vol. 31 no. 8 february 25, 2013 a weekly space coast business...

Vol. 31 No. 8 February 25, 2013 A Weekly Space Coast Business Magazine printed in Brevard County, Florida since 1984

Please see Health First Health Plans, page 19

By Ken Datzman

ROCKLEDGE — After years of heated debate and politicking, one component of

health–care reform has arrived.

And the health–insurance industry is anticipating a short–term surge in business

as more people gain access to affordable health plans through online exchanges.

A host of insurance–plan options are set to unfold as the historic legislation reins

in the age of consumerism and the rollout of the shopping exchanges, or market-

places, in the individual states.

“Leaving the politics aside, we are excited about the opportunity to improve the

health of our community, especially for those who may have had less access to

insurance and indirectly to health care,” said Andrew Weintraub, vice president of

sales and business development for Health First Health Plans.

Small business, the economic engine and the driver of product innovation in

America, is clearly in the cross–sights of this unprecedented reform.

Changes are coming as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

passed by Congress and signed by President Obama.

Pieces of “Obamacare,” which the legislation is often called, will be making their

way into the marketplace and are designed to broaden health–care coverage in the

years ahead, advocates say.

Expanding health coverage to the more than 45 million uninsured Americans is a

key U.S. policy goal of Obamacare, which offers tax credits and subsidies to various

segments of the uninsured population.

The law will impact many small businesses. The new legislation, for example,

will require businesses with 50 or more workers to provide health care for their

employees starting in 2014 or pay a penalty of up to $2,000 per worker.

Health–insurance plans across the nation, including armies of brokers and

agents, have their sights set on Oct. 1 of this year. That’s the bull’s–eye date, a

milestone in the industry because it’s when open enrollment begins on the new

health–insurance exchanges.

Both individual consumers and small businesses can shop and sign up for

health–benefit plans. The exchange, a key part of the law, is being touted as a

transparent, competitive marketplace where people can compare a selection of

qualified health–insurance options in order to find the plan that best meets their

needs and budget.

The federal government will provide subsidies to certain low– and moderate–

income individuals to make such coverage more affordable.

In Florida, roughly 4 million people are without health insurance, presenting

what seems to be a sizable opportunity for insurers in the industry to win new

business, including on the group side, with the 50–employee company mandate

kicking in at the workplace.

Because of their higher health–care costs, small businesses have been far less

likely to provide health insurance for their workers than larger businesses, says a

report by the Council of Economic Advisors, which examines the challenges faced by

smaller firms under the current health–care system.

Only 49 percent of businesses with three to nine workers (in Florida, 92 percent of

businesses have nine or fewer employees) and 78 percent of firms with 10 to 24

workers offered any type of health insurance to their employees in 2008, according to

the CEA report.

In contrast, 99 percent of U.S. companies with more than 200 workers offered

health insurance.

HFHP sees business opportunity when online exchanges open

Andrew Weintraub is vice president of sales and business development for Health First Health Plans, which is setto introduce new benefit plans and options for customers. In addition, he said his organization has been ableto adjust its premium pricing because ‘we control our cost structure.’ With health–care reform now law, HFHPis planning for a growth phase. On Oct. 1 of this year, open enrollment for the new health exchanges begins.

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BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWSJunior League of Central and North Brevardto host ‘Passport to Beer and Cheer’ event

MERRITT ISLAND — The Junior League of Central

and North Brevard will host its third annual “Passport to

Beer and Cheer” fund–raiser on Saturday, March 2, on the

Veranda at the Space Coast Realtor Association office. The

address is 105 McLeod St.

The event will raise money for literacy and youth “aging

out of foster– care initiatives.” The benefit is sponsored by

Crispy’s Beer & Wine Bar in Rockledge

(www.crispysbar.com).

“We are thrilled to partner with Crispy’s Beer & Wine

Bar this year for our event,” said Dawn Stuckey, the event

chairwoman.

“They are experts on craft beers and the foods that go

with them. Even better, they care about the community

and were eager to support the Junior League of Central

and North Brevard and our initiatives.”

Passport to Beer and Cheer will feature craft beers

paired with food, live music, casino style gambling, raffles

and a silent auction. Tickets are $35 each and can be

purchased at www.brevardjuniorleague.org.

The league’s community–outreach projects target the

health and overall wellness of Brevard’s children and

youth.

The JLCNB has been serving Brevard County since

1967. It is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues

International, an organization of “women committed to

promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women,

and improving the community through the effective action

and leadership of trained volunteers.”

Surfside seeks entries for Playwriting ContestSurfside Players is accepting entries for its 13th annual

Playwriting Contest. The competition is open to anyone

who resides in Brevard. Submit an original, unpublished

script by Sunday, March 31, to: Surfside Playhouse —

Playwriting Contest, 200 North First St., Cocoa Beach,

Fla., 32931; or in PDF format to [email protected]

(subject line: Playwriting Contest Entry). The winning play

will see its “world premiere” on Surfside’s stage June 7–9.

A complete copy of the rules and guidelines are in the

attached PDF, and also available at

www.surfsideplayers.com. For more information about this

and other events, visit www.surfsideplayers.com or the

Facebook group “Surfside Players.” Submit an e–mail or

postal address to [email protected] to receive

updates on shows throughout the season.

Vendors sought for children’s event at McLarty ParkBrevard County Parks and Recreation, in conjunction

with Brevard County Libraries, will host “A Seussical

Celebration,” featuring stories, performances, games and

activities based on the creations of Dr. Seuss. The event

will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, at

McLarty Park, 790 Barton Blvd., in Rockledge. Following

the activities, the movie “The Cat in the Hat” will be shown

on the outdoor movie screen at 6:30 p.m. Patrons are

encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. This is a free

event. Central Area Parks is currently accepting vendor

and advertising sponsorship applications. Contact Sofia

Troy at [email protected] for details.

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Pilot Club fashion show to benefit NorthBrevard Sharing Center, Children’s Center

TITUSVILLE — The Pilot Club of Titusville will host a

fashion show on from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday,

March 23, at La Cita Country Club.

This year’s theme is “Pretty Woman — Diamonds are

Forever.”

Fashions by Dillard’s at Merritt Square Mall will be

showcased by models handpicked from the North Brevard

community. Candi Neuweiler, owner of Merle Norman &

Boutique, will emcee the event and provide accessories

from her boutique, said Evelyn Taylor, event chairwoman

and fund–raising committee member.

Lily Renzetti, president of Pilot Club of Titusville, along

with the club members, have begun fund–raising efforts

toward the $16,000 goal. Proceeds will benefit The

Children’s Center and North Brevard Charities Sharing

Center.

Tickets to the event are $35 per person and include

lunch. Sponsorship opportunities begin at $125 for the

“Tres Chic” level and go up to $1,000 for the James Bond

partnership.

For sponsorship, tickets and event information, contact

Taylor at 543–9637 or Katherine Musick at 480–8594.

The Pilot Club’s service focus is to promote awareness

of brain–related disorders and to improve the lives of those

affected — through education, volunteer activities,

financial support and research. For more information

about the organization, visit www.nbbd.com/npr/pilot.

Breast Friends of Florida to host luncheonBreast Friends of Florida will host its fourth annual

“Joy of Life Luncheon” from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday,

March 15, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Highway A1A in

Indialantic. The event will feature an array of silent

auction items and raffles, including a Schwinn “Hope” 50

Pink Scooter valued at $1,500. Local vendors will display

jewelry, clothing, and health–care–related information and

products. Tickets are $25 per person; vendor tables are $75

(includes lunch) and luncheon–sponsorship tables are

$500, seating 10 guests. The reservation deadline is March

8. Since 2009, Breast Friends of Florida has supported

more than 500 Brevard County women. The Florida

chapter was founded as an affiliate of the national

organization. For more information, call 474–4159 or

474–6900, or visit www.BreastFriends.com/aff/Florida.

Art Gallery in Viera to conduct two workshopsThe Art Gallery of Viera at The Avenue will host two

workshops where attendees will learn the fine art of

perspective drawing. Students learn the basic principles of

one–, two– and three–point perspective with hands–on

participation. The students will draw simple boxes, and

move on to more complex drawings such as stairways,

houses and cityscapes. The Basic Perspective I workshop

will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 16. Basic

Perspective II will follow the next day at the same time. It

will delve further into cast shadows and architectural

elements such as arches, steeples, dormers and more. The

fee is $65 for one day or $100 for both workshops. Materi-

als for use during class will be provided. Registration is

required. Contact Susan Stone at (401) 596–4266.

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4300 Fortune Place, Suite DWest Melbourne, FL 32904

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BrevardBusinessNews.com

PUBLISHERAdrienne B. Roth

EDITORKen Datzman

SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITORBill Roth

Brevard Business News is published every Monday byBrevard Business News Inc. Bulk Rate postage is paid atMelbourne, FL and Cocoa, FL. This publication servesbusiness executives in Brevard County. It reports onnews, trends and ideas of interest to industry, trade,agribusiness, finance, health care, high technology,education and commerce.

Letters to the Editor must include the writer’s signatureand printed or typed name, full address and telephonenumber. Brevard Business News reserves the right to editall letters. Send your letters to: Editor, Brevard BusinessNews, 4300 Fortune Place, Suite D, West Melbourne, FL,32904, or email [email protected].

Subscription Rates for home or office mail delivery are$26.00 for one year (52 issues). Send all addresschanges to: Circulation Department, Brevard BusinessNews, 4300 Fortune Place, Suite D, West Melbourne, FL,32904, or email [email protected].

