BNI Boca Raton Business Exchange

BNI thanks outgoing president

2008-05-01T19:11:00.004-04:00

Randy Bring (right) thanks Dr. Les Pachter for his year as president of the BNI Business Exchange in Boca Raton.

BNI Looking for a Few New Members!

2008-04-21T13:21:00.002-04:00

The top five professionals and businesses that our BNI chapter in Boca Raton is looking for to refer business are:

Property Manager
Copier Sales & Service
Estate Planning Attorney
Florist
Podiatrist

If you are looking to grow your business by word-of-mouth marketing please come to one of our meetings as our guest. And hurry - only one person per profession can be a member, so visit soon!

Smile Express, designed by Debra Juliano, ASID opens its doors

2008-04-10T01:48:00.003-04:00

The first of five Smile Express teeth whitening facilities will have its grand opening in Boca Raton on Thursday, April 10th. The interior design was done by BNI member Debra Juliano, ASID of DJID. The theme is contemporary with color palette of taupe and black with accents of blue, violet and burgundy. Debra is currently designing other locations to open in Fort Lauderdale, Wellington, Aventura and Palm Beach Gardens. Other locations are being scouted in Orlando and Tampa.

DJID is located at One South Ocean Blvd. #207 in Boca Raton. The firm specializes in luxury residential and corporate projects with an emphasis on architectural elements and personal attention to details.

At BNI, We Refuse to Participate in a Recession!

2008-04-03T11:07:00.005-04:00

Dr. Ivan Misner, CEO and Founder of BNI, recounts in his Blog, meeting a real estate profession who claims he refuses to participate in a recession. The message is a strong reminder of the value of BNI.

We cannot control the economy or our competition, but we can control our response to it. Referrals can keep your business alive and well during an economic downturn. Though one person (or his or her sales people) may not know the people who need their goods or services, the people in their BNI chapter do. By keeping your colleagues in BNI well informed of the value of your business, let them go out and be the extra few dozen eyes, ears and spokespeople for your business.

The Boca Raton chapter of BNI has over 35 members who are each meeting hundreds of people per week. Exponentially, that's thousands of opportunities for them to listen for cues that tell them someone has a need for the services of another member. You can't buy that kind of advertising in South Florida - or anywhere!

"Don’t let a bad economy be your excuse for failure. Instead, make it your opportunity to succeed," writes Dr. Misner. "While others are looking at the problems, those of us looking for opportunities will not only get through a bad economy but will prosper."

Come visit our chapter. We've been helping each other grow our businesses since 1999.

New Logos from Snap Creative Group

2008-03-31T14:07:00.025-04:00

Nancy Suchoff, Snap Creative Group, recently completed new logos for clients Preferred Corporate Travel in Boca Raton, Life on The Links Blog for Lowell International, Palm Beach, David Sheriff Video Production, Boca Raton, and 7th Street & Dunlap Self Storage in Phoenix, Arizona.

BNI Business Exchange announces new Leadership Team

2008-03-25T12:08:00.018-04:00

The 2008-2009 Leadership Team will begin their term on April 2nd.

President: Dr. Rick Marrotte

Vice-President: John Oehl

Sec'y/Treasurer: Jeff Pasternack

Educational Coordinator: Nancy Suchoff

Membership Committee:

Terri Berman

Dr. Billie Eizenberg

Glenn Holsborg

Debra Juliano

Debbie Marzano

Visitor Hosts:

Edward Kelly

Dr. Eric Mohr

Elizabeth Ossip

Jon Wayne

Dr. Marrotte reports 'Dry eye syndrome' can afflict office workers

2008-03-03T13:08:00.001-05:00

A recent article by Diane C. Lade of the Sun-Sentinel focuses new attention on the widespread problem of Dry Eye Syndrome in the younger working population, says Dr. Rick Marrotte of Boca Raton, FL (www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flhlpdry0303sbmar03,0,2800967.story)

Historically, dry eye sufferers have been older people whose eyes become naturally dryer with advancing age. In the past 8 to 10 years, more and more young people staring at a computer screen at work all day have developed symptoms of dry eyes.

Common symptoms include a gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes, a burning sensation, redness and eye fatigue. About 60 to 65 percent of patients don't progress beyond the disorder's first stages, but if left untreated some people can develop more serious complications, such as infections and corneal nerve damage.

