BrevardBrevard BusinessBusiness BBNBBN NewsNews Vol.Vol. 3820 No. 144 NovemberJanuary 2, 7, 2020 2002 $1.00 A Weekly Space$1.00 Coast Business Magazine with PublishingA Weekly Roots Space in Coast America Publication since 1839 BrevardGrowing up inJob poverty Link shaped key attorney Edmond; runs for Brevard Sheriff in the state of Florida during their day. By Ken Datzman “I wanted to see some things changed. resource connectingMonths passed and no one stepped up to COCOA — Alton Edmond, a rising run against him. So it looked like he was community leader in Brevard County, going to run uncontested again. As the firmsgrew up in the southcentral and Florida townjobfiling deadlineseekers approached, I said if no one of Harlem, an economically challenged else will run, I will. I don’t like the game of community outside of Clewiston on the accesspolitics. to Over America’s the years, Job BankI’ve watched and other on Bywest Ken shore Datzman of Lake Okeechobee. Life was employmenttelevision how Web nasty sites, national videos, politics career can not easy for him as a youngster. guidebooksbe, and now and it’s anstarting in–depth to come collection down toof The“At anvisibility early age, of t heI became Brevard aware Job Linkthat I periodicals,the local level including in communities. “The Wall I’m Street always gotwas a bigpoor,” boost said in Edmond, 2001. who is a graduate Journal.”optimistic, upbeat. That’s my personality.” of Thethe University continuing of contraction Florida in Gainesville in the TheWhile centers attending also have Clewiston computers High School, economy,and the Florida although A&M a rebound University is expected College of equippedof which he w ithis aword–processing 2007 honors graduate software, and inLaw 2002, in Orlando. focused a“I much knew brighterwe lived lightin on faxwas machines, in the top copiers, 10 percent laser to printers,his class, and thepoverty. importance We had of roaches the organization and mice in and our telephonesEdmond worked with long–distanceas a McDonald’s access. crew A itshouse. mission We inhad the no county. air conditioning. We had videoconferencemember. system is available, noThe cable four television full–service, and some one–stop of the career other which“I learned may be someused fthingsor conductin workingg at centersthings that in Brevard kids enjoyed.” — from Palm Bay to interviews.McDonald’s Corp. For one, I learned that TitusvilleHe added, — handled “But I’m significantl glad I facedy those attitudeEmployers, is really said important. South, can I worked provide the increasedchallenges traffic, because even it better catering prepared to peopl mee tdrive–thruhe Job Link and with I had its openings fun doing f reeit. Custom- of whofor life.” have never had a need to tap this chargeers would either leave online, tips for by mefax orat phone,the window. resourceEdmond, before. who is involved with Big visitI didn’t one run of the the centers drive–thru “or theylike a can typical ask Brothers“It’s been Big a Sisters great yearand otherin that nonprofits we have forMcDonald’s a representative crew member. to come If anda customer see in Brevard, says he wants “to continue to came through when I was working, he or been able to get services out to people them at their place of business. We make a positive impact in the community. she might hear me put on my announcer quicker and more efficiently than ever would like to see every single job order in Growing up in a single–parent household voice: ‘Ladies and gentlemen, Alton before,”without saidmy father, Linda South,there were executive a lot of BrevardEdmond Countyhere. Welcome to be in to the McDonald’s!’ Job Link directorthings I ofmissed the organization. — in terms of She a role added, model, “I system,When I sodid that things we canlike rapidlythat, customers match thinkin terms a lot of more a mentor, people in have terms come of someone to skillloved sets. it.” And if we don’t have the match understandto look up to. the Mentoring value of theand rich helping re- we’llAt use Clewiston the information High School, to create he partici- sourceschildren that as a are volunteer available are in my the priorities. Brevard It educationpated in wrestling, and training football, opportunities track, and that Jobwasn’t Link until centers, I was not in highonly school,from a thatjob– I arecross responsive country. Edmond to the need. said” he was not seeker’sstarted being standpoint surrounded but also by frommentors. the lookingBrevard for athleticJob Link scholarships, is funded through but employer’sThey had a standpoint. positive impact” on my life. I theprobably Brevard could Development have wrestled Workforce at the college BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth wantThese to do information–packed the same for young centerspeople in Boardlevel. Inc. in Rockledge. It also has been The four full–service one–stop career centers of Brevard Job Link are seeing increased traffic. Linda South, our community.” “But I quit the wrestling team my offer a variety of services to job seekers, successful in winning competitive grants executive director, said her organization is a rich resource for both the job seeker as well as the employer. businessesEdmond and is also the unemployed.a member of “Tied For senior year, after competing three years Michael Anderson is associate director. They are at the Melbourne site in Perimeter Center. instance,Together tofhere the areSpace job Coast referrals, Inc.” Internet and has prior.Please That see was Brevard one of several Job Link, adult page 18 taught young men how to tie neckties at decisions I had to make at a young age. We nearly every middle school and high school didn’t have a computer or internet access in Brevard. in our home when I was finishing my WhatThe mission the of Tied TogetherSocial “is to Securitysenior year in high school. plan And because wouldof mean to you influence men in their early adult develop- that,Nothing I had willto go happen to the library immediately to fill out The 16–member panel unanimously Byment Mary toward Deibel a positive self–image and sincecollege President applications. Bush During isn’t expected the wrestling to approved these options three weeks ago Scrippsself–worth, Howard building Service confidence to stand makeseason, any we recommendations had tournaments everyto Congress to carry out Bush’s campaign pledge to tall as an individual.” Tied Together untilweekend. 2003, We after would the 2002 be out congressional of town, which let younger workers divert some of the mentors are professionals in the commu- would have prevented me from using the Here’s what to expect if Social elections. 6.2 percent payroll tax they owe on BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth nity like Edmond. The program reaches library’s computers.” Security is changed so that younger Basic Social Security checks would be wagesAttorney to Altonindividual Edmond accounts of Edmond that Law own in Cocoa Village was raised by a single mother in the teens through direct one–on–one relation- Soon, Edmond was on his way to workers can invest some of their payroll smaller than called for in current law. stockssouthcentral and bonds. Florida Town of Harlem, an economically challenged community outside Clewiston. His ships. The youngsters are taught simple Gainesville, having been accepted at the mother read books to him, ones she wrote herself, when he was a child. He learned to read at a young taxyet money essential in privatelife skills accounts, such as tying as ties, DependingUniversity ofon Florida. market performance, total Workers who opted to take part would President Bush’s Social Security Com- benefits from Social Security plus your chooseage, which from allowed the five him low–risk to excel funds,in school. one He is a graduate of the University of FloridaBREVARD and Florida shaking hands, and interacting with “It was a little bit of a culture shock, but A&M University’s College of Law. Edmond is trying his hand at politics for the first time. He’s running missionpeople. “There proposed is a abig few need weeks in ago.Brevard personalI was incredibly account excited. could be My higher mother or eachas a forDemocrat government for Brevard bonds, County corporate Sheriff. PRESORTED CountyCurrent for retireesrole models, and andthose I want nearing to be lower.dropped me off at the University of Florida bonds and a stocks–and–bonds mix, plus
BUSINESS retirementpart of that,” — saidanyone Edmond. 55 or older today as Thea 17–year–old commission in 2007.plans Whencall for I extra walked two stock–index funds that track the US — wouldAside getfrom Society his law Security practice, benefits Edmond as is taxinto money my dorm of up room, to $71 to me billion it was a year like and broader market.32904 Workers could change
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INC. three–accountwere among the alternatives best high school the Free wrestlers benefitsPlease through see 2038 Alton and Edmond, 73 percent page of 23 account. Nothing else changes, and Lunch, the Blue–Plate Special and the benefits thereafter if the system isn’t Subsidized Lunch. changed. Please see Social Security, page 16 BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com Space Coast FPRA recognizes local public relations professionals in socially distanced awards ceremony Chamber of Commerce tion Planning Organization. By Sara Shell The Communicator of the Year Award is presented to a Additionally, the FPRA recognized the Space Coast [email protected] member or organization in the community who exhibited Chapter with two President’s Awards for the 2019–2020 Space Coast FPRA outstanding efforts throughout the year. Area Chambers of year: Communication and PR, and Networking. Commerce were selected as this year’s joint awardee due to In September, Space Coast FPRA, with help from In virtual and socially distanced events, the Space the exemplary work and community support throughout FPRA State President Alyson Gernert, APR, CPRC, Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association the COVID–19 pandemic. formally installed its Board of Directors for the 2020–2021 recently named its top public relations and communica- l 2020 Rising Star — Rachel Horst year. Board members are: tions professionals. The awardees are: The Rising Star Award is presented to FPRA members l Past President: Sara Almond, APR, Brevard Public l 2020 Dick Baumbach PR Professional of the Year — of fewer than three years who have made significant Schools Sara Almond, APR contributions to the chapter and are interested in or are l President: Autumn Shrum, APR, L3Harris The Space Coast FPRA’s highest honor is presented to already involved with the chapter board. They are also l President–Elect: Nina Salvaggio, APR, Lockheed an active and committed FPRA member in recognition of actively pursuing more leadership roles within the chapter. Martin the member’s contribution of time, energy, enthusiasm and Horst, a digital communications coordinator, is a shining l Programming Chair: Melissa Breckenridge, Health skill to the field of public relations. Almond is a community example of a leader on the rise. Horst serves as Image First relations specialist with Brevard Public Schools, and Awards Chair for the Space Coast FPRA Board of Direc- l VP of Membership: Abby Hemenway, Space Coast serves as immediate past president for the Space Coast tors. TPO FPRA Board of Directors. l President’s Award — Abby Hemenway l VP of Communications: Sara Shell, Space Florida l 2020 Communicators of the Year — Space Coast Area The President’s Award is given to a board member for l Communications Chair: Heather McFarland, United Chambers of Commerce: Titusville Area Chamber of their distinguished chapter service — someone who goes Launch Alliance Commerce, Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce, above and beyond in his or her role. Hemenway is the l Treasurer: Kelly Haskins, Launch Federal Credit Melbourne Regional Chamber and the Greater Palm Bay public involvement officer for the Space Coast Transporta- Union l Co–Treasurer: Elizabeth Counsman, PracticeWise l Secretary: Susan Houts, Aging Matters in Brevard l VP of Image Awards: Cheryl Mall, City of Melbourne l Image Awards Chair: Rachel Horst, City of Cocoa l Special Events Chair: Jeni Szmidt, Health First l Member–at–Large: Matt Reed, Curley & Pynn Public Relations Management l Member–at–Large: Katherine Allen, Brevard Public Schools The FPRA is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida. For additional information about the Space Coast Doug Wilson Chapter of FPRA, visit www.SpaceCoastFPRA.com. Annual Holiday Craft Show to open Nov. 2 Fifth Avenue Art Gallery’s 38th annual