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WILDLIGHT, FL – July 26, 2018 – Today, Raydient Places + Properties announced that Jacksonville-based Dostie Homes has been selected as the third residential homebuilder in Wildlight, the new town being developed in Nassau County. Dostie Homes will build the community’s first townhomes near Wildlight Village along with single family homes.

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First Coast YMCA, University of Florida, UF Health and Raydient Places + Properties collaborate to bring enhanced health and wellness resources to Northeast Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – July 24, 2018 – Today, the First Coast YMCA, the University of Florida and UF Health announced their collaboration to bring the Y to Wildlight, a new town under development in Nassau County. As one of the nation’s most effective and enduring charitable organizations, the Y’s cause is to strengthen community. In the coming months, the Y will work closely with the University of Florida, UF Health and Wildlight developer Raydient Places + Properties to ensure the new Y provides a place for residents to nurture mind, body and spirit and to bridge gaps in community needs.

“The First Coast Y is dedicated to helping all Northeast Florida residents live their healthiest lives,” said YMCA of Florida’s First Coast president and CEO Eric K. Mann. “As a community carefully designed from the ground up to promote greater well-being, Wildlight is a natural fit for the Y. We are excited to combine our community-centered resources and healthy living innovations with the extensive medical capabilities from the University of Florida and UF Health to create a total wellness resource for Wildlight and effect meaningful, lasting impact across the region.”

While planning and design has yet to be finalized, the Wildlight Y is conceptualized to accommodate 25,000 square feet. Along with fitness equipment and group exercise studios to help members achieve goals, the new Y will feature an indoor track to increase movement for all ages. In addition, the Y will provide educational programs focused on making healthier choices, reclaiming good health and reducing chronic disease. A wide range of activities and group interest opportunities will also be offered to help adults and families build stronger bonds and become more connected to their community.

“From the very beginning, Wildlight was envisioned as a community that enhances the quality of life for every resident and community member,” said Charles Adams, vice president of community development for Raydient Places + Properties. “While we purposely designed Wildlight’s infrastructure and amenities to promote holistic health, we recognized the critical importance of partnering with nationally-recognized health and wellness organizations to bring their expertise to our community. We are thrilled that the First Coast Y is joining forces with UF and UF Health in Wildlight. We look forward to working together to positively impact the people who live, work and play here.”

This announcement builds on the already-established strategic health alliance between UF, UF Health and Raydient Places + Properties to create a national model for healthier communities. To bring this vision to life, UF and UF Health agreed to construct Wildlight’s first medical facility on Highway A1A, just off I-95, which will include urgent care staffed by emergency medicine faculty, primary care using a patient-centered model focused on prevention and early diagnosis, and an imaging center.

“Wellness is always at the center of our plans, in our hospitals and practices throughout Northeast Florida, so it only makes sense to include another outstanding organization dedicated to better health in the Wildlight collaboration,” said Leon L. Haley Jr., MD, MHSA, CEO of UF Health Jacksonville and dean of the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville. “We’re excited about the possibilities the collaboration with the First Coast YMCA and Raydient Places + Properties will bring to the residents and others in and around Nassau County.”

The new Y is expected to open in late 2019 and will be the second Y location in Nassau County. Additional programs and details will be announced in the coming months.

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About the First Coast Y

In 2018, YMCA of Florida’s First Coast is celebrating its 110th anniversary of serving the Northeast Florida community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For 110 years, YMCA of Florida’s First Coast has been providing men, women and children of all ages, and from all walks of life, opportunities to build stronger bonds, live healthy and become more engaged with their communities. Learn more: www.FirstCoastYMCA.org.

About the University of Florida

The University of Florida is a major, public, comprehensive, land-grant, research university. The state’s oldest and most comprehensive university, UF is among the nation’s most academically diverse public universities. UF traces its beginnings to a small seminary in 1853. It opened its doors in Gainesville in 1906 with 102 students. Today, it is one of the most comprehensive and academically diverse universities in the nation, with an enrollment of some 52,000 students annually. UF is home to 16 colleges and more than 170 research centers and institutes and UF offers nearly 300 graduate degree programs. Only five other universities nationwide have as many programs of study on one campus as the University of Florida.

