Monday, November 18, 2013

Hernon Manufacturing’s Executive Presented with MACF President’s Award

Edgardo Rodriguez receives the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida’s Presidents Award 

Sanford, FL., November 18, 2013Hernon Manufacturing, the innovator in adhesives, sealants and dispensing equipment, is pleased to announce that its Sales and Marketing Director, Edgardo Rodriguez, was recently awarded the 2013 Manufacturers Association of Central Florida’s (MACF) Presidents Award.

The award categories honor recipients from the following categories:
 - Small Manufacturer (less than 100 employees)
- Large Manufacturer (101+ employees)
- Supply Chain/Associate Member
- Community Partner
- President’s Award & Outstanding Contributors (chosen by MACF Board President)

 All of the Candidates for the MACF Awards of Excellence were nominated from the local manufacturing community, with the exception of the President’s Award and Outstanding Contributors, which was chosen by Ken Brace, the MACF Board President. All nominated companies and individuals needed to be members in good standing of MACF.

“The Annual Awards for Excellence in manufacturing and supply chain performance are yet another way that MACF brings our community together and recognizes the hard work and dedication of the people in this industry,” said Edgardo Rodriguez, Hernon Manufacturing’s Director of Sales and Manufacturing. “I am honored to accept the MACF President’s Award.”

The Annual Dinner, which took place at the Lake Mary Events Center in October, featured a networking reception as well as a dinner and awards program. There were opportunities to sponsor corporate tables during the dinner, vendor tables during the reception as well as center pieces and program sponsorship opportunities.

During the event, in addition to the awards being presented, the keynote speaker, Dustan McCoy, CEO of Brunswick Corporation discussed the future of manufacturing.

Edgardo Rodriguez has been with Hernon Manufacturing for the past three and one half years. During that time his tenacity and drive has propelled the company to new heights including a 32% increase in annual revenues last year. The company employs 40 people within its manufacturing and research laboratory in Sanford, Florida. Rodriguez is an active member of the MACF.

The MACF is a non-profit organization enhancing the manufacturing industry in Central Florida. For more than twenty years, the MACF has worked as a not-for-profit organization; to not only elevate the image of Central Florida’s manufacturing sector, but also to be a tangible resource to local manufacturers.

HERNON Manufacturing has been committed to delivering world class adhesive, sealant, and impregnation solutions along with precision dispensing systems for nearly four decades. A long-time member of Central Florida’s industrial manufacturing community, HERNON offers strong brands and technologies, all made in the United States, for a diverse range of industries including: Energy/Power Generation, Medical, Electronics, Electrical, LED, Automotive, Appliances, Sporting Goods, Ammunition, Communications, Aerospace, Aviation, High Tech Audio, Defense, Fire Suppression, Transportation, and Marine. HERNON Manufacturing is proud to be an ISO-9001 and ITAR registered company whose products meet or exceed Mil-Specs.

 • Awarded 2012 ThinkGlobal Exporter of the Year
 • Nominated one of Florida's Top Companies to Watch in 2012
 • Received the 2012 William C. Schwartz Industry Innovation Award
 • Named 2013 State of Florida Small Business Exporter of the Year

Visit http://www.hernon.com or contact 407-322-4000 for more information.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Are You Ready for a Test?

In the next paragraph we’re going to ask you one question and we need you to answer with the first thing that pops into your head. Ready? Ok, here we go!

What can our company, American Facility Services, do for you? 
Ok, what was the first thing you thought of? Did you answer “Parking Lot Sweeping” or “Porter Services”? If you did, you’re not alone.

 While we have serviced many customers over the years in these two areas, it’s not the only things we do. Did you know that?

 AFS is a Full Service Commercial Building Services 
Whether you’re looking to have your parking lot maintenance needs taken care of or have our company take care of your porter services, we can do that. But, we can do a lot more for your facility too.

AFS is Not Just Sweeping & Porter Services! 
We are your go to people for all of your commercial facility needs. So, what does that mean, really? Well, American Facility Services provides custom designed facility maintenance service for commercial property manager and owners throughout Florida. We offer a complete range of commercial building services so our clients have the convenience of working with a single provider for all their commercial property maintenance needs. Our Services Include:

• Building Maintenance Services
• General Contracting
• Bulk Debris Removal
• Janitorial Services
• Pressure Washing
• Hydro-Cleaning
• Sealcoating
• Line Striping
• Asphalt Repair Services
• Commercial Painting
• Parking Lot Maintenance
• And, of course sweeping and porter services!

