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Record set in bed tax SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT collections A look commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida Looking Back,at Looking Ahead in 2020-21 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

LEE COUNTY INDUSTRY APPRECIATION AWARDS

Entrepreneurs and business leaders reﬂect on 2021 and consider what 2022 has in store.

CareerSource

Take a look at “Tomorrow’s Workforce: A Trilogy Summary Report 2021.” INSIDE Special to SWFBT

Konrad Proos of Two39 Work accepts the 2021 Industry Appreciation Startup of the Year Award.

Achievements celebrated at live event

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SPECIAL THIS ISSUE A collection of information to help you navigate Southwest Florida’s CRE, Building and Development marketplace. ST FLORIDA’S

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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

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

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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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Estate A specially section exploringfocused monthly mercial real estate the SWFL commarketplace. 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

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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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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Cape Coral named among top metros in the nation

The U.S. Census Bureau released the latest data on metro-to-metro migration trends, and Commercial Cafe conducted a study analyzing the largest metros in the U.S.

The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau announced record-setting bed tax collections for the 2020-2021 tourism season at its Tourism Outlook Annual Meeting at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers. Bed tax collected for the fiscal year was $53,332,883 – breaking all records in the county’s history. It increased almost 40% more than in 2020 and almost 25% from 2019. “The best bed tax in history is definitely something to celebrate,” said Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman, chair of the Tourist Development Council. “Our destination stayed open, welcomed visitors and watched as tourism thrived. In fact, it never even slowed down during the usually slower summer months.” The VCB is funded by a 5% tax collected from tourists on accommodations rented for six months or less. The allocation of bed tax funds is applied as 20% for sports facilities, 26.4% for beach and shoreline and 53.6% for tourism marketing. “The fact that we had our best year during a pandemic speaks to our destination and its natural settings,” said Tamara Pigott, executive director of Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. “It’s where every traveler wanted to go because of our beaches and wideopen spaces. The gifts we have from Mother Nature well positioned our destination during this time.” In addition to the record-breaking bed tax, the VCB also unveiled a new branding strategy, marketing campaign, website and visitor guide. The VCB presented its annual Junonia Award to Judie Zimomra, who recently retired as Sanibel city manager. During her 20 years of service, Zimomra helped secure more than $30 million in tourist development tax funding for beach and shoreline projects.

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPME Lee County persevered throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and companies throughout the area celebrated business achievement at the 2021 Industry Appreciation Awards, held Oct. 22 at the event’s new home, the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in downtown Fort Myers. The Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and the Lee County Economic Development Office made it possible to commemorate the hardworking businesses throughout the county and highlighted the importance of the public-private partnerships that help Southwest Florida businesses

Don’t forget to post your in-person and virtual events on our B2B events calendar at www.swﬂoridabusinesstoday.com/ calendar

A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florid continue to thrive — through both the good and the challenging times. Lee County’s commitment to these partnerships made this event possible again this year. The IAA has honored and recognized companies throughout Lee County that have positively impacted all aspects of the business community since 1992. AWARD See page 18

Welcome to Sunshine’s Selﬁe Station! Special to SWFBT Submitted by Marilyn Santiago

This column is meant to be a fun, informative “media slice” where we highlight the most important business events in our area, with just a little twist; we’ll be taking lots of selfies and posting live on social media from these business events. I’m glad my first assignment happened to be the 29th Industry Appreciation Awards; the annual collaboration between the Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Lee County Economic Development Office. Like numerous events that took place this year, the anticipation was more no-

Marilyn Santiago (left) takes a selﬁe with Michele Hylton-Terry, Fort Myers CRA, at the 29th Industry Appreciation Awards in Fort Myers. table, because of course, in 2020 the pandemic put a hold on this and other important business celebrations. SUNSHINE See page 18

IN THE NEWS Cape Coral earned the 3rd place in Naples reports fastest job the top 10 most popular metros with growth rate in state under 1 million people, gaining 13,588 net residents per year from exchanges with other metros. The three largest sources of population for Cape Coral are Miami, New York City and Naples.

METRO See page 4

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the Naples area had the fastest over the year job growth rate compared to all metro areas in Florida, increasing by 10,100 jobs, up 7.8%. The unemploy-

TOURISM See page 4

ment rate in the Naples area was 3.6% in September 2021, down from 5.9%. The Fort Myers area private sector employment increased by 11,500 jobs over the year, an increase of 5.3%. The unemployment rate in the Fort Myers area was 4% in September, JOB See page 17

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

DECEMBER 2021

2021

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As we reflect on this year, we’re reminded of how thankful we are to do business in Southwest Florida. As a locally owned and operated bank, we remain steadfast in our commitment to serve the community we all love.

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Cogent Bank celebrates ﬁrst anniversary Cogent Bank, a full-service business and personal bank based in Florida, announces the one-year anniversary of offering local banking services to businesses and residents in Southwest Florida. Cogent’s first banking center in Fort Myers opened more than 600 business accounts with over $100 million total deposits and completed $75 million in loan closings during its inaugural year of operation. “Cogent Bank is one of Florida’s fastest-growing banks,” says Brandon Box, Cogent Southwest Florida market president. “We are a modern bank with cutting-edge technology and supplemented with old-fashioned client service. Although we are a new name to many, the team we have built consists of 14 long-time bankers in Southwest Florida. We look forward to a long future ahead of serving Lee and Collier counties.” With its first year of operations coinciding with the pandemic, Cogent was also able to help its clients during this difficult time by providing nearly 200 Paycheck Protection Program loans totaling more than $40 million. Also, during this challenging year, Cogent’s growth allowed the bank to

For more business news, visit www.swﬂoridabusinesstoday.com grow its team by hiring six new associates. Cogent continues its growth with the opening of a second banking center in Southwest Florida with a new location in Naples this fall. Cogent Bank is a state-chartered bank that has operated as a full-service business and personal bank since 2001. With over $900 million in total assets and more than 160 associates, Cogent offers multiple banking centers in North, Central and Southwest Florida. Cogent offers a broad range of lending, depository, treasury management and mobile banking services designed to meet the complex and diverse needs of its clients while staying focused on the local communities it serves. Cogent believes banking is personal and requires high-touch, innovative services designed to make managing financial transactions easier. Cogent pairs its financial expertise with a passion for learning more about its clients’ goals and objectives. For more information, visit www.cogentbank.net.

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FGCU participates in annual ethics case competition Florida Gulf Coast University’s Lutgert College of Business Ethics Case Competition Team recently contested the 19th Annual Collegiate Ethics Case Competition at the University of Arizona in Tucson. The team consisted of students Shawn Bradley and Donna Jarrett with Kaylee Dombrowski and Thomas Danzi serving as alternates. The team was mentored by faculty advisors Dr. Craig Randall, Dr. Jase Ramsey and Dr. Eric Dent, Uncommon Friends Endowed Chair Professor of Ethics. The FGCU team competed strongly but finished behind Penn State University and University of Massachusetts, Amherst. The students received the case study of a real current policy issue “Deep Sea Mining of Rare-Earth Minerals” where they had to advise the Ford Company’s top management on whether they should encourage the mining of rare-earth minerals from the bottom of the sea bed in order to provide the metals necessary for the anticipated explosion of demand for electric vehicles. “To be nominated through the honors college and work with such an amazing group of students has been an

The FGCU Ethics Case Competition Team: Thomas Danzi, Shawn Bradley, Donna Jarrett and Kaylee Dombrowski experience I will never forget. I will cherish this moment forever,” Bradley said. “This experience gave me an opportunity to explore a field that I am not familiar with, and learn strategies and frameworks that are common to it,” Jarrett said. “I got to work with people that I wouldn’t otherwise have ETHICS See page 4

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DECEMBER 2021

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD Biosweep Suncoast going strong in 2021