UF has a long history of established programs in international education, research and service. It is one of only 17 public, land-grant universities that belong to the Association of American Universities, the higher-education organization comprising the top 62 public and private institutions in North America.  UF is consistently ranked among the nation’s top universities. UF has nearly 5,000 faculty members with distinguished records in teaching, research and service, including 37 Eminent Scholar chairs and 42 faculty elections to the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, the Institute of Medicine, or the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Awards include a Fields Medal, two Pulitzer Prizes, NASA’s top award for research, and the Smithsonian Institution’s conservation award.

About UF Health

UF Health is the Southeast’s most comprehensive academic health center. With main campuses in Gainesville and Jacksonville, UF Health includes six health colleges, nine research institutes and centers, two teaching hospitals, four specialty hospitals and a host of physician medical practices and outpatient services throughout North Central and Northeast Florida. Its mission is to promote health through outstanding and high-quality patient care, innovative and rigorous education in the health professions and biomedical sciences, and high-impact research across the spectrum of basic, translational and clinical investigation.

UF Health includes the UF colleges of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health and Health Professions, and Veterinary Medicine, which has both a large animal hospital and a small animal hospital. The system also encompasses several UF research institutes and centers. The full spectrum of patient-care services are provided through UF Health Shands Hospital and UF Health Jacksonville, UF’s private, not-for-profit affiliates. UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville includes UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital and UF Health Shands Cancer Hospital. Two additional specialty hospitals, UF Health Shands Rehab Hospital and UF Health Shands Psychiatric Hospital, are also in Gainesville. UF Health Jacksonville and UF Health North Hospital are the system’s Northeast Florida hospitals. UF Health offers a network of outpatient rehabilitation centers, two home health agencies in Gainesville and Jacksonville, and more than 100 UF physician outpatient practices throughout North Central and Northeast Florida.

About Wildlight

Wildlight is envisioned as a new town inspired by a character, culture and pattern of living that we call “Florida Lowcountry,” where play is a part of every day and the natural world is a natural part of life. The plan for Wildlight includes a mix of homes, townhomes and rental apartments together with shops and restaurants, a new elementary school and a system of trails and pathways intended to make it healthy and walkable and connect it all together. Our Phase 1 plan is flexible and currently designed for about 1,000 homes across about 260 acres plus nearly 350 acres of permanently preserved open space. Wildlight will offer comfortable and friendly Florida Lowcountry living 20 miles north of Jacksonville, just east of Interstate 95 on A1A, with easy access to both Amelia Island and the Jacksonville International Airport. Wildlight is being created by Raydient Places + Properties, a taxable subsidiary of Rayonier Inc., a real estate investment trust. For more information please visit Wildlight.com.

WILDLIGHT, FL – May 8, 2018 – Today, Raydient Places + Properties announced that Atlanta-based Varden Capital Properties (VCP) and Tellus Partners will work with Buckhaven Construction Services (BCS) to develop a 279-unit apartment complex on 12.7 acres in Wildlight, the new town under development in Nassau County. The apartment complex will include a variety of amenities including a pool, fitness center, clubhouse and dog park.

“Tellus Partners is excited to work with Varden Capital Properties and Buckhaven Construction Services to develop the first apartment complex in Wildlight,” said Garrison McMillan, Principal, Tellus Partners. “We were immediately drawn to Wildlight’s master plan and approach to architecture, inspired by the area’s culture, heritage and natural beauty.”

Wildlight’s apartments will range in size from one bedroom, one bathroom at 662 sq. ft. to three bedrooms, three bathrooms at just over 1,300 sq. ft. The development team engaged locally-based architect, Group 4 Design, to design Wildlight’s first multifamily residential development using the community’s Florida Lowcountry architectural design guidelines.

“Wildlight’s apartments will provide another quality housing option for future residents within the Florida Lowcountry,” said Charles Adams, Vice President of Community Development for Raydient Places + Properties. “We look forward to working with Tellus Partners, Varden Capital Properties and Buckhaven Construction Services to bring the apartments to life.”

The first units are expected to be available to lease in 2019. Final construction completion is planned for 2020. Terms of the sale have not been disclosed.

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About Varden Capital Properties

Varden Capital Properties, LLC (VCP), based in Atlanta, GA, is a fully integrated real estate firm focused on the acquisition, renovation, redevelopment and management of deep value-add multifamily communities as well as the development of new apartment communities across the Southeast. VCP has acquired approximately 20,000 apartment units over the last six years.

