Ron Sachs Communications Wins National Silver Bulldog Award For ‘Best Education/Public Service Campaign’

~Coveted award goes to Lauren’s Kids ‘Walk in My Shoes’ campaign~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (May 9, 2012) — Ron Sachs Communications has won the prestigious national “Best Education/Public Service Campaign” Silver award by the respected industry journal Bulldog Reporter for outstanding achievement by communications agencies and professionals that represent the very best in PR/corporate communications campaigns.

Ron Sachs Communications received the award for the firm’s work with the Lauren’s Kids foundation and its “Walk in My Shoes” campaign, a 1,500-mile walk to raise awareness about and prevent childhood sexual abuse. Lauren Book, abuse survivor and victim advocate, walked across the entire state of Florida, speaking about abuse prevention and healing. … Continue Reading

AIA Florida Reveals Winners of the Top 100 Buildings Competition

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – To commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the Florida Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Florida), the organization recently launched a Top 100 Buildings online competition. Four weeks and 2.4 million votes later, the much-anticipated results are in. The top five winners were announced today at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, the iconic structure that came in Number One in the state after garnering the most votes from the public.

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response from the public,” said Vicki Long, Executive Director of AIA Florida. “We hope this competition succeeded in highlighting the accomplishments of so many talented architects who have contributed to the rich, colorful skyline in Florida.”

The competition was launched last month in Tallahassee on the steps of the Historic Old Capitol (a top 100 building) to feature the beauty and wonder of Florida’s architecture. The buildings in the competition were nominated by AIA Florida’s local chapters, which submitted standout buildings in their regions to a panel of acclaimed architects, who then narrowed the list to the top 100 buildings.

“Behind every magnificent structure is an architect who helped create it. Architects are truly the backbone of Florida’s progress,” said Peter W. Jones, AIA, President of AIA Florida. “Through their votes, several million Floridians have told us they get it — that they appreciate the beauty and importance of Florida’s most unforgettable buildings.”

Fontainebleau Miami Beach has stood as an American architectural icon since its grand opening in 1954. The most significant building of architect Morris Lapidus’ career, Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s emblematic curvilinear design came to define the Miami Beach skyline. Marked by Lapidus’ signature details – such as bow-tie design motifs, circular ceilings and columns, and the infamous “Staircase to Nowhere” – Fontainebleau was the first of its kind.

“In 2008, Jeffrey & the Soffer family re-opened the Fontainebleau Miami Beach after a billion dollar renovation which sought to uncover Morris Lapidus’ original vision, and mark a rebirth of an enduring architectural landmark in Miami Beach,” said Phil Goldfarb, President and Chief Operating Officer of Fontainebleau Miami Beach. “This award is a testament to the magnificent restoration of Lapidus’ work and the international team of architects assembled to accomplish that task. We are honored and want to thank the millions who voted to help us achieve this top placement.”

AIA Florida also announced the runners-up in the competition, which generated a flurry of activity on social media platforms including tweets by none other than @realDonaldTrump

2^nd Place: Mandi’s Chapel (Live Oak)

3^rd Place: Baughman Center at the University of Florida (Gainesville)

4^th Place: University of North Florida Student Union (Jacksonville)

5^th Place: Mar-a-Lago National Historic Landmark (Palm Beach)

“We are elated that so many Floridians took the time to learn about the beautiful structures in their communities,” said Donald Yoshino, FAIA and Chairman of AIA Florida’s 100th Anniversary Committee. “We intend to keep the conversation front and center as we celebrate 100 years and encourage students across the state to consider a career in architecture — placing their own unique signature on our state’s skyline.”

The online competition was open to members of the public, who could vote as often as they liked. The voting began on March 13 at www.aiaFLAtop100.org and continued through April 6.

