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IN THE NEWS Bank of the Ozarks awards $50,000 to state businesses

Bank of the Ozarks has awarded Accion in Florida a $50,000 grant to assist small businesses in Florida hurt by Hurricane Irma. The funds will be used to expedite loans, primarily to low-tomoderate-income small business owners in South, Central and North Florida where Hurricane Irma’s devastation was the greatest and where Accion has relief efforts and the strongest reach. “Bank of the Ozarks understands the importance of small and micro businesses as a source of family financial security, job creation and community economic revitalization,” stated Angela Hudson, Director of Community Responsibility at Bank of the Ozarks. “Partnering with Accion to assist financially vulnerable business owners recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma enables these small businesses to continue providing services, jobs and economic growth in Florida,” Hudson added. Bank of the Ozarks has 44 offices in Florida. OZARKS See page 14

GrowFL projected to create 40,000 jobs in 10 years

A new report from the independent public policy research institute Florida TaxWatch shows GrowFL continues to play an important role in Florida’s economic development. GrowFL connects second-stage companies with resources to help them thrive and have a larger impact on the Sunshine State’s economy. Since the last TaxWatch report in January 2015, the state changed its strategy of investing in economic growth and development, and a new academic analysis estimated the job creation attributable to the GrowFL program since its inception in 2009. This caused Florida TaxWatch to revisit the 2015 analysis using the REMI PI+ economic forecasting model to calculate GrowFL’s economic impact over the next 10 years. JOBS See page 3

CCCR Executive Director Niccole Howard speaks to attendees at the Family Friendly Business Awards.

CCCR honors family-friendly businesses

More than 100 people gathered at Hilton Naples to attend the Family Friendly Business Awards networking breakfast and presentation ceremony, hosted Nov. 28 by Collier Child Care Resources. Attendance included notable guests like Representative Byron Donalds, Council Members Reg and Sandra Buxton, and Commissioner Burt Saunders, among others. The event opened with a speech from Mayor Bill Barnett, who spoke on the value of family friendly businesses for our community, as well as the current state of commerce in Collier County and what can be expected in the future. CCCR Director of Development JoAnn Lawrence said: “This award program enlightened me to so many innovative and creative ways businesses offer family supportive benefits to their employees. I can see how these practices increase morale and company loyalty, and help employees perform their best work.” AWARDS See page 15

CCCR hosted a book drive to help provide holiday gifts for the children at their development centers, the majority of which are economically disadvantaged and whose parents especially struggle during this season.

Entrepreneurs will pitch at VenturePitch SWFL

Entrepreneurs seeking capital will pitch their young companies at 2018 VenturePitch SWFL and compete in a Shark Tank-style event in April. For the first time, VenturePitch SWFL will be held at Babcock Ranch, the new solar-powered town in Charlotte County, on April 12 from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. Entrepreneurs can submit their applications to be selected among the four pitching companies at www.tamiami-e.co. The deadline to submit a plan is Feb. 15. “Thanks to generous sponsors such as Suncoast Media Group, VenturePitch SWFL will include up to $50,000 in equity investments for the

winners,” said Timothy Cartwright, general partner of Naples-based Adrenaline Venture Fund, which will make the investment. The Hatchery at Babcock Ranch, Hahn Loeser, Tamiami Angel Funds and Adrenaline Venture Fund are among the sponsors. Additional sponsorships are available for this highprofile event. For more information, visit www.tamiami-e.co/venturepitch. html. SCORE will serve as the screening committee and select the 10 semifinalists to pitch from Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Glades, Lee and Sarasota counties. SCORE is a nonprofit as-

sociation dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. Fusion Pointe will interview the 10 semi-finalists to determine the final four who will be invited to pitch at the April 12 event. To be considered, companies must be in the pre-revenue stage or within the first few months of producing revenues; must be in business less than two years; have a scalable business model; and have not already raised more than $1 million. For more information and to submit a plan, visit the Tamiami e.co website www.tamiami-e.co. ENTREPRENEURS See page 15

