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Career Academies Create Pipeline of Emerging Talent

June 13th, 2015 · Leave a Comment

workforce-planning

Based on a recent article by JAXUSA Partnership, workforce availability, over and above incentives or other factors, is driving the decision-making process for companies looking at Northeast Florida for relocation or expansion. Companies look to the pipeline of emerging talent to identify the talent they need to be successful. The region’s robust system of career academies in our school districts provides evidence of this pipeline.

Today, there are 93 career academies tied to our region’s targeted industries. Fifteen of them are considered model academies as rated by the National Career Academy Coalition.

In Nassau County, the school district is partnering with Cook Systems to provide Java training, the first of its kind in Florida. As the district is able to create a steady pipeline of Java developers, technology companies in search of a skilled workforce will have an available talent base from which to hire.

Read More About Career Academies

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Attend Home Buyers Free Expo June 27

June 12th, 2015 · Leave a Comment

Home Buyers Expo

 

Looking to buy a new home but don’t know where to start? Attend the Homes by The Florida Times-Union Home Buyers Expo on Saturday, June 27, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the University of North Florida University Center at 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32224. Don’t miss this opportunity to have  home buying questions answered in one place.

Learn about hot topics in home buying at the educational speaker series or meet with top industry experts in real estate, home building, lending and more! Whether you are a first-or second-time home buyer, relocating or investing, this is the event to attend.

Free admission! Free parking! For directions, click here.

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Shawn Coe joins Madeira at St. Augustine Sales Team

June 11th, 2015 · Leave a Comment

Shawn Coe May 2015

Shawn Coe

elacora has announced that Shawn Coe has joined the sales team for Madeira at St. Augustine, a master-planned community within the city limits of St. Augustine.

“We are delighted that Shawn has joined the strong on-site sales team at Madeira,” said Victoria Robbins, exclusive agent for elacora Northeast Florida. “He is a powerhouse sales person and brings more than 20 years of distinguished experience selling new homes.”

He has accumulated a resume of successful sales efforts throughout Florida with builders of master-planned communities, luxury condominiums and golf and country club communities. His former career as a builder gives him a unique perspective to explain new homes. The Madeira at St. Augustine sales team of Shawn Coe and Brenda Harris has achieved significant results at Madeira by focusing on building and maintaining lasting customer relationships.

Madeira at St. Augustine has several move-in ready homes available and is currently offering a choice of buyer incentives: Seller paid closing costs or $5,000 prepayment of CDD fees.

The Madeira neighborhood, conveniently located on U.S. 1 north of St. Augustine, offers well-appointed homes which feature tile roofs, energy efficient construction and solar panels plus innovative designs and included features which will surprise and delight the most discerning buyers. Elacora is offering two different floor plan collection ranging in size from 1,797 to more than 3,000 square feet. Both collections are designed for active Florida lifestyles and include membership in the community’s private Residents Club. Portada collection homes start in the mid-$200’s and Serena Collection homes start in the low $300’s.

The sales office is open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Call (904) 484-9024 or visit www.elacora.com to schedule an appointment to tour the community’s showcase homes or for additional information.

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Discover the New Southeast Building Conference

June 10th, 2015 · Leave a Comment

Currently celebrating 37 years in the industry, The Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) is the largest building industry trade show in the southeast. As the premier trade event, the SEBC includes outstanding educational programs featuring three days of hard-hitting seminars, networking opportunities, round table discussions and industry briefings.

The 2015 SEBC is a two-day (July 17-18) Expo Show and a three-day (July 16-18) networking, professional development and continuing education conference for anyone and everyone working in the building industry. It will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

The conference’s new format will include Residential and Commercial Construction Educational Sessions and two days of Expo Hall.

