All posts tagged: Broward County

Laurie Sallarulo Appointed to Statewide Board of Directors

Laurie Sallarulo Appointed to Statewide Board of Directors

For Immediate Release: December 23, 2020
Contact: Governor’s Press Office, (850) 717-9282, [email protected]

 GOVERNOR RON DeSANTIS APPOINTS LAURIE SALLARULO TO THE FLORIDA
ENDOWMENT FOUNDATION FOR VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Laurie Sallarulo to the Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation Board of Directors.

Laurie Sallarulo, of Fort Lauderdale, is President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. Previously, she was CEO of Leadership Broward Foundation, Chair of the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County and Chief Development and Strategic Officer for 2-1-1 Broward. Sallarulo has also volunteered her time with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and Leadership Florida. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany.

About The Able Trust

The Able Trust, also known as the Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, is a 501(c)(3) public charity established by the Florida Legislature in 1990 as a direct support organization for the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Its mission is to be a key leader in providing Floridians with disabilities opportunities for successful employment. Since its establishment, The Able Trust has worked with community organizations throughout the state to help thousands of Floridians with disabilities of all ages enter the workforce. The Able Trust youth programs provide career development and transition to many students with disabilities annually, helping to reduce the dropout rate and prepare young adults for life beyond high school.

Learn more at http://www.abletrust.org/.

About Junior Achievement of South Florida 

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) inspires and prepares youth to succeed in a global economy. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of over 7,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered over 20 various programs to almost 50,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

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Laurie Sallarulo Appointed to Statewide Board of Directors
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Junior Achievement Fills the Gap From Education to Employment

Junior Achievement Fills the Gap From Education to Employment

For Immediate Release 

For More Information Contact:
Christopher Miller, Marketing Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110 
[email protected] 

 JA plans for another successful year of providing internship opportunities for local high school students
 

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) is looking for South Florida businesses to host 150 JA trained interns for the summer of 2021. The overall goal is to prepare today’s youth for tomorrow’s careers by bridging the gap from education to employment. 

“Junior Achievement is a solution provider in our community. Employers need to hire qualified, talented young professionals who are well trained for an always evolving workforce. JA is preparing our students to be the most responsible consumers, the most productive employees and business owners that will create jobs to better our economy,” said Laurie Sallarulo, Junior Achievement of South Florida President and CEO.  

Prior to their internships, students participate in the JA Career Bound program, a cutting-edge, skills-building leadership program for high school students to learn the skills necessary to succeed in today’s workforce. The program includes a retreat, programs days focused on discovering specific industries, learning from top executives who share their professional journey to success and culminates in summer employment opportunities. Skills taught include critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, public speaking, communication, interviewing for a job and establishing career goals. 

“I would like to say thank you to Junior Achievement, first and foremost, for helping me get the internship at WinterFest. This was my very first experience in a job. I don’t think I will ever be able to get similar advice or have a similar experience anywhere else,” said Phara Sylvain, summer employee. 

Running from June to August, the Summer Youth Employment program matches trained interns with a company in each student’s industry of preference. Employers interview the students to guarantee a perfect match. Each employer provides 3-5 weeks of meaningful work and proper training so both parties can maximize on this opportunity. Thanks to generous funding from The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, JA pays the wages for each intern in the program. 

“It’s a win-win partnership. The students gain work experience, future opportunities and build a strong network of professionals. Employers build and enhance their brand, invest in the next generation of leaders and ensure a pipeline of qualified, prepared employees in the future,” Sallarulo said. 

This past summer, JA’s Summer Employment Program was a success. It placed 52 students in jobs with 27 companies. The employers had a 100% positive feedback about the program and 80% of the internships were extended from three to five weeks. In addition, three of the students were hired by the company upon completion of their internship. 

“As employers and organizations, it’s part of our duty to give back to the community. I think the Summer Youth Employment program is a great opportunity to give back not only to the community, but also to those students who are going to be graduating soon,” said Mili Peluso, Centuric. 

