New Company Aims to Increase Access to Affordable Care Act Health Insurance

December 2, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hal Thayer, Communications Director, FSBDC at UCF, 407.420.4850 or hthayer@bus.ucf.edu

Orlando, FL – With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, there were opportunities to be had in the health insurance market and Nedra Ball and Kevin Beckton took steps to seize those opportunities, with assistance from the Florida SBDC at UCF’s Seminole State College sub-center.

In 2014, Presidential Insurance Benefits & Consulting Group was formed as a Florida-based Insurance Agency, dedicated to providing insurance services related to the then newly enacted Affordable Care Act. Starting in 2014, all U.S. citizens and legal residents will now have to purchase credible health insurance, or what is known as qualifying health coverage, which includes coverage through their employer, a government plan, or a health plan that has to be purchased on their own.

Company founders CEO Nedra Ball and COO Kevin Beckton knew that the timing of their new venture was spot on. In fact, the share of Americans with insurance is up, the growth of health care costs are down, and it is estimated that the upcoming enrollment season this year will bring several million more potential enrollees to the marketplace as the law takes hold.

Presidential Insurance’s customers specifically include all Americans and legally documented citizens that are uninsured or on a non- compliant health plan, individuals that have lost coverage through their employer, and employees that have been referred to the Marketplace by their Employer. The company has strategically aligned itself with Healthcare.gov as Certified and Licensed Agents to better assist customers.

After careful business planning and consultation with Florida’s SBDC, Presidential Insurance has shown profit-able and consistent growth. In addition to business and strategic plan advisory services, Presidential Insurance required a facility that would be able to keep up with the quick ramp-up of licensed agents required to carry out the company vision; up to 25 agents slated for the first year of operation. The FSBDC’s Seminole State Col-lege sub-center consultant, Lee Goldring, was able to review the entire launch plan, provide important con-tacts for their professional team, as well as find office space within Seminole Technology Business Incubator Center in Sanford.

“Presidential Insurance could not have completed such a successful launch without the support of the FSBDC and the assistance of our FSBDC consultant Lee Goldring” said CEO Nedra Ball. “With their specialized assis-tance we were able to easily open our corporate offices and add two very important individuals to our execu-tive team: Mary Davis, President of Marketing and Development, and John Burke, Sr. Vice President of Agency Services. The FSBDC has truly given us the opportunity to spread our wings and enroll more people into healthcare coverage this open enrollment season.”

Today, Presidential Insurance is optimally positioned to build on its strong foundation and large market oppor-tunity, thanks in part to the FSBDC at UCF’s Seminole State College sub-center.

About the FSBDC at UCF

With its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the SBDC at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) is part of the UCF Office of Research & Commercialization and the Florida SBDC Network (FSBDC Network). THE FSBDC at UCF provides business seminars and no-cost, one-on-one business consultation to emerging and established businesses. The FSBDC at UCF serves an eight-county area that includes Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties and maintains 10 service centers across Central Florida.

In 2012, the FSBDC at UCF served almost 6500 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 9,961 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.3 billion in sales growth; $50.4 million in capital formation; $104.6 million in government contract awards; and 108 new businesses started.

About the FSBDC Network

The FSBDC at UCF is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide service network funded in part through cooperative agreements with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network is hosted by the University of West Florida and is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

For over 35 years, the FSBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state. The FSBDC Network is a statewide service system of 41 centers with 60 outreach locations, including the FSBDC at UCF.

In 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC programing 2012, $40 was returned to the state in tax revenue

FSBDC at UCF | 3201 E. Colonial Drive | Orlando, FL 32801 | p 407.420.4850 | f 407.420.4862
sbdc@bus.ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

International Trade Specialist Honored at National Conference

Media Release

Release Date: October 2, 2014
Contact: Dianne.Gross@FloridaSBDC.org | (850) 473-7809

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FSBDCN State Office: Jill McLaughlin, International Trade Specialist for the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida and the Florida Star of the Year, was recently recognized at the 2014 America’s SBDC national conference in Grapevine, Texas. McLaughlin was recognized among State Star recipients from SBDCs across the country at a special reception at the 34th annual conference, which was held in September.

Passion for Serving Small Businesses

The State Star award, the highest accolade achievable by SBDC employees, recognizes extraordinary performers who have made strong contributions to their state network.

“We are pleased to recognize Jill for her accomplishments,” said Michael Myhre, CEO and Network State Director for the Florida SBDC. “Her passion and enthusiasm for serving small businesses in Central Florida is an inspiration. She is most deserving of this recognition.”