Attend the event to make personal connections with leading industry professionals by meeting face-to-face with over 250 manufacturers and suppliers showcasing an astounding array of innovative products. For 37 years, the SEBC has been the place where the building industry comes together to learn, plan and network. Educational programs target the core issues driving businesses today. Choose from a variety of educational options, including continuing education (CEUs), and sessions that cover important construction-related subjects such as Hurricane Mitigation, energy efficient design, sustainability and leadership.

Individual registration to attend the Exhibit Hall on July 17-18 is $15; registration for the conference (including entrance to the Exhibit Hall) is $79. For more information and to register to attend, visit: http://sebcshow.com/attendee-registration/

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NEFBA Apprenticeship Enrollment Underway Through July 17

June 9th, 2015 · Leave a Comment

NEFBA-logo

The Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA) is now accepting applications for its 2015-2016 Apprenticeship Program through July 17, 2015.

Applicants should apply in person at the NEFBA office Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or the evenings of June 10, June 17 and July 8 at 7 p.m.

The NEFBA office is located at 103 Century 21 Drive, Suite 100, Jacksonville 32216.

For more than 40 years, the NEFBA Apprenticeship Program has trained qualified applicants on a career path in the construction industry. Upon completion of the four-year, earn-while-you-learn program, an apprentice graduate is skilled in a construction trade as a carpenter, electrician, plumber or heating and air-conditioning technician.

The program combines on-the-job training as well as extensive technical instruction. Participating NEFBA member employers pay apprentice tuition and salary.

For more information on how the Apprenticeship Program will benefit your company, contact Penelope Geismar at (904) 421-0297 or email [email protected].

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elacora’s new homes in The Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach designed for unique Florida neighborhood

June 8th, 2015 · Leave a Comment

elacora is building a limited number of single-family homes in The Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach and has opened its beautifully-decorated show home for tours.

“Our homes were designed for this premier golf and beach club community,” said Victoria Robbins, exclusive agent for elacora Northeast Florida. “Our new showhome on Hollyhock Lane was designed to provide a spectacular example of the unique lifestyle awaiting homeowners at The Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach.”

The Muirfield showhome is one of four custom-designed plans available. The team at Barbara Ondo Designs worked closely with elacora to select features, colors and finishes to furnish and decorate the home located at the Hollyhock corner.

exterior of showhome 6 2 15 (2)

elacora’s showhome in The Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach has been extensively decorated, furnished and landscaped and is open for tours.

Several new elacora homes will be available for move-in this year. The Medinah design is being built next to the showhome and will be ready for move-in later this summer. Plans are designed with three-car garages and options for bonus spaces, gathering rooms, office space or media rooms. The new homes are priced from $624,900 and are suited for the Florida coastal lifestyle. The open floor plans range in size from 2,600 square feet to more than 3,800 square feet. Homebuyers may choose from beautiful finishes, the latest in home design and energy-efficient features.

elacora’s homes are being built adjacent to a new community park, featuring an open air pavilion, a large fenced-in playground, full-sized croquet court and an open space for informal sports and activities. The park, and many other additions and renovations, are part of a multi-million dollar enhancement plan underway at The Plantation.

“We are thrilled to learn that the Plantation’s owners have approved a comprehensive facilities improvement plan,” said Robbins. “In addition to the park, the beach club will be renovated and the golf course will be revitalized.”

Plantation Golf Course 3

An 18-hole championship golf course designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay is strategically situated at The Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach community.

The Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach is located off State Road A1A in St. Johns County. The community boasts an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, a tennis center with seven Har-Tru® tennis courts and a private beach club that is a 10-minute bike ride from the front gate. A junior Olympic-size swimming pool is featured at the beach club and the 25,000 square-foot Plantation House has several dining options and a fitness center.

Plantation Beach House with Ocean 6 2 15 v2

A private beach club for residents at The Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach community is a short bike ride from the front gate and boasts a junior Olympic-size swimming pool adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean.