Oysters need our help; Brevard Zoo and Nature Conservancy team upBy Dr. Linda WaltersUCF Forum columnist

Most of us either love to eat oysters or think that pond

scum might actually taste better. While I can’t stomach

them raw, roasted oysters with cheese, bacon and wine are

a delightful treat after a hard day at work.

In addition to humans, many species on our planet rely

on oysters for food. These range from threatened/endan-

gered wading birds such as the wood stork, to blue crabs, to

the fish that help make Florida one of the world’s recre-

ational fishing capitals.

Knowing that so much of our aquatic biodiversity relies

on shellfish, I am sad to report that researchers say more

than 85 percent of shellfish reefs have disappeared from

our planet — and they need our help. In addition to the

loss of this food source, shellfish play many other impor-

tant roles in nature; these roles are so essential that

scientists consider oysters to be a keystone species (the

most important species in a habitat), as well as ecosystem

engineers (the structure built by their shells significantly

alters water flow in the habitat). Juveniles of commercially

important fish and shrimp hide from their predators

among the nooks and crannies within oyster reefs.

Oysters also filter water — a lot of water. Scientists

estimate that each oyster filters 50 gallons of water each

day. That equates to about a bathtub’s worth of water

filtered by each oyster each day! And if that isn’t enough —

oysters help attenuate waves to protect our shorelines from

erosion.

There has been a stream of interesting news reports

suggesting that oysters could have stopped the devastation

brought on by Super Storm Sandy in 2012. While no 4–

inch–tall oyster could have stopped a 10– to 20–foot wall of

water associated with this hurricane, what oysters can do

for shorelines is thwart day–to–day erosion that is the

result of natural and anthropogenic sources.

My research lab has been quantifying how much wave

energy is attenuated by fringing oyster reefs. The numbers

are very impressive with shell alone reducing the wave

energy created by recreational boat wakes by 19 percent,

and year–old live oysters reducing the wave energy hitting

the shoreline by 45 percent. And the wave energy reduc-

tion is cut well over 50 percent if you plant marsh plant

and mangroves landward of the oysters, as these plants

are very good at trapping and binding sediments with their

root systems.

But in many areas, unfortunately, I’ve found that

humans’ love of eating oysters is much greater than their

concern about the ecosystem services provided by oysters.

Where this happens, overharvesting occurs and this has

wiped out many oyster populations.

Oysters are also challenged by many additional

variables. Scientists around the globe are urgently

studying how oysters respond to changing salinity

associated with freshwater diversions, water quality,

invasive species, and sea–level rise. A new challenge came

to our bivalve friends in July when Mosquito Lagoon on

the east coast of Central Florida was hit with one of the

worst–ever brown tides. Caused by the microscopic alga

Aureoumbra lagunensis, the water became muddy brown

in color, and numerous fish kills were reported. The brown

tide lasted well into November.

I have been asked by dozens of people, “Did the oysters

survive?” We are currently conducting our annual monitor-

ing in these waters and I am happy to report that Mos-

quito Lagoon oysters survived the brown tide. Our data

shows plenty of new oyster recruitment during this

window as well as survival of adult oysters.

This survival is a huge relief because we have been very

invested in oyster–reef restoration since 2007 and we are

very proud of the 58 reefs we have restored in Mosquito

Lagoon. We are even more proud to state that in collabora-

tion with Brevard Zoo and The Nature Conservancy, we

have mustered the help of more than 30,000 volunteers to

date.

With the brown tide abated (at least for now), we are

gearing up for another big season of oyster and shoreline

stabilization. And, as always, we need more help. So, if you

are interested in volunteering, contact me or the Oyster

Restoration coordinator at Brevard Zoo, Jody Palmer, and

let’s see what we can get done together this year.

Finally, I also am frequently asked: “Am I against

harvesting?” My response is always: “Absolutely not.” But

there are right and wrong ways to do everything. For

oysters in any bay or estuary, it should be possible to

create a sustainable harvesting–management plan. Since

oysters do not move, we can account for them much easier

than we can count swimming finfish. It also means we can

remove all individuals much more easily.

What to do? We must set aside enough productive reefs

as sanctuaries to make sure that there will always be

oysters around to create the next generation — as well as

provide human lovers of oysters with their favorite treat.

UCF Forum columnist Dr. Linda Walters is abiology professor at the University of CentralFlorida and director of the UCF Fellers HouseField Research Station in Canaveral NationalSeashore. She can be reached [email protected].

Wren Insurance Agency presented with Better Business Council AwardThe Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Better Business Council has recognized Wren Insurance Agency as

the January recipient of its Better Business of the Month honor. Wren Insurance Agency was presented with this award

at the Chamber’s monthly “Business Breakfast of Champions” event at the Holiday Inn Melbourne/Viera.

The award, sponsored monthly by Chamber Trustee member Courtyard by Marriot/Residence Inn Marriott, was

presented to Kirk Ball, co–owner of Wren Insurance Agency, by Marriott General Manager Jim Ridenour.

The Chamber’s Better Business Council serves its members and buying public by offering a “trusted referral source for

a broad range of business types.”

Wren Insurance Agency has been a Chamber member since 1980 and a Better Business Council member since 1993.

Wren Insurance has been serving the Brevard community for 34 years with a full line of products.

Gator Club gets new name, logo and websiteThe Space Coast Gator Club (formerly the Brevard County Gator Club) has a new name, logo and website. “The Space

Coast name is more descriptive of the geographical area and our new logo reflects our connection to the space industry,”

said Susie Bond, vice president of communications for the organization. The club has all new contact information, too.

The website is www.spacecoastgatorclub.com; e–mail, [email protected]; Facebook, Space Coast Gator

Club; and Twitter @SpaceCoastG8rs. The phone number is 890–7754 and the mailing address is Space Coast Gator Club,

P.O. Box 410662, Melbourne, Fla., 32941–0662.

Visit BrevardBusinessNews.com for Advertising InformationFEBRUARY 25, 2013 BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS / 5

BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWSReturning Peace Corps volunteers to study at UCF, intern atpublic schools as part of Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program

ORLANDO — A new Central Florida

partnership will provide graduate–school

scholarships to returning Peace Corps

volunteers, many of whom will expand

their skills and share their experiences

during internships at public schools. The

Peace Corps and the University of Central

Florida have teamed up to launch the only

Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program at a

state university in Florida.

Selected Coverdell fellows will have the

opportunity to work toward one of more

than a dozen master’s degrees offered by

UCF’s College of Education or the Teaching

English to Speakers of Other Languages

program offered by the College of Arts and

Humanities.

Internships in Central Florida’s

underserved communities will be an

integral part of each recipient’s program of

study and will allow the students to use

their Peace Corps skills to make an impact

back at home in the United States.

Education students will complete

internships at public schools. TESOL

students’ internship options include public

and private schools, nonprofit organiza-

tions and national grant projects offered by

local libraries.

“The Peace Corps is delighted to have

the University of Central Florida as a

partner in the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows

Program,” said acting Peace Corps Director

Carrie Hessler–Radelet.

“This new partnership enables returned

Peace Corps volunteers to continue their

work in public service through meaningful

internships in underserved American

communities. Experience overseas and

graduate studies position Peace Corps

fellows to launch a career by combining

coursework with service.”

UCF Provost and Executive Vice

President Tony Waldrop said returning

Peace Corps volunteers share UCF’s strong

commitments to civic engagement,

volunteer service and international

programs.

“Their perspectives will enrich the lives

of our students and faculty members,”

Waldrop said. “We are eager to welcome

them to our campus community and

prepare them for new opportunities to

serve others in our local schools.”

Out–of–state fellows selected for the

program will be able to pay in–state

tuition, a savings of almost $15,000 per

academic year. Two graduate assistant-

ships with 50 percent tuition and fee

waivers will be available for in–state

fellows.

The Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program

started in 1985 at Teachers College,

Columbia University, and now includes

more than 80 university partners in 31

states and the District of Columbia. The

program is reserved for students who have

already completed their tenure abroad with

the Peace Corps. More details can be found

at www.PeaceCorps.gov/Fellows.

Assistant State Attorney Holmes receives Lifetime Accomplishment AwardThe Brevard County Bar Association

has named Assistant State Attorney

Wayne Holmes as the recipient of the

“Judge Clarence T. Johnson Lifetime

Achievement Award.” The announcement

was made a recent luncheon in Viera.

The honor recognized Holmes’ 34 years

of service in his prosecutorial role with the

State Attorney’s Office. Former State

Attorney Norm Wolfinger introduced

Holmes to the gathering, telling them that

selecting Holmes as his chief of staff nearly

two decades ago was “one of his wisest

moves ever.”

Holmes is a is a lifelong resident of

Brevard who graduated from Melbourne

Titusville Art League Spring Show March 22–24The Titusville Art League, Inc. will host its 49th annual Spring Art Show March 22–24

at Parrish Medical Center, 951 N. Washington Ave., in Titusville. Entries and registration

for art will be on Thursday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. More than $3,000 in cash

prizes will be awarded. For more details, contact show chairwoman Connie Allen at 220–

4718 or visit www.nbbd.com/godo/tal to download a prospectus.

High School in 1972, followed by Florida

State University, then the Cumberland

School of Law in 1979. He was formerly a

certified Melbourne police officer before

joining the State Attorney’s staff in 1979.

Holmes has prosecuted some of

Brevard’s more notorious criminals

including William Cruse and Mark

Schwab. He has served on numerous

county, state and federal task forces.

Known within the office for his “keen

legal mind, he also excels at organizing and

managing complex duties and cases.”

