Google to Buy Connected Device Company Nest
On Jan. 13, Google announced that it plans to acquire Nest, an up-and-coming tech company known for energy-saving thermostats and smoke alarms that network with other devices.
Company co-founder Matt Rogers grew up in Gainesville and, in a 2012 HOME article, described the community as his former home and “a great place to grow up.” He eventually became one of the first engineers to work on the iPhone.
“Google will help us fully realize our vision of the conscious home and allow us to change the world faster than we ever could if we continued to go it alone,” Nest co-founder Tony Fadell told TechCrunch. “We’ve had great momentum, but this is a rocket ship.”
UF’s Annual Small Business Conference & Trade Fair Registration
The 23rd Annual Small Business Conference & Trade Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 20 at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center.
Planned workshops will cover topics including small business administration and marketing interviews and applications.
Interested participants can register for the conference, trade fair, workshops and one-one sessions at www.sbvdr.admin.ufl.edu/events/tradefair.html.
AGTC Scientific Founders Receive Pioneer Awards
William W. Hauswirth, Ph.D., and R. Jude Samulski, Ph.D., the scientific founders of Alachua-based Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, were recently named Pioneer Award winners for their work in gene and cell therapy by the peer-reviewed journal Human Gene Therapy.
Dr. Hauswirth won for his work in gene therapy for eye disorders, and Dr. Samulski received the award for his contributions to basic AAV vector technology. Both will contribute essays for publication in upcoming issues of the Journal to commemorate its 25th anniversary.
AGTC is focused on the clinical development of novel therapeutics for patients with unmet medical needs utilizing its safe and effective delivery system, the adeno-associated virus (AAV). Find out more at www.agtc.com.
Gainesville Home Sales Slow But Steady
Gainesville area home sales rose 8 percent in November from Nov. 2012, a relatively modest year-to-year growth compared to the growth over the past year.
November’s closings of single-family homes totaled 149, while closings in the previous November were 138. In contrast, 276 homes closed this June, a 50 percent increase from June 2012, according to Gainesville Multiple Listing Service data.
The median home price rose to $180,700, up 13 percent from the past November.
Prudential Trend officially became Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Trend Realty on Jan. 30, affiliating the brokerage with the company of CEO Warren Buffett. See the Feb./March issue of HOME for more information.
Vendor Call for Alachua Main Street Spring Festival
The Alachua Business League will hold the 23rd Alachua Main Street Spring Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 30.
Planned entertainment includes two music stages, food vendors and free child-friendly activities, all organized along Main Street in Downtown Historic Alachua.
Vendor registration applications are due Feb. 28 and can be found on the League’s website at www.alachuabusiness.com/festivals/spring/.