Vol. 27 No. 15 April 13, 2009 A Weekly Space Coast Business Magazine Please see Singularity University, page 16 PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS, INC. Unique, upstart university intends to solve world’s problems By Al Saracevic Scripps Howard Service A new university is sprouting up in the San Francisco area this summer with an ambitious charter: solving the world’s biggest problems. Singularity University, which will be housed on the NASA Ames base near Mountain View, Calif., and begin classes in June, is the brainchild of Ray Kurzweil and Peter Diamandis. The school hopes to attract students from a cross section of emerging disciplines — including nanotechnology, biotechnology and information technology — to tackle huge issues facing humanity. Pandemics and global health care concerns would be typical in scope and import. “We are reaching out across the globe to gather the smartest and most passionate future leaders and arm them with the tools and network they need to wrestle with the grand challenges of our day,” said Diamandis, who is best known for his current work as chairman and CEO of the X Prize Foundation, a group that gives $10 million awards to teams working on breakthroughs in fields such as space travel and genomics. “There is no existing program that will offer the breadth and intensity that SU will offer,” he said. Unlike a traditional university, Singularity will consist of a single, nine– week course of study every summer, during which 120 students from a cross–section of disciplines will mix together to tackle weighty issues. Tuition will be $25,000. Candidates will be chosen mostly from graduate and post–graduate programs around the world. Singularity will also be offering three– These experts from around the globe recently discussed sustainability at a roundtable at Florida Tech. Water was the hot–button topic. From left, in back: Fan Chunliang, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Imre Hronszky, BME; Gerhard Banse, Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis, Karlsruhe, Germany; Gordon Nelson, Florida Tech; and Miklos Fule, Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME). At table: Virender Sharma, Florida Tech; Medardo Tapia Uribe, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico; Janos Szlavik, BME; and Mike Slotkin, Florida Tech. BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth Please see Water Issue, page 19 Experts from around the world see water as issue By Ken Datzman Unsafe water sources are having a profound impact around the world, from Mexico to China, creating serious implications for human health. Worldwide, hundreds of millions of people do not have sustainable access to drinkable, or potable, water and they lack basic sanitation services. Typically, water–supply networks deliver potable water but many countries have not invested in the infrastruc- ture. The World Health Organization says 1.6 billion people die every year from diseases attributable to the lack of access of safe drinking water and basic sanitation. Most of these deaths are children under age 5 in developing countries. China, the most populated country in the world, with 1.3 billion people and growing, is grappling with this issue because only 40 percent of its water meets health stan- dards. “In general, the environment is the biggest challenge facing China,” said Dr. Fan Chunliang, a professor with the Institute of Policy and Management at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing. “We have sacrificed the environment for economic growth during the past 20 years. China has grown at an incredible rate, with an explosion of commercial enter- prises, especially many small businesses. Today, the Chinese government is taking numerous measures to protect the environment.” According to the State Administration for Industry & Commerce, China’s economy has fostered the creation of 5 million small businesses over the last decade. Generally, BBN Brevard Business News
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Vol. 27 No. 15 April 13, 2009 A Weekly Space Coast Business Magazine
Please see Singularity University, page 16
PRESORTEDSTANDARD
US POSTAGEPAID
BREVARD BUSINESSNEWS, INC.
Unique, upstart university intends to solve world’s problemsBy Al SaracevicScripps Howard Service
A new university is sprouting up in the
San Francisco area this summer with an
ambitious charter: solving the world’s
biggest problems.
Singularity University, which will be
housed on the NASA Ames base near
Mountain View, Calif., and begin classes in
June, is the brainchild of Ray Kurzweil and
Peter Diamandis.
The school hopes to attract students
from a cross section of emerging disciplines
— including nanotechnology, biotechnology
and information technology — to tackle
huge issues facing humanity. Pandemics
and global health care concerns would be
typical in scope and import.
“We are reaching out across the globe to
gather the smartest and most passionate
future leaders and arm them with the tools
and network they need to wrestle with the
grand challenges of our day,” said
Diamandis, who is best known for his
current work as chairman and CEO of the
X Prize Foundation, a group that gives $10
million awards to teams working on
breakthroughs in fields such as space
travel and genomics.
“There is no existing program that will
offer the breadth and intensity that SU will
offer,” he said.
Unlike a traditional university,
Singularity will consist of a single, nine–
week course of study every summer, during
which 120 students from a cross–section of
disciplines will mix together to tackle
weighty issues. Tuition will be $25,000.
Candidates will be chosen mostly from
graduate and post–graduate programs
around the world.
Singularity will also be offering three–
These experts from around the globe recently discussed sustainability at a roundtable at Florida Tech. Water was the hot–button topic.From left, in back: Fan Chunliang, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Imre Hronszky, BME; Gerhard Banse, Institute for TechnologyAssessment and Systems Analysis, Karlsruhe, Germany; Gordon Nelson, Florida Tech; and Miklos Fule, Budapest University ofTechnology and Economics (BME). At table: Virender Sharma, Florida Tech; Medardo Tapia Uribe, Universidad Nacional Autonomade Mexico; Janos Szlavik, BME; and Mike Slotkin, Florida Tech.
BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth
Please see Water Issue, page 19
Experts from around the world see water as issueBy Ken Datzman
Unsafe water sources are having a profound impact
around the world, from Mexico to China, creating serious
implications for human health. Worldwide, hundreds of
millions of people do not have sustainable access to
drinkable, or potable, water and they lack basic sanitation
services.
Typically, water–supply networks deliver potable water
but many countries have not invested in the infrastruc-
ture. The World Health Organization says 1.6 billion
people die every year from diseases attributable to the lack
of access of safe drinking water and basic sanitation. Most
of these deaths are children under age 5 in developing
countries.
China, the most populated country in the world, with
1.3 billion people and growing, is grappling with this issue
because only 40 percent of its water meets health stan-
dards.
“In general, the environment is the biggest challenge
facing China,” said Dr. Fan Chunliang, a professor with
the Institute of Policy and Management at the Chinese
Academy of Sciences in Beijing.
“We have sacrificed the environment for economic
growth during the past 20 years. China has grown at an
incredible rate, with an explosion of commercial enter-
prises, especially many small businesses. Today, the
Chinese government is taking numerous measures to
protect the environment.”
According to the State Administration for Industry &
Commerce, China’s economy has fostered the creation of 5
million small businesses over the last decade. Generally,
BBN Brevard Business
News
APRIL 13, 2009Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising InformationBREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 2
BBN DIGESTThompsons host foundationball to thank event sponsors
Health First Foundation’s 27th annual Benefit Ball
Sponsor Party was held March 24 at the Lake Washington
home of Wayne and Susan Thompson.