Designers’ new ad emailed Holiday Craft Show is gearing up to open on Nov. 2. There will be new crafters this year along with some returning beloved artisans. An opening reception will be held from 5:30–8:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6. The event is part of Eau Gallie Arts District First Friday celebration. This exhibit will remain open through Jan. 2. FULL COLOR Fifth Avenue Art Gallery is located in the Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne. All events are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The gallery is closed on Christmas Day. For further information on this event, call (321) 259–8261 or visit www.fifthavenueartgallery.com. Diane Jablonsky of FTC is guest speaker The League of Women Voters of the Space Coast invites the Brevard community to attend a Hot Topics presenta- tion on “How to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft.” Diane Jablonsky, a paralegal specialist at the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection National Uniform Mart agency, will be the guest speaker. This free Zoom event is Uniform Mart from 5:30–7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12. The program is pick up BBN pick up BBN open to the public. Featuring Barco Uniforms In addition to doing consumer outreach, Jablonsky, a www.NationalRealtyFla.com10/19/20 10/12/20 14–year FTC veteran, assists attorneys and investigators Serving Brevard Since 1965 Uniforms Shoes Accessories preparing cases for filing in federal court. Attendees will have the opportunity to pose questions to Jablonsky. Melbourne Office: 723-1400page Palm10 Bay Office: 725-8120 "We Dresspage The 16 Pros" The registration deadline is at 12 p.m. on Nov. 12. Early Indialantic Office: 724-2300 Viera Office: 259-2993 Melbourne Shopping Center registration is recommended as space is limited. To Relocation: 725-1500 Commercial: 723-3664 1387 S. Babcock Steet register, go to https://lwvsc.clubexpress.com. A Zoom link FULL COLOR FULL COLOR will be sent to registrants 24 hours before the event. For 321-676-0000 more information on this program, call (321) 254–7183. BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 2 Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information NOVEMBER 2, 2020 BBN BREVARDParamount BUSINESS Riverfront NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com
1435 - 1465 S. Harbor City Blvd. MelbourneParamount FL 32901 1 Block North of Hibiscus Blvd. 68 Direct Riverfront Luxurypick Residences up BBN Near Downtown Melbourne 9/21/20 From $509,900.00page 7 Jack Jeffcoat Two distinctive floorplans available on floors 2 - 9FULL COLOR 321-473-5858 10th floor offers 2 Penthouses Recreation building features kitchen and activity room [email protected] Riverfront heated swimming pool and bathrooms Under building parking with direct lobby access Secure lobby entrance with tele-entry system Private residence access, perimeter wall Sales Center located at Designer kitchen with upgraded cabinets 5815 US1, Ste. 3 Granite countertops and beverage center Rockledge, FL 32955 Full kitchen appliance package with washer and dryer Private balconies on all residences with direct riverviews TheParamountRiverfront.Com Digital programmable thermostat - prewired for cable
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NOVEMBER 2, 2020 Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising Information BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 3 BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com ‘I am speaking’ is phrase women connect with — too often they get interrupted ately affects women’s success in the workplace. I want to be clear that I’m not placing the blame solely By Ashley Colquhoun There have been articles, conversations and even on men. I, too, have found myself in the past generalizing UCF Forum columnist memes with the many different adjectives we use to women to be emotional, gossipy and combative. I have University of Central Florida describe male and female leaders. While men are more thought that if a woman leader holds her emotions in, she often described as analytical, athletic and dependable; is being cold. If she expresses her feelings, she is emo- Have you ever attended a meeting where you have your women are more likely to have characteristics described as tional. I realized that having those thoughts only enable notebook, pen and list of ideas that you know will grab compassionate, enthusiastic, energetic and organized. others to have them as well. everyone’s attention? You have been waiting for the right Most people hate to admit it, but women, especially those Nobody should generalize women and their presumed time to raise your hand and say, “I have a suggestion.” in power, are perceived differently from men. behaviors, not even other women. Being strong or assertive But as you share your concept, you notice that eyes When we dive a little deeper, gender bias becomes even should not necessarily be only male traits, and being aren’t on you. People are fidgeting and looking at their more complicated when we add race into the picture. Many organized and nurturing should not necessarily be only phones and laptops. You start to think that maybe your women of color, including myself, think twice before we female traits. We are all guilty of stereotyping. idea wasn’t so great. Then when you’re rudely interrupted speak at work or in other professional settings because we “I am speaking” is a phrase that many women connect by a male counterpart with an idea that seems almost don’t want to come off as the stereotypical “angry black with. There have been too many times when women get identical to yours, your coworkers go wild and label him a woman.” interrupted in meetings, ideas get shut down, and women genius. In that moment, you want to stand up and scream, I think now I finally have the voice to say that I am get reprimanded for their “tough” leadership by men and “I am speaking!” angry about how women are treated in the workplace. I am women. This seems to be a common occurrence these days. angry that women feel we have to shrink ourselves. If men Learning to be calm when you are disrespected is a “I am speaking” is a power–packed line that many are direct and frank, they are considered a leader and an superpower. It is time that we break the cycle and women in the workplace can resonate with. In fact, those expert. If a woman does the same, she is viewed as bossy normalize speaking up and speaking out. If you find words are being printed on T–shirts, buttons and coffee and unreasonable. How can women “talk like a man” but yourself or a colleague in a similar position, do not hesitate mugs. Why? Simply because many women, especially be seen as a woman? How can we be respected in the to say: women of color, have been discredited, interrupted, and workplace and taken seriously without being interrupted “I am speaking.” looked over for quite some time. Even in the year 2020, and feeling minimized? “She is speaking.” women are still sharing these experiences all over social We must be aware of these biases that can exist, and Because you are speaking for all of us. media. recognize and acknowledge them. Unfortunately, in most Gender bias is a form of unconscious bias that occurs organizations, there is a lack of diversity in leadership Ashley Colquhoun is the associate director of when one individual unconsciously attributes particular positions. That is why we need the support of both men Alumni Professional Engagement for UCF Alumni attitudes and stereotypes to another person or group. This and women of all levels and speak up when we hear Engagement and Annual Giving. She can be is just one example of unconscious bias that disproportion- inappropriate comments or remarks that demean women reached at [email protected]. in the workplace.
Brevard Amy Tidd joins Second Harvest Food Bank board Business Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida recently welcomed Amy Tidd to its board of directors. Tidd is a BBN News U.S. Navy veteran who is actively involved in her Brevard County community. Her primary focus has been working on clean water and air, land preservation, and bringing good–paying jobs to the area. Her favorite project to date has been serving on the board of St. Mary’s Helping Hands, one of Second Harvest’s feeding partners in Brevard. At St. Mary’s, 4300 Fortune Place, Suite D Tidd has assisted community members with food, clothing and utility assistance. This role has allowed her to work West Melbourne, FL 32904 closely with Second Harvest for the last 10 years, and she is “honored” to now sit on its board. Amy and her husband (321) 951–7777 Steve live in Rockledge. fax (321) 951–4444 BrevardBusinessNews.com Manley,From Corrinethe Public Record of Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey PUBLISHER Adrienne B. Roth From: Bill Erfurth
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 4 Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information NOVEMBER 2, 2020
1 BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com
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2019 FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT FILED DOCUMENT# N36299 Feb 07, 2019 Entity Name: THE COCOA BEACH AREA HOTEL AND MOTEL ASSOCIATION, Secretary of State INC. 0275169506CC Current Principal Place of Business: 976 BREVARD AVE File photo ROCKLEDGE, FL 32955 Timothy Michaud
Current Mailing Address: ‘Based upon my investigation as a 976 BREVARD AVE criminal investigator with the ROCKLEDGE, FL 32955 Craven County Sheriff's Depart- ment there is probable cause to FEI Number: 59-3048626 Certificate of Status Desired: No arrest Timothy Michaud for sexual Name and Address of Current Registered Agent: assault on R(xxxx) Michaud.’ MICHAUD, TIMOTHY 1300 N ATLANTIC AVE John Whitfield COCOA BEACH, FL 32931 US May 7, 2010 From: Brevard Business News [mailto:[email protected]] The above named entity submits this statement for theSent: purpose ofThursday, changing its registered March office 15, or registered2018 4:02 agent, orPM both, in the State of Florida. SIGNATURE: TIMOTHY MICHAUD To: 'Charles Nash' 02/07/2019 Electronic Signature of RegisteredCc: Ms. Agent Adrienne B. Roth (Brevard Business News); Bill RothDate (Brevard Business News) Subject: RE: [2018.03.15] BREVARD COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE CHARITY, INC. Officer/Director Detail : Title S Title T Name NORONHA, DENZIL March 15, 2018 — ThursdayName GALZERANO, CRISTY
Address 5575 N ATLANTIC AVE Address 2080 N ATLANTIC AVE Charles Ian Nash City-State-Zip: COCOA BEACH FL 32931 City-State-Zip: COCOA BEACH FL 32931 General Counsel Title DP Brevard County Sheriff's Office Name WILLIAMSON, TOM Registered Agent Brevard County Sheriff's Office Charity, Inc. Address 3425 N ATLANTIC AVENUE Nash & Kromash, LLP City-State-Zip: COCOA BEACH FL 32931 (321) 984–2440 www.N-KLaw.com [email protected] 440 South Babcock Street Melbourne, FL 32901 Zero
Dear Mr. Nash: black spots
Brevard Business News has been informed that one of the agents from the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation is a female agent by the last name of Martin. Brevard County Sheriff's Office photo Further, the inquiry stems from an association the Brevard County Sheriff's Office has with a firm ‘I need to report suspected abuse.’ known as Penn Credit. Dana Delaney Loyd As the General Counsel for the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, would you be able to give I hereby certify that the information indicated on this report or supplemental report is true and accurate and that my electronic signature shall have the same legal effect as if made under aka Theresa Smith oath; that I am an officer or director of the corporation or the receiverBrevard or trustee Businessempowered to execute News this report any as required specifics by Chapter of617, thisFlorida Statutes;inqui ryand thatby my the name Federal appears Bureau of Investigation? above, or on an attachment with all other like empowered. to Florida Abuse Hotline SIGNATURE: TOM WILLIAMSON DIRECTOR 02/07/2019 at 11:12 a.m., April 29, 2015 Electronic Signature of SigningThank Officer/Director you, Detail Date Bill Roth Special Projects Editor Brevard Business News, Inc. (321) 768–9699 www.BrevardBusinessNews.com [email protected] 4300 Fortune Place Suite D West Melbourne, FL 32904
Brevard County Sheriff's Office photo DID THE EIGHTEENTH CIRCUIT MURDER FORMER COMBAT MEDIC GREGORY EDWARDS? ‘Loyalty is everything to me!!!’ BBN NOTE: John M. Stewart — a partner at Rossway Swan — is a past president of the 107,000 member The Florida Bar. Sheriff Robert Wayne Ivey BBN 3844 PAGE 5 to Dana Delaney Loyd at 5:19 p.m., April 29, 2015 To Be Continued ...
