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Estero residents help shape its future Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Karen P. Moore, Publisher
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Entrepreneurs and business leaders reflect on 2019 and consider what 2020 has in store.
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Aerial view of the Punta Gorda Airport.
AeroGuard flight center opens Punta Gorda school AeroGuard Flight Training Center, headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz., announced the opening of its fifth campus, located at the Punta Gorda Airport. For AeroGuard, this marks its first campus on the East Coast with other locations in Riverside, Calif., Austin, Texas, Chandler, Ariz. and Phoenix, Ariz. AeroGuard’s core mission is to help young men and women create better futures for themselves through a career as commercial airline pilots. The industry projections show that over 790,000 new pilots will be needed over the next 20 years, putting AeroGuard students on a path toward one of the most indemand careers in the world. Regarded as one of the premier flight schools in the nation, AeroGuard FTC offers career-focused accelerated pilot training curriculum for cadets looking to jumpstart their careers as commercial airline pilots, no experience required. The carefully optimized curriculum taught at AeroGuard’s various locations, including the newly implemented Punta Gorda Flight School, can help students launch their careers at a regional airline in about two years from starting the program. From AeroGuard CEO Joel Davidson:
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Brady Photos by Christine trade to the Southof international offices. about the importance Buqueras talks Lee County Economic Development Director Carlos the first-ever stop at Port Manatee Executive during the Port’s west Florida market
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IN THE NEWS
to Dave Gammon elevated Charlotte EDO director
in the wake of Charlotte County, joinLucienne Pears former director Partners at Babcock ing Kitson and former Business Ranch, elevated and interim Recruitment Supervisor to executive director Dave Gammon Economic Developdirector of the ment Office. face in reGammon is a familiar he development as gional economic three years with his has proven in EDO. County Charlotte continue leading He is excited to like developments several existing page 19
Florida to communities in second one of four host as part of the Lee County was from seven countries welcome companiesTrade Summit. Manatee, annual International International Trade Hub at Port Fort Lauseries visited Organized by The one day Business opportunity ota and Tampa for the 2019 Global Bradenton/Saras derdale, Fort Myers,to 29. 26 Office, Southwest each from Aug. ReEconomic Development and the Southwest The Lee County Chamber of Commerce the event, which Florida Hispanic Association co-hosted gional Manufacturers Gulf Railway. Chile, Colombia, was sponsored Seminole from Argentina, other locales International companies Spain, Peru and Mexico, goods, artisanal apparel, El Salvador, Guatemala, food, coffee, fruits, cooking systems featured wine, snack and state-of-the-art to merchandise companies Lee County industryof founded as part summit showcases during the summit. Trade Hub at Port Manatee, and An expo-style from seven nations markets in Florida and business leaders visiting Summit. The International International Trade advice as a vital link between provides expert See page 6 the second annual in 2014, serves world. The hub TRADE throughout the
ENEURS h SALUTE TO ENTREPR poised for growt and Business Intermediary Proess Advisors experi- a CertifiedMergers & Acquisitions transaction Edison Busin the IBBA ap- Certified designations from ence totaling partner and
GAMMON See
Privacy & Cyber Security d Forum announce
& Cyber SeA special Privacy held on Friwill be at curity Forum 9 a.m. to noon day, Nov. 8, fromNews Community the Naples Daily room. Companies will William C. Huff and insponsor the informational for the community. teractive forum forum is for atThe goal of the clearer undera tendees to gain keep their famito standing of how businesses private. lies, wealth and FORUM See page
18
in fi$170 fessional a Eric Gall, managing with a concentration proximately for Edison Avenue, won and an MBAthe University of Michigan. broker of record brokerage and lower million. Gall transactions and nance from leading business Gall in business the 2018, 2016 and acquisitions Niehaus, Bro- Assisting middle market mergers Pfeffer, Steven 2014 Business significant changes No. 1 are Michael and Phillip Reda. firm, is announcing kers of Florida Edward Valaitis Business Adto operations. Top Dollar Producer to rebrand itself Pfeffer joins Edison of business The firm has decided over 20 years Award for Southwest Advisors” to better out visors with experience, including 12 as “Edison Business service offerings, Florida, beating busi- transactionbusiness brokerage franchise communicate addedbusiness appraisals, Gall a over 90 other He is years as Southwest Florida. Pfeffer is a including certified appraisals and certiness brokers. owner in Certified certified equipment Business Brokers Board Certified Intermediary, International an and also page 6 strategies. See fied exit EDISON Chairman’s Circle mergers and acquisiBrokerage and led by Association Award winner. Eric holds continue to be tions efforts will 20 years of business Deal Maker Gall. He has over OPENING
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Hoffmann Family buys Hertz Arena, Everblades
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The Hoffmann Family of Companies has entered into an agreement to purchase the Florida Everblades and the Hertz Arena. Plans are underway for a complete renovation of the 8,284-seat, multipurpose arena. The improvements will include enhanced skyboxes, food services and installation of a state-ofthe-art scoreboard. Hertz Arena, which opened in 1998 as Everblades Arena, hosts a variety of events including concerts, Cirque du Soleil, Disney on Ice, boxing and trade shows. The venue offers
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25 suites, two additional ice rinks, a private club and a pub, Breakaway Sports Pub. The arena is also home to the Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles club hockey team of the American Collegiate Hockey Association. “We are optimistic that all of the 330 employees will remain with the Hoffmann Family of Companies,” said Craig Brush, Florida Everblades President and General Manager, who signed a five-year contract and has a commitment from all his senior staff to remain in place. “We are thrilled to be acquired by
A specially focused monthly section exploring the SWFL commercial real estate marketplace.
IN THE NEWS
Fort Myers sixth Business Summit slated for Sept. 20
Holly Bell addresses citrus growers about the 25,000-plus uses for industrial hemp, which can now be grown legally in Florida
Cannabis chief promises rich stash for hemp growers Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Jacob Ogles, Editor
SUMMIT See page 7
When other states started authorizing farmers to grow hemp, it didn’t take long to realize there was no place to sell it. Because no structures had been put in place for processing and manufacturing plants, state officials found themselves rushing a regulatory structure through so farmers could offload their first harvests. Holly Bell, Florida’s first Director of Cannabis, plans to learn from that mistake. She said the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will make sure all parts of the burgeoning hemp industry can move forward as soon as new rules unroll later this fall. “When our farmers are ready for a cash flow, we want to encourage them to get going,” she said.
Applications being accepted for the 25th Blue Chip Award The 25th Annual Southwest Florida Blue Chip Community Business Award application deadline is fast approaching. The Blue Chip Community Business Award recognizes successful, small businesses in Lee, Collier or Charlotte County that have overcome adversity to achieve success. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, Sept. 4. The independent judges select the honoree after all the applications AWARD See page 19
Bell spoke in August at the Citrus Expo and Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo, where growers from around the region gathered to hear her discuss this new and just recently legal product to diversify their inventory. Just a few years ago, there were no legal reasons to grow cannabis in Florida. Now, medical marijuana dispensaries pop up in more shopping centers each week. Soon, farmers will grow non-narcotic hemp crops. With the 2018 federal farm bill allowing hemp to grow, a budding industry will soon emerge in Florida. The Legislature this year authorized a pilot program for growing hemp in the Sunshine State, and state officials are nearly done weeding through a stack of public suggestions.
GrowFL announced this year’s 50 Florida Companies to Watch honorees, including three from Southwest Florida. Companies to Watch is a statewide competition that identifies companies expected to see significant growth over the next several years. The GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards program—now in its ninth year—honors 50 select second-stage companies from throughout Florida for developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and broadening new industries throughout Florida. Chosen from 500 growing second-stage nominations from throughout, Florida, the 50 companies named as the 2019 Florida Companies to Watch honorees generated nearly $1 billion in revenue and added over 900 jobs between 2015 and 2018. Together, the honorees project a 35 percent increase in revenue and 37 percent increase in job growth in 2019 compared to 2018. “These stand-out companies are all led by entrepreneurs, and have demonstrated their capacity and intent to grow,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, GrowFL executive director. “They also all have critical intellectual property or a niche position that gives them a competitive edge in their markets,” he said. Local honorees include: Cottrell Title & Escrow, Collier County; Mettauer Environmental, Lee County; and VeraData, Lee County . “This list recognizes second-stage Florida companies with passionate leaders who are making a difference in growing and diversifying our economy,” said Jennifer Barrows, GrowFL Chairman of the GrowFL Advisory Board and Business Development Executive with WithumSmith+Brown, PC. Second-stage companies are those
HEMP See page 5
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The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce has announced an exciting line-up for its 2019 Business Summit, set for Sept. 20. The summit, now in its sixth year, will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers. This year’s keynote address is “Communicate Your Way to Success,” by entrepreneur, business coach and international speaker Jason Evers. Evers has traveled to more than 20 countries on five continents
such a prestigious company. Our partnership with the Hertz Corporation and now this new ownership ensures that Hertz Arena will maintain our strong community presence and continue to be the number one choice for entertainment in Southwest Florida.” The team and the arena were previously owned by Peter Karmanos, founder of Compuware Corporation and prior majority owner of the Carolina Hurricanes in the National Hockey League. “Simply put, without the support of
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IN THE NEWS Collier names Pelican as ‘Business of the Wire Month’
During the July ty Commission 9 Collier CounWire was named meeting, Pelican ty ‘Business of the Collier Counthe Month’ and recognized by was the a manufacturing Board for being County for over leader in Collier 40 years. Pelican Wire President Ted Bill, who received the are truly honored award, said “We Collier County to be named the Month’ for July.‘Business of the Since moving AWARD See page
Gov. DeSantis announces job growth grants
4
Gov. Ron DeSantis the Florida Departmentannounced of Economic Opportunity Florida are acceptingand Enterprise economic development project proposals for the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. $40 million is available to fund training and public job projects that support infrastructure growth and employment in Florida. “We know
the frastructure projects importance inand workforce training has on economic development,” said DeSantis. “The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund will help Florida communities ensure they GRANTS See page
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Dr. Sandra Kauanui (left) and Noemi Ailynee Ramirez, Y. Perez (right) Jessica Sales, with - TIF Shark Daisy Montanez, Tank winners
Alondra Estrada Swap & Shop teamNeika Exulus, Young entrep reneurs share ideas, earn award s
Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Noemi Y. Perez Southwest Florida tion’s business-theme students in The Immokalee Foundad summer camp entrepreneurial recently shared ideas their Tank event modeled and garnered awards during a Shark The four-week after the popular TV show. was a partnership Business Management Pathway Coast University’sbetween the foundation and Floridacamp Gulf developed businessInstitute for Entrepreneursh ip. among them: finding plans that solved problems Students common clothes on a budget; centric finances; handling ñera; and findinggetting better sleep; planning studenta quincearestaurants suitable stricted diets. for people with reStudent teams gave presentations about ences, startup costs, their target audiprojected profits, marketing other aspects of entrepreneurial plans and Dr. Sandra Kauanui, enterprises at iTECH mokalee. Judges FGCU Director spoke during the for of Entrepreneurs Smart Companies the presentations were: Brian in Imevent. hip, Rist, The Smart Companies executive chairman; Sofia Blanno, gram allows shoppers to arrange tor of corporate intern; and Matthew Turner, Hertz The through social an app, then physically to buy, sell or swap items direcFirst place awards responsibility. central location exchange those in Immokalee. items at a Shop team of Neika of $500 each went to the MentorUs, Daisy Montanez Exulus, Jessica Sales, Alondra Swap & smart financial an app that encourages students and Ailynee Ramirez. Estrada, decisions, earned interested in dressing Aimed at students for team members second place of to make fashionably on $250 each Alex Soriano, a budget, the pro- ie Etienne, Azael Simon-Quirino Je’an Espinoza, Myrlandand Simson Devesaint.