You made it through COVID. How? Now what? We cannot completely put COVID in our rear-view mirror, but just maybe the worst has passed. Now, we can all get back to normal, right? Not so fast! COVID changed the way we do business in so many ways that there is no “normal” anymore. This is the time to reﬂect on how you made it through, what worked, what didn’t work, and what you will do to ensure continued recovery and success. I observed three common, critical actions that businesses took to survive COVID. First, they stayed in touch with their customers, suppliers and employees. They told everyone “We are still here!” in as many ways as they could - signs, letters, emails, phone calls, advertising and word of mouth. They maintained visibility so their customers didn’t forget them or assume they were closed. Second, they adapted quickly to the conditions and stayed ﬂexible. The initial changes weren’t always correct because experts were still learning about the virus. As a result, more and different changes were required. The successful were nimble. The key was not just meeting the ever-changing COVID requirements, but changing things in ways that made customers feel safe. Third, success-

TOURISM PAGE 1 “Today, we are recognizing her leadership, dedication and passion – but most importantly the way our visitors benefitted from her commitment to everything she did,” Pigott said. “She was truly an ambassador who proved how amazing it is to live, ®

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ful businesses went above and beyond to take care of their employees. This helped with morale, loyalty and retention (that’s looking pretty good right now, isn’t it?). If you did enough of these things to survive, congratulations! What next? Simple — do it again. And again! Observe, adapt and communicate. And be quick about it! The current challenges of supply chain and employment shortages could be just as debilitating as COVID. Look hard at ways to change, BY GREG STEINER transform and work with your suppliers and employees. Find new ways to Guest Columnist work in the current environment. Be creative and stretch borders. Most importantly, keep communicating with everyone! Greg Steiner is a management consultant with Sea Breeze Associates and Atlantic Partners International. Contact glsteiner57@comcast.net.

work and play on Sanibel Island.” Created in 2006, the VCB’s Junonia Award recognizes individuals who positively impact Lee County’s tourism community by demonstrating unique capabilities, leadership, commitment and dedication. The award is named for the junonia, a shell known for its rarity and exceptional quality. Last year’s recipient was Jeanne

Bigos former general manager of Outrigger Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach. Keynote speaker Samantha Brown, host of the Emmy Award-winning travel series “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love,” spoke about ways travelers can have more meaningful experiences by being more in the present and the emotional value of travel.

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BioSweep Suncoast is in its 3rd year and going strong. The company offers a new technology solution for odor decontamination at the molecular level. A husband-and-wife team makes its mark on Southwest Florida from Port Charlotte to Marco Island. Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties. Shane and Jolyn Covelli moved from Colorado to bring BioSweep to the Southwest Florida market. A strong work ethic and perseverance didn’t let the year of 2020 get in the way, they shifted from in home services to Surface Defense, their longterm, 12-month antimicrobial services for multi- family housing and businesses. Finally, now they are able to showcase the benefit of using BioSweep for indoor spaces that have been compromised by fire, trauma, smokers, pets, cooking and all mal odors in 24 hours. BioSweep saves time and money. Serving the Southwest Florida community with the best and proven technology on the market, Shane is the field tech and calculates all the jobs and Jolyn is the face of BioSweep through marketing. Her motto is “We get the funk out.” Proud and 1,000% confident in their process, she is at many networking events to promote BioSweep Suncoast and meet new people. BioSweep now has four franchises to serve Florida and they pull together for large loss claims. Their customer base is Insurance carriers, claims adjusters, home inspectors, realtors, property managers, multi housing communities, businesses large and small, and personal homeowners. “Great ideas come when the world needs them” — William Lyons Phelps You don’t have to be a large company to make a big impact!

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METRO PAGE 1 Seven out of the 10 entries are located in the Sun Belt, including four other metros from Florida, one from South Carolina, and one from Georgia. The study is based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, looking at migration between contiguous U.S. metropolitan statistical areas between 2015 and 2019, including only metros with populations smaller than 1 million.

ETHICS PAGE 3 gotten to meet, and learn skills that I’d never have gotten to learn.” Dent commented, “I am so proud of how hard our team worked this year. At the same time, I look forward to developing these skills in future FGCU students.” For more information, contact Dr. Eric B. Dent at edent@fgcu.edu or (239) 590-7162

DECEMBER 2021

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 5

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

Looking back on the year that was 2020 and the one after 2021 As my family and I were ringing in the new year on Jan. 1, 2020. There was a lot of optimism with the future. I had just completed another great year in my business and was planning for an even better one to come. I was still recuperating from a back operation and was not back to full strength, lots of walking and physical therapy was what needed to be done while still running my business and keeping my employees working and planning for more hiring with more projects in the works. That March, I was getting ready to pull the trigger on another employee hire when I heard about a flu that was taking over the U.S., it had started in the west and was heading east very quickly. Luckily, I decided not to hire anyone right then. I thought this would be just another flu spreading to just a limited amount of people and would blow over in a month or two and I thought I could hire someone after this blows over. As the flu got worse and people started dying, I knew this would not be just another flu epidemic, everyone was saying that this was a worldwide pandemic. Around May and June, it really hit. Our business work slowed down and almost stopped completely. We were lucky enough to have a local government contract that would keep all of us working for a few

more months I was happy with that, but I did not know if the new work that had stopped would ever come back. The government passed the Paycheck Protection Program and that saved us from letting any employee go. This was a big help to our small business. When people started talking about closing down businesses, it really hit home. How would we work, pay my employees and BY ART move forward with what was to CASTELLANOS come. After the government isGuest Columnist sued an order to close, we were making plans to work from home, lucky for us being in the Construction Industry we were on the list that was able to stay open. My main concern was for the health and safety of my employees, so I made sure they were protected and kept working in a safe environment and if they needed anything I was there for them. What got me through during that time not knowing what was to come was my faith in God and belief as my daughter always reminded me, “This too shall pass,” an old saying that when times are hard our faith will get us through.

Don’t forget to post your in-person and virtual events on our B2B events calendar at www.swﬂoridabusinesstoday.com/calendar By the end of the year, work started to trickle in and I started to breath a little easier, we even gave out our year-end bonus, granted a little lighter. I was happy to get through the year with no-one in my family or business seriously ill or in the hospital; again my faith got me through. 2021 came in and we were all optimistic that the talk of getting the Vaccine would get us all through, and at least not make this COVID thing any worse, so there was hope everywhere. As work continued to come back, I believe this will be one of our best years yet. Again, faith and God got us through this and our faith will get us through to the end. We are all blessed to be here and I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, looking forward to 2022 “More Great things to Come.” My hope is this COVID ﬂu will be in our rear view mirror. God Bless everyone. Art Castellanos is president of Castellanos + Tramonte Architects. Contact (239) 549-0997 or artthearchitect@msn.com.

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

Philanthropy a chief ingredient at Kona Ice By Jason Jenkins Guest Columnist One of the things I love most about Kona Ice is the philanthropic component that is engrained in the brand. Not only am I able to do something I enjoy, but I also have the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way through fundraising for organizations that need it the most. My experience with Kona Ice has been amazing. I’ve always had an interest in being an entrepreneur and with Kona, not only am I running my own business, but I also am part of a bigger family, the Kona Ice family, that is extremely supportive in ensuring my ongoing success. I moved to Fort Myers in July to launch my Kona Ice business. Looking back on my first year, I’ve learned that things are going to happen when they are supposed to, not when you want them to. I originally started looking into buying a Kona Ice truck in 2019, but while we were in the process of purchasing, COVID-19 happened. Once the dust settled, we were ready to pursue the opportunity again. I received my truck

Jason Jenkins is the owner and operator of Kona Ice Fort Myers. faster than expected and was up and running right away. Since launching our Kona Ice business in July, we’ve given back $1,400 to local nonprofit organizations throughout Fort Myers and this is only the beginning. Looking ahead to our first anniversary, we have goals in place that we look forward to reaching. The first is continuing to build partnerships throughout the community, with a priority being the local children’s hospital. Additionally, we plan to grow our business in the area

by adding two more trucks. We want to make a significant impact and increase our giveback year after year and are set for an amazing journey ahead as we continue to become a staple in the community. Jason Jenkins, owner and operator of Kona Ice Fort Myers was born and raised in Champaign, Illinois. Jason is a 24-year food industry veteran with experience in concessions and catering. Contact jenkins@kona-ice.com or (239) 788-4210.

