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Tag: youth

  • Central Florida Scouts Honor Bill Jurgens and Shah Family with Golden Eagle Awards – Space Coast Daily

    Central Florida Scouts Honor Bill Jurgens and Shah Family with Golden Eagle Awards – Space Coast Daily

    prestigious annual fundraising event

    Golden Eagle Dinner: A Night to Remember!

    Mark Your Calendar: April 29, 6–8:30 p.m.

    Hosted at Florida Tech in Melbourne, this year’s gala will be a blend of sparkle and genuine tribute.

    Who’s in the Spotlight?

    • Bill Jurgens – Athletic Director Emeritus of Florida Institute of Technology. His legacy of sweat, spirit, and sporting excellence has shaped countless student‑athletes.
    • The Shah Family of Southeast Petro – A powerhouse of service, they’ve poured commitment and leadership into community projects that make a real difference.

    Chairing the Vibe

    Bart Gaetjens, the retired External Affairs Manager at Florida Power & Light Company, is steering this evening of inspiration. His knack for bringing people together sets the tone.

    Why It Matters

    This isn’t just another charity ball; it’s the Central Florida Council’s flagship fundraiser. Every ticket bought and every donation donated fuels the next generation of scouts, providing youth with experiences that shape character, confidence, and camaraderie.

    Join the Celebration

    From corporate leaders to aunts and uncles of scouts, everyone is invited to raise a glass, share a laugh, and celebrate the enduring impact of scouting. Let’s make sure more kids get a chance to shine on the field, in community service, and in life.

    Central Florida Scouts Honor Bill Jurgens and Shah Family with Golden Eagle Awards – Space Coast Daily

    Celebrating a Legend: The 2024 Golden Eagle Dinner

    Bill Jurgens, former Athletic Director at Florida Institute of Technology and a lifelong Scout, takes center stage. Alongside him stands the hometown hero family, the Shahs of Southeast Petro, for their extraordinary service and leadership.

    Why Bill Rocks

    • Sprouted from Scouting – Bill first tumbled into the world of outdoor adventure with Troop 323 in Melbourne. The camp days at La-No-Che ignited a fire that still burns brightly.
    • Academic to Athletic – A Jacksonville University degree was the launchpad, but the trajectory? Pure sports brilliance. For over four decades, he steered Florida Tech’s athletics like a seasoned captain charting stormy seas.
    • Champion of Giving – When he was District Chairman for Riverside, Scouting America, he earned that shiny District Award of Merit. Add roles with US Rowing, Dad Vail Regatta, and Melbourne Chamber, and you’ve got a résumé that reads like a hall of fame list.
    • Hall of Fame Delight – From Florida Tech to Space Coast Sports, the plaques are piling up. The city of Melbourne even declared him their “Exceptional Citizen.”
    • Family First – 50 years with Susy and a jukey family – his personal headline. He says that’s the real trophy.

    Humor and Heart

    Picture a man who manages to juggle coaching pep talks, rowing regatta logistics, and the occasional stubborn parking spot at the university gym. He’s still pulling off the “man of the hour” moment, making everyone feel like part of the trailblazing pack.

    Through mentorship, he inspires the next-gen leaders. His legacy isn’t just in trophies; it’s in the stories shared at coffee tables and the countless “You’ve got this” iPhones snapped during sunsets back at Camp La-No-Che.

    The Takeaway

    Bill Jurgens embodies the spirit of Scouting – service, perseverance, and a pinch of humor. His journey reminds us that leadership is as much about building communities as it is about achieving personal milestones.

    Central Florida Council’s Golden Eagle Dinner

    Mark your calendars: April 29 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Florida Tech in Melbourne. The Central Florida Council of Scouting America is thrilled to host the annual Golden Eagle Dinner, an evening of celebration, camaraderie, and impeccable dining.

    Honoring the Shah Family & Southeast Petro

    In this year’s edition, Scouting America is proud to honor Southeast Petro as its Corporate Honoree. The company’s legacy of strong business acumen and community service sets a shining example for scouts and leaders alike.