Drinking more water, taking frequent breaks away from the screen and using artificial tears are just some of the ways to reduce Dry Eye Syndrome symptoms. With a reduction in blinking rate at the computer, soft contact lens wearers are particularly susceptible to dry eyes. Dr. Marrotte recommends getting a thorough evaluation and consider upgrading your contact lenses to one of the newer materials better able to handle the dehydration of water from the lenses.

“The most common types of occupations most at risk included accountants, software engineers, executive assistants and customer service representatives. Long-haul truckers and flight attendants are also very likely to develop Dry Eye Syndrome because of long hours in air-conditioned trucks or airplane cabins filled with pressurized, recirculated air,” says Dr. Marrotte.

Dry eye also can be part of medical health conditions, as well. Sjögren's syndrome that occurs in people with rheumatoid arthritis have a great tendency to develop, dry irritated eyes. Many blood pressure and sinus medications produce dry eyes as a common side effect.

The American Optometric Association compares Dry Eye Syndrome to the better-known carpal tunnel syndrome, another workplace disorder that involves the wrist rather than the eye. Some believe carpal tunnel can be caused by extended keyboard use.

For a complete evaluation of your potential for Dry Eye Syndrome, or if you are experiencing symptoms now, contact Dr. Rick Marrotte at 561-487-3340 or visit his website at www.CustomVisionCare.com

DJID selected to design Pastrami Queen Deli in Boca Raton

2008-02-28T12:52:00.004-05:00

Debra Juliano, ASID, President of DJID Interior Design has been selected to complete the interior design and detailing for the new Pastrami Queen restaurant in Boca Raton. The concept is to be an upscale deli restaurant. Details include crown molding, wainscot panels and crystal chandeliers. The owners want to elevate your deli experience. Look for the opening sometime in late spring of this year. The restaurant is located on the northwest corner of Palmetto Park Road and Powerline Road.

DJID specializes in luxury residential and corporate projects with an emphasis on architectural detailing and personal attention to details. Their office is in Boca Raton and can be reached at 561-368-6367.

ATLANTIC COMMERCIAL GROUP ANNOUNCES LEASE SIGNING FOR NEW CVS

2008-02-18T10:50:00.004-05:00

Gary Broidis, Principal and Broker of Boca Raton based Atlantic Commercial Group, Inc., recently completed a long term lease for CVS Drugstores to occupy approximately 15,000 square feet at the southeast corner of Yamato Road and State Road 7 (U.S. 441) in Boca Raton, Florida. Per Mr. Broidis, this store will be located in the heart of West Boca Raton, which has experienced tremendous population and housing growth over the last ten (10) years.

The new CVS Drugstore will be located on a land parcel of approximately two (2) acres at the hard corner of the property that was formerly a county owned parcel. The property presented many obstacles with regard to site planning, zoning and land use issues, however, the owners of the property were extremely diligent and successful in obtaining all necessary governmental and local approvals.

Atlantic Commercial Group, Inc. specializes in the brokerage and development of retail and office properties in South Florida with additional services including national tenant representation, landlord representation and development consulting.

Contact Gary Broidis at 561-447-8610

Reverse Mortgages –Monday Morning Quarterbacking

2008-02-17T14:34:00.003-05:00

Monday morning quarterbacking is “what if” or “he should have…” discussion. Kurt Heide, President of American Pioneer Mortgage Services Inc. presents a review as to the benefits of a reverse mortgage.

Reverse mortgages are increasingly becoming an important consideration to families trying to meet the high costs of living in retirement. A reverse mortgage is a mortgage on your home which allows you (62 years-of-age and older) to use the equity in your home to receive money without having to pay it back as long as you or your spouse live in the house. The programs are designed to help seniors remain in their homes comfortably during their retirement years. Some of the current reverse mortgage products are guaranteed by the government and were designed after consultation with AARP and others. Several other reverse mortgage products have been developed by lenders which offer variations on the government programs.

A very good article on reverse mortgages was published in the January-February 2008 edition of the AARP bulletin. In that article they state that over 340,000 seniors have taken out a reverse mortgage through the HECM program offered by FHA. The increasingly popular programs have been used seniors to enrich their lives as indicated by the testimonials in the article.