For more information on how you can host a trained student intern contact Anna Khaver, Youth Employment Manager, at (954) 979-7106 or email [email protected]. 

 About Junior Achievement of South Florida 

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) inspires and prepares youth to succeed in a global economy. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of over 7,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered over 20 various programs to almost 50,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida. 

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Junior Achievement Fills the Gap From Education to Employment
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Junior Achievement Launches JA World Remote Learning Program

Junior Achievement Launches JA World Remote Learning Program

For Immediate Release

For More Information Contact:

Christopher Miller, Marketing Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110
[email protected]

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF SOUTH FLORIDA LAUNCHES  
JA WORLD REMOTE LEARNING PROGRAM 

 JA provides a safe and secure environment for 
K-8th grade students during COVID-19  

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) has partnered with Community After School (CAS) to re-open JA World Huizenga Center at the Lilian S. Wells Pavilion, a 60,000 square foot learning center, as a safe place for students to learn and thrive as they participate in e-learning this fall.  

Opening August 31, the JA World Remote Learning Program is for students with parents who need to return to work or work from home uninterrupted while their students participate in school learning, as well as other activities to keep them engaged.  

“We know this is a stressful time for parents. Our team hears the stories of parents who lost their jobs or are unable to afford private care for their children while they return to work. Junior Achievement is proud to be a resource to our community, especially for struggling families during times of crisis,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO. “Despite the risks, opening JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion in Coconut Creek is the right decision for the families that need us.” 

“As a working parent and unable to work at home, I have no place to send my child during school hours so I can return to work. Unfortunately, my employer has threatened to terminate my employment. This program literally saved my job and my family,” said one of the parents registered for the Remote Learning Program. 

The first Remote Learning Program session is August 31-October 2, excluding Labor Day (September 7), and additional 5-week sessions will be added based on the Broward County Public Schools’ schedule during COVID-19. This program is available for students who are enrolled in Broward Schools and families whose income is within the sliding scale. Costs range from $5-$400 per student for each 5-week session depending on individual family household incomes. The hours are Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 

In addition to the students’ daily schoolwork from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., JA will be providing them traditional financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness programs via virtual platforms, as well as enriching activities from 2 p.m.-5:30 p.m. offered by our partner CAS. 

All CDC guidelines will be strictly enforced. These include social distancing, daily health screenings, proactive hand hygiene and face covering practices, strict stay at home policies to ensure the safety of the students and professional staff.  

The Remote Learning Program is also creating jobs. JA is hiring a Learning Program Director position and 24 additional Learning Pod Leaders to provide guidance to the students and assure safety measures are followed closely. 

For more information about the JA Remote Learning Program, including student registration, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org/RemoteLearning or call (954) 979-7100. 

About Junior Achievement of South Florida 

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) inspires and prepares youth to succeed in a global economy. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of over 7,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered over 20 various programs to almost 50,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida. 

Click to Learn More About JA World Remote Learning Program
Junior Achievement Launches JA World Remote Learning Program
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Financial Literacy Program to Help Children and Families

Financial Literacy Program to Help Children and Families

For Immediate Release

For More Information Contact:

Christopher Miller, Marketing Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110
[email protected]

FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAM TO HELP
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ACROSS BROWARD COUNTY

City of Coconut Creek, FL – On Saturday, July 11th Junior Achievement of South Florida (JASF) will be distributing backpacks from 10 am to 1 pm at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, 1130 Coconut Creek Parkway in Coconut Creek. The backpacks will be filled with youth financial education materials, books, healthcare information, gift cards, snacks and other relevant items.

JASF has partnered with the Early Learning Coalition and other nonprofits who serve families in need to receive the backpacks. Farm Share, Inc. will be on site to provide fresh fruit to families registered to pick up backpacks

There has never been a more important time to stress the critical need for financial literacy than now. Since the day schools closed due to COVID-19, JASF provided free online resources to BCPS, teachers, students and parents so they had the tools to continue to educate our children on the importance of making informed financial decisions that can have a lasting impact.