NOVEMBER 2, 2020 Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising Information BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 5 BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com Master of pandemic: Gloom, Lysenkoism, squirrels; recovery of President Trump, others, another side of story purposes that are deemed politically, religiously or socially l Age 20–49 years: 0.0002, meaning 99.98% of that age By Marilyn M. Singleton, M.D., J.D. desirable. group who get the infection will survive; [email protected] Decades later we are left to tune in to the next episode l Age 50–69 years: 0.005, meaning 99.5% of that age of political theater, featuring “do as I say, not as I do.” One group who get the infection will survive; The media, taking their cue from George Orwell’s of Ms. Pelosi’s pastimes is lecturing the President on the l Age 70–plus years: 0.054, meaning 94.6% of that age 1984’s daily “Two Minute Hate,” provide a constant value of wearing a mask. Then we see Ms. Pelosi group who get the infection will survive. drumbeat of one–sided political talking points and sashaying around with no mask; her designer mask Additionally, in the United States, hospitalizations and incomplete statistics about COVID–19. It is designed to flopping around with her exposed nose (that harbors the deaths are down, cases — even with more testing–are wear us down. The recovery of President Trump and many bulk of the coronavirus). And in a when the camera’s away, leveling off and more successful treatments are available. others gives us another side of the picture. the mice will play moment, Mr. Biden doffed his ever– Joe Biden tells us that when he wants to learn about When questioned about motives for the unrelenting present, over–sized mask to speak with Anderson Cooper COVID, he consults “the scientists,” one of whom is Ezekiel negativity, folks say they are following the science. This face to face. And for comic relief, Mr. Biden lowered his “let me die when I’m 75” Emanuel. Dr. Emanuel, a breast statement merits an historical note of caution about mask to cough in his hand — not even his elbow! oncologist, believes we should stay in a lockdown until comingling politics and science. Where’s the science? As time has passed and we gain November 2021. He also is the co–creator of the Complete Nikolai Vavilov had data–driven work that was an more knowledge and data about the SARS–CoV–2 virus Lives System.” This medical care rationing system accurate exposition of agricultural genetics. Unfortunately, that causes COVID–19, scientists have found several fold prioritizes persons with “instrumental value,” for example, Trofim Lysenko’s patently wrong, but Marxist leaning lower mortality rates than previously predicted. The CDC individuals with “future usefulness.” Joe Biden should ideas on the science of agriculture caught the eye of Joseph has some good news regarding the infection fatality ratio watch his back. Stalin. Lysenko buried Vavilov’s work, thousands starved, (IFR), the ratio of deaths divided by the number of actual California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom has admitted that he and Vavilov rotted in prison. infections with SARS–CoV–2: saw “the potential” in the COVID crisis for “a new progres- This episode in science gave rise to an ism: Lysenkoism l Age 0–19 years: 0.00003, meaning 99.997% of that sive era” in state and national politics. Instead of using the is any deliberate distortion of scientific facts or theories for age group who get the infection will survive; CDC data and science to lift restrictions of the activities of the residents, he established a new parameter: The Equity Metric. No one in a county can open until the test positivity rates in its most disadvantaged neighborhoods are not worse than the overall county positivity rate. This is just what we need: prolonging lockdowns when data have shown they are harmful to society. The CDC reported that 40 percent of thousands surveyed reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition. Thirteen percent started or increased substance use to cope with stress or emotions related to COVID–19 lockdowns. Eleven percent seriously considered suicide. Moreover, despite increases in telemedicine, evaluations of cardiovas- cular risk factors have dropped by 50 percent. Between St Francis March 1 and April 18, 2020, there was a 46 percent decrease in diagnoses of the six common cancer types. The World Health Organization has finally admitted that lockdowns “make the poor an awful lot poorer.” All of these new ad emailed factors will lead to increase in non–COVID related deaths. Internationally noted epidemiologists and thousands of physicians from multiple specialties have a solution called “focused protection.” The Great Barrington Declaration FULL COLOR posits that “the most compassionate approach that balances the risks and benefits of reaching herd immunity, is to allow those who are at minimal risk of death to live their lives normally to build up immunity to the virus through natural infection, while better protecting those who are at highest risk.” Squirrels are the cutest little rats with fur you’d ever want to see. But they do carry bubonic plague that is fatal without treatment. We do not kill all the squirrels. Let’s not kill our souls and optimism, terrify our elders into deadly isolation, psychologically cripple our children, and sentence our society to a generation of anxiety and depression, merely to score political points. l About the author Dr. Singleton is a board–certified anesthesiologist and the immediate past president of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons. She graduated from Stanford and earned her M.D. degree at University of California–San Francisco Medical School. Dr. Singleton completed two years of surgery residency at UCSF, then her anesthesia residency at Harvard’s Beth Israel Hospi- tal. While still working in the operating room, she at- tended UC Berkeley Law School, focusing on constitutional law and administrative law. She interned at the National Health Law Project and practiced insurance and health law. She teaches classes in the recognition of elder abuse and constitutional law for non–lawyers. She lives in Oakland, Calif. BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 6 Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information NOVEMBER 2, 2020 BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com Comcast program to help small businesses impacted by virus; Black–owned firms first eligible to apply for resources, grants l Creative Production: Turnkey 30–second TV commer- By Mindy Kramer ([email protected]) cial production for their businesses and Cindy Arco ([email protected]) l Technology Makeovers: Computer equipment and Comcast Corporation Internet, voice and cybersecurity services for up to a 12–month period to support business recovery while ORLANDO — Comcast invites Black–owned small implementing other Comcast small business initiatives. businesses in Central Florida to apply for its newly (Taxes and other fees may still apply for technology launched RISE program. The Comcast RISE Program will makeover services.) help thousands of small businesses impacted by the l Business resources to help with curated content: COVID–19 pandemic over the next three years with Comcast will create a business learning destination page resources such as grants, marketing and technology on the X1 platform that includes programming content upgrades, including media campaigns and connectivity, about small businesses, tutorials and educational content computer and voice equipment, as well as free marketing intended to help businesses grow. insights to all applicants. l Grants: In the coming months, Comcast will be A recent study from the National Bureau of Economic awarding grants of up to $10,000 each for U.S.–based Research found that the number of U.S. active small and diverse businesses that have been in operations businessowners dropped from 15 million to 11.7 million for three to five years. from February to April. Comcast RISE is part of a larger $100 million Diversity, The study cited that Black–owned small businesses Equity and Inclusion initiative that Comcast launched this were hardest hit, suffering the steepest decline (41 per- summer. In June, Comcast NBCUniversal announced the cent), followed by Hispanic and Asian American–owned development of a comprehensive, multiyear plan to small businesses. allocate $75 million in cash and $25 million in media over In this first wave of the program, Black–owned small the next three years to fight injustice and inequality CBRE businesses can apply for marketing and technology against any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual support and equipment to jumpstart and sustain business orientation or ability. pick up BBN operations. In addition, all small businesses can sign up for In the future, the program aims to expand to other free marketing insights and resources. The next wave of small and diverse business owners. Visit 9/21/20 the program will open eligibility to Black, Indigenous, and ComcastRISE.com for more information and eligibility People of Color, those next hit hardest by the effects of the requirements. page 9 pandemic. l About Comcast Corp. RISE stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and and Empowerment” and brings together two of the technology company with three primary businesses: company’s brands, Comcast Business and Effectv, to Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is FULL COLOR empower business owners with the tools, expertise and one of the United States’ largest high–speed internet, resources needed to navigate the economic effects of the video, and phone providers to residential customers under pandemic. the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to The program will include: businesses. It also provides wireless and security and l A media and technology resources program: This automation services to residential customers under the pillar combines Effectv’s renowned media platform and Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, marketing expertise, its award–winning creative agency, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Mnemonic, and state–of–the–art technical support from Telemundo broadcast networks, television production Comcast Business to help small businesses foster and operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, elevate growth. Recipients will receive help with their and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe’s marketing, media campaigns and creation of 30–second leading media and entertainment companies, connecting commercials, as well as website and tech upgrades, customers to a broad range of video content through its pay including: television services. It also provides communications l Consulting: Advertising and marketing consultations services, including residential high–speed internet, phone, with local Effectv marketing, research and creative teams and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broad- to gain insights on how to grow their businesses cast network and sports and entertainment networks, l Media: A linear TV media campaign to run over a produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. 90–day period Visit comcastcorporation.com for more information. Brevard Zoo partners with FPL for free–to–use electric–vehicle charging station in lot Electric vehicle (EV) users can now recharge their collect valuable data to help FPL further advance electric batteries for free in Brevard Zoo’s parking lot. Two transportation and prepare for 2025, when one in every charging points were recently donated and installed by four cars sold is expected to be electric. Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL) as part of FPL EVolution, EV drivers can download the FPL EVolution app to find an electric vehicle pilot program. and navigate to the closest FPL charging station. The app “FPL EVolution is a natural fit for us as it encourages a will route users to the selected station where drivers will more environmentally friendly mode of transportation,” scan a code and connect their EV to the station to begin said Jody Palmer, the Brevard Zoo’s director of conserva- charging. The app will also provide users with information tion programs. “This is a major steppingstone on our about port availability, outages, charging history, trends, journey to build a more sustainable Brevard County.” nearby amenities and more. FPL plans to install more than 1,000 charging points at The Brevard Zoo’s parking lot is accessible daily from over 100 locations throughout the state, which could 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The charging stations are compatible with increase the current availability of charging stations by all major EV models, including those manufactured by more than 50 percent. In addition to encouraging drivers to Audi, Chevrolet, Honda, Kia, Nissan, Tesla and “go electric,” FPL EVolution charging infrastructure will Volkswagen.
NOVEMBER 2, 2020 Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising Information BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 7 BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com Florida Sea Grant, DOH launch outreach to help dog owners protect pets from becoming a fatality statistic That blue–green algae, also called cyanobacteria, can effects on dogs, risks for fatality, how to recognize the By Lourdes Rodriguez release a toxin that produces harmful symptoms for dogs presence of algal blooms, and links to additional resources. [email protected] when ingested. Those symptoms can include vomiting, “This fact sheet provides valuable information and IFAS Communications weakness, difficulty breathing, seizures, tremors, and in resources for dog owners on the risks of a persistent and University of Florida some cases can be fatal. potentially growing problem affecting their family canine’s Florida Sea Grant, along with UF/IFAS Extensions in health when blue–green algae blooms are in the vicinity,” Some dogs love to swim in the water, and some may Martin and St. Lucie counties have partnered with the said Vincent Encomio, a Florida Sea Grant Extension even take a bite from fish they locate floating on the Department of Health to release a fact sheet in an effort to agent for both counties. “The intended audience is the water’s surface. The danger comes when dogs are exposed help consumers keep their canines safe when toxins are general public, but we are taking first steps distributing to waters with blue–green algae that are emitting toxins. present in the waters. The fact sheet details the toxin’s this document to veterinary facilities in both counties.” The fact sheet is also available for free by downloading from this Florida Sea Grant website link https:// www.flseagrant.org/habs. Is your 401(k) plan being used In 2018, six dogs in Martin County became sick from The Brighter Future of exposure to heavy blue–green algae blooms in the St. Lucie as a primary tool to foster River. One dog died as a result. “Based on a needs assessment I conducted in 2019, employee engagement? cyanobacteria blooms were the environmental issue of If not, then it should be! More engaged employees highest concern to the public on the Treasure Coast,” said Employee lead to higher employee retention, better customer Encomio. “Since then, I have been working on educational service, and overall positive operational health. All of efforts to address these concerns.” these add directly to your bottom line. Start engaging The infographic–styled fact sheet is one result of those First Wavetoday; contact us for a complimentary consultation! efforts. For another free resource that dives a little deeper Engagement into the issue there is a 30–minutes webinar, pick up BBN Cyanobacteria, Public Health and Pets, presented as part of the ongoing Bite–Sized Science series by UF/IFAS 9/07/20 Extension Florida Sea Grant agents and specialists. While the reported numbers in Martin may not seem page 16 ROBERT DEVRIES impactful now, the reality is that more wildlife fatalities MBA, AWMA®, CRPS® are being reported each day showing signs of wildlife’s (321) 773-7773 vulnerability to the harmful toxin’s effects that come with www.FirstWaveFinancial.com blue–green algae blooms. A 2013 study found that 27 states across the country documented that 260 dogs FULL COLOR [email protected] experienced some form of sickness by exposure to 1300 Highway A1A, Suite 103 cyanobacteria from the 1920s to 2012. More importantly, Satellite Beach, FL 32937 the current state of Lake Okeechobee is something to worry about when it comes to toxins making their way into other nearby bodies of water. “There’s a lot of concern in that Lake Okeechobee has had persistent blue–green algae blooms, some quite large, all summer. These events raise concerns that water TM releases could introduce blooms to the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie. In Martin County, it seems as though we have A copy of FirstWave’s current written disclosure statement been on a daily watch for Lake Okeechobee releases to the discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request. St. Lucie River,” said Encomio. Lake Okeechobee water levels are currently over 15 feet, said Encomio. Any future rain events, particularly a tropical storm could potentially push the Lake levels to 16 feet or higher. In that case, the Army Corps of Engineers are likely to release water from the Lake west to the Caloosahatchee River and east to the St. Lucie River, to protect the integrity of the Herbert Hoover Dike. “As active a hurricane season 2020 has been so far, the threat of this scenario still remains,” he adds. In 2016 extensive blue–green algae blooms spread throughout the St. Lucie River. In 