Currently, he is continuing his duties as

chief of staff with State Attorney Phil

Archer.

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Melbourne Central Catholic to host annualdinner auction fund–raiser on its campus

Melbourne Central Catholic will host its annual dinner

auction fund–raiser on Saturday, March 2. Titled the

“Green & Gold Gala,” this festive event will be held on the

school’s campus.

Guests will enjoy cocktails, appetizers and dinner

catered by The Black Tulip in Cocoa Village. More than

200 gift bundles will be available for bidding in a silent

auction. Merchandise includes travel and restaurant gift

certificates, jewelry, home decor, fine wines and much

more.

A live auction will take place after dessert and features

10 unique gift packages including a trip for two to Ireland,

a weeklong stay in Hawks Cay Resort, a private flight and

more.

MCC parents Freddie Erdman and Kim Vilardebo are

co–chairpersons for the event. Funds raised from this

event will be used for the school’s technology initiative.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available by

calling 727–0793, extension 302.

‘Mom–to–Mom Toy and Clothing Garage Sale’Brevard County Parks and Recreation will host a

“Mom–to–Mom Toy and Clothing Garage Sale” from 8 a.m.

to 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, at the Viera Regional

Community Center. Vendors may obtain applications at

the Viera Regional Community Center, 2300 Judge Fran

Jamieson Way, or at www.brevardcounty.us/ParksSouth.

Six– by six–foot vendor spaces are $15.90 and include a

five–foot table. All spaces are indoors. The deadline for

table space payment is Wednesday, Feb. 27. At the event,

children must be accompanied by an adult. The activities

are conducted and supervised by Brevard County Parks

and Recreation staff at the Viera Regional Community

Center. Call 433–4891 for more information.

‘Country Legends Band’ to perform at THSTitusville High School will host “The Country Legends

Band” at 7 p.m. on March 2 in the Titusville Theater on

campus. The event will benefit Titusville High School

athletics. The show is family oriented and will feature the

live performance of some of the most popular country songs

of the last 50 years, including by the artists Patsy Cline,

Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty and Taylor Swift. Tickets

are available for purchase at Titusville High. The cost is

$20 a ticket. For more information about the event, contact

Athletic Director Jason Berley or bookkeeper Brenda

Dornbusch at 264–3100.

Health fair for seniors at Eau Gallie centerCFL Expos will be hosting a Community Health Fair

and Seniors Expo from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, March

8, at Eau Gallie Civic Center in Melbourne. The event is

free of charge and will feature local and national products,

services, and information for seniors. This Community

Health and Seniors Expo will be a “power–up” day for

seniors to get out and socialize, learn about products and

services, and be entertained and informed. The first 200

seniors will receive a goody bag. For more information

about the event, call 773–1454 or send an e–mail message

to [email protected]

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Performance Dates

Thursday, Feb. 21

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Friday, Feb. 22

at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 23

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(321) 757-8909

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Authors’ Book Fair March 9 at Central LibraryThe fifth Brevard Authors’ Book Fair is set for March 9

from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Central Brevard Library

and Reference Center, 308 Forrest Ave., in Cocoa. The

event is free of charge and open to the public. The fair is

sponsored by Authors for Authors, Marshall Frank, Holly

Vellekoop and Valerie Allen. Refreshments will be served

and more than 40 authors will be available to autograph

and discuss their books. Six multi–published speakers will

make presentations throughout the day about writing,

publishing, and marketing books. Local authors to lead

workshops include: Valerie Allen, “Writing for Fun and

Profit;” Joyce Henderson, “From Print to Digital: An

Author’s Journey”; Walter Manning, “Coping with

Change”; Patricia Charpentier, “Write Your Life Story”;

Roger Simmermaker, “How Consumers Can Create

American Jobs”; and Stuart Borton, “Bringing Families

back into the Kitchen.” For more information about the

enent, call 254–3398.

Alumnae Panhellenic to host fund–raiserThe Melbourne Alumnae Panhellenic will host its

annual scholarship fund–raiser, “The River Rendezvous

Art of the Scarf,” from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March

10, at the Lansing Island home of Teresa McNeight in

Indian Harbour Beach. This special event offers people the

opportunity to support the 52–year–old organization. The

Melbourne Alumnae Panhellenic’s outreach is to award

scholarships to Brevard County women attending Florida

colleges. To date $300,000 in funds have been given to

talented women who, for the most part, return to Brevard

to be “highly contributing members of our community.”

The event will include champagne, hors d’oeuvres, dessert

and coffee. Dillard’s will provide a fashion show and local

vendors are contributing “fabulous offerings” for the silent

auction. Tickets are $60 per person. For sponsorship or

ticket information, call 255–2899 or 799–0154. The e–mail

address is [email protected].

Candler Schaffer to direct Space CoastPops in ‘March Merriment’ concert

The Space Coast Pops Orchestra will present “March

Merriment” for the third concert of its 27th annual

Subscription Series schedule at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday,

March 9, at the Merritt Island First Baptist Church, on

State Road 520 and Courtenay Parkway.

Conductor Dr. Candler Schaffer will direct the Space

Coast Pops Orchestra in “The Flight to Neverland,” “Come

Fly With Me,” “The St. Louis Blues,” “Jupiter,” “The

Bringer of Jollity,” “Over the Rainbow,” “It Don’t Mean a

Thing,” “Blues in the Night” and other classics.

He will also present guest artist Brian Gatchell, a well–

known local and worldwide pianist. Gatchell will perform

“Phantom Piano of the Opera,” by Andrew Lloyd Webber;

“Piano Concerto in A Minor” (Adagio), by Edvard Grieg;

and Gershwin’s “Concerto in F” for piano and orchestra

(Allegro).

Single concert tickets are $20 for general admission in

advance at area outlets. They are $3 more at the door the

day of the concert. Call 632–7445 for further information,

ticket–outlet locations and single–concert reserved seat

tickets.

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Playwrights Workshop of Brevard to present three one–act plays at Surfside; Second Stage to host auditionsPlaywrights Workshop of Brevard will present “Come

Along for the Ride,” a night of three original one–act plays

by Brevard County authors.

The show runs one weekend only, Feb. 28–March 3 on

Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at

2:30 p.m., on the Surfside Players stage in Cocoa Beach.

All tickets are $5. Call 961–1988 (not the Surfside’s

box–office number) for reservations.

The new, unpublished plays are “Keep Your Shirt On,”

by Jan Salmon and directed by D. Flynn Loomis; “Guess

Who — in the House,” by Betty Prisendorf with director

Troy Jones; and “If You Can’t Stand the Heat,” by Mario

Busacca, also with director Jones. Some plays may contain

occasional profanity.

Playwrights Workshop of Brevard helps new and

established local playwrights improve their craft through

feedback from Workshop members and theater audiences,

while enriching the local community through premiering

original one–act plays. Visit

www.playwrightsworkshopbrevard.org.

Surfside’s Second Stage program brings “newer,

grittier” theater and challenging acting roles to the

Brevard community theater scene. Second Stage will be

hosting auditions on Sunday and Monday, March 3–4, at

7 p.m. for “Night, Mother,” a drama by Marsha Norman

and directed by Joan Dunn.

There are roles for two adult women, one in her 30s to

50s and one in her 50s to 70s.

The play overview: “Jessie and her mother share a

small house on an isolated country road. Jessie’s father is

dead; her loveless marriage ended in divorce; her absent

son is a petty thief; her last job didn’t work out and, in

general, her life is stale and unprofitable.”

As the play begins, “Jessie asks for her father’s service

revolver and calmly announces that she intends to kill

herself. At first her mother refuses to take her seriously,

but as Jessie sets about tidying the house and making lists

of things to be looked after, her sense of desperate helpless-

ness begins to build.”

Performance dates are two weekends, April 19–28 (this

is a change from previous published dates). Contains

profanity. This show is presented by special arrangement

with Dramatists Play Service Inc. (www.dramatists.com)

For more information about these and other events,

visit www.surfsideplayers.com or the Facebook group

“Surfside Players.” Submit an e–mail or postal address to

[email protected] to receive updates on shows

throughout the season.

Junior League of South Brevard to host its annual Rummage Roundup March 2The Junior League of South Brevard Inc. will host its 24th Rummage Roundup on March 2 at the Melbourne Audito-

rium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. The Early Bird Sale is from 6:30 till 8 a.m. ($5 entrance fee). There is a $1 entrance fee for

the 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. sale. The event will feature 20,000 square feet of “gently used” household goods, furniture, col-

lectibles, electronics, books, tools, children’s toys and clothes, adult clothes and more.

More than 150 families have donated items to this sale. In addition, there will be private vendors offering a variety of

goods and services. The proceeds from the event will fund community projects.

The Junior League welcomes its members and the community to make the Rummage Roundup a success by donating

new and gently used goods and helping with the publicity, like putting up sale posters and signs at businesses.

For more information, visit www.jlsb.net, or send an e–mail message to [email protected]. The Junior

League phone number is 610–8950.

Annual Jewish Heritage Festival set March 3The 25th annual Jewish Heritage Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, at the Melbourne

Auditorium. The radio station 98.5 The Beach will be live onsite at the event. The program will include a full slate of

activities for children and a wine–tasting for adults. There will be Middle Eastern foods. The festival is sponsored by the

Jewish Federation of Brevard, Bright House Networks, and Vitas. Tickets are $5 for adults. Children younger than age

13 will be admitted free with a paying adult. Call 951–1836 or visit www.JewishFederationBrevard.com for tickets.

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United Safety Council recognizes Palm Bay Utilities Department at annual safety–awards programPALM BAY — The United Safety Council hosted its

60th annual safety–awards program on Jan. 25, and Palm

Bay Utilities Department was among those honored at the

event.