About Tellus Partners

Tellus Partners, LLC (Tellus), based in Atlanta, GA, is a Multifamily Development Group focused on Garden Style Stick Frame Construction. Tellus is currently in production on just over 1600 Units. The principals of Tellus bring a fully vertically integrated approach to the construction and development of their properties focusing on Secondary Markets across the SE.

About Buckhaven Construction Services

Buckhaven Construction Services Inc. (BCS), based in Atlanta, GAwas established in 2004, and has become the industry leader in the Multifamily space in the Southeastern United States. In the past 10 years Buckhaven has completed over $300MM in project volume.During this tenure, the company has developed many levels of Core Competencies that has allowed the company to achieve not only a competitive advantage in the space but also deliver an unmatched value proposition for its customers. BCS has assembled a new construction team tailored specifically to the garden-style multifamily wood frame construction product. The team includes two qualifiers licensed in 15 states with over eight thousand new construction units & Forty-Five Thousand Units re-positioned.

About Wildlight

Wildlight is envisioned as a new town inspired by a character, culture and pattern of living that we call “Florida Lowcountry,” where play is a part of every day and the natural world is a natural part of life. The plan for Wildlight includes a mix of homes, townhomes and rental apartments together with businesses, shops and restaurants, a new elementary school and a system of connecting trails and pathways intended to promote a walkable community and healthy lifestyle. Our Phase 1 plan is flexible and currently designed for about 1,000 homes throughout 260 acres, approximately. In addition, the community will have approximately 350 acres of permanently preserved open space. Wildlight offers comfortable and friendly Florida Lowcountry living located 20 miles north of Jacksonville and just east of Interstate-95 on A1A. There is easy access to both Amelia Island and the Jacksonville International Airport. Wildlight is being created by Raydient Places + Properties, a taxable subsidiary of Rayonier Inc., a real estate investment trust. For more information please visit Wildlight.com.

First Federal Bank of Florida to Build Newest Full-Service Branch in Wildlight

WILDLIGHT, FL – April 16, 2018 – Today, Raydient Places + Properties announced that First Federal Bank of Florida (First Federal) will build a 2,000-sq. ft. full-service branch location in Wildlight, the new town under development located in Nassau County.

“We are proud of this initiative and grateful to be a leader in this new community, which will enhance our prominence in Nassau County,” said Keith Leibfried, president and CEO, First Federal Bank of Florida. “We are excited about the opportunity to expand our services further west and develop a new branch that will offer a more modern banking experience for customers.”

Founded in 1962, First Federal is a community-based mutual bank that serves customers at multiple branch locations across North Florida. First Federal has recently announced plans to merge with Coastal Banking Company, the holding company of CBC National Bank, which currently has one branch in Fernandina Beach, FL. This merger and the opening of its Wildlight branch, will increase First Federal’s presence to four locations throughout Nassau County.

“We are excited to welcome Nassau County’s soon to be largest financial institution as the latest company to establish a location in Wildlight,” said Charles Adams, vice president of Community Development for Raydient Places + Properties. “First Federal Bank of Florida’s commitment to its customers and the communities in which it serves is directly in line with Wildlight’s core values.”

The bank’s stand-alone building in Wildlight will be designed using the community’s Florida Lowcountry architectural guidelines. Projected completion date is early 2019. Terms of the sale have not been disclosed.

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About First Federal Bank of Florida

First Federal Bank of Florida is a community bank founded in the heart of North Florida in 1962. Today, First Federal is a $1.37 billion-asset institution offering a full line of personal and business financial solutions, loans, and services from Florida’s Panhandle to the First Coast. First Federal is a mutual bank and continues to receive a “5-Star, Superior” financial rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., of Coral Gables, FL. For more information, visit www.ffbf.com.

About Wildlight

Wildlight is envisioned as a new town inspired by a character, culture and pattern of living that we call “Florida Lowcountry,” where play is a part of every day and the natural world is a natural part of life. The plan for Wildlight includes a mix of homes, townhomes and rental apartments together with businesses, shops and restaurants, a new elementary school and a system of connecting trails and pathways intended to promote a walkable community and healthy lifestyle. Our Phase 1 plan is flexible and currently designed for about 1,000 homes throughout 260 acres, approximately. In addition, the community will have approximately 350 acres of permanently preserved open space. Wildlight offers comfortable and friendly Florida Lowcountry living located 20 miles north of Jacksonville and just east of Interstate-95 on A1A. There is easy access to both Amelia Island and the Jacksonville International Airport. Wildlight is being created by Raydient Places + Properties, a taxable subsidiary of Rayonier Inc., a real estate investment trust. For more information please visit Wildlight.com.