FGCU receives $4 million gift for entrepreneurship Florida Gulf Coast University’s Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship celebrates a $4-million gift from the Rist Family Foundation. Led by Brian Rist, founder of the hurricane protection products company Storm Smart, and wife Kim, the foundation is no stranger to FGCU. This is its second substantial gift to the university in the last two years. “I got involved with the university almost a decade ago,” Brian Rist said. “I’ve watched it grow. I’ve watched the things they’ve done and how they’ve changed Southwest Florida. That motivates my family and me to get more involved.” The school’s institute will now be known as the Rist Family Foundation Institute for Entrepreneurship in recognition of the gift. The institute is responsible for the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship’s outward-facing community engagement, including the Runway Program and the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program. The funds will be distributed over several years, focusing on specific needs within the school.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

DECEMBER 2021

BUSINESS GIANTS OF A DIFFERENT KIND, PAST AND PRESENT — A TRIBUTE “I have an idea that the only thing which makes it possible to regard this world we live in without disgust is the beauty which now and then men create out of the chaos. The pictures they paint, the music they compose, the books they write, and the lives they lead. Of all these, the richest in beauty is the beautiful life. That is the perfect work of art.” — W. Somerset Maugham

Elmer Tabor: ‘Mr. Cape Coral’ devotes his life to city he loves It was 1999. I had been recruited to work as ad director for a local news company and had never stepped foot in Southwest Florida prior to that. Almost from Day One of my arrival, my boss said to me, “There’s a lot of people you need to meet in order to be effective in your position here. But there’s one person you’ve got to meet as soon as possible: Elmer Tabor.” Sometime shortly thereafter, I was attending a business event. The host welcomed me and then immediately said, “Have you met Elmer yet?” When I said no, she took me by the elbow and introduced me to this man whom I had no idea at that time was going to become so important to me and have such a profound effect on my view

of Southwest Florida. When I was in Rotary Club with him many years ago, several of us would joke that because he was always volunteering for something, his wife Gail, to whom he is devoted, would probably think something was wrong with him if he spent an entire Saturday at home! Tabor Both his business and philanthropic accomplishments are many and I could share them here, but I’d rather say that Elmer has spent his adulthood dedicated to the suc-

Jim Wall: Focused on unlocking potential of area’s workforce come forward for recognition, and In 2008, Jim Wall was named director of the new I saw him easing himself out of the Business Development Division of the Southwest room. Florida Workforce Development Board. This diviHe just quietly and steadily kept sion, according to the fall 2008 story SWFBT pubmoving forward with the vision. lished about Jim Wall and this strategic move, was Within the local business comdesigned to help businesses with the tools needed munity, there exists many “best to stay competitive—primarily in the area of educakept secrets” whose sole purpose tion—thereby strengthening the connection between is to assist local business ownlocal employers, employees and job seekers. ers with building their businessFrom my many conversations with him over the Wall es. Over the years, I have worked years, Jim understood the concept of regionalization in and for Southwest Florida, and the subse- with Jim to consistently educate the business public quent positive impact that embracing such a concept about CareerSource-SWFL, its many facets, and the would have on this region’s workforce and future. many ways it currently assists—and is available to Since 2008, the region has clearly undergone tre- assist—the local business community. Moreover, without the benefit of Jim’s marketmendous change and growth, and Jim and fellow team members at CareerSource-SWFL, guided by ing savvy, SWFBT would not be experiencing the Executive Director Joe Paterno, have adapted right growth it has undergone and continues to experience today. Hats off to you, Jim—one of Southwest along with the region. In my experience, Jim never sought the limelight. Florida’s best kept secrets, by your choice, as you One time at a CareerSource-SWFL event, I actually ease your way out the door and move on to your witnessed a team member publicly calling Jim to “retirement career”!

Shannon Yates: Touched lives of many in SWFL I can’t believe I never met this man in all my time here in Southwest Florida—and I enjoyed spending time at his establishments on several occasions. There are so many Southwest Florida business “stars” worthy of recognition—I’ll never get to them all. Usually (but not always) I include those here whom I have personally encountered. But when I saw the outpouring from the community for this man upon his passing, I knew I had to include him in this, my annual tribute. What a contribution he made to the fabric of Southwest Florida in his short time here with us! He opened Bacchus, a wine and tapas bar, in Bell Tower shops in Fort Myers in 1999, following it with a location in downtown Fort Myers. In 2004, he opened Cru at Bell Tower with the help of investors. After

parting ways with Cru several years later, Yates went through a series of food ventures with varying degrees of success. Then he returned to his roots in Cape Coral and in 2012 opened resto-lounge Nevermind, an immediate success. When I saw what this man contributed to the quality of our lives here, both through his business enYates deavors and his generosity, I knew that a Southwest Florida light has dimmed and our Southwest Florida night skies will burn less brightly with this loss—especially since he left us way too soon. I so wish I’d had the honor of knowing him.

cess of Cape Coral as both a place of business and a wonderful place to call home. I so respected him and his achievements that he was an early mentor of mine. Elmer is a visionary, a business leader and his work for charity is well-documented. But Elmer’s devotion to Cape Coral is truly of his heart, not to enrich his reputation or pocketbook. He never sought the limelight. In fact, he shared with me once, he felt he could be more effective in helping the community he so loved by avoiding the limelight. However, his well-deserved nickname for many Cape Coral residents truly is “Mr. Cape Coral.” He certainly is “Mr. Cape Coral” to me.

Jack Wert: Dedicated to advocacy, advancement of the tourism industry A fond farewell was given to Jack Wert, executive director for the Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades CVB, on Sept. 29, at the Hilton Naples. Lois Croft, executive director of SWFL Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, presented Jack with an award in recognition of his tireless efforts and advocacy for tourism in Collier County over the past 18 years. Over 100 tourism professionals from across the region gathered to wish Jack well in his new ventures. When I started Southwest Florida Business Today 14 years ago in Lee County, there was much I needed to learn (and I still need to keep learning today), but I knew even less about Collier County. I decided to increase our circulation to Naples during the worst of the recession—2010— and Jack Wert was a wealth of Wert information and education for me. He was always welcoming and approachable, partly because that is how he is “made” and partly because he always welcomed the opportunity to share Collier County’s tourism message wherever he could. That is Jack Wert. Upon his departure, Wert noted to the media, “I am looking forward to contributing to future successes in the tourism industry. The importance of this industry as an economic driver for the region and the state is undeniable and I will now be able to pursue these very important advocacy issues in the future.” So don’t count Jack out yet; he’s just on to his “next future!”

Marie Capita: Champions Immokalee’s youth entrepreneurs When you are in awe of something, it is hard to “put it in writing.” I’ll be honest, someone I respect suggested I include Marie in this feature and I did not truly know who she is. Shame on me and believe me, I know who she is and what Taste of Immokalee is now. Statistics tell you Immokalee is one of the poorest communities in the country. So how did Taste of Immokalee get its start? According to one of the organization’s founding students, Elizabeth Martinez, it started on a trip to an event for Immokalee high school students who, as they were driving through the local agricultural fields, said, “Wouldn’t it be neat to create something of our own and give back to our community?”

Francisco Cuevas, founding student, shared, “The goal of TOI is to use all of Immokalee’s resources to create food products inspired by our culture.” But, Martinez noted, “Today, TOI is more than a few products made from fresh Florida produce, it’s a model for innovation and success, a social enterprise model that is ignitCapita ing dreams and bettering communities.” TOI Executive Director Marie Capita noted, “When TOI was created, it was based on what the students envisioned, which was the answer to the

question, ‘What is the best thing for our community? What is the way out of the poverty cycle that is here today?’ “So today it is an entrepreneurship program to help students build their soft skills, their business skills. Now when they leave high school and they venture into the real world, they leave with the business skills set and leadership skills that we instilled in them to become successful later on in life.” Eleven students are currently in college and they are ﬂourishing, she noted. John Slusar, TOI president, stated, “Immokalee is a unique place, but not necessarily unique in America. If we can make this model work in Immokalee, then we can do this at a lot of places in America.”