AIA Florida recognized the top building in 13 different categories, including one for write-in nominations and a special winner determined only by architects’ votes

Performing Arts – Florida Theatre Building (Jacksonville)

Civic – Boca Raton Town Hall  (Boca Raton)

Commercial – Espirito Santo Plaza (Miami)

Educational  – University of North Florida Student Union (Jacksonville)

Historic – Mar-a-Lago National Historic Landmark (Palm Beach)

Hotel – Fontainebleau Hotel (Miami Beach)

Museum – Dali Museum (St. Petersburg)

Public Use – City Park Municipal Garage (Ft. Lauderdale)

Recreational – Cinderella Castle (Orlando)

Religious – Mandi’s Chapel (Live Oak)

Residential – Walker Guest House (Sanibel)

Write-In – Ponce de Leon Hotel/Flagler College (St. Augustine)

Architects’ Favorite – University of North Florida Student Union (Jacksonville)

Today’s announcement of the winners of the “Florida Architecture: 100 Years. 100 Places” competition coincides with April’s designation as Architecture Month, as proclaimed recently by Governor Rick Scott. AIA Florida also has plans to host several events across the region, including the 100th Anniversary Convention & Tradeshow at The Breakers in Palm Beach over the summer and a special anniversary celebration event on December 14.

About AIA Florida

The Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects, headquartered in Tallahassee, represents the interests of more than 3,600 members in Florida and the Caribbean. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct that assures the client, the public and colleagues of an AIA-member architect’s dedication to the highest standards in professional practice. For more information, visit www.aiafla.org.

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CONTACT: Erica Villanueva
(850) 222-1996 erica@ronsachs.com

Ballard Partners Expands with Opening of Tampa Office, Jan Gorrie Joins Firm

~Jan Gorrie Joins Tallahassee-based Government Affairs Firm~

TALLAHASSEE – Florida’s leading government affairs firm, Ballard Partners, announced the opening of their fifth office location today. Jan Gorrie will be serving as managing partner of the Tampa-based office where she will continue to expand Ballard Partners’ lobbying efforts from coast to coast in Florida. This latest expansion marks the third new office for Ballard Partners within the last year. … Continue Reading

House Passes Balanced Budget Memorial, Demands Fiscal Accountability In Washington

Tallahassee, FL – Today the Florida House of Representatives approved Representative Ingram’s HM 499 Federal Balanced Budget Amendment, with bipartisan support, urging the United States Congress to submit to the States a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution requiring an annual balanced Federal budget.

“I am proud that we are sending a message, on behalf of all Floridians, that the runaway spending in Washington must stop,” Representative Ingram said. “Our children and grand-children deserve a better future, not one that is mortgaged with an unmanageable debt burden. This constitutional requirement will take politics out of our budgetary process and ensure that America never experiences a debt crisis”.

The memorial will now be sent to the Florida Senate for consideration, where Senator Alan Hays has proposed SM1142 as a companion memorial.

Health care, climate, low taxes & housing are big drivers of where Baby Boomers will live after retirement

~New survey finds one in three Boomers may move to another state~

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Where will Baby Boomers go to retire? A revealing new survey of this massive generation of imminent retirees is looking for a place where taxes and housing costs are low, the climate is good and quality health care is readily available.

Other considerations that are important to Boomers are the availability of diverse recreational activities and supportive senior services, arts and cultural opportunities, proximity to the beach and the availability of life-long learning educational experiences.

That’s the picture painted by the first major survey in 10 years of retirement relocation preferences of the 78 million-strong Baby Boom generation, released today by the Consumer Federation of the Southeast. And it comes just as the first Boomers, born in 1946, reach the age of eligibility for full Social Security retirement benefits.

According to the survey, conducted for the Consumer Federation of the Southeast by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research, a full third of Baby Boomers are open to moving across state lines to find the assets they are looking for, including a mid-size town that welcomes a diverse population. … Continue Reading

Statement From Governor Scott Regarding Recommendations from the Assisted Living Workgroup

Tallahassee, Fla. – “The Assisted Living Workgroup has developed important, practical recommendations that will protect residents in Florida’s assisted living facilities (ALFs). Their work has been incredibly valuable in identifying ways that we can better protect the safety and well-being of individuals living in ALFs.

“We have a duty to protect the people who rely on the services provided by ALFs, and I thank the workgroup for undertaking this important task to put the safety of residents first.  Because of the workgroup’s recommendations, the Agency for Health Care Administration has been able to move forward and implement changes to increase standards among facilities to allow for more effective oversight and increased accountability.  While tremendous progress has been made already, we will ask the workgroup to continue to examine issues related to ALFs over the next year.”