Fort Myers Mayor
Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Karen P. Moore,
launches Divers ity Committee
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more inclusive city. Publisher Student Hailey Countryman asked her employer, Sanibel Captiva “It is never too the Mayor if he munity Bank, Comlate to give up had to FGCU’s College on diversity whom a team of advisors Education. your prejudices.” of Henry David Thoreau for guidance. Since he could rely on said, “We In a recent interview she can’t really say question was no, the answer to that ing to be representative we are tryat that moment Fort Myers Mayor derson felt Henof our city’s derson has known Randy Hen- a team. inspired to create just such residents and community if we don’t have diversity Ndiang’ui wanted Florida Gulf Coast University on the to make She sure the Mayor explained the council itself.” was prepared ter Ndiang’ui for professor Dr. Pe- road ahead committee drew about 10 years and asked him, for the its 18 members was a guest speaker and from the commu“Are in his class, “In- really able to handle the truth?” you nity, representing troduction to Diversity,” diversity project moved The ethnicity, forward. in Novemgender and sexualin race, ber. Henderson Beth Countryman, asked students Hailey’s moth- tity. “We can’t be a committee idenhe could do to what er, became make Fort Myers up of old white made involved with men and think the project, going a which led to we are a $25,000 donation to be in charge of diversity.” from DIVERSITY See page 11 Payment Plans Available • Discounted Merchandise Parking Options Discount • Presale • Private Parties & Exclusive Gifts on Hertz Arena Concerts & Family Shows Buy Any 19/20 & Get A $20 Membership Pack FORD’S GIFT & ‘BLADES TOTE CARD BAG Valid on any NEW
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Six Lee businesses earn top honors at Industry Awards
FLIGHT See page 3
ESTERO See page 18
IN THE NEWS
Six Lee County-based companies earned top honors Friday at the 2019 Industry Appreciation Awards ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs. 19/20 SEASON
“The launch of our new flight school at the Punta Gorda Airport in Charlotte County, Florida, is an exciting moment for AeroGuard Flight Training Center. To date, AeroGuard has been rooted in the Southwest of the country, where we have campuses across Arizona, California and Texas. Now, the success of these campuses has put us in a position where we can confidently expand to Florida and the East Coast. “High-quality, safe, career-track flight training has the potential to change lives. Our new campus in Punta Gorda gives us an incredible opportunity to reach new cadets, helping them to create their own bright futures, while we work hard to meet the rising global
The Estero Council of Community Leaders, founded in 2002, was a key force behind the village’s incorporation in 2014. Moving forward, this organization continues to participate in and shape the growth of the Village with several advocacy councils. These include transportation, education, community development, environmental, health and arts/entertainment. At a recent ECCL meeting, Alex Greenwood spoke on behalf of Lee Health and its goals for Estero. With the opening of the Estero Health Center and the recent purchase of the Bonita Community Health Center, Greenwood noted, “We are well on our way to accomplishing where we want to be.” He added, “Lee Health remains committed to this community: we want to integrate and master plan the medical and healthcare development here in Estero.” Water quality, wildlife habitat and the preservation of open space in Estero has been top priority since the early days of the ECCL. The organization’s Environmental Council monitors and alerts residents of proposed new mines, developments in the density reduction – groundwater resource area, and public space planning, so residents’ input can be heard before a decision is made. For example, the ECCL mobilized around 300 residents to attend a County Commission hearing regarding limerock mining approvals in 2019, helped pass “Yes on 20/20” with an 84% approval rate, and encouraged and publicly supported the purchase of Estero on the River by the Village. The ECCL’s Transportation Committee participates in and monitors the planning that often takes place a decade ahead of time to ensure funding is provided when infrastructure improvements are needed. The committee also notifies the public of important input opportunities and represents Estero at important local, county and regional planning events as appropriate.
The winners in six categories were chosen for their innovation, integrity, product quality, community commitments and overall excellence in business and value to Lee County. The Industry Appreciation Awards are an annual collaborative effort between the Horizon AWARD See page 18
DECEMBER
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The national law firm of Quarles & Brady announced Kelly Lyon Davis, a partner in the Labor & Employment practice group, has been selected as the new Naples Office Managing Partner.
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Davis will oversee day-to-day management, implement operating and strategic plans, manage budgets and represent the office within the community. Davis succeeds T. Robert Bulloch, who became Office Managing Partner in 2011. DAVIS See page 3
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
DECEMBER 2019
DECEMBER 2019
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
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LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD
Bonita chamber held awards in August
Nearly 300 community and business leaders cheered on the 2019 Small Business of the Year and Bonita Springs Citizen of the Year Award winners at the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce’s Awards Celebration Luncheon in August. The 2019 Small Business of the Year Award was presented to Stickboy Creative, represented on-stage by founder Reema Bhatia. Stickboy Creative has been in business in Southwest Florida for 12 years. In that time, staff members have participated in community outreach including encouraging young adults to pursue STEM careers, supporting Hoops on Mission for at-risk kids, and judging the Collier County Public Schools App Challenge. Finalists for the 2019 Small Business of the Year Award were: Arc of Life Family Spinal Care, Bonita Boarding Kennel and Pet Camp, Bonita SpringsEstero REALTORS, CGT Kayaks, Rosier Insurance, Stickboy Creative and Tri-Town Construction. The Bonita Springs Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Harlan Parrish, Lee County President of FineMark National Bank & Trust. Parrish has been involved in the Bonita Springs area for more than 20 years, and is engaged with the United Way, Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Florida Gulf Coast University and more. Keynote Speaker Dianne E. Jacob of PNC Bank praised Parrish and other community members for their engagement. Jacob delivered a strong message about the importance of education in
The 2019 Honorary Pat Lord Award was presented to Danville Leadbetter of London Bay Homes. From left, Rich Mancini, Danville Leadbetter, Claudine Wetzel, Brian Bonacci and Tiffany Esposito.
Above: The keynote speaker was Dianne E. Jacob of PNC Bank. Left: Reema Bhatia of Stickboy Creative accepted the 2019 Small Business of the Year Award with Josh Zachritz. preparing the incoming workforce for future jobs. The 13th Honorary Pat Lord Award was presented to Danville Leadbetter of London Bay Homes, in recognition of his dedication to helping the Bonita Chamber team design and create The Hub. The Chamber Appreciation Award
FLIGHT PAGE 1
DAVIS PAGE 1
demand for highly trained pilots.” AeroGuard’s premier Pilot Pathway Program is offered in partnership with SkyWest Airlines to provide students with a direct path from flight school to employment as a commercial airline pilot. The training center offers an all-inclusive tuition model and reimbursement packages with SkyWest Airlines. With its accelerated curriculum, high safety standards and student support programs, AeroGuard has become a top option for individuals looking to begin a career in aviation. Individuals interested in learning more about starting a career in aviation and enrolling at AeroGuard can visit flyaeroguard.com and connect with an enrollment advisor for more information.
Bulloch will continue to serve as a partner in the firm’s Estate, Trust & Wealth Preservation practice group. Davis practices in all areas of labor and employment law, helping employers manage their workforces. This includes employment-related litigation and counseling of employee-related matters such as investigating and defending discrimination and harassment charges and lawsuits, providing workplace training for employees and supervisors on a variety of topics like sexual harassment, antibullying, respect and professionalism in the workplace, good documentation practices, discipline, FLSA compliance, and litigating wage and hour collective actions.
was presented to Bonita Springs-Estero REALTORS, represented by Meighan Harris. Outgoing Board of Directors Chairman Kim Hastings presented the Chairman’s Award to Westley Weidenmiller of Presstige Printing, and welcomed incoming Chairman, Rich Mancini of Henderson Franklin.
2020 programs, benefits offered for local businesses
Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce a fresh line up of new programs and member benefits in the first quarter of 2020. The launch of these programs will give local business owners more opportunities than ever to learn new industry trends, help employees develop their skillsets and connections, and get immersed in the community. “Chamber Chat” is a new podcast series featuring interviews with Bonita Chamber members and community experts that will include quick takeaways on specific topics. Each podcast will be 20 minutes or less and can be easily accessed and downloaded starting in January from BonitaSpringsChamber.com, Spotify, Apple Music and more. Also launching in 2020 is a new panel-style program called Business Owners Sharing Solutions. BOSS will feature panels of business owners who will share their perspectives and tips on problems local organizations face, from employee retention to handling difficult conversations with clients or colleagues. Visit BonitaSpringsChamber.com in January 2020 to find dates and locations for this new series. Looking for a free place to connect to wi-fi, enjoy coffee, hold offsite meetings or catch up on work remotely? Use the Hub at the Bonita Chamber as your one-stop shop. BONITA See page 4
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DECEMBER 2019
Fort Myers Chamber panel discusses impact of $15 wage
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce addressed the potential business impact of a statewide proposal to increase minimum wage levels during a business breakfast held Nov. 8 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers. A proposed ballot initiative to raise Florida’s minimum wage to $15 an hour will be discussed during the upcoming legislative session and is expected to be included on the 2020 ballot. The panelists addressed the business perspective about the consequences if the increase of minimum wage is increased from $8.46 an hour today up to $15 an hour in 2026. The Chamber assembled a panel of economic and business professionals to share information and provide education on this potential increase in Florida. “The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce recognizes the challenge of earning a living wage, and we believe compensation should be based on what the local market will bear,” said Colleen DePasquale, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce. “Voters need to really understand the impact of government mandated minimum wage increases – especially how local businesses will be impacted if it were to come to fruition. We had representatives from both sides of the discussion provide a balanced, knowledgeable overview of what this means for our region.” Panel participants included Dana Brunett, senior business development specialist for the Lee County Economic Development Office; Victor Claar, Ph.D., associate professor of economics for Florida Gulf Coast University’s (FGCU) Depart®
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ment of Economics; Lois Croft, regional director for Lee, Collier, Charlotte and Glades counties for the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA); and Jay Johnson, owner of Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon in Cape Coral. Janeth Castrejon of CareerSource said she learned information but was left wanting a more balanced picture.
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Phil Stalnaker introduces panel - Lois Croft, Jay Johnson, Victor Claar, Dana Brunett.
“Areas of concern about this mandatory increase or unintended consequences are elimination of entry level jobs, tips may be eliminated for servers, reduction of hours for staff, businesses forced to increase wages for other employees, high costs for employers that need to pass onto the customer. The Southwest Florida market consists mainly on small businesses that may be negatively impacted by this increase and may not have the resources big corporations have to pass the big expense,” she said. “Besides understanding the unintended consequences, the panel did not address the positive impact it can have on the individual employees and their families. According to the Pew Research Center survey conducted spring 2019, 67% of Americans support raising the minimum wage. Two-thirds of Americans may be supporting this increase due to the high increase in inflation over the years, the not-so-affordable workforce housing issue, and despite the lowest unemployment in a decade, wages have not increase as historically has. Overall, the panel did address the business community concerns, but a diversified panel with both sides of this debate may be more educational to the community.” The panel was moderated by John Talmage, director of the Lee County Economic Development Office. The event was hosted by the Member Advocacy Committee of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, which acts as a voice for businesses on legislative, community and economic development issues within the Greater Fort Myers area through leadership and education.
