South Florida Tech HubSouth Florida Tech Hub
10
Oct, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

Dr. Barbara J. Bryan named acting President of Broward College

Read Time 3 Minutes

The Broward College District Board of Trustees has entered into a contract with Barbara J. Bryan, Ph.D. to serve as acting President – The College’s first female in the role.

One of the largest colleges in the country, Broward College serves approximately 56,000 students annually, providing residents with certificate programs, two-year university-transfer degrees, two-year career degrees, and baccalaureate degrees in selected programs. The mission of the College is to provide high-quality educational programs and services that are affordable and accessible to a diverse community of learners.

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to lead Broward College through this time of transition,” said Dr. Bryan. “I’ve spent the greater part of my career at the institution, and it is an honor for me to return in the capacity of acting President to serve among the dedicated and passionate faculty and staff in our mission to provide quality education and job training to our community. Most important, as we move forward, we will maintain our unwavering commitment to our students, who are at the center of all we do.”

Dr. Bryan is a seasoned leader in the field of higher education, with an impressive track record spanning over three decades. Currently serving as the CEO of Higher Education Consulting, Dr. Bryan is widely recognized for her skill in obtaining accreditation program approvals, driving organizational development, and leading expansion efforts. Dr. Bryan’s extensive and impactful experience at Broward College uniquely positions her to serve the community, bringing a wealth of knowledge and leadership skills honed over her 26-year tenure at the institution. She has served the school in roles such as Campus President of the North Campus, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, and Provost of the North Campus.

Bryan replaces former President Gregory Haile, who resigned abruptly on Sept. 13 with little notice stating he needed a transition.

“Dr. Bryan brings a wealth of expertise, institutional knowledge, a deep commitment to the Broward College community, and we look forward to her leadership,” said Board of Trustees Chair Alexis Yarbrough.

This Week In South Florida host Glenna Milberg from Local 10 News interviewed Alexis Yarbrough. Here is that interview.

Candidates for the acting President position were required to have a direct affiliation with Broward College as either a current or former employee or a former Board member. The Board slated two candidates for the job of acting president with Dr. Henry Mack III, Ed.D. as its first choice and if a contract could not be reached with him, then Dr. Bryan was slated as its alternate choice for the role.  Dr. Mack withdrew his name from consideration yesterday afternoon following an inability to come to terms on his compensation and the duration of his contract. Dr. Bryan and the College have come to terms on a contract and she has already begun work in her new role.

The College is committed to maintaining transparency throughout this process and will continue to provide updates to the Broward College community and the public as they move forward under the leadership of our new acting President.

 

 

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10
Oct, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

GrowFL Announces 13th Annual Florida Companies to Watch Honorees

Read Time 5 Minutes

GrowFL has announced the 50 companies selected as the 13th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Honorees.

The awards program – now in its thirteenth year – honors impressive second-stage companies from throughout the state for developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and broadening new industries throughout Florida.

The 13th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards celebration is brought to you by Duke Energy and Nperspective CFO & Strategic Services, in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation.

Companies to Watch was developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation as a unique way to recognize and honor second-stage companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace with innovative strategies and processes. In addition to evaluating past growth and projected success, applicant companies are judged according to their special strengths and impact in their markets, communities, and within the state – thus deeming them worth watching.

71 finalists were announced earlier this year, and the 50 honorees were selected after a final round of judging by a panel comprised of past honorees, economic development leaders and corporate partners of GrowFL. Companies were judged on a number of criteria including growth in number of employees; impact of the business in the job market; increase in sales and/or unit volume; current and past financial reports; innovativeness of the product or service; response to adversity; and contributions to aid community-oriented projects.

“GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch was designed to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and to shine a spotlight on the deserving second-stage businesses in our state,” said Jennifer Taylor, president, and CEO of GrowFL. “Second-stage companies are the lifeblood of our economy, creating jobs and fueling prosperity. This diverse group, spanning 20 different counties, representing 18 different industries and 32% of them being woman, veteran, or minority owned, proves Florida is a place where entrepreneurs can thrive. We look forward to celebrating their success for years to come.”

Since the first awards celebration in 2011, GrowFL has honored 600 companies from throughout Florida with this prestigious award. With this year’s honorees, GrowFL has now recognized 650 companies throughout the state that are making a positive impact on the economy and the communities in which they live. Many of the past honorees have now grown their companies to stage 3 and stage 4 businesses employing more than 500.

“The companies selected as Honorees are some of the most vibrant and dedicated entrepreneurs in our state,” said Pete Previte, GrowFL Advisory Board Chair. “They are the visionaries and trailblazers of our economy who face challenges head on, lead with innovation and give back to their communities. It is our privilege to recognize them and their achievements.”

To qualify for the award, companies must be headquartered in Florida and have between 6 and 150 employees and revenue between $750,000 and $100 million. From 2019 through 2022, these companies generated close to $2 billion in revenue and added 871 employees, reflecting a 99% increase in revenue and a 62% increase in jobs for the four-year period. That translates into a 27% average annual revenue growth and a 19% average annual growth in employees.

These companies projected continued growth in 2023, with a 28% revenue increase and a 22% growth in employees compared to 2022. If their projections hold, these companies will have generated more than $2.8 billion in revenue and added 1,370 employees over the last five years — a 155% increase in revenue and 97% increase in jobs since 2018.

Companies named to the list will be officially recognized at the 13th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Celebration on February 15, 2024, at the Hard Rock Live in Universal CityWalk, Orlando, FL. Tickets are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://growfl.com/about-growfl-flctw/.

Five of the companies hailed from South Florida and the Treasure Coast. One of those companies was Streann Media.

One of the second-stage company honorees is Streann Media, a content-creation and streaming company, disrupting the content landscape. The company has built the most complete OTT platform in the world with a powerful Content Management System, Content App Editor and 150 tools to distribute, engage and monetize live and on demand content. Streann’s innovations include proprietary integration with Artificial Intelligence and Patent Technologies for Monetization. The Miami-based company has won multiple industry awards, has millions of active users and has been deployed in 141 countries.

Founder and CEO of Streann Media, Gio Punzo, told South Florida Tech Hub, “We are thrilled to be selected for the GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Awards. This reconfirms the dedication and expertise of our talented team who consistently strive to provide innovative solutions and exceptional service to our clients.”

He continued, “We are delighted to be a part of Florida’s thriving business community and look forward to continuing our growth trajectory. We have grown to 70 million unique viewers in 141 countries around the world thanks to our breakthrough technology made in Florida.”

