FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Further Information contact:

Mike Bonts

(904) 424-6641

mike@mbprgroup.com

www.mbprgroup.com

First Coast Apartment Association honors members with Circle of Excellence Awards

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.  (May 20, 2014) – The First Coast Apartment Association (FCAA) presented their 19^th Annual Circle of Excellence Awards on Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the historic Florida Theatre in Downtown Jacksonville.

The association recognized the outstanding accomplishments of its members in dozens of categories during the awards gala. The FCAA serves the apartment industry in Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Flagler, and Nassau Counties and highlighted the highest level of service and commitment to the multifamily industry.

Prestigious Circle of Excellence trophies, from Best Groundskeeper to Leasing Specialist to Property Management Company, were awarded to individuals and companies who embody the strength of the area’s apartment industry.

Visit www.fcaaonline.com online or call (904) 292-1345 for more information.

2013 WINNERS

19th Annual First Coast Apartment Association Circle of Excellence Awards

Milestone Management

Property Management Company of the Year

Apartment Guide

Associate Company of the Year

WRH Realty Services

Best Use of Social Media

Paradise Island Apartments

Service Team

WRH Realty Services

Volunteer Spirit

Hacienda Club Apartments

New Construction Community of the Year

5 Thousand Town

Luxury Community of the Year

Cabana Club Apartments

Conventional Curb Appeal

Thomas Chase Apartments

Affordable Curb Appeal

Avesta Seaside

Conventional Community of the Year

Ryan Oaks Apartments

Affordable Community of the Year

Rick Biermann, REDI Carpet

Associate of the Year

Tammy Burgett, WRH Realty Services

Corporate Employee of the Year

Marty Petrie, Avesta Communities

Regional Property Manager of the Year

Tim Mumpower, Avesta Communities

Regional Maintenance Director

Ethan J. Pompey, The Commander Apartments

Conventional Maintenance Supervisor of the Year

Laura K. Wallace, The Four at Deerwood

Conventional Community Manager of the Year

Gina Lee, Lindsey Terrace Apartments

Affordable Community Manager of the Year      

Tressa Hayes, Bentley Green Apartments

Conventional Assistant Manager of the Year

Sabrina White, Gregory Cove Apartments

Affordable Assistant Manager of the Year

David Lockett, Bentley Green Apartments

Conventional Leasing Specialist of the Year

Wanda Grant, Kendall Court Apartments

Affordable Leasing Specialist of the Year

Mustafa Martin, The Plaza Apartments

Conventional Maintenance Technician of the Year

Richard Morgan, Kendall Court Apartments

Affordable Maintenance Technician of the Year

Denise  Stanton, Cabana Club Apartments

Conventional Groundskeeper of the Year

Jose Garcia, Gregory Cove Apartments

Affordable Groundskeeper of the Year

Enver Kotreli, Avesta Sunbeam 

Maintenance Rookie of the Year

Valerie Brock, Paradise Island Apartments

Leasing Rookie of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Further Information Contact:

Mike Bonts @ mbpr Group

mike@bontspr.com

www.mbprgroup.com

904.424.6641

USGBC Awards Home in China LEED® Platinum Certification

Stalwart Green Global’s first overseas project a big success

JANUARY 29, 2014 – (Yanzhou, Jiangsu Province, China/Panama City, Fla. USA) – Stalwart Green Global (SGG), based in Panama City, Fla., has announced that No. 98 of Nanhexia, Guangling in the Yanzhou District of China’s Jiangsu Province has been awarded LEED for Homes Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for achievement in green home building and design.

LEED for Homes is a green home certification program that rewards homes that are designed and built to be energy- and resource-efficient and more healthy and durable for the occupants. The old town Low carbon community will be a model that combines traditional Chinese architecture and green technology for the communities in Yangzhou and all across China.

LEED-certified homes complete a technically rigorous process that often includes a home energy (HERS) rating and onsite inspections to verify that the home is built to be energy and water efficient, environmentally sound, and a healthier place to live.

No. 98 of Nanhexia, Guangling is the first of 52 homes in the Province that will be certified using LEED.  The home was built by built by Yangzhou Yiangzuan Co. Ltd., verified by Ryan Oxley of Stalwart Green Global, and supported by Southface.

Stalwart Green Global is known for their expertise in building and certifying LEED homes.  
The company built and certified the first LEED Platinum home in Florida. “This is the culmination of superior teamwork and excellent coordination during the building process and certification,” said SGG President/CEO Julius Poston. “We strive to meet and even exceed the highest standards of green building science in each project.”