WILDLIGHT, FL – March 20, 2018 – Wildlight, the mixed-use, new town under development in Nassau County, is proud to announce Comcast as its newest technology provider. Comcast plans to deliver a high-speed fiber network solution throughout the entire community. In addition, Comcast plans to deploy outdoor community Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots for residents, businesses and community members to enjoy.

“At Comcast, we strive to create the best entertainment and online experience for all communities and their residents,” said Rafael Visbal, Vice President of Xfinity Communities for Comcast’s Florida Region. “We are extremely pleased to work with Wildlight to provide a comprehensive network with gigabit-speed capability to every aspect of this unique community – from the residential neighborhoods to the commercial and retail sectors, in addition to Wildlight Elementary School.”

From the beginning, Wildlight’s developer understood the importance of establishing a strong technology foundation for the community. Residents and businesses will have access to high-speed internet, home entertainment services and community Wi-Fi from day one.

“During the initial planning phase, we made a conscious decision to invest in technology as a necessary amenity for the entire community,” said Charles Adams, vice president of community development for Wildlight. “We are excited to work with Comcast to help build Wildlight’s technology infrastructure and ensure all entities within our community have universal access to the most advanced communications network.”

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About Comcast

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal.  Comcast Cable is one of the nation’s largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the XFINITY brand, and also provides these services to businesses.  It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the XFINITY brand.  NBCUniversal operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures and Universal Parks and Resorts. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

About Wildlight

Wildlight is envisioned as a new town inspired by a character, culture and pattern of living that we call “Florida Lowcountry,” where play is a part of every day and the natural world is a natural part of life. The plan for Wildlight includes a mix of homes, townhomes

and rental apartments together with shops and restaurants, a new elementary school and a system of trails and pathways intended to make it healthy and walkable and connect it all together. Our Phase 1 plan is flexible and currently designed for about 1,000 homes across about 260 acres plus nearly 350 acres of permanently preserved open space. Wildlight will offer comfortable and friendly Florida Lowcountry living 20 miles north of Jacksonville, just east of Interstate 95 on A1A, with easy access to both Amelia Island and the Jacksonville International Airport. Wildlight is being created by Raydient Places + Properties, a taxable subsidiary of Rayonier Inc., a real estate investment trust. For more information please visit Wildlight.com.

WILDLIGHT, FL. – Feb. 22, 2018 – Today, Raydient Places + Properties announced that Skinner Bros. Realty will build the first retail complex on the northeast corner of Wildlight’s front entrance. Skinner Bros. Realty is in the final stages of purchasing the first two acres of an overall three-acre development which will begin with a 9,100-sq. ft. multi-tenant building plus a courtyard and a 4,000-sq. ft. building on the corner of Wildlight Blvd. and A1A.

“There is so much momentum in Nassau County right now, and we see the new town of Wildlight as a major factor in that growth,” said Chet Skinner, vice president of Skinner Brothers Realty. “We were excited by Wildlight’s Florida Lowcountry architectural character and design and look forward to delivering a quality product for future residents, businesses, and the local community to enjoy for years to come.”

Focusing on the multi-tenant building first, the Jacksonville-based real estate developer submitted a preliminary site plan to Nassau County’s Development Review Committee (DRC) in November 2017. This building will include an outside courtyard and covered dining area. Following the DRC’s review, Skinner Bros. Realty is working with engineering consultant Connelly and Wicker and design firm Ervin Lovett Miller to build-out the site’s full horizontal construction plan. Skinner Bros. Realty plans to submit civil drawings to Nassau County in February 2018.

“We are very pleased to work with Skinner Bros. Realty to develop the first retail space in Wildlight,” said Charles Adams, vice president of Community Development for Wildlight. “Skinner Bros. Realty’s vast experience and success in developing and managing retail projects for this type of community make them a natural fit for Wildlight.”

Construction is expected to begin this summer. Terms of the sale have not been disclosed.

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About Skinner Bros. Realty

Skinner Bros. Realty Company, established in January 1999, is a developer, investor, owner and manager of retail, office and mixed-use properties. The firm specializes in acquisition, planning, permitting, development and marketing of real estate as well as the representation of individual and corporate clients in the search for premier business locations.