This was a thank–you party for sponsors of the Health
First Ball, set for April 18 at the Clemente Center in
Melbourne. This year’s ball theme is “Breakfast at
Tiffany’s” and the proceeds will benefit VitalWatch, an
electronic intensive care–unit.
The sponsor party was underwritten by Berman,
Hopkins, Wright and LaHam, CPAs.
Among those attending were: Dave and Kim Brown,
Rita Moreno, Wayne and Susan Thompson, Mike and
Gwen Means, Larry and Jan Garrison, Shay and Monica
Rowe, Phil and Jeanne Farmer, Bjorg Hermansen, Dr. Jim
and Andrea Schaffer, Darcia Jones Francey, John
Hopkins, Joe Sofia, Dick and Gail Beagley, Dr. Harris and
Debbie Cherin, Michael and Carol Dana, Rich and Sandra
Wagner, Rusty and Sherrell Fischer, Roy and Jan Pence,
Joe and Pennie DiPrima and Brain and Sallie Curtin.
They were joined at the event by: Mark and Kim
Mikolajczyk, Dr. Tim and Jackie Hollingsworth, Walter
and Dottie Gatti, Daniel and Judy Gizinski, Roy and Pat
Wright, Sandra Henry, Dr. Bob and Gloria Mandel, Dr.
Carl and Roslyn Smedberg, Rob and Ashley Perers, Scott
and Vicki Baughan, Melissa Flammio–Clark, Susan
Vallette, Bob and Susan Walters, Jennifer Murtha,
Cynthia Paul, Bob Stover and Jane McCallum, Joseph and
Sandy Grutta, Polly Molnar, Dr. James Palermo, Brendan
and Mary McCarthy, Bob and Michelle Parsons, Mitch and
Sandy Smith, Robb and Lisa Morrission, Pam Bridges and
Jeanene Donilon.
Skip Wren Insurance opens in VieraSkip Wren Insurance, established in 1979, will
celebrate the grand opening of its Viera location from 11
a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. The address is 8255
N. Wickham Road, next to the Brevard Zoo and Wendy’s.
Community members of all ages are invited to meet the
agency staff. There will be activities for children, food,
prizes, hourly drawings, and a chance to win an iPod
Touch. Skip Wren Insurance, celebrating its 30th year
serving Brevard County, provides all lines of personal and
business coverage. The agency also has a location on Palm
Bay Road. Visit www.SkipWrenInsurance.com for more
information.
Chamber recognizes Canaveral Yacht ClubThe Better Business Development Council of the Cocoa
Beach Area Chamber of Commerce presented its Out-
standing Business of the Month award to Linda Mueller,
first vice commodore with the Port Canaveral Yacht Club
in Cape Canaveral. “The Port Canaveral Yacht Club was
selected by the BBDC because of its continuing support of
the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and its
dedication to excellence,” said Tami Tomlinson, chair of the
BBDC Outstanding Business of the Month Committee.
“We are honored to go through the process of recognizing
outstanding businesses and look forward to extending our
congratulations to all each month.” For more information,
contact the Chamber at 459–2200 or visit
www.cocoabeachchamber.com.
KEEP AMERICA
WORKING
By Ed O’Donnell, President,O’Donnell’s Quality Pontiac Buick GMC Truck
Like many of you, I was fascinated by the political theater that played out on TV as the leaders of thebig three, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler went before congress to make a case for short term bridgeloans. I couldn’t believe that many of our legislators knew so little about the Domestic car industry yet thebig three’s future was in their hands. It was like going back in time. General Motors, Ford and Chryslerwere being treated like they were Nash, Studebaker and Desoto. Specifically, there were three areas wheremyths and half truths seemed to dominate. One-Nobody buys domestic products. Two-Domestic qualityand reliability can’t compete with the import manufacturers and Three-The domestics are way behind thecurve in producing fuel efficient vehicles. To these three misguided assertions I have one word, False. Iwould like to respond to these three myths with facts. First, “Nobody buys our products”. Oh really?General Motors has held the number one spot as the Worlds largest automobile manufacturer for 77 yearsuntil the worst recession since the great depression of 1929 hit in 2008. Now that they are briefly numbertwo in the industry, does that mean their building products that people don’t want to buy? Pepsi recentlytook over the number one spot from Coke. Does that mean that Coke Cola is making products that Ameri-cans don’t want to drink anymore? Myth number two, “Domestic quality and reliability can’t compete withthe import manufacturers. This myth is easy to crumble in a hurry. Chevrolet Silverado and Malibu finishednumber one in their class in the 2008 J D Powers Initial Quality Survey. And how about this. The 2009Buick Lacrosse was ranked J.D. Powers top midsized car. Incidentally, both Buick and Jaguar finishedahead of Toyota’s expensive luxury brand Lexus. Now, what about myth number three,”Domestic brandsare behind the curve in fuel efficiency”. Again the facts prove otherwise. General Motors has 15 2009models that exceed 30 miles to the gallon. The GMC Sierra full size pick up truck has a better overall fuelmileage rating then any other full size pick up truck in its class. To date, GM has delivered 3.5 millionvehicles that are compatible with ethanol based fuels. GM is making a much bigger part of our FuelSolutions Strategy then you would be lead to believe. They have recently invested 30 million dollars toconstruct a new facility to produce the lithium-ion battery pact that will power their hybrid vehicles.
The big three’s financial problems are not product related. I just disproved those myths. Our carindustry is in trouble mainly due to uneven playing fields like no levy of import taxes on the importmanufacturers like we face when we export vehicles to foreign countries. That’s a government problemcaused by the same Senators and Congressmen that were putting the big three on trial. We face highermanufacturing costs due to the rising cost of health care in this country. That’s an issue we hear aboutevery election year but it’s still not fixed. And yes, I can’t leave out some mismanagement by the AutoExecutives. The Domestic Auto Manufacturers have to take some responsibility and I think they are. Ithink it is important to look at the reasons the Domestic Automakers are having problems from a factualview point and not a warped media selling newspapers type view. I hope that I have done that here.
In closing I would like to ask this. Why would our Senators and Congressmen hand out billions ofdollars to financial institutions like AIG providing them with golden parachutes and no accountability forthe funds and then turn around and put the backbone of America, Automobile Manufacturing, on trialbefore the world? Our automobile industry is one of the last strongholds our country has on manufactur-ing. Whether you buy a GM car from me or a Ford or Chrysler from another Dealer, remember, buyingAmerican is supporting America and protecting millions of American jobs in this country and secondly,the money you spend on a domestic vehicle stays in this country. You will be doing your part to insure aspeedy economic recovery.
