All posts tagged: JA Finance Park

Sea the World Storefront to be Revealed in JA Finance Park

New Generation of Youth to be Introduced to the Plethora of Careers Available in South Florida’s Most Lucrative Job Market

Fort Lauderdale, FL – April 19, 2019: South Florida’s marine industry is a 12 billion/year economic engine that provides the tri-county with 142,000 careers/jobs. In an industry where the skilled trades and specialized career tracks are crucial to its vitality, the maritime community is facing a workforce that’s aging out with skilled labor being very hard to find. Understanding the need to keep the industry thriving with a new generation of workers, Advanced Mechanical Enterprises/AMESOLUTIONS.COM, and 23 marine industry companies have joined forces with Junior Achievement of South Florida.

On May 1,2019, Junior Achievement of South Florida will unveil the Marine Industry Storefront, Sea the World, in the Patten Family Finance Park located at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Well Pavilion. Each year more than 20,000 eighth grade students from Broward and south Palm Beach Counties learn how financial decisions will impact their lives. These include expenses related to family health care, real estate and home improvements, automobiles, insurance, entertainment, education, and purchasing items such as clothing, furniture and groceries.

Prior to visiting JA Finance Park, students engage in a comprehensive classroom curriculum that teaches them about finances, careers, income, expenses, savings and credit. This program helps students recognize that their education decisions affect their career options and have an impact on their potential income and quality of life. At the end of the classroom instruction, students visit JA Finance Park and put what they learned into action by managing a real world inspired personal budget based on local careers in a simulated city. Students are guided by trained volunteers.

“As an owner/operator of a small business invested in the maritime world, I’ve seen first hand how difficult it is to find skilled labor to meet our business growth,” said Christine Battles, CAO, Advanced Mechanical Enterprises/AMESOLUTIONS.COM. “Our industry is a gold mine of opportunities for the next generation. I’ve made a personal commitment to inspire their interest in our field, which, will in turn, maintain the maritime industry as a thriving economic force in the state. Our JA storefront is a major step towards fulfilling this initiative.”

Sea the World is composed of nine walls representing engine room specialists, yachting professionals, shipyard trade workers and other areas like marina management, boat sales, boat building to name a few. Advanced Mechanical Enterprises/AMESOLUTIONS.COM with the following 23 companies, raised over $130,000 for the buildout and curriculum development: Maritime Professional Training, Pier 66 Marina, The Triton (newspaper), IGY Marinas, Marine Industries Association of South Florida, Palladium Technologies LLC, Aere Marine Group, FB Marine Group, Derecktor Shipyards, Global Marine Travel, Lauderdale Marine Center, Luxury Home Consultants, AdvantageServices.Net, MHG Insurance Brokers, Palmdale Oil Company, RPM Diesel Engines Co., Viking Crew, Ward’s Marine Electric, Water Taxi, Wright Maritime Group, Roscioli Yachting Center, Elite Marine AC and Universal Marine Center. The participating parties are now transitioning into phase 2 of the execution process which will possibly involve custom boat tables, piling with rope, a fighting chair, and other marine themed elements to complete the look and feel of the Marine Industry Storefront.

Media: Please join us May 1, from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM for a tour through the space, photo opportunities, and a reception with champagne, light appetizers and announcements.

“We are so thrilled to have such a vital industry represented in JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion,” Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO, Junior Achievement of South Florida

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 JASouthFlorida.org.

Contact: Joanna Ramirez
(954) 764-2678
Joanna@AMEsolutions.com

Sea the World Storefront to be Revealed in JA Finance Park
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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
doneff@verizon.net

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Junior Achievement of South Florida Receives Upgraded Security System
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JA Receives Two Distinguished National Awards

For Immediate Release
March 12, 2109

For More Information Contact:
Christopher Miller, Marketing Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110
Christopher@JASouthFlorida.org

Junior Achievement of South Receives Two Distinguished National Awards for Top Performance

City of Coconut Creek, Florida—Junior Achievement of South Florida has been awarded, for the first time in its 60 year history, the Peak Performance Team Award. This award recognizes superior annual performance by a JA Area team in achieving growth in students reached or contact hours delivered, while sustaining financial and operational soundness. The nonprofit organization was one of 17 JA Areas (out of 107 total) to earn the 2017-18 Peak Performance Team Award.