    From a Single Gas Station to a Regional Powerhouse

    It all started in 1980, when Mike and Rashmi Shah opened a single fuel stop in Cocoa, Florida. Today, Southeast Petro powers more than 400 independently owned stations and employs over 200 people. Under the stewardship of their children, Summit (now President) and Monica (Vice President & Treasurer), the firm has branched into hospitality, entertainment, and real‑estate while staying true to its core values: honesty, integrity, and a relentless focus on service.

    Community‑Focused Success

    • Philanthropy is at the heart of everything they do.
    • They partner with local causes and initiatives that elevate community life.
    • Their motto? “Real success is measured by growth and the positive impact on the communities we serve.”

    Scouting America proudly celebrates Southeast Petro’s leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to building character and service‑mindful leaders among youths.

    Save Your Spot—Get an Invitation

    Want to attend? Reach out to Charis Peterson, District Executive at charis.peterson@cflscouting.org. Let’s make your evening unforgettable!

    Explore Sponsorship Opportunities

    Looking to support local scouting? Check out how you can sponsor the Golden Eagle Dinner and contribute to youth training. Every dollar goes toward adventure, leadership, and community engagement.

    About the Central Florida Council

    In 2024, the Central Florida Council served over 17,000 youths with the help of more than 4,000 dedicated adult leaders across seven Central Florida counties. As one of the nation’s largest youth‑serving organizations, Scouting America delivers top‑notch programs focused on character development, citizenship, and values‑based leadership training.

    We’re all about adventure, leadership, and fostering a spirit of service. For more details, visit CFLscouting.org

    HOT OFF THE PRESS! March 10, 2025 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper

    Hot Off the Press: Space Coast Daily News Unveils the Ultimate Local Scoop!

    March 10, 2025 – Space Coast Daily – The latest edition of the Space Coast Daily News just dropped a stellar lineup that’s sure to make the entire Brevard County swoon. Grab your coffee (or a rocket fuel refill) and dive into the freshest stories, because we’re putting the “fun” back in “news.”

    What’s Flying Out of the Press These Days?

    • New App Launch – The newspaper’s shiny new mobile app is now live, featuring instant notifications, offline reading, and a playful “Space Snacks” trivia section.
    • Community Spotlight – A shout‑out to the “Heroes of the Heli‑gators”, who’ve been saving the local wetlands, one frog at a time.
    • Space Launch Updates – Get the inside scoop on last night’s propulsion launch – yes, it was smooth, no black hole drama.
    • Local Eats – A roundup of the week’s best taco trucks and the hidden gem pizza place that doesn’t charge by the slice.

    Why You’ll Love This New Format

    Much like a good coffee blend, this new edition mixes a dash of humor with a sprinkle of heartfelt journalism:

    • Humorous headlines that keep you laughing while staying on point.
    • Personal anecdotes that bring the community right into the story.
    • Interactive polls so you can actually influence the next article’s angle.
    Drop Your Thoughts!

    We’re listening – drop your comments on social media or via our app. Let us know which piece made your day, and we’ll keep delivering that golden news content you love.

    Stay tuned, stay curious, and keep rocking that generous Space Coast vibe – the best newspaper in Brevard County is just getting started!

  • What does Building Back Better really mean for SMEs?

    What does Building Back Better really mean for SMEs?

    As the country returns to some degree of normality, so the drive to create jobs and tackle the current high levels of unemployment steps up a gear.

    For businesses, this cross-roads raises many questions; is now the right time to be investing in staff for the future? What schemes are out there to support businesses looking to take on new staff and get back on track? And how should all this be navigated within an environment of uncertainty?
    The Government mantra of ‘Building Back Better’ is well worn and for many businesses may seem a little over ambitious. After all, surely most would be content with ‘Building Back’ – at least in the short term.
    But as challenging as it may be, there is a strong argument for thinking beyond the immediate months ahead. Firstly, because of the plethora of Governments schemes and incentives in place to support businesses with their recruitment needs. And secondly, because if the pandemic has shown anything, it’s that people are what makes businesses a success; and investing in them is key.

