Biz Buzz: Military veteran gets a free car through Recycled Rides, among other local business news

Palm Coast Observer
Business

As a thank you for his service, Caliber Collision and Allstate Insurance presented military veteran Andre Rosa Jr. with keys to a newly refurbished vehicle as part of the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program.

Recycled Rides is a nationwide community service program in which collision repair companies, insurers and others in the collision industry collaborate to repair and donate vehicles to families in need. Allstate donated the vehicle, and technicians at Caliber Collision donated their personal time as a community service.

Rosa, a second-generation U.S Army soldier, served 23 years with two tours in Afghanistan and one tour in Iraq. While serving his last tour, Rosa was medically retired due to a traumatic brain injury, PTSD and other service-connected injuries. Due to his medical need, he lives with a “medical provider” couple in their home.

With a low income and no transportation, Rosa t walked to work approximately four miles daily. Having a vehicle of his own opens the door for better employment opportunities as well as easier access to medical appointments, more frequent visits and time to spend with his daughter, and overall better quality of life.

“At Caliber Collision, our highest purpose is to restore our customers in the communities we serve to the rhythm of their lives,” said Carl Deaton, Caliber Collision Vice President of Operations. “We are thankful for the sacrifices Mr. Rosa has made in service to our country and are honored to provide this vehicle to ease the burden of transportation and allow him to spend more time with his family,”

Rosa was nominated for the Recycled Rides vehicle by Heroes On The Water, whose mission is to support veterans as they return home, helping the warriors relax, rehabilitate and reintegrate through kayak fishing and the outdoors.

In the past three years, Caliber Collision has donated more than 75 Recycled Rides vehicles nationwide. Caliber plans on donating more than 25 vehicles in 2015 to individuals in need as a way to give back to the communities that Caliber serves. Caliber Collision is located at 3 Market Place Court. Call 446-0224.

Flagler Hospital corner

Hires: Florida Hospital Flagler has selected registered nurse Cynthia Abraham to serve as manager of the progressive care unit (PCU).

Radiation oncologist Dr. Shravan Kandula has joined Florida Hospital Flagler medical staff.

Donations: The Halifax Plantation Women's Golf Association donated $5,144 to help fight breast cancer locally on Nov. 6. To raise these funds, the Halifax Plantation Women's Golf Association hosted a golf tournament scramble with 108 players on Oct. 15.

The funds raised by this thirdannual event benefited both Florida Hospital Flagler in Palm Coast and Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center in Daytona Beach. The donation will help the hospitals’ provide mammograms and other diagnostic procedures to local women in need through the Florida Hospital Pink Army.

The Flagler County Tax Collectors office donated $2,422 to Florida Hospital Flagler’s Pink Army campaign, which provides screening mammograms, diagnostic studies and education to local women in need on Nov. 10. Throughout October, each clerk station at the tax collector’s offices placed specially-designated jars to receive donations from taxpayers to benefit the Florida Hospital Flagler Pink Army.

“Our office is so pleased to help support those in need,” said Flagler County tax collector Suzanne Johnston. “We know these funds could possibly save a life through early detection and cancer screenings.”

Muneer is influential

Palm Coast resident Khalid Muneer, broker/owner of Jupiter Properties Inc., was recently recognized by the Orlando Sentinel as one of the 100 most influential people in government, politics and culture.

“I am most honored for this, as it is also recognition of a Palm Coast resident’s contribution to the various Central Florida International Chambers and other economic entities in Central Florida,” Muneer said. “I have lived in Palm Coast for the last 24 years and drive to Orlando daily for my real estate business and to attend Board Meetings. The recognition was for assisting the various Business communities, Asians, Brazilians, Puerto Ricans and Arabs in central Florida in connecting them to promote their small businesses. I recently came back from a very successful trade mission to Brazil, which I helped to organize as the board member of the Central Florida Brazilian Chamber to promote Central Florida businesses, which was attended by 200 businessmen. I would like to spend more time in Palm Coast in bringing some of my experience to benefit the local entities.”

Kudos

Hallmark Properties in Palm Coast has announced their top agents for October: Deborah Taylor was named the Top Listing Agent. Danielle Pierro earned the Top Sales Agent, and Regina Kaminski was awarded Top Closing Agent for the month.

Sherron Skibo and Saniye Pirro, the "S & S" real estate team, were Top Listing Agents for the month of October for Watson Realty Corp.