|
|
Kathy post, owner of Post Insurance, named in nation’s top 25 Insurance agents of the year
|
|
ST. LUCIE COUNTY — The Insurance Journal recently named Kathy Post, owner of Post Insurance in St. Lucie West, as one of the nation’s Top 25 Insurance ‘Agents of the Year’ for 2020.
The Insurance Journal selects just 25 agents across the country who define what it means to be a successful independent insurance agent in today’s world. These agents have achieved impressive success and demonstrated business intelligence and entrepreneurial skills. They have passion for what they do and a commitment to professionalism, specialization, and integrity.
When being notified of the announcement, Kathy Post said, “It takes a whole team. I’m so proud of the great people who support what we do every day.” The 14-person team at Post Insurance were shocked to receive the news. “What a great honor to receive in a year with so many challenges,” says 15-year employee Kelley Booth. “With COVID-19, we never knew what the day might look like. We adapted and evolved as we needed to.”
Now in its 42nd year in business, Post Insurance is a long-standing, stable, and reputable business on the Treasure Coast. When asked about receiving this accolade, Kathy Post replied, “We are grateful to our business and residential customers for their trust and loyalty. Although we have weathered many storms in our 42-year history, 2020 was indeed a challenge like no other.” Post said, “We engaged in a lot of compassionate listening of both our customers and our employees. Our focus was to do our best to serve them through whatever they were facing. It’s nice to be recognized for that.”
The 25 Insurance Journal ‘Agents of the Year’ come from all regions of the country, reflecting cities and towns, agencies big and small. What distinguishes these agents from all others is their commitment to the integrity of their profession and importance of giving back to their community. Kathy Post and Post Insurance will be featured in the upcoming edition of the Insurance Journal magazine and on its website.
Founded in 1979, Post Insurance offers residential and business insurance from a range of high-quality insurance companies for every need and budget. For more information about the Insurance Journal or Post Insurance visit https://www.insurancejournal.com/agents-of-the-year or www.InsureWithPost.com.
|
|
Michael Hageloh joins Indian River State College as Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives
|
|
FORT PIERCE — Indian River State College has hired technology and education veteran Michael Hageloh as Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. Hageloh, who has spent his professional career at the nexus of business and academia — including 22 years at Apple — assumes a newly created, key leadership role within the College. The appointment comes at a time of extraordinary momentum for the Aspen-award-winning institution: in September 2020 Dr. Timothy Moore began his tenure as the College’s fourth president; in October the College reintroduced its online learning platform as IRSC Global; in early December it broke ground on the IRSC Advanced Workforce Training Complex; and in mid-December it received the largest donation in its history — $45 million from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
“Michael a visionary leader with a deep background in advancing breakthrough ideas,” shares IRSC President Dr. Timothy Moore. “He comes to IRSC with myriad longstanding relationships with thought leaders, policymakers and other influencers in the education and technology sphere. He has worked with global education technology — EdTech — start-ups, institutes of higher education, and was the top in his field at one of the world’s most iconic brands — Apple. We are excited and energized to see how he will help us shape and change the educational space here at IRSC.”
As an education strategic partnership leader at Apple, Hageloh built relationships crucial to Apple’s iconic status as a dynamic force for innovation. For nearly two decades prior, as a leading contributor in Apple’s Higher Education Division, he interacted with trustees, students, university administrators, faculty and others to execute Apple’s first university-wide student one-to-one technology initiative, Apple’s first anytime anywhere athletic learning initiative, and developing one of Apple’s top iTunes U content creators at the University of South Florida — LitToGo. As a founding member of Apple’s iconic student representative program, Hageloh pioneered diversity recruiting within the program.
“Indian River State College is at the start of a journey to redefine the delivery of education with Dr. Moore’s customer-driven vision,” says Michael Hageloh. “I’m excited to join the IRSC team at this pivotal juncture to advance the College, and inject a Silicon Valley mantra — my mantra — of ‘not what is, but what could be.’”
Hageloh left Apple in 2010 and has since lent his passion and expertise to firms such as Adobe, Kaltura and littleBits. He has additionally led development efforts for the University of South Florida Muma College of Business and College of Education. He comes to IRSC from at Kilgore College in Kligore, Texas, where he served as chief development officer. Over his career, Hageloh has nearly $1 billion in measurable results.