 

About Wildlight

Wildlight is envisioned as a new town inspired by a character, culture and pattern of living that we call “Florida Lowcountry,” where play is a part of every day and the natural world is a natural part of life. The plan for Wildlight includes a mix of homes, townhomes

and rental apartments together with shops and restaurants, a new elementary school and a system of trails and pathways intended to make it healthy and walkable and connect it all together. Our Phase 1 plan is flexible and currently designed for about 1,000 homes across about 260 acres plus nearly 350 acres of permanently preserved open space. Wildlight will offer comfortable and friendly Florida Lowcountry living 20 miles north of Jacksonville, just east of Interstate 95 on A1A, with easy access to both Amelia Island and the Jacksonville International Airport. Wildlight is being created by Raydient Places + Properties, a taxable subsidiary of Rayonier Inc., a real estate investment trust. For more information please visit Wildlight.com.

WILDLIGHT, FL – January 24, 2018 – Today, Raydient Places + Properties announced that Florida Public Utilities (FPU) will relocate its Florida headquarters to Wildlight, the new town under development in Nassau County. The Florida energy provider is building a new, 18,000-square-foot office in Wildlight’s commercial district next door to Rayonier Inc.’s headquarters.

“Wildlight’s strategic location within our Florida service territory, and commitment to sustainable growth and infrastructure, make relocating to this community a natural fit,” said Jeff Householder, President of Florida Public Utilities. “We believe this move is a smart decision for our Company, our employees and our customers.”

Established in 1924, FPU provides natural gas, electricity and propane gas services to growing residential, commercial and industrial markets throughout Florida. FPU’s 315 employees provide energy services to customers in 39 Florida counties. The new FPU headquarters at Wildlight offers a central office location that is easily accessible to its company employees.

“This new location will enable us to serve our customers and pursue growth more economically, efficiently and effectively. It also demonstrates the Company’s on-going commitment to Florida, which has welcomed us as a business partner and neighbor for more than 90 years,” said Michael P. McMasters, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, FPU’s parent company.

FPU’s new headquarters building will incorporate Wildlight’s Florida Lowcountry architectural style, while complementing the area’s natural landscape. “We are pleased to welcome Florida Public Utilities as the newest company to put down roots in Wildlight,” said Charles Adams, Vice President of Community Development for Wildlight. “One of Wildlight’s key goals is to attract and retain quality corporations such as FPU and talented employees which will continue to strengthen and diversify Nassau County’s economy.”

Construction is set to begin in the summer of 2018.

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About Florida Public Utilities 
Florida Public Utilities Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation. Headquartered in Fernandina Beach, Florida, FPU distributes natural gas and propane and provides electric services to approximately 120,000 customers in markets throughout Florida. For more information, visit fpuc.com.

About Wildlight

Wildlight is envisioned as a new town inspired by a character, culture and pattern of living that we call “Florida Lowcountry,” where play is a part of every day and the natural world is a natural part of life. The plan for Wildlight includes a mix of homes, townhomes and rental apartments together with shops and restaurants, a new elementary school and a system of trails and pathways intended to make it healthy and walkable and connect it all together. Our Phase 1 plan is flexible and currently designed for about 1,000 homes across about 260 acres plus nearly 350 acres of permanently preserved open space. Wildlight will offer comfortable and friendly Florida Lowcountry living 20 miles north of Jacksonville, just east of Interstate 95 on A1A, with easy access to both Amelia Island and the Jacksonville International Airport. Wildlight is being created by Raydient Places + Properties, a taxable subsidiary of Rayonier Inc., a real estate investment trust. For more information please visit Wildlight.com

WILDLIGHT, FL – Dec. 20, 2017 – Today, Wildlight, the new town under development in Nassau County, announced the opening of its StoryCenter, the construction of D.S. Ware’s first model home and the selection of CCMC as its community management company.

The StoryCenter serves as the community’s welcome center and central location for information about Wildlight. Featuring Wildlight’s signature Florida Lowcountry architecture, the StoryCenter provides a glimpse into the town’s unique character. “As the first stop for future homeowners and business investors considering a purchase in Wildlight, the StoryCenter is vital to telling the community’s story,” said Charles Adams, Vice President of Community Development for Wildlight.