Now that schools are closed for the summer, JASF stepped up once again and implemented an initiative to reach thousands of children with financial literacy education. Also, through a joint effort with community partners, the backpacks will include reading and health literacy information.

“In school, out of school and at home, learning never stops,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO of JASF, “That’s why JA has launched the Books, Bucks & Backpack initiative. The goal of this powerful movement is to financially educate children and families who need it most, so they may be empowered to have a more prosperous future. It is also to bring much needed awareness and importance around financial literacy as a cornerstone of education and a strategy for economic recovery.”

Books, Bucks and Backpacks partners currently include American Express, Hudson Family Foundation, Delta Air Lines, Community Care Plan, First Horizon Foundation, TD Bank, Kemet, Office Depot, Citrix, Rick Case Automotive, Health Foundation of South Florida, Ultimate Software, Truist Bank, Nova Southeastern University, PNC Bank, Bank of America, e-Builder, CrewFacilities.com, Dickinson-Wright, Broward College, Broward County, Broward County Public Schools, Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, JetBlue, GL Homes, Broward Health, Miami Book Fair, Chick-fil-A, Florida Panthers and numerous individual donors.

“There has never been a more important time to share financial literacy education. That is why American Express is supporting Junior Achievement’s Books, Bucks and Backpacks campaign. We want to help spread this knowledge to children and families,” said Franki Lupo Schmidt, Vice President and General Manager, American Express.

For more information on how others can support this campaign, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org/GivingToLiteracy, contact Robyn Harper at (954) 979-7124 or email [email protected].

 About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) inspires and prepares youth to succeed in a global economy. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of over 7,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered over 20 various programs to almost 50,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

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Financial Literacy Program to Help Children and Families
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Sun Sentinel June 2020: Comerica Gift of Knowledge Scholarship

Sun Sentinel June 2020: Comerica Gift of Knowledge Scholarship

Bank Awards Dillard High Senior Gift of Knowledge Scholarship

By Mary Lou Cruz, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Read the article here

Comerica Bank Florida recently presented Junior Achievement of South Florida Fellow Shatasia Daniels with its $1,000 Gift of Knowledge scholarship during a virtual presentation. The award supports a deserving graduating senior who plans to pursue a business degree in college or as a budding entrepreneur during the COVID-19 pandemic. Daniels is a member of the Dillard High School class of 2020 who will attend Florida State University in the fall. She is the first recipient of this scholarship in the state.

The JA Fellows company program is an in-depth and highly intensive leadership and entrepreneurship opportunity for high school students. Participants gain real-world business experience where they learn how to conceptualize, capitalize and manage their own small business.

According to Junior Achievement, graduating students are often inadequately prepared to participate in a meaningful way to their community’s success because they lack basic skills such as communication, problem-solving and critical thinking. Also, financial literacy is not mandatory or even offered in some traditional education systems; therefore, young people need the tools to make sound financial decisions once they enter the workforce.

Sun Sentinel June 2020: Comerica Gift of Knowledge Scholarship
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JA Business Hall of Fame Postponed

JA Business Hall of Fame Postponed

Junior Achievement’s highest priority is the health and safety of our donors, sponsors, partners, honorees, staff and volunteers.  It is with this priority in mind that we have decided to postpone the 2020 JA Business Hall of Fame event on Friday April 24, 2020.This decision is in line with the directive issued by Broward County regarding high attendance gatherings.

We look forward to bringing our business leaders together in the near future to recognize the visionary leadership of our Hall of Fame Laureates and Honorees and, in light of these challenging times, to celebrate the collective courage and resilience of all our community’s leaders.

We would like to take this time to thank all those who support this event each year and the mission of Junior Achievement to prepare our young people to be your next consumers, employees, business owners and job creators. Junior Achievement will continue to play its part in driving workforce training and experience for young people. We hope that all of you will plan to join us on the new date for a well deserved celebration!