Below is the complete list of the companies named 13th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Honorees:

Company Name County Industry
Alternative Repair & Machining Services Duval Other Services (except Public Administration)
AME International Hernando Wholesale Trade
Aspire Communications Seminole Telecommunications
Baker Design Build Duval Construction
Billed Right LLC Seminole Other Services (except Public Administration)
BlueWind Technology LLC Escambia Manufacturing
Charter Research Sumter Scientific Research and Development
Cigent Technology Inc. Lee Information Technology
Continuum Health IT St. Johns Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Cromulence LLC Brevard Scientific Research and Development
DACKOR Orange Manufacturing
Data Graphics Inc. Lake Manufacturing
Delamere Industries Inc Hernando Manufacturing
Design Interactive, Inc. Orange Scientific Research and Development
Fort Myers Brewing Company Lee Manufacturing
Fox Logistics Bradford Transportation and Warehousing
GRACE Aerospace, LLC Duval Manufacturing
HOLLYWOOD WOODWORK Broward Manufacturing
Integrated Security Consultants Hillsborough Utilities
INTELLITEC PRODUCTS LLC Volusia Manufacturing
International Insulation Products Orange Manufacturing
Kinley Construction Brevard Construction
KMI International Orange Architecture and Engineering Related Services
Macrocap Labs Seminole Manufacturing
Mainstream Engineering Corporation Brevard Manufacturing
Martin Aquatic Orange Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services
Martinez Construction Services Brevard Construction
McGaw.io Orange Management Consulting Services
NLP Logix Duval Information Technology
Nona Scientific Laboratory Marion Health Care and Social Assistance
Optimus Energy Solutions Lake Construction
Paragon Cyber Solutions, LLC Hillsborough Information Technology
Pem-Air Turbine Engine Services Hernando Manufacturing
Pointer Construction Group Broward Construction
Pro-Tec Plumbing Collier Other Services (except Public Administration)
ProfileGorilla Duval Information/Media
PVM, Inc. Pinellas Information Technology
Spot Pet Insurance Miami-Dade Finance and Insurance
SSM Enterprises Duval Manufacturing
Streann Miami-Dade Information Technology
SunBlest Gardens Wakulla Wholesale Trade
SwiftPaws Brevard Retail Trade
SYL Roofing Supply Orange Wholesale Trade
Tech Rage IT Seminole Information Technology
The Association Partner St. Johns Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services
Thompson Pump Volusia Manufacturing
TruPoint Communication Solutions Seminole Telecommunications
Volt Lighting Hillsborough Manufacturing
Weedoo Greenboat, Inc. Palm Beach Manufacturing
Young Innovators Academy Seminole Educational Services
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10
Oct, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

Ryder Systems women are celebrated for supply chain leadership

Read Time 3 Minutes

Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R)celebrates three female leaders as recipients of the 2023 Women in Supply Chain awards from Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Food Logistics magazines.

The 4th annual award honors female supply chain leaders whose accomplishments, mentorship, and examples set a foundation for women in all levels of a company’s supply chain network.

Ryder System, Inc. is a leading logistics and transportation company. It provides supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions, including warehousing and distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, last-mile delivery, managed transportation, professional drivers, freight brokerage, full-service leasing, maintenance, commercial truck rental, and used vehicle sales to some of the world’s most-recognized brands. Ryder provides services throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In addition, Ryder manages nearly 260,000 commercial vehicles and operates approximately 300 warehouses encompassing more than 95 million square feet.

This year’s honorees from Ryder are:

  • Cherie Brinkerhoff, vice president of supply chain solutions, for championing a new workforce development initiative within the retail, technology, and healthcare vertical at Ryder. With logistics engineers in short supply, Brinkerhoff is piloting an internship program for employees interested in exploring supply chain engineering. By temporarily backfilling the interns’ regular positions, it’s a risk-free opportunity to develop new skills and showcase them in a way that provides additional opportunities for growth.
  • Cristy Gallo-Aquino, senior vice president, controller, and principal accounting officer, for building the women’s leadership and support network at Ryder. A founding member of Ryder Women Leadership (RWL) in 2010 and a 13-year executive sponsor of the group, Gallo-Aquino continues to reach deeper into the company to identify female leaders in customer warehouses and truck maintenance, rental, and lease locations, as well as central support service locations, across North America. And, she’s expanded the educational component of RWL, because she believes that knowledge is power.
  • Mauryo Jones, vice president for safety, health, and security, for building leading indicators for proactive safety measurements rather than relying on lagging indicators, such as injury and crash frequency rates, to measure the effectiveness of safety performance. Working with Ryder’s strategic analytics and data science team, Jones is utilizing vehicle safety technology, incident management systems and apps, as well as driver training to build the leading indicators that help Ryder focus on key injury and crash mitigation areas, predict future trends, and prevent undesired outcomes.

“If you want to bring about new ideas and innovative approaches to tackling challenges and solving problems, then you have to bring together people with different backgrounds and experiences,” says Diana Anderson, vice president of talent management and human resources at Ryder.

“That’s why talent development is central to everything we do at Ryder.”

Diana Anderson currently leads the Talent Management operations for Ryder System, Inc. She is responsible for leading succession planning, performance management and leadership development practices. Diana also provides human resources business support to the executive team. Prior to this position, Diana worked with AutoNation for 10 years within the Human Resources function.

Ryder is regularly recognized for its industry-leading practices in recruitment and hiring of a diverse workforce to develop, promote, and retain the best talent to engage employees and drive innovation.

For the full list of the 2023 Women in Supply Chain award winners from Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Food Logistics magazines, click here.

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10
Oct, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

FIU & FAU student duo wins $10K to develop wearable tech

Read Time 4 Minutes

South Florida students Laura Garcia (FIU) and friend Juan Fortich (FAU) win $10k to develop their wearable technology. 

The new company using sensor technology to help athletes perform better won the first prize in the 15th annual FAU Business Pitch Competition. The company develops small wearable pods that allow athletes to be healthier and maximize performance by improving their form in real time.

Laura is a health and fitness buff and was left frustrated as she trained for her first half-marathon in Yosemite.

“On top of spending months working on my physical endurance, I had to ensure my form was correct and my technique was on point to avoid any injuries,” says the computer engineering student, who is also a member of the FIU Honors College and Startup FIU. “It was during this grueling experience that I realized there had to be a better and more effective way to train,” Laura continued.

It is often said that necessity is the mother of invention, and Garcia’s months of physical training gave birth to the idea for DashOne.

Wanting to translate the challenges she faced during her marathon training into a creative solution, Garcia and Fortich doubled-down on their idea for wearable tech and began conducting market research to learn more about her target audience’s needs.

Garcia credits her time spent at StartUP FIU, the university’s dedicated innovation hub, with instilling a foundational knowledge of what entrepreneurship is all about. That consequently inspired her as she mulled her senior class project, a requirement for all College of Engineering seniors.

Garcia is quoted on the Startup FIU site stating, “What I like best about StartUP FIU is that it allows me to be surrounded by an amazing community of ambitious, talented and brilliant people that are passionate about being changemakers in the world regardless of industry or major. StartUP FIU has also taught me the value of seeking and discovering new insights when approaching complex problems.”