“Junior Achievement of South Florida has been focused on creating deep impact programming that meets the needs of its local school district, employers and community organizations. In addition, the organization has worked hard to build its brand awareness and credibility. Congratulations to Laurie Sallarulo and the entire team,” said Jack Kosakowski, JA USA President & CEO.

In addition, for the second year in a row, Junior Achievement of South Florida received one of Junior Achievement USA®’s (JA USA) highest ratings: the 4 Star Award. The purpose of the Star Award is to recognize staff and boards of JA Areas that meet Junior Achievement’s national standards in operational efficiency. Recipients must demonstrate growth in student impact and superior fiscal performance. Achievement against these criteria is certified through JA USA and audited financial statements.

In 2017-18, Junior Achievement of South Florida served nearly 47,000 students in Broward and south Palm Beach counties. The number of combined hours of impactful instruction provided to students was a record 1,050,975. This wouldn’t be possible without the help of a record-breaking 7,150 volunteers and mentors. In addition, Junior Achievement of South Florida will reach a significant milestone this year, its 60th anniversary, of serving 1 million students since its inception in 1959.

“These accomplishments cannot be achieved without an exceptional team, dedicated Board of Directors, our partners, teachers, the thousands of volunteers and business mentors and our donors, who truly believe in our mission of inspiring and preparing youth to succeed in a global economy,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President/CEO. “We set very ambitious goals for the organization, and we’ve worked hard to achieve these milestones and to be honored for our dedication and teamwork. We are dedicated to being part of the solution to the workforce challenge.”

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.

About Junior Achievement USA® (JA)
Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches more than 4.8 million students per year in over 100 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.2 million students served by operations in 100 other countries worldwide. Junior Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide. Visit www.JA.org for more information.

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JA Receives Two Distinguished National Awards
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JA Celebrates 60 Years and 1 Million Youth Inspired

For Immediate Release
March 8, 2019

For More Information Contact:
Christopher Miller, Marketing Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110
Christopher@JASouthFlorida.org

JA CELEBRATES 60 YEARS AND 1 MILLION YOUTH INSPIRED AT DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

City of Coconut Creek, Florida—Junior Achievement of South Florida is hosting its Diamond Anniversary Celebration to honor 60 years of inspiring and preparing youth for the future. In addition, the organization will celebrate the milestone of serving 1 million students. The Diamond Anniversary Celebration, presented by Delta Air Lines, will be on Friday, April 5, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion.

This highly anticipated event will also celebrate South Florida business leaders who have made a significant impact in their industry and have demonstrated vision, commitment to excellence courageous leadership and community responsibility. The 2019 JA Business Hall of Fame Laureates are James Allen (Hard Rock International, Seminole Gaming); Bob Birdsong (OK Generators); Lisa Lutoff-Perlo (Celebrity Cruises); and Steven Sadaka (StevenDouglas).

This year’s special award honorees are Lorraine Thomas and Lori Chevy (Bank of America). Lorraine Thomas, who’s loyal dedication to Junior Achievement of South Florida runs deep. She will receive the Huizenga Lifetime Legacy Award, created in honor of the late Marti and Wayne Huizenga in 2016. Lori Chevy will receive the Melissa Aiello Character Award, created in 2015 in recognition of Melissa Aiello, the former CEO & President of Junior Achievement of South Florida who lived her life with integrity and honor.

“We are so thankful to the incredible leaders who have supported our mission, past and present, over the last sixty years,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “These milestones are only possible to achieve when visionary leaders come together to embrace a mission.”

The JA Diamond Anniversary Celebration is sponsored by Delta Air Lines, Broward Health, JM Family Enterprises, JM Lexus, DEX Imaging, TD Bank, Memorial Healthcare System, Bank of America, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, BBVA Compass, Consolidated Credit, Debt.com, Rick Case Automotive Group, Nova Southeastern University, BBX Capital, Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and StevenDouglas.

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.