Green homes may have substantially lower utility bills and may qualify for advantageous financing, lower insurance rates and government incentives. Through their commitment to green homebuilding, SGG is helping to keep home ownership affordable.

"The rapid urbanization of China, the third largest market for LEED outside the U.S., is arguably the most environmentally significant human project on the planet," said Roger Platt, senior vice president of global policy and law, USGBC. "Doing it right will take leadership like the kind shown by Stalwart Green Global. Doing it to the exacting LEED for Homes standards is reason for celebration."

The home is two stories with, 1,259 square feet and five bedrooms. It also has a HERS index of 12 and uses about $245(7.4 MBtu) per year on electricity based on U.S. electric rate.

For more information call SGG at 850.392.0292 or visit www.stalwartgreenglobal.com.

###

About Stalwart Green Global (SGG)

The SGG Global strategy centers on strategic relationships with global partners to create sustainable, high performance buildings that reduce energy and water consumption. All buildings are designed to be alternative fuel ready and can easily be updated to Near Zero Energy, grid connected or True Zero Energy off grid standards. Visit www.stalwartgreenglobal.com for more information.

About mbpr Group

mbpr Group is a public relations firm based in Jacksonville, Fla. specializing in solutions to creating awareness, increasing brand recognition and market share for clients in the fields of construction, commercial and residential real estate development, design, architecture, sustainability, planning, housing, energy, and the environment. Call 904.424.6641 or visit www.mpbrgroup.com for more information.

About the U.S. Green Building Council

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org, explore the Green Building Information Gateway (GBIG) and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About LEED for Homes

LEED for Homes is a third-party certification system for building and designing high-performance green homes that are energy- and resource-efficient and healthy for their occupants. Developed and administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED for Homes awards points to projects in eight categories of environmental performance: Location & Transportation, Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation, and Regional Priority. To date, more than 50,000 units have achieved certification with the LEED for Homes program, and more than 80,000 have registered and are in process. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org/homes.

Forward looking LandSouth Construction embarks on 15th year of ‘building ideas’

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (March 10, 2013) – It’s a testament to a vision. It’s a tribute to a mission. This year LandSouth Construction, a Jacksonville, Fla.-based general contractor specializing in multifamily housing, is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

JAMES PYLE

“We have completed over built over 8,000 units, valued at over a half billion dollars since we opened; from garden style apartments to high end condominiums and all other type of multi-family units in between,” said LandSouth Construction President/CEO James Pyle.

Successfully weathering the national real estate downturn, LandSouth is currently building multifamily communities in Jacksonville, Fla., Chattanooga, Tenn., Raleigh, N.C. and Delray Beach, Fla. Always looking forward by emphasizing results and exceptional service, LandSouth Construction has created a construction process to provide the best possible value for clients.

To mark the anniversary year the firm is redesigning their Web site, has refreshed the corporate logo and established a new tagline, “building ideas” that renews a long-standing commitment to clients. They have also designed a special emblem to commemorate the 15^th anniversary.

“This tagline is an integral part of our mission statement - We transform ideas into first class communities by providing superior construction management services while building long term relationships – as we continue to adapt to our ever-changing economy and have positioned ourselves for a renter’s marketplace over the next few years,” Pyle said.

During the upcoming year the firm will seek and reward team members for “Above and Beyond” work which reflects a major part of the LSC culture. 

“We are excited about 2013 and look forward to building ideas for our clients,” Pyle said.

 The year’s anniversary celebration will be highlighted on April 3 when Pyle will be a featured panelist at the First Coast Real Estate Outlook Conference at the University of North Florida. The conference brings together some of the top real estate and economic leaders in the region and is a perfect opportunity to focus on the past accomplishments and future success of LandSouth Construction.

During the pasts decade and a half LandSouth Construction has won numerous awards and accolades.

 Those include an Excellence in Construction award from the Associated Builders and Contractors. The program recognizes outstanding construction projects around the nation. The Southeast Building Conference also recognized LandSouth for construction excellence with a Grand AURORA Award.

The firm has been named one of the best places to work by Florida Trend magazine and the Jacksonville Business Journal and recognized for numerous charitable and philanthropic projects.

LandSouth’s relationship-based business philosophy is reflected in the company’s long-lasting rapport with developers and owners. New clients bring projects to LandSouth due to the firm’s strong work ethic, dedication to their vision, efficiency and quality of construction.

“Times have been difficult for our industry, but we continued to forge ahead, persevere,” Pyle said. “We believe in what we do, and we believe our 15^th year will be a very successful one for our company.” 

Visit www.landsouth.com or call (904) 273-6004.