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

JANUARY 2018

Rotary volunteers work together to improve local economy

By Rick Perry Guest Columnist

Rotary’s motto is People of Action, and even Hurricane Irma didn’t hold back local Rotary club leaders after the devastation of neighborhoods in Lee and Collier counties. Local Rotary presidents and District 6960 leaders came together at the Trianon Hotel in Bonita Springs to brainstorm how they could help those most in need. Bonita Beach Sunset Rotarian, Michael Pfeffer went in to one of the hardest hit areas on Quinn Street in Bonita Springs. “When you help people get back on their feet quickly, it helps lift the local economy,” he said. Bobbi Bird, Rotary District 6960 Governor, said: “We were doing meal packing to help the people in Houston hit by Harvey, when SWFL got the next bad news of Hurricane Irma.” Gov. Bobbi asked Sandra Hemstead, Rotary District 6960 governor-elect, and Jon McLeod, president of the Rotary Club of Bonita Springs, to head up a volunteer team of local Rotary Club presidents in Bonita Springs, Estero and Fort Myers to survey the local neighborhoods of what needed to be done and to monitor when Rotary could get in to help. Rotary’s Disaster Aid USA helped with initial supplies and planning. In the meantime, Estero Rotary President Tom Patricca created an Amazon wish list of items that were needed to ‘muck and gut’ then sanitize houses after Irma. Patricca said: “Rotarians and friends of Rotary, all over the country purchased items and sent them to us.” “The Bonita Springs-Estero Association of Realtors collaborated with Rotary to house items in a Pod to help support volunteers with needed tools and supplies,” said Rotarian and BEAR President Roger Brunswick. Rotary surveyed many houses after the water receded and found out if they did not start to muck and gut the houses soon, people would have lost their home to mold, and that would have been devastating to our local economy. Bonita Beach Sunset Rotarian and Nurse Practioner Deb Post said: “Mold can have a negative impact on people’s health, and homes that had mold will need to be monitored closely.” Imperial Bonita Estates resident Tony Toema called the Rotary Club of Bonita Beach Sunset to request help in

moving out his furniture to the curb, cutting out his drywall, bleaching his floors and removing limbs from his yard and roof. Toema, who was recovering from an accident, explained, “If it weren’t for Rotary coming in to help me, I wouldn’t have been able to save my home or get back to work so quickly.” He continued: “Rotary also linked me up with the Bonita Springs Assistance Office for temporary groceries and supplies.” Teri Lamaine, executive director of the Bonita Springs Assistance office, said: “We provide a hand up in the community, and served those in need after Irma with our emergency food pantry.” Lamaine continued: “We also helped people find temporary housing and pay utilities and rent expenses to keep our labor force here locally.” How does Rotary help local charities and ultimately make a lasting impact on Southwest Florida’s local economies? Rotary Clubs in Southwest Florida organize community events to help raise money to support charities. For example, the one-year old Rotary Club of Bonita Beach Sunset held a RocktOberfest that raised $6,000 to split between the Bonita Springs Assistance Office and to help rebuild the Everglades Wonder Gardens. On Feb. 3, the Sunset Club is organizing an outdoor EXPO in Riverside Park in Bonita Springs called Loving Life in SWFL that promotes Healthy Living, Home Life and Attractions/Entertainment, reasons why we love our life in Southwest Florida. The event will feature Food Trucks and local Restaurants and have three live bands (country,

old time rock ‘n’ roll, and blues). The event turns in to a Wine Fest Craft Beer & Craft Cocktail SOCIAL in the evening (eventbright.com for tickets). The events benefit the Stroke Recovery Foundation started by Bob Mandel in Naples to provide education and coaching for people aﬄicted with Stroke; and Habitat for Humanity Lee and Hendry Counties. Most Rotary clubs hold annual community fundraisers. The Rotary Club of Naples recently held their Food & Wine Festival at the Bayfront with 1,200 attendees. The Taste of Bonita organized by the Bonita Springs Noon Club honored first responders and volunteers for their efforts during and after Irma. The Rotary Club of LaBelle holds the Armadillo Races. Rotary District 6960 just gifted $40,000 to the All Faiths Food Bank in Sarasota to purchase a new refrigerated box truck to expand their reach to additional communities in Southwest Florida. Rotary International President Ian Riseley of Australia has asked all 1.2 million Rotarians throughout the world to keep track of their volunteer hours this year so that Rotary International can gain a better understanding of Rotary’s economic and humanitarian impact on local economies. There are 51 Rotary clubs in District 6960 (Marco Island to Bradenton) and over 2,200 Rotarians will be turning in their volunteer hours by June. Many Lee County Rotary Clubs are teaming up with Habitat for Humanity for Phase 2 IRMA Relief. In the past Habitat for Humanity only built new homes, but Habitat International became an official partner of Rotary International this year. Vince Modarelli, Major Gifts Officer, said: “Habitat for Humanity Lee and Hendry Counties has expanded our services by creating a Disaster Recovery Program, which is supplying materials and labor to rebuild Irma-impacted homes in Bonita Springs.” Modarelli summed it up by saying, “We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Rotary.” Rick Perry, owner of the digital marketing ﬁrms TransAtlantic and Elektrosign, is the charter president of the Rotary Club of Bonita Beach Sunset. He can be reached at (239) 603-9992 or at rotarybonitabeachsunset@gmail.com