Junior Achievement of South Florida’s leadership will continue to monitor the COVID19 situation as it evolves. We encourage you to visit the JA Business Hall of Fame webpage (https://jasouthflorida.org/events/) to check on the status of the event.

If you have any additional questions or need further information, please contact me at [email protected] or Robyn Harper, Development & Event Director, at [email protected] or call (954) 979-7124.  We look forward to celebrating with you soon to empower over 50,000 young people each year to own their economic success.

Regards,

JA Business Hall of Fame Postponed
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Golf For A Cause Benefits JA Programs

Golf For A Cause Benefits JA Programs

FORT LAUDERDALE COUNTRY CLUB OPENS ITS DOORS TO “GOLF FOR A CAUSE” BENEFITTING JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF SOUTH FLORIDA ON FRIDAY, MARCH 20

MEDIA CONTACT:
Fran Folic
GPR | Goodman Public Relations
(954) 446-0807/15
[email protected]

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (January 30, 2020) – Fort Lauderdale Country Club, the oldest private country club in Broward County, will host “Golf For A Cause” on Friday, March 20, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., to beneift Junior Achievement of South Florida, a nonprofit organization that inspires and prepares the next generation of fiscally responsible community and business leaders. This day of philanthropy celebrates the completion of the Club’s significant North Course renovation project.

As part of this charitable initiative, Fort Lauderdale County Club will be opening its doors to non-members to exclusively enjoy a day on the fairways while making a difference in the lives of local kids. The community is invited to gather with friends and reserve a time to play 18 holes of championship golf on either Fort Lauderdale Country Club’s newly renovated North Course or its lushly landscaped South Course.

Last year, Fort Lauderdale Country Club helped to raise nearly $800,000 for various charities in Broward County.

“We are proud to support Junior Achievement’s investment in our youth and the invaluable opportunities the organization provides regarding financial literacy and entrepreneurial training,” said Michael O’Brien, general manager of Fort Lauderdale Country Club. “We encourage members, guests and the community-at-large to experience golfing at its finest while giving back to the community.”

The North Course project, overseen by Kipp Schulties, principal architect of Kipp Schulties Golf Design (KSGD), underwent an extensive renovation including replacement of the greens and the provision of tees between 4,800 yards and 7,100 yards, making the course more enjoyable for both men and women of all abilities. The upgrades created an elevated level of excitement for members adding to the facility’s 18-Hole, Par 72 South Course which was built in 1926, remodeled twice and is often home to many corporate and non-profit events, annually.

In the Broward County area, which has numerous golf courses, Fort Lauderdale Country Club is a select private club that offers 36-holes of manicured championship golf in a forested park-like setting. Visually, the Club is truly a unique oasis as fairways are lined with stately native trees and colorful beds of flowers, as opposed to houses. Inside, the venue provides a variety of room and dining options, an experienced event staff and a unique “inside-outside” Plantation room.

“Junior Achievement of South Florida is honored to have the support of Fort Lauderdale Country Club and the golfing community to help fund our programming to over 50,000 K-12 students in Broward and south Palm Beach counties,” said Laurie Sallarulo, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “This opportunity will help us put key economic and workforce lessons into action while teaching our future leaders the value of contributing to the community.”

The golf fee to participate in “Golf For A Cause” is $125 per person with approximately $90 going directly to benefit Junior Achievement. The fee includes access to golf club amenities including a gold cart, practice facilities, dining areas and locker rooms. Golf club rentals are available for an additional fee. Tee time reservations are required and can be made by calling (954) 318-0190.

For more information about membership, please call (954) 318-0190, visit us online at www.fortlauderdalecc.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/FortLauderdaleCC, on Instagram at @fortlauderdalecountryclub or on YouTube.

About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Founded in 1959, Junior Achievement of South Florida aims to inspire and prepare youth to succeed in a global economy. It trains the next generation of business leaders, employees and consumers by educating students about financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness. With the help of over 7,000 trained corporate and community volunteers and mentors, JA delivers over 20 unique programs to 50,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion on the Broward College North Campus, a first-class facility housing two JA BizTowns and JA Finance Park.For more information, call (954) 979-7100 or visit www.jasouthflorida.org.