 Because we provide a complete range of services, our customers have the convenience of working with a single provider for all their commercial property needs. AFS is a fully insured, commercial facility service provider who puts uncompromising emphasis on safety, quality and customer service in all divisions.

 Ready to take that test again?

About American Facility Services Providing both interior and exterior commercial building services throughout the state of Florida since 1993, American Facility Services (AFS) has built a solid reputation based on safety, quality and customer service. With offices in Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa, AFS’ portfolio of commercial facility services enable our clients the convenience of working with a single provider for all their commercial property needs. Contact AFS today at 866-793-3735 or visit our website at http://www.afsflorida.com for an online proposal.

Parking Lot Safety

If the parking lot safety of your facility isn’t on your radar yet, it should be moved to the top of your list to prevent accidents and to protect both pedestrians and occupants of vehicles that visit your facility.
 Depending on how much foot traffic and vehicle traffic that your facility has, certain measures should be taken to protect the security, safety and property of your tenants, their visitors and yourself. The formula is simple, the more visitors, the more traffic, the higher the risk of injury.

If you don’t already have a set parking lot safety policy, each facility should develop a set of guidelines or rules and regulations to prevent crime and accidents on their property. Some facilities take care of this process by posting safety signs throughout their parking area, using asphalt pavement markings, and parking lot line striping.

If crosswalks are not properly marked or safety signs, like “No Parking” and “Fire Lane” indicators, it can be a recipe for disaster.

Taking safety measures into account helps reduce the risk of personal or property injury at your commercial facility. Everyday pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists navigate through your parking lot. Having proper pavement markings and safety signage to direct traffic, impose speed and parking regulations, and mark areas for pedestrian crossing is a must.

Parking Lot Safety Help
Contact your facilities maintenance company for a free, no obligation parking lot assessment. A representative from the company can come out to review the current conditions of your parking area. He or she can determine if your asphalt is in good repair, if your parking lot layout meets ADA requirements, and if there are any obvious safety concerns with traffic patterns or obstacles.

Safety Tips
In general, there are some standard parking lot safety tips everyone should take into consideration:
• Never leave personal belongings unattended
• Keep your valuables out of sight and reach.
• In order for people not to know where your valuables are, secure them before coming into a parking area or parking garage
• Report any suspicious activity to the security or building manager.
• Lock your car and keep your keys in a safe place.
• Report lost or stolen properties immediately. The faster you report, the better the chances to recover them. • Stay alert and tuned into your surroundings. Be aware who is around and prepared to react accordingly.
 • If you are a victim of a crime, please report it immediately to the security office and/or the police.
• Drive slowly and follow the rules and directions of the parking signs and any traffic personnel.

About ABC Paving and Sealcoating
With more than 20 years of experience, ABC Paving and Sealcoating is Florida's leading paving contractor. ABC Paving and Sealcoating provides commercial organizations with the highest level of customer service, professional workmanship and services including: asphalt paving, asphalt repairs and prevention, pothole repairs, sealcoating, line striping and marking, thermoplastic, crack filing, signs and safety devices, concrete sidewalks, concrete curbs, site preparation and signs and safety devices. We use our experience and the latest equipment available to get the job done right the first time in a timely, cost effective manner. For more information about ABC Paving and Sealcoating, visit our website at http://pavingandsealcoating.com or call 866-934-7623 for a free estimate

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Clean Footprint Sets Appointments with Solar Developers for Solar Power International 2013

Florida-based solar finance and development company to set appointments with solar developers regarding shovel-ready projects

Cape Canaveral, Fl., October 16, 2013 – Representatives from Clean Footprint, Central Florida’s leading solar finance and development company, are attending Solar Power International 2013 (SPI) in Chicago, Illinois on October 21st through the 24th. Currently, the company is setting appointments with solar developers interested in Clean Footprints turn-key solar solutions, including solar financing, EPC, O&M and their state-of-the-art solar monitoring systems.

“SPI is a huge opportunity Clean Footprint to network with solar developers and other industry executives,” said Jeffrey Burkett, Advisor for Clean Footprint. “We’re reaching out to developers with shovel ready projects that need help getting their projects pushed through. Whether it’s solar financing, EPC, or other obstacles that stand between them and commissioning, Clean Footprint can help.”

Clean Footprint’s management team has an extensive background in the installation, management and financing of solar PV systems. To date, the teams experience equates to 120 MW’s of installed solar capacity.

“Our goal is to bring solar projects online quickly and in a cost-effective manner,” added Burkett. “We are committed to helping solar developers be better at what they do.”