SEPARATE FACTS FROM MYTHS
321-633-9300
1855 West Hwy. 520 � Cocoa
www.heywereincocoa.com
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationAPRIL 13, 2009 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 3
APRIL 13, 2009Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN EDITORIAL
BBNBrevard
Business
News
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 4
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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].
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John “Dick” Lyon, vice president of Florida operations
and program manager for ASRC Aerospace Corp., has
been selected by the National Space Club Florida Commit-
tee to receive its 2009 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award.
Lyon will be honored at the Debus Award Dinner on
Saturday, April 18. The formal event, which begins at 6:30
pm, will be held at the Debus Conference Facility at the
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
“The Space Club is proud to honor Dick for this
prestigious award,” said National Space Club Chair Roy
Tharpe. “Dick’s almost 50 year service to our nation’s space
program has spanned from his work for NASA during the
Apollo era with Dr. Debus to his current role at ASRC,
which is supporting the next era of human spaceflight. His
dedication toward excellence has been both steadfast and
noteworthy in its influence in our space program.”
The Debus Award was created by the National Space
Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achieve-
ments and contributions made in Florida to American
aerospace efforts. It is named for KSC’s first director, Dr.
Kurt H. Debus.
Dick Lyon to receive prestigious Debus Award at April 18 eventIn Lyon’s present role as vice president and leader of an
ASRC Aerospace team of 600, he supports NASA in the
design and development of KSC ground checkout and
servicing systems for the nation’s next human space–flight
endeavor to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
From 1997 to 2003, he led an engineering–development
contract run by Dynacs Engineering Co. at KSC that
received a special agency–wide award for the most
significant innovation of the year, a design that allowed a
“timely and safe repair of the space shuttle at the launch
pad.”
Before his industry roles, Lyon had a 34–year career as
a KSC civil servant, with leadership positions as a senior
executive for 17 years. This included serving as chief of the
Shuttle Design Project Office, director of project engineer-
ing, director of mechanical and structural engineering, and
deputy director of design engineering through the turnover
of the Launch Complex 39B shuttle launch pad.
He was also deputy director of payload operations
during the Spacelab and Hubbell Space Telescope
timeframe, was the KSC program manager for Space
Station, and retired as the director of logistics.
Arriving at KSC in 1964, Lyon was assigned the role of
planning and managing the layout of ground–servicing
equipment for the Apollo and Lunar Module spacecraft at
Launch Complexes 34, 37, and 39. In this role he worked
with many NASA icons, leading design–review discussions
with Dr. Debus and Dr. Von Braun and familiarizing Dr.
George Low and the Apollo astronauts with the mobile
launcher and launch pad.
As the project manager for the Space Nuclear Power
and Lunar Surface Experiments, Lyon worked directly
with Dr. Debus to establish ground–breaking policy for
handling nuclear materials at KSC. As the KSC expert, he
“worked directly with the Atomic Energy Commission and
was among those who briefed President Jimmy Carter and
the seven original Mercury astronauts during their visits
to KSC.”
During the early 1970s, as an employee in the Shuttle
Engineering Project Office, Lyon negotiated KSC’s role for
developing unique ground– support systems with the
NASA flight hardware development centers, which
resulted in establishing KSC’s responsibilities for ground
systems development.
He moved into roles of increasing responsibility in
design engineering while leading the design and imple-
mentation of KSC’s space–shuttle facilities and systems,
such as the landing facility and pads A and B at Launch
Complex 39.
As KSC’s Space Station program manager, Lyon took
on the task of convincing senior NASA management to
build the current Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF).
He continued to provide leadership for the design and
implementation of the SSPF, which could successfully test
and integrate almost any space payload configuration.
Lyon has also served in many other capacities during
his KSC career including as president of the NASA
Kennedy Management Association, chairman of the 27th
Space Congress, chairman of the Center Awards Commit-
tee, and was a featured speaker at numerous events
including a Nickelodeon TV production on the Space
Station.
The Debus award was conceived and first presented in
1990 as an adjunct to the Robert J. Goddard award, given
each year by the National Space Club in Washington, D.C.,
to an individual who stood out in the aerospace field on a
national level.
The award focuses on efforts in Florida and includes
individuals associated with launch vehicles, spacecraft
operations, ground–support services, range activities,
space education and spaceport research and development.
Each honoree is presented with a copy of the Debus Award
Trophy, a stainless steel kinetic sculpture dubbed “Ribbon
of Space,” by its contemporary artist creator Elijah
Herschler.
For reservations contact LaDonna Neterer at 383–6135
April 30 benefit in Viera to honor Alzheimer’s advocate StecklerThe Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation will host a fund–
raiser from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, at One
Senior Place, 8085 Spyglass Hill Road, in Viera.
The event will pay tribute to Joe Steckler, “a champion
for Brevard’s elderly and those impacted by Alzheimer’s
disease.” The benefit is open to the public. A tax–deduct-
ible donation of $25 per person or $40 per couple (payable
at the door) will benefit the foundation.
Steckler is a retired U.S. Navy captain. He is the former
executive director and founder of the Brevard Alzheimer’s
Foundation (1995) and Joe’s Club, a not–for–profit
organization that provides adult day care, respite, support
and education services for dementia patients and their
families in Melbourne, Micco and Titusville.
Last year, the foundation provided more than 156,000
hours of adult day–care services and 19,423 hours of free
in–home respite care, serving an average of 90 families
each month.
Stecker hosts two local radio shows and writes a regular
newspaper column for “Florida Today” about issues that
affect the elderly. Recognized as an expert in elder affairs,
he was recently invited to assist Gov. Crist’s office to
develop a state–backed eldercare plan.
Joining One Senior Place to sponsor this event are The
Retreat at Watersong Senior Living Community in Viera,
Joe’s Club, and We Help Brevard (a not–for–profit senior
resource–referral organization). Watersong Executive Chef
James Tsamoutales (formerly of World Beat Café in
Melbourne) will offer a smorgasbord of gourmet hot and
cold hors d’oeurves for the event, in addition to fine wines.
Following the fund–raiser, on May 1 One Senior Place
will host the second annual Memory Health Day from
noon until 4 p.m.
One Senior Place will also showcase and sell raffle
tickets to an original 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger
convertible, donated from Boniface Hiers Auto Dealerships
in Melbourne. The winner will be announced at a May 30
barbecue fund–raiser at Wickham Park for the Brevard
Alzheimer’s Foundation. For more information, visit
www.winahemi.org.
