Local Businesses Honored

SEBRING - A business that has been operating in Highlands County for just two years and another that has been around much longer - more than 50 years - were recognized during the Highlands County Business Development Day breakfast on Friday at Inn on the Lakes in Sebring.

Positive Mobility, a medical transport company, was named the 2008 Highlands County Start-Up Business of the Year, and South Ridge Abstract and Title Co. was honored as the Small Business of the Year. The Highlands County Economic Development Commission sponsors the awards.

Before presenting the award to Positive Mobility owner Ron Layne, John Shoop, chairman of the EDC, said that Layne had looked around Florida for some time before discovering Highlands. Layne, who came from Ohio, wanted to start a non-emergency transport company for special-needs clients. With a growing population of senior citizens and and no comparable service being offered locally, Layne knew he had found the right location.

"Positive Mobility has grown into a major medical transport company in Highlands County that provides safe, reliable local and long-distance 24 hours per day," Shoop said.

The company has received excellent praise from health-care professionals and satisfied clients. A sampling of the remarks on the nomination forms included:

"We are consistently and increasingly impressed with the quality of their business ethic."

"A great asset to the community."

"Don't know how we would function without them."

The small business award was presented to owner John Haviland.

In commenting about South Ridge Abstract and Title, Shoop said "the company has kept up with changing times and technology to become one of the first title companies in Florida to offer computerized real estate closings. The ability to change with new technology has given their customers the high quality service they have come to expect."

Haviland, who took charge in 1979, has been an active member of the American Land Title and Florida Land Title associations. He served as president of the Florida association from 1993-94.

Haviland was a member of the Sebring City Council from 1983-1990 and is a current board member of the Sebring Airport Authority.

The company has received numerous awards throughout the years, including Stewart Title's Eye of Excellence award from 2001-2007.

The keynote speaker was Eileen Rodriguez, interim director of the Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida.

The SBDC provides technical assistance to small businesses. The counseling is free and confidential.

"You're getting something for your tax dollars - take advantage of it," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said the SBDC at USF has counselors with specific backgrounds. They include a CPA, government contracting specialists, lenders and those who have expertise in marketing and advertising.

Rodriguez specializes in international trade. She conducted a seminar on international trade following the breakfast.

"Now is a good time to look overseas," she said. "We're on sale compared to the Euro."

There are 33 SBDC offices in Florida. The local Small Business Development Center is in Building T at South Florida Community College in Avon Park. The telephone number is 784-7378.