Hageloh is a native Floridian, musician, storyteller and published author of a bestselling book, Live From Cupertino: How Apple Used Words, Music, and Performance to Build the World’s Best Sales Machine. He is also a published opinion writer and brand commentator featured in Fast Company, MarketWatch, Business Insider, the Chronicle of Philanthropy, CASE, Fox Business, Medium, and national podcasts. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University.
|
|
FPUA is awarded 3.8 million dollar grant to improve infrastructure
|
|
FORT PIERCE — Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) has been awarded a 3.8 million dollar grant for infrastructure repairs through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s (DEO) Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program. Administered by DEO, this program helps fund infrastructure restoration and improvement projects in communities impacted by disasters. FPUA was one of only 24 recipients (out of 600 applications) chosen to receive an award.
FPUA will utilize the 3.8 million in grant funds to line approximately 16.2 miles of deteriorated sewer pipe in the area between 29th Street and 10th Street between Avenue Q and Canal Terrace, serving approximately 6,600 residents. “Lining of sewer pipes has been an important part of our rehabilitation program for many years. Due to budget constraints, we have been limited to spending about half a million dollars per year. This grant will greatly accelerate the rehabilitation of these pipes in the areas that need it most,” said John Tompeck, director of utilities.
FPUA’s sewer system contains over 100 miles of old clay pipes that have deteriorated with age, allowing storm water to enter the sewer system. Flows into the Wastewater Plant can quadruple during heavy rainfall events, sometimes beyond what can be disposed of down a deep injection well. This can cause overflows of treated effluent into the Indian River Lagoon. Sewer lining is the process of pulling new PVC pipe into old clay pipes to prevent storm water from entering the sewer. Lining sewer pipes is part of FPUA’s ongoing effort to support our environment and costs about one-tenth of conventional pipe replacement.
|
|
Community theatre reopens to COVID conscious sold out crowds
|
|
Vero’s one and only community theatre opened its 63rd Anniversary Season on January 13th and by the second week; the production was selling out to skittish COVID conscious audiences who were pleasantly surprised by the enormous amount of time and effort that was put into making the new theatre a safe environment for its patrons. Their first offering, Over the Tavern by Tom Dudzick and directed by Alex Martinez caught on like wild fire and by the closing weekend, standing ovations and sold out houses were racked up quickly.
With only two weeks between productions now that the Guild has become a year-round operation, Tavern’s 4 room cramped Buffalo, New York apartment has left the stage to make room for several 4 foot snowbanks, a forest of over 20 pine trees laden with snow and a cast of 5 playing over 18 roles in the charming romantic comedy Almost, Maine directed by Tevin Brown. A nearly picture perfect postcard, Almost, Maine is a place that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States. It’s almost in Canada. And it’s not quite a town, because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it almost doesn’t exist.
One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star-fill sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine, find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal and the hearts mend — almost in this delightful midwinter night’s dream under the Aurora Borealis. The production opens February 10th and plays through the 21st. This perfect Valentines’ date is playing a special Sunday matinee on the 14th at 2 p.m. and nearly sold out once again! You don’t want to miss this one.
The season continues with more laughs when director Jon Putzke’s A Shot in the Dark takes to the stage on March 10th and Broadway’s divine musical Sister Act directed and choreographed by the incomparable Beth Shestak floats in on a cloud April 7th for a 3 week run through the 25th. Closing out the 63rd Season will be the Hollywood laugh riot Moonlight and Magnolias May 12th through the 23rd.
During the eight month hiatus while the theatre was shut down, the Vero Beach Theatre Guild’s resident design director Jeff Hall led his volunteer scene shop crew in a much needed over-hauling of the theatre to meet with the challenges of making the theatre socially and CDC regulation safe. Masks are required to enter the theatre and must be worn throughout the performance and social distancing is being encouraged at all times.
Tickets for the 3 comedies are $30 with the musical $35. As always, tickets for students 18 and under are $15 at all performances. Reservations can be made by phoning the box office Mondays through Fridays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at (772) 562-8300 or by visiting the box office at 2020 San Juan Avenue. All previously purchased tickets prior to the pandemic shut down are being honored by the Guild and can be exchanged at the box office for any of the 11 shows the Guild is offering now through May 22nd, 2022. Visit the Guild online at verobeachtheatreguild.com.
|
|
Fort Pierce cracks the 10 most affordable beach towns nationwide
|
|
Coastal areas are often expensive, but there are some affordable options for buyers looking for a beach home. In its sixth annual study, SmartAsset reveals the most affordable beach towns by considering metrics including median home value, median annual property taxes and median annual housing costs for 218 coastal U.S. cities.
