July Movers and Shakers

FRONT STREET INCREASES STAFF TO OFFER NEW SERVICE

Front Street Commercial Real Estate Group announced the hiring of Virginia MacKoul as the director of marketing and lease administration. Ms. MacKoul’s addition furthers Front Street’s expansion of its commercial real estate service platform within Gainesville and other North Central Florida markets.

Virginia MacKoul has been involved at Front Street as a marketing intern since 2011. “Virginia has been a valued member of our team for some time leading our marketing and online efforts. We are ecstatic she has chosen to remain in Gainesville and help us create a new service which will add value to our business owner clients,” Nick Banks, Front Street’s managing director, said.

He added, “Virginia will lead our new lease administration service to provide our clients with ongoing lease support, critical date management, and enhanced awareness of tenant rights and obligations.”

Virginia MacKoul recently graduated from the University of Florida’s College of Design Construction and Planning with a focus on Sustainability and the Built Environment and Urban Regional Planning. “I am thrilled to join the Front Street team full time,” Ms. MacKoul said.

“My time at Front Street thus far has been fulfilling and rewarding. I look forward to being a part of the continuing growth of the company. Front Street and Gainesville definitely feel like home.”

For more information about Virginia MacKoul or Front Street, please contact Nick Banks at [email protected] or 352.505.3884.

Banyan Biomarkers, Inc. Closes $6M Series A Round of Financing

ALACHUA, FL and CARLSBAD, CA, June 20, 2013 – Banyan Biomarkers, Inc. announced that it has completed a $6 million series A funding from private investors for further biomarker research and continued development of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) diagnostic test. Currently, the company is enrolling subjects in a 2,000 patient pivotal clinical trial funded by a $26.3 million contract with the United States Department of Defense.

“We are extremely pleased to have such a group of highly experienced investors who will help us grow the company to the next level” said Jackson Streeter M.D. CEO of Banyan Biomarkers, “Our groundbreaking research is poised to bring the first ever diagnostic blood test for TBI to the patient. This test will provide critical objective information to assist the clinician to properly triage and diagnose TBI.”

Of the 1.7 million TBIs that occur in the US each year, it is estimated that 1.4 million are seen in emergency departments according to the Centers for Disease Control. As a result, direct and indirect costs of TBI in the US were approximately $76.3 billion in 2010.

About Banyan Biomarkers

Banyan Biomarkers, Inc. is focused on developing a simple point-of-care blood test that could be used by physicians to rapidly detect the presence of mild and moderate brain trauma and improve the medical management of head injured patients. The Company’s test uses two protein biomarkers licensed from the McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Florida that rapidly appear in systemic circulation after a brain injury. To learn more about Banyan Biomarkers, visit www.banyanbio.com.

Fitz Koehler honored with President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition Community Leadership Award

The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition (PCFSN) has selected Fitz Koehler to receive a 2013 PCFSN Community Leadership Award. The award is given annually to individuals or organizations who improve the lives of others within their community by providing or enhancing opportunities to engage in sports, physical activities, fitness or nutrition-related programs.

Fitz Koehler, (Master of Exercise and Sports Sciences. UF) is a fitness expert, President of the Gainesville-based company Fitzness International LLC and founder of The Morning Mile, which is a before-school walking/running program. Within three years, she’s expanded the Morning Mile to 150 schools and camps throughout the United States, to Canada and a school on a US Air Force base in Japan. Her mission to get more kids moving in the mornings has yielded over 500,000 miles run with 25 schools in Alachua County utilizing this program. Fitz’s goal is to ensure every child in the USA has access to the Morning Mile.

“Fitz Koehler has worked tirelessly to promote the importance of physical activity throughout the nation,” says Shellie Pfohl, executive director of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition. “Because of Fitz’s efforts and contributions, countless individuals can benefit from a healthier, more active lifestyle. Together we are all working to make our nation a healthier one.”

In light of the national concerns over obesity, it’s more important than ever that our children participate in activities that promote physical fitness,” said Alachua County School Board member Carol Oyenarte. “Through Fitz Koehler’s work in our schools and the community, kids are learning that fitness and fun can go hand in hand.

This year, the President’s Council presented the Community Leadership Award to 34 recipients across the country for making sports, physical activity, fitness, and nutrition-related programs available in their communities.