JA Celebrates 60 Years and 1 Million Youth Inspired
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Hear Why RVG & Company Chooses JA

“It doesn’t feel like volunteer work, because you are having fun too! Thank you Junior Achievement of South Florida for allowing RVG & Company the opportunity to volunteer at JA World and be part of your family.” – Brittany Nehring, RVG & Company Employee.

Each year, more than 7,000 trained volunteer role models and mentors from the local community help teach core principles around financial literacy, career skills and entrepreneurship, to students in the classrooms and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion. These mentors include working and retired business professionals, corporate teams, parents, and college students. We have a wide range of opportunities from a few hours in JA BizTown guiding 5th-grade students as they learn how a real city operates or JA Finance Park helping 8th grade students on how to manage their personal finance through budgeting to classroom experiences that range from once a week to 15 sessions with high school students in JA  Fellows as they operate their own real business throughout the school year.

Watch Brittany’s testimonial and be inspired to volunteer your time for any worthwhile organization, like JA, that has a lasting impact on our community.

Hear Why RVG & Company Chooses JA
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Junior Achievement of South Florida Partners with LB Class XXXVII

Junior Achievement of South Florida is honored to be selected as one of Leadership Broward Class XXXVII’s Community Projects. A team of local dedicated leaders will work with JA to create an alumni network. We are looking forward to connecting with  people in our community who participated in JA programs as youth, so they may share their story and the impact this experience had on their lives and careers.

We warmly welcome our LB team (above) Stephanie Marcoux, Jim Hammond, Angie Stone, Kesha Davis, Alex Ernest-Jones, Jarred John, Brian Seidenberg and Carolyn Rose to the JA family!

Leadership Broward is a premier leadership development program, designed for adults who currently hold leadership positions and are involved in their community. The 10-month long program begins with an announcement reception in August, followed by a two-day opening retreat in September. The monthly day-long sessions expose participants to the multitude of issues and resources related to our community.

During the program, each participant will be given the opportunity to develop a wealth of knowledge about Broward County, to build a valuable contact network, to learn facilitative leadership skills and to experience the feeling of making a positive difference in our community through a team community project.

About Leadership Broward Foundation

The Leadership Broward Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, is Broward County’s premier leadership development training organization with a 36-year history of helping emerging and established leaders to expand their leadership skills, enhance their knowledge of local and state issues, and leverage their individual passions to initiate positive change in the Broward County community.

Its mission, “to develop and inspire individuals to serve our community,” is accomplished through a range of programs starting with its signature Leadership Broward program, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at issues affecting the Broward County in the areas of government, education, business, media, transportation, criminal justice, history, environment, culture, arts, recreation, and health and community services. Youth Leadership Broward and Women Leading Broward round out the organization’s program offerings. For more information, visit www.LeadershipBroward.org or call 954-767-8866.

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 7,000 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 on the Broward College North Campus, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org.

Junior Achievement of South Florida Partners with LB Class XXXVII
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Meet Our JA World Uncorked Culinary Chairs

Chef de Cuisine Paula DaSilva, Burlock Coast at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

South Florida culinary darling Paula DaSilva now helms the kitchen of Burlock Coast at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale as Chef de Cuisine. Known for her remarkable talent, imaginative farm fresh dishes rich with the flavors and freshness of South Florida’s abundant flora and fauna. DaSilva will treat guests to a dining experience in keeping with the standards that Burlock Coast is known for.

The Brazilian native’s love for cooking began at a young age working at her family-owned restaurants in Massachusetts and, later in South Florida. Eager to expand her culinary repertoire, DaSilva attended the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, where she earned a degree in Culinary Arts.

DaSilva began her professional culinary career at 3030 Ocean at the Harbor Beach Marriot under the tutelage of esteemed South Florida Chef Dean Max. It was around this time that DaSilva competed in the fifth season of FOX’s Hell’s Kitchen with Gordon Ramsey and finished as the season’s runner-up and fan favorite, cementing her place as one of Florida’s celebrity chefs. In 2010, DaSilva took her talents to South Beach as the executive chef of 1500 Degrees at the illustrious Eden Roc Hotel. The chic farm-to-table concept earned rave reviews and popular acclaim for its soulful, seasonal, rustic cuisine – which have now become synonymous with DaSilva’s style of cooking. Her culinary skills at 1500 Degrees earned massive praise and wide-ranging appeal, including a nod from Esquire magazine as one of the “Best New Restaurants in America.” A couple years later, DaSilva’s career came full circle when she returned to 3030 Ocean as executive chef. During her second stint there, DaSilva revitalized the menu, injecting her now-signature soulful cooking style into the restaurant’s seafood-centric menu. After leaving 3030 Ocean for the second time, the culinary powerhouse took some well-deserved time off to travel.

