University Center Helps Launch 157 Start-ups
A report released on July 21 by the University of Florida’s Office of Technology Licensing (OTL) announced that the UF Tech Connect program assisted the launching of 157 technology-based start-up companies during its first 12 years of operation. In total, the program has generated more than $1 billion in private funding, $530 million in public funding and 2,000 new jobs.
The release quoted Jane Muir, director of UF Tech Connect as well as associate director of UF OTL and director of the Innovation Hub: “These start-up companies are fueling the innovation economy; the jobs they’ve created are less vulnerable to natural disasters and seasonal fluctuations. That makes Florida’s economy more stable.”
Deborah Butler presents Butler Enterprises’ Case Study at Harvard University
Deborah Butler, president of Butler Enterprises, spoke at the 2014 Urban Retail program held at Harvard University. As part of the July Executive Education Series, Butler spoke to an audience of industry professionals and instructors about the history and expansion plans for Butler Plaza as well as the evolution of design for Butler Town Center.
Dan Drotos promoted to Vice President of Bosshardt Realty Services
Bosshardt Commercial & Land, a division of Bosshardt Realty Services, has announced the promotion of Dan Drotos to vice president. A licensed real estate broker in the state of Florida, Drotos is also a three-time University of Florida graduate with a bachelor of science in finance, a master of science in real estate and a master’s in building construction. Drotos specializes in commercial and land transactions.
AxoGen Inc. Reports 47 Percent Growth in Second Quarter Revenue
AxoGen Inc. announced a record quarterly revenue of $4.21 million for the second quarter of 2014. The number represents a 47 percent growth up from $2.86 million in the second quarter of 2013. In a press release, AxoGen president and CEO, Karen Zaderej, commented, “Our strong revenue increase in the second quarter demonstrates that we are effectively executing on our growth strategies and confirms we are building awareness and adoption of our portfolio of nerve repair products.”
The Arc of Alachua County Awarded $5,000 in Grant Funds from Plum Creek Foundation
The Plum Creek Foundation announced plans to award The Arc of Alachua County $5,000 in grant funding to continue to provide support dollars and laptops for community members with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In a press release, Allison Megrath, real estate manager for Plum Creek Florida, said, “The Arc of Alachua County supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and has been since 1966. This grant from Plum Creek Foundation solidifies our partnership with The Arc and supports their efforts to connect folks with disabilities to community activities and events.”