LifeSouth reaches a milestone with FDA license

A journey that began in Gainesville, Fla. more than 15 years ago, that’s allowed newborn babies to become lifesavers, reached a milestone June 13, when the Food and Drug Administration notified LifeSouth that its license was approved for cord blood manufacturing.

LifeCord, which is a program of LifeSouth, became only the fifth public cord blood bank in the country to receive its FDA license, and the first in Florida, Georgia and Alabama where it currently operates. LifeSouth CEO Nancy Eckert said the rigorous application and approval process was difficult but she’s proud of the accomplishment.

“A lot of people have worked very hard and for a very long time to meet the rigorous licensing requirements of the FDA,” Eckert said. “Cord blood is at the forefront of progressive medical treatments and I’m proud that LifeSouth will continue to be a leader in transfusion medicine and patient care.”

Umbilical cord blood contains the stem cells that can be used by patients needing marrow transplants for the treatment of leukemia and other serious diseases. Dr. John Wingard, LifeCord’s medical director, and a physician at UF Health in Gainesville, first proposed starting a public cord blood bank in North Florida in 1996.

“This is a huge milestone along the journey we’ve traveled, but it’s not the destination. The destination is providing a transplant to everyone who needs a cure,” Wingard said. “Receiving the license indicates we are meeting the highest and most stringent standards for providing high quality products to the patients we serve.”

LifeSouth joins cord blood banks in New York, St. Louis, Duke University and the University of Colorado in receiving a license.

Wingard said the milestone is also an example of how the cooperative effort of the University of Florida, UF Health and a community organization, like LifeSouth, can work together to promote health.

“I’m very proud of the very hard work,” Wingard said. “The LifeCord staff has demonstrated a passion for this, and they are tirelessly working to provide a needed service for our community.”

When the LifeCord program began in 1998, it was licensed under an investigative new drug protocol.

“The FDA recognized this is no longer an investigation, it has become part of medical practice and needed higher standards to assure quality and ethical standards for patients,” Wingard said.

LifeSouth submitted its application for its FDA license in May of 2012, and has undergone numerous reviews of its facilities, procedures, equipment and staff qualifications.

LifeSouth currently collects cord blood donations at eight hospitals in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Wingard encourages parents to donate, saying it’s safe for mother and baby, and there is no additional cost.

“The birth of a baby is a joyous occasion,” he said. “The gift of the cord extends that joy to another family by giving another child a chance for life.”

RTI Biologics® Announces Agreement to Acquire Pioneer® Surgical Technology

On the morning of June 13, \RTO announced an agreement to acquire Marquette, Mich.-based Pioneer Surgical Technology. The acquisition will create a diversified global surgical implant company positioned for growth in orthopedics and biologics and marks the beginning of another transformational period for the company.

Pioneer is a leading medical technology company that manufactures and distributes synthetic and metal products in the spine, trauma, biologics and cardiothoracic markets. The acquisition of Pioneer supports RTI’s strategic initiatives to expand its current implant portfolio into metals and synthetics and to grow direct distribution.

RTI’s history of innovation is anchored in Gainesville and, as the company grows, RTI will remain committed to North Central Florida. Headquarters will continue to be in Alachua and Brian Hutchison, RTI president & CEO, and Rob Jordheim, EVP & CFO, will retain their respective positions. The remainder of the executive management team will be made up of the current RTI management team and some members of the current Pioneer senior leadership.

Adfed Selects 2013-2014 Board of Directors

We are excited to announce that the 2013 – 2014 Board of Directors for Adfed of Gainesville has been selected. Each director is a member in good standing and supports the Adfed mission.This communication serves as official notification to our general membership.

Your 2013-2014 Board of Directors!

President: Beth Eng
Incoming President: Jennifer Norman
Treasurer: Kinnon Thomas
Secretary: Kathy Staffa
Membership: Susan Meurlott
Programs: Nick DeConna
Education: Eric Flagg
Public Service: Tom Duffy
ADDY Co-Chair: Hector DeValle
President Advisory: Sue Wagner
Communications: Wes Lindberg

The Orthopaedic Institute introduces new physicians and service lines

Physician group grows with addition of new physicians and service lines to multiple facilities

The Orthopaedic Institute (TOI) announces the addition of three new physicians and multiple new service lines to its group practice. The addition of these physicians will enable TOI to expand its services to include radiologic interpretation, interventional pain management and rheumatology, affording TOI the opportunity to provide more comprehensive services to its patients under one roof.