Ann Hicks and Stephens Advertising Celebrating 30 Years of ‘Pointing the Way’ for Real Estate Industry in Northeast Florida

For Immediate Release

More than a sign company..........

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (February 24, 2013)  --  Stephens Advertising has been successfully helping real estate industry clients get their message out to customers since 1982 through effective displays, signs, promotions and graphics projects.

“Over the past 30 years we have produced virtually everything from directional signs to logo decals, to a truckload of majors signs and trade show displays. Clients challenge us with their marketing and promotional ideas. We take our expertise and turn those ideas into reality,” said Ann Hicks, president of Stephens Advertising.

Today their fully digital design and production center is creating and producing all configurations and sizes of banners, decals and large format digital printing, This includes point of purchase displays, exhibits, custom fabrication, flags, graphic design, hand lettering, murals, commercial photography, screen printing and vinyl lettering.

“We needed a new look for our signage and they took our ideas and logo and created a very nice brand message that will standout at our project sites,” said James Pyle, president of LandSouth Construction, currently building four new multifamily developments throughout the Southeast.

Longtime employees are more like family at Stephens Advertising with 100 years of combined design and production talent and experience on staff including Brooks Brandal, creative director; Steve Riensche, creative designer and fabricator; Bobby Salmon, graphic designer; Andy Kuzera, fabricator & production supervisor,  and Margie Oakes, comptroller.

Specialty units inside Stephens Advertising have the ability to control every stage of production from plotter-cut vinyl for quick applications to digitally printed posters, banners and window graphics for complex artwork to routed signs for depth and elegance and screen printing for large and small jobs.

What began with marketing and designing visual media for the old Charter Companies from a small office on the Southside in the early ‘80 has grown to focus on signs and displays of all kinds for projects from the Northeast to Texas and California. Stephens Advertising is headquartered in a 20,000 square foot facility with state of the art equipment.

“There was a day when everything was painted. I’m proud to say we have always been a little ahead of the curve when it comes to technology and production trends. We’ve learned a lot over 30 years and put that knowledge to use for our clients,” said Hicks.

 The types of signs created include architectural, backlit, dimensional, exterior and interior, and wraps completed and installed for walls, floors and vehicles. 

“They are versatile, creative, and resourceful. At the height promoting the annual Parade of Homes and other highly visible association events and promotions, Ann and her staff always paid attention to detail to ensure proper assembly of complex signs and logos,” said Arnold Tritt, retired executive vice president of the Northeast Florida Builders Association.

A member of the Chamber of Commerce, Hicks is also active in the Women’s Business Owners Association. Over the past three decades the company has won numerous awards from the Northeast Florida Builders Association and Northeast Florida Association of Realtors for outstanding marketing.


Contact: 
ANN HICKS   
President, Stephens Advertising
annh@stephensjax.com
(904) 354-7004
www.stephensjax.com

NAHB

IBS Kicks off with Keynote from Former Walt Disney Company Leader Michael Eisner

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15--Legendary entertainment industry leader, Michael Eisner was announced today as the keynote speaker for the 2013 NAHB International Builders Show® (IBS), the housing industry's largest annual trade show and exhibition. 

The show, held Jan. 22-24 at the Las Vegas Convention Center will play host to professionals representing all facets of the housing industry from around the world. Eisner will address attendees on Jan. 22, during the IBS Opening Ceremonies.

"The Opening Ceremonies always provides an impressive lineup of speakers and entertainment, and this year is no exception," said NAHB Chairman Barry Rutenberg, a home builder from Gainesville, Fla. "We look forward to hearing the inspirational words of former Disney leader Michael Eisner, followed by a comedic performance of the Capitol Steps."

Eisner, who served as the Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company for twenty-one years, is recognized for having revitalized and reinvented the company into a full spectrum entertainment enterprise. Under his leadership, the company began implementation of a continuing series of creative growth strategies that resulted in its annual revenues rising from $1.7 billion to more than $30 billion. Michael Eisner continues to be an entertainment innovator to this day. His investment company Tornante launched Vuguru, a studio producing original programming for the Internet, portable media devices and cell phones.

Drawing from his vast experience as both a Fortune 500 CEO and an entrepreneur, his remarks will motivate corporate innovation and teamwork.  

Closing out the Opening Ceremonies will be a performance by famed political satire group, the Capitol Steps. Created in December 1981, the Steps began as a group of senate staffers who used the headlines of the day to create song parodies and skits that conveyed a special brand of satirical humor.

Since they began, the Capitol Steps have recorded more than 30 albums and have been featured on numerous major television networks. Although not all of the current members of the Steps are former Capitol Hill staffers, taken together the performers have worked in a total of eighteen Congressional offices, and represent 62 years of collective House and Senate staff experience.