NBC aired a program in January that was not very favorable to the reverse mortgage programs. Unfortunately, NBC tied the reverse mortgage program with an annuity program offered by an insurance company. They are two separate programs: one offered by a lender and the other by an insurance company. To obtain accurate information on reverse mortgages, consult with a reverse mortgage specialist. An insurance specialist can tell you the plusses and minuses of the annuity. Much of the negativity was focused on the annuity program.

NBC indicated that the costs of the HECM mortgage were very expensive. The costs are very similar to those of obtaining an FHA loan when you are buying a home. One of the major costs in a HECM loan is the 2% FHA mortgage insurance premium (MIP). This premium is charged on all FHA loans. With the reverse mortgage the MIP guarantees that FHA will continue with the payment terms of your agreement even if the lender declares bankruptcy. In today’s environment many would consider it a cheap price to pay for that security! The MIP also works to allow the lender to lend you more money because it also protects them if the home cannot be sold for sufficient funds to pay off the loan balance. Thus, even though the HECM program is more costly than other programs, most choose one of them because they can get more money and more money is usually what it is all about.

Now, back to the Monday morning quarterbacking; one of our neighbors recently died. She passed her condominium to her heirs. Over ninety percent of all inherited property is sold by the heirs as compared to those that retain possession (the number is closer to 100% in our neighborhood). The heirs placed the condominium on the market and received an offer of only $225,000. The heirs rejected this very low offer and sold it for a little more. Other heirs are having a difficult time selling their inherited property in the current market. When they cannot sell the property, they have the burden of carrying the expenses of that property. A reverse mortgage presents a viable option for seniors to pass more money on easily to their children.

In the first example above, the appraised value of the home was about $350,000. If the owner was 85 years-old, she could accomplish a Reverse Mortgage and take out a little over $267,000 if the property was not mortgaged (the amount would be reduced by any mortgage or liens on the property). This money would be tax free. This person could then distribute the funds as she sees fit. The owner should consult an estate attorney as how best to achieve her objectives in passing on the money while still alive. This program could also be used to reduce estate taxes (consult an estate attorney of financial planner).

Kurt Heide is president of American Pioneer Mortgage Services. He may be reached at 561-424-0522 x 225

Jeff Pasternack to serve on 1-800-GOT-JUNK?'s Franchise Advisory Council

2008-02-04T16:54:00.000-05:00

Jeff Pasternack from 1-800-GOT-JUNK? of Palm Beach County was elected to serve on 1-800-GOT-JUNK?'s Franchise Advisory Council. The role of this six-member council is to advise the franchisor of issues affecting the franchisees.

At the last annual franchise partners conference Jeff's South Palm Beach County franchise finished in the Top 3 for the Company Culture award and won the Best Customer Service award.

Dr Marrotte reports 2007 a record year for Paragon CRT®

2008-01-29T15:12:00.000-05:00

Paragon Vision Sciences, Inc., the manufacturer of Paragon CRT®, announced today that 2007 was a record year for its overnight corneal reshaping product. Increasing practitioner confidence in the safety of the modality and the expanding use of CRT as an effective answer to soft contact lens discomfort due to eye dryness are two of the main reasons.

“Being able to see without wearing any contact lens at all during waking hours seems to address this dry eye problem,” says Dr. Richard Marrotte. Dr. Marrotte was the first Certified Practitioner of Paragon CRT lenses in the Boca Raton area in 2002.

The Paragon CRT Diagnostic Dispensing System continues to provide practitioners with the ultimate in patient and practitioner effectiveness and convenience when fitting overnight corneal reshaping lenses and has been a strong reason international practitioners are leaving behind their other reshaping lens designs for Paragon CRT. Practitioners also report they have grown more comfortable in prescribing Paragon CRT for children and adolescents, a segment of the population that is rapidly emerging as a primary patient market throughout the world.

From Mesa, Arizona, Bill Meyers, Paragon Vision Sciences VP Science and Technology, commented; "We are extremely proud of our safety record in the field of overnight corneal reshaping and continue to make significant strides in driving practitioner education and patient compliance. There have only been ten adverse events reported to Paragon in the past six years, during which time we conservatively estimate there have been more than 200,000 man years of wear of the CRT lens. Our mission "to improve lives through better vision" enables eye care practitioners around the world to better serve their patients. Our family of materials and lenses with FDA market clearances and pre-market approvals are world renowned."