The local water and wastewater utility received a Silver

Corporate Safety Award in the Small Company category,

which includes private and public companies from across

the nation with 500 employees or less.

Utilities inspector Brian Rickert also received honorable

mention for the Certified Occupational Safety Specialist

Excellence in Safety Award.

Each year USC recognizes companies that excel in the

following areas: safety committee activity, senior manage-

ment commitment, employee involvement, written safety

and health programs, inspection programs, and mishap

investigation.

Palm Bay Utilities Department was recognized with a

Gold Corporate Safety Award in 2011 and 2012.

“Safety is something that we talk about daily; it is a

part of everything that we do. Our Environment, Health,

and Safety Committee continuously looks for ways to

improve the work environment so that we are able to

deliver service to the community safely, efficiently, and

effectively,” said Dan Roberts, utilities director.

The USC is a nonprofit, non–governmental, safety and

health–training organization dedicated to improving

quality of life. It is headquartered in Orlando and has

become an international safety–training agency working to

promote safety in homes, on the road, in schools, busi-

nesses, and industrial facilities.

Palm Bay Utilities Department initiated an Environ-

mental Management Program known as “GreenWay” in

2008, which led to the department being certified under

the ISO Standard 14001:2004 Environmental Manage-

ment System.

The GreenWay program incorporates an extensive

safety program for employees within the organization,

which includes training and monthly awareness meetings

to ensure continual focus and improvement to each

employee’s work environment.

In addition, the Utilities Department has initiated the

integration of the American National Standard Institute

Z12 safety–management system. Fully implemented, the

system provides an additional level of awareness, training,

and commitment to employee safety.

For more information about the Palm Bay Utilities

Department and its safety program, visit www.pbud.org or

contact Dan Roberts, utilities director, at 952–3410.

KSC Director Cabana to receive Debus Award at sold–out event set for April 27Robert Cabana, director of NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center, has been selected by the National Space Club

Florida Committee to receive its 2013 Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award.

Cabana will be honored at the Debus Award Dinner on Saturday, April 27. The formal event, which begins at

6:30 p.m., will be held at the Debus Conference Facility at the KSC Visitor Complex.

“Bob’s devotion to his country and the U.S. space program has been exemplary,” said NSC Chairman Jim McCarthy.

“He started his career as a naval test pilot, became an astronaut and has most recently provided exceptional leader-

ship as NASA KSC’s Center Director for safely flying the shuttle program into retirement; while laying out a vision and

executing a transformation plan of KSC to be a 21st century launch complex.”

The Debus Award was created by the NSC Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions

made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for KSC’s first director, Dr. Kurt H. Debus.

Cabana is the 10th director of KSC, where he manages a team of roughly 8,600 civil–service and contractor employees.

Before his appointment to KSC in October 2008, the former space–shuttle astronaut served as the director of NASA’s

Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

Originally from Minneapolis, Cabana graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1971, with a bachelor’s degree in

mathematics and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is a distinguished graduate of the U.S.

Naval Test Pilot School and has logged more than 7,000 hours in 36 different aircraft.

The event is sold out; for information contact LaDonna Neterer at 383–6135 or [email protected]. The

web address is www.NSCFL.org.

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Club Esteem students thrive in full–scale after–school program with academicfocus; ND, NFL star Watters ‘Beyond Breakfast’ speaker March 12 at HiltonBy Ken Datzman

Under the leadership of University of Central

Florida graduate Ellena Little, Club Esteem in

Melbourne has rounded itself into a model after–

school program, one that is highly structured and

centers on accountability and measurable growth.

As a result, the program — which has the right

mix of components, including homework help and

tutoring, and a sharp focus on science, technology,

engineering, and mathematics — is changing the

lives of young people in the community. It is putting

them on the path to academic success while inspir-

ing each student to make the right decisions in life.

“Club Esteem has been a big success story and

we are trying to get that message out in the commu-

nity,” said Little, executive director of the facility on

Monroe Street, which was built through a partner-

ship with the Junior League of South Brevard Inc.,

the City of Melbourne, and M.H. Williams Construc-

tion. “There are so many people who have come

though our program over the years who are success-

ful in life today.”

Little has been with Club Esteem for 16 years,

dedicating her professional career to helping youth

get on the track to success in many areas of life. She

started as a volunteer at the club teaching charac-

ter–building and has seen the organization grow.

Today, the community center serves about 200

young people a year, in first through 12th grades.

The students are paired, based on their skill sets.

“Club Esteem is like a family unit,” said Little,

whose organization is a United Way of Brevard

affiliate agency. “Advocacy is very big with us. The

parents have to sign a ‘commitment–to–excellence’

contract as well as the students. We take everything

very seriously. It’s not a day–care center.”

Last year, 88 percent of Club Esteem students

scored at or above grade level in mathematics and

90 percent scored at or above grade level in reading,

she said. Eighty–two percent of Club Esteem

students made their school honor roll, while 98

percent earned a 3.0 or higher grade–point average.

In the past three years, Club Esteem has had 20

graduating seniors. Of that group, 19 are now

studying for their degrees in college and one is

proudly serving in the U.S. Navy.

“The focus is on building youngsters who are

vision–driven and believe in themselves,” said area

businesswoman Caroline Kempf, president and

founder of CK Communications Inc. and a Club

Esteem board of directors member. “We give them

the tools they need to thrive. Having a support

system is key.”

Club Esteem was founded in 1991 by Gladys

Williams, with youth and community volunteers

meeting one night per week. Three years later, the

Club Esteem Youth and Family Center opened.

Since 2004, Club Esteem has met five days per

week, with expanded programs and services.

The nonprofit entity has forged partnerships with

a host of community groups and organizations. They

include the Junior League of South Brevard,

students from the University of Central Florida,

Brevard Community College and Florida Tech, as

well as Harris Corp., and the Brevard Youth

Symphony Orchestra. In one program, the top BYSO

students teach private music lessons to Club Esteem

students.

“Volunteers are the heart of our program,” said

Little, an ordained minister who has experience in

organizational communications, radio and television,

and childhood education and theater, her college

minor.

“We have a wonderful staff. Everybody is

compassionate and well–equipped to do what it

takes to achieve the mission. But when you serve

more than 150 young people you need the help of

others. So we have created some strong partnerships

in the community. There are always volunteer

opportunities with Club Esteem, as guest speakers,

facilitators, tutors, and in other areas.”

Club Esteem’s programs are offered free of charge

to students. They include “Scholar Hour,” tutoring

and homework assistance and FCAT/SAT/ACT

preparation; and “Teens as Tutors,” the students

who maintain a 3.0 GPA receive job training,

employment experience, and a stipend to tutor Club

Esteem elementary and middle–school students.

The program list continues with “Reading Blast–

off,” designed to improve reading fluency and

comprehension; “Science, Technology, Engineering

and Math,” hands–on in the STEM fields including

research; “Smart Choices,” character education;

“Kids in Motion,” group sports; “Music and the Arts;”

and “Community Service Learning.”

The business community will have the opportu-

nity to support Club Esteem as the organization

hosts its inaugural “Beyond Breakfast” event from

7:30 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 12, at the Hilton

Melbourne Rialto.

The featured speaker will be former Notre Dame

wide receiver and running back Ricky Watters, who

played on the last Irish national champion team in

1988 coached by Lou Holtz. He also has a Super

Bowl ring as a member of the 1994 San Francisco

49ers. Watters played in five Pro Bowls during his

11–year NFL career and is the only running back to

rush for 1,000 yards for three different teams.

The Orlando resident, who spends time

mentoring at–risk youth, is the director of public

relations for his wife’s law firm, the Chang Watters

Group, which handles civil matters including sports

and entertainment law. Catherina Watters manages

the firm.

Ricky Watters has authored the book “For Who For What: A

Warrior’s Journey,” detailing his rise in athletics and his years on the

playing field. His story centers on determination and perseverance.

“We plan to make ‘Beyond Breakfast’ an annual event, providing

enrichment to business leaders in the community,” said Kempf. “And

Ricky will be the first speaker for the program. His life’s story is

riveting. He pulled himself up by his bootstraps and made himself a

success by being in control of his destiny.”

Tickets are $50 and include a signed copy of his book and a photo-

graph with Watters, said Kempf. Club Esteem is reaching out to the

community for sponsorship, beginning at $500. There are amenities at

each sponsorship level. Visit www.ClubEsteem.com and pull up the

“Events/News” tab to review the levels and become an event sponsor.

The breakfast sponsors include Tupperware Brands Corp., Craig

Technologies, Gelman Hair Restoration, CK Communications, Florida

Tech and “Brevard Business News.”

Ellena Little is executive director of Club Esteem in Melbourne, whose organiza-tion serves about 200 young people a year with a full range of programs,including hands–on learning in science, technology, engineering, and math.Club Esteem touts a high rate of success, with its students earning collegescholarships. The nonprofit entity will host its inaugural ‘Beyond Breakfast’social March 12 at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto and is seeking event sponsors.




Cancer Care Centers Foundation to present 11th ‘Caring Hearts Benefit’ onApril 20 at André home; its biggest fund–raiser of year; partner opportunitiesBy Ken Datzman

The Cancer Care Centers Foundation of

Brevard Inc. is celebrating its 20th year of

providing support services, community

outreach and education to individuals and

patient families in the region.

These services are typically provided to

patients at a time when they are facing

perhaps their biggest challenge in life.