“Determined, creative and tech-savvy, Lara is emblematic of the future-ready student StartUP FIU produces,” says Emily Gresham, Assistant Vice President of Research, Innovation and Economic Development and a Co-Founder of StartUP FIU. “Our experiential programming, dynamic learning communities and dedicated mentorship prepares students for success after graduation, and arms them with the self-confidence, skills and knowledge to help them excel.”

Laura partnered with her friend and Florida Atlantic University  student, Juan Fortich, to build DashOne. The pair’s prototype device has two components: a wearable sensor that can attach to different parts of the body, such as the torso, knees or ankles, and a mobile app that tracks and analyzes a workout in real time.

“Our goal is to reach competitive runners looking for real-time feedback on their stride, technique and form,” said Laura. “Most injuries happen due to poor form and running posture,” she explains. “While other devices focus on output and biometrics, such as a person’s stride or pressure when hitting the pavement, DashOne homes in on a runner’s form, which is critical to achieving peak performance.”

Garcia and Fortich started to develop the prototype in January 2023. Fortich was able to get the duo entered into Florida Atlantic University’s Business Pitch Competition where they won first place – and a $10,000 prize.

The annual FAU Business Pitch (formerly Plan) Competition is hosted by the College of Business, Adams Center for Entrepreneurship with support from local partners and sponsors. The competition encourages FAU students, faculty, staff and recent graduates to pitch their game-changing idea for a chance to fund their new ventures.

Along with prize money, teams compete for legal and business services, preferred access into the FAU Tech Runway Venture Program and the opportunity to present their business pitch to local angel, venture capital groups and more. Competitors have the opportunity to meet and network with successful entrepreneurs. Resources are provided to aid students in the creation and implementation of their businesses. Students will gain valuable skills and experiences to be successful.

“This year, the competition was the largest and best we’ve hosted,” said Kevin Cox, Ph.D., associate director of the Adams Center. “We expanded the finalists, given the large number of high-quality applications. The judges agreed that the competitors and pitches were excellent, making it especially difficult to select the winners.”

Named in recognition of Florida Atlantic University graduate and serial entrepreneur Scott H. Adams, the Adams Center for Entrepreneurship brings students, faculty and the community together to fuel the innovation needed to create new venture opportunities in the ever-changing global marketplace.  The mission of the Adams Center for Entrepreneurship at the DeSantis Pavilion is to create and educate entrepreneurial leaders who find sustainable solutions to economic and social problems. The goal of the Adams Center is to prepare FAU students in business, science, engineering, and all disciplines who are looking to become entrepreneurs through business ownership or through venturing.

Additionally, they have raised $5,000 by participating in the Blackstone Launchpad Fellowship, hosted by FIU’s Pino Entrepreneurship Center. The dynamic duo also competed in the semifinals of Draper Competition for Collegiate Women Entrepreneurs, one of the largest collegiate entrepreneurship competitions in the nation.

Garcia and Fortich plan to continue perfecting the prototype so DashOne can start raise enough capital to bring the unique device to market.

“DashOne has allowed me to step into rooms that I never expected to be in, connect with and inspire other students to pursue their own passions through entrepreneurship, and make the most out of FIU’s diverse resources and network before graduation,” Garcia says. “For that, I’m incredibly grateful.”

Click here to learn more about the other pitch competition winners and their companies. 

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27
Sep, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

HADO Team USA joins the World Cup in Tokyo, Japan for the first time ever

Read Time 4 Minutes

The innovative sport of HADO, which blends augmented reality and esports, has taken a significant step towards global recognition. Team USA has been invited to participate in the HADO World Cup set to take place in Tokyo, Japan on October 21-22. This is a first for the United States!

HADO is the world’s first physical esport using Augmented Reality (AR) technology. Geared up with a head-mounted display and arm sensor in a physical skill-based competition, three-person teams leverage their skills by firing energy balls and placing shields to accumulate points in lightning-fast 80-second matches. Players literally experience being inside a real life computer game. It’s “Dodgeball meet Marvel!”

Hiroshi Fukuda, Founder of HADO, turned his childhood dreams into augmented reality, giving birth to HADO. Since then, millions have experienced this exhilarating sport in over 30 countries, both for fun and in fierce competition. Through an exclusive agreement with meleap Inc, Hiroshi Fukuda, gave HADO USA which is based in South Florida and the exclusive rights to all HADO related activities in the United States including building the team that will represent the country in the 2023 World Cup.

The theme “Evolved & Reborn,” expressing “Evolution” and “Rebirth,” has been chosen as the theme of the worldwide tournaments for the 2023 World Cup. Team USA will compete against the world’s finest teams from Japan, China, England, Turkey, France, and beyond.

 

“This is an incredible opportunity for our country to compete on the world stage and we are working tirelessly to assemble and train a competitive team,” Shane Vander Koi, Co-Founder & CEO of HADO USA, told South Florida Tech Hub.

“However, we need your support to make this endeavor a reality. Being a new event in the U. S. market, we are exploring various avenues to offset the substantial costs associated with training and sending the team to Japan on such short notice.”

 

Why Support Team USA in HADO?

HADO is not just a sport; it’s a fusion of technology and athleticism that has captured the hearts of many. Here’s why your support for Team USA in HADO is vital:

1. Exposure: Your logo prominently displayed on our competition uniforms and practice apparel including HADO staff which includes at local demonstrations in Palm Beach County schools, providing year-round exposure following the Tokyo World Cup.

2. Online Presence: Your logo featured on the HADO USA website as the official sponsor, across our social media channels, and marketing materials leading up to the competition in Japan and beyond, extending throughout the school and competition season.

3. Case Study Opportunity: Opportunity for interviews and quotes in an upcoming HADO Academy case study. This valuable asset will be used to market our programs to scholastic and collegiate audiences, providing a global perspective by incorporating insights from our international HADO counterparts.

4. Exclusive Benefits: An invitation for a representative to join us as an honored guest of TEAM USA in Japan (travel expenses not included), facilitating direct interactions with other international teams at the event.

5. Recorded Messages: Recorded or directly streamed messages that we will share during Team USA’s journey.

6. Special Demonstrations: HADO USA will conducting a special HADO demonstration for your staff and clients accompanied by a recognition award presentation.

7. Member Benefits: Special feature article in South Florida Tech Hub newsletter, on social media, and official Press Release out to all media outlets. South Florida Tech Hub has also agreed to give provide sponsorship of HADO’s interactive booth at this year’s TECHpalooza on December 14th in Ft. Lauderdale, as well as an exhibit table for the company.

 

This is a unique opportunity for exposure. The HADO World Cup is expected to receive substantial media coverage, and the HADO parent company, meleap, intends to leverage game footage and event videos for long-term promotion of HADO sales and global growth. Any logos and sponsorships associated with Team USA will have lasting visibility beyond the event itself. Supporting Team USA on this journey not only enables the US Team to participate in the HADO World Cup, but also contributes to the global growth of HADO, showcasing the innovative spirit of the South Florida Tech Hub community. Your support will help us make history and represent the United States at the HADO World Cup in Tokyo. Together, we can take HADO to new heights!