2018, severe blooms occurred in both the Caloosahatchee and the St. Lucie Artemis rivers. There has been increased public awareness and concern of the health effects of toxic cyanobacteria blooms. pick up BBN l About IF/IFAS The mission of the University of Florida Institute of 10/19/20 Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural page 14 resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award–winning students and faculty in the UF College of FULL COLOR Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science– based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. Visit the UF/IFAS website at ifas.ufl.edu. BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 8 Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information NOVEMBER 2, 2020 BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com Black activist slams ‘one–sided’ environmental justice policies at %UHYDUG Congressional hearing; says the movement is part of the problem )DQWDV\)RRWEDOO Regarding federal grantmaking in particular, she notes: By Judy Kent ([email protected]) If the purpose of these grants is to pursue policies that DYLUWXDOIXQGUDLVHUIRU and David W. Almasi ([email protected]) serve to raise the cost of living on those who can least National Center for Public Policy Research afford it, or to stifle the creation of good–paying jobs for those who most need them, then minority communities are %H&OXE(VWHHP V%))IDQ WASHINGTON — Criticizing those who see “environ- better off without the money. mental justice” as a “one–sided issue,” a member of the The only winners seem to be environmental activists, *RWRFOXEHVWHHPRUJbDQGPDNHD Project 21 black leadership network recently testified bureaucrats and lawyers, but not the communities these before Congress in favor of a more balanced approach in people claim to serve. GRQDWLRQWRZDUGV\RXUIDYRULWHWHDP applying racial considerations to the federal grantmaking During her testimony, Jackson highlighted Project 21’s process. “Blueprint for a Better Deal for Black America.” In the :HHN6WDQGLQJVDVRI Project 21 member Donna Jackson testified at a virtual Blueprint, Project 21 notes that regulations can have a OLVWHGLQRUGHURI1)/UDQNLQJ hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommit- “disproportionately negative impact” on black American tee on Water, Oceans and Wildlife. The hearing was titled entrepreneurs and recommends “minority impact assess- “Environmental Justice for Coastal Communities: ments” be conducted on new regulations to determine how Examining Inequities in Federal Grantmaking.” they might affect minority communities before they are In her prepared testimony, Jackson notes that most instituted. hearing participants are presumably “in a comfortable Members of the Project 21 black leadership network economic position” and “can afford to be complacent about cannot comment on election issues in any way, shape or the costs of environmental policies.” But, she points out, form as such behavior constitutes “campaign activity” burdensome environmental policies can be “devastating” to under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. 4CKUGF4CKUGFC poor — often minority — communities by causing higher l About Project 21 consumer prices, fewer job opportunities and less infra- Project 21, a leading voice of Black conservatives for Club Esteem structure. more than 25 years, is sponsored by the National Center “The environmental justice movement is part of the for Public Policy Research. Its members have been quoted, problem,” Jackson claims, “not part of the solution.” interviewed or published over 40,000 times since the new ad emailed In her prepared testimony, Jackson says: program was created in 1992. Contributions to the There are far too many people who try to make National Center are tax–deductible and greatly appreci- environmental justice into a one–sided issue. They focus ated, and may be earmarked exclusively for the use of only on claims that disadvantaged and minority communi- Project 21. FULL COLOR ties are disproportionate victims of environmental threats Founded in 1982, the National Center for Public Policy F such as water pollution, air pollution, climate change, and Research is a non–partisan, free–market, independent 4CKUGF4C 44CKUGFCKUG others. But I think the greater threat comes from the conservative think–tank. Ninety–four percent of its disproportionate impacts of environmental policies and the support comes from some 60,000 individuals, less than damage they do to the economic aspirations of those who four percent from foundations and less than two percent can least afford them. from corporations. Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried appoints Roxey Nelson to the Florida Commission on the Status of Women; a veteran organizer leadership roles, the coordination of women’s organizations By Communications Office of the Commissioner interested in the wellbeing of women and girls, and the [email protected] recognition of contributions made by women to our communities, state, and nation. TALLAHASSEE — Agriculture Commissioner Nikki “We are all made wiser, stronger, and more whole when Fried, an independently elected member of the Florida our institutions represent the diversity of experience and Cabinet, has announced her appointment of Roxey Nelson thought in our great state,” said Fried. “I am pleased to of St. Petersburg to the Florida Commission on the Status appoint Roxey Nelson to the Florida Commission on the of Women. Nelson serves as vice president of politics and Status of Women, and I look forward to her service and strategic campaigns for 1199SEIU United Healthcare advocacy on behalf of Florida’s women and girls.” Workers East, a labor union representing more than “As a daughter, niece, aunt, and proud Black immigrant 25,000 health–care workers across Florida. woman, I believe that true leadership comes through A native of St. Andrews, Grenada, Nelson is a veteran empowering those we serve, including the communities of community organizer and facilitator of organizational women joining me on this new journey,” said Nelson. “I change and development. At 1199SEIU, she leads long– thank Commissioner Fried for her appointment and her )RUDOPRVW\HDUV term culture change projects, builds and sustains large leadership on behalf of women in Florida. Together with &OXE(VWHHPKDVEHHQ scale trans–organizational coalition partnerships, and my fellow Commission members, we will advance progress SURYLGLQJFKLOGUHQLQ oversees labor and community organizing. and opportunities for all of Florida’s women to achieve HFRQRPLFDOO\GLVDGYDQWDJHG Nelson holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and their potential.” FRPPXQLWLHVZLWKTXDOLW\ government from Rutgers University, and a master’s Originally established in 1964 by Gov. Farris Bryant, HGXFDWLRQDQGHQULFKPHQW degree in organization development from Pepperdine and re–established by Governors Reubin Askew and Bob SURJUDPVWKDWLQVSLUHWKHPWR University. Graham, the Commission was statutorily created in FRQWLQXHWKHLUHGXFDWLRQZLWK Created by Section 14.24, Florida Statutes, the 1991 by Gov. Lawton Chiles and lawmakers including GF FRQILGHQFHDQGSXUVXHOXFUDWLYH Commission’s duty is to study the changing and developing Sen. Carrie Meek and Rep. Elaine Gordon. Nelson joins 44CKUGFCKU FDUHHUVWKDWKHOSWKHPEUHDN roles of women in American society. This includes the 21 other Commissioners on the nonpartisan Commission, IUHHIURPWKHF\FOHRISRYHUW\ socioeconomic factors influencing the status of women, the which also inducts women of distinction into the Florida development of women’s individual potential, the encour- Women’s Hall of Fame. 7KDQN\RXIRU\RXUVXSSRUW agement of women to utilize their capabilities and assume Nelson will serve a term to expire on Dec. 31, 2021.
NOVEMBER 2, 2020 Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising Information BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 9 BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com As Veterans Day approaches, the nonprofit Wreaths Across America uses technology to help fulfill its mission WAA’s Mobile Education Exhibit hit the road early this vital information while participating in a virtual race. By Sean Sullivan summer. This traveling learning experience helps live And while most theater chains were trying to figure out [email protected] the mission to remember, honor, and teach. The the business of survival amidst a pandemic Showcase Public Relations Liaison expanding internal movie theater and interactive Cinemas made community service a priority by lifting Wreaths Across America learning displays help remember the sacrifices our the virtual concert from the pages of Facebook to add it nation’s heroes, honor living veterans and teach future to their newly launched streaming service called COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine — Wreaths Across generations about the price of freedom. Showcase NOW. America (WAA) is the nonprofit organization best In the last two years, by partnering with AT&T As you can see, no one change is helping make it known for placing veterans’ wreaths on the headstones veterans, WAA has been able to offer a pilot “Text to through rough times. However, utilizing technology to of our nation’s fallen at Arlington National Cemetery. Donate” program that is allowing donors in several make many small changes is helping WAA continue However, today the organization, in total, places states to sponsor a veteran’s wreath for a family toward its goal of honoring and remembering as many more than 2 million sponsored veterans’ wreaths at member or loved one from the comfort and safety of United States service members as possible nationwide over 2,200 participating locations nationwide. their own home. By texting 20222 and a corresponding this National Wreaths Across America Day–Saturday, In order to achieve this mission, in this challenging text code specific to an area cemetery, a contribution Dec. 19. year, the organization had to be open to new ap- can be made over the donor’s phone no matter who is However, there’s still more ways to help. proaches and partnered with generous organizations their primary service carrier. All mobile users can You can sponsor a wreath for $15 at willing to share new technologies while helping achieve obtain a tax receipt for donations made via text www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. Each sponsorship goes our ultimate goal of fulfilling the mission to “Remem- message by visiting: http://mobilegiving.org/tax–receipt. toward a fresh balsam veteran’s wreath that will be ber, Honor and Teach” in part by placing veterans’ Although the use of social media has been around for placed on the headstone of an American hero as we wreaths at the headstones of all fallen U.S. service some time and become a business mainstay of building endeavor to honor all veterans laid to rest on Dec. 19, members. a community of supporters, virtual events have also as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. You Wreaths Across America’s existing website capabili- become the norm this year as many live events have can text WREATH22 to 20222 to sponsor a wreath for ties allow for customized fundraising pages for partici- had to be transformed from their original live format. Arlington National Cemetery right from your phone. pating locations and sponsorship groups, providing These virtual events have allowed us to share a once For corporate donors, contact Renee Worcester real–time information to donors and volunteers across regional concert, with our entire supporter base, at [email protected] or by calling the country. removed 5k races from the bounds of a set course, (207) 461–7954. In addition, the nonprofit has focused efforts on offered mothers homeschooling their children the l About Wreaths Across America other owned–media channels, including Wreaths Across chance to share in a pledge of allegiance with their Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit America Radio, an internet radio station bringing you a children, and expanded a local flag waving effort to the organization founded to continue and expand the unique mix of music, interviews and entertainment entire nation. annual wreath–laying ceremony at Arlington National designed to uplift the American spirit during these Some of these efforts have even spawned the need Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill challenging times and to promote our mission to for their own new technology approaches. For example, Worcester in 1992. remember, honor and teach about America’s veterans. WAA’s race partner CompetitorME began utilizing an For more information or to sponsor a wreath, visit Expanding on the Teach aspect of the mission, app, called RaceJoy, to help track runners and share www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
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BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 10 Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information NOVEMBER 2, 2020 BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com Sen. Tom Wright celebrates National Guard and honors centenarian veteran Liborio Perez–Gorritz to 1970, during World War II, the Korean By Lindsey Swindle War and the Vietnam War. [email protected] Another of his proud moments had been when he married the beautiful love of his PORT ORANGE (Oct. 16, 2020) — Sen. life, Carmen Elsie Perez Luna, in 1942. In Tom Wright (R–New Smyrna Beach) 1982, they fully retired and moved to participated and celebrated alongside the Florida to be near their children and Florida National Guard, as well as grandchildren. His wife was called to rest recognized a local centenarian veteran for with the Lord in 2007. He is the proud his military and personal accomplish- father of five sons, 19 grandchildren and 11 ments. great–grandchildren. He currently resides Wright attended the Florida National in Ormond Beach where he has lived since Guard’s Flagler Palm Coast Readiness 1985. Center ribbon–cutting ceremony. The His motto has always been, “God, family purpose of this readiness center is to and country in that order.” provide a permanent location that can be During the socially distanced ceremony, used for assembly, training, and mainte- presentations were made celebrating nance of assigned personnel and unit Perez–Gorritz’s military service and his equipment. 100th birthday. Wright, Congressman “As chairman of the Military and Michael Waltz’s office, The Florida Veteran Affairs and Space Committee, it is National Guard and other veteran services a privilege to have our state’s National organizations from Volusia County Guard expanding its infrastructure right in participated in the event. Century 21 our backyard,” said Wright. “This center “When learning that one of our local will be used frequently and will bolster the veterans had not received community Guard’s presence in the Flagler County recognition for his military service and his region for years to come.” 100th birthday was approaching, we got new ad emailed A special ceremony was held to honor right to work,” said Wright. “He has Staff Sgt. Liborio Perez–Gorritz for his proudly served us and wishes he could still years of military service and to celebrate serve, and for that we honor and thank his 100th birthday. Perez–Gorritz served in him. What an inspiring example of FULL COLOR the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945 and 1950 selflessness to your fellow American.” Melbourne native Tran serves aboard USS Ronald Reagan during security operations in Indian Ocean (HSM) 77, maintains the structure, air Submitted by Rick Burke frames, hydraulics, and flight controls of Navy Office of Community Outreach MH–60R Sea Hawks. [email protected] “I feel that we are accomplishing the mission at hand,” said Tran. “It sends a INDIAN OCEAN — Aviation Struc- clear signal to our allies that we are here tural Mechanic 3rd Class Trung Tran, a and have the watch.” native of Melbourne and a Melbourne High While operating in the Indian Ocean, School graduate, is serving aboard the strike group ships and aircraft will Navy’s only forward–deployed aircraft maintain high–end warfighting readiness carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) through air defense, anti–submarine during maritime security and stability warfare, maritime strike, and force operations in the Indian Ocean. protection exercises. The Ronald Reagan carrier strike group, “Our flexible presence is a key element including Ronald Reagan and the em- in helping assure our regional allies and barked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, partners that the United States remains Ticonderoga–class guided–missile cruiser committed to ensuring freedom of the USS Antietam (CG 54), and Arleigh seas,” said Capt. Fred Goldhammer, Burke–class guided–missile destroyer commanding officer, Ronald Reagan. USS Halsey (DDG 97), routinely operate “From the international dateline to the throughout the Indo–Pacific in support of Indian Ocean, and everywhere in between, U.S. commitments to regional allies and on board Ronald Reagan we seek to partners. preserve peace through strength, and These operations mark the second remain ready to answer the call.” occasion of the 2020 deployment where the Since Ronald Reagan’s Yokosuka strike group has sailed in the Indian departure in June 2020, the ship continues Ocean, demonstrating its capability to to operate in the Indo–Pacific alongside quickly respond to any contingency allies and partners to demonstrate the throughout the region. United States of America’s commitment to As a Navy aviation structural mechanic, defense agreements, as well as promote Tran is assigned to the Saberhawks of peace and prosperity by supporting Helicopter Martime Strike Squadron international norms.