The nonprofit organization was founded

in 1993 by Dr. Silas Charles, a longtime

area oncologist, who worked closely with

community volunteer Evelyn Foster, the

current board chairwoman, in establishing

the foundation.

The charitable entity financially helps

needy cancer patients in the region who

are undergoing treatment. The foundation,

for example, helps pay for their basic living

expenses, including such things as rent,

mortgage, utilities, transportation to the

treatment facility, and pain medications.

“The demand for our services continues

to rise, year after year,” said Marta Fiol,

secretary of the Cancer Care Centers

Foundation and marketing manager for

the Cancer Care Centers of Brevard, a

practice also founded by Dr. Charles.

“A lot of people in the county are still

without jobs, and there is a growing

population of uninsured and underinsured

people. So we are seeing and helping more

and more people through the work of the

foundation.”

The Cancer Care Centers Foundation

assisted 270 patients in Brevard and

Indian River counties in 2012, helping

with everything from rent to cancer–

related medications for the patients and

their families.

The main fund–raising vehicle that

allows the foundation to provide commu-

nity outreach is the annual “Caring Hearts

Benefit,” which is one of the best–attended

charitable functions in the region each

year, typically drawing more than 400

people.

“This is our biggest fund–raising event

of the year and it supports the patients we

help,” said Fiol, a cancer survivor herself.

“We put a lot of effort into it and the

community responds. The community is

awesome. Ed and Jeanne André have been

very gracious hosts of this event year after

year.”

The 11th Caring Hearts Benefits will

get under way at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April

20, at the Indialantic home of Ed and

Jeanne André, longtime supporters of the

foundation, who are hosting the event with

their daughter Jessica.

Their home is on North Riverside Drive

and parking will be available in the

parking lot of the nearby Highland Mint,

on the corner of North Riverside Drive.

Foundation Vice President Mick Welch,

president of BankFirst in Brevard,

oversees the parking for the event.

This is the ninth year the Andrés are

welcoming the community to their

riverfront estate, for the Caring Hearts

Benefit.

“It’s a great venue at the André home, a

very picturesque setting,” said community

volunteer Darcia Jones Francey, a

foundation board member. “This event has

helped so many uninsured and

underinsured cancer patients over the

years. It just makes you feel good being

part of it.”

“Caring Hearts is one of those events

that everybody in the community looks

forward to every year because it’s a lot of

fun and is held in a beautiful setting. It

draws strong support and allows us to

continue to do what we do as a foundation

— help cancer patients,” said Karen

Kirkland, the foundation’s treasurer and a

certified public accountant with Carr,

Riggs & Ingram in Melbourne.

The benefit will feature food stations, by

Tim Webber: The Coordinator, a catering

business; live and silent auctions, with

items including fine jewelry, local art and

pottery, travel excursions, sports memora-

bilia, and premium wines; and entertain-

ment provided by the stylish flamenco

guitarist Don Soledad and his band.

The silent auction chairpersons are

Jesse and Darlene Geiger. “The foundation

is comprised of a wonderful group of people

and does great work in the community. So

everybody at the silent auction really

needs to make purchases to help the

foundation. There will be many interesting

items offered,” said Darlene Geiger, whose

husband Jesse is a cancer survivor.

Online reservations for the Caring

Hearts Benefit are $125 per person. Visit

www.CCCFoundationInc.org. The

foundation is seeking partners for the

event, too, said Karen Osiniak, the

foundation president and a Realtor with

RE/MAX Alternative Realty in Indialantic.

learning about the foundation’s mission

and the organization has seen an uptick in

community donations.

“This past November and December, we

had more public donations than in the

previous two years, which is great. The

downturn has impacted foundations

around the nation. But we have been

amazed how the support has increased for

our foundation this past year. I think more

people are getting to know us every year

and the Caring Hearts Benefit is one of the

main avenues that allows us to showcase

our foundation,” she said.

The foundation has an all–volunteer

board. “No one receives a salary. We are

very thankful to our medical director, Dr.

Ravi Shankar (of the Cancer Care Centers

of Brevard), and to our parent company,

Vantage Oncology (of Manhattan Beach,

Calif.). They are gracious to allow us to use

an office free of charge. The foundation has

no office overhead, which is a huge

benefit,” said Fiol.

“We are in need of more sponsors for

the event,” said Osiniak, who has been a

Caring Hearts committee volunteer for all

11 years. “There will be publicity opportu-

nities for the sponsors, particularly on the

social–media side.”

The promotional opportunities for

sponsors will include logo exposure on the

foundation’s website and Facebook, and

promotion on a local live radio show, said

Fiol. “It’s something new we’re doing this

year for our sponsors. We think it’s a

spectacular opportunity for businesses and

organizations.”

The event sponsorships range from

$350, the Merlot level, to the $20,000 Dom

Perignon partnership. All sponsorships

include a number of reservations to the

Caring Hearts Benefit.

The deadline to partner with the

foundation for this event is March 22. Call

426–5145 or send an e–mail message to

[email protected].

Fiol said more people in the region are

The volunteer committee members of the Cancer Care Centers Foundation of Brevard have beenprepping for the 11th annual ‘Caring Hearts Benefit,’ one of the most popular fund–raising eventsin the community. The team includes, in front, Karen Kirkland. Back, from left: Heidi Joyce, MartaFiol, Karen Osiniak, Mick Welch, Dawn Herring, Marcia Luhn, Darcia Jones Francey, and DarleneGeiger. They are at Carr, Riggs & Ingram in Melbourne.





Space Coast Credit Union expanding its branch network, three locations set to open this yearSpace Coast Credit Union is expanding its 56 branch

network with three additional offices scheduled to open in

2013.

The first branch opened this past January in Vero

Beach at 2750 9th Street SW on the corner of Oslo Road

and 27th Avenue.

SCCU has also started construction on branches in

Viera and Miami Springs.

The credit union has additionally announced reloca-

tions of its Doral, Vero Beach Ryanwood, and Port St. John

branches. The expansion and relocations are part of an

overall branch strategy to improve member convenience.

“SCCU understands that our members are busy and we

value their time,” said Heather Hickman, SCCU vice

president of retail branch administration. “We want to

serve members where it’s convenient for them to bank, on

their way home from work or while they’re running

errands.”

Kicking things off in 2013, SCCU’s new Oslo branch

celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon–cutting

ceremony on Feb. 7, highlighting a week of special

giveaways and promotions. This makes three branches

now serving the Vero Beach area.

On Jan. 22, the Doral Branch relocated to 9735 NW

41st St., in Doral. It also hosted its grand–opening week

Feb. 4–8.

Additionally, SCCU’s Vero Beach Ryanwood branch

has relocated to 6600 20th St., in the Plantation Plaza. The

Plantation Plaza branch will have its grand–opening week

March 11–15 with several promotions and giveaways for

early fall and will be SCCU’s seventh branch in that

community.

In addition to its branch network, SCCU also offers

members convenient access to accounts with more than

100 ATMs, online banking, and more recently mobile

banking.

SCCU is open for membership to anyone who lives or

works in the Florida counties it serves. Locations can be

found at SCCU.com/locations.

both members and non–members.

The final relocation happening late this spring is the

Port St. John branch, which will move to a freestanding

location off U.S. Highway 1.

The credit union’s Viera branch will be located near the

corner of Stadium Parkway and Viera Boulevard, and is

scheduled to open in early summer. SCCU will have two

branches to serve the Viera community with its Baytree

branch near the headquarters building on Wickham Road.

The Miami Springs branch will open in late summer or

FirstWave Financial in Satellite Beach welcomes Clough as new marketing directorSATELLITE BEACH — FirstWave Financial has expanded its staff with the hiring of Dawn Clough as the company’s

new marketing director. She is a longtime area marketing expert.

Clough will develop marketing strategy and oversee branding, print, digital and social media as well as manage the

firm’s business–development process. The former marketing consultant and creative director comes to FirstWave with a

decade of executive experience as vice president of advertising for a top–20 national homebuilder.

FirstWave Financial is an independent, fee–based wealth–management company located at 1300 State Road A1A.

Formerly CPA Wealth Management Services, FirstWave Financial was founded by certified public accountant Thomas

Kirk in 1995.

The firm provides clients with fully integrated financial services. It has two proprietary financial–planning processes:

“The WealthCare Solution,” for high net–worth individuals, and “The Retirement Plan Optimizer,” customized strategies

for highly compensated businessowners seeking to improve the retirement–plan performance. The services include

investments, insurance, income and estate–tax minimization, retirement planning and debt reduction.

The Brevard County company was named one of “The Ten Most Dependable Wealth Managers of Florida” by Goldline

Research, as reported in “Forbes” magazine.

A company blog at FirstWaveFinancial.wordpress.com/ provides frequent updates on topics of financial interest and a

social–media page welcomes interaction at www.Facebook.com/FirstWaveFinancial.

For more details, call 773–7773 or visit www.FirstWaveFinancial.com.

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‘No–boundaries’ agreement means better emergency service for residents in Palm Bay and South BrevardFire and emergency medical response services in Palm

Bay and South Brevard County are set to benefit from a

mutual agreement between city and county providers that

will significantly improve emergency response to the

public.

Effective Feb. 11, under an inter–local agreement, all

fire and emergency medical calls will be handled by the

closest unit, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries.

The agreement creates an Automatic Aid Response

Area from U.S. Highway 192 south to the county line, west

to the Brevard County border, and east to the Indian River

Lagoon, excluding the city of Melbourne and the town of

Malabar.

It allows fire–rescue personnel within this geographic

boundary from both city and county jurisdictions to

respond if they are the closest units to the emergency.