About Fort Lauderdale County Club (FLCC)

Established in 1926, Fort Lauderdale Country Club (FLCC) is the oldest private country club in Broward County. FLCC offers 36 holes of championship golf on the newly renovated North Course and South Course plus a driving range and multiple practice areas situated on 288 acres of forested parkland featuring rolling fairways dotted with stately indigenous trees and accentuated with immaculately maintained foliage and flowers. FLCC includes a contemporary lakeside clubhouse with a center bar and sumptuous cuisine prepared by an award-winning chef. Golfers and guests can enjoy meals and snacks in the main dining room, Club Side, Men’s Grill or Plantation Room.The clubhouse also houses upscale amenities including a well-stocked Pro Shop, bag storage and a cart barn offering state-of-the-art GPS-equipped electric carts. FLCC is proud to be the home of esteemed PGA teaching professionals and boasts one of the largest women’s golf associations in Broward County. FLCC is conveniently located just five miles from the beaches at 415 Country Club Circle in Fort Lauderdale. For more information about membership, please call (954) 587-4700, visit us online at www.fortlauderdalecc.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/FortLauderdaleCC, on Instagram at @fortlauderdalecountryclub or on YouTube.

Golf For A Cause Benefits JA Programs
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Research Park at Florida Atlantic University® to Celebrate 2019 Awards

Research Park at Florida Atlantic University® to Celebrate 2019 Awards

By Brittany Sylvestri
Research Park at Florida Atlantic University

The Research Park at Florida Atlantic University recently named the recipients of its fourth annual Research Park Annual Awards. The awards celebration will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at The Addison, 2 East Camino Real, Boca Raton. Tickets cost $125 per person.

The Research Park awards recognize distinguished contributions to the Research Park’s mission to create and sustain the ideal environment for innovation and invention, maximizing the academic and entrepreneurial talent and regional resources in South Florida to accelerate economic development and prosperity.

“The Research Park at FAU Awards highlight the work of our stakeholders to make the South Florida region more innovative and competitive in the knowledge economy and this year’s recipients personify the mission of the Research Park at FAU, each one is innovating and bringing new forces to bear which enrich our region,” said Andrew Duffell, president of the Research Park at FAU.

The award recipients for 2019 are:

Distinguished Entrepreneur: Rodrigo Griesi is one of the driving forces behind DECORA, a Brazilian startup that was recently acquired by Creative Drive, a content creation engine. Griesi’s involvement at the Research Park at FAU and his participation in its economic gardening initiatives helped the company get noticed and acquired by Creative Drive in 2018. He has 20 years of experience building and running new businesses in the technology industry. Griesi started at DECORA in its early stages, as an angel investor, then became the country manager, bringing DECORA’s services to market.

Distinguished Researcher: Borko Furht, Ph.D. has several patents pending and interesting corporate interactions that will leverage patents. Furht is a faculty member in FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science and is the site leader for the NSF-funded Center for Advanced Knowledge Enablement, which has been joined by several Research Park at FAU companies. His current research is focused on software designed for the next stage of video compression technology.

Distinguished Organization: Junior Achievement of South Florida is training the next generation of business leaders and employees by educating students about financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness. Its mission is to inspire and prepare youth to succeed in a global economy. Junior Achievement delivers more than 20 unique programs to 50,000 students in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Distinguished Leader: Honorable Michael Udine is the District 3 commissioner in Broward County, a position he was elected to in 2016. He advocates for innovation and knowledge-based economic development, supporting regional organizations’ initiatives. When introduced to one of the Research Park at FAU’s entrepreneurs he immediately started business development for him. In addition, Udine is a director at Legacy Bank of Florida, a small community bank assisting small businesses in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

To purchase tickets to attend the event, click here. For more information about the Research Park at FAU, visit research-park.org.

