~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.

“This is some of the proudest work we have ever done as a firm,” said Ron Sachs, president and CEO of Ron Sachs Communications. “It is an honor and a privilege to help this important cause.”

Professional journalists judged the submissions on a range of criteria, and the top campaigns were recognized for sustained positive visibility and influence, as well as creativity, technological capability and perseverance.

“We pride ourselves on building campaigns that make a difference, but there is hardly a more important cause we could further than ending the tragedy of childhood sexual abuse,” said Michelle Ubben, partner and chief operating officer.

Ron Sachs Communications has been involved in a diverse range of significant issues in Florida and nationally, including health care, energy, environment, transportation, child welfare, finance and technology, drawing on the firm’s deep relationships, innovative ideas and outstanding professional skills. The firm is the top producer of high-profile public-private partnership initiatives on education and safety issues such as a comprehensive driving safety campaign and an Emmy Award-winning national hurricane survival initiative.

About Ron Sachs Communications
With offices in Tallahassee and Orlando, Ron Sachs Communications is Florida’s top issues and corporate marketing firm. Ron Sachs Communications offers integrated public relations services including media relations, digital media, video and Web production, public affairs and crisis support, advertising and design, public education initiatives and marketing. For more information, visit www.ronsachs.com

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

~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.

“The opening of the new Tampa office of Ballard Partners broadens our ability to represent clients throughout the entire state of Florida,” said Brian Ballard, president of Ballard Partners. “Jan’s track record within the lobbying arena bolsters our firm’s strength throughout Florida and specifically within the key market of Tampa Bay. We are excited to welcome such a valuable addition to the Ballard Partners team.”

Gorrie joins the Ballard Partners firm from the Tampa office of Carlton Fields where she served as a shareholder. For more than 20 years, Jan Gorrie has advanced her extensive government affairs career while lobbying the Florida Legislature and Executive Branch on behalf of numerous clients. With an expertise in health care law, Gorrie has represented various divisions of Florida’s hospital system as well as public universities’ Colleges of Medicine. Gorrie’s contribution to the state’s health care public policy and Medicaid reimbursement laws has increased Floridians access to medical services and improved compensation rates for physicians and hospitals. Gorrie has also worked within the private sector with major insurance companies and several economic development organizations.

“The Ballard Partners Tampa office will continue this firm’s celebrated history of success,” said Gorrie. “I am confident that my experience with Florida’s health care laws and public policy will help further Ballard Partners’ statewide presence and expertise in all elements of governmental affairs and look forward to jumpstarting our Tampa efforts.”

As a one of the state’s leading transactional and administrative health care lawyers, Gorrie is routinely asked to testify before the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration and Florida Department of Health where her expertise is sought on reimbursement, licensure, and provider application matters. Gorrie is also a member of the Florida Bar as well as the Hillsborough County Bar Association.

Ballard Partners has been cited by national and Florida publications as the leading public affairs firm in the state. The Florida-based lobbying firm, with offices in Tallahassee, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Miami – and now Tampa – combines extensive government experience with unwavering advocacy to maximize clients’ results.

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.

~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.

“Already, thousands of Boomers are retiring every day nationwide,” said Walter Dartland, president of the Consumer Federation of the Southeast. “According to this survey, substantial numbers are interested in relocating in retirement. The decisions they make about where they will retire will have a huge impact not only on their families’ finances but on the communities to which they move.”

As the Boomer generation is so vast, a community need only attract three-tenths of one percent of relocating Boomers to add $1 billion per year in new income to its economy, creating jobs, new business and significant economic opportunities.

“This important survey, one of the most extensive of its kind in a decade, underscores the tremendous contribution that Americans aged 50 and older can offer to communities wherever they choose to live,” said Jeff Johnson, AARP Florida’s interim state director. “AARP Florida believes this research will help inform the efforts of many communities to better equip themselves to address issues important to a 50-plus population.”

The Consumer Federation’s survey of Boomers shows:

-       Some 96 percent say top-quality health care services are “very” or “somewhat” important to them in considering a relocation destination.

-       Affordable housing ranks second, with nearly 92 percent ranking that as a “very” or “somewhat” important criterion.

-       A warm, welcoming year-round climate is “very” or “somewhat” important to 85.5 percent – but a strong plurality of this group want their warm summers to be paired with a few cooler months.