This annual feature is submitted by Karen P. Moore, Publisher, SWFBT

DECEMBER 2021

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 7

Aviation Maintenance Technician School hosts Career Day Charlotte Technical College Aviation Maintenance Technician School co-hosted a “Career Day” event along with Blackbird Aviation, Punta Gorda to introduce Aviation Maintenance Technician students to workforce opportunities in all aspects of the aviation and aerospace industry such as: manufacturing, distribution of parts and airlines maintenance repair and overhaul. This opportunity gave students a closer look at where their education at CTC can lead them in the future once they have completed their program. There were many questions answered for the students. “The students seemed delighted to learn more about the multifaceted industry of aviation and the endless opportunity that awaits them when they graduate” said Dave Gammon, Charlotte County Economic Development Director. “The aviation industry is building here at the Charlotte County Airport and we are encouraged to see more companies like Blackbird Aviation and their business partners, come to Punta Gorda to create new, well-paying jobs for our youth.” The event was held Nov. 11 at CTC’s AMT School on Skylane Way at the Punta Gorda Airport. Opened in Port Charlotte in 1980, Charlotte Technical College offers more than 20 different career training programs for full-time, part-time and dual enrollment students. The AMT program is available for dual enrollment high school seniors as well as adult students.

Charlotte Technical College Aviation Maintenance Technician School co-hosted a “Career Day” event along with Blackbird Aviation. CTC received its Part 147 and is certified to operate an Aviation Airframe Maintenance Program at the Extension campus located at the Punta Gorda Airport. The application and curriculum to add Powerplant to the certificate is under review by the FAA. Students will have the ability to earn their Airframe and Powerplant license to operate as Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians. This program was made possible with $1.7 million from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and the collaborative efforts of Charlotte County Public Schools, Charlotte County Economic Development, Charlotte County Airport Authority, state appropriations and support

from our local community. Total Program Cost for Aviation Airframe technology (1,350 hours) is $5,782 all inclusive. High School Seniors attend the first 450 hours for free, and in-turn save $1,314 in tuition costs. In-state tuition rate per hours is $2.92 per hour for students who have a GED or high school diploma. The program opened on Aug. 10 with 22 high school seniors and 50 adult students in Aviation Airframe Technology; 28 underclass students are also enrolled in Private Pilot Ground School. Enrollment for the AMT program makes up 25% of the total enrollment for CTC career certificate programs. O*Net OnLine reports licensed A&P mechanics’ median hourly wage at $31.94 and $66,440 annually. Employees on average earn $64,800 annually within the state of Florida. The high end of the salary range is $103,900 in Florida and is $103,880 in the United States. Florida’s 2021-22 regional demand occupation list shows 1,474 vacancies for positions that this program serves. With the addition of certified A&P mechanics, it is expected to attract new businesses to Charlotte County. By keeping high-wage aviation mechanics jobs in Charlotte County, the program is further enhancing economic development opportunities, job diversity and retention in Southwest Florida. This program will serve a 4.7% unemployment rate within Charlotte County and 5% within the state.

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Page 8

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

DECEMBER 2021

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

International travel ready to make its return With the arrival of fall there seems to be a sense of change in the air, a celebrated change in cooler temps and a definite improvement in consumer travel sentiment. The summer itself produced strong results all around while air traffic at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) continued to reach new heights. RSW remains No. 1 in the nation for airport passenger recovery, generating 180% more air traffic compared to August 2020 and 23% more air traffic than pre-pandemic August 2019. The future at RSW is also looking up with recent announcements of new airline services to the region. That list includes Lufthansa Eurowings, beginning in March 2022, with direct service from Frankfurt, Germany, and United Airlines’ new nonstop daily service between both Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) beginning mid-December of this year. Tremendous news arrived for the travel industry, and our destination, just two weeks ago when it was announced that the borders would start reopening to international visitors again. This welcomed announcement occurred just moments prior to the start of the IPW conference. Over the course of the threeday event, well over 100 meetings took place with international travel buyers who repeatedly acknowledged that the “wide open spaces, 30 miles of beautiful beaches and countless eco-adventures,” among everything else, was precisely the destination attributes international travelers and travel operators’ clients are seeking. In fact, most tour operators stated individually they experienced between a 300% and 1,700% increase in call volume to book trips the day of the announcement. While airline activity is soaring, the highways are sure to see their share of travelers as well. A recent

survey indicated 90% of snowbirds are planning to “take back their winter travels” as opposed to just 30% a year ago. That positive travel sentiment is not limited to snowbirds. The CVB has been monitoring, and is encouraged by, the latest Longwoods Sentiment Research. After a series of weeks that rattled traveler optimism with the surge BY PAUL of the Delta variant, the latest reBEIRNES search indicated a “leveling off” Guest Columnist of the alarm bells. And, of course, visitation to the region through August reached 1,365,800 individuals. This represents an increase of 1.4% over record-breaking 2019. The real celebration is that the economic impact generated by those visits amounted to $1.9 billion by the end of August, an 11.9% increase over 2019. The importance of economic impact is that it fuels our vibrant economy and generates incremental jobs for the destination. In summary, all the indicators and brand attributes are certainly in our favor as a destination. It will just be up to each organization to remain focused and strategic in how we maintain market share. While the past two years have been challenging, it has also demonstrated that when we work together as a team there is virtually nothing we cannot achieve. I wanted to take a moment to applaud each of your efforts and teamwork demonstrated over these trying times. In the heat of uncertainty and the onslaught of COVID-19, a great many of you collectively came together and challenged the region to demonstrate a commitment to our visitors and locals alike which inspired the development of the “Paradise Pledge”. This effort ensured the operational continuance of

“All the indicators and brand attributes are certainly in our favor as a destination. It will just be up to each organization to remain focused and strategic in how we maintain market share.”

countless businesses and jobs across the region and did not go unnoticed. In fact, last month the Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades VCB was the proud recipient of three awards at the 2021 Florida Governor’s Conference, including the most coveted award in the State of Florida. The “Henry Flagler Award” was presented to the region for “Tourism Advocacy: Local Tourism Impact Campaign” (or as we know it, the Paradise Pledge). The region also received two bronze awards for “Niche Marketing: Only Paradise Will Do Eco-Tourism Campaign,” as well as “Print Advertising; Cooking up a Culinary Campaign”. Each of these awards is a shared accolade and should be considered just as much your own recognition as that of the CVB. Continuing in the spirit of partnership, many of you assisted in the development of the Paradise Coast CVB’s FY’22 Strategic Marketing Plan by participating in a day-long strategic planning workshop, attended by over 100 regional business partners. It is partnerships like these that set us apart from all other destinations and position all of us for great success in the months and years ahead. Paul Beirnes is executive director of the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB. Contact him at (239) 252-2383 or paul.beirnes@colliercountyfl.gov.

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The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency approved an amount not to exceed $20,000 for the SWFL Enterprise Center Incubation Program. Funds will be used to engage Dr. Peter Oscody of PreneurDomain to develop an incubation program for the SWFEC. The SWFEC runs trainings for small business owners to gain basic knowledge of developing a business, learn fundamental skills including bookkeeping and training like pre-construction, general construction and auto repair. Oscody said many entrepreneurs applying to participate are not yet ready for an incubator program Therefore, a pre-incubation series of workshops or courses are required so a more qualified pipeline of entrepreneur candidates can

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be produced for the incubator program. The Southwest Florida Enterprise Center Incubation Program will offer programs including 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year according to the maturity of the enterprise as well as programs for different types of entrepreneurs such as trades-based entrepreneurs (profession- or trades-based small business development), social entrepreneurs (social impact focused, triple-bottom-line and b-corps), and potentially venture entrepreneurs (requiring some level of original innovation). Facilities will be available for enterprises that participate in the Incubator Program and every participant business will have set KPIs to achieve and so their performance is closely moni-tored on a quarterly basis.

