Vol. 27 No. 27 July 6, 2009 A Weekly Space Coast Business Magazine See Community Bank of the South, page 19 Please see Millennials, page 16 PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS, INC. How to keep Generation–Y workers on job, committed to employers Published in hardback by John Wiley & Sons, the book is co–authored by Jan Ferri–Reed, president of KeyGroup, a Pittsburgh training and consulting firm that Sujansky founded almost 30 years ago. The book concludes that the Millennials are largely disappointed with the workplace, while many boomers believe Millennials have too many demands. The stress between the two results in talented, young employees leaving jobs within a year or two and costing companies big investments in training and turnover. Sujansky was inspired to address the By Joyce Gannon Scripps Howard Service Leadership consultant Joanne Sujansky is a baby–boomer. Her three children belong to Generation Y — also known as the “Millennials.” She has experienced firsthand the culture clash between the age groups and how that clash can impact a business. Her assessment is the topic of a new book, “Keeping the Millennials: Why Companies are Losing Billions in Turn- over to this Generation and What to do About It.” issue of how to keep Millennials commit- ted to their employers after hearing stories from relatives, her children’s friends, and her boomer–age clients about their frustrations. “It’s very expensive to lose Millennials as quickly as we do. Our surveys inside and outside the U.S. showed some were leaving companies as early as 18 months (after hiring). They go through that first evaluation, do a few more things, and they’re ready to go.” By Ken Datzman MERRITT ISLAND — William “Bill” Taylor, president and chief executive officer of Community Bank of the South, has long considered himself an advocate of small business, the cornerstone of America’s economy and the driving spirit of entrepreneurship. For years, Taylor worked for Barnett Banks Inc. in Brevard and forged strong ties to the small–business community. But in 1997 when NationsBank Corp. an- nounced the purchase of Barnett in a $15.5 billion transaction — the largest bank deal in history at the time — Taylor decided he was going to stick to his roots and went on to create an independent banking enter- prise to serve small businesses in the region. At the time, the giants of the banking industry were going through a whirlwind of acquisitions, in a torrid race to see which institution could reach the mountaintop first with the biggest truckload of assets. Amid the big–bank acquisition spree in the 1990s, Taylor and a group of area investors saw a need in the Central Brevard market for a new community bank. They planned for, were awarded a state charter, and eventually launched Community Bank of the South in Merritt Island, which will mark its 10th anniver- sary this fall. Taylor and his team have built the venture into a $110 million business, expanding over the years into Cocoa and Rockledge from the bank’s headquarters on North Sykes Creek Parkway. “We’re growing at all three branches and we’re proud of that considering the current economic conditions,” said Taylor, whose bank was profitable in 2008. “Community Bank of the South is a conservative institution. We have a local board of directors, which is comprised of small–business owners in the region. They know the community and are very knowledgeable about the market. Building lasting relationships with customers and helping them reach their financial goals is what we’re about.” Joining Taylor on Community Bank of Community Bank of the South marks 10th year, is led by CEO Bill Taylor Headquartered in Merritt Island with offices in Cocoa and Rockledge, Community Bank of the South has grown to $110 million in assets. Bill Taylor, center, president and CEO, founded the bank 10 years ago after working for Barnett Bank in the county. He has put together a veteran team of bankers. They include Nancy Brower, vice president, and Barry Chait, senior vice president. They are at the flagship office in Merritt Island. BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth BBN Brevard Business News
Transcript
Vol. 27 No. 27 July 6, 2009 A Weekly Space Coast Business Magazine
See Community Bank of the South, page 19
Please see Millennials, page 16
PRESORTEDSTANDARD
US POSTAGEPAID
BREVARD BUSINESSNEWS, INC.
How to keep Generation–Y workers on job, committed to employersPublished in hardback by John Wiley &
Sons, the book is co–authored by Jan
Ferri–Reed, president of KeyGroup, a
Pittsburgh training and consulting firm
that Sujansky founded almost 30 years
ago.
The book concludes that the
Millennials are largely disappointed with
the workplace, while many boomers
believe Millennials have too many
demands. The stress between the two
results in talented, young employees
leaving jobs within a year or two and
costing companies big investments in
training and turnover.
Sujansky was inspired to address the
By Joyce GannonScripps Howard Service
Leadership consultant Joanne
Sujansky is a baby–boomer. Her three
children belong to Generation Y — also
known as the “Millennials.” She has
experienced firsthand the culture clash
between the age groups and how that
clash can impact a business.
Her assessment is the topic of a new
book, “Keeping the Millennials: Why
Companies are Losing Billions in Turn-
over to this Generation and What to do
About It.”
issue of how to keep Millennials commit-
ted to their employers after hearing stories
from relatives, her children’s friends, and
her boomer–age clients about their
frustrations.
“It’s very expensive to lose Millennials
as quickly as we do. Our surveys inside
and outside the U.S. showed some were
leaving companies as early as 18 months
(after hiring). They go through that first
evaluation, do a few more things, and
they’re ready to go.”
By Ken Datzman
MERRITT ISLAND — William “Bill”
Taylor, president and chief executive
officer of Community Bank of the South,
has long considered himself an advocate of
small business, the cornerstone of
America’s economy and the driving spirit
of entrepreneurship.
For years, Taylor worked for Barnett
Banks Inc. in Brevard and forged strong
ties to the small–business community. But
in 1997 when NationsBank Corp. an-
nounced the purchase of Barnett in a $15.5
billion transaction — the largest bank deal
in history at the time — Taylor decided he
was going to stick to his roots and went on
to create an independent banking enter-
prise to serve small businesses in the
region.
At the time, the giants of the banking
industry were going through a whirlwind
of acquisitions, in a torrid race to see which
institution could reach the mountaintop
first with the biggest truckload of assets.
Amid the big–bank acquisition spree in
the 1990s, Taylor and a group of area
investors saw a need in the Central
Brevard market for a new community
bank. They planned for, were awarded a
state charter, and eventually launched
Community Bank of the South in Merritt
Island, which will mark its 10th anniver-
sary this fall.
Taylor and his team have built the
venture into a $110 million business,
expanding over the years into Cocoa and
Rockledge from the bank’s headquarters
on North Sykes Creek Parkway.
