Expansions, promotions and more: Business news in Ocala/Marion County for May 23, 2022

Ocala Star-Banner
·4 min read

Epic Flight Academy expands to Ocala

New Smyrna Beach-based Epic Flight Academy has opened a satellite location at the Ocala International Airport for the academy's FAA Part 141 flight training program, according to a company news release.

In prepared remarks, Chief Flight Instructor Vic Johnson said: "The Ocala area has a large and established aviation industry, and we already have flight students in this area. The central Florida location offers close proximity to major airports, such as Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville. This allows students to train in various classes of airspace. When we decided to open this satellite location, all of these factors were a consideration.”

Student pilot Zack Wohlart, at left, trains in a new state-of-the-art Cessna 172 simulator with instructor Mo Alani at Epic Flight Academy at New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport.
Student pilot Zack Wohlart, at left, trains in a new state-of-the-art Cessna 172 simulator with instructor Mo Alani at Epic Flight Academy at New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport.

CEP announces new chief growth officer

Heather Shubirg has been named chief growth officer for the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP), according to a news release. She previously served as executive vice president for Team Volusia Economic Development Corp., senior director of business development in the advanced manufacturing and technology sectors at the Orlando Economic Partnership, and as vice president of business development of Enterprise Florida.

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REV Fire Group introduces fully electric fire truck

REV Fire Group, which includes Ocala-based E-ONE, has introduced Vector, "the first North American-style fully electric fire truck," according to a company news release.

The truck "is innovatively engineered so firefighters can drive and pump on electric power only. Developed with technology partner Emergency One Group LTD – maker of the world’s first EV fire truck – this new electric fire truck packs 316 kW of proven automotive-grade batteries to deliver the longest electric pumping duration in the industry," the release says.

Josh Parkin
Josh Parkin

Separately, E-ONE has named Josh Parkin as its new director of operations, based in Ocala.

"Parkin will be responsible for production of all fire apparatus manufactured in the Ocala facility and will work closely with critical functions to improve productivity and drive enhanced operational performance," according to a company news release.

Big grant for CareerSource

CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion has received an $844,712 federal grant to support its Phoenix Rising YouthBuild program.

In this 2020 file photo, Darrell Wilkerson with CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion and the Phoenix Rising YouthBuild program writes a message on one of the studs used in a wall at a home in Silver Spring Shores.
In this 2020 file photo, Darrell Wilkerson with CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion and the Phoenix Rising YouthBuild program writes a message on one of the studs used in a wall at a home in Silver Spring Shores.

"YouthBuild is a pre-apprenticeship, competitive grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. This is the fourth such grant obtained since 2013" to support the program, CLM said in a news release.

RealTruck opens distribution center in Utah

Ocala-based RealTruck has opened a distribution center in Salt Lake City, according to a company news release.

"The 230,000-square-foot warehouse will allow the company to expedite shipping to customers out west and will help RealTruck overcome supply chain challenges that many businesses face today," RealTruck said in the release. The company is an online retailer of truck parts and accessories.

Jim Couillard re-appointed to state council

Marion County Parks & Recreation Director Jim Couillard has been appointed for another term on the Florida Greenways and Trails Council, according to a county government news release.

“This will be my third two-year term on the council,” Couillard is quoted as saying in the release. “During the first two, I was still a bit green in understanding our mission and what type of impact we have. Years three and four were really hindered by the pandemic, so now, we are really working well together and making great decisions for the future.”

Local HCA hospitals get top grade from Leapfrog

HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital received A grades in the most recent Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade.

"This national distinction recognizes HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error in the hospital," the hospitals said in a news release.

CF receives $100,000 grant to help parents attending school part time

The College of Central Florida has received a $100,000 grant from the Edward K. Roberts Community College Fund and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

The money will "support parents who are attending college part time," CF said in a news release, with a special emphasis on parents of students at College Park Elementary School, which is CF’s partner school.

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This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Promotions and more: Business news in Ocala/Marion County, Florida