“The citizen that needs helps does not care if the

rescuer is from Palm Bay or Brevard County, they just

want help fast,” said Palm Bay Fire Chief Jim Stables. “By

dropping jurisdictional restrictions we are able to deliver

better service to the public that is mutually beneficial to all

of the citizens.”

The parameters of the so–called “Auto–Aid” agreement

are defined in a six–page document that includes pre–

defined unit–response assignments, command structure,

service standards, non–required responses, and other legal

definitions that ultimately facilitate the sharing of

resources between the city and county.

“It is a mutually beneficial agreement that ensures the

citizen receives the best possible response during an

emergency,” said Brevard County Fire Chief Larry Collins.

“This demonstrates a highly efficient and effective use of

government resources for the overall good of the public.”

The geographic boundary includes five Palm Bay Fire–

Rescue stations and seven Brevard County Fire–Rescue

stations. It effectively doubles resource capabilities by

joining 12 emergency response locations with shared

resources that will maximize the use and efficiency of fire–

rescue services in this area.

“Every fire–rescue response agency is having this

discussion,” said Stables. “We are all faced with shrinking

budgets and increasing demands for service. This is the

best and most efficient way to continue to deliver this

service.”

Lightle Beckner Robison provides construction management for clientMelbourne–based Lightle Beckner Robison Inc. provided construction–management services for Nurse–On–Call

locations in Orlando and Viera.

The remodeling of the existing Orlando office and relocation and expansion of the Melbourne office created a need for

assistance in getting from lease signing and design to completion and occupancy, said Brian Lightle, who managed both

jobs for the customer.

“Providing construction management allowed Nurse–on–Call management to focus on home health care instead of

having to become construction experts,” he said.

“From understanding the client’s goals to getting approved plans to dealing with questions and the unforeseen during

construction, our construction–management service ensures a more efficient result,” added Lightle.

Lightle Beckner Robison is a full–service commercial real–estate firm specializing in office, retail, industrial, invest-

ment properties and asset and property management.

The company serves Brevard county extending across the entire states of Florida and Georgia. For additional informa-

tion about the firm, visit www.TeamLBR.com

BCC’s Dr. Fuller guest speaker March 6The Brevard Federated Republican Women will meet at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6, at The Holiday Inn on

North Wickham Road in Melbourne. The speaker will be Dr. Patrick Fuller, coordinator of the Entrepreneur Program at

Brevard Community College. He will discuss small business and entrepreneurship in the community. The reservation

deadline is March 1. Call 727–1212 or visit brevardfederatedrepublicanwomen.org.

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Best–selling author Box to appear at library luncheon set for the International Palms Resort in Cocoa Beach“The New York Times” best–selling author C.J. Box

will appear at the Friends of the Cocoa Beach Library’s

annual Book & Author Luncheon on Saturday, March

16, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the International

Palms Resort in Cocoa Beach, 1300 N. Atlantic Ave.

Tickets are $20 per person and must be purchased in

advance at the Cocoa Beach Library, 550 N. Brevard

Ave. Copies of his new novel, “Breaking Point,” will be

available for sale and signing at the event. A portion of

the sales will be donated to the library.

The book is part of Box’s popular Joe Pickett series,

featuring a down–to–earth Wyoming game warden who

continually faces down “hazardous situations” with

independent thought, careful action, and a sincere

desire to do right.

Box says he has made an effort to create in Joe

Pickett a true representative of Wyoming game

wardens by “riding on patrol with them to try and get it

right.”

He adds, “I think I have, because the novels and the

character have been embraced by the game wardens

themselves (as well as their long–suffering wives). I try

hard to portray their lives accurately, and in 2005 I

received a certificate of appreciation from the Wyoming

Game Warden Association. My novels have won quite a

few awards over the years, but that one is very special.”

“Breaking Point” is the 13th volume in the Joe

Pickett series, but Box has also impressed readers and

critics with his standalone novels, “Blue Heaven,”

“Three Weeks to Say Goodbye,” and “Back of Beyond.”

His writing has won him a number of top industry

honors, including the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best

Novel (“Blue Heaven,” 2009).

Box’s novels have been translated into 25 languages.

He is a Wyoming native and has worked as a ranch

hand, surveyor, fishing guide, a small–town newspaper

reporter and editor, and he co–owns an international

tourism–marketing firm with his wife Laurie. An avid

outdoorsman, he lives in Wyoming with his wife and

three daughters.

For more information about the Book & Author

luncheon, call 868–1104.

Indian River and Sebastian Chambers partner for group travel to Cuba, TuscanyThe Indian River County and Sebastian River Area Chambers of Commerce will partner to offer two travel

opportunities to their members and area residents.

Chamber Explorations, a group–travel provider specializing in working with Chamber’s of Commerce throughout

the nation, will oversee the planning and arrangements for the trips, which include sightseeing opportunities.

Destinations selected for the 2013 trips are Cuba and Tuscany. Chamber Explorations has been issued a specific

license by the Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control, which authorizes registered guests of

Chamber programs to visit Cuba legally.

Both vacation trips include stays at “quality hotel and resort properties among the best in each destination and

selected for a combination of comfort, amenities, service, and location.”

For more information about these trips, contact Penny Chandler at the Indian River County Chamber at (772)

567–3491, or Beth Mitchell at the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce.

Visit www.IndianRiverChamber.com or www.SebastianChamber.com to review the schedule of activities and

highlights of the trips that are being offered.

Brevard Bridal Association event March 3The Brevard County Bridal Association’s Spring Bridal Expo will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, at

the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Hotel. Thousands of dollars in door prizes will be awarded, along with a $1,000

BCBA grand–prize shopping spree. Music will be provided by DJ Tunes of Florida, Celebrations DJs, and DJ Shane

Entertainment. For more information about the event, contact Kinga VanPelt at the Imperial Salon and Spa. The

e–mail address is [email protected].

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SBA launches Affordable Care Act web page, blog to better educate small–business owners about changesWASHINGTON — The U.S. Small Business Adminis-

tration has launched a new web page and blog dedicated to

educating small–business owners about the Affordable

Care Act.

The new tools will serve as a gateway for small–

business owners connecting them with information

provided by SBA’s federal partners responsible for

implementing the law, including the U.S. Department of

Health and Human Services.

“The Affordable Care Act provides small–business

owners with access and opportunity to provide affordable

health–care options for their employees,” said SBA

Administrator Karen Mills.

“The SBA’s new Affordable Care Act web page and blog

will serve as a resource for small–business owners who

want to learn more about how to take advantage of these

benefits.”

The Affordable Care Act has many beneficial measures

specifically for small businesses, she said, including

slowing premium cost growth and increased access to

quality, affordable health insurance.

SBA’s new web page, www.sba.gov/healthcare, breaks

down the key provisions of the act based on business size

in the following categories: self–employed, fewer than 25

employees, fewer than 50 employees and more than 50

employees.

“This is an important resource added to a virtual library

of information designed to help entrepreneurs and small

business owners to start, grow and succeed,” said SBA

South Florida District Director Francisco “Pancho”

Marrero. “Stay informed on this important national topic

and many others, by visiting the SBA’s website.”

The web page also provides links to other useful

information for small businesses, including a glossary of

health–care reform terms, an interactive timeline with

dates for when certain reforms will be implemented, a

state–by–state breakdown of health–care options, and how

to learn more about specific tax provisions and regulations.

Additional resources will be added as they become

available.

The blog, titled “Health Care Business Pulse”

(www.SBA.gov/blog), will provide small–business owners

with updates about the implementation of the act. The

blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended

as legal or tax advice. Readers should consult their legal or

tax professionals to discuss how specific matters relate to

their individual business circumstances.

For more information, visit www.SBA.gov/southflorida.

Annual ‘Great Brevard Duck Race’ set for April 14 at Indian River FestivalThe 15th annual “Great Brevard Duck Race” will be hosted by Crossroads Youth Services on April 14 as part of the

Indian River Festival at Sand Point Park in Titusville.

This fun event is a benefit for Crosswinds’ children’s shelter and other programs for youth in crisis. Local businesses

can join in as Duck Race sponsors.

Sponsors will receive recognition in conjunction with the Duck Race, with the form of the recognition based on their

donation level. Sponsorship opportunities include Diamond ($2,500), Platinum ($1,000), Gold ($500), Silver ($250) and

Friend of Quacky ($100).

For more information about sponsorship opportunities for the Great Brevard Duck Race, contact Jan Lokay at

452–0800, extension 208, or [email protected].

Sponsorship information and forms are also available at www.crosswindsyouthservices.org.

Crosswinds Youth Services is a 501(c)(3) tax–exempt organization, which made a commitment to support Brevard

County’s young people and families when it opened an emergency shelter for youth in crisis in 1974.

Today, Crosswinds remains focused on that commitment, offering a range of programs and services for area youth and

their families, said Lokay.

For many years, through support of fund–raisers like the Great Brevard Duck Race and with corporate, foundation

and individual contributions, the community has “stood side–by–side with Crosswinds in helping youth succeed in spite

of experiencing serious obstacles, such as homelessness, abuse and neglect, academic and adjustment issues, and early

delinquency.”

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BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS

Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and BCC team up to strengthen security and safety on school’s campusesBrevard Community College, the Brevard County

Sheriff’s Office and Brevard County’s public–safety

community has announced a partnership to strengthen

both security and safety as BCC transitions into a state

college.

BCC will have a new name — Eastern Florida State

College — to reflect four–year degree–granting status

starting July 1, 2013.