Research Park at Florida Atlantic University® to Celebrate 2019 Awards
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JA Diamond Anniversary Raises $600,000 for Programs

JA Diamond Anniversary Raises $600,000 for Programs

Junior Achievement of South Florida held its JA Diamond Anniversary Celebration, presented by Delta Air Lines, on Friday, April 5th, at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion. The unforgettable evening celebrated Junior Achievement of South Florida’s 60-year legacy of inspiring 1 million youth in Broward and south Palm Beach counties. A special part of the evening was inducting the 2019 JA Business Hall of Fame Laureates and honoring two outstanding community leaders.

Congratulations Laureates: Jim Allen, Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming; Bob Birdsong, OK Generators; Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Celebrity Cruises; and Steve Sadaka, StevenDouglas; 2019 Melissa Aiello Character Award recipient Lori Chevy, Bank of America; and 2019 Huizenga Lifetime Legacy Award recipient Lorraine Thomas.

Guests enjoyed a stroll down the “Hall of Fame” featuring past Laureates and a timeline of JA’s 60 year history. Some of the highlights of the evening were the Red Carpet Experience provided by DEX Imaging, a cocktail reception in the Celebrity Cruises Diamond Lounge, a Champagne Toast offered by TD Bank, selfies with our sponsor Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, lobster tail and tenderloin filet dinner, dessert and coffee stations with dancing to music by The W’s and valet services sponsored by JM Lexus and JM Family Enterprises Inc.

“On behalf of the 1 million students served to date, we would like to thank our sponsors, supporters and all attendees who shared this special evening with us. It was a huge success, raising over $600,000 for JA programming that inspires and prepares young people for the future. Thank you,” Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO.

JA Diamond Anniversary Raises $600,000 for Programs
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Junior Achievement of South Florida Receives Upgraded Security System

Junior Achievement of South Florida Receives Upgraded Security System

Sonitrol of Fort Lauderdale and 3xLOGIC Partner to Provide Junior Achievement of South Florida a Security System Upgrade

Expanded camera count, more IP cameras, more effective VMS, and closer cooperation with law enforcement key features of the upgraded system

WESTMINSTER, CO—13 March, 2019 – 3xLOGIC, Inc., a leading provider of integrated, intelligent security solutions, and a three-time Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ winner, working alongside Sonitrol of Fort Lauderdale, is pleased to announce the completion of a highly-anticipated security system upgrade for Junior Achievement of South Florida (JASF) at the organization’s JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion (JA World). JA World is located on the Broward College North Campus in Coconut Creek, Florida.

With over 60,000 square feet of learning areas, rentable meetings rooms, and the Huizenga Catering Kitchen, JA World is the largest Junior Achievement facility in the world. Each year, more than 21,000 5th grade and 20,000 8th grade students from Broward and south Palm Beach counties visit the facility. The 5th graders learn basic economic concepts, workplace skills, and personal and business finances in a simulated city built for young students; the 8th graders focus on how their educational choices will impact their future earning potential, managing a budget and learn about high growth industries to help spark their career exploration.

“Each day, 450 students participate in JA BizTown and JA Finance Park simulations at JA World. Their safety and the safety of our volunteers, staff, and guests is of the utmost concern to us,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO, JASF. Sonitrol of Fort Lauderdale started working with JASF in 2008, in the early design/build phase of the facility, and through its completion in 2009. The initial security system included remotely managed access control, verified audio intrusion detection, and analog cameras. At the time, IP cameras were considered too expensive.

“Previously, we had 18 analog cameras on the system,” explained Leni Smith, Director of Operations for JASF. “As time went on, it was clear that we needed to bring more areas inside and outside the building under surveillance, we wanted to access more cutting-edge IP camera technology, and we wanted to have all our surveillance under one Video Management System (VMS).”