The IBS Opening Ceremonies is open to all registered attendees. Doors open at 7:00 a.m. and limited general seating is available on a first come, first served basis.

The 2013 NAHB International Builders' Show is not open to the general public. Building industry professionals and their affiliates throughout the housing trades may register by visiting the show's Web Site at www.BuildersShow.com.

ENERGY

Company Hosting A Green Energy Business Seminar 

Washington, DC (November 15, 2012) -- "A nation that can't control its energy sources can't control its future." Those are the words of President Barack Obama in his 2006 autobiographical book, The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream. 

On Jan. 9, 2013, Relerience, a U.S. green energy consulting company, is providing a Green Energy Business Seminar and Trade Show in Northern Virginia. 

When Hurricane Sandy tore through the East Coast of the United States in late October 2012, the aftermath, which included destruction, long gas lines, and massive power outages, was a reminder of our Nation's dependence on just a few sources of energy. Diversification of the U.S. energy supply will increase our Nation's energy independence, reduce national security threats, move the economy forward, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. 

More access to renewable energy and alternative fuels will give the American people much needed, additional consumer options. 

The All-Of-The-Above approach to energy is the path toward empowering the American people. Companies and individuals, alike, need to participate in education and training to learn how "green energy" positively influences economic development, job creation, and business growth. 

The Relerience Green Energy Business Seminar will educate and train companies and individuals on various approaches to increase their cash flow, their customer base, and their revenue through innovative green energy initiatives or energy management strategies. 

The Seminar is for companies and individuals who have an interest in green energy or energy management strategies. The Seminar includes a well-known guest speaker who is an eco-friendly car entrepreneur and has been a Chairman of various political activities in his lifetime. 

The Seminar also has a Trade Show component to showcase the technology, products, and services of companies to increase the awareness of their brands. Online options are also available for any Exhibitors and attendees seeking virtual participation. 

The Seminar and Trade Show will take place in Fairfax, Virginia at the Mason Inn Conference Center and Hotel, which is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building located on George Mason University's campus. 

All registration and Exhibitor details are on the Seminar Website: www.relerience.com/seminar.html . 

Florida Housing Market Continues Upswing in September

Florida's housing market had higher pending sales, higher median prices and a reduced inventory of homes for sale in September, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®.

"Florida's real estate market is no longer in recovery mode – stability and growth gain solid footing," said 2012 Florida Realtors President Summer Greene, regional manager of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Florida 1st in Fort Lauderdale. "Realtors across the state are reporting consistent increases in home sales and median prices, and multiple offers from buyers isn't unusual. In fact, increasing buyer demand in many local markets is creating inventory shortages – and that's putting pressure on prices. For sellers who may have been reluctant to enter the market, it's now time to reconsider. Conditions are turning to a sellers' market."

Statewide closed sales of existing single-family homes totaled 15,643 in September, up 2 percent compared to the year-ago figure, according to data from Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis department and vendor partner 10K Research and Marketing. Closed sales typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.

Meanwhile, pending sales – contracts that are signed but not yet completed or closed – of existing single-family homes last month rose 40.1 percent over the previous September. The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in September was $145,000, up 7.4 percent from a year ago.

According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), the national median sales price for existing single-family homes in August 2012 was $188,700, up 10.2 percent from the previous year. In California, the statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in August was $343,820; in Massachusetts, it was $317,750; in Maryland, it was $255,498; and in New York, it was $225,000.

The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. Housing industry analysts note that sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes.

Looking at Florida's year-to-year comparison for sales of townhomes-condos, a total of 7,329 units sold statewide last month, down slightly (-2.9 percent) from those sold in September 2011. Meanwhile, pending sales for townhome-condos in September increased 30.6 percent compared to the year-ago figure. The statewide median for townhome-condo properties was $105,736, up 18.8 percent over the previous year. NAR reported that the national median existing condo price in August 2012 was $176,700.

Last month, the inventory for single-family homes stood at a 5.2-months' supply; inventory for townhome-condo properties was also at a 5.2-months' supply, according to Florida Realtors. Industry analysts note that a 5.5-months' supply symbolically represents a market balanced between buyers and sellers.

"The onward march of Florida's housing market continues," said Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. John Tuccillo. "Inventories have now tilted to the point where we truly have a sellers' market forming. Prices are up smartly and have been for quite a while. It's getting to the point where Florida is the place to buy, but it may soon move out of reach for many households."

The interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.47 percent in September 2012, lower than the 4.11 percent averaged during the same month a year earlier, according to Freddie Mac.