BCC President Dr. Jim Richey and Brevard County

Sheriff Wayne Ivey have announced several steps in

coordination with the local police and fire departments to

ensure the college is safer for its 35,000 students, faculty

and staff.

The steps follow a review of all BCC operations that

Dr. Richey initiated when he became president last year

and as the college actively prepares to offer four–year

degree programs.

The partnership enhances current security measures

while providing public safety with a working understand-

ing for emergency response efforts if a critical incident

were to occur.

Ivey was joined by Cocoa Police Chief Mark Klayman,

Melbourne Police Chief Steve Mimbs, Palm Bay Police

Chief Doug Muldoon, Titusville Police Chief John Lau and

Dr. Richey as the partnership was presented to the BCC

Board of Trustees.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our

students, faculty, staff and any member of the public who

visits our campuses,” said Dr. Richey.

“The new measures strengthen the security practices

we have in place and better prepare the college and law

enforcement to respond rapidly in an emergency. We’re

working closely with our sheriff’s office and police depart-

ments to create a comprehensive approach to safety. The

college’s 48 active security officers will continue to provide

around–the–clock protection for our four campuses,

playing a key role in safeguarding the college while

expanding their already excellent working relationship

with law enforcement.”

Furthermore, the sheriff’s office will coordinate efforts

with Brevard County Fire Rescue, and the Titusville,

l Develop awareness programs at each campus for our

citizens, which will provide valuable crime prevention

information.

“This renewed focus and partnership will reinforce

security measures that are based on an existing foundation

forged by our outstanding relationship with BCC and the

entire public safety community,” said Ivey.

“This program is very consistent with the partnership

recently initiated with the Brevard County School Board.

These efforts are designed not only to ensure that our

educational environment is safe, but, more importantly,

this partnership will result in better preparing our citizens

to protect themselves. A well informed community is a

safer community.”

Cocoa, Melbourne and Palm Bay police and fire depart-

ments to:

l Conduct comprehensive security reviews of each

campus and familiarize themselves with campus layouts.

l Integrate the college’s emergency–response plan with

the sheriff’s office and municipal police and fire depart-

ments.

l Lead coordinated crisis–response training program

with college officials.

l Create substations on each campus for deputies and

police officers to increase campus presence and help

provide a safe educational environment.

l Offer crime awareness courses for new BCC students

as well as current students, faculty and staff.

Book Rack to host best–selling Amazon.com local authors Lyn and Lites on Feb. 23The Book Rack in Titusville will host a book–signing party for local author Rebekah Lyn and DiVoran Lites from 6 to

9 p.m. on Feb. 23. The store’s address is 346 S. Washington Ave.

Lyn is a best–selling author on Amazon.com. She has published the novels “Summer Storms” and “Winter’s End” in

the Seasons of Faith series, set in Orlando, and “Julianne,” the first of the Coastal Chronicles, a series of standalone

stories set in coastal communities.

Her current work in progress, “Jessie,” is the second in the Coastal Chronicles, and is a coming of age story that takes

place in Titusville during the early years of the space program.

Lites, an accomplished painter, has been writing most of her adult life and recently took the plunge into publishing

her books. Her first novel, “Sacred Spring,” was born on a family camping trip to Deleon Springs, near Deland, when it

was still a family owned campground falling into disrepair.

Distressed at the thought of the lovely campground being turned into a subdivision, Lites took up her pen and created

an alternate fate for the springs. Two more books are slated to round out the Florida Springs trilogy later this year.

Both women write inspirational fiction with a “message of faith and hope.” Lites is a featured blogger on Old Things

Are New (OldThingsRNew.wordpress.com) and Lyn shares recipes from her novels as well as tidbits of writing life on her

blog, Rebekah Lyn’s Kitchen (RebekahLynsKitchen.wordpress.com).

For additional information about this event, call Alta Young at 698–6829.

Chiropractor Priest awarded three–year recertificationChiropractor Gregory Priest was recently awarded three–year recertification by the Academy of Chiropractic Orthope-

dists. Dr. Priest is currently a board–certified chiropractic orthopedist and a Fellow of the Academy of Chiropractic

Orthopedists. Specialty recertification demonstrates that he has met all requirements to maintain clinical competency in

the specialty of chiropractic orthopedics, and is valid through January 2016. Dr. Priest has been in practice in Melbourne

since 1983. He may be reached at 254–3888.

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Eau Gallie Arts District’s ‘Bloom Flower & Garden Festival’ March 8–10; full slate of events, entertainmentThe Eau Gallie Arts District will explode with color the

weekend of March 8–10 during the area’s first EGAD in

“Bloom Flower & Garden Festival.”

The festivities will begin on Friday night, March 8, with

a cocktail garden party in a lushly landscaped tent on

Highland Avenue in front of the Foosaner Art Museum, in

Melbourne.

Guests at this ticketed fund–raising event will preview

a dozen floral–art arrangements created by local and

visiting designers to complement the colorful, contempo-

rary oil paintings in the museum’s “I am Nature” exhibit

by artist Leslie Wayne.

The $100 tickets also include hors d’oeuvres, wine, a

silent auction and dance music by Satellite Beach’s “Own

Pool Boys.” Friday’s event chairperson is Debbie Cherin,

and her committee members include Elaine Vicari and

Valerie Karas.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, flower

and garden–related vendors will display their wares from

tents along Highland Avenue, north of Eau Gallie Boule-

vard. Attendees at this free festival can also enjoy music,

flower and garden–related demonstrations and artists

working outdoors to complete intricate floral paintings.

Saturday’s festival chairperson is Pam Dunn, and her

committee members include Jenifer Marx, Judy Roach and

Judy Davis.

The schedule for the free of charge garden–related

presentations includes:

10 a.m. — “Introduction to Bonsai,” by Dr. Reggie Perdue.

11 a.m. — “A Cook’s Herb Kitchen,” by Sally Scalera.

12 p.m. — “Enticing Butterflies to Your Garden,” by

Elfrieda Tullar.

1 p.m. — “Serendipity: Striking Arrangements from Your

Garden,” by Linda Paige.

2 p.m. — “Orchids 101,” with Dian Milligan.

3 p.m. — “Vertical Gardens,” with Shelly McKinney of

Elbow Creek Gardens and Gifts.

EGAD in Bloom will continue Sunday with a ticketed

jazz brunch, which will feature a hands–on demonstration

by local master floral designer Link Johnsten of Eau Gallie

Florist. Guitarist Michael Leasure will provide jazz music.

the economic revitalization of the old Eau Gallie downtown

area.”

Sponsors for EGAD in Bloom to date include Victoria

Landing Waterfront Resort Assisted Living, Slug–a–Bug,

Florida Institute of Technology, and Sorensen Allied

Moving and Storage.

Additional sponsors are needed, including those

interested in creating lush garden displays in the event

tent. For tickets or more information, send an e–mail

message to [email protected] or call the EGAD office

at 574–2737.

General admission brunch tickets are $50, with VIP

seating $100. Sunday’s brunch chairperson is Vonnie

Hoyman, and her committee members include Heather

Hager, Susan Hopkins, Jill Liles and Melody Stillie.

Other general committee members include Johnsten,

Darcia Jones Francey, Carla Funk, Lisa Hansen and

EGAD Executive Director Chevon Baccus.

The Foosaner exhibit, complete with artistic flower

designs, will offer free admission all weekend. Proceeds

from the garden party and brunch will help EGAD achieve

its mission to “promote the arts, historic preservation and

BCSO’s championship basketball team to take on the Harlem AmbassadorsThe Brevard County Sheriff’s Office basketball team

will once again play against the internationally acclaimed

Harlem Ambassadors in a special game to benefit the

programs and services of the Children’s Advocacy Center of

Brevard. The event will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday,

Feb. 24, at the Viera High School gymnasium.

Offering a unique brand of exciting basketball featuring

high–flying slam–dunks, dazzling ball–handling tricks and

hilarious comedy routines, the Harlem Ambassadors are a

team of “talented, drug–free, college–educated male and

female basketball players committed to giving their

audience quality family entertainment and serving as

positive role models.”

The BCSO basketball team is comprised of employees

who volunteer their off–duty time. The team is the

reigning U.S. champion. In 2011, it competed in the World

Police and Fire Games in New York City, finishing first in

the U.S. and third in the world. They brought a World

Bronze Medal back to Brevard County.

“I could not be more proud of our basketball team for

not only their success in the International Competition but

also for the many charitable events they participate in

throughout the county to support our not–for–profit

organizations,” said Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey.

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Brevard is a multi–

agency collaboration of child–welfare professionals who

intervene in child sexual–abuse cases and the most severe

cases of physical child abuse and neglect in Brevard.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the programs and

services of the Children’s Advocacy Center.

Advanced tickets are $7 and $10 at the door (children

4 and younger will be admitted free of charge). Advance

tickets are on sale at Community Credit Union locations,

Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Precincts and the

Children’s Advocacy Center located at 1133 Seminole

Drive, in Rockledge.

For more information, contact Maj. John Mellick

through the Sheriff’s Office East Precinct at 454–6630.

Prudential Sterling recognizes producersBarbara Wall and Nancy Taylor, broker–owners of Prudential Sterling Properties in Indian Harbour Beach, have

announced their top–producing associates for January. The Top Sales associate was Rae McCabe. Jeff Chancey and

Donna Sullivan were the Top Listing associates. Prudential Sterling, founded in 1982, services all of Brevard and Indian

River counties, with offices in Indian Harbour Beach and Vero Beach. For more information about the agency or the

agents, call 768–7600.

