Community Cooperative CEO appointed to Volunteer Florida

Stefanie Ink Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative, has been appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to a three-year term on the Florida Commission on Community Service, also known as Volunteer Florida.

“I’m honored to serve the people of Florida and help make an even greater impact throughout our region and state,” Edwards said. “Florida nonprofits are successful through the work of many, many volunteers, and as organization leaders, we have learned about the collective power of volunteers in everyday service and especially in disasters like Hurricane Ian.”

Community Cooperative established the Lee County Strong Hurricane Relief Fund the day Hurricane Ian made landfall to provide displaced residents and families with food and basic needs, as well as assist hurricane victims with additional resources and long-term recovery assistance.

The fund got the attention of The Joel Foundation, founded by singersongwriter Billy Joel and wife Alexis, which donated $250,000 to the fund and allowed for Community Cooperative to help meet the needs of many families who lost their homes and jobs due to the hurricane.

Edwards was recognized by DeSantis in 2022 with the Spirit of Community Award by the Florida Commission on the Status of Women for her positive impact and serving as a positive role model for her work with Community Cooperative as well as volunteer work for other organizations, including the PACE Center for Girls Lee County, the American Cancer Society, Girls Going Places, Lee County Continuum of Care Governing Board Member, Lee Health Foundation, Fort Myers High School, Florida Gulf Coast University, Greater Fort Myers Chamber Women in Business, Leadership Lee County, Lee County Planned Giving Council, IMAG Science and History Center, United Way of Lee County and Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club.

Edwards is a graduate of the Lutgert College of Business at Florida Gulf Coast University and received her master’s degree from the University of Florida. She oversees all of Community Cooperative’s operations, fundraising, development and volunteer programs that include 2,500

VOLUNTEER See page 4

Business Services

Finding funds to expand your business

By Rhonda Macduff Guest Columnist

There are a few ways a business can get equipment, trucks and trailers with ease and also with working capital to help with the unexpected expense of a large order.

Equipment leasing programs are a great way for businesses to acquire the machinery needed to increase production. A fixed monthly payment to meet your budget, which can be 24-, 36-, 48or 60-month terms and you having ownership at the end.

The process is easy, with a one-page application, for up to $500,000 without any financials required. Decisions made the same day usually, and the paperwork is minimal. Within days, completion of the lease is finalized.

New or used equipment for all industries, which would include construction, HVAC, restaurant, industrial and as many others.

Trucks, trailers and vehicles used for business can be leased, new or used, with many options available. And you own at the end of the term.

Benefits to consider equipment leasing include 100% tax deductible terms, low monthly payments (compared to purchase), saving bank lines of credit for future need and preserving your capital.

Working capital is available for immediate cash flow, with a onepage application, no financials and funding within days. Shorter term than leasing, but most companies are approved because of the flexibility of credit. Many in the food industry utilize this process to get quick money.

If the bank has rejected your credit, one of these two programs could be of help to your business. We are located in North Fort Myers.

Rhonda Macduff is the owner of Equities Funding in North Fort Myers. Contact (239) 747-9955.