HADO USA has also created a GoFundMe page for any individual supporters and smaller donations from companies. The donations will help cover Professional Training, Tournament Participation (airfare, accommodation, and related expenses), Team Branding (team logo, jerseys, and marketing materials), and Community Engagement (underserved youth in South Florida).

“The HADO USA Team has made the promise to pursue the Techno Sport dreams with unwavering dedication, integrity, and sportsmanship. With your support, we aim to represent our community with pride and bring glory to our nation. Thank you for being a part of our journey,” said Vander Koi. “Donate today and become an integral part of Team HADO USA’s legacy as we aim for victory on the global stage!”

Any companies interested in sponsorship, please email team@techhubsouthflorida.org or contact HADO USA directly. 

 

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27
Sep, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

NextEra Energy announces sale agreement for Florida City Gas and reaffirms long-term outlook

Read Time 3 Minutes

NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) today announced its Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) subsidiary has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Florida City Gas (FCG) to Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) (Chesapeake Utilities) for $923 million in cash.

“We are pleased that FPL has reached this agreement to sell FCG to Chesapeake Utilities,” said John Ketchum, chairman, president and chief executive officer, NextEra Energy. “This transaction allows us to continue our strategy of redeploying capital into our core businesses. I want to thank the FCG team for their hard work and accomplishments and am confident they will continue to be successful in the years to come.”

The transaction value of $923 million, including $145 million of intercompany debt, is expected to be accretive to NextEra Energy earnings immediately upon closing. The impact of the gain on sale at the time of closing will be excluded from adjusted earnings. Expected to be completed over the next several months, the sale is conditioned upon satisfaction of the Hart-Scott-Rodino review and customary closing conditions.

FCG serves about 120,000 residential and commercial natural gas customers across eight counties in Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Brevard, Palm Beach, Hendry, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River. Its natural gas system includes approximately 3,800 miles of distribution main and 80 miles of transmission pipe. Since joining NextEra Energy, FCG has been honored three times as a Most Trusted Utility Brand and twice as a Customer Champion, both recognitions from Escalent.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as financial advisor to NextEra Energy, and Norton Rose Fulbright is serving as the company’s legal advisor.

NextEra Energy is reaffirming that its long-term financial expectations remain unchanged. For 2023 and 2024, NextEra Energy continues to expect adjusted earnings per share to be in the ranges of $2.98 to $3.13 and $3.23 to $3.43, respectively. For 2025 and 2026, NextEra Energy expects to grow 6% to 8%, off the 2024 adjusted earnings per share range. This translates to a range of $3.45 to $3.70 for 2025 and $3.63 to $4.00 for 2026. As previously communicated, NextEra Energy will be disappointed if it is not able to deliver financial results at or near the top end of its adjusted earnings per share ranges through 2026. NextEra Energy also continues to expect to grow its dividends per share at a roughly 10% rate per year through at least 2024, off a 2022 base.

NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE) is a leading clean energy company headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida. NextEra Energy owns Florida Power & Light Company, which is America’s largest electric utility that sells more power than any other utility, providing clean, affordable, reliable electricity to approximately 5.8 million customer accounts, or more than 12 million people across Florida. NextEra Energy also owns a competitive clean energy business, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage.

Through its subsidiaries, NextEra Energy generates clean, emissions-free electricity from seven commercial nuclear power units in Florida, New Hampshire and Wisconsin. A Fortune 200 company, NextEra Energy has been recognized often by third parties for its efforts in sustainability, corporate responsibility, ethics and compliance, and diversity. NextEra Energy is ranked No. 1 in the electric and gas utilities industry on Fortune’s 2023 list of “World’s Most Admired Companies,” recognized on Fortune’s 2021 list of companies that “Change the World” and received the S&P Global Platts 2020 Energy Transition Award for leadership in environmental, social and governance.

For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.

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26
Sep, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

IRSC to Establish Data Campus in Okeechobee

Read Time 3 Minutes

Indian River State College (IRSC) plans to establish a dedicated, fully operational data campus in Okeechobee County, positioning the County at the epicenter of the State’s data center capacity.

The data campus, named Okee-One, is the primary focus of economic revitalization for the former Okeechobee “School for Boys” site. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB1603 transferring ownership of the 205-acre parcel to the College in June. The site is well-positioned adjacent to data superhighways; the inland placement offers natural protection from coastal storm threats.

“Between access to dense fiber, natural gas, and land availability for solar backup and an existing water reclamation facility for cooling, the possibility of establishing the nation’s most sustainable data campus here in Okeechobee is within reach,” shares IRSC Executive Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Dr. Michael Hageloh.

IRSC received universal support from its legislative delegation, especially from Senator Erin Grall and Representative Kaylee Tuck, the latter having sponsored and shepherded HB1603 through the local bill process in the Florida House of Representatives.

The support of Governor DeSantis bolstered the project. Collaboration with the Okeechobee community and a strategic partnership with the South Florida Water Management District enhanced the effort.

“Our governmental leaders and community partners avidly share our vision to advance economic uplift in the area, grow employment opportunities and serve as the foreground for unique IRSC education and training programs in one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors, and for that, we are grateful,” continues Hageloh.

The data campus will serve as a learning lab for IRSC students and a stable employment base for its graduates and other residents from Okeechobee and surrounding communities. The project would include servers, storage, network gear, racks, power distribution systems, transformers, chillers and generators. A skilled workforce to support an infrastructure that runs 24/7 will require a wide range of trained professionals in areas such as information technology and cybersecurity, electronics engineering technology, electrical power technology, HVAC, plumbing, and physical security.

Worldwide, technological advances are increasing the demand for data centers. Okee-One will house many types of data centers in a lifestyle campus environment.  According to a June 27, 2023, article in The New York Times, “the need for data centers has rapidly increased, fueled by changing work habits during the pandemic and the growth of cloud-based technologies.”

Once a cultural assessment of the land is complete, IRSC intends to move with velocity to bring the data campus to fruition.

“This undertaking underscores IRSC’s role as a leader in education and innovation and its mission to transform lives,” said Hageloh.

College leadership recently completed $100 million in growth-oriented, workforce-enhancing construction projects during 2023, including a charter high school in Indiantown, an expanded School of Nursing in Port St. Lucie and a state-of-the-art workforce training facility in Fort Pierce. “The data campus aligns with President Moore’s vision for transforming the College from solely a learning environment into the catalyst for economic clusters where graduates can live, work, and continue learning,” Hageloh concluded.

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26
Sep, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

Forbes Names UKG One of America’s Best Employers for Women

Read Time 3 Minutes

UKG, a leading provider of HR, payroll, and workforce management solutions for all people, is one of America’s Best Employers for Women, according to Forbes.