Prior to joining the Burlock Coast team, DaSilva served as executive chef and simultaneously oversaw all food & beverage operations for Artisan Beach House at The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami.

Adrienne Grenier, Executive Chef at 3030 Ocean Restaurant

A South Florida native, 3030 Ocean’s Executive Chef Adrienne Grenier began her culinary career in 2005 as a cook at 3030 Ocean Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale’s Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, after earning a degree from Florida State University in Food Science and Nutrition, and while studying Culinary Arts at the Art Institute in Fort Lauderdale. After two years at 3030, she moved to California where she worked her way up the ranks at the Michelin starred restaurant, Gordon Ramsay at the London West Hollywood, and later working briefly for renowned Chef Jason Neroni. While living in California, a state known for using organic and local produce, Grenier spent much of her time visiting local farmer’s markets, embracing the art of farm-to-table cooking.

In 2010, Grenier joined the opening culinary team at 1500° at Miami Beach’s Eden Roc as Sous Chef.  During her tenure, the restaurant earned a nod as one of Esquire magazine’s “Top 20 Best New Restaurants in the U.S.”  In January of 2011, Grenier competed and won on Food Network’s Chopped.

In 2013, Grenier returned to where her culinary career began, as sous chef at 3030 Ocean. Following an extensive renovation of the oceanside dining destination in October 2015, she was named executive chef. Grenier and 3030 have since earned numerous accolades, including top-ten chef and seafood restaurant in Broward County..

About JA World Uncorked

Please join us for the ninth annual JA World Uncorked co-chaired by the Circle of Wise Women’s Sharon Gustafson-Florescue with her daughters Shannon Brooks and Susan Rindley-Devlin. This indoor food and spirits festival, hosted by the JA Circle of Wise Women features many of South Florida’s finest restaurants and a vast selection of beverages from Breakthru Beverage and Funky Buddha. Stroll through our 60,000 square foot facility while sampling an array of culinary cuisines and sipping from a collection of domestic and international wines, specialty drinks and craft beers. Enjoy live music, dancing, raffles, and a silent auction. Our Culinary Co-Chairs are Adrienne Grenier, Executive Chef of 3030 Ocean, and Paula DaSilva, Chef de Cuisine at Burlock Coast at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are on sale now!

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 7,000 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 on the Broward College North Campus, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org.

Meet Our JA World Uncorked Culinary Chairs
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SFBW April 2018: Education to Employment

South Florida Business & Wealth April 2018: Education to Employment
How Junior Achievement of South Florida Empowers the Future’s Workforce

By Andrea Richard
Published April 28, 2018

Eight years ago, student Stefano Selorio began his professional journey, thanks to Junior Achievement of South Florida. It started when he was in the fifth grade and participated in JA BizTown program, which teaches youths how to run companies through hands-on role playing and handle their personal finances. BizTown resembles an indoor business hub with real companies, including BB&T, Lifestyle Media Group and Hoffman’s Chocolates.

“We owned little storefronts, and I was the CEO of Sports World,” Selorio says. “I was in charge of making paychecks, depositing them and hiring people.”

In the eighth grade, he participated in JA’s Finance Park program. He took on the character of a single father with three children, and he learned how to manage a household budget.  JA has a partnership with Broward County Public Schools that requires fifth and eighth graders to attend these programs.

In 11th and 12th grades, he did the JA Fellows program twice and learned how to create, build and develop a small company along with a team of roughly 15 to 20 students. The 8-month program is led by business mentors and culminates with a “Spark Tank,” where students present business pitches to investors. “We had advisers from JA, entrepreneurs and CEOs who came out and helped us with how to take products to market,” he says.

CLICK HERE to read the full article.

SFBW April 2018: Education to Employment
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