“We’re growing at all three branches
and we’re proud of that considering the
current economic conditions,” said Taylor,
whose bank was profitable in 2008.
“Community Bank of the South is a
conservative institution. We have a local
board of directors, which is comprised of
small–business owners in the region. They
know the community and are very
knowledgeable about the market. Building
lasting relationships with customers and
helping them reach their financial goals is
what we’re about.”
Joining Taylor on Community Bank of
Community Bank of theSouth marks 10th year,is led by CEO Bill Taylor
Headquartered in Merritt Island with offices in Cocoa and Rockledge, Community Bank of the Southhas grown to $110 million in assets. Bill Taylor, center, president and CEO, founded the bank 10years ago after working for Barnett Bank in the county. He has put together a veteran team of bankers.They include Nancy Brower, vice president, and Barry Chait, senior vice president. They are at theflagship office in Merritt Island.
BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth
BBN Brevard Business
News
JULY 6, 2009Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising InformationBREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 2
BBN DIGESTASF offers opportunity to dinewith former Apollo astronauts
Forty years ago, the Apollo 11 crew sat down for its pre–
launch dinner at Kennedy Space Center before embarking
on the mission that landed a man on the moon.
In keeping with that same tradition, the Astronaut
Scholarship Foundation is offering a limited number of
space fans the chance to dine with Buzz Aldrin, former
Apollo 11 command module pilot, and other Apollo
astronauts. The Apollo 40th Anniversary Dinner will be
held July 15 in Cocoa Beach, the same date the crew
enjoyed its pre–launch meal.
Guests will be served a four–course meal with several
former Apollo astronauts, including Aldrin, Vance Brand,
Jerry Carr, Walt Cunningham, Charlie Duke, Bruce
McCandless, Edgar Mitchell, Rusty Schweickart and Al
Worden.
The ticket also includes a commemorative keepsake
autographed by the former astronauts in attendance and a
photo CD of images from the evening.
In addition, guests will receive VIP tickets to the public
Apollo 40th Anniversary Celebration event at Kennedy
Space Center Visitor Complex on July 16.
Only 25 dinner tickets are available for $1,000 each at
www.astronautstore.org/asfceap40an.html, or by calling
455–7015. Tickets will be sold on a first–come, first–served
basis.
All proceeds go directly to the Astronaut Scholarship
Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides
scholarships to exceptional college students pursuing
degrees in science and engineering.
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation funds 19
$10,000 college scholarships annually and has awarded
$2.8 million to students nationwide. For more information,
log on to www.AstronautScholarship.org or call 455–7012.
Center introduces open gym hours, toursThe South Beach Community Center, located at 500
Old Florida Trail in Melbourne Beach, is introducing open
gym hours. All are welcome to visit the center and play
basketball in the gym Mondays through Thursdays from 6
p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fee
is $2 per person. Facility tours will be held on Mondays
from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and are free of charge. The park
playground is also open. Call the South Beach Community
Center at 952–3210 to sign up for a tour or for more
information.
WBC to host ‘Income for Life’ for writersThe Florida Tech Women’s Business Center will host
“Income for Life” on July 8 from 2 to 5 p.m. The seminar, to
be held in Florida Tech’s Olin Engineering Building on the
Melbourne campus, is designed to help women writers
package what they know in a book to create a passive
income stream. The seminar fee is $10. The speaker,
Elaine Christine, Ph.D., has received a steady stream of
royalties since her text, “Managing Risk,” was published by
Addison–Wesley Longman more than 10 years ago. Her
second book, “The Peace Prophecy,” was launched recently
at www.peaceprophecy.com. For more information, contact
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BBN DIGEST
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 3
Health First Foundation tohost annual Grape Escape
The Health First Foundation’s Grape Escape VIII is set
for Saturday, Oct. 24, from 6 to 11 p.m., at Seasons 52 in
Orlando. This year’s food and wine–tasting extravaganza
will feature culinary delights created by the internationally
recognized Executive Chef Clifford Pleau.
All proceeds from the evening’s event will benefit
Health First’s cardiac services.
The highlights of Grape Escape include a multi–course
meal in which each “distinctive dish is specially paired
with a top wine” from the restaurant’s extensive wine
cellar. A live auction of “valuable wines, fine art, exquisite
jewelry and vacation packages” will also be held that
evening.
The Waldorf Astoria in Orlando is providing a discount
rate for those guests who prefer to stay overnight. To
receive the discount, guests must call 888–353–2009 and
ask for the Health First Foundation group rate.
Based at Holmes Regional Medical Center in
Melbourne, the Heart Center also includes the cardiac
services of Cape Canaveral Hospital and Palm Bay
Hospital.
Funds raised from the event will help purchase an
Intra–Cardiac Echocardiography system to aid cardiolo-
gists and cardiac surgeons with improved procedures for
diagnosing and treating abnormal heart rhythms without
the need for anesthesia. The system also has special
imaging equipment that would enable surgeons to insert
and view cardiac catheters as they are guided into the
heart chambers.
Dick Beagley is chairing the Health First Foundation
volunteer committee that is organizing Grape Escape.
Participants will have an opportunity to attend a special
sponsor party on Saturday, Nov. 14, at the home of Dr.
Ruben and Rita Moreno.
Corporate sponsorships for Grape Escape are available,
and range in levels from $1,000 to $50,000. For more
information, call the Health First Foundation at 434–7140.
Florida launches BoaterExam course onlineFlorida is the latest state to launch the new
BoaterExam interactive boater–education course as an
online option to obtain the Florida Boating Safety Educa-
tion I.D. card. Now, Florida residents will have access to an
animated and narrated course they can take online when
it’s convenient for them. This boating–education course is
approved by the National Association of State Boating Law
Administrators, recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard and
covers 100 percent of the state’s exam requirements. “We
are extremely excited about this new course process,” said
Kerry Moher, vice president, BoaterExam.com. “The study
guide has more than 150 animations and practice quizzes
that will better prepare students to successfully complete
the final exam.” The BoaterExam.com course and the final
examination are free: students pay a one–time fee of
$29.95 only when they pass the final exam to obtain their
official results. Students have access to BoaterExam.com’s
industry exclusive toll–free customer service help line
(866–764–2628) from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. (central), seven
days a week. For more information on the BoaterExam
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
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JULY 6, 2009Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN EDITORIAL
BBNBrevard
Business
News
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 4
4300 Fortune Place, Suite DWest Melbourne, FL 32904
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PUBLISHERAdrienne B. Roth
EDITORKen Datzman
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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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mannequin that helps train students not only how to
correctly perform a breast exam — but also how to talk
to, and glean information from, the patient during the
procedure.