”Paragon Vision Sciences was the first company to gain FDA approval for overnight corneal reshaping for myopia with and without astigmatism,” explains Dr. Marrotte. “In addition, they were the first to collaborate with NASA to conduct research on gas permeable materials aboard three space shuttle missions spanning almost 10 years,” reports Dr. Marrotte.

For an Examination and consultation for Paragon CRT corneal Reshaping lenses, contact Dr. Richard Marrotte at www.CustomVisionCare.com or call 561-487-3340.

Jemstone Construction rallies to build Soup Kitchen in Boynton Beach

2008-01-26T15:26:00.000-05:00

Jemstone Construction is coordinating and overseeing an effort to expand the West Boynton Soup Kitchen on Boynton Beach Blvd. The Soup Kitchen, which currently serves over 500 meals a day to the homeless and the working poor, wants to expand.

“This is a project that's very close to my heart" says Michael Marzano, GC and President of Jemstone Construction Group. "A couple years ago my father passed away. During his wake, my three brothers and I learned that he was volunteering at a soup kitchen for many years and was the head chef for most of them. He did this without his family knowing and without any fanfare. He was a tremendous help to the kitchen and many of the people he volunteered with showed their respect and attended his funeral. I have been wanting to volunteer at a kitchen like this but for one reason or excuse, still had not. When the manager of the Boynton soup kitchen reached out to me for help in building this addition, I found myself thinking how God works in many ways to bring us peace and happiness."

And so Michael and his wife Debbie Marzano, VP of Jemstone, are asking the sub-contractors they already work with and others in the Palm Beach community to assist in this undertaking. The Marzanos already helped build a house for Habitat for Humanity, and know the challenge, but are confident that there are suppliers who will step up to the plate to donate materials and equipment and skilled labor to volunteer their time.

Michael recalls the satisfaction of volunteering on a project like this. "I remember having 20 to 25 volunteers from a local bank come out and lay sod. I had to show them which side faced the sun but they got the job done and I think they felt good at the end of the day."

Companies and volunteers are asked to call Debbie or Michael at Jemstone Construction, 561-742-5503

Action Courier Helps Feed Families in Need

2007-12-17T18:25:00.000-05:00

Action Courier Service helped provide holiday food for 185 families in southern Palm Beach County this weekend by trucking ten pallets of food from the Goodwill distribution center in West Palm Beach to Cason United Methodist Church in Delray Beach. Cross Ministries, on behalf of The Caring Kitchen, organized the pickup and distribution efforts of fresh and frozen food consisting of hams, bread, fruits and vegetables. Action Courier Service provided an expert driver and a 26 foot Freightliner truck with a lift gate. The families represent over 600 children and adults totaling around 1000 people.

Action Courier Service specializes in critical and rush delivery service from the Palm Beaches to all over Florida and beyond. BNI member Tom Arbuckle is President of Action Courier.

Frivolous Lawsuits, by Daniel L. Haverman, Esq.

2007-12-13T13:19:00.000-05:00

From the latest issue of the Haverman Law Firm newsletter.

When I go to dinner parties, nonprofit organization meetings or am on the golf course, folks always ask me why trial lawyers file frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits. “Don’t insurance companies raise our rates when they have to pay for those suites?” they ask.

Here’s my answer: Frivolous lawsuit claims are overblown. They’re circulated by powerful corporate interests that want to escape accountability for the dangerous products they market to the public. Government agencies that track civil suits report declining numbers.

The real problem is the insurance industry gouging physicians. Annual statements of the 15 targets companies handling malpractice insurance show that premium collections increased by 120 percent between 2000 and 2007, while claims rose by only 5.7 percent.

The rate of premium increase was 21 times greater than the rate of increase in claims payments during the same period. None of that has anything to do with lawsuits and everything to do with the insurance industry stuffing its pockets at the expense of the American public.

Daniel L. Haverman, attorney-at-law, practices in Boca Raton. The Haverman Law Firm focuses on Personal Injury and Family Law matters. They may be reached at 561-393-0404

BNI Bikers raise money during Christmas Toys in the Sun Run

2007-12-10T15:40:00.000-05:00

The Christmas Toys in the Sun Run snarled traffic along parts of Atlantic Boulevard, Interstate 95 and I-595 yesterday for over 3 hours. Sponsored by the South Florida President's Council, the 20th annual toy run attracted more than 30,000 toy-bearing riders from as far away as New York, Detroit and California.