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DECEMBER 2021

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 9

Tomorrow’s Workforce: A Trilogy Summary Report 2021 In 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first successful airplane ﬂight. Sixty-six years later Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took the first steps on the moon. Today, the U.S. Aerospace and the U.S. Aviation Industries employ more than one million people and the new goal is Mars. In 2007, Apple released its first iPhone. Thirteen years later, ten billion smart devices are connected around the world. “The rate of change is exponential and requires a new mindset to address future workforce needs.” — Peg Elmore, Director of Business Services

The rate of change is exponential and requires a new mindset to address future workforce needs. CareerSource Southwest Florida is studying Tomorrow’s Workforce to help align education, policies and legislation to meet the future workforce needs of Southwest Florida. What follows is a summary of these meetings and a challenge to work together to develop strategies and solutions.

Tomorrow’s Workforce: A Trilogy

IDENTIFY SOLUTIONS TO MEET SWFL’S FUTURE WORKFORCE NEEDS Symposium I 01.21.21 Future Workforce Needs

Symposium II 03.25.21 Emerging Roles in Education

Symposium III 06.24.21 Next Steps for Tomorrow’s Workforce

CareerSource Southwest Florida delivers a variety of employment and training programs through a network of full-service career centers in Clewiston, Fort Myers, lmmokalee, Naples, and Port Charlotte, with a satellite of�ice in LaBelle. The organization is part of a statewide (24 regions) network consisting of one hundred career centers.

Page 10

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

DECEMBER 2021

Tomorrow’s Wor

IDENTIFY SOLUTIONS TO MEET SW Symposium I - Future Workforce Needs 1/21/21

KEY MESSAGES FROM BUSINESS LEADERS • Foundational skills remain a challenge, speci�ically time management, communication skills, work ethics, accountability, teamwork, the ability to handle stress and empathy in the healthcare �ield. • Changing technology requires software, application and backend developers, people who work with robotics, the Internet of Things and machine learning technologists. • Manufacturing, Construction and Computer Science Engineering talent pipeline require expansion. • Business Management skills are needed, speci�ically Data Analysts and Account Managers. • Southwest Florida’s growth in construction, supply chain logistics and aviation Dane Eagle Guest Speaker is creating unmet workforce needs. The talent pipeline for computer science and engineering also needs to expand. • Diversity of workforce including age and speakers of languages other than English are creating training challenges. • It is never too early to begin career exploration in our schools. PANELISTS

Alex Allen Two39

Ted Bill Wire Experts Group

Lillie Rodriguez Airglades International Airport

Mike Biskie B&I Contractors

Shane Simmons Cheney Brothers

John Talmage Moderator

Ryan Carter Scotlynn Industries

Renee Thigpen Naples Community Hospital

Symposium III - Next Step

06/

KEY MESSAGES FROM LEGISLATORS AND POLICY MAKERS • Legislators need to think long-term as this is not a short-term �ix. Our focus should be on the needs of business row and twenty years from now. • The needs of businesses are �irst and foremost. The role of the Labor Force Estimating Conference is to identi needs and to identify the demand and supply. The product of this conference will be to drive what credentials h then drive what education can and should offer. • House Bill 1507 made signi�icant reform to career training programs with the purpose of centering on the stude the school. This will increase access, alignment, and outcomes. • The REACH Act with its no wrong door approach is much less a handoff and more of a huddle, braiding services funding to work together for successful outcomes. We will all work together to bring our areas of expertise. • Addressing the foundation skills gaps, HB 1507 creates a digital credential program which allows individuals to g recognized badges in problem solving, critical thinking and communication. • Florida has an adult population of about 15 million and of those, almost 4 million lack a high school diploma or and math skills. Those adults are our potential workforce. We need to couple adult education with career and techni

DECEMBER 2021

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 11

rkforce: A Trilogy

WFL’S FUTURE WORKFORCE NEEDS Symposium II - Emerging Roles in Education 3/25/21

KEY MESSAGES FROM EDUCATION LEADERS • New program development takes too much time. Develop rapid prototyping, simplify approval processes and fund pilot programming. • Create �inancial incentives (tax deduction, etc.) for industries to share or donate equipment. • Expand and simplify processes to credit students for prior learning. • Recruiting teachers is a challenge. Policies regarding the use of business expert volunteers in the classroom need to be more �lexible. • Performance funding criteria needs more �lexibility. • Structural impediments need to be rede�ined. For example, what is a credit hour? Why are Associate Degrees 60 hours and Baccalaureate Degrees 120 hours? What is the de�inition of workforce education?

Dr. Eric Hall Guest Speaker

Michael Dalby Moderator

PANELISTS

Deelynn Bennett Charlotte Technical College

Rita Davis The School District of Lee County

Dr. John Meyer Hodges University

Susan McManus Champions for Learning

Dr. Michael Martin Florida Gulf Coast University

Dr. Thomas Norman Florida Southwestern State College

Michael Swindle Hendry County Schools

ps for Tomorrow’s Workforce

/24/21

PANELISTS

s today, tomor-

ify employers’ have value and

ent and not on

s and braiding

gain employer

r basic literacy nical education.

Chancellor Henry Mack Florida Dept. of Education

Dan McGrew CareerSource Florida

Mike Jackson Moderator Representative Lauren Melo Florida House of Representatives

Senator Kathleen C. Passidomo Florida State Senate

Page 12

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

DECEMBER 2021

For more information about CAREERSOURCE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA and the services we provide please visit us at: www.CareerSourceSouthwestFlorida.com

CareerSource SWFL Locations 1. Clewiston (Full-Service) 215-B S. Francisco Street Clewiston, FL 33440 6

2 3

2. Fort Myers (Full-Service) 6800 Shoppes at Plantation Drive Suite 170 Fort Myers, FL 33912 3. Immokalee (Full-Service) 750 S. 5th Street Immokalee, FL 34142 4. LaBelle (Satellite) 921 Anvil Circle LaBelle, FL 33935

5. Naples (Full-Service) 3050 Horseshoe Dr. N. Bldg. A, #110 Naples, FL 34104 6. Port Charlotte (Full-Service) 3745 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte, FL 33952

CareerSource Southwest Florida operates �ive full service career centers and one satellite center.

Our mission is to initiate and support effective strategies through collaboration with business, education, and social services to facilitate the development of programs and activities that reduce dependency, encourage personal growth, and provide economic bene�its to individuals, businesses, and communities of Southwest Florida.

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

DECEMBER 2021

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 13

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

Public and private sector projects power RWA Engineering forward Southwest Florida is a wonderFor more business news, visit ful place for our industry as it conwww.swfl oridabusinesstoday.com tinues to thrive through 2021. This year has been a busy one at RWA, with a balanced and growing port- diligence work associated with infolio of both public and private dustrial land. A highlight for RWA this past sector projects. Throughout 2021, RWA has year was the approval of a 25-unitseen a significant increase in work per-acre luxury apartment project Photo by Christine real Brady estate thatSouthwest sets a CollierFlorida County precfrom our national homebuilding A look at commercial & construction updates in Scotlynn USA President Ryan Carter and business partner Scott Biddle clients as the residential market is edent and demonstrates the Counshare the honors for the ribbon cutting at the company’s new North Amerigoing strong and demand in South- ty’s willingness to tackle the houscan headquarters in Fort Myers. west Florida continues to grow. ing affordability challenge when Our clients are aggressively look- presented with a quality project in ing for land and we have seen no the right location. As we head into the new year, slowdown in entitlement and perReady to ship, Scotlynn opened multinational transportation and lomitting work, which indicates con- we believe “cautious optimism” the doors to its new North American gistics building – more than 59,000 fidence in this market and a posi- is the resounding theme we are headquarters square feet larger than Scotlynn’s hearing from our clients and coltive outlook for 2022. Scotlynn, a company that special- original office in 2010 – as well as In conjunction with the resi- leagues. All of us are looking forizes in hauling perishable produce, is eight acres of site improvements and dential growth, we are also see- ward to more good things to come one of the fastest–growing logistics a road extension. ing a surge in the commercial and in 2022. At RWA, we are especially providers of its kind in the United The facility includes a cafeteria, industrial projects needed to keep excited because next year we will States. an indoor/outdoor recreational space up with the population growth and be celebrating 25 years of providThe company recently celebrat- as well as private offices and colresidential development through- ing professional civil engineering, ed the opening of its three-story, laboration centers for 350 manageout the area. Current 2021 RWA planning, and surveying services 60,000-square-foot North Ameri- ment and operations team members. projects that are reflective of recent to the Southwest Florida region. can corporate headquarters, located By 2024, that number will increase industry trends include car condonear Alico Road and Interstate-75, to 460. miniums, warehousing, flex-space Contact John Williams, Vice on Gulf Research Lane in Fort Myers. Scotlynn manages thousands of and car washes. We are also expe- President, at (239) 825-9509 or The facility was developed and built shipments across North America riencing a strong increase in due jsw@consult-rwa.com by Seagate Development Group. each week, providing essential food Seagate constructed the class-A and supplies for millions of people.