The project is important because correct examinations
and good doctor–patient communication are critical to
successful medical treatment, said Benjamin Lok, a UF
assistant professor of computer and information sciences
and engineering who heads the effort.
“Studies have shown that communication skills are
actually a better predictor of outcome than medical
skills,” Lok said. With the virtual patient, “all of a
sudden, students have to not only practice their tech-
nique, but they also have to work on their empathy.”
The mixed reality human, named Amanda Jones,
“talks” to students, and they respond via a computer
speech and voice recognition system tailored by doctoral
student Aaron Kotranza, Lok and others on the team.
Her physical form — a mannequin — is immobile, but
her virtual representation, created by the engineers,
moves and speaks from a large flat screen above her
physical body. Students can also view Jones through a
head–mounted display.
The interaction is unscripted, but it follows a typical
pattern for a woman’s visit and examination — with both
verbal and tactile challenges for the medical students.
The student must tease out Jones’ medical history,
listen to her concerns and respond to her questions. Just
as in a real exam, this interaction occurs simultaneously
with the physical examination. For that, the student
must use the correct palpitating technique and apply the
proper pressure. Sensors within the prosthetic breast —
developed by Dr. Carla Pugh at Northwestern University
— provide pressure information depicted by colors on the
virtual breast, guiding students in the exams. The
engineers can program the system to include or exclude
an abnormality — and the attendant conversation.
It sounds awkward, and to be sure, the speech
recognition element has its hiccups.
But especially for students reared in an era of
sophisticated three–dimensional video games, the system
turns out to be surprisingly convincing. The researchers
have tested it on about 100 medical students so far, all
from the Medical College of Georgia, where co–principal
investigator Dr. D. Scott Lind is based. One of their most
consistent and prominent findings: Students do not
hesitate to express empathy to Jones.
“We have found that they will try to comfort the
virtual human,” Kotranza said. “They’ll often touch the
mannequin in order to comfort her.”
A pilot study has concluded that students who
practiced with a mixed realty human improved their
communication skills and their technical abilities, but
more trials are needed to determine whether those skills
persist once the students examine real patients.
That said, it seems obvious that more practice
students get, the better off they will be. Lok said the
mixed reality patient is not intended to replace real
volunteers — far from it. But students typically have only
a handful of opportunities with those volunteers before
graduating. The mixed reality patient can add to their
training while making it easier for teachers to help
students with both their conversational and medical
techniques.
“What happens if you find something in a woman’s
breast? How do you talk to the patient?” Lok asked.
“Students have to somehow build their database of
experience.”
While the breast–exam research continues, the team
also intends to explore other intimate exams. Next in
line: prostate exams. Lok and the students already have
prosthetics they intend to couple with a virtual male
patient similar to the breast–exam patient.
The other institutions participating in the project are
the University of Central Florida, the University of
Georgia and Northwestern University. The research, part
of a larger effort involving a number of different virtual
patient projects, is supported by grants of about $2.8
million primarily from the National Science Foundation
and the National Institutes of Health.
Project helps medical students learn to do intimate examsBy Aaron Hoover
“What brings you in to see me today?”
“Part of my left breast has been painful for awhile.”
“Can you lie down so that I can examine you?”
It sounds like a snippet of conversation between doctor
and patient. But the doctor, in this recent exchange at the
University of Florida campus, was actually an engineer-
ing doctoral student — and the patient a “mixed reality
human” composed of a life–sized computer avatar on a
flat screen and a mannequin with a prosthetic breast.
Intimate procedures such as breast exams, while a
routine and critical part of medical care, are notoriously
tough to teach. Medical students practice on disembodied
prosthetics but have limited opportunities to practice
exams on real people — especially patients who have an
abnormality.
In a collaboration with the Augusta, Ga.–based
Medical College of Georgia and three other universities,
UF engineers have crafted a solution: a hybrid computer/
Space Foundation seeks entries for its Technology Hall of Fameare the automatic external defibrillator, MRI and CAT
scan imaging, and satellite broadcast television and radio
communications.
The 2009 inductees were a “life–saving food supple-
ment” derived from algae, and space shuttle–based
aerodynamic vehicle design that has revolutionized large
trucks.
Each nomination is reviewed for completeness,
assessed by technical experts, and then ranked by a panel
of judges who look at “economic benefit, public awareness,
societal benefit, longevity, and public/private/partnership
investment.”
Award ceremonies for the 2010 inductees and
honorees will be part of the 26th National Space Sympo-
sium, which will be held at The Broadmoor Hotel in
Colorado Springs, Colo. on April 12 to 15.
Additional information is available at
www.SpaceTechHallofFame.org and includes a complete
list of inducted technologies.
The Space Foundation is seeking nominations for
induction into the prestigious Space Technology Hall of
Fame in 2010.
The program honors innovations by organizations and
individuals who transform space technology into commer-
cial products that improve life on Earth. Nomination
information, including online and downloadable nomina-
tion forms, is available on
www.SpaceTechHallofFame.org.
The deadline is Aug. 10 and anyone can submit a
nomination of a technology that was developed for space
and then modified or adopted for use on Earth.
The Space Foundation, in cooperation with NASA,
established the Space Technology Hall of Fame in 1988 to
increase public awareness of the benefits that result from
space exploration programs and to encourage further
innovation. Since that time, 61 technologies have been
inducted.
Some noteworthy examples of inducted technologies
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationJULY 6, 2009 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 5
BBN DIGESTProgress Energy names Dolanas its new president and CEO
ST. PETERSBURG — Progress Energy has named
Vincent Dolan to succeed Jeffrey Lyash as president and
chief executive officer for Progress Energy Florida, which
serves more than 1.6 million households and businesses.