To learn more about the city's ranking, check out the infographic below.
The full report, including methodology and rankings, can be found here.
|
|
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Inks Partnership with Indian River State College
|
|
FORT PIERCE — A new guaranteed admissions interview agreement between Indian River State College (IRSC) and Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) makes it easier for IRSC Bachelor’s Degree in Biology students to train to be a physician. Under the terms of the partnership, qualified IRSC students who demonstrate high achievement are guaranteed an admissions interview to VCOM after successfully following a distinct academic protocol.
The cooperative program was created in response to diminished opportunities for medical training in the United States; the chronic shortage of physicians in the Southern United States and for medically underserved rural and minority populations throughout the country; and the shortage of primary care physicians.
The guaranteed admissions interview partnership acknowledges that IRSC offers particularly challenging pre-medical programs that are a good fit for study at VCOM. Each year, VCOM receives more than 14,000 applications for about 625 seats across it four campuses in Blacksburg, Virginia; Spartanburg, South Carolina; Auburn, Alabama; and Monroe, Louisiana. The agreement gives IRSC graduates a leg up in the application process.
“I’m excited about the opportunity for both institutions to do something together to make a difference,” said VCOM President and Provost, Dr. Dixie Tooke-Rawlins. “Most of all, I’m excited about what this partnership means for the students. Students from here can return here and meet the needs of the population, which is a growing population.”
The agreement was memorialized at a signing ceremony held at the IRSC Pruitt Campus in Port St. Lucie. Administrators from VCOM and IRSC were joined by leaders from Cleveland Clinic Martin Health and Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, former Florida Senate President Ken Pruitt, St. Lucie County EDC President Pete Tesch and IRSC students, faculty and staff.
“We are just thrilled to be working with a first-class organization like VCOM,” shares IRSC President, Dr. Timothy Moore. “This partnership provides an opportunity for our students to achieve their dreams and change the world through healthcare and the allied health sciences. We are grateful to VCOM and to all of our partners here today for their commitment to our College and what we can do here to improve the conditions for all of the citizens in our district.”
VCOM anticipates that candidates from IRSC who perform well at the undergraduate level will be well-prepared to succeed in the rigorous medical curriculum at VCOM. Bill King, VCOM’s Vice President for Recruiting and Application Services, will be at the IRSC Massey Campus on the afternoon of February 25 to meet with students who wish to learn more about VCOM and osteopathic medicine, and help them understand admissions requirements and the application process.
|
|
Dean, Mead, Egerton, Bloodworth, Capouano & Bozarth, P.A. to combine with Vero Beach based Estate Planning firm
|
|
VERO BEACH — Dean, Mead, Egerton, Bloodworth, Capouano & Bozarth, P.A. announced today that it will join forces with Vero Beach-based estate planning firm, The Law Offices of John E. Moore, III. The Moore firm’s attorneys, paralegals and support staff join Dean Mead effective Feb. 1, 2021. The combination strengthens the firm’s capabilities in the estate planning space, further expanding its depth of services and building on Dean Mead’s active presence on the Treasure Coast since 1987.
“Combining our resources significantly benefits both firms and clients alike, directly integrating The Moore firm’s reputable estate planning expertise into a key practice group of our firm,” said Marc Chapman, president at Dean Mead. “John Moore and his team’s extensive practice, coupled with the Moore family’s Vero Beach roots, further support our vision to expand our footprint throughout the Treasure Coast to better service our clients’ needs.”
John Moore’s reputation in Vero Beach and in-depth legal and financial skills surrounding trusts and estates bolsters a key practice where Dean Mead’s client base is growing. Each of Moore’s team members maintain unique backgrounds, providing assistance in all aspects of the development and implementation of clients’ estate plans. Similarly, Dean Mead’s comprehensive practice areas in business, tax, and estate planning, combined with its statewide reach, will provide complementary resources for Moore’s clients.