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Page 14

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

DECEMBER 2021

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida

The most important strategy you need to manage your property Earlier this year, our article “7 Signs You Need a Professional Property Manager” outlined several red ﬂags that commercial real estate owners should watch for when attempting to manage their own investment properties. One of the most concerning red ﬂags is a property owner who doesn’t know what to charge his or her tenants. Setting a budget for a rental property is a complex issue that is best handled by professionals—not only for the benefit of the owner, but also for the tenants. Property managers need to understand the relationships between rent, Common Area Maintenance, sales tax and other variables like utility costs to set their budgets appropriately and keep their properties desirable for commercial tenants. One of the most common issues we see at Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida is owners who offer gross leases rather than renting space using a triple net lease. As property managers, this is one of our most important strategies. We have converted hundreds of gross leases to triple net, in the long run benefiting both the landlord and the tenant. Gross Versus Triple Net Leases Many property owners without strong accounting support use gross leases to simplify the accounting process. In a gross lease, the tenant pays the same amount every month for the term of their lease, and this lump sum includes rent, CAM, insurance and property taxes. Depending on the terms of the agreement between landlord and tenant, a gross lease may also include utilities. The property owner bears the expense of the operating and maintenance costs. Conversely, a triple net lease divides these different expenses into base rent and additional expenses. While the base rent stays constant in accordance with

the terms of the lease, the CAM can fluctuate annually depending on unforeseen repairs, labor and materials costs and contributions to maintenance reserve accounts. Insurance rates and property taxes can also fluctuate regularly. Benefits of Triple Net Leases When we begin managing a property with a gross lease, we almost immediately begin the tranBY GARY sition to triple net. This process TASMAN begins with a five-year capital Guest Columnist improvement strategy and budget, which plans for major repairs and replacement of outdated systems or equipment. The goal is to prevent surprise expenses and establish reserves for upcoming capital improvements. The capital improvement budget is then used as part of the CAM calculation. How does this process benefit the property owner? Simply put, a well-budgeted property with a triple net lease program assumes less risk. Unplanned expenses on a large building—like a new roof or replacement of an HVAC system—can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. If an owner has tenants locked into a five-year gross lease, there’s no flexibility in rent to cover these expenses, and the owner is left with a large bill and no additional income. Conversely, if that property owner is following a budgeted capital improvement schedule and has tenants on a triple net lease, many of these expenses can be paid through CAM reserve funds and without the need for special tenant assessments. This allows owners to realize the highest potential value for a property.

A well budgeted property with a triple net lease can also be more competitive in the market. Although CAM rates can fluctuate from year to year, tenants will appreciate leasing a space with healthy reserves. Triple net leases also benefit tenants because these properties tend to be better maintained. Owners with gross leases often delay maintenance and repairs because of cash flow concerns, in the long run leading to a less desirable property. Converting Your Property to NNN Converting your commercial property to a triple net lease will make your commercial assets more desirable for both leasing and potential sales. However, the conversion can be a lengthy process—it doesn’t simply happen overnight. Owners need to ride out their tenants currently renting under a three-year, fiveyear or longer gross lease arrangements. They also need to be committed to the capital improvement budget and planning process to maximize their return on investment. Fortunately, property owners don’t need to— and shouldn’t– go it alone. The full service property management professionals at Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida are prepared to assist with all aspects of operations and financial services as you maximize the value of your commercial rental property. From inspections, planning and budgeting to vendor selection, financial analysis and compliance, the property management team at CPSWFL will work with you to make this transition as smooth as possible. Gary Tasman is the founder of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida and serves as CEO/Principal broker. Contact him at (239) 470-9646.

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DECEMBER 2021

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 15

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida

John R. Wood Properties acquires Naples Maps’ portfolio John R. Wood Properties announced the company has recently purchased rights to the complete portfolio of Naples Maps. Owned by Foster “Skip” Reznor since 2002, Naples Maps is a local company which, for over 20 years, has produced detailed maps of communities and neighborhoods throughout Southwest Florida. “We are pleased to announce another exciting competitive advantage for John R. Wood agents,” said John R. Wood Properties Vice President of Marketing James Schnars. “Skip Reznor is a talented artist who

uses a unique process to make maps highly accurate, appealing and easy to read. These new assets will serve as valuable sales tools for our associates.” Reznor will now work with John R. Wood Properties as a vendor to improve the brokerage’s entire map portfolio. Each of the existing maps will be preprinted, in color, and branded to John R. Wood brand identity standards. The initial portfolio will include approximately 30 maps. Each will be available at no cost to John R. Wood Properties agents. “Once we unveil the initial portfolio, we will then

begin adding select communities, which are not yet mapped, in priority order,” said Schnars. Larger communities, those with high sales volumes, and those in which the company does the most business, will come first in the process. “Within a short time, we will have a beautiful, comprehensive new portfolio of maps which are all consistent in design and branding,” added Schnars. “We’ll be adding other communities over time, since mapping a community ‘from scratch’ is a time-consuming process.”

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT Lodge Florida celebrates A look at commercial real estatePower & construction updates in Southwest Florida

grand opening in Bonita Springs

Windsor Fashions opened a store at Coconut Point.

Windsor Fashions opens in Estero Windsor Fashions, a leading special occasion and fast-fashion retailer with over 270 US-based stores and fast-growing e-commerce business, opened a store at Coconut Point. The store officially opened its doors on Oct. 14, and can be found on Fashion Drive, next to American Apparel. Founded by the Zekaria family, Windsor opened its first store in 1937 with a mission that continues to this day: To create an oasis that inspires and empowers women. Windsor focuses on providing a broad selection of on-

trend apparel for all the occasions in a woman’s life. Whether school-based occasions like Prom and Graduation, seasonal events like Halloween, New Year’s Eve or everyday occasions like date night and brunch with the girls; Windsor provides a broad and inspiring assortment of the latest trends. Windsor holds a place in the occasion-based retail landscape and during a time when many fashion retailers are closing or downsizing, Windsor is experiencing strong momentum both instore and online.

Power Lodge – Florida, a powersports dealership serving the Bonita Springs and surrounding areas, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting hosted by SWFL Inc. “Our mission at Power Lodge – Florida is bringing to Southwest Florida the latest and greatest in powersports products, parts and service from all the major manufacturers, while creating a long-term relationship with each of our customers,” said Jill Hillman, marketing and human resources manager at Power Lodge – Florida. Power Lodge has been in the

powersports industry for over 20 years with having three stores located in Minnesota and its newest state-of-the-art location in Bonita Springs. Power Lodge carries watercraft, on road, and off-road vehicles by Sea-Doo, Can-Am, Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki and Polaris, as well as electric bikes. The sales and finance team are friendly and knowledgeable. The service and parts department ensures your equipment is wellmaintained nd running properly. Power Lodge – Florida is located on South Tamiami Trail in Bonita Springs.