JANUARY 2018

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 3

Simple ways to increase profits

QUESTION: I own a retail sporting goods store. My profit margins are declining, and my inventory is not moving as fast as I would like. What can you suggest to reverse this trend?

Florida Skin Center center employees plan to conduct 100 free skin checks per month in an effort to raise cancer awareness.

Free Skin Check campaign catches melanoma case early Florida Skin Center has discovered the first case of malignant melanoma since the launch of the “Get your skin in the game. Check it!” campaign nearly three months ago. Shirisha Vallarapu, a board-certified physician assistant, examined the patient at the Fort Myers location as part of one to three free weekly skin checks provided by the dermatological facility. “This guest heard about our complimentary service and was checked from head to toe with a dermascope,” Vallarapu said. “When I found something suspicious in a sun-exposed area, I ran a biopsy and ultimately referred the patient for treatment, as well as encouraged the patient to follow up with Florida Skin Center on a regular basis.” The ‘free skin check campaign’ is available at the Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres and upcoming Punta

Gorda locations. When the Punta Gorda office opens in 2018, the number of free skin checks per week will increase. These free skin checks save Southwest Floridians without insurance up to $91. Those with insurance save $15 to $65 in copays. Florida Skin Center has completed approximately 50 free skin checks to date. The staff’s goal is to ultimately perform over 100 free skin checks per month. “One way or another, Florida Skin Center is catching Malignant Melanoma and spreading skin cancer awareness,” said Dr. Anais Aurora Badia, founder. “Many new guests have made their way into our exam rooms thanks to this regional campaign, and spreading awareness to those who need it most, both before and after treatment, is one of many battles we fight to keep tragedies from happening on our watch.”

JOBS PAGE 1

jobs, and it is vital that we continue to invest in these companies so our economy can continue to be one of the nation’s best for years to come.” Participants in GrowFL must be for-profit companies with revenues between $1 million and $50 million employing between 10 and 99 people. They also must be able to sell their products outside of Florida. Rather than using direct subsidies, such as tax breaks or cash incentives, GrowFL uses a system in which second-stage companies work together to help companies make strategic growth decisions and foster statewide recognition for the participating businesses.

The analysis projected GrowFL will create 43,794 private sector jobs with an average salary of $97,815. In addition, expanding the program would produce $4.61 billion in additional personal income and generate an estimated $4.72 billion in GDP over the next 10 years. “Expanding the GrowFL program has proved to be an effective way to grow the state economy,” said Dominic M. Calabro, president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch. “Second-stage companies are now responsible for a significant portion of all Florida

ANSWER: Steven Strauss, senior small-business columnist for USA Today, says “There are three ways to increase profits: … increase prices, sell more and decrease your overhead.” Let’s analyze each: Increase prices: Why would a customer pay more than he or she could to acquire the same item from a big-box store you may ask? Believe it or not, there are people who put a premium on their time and appreciate having a customer service person who can answer their questions in a friendly and competent manner. Personal service is the one area the small retailer can out-shine the competition. If you’re worried that a price increase will turn-off your customers, test the new prices first on several popular items before rolling them out across the board,” Strauss suggests. Sell more: Begin by analyzing what items are in demand and make sure you have an adequate inventory to accommodate the demand. Promote these items heavily on your website and in the sports section of the local newspaper. You will probably find that the majority of your sales come from 20 percent of your inventory. Create incentive rewards that encourage your sales people to go the extra mile. The 80-20 analysis also applies to