“Our entire team looks forward to the tremendous benefits that combining efforts with Dean Mead presents to our clients and community alike,” said John Moore, founding partner at The Moore firm. “The aligned, client-oriented goals and business strategy reflected in both of our firms prove to be a perfect fit. We are thrilled to enrich our portfolio with some of the best in the local legal community through this strategic partnership. Through our collaboration with our colleagues at Dean Mead, we look forward to bringing the services of a statewide firm to Vero Beach, and personally I look forward to many more years of active practice with a dynamic group of excellent lawyers.”
John Moore’s legal team will join Dean Mead’s 54 attorneys and three government relations professionals, increasing the firm’s footprint to 6 offices with people who are deeply invested in the firm’s clients and Florida communities. The firm will operate as Dean, Mead, Minton & Moore in Vero Beach and the rest of the Treasure Coast effective Feb. 1.
Dean Mead is a business law firm providing full-service legal representation, government relations and lobbying throughout Florida. The firm has five offices with 54 attorneys and three government relations professionals in multiple practice areas including: federal tax, state and local tax, estate and succession planning, business litigation, corporate law, labor and employment, government relations and lobbying, regulatory compliance, employee benefits, bankruptcy and creditors’ rights, commercial real estate, leasing, construction law, lending, environmental, land use, water law, utilities law, and eminent domain. For more information, visit the firm’s website at www.deanmead.com.
The Law Offices of John E. Moore, III is an estate planning boutique law firm serving individuals, families and fiduciary institutions in Vero Beach and beyond. Its lawyers, paralegals and staff focus their efforts on the development of customized estate plans designed to identify the unique attributes of each individual, couple and family. The firm’s comprehensive approach to estate administration works to create an environment in which provides both guidance and comfort to their clients as they conclude the financial affairs of their loved ones.
|
|
Indian River Community Foundation donates to Youth Guidance mentoring academy
|
|
VERO BEACH — On behalf of the Indian River County Community Foundation, Jeff Pickering, chief executive officer presented a $30,000 check to Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy. Jeff also took a tour of the building and learned of the many free programs offered for low-income children at Youth Guidance.
“We are so grateful for the generous support from the Indian River Community Foundation,” said Phil Barnes, executive director of Youth Guidance. “This will help us continue our programs to help children break the cycle of poverty and become contributing members to the Indian River County community.”
Youth Guidance is open all day, providing a safe place where students receive three meals and participate in one-on-one and group mentoring programs. From 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the kids complete virtual school. From 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., they engage in group mentoring programs, including STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), life skills, recreational activities, and vocational training. All programs and meals are free for families. The organization serves approximately 250 children every year.
Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy is dedicated to enriching the lives of Indian River County youth through mentoring relationships that inspire trust, self-esteem, and positive futures. Founded in 1973, Youth Guidance serves children ages 5-18 from low-income families.
If you are interested in learning more about Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy or making a donation, please call 772.492.3933, or visit our website at www.youthguidanceprogram.org
|
|
Remember Treasure Coast nonprofits
|
|
If you are in a position, consider a gift to a Treasure Coast nonprofit affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Find the needs of many area nonprofits and how to give at treasurecoastnonprofits.com
|
|
As a service to readers and restaurants on the Treasure Coast, Indian River Magazine Inc. has created a website directory of restaurants, bars, breweries and wineries in St. Lucie, Indian River and Martin counties. The site includes hours of operation, if carryout/delivery is available, as well as popular dishes. See the site at treasurecoastrestaurants.com
|
|
Does your business have news of a reopening or change in operations due to COVID-19 that you would like us to share with readers of this newsletter?
|
|
Promote your business where it matters
NEXT ISSUE PUBLISHES IN FEBRUARY
Last Chance
Reserve by Wednesday Feb. 3!
 If you would like a copy of Treasure Coast Business, click here. To advertise click here or contact your advertising representative. To report news about your business click here.
|
|
Let us help you promote your business in Indian River, the largest and most widely distributed magazine on the Treasure Coast, and on our Web sites, indianrivermagazine.com and tcbusiness.com, and through this weekly e-newsletter and our widely followed social media pages. Become an Indian River partner today.
• In Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach and Hobe Sound contact Marsha Lange at marsha@indianrivermag.com
or 772.237.1717.
• In Fort Pierce contact Sunny Gates at sunny@indianrivermag.com or 772.204.5043 or Lauren Shott at lauren@indianrivermag.com or 772.672.9859.
• In Vero Beach, Port St. Lucie and outside the Treasure Coast, contact Publisher Gregory Enns at enns@indianrivermag.com or 772.940.9005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recent Comments