UKG ranked #2 in the IT, Internet, Software, and Services category and #25 overall of 400 U.S. companies across all industries. The honor comes after Newsweek named UKG one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women, and it follows UKG also ranking on the Forbes America’s Best Employers for Diversity 2023 list.

Among the total UKG global employee population, nearly half (46%) of U Krewers identify as women and 42% hold leadership positions. The company has set a number of representation goals for the coming years, including to achieve 44% global gender leadership representation of women and 38% global gender representation of women in technology roles by 2026. Currently, 35% of women at UKG hold technical roles.

Women from across UKG are encouraged to join the company’s various employee resource groups, including FIRE Up, as part of the U Krewer journey. Standing for “Female Inclusion, Resilience, and Excellence,” FIRE Up cultivates an inclusive and supportive community of change to advance equity for all U Krewers that identify as women. Throughout the year, its more than 3,000 members worldwide — which includes male allies — learn from career development workshops, hear from dynamic guest speakers, and participate in various networking and philanthropic events.

UKG also recently launched the State of Belonging, Equity, and Impact at UKG website. The public site includes an interactive experience called UKG Stories with Purpose, a journey that explores the important topics of belonging, equity, and impact through stories told by UKG customers, global partners, and employees, including many stories about remarkable women. Their everyday, intersectional experiences demonstrate the vital impact that UKG and others in the global business community can play when we hold ourselves to a higher standard, welcome all identities and celebrate our many differences, and work together to expand equity and build a future fit for all.

“The incredible work — the passion and the innovative excellence — of my fellow female U Krewers inspires me daily,” said Pat Wadors, Chief People Officer at UKG. “What we stand for is not only rewarding for us as employees, but it also touches tens of millions of employees, from the frontlines to the front office, who stand to benefit from our commitment to making great places to work for all around the world. We strive to change the way of work and have a real impact on lives.”

The company’s commitment to helping women thrive in business and in their personal lives extends well beyond the UKG walls, and into the community. UKG is in year two of its UKG Close the Gap Initiative, a multi-year program focused on pay equity. Since announcing the campaign, UKG has partnered with multiple nonprofit organizations, including 9 to 5, Grantmakers for Girls of Color, Lean In, and Reboot Representation, working together to close the U.S. gender pay gap and level the equity playing field for women and other underrepresented groups. With its relationship with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), UKG also served as the title sponsor of the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup, the first tournament to reach pay parity with the U.S. men’s game, which concluded this past weekend.

“When we announced the UKG Close the Gap Initiative, we set off to be the catalyst for a transformation in bringing pay equity to millions of women across the country,” Wadors said. “We also hoped our work would inspire other organizations to join us in this critical fight, and further strengthen our team, so we all could continue making a meaningful difference, build on our momentum, and help close the gender pay gap once and for all.”

Created in partnership with market research firm Statista, the Forbes America’s Best Employers for Women 2023 list was primarily determined by survey responses from more than 40,000 female employees at companies across the U.S. As part of the evaluation process, women rated their companies on factors such as working environment, employee diversity, pay equity, parental-leave policies, leadership-training programs, and representation of women in upper management.

26
Sep, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

4Geeks Academy and Boca Code announce merger and plans to expand tech education in Florida

Read Time 5 Minutes

4Geeks Academy, a leading coding bootcamp in Miami, is thrilled to announce its merging with Boca Code, a respected coding school in Boca Raton.

South Florida Tech Hub sat down with 4Geeks Founders, Marcelo Ricigliano and Alejandro Sanchez, and Boca Code Founder, Todd Albert, to discuss this newly formed relationship.

4Geeks Co-Founder, Marcelo Ricigliano, opened the conversation by stating that “Boca Code is a respected and engaging coding school that I had been following for the last few years. The first time I met Todd I let him know he was doing a great job for technical education in Boca Raton and South Florida. This is a great day for everyone involved!”

This strategic merger marks a significant milestone in the evolution of both institutions and promises to enhance the landscape of technology education in the state. With their international headquarters already based in Miami and another Florida location in Orlando, Boca Raton will become the third location in the Florida for 4Geeks Academy.

Marcelo shared that he and Alejandro have dreamed of making 4Geeks a reference in Florida for those wanting to change careers into technology.

Under this new alliance, Boca Code students and alumni will now become part of the 4Geeks family. Prospective learners and the broader community interested in coding education will gain additional access to a wider array of educational resources, courses, and career opportunities. By joining forces, 4Geeks Academy and Boca Code aim to better serve the rapidly growing tech community across the state. 

“Internally, we always talked great things about Boca Code’s results and approach,” Marcelo admits. “This merger aligns with our mission of making quality coding education accessible to all and will enable us to provide even more comprehensive, industry-relevant training to our students.”

Boca Code students are heavily involved in the community through organizations such as South Florida Tech Hub, attending and volunteering for Hackathons, conferences and supporting local entrepreneurs such as with the pitch scoring app they built for last year’s Ignite Florida Startup Summit. Although based in Boca Raton, Boca Code students attend meetups and networking events across the region from Miami-Dade to Indian River.

Alejandro Sanchez, Co-Founder of 4Geeks added, “The job that Todd has done was always followed by us. We really like everything he was doing at Boca Code. It’s really exciting to do this and welcome everyone to 4Geeks Academy. I’m sure it will be an extraordinary experience.” 

He continued, “The Boca Code curriculum is very thorough and are still digesting it. My first reaction when seeing it, was to keep it. We want to take the best from both schools offering students additional options as well as ensure the best possible educational content.”

4Geeks currently offers a more concentrated curriculum around mobile web development with courses in Full Stack Coding Bootcamp, Data Science and ML, and Blockchain and Web3 while Boca Code code curriculum is a little more broad offering courses such as Software Engineering Career Track, Data Analytics and Python, AR / VR and Game Development, Intro to Web Development, Intro to JavaScript and Node.js, and React.

4Geeks is known for offering a unique value, (quality + methodology + financing options + price) aimed to scale among the best coding bootcamps in the state and this will certainly keep them on track to achieving that goal. During the transition phase, Todd Albert, Founder of Boca Code is expected to continue teaching some of the classes.

Boca Code founder Todd Albert added, “Partnering with 4Geeks is a great deal for us. Their team, credibility and experience will drive our community to great standards and outcomes; also, they align well with what we’ve been working to build at Boca Code. I’m happy to be a part of this journey and ready for new challenges to come.” 

Todd is currently the Bootcamps Sub-Committee Chair of the Tech Talent Committee pulling together industry, higher education, bootcamps across the region. 4Geeks is also a part of the Miami Talent Coalition supporting the expansion of tech education connections in Miami. With the merger, Alissa Landra, Campus Manager at 4Geeks will be joining Todd as the South Florida Tech Hub Bootcamps Sub-Committee Co-Chair, helping further connect Miami efforts to the entire region.