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationAPRIL 13, 2009 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 5
BBN DIGESTSymetrics Industries receivesleading manufacturing award
Symetrics Industries LLC of Melbourne has been
recognized as a winner of the 2009 Progressive Manufac-
turing 100 Awards, selected by “Managing Automation
Media,” a publication of Thomas Publishing Co. LLC.
Symetrics was named to the “PM100” for its “Manufac-
turing Systems Modernization Initiative,” the company’s
multiyear project comprising deployment of new manufac-
turing systems to automate and streamline operations,
and improve data flow throughout the organization.
Symetrics credits several advancements over the last
four years to allow it to realize a “67 percent increase in
revenue” while slightly decreasing the shop floor popula-
tion through attrition. Among those advancements are:
l Capital improvements such as an added surface–
mount technology line, selective solder capability, and
automated optical inspection.
l An improved, easy–to–use, comprehensive quality
database system that allows decision–makers at all levels
to know the current and historical quality levels at
incoming, in–process, and outgoing intervals.
l “Vastly improved” in–process quality levels that then
required less rework time, cost, and resources. Symetrics
has realized an 80 percent improvement in its in–process
quality metrics over the past four years.
l A comprehensive business–metrics program of
measurement, reporting, investigation, and corrective
actions relating to metrics that have been identified for
every department, tied to customer satisfaction.
l New systems such as Product Data Management and
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), in conjunction with a
paperless strategy that puts all drawings and work
instructions at the fingertips of operators electronically by
providing each one with a wireless terminal. The terminal
also saves time by allowing operators to make ERP
transactions from their own workstations.
“Our Epicor 9 ERP system brings together information
from all aspects of our business to provide ‘one version of
the truth,’ via one set of data,” said Peter Volkert, director
of information systems for Symetrics.
“This greatly reduces and eliminates errors of the past
caused by different information on different spreadsheets
throughout different departments. Every user on the
Epicor system — ‘from shop floor to top floor’ –now has the
ability to see exactly where the product is in each stage of
production. Better information and more consistent
information equal fewer mistakes and less wasted time,
money, and material,” he said.
David Broussell, editor–in–chief of “Managing Automa-
tion Media,” said in the face of “one of the worst economic
downturns in history, these winning companies dramati-
cally underscore how the manufacturing industry will not
only get through this period, but emerge in an even
stronger position once a recovery takes hold.
“The projects that enabled these companies to become
PM100 winners reflect great creativity and inventiveness.”
Symetrics and the other PM100 winners will be
honored and presented with their awards at the Progres-
sive Manufacturing Awards Gala to be held on the last day
of the “Progressive Manufacturing Summit 2009: Redefin-
ing the Business of Manufacturing in Turbulent Economic
Times,” June 9–11, at the Ritz–Carlton in Sarasota.
Junior Achievement
new ad emailed
KEEP AMERICA
WORKING
By Ed O’Donnell, President,O’Donnell’s Quality Pontiac Buick GMC Truck
Like many of you, I was fascinated by the political theater that played out on TV as theleaders of the big three, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler went before congress to make acase for short term bridge loans. I couldn’t believe that many of our legislators knew so littleabout the Domestic car industry yet the big three’s future was in their hands. It was like goingback in time. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler were being treated like they were Nash,Studebaker and Desoto. Specifically, there were three areas where myths and half truths seemedto dominate. One-Nobody buys domestic products. Two-Domestic quality and reliability can’tcompete with the import manufacturers and Three-The domestics are way behind the curve inproducing fuel efficient vehicles. To these three misguided assertions I have one word, False. Iwould like to respond to these three myths with facts. First, “Nobody buys our products”. Ohreally? General Motors has held the number one spot as the Worlds largest automobile manufac-turer for 77 years until the worst recession since the great depression of 1929 hit in 2008. Nowthat they are briefly number two in the industry, does that mean their building products thatpeople don’t want to buy? Pepsi recently took over the number one spot from Coke. Does thatmean that Coca Cola is making products that Americans don’t want to drink anymore? Mythnumber two, “Domestic quality and reliability can’t compete with the import manufacturers. Thismyth is easy to crumble in a hurry. Chevrolet Silverado and Malibu finished number one in theirclass in the 2008 J D Powers Initial Quality Survey. And how about this. The 2009 Buick La-crosse was ranked J.D. Powers top midsized car. Incidentally, both Buick and Jaguar finishedahead of Toyota’s expensive luxury brand Lexus. Now, what about myth numberthree,”Domestic brands are behind the curve in fuel efficiency”. Again the facts prove other-wise. General Motors has 15 2009 models that exceed 30 miles to the gallon. The GMC Sierrafull size pick up truck has a better overall fuel mileage rating then any other full size pick up truckin its class. To date, GM has delivered 3.5 million vehicles that are compatible with ethanol basedfuels. GM is making a much bigger part of our Fuel Solutions Strategy then you would be lead tobelieve. They have recently invested 30 million dollars to construct a new facility to produce thelithium-ion battery pact that will power their hybrid vehicles.
The big three’s financial problems are not product related. I just disproved those myths. Ourcar industry is in trouble mainly due to uneven playing fields like no levy of import taxes on theimport manufacturers like we face when we export vehicles to foreign countries. That’s agovernment problem caused by the same Senators and Congressmen that were putting the bigthree on trial. We face higher manufacturing costs due to the rising cost of health care in thiscountry. That’s an issue we hear about every election year but it’s still not fixed. And yes, I can’tleave out some mismanagement by the Auto Executives. The Domestic Auto Manufacturershave to take some responsibility and I think they are. I think it is important to look at the reasonsthe Domestic Automakers are having problems from a factual view point and not a warpedmedia selling newspapers type view. I hope that I have done that here.
In closing I would like to ask this. Why would our Senators and Congressmen hand out billionsof dollars to financial institutions like AIG providing them with golden parachutes and no account-ability for the funds and then turn around and put the backbone of America, Automobile Manu-facturing, on trial before the world? Our automobile industry is one of the last strongholds ourcountry has on manufacturing. Whether you buy a GM car from me or a Ford or Chrysler fromanother Dealer, remember, buying American is supporting America and protecting millions ofAmerican jobs in this country and secondly, the money you spend on a domestic vehicle stays inthis country. You will be doing your part to insure a speedy economic recovery.