Best Commercial Lot Values in Southwest Florida 25335 Rampart Blvd Port Charlotte 33983

4214 Duncan Road (Hwy. 17) Punta Gorda 33982

Price: $995,000 Size: 4.30 AC Description: Medical Office Space. Deep Creek has several ALF communities, private and public. Major Rehabilitation Center adjacent to this site. Two major hospitals within 10 minutes of site. East border of the property is a large Housing Complex with future zoning of commercial in front. Plans available for 7 buildings, each 5,000 sq. ft.

Price: $795,000 Size: 6.84 AC Description: 2 lots, 1 - 5.3 Acre Parcel and 1 - 1.5 acre parcel, 6.8 Acres, environmentals done. Just East of I-75. Zoned Industrial, Retail, Commercial General, No Residential or Mixed Use, 6.84 Acres at Washington Loop. Over 150 sq. ft. Road Frontage on Duncan. Phase I reports available, survey also available. Future land use is Commercial Corridor.

LSI Companies brokers property in Punta Gorda LSI Companies brokered a 17.1acre commercial property in Punta Gorda for $611,650. The property was acquired by Paradise Palms RV, from American Services of SW Florida and

Robert Keenan. The property is located on Duncan Road in Punta Gorda. The buyer was represented by Christi Pritchett of LSI Companies.

We Care About SWFL Commercial Realtors

Marion Ave Punta Gorda 33950

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

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Price: $399,000 Size: 2.70 AC Description: Zoned Low Intensity Industrial. 2 parcels, one approximately .25 Acres, the other 2.7. Perfect for Warehouse, Storage Facilities, Truck or Auto Terminal Hub, close to Hwy 17 and I-75 exit. Railroad meets rear of property. I-75 Interchange currently projected to cross eastern portion of property, high visibility once completed.

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Page 16

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

DECEMBER 2021

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida

ANNIVERSARIES

A story of friends with passion for giving, golf and slaw dogs What started on a whim as two close friends reﬂected on the upcoming holidays after a round of golf, has grown into one of the most highly anticipated annual charity golf tournaments now celebrating its 25-year history in Southwest Florida, and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support local causes. The 25th Annual Paul Sands Memorial Slaw Dog Invitational will be held on Dec. 15, at the Cypress Lake Country Club. Organizers hope to raise even more through event sponsorships this year to support local nonprofits. Scott Fischer, co-host of the event and owner of Scott Fischer Enterprises, said the tournament was the brainchild of his close friend, commercial real estate advisor Paul Sands. “Paul wanted to bring our friends and business associates together to celebrate the holidays and raise money for kids,” said Fischer. “One of the things that makes the Slaw Dog so special is the way the business community truly comes together to pitch in to support and sponsor the event to help local kids in need.” When Sands passed away in 2010, the Slaw Dog was renamed in his honor, and ex-wife and friend Lisa Farrell-Sands, broker and vice president of VIP Realty Group – Commercial, took over as co-host. Sands was a rainmaker who had an award-winning career in commercial real estate, served on the boards of several prestigious businesses and nonprofits. His passing was a huge loss to Fischer, Farrell-Sands and the community. Fischer met Sands after he moved from Ohio to Fort Myers in 1987 to run a Harley dealership. The two became fast friends and business associates. Both Fischer and Farrell-Sands remember him for his quick wit, charisma and hankering for slaw dogs. “Whenever we would go out to eat, he would always ask for a slaw dog and people would look at him puzzled and ask what it was,” Fischer said. “Scott and I would sit there with our heads down, and hands on our heads because we knew it was coming,” Farrell-Sands said. “Paul would then tell the server how to do it right, how to make a real slaw dog. So, when we were go-

Scott Fischer and Paul Sands met more than 25 years ago and founded the Slaw Dog Invitational, which now bears Sands’ name. ing through the process of putting the event together, and wondering what to call it, Paul said we should call it the slaw dog, make everybody eat them, and make everybody love Carolina slaw dogs,” laughed Fischer. Dinner at the end of the tournament remains a Carolina dog, grilled and topped with hearty beef chili (no beans!), creamy coleslaw and chopped onions. “Everybody loves it!” said Fischer. The tournament is traditionally held in December at CLCC. Fischer often reﬂects on the day he and Sands sat on the porch at the golf club to share their passion for giving, golf and slaw dogs. The first invitational raised $5,000. In 2020, it raised a record $72,500. Fischer hopes the event can raise $100,000 in its 25th year. The tournament sells out each year. As some golfers have aged out over the years, their adult children quickly claim the coveted spot to play in the Slaw Dog Invitational. “Players love getting a day out of the office to celebrate the holidays and celebrate the life and memory of their dear friend Paul Sands, all while helping local youth in need,” said Fischer. “I’ve played in all but one over the past 24 years,” said Rick Krichbaum, president of Marquis Wealth Management Group. “We do it in memory of Paul, in

support of Scott, and we do it because of the beneficiaries of the event. Aside from the cost of the golf and the food, 100% of the proceeds go to support local kids.” Sands was passionate about the Real Estate Investment Society Scholarship Fund at Florida Gulf Coast University and helped to grow it, and Fischer is a founding member of the Board of Directors for Blessings in a Backpack Southwest Florida. These two organizations have become annual fundraising recipients. This year, Valerie’s House will also benefit from the proceeds. “I have a drawer of Slaw Dog T-shirts, probably my most scientific way of figuring out how many I’ve been to,” laughed H. Shelton Weeks, Lucas Professor of Real Estate, Lutgert College of Business at FGCU. “I’ve been going for a long time and my involvement is directly related not only to REIS but to Paul Sands and everything he was involved in.” Not only do the recipients of the Paul Sands REIS Scholarship Fund get a financial benefit, but they’re also invited to REIS meetings for a year where they are offered support, internships and sometimes jobs. Blessings in a Backpack helps feed children on weekends for an entire school year so they can return to class Monday morning with a full stomach and an eager mind. “With more and more families facing food insecurity, generous donations from the tournament help provide tens of thousands of meals to local children in need,” said Cecilia St. Arnold, executive director of Blessings in a Backpack of Southwest Florida . Generous donations have helped to surpass the event’s annual fundraising goal of $20,000. Last year, David and Charlyn Veracka, representing the entire Rockstar Harley-Davidson family, upped the game by donating $50,000. As a result, local children’s charities benefited from the $72,500 raised through the 2020 event. In 2021, Veracka has committed to matching up to the first $50,000 raised and hoping to set another record. For more information, contact Lisa Farrell-Sands at Lsands@VIPrealty.com or visit the Slaw Dog Invitational on Facebook.

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DECEMBER 2021

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 17

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

Entrepreneurs learn to always seek out opportunities Our biggest hurdle for 2021 was making sure that all of our business practices matched the ebb and flow of COVID-19 in our state. As everything began to open up and return to some semblance of “normal,” we had to ramp up our capabilities to meet that demand. My background is in entrepreneurship, but this year my focus was on creating new opportunities for other small businesses to get the knowledge they need in order to grow and be successful. The lack of face-to-face contact and personal interaction that was so typical during the first part of 2021 put a snag in some of our plans, but times change, and towards the end of the year, people started to get reacquainted with meeting in-person once again.. In November, we put on Top Notch University, a very successful event where local small businesses could learn from recognized experts on topics like how to reach customers who are searching the web for their goods and services they provide as well as how to position themselves as the local expert so they rise above their competition. There’s a lot of pent-up interest out there, and we think 2022 is going to bring even more opportunities for learning and growth. When asked what his biggest takeaway was from this inaugural event, Carlos Narvaez, owner of Quantum & Power, a local electrical

contractor, shared, “It’s time to take our automation and technology to the next level.” Jolyn Covelli, owner of a Southwest Florida BioSweep franchise, stated, “I learned that I have to get my social media BY JD plan in order!” RIBALI Tim Loos, Guest Columnist owner of Pacific Home Services, noted, “I came here for the networking since there sure hasn’t been much of that going on recently.” “I learned that when it comes to planning the growth of your business, it’s better to ‘use a rifle, not a shotgun,’ approach, as the old saying goes,” Tom Gonser, owner of Green Panda Energy, added. “Carve out your niche and carefully plan your business’ growth—you can’t be all things to all people, nor can you do everything at once.” One of the events we’re really looking forward to in 2022 is the BizKids Expo, coming up on Jan. 22. Like many entrepreneurs, I started out in business at a very early age, and I feel that it’s important that we continue to foster that same drive for success in the generations to come. BizKids Expo is for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow, who will receive coaching from SW Florida business