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This space is free to use and is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 25071 Chamber of Commerce Drive in Bonita Springs. Its central location is perfect for busy professionals who drive between Naples, Fort Myers and beyond for appointments. The first quarter of 2020 will also mark the application deadlines for the Bonita Chamber’s two signature development programs: Impact SWFL and Leadership Bonita. Impact SWFL is a five-month professional development program that fast-tracks new connections and community engagement for young professionals looking to become leaders in their industry. Leadership Bonita is more than 350 graduates strong and will celebrate its 22nd year in 2020. This eight-month program features fullday sessions that give participants behind-the-scenes tours of organizations critical to Southwest Florida’s operations. Graduates of Leadership Bonita make lifelong business connections and friendships. Applications for Impact SWFL and Leadership Bonita are available online at BonitaSpringsChamber. com under the “Programs & Events” tab. 2020 will be full of new Bonita Chamber programs and benefits and will kick off with a Chamber tradition – the Community Expo at the Promenade. Businesses can call (239) 992-2943 for the opportunity to purchase a table display at this signature event, which saw more than 1,400 community attendees last year in just a three-hour span. To receive news updates from the Bonita Chamber, follow its Facebook Page, @BSAChamber or contact Communications@BonitaSprings Chamber.com to be added to its informational email list.
DECEMBER 2019
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 5
TaxWatch, CareerSource turn attention to Florida manufacturing Florida TaxWatch, joined by Sen. Debbie Mayfield, R-Melbourne, CareerSource Florida, the Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Chamber Foundation and the Florida Manufacturing & Logistics Council released its latest report, From Grease & Grime to Technology & Talent, summarizing the findings of the second annual FloridaMakes 2019 Florida MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, held on May 31 in Orlando. The report highlights the state’s manufacturing industry and its impact on the economy, details industry challenges and strategies proposed to confront them, and presents policy and business recommendations for continued manufacturing growth and prosperity in Florida. “With more than 20,000 manufacturing companies providing 381,000 high-wage jobs to Floridians across our state, it is clear that manufacturing is not only a driver of Florida’s economy, but critically essential to the continued economic growth and success of business throughout our state,” said Robert Weissert, executive vice president and counsel to the president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch. “Today, Florida TaxWatch is proud to be joined by Florida’s business and manufacturing leaders to announce the release of From Grease & Grime to Technology & Talent, which presents valuable analysis of the strategic challenges facing Florida’s manufacturers, and lays out the constructive strategies proposed by participating industry leaders and experts to overcome them.” Lee County leaders echoed the sentiment. “Manufacturing employs higher wage and high skill-level jobs. You need manufacturers to be able to provide those types of jobs,” said Neil Kagan, executive director of the Southwest Florida Regional Manufacturing Association. “The biggest need is skilled labor. If you’ve got one of those higher-level skills, like welding or machining, you will be employed to-
For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com morrow and stay employed for 40 years.” “In Brevard and Indian River counties, and throughout the Space Coast, manufacturers are not only major employers for our families, but also incredible community partners,” said Mayfield. “As Florida continues its record-breaking economic growth, we know that manufacturing is one of the key drivers behind much of our success, and I am proud to support these job creators and innovators.” “Among the top challenges faced by Florida’s manufacturers today are employee recruitment and retention, and CareerSource Florida is working closely with our partners addressing these issues. To help close the skills gap and build a talent pipeline that connects Floridians with high-wage manufacturing jobs, we are collaborating with businesses and our education system to introduce students to apprenticeship opportunities and provide Floridians the training needed to stay competitive in an evolving skilled labor market,” said Michelle Dennard, president and CEO of CareerSource Florida. “We thank Florida TaxWatch for this comprehensive report and our partners for their continued focus on this important issue.” “At FloridaMakes, we work every day to strengthen Florida’s high-wage manufacturing sector by addressing the unique needs facing firms across our state,” said Kevin Carr, CEO of FloridaMakes. “Today, while Florida’s manufacturing sector is continuing to see growth, we also know that significant strategic challenges exist that must be identified and addressed. We hope that through this report, Florida’s policymakers and elected leaders will be provided a helpful outline of the needs of our industry and continue their good work to support business and job growth in our great state.”
“To create additional quality jobs, Florida must focus on the manufacturing sector. With 4.5 million more people expected to call Florida home by 2030, the Florida Chamber is uniting Florida’s business community to grow our state’s economy from the 17th largest to the 10th largest on the planet. And Florida’s manufacturing industry will help lead the way,” said Dr. Jerry Parrish, chief economist and director of research for the Florida Chamber Foundation. “As the Voice of Florida Business, the Associated Industries of Florida understands well the massive impact of manufacturing throughout the Sunshine State and is proud to be a member of this group advocating for continued growth for this important sector,” said Brewster Bevis, senior vice president of state and federal affairs of Associated Industries of Florida. “Today’s exciting release of the Florida TaxWatch report, From Grease & Grime to Technology & Talent, shows Florida’s clear vision for the future of manufacturing in our state. We hope that policymakers take advantage of this helpful resource and use the expertise within to build a strong road forward for manufacturing in Florida.” “Manufacturing is a huge driver of business and economic success in Florida and now is the time to secure future success for this industry with proper funding for the work of our great partner, FloridaMakes,” said former state Rep. Lake Ray, president of the Florida Manufacturing & Logistics Council. “Programs like FloridaMakes generate thousands of high-paying new jobs and are absolutely critical to the state’s efforts to diversify the economy and to the continued growth of Florida’s manufacturing sector. With federal matching dollars on the line, lawmakers have a great opportunity this session to provide proper funding to FloridaMakes and make a key investment in the future of manufacturing in Florida.”
71 businesses honored as ‘Family Friendly’ For the past 20 years, the Family Friendly Business Awards have acknowledged local businesses that support employees with families. Any business which offers benefits that assist employees in raising their children–such as flex time, health insurance or childcare reimbursement–are eligible to be recognized as a “Family Friendly Business”. This year, 71 local organizations were named a “Family Friendly Business” at the recent awards luncheon. Of these, four (based on the size of the business), were selected Employer of the Year, honoring them
as the top in their category. The 2019 award winners are: City of Naples, Large Business Employer of the Year; PBS Contractors, Medium-sized Business Employer of the Year; Children’s Dentistry of Naples, Small Business Employer of the Year and The Shelter for Abused Women & Children, Nonprofit Employer of the Year. Howard, says, “Family-friendly workplace policies pay big dividends by attracting and retaining top talent. CCCR is proud to host this program because it brings value to our whole community.”
Mayor Bill Barnett and Niccole Howard with Avery, Kate and Mazlyn Peterson representing Family First Legal Group.
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Page 6
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD Fieldr expands staff, grows business clients The Fieldr Team in recent months has accomplished a tremendous amount of progress and has made leaps and bounds in community engagement. The Southwest Florida-based tech startup known as Fieldr has truly taken the reigns on the startup life and has already been recognized across the local Southwest Florida communities. Fieldr currently has over 200 Student Users actively searching for their next employment position, and over 50 Businesses actively searching for their next candidate. Some of these students are representing FGCU, UCF and FSW, while some big-name businesses include Scotlynn Logistics, Enterprise Holdings, FlightDocs, Lee County School District, Collier County School District, United BY CONNOR Way and many more. The platform FIRMENDER is rapidly expanding and Fieldr is Guest Columnist releasing updates roughly every 30 days. Recently launched are expanded user profiles, automations, job applications in-site and a few more keys updates. Version 1.1 is set to launch at the beginning of 2020, which is rumored to include Direct Messaging and Scheduling. We encourage all of Southwest Florida to check out www.Fieldr.app and get your company registered today. The site is in web-app form with their mobile-app rolling out Spring 2020. The site is currently free to use, and Fieldr will be offering pre-paid options for Version 1.1 before it releases. Head over to www.Fieldr.app and get registered today. Connor Firmender is CEO and co-founder of Fieldr and co-founder of VIIX. He is an alumnus of the FGCU School of Entrepreneurship. Contact him at (203) 448-9181 or ConnorFirmender@gmail.com.
DECEMBER 2019
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD
Wrap up 2019, plan for 2020
December may be the busiest month of the products or services? Do year for your business. This month’s revenue you know what products may make or break your year. Snowbirds are and services are profitable, back, holiday shoppers are searching for the how profitable, and which right gifts, caterers and restaurants are feedare not? Are you pricing ing record numbers of party goers. If business correctly? Has your comis going well, you may feel too busy to think petition grown, declined or about 2020. If not, you may be lying awake at changed direction? Are you night trying to figure out if you can recover. positioned to grow if that is As hectic as it may be, December is also a goal? What are your bigthe month to complete some critical tasks to gest challenges? save on taxes, make or delay capital purchasOnce you know what you es, pay or hold expenses, distribute bonuses. BY EILEEN should be selling, to whom Make sure your financial data is current when BUCHANAN and for how much, you are you meet with your accountant. Should you Guest Columnist ready to update your plan collect or delay revenue? Purchase and defor next year. Establish spepreciate or delay capital expenditures until cific goals and document how you plan to 2020? Prepay expenses? These are questions achieve them. This plan is for you. It doesn’t for your accountant. have to be long; it has to be useful. When Now, position yourself to grow in 2020. It’s the majority of Americans are making New time to update your working business plan. Year’s resolutions, you can be making the Looking back – what did you do that worked? plans that will grow your business in 2020. What did you do that didn’t work? What did If you need help, you can contact your loyou learn? Write is all down. Celebrate your cal SCORE office for free, confidential mensuccesses, learn from your “less than stel- toring that can last for the life of your busilar” ideas. If appropriate, ask your employees ness. for their input. Hold a meeting where you all Check us out at score.org to find experiparticipate in a SWOT analysis (Strengths, enced volunteers who can help you develop Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats). You your plan to move forward in 2020. may be amazed at their insights. A smart business owner builds on what Eileen Steets Buchanan is the founder of Fasthey learn every year. If you updated your trak Training, which trained software profesplan last year, this is where you will start. sionals in government and industry. RecogDid you meet your goals? How has this past nized in the ‘90s by INC. magazine as one year been different from 2018? Is your cus- of the 500 fastest growing privately owned tomer base growing or declining? Are the de- companies in America. she is the chapmographics changing? Are you targeting the ter chair for the Southwest Florida SCORE right market segment? Is your market chang- chapter. Contact her at (239) 931-9807 or ing? Are your customers asking for different eileen.buchanan@scorevolunteer.org.
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 7
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD
PCA connects businesses with expertise, services
As founder and president of Preferred Commercial Alliance (PCA), I wanted to put myself in the readers’ eyes as I look back on the past five years, to provide insight about and share the value-added benefits of utilizing this group to help YOUR business. I am a commercial real estate agent here in Southwest Florida and proud to work for Re/Max Commercial Realty Group. Working with many business owners in Southwest Florida, I saw a need to have a group of business owners I could rely upon to help my commercial clients and other local business owners needing a service and not knowing who to call. So back in 2015, I decided to find a team that could help my clients or any other local business owner with any business-to-business needs in a one-stop shop. Building relationships and providing excellent quality customer service provided the foundation for what became PCA. We have more than 30 business owners who meet twice monthly to discuss new jobs, exchange leads and learn about our community so that we are wellversed to help our clients from the time of purchase to the end of the sale and beyond. Our experienced and highly skilled group of professionals offer expertise in
the following fields: commercial real estate, business brokerage, banking, title, telecommunication services and fiber optics, information technology, commercial insurance, website design, lawn care and landscaping, general contracting, architectural services, engineering services, janitorial, office furniture and design, flooring, copiers, air conditioning, roofers, accountants, signage, health insurance, payroll, BY JENNIFER painting, mold remediation and CASTRIOTTA restoration, marketing and adverGuest Columnist tising, pest control, promotional products, legal services and more. If we do not have a member who provides the service you require, our vetted members are well-connected in the community and can assist you in finding the needed service provider. How often have you found yourself or one of your employees spending countless hours on the phone making appointments with a contractor or vendor only to have them not show up or to find out they are not li-
censed and insured? This can be a hardship and very costly as you wait to set up another appointment and finally find a contractor that quotes you one price without coming back later with a higher price. How many times have you been told your job would be done by a certain date and months after that date has come and gone, they were still working on the project? How many times did you have buyer’s remorse and felt that you did not get a fair shake? Wouldn’t it be nice to make one call and find a licensed, bonded and experienced individual who has been vetted and is experienced in giving you and your company what you deserve? With PCA working for you, you can conduct business and increase your productivity by focusing on what you do best. PCA was created expressly for meeting business-to-business needs all in one place.
