Florida Business Newsmakers Soar to New Heights in April
Hold onto your hats, Florida, because the business world is buzzing this April! From advertising gurus getting their well-deserved recognition to nonprofits scoring major grants, the Sunshine State is radiating success. And hey, we’re here to give you the inside scoop on all the movers and shakers making waves this month. So, grab your cafecito and let’s dive into the latest edition of Florida Today Business Newsmakers, brought to you by yours truly, Wayne T. Price.
Sky’s the Limit: Jackie Barker Takes Flight into Advertising Hall of Fame
Talk about a rockstar! Jackie Barker, the powerhouse behind Sky Advertising, just got inducted into the prestigious Florida & Caribbean Advertising Hall of Fame. This ain’t no participation trophy, folks. This honor is reserved for the crème de la crème of the advertising world, and let me tell ya, Barker more than earned her place among the legends.
The Voice of Advertising Summit in Orlando was the place to be as Barker was celebrated for her incredible three-decade career. Think about that for a sec: thirty years dedicated to crafting compelling campaigns, mentoring rising stars, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the ever-evolving world of advertising.
But Barker’s impact goes way beyond snazzy slogans and eye-catching visuals. She’s a champion for ethical practices, a true leader who inspires those around her, and a philanthropist who believes in giving back to the community that’s given her so much.
Her journey reads like a masterclass in advertising success. Starting in the trenches of media sales, Barker quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a media buyer and partner on the agency side. But she didn’t stop there. In 2000, she took a leap of faith and founded Sky Advertising, transforming it into a leading full-service firm right here on the Space Coast. Talk about a local hero, am I right?
Under Barker’s leadership, Sky Advertising has become a force to be reckoned with. From local businesses to national brands, they’ve helped countless clients achieve their marketing goals. And the awards speak for themselves: over a hundred (yes, you read that right) ADDY Awards, including the coveted Best-of-Show, line their shelves. Whether it’s tourism, education, or the tech sector, Sky Advertising knows how to connect with audiences and deliver results.
But wait, there’s more! Barker’s commitment to social impact is truly inspiring. Sky Advertising doesn’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk by collaborating with social enterprises and making a real difference in the community. And let’s not forget Barker’s own dedication to service. She’s a recipient of both the AAF Silver Medal and the Jack Phillips Gold Medal Award – accolades that highlight her exceptional contributions to the advertising industry.
When she’s not busy conquering the advertising world, you can find Barker lending her expertise to organizations like the United Way and the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce. This is what we call a true leader, folks – someone who excels in their field while also making a positive impact on the world around them. Hats off to you, Jackie Barker! You’re an inspiration to us all.
Love INC of Brevard Receives a Major Dose of Chick-fil-A Love
Who doesn’t love a feel-good story, especially one involving chicken sandwiches? Well, get ready to smile because Love INC of Brevard just received a massive vote of confidence (and a whole lotta love) from Chick-fil-A.
The nonprofit organization was chosen as one of only fifty-one recipients of the 2024 Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards grant. This highly competitive program recognizes organizations across the country that are making a tangible difference in their communities. And trust me, Love INC of Brevard is the real deal.
This ain’t just about writing a check; Chick-fil-A is all about recognizing organizations that embody their core values of care, compassion, and community upliftment. And Love INC, with its mission to spread love, hope, and support to those in need, aligns perfectly with that vision. They’re out there every single day, connecting churches and individuals with resources and opportunities to serve those who need it most. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is!
The $50,000 grant will be instrumental in expanding Love INC’s programs and reach, allowing them to make an even greater impact on the lives of countless individuals and families in Brevard County. This means more people getting the help they desperately need, whether it’s food assistance, job training, or just a shoulder to lean on during tough times.
Astronauts Memorial Foundation Welcomes Colleen Middlebrooks as Director of Development
Space enthusiasts, get ready for blast off! The Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) has a new Director of Development, and let me tell you, Colleen Middlebrooks is out of this world (pun intended!).
Middlebrooks is no stranger to leadership roles or making a positive impact. She joins the AMF from Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, where she served as Executive Director of Advancement. Her impressive resume also includes stints at Revolution Technologies and the Scott Center for Autism Treatment. Talk about a well-rounded individual!
