BIZ BUZZ 1.13.2011


Richard DeCeglie and other employees and family members at Watson Realty Corp. collected $1,185 to help families in need for Christmas. COURTESY PHOTOS
Richard DeCeglie and other employees and family members at Watson Realty Corp. collected $1,185 to help families in need for Christmas. COURTESY PHOTOS
  • Palm Coast Observer
  • Business
  • Share

+ Watson agent leads Christmas Brigade
Richard De Ceglie had enough of expensive novelty Christmas presents that ended up in a drawer. About 20 years ago, he started a new tradition with co-workers and their families: They pooled their money and bought groceries and toys and delivered them to families in need, instead. He called it the Christmas Brigade.
 

In 2003, De Ceglie joined Watson Realty Corp., in Palm Coast, and continued the tradition.
 

“The agents in this office have overwhelmingly embraced this endeavor,” he said via e-mail. “Even in today’s bleak real estate market, the agents have dug deep into their pockets to support this effort. This year we collected $1,185 (a record).
 

“For me, I don’t appreciate Christmas in the same way, unless I complete this chore of love.”
 

Since then, De Ceglie has also been recognized for his work in selling real estate. The certified residential specialist has the most saltwater canal sales in the last two years, according to the Flagler County Association of Realtors. He has sold 20 canal properties since 2007.

+ Chamber phone book hits welcome mats
Most phone numbers are listed online. But there’s something more personal about using the old fashioned phone book, isn’t there?
 

The Flagler County Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates is in the process of distributing 47,000 copies of its latest edition of the phone book to Flagler County businesses and residents.
 

The chamber has published the directory in-house since 2008. All proceeds generated by the advertising sales for all of the chamber’s publications are used to fund the chamber’s annual programs and events.
 

Delivery began Jan. 3 and should take about two weeks to reach everyone. When you get the new edition, you can recycle the old one in your home recycling bin.
 

+ New school to train tomorrow’s ministers
There is room at the inn for tomorrow’s ministers. World Changers for Christ Christian University is a fully accredited Bible college that trains, equips and lifts up tomorrow’s leaders in ministry — and it all takes place at the Sleep Inn Palm Coast, 10 Kingswood Dr.
 

The college is accredited by Accrediting Commission International, the world’s largest non-governmental accrediting agency. World Changers for Christ Christian University is also licensed by the state and has an articulation agreement with Destiny Christian University in Florida, through which graduates can transfer credits and receive associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degrees.
 

Dean and Director Dr. Kathy Hagerman, who is also a member of Evangelical Association of Churches and Ministries, said tuition is affordable. Classes meet 6-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays, at 10 Kingswood Dr., at the conference room at Sleep Inn. Registration is through Jan. 19. Call 597-7301.

+ Coming soon: business networking opportunities
The next Business After Hours for the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates will be 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, and is hosted by Woody’s Barbeque, 99 Flagler Plaza Drive. Members get in with a $5 cash donation to help restock Flagler County food pantries. (Please note: Nonperishable food donations will no longer be accepted.) Nonmembers are welcome for a $10 donation.
 

The Bunnell Chamber hosts its quarterly Business & Biscuits at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, at the State Street Diner, 601 N. State St., Bunnell. Rebecca Levy, administrator of Flagler Pines will be the featured speaker on the topic, “Healthcare and the Aging Population.” Cost is $10 for members and $12 for future members. RSVP to 437-0106.

+ Three model homes to open in Palm Coast
Bellagio Custom Homes is finalizing plans to build a 3,490-square-foot model in the Wild Oaks area of Grand Haven. A release from the company states that the model has four bedrooms and three baths.

Bellagio Custom Homes is a sister company of SeaGate Homes, a 16-year-old, family-owned company that has been recognized as one of the nation’s largest homebuilders. Call 445-1616.
 

Also, ABD Development Co. is adding two model homes to its Toscana development, near Interstate 95 and Old Kings Road. David Kohn, president, said the four-bedroom, three-bath model homes both offer 2,500 square feet of living space. Visit www.toscanapalmcoast.com.

+ 1-on-1 Fitness Boot Camp works out for children
Sue Urban, general manager for Palm Coast 1-on-1 Fitness Affordable Health Center, saw the need and wanted to help.
 

Last month, she organized Operation: Christmas Come True Boot Camp. The event raised $400, as well as several gifts. As a result, 10 to 15 children had a happy Christmas.

Contact Brian McMillan at [email protected].
 

 

Latest News

×

Your free article limit has been reached this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited digital access to our award-winning local news.