your customers. Identify and institute a “valued customer” program. Offer introductory discounts for new products. The idea here is to develop repeat customers who, while BY GRAY lured by offers POEHLER of discounts, Guest Columnist will purchase other unintended items once they are in your store. Decrease your overhead: This involves a thorough analysis of your overhead and expenses. Look first at the big-ticket items, such as rent, insurance, labor and merchandise that has a long shelf life. If your lease and insurance are due for renewal, try to negotiate more favorable terms. If yours is a seasonal operation, cut back on staff, but not to the extent that it will compromise service. Talk with your suppliers and try to secure more reasonable price and payment terms. Remember, most everything is negotiable. As the saying goes “Ask and you may receive.” Don’t ask, and you surely won’t get. Gray Poehler is a volunteer with the Naples Chapter of SCORE. To register for counseling, call (239) 430-0081 or visit naples.score.org/mentors.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

JANUARY 2018

Claiming casualty loss from Irma in tax deductions Florida minimum For many in southwest Florida, Hurricane Irma created a tumult no one cares to revisit. Few will forget following storm updates, making travel and evacuation plans, securing gas and food and erecting storm shutters. Those with extensive storm damage faced not only these inconveniences, but also the costly task of restoring their property. As they look for a way to defray these losses, they might be surprised to find an unexpected ally—the tax code. All filers who incurred hurricane damage including those who received sufficient, compensatory insurance reimbursement or a FEMA grant should examine taking a casualty loss. Casualty losses, which entail damage or loss from events that are sudden, unexpected or unusual, such as property damage caused by Hurricane Irma, are potentially tax deductible when filing their returns. There are technical requirements that govern casualty losses in respect to personal use property which should be considered in order to determine whether it is beneficial to claim this deduction. The recently signed “Disaster Tax Relief and Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2017” outlines tax relief for Hurricane Irma and Maria victims. This legislation changes the old casualty loss rules and provides more favorable tax treatment of personal casualty loss relief. The following

outlines the major changes from the old rules: • The net disaster does not have to exceed 10 percent of adjusted gross income (AGI) to qualify for deduction. • Taxpayers do not have to itemize to claim a deduction. • The portion of the standard deduction attributable to the net disaster loss is allowed for Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) purposes. • In addition, the Act increases the $100 limitation per casualty to $500. Establishing the Casualty Loss Substantiation and proof are critical aspects in supporting a casualty loss. Creating an itemized list of all damaged property, taking photos or videos of the damaged property and compiling contractor’s bids for restoration work are often undertaken to establish that the damage occurred as a result of the casualty event. An appraisal determining the amount of the loss is suggested by the official tax publications. Though appraisal fees add to the expense of correcting disaster damage, the lack of support for the amount of the casualty claimed can result in the Internal Revenue Service disallowing the amount of the loss claimed. Under certain conditions, the cost of repairs is considered as evidence of the value of the

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Year of the Loss Typically, casualty losses are deductible only in the year in which they occur. In circumstances where the loss results in a Federally Declared Disaster Area, which would apply to damage caused by Hurricane Irma, individuals have the option of deducting the casualty loss on an original or amended tax return in the year prior to the event, 2016, or in the year when the event occurred, 2017. Taking the loss in 2016 has the benefit of the filer receiving a possible tax refund more quickly than if they wait to claim the loss for the 2017 tax year, when the return would be filed next year. Individuals, who incurred substantial Hurricane Irma-related damage and who believe that they stand to benefit from taking a casualty loss are well advised to consult with an experienced tax professional who can guide them in this matter. Tax Savers of America, a tax ﬁling and tax resolution CPA ﬁrm was founded by an IRS agent and is based in Bonita Springs. “Taxsavers” has been serving the Southwest Florida community for 20 years.