Dolan, 54, has 32 years experience in the energy
industry and has been with Progress Energy and
predecessor Florida Power Corp. since 1986. His career
includes extensive operations, strategy development,
customer service, regulatory affairs and business–
management experience. He has served most recently as
vice president of external relations for Progress Energy
Florida.
“An important component to the success of our
utilities will involve the continued development of
customer and key leader relationships that support a
constructive business climate,” said William Johnson,
chairman, president and CEO for Progress Energy. “In
addition to his outstanding and recognized leadership
within the company, Vincent brings a unique mix of
experience to his new role. I am confident in his ability
to lead Progress Energy Florida during this era of
potentially transformational change in the energy
industry.”
“I’m excited about this opportunity to lead our
dedicated employees as we continue to meet the needs
and expectations of our customers and communities,”
Dolan said. “There are many changes under way in the
energy industry, but two constants are the expectations
our customers and regulators have for us — and the
high standards we have for ourselves. We know more
than 1.6 million families and businesses depend on us to
keep electric service safe, reliable, affordable and
environmentally sound. And we’re committed to meeting
and exceeding their expectations every day.”
Lyash, Progress Energy Florida’s president and CEO
since 2006, has been named executive vice president for
corporate development. In his new role, Lyash, 47, will
be responsible for numerous elements of the company’s
balanced solution strategy, including its efforts to
expand energy efficiency, renewable energy resources
and state–of–the–art power plants. He will relocate from
St. Petersburg to North Carolina, but will oversee the
company’s strategic resource efforts — developing
technology, programs and infrastructure to advance the
balanced solution strategy — in the Carolinas and
Florida.
“I am extremely proud of what our employees
accomplish 24 hours a day, seven days a week —
dependably, efficiently and without fanfare — in
ensuring that when our customers flip the switch, the
lights come on,” Lyash said. “As we look to the future of
our state and region, we know that ensuring a high level
of reliability and service for the future means pursuing
innovative and cost–effective energy technologies,
expanding our industry–leading efficiency programs and
ensuring a state–of–the–art electric system that our
customers can continue to depend on. We are actively
pursuing all three elements while maintaining a daily
focus on operational excellence.”
The new assignments are effective July 6.
Dreamstreet
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September 12 - 13, 2009
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Promotion & advertising includes Florida Today Insert Guide,www.floridatoday.com homepage, Brevard Business News,
www.hbca-brevard.org webpage, radio, billboards countywide, and road signs.
Booth Rates - Most Booths are 8' x 10'
Booths 1-8 & 80-84, 88, 95-100 $550.00Booths 9-25, 40-67, 72-79 $600.00Booths 26-39 (Builders Only) $625.00Stage Right 68-69 $850.00Stage Left 70-71 (slightly smaller) $800.00Booths 85, 87, 89-94 (8' x 12') $650.00
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JULY 6, 2009Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN ADVERTISERS
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 6
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BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 7
Brenner Real Estate Groupcloses local lease agreements
Brenner Real Estate Group, a full–service commercial
firm based in Fort Lauderdale with offices in Melbourne at
Imperial Plaza on North Wickham Road, has announced
two new commercial leases and two lease renewals in the
local market.
Colette Wood, commercial leasing and sales agent,
handled the following new lease:
l CPA Payroll Inc., a three–year–old payroll–processing
firm, has leased 315 square feet of office space within
Suntree Business Center, 3270 Suntree Blvd., in a
relocation of its regional headquarters. Wood represented
the tenant. The landlord, Kirit Smart, represented himself.
Colette Wood and Carla Casey, regional manager in
Melbourne, were responsible for the following new lease
and two lease renewals:
l Federal Property Registration Corp., a foreclosed
properties registry, has leased 147 square feet within
Imperial Plaza Executive Suites at 6767 N. Wickham
Road, in Melbourne. Wood and Casey represented the
lessor, Sterwick Development Corp.
l Daniel Podawiltz, a financial adviser, has renewed his
lease of 178 square feet within Imperial Plaza Executive
Suites. Wood and Casey represented the lessor, Sterwick
Development Corp.
l Denise Forsgren, a massage therapist, has renewed
her lease of 111 square feet within Imperial Plaza Execu-
tive Suites. Wood and Casey represented the lessor,
Clean indoor–air classes to be held in areaHealthy indoor–air classes will be offered through the
University of Florida Brevard County Extension Service.
“Breathe Easy: A Guide to Creating a Clean Indoor
Environment,” teaches about common indoor–air pollut-
ants and how to keep the indoor environment clean and
healthy. The class will be held on Monday, July 27, from
10 a.m. to noon at the Palm Bay Extension office; on
Wednesday, July 29, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Cocoa
Extension office; and on Wednesday, July 29, from 6 to 8
p.m. at the Palm Bay Extension office. The cost to attend is
$5, and registration is recommended. For more informa-
tion or to register, visit http://brevard.ifas.ufl.edu.
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These programs are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs through the Florida Arts Council and the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners through the Brevard Cultural Alliance, Inc.
JULY 6, 2009Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN BUSINESS
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 10
By Ken Datzman
AT&T has cut a new path in today’s lightning–
fast world of telecommunications, becoming the
only national provider to offer a full Internet
Protocol–based television service.
For years, the potential of “Voice over Internet
Protocol” technology was much talked about in
the industry. Now, AT&T is reshaping the world
of consumer entertainment with the rollout of its
innovative U–verse service.
“Consumers are really embracing U–verse as
we introduce the service in markets around the
nation,” said Judy Spencer, regional director of
external affairs for AT&T Florida in Orlando.
“As a company, our vision is to connect people
with their world, everywhere they live and work,
and do it better than anyone else. U–verse really
underscores the company’s strategy to deliver
integrated services to the three screens many
consumers say are most valued today: the PC, the
TV and the wireless phone,” she said.
The service integrates the television, Internet,
and telephone, providing a unique platform and
changing the way consumers look at entertain-
ment. U–verse offers customers a combination of
next–generation digital TV and high–speed
Internet access, using AT&T’s fiber–rich network.