SEPARATE FACTS FROM MYTHS
321-633-9300
1825 West Hwy. 520 � Cocoa
www.odonnellspontiacbuickgmc.com
APRIL 13, 2009Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN EVENTS
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 6
Writers’ meeting open to publicThe Melbourne chapter of Florida Writers Association
will meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, at the West
Melbourne Library, 2755 Wingate Blvd. The program will
Luncheon, fashion show April 18 in MimsThe Holy Spirit Council of Catholic Women will host a
“A Step Back in Time” luncheon at noon on Saturday,
April 18, at Holy Spirit Church, 2309 Holder Road, in
Mims. The event will include a fashion show of the
“replicas of wedding gowns that were worn as far back as
1811, plus gowns from foreign countries.” Tickets for
advance reservations are available by calling 269–4553.
Tickets are $12 for adults. There are special rates for Girl
Scouts and the leaders of the organization.
‘Guys are Great’ celebration scheduledThe fifth annual “Guys are Great” celebration of
growing up will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on
Saturday, April 18, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 3450
Kilmarnoch Lanes, in Titusville. The event is for boys 10 to
13 years old and their interested accompanying adults.
The program kicks off at 9 a.m. with a flag ceremony and
military drill conducted by the Astronaut High School
Junior ROTC. For event registration and information, call
BETA of Titusville, Inc. at 264–0446. Jess Parrish Medical
Foundation is sponsoring the event. The keynote speaker
will be Dr. Douglas Barimo of the North Brevard
Children’s Medical Center. The celebration will include a
Community Resource Fair showcasing activities available
for youth. A refreshment break will feature sandwiches
from Pumpernickel’s. The fee to attend the celebration is
$3 per individual, or $5 total for two or more boys from the
same family.
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Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationAPRIL 13, 2009
BBN EVENTS
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 7
Riverside Bank funds scholarshipsRiverside National Bank says it remains “committed to
education” by providing college scholarships for local
youth. For the past three years, Riverside has offered its
scholarship program and each year the bank has awarded
$1,000 to 18 college students throughout Florida. Students
are selected based on their academic goals, community
service and “essays about why they deserve the money.”
Students attending either a two– or four–year post–
secondary school are eligible to enter. These scholarships
“are unique because the students can use the money in any
way they want to, in order to help offset the expense of a
college education.” The application and rules are posted at
www.riversidenb.com. Applications can be submitted
online or by mail. The 2009 scholarship program deadline
is May 31.
Builders Care and HBCA team upBuilders Care and the Remodelers Council of the Home
Builders and Contractors Association of Brevard will host
a “Green Cleaning” yard sale from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on
April 18 and 19 at Home Solution Specialists, 255 Barnes
Blvd., in Rockledge. The yard sale will bring awareness of
Earth Day on April 22. Area builders and remodelers will
be selling excess materials, such as cabinets, lumber,
flooring, appliances, paint, hardware, and roofing materi-
als. Remodelers will be available for a free consultation.
There will be concessions as well as activities for young-
sters. Proceeds will go to Builders Care, a nonprofit charity
that provides maintenance and care to seriously deterio-
rated homes belonging to low–income, the elderly and
disabled homeowners. For more information about the
event, contact Cindy Foley at Home Solution Specialists.
Her telephone number is 632–4530.
Chamber to host job fair at BCC in TitusvilleThe Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce will host a
Career and Job Fair from 4 to 7 p.m. on April 21 at
Brevard Community College in Titusville. The purpose of
this event is to provide a “one–stop opportunity for
individuals looking for career information, as well as
provide diligent job–seekers the chance to find employ-
ment.” It is being coordinated by the Chamber’s Education
Committee in conjunction with a variety of organizations,
including the Brevard County Public Schools, Brevard
Community College and Brevard Job Link. The Chamber
is seeking businesses or organizations that are willing to
provide information about career opportunities within
their fields or organizations. It’s also seeking educational
institutions that provide secondary learning opportunities
or vocational training, and businesses or organizations
that are currently looking to hire employees. Contact Carol
Red Cross babysitter’s training courseThe American Red Cross babysitter’s training course
will be offered at the Teen Warehouse at Tom Statham
Park Community Center, 7101 S. U.S. Highway 1, in
Titusville, on Thursday, April 23 and April 30, from 6:30 to
8:30 p.m. The course will instruct young people ages 12 to
16 years in babysitting, first aid and resume skills. The fee
for the four–hour course is $35 (includes supplies and
training manuals). Registration is required and the course
is limited to the first 10 participants. Call Jann Rollins at
264–5105 to enroll.
Job Link
PICK UP bbn4-06-09
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APRIL 13, 2009Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising InformationBREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 8
Health care is a calling—it is a calling to serve. Unlike anyother profession, we are invited to share in the mostprofound moments in people’s lives. That’s why we—yourParrish Medical Center care partners—promise to providehealing experiences for everyone all the time.™
We hold ourselves accountable to ensure we are fulfillingour promise to you.
That’s why we voluntarily invite frequent and stringentreviews of our service and quality practices.
That’s why we’re extremely proud of the many awardsearned on your behalf.
These awards prove we take extraordinary care ineverything we do.
We thank our friends and neighbors of North Brevard forthe privilege and honor to serve you.
Sincerely, Your PMC Care Partners (employees, physicians, and volunteers).
For a complete list of awards PMC has earned on your behalf, please visit parrishmed.com/awards.
Seven Joint Commission disease-specificGold Seals earned—more than all but seven hospitals in the U.S.: primary stroke,
diabetes, heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, wound care, breast health, and palliative care.
Three-time winner of America’s #1 HealingHospital award by the Baptist Healing Trust(Nashville, TN). Internationally recognized for its healing environment.
Designated as a National Spirit of Women PremierHospital for excellence in women’s health.
2009–2010 Hospital of Choice Award winner by theAmerican Alliance of Healthcare Providers.
Opened Florida’s first Silver LEED certified “green”outpatient center; named LEED Project of the Year byCentral Florida Chapter of the U.S. Green BuildingCouncil in 2008.
Modern Healthcare’s Spirit of Excellenceaward winner for service.
H E A L I N G E X P E R I E N C E S F O R E V E R Y O N E A L L T H E T I M E ®
951 N. Washington Avenue • Titusvilleparrishmed.com/awards
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationAPRIL 13, 2009 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 9
BBN DIGESTDr. Badgett, Dr. Wheeler namedWuesthoff Physicians of the Year
In celebration of National Doctors Day, Wuesthoff
Health System chose Dr. Dwayne Badgett and Dr.
Jayanthi Wheeler as the 2009 “Physicians of the Year” for
Wuesthoff Medical Center–Rockledge and Wuesthoff
Medical Center–Melbourne.
Dr. Badgett, a vascular surgeon, was named Physician
of the Year for Wuesthoff Rockledge. He is the medical
director of the stroke center and described as a “phenom-
enal surgeon who provides the best of patient care, while
treating both staff and patients with the utmost respect.”