Pictured left to right: Dr. Rick Marrotte, Debbie and Mike Marzano, Kurt Heide

The procession started at the Pompano Harness Track and ended at Markham Park in Sunrise. The motorcyclists riding on everything from wildly stretched choppers to traditional touring bikes took to the road, where they were greeted by waving spectators who had pulled up lawn chairs to watch the parade.

The toys are distributed to needy families across Broward County. Most of the money raised through the run benefits Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, a Hollywood facility known for successfully treating pediatric cancer patients.

Boca Raton BNI Business Exchange was well represented. Kurt Heide, president of American Pioneer Mortgage, Mike and Debbie Marzano of Jemstone Construction and Dr. Rick Marrotte, Optometrist from Boca Raton, all rode in the event.

“The weather was great and the number of bikers was incredible,” said Dr. Rick Marrotte who was riding in the event for the first time. “It’s gets bigger and bigger every year, “ said reverse mortgage specialist Kurt Heide.

DJID, INC. completes design for new Smile Express locations

2007-12-06T23:42:00.000-05:00

DJID, INC. (Debra Juliano Interior Design) has just completed the design detailing & specifications for three Smile Express locations, new teeth whitening facilities that will be located in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Wellington. The concepts are contemporary and high tech. Look for the projects to be completed between March & June of 2008. Future sites are being looked into in Aventura, Palm Beach Gardens and Westin.

DJID Inc. has just received several shipments of gift items in time for the holidays. They have candles, picture frames, serving pieces, decorative boxes. Many are priced from $10.00 to $50.00. They invite holiday shoppers to stop by and take a look at some holiday gift giving ideas. Their office is located at the southwest corner of Palmetto Park Road and AIA. Call (561) 368-6367.

Dr. Eric Mohr's Dental Practice receives award.

2007-11-25T13:33:00.000-05:00

Ameritas Group Dental and Eye Care has recognized Dean, Israel & Associates with a "VIP AWARD". They were voted top PPO provider by insured members for providing outstanding service during the Third Quarter 2007.

Eric Mohr, DMD, practices restorative, general and cosmetic dentistry at both the Boca Raton and Cooper City offices of Dean Israel Associates. For an appointment please call 561-368-0770.

1-800-GOT-JUNK adds GPS navigation and touch-screen computers

2007-11-14T17:08:00.000-05:00

1-800-GOT-JUNK?, the world's largest junk removal service, has rolled out its next generation of clean, shiny junk trucks. These trucks are equipped with GPS navigation and touch-screen computers that facilitate live and automated dispatch mapping services, credit card processing and two-way communication between local offices and the fleet. With these additions, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? has the most technologically-advanced fleet of junk trucks in the state, which will further enable them to continue to provide their customers with unparalleled customer service and support.

For more information, contact:

Jeff Pasternack, Franchise Partner
Serving Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach & West Palm Beach

Office 561.393.2880 Cell 561.376.9737
1-800-GOT-JUNK? To book an appointment call 1.800.468.5865 or on-line
at http://www.1800gotjunk.com/

Dr. Marrotte Reminds Everyone that November is Diabetes Awareness Month

2007-11-13T13:45:00.000-05:00

Dr. Rick Marrotte, Board Certified Optometric Physician,wants to remind everyone that November is Diabetes Awareness Month. According to the American Optometric Association's 2007 American Eye-Q® survey, more than 60 percent of adults know that diabetes is detectable through a comprehensive eye exam. However, only 32 percent of adults who do not wear glasses or contacts, have seen a doctor of optometry in the past two years. More than 21 million Americans have diabetes, and perhaps of even greater concern, more than 6 million Americans are unaware that they have the disease," said Dr. Marrotte. "In addition to overall health complications, diabetes can cause vision changes and ultimately lead to blindness."

Optometrists can serve as the first line of detection for diabetes, since the eye is the only place on the body that blood vessels can be seen without having to look through the skin. All individuals with known diabetes need to have dilated eye exams each year. "It is especially important for individuals who are at high risk for diabetes to visit an eye doctor regularly for dilated eye exams," said Dr. Marrotte.

According to the American Diabetes Association, an estimated 54 million Americans aged 40 to 74 (40.1 percent of the U.S. population in this age group) have pre-diabetes, a condition that puts them at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Early detection is critical in maintaining healthy vision. Additionally, several factors influence whether someone with diabetes develops diabetic retinopathy. These include controlling blood sugar control and blood pressure levels, the length of time with diabetes, race and family history.