Spencer, a former Brevard County resident,
said U–verse brings a new level of personalization
to the digital lifestyle. The service, delivered over
a digital–subscriber line, or DSL, is available in
pockets of Brevard, she said. “Brevard residents
can enter their addresses at Uverse.ATT.com, or
call 1–800–ATT–2020 to see if they are within the
service area at this time.”
A University of Georgia finance graduate,
Spencer said one of the reasons the new AT&T
service “is being deployed in Florida is because of
the forward thinking of our legislators. And that
includes a great group of legislators in Brevard
County.”
The chief sponsor of Senate Bill 2626, the
Florida Consumer Choice and Protection Act, was
Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R–Indialantic. He
represents District 24. “I appreciate Sen.
Haridopolos carrying the bill for us,” said Spencer,
who spent 10 years in Brevard working for
BellSouth, which merged with AT&T. “The entire
Brevard delegation in the House and in the
Senate voted for this legislation, which I believe
will be very beneficial to consumers.”
The bill creates a more balanced and competi-
tive environment for Florida’s landline telecom-
munications customers, she said. To summarize
Consumers embrace AT&T’s new cutting–edge U–verse TV service,rollout begins in select Brevard County markets — former residentJudy Spencer active community leader in Brevard and Orlando
the bill, it finds “that broadband Internet service
is critical to the economic development of the state
and is beneficial for libraries, schools, colleges and
universities, health–care providers, and commu-
nity–support organizations.”
The bill directs the Florida Department of
Management Services to engage in certain
activities necessary to draw down federal
stimulus funds to provide broadband service in
rural, unserved, or underserved areas of Florida.
Spencer says she “spends a lot of time in
Tallahassee” when the legislators are in session.
She is very active in Brevard and in Orlando
as well. Spencer sits on the executive board of the
Economic Development Commission of Florida’s
Space Coast. Spencer is a past chairwoman of the
organization. She currently serves on the Brevard
Community College Foundation board.
In Central Florida, Spencer is a member of the
executive board of the Metro Orlando Economic
Development Commission.
And her newest community involvement is as
a board member of the upstart Central Florida
Partnership, whose president is Jacob Stuart,
former CEO of the Orlando Chamber of Com-
merce.
“It’s a very exciting, innovative organization,”
Spencer said. “It’s all about regionalism. My
background in Brevard County has been very
helpful as a board member of the Central Florida
Partnership.”
Brevard has solid representation on the
Central Florida Partnership board in the presence
of Dr. Anthony Catanese, president of Florida
Institute of Technology in Melbourne, and
attorney Tracy Duda Chapman of The Viera Co.
“We are honored that connected and engaged
leaders like Judy, Tony and Tracy understand the
importance of regional cooperation and collabora-
tion,” said Stuart. “It is through their collective
effort and commitment that the Central Florida
Partnership is able to advance strategic regional
priorities that will benefit our residents and
visitors for many years to come.”
The Central Florida region includes the
counties of Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk,
Seminole, and Volusia, a large swath of the state’s
population.
Recently, more than 200 business and civic
leaders from the seven–county region gathered in
Orlando to hear the results of a new study
released by the MyRegion.org board of directors.
Stuart is the founding president of MyRegion.org.
The report — “Where in the World are We?” —
was funded by the Central Florida Partnership,
Metroplan Orlando, Progress Energy and
Workforce Central Florida.
For two years, MyRegion.org engaged more than 3,000 citizens and
community leaders from across the region. They identified six key regional
priorities: “economic leadership, education, environment, quality of life,
smart growth, and regional resolves and cooperation.”
The report provides some interesting insights and statistics. For instance,
the region “falls short in the percentage of students attending college in
Central Florida who receive degrees in science, technology, engineering or
mathematics.” Only 20 percent of students currently receive a degree in
these fields, compared to 28 percent statewide and 30 percent nationally. For
the region to compete on a national and global scale, the “education level of
its work force must continue to increase.”
Spencer says her two children are products of Brevard County schools
“and both of them are doing very well.” Kirby and Katie are graduates of
Satellite High School. Kirby, the oldest, has a master’s degree in interna-
tional business from the University of Florida. He works in the networking
department for AT&T in Jacksonville. Katie earned a scholarship to Emory
University in Atlanta and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
She works in the international division of giant Ketchum PR at Rockefeller
Center in midtown Manhattan.
Judy Spencer, a former Brevard County resident, is regional director of external affairs forAT&T Florida in Orlando. She also has an office in Cocoa. The University of Georgiafinance graduate sits on the Brevard Community College Foundation board and on theexecutive board of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast.
BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth
Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationJULY 6, 2009
BBN BUSINESS
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 11
By Ken Datzman
COCOA — Automotive dealerships across
America are going through an unpleasant
business cycle. Vehicle sales wane as consumers
wait for the economy to heal. However, there is a
shining star for some new–car dealers, a piece of
the business that is actually growing despite a
lackluster economy.
Body shops — where highly skilled repairmen
apply their talents returning collision–damaged
vehicles to their previous condition, both structur-
ally and cosmetically — are delivering impressive
results and playing an important role in driving
overall dealership revenue.
Larry Ritter, body–shop manager at Ed
O’Donnell’s Quality Pontiac Buick GMC Truck,
says business in 2009 “is way ahead of last year’s
volume” at his facility.
“We’re very pleased with the business that is
coming through the body shop. In general, we’re
up about 20 percent. We serve customers
throughout the county and from the surrounding
areas. The shop also does a lot of work for some
new–car dealers in the region who do not have
body shops. We’re thankful to have a loyal
customer base. We take a lot of pride in our
workmanship,” he said.
The veteran O’Donnell team includes Brian
Fyda, body–shop estimator. “Collision–repair
work is unique because each accident is different.
To draw a comparison, it’s like planting trees in
yards, each one grows differently,” said Fyda, who
came aboard the shop two and half years ago.
Automotive–body repairers, often called
collision–repair technicians, straighten the bent
bodies of wrecked vehicles, remove dents, and
replace crumbled parts that cannot be fixed. “To
the consumer, it’s all about the visual appearance
of the vehicle after it is repaired. That is certainly
important. But as industry processionals, we have
a laser focus on the structural integrity and
drivability of the vehicle,” Ritter said.