The fitness center provides a complete workout circuit with both weight resistance and cardiovascular machines. Outfitted with Cybex weight equipment, the center includes a Precor cardiovascular theater and a free weight section. A full schedule of exercise classes in a range of disciplines is available at this center that is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Lynette Dineen leads the sales effort for the new elacora homes being built at The Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach. Dineen has extensive experience with luxury home sales having previously sold out Old San Jose on the River.

The sales office is located in the gatehouse at The Plantation’s A1A entrance at 101 Plantation Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach, and is staffed seven days a week. For more information, call (904) 484-9023 or visit www.elacora.com.

 

 

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Vistakon, Fanatics and Safariland all Choose to Expand in JAX

June 7th, 2015 · Leave a Comment

jax

Vistakon, a division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. is continuing to expand operations in Jacksonville pending approval of local incentives, as reported in the JAXUSA Partnership newsletter. The company selected Jacksonville over Ireland to grow its manufacturing capabilities, which will add significant capacity and R&D technology in the region. The more than $300 million investment will support the design and development of new products for the global market. In addition to the significant capital investment, the project will add 100 new jobs.

This project will allow Jacksonville, and the state, to be the location for all new product introduction. The new R&D facility will support development of the latest contact lenses and special materials associated with the manufacturing process.

Fanatics, one of the top 50 global internet retail companies, is investing $10 million to expand its local IT footprint. The project will add 80 new jobs in the headquarters and IT space. These very high-wage IT jobs will be advancing the technology for mobile device purchasing of Fanatics products around the world.

Safariland, a leader and innovator in the law enforcement industry, is expanding its operations in Jacksonville. The company is investing $1 million in facility upgrades and new manufacturing equipment. This project will add 30 new jobs to our region.

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New All-Inclusive Real Estate Website

June 6th, 2015 · Leave a Comment

cropped_518201574816-copy-userphotos_dir_kristindoakesphotol

Realtor Kristin Doakes

Kristin Doakes, of Watson Realty Corp.’s Ponte Vedra Office, has launched a newly revised, state of the art website, www.KristinDoakes.com, a site offering many valuable resources for various real estate needs.

The new website will be of tremendous value to prospective sellers and buyers of residential property, especially in the Ponte Vedra and Nocatee areas.

“This is a cutting edge internet site far superior to anything in the marketplace,” said Kristin Doakes, the Real Estate and Marketing Professional leading the brand. “My goal is to create an all-inclusive site where customers at any stage or interest in the real estate process can have all of the tools they need, in addition to my expertise, to assist them in making an intelligent decision.”

Some of the site features include:

  • Search for homes currently for sale. If customers know exactly what they want in a home, use the VIP Home Finder, as it’s available, a customized report will be sent.
  • For potential buyers interested in Nocatee, Ponte Vedra’s newest master planned community and the third fastest growing community in the U.S., there’s a special section for only Nocatee homes.
  • For buyers who are budgeting or are ready to buy, there are a variety of calculators available, including a household budget, mortgage and rent calculators.
  • Sellers can get an approximate Instant Home Value or request a home value report by entering their home’s details and Kristin will provide the best value using the latest technology and her vast real estate market expertise.
  • For buyers relocating or living outside of the Jacksonville area, Watson Realty offers Relocation Services, using a network of over 170,000 network associates in 38 countries through Leading Real Estate Companies of the World to find a trusted agent in any area.
  • Rent to Own with a unique program designed for buyers to move into their dream home, with less than perfect credit, with “A” rated schools, especially in St. Johns County, the third highest ranked school district in Florida.
  • There are Resources including F.A.Q.’s, a full Real Estate Glossary and the latest Real Estate Market News from Realtor.com.

Kristin Doakes has been a business owner and a marketing professional for more than 13 years, has worked in commercial real estate for more than six years, and joined the Watson Ponte Vedra team early this year, specializing in the Nocatee area where she calls home.

Kristin can be reached at [email protected] or direct at 904.476.3721.