Alissa shared that, “Across the United States, 4Geeks has graduated more than 70 cohorts, more than 2,000 graduates, and 35% of those graduates are women. We want to push more women to take our program!” This sentiment is shared across both organizations who have worked with other partners and nonprofits to aid in access and financial assistance to their programs creating more diversity in the tech landscape.

4Geeks Academy and Boca Code share a commitment to providing top-tier coding education as well as making this education accessible to underserved and underrepresented groups of people in the community. 4Geeks has worked with organizations such as United Way Miami and Miami Dade College to offer education to those who may not have access otherwise. Boca Code has built a long-standing relationship with TechStrong Group, a Boca Raton-based media and events company, who provide scholarships to students through the “Engineer the Change” program. 

This merger brings together the expertise and resources of both organizations, resulting in improved learning materials and support for students. Students will gain access to a wider range of coding languages, technologies, industry-focused courses, and even scholarships and financial support. Graduates will also benefit from an expanded professional network, providing more opportunities for career growth across the South Florida region. 

For more information about the merger or to inquire about enrollment opportunities, please visit 4geeksacademy.com  or contact (786) 416-6640.

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26
Sep, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

Research Park at Florida Atlantic University® Receives 2023 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award

Read Time 3 Minutes

The Research Park at Florida Atlantic University® received a 2023 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

The award was bestowed specifically for the Global Ventures at Florida Atlantic™ second-stage entrepreneur support initiative in the Innovation Programs & Initiatives category that impacted more than 500,000 residents. Ryan Lilly, Global Ventures Program Manager was acknowledged and honored at the IEDC 2023 Annual Conference during the inaugural Recognition Night event in Dallas, TX, September 19.

The Research Park at Florida Atlantic University® is home to technology companies and research-based organizations working to support the research and development activities of
Florida Atlantic University and to foster economic development and broaden the economic base of Broward and Palm Beach counties. The Research Park at FAU hosts Global Ventures, an international soft-landing center for second-stage technology companies and FAU Tech Runway, a hub to accelerate technology development and incubate startup companies. The Research Park at FAU is a 70-acre destination for R&D companies to thrive, established in 1985, it is widely regarded as South Florida’s laboratory for new entrepreneurial ideas and technologies. The Research Park at FAU is governed by the Florida Atlantic Research and Development Authority, an independent special district created by Palm Beach and Broward counties in partnership with Florida Atlantic University, organized under Chapter 159, Part V, Florida Statues.

“Research Park at FAU has raised the bar for excellence in economic development with its Global Ventures program. This award is a testament to Research Park at FAU’s dedication to its residents and serves as a great example of how economic development can help transform a community for the better,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “It is IEDC’s honor and privilege to present Research Park at FAU with this award and recognize its leadership and innovation in the field of economic development!”

Every year IEDC looks specifically for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession, leading the execution of projects that have a significant impact on revitalizing communities, and playing a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in the full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions.

FAU Research Park’s Global Ventures is an international soft-landing center, accredited by the International Business Innovation Association, serving to support second-stage entrepreneurs and their enterprises as they scale-up in South Florida. The incubator support entrepreneurs with warm introductions to strategic relationships, market validation techniques, peer mentoring and all the resources afforded by its association with Florida Atlantic University, and more.

“Global Ventures was created to help second-stage entrepreneurs scale in South Florida. We identified a gap in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and developed a program to develop it,” said Andrew Duffell, president of Research Park at FAU. “This award validates our concept and recognizes its successes. We are very excited to continue developing it for the benefit of our region’s economy.”

Previously, IEDC recognized Research Park’s work with Silver Awards in 2013 for its partnership with Florida Atlantic University, and in 2014 for its regionalism and cross-border collaboration between Palm Beach and Broward counties. The second-stage entrepreneur support initiative Global Ventures has previously been recognized with awards from the Florida Business Incubation Association (2023) and the International Business Innovation Association (2021).

To learn more about FAU’s Research Park, visit www.researchparkfau.com

24
Sep, 2023

By Adam Elitzur

24by7Security: A Decade of Cybersecurity Leadership

Read Time 2 Minutes

24By7Security is a cybersecurity and consulting compliance firm based in Coral Springs, Florida. 24By7Security (originally called HIPAA-HITECH-SOLUTIONS) was founded by Sanjay Deo in 2013, when he noticed a pressing need to help healthcare organizations properly comply with critical regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Initially focused on the healthcare industry in South Florida, 24By7Security quickly expanded its geographic reach and its industry expertise as non-healthcare companies also sought out its compliance services. This growth led to a rebranding as 24By7Security in 2015.

Over the past decade, 24By7Security has established itself as a trusted cybersecurity advisor delivering over 3,000 risk assessments, compliance assessments, training, and support. The company has particularly deep expertise helping clients meet healthcare and financial regulations, and payment card industry requirements.

24By7Security has 25 professionals serving more than 100 clients across the United States, primarily in healthcare, financial services, retail, manufacturing, hospitality and technology. The company was recently selected as an endorsed partner of the Texas Hospital Association, including over 400 hospitals, which was an important milestone.

24By7Security prides itself on its continuous communication model, whereby if during an engagement, its employees discover a serious issue or vulnerability, they immediately let their client know and help them fix it. Many times these issues, if not fixed immediately, could lead to an attack. This could potentially cost the company millions of dollars, whether from a ransomware attack or fines from government agencies if personal information is leaked, such as medical records.

Rema Deo, CEO & Managing Director of 24By7Security, believes that one of the foremost challenges of 24By7Security lies in meeting the ever-growing demand for cybersecurity and compliance efforts, especially in a world where hackers operate around the clock. Therefore, the company is continually on the lookout for new hires, with the hiring cycle showing no signs of slowing down. In March 2020, another challenge arose when the sales pipeline froze due to the pandemic. Despite this, the company retained all its full-time employees and used this time to provide extensive training to them. It successfully achieved status as a PCI-DSS Qualified Security Assessor company. During this period, the company also sought authorization to become a CMMC Registered Practitioner, thus able to assist contractors working with the Department of Defense in fortifying their security measures and preparing for the upcoming mandatory CMMC certification.

As 24By7Security celebrates its 10th anniversary, it remains as committed as ever to empowering clients to expertly navigate the complex compliance and cybersecurity landscape. 24By7Security works round-the-clock to address potential threats whenever they are needed. “Cyber criminals never sleep,” stated Deo. “Security breaches and cyber attacks can occur in your environment day and night, 365 days a year. I cannot tell you how many times we’ve had calls from clients on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day. We’re always here to support our clients.”

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24
Sep, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

NSU’s Board of Trustees Announces Succession Plan for NSU Presidency

Read Time 4 Minutes

At its September 21, 2023 meeting, Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) Board of Trustees and President Dr. George Hanbury finalized plans for him to step down as president and CEO and continue to serve NSU in a new role as of January 1, 2025. At the same meeting, the Board voted unanimously for Harry K. Moon, M.D., currently NSU’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, to become NSU’s 7th President and CEO. Dr. Moon will begin his tenure as president, also on January 1, 2025.