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wage to change

Here’s a little history lesson: Historically, Florida’s Minimum Wage (20002004) had been the same as the Federal Minimum wage, $5.15/hr. In 2005, we saw a $1 increase in the Florida Minimum Wage over the Federal Minimum Wage and from 2006 to 2009, the Florida Minimum Wage slowly increased over the Federal Minimum Wage. From 2009 to 2011, it remained the same as the Federal Minimum Wage at $7.25/hr. From 2012 to 2017, steady increases in the Florida BY JANETH Minimum Wage RAMIREZ brought it to Guest Columnist $8.10 an hour. This rate is higher than the Federal Wage. Another increase takes place Jan. 1, 2018. The Florida Minimum Wage will go up to $8.25 per hour. There have been many arguments over the years from various groups and political parties about the pros and cons of the increases of minimum wage. Let’s take a look at the Pros and Cons. Pro: Some believe it stimulates consumer spending by putting money in the hands of low-income consumers. It may also reduce turnover since employees who earn more tend to stay longer with their current employer thus reducing training cost for new employee training. A 2015 poll of 1,022 people showed 71 percent of adults favored the minimum wage increase versus only 26 percent of adults who opposed it. For businesses, it could mean more customers with money to spend on their goods and services. For working people, it would mean less help from the government thus reducing the taxes we all pay for food stamps, Medicaid, welfare and housing assistance. As the increase puts more money in people’s hands to spend, it would in turn demand more jobs to fulfill consumer needs. And lastly, minimum wage impoverishes working families and weakens consumer spending, therefore, it is a positive move to increase it. Con: The increase argued by many over the years. It takes away the jobs from low-skilled workers because employers will seek higher skill workers to match the increase. In turn, employers may pass the higher cost unto the consumers. Some industries like restaurants would be affected negatively by hiring less people they can’t afford, raising their prices and cutting employee hours. From history, we know even through there is always resistance to increasing the minimum wage businesses continue to grow. History will also tell us that the minimum wage was designed for entrylevel jobs to teach people soft skills, not a career option, and in no way does it alleviate poverty. Good or bad, I’ll leave it up to you to decide, but as a Workforce Professional I can tell you with certainty that historically low unemployment (currently 3.3 percent) will eventually push wages higher, rendering the minimal wage discussion mute if businesses want to avoid higher turnover, training cost or increase employee retention. Janeth Ramirez is the social media coordinator for CareerSource Southwest Florida. Reach her at (239) 225-2500, ext. 5239, or at JRamirez@careersourcesouthwestflorida.com.

JANUARY 2018

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

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COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida

Reduction in space-per-employee brings office squeeze play

Here in Southwest Florida, 2017 extended much of the noteworthy employment growth that 2016 brought our way. Have these new jobs translated into absorption of more office space? The answer is yes, but maybe not as much as one would have hoped. One hindrance that has kept the phenomenal job growth from driving vacancy totals down further has been the steady decline in space dedicated per employee. The employers’ desire to squeeze more into less has been a continuing trend across the state and country. Although the “squeeze-play” hasn’t been reflected much in the averages that are being reported... yet. CASE-IN-POINT: If you Google ‘square feet per employee,’ it will state the average across the country is about 151 square feet (The Mehigan Company). This number has decreased from 176 square feet in 2012 and all the way from 225 square feet in 2010. When looking at the deals that are being done in the market today, 151 square feet is seeming awful spacious. Tampa’s Peter Barnett, CCIM, director of Real Estate, leases millions of office square footage across the U.S. for PricewaterhouseCoopers. “I can tell you that the trend is clear,” attested Barnett. “In fact, we have seen a 35-percent reduction in

this metric over the past five years, however, I would suggest that our current spaceper-employee number likely remains higher than many other comparably-sized companies.” Peter may be right. In fact, an ongoing search on behalf of another Fortune-Fiver has this particular company considering a space below 100 square feet per employee. BY ADAM PALMER Many in the industry arGuest Columnist gue this number is trending downward due to the desire for more open space plans, ones that are more conducive for collaboration amongst coworkers. Even so, the same trend has been visibly noted in professions that are not exactly seeking innovative collaboration from their staff. Joe Gammons, a leading Steelcase office furniture sales representative, is seeing it in most spaces. “When I started in this business 14 years ago, 8-by-8 cubes were the norm. Now, the norm seems to be 6-by-6. But more and more prospects are requesting the 5-by-5’s.” Gammons continued, “These aren’t call centers

that we are talking about either. These are professional office types, many of whom used to have a private office. The call centers are a whole-nother story; they’re packing them into 42-inch workstations now.” The trending reduction of space averages could very likely continue as we head into a day and age where futurists predict more people will work remotely from home, while employers design spaces for staff to only periodically “plug-in” on-site. If the square footage per employee drops 30 percent across the board, will there be enough people and jobs to fill the vacancies? I believe so. Florida consistently ranks at or near the top in population growth. Census projections have the state’s population totals increasing by about 20 percent from 2015 to 2025. Other projections have the Orlando-Tampa mega-region nearly doubling in population over the next 30 years. Florida should have the demand for jobs and, with this, the demand to build new, smaller spaces for everyone. Adam Palmer, managing director of LandQwest Commercial’s Southwest Florida team, is the 2018 president of the Florida CCIM Chapter. Contact him at adam@adampalmer.com.