Veteran Communicators Join Ron Sachs Communications

TALLAHASSEE – Ron Sachs Communications is pleased to announce the addition of two veteran communications professionals to the firm, deepening the industry’s most seasoned and experienced management team. Together they have almost four decades of experience at the highest levels of state government and public relations.

Longtime state government communications director Jon Peck and communications and legislative strategist Dia Kuykendall join Ron Sachs Communications as senior account managers, working with the firm’s diverse roster of clients. … Continue Reading

Nestlé Waters North America Madison Employees Present Lee Elementary School with Check for New Playground Equipment

Lee, Fla. — Leaders from the Madison County School District, teachers, staff and students from Lee Elementary School joined employees from the Nestlé Waters’ Madison Plant to present its principal, Robin Hill, with a donation of $17,000 to support school improvements including an upgrade to the school’s playground.

“Nestlé Waters is proud to support our local schools, which help the children of many of our plant employees to learn and succeed in the classroom,” said Rob Fisher, plant manager of the Nestlé Waters, N.A. Madison Bottling Plant. “We thank the teachers and staff of Lee Elementary School for providing our children with a foundation for success.” … Continue Reading

Florida Nonprofit And Business Groups Laud Sen. Hays For Filing Important Citizens Legislation

Tallahassee, Fla. – Leaders from nonprofits and business groups statewide today expressed their approval of Senate Bill 1784 (Sen. Alan Hays, R – Umatilla).

Jose Gonzalez, Vice President of Government Affairs, Associated Industries of Florida
“We applaud Sen. Hays for unfalteringly working to reform the overextended state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp.  He truly understands how important it is that we make changes to Citizens in order to better protect the business community, as well as all Floridians, from the ‘hurricane taxes’ that will be added to our business, homeowners and automobile policies in the wake of the next major storm or series of storms.  With five months until the start of the 2012 hurricane season, the Florida Legislature would be wise to support SB 1784.” … Continue Reading

Local Lodge of the Odd Fellows Installs 2012 Elected Officers

TALLAHASSEE – Leon Lodge No. 5 of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows today installed their elected officers for 2012. Installed were
Reggie Harmon as Noble Grand, Michael Rodes as Vice Grand, Harold
Grant as Treasurer, Hans Meyer as Financial Secretary, and Peggy Jo
Moffitt as Recording Secretary. … Continue Reading

AIF Announces Tom Feeney as New President/CEO

TALLAHASSEE – Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) today announced Tom Feeney as its new president and CEO. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of the organization, he will work closely with elected officials and policymakers to further cultivate a pro-business climate in Florida. He will assume his duties on January 1, 2012. … Continue Reading

Florida Voices Premieres Today as Daily Source for Public-Affairs Opinion, Thought Leadership

New-media website features prominent Florida columnists, daily round-up of state commentary, facilitated roundtable of diverse opinion leaders and a syndication service to state newspapers

TAMPA – (Dec. 12, 2011) A dynamic new-media website that will elevate the statewide conversation on politics and public life debuts today — and the entrepreneurial initiative of two veteran journalists promises to make Florida Voices a go-to opinion page. The new media project also boasts a hall-of-fame lineup of top journalists who will write columns about all matters facing Florida.

… Continue Reading

Associated Industries of Florida Announces 2012 Legislative Priorities

~Organization’s legislative priorities aim to protect Florida’s business community~

TALLAHASSEE – With the start of the legislative session less than a month away, Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) today released their 2012 Legislative Priorities publication, which outlines the issues for which the statewide business organizations plans to advocate. As “The Voice of Florida Business Since 1920,” AIF determines its legislative agenda based on the issues of the greatest interest or concern to its members. This session, AIF’s priorities include everything from workers’ compensation to job creation to insurance reform to tax fairness. … Continue Reading

Prominent Business Leader Opens New Public Affairs Consulting Firm

New Strategic Public Affairs Firm to be based in Florida’s Capital City

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. ­– Outgoing Associated Industries of Florida CEO Barney Bishop announced today that he is opening a government relations firm based in Tallahassee, Barney Bishop Consulting, LLC.  The firm will provide government relations counsel and representation on local, state and national issues, with a particular focus on business issues, including space, transportation, energy and oil exploration, and economic development.