Their shop repairs all makes and models, “not
just General Motors vehicles.” The shop works
closely with a full slate of insurance companies
that handle the claims, said Ritter, a U.S. Army
veteran who grew up working in the body–shop
business and has more than three decades of
experience in the field.
Body shops are not as sensitive to economic
conditions and that is one of the reasons business
remains intact for these operators. Although the
repair of minor dents and crumpled fenders can
be put off when drivers have less money, major
New–car dealers get big lift from their body–shop businesses —O’Donnell’s Quality Pontiac Buick GMC Truck in Cocoa carves outstrong base of customers in region; industry projects job growth
body damage must be repaired before a vehicle
can be driven safety.
“Many of the vehicles that are involved in
accidents are not drivable until they are repaired,”
Ritter said.
Of the 36,000 auto–body establishments
nationwide, the 50 largest firms account only for 8
percent of the industry’s $25 billion total revenue,
according to “Bodyshop Business.” Nearly 80
percent of consumers are looking for a “local
business to do their body repairs,” says a report by
Knowledge Networks/SRI.
Ritter said technology is reshaping his
industry in a big way. Most of the damage
resulting from everyday car collisions can be
repaired, and the vehicles can be refinished to
look and drive like new.
But the shops must have skilled technicians,
sophisticated tools, and up–to–date information to
work on highly computerized late–model vehicles,
especially the hybrid models that Congress is
currently promoting, as well as cars that are
coming off warranty.
“Technology has come a long way in this
business, from the painting processes to frame
alignment. Today, technology is changing
probably more than ever because of the new
standards for fuel efficiency and because of the
hybrids that automotive manufacturers are
bringing to the market. These are some interest-
ing times for the collision–repair business,” Ritter
said.
If your vehicle was hit hard in a collision, the
repair facility should use a computerized measur-
ing system that checks specific points of your
vehicle structure against dimensions provided by
the vehicle or equipment manufacturer, Ritter
said.
The repair shop will also need to measure your
vehicle several times during the repair process to
make sure it is within the “recommended
tolerances.” In most cases, this tolerance is as
strict as “three millimeters — the thickness of
three dimes,” he said.
Because of today’s complex vehicles and high–
quality paint finishes, technicians need to be
properly trained in the processes to ensure
complete and safe repairs, Ritter said. “And they
must continue to gain new skills and learn new
techniques as the industry evolves.”
A properly trained technician can repair sheet
metal and plastic so that it can be difficult, if not
impossible, to find any indication of damage.
There are a number of automotive organiza-
tions that offer certification, continuing education,
and training programs, Ritter said. They include
the Inter–Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair and the National
Institute of Automotive Service Excellence.
“Our employees also complete an extensive GM training program. As far
as keeping pace with the advances in technology in this business, training is
the key. And with electric cars hitting the market, training is only going to
grow in importance in this industry,” Ritter said.
Employment of automotive–body repairers is expected to grow 12 percent
through 2016, according to the U.S. Labor Department. Job prospects are
projected to be excellent mainly because of a growing number of retirements
in this occupation. “The average age of automotive–body repairers continues
to go up every year and there are not a lot of young people entering the
business,” Ritter said.
The body–shop team at O’Donnell’s Quality Pontiac Buick GMC Truck
has worked together for years, creating a valuable synergy within the
organization.
“When people work together for a long time and respect one another, it
creates a dynamic work environment. There is a lot positive interaction. The
end result is a quality repair for the customer,” said Fyda.
Larry Ritter, left, and Brian Fyda are key personnel at Ed O’Donnell’s Quality Pontiac BuickGMC Truck dealership in Cocoa. Ritter manages the body shop and Fyda is the estimator.Their body–shop business is up impressively this year. The shop has a veteran team ofhighly skilled collision–repair professionals who have worked together for years.
BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth
JULY 6, 2009Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information
BBN DIGEST
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 12
Melbourne attorney Hamentnamed to ‘Super Lawyers’ list
Ford & Harrison LLP, a national labor and employ-
ment law firm, recently announced that Andrew Hament
has been named to Law & Politics’ 2009 list of “Florida
Super Lawyers.”
Hament represents management in the areas of
employment and labor law. He provides day–to–day
counseling and advice on all aspects of the employment
relationship such as discipline and discharge, reductions–
in–force, collective bargaining, and drug abuse and drug
testing.
He regularly represents employers in state and federal
courts and in investigations and charges before the U.S.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Florida
Commission on Human Relations, the U.S. Department of
Labor, the National Labor Relations Board and the Florida
Public Employees Relations Commission.
Hament received his law degree from University of
Baltimore in 1981.
Attorneys are selected for this honor through a state-
wide nomination process, peer review by practice area and
independent research on candidates. The process is
designed to identify lawyers who have attained a “high
degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.”
Only 5 percent of attorneys in Florida are selected for
inclusion in “Super Lawyers.”
Ford & Harrison has about 200 lawyers staffing 18
offices around the nation, including one in Melbourne. For
more information please visit www.fordharrison.com.
Cancer Center, Moffitt team up for eventSpace Coast Cancer Center and Moffitt Cancer Center
partnered June 6 to sponsor a cancer screening, education,
and prevention day in Titusville. More than 100 individu-
als underwent skin–cancer screening examinations
provided by physicians from Brevard Skin and Cancer
Centers. Roughly 50 men underwent prostate–cancer
screenings with the physical examinations performed by
Dr. Justo Gonzalez, a urologist in Titusville, as well as
PSA testing. Dr. Erica Smithberger, a dermatology Fellow
at Moffitt Cancer Center, assisted in the skin–cancer
screenings. Dr. Julio Pow–Sang, chief of urology at Moffitt
Cancer Center, made a presentation on prostate cancer.
Dr. R. Duff Sprawls of SCCC provided an update on the
prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of melanoma.
Participants were requested to donate $5 per screen to the
Space Coast Medical Associates Foundation, which helped
sponsor the event, providing supplies and refreshments.
The staff of SCCC and the center’s volunteer organization,
the Daffodil Society, assisted with the event.