-       Low local taxes are “very” or “somewhat” important to 81.1 percent.

-       Eight out of 10 relocating Boomers are looking for affordable recreational opportunities in a relocation destination, and about the same number seek strong local services for elder care.

Also important to relocating Boomers are the size of the community (seven in 10 prefer a mid-size city or small town); arts and cultural opportunities (very or somewhat important to three in four); beaches or ocean nearby (very or somewhat important to about six in 10), and about half are seeking access to life-long learning educational opportunities. About half say a community that welcomes diversity is very or somewhat important.

-       A large university is a plus for four in 10 Boomers willing to consider relocation.

-       And, more than half (58 percent) plan to buy a house in their retirement relocation destination.

“This survey offers important insights into what is significant to relocating Boomers,” Dartland said. “It underscores that for millions of Boomers who are considering relocating, good value, a welcoming community and thoughtful choices about their future are uppermost in their minds.”

Almost 54 percent of respondents indicated that the weak economy was not delaying their retirement plans. But, about 36 percent of respondents said that the economy had delayed retirement.

Pollsters asked respondents to name — unprompted and with no suggested options — a state they might consider relocating to for retirement. About 18 percent mentioned Florida as a top relocation destination.

The survey, conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research between Nov. 14 and 22, 2011, surveyed 1,100 Americans ages 47 to 65 who said they would relocate in retirement, were considering relocation or weren’t sure. All respondents surveyed lived in the eastern half of the U.S., outside of Florida. The survey carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent.

To view the poll results visit:

consumerfederationse.com

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The Consumer Federation of the Southeast (CFSE) is a not-for-profit consumer advocacy group founded in 2003 and dedicated to consumer advocacy in the Southeastern United States.  Our goal is to establish a vigorous, new, pro-consumer agenda built upon public awareness, consumer education, and coalition-building.

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.”

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.

“As Ron Sachs Communications envisions sustained growth well into 2012, we’re building an even deeper and stronger team for our clients,” said Ron Sachs, president and CEO of Ron Sachs Communications.  “Jon and Dia will add significant value for our clients, projects and the leadership of our agency.”

Jon Peck spent more than eight years in daily print journalism, regularly dealing with leaders at the local, state and national levels, before embarking on an award-winning 26-year career in state government highlighted by his service as press secretary to Governor Bob Martinez. He has served at the top levels in executive agencies under eight different governors and two attorneys general.

Peck has served as chief spokesman for state agencies, including the Department of Community Affairs, the Department of Elder Affairs, the Division of Emergency Management and, most recently, the Florida Commission on Human Relations. As an aide to two attorneys general, he helped shape messaging for the Attorney General’s Office and played an invaluable role translating legal issues into English for the general public, law enforcement agencies and government officials around the state. During his journalism career, Peck reported on government, politics and the legal system for the Tampa Times, Florida Freedom Newspapers, United Press International and South Florida Sun-Sentinel. He is a graduate of the prestigious University of Missouri School of Journalism.

Dia Kuykendall has spent the last three years with Visit Florida, the official tourism marketing corporation for the State of Florida as the spokesperson and then as the public affairs manager.  Dia is also an adjunct professor in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communications at Florida A & M University.

With a background in political communication and messaging, Dia has played a lead role in developing and executing strategic communications plans, including a wide range of traditional public and media relations activities, as well as highly targeted outreach efforts in the state government sector.  As an award-winning public relations strategist, Dia has successfully orchestrated legislative and public awareness campaigns, all of which have deepened the profiles of her employers.

Dia previously worked as a reporter for Milwaukee’s NBC affiliate WDJT-TV, production assistant for C-SPAN’s Washington Journal in Washington, DC and is a member of the Arts & Entertainment Task Force for the National Association of Black Journalists.  Dia also serves as a public member on the Advertising and the Unlicensed Practice of Law Committees for the Florida Bar. Dia is a graduate of Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee and earned her master’s in journalism from Florida A & M University.