Expertise in Finance and Business Growth

A former investment banker and CPA, McLaughlin has leveraged her expertise in finance and business growth to provide exceptional value to her clients. Since joining the Florida SBDC Network, McLaughlin has assisted her clients increase sales over $30 million, obtain $2.6 million in capital, and create 133 jobs.

“I am honored to be recognized as the Florida Star of the Year, particularly given the many extraordinary contributors at the Florida SBDC who were considered for this award,” said McLaughlin. “I am extremely proud to be part of a team that works so hard and is so dedicated to assisting clients achieve their goals and aspirations, and in so doing has such a profound impact, creating success for our small businesses and our communities.”

Making a Difference for Florida Businesses

In June, the Florida SBDC Network recognized exemplary employees and partners who work hard to make a difference for Florida businesses. The Florida SBDC congratulates Jill McLaughlin and the 2014 regional and service year award winners for their achievements. To meet the winners, click here: Regional Award Winners & Service Year Award Winners.

About the Florida SBDC Network

For nearly forty years, the Florida SBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state.

In 2013, the Florida SBDCs served over 34,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 39,536 jobs created, retained and saved; $5.5 billion in sales growth; $197.3 million in capital accessed; $602.2 million in government contract awards; and 685 new businesses started. And for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC program, $35 was returned to the state in tax revenue.

A statewide service network of over 40 centers with approximately 70 outreach locations, the Florida SBDC Network is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the Network’s designated lead host institution. The Florida SBDC Network is state designated as Florida’s principal provider of business assistance and is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs. For more information, visit www.FloridaSBDC.org.

About America’s SBDC

America’s SBDC represents America’s nationwide network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) – the most comprehensive small business assistance network in the United States and its territories. The mission of America’s SBDC is to represent the interests of our members and their SBDCs, by promoting, informing, supporting and continuously improving America’s nationwide network of SBDCs. The mission of America’s nationwide network of SBDCs is to help new entrepreneurs realize the dream of business ownership, and to assist existing businesses to remain competitive in the complex marketplace of an ever-changing global economy. Hosted by leading universities, colleges and state economic development agencies, and funded in part by the United States Congress through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, nearly 1,000 service centers are available to provide no-cost business consulting and low-cost training. For more information, visit www.AmericasSBDC.org.

Marketing Expert Served on Multiple Advisory Boards

July 17, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hal Thayer, Communications Director, FSBDC at UCF, 407.420.4850 or hthayer@bus.ucf.edu

Orlando – The Florida SBDC at UCF is pleased to name Blaine Henry as 2014 Regional Volunteer of the Year in honor of his exemplary service to the FSBDC at UCF and its Advisory Board Council program.

Henry’s service to the small business community has been a lengthy one. He first applied to become a volunteer advisor with the Advisory Board Council in January 2005, not long after the program’s inception. According to Henry, “I joined the SBDC program because I think it is important to support local businesses, frequently small to medium sized businesses which don’t have access to consultants, to create jobs and broaden the economic matrix of the community. I think it is everyone’s responsibility to give of their time and talents to grow the community. Marketing is what I do best. Also, I benefit from learning about different businesses and really enjoy meeting the people that are involved in them!”

Henry’s involvement with the Advisory Board Council has been impressive; he has always been very giving of his time and expertise. Over his nine years as a volunteer advisor Henry has donated almost 230 hours of service to Advisory Board Council clients while serving on four advisory boards. The reported fair market value of those hours is $34,350. He explained, “Economic development is a never ending process and it is important that people try to keep it moving in a positive direction. As long as I am around you will find me working on the never ending challenge of business devel-opment.” Henry has advised his SBDC clients on issues including marketing strategy and metrics, market diversification, marketing plan development, sales strategy, succession planning, management and training.

Henry served two terms on the advisory board of ScreenWorks USA, an industry leading company which specializes in the development, merchandising and production of screen printed, embroidered and heat embellished apparel. Sharad Mehta, president, commented on the contribution Henry has made to his business. “Blaine has been a most valued member of our Advisory Board and has injected a marketing and sales perspective to our deliberations. ScreenWorks had been lacking aggressive marketing and sales initiatives and historically focused on product development. This new insight has helped us in making adjustments in our strategy for growth.” Henry has provided the firm with market research and corporate profiles of competitors and prospects from some of his data sources, offered guidance on sales team structure and responsibilities, assisted with market diversification and advised on sales strategy, selling techniques, and strategic planning, among many others.