A graduate of Boston University School of Medicine, Dr.
Badgett came to Wuesthoff from the University of Medi-
cine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic
Medicine, where he was employed as an assistant profes-
sor of clinical surgery. Dr. Badgett holds board certifica-
tions in both general and vascular surgery, and is a
member of the American Board of Surgery.
Dr. Wheeler, Physician of the Year for Wuesthoff
Melbourne, is a graduate of Christian Medical College, in
Vellore, India. She graduated with a bachelor of medicine
and surgery degree. Dr. Wheeler performed her internship
at Newton Wellesley Hospital/Tufts University School of
Medicine in Newton, Mass., before completing her
residency at the Hospital of Saint Raphael/Yale University
School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn.
Dr. Wheeler is described as “a compassionate, friendly,
understanding physician that everyone can always count
on.”
Lawler relocates her practice to MelbourneKathy Lawler, a licensed marriage and family thera-
pist, has relocated her practice to 1700 W. Hibiscus Blvd.,
in Melbourne. For the past four years she has worked at
the Catholic Charities in Cocoa. In Melbourne, Lawler’s
office hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thurs-
day. Her office phone number is 271–6900. Lawler’s
practice specializes in marriage and family therapy. “I
work with individuals, couples and families,” she said. “My
role as a practitioner is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental,
trusting environment where my clients and I work
together to reach attainable goals.” In addition to her
specialty, Lawler holds professional certifications in a host
of areas including rapid–trauma resolution, parent–
coordination training, and domestic–violence training.
UCF offers master’s in informaticsThe University of Central Florida will offer the first
master’s degree program in health–care informatics in the
state beginning this fall. The program will train students
for the expanding, high–tech hospital work force that
develops information systems for patient diagnosis and
billing. The federal government has asked universities to
help address an anticipated need for 40,000 new health–
care informatics professionals in the next decade. Starting
salaries for graduates typically range from $57,000 to
$84,000 annually, UCF says. The online Health–Care
Informatics program will begin with 20 students, and
administrators expect the enrollment will increase to 40
students by the fifth year. Students will take classes online
but also will visit the College of Health and Public Affairs’
Informatics Research Laboratory.
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BBN BUSINESS
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 10
By Ken Datzman
VIERA — The tens of thousands of seniors
who live in Brevard County now have access to a
business–referral service at no cost, a niche that is
being filled by a new nonprofit agency.
We Help Brevard is looking to build relation-
ships with hundreds of businesses in the region
over the long term, “certifying” these companies
and recommending their services and products to
seniors and caregivers. These services include
everything from air–conditioning repair to roofing
to financial planning.
The organization was formed in December as a
standalone entity whose mission is to assist the
growing number of seniors in the county locate
businesses that have gained the We Help Brevard
“elder–friendly stamp of approval.”
Richard Rossell, executive director of We Help
Brevard, said the startup was the vision of Chris
Stagman, executive director of the Brevard
Alzheimer’s Foundation Inc. The two worked
closely together setting up the We Help Brevard
structure.
“Over the years, the Brevard Alzheimer’s
Foundation has received many calls from people
asking for recommendations of businesses in a
host of areas, from air–conditioning to plumbing
services,” said Rossell, who has worked with the
senior–care community in the county for more
than 20 years and has sat on a number of area
nonprofit boards.
“Chris saw an opportunity in the market to
help seniors locate reputable companies. His
vision was to help people in the community. We
were first going to offer this service through the
Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation. But as we went
forward, we realized that people might think we
were only interested in helping Alzheimer’s
patients. We Help Brevard is reaching out to the
entire senior community which is growing not
only in Florida but also around the nation,”
Rossell said.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in six
states, including Florida, more than one in every
four residents will be age 65 and older in 2030. “I
have talked to a lot of people in the community
and they say this type of program is really needed
because of the expanding senior population,” said
Rossell, whose team has been very active
addressing organizations and businesses.
We Help Brevard received a grant from the
county for the program, Rossell said. The Brevard
Alzheimer’s Foundation is underwriting the
salaries of the We Help Brevard staff. The
We Help Brevard, a new nonprofit organization, reaches out toseniors in the community by offering a no–cost referral serviceof ‘certified’ businesses; housed at One Senior Place in Viera
experienced team includes program administra-
tors Michael Windom and Al Yorston. “I am proud
of the team we have assembled. We all have the
same vision for this venture — to assist the senior
community,” Rossell said.
Windom manages the referral side of the
operation. “It’s a balancing act right now between
growing the business side and the referral side,”
he said. For referral inquiries, send an e–mail to
businesses for participation in the program. There
is no cost to businesses.
“Of the tens of thousands of businesses in the
county, we are trying to find the ‘best–of–the–best’
service providers for our senior callers. The
categories range from A to Z — air–conditioning
repairmen to plumbers to financial planners,
elder–law attorneys and veterinarians. We are
covering the whole gamut,” said Windom, a
former small–business owner in Brevard and a
35–year resident of the county.
Windom said We Help Brevard has identified
120 business categories. “And we would like to
have three businesses per category in order to
give seniors a choice. But we also realize the
county is 72–miles long, and logistics is playing a
role in how we set up the program. So, we are
planning to triplicate the 120 categories.
“For example, We Help Brevard will have 120
categories for Central Brevard (Cocoa, Merritt
Island and Cape Canaveral); and the same for
both the Melbourne and Titusville areas. With
three business suppliers per category, we will
have a database of more than 1,000 We Help
Brevard certified businesses as the program
grows.”
We Help Brevard will make direct referrals to
the businesses once they become certified. The
organization will help educate businesses about
the special needs of seniors.
Windom said the certification processes
includes a one–on–one interview with the
businessowner, due–diligence paperwork checks
of insurance coverage and state license, as well as
checks with the Better Business Bureau and the
Chambers of Commerce. The business must also
attend a workshop conducted by We Help
Brevard.
Rossell said his organization recently held a
training–awareness workshop for the 14 branch
managers of Riverside National Bank in the county, reviewing the special
concerns of seniors.
Once a business is recommended to a senior in the community and the
service is rendered, We Help Brevard follows up with a call to see if the
business met the consumer’s expectation, said Windom. “We want to make
sure we don’t have anybody involved in the system that is not taking our
seniors’ interest to heart.”
We Help Brevard will “collaborate with 211 Brevard,” said Yorston, a
native Floridian who has worked for the Brevard County government the
past 15 years, including time with the Housing and Human Services
Department.
A not–for–profit, 211 Brevard connects people and social services by
providing information, referral, and crisis intervention and training.