[BUILD] completes Collier County Tax Collector’s Office renovation [BUILD] has completed the interior renovation to the Collier County Tax Collector’s Office located on the main government campus at 3291 Tamiami Trail East. The renovation of the existing 20,725 SF one-story structure designed by Disney & Associates consisted of demolition and [BUILD] has completed the interior renovation to the Collier County Tax Col- reconstruction of steel stud and gyplector’s Office. sum board interior partitions, sus-

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

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COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida

Gulfshore Playhouse buys land to build new theater in Naples Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples’ premiere professional theatre, successfully closed on three acres at the corner of 1st Avenue South and GoodletteFrank Road. Located on the northern end of The Shoppes at Naples Square, a mixed-use space of retail and restaurant space being developed by The Ronto Group, the land will be the home of Gulfshore Playhouse’s new multimillion dollar professional theater and education center. Plans for the complex include: two theatrical spaces; an education wing supporting programs for children, adults and families; a welcome gar-

den; and a grand lobby featuring an atrium café. “This new state-of-the-art theater and education complex will enable us to improve the quality of the theater-going experience by producing a broader season with large-cast musicals, more new works, and fresh content created in conjunction with Broadway producers. We look forward to creating a welcoming, creative, and art-filled space for the people in our region, as well as our visitors,” said Kristen Coury, founder and producing artistic director of Gulfshore Playhouse.

“The news that Gulfshore Playhouse has closed on the property inside City limits is exhilarating for the entire Naples community. It was once a dream that will now become a reality,” said Naples Mayor Bill Barnett. “What started as a passion to create art and fill a niche in current offerings, has evolved into a thriving institution that has engaged more than a quarter of a million patrons through professional live theater productions,” said Bob Harden, Gulfhsore Playhouse chairman. “We are so grateful for the many that have supported our vision,

helping us create world-class professional art and education in the heart of downtown Naples.” Quiet phase fundraising is under way, and architectural planning has commenced. Additional project details will be announced at a future date; project assistance is being provided to Gulfshore Playhouse by the owner’s representative, Pizzuti Solutions. Gulfshore Playhouse was founded in 2004. It recently kicked off its 2017-18 season with the production of Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies. Performances are presented at the Norris Center.

4 commercial realtors earn CCIM designation

The Florida CCIM Chapter Southwest District congratulates Chapter candidates who recently earned the Certified Commercial Investment Member designation, distinguishing them as leading experts in commercial investment real estate. The four Fort Myers’ designees are: Andrew Bauman, broker with the Bauman Krohse Group of Century 21 Commercial; Andrew Green, associate with Colliers International; Artem Nashman, associate with LandQwest Commercial; and Pamela Wittenauer, associate with RE/ MAX Commercial. Bauman The new designees were honored during a pinning ceremony at the Westin Harbor Castle in Toronto, Canada on Oct. 17. CCIM designees are recognized as leading experts in commercial investment real estate. To earn the prestigious Green CCIM designation, commercial real estate professionals must complete more than 160 hours of case study-driven education covering topics such as interest-based negotiation, financial analysis, market analysis, user decision analysis, investment analysis and ethics Nashman for commercial investment real estate. Candidates must also compile a portfolio demonstrating the depth of their commercial real estate experience and pass a comprehensive examination. “Each designee has put forth tremendous effort Wittenauer and sacrificed personal time to achieve the CCIM designation, which will pay off throughout their entire commercial real estate career,” said Gerald Hendry, MAI, CCIM, Florida CCIM Chapter Southwest District 2017 President. “I am pleased to welcome this new group of designees into our esteemed network of CCIM real estate professionals that are consistently sought out in the industry for their competence, work ethic and analysis expertise.”