ACT, Inc. was another company Henry assisted. He worked with the company to develop a marketing plan which would enable them to attract private financing and secure a Small Business Innovation Research Grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This grant enabled the design and expansion of their product line to accommodate user installation of their primary product. According to John Martino, ACT, Inc.’s president, “Blaine Henry took the time to demonstrate a genuine interest in exploring and understanding our business. As this understanding took hold he was better suited to provide several recommendations and suggestions to us. His extensive experience in a number of different industries enabled us to apply innovative solutions to our business challenges. The understanding and discoveries made by ACT, Inc. during that process will continue to offer us great value in the future.”

Another company Henry assisted through an advisory board was a family owned mattress manufacturer. Henry volun-teered to conduct a daylong seminar with them where he looked at their sales ledgers and identified over 120 products and services they were currently selling. Predictably, five of those products accounted for over 80 percent of their revenue and most of their products and services were not profitable at all. He concluded that they should focus on their top 10 products and hire a person to concentrate on outside sales and customer service. The firm was successful in expanding employment in their key product lines and secured a major contract with a multiple outlet regional distributor.

Blaine Henry has been professionally counseling and supplying marketing services to small, medium and large businesses for the last 30 years. After receiving a Master’s of Science degree from the London School of Economics, he entered government service to assist economic development in the U.S. and internationally. After four years as Manager of In-ternational Operations of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Henry came to the conclusion that eco-nomic development depends upon the ability of businesses to market themselves domestically and internationally. He started a business development consultancy in London in 1985 and has been working with a wide variety of businesses to improve their performance in the marketplace ever since. In 1986 he earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer with the American Economic Development Council. Mr. Henry is currently Managing Director of Market So-lutions International, a marketing consultancy specializing in domestic and international market development for financial services, scientific research, marine engineering, tourism, and logistics industries.

The Florida SBDC at UCF’s Advisory Board Council is an economic development program that operates within the Florida SBDC at UCF and is partially funded by Orange County Government, as well as at the FSBDC at Seminole State College. The program is a no-cost professional advisory service for local companies. By acting as a matchmaker between businesses and volunteer advisors, all of whom are professionals in our community, the Advisory Board Council program acts to positively impact Central Florida businesses through revenue growth and job creation. Businesses also benefit by improved operations, marketing, financial management, reduced costs, leadership development and succession planning.

— FSBDC —

About the FSBDC at UCF

With its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the SBDC at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) is part of the UCF Office of Research & Commercialization and the Florida SBDC Network (FSBDC Network). THE FSBDC at UCF provides business seminars and no-cost, one-on-one business consultation to emerging and established businesses. The FSBDC at UCF serves an eight-county area that includes Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties and maintains 10 service centers across Central Florida.

In 2012, the FSBDC at UCF served almost 6500 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 9,961 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.3 billion in sales growth; $50.4 million in capital formation; $104.6 million in government contract awards; and 108 new businesses started.

About the FSBDC Network

The FSBDC at UCF is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide service network funded in part through cooperative agreements with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network is hosted by the University of West Florida and is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

For over 35 years, the FSBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state. The FSBDC Network is a statewide service system of 41 centers with 60 outreach locations, including the FSBDC at UCF.

In 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC programing 2012, $40 was returned to the state in tax revenue

FSBDC at UCF | 3201 E. Colonial Drive | Orlando, FL 32801 | p 407.420.4850 | f 407.420.4862
sbdc@bus.ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com

Restaurant Opens Thanks to Palm Coast Business Assistance Center

July 8, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hal Thayer, Communications Director, FSBDC at UCF, 407.420.4850 or hthayer@bus.ucf.edu

Palm Coast, FL – When it comes to pizza, there’s pizza, then there’s authentic Italian pizza. And thanks to the Florida SBDC at UCF at the Palm Coast Business Assistance Center, the food lovers of Flagler County now have access to just that: authentic Italian pizza made by an expert chef from Rome with genuine Italian ingredients. You might have difficulty pronouncing Focaccia (fo-katt-chia) but you’ll never have difficulty saying DELICIOUS! Located at 85 Cypress Point Parkway, you’ll enter the restaurant to be greeted by Alexia, the friendliest person you could imagine.