NOVEMBER 2, 2020 Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising Information BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 11 BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com UCI encourages women to return to screening mammograms; expands with evening, weekend appointments; October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
By Ken Datzman
Studies show that more than 35,000 breast–cancer diagnoses could be delayed and 5,200 more women may die in the United States over the next decade as a result of the spring–to–summer pause in screening because of the coronavirus pandemic. In regard to annual mammograms, the most effective tool in catching breast cancer early, nearly one–in–three women reported that they’ve delayed their screening. The American College of Radiology now offers a toolkit of free, downloadable, and customizable resources (www.acr.org/clinical–resources/breast–imaging–resources/ mammography–care–toolkit), which provide information to explain to women ages 40 and older why and how it is necessary, safe, and in their best interest to consider a “return–to–care” for yearly mammograms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. “Screening is very important. A lot of cancers are caught before there are any symptoms or palpable abnormalities in the breast. It has been proven that screening does save lives,” said Dr. Irina Gruzinova, a radiologist at University Center Imaging, based at The Oaks Plaza in Melbourne with an office in Suntree. A palpable abnormality means it can be felt with the hand. A new study out of Sweden, involving more than 50,000 breast–cancer patients, found that those who took part in a breast–cancer screening program had a 60 percent lower risk of dying from the disease in the 10 years after diag- nosis, and a 47 percent lower risk 20 years after diagnosis. For this study, researchers were able to take advantage of highly detailed Swedish data that spanned 52 years. This enabled researchers to look at data from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, when “widespread screening didn’t exist, and 39 years later, when widespread screening was available.” In the United States, there is a one–in–eight chance a woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer–related death among women. Across the nation this year, the American Cancer Society estimates that 276,480 new cases of invasive BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth breast cancer will be diagnosed in women. About 48,530 Dr. Irina Gruzinova is a radiologist at University Center Imaging. She says women should not delay their screening mammogram new cases of carcinoma–in–situ will be diagnosed. CIS is because of the virus. Nearly one–in–three women reported that they’ve delayed their screening became of the pandemic. UCI follo ws non–invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer. safety protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC says mammograms are the best way to fin d According to the American Cancer Society, when breast breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the five–year relative survival rate is 99 percent. ness Month across the nation. “And for those patients who request it, we are allowing Early detection includes doing monthly breast self– University Center Imaging follows social–distancing them to remain in their car until their appointment time. examinations, and scheduling regular clinical breast and equipment–cleaning protocols established by the We will call them and they will come in. We are taking exams and mammograms. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. every precaution and preventive measure to protect the At the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, elective All surfaces that come into contact with patients or staff health and safety of the patients and our employees. And, medical procedures, including cancer screenings, were are disinfected after every appointment. Personal protec- to better accommodate patients, we are offering evening largely put on hold to prioritize urgent needs and reduce tive equipment is also used at its facilities. and weekend appointments.” the risk of the spread of the virus in health–care settings. Patients are screened and must fill out a questionnaire Here are the breast–cancer screening recommenda- One consequence of that has been a substantial decline as it pertains to recent travel, symptoms, and other tions, as of August 2020, by three leading organizations. in various cancer screenings. health–related questions. The waiting areas have been The American Cancer Society says: As states reopen businesses and ease restrictions, many designed to promote social–distancing. l Women age 40 to 44 should have the choice to start health–care facilities, including University Center “We also take the temperature of every patient upon annual breast–cancer screening with mammograms if they Imaging, are highlighting the importance of breast–cancer arrival at the facility,” said Jenny Marshall, University screening during October, which is Breast Cancer Aware- Center Imaging director. Please see University Center Imaging, page 19
BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 12 Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information NOVEMBER 2, 2020 BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com Lawyer–run Brevard Title marks fifth year in business — independent agency grows, builds customer base as the housing market continues upward trend
By Ken Datzman
Starting a title agency from scratch requires a skill set that includes industry knowledge, attention to detail, cash–management expertise, and a sharp focus on customer relations. But perhaps the most challenging part of introducing a new title company in a community is getting clients. Without clients, there are no business transactions. Five years ago, longtime area attorney Joel Boyd, with a small group of investors behind him, founded Brevard Title in Melbourne, which also has an office at Imperial Plaza in Suntree. He and his team have been able to grow the enterprise using their industry skills and business relationships, long honed with Realtors, bankers, mortgage brokers, and other professionals through the years. “We have grown the venture significantly over the last five years and have expanded our staff,” said Boyd, president and legal counsel for Brevard Title. “We’re pleased with how the business has evolved. Our investors are happy, too, with the performance of Brevard Title.” Brevard Title has about 15 investors, mostly friends and clients, he said. The investors include five past chairmen of the Melbourne Regional Chamber — Sam Bockman, Travis Proctor, Brent Peoples, Marj Bartok, and Boyd. With its keen focus on service, Brevard Title even offers a “concierge service,” which hand delivers documents and disbursements for security and efficiency. Brevard Title has invested several thousand dollars in technology for Zoom Box and a state–of–the art big–screen television. Zoom Box integration also works for mobile devices — you can screen–share a Box document from a smart phone or tablet without the need for a personal computer. “The pandemic has changed the way we work, and in a good way,” said Boyd. “Traditionally, at a closing there would be the buyer and the seller, a loan officer, two Realtors, and somebody to do the closing. We don’t need all these chairs in our conference room anymore because it’s very unusual to have an in–person closing with that number of people.” He said Brevard Title has developed a generic closing application (BrevardTitle.com). “We use an interdiscipli- nary team approach. This is a time–sensitive business.” The team includes attorney Mark Boyd who is Joel Boyd’s son, and Jessie Boyd, a licensed title agent. Mark Boyd is Brevard Title’s vice president. “On title commit- ments and technical things, by having Mark Boyd and BBN photo — Adrienne B. Roth myself doing the management, if a problem comes up or a Attorney Joel Boyd started Brevard Title in early 2015. He and his team have grown the venture into a success. Brevard Title has offices question on a requirement, we can handle it. Most title in Melbourne and at Imperial Plaza in Suntree. Boyd is president and legal counsel for Brevard Title. Jessie Boyd, a licensed title agent, companies don’t have lawyers. They call their underwrit- is Brevard Title’s business manager. Brevard Title is an investor–owned enterprise. Five of its investors are former chairmen of the ing counsel at a 1–800 number. Our underwriters give us a Melbourne Regional Chamber. lot of leeway. As agents, we can only do what they allow us to do, but having two attorneys on staff at Brevard Title She has wide experience in marketing and other fields, University in Atlanta. allows us to be much more responsive.” and is Brevard Title’s business manager. Jessie Boyd is the Before entering GSU, she was an All–State volleyball Joel Boyd and Mark Boyd also partner at the law firm wife of Mark Boyd. She did a year–and–a–half mentorship player at Walton High School in Marietta. Her school won Boyd & Boyd, which specializes in estate planning, working alongside Joel Boyd. the state championship three consecutive years while she business law and real estate. “For Florida Bar ethics, the “Jessie sat next to me at every single closing,” said Joel was on the team. staff, the files, the banking, and so forth are all separate,” Boyd, adding, “Jessie has been a great addition to the After graduating from college, she went to work at The said Joel Boyd. “There is a symbolic relationship because team. She’s brought in all kinds of marketing strategies Warwick New York, an iconic hotel. It’s located on the the law firm has a need for title services. I used to do that. and ideas that are more millennial–generation focused. corner of the Avenue of the Americas and 54th Street in But the law firm is no longer a title agent. So there is no They have helped us grow.” Manhattan. conflict. We watch the rules closely.” Jessie Boyd earned her bachelor’s degree in public Jessie Boyd joined Brevard Title nearly two years ago. relations and hospitality management from Georgia State Please see Brevard Title, page 21
NOVEMBER 2, 2020 Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising Information BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 13 BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com Longstanding Viera–Suntree brokerage Vista Florida Realty merges with Dale Sorensen Real Estate in Brevard approaching me about the possibility of selling my that by merging my current company with theirs, I By Jeannette Weiss company,” Vista said. “They watched us grow from a would not only be helping my agents grow, but I would [email protected] three–agent firm in 2014 when we opened, to a also be giving our clients even more value. They also J. Weiss PR thriving 28–agent brokerage a few years later. But I offered me the chance to collaborate and innovate with wasn’t interested in selling my company because I did other like–minded managers and brokers working as a VERO BEACH — Vista Florida Realty has merged not want to become a franchise and I also wanted to be team, which is something I missed being the sole with Dale Sorensen Real Estate Brevard. The merger able to keep providing the best possible service to our owner and manager of Vista Florida Realty. It was a brings together two highly successful Brevard County clients as well as my agents.” win–win for everyone and I couldn’t see a downside.” brokerages. Both companies specialize in selling new Things changed when a DSRE broker approached “Grace and her team embody the local, indepen- and resale homes, luxury construction, single–family Vista. “When Gary Scenti, a managing broker at Dale dent, boutique, high level service approach DSRE homes, condominiums and waterfront properties. Sorensen Real Estate, asked me to meet with them, I represents and her passion for marketing will only Vista Florida Realty was founded in 2014 by Grace thought why not? I respected the Sorensen brand and help enhance the company’s brand in North Brevard,” Vista. A native of Annapolis, Md., Vista has been a I thought, if nothing else, I can learn something from said Dale Sorensen Jr., managing partner for DSRE. licensed Realtor since 2004, earning her broker’s meeting with them. What I didn’t expect was that “Personally, having spent many, many hours license in 2014. when I did meet with them, I was completely im- working with Grace and our team on this merger, I am As an accomplished agent, Vista has won numerous pressed not only by their strong brand and excellent thrilled to have the opportunity to work with her as awards, including “Top Producer,” “Top Sales,” marketing, but also how nice everyone was who I met well as her agents. Her passion for marketing and our “Million–in–a–Month Sales,” and “Leading Edge with. The Sorensen family and team really care about company values align perfectly. Grace will be manag- Sales.” their agents, their customers, and their community. I ing the Suntree and Cocoa Village offices working Deciding to merge with another company wasn’t an learned they had strikingly similar life and business hand–in–hand with DSRE Brevard broker Gary easy decision until she met with the DSRE team. values that I hold dear to me.” Scenti, regional managing broker Jim Goldsmith and “About a year ago, different larger companies started She added, “After several meetings, it was clear our regional office manager Katie Keltner and her assistant manager Debbie Ford. Our team brings a level of experience, knowledge and support unparal- leled in our region as evidenced by our more than $800 million in closed sales in 2019. We welcome Grace and her entire team.” In the last 12 months, the firms have EllisEllis Road Road closed more than $800 million in Treasure Coast and Space Coast real estate. The merger combines the talents of almost 300 REAL ESTATE IndustrialIndustrial Complex Complex licensed sales agents and support staff. DSRE was founded in Indian River County more than 42 years ago. They opened their first branch in Brevard County in 2014. “This merger represents a further progression into the Brevard County markets and our shared vision of professional and concierge services to our clients and customers,” said Scenti. “This will also allow Vista’s agents to take advantage of our cutting–edge technolo- gies, innovative marketing techniques and powerful advertising tools that DSRE offers its agents, as well CIA Real Estate as the relationships with leading worldwide real estate affiliates, to address not only our local but national and global markets.” Vista is excited about her agents’ futures. “I had new ad emailed said to my husband years ago that I would not ever consider selling my company, unless of course, it was to a really strong independent company with global marketing — like Dale Sorensen Real Estate. I got my FULL COLOR wish. One thing we have all learned this year is that For Lease 111,150 Square Feet we must accept change and be flexible, to keep For Lease 44,406 Square Feet growing and moving forward. With my experience in Located in Free Trade Near Airport, L3Harris, I-95 marketing, selling real estate and training agents, now supported and strengthened with the outstanding Zone #136 Northrop Grumman, Raytheon marketing, knowledge and experience of Mr. Sorensen, CAN Zoned394 Parking LightY0U Industrial Places TAKE on site TH ETOP BANNER Dimensions 570FORM ft z 180 WHENft Dale Sorensen Jr. and the DSRE management team, the future is even brighter for our agents, clients and 11,693394 Parking - 32,767 Places sq.ft. onTHIS available site RAN ON City 9/14/20 Water & Sewer all of us!” Fiber Optics onAND site REPLACE IT Tilt ON Wall HERE?Construction l About Dale Sorensen Real Estate Family owned and managed since 1978, Dale Recreation Gazebo on site 100% Fire Sprinkler Coverage Sorensen Real Estate is a full–service real estate ZonedTruck Dock Light IndustrialLoading brokerage dedicated to a longstanding tradition of excellence. I MESSED THIS 480Truck ONE Volt Dock power UP. Loading - R22 Insulation With more than 200 sales associates and support 480 Volt power - R22 Insulation staff and 12 locations in Florida, the company reported sales of more than $816 million in 2019 in the markets Contact Aaron Anderson they serve, which includes Indian River County, [email protected] Brevard County, St. Lucie County and surrounding [email protected] areas. 