For more information, contact Dr. Marrotte at 561-487-3340. You can also visit http://www.customvisioncare.com/ for more information or to make appointments.

Schooley Mitchell saves thousands for its clients

2007-11-01T06:44:00.000-04:00

Schooley Mitchell Telecom Consultant made the news in Ottawa, Canada, recently, when the television stationed learned of the thousands of dollars per month the firm was saving its clients. Albert Cacace, owner of the new South Florida office for Schooley Mitchell, says this story is repeated daily across North America.

“Schooley Mitchell now brings the collective knowledge and experience of all 70-plus offices to South Florida. And with Schooley Mitchell, you get truly independent and objective advice – because, unlike our competition, we are not incentivized by any telecom supplier,” says Mr. Cacace. “We work only for the client.”

The television interview can be viewed online at the following link:
http://www.schooleymitchell.com/gchartrand/chartrand_video.html

For more information contact Albert John Cacace, at 561-322-0048

Jemstone Construction earns Accolades

2007-10-30T00:35:00.000-04:00

Jemstone Construction builds houses in 60 days for investors. When most thought of this as impossible, Jemstone made it happen.

With Mike Marzano's 20 years of experience and knowledge as a general contractor he made sure nothing was compromised. Combining great management and precise scheduling, the job was finished to everyone's great satisfaction. No matter the cost of the project he works on he always pays attention to the details. Nothing is sacrificed in his effort to deliver the highest quality product.

With word-of-mouth referrals on the rise - including those from BNI - it's no wonder Jemstone Construction's business is taking off.

Here's a letter praising Jemstone's most recent accomplishment:

"I want to thank you for doing what thought was impossible. I just looked back at my records, and we received the building permit on our most recent 2 lots in Jupiter on August,2007. On October 29, 2007, we expect the CO for both of these homes, just 21/2 months after the building permit was received. I thought this was impossible but you did it.

"I also want to acknowledge how easy you made this for us. The project preparation and budgeting process was very clear and easy to understand. During construction, we appreciated all of the updates and progress reports. We also appreciated the quick recommendations and action when those not so expected issues came up.

"You made this process very easy for us, and all of us at Florida Affordable Houses,LLC, look forward to working with you in the future. "

Thank you,

Andrew Ziffer
Florida Affordable Houses, LLC
Chamblee, GA 30341

Nancy Suchoff addresses SBA's SCORE volunteers

2007-10-25T10:03:00.001-04:00

Nancy Suchoff, Snap Creative Group, had the pleasure of addressing the SBA's SCORE volunteers at their office in Delray Beach. This group of retired business owners and executives give generously of their time and talent to mentor small business owners as they start-up or aim to expand. Working for no fee and confidentially, each volunteer counsels primarily in their own specific area of expertise. The Delray Beach office is one of nearly 400 nationwide established to help entrepreneurs.

Her presentation was on the cost effectiveness of online pay-per-click vs. traditional yellow pages advertising. By demonstrating how a retailer would have to spend over $10,000 a year in the Real Yellow Pages (a "dollar bill size" ad) to reach consumers from Delray Beach to Deerfield Beach, it would be far more cost effective for most businesses to establish a local pay-per-click program with Google or Yahoo to drive traffic to their websites. A flooring store, for example, could develop pay-per-click campaigns for a variety of products - rugs, tile, laminate, restoration, etc. whereas each Yellow Page section would require either a separate ad or a referral to the main ad. The Yellow Book's ads cost less, but their circulation is smaller.

While the Internet Yellow Pages saw growth in 2006, usage of print Yellow Pages declined 7.6 percent. In contrast, roughly 750 million people worldwide over the age 15 conducted a search on the Internet in August, according to data released by comScore's qSearch 2.0 service. (Data: SearchEngineWatch.com)

As more and more people turn to the Internet to search for local goods and services, Nancy demonstrated how most new businesses would be wise to devote a smaller amount of their marketing budget to Yellow Pages in favor of Internet advertising that would likely reap a stronger return. She was pleased to provide the SCORE volunteers with this information so their clients can make smarter decisions in preparing their business plans and marketing strategies.

Snap Creative Group (formerly Suchoff Marketing Communications) provides businesses and professionals with solutions for Internet, interactive and print marketing.