Jennifer Castriotta, founder and president of Preferred Commercial Alliance (PCA), is a commercial realtor with Re/Max Commercial Realty Group in Fort Myers. For more information about PCA, email her at jennifer@remaxdevelopment.com, call (239)234-1792 or go to www.preferredcommercialalliance.com .
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD
Mind, spirit, service key at Ave Maria
Pictured left to right, Gray Davis, Kevin Pearce, Jason Brewer, Trent Dunn, Scott Gregory, Don Dimauro, John Pollock, Frank Balsamo and Gary Trippe.
Pelican Wire wins Blue Chip award Pelican Wire is the winner of the 25th annual Southwest Florida Blue Chip Community Business Award. Chosen by a panel of judges from eight applicants, CEO Ted Bill has overcome personal and professional challenges to maintain, restructure and expand his family business. Founded in 1969 by Larry and Theresa Bill, Pelican Wire originated in Hebron, Illinois as a small business operated out of the Bill’s basement. The couple decided on the name “Pelican Wire” to coincide with their dream of someday moving to sunny Southwest Florida. In 1976, that dream came true. The Bills and their son, Ted, loaded two moving trucks and headed south for sun, fun and opportunity. Since their move in 1976, Naples has been home to Pelican Wire’s headquarters and the company has grown rapidly becoming a globally recognized leader in the manufacture of fine-gauge, high-temperature resistance and thermocouple wire. Sadly, Larry Bill passed away in 2008 following a courageous battle with cancer. At this time, Ted was well into a successful career with Disney in Orlando, but as a dedicated and loving son, he left it behind to move home and help his mother fulfill his father’s wish of turning the company over to its employees. Throughout the next year, Ted, Theresa, and a team of lawyers, accountants and advisors worked together to re-
For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com structure the company into an Employee Stock Ownership Program. Since the restructure, Pelican Wire has continued to grow both organically and through acquisition, obtaining multiple companies over 10 years and establishing a parent company, Pelican Holdings Group. Pelican Wire and its sister company, Rubadue Wire, now have more than 150 employee-owners and generate annual revenues that exceed $40 million. “Pelican Wire’s story truly exemplifies the ability to overcome adversity and achieve success,” said Scott Gregory, vice president, business insurance agent, McGriff Insurance Services. “CEO Ted Bill, along with his mother, showed strength and perseverance as they worked to transform and grow their family business.” The Blue Chip Community Business Award is given to for-profit businesses in Southwest Florida who have overcome adversity to achieve success. The finalists are determined through an application process that is reviewed by an impartial panel of judges. This year the five finalists were; Blue Diamond Jewelers, Golden Gate Nursery & Sod, Inc., LCM Engineering PLLC, Pelican Wire and Purely You Spa.
Ask an expert
Kevin Cieply is the President and Dean of Ave Maria School of Law, a position he has held since July 1, 2014. Contact him at (239) 687-5300. Learn more at www.avemarialaw.edu.
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Brought to you by Southwest Florida Business Today
Through the years, one of the identities that we’re most proud of at Ave Maria School of Law is the profound sense of community that exists. The law school consists of its students, faculty, staff, alumni, the local Southwest Florida community, as well as friends and supporters across the country. Veterans are an important part of our mission. We host an annual celebratory event on campus honoring our local veterans and veterans of Ave Maria Law, including myself, our founder Tom Monaghan, JAG officers on the faculty and our student veterans. As we look ahead to 2020, we have two very important milestones that couldn’t have happened without every single person who is a part of Ave Maria Law. We’re BY KEVIN officially opening a new fitness complex CIEPLY on campus that we’ve been preparing for Guest Columnist throughout 2019. We’ve launched a mind, body and spirit initiative on campus with the intentional purpose of wanting our students, faculty and staff to reach their true potential. We will involve our outside community by hosting various events and sports competitions. Stay tuned for more to come. We will also be celebrating the law school’s 20th year anniversary in 2020. The law school opened its doors in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 2000, and moved to our current Vineyards campus in Naples in 2009. From Marching for Life in Washington, D.C. since 2001 to bringing in 20 classes, we’re just getting started. There are many factors that make Ave Maria Law what it is today, and for that we have our community to thank immensely.
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Page 8
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
DECEMBER 2019
BUSINESS GIANTS OF A DIFFERENT KIND, PAST AND PRESENT — A TRIBUTE Dell fashion passion dressed women for success Mr. Estero’s leadership It was 2009 when I met Barbara, during the successes by Dress For Success built up community depths of the Great Recession. Most of us were Worldwide. She both inspired simply looking for ways to survive—and yet some, like Dell, were looking for ways to find work for themselves while creating something to serve and sustain others. With 20 years’ experience in retail marketing in New York and Florida, Dell “fashioned” a consulting business for herself that provided retail marketing, event planning, public relations and social media consulting services. Understandably, it was hard to find clients at this point in time, so she dug deep to re-invent herself yet again, still looking for a way to live her “passion for fashion,” while helping others at the same time. In 2010, she opened Dress for Success SW Florida, the local chapter of a global nonprofit organization that empowers unemployed or underemployed women. Throughout her years of leadership, Dell was recognized for her many
and touched the lives of over 2,500 women in our region. When I met Dell, I saw this well-dressed woman as an accomplished fashionista who came from New York. I thought she had no idea what she was in Dell for when beginning a business in Southwest Florida—during an economic downturn, no less. I was certainly very happy for her when she found—and built—her heart’s desire with Dress for Success. I cheered for her from the sidelines and helped her to achieve her vision in any small way that I could. Dell was so much more than a fashionista: she was a fierce fighter when it came to achieving her goals on behalf of others and a true “futuremaker.”
Personette led way in business and philanthropy
Although Steve retired and moved from Southwest Florida several years ago, and we rarely had the chance to speak in recent years, he remained and remains an influence in my business life. Like very few others, I can truly say that without Personette, Southwest Florida Business Today would not be here today. Personette retired as Public Affairs Manager with Sprint/CenturyLink—Lee County, a position he held for 16 years. As a 40-year resident of Lee County, he served on several local boards, including Past Chairman of the following organizations: the Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board, The Foundation For Lee County Public Schools and The Lee County Human Services Council, as well Past President of the Cape Coral Rotary Club. While Personette worked with many people during his career, and generously gave of his time
to many organizations, he still found time to work with, guide and mentor local business professionals as well. Although many people considered him gruff, his demeanor was merely one way he would “test your mettle.” He had a sharp wit and a sharp tongue, and he “called it as he saw it”: he was also generous, Personette kind and loyal. He taught me important business and life lessons and gave me honest advice that has served me well. Because he always downplayed his accomplishments, he would have been uncomfortable and “not approved” of me including him in this feature. But he, like the others included here this year and every year, have my deepest respect, and they all deserve a little “extra” recognition.
Don Eslick, a.k.a. “Mr. Estero,” is stepping down as Chairman of the Estero Council of Community Leaders. The ECCL recently recognized Eslick’s almost two decades of service as a local leader with a community celebration. About 200 community leaders and residents gathered to honor Eslick, whose contributions helped create the ambiance and quality of life Estero residents enjoy today. Eslick was one of the founders of the ECCL in 2002, a grassroots non-profit organization that shares its community voice regarding growth, transportation, health and other issues critical to the fastgrowing Village of Estero. The ECCL’s “Village with a Vision” played a key role in getting building codes passed, imEslick plementing review procedures, attracting major businesses and ensuring that quality healthcare is close by. Along with the Estero Community Planning Panel and Estero Design Review Committee, the ECCL worked to create the architectural and landscaping guidelines reflected today in the buildings and landscaping that comprise building areas such as Coconut Point Mall, Lowe’s and Walmart. Under the leadership of Eslick and other community leaders, the Village of Estero incorporated in 2014. Eslick was recognized as the Paulette Burton Citizen of the Year for 2006 by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners for his tireless efforts in working with the ECCL, Smart Growth Committee and Estero Community Planning Panel. Eslick will remain on the board of the ECCL for a year to assist with the transition. The ECCL, which now encompasses 43 community organizations, continues to inform and mobilize residents on important topics such as mining, development, transportation and education.
Welborn beloved and respected by peers in commercial real estate world
Brad was both beloved and respected. You felt that in every corner of the big church that welcomed his friends, colleagues and family to the celebration of his life. While I met him several years ago, I mostly learned about him and his accomplishments through what others shared with me over the years. Anyone could tell he loved his work in commercial real estate: because of his humble and unassuming nature, I only learned over time that this love of his work led him to take on many leadership roles in his chosen field. He earned the earned the Certified Commer-
cial Investment Member (CCIM) designation, which recognizes expertise in the disciplines of commercial and investment real estate. He also earned the respect of his peers as a leader. Among his many leadership roles, he was a charter officer of Commercial Investment Professionals of Southwest Florida, serving a Welborn term as President; he also served as President of the Alliance of Florida Business Brokers for the past five years. Most recently,
he served as President of the Southwest Florida Commercial Real Estate Alliance. He and I recently connected on a very specific subject and he kindly took the time to explain his understanding of a complex situation. The few words he shared with me greatly aided me in deciding my next course of action, which has saved me both time and effort. As I listened to what others said about him at his “Celebration of Life,” as well as considering my own experience with and knowledge of him, I knew that he was exactly the type of person I consider a “Business Giant Of A Different Kind.”
This annual feature is submitted by Karen P. Moore, Publisher, SWFBT
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 9
The State of
TALENT
in Southwest Florida
Presented by: CareerSource Southwest Florida Southwest Florida’s Employment and Training Subject Matter Expert
Background: • CareerSource Southwest Florida is part of a statewide (24 Regions), Employment and Training Network consisting of over a hundred career centers. Each center is branded as CareerSource followed by a geographic indicator such as CareerSource Suncoast (our neighbors to the north serving Sarasota/Manatee Counties) or CareerSource South Florida (Miami/Dade-Monroe counties). • Employ Florida is the statewide job matching system operated through The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). • Businesses post job opening information such as wage per hour, minimum education and work experience, number of openings along with a variety of other occupational data. • Job seekers register through Employ Florida listing their education level, work experience, desired wage and other job seeker information. • All services provided through CareerSource Southwest Florida and its af�iliated CareerSource Network are provided at no-cost to businesses and job seekers. About the Data: • Through the individual CareerSource Regions data is compiled by the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and can be disseminated by Metropolitan Statistical Areas ( MSA-Cities), Counties or Workforce Regions (SWFL is Region 24). • Employ Florida has the largest database of business and job seeker information in Southwest Florida but because all information is self-reported some caution should be used when analyzing the data. It is always a best practice to contact a CareerSource Southwest Florida Subject Matter Expert with questions. Annual Occupational Growth
Occupation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Estimated 2015
Projected 2023
24,434 15,853 11,736 13,071 11,858 11,579 9,364 6,188 7,443 5,593
Retail Salespersons Waiters and Waitresses Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers Cashiers Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Registered Nurses Carpenters Customer Service Representatives Construction Laborers
28,571 18,015 14,119 13,811 14,202 14,150 11,362 8,523 8,751 7,537
Annual % Change
2.12% 1.70% 2.54% 0.71% 2.47% 2.78% 2.67% 4.72% 2.20% 4.34%
Total Opening Increase
1,369 1,047 775 691 592 460 426 368 365 362
Source: Employment Projections, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
The chart above shows job growth projection from 2015 to 2023 in Southwest Florida. • Good, bad, right or wrong - Southwest Florida continues to be a service-oriented region dominated by retail and hospitality occupations. • Recent moves to increase the minimum wage to $15.00/per hour will have a profound impact on small business owners throughout Southwest Florida. • As large numbers of individuals age out of healthcare occupations, there will continue to be high demand for RNs and other high-skill/high-wage healthcare provider occupations.