“We want to be able to provide a service similar to 211 Brevard because
we expect to have repeat callers as the program grows into a success and the
customers are pleased with the services. We want to be able to track the calls
on the client side and also be able to demonstrate to businesses, either
through a monthly or quarterly report, how many referrals we are sending to
them and the types of businesses that are in demand from seniors in the
community,” Yorston said.
We Help Brevard has identified 120 business categories in the senior market and isworking to build a large database of elder–care friendly service providers that it willrecommend to seniors when they call requesting information. There is no cost to thesenior or to the participating business. From left: Michael Windom, program admin-istrator; Al Yorston, program administrator; and Richard Rossell, executive director.
BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationAPRIL 13, 2009
BBN BUSINESS
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 11
By Ken Datzman
In today’s economy, businesses large and
small are scrambling to create more efficiencies
throughout their organizations in order to better
compete in one of the most challenging environ-
ments in years.
Businesses these days are battling not only
their competition, but also the economy.
As a result of a rising–cost and decreasing–
revenue scenario for many businesses, an
increasing number of companies are wringing
greater efficiencies from their communications
platform.
“Businesses have a sense of urgency in
looking for ways to control costs while becoming
more efficient with their communications
needs,” said Brian Craven, director of public
affairs and communications for Bright House
Networks in greater Orlando.
Bright House has cut a clear path to the
doors of businesses in Brevard County and in
Central Florida with its customized Network
Business Solutions suite of services, which
focuses “on each businessowner’s needs. It offers
businesses an opportunity to do much more
communicating for less money.”
In an effort to help companies better compete
in a downsized economy, Craven said Bright
House has expanded its service offerings for
large customers, and has enhanced its products
for home–based businesses as well as for small
and medium–size enterprises.
The Bright House team has been in the local
market, educating commercial customers about
the service offerings the company has rolled out
to the business community.
“For small and medium businesses, Bright
House Networks offers a host of services,
including ‘Business Phone,’ high–speed Internet
access, as well as remote–data backup, user–
level security, and wireless workplaces,” he said.
Craven adds, “The health–care industry is an
example of the kind of business that can benefit
from Bright House Networks Business Solu-
tions’ products and service offerings. Small
medical and dental practices, laboratories,
clinics and other care–focused businesses are
depending more and more on technology for
everything from filing claims to managing
patient information.”
He says technology is reshaping the health–
care industry. “Technology is not just about
improved patient care; it is essential for routine
communications and regulatory compliance, and
Bright House Networks expands service offerings for businesses,as tight economy forces companies of all sizes to look for ways tobecome more efficient and save on their communications costs
is in the midst of constant change. A data
explosion is occurring thanks to the growing use
of digital imaging and increased storage
demands for the maintenance of patient records,
which is mandated by both government and
insurance regulations.”
President Barrack Obama recently an-
nounced that, acting in conjunction with
Congress, he is prepared to make the immediate
investments necessary to ensure that within five
years all of America’s medical records are
computerized.
For Tessie Lee of Edgewater Internal
Medicine, a critical need for the busy office is
affordable business–phone service, she said.
“We follow up with a lot of patients and when
we call out of our 386 area code, it has always
been long distance. The Business Solutions
Business Phone service we are getting from
Bright House Networks is very cost–effective
because we make a lot of long–distance phone
calls. With their service, we can call without
additional long–distance expense because it is
part of the package,” Lee said.
Another area that Craven’s company is
emphasizing with its customized communica-
tions solutions is high–speed Internet. “Much of
the data that drives an organization travels
across the Internet. Business–caliber Internet
access from Bright House Networks Business
Solutions provides the dependable Internet
backbone that a business needs to manage that
growing volume of data,” he said.
A range of plans makes it easy to expand
Internet service, with increased bandwidth as
well as free remote–data backup, and to
preserve critical files in the event of system
failure, fire or other disaster, Craven said. “Also
included in the service package is an Internet–
security suite that effectively blocks viruses and
other threats.”
The Internet is at the center of the technol-
ogy universe and broadband access via cable
modem is probably suitable to meet the current
needs of a business. But as a business continues
to grow and expand, “Bright House Networks
can offer branch–connectivity, higher storage
capacity, direct–fiber access and other services
to ensure that a businessowner’s technology
always keeps pace with his requirements.”
Yet another increasingly popular Business
Solutions service is “Business TV.” Bright House
Networks can help enhance customers’ experi-
ence or keep employees informed with digital
cable that is tailored to meet a company’s
specific needs, Craven said. Programming
includes news, weather and traffic, stock–market reports, entertainment,
sports, and commercial–free music.
Bright House Networks rewards teachers in the region for using cable
programs to help educate students in the classroom. Annually, the
company honors a group of teachers who have been selected as some of the
most innovative educators, as part of the Cable in the Classroom program
that enhances the learning experiences for students.
Along with attending a recognition banquet — the Star Teacher Awards
gala — Bright House Networks recognizes each winning teacher in the
program with a $10,000 cash prize.
Bright House Networks provides the connection and basic cable service
free of charge to virtually all schools in the company’s service areas.
Connected schools receive more than 500 hours of commercial–free,
educational programming each month at no charge through Bright House
Networks membership in Cable in the Classroom.
Businesses are not only battling their competitors, but also a slow–growing economy.To help companies increase their communications capabilities in a cost–effective way,Bright House Networks Business Solutions offers an expanded suite of servicescustomized to meet the individual businessowner’s needs. The Bright House teamincludes, from left: Ronnie Dougan, broadband technician; Brian Craven, director ofpublic affairs and communications; and Dave Bolton, commercial sales supervisor,Business Solutions.
BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth
APRIL 13, 2009Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN DIGEST
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 12
Parrish Medical employees raise$130,000 for transportation van
TITUSVILLE — Parrish Medical Center employees
raised $130,000 in their first three–year employee–giving
campaign that concluded in February with a check
presentation to the Parrish Medical Center board of
directors.
Co–chaired by Thomasina Middleton, PMC financial
analyst, and Nancy Rhinelander, PMC finance program
assistant, the Parrish employee Circle of Giving committee
rallied employees to select a project that would make the
most impact in their community. Funds raised by employ-
ees “were matched dollar–for–dollar by PMC to support
the Healing in Motion van transportation program,” which
brought the program total to $260,000.
In operation since April 2007, the van transports
seniors and others without transportation to and from the
hospital. It will also be used in the same way for transport
to and from the Health Village at Main Street PMC, when
it opens in 2010 on PMC’s campus.