ARTEFACT studio has been commissioned to design a mixed-use commercial project near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

ARTEFACT studio designs Atlanta project Award-winning architecture firm ARTEFACT studio has been commissioned to design a mixed-use commercial project near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. “This development is a chance to create a Main Street-style atmosphere with shops and offices and revitalize the area on the northern edge of the airport,” said Fabian Behague, managing principal with ARTEFACT studio. The three-story development in Hapeville, Ga., will include shops on the ground floor and a mix of retail and office space on the second floor. The third floor will be office space. There will be areas for outdoor dining on either end of the development with plaza space for people to gather. Ample parking will be available in two floors be-

low ground level. In addition, off-street parking is available around the building as well as along South Fulton and Atlanta avenues, providing convenient access to visitors. Working in collaboration with Tectonics Construction, ARTEFACT determined that the new building could become an anchor for shops and offices in the area. Oak Center will expand and refurbish an existing two-story building and the total project will measure 66,000 square feet including parking. “This is an exciting opportunity to transform the area north of the airport into a vibrant and lively neighborhood where people can work and play,” said Behague. “The area is easily accessible because of its close proximity to the airport, making it a desirable and convenient location for business.”

Cypress Lake Professional Center 9371 Cypress Lake Dr., Fort Myers, FL

G! CHANGES ARE COMIN NEW OWNER & MANAGEMENT 2018 RENOVATIONS PLANNED

PRIME MEDICAL RETAIL OFFICE

Proposed Rendering

NOW LEASING: $9.75 PSF NNN

88Incentives Available77 CONTACT

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TOM PEPITONE 239-321-5151

PINE ISLAND CENTER ISLAND EXCHANGE CENTER 750 SQFT.- 1293 SQFT. - 1500 SQFT.

CALL: 239-823-3734

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

JANUARY 2018

COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida

Choose the right commercial professional for you BEV LARSON, CCIM

FRED KERMANI, CCIM, AIA

Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties

Larson has over 39 years of diversified experience in the SWFL market. She is a Certified International Property Specialist and is the 2018 Florida CCIM Chapter Southwest District President.

LAHAINA REALTY 239-281-1290 bev1314@aol.com

• • • • • •

COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT RETAIL OFFICE LAND-ACREAGE DEVELOPMENT

CARLOS ACOSTA, CCIM Southwest Florida Managing Principal/Qualifying Broker. Specializing in acquisitions and disposition of retail, office, industrial, land and investment sales. 5-time CoStar Powerbroker.

CRES of SWFL 239-823-0115

cacosta@ccim.net www.cresswfl.com

• • • • •

RETAIL OFFICE INDUSTRIAL LAND INVESTMENT SALES & LEASING

CCIM

If you are a CCIM-SWFL Chapter member, as a benefit, you are eligible to participate in this section. Contact 2017 CCIM SWFL President Gerald Hendry for details at geraldh@mhsappraisal.com 2016 CCIM-SWFL President Ron Struthers says: “This ad got me listings. It works!”

RON WELEBNY, CCIM

Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry & Desoto Counties

Qualifying Broker / Managing Partner. President, 2017 SWFL Commercial Alliance. President, 2016 Commercial Investment Professionals of SWFL. Member of CoStar Advisory Board. Director, CCIM-SWFL District Director, Royal Palm Coast Association of Realtors

COMMERCIAL REALTY ASSOCIATES 239-671-6574 Ron@CRA.us

• • • •

BROKERS ANALYSTS ADVISORS CONSULTANTS

ADAM PALMER, CCIM Fort Myers, Naples, Sarasota, Tampa & Orlando Principal & Managing Director LandQwest Commercial, President - Florida CCIM Chapter, 12-time CoStar Power Broker Award Winner

LANDQWEST COMMERCIAL

239-898-8686 adam@adampalmer.com www.adampalmer.com

• • • • •

OFFICE INVESTMENT LAND RETAIL INDUSTRIAL

Southwest Florida Partner, licensed real estate broker and architect in Florida & California with 34 years of real estate and design experience. Specializes in land marketing and investment properties.

Why use a CCIM?

There are countless benefits to working with a CCIM. Commercial real estate investment requires the counsel of a qualified professional. A Certified Commercial Investment Member provides clients with the assurance that every decision will be made in the best interest of their investment objectives. When assembling a commercial real estate investment team, start with a CCIM.