Industry 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Number of Employees Per Industry
Retail Trade Health Care and Social Assistance Accommodation and Food Services Construction Administrative and Support and Waste Management Educational Services Public Administration Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Other Services (except Public Administration) Source: FL Labor Market Statistis, DEO
# of Establishments 5,142 3,208 2,711 5,365 3,080 324 302 4,650 713 3,326
# of Employees 69,471 63,191 57,863 38,425 26,215 25,314 20,929 19,537 17,149 15,555
The chart at left shows the largest industries in Southwest Florida by number of establishments and number of employees. • Retail Trades is the largest industry and has the highest number of jobs in Southwest Florida. • The Healthcare �ield is a close second: these jobs are considered high-skill/highwage occupations. • Construction has made a comeback from when the “housing bubble burst.” • As the Southwest Florida population grows, so do the Education and Public Administration industries. • Although not in the top ten, Manufacturing has seen a modest increase and continues to be a growth industry.
The Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board, Inc. Established in 1987 dba: CareerSource Southwest Florida Source: www.careersourcesouthwest�lorida.com
Page 10
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
DECEMBER 2019
CareerSource So
Delivering Workforce Develop BUSINESSES Sheet1 Employer Service Outcomes
30000 27,075 25000
20000
15000
13,895
9,305
10000
5000
4,132
3,262 3,289 1,041
0
8,659
561
613
349
Employers Served
Job Orders (Internal) PY 18‐19 Total
PY 18‐19 Q1
Job Openings (Internal)
472
Openings Filled
PY 19‐20 Q1
The graph depicts businesses served during the 2018/2019 Program Year (PY) which is July 1st thru June 30th • Year over year we have seen a 53% increase in business requesting service through the Career Page 1 Source Southwest Florida network • The 13,895 job orders re�lects multiple job orders per business/organization • The 27,075 job openings indicated multiple openings per job order • 4,132 re�lects the job openings �illed • Lee County continues to represent 50% of job orders It should be noted that the large number of job openings re�lects the spidering capability of Employ Florida along with multiple organizations such as temporary agencies and for-fee recruiters who post multiple job openings. “Our local partnership with CareerSource Southwest Florida con�nues to be of vital importance in our effort to a�ract high quality talent for our Customer Contact Center in Fort Myers. We look forward to our con�nued collabora�on for years to come.”
– Klaus Buellesbach, Director, Ace Care Center & Tech Services, Ace Hardware Corp
What does this mean to you?
• Businesses can access Employ Florida 24/7-365 • Employ Florida continues to see an increase of job seekers (3,105 in the 1st Quarter) • The increase in job seekers registering in Employ Florida indicated an increase in job seeker con�idence to change jobs, researching alternative careers and an indication of an ever-increasing diversi�ication of Southwest Florida’s industries/career opportunities
What does this mean to you as a business?
• Although the graph indicated an increase of job seekers registering in Employ Florida, we still see businesses placing a larger emphasis on employee retention due to the increasing cost of training and loss of productivity associated with turnover • Because of the tight labor markets businesses need to develop a hiring strategy based on strategic growth rather than last minute/on demand recruitment • Registering your business in Employ Florida is a no-cost recruitment avenue: Remember junk in—junk out
“The Southwest Regional Manufacturing Associa�on provides members with the informa�on and resources they need to succeed. Simply, we would not be able to accomplish that goal without the support of CareerSource Southwest Florida. With a range of services from recrui�ng to grant wri�ng, our manufacturers directly benefit from the services of CareerSource.” – Neil Kagan, Execu�ve Director, Southwest Regional Manufacturing Associa�on
www.careersourceso
DECEMBER 2019
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
outhwest Florida
pment Programs That Work! JOB SEEKERS
Job Hunting? WE CAN HELP
The graph below depicts job seekers served during the 2018/2019 Program Year (PY) which is July 1st through June 30th • CareerSource Southwest Florida continues to provide outreach to job seekers and the graph below indicates the number of job seekers registered in Employ Florida (9,172) • 6,120 (67%) of job seekers enrolled in Employ Florida found a job • Employ Florida hosts the largest database of job openings in Southwest Florida • Job seekers can turn on their virtual recruiter to receive career opportunities 24/7-365 Sheet1
Enrolled & Exiting with Employment* 10000 9000
9,172
8000 7000 6000
6,120
5000 4000
3,105
3000 2000
2,453 * Employment Data is not available
1,375
1000 0
PY 18-19 Total
PY 18-19 Q1
Job Seekers Enrolled
PY 19-20 Q1
“Florida SouthWestern State College is pleased to partner with CareerSource and bring over27,075 $14 million in Quick Response and Incumbent Worker training 25000 dollars to Southwest Florida. Over the last five years, 20000 this successful partnership has helped to train over 8,000 new hires. Workforce training is one of the College’s strategic 13,895 ini�a�ves.” 15000
5000 0
– Adrian Kerr, Director Corporate Training, 9,3058,659 Florida SouthWestern State College 1,041 561 349
3,2623,289
Employers Served PY 18-19 Total
– Sarah Rohaley, Territory Management, Gartner
Job Seekers Gained Employment
30000
10000
“In September I a�ended the CareerSource Southwest Florida Professional Career Network Training for professionals in transi�on. I had been job searching since June without much success. Following the training I had an opportunity for an interview with a company I really wanted to work for. The workforce professionals in Business Services prepared me by performing a mock interview the day before and I got the job and started in October. If you are a professional in transi�on, I would highly recommend that you consider a�ending this training.”
Job Openings (Internal) PY 18-19 Q1
What does this mean for you as a job seeker?
• Employ Florida is Southwest Florida’s best way to explore job openings, career opportunities and conduct a healthy and successful job search strategy • By turning on your virtual recruiter, you can receive job opening announcements 4,132 613 472 24/7-365
PY 19-20 Q1
“Condi�oned Air Company has experienced tremendous success working with CareerSource Southwest Florida’s On-the-Job Training (OJT) grants. These OJT grants have helped Condi�oned Air Company offset their training costs with both new hires’ so� skills and technical skills, saving our organiza�on thousands of dollars each year. We have been able to hire unskilled workers and provide them the opportunity to obtain technical skills & knowledge in an industry that has a job outlook for the next 10 yrs., per the Department of Labor, of 15% growth (much faster than average). Our high-tech HVAC company is in great demand for local individuals seeking a ‘career vs. a job,’ as there are mul�ple levels for career advancement within ourPage company. Condi�oned Air Company’s partnership with CareerSource Southwest Florida 1 has made a posi�ve impact in our local communi�es.” – Kurt Englund, Human Resources Manager, Condi�oned Air Company
outhwest�lorida.com
Page 11
Page 12
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
• • • • • • •
DECEMBER 2019
HIGHLIGHTS
Often referred to as the three- legged stool, Hospitality, Healthcare and Construction lead economic growth in Southwest Florida. Nine out of the top ten growth occupations require a high school diploma or less. Across the region, high schools are adopting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) curricula and producing college and job applicants with a solid background in STEM. According to WalletHub’s recent study, Lehigh Acres ranks as the fastest-growing city in the U.S., sitting at #1 on a list of over 500 markets. Arthrex’s Innovation Hotel raises the level of manufacturing opportunities throughout Southwest Florida. Airglades Airport is a game changer for the current$18,027 per capita income of Hendry County. Low employment (3.2 percent) will cause wages to increase. Businesses will place a bigger emphasis on employee retention because of the cost of training and loss of productivity due to turnover.
September Unemployment Rate United States Florida Charlotte Collier Glades Hendry Lee Record Low Lee County
• •
2019 3.5 3.2 3.5 3.2 3.9 7.1 2.9
Sept. 1999
2018 3.7 3.3 3.9 3.5 4.0 7.0 3.2
2.3%
Affordable workforce housing (different than subsidized housing) continues to be a regional challenge. Regional Career Fairs such as the Career Source “Fall Hiring Event” at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on the Florida SouthWestern State College campus and its spring “Regional Career Fair” on the Florida Gulf Coast University campus will continue to showcase the diversity of career opportunities available in the region.
AVAILABLE RESOURCES
Veterans Program We are dedicated to the recogni�on and delivery of services to veterans. All Employment Representa�ves are em-powered to develop employment opportuni�es with employers and complements the Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists in a team ef-fort to improve employment outcomes for targeted Veterans.
Youth Programs
Destination Careers Out-of-school Youth
Providing youths age 16 - 24, who are outof-school with access to quality educa�on and job opportuni�es through guidance; con�nued support for educa�onal a�ainment; opportuni�es for skills training in in-demand industries and occupa�ons; culmina�ng with a good job along a career pathway or enrollment in post secondary educa�on.
Destination Graduation In-school Youth
Unique to Southwest Florida, Des�na�on Gradua�on was developed and launched in school year 2009-2010. Designed to provide services such as mentoring, academic enrichment, workforce prepara�on and other workforce development services to enrolled high school students in par�cipa�ng high schools. The focus is on increasing high school gradua�on rates.
CareerSource SWFL Locations 1. Cape Coral (Satellite) 1020 Cultural Park Blvd. Cape Coral, FL 33990
2. Clewiston (Full-Service) 215-B S. Francisco Street Clewiston, FL 33440
3. Fort Myers (NEW LOCATION) 6800 Shoppes at Plantation Drive Suite 170 Fort Myers, FL 33912 4. Immokalee (Full-Service) 750 S. 5th Street Immokalee, FL 34142
★
5. LaBelle (Satellite) 921 Anvil Circle LaBelle, FL 33935
6. Naples (Full-Service) 3050 Horseshoe Dr. N. Bldg. A, #110 Naples, FL 34104 7. Port Charlotte (Full-Service) 3745 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte, FL 33952
The Southwest Florida Development Board, Inc., d.b.a. CareerSource Southwest Florida, operates �ive full service career centers and two satellite centers. If you have any questions or would like to �ind out more about the services offered through CareerSource Southwest Florida, contact Peg Elmore, Director of Business Services: (239) 931-8282 or email her at pelmore@careersourcesouthwest�lorida.com
Source: www.careersourcesouthwest�lorida.com
DECEMBER 2019
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 13
COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD: CRE BACKSTORY Habitat for Humanity brings affordable housing
Punta Gorda Goodwill opens Doors opened on a Punta Gorda Goodwill Retail and Donation Center on Nov. 21. Located at the former Laishley Marine store, Charlotte County’s newest Goodwill offers thrifters expanded retail space and will bring life back to the Florida-style building, custom built by the Laishleys in 2002. “The Punta Gorda store will be unlike any other Goodwill,” said John Nadeau the CEO of Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida. “We have customized it specifically for the Punta Gorda community with a whole new look and feel, better selection, and a more convenient location and donation experience. We are really excited to bring this to our customers.” The new Punta Gorda store will also be a collection site for teddy bears for the “Very Beary” tree, which will be one of the decorated trees at this year’s Festival of Trees.