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Ron Sachs Communications 

Ron Sachs Communications is Florida’s leading public affairs communications firm, building public and opinion leader support for issues and projects of local, state, regional and national importance. With offices in Tallahassee and Orlando, Ron Sachs Communications is a national leader in crisis management, public relations, marketing, advertising, grassroots, video production and social media strategies, creating effective campaigns for corporate, non-profit and government clients. The firm’s senior team comes from the ranks of the news media and government, giving the firm outstanding media relationships to draw upon and excellent news judgment in devising effective media strategies. Considered Florida’s “go to” firm for public affairs communications and issues management, the company also has significant expertise in corporate marketing and is among the nation’s leading producer of public service and public safety initiatives.

The firm was named the national “PR Agency of the Year” in 2011 for firms of its size by the respected industry journal, Bulldog Reporter, for outstanding achievement by communications agencies and professionals.

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.”

Nestlé Waters is honored to have formed strong partnerships with the communities that are home to their bottling plants. It has worked hard to ensure that its presence is as beneficial to the community as it is to their own organization. Additionally, Nestlé Waters is committed to the areas they serve for the long-term and look forward to continuing to support healthy living.

“Our students are very important to us and part of their development is healthy and safe daily exercise,” said Robin Hill, principal of Lee Elementary School. “With this donation from Nestlé Waters, we will be able to provide our students with activity on playground equipment customized just for them.”

About Nestlé Waters North America

Central to the leadership of Nestlé Waters North America is its 35-year history and focus on producing bottled water products. The company’s dedication to product quality, manufacturing expertise, efficient production, employee development and environmental stewardship, especially in the areas of water use, energy and packaging, has helped Nestlé Waters become the top bottled water company in the nation. Nestlé Waters sources water from approximately 50 spring sites for its six spring water brands. The 10 full-time Natural Resource Managers, trained hydrologists, geologists and engineers monitor the spring sources and manage them for long-term sustainability.

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.”

Manley Fuller, President, Florida Wildlife Federation
“The Florida Wildlife Federation supports Sen. Hays and SB 1784.  We were pleased to learn of this important legislation and hope the entire Legislature embraces this bill as well.  In addition to better protecting all Floridians from potential ‘hurricane tax’ assessments, this bill is important to better protecting Florida’s coast and wildlife and we support the aspect of the bill which will eliminate coverage for construction seaward of Florida’s coastal construction control line.  By eliminating subsidies for such policies, Florida’s undeveloped natural coast will continue to serve as a natural buffer from damaging winds and storm surge – helping to protect us from the next storm that makes landfall. ”

Dr. J. Robert McClure, III, President and CEO, The James Madison Institute
“We commend Sen. Hays for his efforts to better protect Florida homeowners, businesses, churches, charities and automobile policyholders while helping to reinvigorate the private insurance market.  The time to implement changes to Citizens Property Insurance Corp. is now.  Premiums should reflect the real cost of living on Florida’s coast, but that requires the elimination of government interference in the property insurance market.  It’s imperative that the Legislature follow the lead of Sen. Hays, as well as other elected officials including Gov. Scott, and reform the state’s largest insurer.”

David Hart, Executive Vice President, Florida Chamber of Commerce
“We support SB 1784 and applaud Sen. Hays for once again working towards the goal of restoring Citizens Property Insurance Corp. to its original and intended mission of insurer of last resort.  Florida has been gambling against the weather for far too long and our luck will eventually run out.  We believe it is in the best interest of all Floridians to realize the importance of this bill as a long-term solution to our state’s property insurance crisis.”

Christian Cámara, Florida Insurance Project Director, The Heartland Institute
“Despite several hurricane-free years, Florida’s property insurance system remains extremely unstable. Sen. Hays’ bill addresses a key factor of that instability–Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. His bill shores up Citizens to reduce the likelihood or severity of a post-hurricane taxpayer bailout that may dramatically increase Florida’s cost of living and crush the state’s economy. These reforms are vital to Florida’s economic future.”

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.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows has over 10,000 lodges in 26
countries. They consist of men and women who unite together for social
and practical support of each other and their communities, contributing
over $700,000,000 world-wide each year.
Founded in 1848, many long-time Tallahassee residents remember when
the local Odd Fellows lodge, Leon Lodge No. 5, was located in the
building now home to the Governors Club. Today it is one of the largest
lodges in Florida, and has recently supported the Florida Sheriffs Youth
Ranches, the Leon County Senior Center, and the Woodville Elementary
School Library.
For more information please contact Reggie Harmon at 850.321.3681, or
Hans Meyer at 850.567.9854