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Metropolitan Market Success – Demand Outpacing Supply in Key Areas

June 5th, 2015 · Leave a Comment

1903_Woodmere

1903 Woodmere Drive, Jacksonville

The neighborhoods of Avondale, Ortega, Riverside and San Marco are some of the most popular areas to live in Northeast Florida. Majestic moss-draped oaks, turn of the century architecture and the beautiful St. Johns River complement these charming neighborhoods that exude history, culture, character and community.

“These historically rich neighborhoods are close to downtown and offer a wide range of homes and condominiums within walking distance of parks, shopping, dining and entertainment,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Founder, President and CEO Linda Sherrer. “From picturesque bungalows to magnificent estates to new condominiums, these neighborhoods offer great appeal to single professionals and families alike.”

1359 S  Edgewood Ave

1359 Edgewood Ave. S., Jacksonville

The demand for homes in these neighborhoods is strong. As reported by the Northeast Florida Multiple Listing Service (MLS), new listings in the Riverside/Avondale/Ortega region increased five percent in January through April 2015 over the same period in 2014. The most dramatic increase is seen in properties priced from $100,000 to $300,000, which has shown a 16 percent increase in sales over the previous year.

The news is even better for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty’s Metropolitan offices, located in Avondale and San Marco, which are outpacing the market by nearly 30 percent. The offices’ sales volume is up 26 percent over the first four months of 2015 and is 39 percent higher in units sold over the same time period in 2014.

“Our agents working with both buyers and sellers are seeing a significant increase in multiple offers in every price category,” said Sheron Willson, Broker/Manager of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Metropolitan offices. “Today’s properties that are positioned properly in the marketplace sell within 90 days.”

2761+Herschel+St

2761 Herschel St., Jacksonville

Located in the Shoppes of Avondale and in San Marco Square, the award-winning Metropolitan offices are home to the area’s most successful Realtors. The offices have ranked for five consecutive years nationally among the network’s top-producing offices in the Southeast Region. Locally, they have earned accolades including 2014 Top Company Office awards in numerous categories including tops in listings, sales, transactions and production. Members of the offices are well known for their support and participation in charitable events and organizations in their community.

“Our award-winning agents in our Avondale/San Marco offices have played an integral part in helping our company be the Northeast Florida market leader,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Broker/Executive Vice President Christy Budnick. “I encourage everyone interested in First Coast metropolitan-style living to contact one of our experienced agents.”

Connect with the best by visiting www.FloridaNetworkRealty.com.

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Supports On the Move Luncheon

June 4th, 2015 · Leave a Comment

BHHS Metropolitan Offices

The real estate professionals at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty recently went ‘on the move’ to support an important community event and one of their own.

Associates from the company’s Metropolitan offices, which serve the communities of Avondale, Riverside, Ortega, San Marco and San Jose, attended the Jacksonville On the Move Luncheon benefitting the North Florida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society. The team attended in honor of Margee Michaelis, a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Realtor and a member of the North Florida Chapter Board of Trustees.

“Our team is passionately committed to supporting their colleagues as well as community organizations and charitable events,” said Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Founder, President and CEO Linda Sherrer. “The luncheon is an outstanding event and raises vital funds to benefit the thousands of people across Northeast Florida who are affected by multiple sclerosis.”

More than 200 people attended the luncheon at the Jacksonville Garden Club, where they enjoyed a delicious meal, an inspiring message from guest speaker Dawn Emerick and networking. Monies raised will be used to help people with MS live their best lives through ground-breaking research and local services.

“We were thrilled to support Margee and the Jacksonville On the Move Luncheon,” said Sheron Willson, Managing Broker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Metropolitan offices. “Multiple sclerosis can strike anyone at any age. We recognize the importance of raising money for research to find new treatments and a cure for the disease.”

Michaelis is one of many who lives with MS, which attacks the central nervous system. She was diagnosed with MS nearly 30 years ago.

“The support that comes from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty means so much to me,” said Michaelis. “I appreciate the company’s support and involvement to make a difference in the lives of millions of people who live with MS.”

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