Business Briefs

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce promoted Erika Spence to senior director of marketing and communications. Ms. Spence has served as director of marketing and communications for the organization since February 2010.

Brightway Insurance, an independent national insurance retailer, opened its newest store in Winter Park. Craig Starkey is the owner of the new agency. Brightway announced plans this year to expand into 17 states and open up to 25 stores in the Orlando area, potentially creating 250 jobs.

Valerie Seidel, president and principal economist with The Balmoral Group, was selected for Leadership Florida’s 31st Annual Class Program. Seidel works in the firm’s Winter Park office.

K. Hovnanian Homes recently added five new employees to its Orlando-area communities. Joining the Laeureate Park at Lake Nona team is Sharyon Neilen of Seminole County. She has more than 25 years experience in real estate and has sold properties across Florida.

PNC Bank’s new net-zero energy bank branch is scheduled to open in 2013. PNC expects the branch to exceed LEED Platinum certification and to be its most energy efficient building, using 50 percent less energy than typical branches. The 4,900-square-foot building will be located in Fort Lauderdale.

In celebration of the Microsoft Store’s grand opening at The Florida Mall, Microsoft donated $1 million of software to Junior Achievement of Central Florida. The donation will contribute to upgrading the nonprofit’s software to help educate students about workforce readiness, free enterprise, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

Old Florida National Bank welcomed veteran bankers Tom Kelly, Rebecca Shea and Felipe Ferreira. Kelly is a senior vice president and commercial lender at Old Florida National Bank’s Winter Park office, Shea is a vice president and branch manager at the Altamonte Springs office, and Ferreira is residential mortgage officer at the South Orlando – Medical District office.