Ticktin Rodriquez PA win trial in Sanford

2007-10-14T11:07:00.000-04:00

Peter Ticktin and Jamie Sasson of Ticktin Rodriguez, P.A. (legalbrains.com) returned on Friday from a trial in Sanford, Florida.

The case was based on the following facts: In 2005, a nanny (who worked for a very successful realtor in Sanford, FL) and her husband (a hard-working laborer) were manipulated and tricked into transferring their house into the realtor’s name so that he could obtain a better mortgage at a lower rate, and hold the property for them. In fact, they never knew that there was to be a closing until the evening before it was scheduled when they were told that they had to do go through with it or that the marshals would come to take their house and put them and their children on the street on Monday unless they let the realtor save their home. Shortly after the closing, the realtor wanted the couple to sign a lease, and this was when they realized that they had been duped.

Ticktin Rodriguez acting for the Nanny and her husband brought suit for fraud, constructive fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and civil theft.

On this last Thursday evening, after a 4-day trial, a jury returned a verdict. The nanny and her husband won on all counts for the full value that was sought in the lawsuit.

Apollo Transportation shows support for troops

2007-10-11T00:54:00.000-04:00

As a young couple in love and on a military budget, South Florida natives,
Heather Cannone and Marine Corps Sergeant, Jonathan Mogollon, knew two things about their upcoming wedding plans; they wanted it to be really special and they needed it to fit in their budget.

The couple, who now reside in Oceanside, California, were introduced to each other six years ago by Jonathan’s brother. Jonathon’s stay at Camp Pendleton, a base near San Diego, California is what led them away from Florida to begin with, but upon Sgt. Mogollon’s return from duty in Iraq in September 2006, the two were ready to begin their wedding plans back in Florida.

“We knew we wanted to come back to Florida for our wedding,” the couple said. “Both of our families are here and we thought it would be easier for us to come home rather than have everyone fly out to California. Besides, this is where it all started!”

Heather began the process of securing all the wedding details. While looking on line for limo transportation, she found Apollo Transportation Services and she emailed them immediately and requested a military discount. Soon after, she received a response from Rebekah Urbina, President of the company, who extended an offer the two could not refuse. Apollo Transportation offered to provide the transportation for their wedding for free.

“There’s a lot of stress that comes along with planning a wedding, not to mention the stress of dealing with war,” said Rebekah. “We just decided that it would be nice to take one stressful thing off their plate.”

“Of course we weren’t expecting this to be free, we were just excited about a military discount! The experience I have had with Apollo has just been wonderful,” said Heather.

Sergeant Mogollon couldn’t agree more. “It really says a lot about a company that would go to that length to honor its civil servants. We couldn’t believe it.”

Both Heather and Jonathan have been very moved by the experience so far.

“After receiving Heather and Jonathan’s request we really felt that this would be an opportunity to make a statement,” said Mauricio, VP of Ops. “‘Enough is enough!’ With all the political nonsense that we are all being bombarded with surrounding the war in Iraq, here’s our chance to focus on something positive that would honor the men and women who serve our country so loyally.” Although Apollo does support various events, programs and fundraisers throughout the year, the arena of civil services really hit home for the team. “Each of us knows someone who serves in the military or as firefighter, police officer, teacher or any of the other jobs that are so easily taken for granted,” continued Mauricio. Apollo will be honoring a different division of civil
service every month.

“The entire Apollo team is excited to launch this program that gives back to the community and it is our hope that this small gesture will inspire other businesses to follow suit,” Urbina added.

“I really want to say a great big thank you for all the time and attention Apollo has given us,” stated Sgt. Mogollon. “It’s more than just knowing that we won’t have to worry about the details of our transportation or that it won’t cost us anything. For a company to be willing to do something like this for us, I feel they really understand that as a marine and a marine family, we do sacrifice time and liberty to do what we are called to do. I don’t even know these people and we feel so appreciated by them. It makes me just want to do my job better if these are the people I’m working for.”

The couple will be chauffeured, courtesy of Apollo Transportation Services to the Delray Beach Golf Club in Palm Beach County where the wedding will take place on Sunday, October 21. From there, they will honeymoon in the Florida Keys.

Apollo Transportation Services, a leader in the transportation industry since 1988 is located in Boca Raton, Florida and provides service nationwide. You can contact them at 561-278-8000 or online at www.apollotransportation.com.