Solar Power International is powered by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA). More than 15,000 solar energy industry professionals from over 75 countries are expected to attend the four day solar tradeshow. Since its inaugural show in 2013, SPI has served the solar energy industry by bringing together the people, products and opportunities that drive the solar industry.
If you are a solar developer with a shovel-ready project and need help getting your project to fruition, set a meeting with the executives of Clean Footprint at SPI 2013. For anyone who would like to setup a meeting with a Clean Footprint attendee, please contact John Kluwin at 727-466-8896.

About Clean Footprint 
Located in Central Florida, Clean Footprint consists of an energetic team of professionals with experience installing PV systems equating to 120MW’s of solar capacity. Fully engaged in solar financing, EPC, solar monitoring, and solar operation and maintenance, Clean Footprint works together with solar developers to bring utility-scale commercial solar PV projects to fruition that are reliable, cost effective, and sustainable. For more information, visit http://clean-footprint.com or phone (727) 466-8896.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Clean Footprint Attends Clean Energy Congress 2.0 in Tallahassee, Florida

Energy business leaders and stakeholders gathered in the Historic Capital for a full-day session to propose, debate and vote on energy policy priorities for the 2014 session
Cape Canaveral, Fl., October 7th, 2013 – Representatives from Clean Footprint, Central Florida’s leading solar finance and development company, attended Clean Energy Congress 2.0 held in the Historic Capital, Senate Chamber in Tallahassee, Florida  on Monday.  The purpose of the Congress was to eliminate obstacles for a robust competitive energy market and diversify the states generation mix.

“The Congress develops a vision for Florida’s energy future,” said Wes Morrison, Director of Sales and Marketing for Clean Footprint.   “It also enables Florida energy leaders to debate and discuss policy proposals which will propel Florida energy policy past any political gridlock holding our state back.”

Clean Energy Congress 2.0 gave stakeholders a chance to hear from experts, consider proposals for policy changes and vote for measures to help keep energy dollars within the State.

The Clean Energy Congress’ goal is to bring business leaders, educators, innovators, and policy makers together to debate Florida energy policy.  Sixty-seven delegates were invited to attend to assure a good mix of stakeholders; however, the event was also open to the public.  Rethink Energy Florida and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, with the assistance of the office of Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, hosted The Clean Energy Congress 2.0. 


The goals and policy considerations delegates brought to Congress to debate were to:
1.    Remove barriers to diversifying Florida’s energy mix through a robust renewable energy market, with the goal of the near-term development of at least one gigawatt (1 GW) of new solar energy in Florida.
2.    Create an open and transparent Public Service Commission process.
3.    Meet electricity demand through energy efficiency that costs less than new power plants.
4.    Make Florida a leader in clean transportation.
5.    Boost Florida’s economy through jobs in the renewable sector.

Read more now about the specific goals and policy considerations.

Following the debate, John Porter and Kurt Easton of Clean Footprint and the company’s advisors Chris Castro and Susan Glickman attended the Clean Energy Business Legislative Reception in the Rotunda and Senate Chamber.  The reception recognized Clean Energy Champions in The Florida Legislature. 

“The entire experience was an excellent opportunity for our company to connect with the other business leaders, advocates and lawmakers in our State, but more importantly, it was an opportunity for Florida to become a leader in renewable energy,” added Morrison. “Clean Footprint has a passion for clean energy, especially for Florida, and we were honored to have attended Clean Energy Congress.”
###

About Clean Footprint
Located in Central Florida, Clean Footprint consists of an energetic team of professionals with experience installing PV systems equating to 120MW’s of solar capacity.  Fully engaged in solar financing, EPC, solar monitoring, and solar operation and maintenance, Clean Footprint works together with solar developers, to bring utility-scale, commercial solar PV projects to fruition that are reliable, cost effective, and sustainable. For more information, visit http://cleanfootprint.com, by email, or phone at (727) 466-8896.

Who Do You Call for all Your Facility Needs?

As a commercial facilities manager, property manager or asset manager, you’re skilled at juggling a list of day-to-day activities that would make most people’s heads spin!   Your typical daily to do list may look like this:  Building one needs several offices painted, someone dumped an old couch behind building two, the entire parking lot needs to have the pot holes repaired and the all the sidewalks need pressure washing.  Feel the stress building?

After taking a deep breath, you pick up the phone and start dialing. 
 Call the painter, leave him a message.
 Call the bulk debris removal company, leave them a message.
 Call the paving contractor, leave them a message.
 Call the pressure washing guy. Leave him a message. 

Then, the waiting game begins.  Will anyone return the call?  Are these places still in business?  Who else do I know that I can call if so-and-so doesn’t call back?  All those thoughts run through your brain. 