Special to SWFBT
Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties built its first home in Harlem Heights in 1980. Since then, over 200 houses have been built in this community, helping more than 300 children out of substandard conditions and into a decent home. Low wages and high housing costs make Lee County too expensive for many hard-working families. Although a historically economically disadvantaged area, Harlem Heights is in high demand for many families who often spend as much as half of their income on unsafe or overcrowded housing. In 2016, land was put on the market in Harlem Heights adjacent to four acres Habitat already owned. A commercial realtor approached Habitat asking to place the “For Sale” sign on the property so it could be visible from the main road. Unbeknownst to them, Habitat had for years attempted to contact the out-of-state owner to discuss purchasing this property, to no avail. The asking price was $4 million for just over 20 acres. Habitat made an offer for $1,400,000, and after negotiations, it was accepted. Through fundraising, sales of property and Florida Housing Finance Corporation financing, Habitat raised
Habitat for Humanity built its first home in Harlem Heights in 1980. Now, the 24-acre contiguous land parcel in the community will provide homes for an estimated 140 families. $1.4 million to purchase the property. This 24-acre contiguous land parcel will provide homes for an estimated 140 families, potentially doubling the number of families served over the past 37 years. Habitat raised an additional $1.5 million for infrastructure costs. Long-time partner Chico’s FAS also committed resources to the project. After 701 days in permitting with the Army Corps of Engineers, Chico’s Heritage Heights was approved in May 2019 and crews began clearing land in October. A groundbreaking ceremony for Chico’s Heritage Heights is expected in January. The first homes will begin in Spring 2020, with construction occurring over the next 8-10 years.
20th Annual COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
OUTLOOK
CONFERENCE Industry experts will discuss economic and commercial trends for the coming year and what possible opportunities and challenges lie ahead. This dynamic conference benefits brokers, owners, investors, buyers, sellers, banking professionals, lawyers, insurance agencies, title insurance companies and many more.
Chico’s Heritage Heights is one of nine new Habitat neighborhoods breaking ground over the next four years. These neighborhoods across Lee County range from a single street with six homes to a neighborhood of more than 200 future homeowners. Habitat partners with businesses, individuals, and civic leaders to provide a path towards affordable homeownership options for working families. Habitat is working alongside families, corporate partners and community stakeholders to transform Harlem Heights, bringing people together to build homes, communities and sharing vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
2020 of the Future
www.flccim.com/districts/southwest-district/
A Clear Vision
JANUARY
21, 2019 7:30
AM
to 12:00
REGISTER EARLY! http://flccim.com/sw-outlook-2020/
PM
SPEAKERS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PANEL John Talmage, Director
Lee County Economic Development
Jace Kenter, Director
Collier County Office of Business & Economic Development
Keynote Speaker
Lesley Deutch
Elliot F. Eisenberg, Ph.D.
Principal John Burns Real Estate Consulting
Nationally Acclaimed Economist
“Changing Market Demographics & Project Design Innovations”
“Economics 20/20”
District Members: $50 Non-Members: $60
AFTER JANUARY 11th : District Members: $60 Non-Members: $70 At The Door: $75
VENUE
HYATT REGENCY COCONUT POINT 5001 Coconut Road Bonita Springs, Florida Discounted Room Reservations:
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/NAPRN/G-SCIM
BREAKFAST BUFFET INCLUDED
Charlotte County Economic Development Office
Michael Swindle, Commissioner Hendry County - District 4
“Emerging Trends”
SPONSORS
EVENT DETAILS EARLY BIRD RATES:
Dave Gammon, Director
Danny Rice
Managing Director Colliers International Tampa Bay, Central & Southwest Florida
▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶
Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association Southwest Florida Commercial Alliance GCM Contracting Solutions, Inc. CRE Consultants Lee County Economic Development City of North Port Risk Strategies University Park RE/MAX Commercial/Realty Group CFS Roofing First Federal Bank of Florida City of Cape Coral Lake Michigan Credit Union of Florida Environmental Risk Management, Inc.
▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶
Iberia Bank Maxwell Hendry & Simmons LLC CoStar Group Naples Area Board of Realtors Catylist SNV/KOVA Midland Self Directed IRAs & 1031s Roetzel & Andress, LPA LandQwest Commercial Gates Construction Comcast Target Roofing and Sheet Metal Chapman Insurance Suite Life Magazine
▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶
Southwest Florida Business Today David Michael Photography Business Observer Gulfshore Business Lee & Associates | Naples - Ft Myers Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT - The Ron Struthers Team Allied Building Inspection Services
Sponsorship Opportunities Contact: Bev Larson, CCIM 239.281.1290 or Bev1314@aol.com
Page 14
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
DECEMBER 2019
COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida
Documentation requirements for SBA Loan approval
As we are in the home stretch of 2019, you may Sheet, A/R and A/P aging reports, be thinking about projects for 2020 that will require and in some cases a three-year fifinancing. I strongly encourage you to consider SBA nancial projection. financing as an option for your small business. • The second category of docSBA loans offer lower down payments, longer loan umentation is personal financials. terms, lower payments, elimination of balloon payWe will need three years of your ments, lower collateral requirements and little to no personal tax returns, a detailed perloan covenants, which are restrictions on the financial sonal financial statement, and the activities you can do within your business, as commost recent paystub showing yearpared to conventional loans. to-date income from all owners and In most cases, SBA loans can be used to finance their spouses. start-ups, business acquisitions, business expansion, • The third and final category commercial real estate purchases, equipment purchas- BY TOM of documentation is the supportes, leasehold improvements, inventory, working capi- MAIALE ing documentation. This includes, tal and debt refinancing. The only real requirement to Guest Columnist but is not limited to, purchase conget started is that you operate a for profit non-investtracts (or letters of intent), purchase ment related business in an eligible industry. Most le- invoices (or at least proof of what the cost is), letters gal industries are eligible with the exception of money explaining any bankruptcies, credit issues, lawsuits or services businesses, adult entertainment and gambling past criminal issues, business plan (in some cases), debusinesses. To prepare for a possible loan request, the tailed history of the business, resume for all owners application and closing documentation requirements and key employees, and any other documentation you are mentioned below. think will better make your case to obtain approval. • The first category of documentation is busiAs far as closing documentation, the list will vary ness financials. We will need three years of your busi- from deal to deal but in general we will need fully exness tax returns, current year interim P&L, Balance ecuted copies of all of the documentation listed above
Prestige Marble & Designs unveils renovated showroom Prestige Marble & Designs, a company producing durable countertops and flooring, recently held a ribbon cutting with the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the launch of its newly renovated Bonita Springs showroom on Bernwood Drive. Prestige Marble & Designs is a familyowned company that services both residential and commercial projects. It is running a limited-time promotion that includes one free standard sink with any countertop installation.
as well as the following basic categories: 1) List of all key players in the loan closing process with contact info (attorney, CPA, insurance agents, brokers, etc.) 2) Proof of the source of any down payment monies are coming from going back three months 3) Accord forms listing the bank and SBA as payees for all insurance required in the loan approval 4) Invoices and final executed contracts for all assets being purchased This is the basic list; however, there could be more or less depending on the type of deal and approval requirements. Well there you have it! Should you like to discuss this any further to prepare for 2019, I hope you have a very happy holiday season and I look forward to your call.
Tom Maiale, First Federal Bank SBA Lending Vice President and Business Development Officer, is a 17-year SBA Lending veteran with SBA Training from The National Association of Government Guaranteed Lending and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Contact him at tom@sbaworks.com or at (239) 288-9966.
Royal Nails & Spa opens second SWFL location
Royal Nails & Spa opened its doors at Promenade at Bonita Bay in Bonita Springs, just across from DeRomo’s Gourmet Market & Restaurant. Specializing in trend-setting manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements and waxing, Royal Nails encompasses a spa-like atmosphere with complementary cocktails, massage chairs, the latest sterilization products and cucumber heel therapy for the repair of dry skin. During pedicures, whirlpool foot baths are filled with sea rocks soak, as a sea scrub of natural beach sand is applied to the soles of the feet and a foot masque rejuvenates the soles with hydrating sea extracts. During manicures, citrus soak cleans and hydrates the skin, while exfoliating crystals and crystal activator provide a deeply moisturizing exfoliating treatment. Gel color manicure and dip powder for
a natural look, as well as wraps, repairs and polish changes, are available. Waxing of any surface of the skin is also an option. Some of the highest quality products used at Royal Nails are Creative Nail Design, OPI, Tammy Tailor and Seche Vite for air brush, hand design, French manicures and pedicures, and more. “We strive to be the best by providing affordable services and continuously updating our education to bring you the very best that our industry offers,” said owner Jimmy Dang. “Just as our name suggests, my technicians are here to treat you like royalty from start to finish, not simply to serve as just another location for nails and waxing. With the unique destinations that line the Promenade, there is no better place for us to launch a second location.”
Columbus Square property sold
B R O KE R S ~ A N A L Y S T S ~ A D V I S O R S ~ C O N S U L TA N T S
It’s Your Future. Own It.
4632 Vincennes Blvd., Ste. 102 ~ Cape Coral, FL 33904 ~ 239 -677-2380 ~ www.cra.us
NEED OFFICE SPACE?
Secure Your Future With It’s Your Future. Own It. Your Own Business Businesses for Sale
Upscale Hair Salon ..... $89,000 Retail Seafood .............. $65,000 Cleaning Service ......... $59,000
Darrel Corradino o: 239.300.1353 e: darrel@inte rit cre.co
w: Inte rit cre.co
Licensed Real Estate Broker Investment | Office | Medical | Multi-family
3501 Fowler LLC acquired Columbus Square, a 30,726-square-foot mixed-use shopping center on Fowler Street in Fort Myers, from Sunny Beach Realty for $2,285,000. Jim Boback of Boback Commercial Group represented the Seller in the transaction and will continue as exclusive agent for leasing and management of the center.
Domains for Sale
SanibelNow.com ........... $1,850 BonitaBiz.com ................ $2,750 FloridaFlair.com ............. $2,950
Tom Maiale Vice President / SBA & USDA Lender
239-288-9966 maialet@ffbf.com
SBA 7(a) Loans | SBA 504 Loans | USDA Loans
Contact Larry Steinborn,
Lic. Real Estate Broker Sand Dollar Real Estate / Business Depot (239) 433-1343 or bizdepot@aol.com 6309 Corporate Ct. #205 Fort Myers, FL 33919
Selling your Business is our Business!
yoursbalender.com
DECEMBER 2019
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 15
COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida
Charlotte County economic boom well underway
Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Karen P. Moore, Publisher
For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com
No more sleepy Charlotte County. In case there are any lingering doubts, this point was made patently clear to a local audience of commercial realtors and investors when Charlotte County Business Recruitment Manager Kay Tracy showed them county maps indicating both public and private sector projects currently in various stages of development. In Charlotte Harbor, strong emphasis has been placed on the development of the park system, as well as a river walk under development in three phases, which of course bodes well for both tourism and economic development. At this point in Phase 1, the fishing pier and water taxi dock are complete. Allegiant’s Sunseeker Resort project includes 785 waterfront units, a river walk, restaurants and retail, as well as a convention center, and will provide 800 new jobs. Allegiant is investing $470 million in Phase 1 of the project. The overall impact benefit of this project is estimated to be almost $85 million. In Murdock Village, Charlotte County just sold
450 acres that is being privately developed by Kolter Land Group as a residential community, calling it West Port. The developer is planning 1,630 single-family homes, town homes and apartments. Development of 150,000 square feet of neighborhood commercial and retail space is also underway, Tracy noted. Kolter is also seeking approval for a 125-room hotel. There are 160 acres under contract and in process for Arredondo Pointe, which includes a water park, indoor skydiving, a hotel and conference center, an entertainment venue and more. It is projected to be completed in three phases. The developer is also seeking five hotels, all in the planning process right now. Of course, the Tampa Bay Rays spring training complex, Charlotte Sports Park, is also being further developed. The Tampa Bay Rays are investing more than $2 million into the spring training home park. Just up the road, North Port is home to the Atlanta Braves spring training facility, CoolToday Park, a $125-million spring training complex that opened in
Seagate completes University Storage
Seagate Development Group has completed University Storage, located on Tiburon Way in Estero. Ave Maria Storage Units is nearing completion and will be available for rent in the first quarter 2020. University Storage The 90,000-square-foot facility consists of climate-controlled indoor and drive-up exterior storage options. The three-story building offers approximately 600 storage units in a combination of sizes ranging from 5-by-5-foot to 10-by-30-foot, with 19 un-air-conditioned exterior drive-up units. The site also features security safeguards throughout the property. “With the increased growth our area is experiencing, we are seeing a high demand for facilities of this nature,” said Matt Price, CEO of Seagate Development Group. “We are pleased to expand our reach and expertise in the development of projects of this type and position the company to better serve the needs of the Southwest Florida community.” Ave Maria Storage Located on Useppa Drive in Ave Maria, the project is a joint venture
Seagate Development Group has completed University Storage, located on Tiburon Way in Estero. with Ave Maria Development. The facility offers 51,000 square feet of single-story, climate-controlled indoor and exterior storage options. Located within two buildings, storage units are available in a combination of sizes ranging from 5-by-5-foot to 10-by-30-foot, with outdoor covered spaces available to accommodate Class A recreational vehicles. The site also features a private gated entry and security cameras throughout the property. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Ave Maria Development,” Price said. “Self-storage is a growing industry and our experience in this category has helped us expand our commercial footprint in the marketplace.”