Since the program was initiated, roughly 100 patients
per month have been provided transportation, according to
Deena Ellis, security manager. Security oversees the PMC
van program and the head driver is PMC security officer
Robert Kinne.
“We knew PMC employees really cared about the
community, but I never imagined we could raise the
money, buy the van, hire a driver and put the Healing in
Motion transportation service in place for our community,”
said Thomasina Middleton, one of the first co–chairpersons
for the Circle of Giving and a current committee volunteer.
“I am so proud of my fellow employees and the Circle of
Giving committee that helped make this program happen.”
The Circle of Giving committee is an extension of the
Jess Parrish Medical Foundation. JPMF’s two signature
projects are The Health Village at Main Street PMC and
The Children’s Center. For more information about the
organization, call 269–4066.
16th Children’s Festival set for April 18The Child Care Association of Brevard County Inc. will
host its 16th annual Children’s Festival from 10 a.m. to 4
p.m. on April 18 at Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village. The
theme of this year’s event is “Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Celebra-
tion,” and will feature games, stage performances,
storytellers, arts and crafts, face–painting, fishing and
child–safety activities. Hundreds of vendors will partici-
pate in the event. All activities and refreshments will be
offered free of charge to everyone in attendance, thanks to
the event sponsors — Sam’s Club, Coca–Cola Bottling Co.
of Cocoa, Creative Network Innovations Inc., Lacey’s Lock
Service, E.K. Coggin Plumbing and others.
Jazz and art event April 24 in TitusvilleA “Jazz and Poetry Art Explosion” event will be held
from 5 to 9 p.m. on April 24 in Titusville. The program will
feature art displays in every form, demonstrations,
interactive activities for children, live jazz, poetry perform-
ers and more in Space View Park and downtown
Titusville. Jazz and poetry performers who are interested
in participating should contact Gina at the Titusville
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BBN DIGESTWomen’s History Month Awardshonor its first male, four Women
This year’s National Women’s History Month
ceremony at Florida Institute of Technology presented
two awards to five deserving recipients on March 24.
The Green Ribbon Award for Women honors an
individual who is “Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet.”
Nominations included women who have shown leader-
ship in preserving the natural environment and revers-
ing ecological destruction, as well as being innovative in
their business practices to help save the environment.
The first Green Ribbon Award honored Cari Curri,
founder of Kalianas Med Spa and Wellness Center,
which opened its doors in Melbourne in March 2007. The
center, a green materials renovated hardware store, is
working on its Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design certification.
Presented by the Florida Tech Alumni Association,
the Joan Bixby Award recognizes a Florida Tech staff or
faculty member who enhances the climate for women’s
participation and development on campus. The award is
named in honor of a Florida Tech alumna, who is a
former university administrator and Melbourne resident.
For the first time, the Joan Bixby Award was pre-
sented to a male staff member, Ken Droscher, associate
vice president for advancement. Other winners were staff
members Carey Gleason, assistant vice president for
advancement; and Mary Bonhomme, associate provost
for online learning; and student Melissa Rego, a senior in
aviation management with flight and president of the
student chapter of Women in Aviation, International.
Bixby, who earned a master’s degree in contract and
procurement management in 1975, started her univer-
sity career as development director in 1965. She left
Florida Tech’s employ in 1975 for a career as a govern-
ment–contracting officer and remains an active member
of the university community.
The event’s partners were the Florida Tech Alumni
Association, Women’s Business Center at Florida Tech,
Maloon–Gibson and Associates, Business and Profes-
sional Women Association and Brevard County Woman
newspaper.
Certified General Contractors scholarshipsJim Stivers, president of Certified General Contrac-
tors Inc. of Melbourne, recently announced that Francisco
Villa participated in the CGC Inc. Scholarship Program
for four years, studying at Stetson University in the
master’s music program. Villa continued his education
studying under Gary Hoffman in Austria in the summer
of 2006. He had the opportunity to play with the Boston
Symphony in 2007 and performed at Carnegie Hall in
February 2009. For the last three years CGC has also
funded a scholarship, awarded to Kerri O’Brian in honor
of Clara Zeagle, Jim Stivers’ mother, through the United
Methodist Church. O’Brian is a junior at Gordon College.
And CGC is in its sixth year of funding a scholarship in
honor of Charles Hawkins Sr., through the 100 Black
Men of Orlando. “The future success of our community
and the overall prosperity of our economy rely heavily on
educating our youth,” said Jim Stivers. “CGC plans to
continue to help young people strive to reach their goals.”
We Help Brevard
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also offering
Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA)
A C H I E V E M E N T
Bachelor Programs are Offered 100% Online
Where are you takingWhere are you taking
your company?your company?Where are you takingyour company?
With conference facilities and plenty of fun activities, Andretti Thrill Park is the perfect place to host your next company outing. From a corporate meeting, company picnic or celebration of a job well done, Andretti Thrill Park can make your event a memorable one. No matter if you have 5 employees or 500, we can accommodate your group, you can
even reserve the whole park for your company to ensure that everyone has a great time. For more information or to make reservations, call us at (321) 956-6706.
For reservation information call (321) 956-6706 • 3960 S. Babcock St. Melbourne, FL 32901
www.andrettithrillpark.com
APRIL 13, 2009Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
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ATTENTION ATTORNEYS AND CPAs“IMPAIRED RISK STRATEGIES”GreenStreet Financial Services, LLC
Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value
Wachovia Securities is now part of Wells Fargo. Together, we form a team that has successfully navigated fl uctuating economic times and volatile markets on behalf of our clients. Both companies have a proud history and have been recognized for our outstanding performance and exceptional client service. In fact, Wells Fargo was once again named as one of Barron’s* Most Respected Companies in the world. We are fully invested in your fi nancial success and are prepared to guide you each step along the way. Now, more than ever, you can rely on the strength and stability of our team.
If today’s markets have you second-guessing your investment plan,talk with one of our Financial Advisors today.
One team, twice as strong.
INVESTMENTS • RETIREMENT • PLANNING
7925 N Wickham Road, Suite A, Viera, FL 32940(321) 255-2330
Tom Bedor, CFP®First Vice President – Investment Offi cer
Betts SilvernailFirst Vice President – Investment Offi cer
It’s time for things to be simple again.Let’s face it, life can be complicated, but banking shouldn’t be. So at Regions Bank, we’re
making sure what you experience is the simplest and most reliable way to reach your goals
in life. It means that you can expect more understanding, more smiles, more answers and
more opportunity than ever before. We’ve rededicated ourselves to being the perfect vehicle for
transporting you to your financial destination. And we promise that if you hop on with us, the
journey will be better than you ever imagined. Because with Regions, it’s time to expect more.