JOB PAGE 1

services, increasing by 2,500 jobs; and trade, transportation and utilities, increasing by 2,200 jobs. The Fort Myers area labor force in September 2021 increased by 21,799 over the year, a 6.4% increase. The industry gaining the most jobs over the year was leisure and hospitality, increasing by 4,000 jobs. The state of Florida’s labor force increased for 11 consecutive months, by 50,000 workers over the month and a growth rate of 5.4% over the year, which is significantly higher than the national rate of 0.8%. Florida’s unemployment rate of 4.9% for September 2021 dropped 0.1 percentage point from August 2021. Data in the month of September indicates that there continue to be many job opportunities available for Floridians throughout the state, with more than 520,000 jobs posted online.

down from 6.1% reported in September 2020. Statewide, Florida’s economy accelerated in September 2021, growing three times faster over the month than the nation. This month marks 17 consecutive months of private-sector job growth, adding nearly 73,000 jobs over the month, increasing by 5.6% over the year. Florida has experienced this magnitude of monthly private-sector job growth on only four other occasions in the past 30 years. The Naples area labor force increased by 14,222 over the year, an 8.3% increase. The industries gaining the most jobs over the year include leisure and hospitality, increasing by 2,600 jobs; professional and business

Photo by Christine Brady Students listen to experts at Top Notch University discuss how to reach customers who migrated online during the pandemic. leaders. They will also pitch their ideas to our panel of judges for a chance to win seed money that will help make their dreams come true. 2021 definitely had its ups and downs. However, I think opportunities were out there for those people who wanted to look for them, and we found quite a few last year. 2022 looks to be even better as people start to get out into the real world and see all that it has to offer.

Don’t forget to post your in-person and virtual events on our B2B events calendar at www.swﬂoridabusinesstoday.com/ calendar J.D. Ribali is the founder of Top Notch University and Biz Kidz Expo, scheduled for Jan. 22, helping entrepreneurs of all ages build their dreams. Contact (239) 675-1235 or jd@topnotchhomepros.com.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

AWARD PAGE 1 This year’s award recipients are: • Community Steward of the Year - Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida • Innovators of the Year - Cigent Technology and Energy Harness Corporation • Startup of the Year - Two39 Work • Manufacturer of the Year Storm Smart • Small Business of the Year Stickboy Creative • Large Business of the Year Stevens Construction • Business Resiliency and Innovation - Fort Myers Brewing Company and Sanibel Captiva Bank The ceremony was capped by the Horizon Council’s acknowledgement of the Lee Board of County Commissioners for its stewardship while steering the county through the pandemic, and recognition of Gary Griffin, president of B&I Contractors, with a lifetime achievement award. To see the full list of finalists and learn more, visit www.industryappreciationawards.com.

DECEMBER 2021

ANNIVERSARIES

Sharing love and chocolate for 20 years

Inspired by an early love of art and baking, I never imagined opening my own chocolate company when I pursued a career in the culinary world. After learning the craft of pastry making in France, I dedicated the next 13 years to mastering the role of corporate executive pastry chef at The Ritz-Carlton, helping the luxury hotel open 30 resort pastry kitchens across the globe. In 2001, I made a big, career-changing decision. I decided it was time to leave the corporate world to spend more time with my wife and our two kids. As fate would have it, this bold move led me down an even greater path – discovering a much sweeter work life in my home of Southwest Florida. After leaving Ritz and creating an international TV Food Network Show, I started making ultra-premium artisan chocolates by hand inside a friend’s medical supply business. Originally intending to sell wholesale to contacts I had made in the restaurant industry, I soon realized there was greater consumer demand. News of a local chocolatier spread quickly, launching Norman Love Confections into the retail arena. A year later, we purchased property in Fort Myers, built the original Chocolate Salon and soon added a production facility. Then in 2011, we opened a second location in Naples, where we began making gelato at the Naples Chocolate and Dessert Salon, and the concept of Artisan Gelato by Norman Love was born. We now serve authentic, handmade artisan gelato with a Norman Love twist at all of our locations. In 2014, we opened our third chocolate salon at Miromar Outlets in Estero. In October 2016, we opened Norman Love Confections Chocolate and Dessert Salon in the Terra Design Center along the McGregor Boulevard corridor in Fort Myers. The location offers wine and Champagne, as well as artisan desserts and pas-

SUNSHINE PAGE 1 The day of the event, a Who’s Who of Lee County’s most prominent companies, community leaders and elected officials gathered at the fabulous Caloosa Sound Convention Center and Amphitheater to recognize some of the best companies in the area. The Industry Appreciation Awards has become one of my favorites, not only because it recognizes and celebrates the great work of local businesses and their impact on the area, but also because in their last

tries. With its contemporary design and comfortable seating areas, the McGregor location is a destination for special occasions and meetings, or just to relax and grab a bite to eat. In 2020, Norman Love Confections opened its sixth Florida location, a 2,000-square-foot Chocolate Salon at University Town Center in Sarasota. The location offers the company’s award-winning ultra-premium, handcrafted chocolates, specialty desserts, artisanal baked goods, novelty products and Artisan GeBY NORMAN LOVE lato by Norman Love. Additionally, it serves a selection of wines and coffees, as Guest Columnist well as our limited-edition holiday collections for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day. While traditional consumer demand fueled our company’s growth in stores and online, it’s the local support for our chocolates and my family that we celebrate as our greatest achievement. Norman Love Confections makes it a priority to give back and support local charities year-round. Since opening 20 years ago, we have grown from a team of two, myself and my wife Mary Love, to a team of more than 100 employees. As we celebrate a major milestone, Norman Love Confections’ looks forward to the next 20 years of innovation, excellence and quality. Norman Love is chef, president and founder of Norman Love Confections. Call (239) 360-5228.

ceremony, back in 2019, one of the companies that I am part of, Creative Architectural Resin Products, won the Startup of the Year Award and it changed our lives. So this year, when we walked in to the event, I felt like Miss USA returning her crown after my oneyear term, or this time, our two-year term. The ambiance was jovial, fun and with lots of excitement, as people have been wanting to enjoy special events like these for quite some time. I was happy to see so many friends and colleagues together, looking all cute for the selfies we took and the memories we created.

Congratulations to the 2021 Winners I look forward to “seeing” all of you again soon. Marilyn Santiago is president of Sunshine Integrated Solutions, a lifestyle marketing/PR consultancy ﬁrm providing creative solutions, media strategies, talent and production services in English and Spanish for advertising agencies, local and corporate clients. She is also co-owner of CARP, which creates architectural elements from strong polyresin for the construction industry. Contact her at (239) 939-0034 or Sunshineatyourservice@gmail.com.

IN BUSINESS SINCE 1993

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Need more help? Not sure how to grow? EMPLOYEE CARE CAN HELP! Contact MAIKEL DELGADO at (239) 945-9988 or email mdelgado@employeecare.us

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PAYROLL-EMPLOYEE LEASING

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DECEMBER 2021

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

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Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Health plan coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare of Florida, Inc. and Neighborhood Health Partnership, Inc. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates, and UnitedHealthcare Service LLC in NY. Stop-loss insurance is underwritten by All Savers Insurance Company (except CA, MA, MN, NJ and NY), UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company in MA and MN, UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance Company in NJ, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York in NY, and All Savers Life Insurance Company of California in CA. EI21962852.0 9/21 © 2021 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 21-723250

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

DECEMBER 2021

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