We Care About SWFL Commercial Realtors With dedicated space for informa�on: • On our website with a Commercial Real Estate sec�on & directory • In our quarterly Commercial RE Market pullout in both the print & digital versions of SWFBT • With zoned and full-run inserts • With guest column opportuni�es • With digital marke�ng op�ons
February in West Villages—a 15,000 acre master plan community that, Tracy shared, is currently the fourth fastest-selling development in the United States. Tracy then gave an overview of the commercial activity going on at Punta Gorda Interstate Airport Park, of which there is plenty. Growing clusters of commercial development include aviation, marine and distribution. Tracy noted, “The recent announcement of a $1.95 million state grant to fund an Aviation Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics training course in Charlotte County is a win-win for a lot of people.” Cheney Brothers, which opened a 345,000-squarefoot facility in 2015, a $100-million investment that created more than 500 jobs, will be expanding another 80,000 square feet, adding another 30 jobs. Not only that, CBI is attracting other companies like Amigo Pallets. Additionally, the Piper Road extension infrastructure project will improve the access and traffic flow from I-75 to the airport. So, as Tracy pointed out, activity and growth continues to drive economic development in Charlotte County as it prepares for the next decade and beyond.
Vantage to renovate building for LMCU Lake Michigan Credit Union selected Vantage Construction Services, a commercial general contractor located in Fort Myers, to manage selective interior and exterior demolition and interior renovations for their new Cape Coral facility on Cape Coral Tombstone5x8 Parkway BA Group 2.pdf 2 2/11/19 The 4,400-square-foot project
includes rough and finish carpentry, metal framing, new acoustic ceilings, modifications to plumbing and HVAC ductwork, carpet, tile, cabinetry and painting. The new office is planning to open early in 2020. Vantage has also completed three renovations for LMCU offices in Bo12:04 PM nita Springs and Naples.
Lake Michigan Credit Union Commercial Banking announces the following loans: Loan Size ......... $4,500,000 Type of Loan ...... Refinance of a retail center Business............ Developer Loan Size ......... $18,000,000 Type of Loan ...... Construction/Perm ........................ Owner Occupied Business............ 10th Street Collective (various businesses)
Learn more, contact William M. Blevins | EVP Commercial Lending West Florida Region (239) 314-0550 | William.Blevins@LMCU.org
For more informa�on, call Karen at (239) 770-7527
www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com
7920 Summerlin Lakes Dr. Fort Myers, FL 33907 LMCU.org | NMLS ID# 1283480
Page 16
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
DECEMBER 2019
COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD
Businesses buy industrial space at Alico ITEC Park
By Jessica Russo Guest Columnist
We began 2019 marking the debut of the Alico ITEC Park, so it’s only fitting that we close the year announcing new developments, sales and product coming to ITEC and the Alico Road corridor. Alico Road east of Ben Hill Griffin Parkway is the center of the growth explosion in South Lee County The four-laning of Alico Road east of Ben Hill Griffin is moving along at a swift pace and feels like a northerly extension of Estero more than easterly growth of Fort Myers. The fourlaning is on target to be complete in 2021 and ends at the main entry to the Alico ITEC Park. We’re happy to announce our first two sales at ITEC are both to businesses relocating from Naples, where the supply of industrial land is slim to non-existent and prices are prohibitive. Additionally there is very little quality industrial product for sale. The owner of ITEC recognized this and is build-
ing two products coming to the market for sale in the third quarter of 2020: flex space units and car condos. The car condo units range from 675 square feet to 1,400 square feet priced from the $140,000s and we can write contracts now. The flex space units are 2,000 square feet each with prices from the low $300,000s and lease rates of $10 per square foot plus CAM. Be on the lookout for new users coming soon to the park and potential large-scale projects on the two parcels of 23 and 27 acres. Another significant project in the news this year is the Gulf Coast Technology development, approved for a hotel as well as retail, commercial, office and light industrial on the northeast corner of Ben Hill Griffin and Alico. This project will complete the connector road from Airport Haul Road to Treeline Avenue providing another route to the airport. Look for groundbreaking late 2020/early 2021. Esplanade and WildBlue broke ground in 2019. At build out they will contain over 4,000 dwelling units and related
New dental office coming soon to Cape Coral
Dr. Abelardo Heredia now offers dental services to the community of Cape Coral at his brand new office, Pine Island Dental Care. The full-service, state-of-the-art family dental practice opened on Nov. 14. Pine Island Dental Care will be fully equipped with the latest products and equipment available in the dental industry, offering Dr. Heredia and his dental team the opportunity to provide the most up-to-date procedures and services to patients. From routine cleanings and simple fillings to more in-depth restorative and cosmetic services, patients can expect individualized care to help them keep their teeth for a lifetime. “We are excited to be joining the Cape Coral community to offer high quality dental services to families and individuals of all ages,” said
commercial uses. Esplanade will be a mix of single and multi-family dwellings built around the Esplanade Lake Club as well as commercial, senior housing, apartments and possibly student housing on the west side of their spine road which will serve as a northerly entrance to FGCU via Alico Road. WildBlue features 1,100 single-family homes built around a series of large deepwater lakes with boating access. WildBlue’s Alico Road entry is being constructed now and is just east of ITEC. We are finishing the year strong at ITEC with our infrastructure and platting complete, our LED streetlights lighting up the park and our park-wide security cameras going live any day. What was once the middle of nowhere is somewhere you need to see now. Call me for your site visit and tour, or for more information, visit DevelopmentRealty.Org. Jessica Russo, The Land Lady, is a licensed Florida Real Estate Salesperson and Development Consultant at Development Realty. Contact her at (239) 849-0012.
LaGrave joins CRE Consultants
Heredia. “Our mission is to provide exceptional experiences to each patient who walks through our doors.” Heredia received his Doctorate of Stomatology in 2001 from the Higher Institute of Medical Sciences in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba and became Advanced Education in General Dentistry certified in 2016 from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. “Dental health is vital to overall health, so we want to help our patients make the best decisions for their care,” said Heredia. “We plan to educate patients on the importance of dental care and encourage them to adopt an ongoing preventative care routine.”
Daulton LaGrave has joined CRE Consultants, one of Southwest Florida’s leading commercial real estate firms. As the newest member of Partner Stan Stouder’s industrial team, Daulton will focus on the sale, leasing and development of office and industrial properties throughout the trade areas of Cape Coral and Charlotte County. Daulton leverages a strong family background in commercial real estate and investing to provide best-of-class, insightful solutions and results for his clients. Daulton graduated Florida State University with a Bachelor’s degree in EcoLaGrave nomics, and a minor in General Business. Stouder states “Daulton will have a prosperous career in Commercial Real Estate based on his integrity, work ethic and strong academic background.”
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 17
COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida
EHC builds SR 82 improvements
EHC, Inc., a construction company that provides pre-construction, was awarded two new State Road 82 projects and completed another. All three S.R. 82 projects are with AJAX Paving for the Florida Department of Transportation. In addition, EHC began development of The Preserve, an active 55-plus community with Sunshine State Developers Two.
S.R. 82 – Lee County The improvements to S.R. 82 for this project consist of adding lanes, reconstruction, milling and resurfacing, widening, base work, shoulder treatment, drainage improvements, curb and gutters, sidewalks, signing and pavement markings, lighting and borrow pit construction. The project begins from east of Shawnee Road, easterly approximately three miles, to east of Alabama Road in Lee County for a total of over four miles. EHC is providing more than 345,000 cubic yards of excavation, approximately 200,000 square yards of subgrade Type B stabilization, nearly 312,000 cubic yards of embankment, optional base groups 1, 6, 9, and 10, and clearing and grubbing for the project. S.R. 82 – Collier County The S.R. 82 improvements in Collier County start from Gator Slough Drive for around 3.25 miles to S.R. 29. The project includes roadway widening, reconstruction, milling and resurfacing, base work, drainage improvements, curb and gutter, sidewalks, driveways, lighting and adding signing and pavement markings. EHC is providing over 280,000 cubic yards of excavation, more than 260,000 cubic yards
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For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com of embankment, approximately 236,000 square yards of Type B stabilization, optional base groups 1, 4 and 11, and clearing and grubbing for the project. Completed S.R. 82 – Lee County AJAX Paving engaged EHC to expand S.R. 82 from Colonial Boulevard through the Daniels Parkway intersection to six lanes. EHC provided 580,000 cubic yards of excavation including an off-site borrow pit, subsoil excavation, over 600,000 cubic yards of embankment, surcharge embankment, more than 300,000 square yards of Type B stabilization, and optional base groups 1, 4, 6, 9 and 10 for the nearly 4.5-mile project. The Preserve – Lake Suzy Sunshine State Developers Two chose EHC to develop the sales center, offsite improvements and Phase 1 of The Preserve. EHC services include erosion control, clearing, excavation, finish grading, sub-grade, roadway base, asphalt, striping, baserock, resurfacing, valley gutter, sidewalks, water, drainage and sewer, sodding and surveying. The Preserve project is located in the SW corner of Desoto County about one mile east of Interstate-75 on Kings Highway. When complete, The Preserve will feature 922 lots with lakes and greenspaces. The 523-acre gated community plans to offer numerous amenities including a clubhouse with fitness center, swimming pool, tennis courts and fishing.