There has to be an Easier Way!
Managing multiple projects, contractors, responsibilities and expectations takes time and energy.  Plus, the frustration levels increase when contractors don’t call back, don’t show up, jobs take longer than expected and quotes run over budget.   What if there was an easier way to get the job done, and done right?


All Your Facilities Needs Under One Roof
There is an easier way to manage all of your facility needs.  A one-stop-shop for facility needs.  Simply make one call, speak to an actual person and let them know what you need done.  It’s that simple.  No unreturned calls, unanswered voicemails, or other communication issues.

Who Can Help You?  We Can!
You may already be using American Facility Services (AFS) for your parking lot sweeping or porter services, but what you may not know is AFS is more than just that.  We’re a one-stop-shop to all your commercial facility needs.

It’s true!  One call really does do it all.  With offices in Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa, AFS’ portfolio of commercial facility services enable our clients the convenience of working with a single provider for all their commercial property needs. 

We offer complete  building maintenance services, bulk debris removal, janitorial services, pressure washing, hydro-cleaning, asphalt paving, asphalt repair, sealcoating, commercial painting, parking lot maintenance, general contracting, and of course parking lot sweeping and porter services.

AFS strives to complete projects on time, for a competitive price and satisfy our customers with job well done.  For a free proposal geared to your particular facility, give American Facility Services a call or get an online quote today!

About American Facility Services

Providing both interior and exterior commercial building services throughout the state of Florida since 1993, American Facility Services (AFS) has built a solid reputation based on safety, quality and customer service.  With offices in Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa, AFS’ portfolio of commercial facility services enable our clients the convenience of working with a single provider for all their commercial property needs.  Contact AFS today at 866-793-3735 or visit our website at http://www.afsflorida.com for an online proposal.

Putting the Finishing Touches on Your Parking Lot

After sealcoating a parking area or paving your lot, you know you’ll need to have new parking lines striped and other pavement markings made for things like handicapped spaces and crosswalks.  But, what some people overlook when freshening up the appearance of their parking area are their parking lot signs. 

Parking lot signs are important to the organization, safety and security of your parking lot.  From directional signs to pedestrian crossing signs there are hundreds of different types of parking lot signs to choose from. 

ABC Paving and Sealcoating can not only handle all of your asphalt paving needs, but we also are experts in line striping design and pavement marking layouts.  We also install high quality traffic signs and safety devices.

What type of parking lot signs do you need?
Directional Parking Signs – This type of sign helps drivers find entrances, exits, specific buildings, parking areas, and more.   These signs help clearly and professionally indicate where parking is available or point the direction to an exit with an arrow and the word exit clearly marked.

Fire Lane Signs – To ensure that fire trucks and ambulances have access to your building and parking area as quickly as possible, fire lane signs clearly designate fire lanes and no parking areas.

Pick Up and Drop Off Signs – Posting pick up and drop off signs or loading zone signs on your property will indicate to drivers where the proper zones are in your parking lot.  These signs can be beneficial to your customers who may have purchased a large item.  They can pull their vehicle directly into the designated loading area.  For visitors dropping off children or elderly people, a parking lot sign that designates a drop off area can be beneficial to a driver so that they will know where it is safe to stop and left their passengers out.

Parking Lot Property Signs - If you’re looking to enforce safety and security policies in parking lots to deter unwanted activities, consider getting a few parking lot signs to display your properties notices, regulations or restrictions.  You’ve seen them at other facilities, the wording may vary but will read something to this effect:  NOTICE, We are not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles or contents, park at your own risk.  Or, another option would be one that read: Private Property, NO loitering, soliciting, skateboards, rollerblades.

Pedestrian Crossing Signs – To clearly mark crosswalk areas, crosswalk signs get the attention of drivers and pedestrians and offer crossing directions.  Some signs may read:  State Law, Stop for Pedestrians within Crosswalk. 

About ABC Paving and Sealcoating

With more than 20 years of experience, ABC Paving and Sealcoating is Florida's leading paving contractor.  ABC Paving and Sealcoating provides commercial organizations with the highest level of customer service, professional workmanship and services including:  asphalt paving, asphalt repairs and prevention, pothole repairs, sealcoating, line striping and marking, thermoplastic, crack filing, signs and safety devices, concrete sidewalks, concrete curbs, site preparation and signs and safety devices.  We use our experience and the latest equipment available to get the job done right the first time in a timely, cost effective manner.  For more information about ABC Paving and Sealcoating, visit our website at http://pavingandsealcoating.com or call 866-934-7623 for a free estimate.