321-723-3400 ext. 208 Visit Dale Sorensen Real Estate on the web at www.SorensenRealEstate.com. BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 14 Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information NOVEMBER 2, 2020 BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com Gifford Youth Achievement Center in Indian River County earns Public Service Commission’s Triple E Award TALLAHASSEE — While the local nonprofit encour- ways, classrooms, the kitchen, and even exit signs. residents reach their full potential.” ages individuals to “reach their ultimate potential,” the Through FPL’s Nonprofit Energy Makeover Program, Covering the state’s five major geographic areas, each Gifford Youth Achievement Center in Indian River County upgrades valued over $8,000 were made to the Center’s quarter the PSC presents its Triple E Award to a local is “reaching its ultimate potential” in energy efficiency. Its lighting. The upgrades are estimated to help the organiza- business that has accomplished superior energy efficiency. cost–effective lighting improvements that also enhance tion save more than $1,000 on lighting over the next few Look for past Triple E Award recipients under Hot Topics safety and save money earned GYAC the Florida Public years while increasing safety. LED lighting is brighter and on the PSC’s homepage, www.FloridaPSC.com. The PSC Service Commission’s quarterly Triple E Award for Energy uses less energy, while producing less heat, enabling encourages cost–effective conservation and renewable Efficiency Efforts. GYAC’s air conditioning system to cool more efficiently. energy to reduce the use of fossil fuels and defer the need “Through its programs and activities, the Center strives “FPL helped us better understand our energy use and for new generating capacity through the Florida Energy to increase high school and college graduation rates and work toward our energy efficiency goal,” said Freddie Efficiency and Conservation Act. enhance youth and adult life successes,” said PSC Chair- Woolfork, director of public relations and facility opera- l About Gifford Youth Achievement Center man Gary Clark. “The Center’s leaders are also serving as tions, GYAC. “With FPL’s assistance, we were also given The Gifford Youth Achievement Center, a 501(c)(3), good life role models for the program participants, an integrated dashboard that shows where our energy is opened its doors in 1998 with the sole purpose of enhanc- demonstrating how energy efficiency keeps electric bills going, so we can better control our monthly costs and put ing the academic performance of children in Indian River affordable.” savings toward our important programs.” County. In addition to year–round educational programs Florida Power & Light Co. completed a Business “It is always a rewarding experience to work with and activities for youth, GYAC provides activities for Energy Evaluation at the Center. FPL’s energy expert community organizations and businesses such as the adults and senior citizens, such as exercise classes, bible analyzed the organization’s energy use and shared a Gifford Youth Achievement Center to help reduce energy study and educational training. The Center also hosts job customized report with energy–saving solutions to help the use and provide immediate and long–term savings,” said fairs, health clinics, community gatherings and serves as organization’s bottom line. The evaluation provided Ron Bartnick, FPL manager of DSM Energy Efficiency an information hub for those in need of services. To learn opportunities for significant energy savings with lighting Programs. “Through these savings, the organization is able more, visit www.gyac.net or call (772) 794–1005. upgrades in the organization’s building, including hall- to invest more money into its mission to help local For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
30, 2020 . 26- Oct
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NOVEMBER 2, 2020 Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising Information BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 15 BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com This five–step process will help your company make shift to digital transformation; customer centricity is essential After you complete Step 1, you’ll have the insights time to embark on a more detailed product development By Howard Tiersky needed to draft a vision of a future experience that will process so you can document their exact features and inspire customer love and trigger the desired thoughts, interfaces with enough detail to implement them. In this Today’s customer is “digitally driven.” So, if your brand feelings, and behaviors. You can draft this vision in the updated version of Design Thinking, you’ll build upon the is going to thrive, digital must be at the core of what you form of a “customer journey map”–an infographic commu- existing framework of the process by incorporating new do. Add–ons and tweaks aren’t good enough. To earn and nicating the end–to–end customer experience you intend to steps that will take your customer journey map and make keep customer love, you’re going to have to make sure they create. it a reality. can access your products and services quickly and l You’ll need to map your current state journey. This Step 4: Optimize the Short Term seamlessly. process visualizes the “real–world” experience customers Building the future can take quite a while. But there For most legacy companies, this requires total transfor- and prospects encounter today as they try to purchase and are usually some areas where you are currently “letting mation. My new book, Winning Digital Customers, lays utilize the products or services your company offers. This is the customer down” that you can fix quickly. By focusing out a five–step process to help you make the shift. important, because in most companies, nobody under- on “low–hanging fruit,” you can get quick results within Step 1: Understand Your Customer stands the whole customer experience. This helps you your current reality–no matter how far along you are Customer centricity is essential. You must understand understand what’s good in your customer’s current journey within your overall transformation. your customer on a deep level if you are to create the kinds (so you don’t “mess it up”) and those areas where custom- Doing this work gives you quick, measurable, sustain- of experiences that will move their behavior in the right ers are having to exert a lot of effort or are experiencing able financial benefits that can help fund larger transfor- direction. This requires several types of research, such as: “pain” in their current journeys. mation as well as demonstrate to key executives that they l Indirect Customer Research. You probably already l Then, you’ll need to compose your future state have a “reason to believe” that your overall transformation have a wealth of customer insight tucked away in various, journey. Future state journey maps document the vision program is capable of driving tangible business impact. disparate places within your enterprise, from databases to you want to move toward–a “North Star” ambition of the Second, you improve your customer’s experience, which PDFs to the knowledge in the brains of your customer– way the future customer should experience your brand improves brand perception and demonstrates progress. facing teams. Start analyzing it to understand what it through all the stages of your journey lifecycle. Customer Step 5: Lead the Change means and how it relates to the research questions you journeys are tools for storytelling, and this is your chance Perhaps most importantly, digital transformation defined earlier. to write the story the way it should be. requires bold, courageous, and determined leadership. l Direct Customer Research. Reach out directly to your Step 3: Build the Future Here are the steps transformational leaders can do: customers using best–practices techniques, such as Once you have the overall customer journey defined, it’s l Overcome enterprise resistance to change. Most customer interviews, observational research (observe them time to start driving the transformation necessary to build people actively resist change, often to their detriment. buying or using your product), standardized measures (like the future. Leaders of transformation need to become experts at the the Net Promoter Score), and surveys. l You’ll need to implement transformation of four various flavors of “resistance to change” and tactics to l Synthesis of Research into Customer Personas. The supporting elements to achieve an excellent customer overcome them. To achieve this, you can create a burning final step of understanding your customer is synthesizing experience: technical architecture, robust and secure data, platform for change, define clear goals and celebrate signs the research and creating generalized composites of business operations, and the organization’s economic of success, sustain conviction even when things go wrong, specific types of customers. business model. and much more. Step 2: Map the Customer Journey l Use Design Thinking 2.0 to build the future. Next, it’s l Assemble transformational leaders and teams. Begin by finding your “innovation hero,” someone who has the vision and tenacity to make it their personal 24/7 mission to drag their enterprise toward digital excellence no matter how challenging or how much resistance they face. (This will be the person with the “superpowers” of super vision, courage and strength, speed, time travel, and other qualities you’ll learn more about in “Winning Digital sÝƇĭŕōÝńĩĭńÝōƇĩŸŕŴƪ(Ýƪ Customers.”) But no superhero does it alone. As a leader, a key part sŕƣĈŋùĈŸȿɃƇĩ of your job is assembling a leadership team of superheroes, all of whom embody core characteristics, but each of whom brings a special area of strength to the team. Some of the types of specialization you’ll need include: the business leader, the product leader, the user experience leader, the technical leader, and more. FPRA Thank You l Look to the road ahead. Choosing where to start ğŕŸƪŕƍŸāŕōÝƇĭŕōžžƍŴŴŕŸƇĭōġƇĩĈƤŕŸŀŕğ depends on your situation. The good news is that there are ńŕûÝńōŕōɫŴŸŕğĭƇŕŸġÝōĭƳÝƇĭŕōžɚ many “right” answers. You might start by assembling an new ad ÐŕƍŸûŕōƇŸĭùƍƇĭŕōžĩĈńŴŋÝŀĈŕƍŸûŕŋŋƍōĭƇƪÝùĈƇƇĈŸŴńÝûĈɚemailed informal digital transformation leadership team. Or start by commissioning research to map out the current customer journey and use that to start building your ńĈÝžĈÝûûĈŴƇŕƍŸĩĈÝŸƇğĈńƇÝŴŴŸĈûĭÝƇĭŕōɗ platform for change. Or start with a specific new product that needs innovation and apply the principles of Design ğŸŕŋƪŕƍŸ Thinking 2.0 to prove that it can work. Starting any place FULL COLORžžŕûĭÝƇĭŕōŕğGƍōāŸÝĭžĭōġŸŕğĈžžĭŕōÝńž is better than waiting. If you’re a legacy brand, you already have the talent, ¤ŴÝûĈ"ŕÝžƇ"ĩÝŴƇĈŸ assets, and history you need to thrive, but lack the customer love. These steps will set you on the path to adapting to meet your customers’ modern needs and stay relevant in the Digital Age. l About the Author Howard Tiersky is the author of “Winning Digital Customers: The Antidote to Irrelevance.” He speaks regularly at major industry conferences and has served on the faculty of the NYU Tisch School of the Arts, his alma mater. He can be reached at LinkedIn.com/in/Tiersky or via email at [email protected]. BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 16 Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information NOVEMBER 2, 2020 BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com Conservative Clergy of Color now offers its new employees training aimed at bringing an end to racial strife workplace. Critical Race Theory is not a unifying philoso- understanding. The modules examine Americans’ common By Will Hadden phy,” said CCC founder Bishop Aubrey Shines. history, and explore the actual state of race relations [email protected] “Getting to All Lives Matter” is an easy, one–day without the rhetoric in the current discourse. The modules Shirley & Banister Public Affairs training program that consists of six modules. Unlike CRT tackle the agendas of organizations like BLM, how to take or similar ideas found in “The 1619 Project,” “Getting to All in information from the media without getting lost in TAMPA — As the U.S. continues to grapple with racial Lives Matter” is based on facts, real history, and dispenses click–baiting, and how to reduce inequality without tension in cities, Conservative Clergy of Color is offering its with the “White Fragility” blame–game approach. The assigning blame. Trainees will also practice these ideas in new employee training program, “Getting to All Lives modules provide employees at all levels with the tools and real–world scenarios to create tolerant environments in Matter,” as an alternative for employees to the biased, resources to address the incredibly difficult topic of race their offices and help employees reach an understanding. politically correct Critical Race Theory (CRT) that has been and how to reach a constructive understanding. The All of this is designed to build teamwork in the office. adopted in workplaces and schools across the country. modules are as follows: The modules are designed to build common ground on the Critical Race Theory argues that white Americans are l The All Lives Matter Approach Means Stronger Teams fundamental issue of race, which translates into solving implicitly biased, inherently racist, and fragile. The Black l How We Get Race Wrong regular workplace problems and collaborating on projects. Lives Matter–fueled riots that have gripped America’s l Don’t Take the Bait to Hate By building trust between coworkers on a personal level, cities have caused large corporations, universities, and l Fact–Based Talk on Equity and Opportunity an office can expect stronger productivity and more even Federal agencies to adopt CRT in an effort to conform l What’s Working, What Didn’t, and What Should Be soundly achieve its business goals. to the BLM narrative that America is an inherently racist Tried “We want to be healers. We want people to understand country. l Focused Minds and Open Hearts that they have value and that their opinion has value,” “Our hope through this training is that we can bring The “Getting to All Lives Matter” modules argue that Bishop Shines said. “Businesses don’t thrive on conflict, people together. As ministers it’s our calling to build unity White people are not hopelessly and inherently racist even and by creating understanding in the workplace we hope to in the Christian way, and we feel that, given the racial when they aren’t trying, and that many workplace help the country begin the healing process and to reach climate in our country, there needs to be unity in the confrontations involving race are often fueled by a lack of reconciliation outside of the workplace.”