D.S. Ware Homes will soon complete construction of its first model home near Wildlight’s Village Center. The cottage home is 2,001-sq. ft. and features the River Birch floor plan with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Prices start in the mid $200,000. “We’re excited to debut our first model home in Wildlight,” said Tony Raso, President, D.S. Ware Homes. “The River Birch offers Florida Lowcountry living at its best with a sweeping front porch and open floorplan. We’ve already seen strong interest, including lot reservations and sales during the pre-construction sales period and we expect this success to continue when we open the model home in 2018.”

In addition to the StoryCenter opening and construction of the first model home, Raydient Places + Properties, Wildlight’s developer, has selected CCMC, a nationally-recognized community management company, to develop community programs and services for Wildlight. With over 30 years of experience, CCMC brings people and neighborhoods together by focusing on human connectivity.

“We are extremely pleased to work with CCMC on developing lifestyle-oriented programs and community services to meet the needs of Wildlight’s future residents,” said Charles Adams, Vice President of Community Development for Wildlight. “In every community they serve, CCMC seeks to create a culture of connectivity between residents and their neighborhood, which is also one of Wildlight’s core values.”

About Wildlight

Wildlight is envisioned as a new town inspired by a character, culture and pattern of living that we call “Florida Lowcountry,” where play is a part of every day and the natural world is a natural part of life. The plan for Wildlight includes a mix of homes, townhomes and rental apartments together with shops and restaurants, a new elementary school and a system of trails and pathways intended to make it healthy and walkable and connect it all together. Our Phase 1 plan is flexible and currently designed for about 1,000 homes across about 260 acres plus nearly 350 acres of permanently preserved open space. Wildlight will offer comfortable and friendly Florida Lowcountry living 20 miles north of Jacksonville, just east of Interstate 95 on A1A, with easy access to both Amelia Island and the Jacksonville International Airport. Wildlight is being created by Raydient Places + Properties, a taxable subsidiary of Rayonier Inc., a real estate investment trust. For more information please visit Wildlight.com.

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Tech Gets Schooled
As tablets take over for textbooks and Smart Boards seriously cut down on chalk dust, more and more research is being done on the impact of technology in the classroom. And – good news! – the results are overwhelmingly positive.

Technology lets student learn at their own pace.
One of the greatest struggles teachers face is balancing the learning needs and speeds of an entire classroom of students. Almost all of today’s teaching apps allow for individualized instruction, letting students work at their own pace. This fights boredom in faster learners and frees up the teacher to work one-on-one with students who might need a little extra instruction.

Students are more enthusiastic about learning when technology is involved.
If you’ve ever seen a 3-year-old (or a teenager, or anyone in between!) with an iPad, you know a thing or two about what gets kids excited. Harnessing that excitement and bringing it into the classroom can make lessons more fun – and more likely to stick. Researchers have found that students and teachers alike tend to be more engaged and motivated when technology is an integral part of a lesson.

Early access to technology prepares student for the future.
The role that technology plays in our students’ daily lives is huge – but it’s nothing compared to the role it’ll play when they enter the workforce. Beyond basic computer literacy, students with access to technology learn to adapt quickly and solve problems in a distinctly 21st-century way. Early introductions to technology like 3D printers and robotics lab might even spark a talent that would have otherwise been left untapped!

Check out this video to see how Nassau County Public Schools are keeping their students up on the latest technology.

Setup for Economic Success

How do you kick off a thriving business community?

Economic development is both an art and a science. It’s not as simple as checking off a list of ingredients, but without some key elements, achieving success can be near-impossible. To build strong, vibrant communities, economic development boards are tasked with finding the right balance of work and play, business and pleasure. That way, communities can encourage businesses to build, expand or relocate, as well as homeowners to put down roots and support those businesses as customers and employees.

One factor communities must consider is transportation. Good transportation is not only dependent on a community’s infrastructure, but also on the location of the community itself. Access to Class I rail lines, major interstates and international airports all support business travel and consumer traffic. Seaports for importing and exporting can also impact how a business operates, manufactures its goods and distributes worldwide.

But transportation is just the beginning. For healthy economic development, you also need a quality workforce for local businesses to employ and a robust residential community to surround and support those businesses. That relies on residential perks such as smart urban design, first-rate schools and libraries and infrastructure for safety and security.

Economic development boards should make their community a place to play as well as work. Places for relaxation and recreation – lakes, oceans, greenspaces, parks, dining, entertainment and more ­– are essential to attracting and retaining residents. It’s not just about great offices, it’s about having a great time and loving where you live.

With these pieces in place, in a community that is well-planned for its residents and well-marketed to potential businesses, that community can grow and flourish.