‘50–Million Pound Challenge Team’A local “50–Million Pound Challenge” team will begin
forming on Monday, July 6, from 5 to 6 p.m. at The Harry
T. & Harriette V. Moore Memorial Park, 2180 Freedom
Ave., in Mims. The walking class will be “enjoyable,
informative, and give the opportunity to meet others
interested in being fit.” Participants will share exercise
tips, menus and other helpful information. A group picture
and results will be posted on the 50–Million Pound
Challenge Web site. For more information about the
program, go to www.brevardparks.com/hthvm/events.
Brevard Schhools
play flyer
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Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationJULY 6, 2009 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 13
BBN DIGESTSeacoast Bank taps Howardto head Wealth Management
STUART — Seacoast National Bank has tapped
Certified Financial Planner William Howard as executive
vice president and director of Wealth Management.
In his role, Howard will be responsible for overseeing
and building the bank’s assets under management
through its trust and investment– management team, as
well as its wholly owned brokerage subsidiary, FNB
Brokerage Services Inc.
Howard’s financial–services career spans 27 years with
SunTrust Bank of South Florida, where he served most
recently as managing director of its Palm Beach, Vero
Beach and Broward County Wealth Management
Services. He also served as a commercial lender and
private banker with SunTrust.
Howard holds a bachelor’s degree in business adminis-
tration from the University of Florida. He holds Series 7,
24 and 63 securities registrations and is a Florida licensed
life, health and variable–annuity insurance agent.
In addition to his professional credentials, he serves on
the Professional Advisory Committee for the Boca Raton
Museum of Art.
“We are very pleased to have Bill join our team at
Seacoast to help build the Wealth Management division.
His experience and commitment to team management and
sales results will help to leverage the incredible opportuni-
ties we have at Seacoast,” said Russ Holland, executive
vice president and chief banking officer for Seacoast.
Seacoast National Bank is the operating arm of
Seacoast Banking Corp. of Florida (NASDAQ: SBCF). The
company has 42 branches and nearly $2.3 billion in assets,
making it one of the largest independent community
banks headquartered in Florida.
Ryals closes lease for office spaceAlan King, manager of National Realty of Brevard
Inc.’s commercial division, has announced a lease transac-
tion closed by his office in Melbourne. The lease, of more
than 10,000 square feet of space in the Babcock Oaks
Office Building in Melbourne, was handled by associate
Jack Ryals of the commercial division. The tenant is a
collaboration between Florida Tech and the Florida
Manufacturing Extension Partnership Inc., which will
occupy the entire first floor of the building located at 2002
S. Babcock St.
Tech professor receives research supportJonathan Shenker, associate professor of biological
sciences and director of the Sportfish Research Institute at
Florida Tech, has received $23,000 from the Bonefish &
Tarpon Trust to continue his studies on the biology and
ecology of juvenile tarpon in the Everglades. “This will
help us to identify critical nursery habitats for the species,”
said Shenker. “It will help us meet our goal to ensure that
restoring this valuable species in the Everglades includes
the maintenance of essential habitats.” The Bonefish &
Tarpon Trust gives regularly to Shenker’s research. The
organization, based in South Florida, but with a worldwide
presence, supports or collaborates on research projects
throughout the Caribbean and Pacific. Its goal is to protect
and enhance both species by gaining a better understand-
ing of their biology and ecology.
Brevard Schhools
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JULY 6, 2009Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising InformationBREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 14
BBN DIGESTSpace Coast Credit Union mergerwith EFFCU approved by parties
Melbourne–based Space Coast Credit
Union has announced that its application
to merge with Eastern Financial Florida
Credit Union of South Florida has been
approved.
Eastern Financial Florida Credit Union
will operate as a division of Space Coast
Credit Union. EFFCU will retain its name
in the markets it serves.
The board of directors of SCCU
approved the merger with EFFCU during a
special meeting on June 19, and the
necessary supporting actions have been
completed with the National Credit Union
Administration and the Florida Office of
Financial Regulation.
The consolidated credit union is the
third largest in Florida, with more than
360,000 members, roughly $3.2 billion in
assets, and a network of over 60 branches
and 145 ATM locations throughout the
state.
As a result of the merger, SCCU has
doubled its membership, branch and ATM
network, and asset holdings. “This is a
partnership of two like organizations,” said
Doug Samuels, SCCU president and CEO.
“Both credit unions have grown up with
Florida. EFFCU began in 1937 as the
credit union for employees of Eastern
Airlines, and Space Coast Credit Union
was founded in 1951 as Patrick Air Force
Base Credit Union serving employees of
the space program. Both have grown along
with their communities. We are of similar
size, and we both know how to serve
members in a friendly and convenient
way.”
The driving force behind the merger
was the challenging market conditions and
downturn in the economy, which impacted
EFFCU. Several months before the
merger, EFFCU’s “net worth had been
depleted,” primarily as a result of problems
associated with several large commercial
loans and investments.
“The core membership was active, new
members continued to join, and there was
strong use of their checking and debit card
offerings, but the low net worth restricted
their ability to lend to members. This made
it difficult for Eastern Financial to work its
way out of the negative financial position,”
said Tom Baldwin, SCCU executive vice
president and chief financial officer.
In comparison, according to Baldwin,
“SCCU’s strong net worth and the applica-
tion of various operating efficiencies brings
the reserves of the merged credit union
back to an acceptable level. We carefully
evaluated Eastern Financial’s operation
prior to submitting the application to
merge, and we expect to remain adequately
capitalized at the time of the merger.”
Historically, SCCU has not sought to
expand through mergers, Samuels said.
“Although the credit union has merged
with a few smaller credit unions in its 58–
year history, growth has been achieved
through continuous improvement and
expansion of the services offered to
members. We were honored to have been
approached several months ago to discuss
the possibility of combining the two credit
unions. What was of interest were our
operating efficiencies, our strong member
base, and our branch and member service
offerings. We felt that blending the two
together would create a significantly
stronger credit union that improves the
value delivered to members of both credit
unions.”
Timothy Antonition, SCCU executive
vice president of retail operations, is the
integration team leader for the merger
process. Over the coming year, the various
operating systems for the two credit unions
will be combined. “We will be actively
communicating with members to ensure a
smooth transition. SCCU members will
experience few changes, other than an
expansion of products available,” said
Antonition.