Straight from Rome, Italy, Alexia Tarantino and Dario Carbone visited Florida on vacations numerous times and found their way to Palm Coast. Although they had previously visited many Florida locations to establish their business, they chose Palm Coast as their first choice to bring their pizza concept of a “fast-casual pizzeria to life”.

In Rome, ‘Pizza al Taglio’ (Pizza by the Slice) is an extremely popular way of buying pizza. True to their word and their business strategy, Alexia and Dario only make pizza as “the Romans do”! Focaccia’s secret formula is hidden in the making of dough – only Dario makes the dough. Made from high protein flours rich in nutrients, the dough traps gasses while being baked resulting in a light and airy flavor. The entire dough making process is lengthy and is necessary to remove the yeast which often causes bloating and a sleepy feeling with traditional pizza. Focaccia’s dough is “vegan friendly” and has no “improvers” added.

Upon entering the restaurant, you need only glance at the colorful presentation of pizzas containing only the freshest of toppings. At Focaccia’s, there’s no need to agree on which toppings for your pizza – there is a wide variety to choose from! Alexia and Dario insist on using only fresh meats and vegetables; hence, you’ll never find pre-packaged meats or vegetables in this restaurant. According to Alexia, “there’s no substitute for FRESH”. Focaccia also offers a selection of Italian beers and wines that complement their pizzas and sandwiches.

Starting a business is never easy so it’s easy to assume that opening a business in Palm Coast while living in Rome, Italy might have its own unique set of challenges. Upon their return to Florida, Dario and Alexia found the Palm Coast Business Assistance Center. Alexia remarked, “Having this resource available was a source of a huge piece of mind for us even if we were on the other side of the world. Working our way through the permitting process and understanding Palm Coast‘s requirements were simplified with the help provided by the Florida SBDC. All of our questions and inquiries were directed to the right people saving us considerable time in opening our business.”

Joe Roy, Area Manager of the Florida SBDC met Dario and Alexia for the first time in January, 2013. “They had a detailed business plan and were very knowledgeable about their business. I recall asking them if they understood America’s love affair with pizza and how their pizza would compare. They simply smiled!”

Working with Dario and Alexia presented unique challenges for the Florida SBDC. Roy helps all business clients build their sales plan and expense budgets. Little did Roy know that the financial plan would undergo a third party independent review in Italy in order for Dario and Alexia to qualify for an investor visa! In May 2013, they returned to Italy and submitted their business plan to the U.S. Embassy for review.” I was thrilled when Dario called from Italy on May 5, 2013 indicating that visas had been issued”, said Roy.

Focaccia opened for business on September 21, 2013. Thus far, “feedback has been very positive” said Dario. “There seems to be a growing number of people who want an alternative to traditional pizza. Customers are also growing more aware of ingredients and what’s in the food they eat.” One customer commented on tripadvisor®, “This is our regular Friday night stop. Food is amazing, fresh, and lovely combinations. Have tried everything on the menu and keep coming back for more. The owners are gracious and welcoming. I would expect to find this type of locale in New York City. It’s a pleasant surprise to find it right here in Palm Coast.”

— FSBDC —

About the FSBDC at UCF

With its main office in the National Entrepreneur Center located at the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, the SBDC at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF) is part of the UCF Office of Research & Commercialization and the Florida SBDC Network (FSBDC Network). THE FSBDC at UCF provides business seminars and no-cost, one-on-one business consultation to emerging and established businesses. The FSBDC at UCF serves an eight-county area that includes Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties and maintains 10 service centers across Central Florida.

In 2012, the FSBDC at UCF served almost 6500 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 9,961 Central Florida jobs created, retained or saved; $1.3 billion in sales growth; $50.4 million in capital formation; $104.6 million in government contract awards; and 108 new businesses started.

About the FSBDC Network

The FSBDC at UCF is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide service network funded in part through cooperative agreements with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network is hosted by the University of West Florida and is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

For over 35 years, the FSBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state. The FSBDC Network is a statewide service system of 41 centers with 60 outreach locations, including the FSBDC at UCF.

In 2012, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 47,845 jobs created, retained and saved; $6.3 billion in sales growth; $235.2 million in capital accessed; $588.4 million in government contract awards; and 744 new businesses started. And, for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC programing 2012, $40 was returned to the state in tax revenue

FSBDC at UCF | 3201 E. Colonial Drive | Orlando, FL 32801 | p 407.420.4850 | f 407.420.4862
sbdc@bus.ucf.edu | www.sbdcorlando.com