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Construction on The Reef begins
Construction on The Reef at Winkler is underway at the intersection of Winkler Ave. and Schoolhouse Road in Fort Myers. This is a result of a collaboration between iNDIGO Architecture and M.J. Development Southeast, a development company created for the purpose of delivering turnkey commercial, hospitality, residential and industrial projects to Real Estate Investment Trusts and other investors. A four-building, four-story, 160-unit, two- to three-bedroom luxury apartment home community, The Reef at Winkler will have a coastal contemporary design with a stone façade, concrete tile roofs and elevators that can be accessed from the exterior breezeways of each building. The grounds will include walking paths, sitting areas and fountains with lush landscaping to augment them. Within each unit, residents will have hurricane-resistant, tinted, low-E windows and high-end finishes, as well as multipurpose efficiency—with washers/ dryers and stainless-steel appliances. A view of a private cypress preserve can also be seen from nearly every unit. “The key to The Reef at Winkler is comfortable, vibrant and open living spaces that afford the efficiency of resort-style living. From the outside in, it’s about convenience and the ability of design to conform to a wide variety of lifestyles,” said Rick McCormack, president of iNDIGO Architecture. Home automation and safety will also be a primary feature at The Reef at Winkler—both from a high-tech and an architectural perspective. This
includes concrete slab construction, open hallway staircases, screened lanais and full-home automation within each unit, smartphone- and Alexadevice-controlled security, air-conditioning and electricity. The community will be fully fenced and gated, and employ car tag photography and pet DNA services for additional security and cleanliness. Additional family-friendly, lifestyle amenities are: • Ubiquitous Wi-Fi • Internet café • Television gaming area • Zero-entry pool and kid splash pad • Zen garden • Barbecue pits • Covered parking • Two parking spaces per unit • Event kitchen • Two dog parks • Fitness center with interactive workout experience “Smart community technology is the future. The Reef at Winkler is a reflection of current consumer demand and shows that technology can be utilized just as much for luxury as it can for safety,” said Matt Valentine, Partner of M.J. Development Southeast. “It will perfectly complement all lifestyles and give people the comforts of being close to the downtown River District area, near prestigious golf courses and beaches, and surrounded by resort-style amenities.” The Reef at Winkler is set to open in 2020.
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Page 18
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
DECEMBER 2019
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD
AWARD PAGE 1 Council, Horizon Foundation and the Lee County Economic Development Office. The winners are: Community Steward of the Year: Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company. Since it opened in 1979 by founding partner Gail Markham, the company and its employees continue to invest in community organizations that benefit from their contributions. The other finalists were Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida and Sullivan State Farm Agencies. Startup of the Year: Creative Architectural Resin Products (CARP). Founded in 2014 by Marilyn Santiago and Steven Russell, CARP designs, manufactures and installs architectural decorative trims and accents made from a high-density polymer resin material. The other finalist was Architectural Metal Flashings. Innovator of the Year: AXI International. AXI is focused on creating clean fuel solutions for mission critical facilities, such as hospitals, data centers and government buildings. The other finalists were HONC Destruction and Lamar Advertising. Manufacturer of the Year: MY Shower Door / D3 Glass. The family-owned and operated glass manufacturing and commercial retail business, founded by the Daubmann family, recently expanded and moved into a new 60,000-square-foot headquarters and manufacturing facility in Fort Myers. The other finalists were Golden Manufacturing and HF Scientific. Small Business of the Year (up to 50 employees, six or more years in business in Lee County): Edison National Bank. When it opened in 1997, Edison National Bank, under the leadership of Robbie and Geoff Roepstorff, was the only locally-owned and chartered community bank in Lee County. It expanded in 1998, opening the Bank of the Islands offices. The other finalists were ITVantage and Chris-Tel Construction. Large Business of the Year (50 employees or more, six or more years in business in Lee County): Scotlynn USA Division. The company was founded in 2010 in Fort Myers as a trucking and brokerage logistics service dedicated to hauling perishable products. It has rapidly become one of the fastest growing logistics providers. The other finalists were MY Shower Door / D3 Glass and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank.
Healthcare Network fosters talent
Yerania “Yadi” Lopez gave up her dream of a career in animation for healthcare after experiences as a patient and employee at Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida. After arriving with her family from Mexico, Yerania “Yadi” Lopez first visited the health clinic in Immokalee in 1991 for a school physical. She was 11 years old when she became acquainted with the organization now known as Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida. Today, she is director of operations in Immokalee providing leadership to the management staff who serve patients. Her role is to maximize efficiency and proficiency by planning, directing, and Lopez evaluating all medical activities in the Immokalee practices. She first started working at the clinic to help her family when she was in high school but planned to pursue a dream of becoming an animator. “It took me two to three months to get a job because I was under age 18,” she said. “I kept calling and asking them to hire me, and they finally did because they said I was persistent and wouldn’t give up.” She worked evenings and after school at the front desk, helping to translate for patients when needed. “I was exposed to the clinical part, the patients and the doctors, so I decided I wanted to become a nurse.” While still working at the clinic, she pursued a licensed practical nurse degree at Lorenzo Walker Technical College. Later, she went back to school
for her registered nurse degree at Edison College, now Florida SouthWestern State College. Throughout her career, she was encouraged and supported by Healthcare Network supervisors and staff to expand her knowledge. “They have been advocates for the employees,” she said. “They help you grow if you want to.” She has held many positions at Healthcare Network—as nurse manager, director of quality assurance and electronic health records manager. Since 1999, she has worked full- or part-time, except for two months in 2005 when she left to try something different. What drew her back and kept her there was the people. “They are like my second family,” she said. “At 38 years old, I’ve spent half my life here. They have supported me in work and personally.” She has three brothers, Jose, George and David, who also work at Healthcare Network. Her two children, ages 12 and 9, grew up with her working there. “I hope they see that my work is meaningful to me,” she said. “I keep learning, and the changes and dynamic growth of the culture here is beautiful.” In all, Lopez has had 11 positions, landing her current role as director of operations Immokalee in 2019, and coming full circle to the clinic she first visited as a patient and an employee. “I always wanted to focus on this area, because this is where I started,” she said. “I know the staff and I understand the culture and challenges they and the patients have.”
ESTERO PAGE 1
comb, who has held this position for the past year. He noted, “The Chamber is also experiencing tremendous growth with 50 new members joining the Chamber since January of this year.” As ECCL President Jim Gilmartin noted, “There is a lot going on and we hope you will join us as we continue to help build the Village of Estero’s future.”
The Estero Chamber of Commerce is also gaining momentum. At the ECCL meeting, Nolen Rollins, current Chairman, Estero Chamber Board of Directors, shared that the Chamber has its first fulltime executive director, Sarah New-
Contact Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida at (239) 658-3000 or www.healthcareswfl.org.
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 19
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD
How law in Fort Myers has changed in past 50 years
I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer. My father and grandparents were in real estate, so I grew up with real estate law. But I never intended to stay in Florida after my grandparents offered to pay for my college at the then-new Edison College (now Florida SouthWestern State College). I planned to get my education in Florida and move back to Connecticut where I grew up. My grandparents had been vacationing on Florida’s east coast and moved to Fort Myers in the 1950s. None of the kids or grandkids were close by, so they asked me if I would come down and start my college, and they would help with expenses. I transferred to University of Florida for my undergraduate degree in journalism and then Florida State University for my law degree. One of the kids in the class asked the assistant dean where he would go to practice law, and he said Fort Myers. I had ties in Fort Myers, so after graduating from law school in 1969, I moved to Fort Myers and joined Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Putz, which was then seven years old. The offices then were located in the present location at the corner of Main Street and Broadway in
downtown Fort Myers. Fort Myers was a different place when I started practicing law. Area Bar meetings were held in a corner of the former Snack House restaurant. Edison Mall had just opened, pulling Sears and J.C. Penney’s from downtown. When I started, there were five men’s stores downtown. Attorneys wore suits more than they do now. Everyone dressed to the hilt. BY STEPHEN I have seen tremendous change BUCKLEY in the law through the years. I think Guest Columnist today there are more judges than attorneys. When I started there were two circuit judges and one county judge. One of my first cases was to get a woman in real estate the right to sell property she owned without consent of her husband, which was the rule at the time. Shortly after I was able to make her a “free dealer,” the rule was abolished. I also worked with the Coast
Guard to have a man declared dead who disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle on a flight to Bimini. Without a body, it would have taken five years for his spouse to get a death certificate. The investigation determined how much fuel the plane had and every place the plane could have landed. The plane, the man and his passenger were never found. While I enjoy spending time vacationing at our home in Maine, I have no intention of retiring. I enjoy what I’m doing. I don’t play golf. I don’t play tennis. I don’t fish. I’ll just keep doing it while I can, and the clients want to work with me. My wife, who I met in Fort Myers at a roller-skating rink and married 50 years ago last August, would have a long “honey-do” list if I did retire.
Stephen W. Buckley, partner at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A., assists clients with wills, trusts, estate planning, probate, real estate and real property law cases. The firm has offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres and Port Charlotte. Call (239) 334-1146 or visit JusticeStartsNow.com.
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD Multigenerational Realtor passionate about finding perfect homes After more than a decade of tremendous mutual success, real estate veteran Mike McMurray and his longtime colleague decided to pursue Royal Shell Real Estate opportunities on different paths. This decision opened a door for McMurray—to evolve his team to his own brand—McMurray & Members of Royal Shell Real Estate. This brand encompasses McMurray’s success as an independent agent. He is a multigenerational Realtor who is passionate about helping clients find the perfect home and focuses his business on Sanibel Island, where his career began. The McMurray & Members brand also includes a team that ultimately evolved into the number-
one real estate producer in Lee County. This success stems from over $100 million in real estate sold every year and over $1 billion in sales since 2006. McMurray & Members will enter 2020 the same way it is exiting 2019—building the brand on personalized service, while leveraging ever-expanding high-tech digital tools and marketing channels. “We’re plugged into the latest communication means, trends and platforms, but our meetings with clients are still done face-to-face. This maintains the honesty and integrity that I’ve always applied to real estate,” said McMurray. “My member-driven team gets to know the human beings — from open house to closing, as we hand them
the keys to a property they could never have dreamed of.” With the same offices on Sanibel and Captiva Islands and the Lee County mainland, as well as ever-growing listings throughout Southwest Florida, McMurray & Members will continue to apply comprehensive Royal Shell Real Estate resources to assist people in buying and selling their homes. Member agents will maintain advanced knowledge of neighborhood locations, design features and intricate details, while giving back to Southwest Florida and supporting local causes personally and professionally. For more information, call (239) 850-7888 or visit McMurrayandMembers.com.
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD Law enforcement values business The Lee County Sheriff’s Office wrapped up 2019 with many businessfocused programs including over 100 active shooter and workplace violence trainings, convenience store security inspections, burglary and robbery prevention, small business scams and identity theft employee trainings. Removing the opportunity for the criminal to succeed is a crucial component of the crime prevention triangle (desire, ability, opportunity), which is why we continue to encourage partnerships between businesses and law enforcement as our “eyes and ears at work and at home.” Our Economic Crimes Unit along with our Crime Prevention Specialists educated employees on recognizing scams. The most reported scams to the Sheriff’s Office in 2019 were Business Email Compromise scams, supposedly overdue utility bills, pre-approved car loan applications changed and used by a criminal to get loans and contractors who took the money but failed to do the work. Crime Prevention efforts through our BizWatch program offers free CPTED security surveys along with employee training. We encourage all businesses to become a BizWatcher member by submitting the form on our website at www. sheriffleefl.org, (go to the Bureau tab at the top, and then click on CRU which
will take you to the Business Crime Prevention tab). The launching of our Community Response Unit (CRU) in 2019 will continue to reap results in 2020 and beyond as we join crime prevention community policing efforts with BY CARMINE enforcement and MARCENO investigation operaGuest Columnist tions that will benefit business professionals at work and at home. Be sure to follow us on social media and download the LCSO App to keep current with what is happening as well as access resources and information. Let’s continue working together in 2020 for a secure and thriving Lee County business community. Sheriff Carmine Marceno was appointed Lee County’s 13th Sheriff by Gov. Rick Scott in September 2018. Sheriff Marceno joined the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in 2013, most recently serving as Undersheriff. Prior to his role as Undersheriff, he was a Captain, serving as the Executive Officer to Sheriff Mike Scott. Contact him at (239) 477-1000.
For local business news and a calendar of local business events, visit
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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
DECEMBER 2019