The decision by the President and Board to make this announcement now gives the university and its executive leadership abundant time to implement a well-thought-out transition period to ensure the long-term success of the university, its students, faculty, staff, alumni, patients, partners and the communities it serves.

“George Hanbury has led Nova Southeastern University through years of unparalleled achievement. The university is financially sound and well on track to continue its rise to preeminence among national research universities,” said Mr. Charlie Palmer, Chair of NSU’s Board of Trustees. “We have recognized the strong and effective partnership between President Hanbury and Dr. Moon over these past five years and we see that promotion from within will serve the university’s best interest.

“Dr. Moon has contributed significantly to NSU’s growth and brings recognized strategic planning and vision to this role,” Palmer continued. “He can build upon President Hanbury’s considerable legacy and lead NSU to continue its rise to preeminence among national research universities. Having such a clear succession plan and process will ensure an intentional and effective transition at the executive level. We are confident this appointment will help ensure continuity, stability, and the fulfillment of NSU’s destiny.”

President Hanbury, who has served as president of Nova Southeastern University since 2010, will continue to serve NSU in a new role as Chancellor and creator of a new Institute of Citizenship, Leadership, and International Affairs.

“Serving the students, faculty and staff of this great university has been the most noble thing I have ever done in my life. My job became my passion at NSU, and because I loved what I was doing, I feel like I never worked a day. I love being president of the NSU family,” said Dr. Hanbury. “As my contract draws to an end, I’m blessed to be healthy and happy, and it’s time to prepare to pass the gavel to the next and seventh presidency of this fine institution.

“I’ve been considering and planning for this transition for some time now, and I couldn’t imagine a better successor than Harry Moon,” Dr. Hanbury continued. “When I recruited him to the senior leadership position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – a position I held myself for 12 years at NSU before I became President – I had this kind of opportunity well in mind. We’ve worked well as collaborators and I strongly endorse Dr. Moon’s selection by the Board as NSU’s seventh President in order to continue the University’s measured progress toward preeminence. We will continue to work closely over the next 15 months so that I can impart the knowledge I have gained, and to seamlessly transition leadership responsibilities.”

Dr. Moon currently serves as NSU’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, a role he has held since July 2018. Additionally, Dr. Moon is Chief Operating Officer of NSU Health, a patient-centric integrated health care network encompassing the university’s many clinical operations. As NSU’s EVP/COO, he oversees the units of Innovation and Information Technology, Facilities and Public Safety, Business Services, Internal Audit, Environmental Health and Safety, Engagement Center, Regional Campus Administration, University Library, NSU Art Museum | Fort Lauderdale, and the Grande Oaks Golf Club.

“I am humbled and honored that NSU’s Board of Trustees and President Hanbury have placed their trust in me to be the next president to lead this extraordinary university,” said Dr. Moon. “President Hanbury has built a strong foundation for the university. It has been his vision and drive that has led us to our emergence as a preeminent national research university; my goal is to continue that upward trajectory. And, as it has been with Dr. Hanbury, my vision also starts with the core mission of the university: its students.

“My goal is to ensure NSU continues to provide a high-quality educational experience for all our students – K-12, undergraduate, graduate and professional – as we also continue to strengthen our fiscal foundations and endowment, and focus on strategic growth in our research, athletics and health care enterprise,” said Dr. Moon. “NSU is ready to take the next dynamic steps forward on its path to preeminence, and I am honored to be chosen to lead our next chapter.”

The university will begin a national search for the institution’s next Chief Operating Officer to prepare for the presidential transition that will take place as of January 1, 2025. Additionally, in alignment with these changes and in recognition of his many years of service as NSU’s fifth president, Chancellor Ray Ferrero Jr., J.D., will be granted the new title of President Emeritus.

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18
Sep, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

BrandStar Studios takes home two prestigious awards at the 44th annual Telly Awards 2023

Read Time 4 Minutes

The Telly Awards has announced its 44th annual winners after a record-breaking year for entries. BrandStar Studios takes home not one, but two, awards this year!

The Telly Awards is the world’s largest honor for video and television across all screens. This year’s winners include some of the most prominent global brands and companies alongside smaller and independent production houses, including Cut+Run, Netflix, Disney Parks, Media.Monks, Paramount, National Geographic Society, and dynastic NBA team the Golden State Warriors.

Founded in 1979 to originally honor commercials made for cable and local TV, The Telly Awards has continually refreshed its categories to honor the evolving, broad range of work being made today – work that reflects the trends, issues, and topical matters of each year. This season, the Tellys unveiled categories to better recognize work across Pro Bono and CSR, video journalism, and those pushing boundaries across virtual production.

“The caliber of the work this season truly has reflected the theme of breaking out and standing out,” said The Telly Awards Executive Director Sabrina Dridje. “Our industry is experimenting with new technologies like never before, crafting truly compelling stories to draw attention to some of the world’s most pressing issues, and companies big and small are turning to more sustainable practices to break the cycle of past production processes.”

The Telly Awards’ 44th annual edition – “Break through the static” – boasted nearly 13,000 entries from across the globe, the most in a decade, with submissions flowing in from the US, Middle East, UK and Canada, as well as strong entries from Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and as widespread as Afghanistan, Sweden, New Zealand, Jamaica, and South Africa. 

BrandStar Entertainment and BrandStar Studios both shines bright with a double victory at the Telly Awards 2023 bringing home two bronze awards!

  • B2B Branded Content
    • Inside the Blueprint – Going Electric, Going Green: Forklifts for a Sustainable Planet
    • Senior Associate Producer, Robert Holodak, BrandStar
    • As the world’s largest supplier of forklifts and material handling equipment, Toyota Material Handling will help bring your company to the next level. For more than 50 years, this global market leader has successfully helped companies worldwide operate at their highest levels of efficiency and workloads.
  • Health & Safety Branded Content
    • Access Health – The Importance of Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease
    • Senior Producer/Writer, Amy Robinson, BrandStar
    • Join host Ereka Vetrini for an in-depth discussion on managing your brain health. Panelists will discuss the differences between healthy aging and Alzheimer’s, as well as reducing your risk of cognitive decline. Plus, we’ll also meet two very special advocates.

In the TV production business for close to 30 years, BrandStar’s founders made their mark through programs such as Access Health, Inside the Blueprint, The Balancing Act, Military Makeover, and Designing Spaces. Each show has a goal of helping people just be a little better at life.

Prominently displayed near the front entrance of BrandStar’s 43,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility in Deerfield Beach, you will notice over 140 Telly Awards honoring the television and video production for multiple show airing on the Lifetime Television Network.

Along with the awards themselves, The Telly Awards continues to connect with its audience year round and provide a valuable platform for thought leadership and community. This season’s highlights included the expansion of The Telly Awards global screenings to include the production hub of Atlanta, and a packed panel with partner Green The Bid focused on sustainable production.