SCCU is the acquiring institution.
“SCCU account numbers will not change,
and members should continue to use the
phone numbers and Web site they used
before the merger,” Antonition said.
Registration opens for BCC camp for youngstersRegistration for the BCC Kids Bone Diggers Camp, hosted at the Brevard Community
College Titusville campus, is now open for students entering the fourth, fifth and sixth
grades in the fall. Students will spend July 13 and 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., exploring a
career in archaeology. Elementary school students can spend two days in a fun and
interactive archeology program where they will explore the skills needed for a career in
archeology. Lunch and snacks will be provided. The program fee is $65 per child. Registra-
tion is required. For more information or to register, call Janice Weaver at 433–7535 or
e–mail her at [email protected]. The registration form can be found at
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Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationJULY 6, 2009 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 19
BBN SPECIAL FOCUSCommunity Bank of the SouthContinued from page 1the South’s board of directors are area businesspeople and
community leaders Harold Bistline, Christina Buffkin,
Fred Gay, Dr. Stanley Golovac, Charles Johnson, Maxwell
King, L. Alexander Vance, Mahesh “Mike” Shah, Thomas
Wasdin and Douglas Wilson.
Taylor said his organization is “always looking for
opportunities” to serve more customers, to build more
relationships, and to showcase the bank’s approach to
personalized service. “To expand our footprint in the
future, we would first have to recruit the right mix of
people. The individuals are the priority; we build around
them.”
Throughout its three–branch network, Taylor says
Community Bank of the South does not use voice–mail
technology. It does not screen incoming telephone calls,
either. “We are a service organization. Banks provide
service and we do it the old–fashioned way when it comes
to answering the phones.”
Taylor runs an efficient operation. Community Bank of
the South has a team of 32 people who staff the three
locations. That number includes roughly 10 part–time
bankers.
“With the team we have in place, we’re able to deliver a
high level of service,” he said. “Our philosophy is to
provide customers with value–added banking. We have
built a strong network of affiliations. We can talk to our
customers about expense control, payroll services,
workers’ compensation, and health–care costs. Commu-
nity Bank of the South has a “Health Savings Account” it
offers to small businesses. We also have it available for
our own employees.”
Taylor said his bank is trying to raise the awareness of
HSAs in the small–business market. “We are doing pretty
well marketing the product and it is very competitively
priced. We’re trying to reach more small businesses to let
them know of the key features of HSAs.”
According to a survey conducted by Opinion Research
Corp., 52 percent of respondents did not know that HSA
contributions are not subject to tax and 55 percent think
they must pay taxes on withdrawals even when they are
used for qualified medical expenses. Portability is another
area of confusion, with 60 percent unaware that they can
take the HSA with them should they change jobs.
In general, as a group, community banks seem to be
holding their ground and even making gains, says a new
report by the Independent Community Bankers of
America. The report, which is based on information
gathered through a February 2009 survey of 743 commu-
nity–bank respondents, examines the impact of the
current financial crisis on community banks.
Of the community banks surveyed, 55 percent have
seen an increase in deposits as a result of winning new
customers. Community banks are gaining new customers
at a faster rate than in the past, it said. And community
banks are still lending, with 40 percent seeing an increase
in loan origination volume over the last year. “Our lenders
are gearing up for the second half of the year,” Taylor said.
The nation’s more than 8,000 community banks
continue to play a leading role in supporting small–
business lending in cities and towns throughout the
nation. Small–business lending “has been the cornerstone
of community banking,” said Taylor. In fact, according to
the U.S. Small Business Administration, community
banks provide 35 percent of the total dollar amount of
loans under $1 million to small companies.
“Now is a great time for small businesses to expand,”
he said. “The cost of expansion is cheaper today because
contractors are more aggressive with their pricing. Some
small businesses may be hesitant to expand at this time,
but when the recession clouds clear, prices will rise. If a
small–business owner is considering expansion, we’re here
to help the individual in an advisory capacity and to make
sure they can handle the debt.”
Community Bank of the South’s commercial–lending
team includes former businessowner Nancy Brower, vice
president, and Barry Chait, senior vice president.
“We are in a position to make loans to small busi-
nesses,” Chait said. “We think there will be a good
opportunity in the months ahead. Our main focus is
providing loans for owner–occupied commercial real
estate. The bank’s clientele includes doctors, lawyers,
accountants, and other small–business owners.”
Chait has been a banker for 24 years. He started with
Barnett Bank in Tampa, where he completed the
company’s management program. Chait moved to Brevard
in 1986. “Most of my career has been spent in commercial
lending.”
Brower is a Barnett Bank alumni, too. She managed
branches and ran Barnett’s residential and construction
lending arm for years before becoming an entrepreneur.
Brower operated her own mortgage business in the county
for 15 years. She joined Community Bank of South in
2008. “I can definitely understand the challenges that
small–business owners face.”
At Community Bank of the South, Brower said she is
working to expand customer relationships, especially with
women businessowners, the fastest–growing segment of
entrepreneurs in America. “They have a unique perspec-
tive on business,” she said about women entrepreneurs.
Recent estimates by the Center for Women’s Business
Research at the National Association of Women Business
Owners indicate that the nation’s more than 10 million
women–owned businesses employed 13 million workers,
generated $1.9 trillion in sales, and represented more
than 40 percent of all privately held firms in 2008.
“Women entrepreneurs are a powerful force across the
nation,” said Brower. “Their numbers are growing. It’s
great to see this.” Twenty–four percent of NAWBO
members said they plan to add jobs this year.
As a team, Taylor said Community Bank of the South
is using its vast knowledge of the county, business
acumen, and banking expertise to position itself in the
market.
“Each team member brings a unique strength and
expertise to the table. That is why we have been successful
over the years, and it will be the key to our success in the
future, I believe,” said Taylor.
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FOR LEASE
PROSPECT OFFICE CENTER
725-1240
Newly RenovatedSBA Approved Hub Zone
Our family’s growing...- Fixed Ground Support Equipment Maintenance & Repair- Personnel (Security) Screening Services- Telecommunications Support Services