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BREVARD BUSINESS NEWS

Eighteenth Judicial Circuit elects new chief judge Harris — youngest to hold positionCircuit Judge John Harris has been elected by his peers

to serve as the new chief judge of the Eighteenth Judicial

Circuit. At age 46, he is the youngest judge to ever hold the

position.

Harris will replace current Chief Judge Alan Dickey for

a two–year term that begins July 1. In his new position,

Harris will oversee 42 judges and a budget estimated at

$15.2 million.

He will bring a wealth of experience to the circuit’s top

leadership position. He was first appointed to the county–

court bench by Gov. Jeb Bush in 2002. Bush later ap-

pointed Harris to fill the circuit–court vacancy when Judge

Kerry Evander was elevated to the Fifth District Court of

Appeal in 2006.

Harris has worked in all divisions of the civil and

criminal courts and is currently assigned to the Probate

and Guardianship Division.

Before becoming a judge, Harris was a partner with the

law firm of Stadler & Harris, P.A. He also served as the

secretary, treasurer and president of the Brevard County

Bar Association between 1996 and 2000.

A lifelong resident of Brevard, Harris graduated from

Astronaut High School in Titusville and received his

undergraduate degree from Oklahoma University and his

law degree from Florida State University. He is married to

appellate attorney Elizabeth Harris and they have three

children — Max, Danny and Victoria.

The Eighteenth Circuit is comprised of Brevard and

Seminole counties.

SC Community Law School’s spring session to start Feb. 28; offers legal seminars freeThe Space Coast Community Law School offers free legal seminars to the public on a variety of legal topics. The

seminars are presented in an informational and educational setting. The program gives the public an opportunity to

learn about the general rules of law. The seminars are offered in the spring and fall of each year. The speakers are local

judges and attorneys.

The spring session begins Feb. 28. The seminars are held on eight consecutive Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. at the

Moore Justice Center, 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, in Viera. The seminars are held in the Jury Assembly Room.

The seminar topics are: “Divorce at Any Age,” “Veterans Benefit for Medical Expenses,” “Small Claims Procedures,”

“Guardianships,” “Firearms Law/Stand Your Ground,” “Post Conviction Relief,” “Wills/Trusts/Probates,” and “Formation

of the Constitution.”

Registration is available at www.SCCLS.com, or call Britta Hawkins at 269–6833, or send an e–mail message to

[email protected]. The website is www.SpaceCoastCommunityLawSchool.com.

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BBN BREVARD BUSINESS NEWSHealth First Health PlansContinued from page 1

About one in four small–business owners is uninsured,

roughly the same as for the non–elderly adults, according

to the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.

Small–business owners rely heavily on the individual

insurance market.

Weintraub said Health First Health Plans wants to be

a “greater and greater anchor for small–business groups

within our community. They see us as a local employer,

providing local service and working to keep costs down.”

Health First Health Plans has been serving businesses

in the region for more than 15 years, building its member-

ship through a local sales force.

To better position itself in the marketplace and reach

more people, Health First Health Plans will be offering

new products as well as more choices and options for

customers.

“Part of our mission is to expand coverage in the

community,” said Weintraub. “We are an integrated

health–care delivery system that includes a health plan. In

fact, the health plan is the integrator.”

He said an integrated delivery system such as Health

First “is uniquely positioned to thrive within the world of

health–care reform because we manage all aspects of the

integration — including the financing, the insurance, the

coverage, the delivery of care, and wellness prevention, for

example.”

Health First is not only a provider of care but also a

growing insurer that is now reaching into Vero Beach,

having established an outpost there last year.

The trend toward health systems playing both roles

seems to be gaining across the nation among hospital

operators, driven by spiraling costs, reduced reimburse-

ment, and incentives in the health laws.

This is a reversal from last decade when hospitals with

health plans were scrambling for the exit door, said

Weintraub.

“There was a trend in the 1990s for health systems that

owned health plans to sell them. There was a lot of talk

that it was a different business and hospitals really didn’t

understand insurance, and they should stick to their

knitting.”

A number of hospitals did exit the insurance market,

unloading their health–plan business, including a health

system that Weintraub worked for in the Midwest.

“I think there are regrets over those decisions that were

made by health systems at that time to get out of the

insurance market,” he said.

“Today, as the industry moves toward a payment

structure based on quality as opposed to fee for service —

it’s not happening overnight but there is definitely a

movement — the health–plan concept works within that

world to manage care and manage costs, and to deliver

quality health care and be paid on that basis.”

Roughly 20 percent of hospital networks today market

an insurance product and another 20 percent are consider-

ing entering that arena, according to a survey in 2012 of

100 hospital leaders conducted by research firm The

Advisory Board Company.

Health First launched its plan to provide an alternative

to the out–of–state insurance giants. That was in 1996. It

is now laying the groundwork for expansion into neighbor-

ing Indian River County and giving businesses there

another health–insurance option.

“There is pent–up need in Indian River County and we

are working to fill that need,” said Weintraub, whose

organization is looking to build its membership over the

next two years in Indian River County.

“Employers and individuals have told us there aren’t

enough health plans to make it a truly competitive

marketplace. On the commercial side, there are only a

couple of competitors. We are enthusiastic about the

opportunity. We have been well received, and we believe

we will continue to grow there.”

Health First, he said, is in the process of developing its

physician network to “wrap around” the new contract with

Indian River Medical Center in Sebastian.

The growth of the physician network will help make its

health plans more attractive to people in that market, he

said.

“It’s a building process. We are building relationships

with insurance brokers on the commercial side. We had

our first annual enrollment period for Medicare and picked

up some clients in that market. We would really like to

build toward the next open–enrollment period.”

Because of the Affordable Care Act, by next Jan. 1 all

adults will be required to carry health insurance, either

through their employer, a government program, or an

individual policy.

Small businesses and consumers will have access to

marketplaces starting in 2014. Consumers in every state

will be able to buy insurance from qualified health plans

directly through these marketplaces and may be eligible

for tax credits to help pay for their insurance coverage.

An analysis by the Congressional Budget Office projects

that millions of people will gain access to insurance

coverage through Obamacare, once the program is fully in

place.

“When there are more people coming into the market-

place, be it individuals or groups, there is the potential to

pick up business,” said Weintraub. “And there is also the

possibility of losing business from the group side if group

customers eliminate their coverage.”

He added, “In the short term, we are working toward

and preparing for a growth phase, and will be reaching out

to support the community and those people who have been

without insurance.”

The Deloitte Center for Health Solutions is projecting

that in 2014 there could be up to 11 million people enrolled

in health–insurance exchanges, with up to 69 million

enrolled by 2021, putting “exchange–readiness at the top of

a health plan’s can–do–list.”

As of December, nearly 20 states have elected to run

exchanges themselves. The other states will partner with

the federal government in setting up exchanges. Florida is

one of the states partnering with the government.

Employers with fewer than 50 employees are exempt

from new employer responsibility policies. They don’t have

to pay an assessment if their employees get tax credits

through an exchange.

Weintraub, who has been in his position with Health

First Health Plans for nine months, coming here from the

Tampa area, said his organization has become “much more

competitive” in the marketplace in a number of ways over

the past year.

“Number one is our premium cost. Nine months ago, we

were competitive but we weren’t a driving competitor. We

have been able to adjust our pricing because we control our

cost structure, in a way that allows us to continue to focus

on improving the care of the community,” he said.

Health First Heath Plans has increased its product

scope, too.

“We have introduced new benefit plans; it’s a continu-

ing process. And we have increased our capacity to speed

that process. So where, frankly, we were doing a little

catch–up, there are some areas where we think we have

jumped ahead.”

Health First Health Plans now offers new options for

co–pays and for premium funding, for example.

“We have a mechanism that allows employers to buy

coverage with lower requirements for employee participa-

tion,” said Weintraub, a liberal arts graduate of Pennsylva-

nia State University who leads business development for

the commercial group plans, Medicare Advantage plans,

Medigap (Medicare supplemental insurance), and Medi-

care prescription drug plans.

“Most health plans in the employer market require 70

to 75 percent participation by the employees. With this

mechanism, we are able to lower that to 50 percent. For

instance, if an employer is struggling to be able to afford

the premiums, they can reduce how much they pay for the

premium, meaning the employee pays a little bit more.”

In general, “We are offering affordable choices that

allow more employers to continue to afford coverage in a

tough economic environment. We’re packaging our

products in a way to make it easier for employers to apply

for and be covered by a health plan.”

According to HealthCare.gov, these are the key things

for small businesses to consider, as it pertains to health–

care reform:

l If you have up to 25 employees, pay average annual

wages below $50,000, and provide health insurance, you

may qualify for a small–business tax credit of up to 35

percent (up to 25 percent for nonprofits) to offset the cost of

your insurance. This will bring down the cost of providing

insurance.

l Under the health–care law, employer–based plans

that provide health insurance to retirees ages 55 to 64 can

now get financial help through the Early Retiree

Reinsurance Program. This program is designed to lower

the cost of premiums for all employees and reduce

employer health costs.

l In 2014, small businesses with fewer than 100

employees can shop in the “Affordable Insurance Ex-

change,” which gives small firms the power similar to what

large businesses have, better choices and lower prices.

l Exchanges will offer a choice of plans that meet

certain benefits and cost standards. Starting in 2014,

members of Congress will be getting their health–

insurance through exchanges, and you will be able to buy

your insurance through these exchanges, too.

“We are preparing for the exchanges,” said Weintraub.

“It’s going to be a very interesting time for the industry in

general.”

SM

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Becoming Eastern Florida State College on July 1

New Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Organizational Management

Specialization in Healthcare Management

Inaugural program begins Fall 2013

Placement is limited

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