James B. Vogler III, M.D., joined TOI May 1. Dr. Vogler specializes in diagnostic imaging and therapeutic joint injection procedures. His practice is based out of TOI’s Gainesville office. Dr. Vogler attended the Wake Forest School of Medicine and did his residency and fellowship training at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center. Dr. Vogler is board certified by the American Board of Radiology. He is also a member of the American College of Radiology, Radiologic Society of North America, North American Spine Society, International Spinal Intervention Society and Society of Skeletal Radiology.

Exceptional Leadership: Nancy Eckert Receives 2024 FIERCE Legacy Award

Richard E. Kinard, M.D., will join TOI June 3. Dr. Kinard specializes in diagnostic and therapeutic spinal and joint injection procedures, vertebroplasty, sacroplasty and kyphoplasty. His practice will be based out of TOI’s Ocala office. Dr. Kinard attended the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill for medical school and his residency training at David Grant USAF Medical Center. Dr. Kinard is board certified by the American Board of Radiology. He is also a member of the American College of Radiology, Radiologic Society of North America, North American Spine Society and International Spinal Intervention Society.

Rizwan Mansoor, M.D., will also join TOI June 3. Dr. Mansoor specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and autoimmune diseases. His practice will be based out of TOI’s Lake City office but he will also offer services out of the Gainesville and Ocala offices. Dr. Mansoor attended Dow Medical College, did his residency training at Bergen Regional Medical Center and his fellowship training at the University of Florida. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine – Rheumatology and is a member of the Florida Society of Rheumatology and APPNA.

Dominic Scorpio Leaves CPPI to Start Own Firm

Dominic Scorpo left CPPI in pursuit of personal and professional interests after 18 years with the firm.

“I am extremely excited about the opportunities and challenges this new endeavor will bring,” says Scorpio.

He is continuing his career as an independent general contractor focusing on projects in the innovation, technology, education, healthcare, and municipal arenas. This includes renovations as well as new construction in Gainesville and surrounding areas.

Scorpio will be joined by Rick Buxton, a longtime friend and construction industry veteran of 33 years. They say that they will do their best to keep the public informed of their progress and look forward to visiting clients in the very near future. Until

For more information, contact Scorpio at 352-538-6529 or via email at [email protected].

StorterChilds Names Hendryx Vice President

Gainesville, FL – June 18, 2013 – StorterChilds promotes Dave Hendryx to Vice President.

In his new position, Hendryx will oversee the sales department and will assist President Shariq Siraj in all areas of managerial functions including strategic initiatives and expansion of the sales team.

Hendryx started with the firm as a sales consultant, living and working in Jacksonville. He relocated with his family to Gainesville in 1999. In his position of Senior Sales Consultant, Hendryx was instrumental in StorterChilds’ growth to one of the region’s largest commercial printing firms.

Hendryx brings over 20 years of sales experience, of which 17 are with StorterChilds. He holds a B.S. in advertising from the University of Florida.

StorterChilds serves clients throughout Florida and South Georgia with sales representatives in Gainesville, Jacksonville, Tampa, Leesburg and St. Augustine. StorterChilds is owned by Consolidated Graphics (CGX), one of North America’s leading general commercial printing companies with 70 printing facilities located across 26 states, Toronto and Prague. For more information, contact Shariq Siraj at (352) 376-2658 ext. 308.

Leadership Gainesville 40 Class Announced

The Gainesville Area Chamber is pleased to announce the milestone 40th class of Leadership Gainesville (LG). As one of the oldest leadership programs in the nation and the state of Florida, the Chamber and LG have been developing and inspiring leaders in Alachua County and the surrounding region for four decades, and LG alumni have been making a significant impact on the growth and success of our surrounding community.

LG is a year-long community leadership program designed to showcase the amenities of the region and cultivate leadership skills among emerging leaders in Gainesville. Each year, approximately 40 individuals are selected to participate in the program following completion of a competitive application process. LG’s principal goal is to build a resource of community leadership on a planned, continuing basis. Each session examines key themes and issues affecting our community.

LG provides future leaders the opportunity to develop leadership skills by networking with individuals in the community that represent business, law, religion, civic groups, the arts, not-for-profit, education, health care, government, human services and volunteer organizations.

Join us in welcoming the 40th class of Leadership Gainesville!