    Apprenticeships

    Significant funds have been directed towards incentivising apprenticeships. Employers can claim a £3,000 government grant for taking on an apprentice, and those businesses that do are rewarded with employees committed to the cause and with a developing skillset fit for the business. Yet recent government figures show that the number of people starting apprenticeships has dropped by 19 per cent since this time last year. And even more worryingly, less than a quarter of starts so far in 2020-21 have been among the under-19s.
    It’s understandable that businesses are cautious about recruiting given the uncertainties of the current climate. But for those looking to build a workforce shaped around business need, with a focus on youth and sustainability, then apprenticeships are an excellent option. Apprentices train on the job and can add a huge amount to companies looking to build back better.
    For example at Catch22 we’ve recently launched our hospitality apprenticeship offer – Step22 – alongside some big hospitality names including Compass Group, Diageo and Hej! Coffee. Using the apprenticeship levy, we work with businesses of all sizes to source and train great staff in the hospitality sector – a sector which is only set to grow as we emerge from the pandemic.
    SMEs who aren’t large enough to pay the apprenticeship levy can benefit from levy-transfer – where they pair up with large organisations who have a levy underspend. Some of that underspend can then be transferred to the SME to spend on apprentices. That mechanism, coupled with the financial support currently available from government to take on apprentice, makes now as good a time as any to explore this option.

    Pre-apprenticeship and pre-employability programmes

    Taking on someone who hasn’t had experience in the sector or role to which your recruiting is inevitably a risk. But the growth in pre-employability programmes increasingly means young people are able to skill up and get job-ready  – equipping them well for that first employment opportunity. At Catch22 we deliver digital skills training programmes with our partners Microsoft and Salesforce, general employability skills through Barclays Connect with Work and our newly launched Horizons employability programme supported by J P Morgan and Chase is initially aiming to place 400 people into meaningful jobs who currently face barriers to work.
    All these programmes work with businesses of all sizes looking to recruit new talent into their workplace – with the knowledge that their person they take on with have been prepared for the job and will be continued to be supported during the first 6 months of their role.

    Kickstart

    The government’s flagship youth employment scheme – Kickstart – offers 16–24-year-olds currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment a six-month paid placement for 25 hours a week, and a salary at the National Minimum Wage or higher (dependent on their age). This has the potential to make a real difference to young people, but uptake from businesses so far has been relatively low. The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) found that only 16 per cent of firms surveyed would be looking to take up the Kickstart scheme.
    Partly this low uptake may be due to a lack of awareness of the scheme and how it works or the fact that the roles have to be new. But again, Kickstart – if done well – can not only give young people a step onto the employment ladder but can be hugely beneficial to businesses.
    Key to the success of Kickstart from both the employee and the employer side is suitability and sustainability. Suitability in the sense of making sure that the candidate matches the role; that they are properly supported before they apply and while they’re in post, and that there is match between business need and employee skillset. Sustainability in the sense that placements are not just for short-term projects that end after 6 months and leave the candidate back on the job market. Roles that evolve over the 6 months and result in permanent posts, or equip young people with the skills to progress onto another meaningful role, will benefit industry and individuals alike.
    There are many good Kickstart gateway providers, such as Kickstart Community, taking this exact approach – supporting candidates and employers before and during placements. SMEs can work with these providers to increase the likelihood of their placements being successful.

    Restart

    The Restart Programme
    is aimed at individuals who have been out of work for longer periods – and is kicking off on 28th June. Across UK regions, there will be a number of providers working with individuals (referred through Job Centre Plus) to equip them with the skills and confidence to secure a job. A key part of Restart will be working with local businesses across all industries to place candidates into suitable roles – so from July, there will opportunities for businesses to recruit directly from Restart in their local area.
    Determining the best path for your business needs isn’t easy, and the range of options available adds another layer of complexity. But there is support out there. Attracting the best talent and retaining that talent has always been important for business; and now perhaps, it’s more important than ever.