Bishop, a Florida native who has led AIF since January 2005, moved to Tallahassee in 1983, and has an unparalleled network of relationships and a deep understanding and appreciation of the state’s diversity.  In addition to political consulting, he expects to be an active force in political campaigns. … Continue Reading

Tiny Apalachicola Throws Big Stone In David-Vs.-Goliath Battle Against Progress Energy

APALACHICOLA, Fla. – Residents and business owners of this small Gulf Coast town filed suit in state court today against utility giant Progress Energy seeking an emergency injunction against the construction of massive power poles in the historic downtown district.

Members of the Apalachicola Area Historical Society as well as several businesspeople and city residents sued Progress Energy after the corporation refused to discuss alternatives such as burying the utility lines or finding another route. On Nov. 16, the Apalachicola City Commission asked Progress Energy for a 90-day halt in construction so other solutions could be found, but the company has refused to stop work. … Continue Reading

Statement from Governor Rick Scott Regarding American Airlines Bankruptcy Filing

“Today I spoke with American Airlines Vice President Kevin Cox regarding the company’s decision to file for Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. I know this was a difficult decision for the company, and it is certainly difficult news for the Floridians who are employed by the carrier. Kevin has assured me that American Airlines is continuing to provide regularly scheduled flights and services throughout the reorganization process and will maintain its presence at the 12 airports in Florida, which offer flights to 116 destinations worldwide. I am relieved that the company will continue operations throughout this process, and I am optimistic that this reorganization will better position American Airlines to be a profitable company and enable them to add jobs in Florida.”

… Continue Reading

Ronald A. Brisé Elected Chairman of the Florida Public Service Commission

TALLAHASSEE — Commissioner Ronald A. Brisé was unanimously elected Chairman of Florida’s Public Service Commission (PSC) today to serve a two-year term beginning January 2, 2012.

“I look forward to serving as Chair and working with my colleagues on behalf of Florida’s citizens,” said Commissioner Brisé.  “I want to work toward ensuring the protection of the public interest, as that should be our goal all of the time.” … Continue Reading

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s Department of Financial Services Named Florida’s Agency of the Year

TALLAHASSEE—Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s Department of Financial Services (DFS) will be recognized by the Department of Management Services’ (DMS) Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) as the State of Florida’s Agency of the Year for supporting Florida’s minority business community during the past fiscal year. … Continue Reading

Crystal Springs Preserve Officially Dedicates An Education Pavilion and Boardwalk–Style Eco-Trails

CRYSTAL SPRINGS, Fla. – Crystal Springs Preserve held a dedication ceremony today for its two newest additions to the 525-acre sanctuary, The Wilderness Pavilion and Alligator Eco-Trails. Nestlé Waters North America has been a strong supporter of the Preserve for the past seven years and the construction was made possible by the generous donations from Publix Super Markets Charities and The Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland. The Preserve, its facilities and staff are entirely devoted to environmental education and the preservation of Florida’s natural environment. … Continue Reading

Tiny Florida Town Declares Its Own Death In Battle With Utility Giant Progress Energy’s Massive Poles

APALACHICOLA TO PROGRESS ENERGY: BURY THE LINES, NOT OUR TOWN, AS MOCK FUNERAL IS SET FOR SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

APALACHICOLA, Fla. – A David-vs.-Goliath battle is unfolding in a small artsy fishing village in Florida’s Panhandle, where residents and business owners say if they lose, it will mean the death of quaint and historic Apalachicola’s downtown district.

To call attention to its struggle against Progress Energy and the power company’s plan to install 100-foot power poles through the downtown area, Apalachicola will stage a mock funeral for itself on Saturday, November 19th – in what is considered an eerie look into the town’s immediate future. Located 75 miles southwest of Tallahassee on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the popular tourist town, known for oysters, fishing and the arts, is fighting an 11th-hour battle against Progress Energy, whose power pole installation plan through the tree-lined city is now approaching the heart of downtown. … Continue Reading