIGESTZoo announces Outdoor Adventure Toursschedule; guided kayaking now available
The Brevard Zoo in Viera invites nature enthusiasts to try one of its several Outdoor
Adventure Tours available at different locations around the county.
The tours are open to the public each month throughout the year on specific days. In
addition, private group tours can be booked as well. Call 254–9453, extension 219, or
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Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationMARCH 7, 2011 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 19
BBN SPECIAL FOCUSLinda GeigerContinued from page 1important feature of the production. She says art dolls,
human–like creations, are “vessels of expression” that go
beyond a simple showpiece.
While many are made of fabric, other media such as
paper clay, polymer clays, wax, wood, and porcelain can be
used for heads, limbs, and hands, or for the entire body of
the art doll. Some artists use yarn, string, and even burlap
to create hair. Wool, felt, and cloth are among the many
variations for making skin.
Geiger’s art dolls and character figures are indeed
interesting pieces of work. She says she has made hun-
dreds of art dolls, and her business, as a brighter spotlight
nationally shines on this craft, continues to grow.
“There are many people all over the nation, actually
around the world, who are involved in the making of art
dolls,” said Geiger, founder of the Brevard County Fiber
Artists’ Guild. “It’s an artistic niche that is gaining
visibility.”
A number of books featuring doll artists have been
written and there are several groups that promote this art
form, including the National Institute of American Doll
Artists, which was founded in 1963. There is even a
quarterly magazine, “Art Doll,” that covers the industry.
Samples of Geiger’s art–dolls, puppets, and character
figures are on her website, SevenArtists.com/Geiger.htm.
She also has an exhibit at the Cape Canaveral Library,
and shows her work through the Brevard Cultural
Alliance’s “Art in Public Places” program.
The BCA has art displayed in a number of buildings
throughout the county, including the Government Center
in Viera.
Geiger also is involved with the BCA’s “Artist–in–
Residence” program. The BCA selects area artists to teach
at certain schools in the region.
For her Artist–in–Residence classes, Geiger created a
full curriculum called “Character Figures” for the young
students, and “Career Characters” for older students. The
classes are taught in grades two through six. She says the
boys especially embrace the hands–on learning using
various art mediums.
“They really enjoy themselves because it’s different,
something they haven’t done before. The boys are the best
sewers, too. We do a lot of hand–sewing in these classes,”
said Geiger, who earned two associate degrees from
Brevard Community College — one in fashion marketing
management and the other in liberal studies, graduating
with a perfect 4.0 in both programs.
She has been a substitute teacher in graphic design
with Brevard County Public Schools.
Geiger spent months developing her art–doll instruc-
tion program which she teaches at various locations
around the county. The BCA is one of her stops, where she
leads a workshop on how to make an art doll “from start to
finish.”
As part of her business, Geiger conducts these work-
shops for the public to help promote and introduce more
people to this art form. Two of her classes are scheduled for
the new Art Gallery of Viera in The Avenue in April.
“Linda Geiger has just joined the teaching team at the
Art Gallery of Viera and we are thrilled to have her,” said
Bobbi Q. Brown, director of art education for the gallery
and one the founders of the business. “Linda has incredible
talent and to see her make these art dolls is something
special.”
Geiger’s “Sea Beanies” Art–Doll Workshop is from 2 to
5 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, at the Art Galley of Viera.
Class attendees will learn how to make small dolls using
fibers, fabrics, and clay. The workshop fee is $30 plus $5
for materials.
She will follow up with a two–day workshop from 2 to 5
p.m. on Friday, April 8, and Saturday, April 9, at the same
location. This workshop is called “Dolly–Dancers.”
Participants will learn how to make “one–of–a–kind
sculptured art dolls.”
Geiger said Dolly–Dancer characters are “bendable”
and can be displayed on a shelf or wall as decorative art.
Students will use fibers, fabrics, acrylic paints, clay, and
other materials to create their doll during the workshop.
The fee is $50 plus $5 for materials.
For more details about these art–doll workshops or to
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