Working in tandem, Sonitrol of Fort Lauderdale and 3xLOGIC designed a system upgrade that, through a combination of discounts and donations, JASF could afford. It also helped that John Ray, President of Sonitrol Fort Lauderdale, is a long-time, active JASF Board member. In order to fit JASF’s budget, Sonitrol of Fort Lauderdale installed a 3xLOGIC hybrid NVR, enabling JASF to protect their analog camera investment, while adding in higher-resolution IP cameras for expanded coverage.  The hybrid solution also creates a migration path, allowing JASF to continue improving visibility with new IP cameras over time as their budget allows.

“As part of ongoing security and safety improvements, our staff participates in an annual active shooter training,” explained Monica McNerney, VP Operations, “and during those trainings, two things became clear. We needed to cover more areas with surveillance, and we needed to partner more closely with local law enforcement to give them real-time access to our system in case of an emergency.”

JASF has a number of discrete areas under surveillance, and manages viewing them through use of the 3xLOGIC VIGIL server software. These include the reception area, two loading dock areas, other exterior doors, their large meeting rooms, and the student areas, known as JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, where 450 young people spend most of their time each day at JA World. The receptionist controls public access to the building by viewing who is requesting entry, and buzzing that person in. The receptionist also monitors the loading dock area and notifies the appropriate staff member when a delivery has arrived.

Leni Smith, who manages day-to-day security matters, reviews video after an incident is reported to her. “I really like how with the upgraded system I can use motion detection alarms to hone in on exactly the video I need to review—I bet we’ve cut the time for review easily in half, if not more. I also really value how I can draw a box in a camera view and zoom into that area easily and quickly to find out exactly what happened.”

Monica McNerney expanded on how the upgraded system is positively impacting another aspect of the JASF security program. “We work very closely with our community partners like Broward College security and local law enforcement to help them understand and access our facility and security system. We also routinely ask for their expert feedback on whether we’re managing our security effectively. So far, they’ve told us we’re doing exactly what we need to be doing, and they’re excited about the expanded access they have to our camera views, although we hope that no event ever warrants that need.”

Jennifer Thomas, Vice President of Operations for Sonitrol of Fort Lauderdale, also discussed continued improvements that are planned for JA World. “We are actively designing phase II of the camera upgrade, which will include improved coverage and image clarity for camera views outside the front doors. We are also ready to deploy our latest technology for the main lobby area—TotalGuard. TotalGuard is a great solution for emergency situations, it allows JASF personnel to alert the Sonitrol central station and transmit real-time audio and video to the monitoring center, for prioritized verified police response.”

Sallarulo had a final thought on how things have been going with the system upgrade, “As for Sonitrol of Fort Lauderdale, they always provide us an amazing response. As a nonprofit, we could not do what we do without the help of partners like Sonitrol. We are very grateful for their support and service.”

About Sonitrol of Fort Lauderdale
Sonitrol has been the leader in Verified Electronic Security for over 50 years. As the only company utilizing audio intrusion detection systems, we are able to provide real time information to authorities, decreasing false alarms, and maximizing apprehensions. Video monitoring, access control, and fire detection systems can also be integrated for the most complete security.  Visit our website at www.SonitrolFortLauderdale.com for more information and to hear and see actual Audio and Video Intrusion detections.   

About 3xLOGIC
3xLOGIC Inc. has been a leading innovator in server and cloud-based security technology for 15+ years. The company is recognized for providing easy-to-use surveillance and business intelligence solutions that seamlessly integrate video, access control, and disparate data such as ATM, Point-of-Sale, analytics, and more.

3xLOGIC’s video surveillance solutions are engineered for ease of installation, scalability and affordability combined with a managed services portfolio that enables integrators to effectively evolve from dealers to high-value strategic partners. Follow 3xLOGIC on Facebook, Linked-in, or our Twitter account, and read our latest news at www.3xlogic.com.

About Junior Achievement of South Florida
Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) inspires and prepares youth to succeed in a global economy. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of over 7,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered over 20 various programs to almost 50,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org.

For 3xLOGIC Media Queries:
Bruce J. Doneff
Public Relations
843.476.3022
[email protected]

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Junior Achievement of South Florida Receives Upgraded Security System
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