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NOVEMBER 2, 2020 Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising Information BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 17 BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com BSO introduces new streaming experience; BBQ DRIVE THRU BBQ Samples & Lunch People’s Choice Awards to present full orchestra concert on Nov. 7 By Diane Bishop [email protected]
The Brevard Symphony Orchestra has announced it will present a second full orchestra concert via online stream starting Nov 7. The BSO previously performed “Streaming Strings” with members of the BSO’s string section in late August, TION as well as the full orchestra performance of Beethoven’s EVENT LOCA Proceeds benefit “Pastoral” in early October. Both concerts were streamed on the orchestra’s YouTube channel, receiving 900 and 1,200 views, respectively. The November streamed performance, “Sibelius & Brahms,” will be a slightly revised version of a concert that was originally scheduled for April 4. Said BSO Music Director Christopher Confessore: “This SC Early Intervention concert will feature the full orchestra performing Brahms’ beautiful 2nd Symphony, a work that has often been pick up BBN compared to Beethoven’s ‘Pastoral’ Symphony due to its cheerful, bucolic nature. We are also thrilled to welcome BEER BBQ CONTES10/26/20T VENDORS KIDS CORNER back Grammy–nominated violinist Jennifer Frautschi to perform Sibelius’ dramatic Violin Concerto.” page 14 The concert will be performed in late October at the King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne without an audience in attendance.
AY FULL COLOR As with Streaming Strings and Beethoven’s “Pastoral,” NOV TICKETS it will be professionally recorded and produced. The concert AM will be streamed for 72 hours beginning at 7 p.m. on 10 Saturday, Nov. 7. Those who had purchased tickets for the original April concert will automatically receive the link to TURD -TO- PM $ the concert. Others may purchase “virtual tickets” in order to receive the link. To purchase and sign–up, visit
SA BrevardSymphony.com/Brahms2. 1 4 15 “This concert brings us one step closer to our eagerly– 4 anticipated return to live performances,” said Confessore. “During the stream, many of us will be participating in the live chat feature of YouTube and hope everyone watching will join in and share this exciting concert with us.” The BSO is the only fully professional orchestra in Brevard County. Many of Central Florida’s finest classical musicians play with the BSO. For more information regarding the BSO, visit BrevardSymphony.com or call (321) 345–5052.
OUROUOUR SSPONSORPONSORSRS Fifth Avenue Art Gallery welcomes Busby as a new member; is a graduate of EFSC The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery has announced the addition of Vicki Busby to its membership role. A Melbourne native, Busby is both an award–winning fine artist and graphic designer. She is a graduate of Eastern Florida State College and has studied with several local, published, and internation- Tickets can be purchased at TOP NOTCH MARINE & SCEIC: 3790 Dairy Rd Melbourne 32904 ally known artists. or contact Sandy Withers 321-729-6858 Ext. 218 // [email protected] Busby is known for her use of dramatic light and color in her unique impressionistic abstract style. She enjoys applying dramatic light and bold colors to her landscapes ITG Cut Above along with subtle reflected light and mysterious darks that make her night scenes dramatic and exciting. pick up BBN pick up BBN Recently, Busby has been focusing on photographing and then painting local wetlands, giving an abstract edge to them. She enjoys innovating colors in her finished 10/12/20 10/19/20 ! !!" works. She works in oil, acrylic and soft pastel. page 16 page 10 The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery is located in the Eau ##$%&' ( Gallie Arts District of Melbourne. All events are free and %)*+ ,! open to the public. For further information on Busby’s --- works, call (321) 259–8261. . FULL ! COLOR FULL COLOR The Fifth Avenue Art Gallery’s address is 470 Highland Ave., or visit ttp://www.fifthavenueartgallery.com. BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 18 Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information NOVEMBER 2, 2020 BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com University Center Imaging Continued from page 12 wish to do so. Family history is important. or shape of the breast, pain in any area of the breast, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, suggests that a l Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every nipple discharge other than breast milk, a new lump in the diet low in fat may reduce the risk of breast cancer. More year. breast or underarm, and breast redness. research is needed in this important area for women who l Women age 55 and older should switch to “Some of these symptoms can be seen with diagnosis are interested in eating well to reduce their risk of ever mammograms every two years, or combine yearly screen- other than breast cancer, so it’s important to see a health getting breast cancer. ing. professional and have them examine the breast and do the In the meantime, here’s what dietitians suggest: l Screening should continue as long as a woman is in appropriate imaging,” she said. l Keep your body weight in a healthy range for your good health and is expected to live 10 more years or longer. Dr. Gruzinova is the newest member of the radiology height and frame. The American Society for Breast Surgeons says: team at University Center Imaging. She just completed l Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits (more than five l All women age 25 and older should have a formal risk her residency at the University of Florida College of cups per day). assessment for breast cancer. Medicine Department of Radiology. l Try to limit your saturated fat intake to less than l Women with an average risk of breast cancer should Her special focus is on diagnostic radiology and breast 10 percent of your total calories per day and limit your fat start annual screening mammograms at age 40. imaging. She is a graduate of Rush Medical College in intake to about 30 grams per day. l Women with higher–than–average risk of breast Chicago. Dr. Gruzinova joins radiologists Dr. Alan l Eat foods high in omega–3 fatty acids. cancer should start annual screening mammograms at an Marumoto and Dr. Mark Preston at University Center l Avoid trans fats, processed meats, and charred or earlier age and should be offered additional imaging each Imaging, which has served Brevard County for 25 years. smoked foods. year. “UCI is very patient–centered — nothing but the Dr. Gruzinova also said to limit your alcohol consump- BreastCancer.org has always said: highest professionalism and care. It’s a pleasure working tion, and don’t smoke. l All Women should have a screening mammogram with Jenny (Marshall) and the entire UCI team,” said Studies have shown that breast–cancer risk increases every year, starting at age 40, and continue as long as they Dr. Gruzinova, who started working as a radiologist at with the amount of alcohol a woman drinks. Alcohol can are in good health and would want the breast cancer to be UCI in August of this year. limit your liver’s ability to control blood levels of the treated. There are things women can do to lower their breast– hormone estrogen, which in turn can increase risk. l All women should have a physical examination of the cancer risk, said Dr. Gruzinova. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, breasts by a doctor every year and do a breast self–exam Being overweight, for example, is associated with Dr. Gruzinova sends this message to women: “Now is a every month. increased risk of breast cancer, especially for women after great time to get your screening mammogram. If you have Ask your doctor when you should get a mammogram. menopause. Fat tissue is the body’s main source of been delaying that decision, I highly recommend getting Baseline mammograms are provided around the age of 35 estrogen after menopause, when the ovaries stop produc- your screening mammogram.” unless family history indicates sooner. The baseline ing the hormone. Having more fat tissue means having “Some patients may be a bit concerned about going to a mammogram provides a comparison view for your higher estrogen levels, which can increase breast–cancer health–care facility at this time because of the virus,” said physician should something develop later. risk. Marshall. “Early screening can find cancers that wouldn’t Dr. Gruzinova says there are different symptoms of Studies are looking at the relationship between diet and show symptoms for years. So having a screening breast cancer, and that some people have no symptoms at breast–cancer risk and the risk of recurrence. The mammography should take priority and not let the virus all. She said symptoms can include: any change in the size Women’s Health Initiative Trial, sponsored by the cause a patient to shy away from it.”
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NOVEMBER 2, 2020 Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising Information BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 19 BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com Palm Bay Veterans Day Parade scheduled for Nov. 7; event is set to start at City Hall The City of Palm Bay will host the 2020 Palm Bay Veterans Day Parade at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7. Participants and spectators alike are invited to help honor veterans and their families. The parade will start at Palm Bay City Hall, 120 Malabar Road SE, and head east on Malabar Road to Emerson Drive. The parade will then head south on Emerson and end at Copley Street SE. There will be viewing areas for the public in the median of Malabar Road, as well as along the sidewalk on the south side of Malabar Road. Roadways on the parade route will be closed starting one hour before the start of the Veterans Day Parade. Beginning at 8 a.m., Malabar Road will be completely ! ! 2% 2% !,$ ) !,$ ) " " " closed, in both directions, from Emerson Drive to Minton ) ! ) ! ) ! Road. Emerson Drive will be closed between Malabar Road and Grandeur Street. The roads will reopen as soon as ! " # $ % ! " # $ % ! " # $ % ! ) " # $ 3$ % ! ) " # $ 3$ % barriers and pedestrians are cleared from the roadway and && "% "% ** && "% "% ** clean–up is complete. The closures are expected to be lifted 4) 3 #4) 3 # by 12 p.m. , , ' ( ) " $ )! ' ( ) " $ )! , Area businesses and organizations are encouraged to ## participate in the parade and support area veterans. For " % ) )" % ) ) $!, ) ! $!, ) ! information about having an entry in the parade or for )% % ) & ' !*)% % ) & ' !*Palms Point )% % ) & ' !*)% % ) & ' !* # # more parade information, call the Tony Rosa Community pick up BBN ) ) ) Center at (321) 952–3443 or [email protected]. % +,- % +,-.. ! ! % -/ , 0 % -/ , 0++ 7/20/20 NVHS to present its annual Home Stretch % 0+ % 0+ 11 % 0+ 1 page 3 5K on Nov. 8 in Melbourne; a virtual option National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS) has %# !% # " %# !% # " served Brevard’s homeless veterans since 2008, reducing FULL COLOR) 5 6# $ ! ) 5 6# $ ! ) 5 6# $ ! ) 5 6# $ ! their numbers from roughly 1,800 to less than 300 today. This work has been possible because the community &&& has rallied behind their mission and this time it is in the form of the third annual Home Stretch 5K, hosted by TechRev. This year’s event will start at 8 a.m. on Nov. 8 at Melbourne Court, next to Campbell Park. There will also be a virtual option for anyone with health and safety concerns who still wishes to support Brevard County homeless and low–income veterans. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 4,400 veterans in Brevard that are living in poverty and are at risk of homelessness. This event helps to keep those veteran families housed through financial support, 78, 78, 78, targeting utility and rental assistance needs. In addition to this need, COVID–19 job losses have caused thousands of Brevard families to fall behind on rent !"# "$$#!"# "$$# and utility payments, thereby increasing the number of veteran families who are now at greater risk of experienc- ing homelessness. To combat this, NVHS has given $27,100 in financial support toward rent and utility payments this year, to help keep veteran families housed ! ! )) )) in Brevard. $# $# $# $# The 5K has gained the support and sponsorship of 9 9 ! ! &&& various organizations around Brevard County including: Rock Paper Simple, Bansbach Easylift, St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care, Southeast Aerospace, United ! ) Launch Alliance, Zeltech, Melbourne Corporate Center, : % Space Coast Intelligent Solutions and Phillips Financial Advisors. % & Runners may register to run both in person or virtually at https://runsignup.com/homestretch5k. 7(++ $ % ' # NVHS was founded in 2008. It tackles homelessness ! ; (7.<0 ! ; (7.<0 directly where it exists, on the streets of Brevard. NVHS * (7-,0=(,0++= > ; 3* (7-,/==,0++= * (7-,0=(,0++= > ; 3* (7-,/==,0++= proactively goes out to find those that need their help """&) ) $ ! & """&) ) $ ! & through street–level outreach where they live, provide basic needs to ensure their survival and build rapport, and ? $ ; $6 @% ) % ) AB connect them to any organization that offers a service beneficial to them, rapidly moving from homeless to housed. The website is https://nvhs.org. BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 20 Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information NOVEMBER 2, 2020 BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com Brevard Title Continued from page 13 “It’s a well–known hotel property,” said Jessie Boyd, you buy a home or other property? positive and productive for the title–insurance industry. who worked in catering and sales there. “William If you borrow money to finance the purchase of a home Homebuyers in Florida and around the nation have been Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies lived in the pent- or a property, a lending institution will likely require you active. Florida’s housing market reported more closed house of that hotel for many years.” to buy a title–insurance policy to protect its interest. sales, more new pending sales, higher median prices, and The Warwick New York was built by early 20th century When property is transferred from one owner to more new listings in August compared to a year ago, newspaper tycoon Hearst for the love of his life, actress another, there are potential legal problems that can stay according to Florida Realtors’ latest data. Single–family Davies. Hearst (1863–1951) grew his media empire after attached to the property, said Joel Boyd. home sales rose 8.8 percent compared to August 2019. inheriting the “San Francisco Examiner” from his father. As experts in real property law, title–insurance Locally, Brevard County continues to be singled out Orson Welles’ 1941 film “Citizen Kane” is widely believed professionals correct problems that real–estate agents, nationally for its livability. The most recent accolades came to be based on Hearst’s life. mortgage lenders, and local county recorders cannot solve. from U.S. News & World Report’s “150 Best Places to Live Jessie Boyd also worked six years as a flight attendant These can include: liens or judgments against the in the U.S. in 2020–21.” for Atlanta–based Delta Airlines flying around the world, property; unpaid taxes, alimony, and child support; errors U.S. News analyzed the 150 most populous metropoli- including trips to Guam, Cuba, South America, and in public records; illegal deeds; forged documents; undis- tan areas in America to find the best places to live. To be Southeast Asia. She called it the “ultimate customer– closed heirs; and boundary or survey disputes. on the list, a place “had to have good value, be a desirable service training ground.” Title–insurance policies are indemnity policies. They place to live, have a strong job market, and a high quality “Then I decided to stay in one place, so I settled in protect against possible losses arising from events that of life.” Atlanta and went to work for the Westin Buckhead.” She occurred before the date of the policy. The entire cost of In the rankings, Melbourne was No. 28 in Best Places was the executive meeting manager for that luxury hotel, title insurance is covered by a one–time premium that is to Live, with an overall score of 7.0 out of 10. In Best Places which was purchased by Marriott in 2017. “I went through handled at the closing of the real–estate transaction. to Retire by U.S. News, Melbourne was No. 10, with an that transition to new ownership.” In Florida, typically the seller pays for the title insur- overall score of 7.1 out of 10. The summary says: “The “Six years ago, Thanksgiving, Jessie met my son Mark, ance, with the exception of just a few counties. “The rule Space Coast is committed to blending the arts, science, and who was a prosecutor in Atlanta,” said Joel Boyd. basically says ‘if you pay, you pick’ the title company,” said economic development into its energetic community. Most When she joined Brevard Title in January 2019, Jessie Joel Boyd. The party paying is the one who gets to choose people are generally warm and welcoming, and given that Boyd started doing business development, which included the service provider — the title company. Melbourne attracts new residents from all over the open houses, meeting Realtors, conducting educational “We do a lot with buyers and buyers’ agents to ensure a country, you are sure to meet interesting folks from all seminars related to the title industry, and being involved smooth transaction. That’s one of our important business– different walks of life.” with the Melbourne Regional Chamber, the Cocoa Beach development strategies,” he said. “We live in one of the best communities and one of the Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Space Coast The title–insurance industry generated $4.1 billion in best states in the nation,” said Joel Boyd. “The housing Association of Realtors. premiums during the second quarter of 2020, according to market in Brevard County is seeing strong activity, which “I greatly enjoyed the experience meeting people in the the American Land Title Association, a trade organization. bodes well for the title industry. Looking ahead to 2021, community,” said Jessie Boyd, who is a member of Junior Title premium volume was up 8 percent over the same our company — Brevard Title — should continue to see League of South Brevard Inc. and 321 Millennials. period a year ago. healthy growth. Both of our offices, Melbourne and What is title insurance and why do you need it when Despite the pandemic, low interest rates have been Suntree, are faring well.”