With a bachelor’s degree in education and history from Georgia Southern University under her belt, Middlebrooks brings a passion for learning and a deep understanding of community engagement to her new role. And trust me, these qualities will be invaluable as she leads the AMF’s fundraising and development efforts.
Astronauts Memorial Foundation Welcomes Colleen Middlebrooks as Director of Development
Space enthusiasts, get ready for blast off! The Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) has a new Director of Development, and let me tell you, Colleen Middlebrooks is out of this world (pun intended!).
Middlebrooks is no stranger to leadership roles or making a positive impact. She joins the AMF from Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, where she served as Executive Director of Advancement. Her impressive resume also includes stints at Revolution Technologies and the Scott Center for Autism Treatment. Talk about a well-rounded individual!
With a bachelor’s degree in education and history from Georgia Southern University under her belt, Middlebrooks brings a passion for learning and a deep understanding of community engagement to her new role. And trust me, these qualities will be invaluable as she leads the AMF’s fundraising and development efforts.
For those who might not be familiar, the AMF is a true testament to courage, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of exploration. Founded after the tragic 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger accident, this incredible organization honors the memory of fallen U.S. astronauts and international astronauts who flew alongside U.S. crews. Their dedication to preserving the legacy of these brave space explorers is truly awe-inspiring.
You’ve probably seen their most iconic tribute – the breathtaking Space Mirror Memorial at Kennedy Space Center. This awe-inspiring monument not only honors those who gave their lives in the pursuit of space exploration but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of human ambition and our relentless quest to reach for the stars.
With Middlebrooks at the helm of development, the AMF is poised to continue its mission of honoring fallen astronauts, educating future generations about the importance of space exploration, and inspiring a new generation of scientists, engineers, and dreamers.
AD Leaf Levels Up with Internal Promotions: Allison Wetterau and Ebony Marks Take the Lead
Hold onto your hats, marketing world, because AD Leaf, the Melbourne-based marketing and advertising powerhouse, just announced some major internal promotions, and let me tell you, these two rising stars are about to shake things up!
First up, we’ve got Allison Wetterau, who’s been killing it at AD Leaf and is now stepping into a supercharged role, overseeing both the Cornerstone and the Strategic and Enterprise Operations teams. Talk about a dynamic duo! Wetterau’s known for her laser focus on crafting tailor-made marketing solutions that deliver real, measurable results for their clients. With her at the helm, these teams are gonna be unstoppable.
And then there’s Ebony Marks, who’s been making waves at AD Leaf since day one. Marks has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing Team Operations, a testament to her exceptional leadership and strategic mind. She’ll be overseeing both the Cornerstone Marketing and Strategic & Enterprise Marketing divisions, bringing her A-game to every project. If you’re looking for someone who knows how to drive growth and innovation, look no further than Ebony Marks.
These promotions speak volumes about AD Leaf’s commitment to fostering talent from within. It’s clear they recognize the incredible value and expertise that Wetterau and Marks bring to the table. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a company that invests in its people?
With Wetterau and Marks taking the reins of these key divisions, AD Leaf is well-positioned to continue its impressive growth trajectory, delivering cutting-edge marketing solutions and helping businesses of all sizes thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Watch out, world, these marketing mavens are just getting started!
Share Your Success Stories: Florida Today Business Newsmakers Wants to Hear From You!
That’s a wrap for this month’s edition of Florida Today Business Newsmakers! We hope you enjoyed reading about these inspiring individuals and organizations that are making the Sunshine State a hub for innovation, generosity, and entrepreneurial spirit.
But hey, the story doesn’t end here. We know there are countless other business rockstars out there, quietly crushing it every single day. So, if you know someone who deserves to be recognized – maybe it’s a local entrepreneur who’s changing the game, a nonprofit doing incredible work, or a company that’s making headlines for all the right reasons – don’t be shy! We want to hear about them!
Reach out to yours truly, Wayne T. Price, and let’s shine a spotlight on the amazing things happening in our community. Because here in Florida, the business world is booming, and we’re here to celebrate every win along the way.
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