Meanwhile, season two of The Telly Awards Podcast made its triumphant return bringing together two leaders from the video and television community with similar expertise in different disciplines – including a candid conversation between Tribeca Enterprises and Alamo Drafthouse. The Telly Awards’ unfiltered, unrehearsed interview series “Hot Takes” also returned with industry experts on hot-button topics, with this year’s programming covering the impact of AI on the animation industry, how to stand out as a freelancer in a crowded market, and the critical work of partner We Are Parable in exhibiting Black Cinema.

The fan favorite, the “People’s Telly Awards”, which were chosen by the public, went to a diversified, solid roster of creative and production talent, from Netflix and MTV Entertainment Studios to Paramount Brand Studio and Sesame Workshop.

To learn more about BrandStar, visit https://brandstar.com/

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17
Sep, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

CloudHesive appoints Global Leader Michael Tobin OBE to its Board of Directors

Read Time 3 Minutes

CloudHesive announced the appointment of Michael Tobin OBE to its board of directors.

Michael brings decades of experience in corporate leadership and is a globally recognized leader. He is a serial technology entrepreneur and pioneer with over 30 years experience in the telecoms & technology sector.

“CloudHesive is one of the fastest growing companies in the United States“, said Michael Tobin. “I’m delighted to be joining this exciting organization as it continues to cement its position as a leading international AWS partner, leveraging its broad capability and experience to create significant value for its clients worldwide.”

An innovative and experienced leader, Tobin has decades of technical industry experience, including his role as Chief Executive Officer of UK’s Telecity Group PLC from 2002 to 2014. There, he led the company’s transformation from a £6 million market cap entity in 2002 to a top-performing FTSE250 company valued at over £2.5 billion. Under his direction, Telecity Group was recognized as Britain’s Most Admired Tech Company in 2012, helping to solidify its position as an industry leader.

Throughout his career, Tobin has received numerous accolades, including the London Business Awards‘ “Business Turnaround of the Year” in 2005, the UK Innovation Awards’ “IPO of the Year” in 2008, and the techMARK Personality of the Year in that same year. In 2014, Tobin was honored in the Queen’s New Year Honours List with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) medal for his outstanding services to the Digital Economy.

His dedication to excellence extends beyond his professional endeavors, as he ran 40 marathons in 40 days for the Prince’s Trust in 2016 and trekked the South Pole in 2020 for charity.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michael Tobin to CloudHesive as a new member of our Board of Directors,” said Jim Walker, CEO of CloudHesive. “His remarkable track record of leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence aligns with our company’s values and current vision.”

CloudHesive is an Amazon Premier Partner and an Amazon Managed Services Partner founded in 2014 by veterans in the cloud technology space. We help our customers adapt and transform their organizations by leveraging the power of the public cloud ecosystem through consulting, and next-generation managed services with a focus on Operational Excellence, Security, Reliability, and Application Optimization. We service global customers and have headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and offices in Denver, Colorado, Santiago, Chile, Bogota, Colombia and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

“We are thrilled to announce Michael Tobin OBE’s addition to our board of directors. His esteemed leadership enhances our outstanding team further. As we remain dedicated to supporting our clients in their AWS digital and AI initiatives, his presence strongly reaffirms our mission,” wrote John Clendennen, CloudHesive’s Chief Revenue Officer in a social media post.

 

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17
Sep, 2023

By Nikki Cabus

The Center for Arts & Innovation announced world renowned architect for Boca Raton project

Read Time 4 Minutes

Just this month, The Center for Performing Arts & Innovation held a press conference announcing Renzo Piano Building Workshop as the design architect selected for the future site.

The search for The Center’s architect attracted incredible international interest from renowned firms contending for the coveted title of Design Architect. After 22 design firms responded with interest in the project’s RFP, The Arts & Innovation Building Committee, led by Board Member Camilo Miguel, Jr. of Mast Capital, assessed each proposal through an extensive selection process accounting for factors such as project capacity, market fit, exclusivity, and more.

The committee selected 10 finalists after which four internationally acclaimed firms were ultimately shortlisted. Of the four finalists, three were prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize winners: Foster + Partners (London), OMA (Rotterdam) and RPBW Renzo Piano Building Workshop (Paris/Genoa).

The Pritzker Architecture Prize, often referred to as “architecture’s Nobel” and “the profession’s highest honor,” is awarded each year to a living architect or architects whose built work demonstrates a combination of those qualities of talent, vision, and commitment, which has produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity and the built environment through the art of architecture. This speaks to the regional and global significance of this tremendous project.

“The selection of these firms was based on their incredible contributions to architectural excellence, their tremendously compelling proposals that resonated with the essence of our project, and, most importantly, their keen understanding and enthusiasm for the significance of this legacy project for our city, region and the world at large,” said Andrea Virgin, PE, LEED AP, Chair and CEO.

September 6th, 2023 will mark a notable milestone for The Center for Arts & Innovation and equally The City of Boca Raton. Over five years ago, Andrea Virgin came up with the idea for The Center and just last ear the Boca Raton City Council approved the plans. Held at the Mizner Park Amphitheater, the site where The Center will be built, plans for the future site seemed to grow some legs when the Design Architect, Renzo Piano Building Workshop or “RPWB” was announced.

“We have been a city very long known for the visionary who was Addison Mizner, we have established our first hundred years as a city on the pillars of this great man,” Virgin said. “Today, we gather to honor that past, but too, just as Mizner did, inspire the future, to build upon those pillars for our greater tomorrow and the architect we selected will undoubtedly do that for us in a way that honors our great heritage.”

 

Renowned design architect Renzo Piano was born 1937 in Genoa, Italy to a family of builders. Renzo studied architecture at the University of Florence and Polytechnic University of Milan. In 1970, he received his first international commission, for the Pavilion of Italian Industry for Expo 70 in Osaka, Japan which he collaborated with his brother Ermanno and the family firm. After receiving great admiration for his work, this was a catalyst for the rest of his career and foundation for The Renzo Piano Building Workshop established in 1981.

In addition to his most notable design award, Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2013, Piano also received The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Gold Medal and the Sonning Prize, among man others. Piano brings extraordinary experience, skills and talent to each design project. As one of the world’s most sought-after architects, Renzo Piano engages in only two to three new projects per year.

Alongside visionaries, local press and media, and local elected officials including The City of Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer, The Center for Arts & Innovation announced their most significant project milestone to date. Next,

“Culture and art are essential—they shape our society, improve our quality of life, influence our behavior in making us more human, and help us to better connect with one another. The programming of The Center and its architecture must play in harmony, so that the project becomes a cultural and artistic destination.” Antoine Chaaya, Partner in charge of the new project.

To learn more about The Center for Arts & Innovation, visit https://thecenterforartsandinnovation.org/

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