Join Us November 11th for our 2020 Veteran’s Day Virtual Open House! • Tour campus and classrooms • Meet administrators and teachers • Receive admissions and financial assistance information CatholicsTo reserve your spot, go to: brevardcatholicschools.org/open-house pick up BBN 10/26/20 Melbourne Central Catholic High School St. Mary’s Catholic School page 7St. Joseph Catholic School Melbourne, FL Rockledge, FL Palm Bay, FL (321) 727-0793 | www.melbournecc.org (321) 636-4208 | www.stmarys-school.org (321) 723-8866 | www.st-joe-school.org St. Teresa Catholic School Ascension Catholic SchoolFULL COLOROur Saviour Catholic School Titusville, FL Melbourne, FL Cocoa Beach, FL (321) 267-1643 | www.stteresa-titusville.org (321) 254-5495 | www.ascensioncatholicsch.org (321) 783-2330 | www.oursaviourschool.org Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School Divine Mercy Catholic Academy Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School Indialantic, FL Merritt Island, FL Melbourne, FL (321) 773-1630 | www.hnj-school.org (321) 452-0263 | www.dmccs.org (321) 723-3631 | www.ollmelbourne.org
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BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 22 Call Adrienne Roth at 321-951-7777 for Advertising Information NOVEMBER 2, 2020 BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS online at BrevardBusinessNews.com Alton Edmond Continued from page 1 quality of life. Almost every summer, I took visionary mother who saw reading and key for me. It set me up to grow academi- about an hour about college, life, and goals. classes and stayed on campus. I worked as academics as the road to a better life for cally,” said Edmond. She presented me the scholarship.” a resident assistant.” her son. In 2005, Hurricane Wilma hit Edmond said faith has been a corner- He said he decided on UF “because my Today, Edmond labels himself a Clewiston and tossed railroad cars from stone of his life. “I grew up in the church. I mother’s younger sister went there in the “minimalist,” someone who desires to live their tracks. That’s how powerful the grew up in a religious household. We early 1990s.” with fewer material possessions — less storm was. “It took the roof off our house would go to church four days a week. There Edmond graduated with a bachelor’s clutter, less consumerism. Growing up and did a lot of property damage. My were three services on Sunday, and we degree in criminology and sociology, with a poor taught him about minimalism, and mother lost her books and photographs,” went to all of them. So I didn’t grow up a minor in education. He became the first much more. he said. big NFL fan. My mother was in charge of male in his mother’s or his father’s lineage Edmond was raised by a single mother Theresa Gray, his mother, just remar- the youth ministry, including the choir. to obtain a college degree. on fixed income. He worked as a teen and ried two years ago. That meant by default, I was a member of With his undergraduate degree saved money to help buy groceries for his According to the Annie E. Casey the choir. I always had a role in youth completed, Edmond was moving closer to family. They lived in Harlem Gardens, Foundation, roughly 35 percent of children programs at my church. Singing at a young his career goal. government–subsidized apartment under age 18 live in a single–parent home. age is something that stayed with me “Ever since I was 5 years old, I wanted housing known as “the projects.” As many as 25 percent of children in throughout my life. When I went to the to be an attorney. At a young age, I saw Growing up, he faced one challenge the U.S. live in households with a mother University of Florida, I was part of the UF injustice in my community. I remember after another, but was able to hurdle them alone. Statistics show that women–only Gospel Choir. We traveled around the one time my wrestling coach was taking in stride, and he kept looking to the future. households are more likely to live below nation singing gospel music. Every spring me home. He drove a black pickup. He Just 16 percent of children who grow up the poverty line. we went on tour.” dropped me off at the corner store. I lived in poverty manage to become economically “When I passed the bar exam and It was through the UF Gospel Choir in the projects — Harlem Gardens — right successful adults, according to studies. became licensed, I reflected on how far I that he was able to visit New York, New across from the store. I think I was a 10th– Once a youngster is trapped in a cycle of had come and how my mother steered me Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Illinois, grader.” deprivation, the odds are that he or she in the right direction growing up in Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and Edmond continued, “The store was in a will likely continue to be improvished as Harlem,” said Edmond, who is also a real Louisiana. “It was great exposure. I had high–crime, drug–trafficking area. After I an adult. estate investor. never traveled much before.” got out of his truck, it wasn’t long and I Behavioral and mental–health issues Officially, Harlem is a U.S. Census When Edmond moved to Orlando to was met by an officer. He said he was are also more prevalent in children “designated place” under Hendry County’s attend law school, he sang with the looking for someone who fit such and such growing up in poor families. But Edmond jurisdiction, one–square mile that is home University of Central Florida Gospel Choir. description. He asked, ‘Can I pat you marched into life with an upbeat attitude. to roughly 2,400 residents. In his last year of law school, Edmond was down? Can I search you?’ I said ‘sure.’ He Having a mother who emphasized learning The U.S. Sugar Corp.’s mill and hired as the choir director and minister of went through my backpack and my and education, like she did, helped lift him refinery on the eastern edge of Harlem is a music at a church in Altamonte Springs. In pockets. These are the types of experiences up. visible landmark in the community. That 2013, that pastor moved to a church in I had at a young age. So I wanted to be “My mother always had the biggest, company is the largest volume producer of Cocoa and offered Edmond a pay raise to part of a future change, even though at a boldest dreams,” said Edmond, a 31–year– cane sugar in the United States. join him. young age I didn’t know what that looked old attorney who founded Edmond Law in The Thomas Diner on Harlem Academy “That is what led me to first begin like.” 2017, a criminal defense firm which also Avenue is known for having the best serving Brevard County. I have family who Edmond is an adjunct professor at does business law and government work. breakfast in town. have been in Brevard for generations, but I Eastern Florida State College. He teaches “When I was a child, my mother A big draw for Harlem every year is the never served or lived in Brevard until criminal law and criminal procedure. He actually wrote her own books and she used longstanding Brown Sugar Festival, a 2013, when I began directing the choir and took off this semester, but was asked to to read those books to me. When I became multi–day community arts event. Unfortu- accepted the role as minster of music at teach the class in the spring. school age, I excelled. I believe learning to nately, the important fundraiser that helps Mt. Moriah AME Church on Stone Street, After graduating from the University of read at an early age is the reason why I send area Black students to college was which is within walking distance from my Florida, Edmond was accepted at Florida excelled in the classroom. A lot of parents canceled this year because of the law office in Cocoa Village.” A&M University’s College of Law in don’t read to their kids. But studies show coronavirus. The senior pastor at Mt. Moriah AME Orlando. “Transitioning from the Univer- that when parents read to their children, it “As a kid, I just loved going to the Church is the Rev. Odell Watson. sity of Florida to law school was an helps with the child’s phonetics and helps Brown Sugar Festival. It kicked off the An article in the “Fort Myers Weekly” interesting process. Clewiston is a small in their educational endeavors.” first Saturday in May. In modern Ameri- describes Harlem this way: “For many town. And Gainesville is a small town with Reading opens the door to a child’s early can society, especially back in the 1990s drivers passing by on U.S. 27, midway a big university in the middle of it. So this academic success, imparts a love of when I was growing up, there was not a lot between Fort Myers and Palm Beach, was the first time I was actually living in a learning and leads to higher grades in of appreciation for Black arts, music, and Harlem is nowhere. Just before crossing big city, Orlando. And it was the first time every subject. Numerous studies have culture in some communities.” the railroad tracks into Clewiston, there is I had rented an apartment. It was a shown that strong oral–language skills are “The way Harlem was formed, because a small green–and–white sign announcing growing experience. The first year of law the basis for literacy development. of segregation, Black people lived out in its presence that is mainly acknowledged school was a ‘survival–of–the–fittest’ When children learn to read at an early Harlem, which is considered county. by locals, delivery drivers, or people on environment.” age, they have greater general knowledge, Therefore, they didn’t receive some of the business, those who have close family or Law–school programs are especially expand their vocabulary and become more services or didn’t have the opportunity to friends, or someone who got lost.” tough for first–year students. The average fluent readers. They also have improved vote in certain elections because it was For Edmond, Harlem was a training dropout rate in law schools in America is attention spans and better concentration, unincorporated land and not part of the ground for building life–survival skills. around 38 percent. Law schools cut out according to studies. Early readers can city,” said Edmond in an interview What he learned there has helped propel their nonperformers in the first year. recognize a larger number of words by conducted at his law office in Cocoa his career in law as an attorney and as a Edmond graduated from Florida A&M sight, which enables them to learn more Village. So Harlem began to “establish its businessowner. University’s College of Law at age 24. He from and about their environment. own identity through the Festival,” he “It was a heck of an upbringing. I passed the Florida Bar Examination on his Millions of children get to fourth grade added. remember just being exposed to adulthood first sitting. “Failing was not an option,” without learning to read proficiently, and His senior year in high school, Edmond far too early. That was both a blessing and said Edmond, adding that the fees and that puts them on the high–school dropout received a scholarship from the Harlem a curse for me. As an adult, I’m told time cost, including hotel stays and paying test– track. The ability to read by third grade is Ministerial Alliance, which helps put on and time again, you are an ‘old soul.’ You preparation companies, ran thousands of critical to a child’s success in school, the Brown Sugar Festival each year. don’t seem like a 31–year–old man. Life dollars. He was licensed to practice law on lifelong earning potential, and their ability “Pastor Geneva Boyd was president of the was rough, but I never gave up. My mother Dec. 2, 2014, at age 25. to contribute to the nation’s economy. organization at the time. Pastor Boyd was by me all the way on this journey. His inspiring story was fueled by a “My early grade reading ability was the invited me to her home. We talked for When I look back, I have no regrets. ” NOVEMBER 2, 2020 Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising Information BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 23 BUT OUR DOCTORS CAN. 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