• LAND • INVESTMENT

CRE CONSULTANTS

239-659-4960 fred.kermani@creconsultants.com www.creconsultants.com/go/fredkermani

BOB WHITE, CCIM Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties Active Southwest Florida Commercial broker for over 25 years. Specializing in industrial, office and investment properties. Past president SWFL CCIM and REIS.

CREDIBILITY

CCIM is the most prestigious designation commercial real estate professionals can achieve within the industry. Graduate-level education, coupled with industry-leading technology tools, practical proven experience, and in-depth knowledge of their local markets, gives CCIMs the ability and the credibility to conduct business confidently and successfully. By partnering with a CCIM, you effectively utilize the top-level, most reliable performers in the industry: with an average of 19 years of experience, 70% of CCIM members hold executive-level positions and 90% of members refer clients to other business services. When you use a CCIM, you choose the most credible professional in the business.

BOB WHITE, INC. 239-850-2217

bob@bobwhiteinc.com

• • • •

Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties A partner with CRE Consultants and 15-year commercial real estate veteran, he specializes in the medical and professional office market.

CRE CONSULTANTS

239-994-3703 enn.luthringer@creconsultants.com www.creconsultants.com

INTEGRITY

CCIM designees are bound to the strictest ethical guidelines and standards of practice in the industry today. In addition, each CCIM has successfully completed a graduate level program comprised of 160 hours of education. If you ask around the industry, you’ll learn that companies and other real estate professionals are more likely to seek out experts who possess the CCIM designation, as they know CCIM stands for trust, knowledge and reliability. When you use a CCIM, you choose experts with integrity.

MEASUREMENT

Overall, CCIM’s global network enables members to close thousands of transactions annually, representing more than $200 billion in value. But closing transactions is only part of what CCIMs can do. In addition to holding dealmaking occupations in every property sector, CCIMs are also found in’ leasing, asset management, development, lending, financing, property management, site selection and corporate real estate positions. So, whatever assistance your real estate project requires, a CCIM can help you achieve a better result. In fact, only 6 percent of all commercial real estate practitioners hold the elite CCIM designation, which reflects not only the caliber of the program, but why it is one of the most respected designations in the industry. When you use a CCIM, you choose a professional who produces measurable results.

The CCIM designation is conferred by the Chicagobased CCIM Institute, a commercial real estate aﬃliate of the National Association of REALTORS. Learn more about the value of working with a CCIM.

INDUSTRIAL OFFICE LEASE OR SALE INVESTMENT

ENN LUTHRINGER, CCIM

COMMUNITY

Today there are CCIMs in every state, across Canada and Mexico, and in more than 30 countries around the world. Domestically, the network encompasses more than 1,000 markets, from large metropolitan areas to small cities and towns. A truly global network, CCIMs are a powerful force in markets large and small. When you use a CCIM, you choose a trusted community of real estate professionals that are consistently sought for their dependability, intelligence, success and confidence.

• GAS STATIONS • RESTAURANTS

• COMMERCIAL • OFFICE • INVESTMENT

MARYANN MIZE, CCIM Lee & Charlotte Counties Senior Vice President and Senior Credit Officer. More than 30 years of commercial lending experience. CCIM Senior Instructor and 2018 SWFL CCIM District Treasurer. • FINANCING OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

CHARLOTTE STATE BANK & TRUST

941-624-1916 mmize@csbtfl.com www.charlottestatebankandtrust.com

STEVE GANT, CCIM, MAI Charlotte, Desoto, Lee & Sarasota Counties

Steve is a Charlotte County native and commercial real estate expert with 21 years of experience. Local Knowledge. Expert Qualifications.

RIVERSIDE REALTY SERVICES, LLC

941-628-2625 steve@riverside-services.com www.riversiderealtyservices.com

• • • • •

OFFICE RETAIL INDUSTRIAL LAND LEASING

JANUARY 2018

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 9

COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida

Choose the right commercial professional for you DEBRA JOHNSON SHUEY, RPA, CP, CCIM

DAVE WALLACE, CCIM, SIOR Collier County

Collier, Lee, Charlotte & Hendry

Started in Commercial Real Estate in 1980. She is a Certiﬁed Paralegal. A Lee County resident since 1968, she has astute knowledge of the Southwest Florida market. • • • • • •

MILOFF AUBUCHON REALTY GROUP

239-850-2811 debrajohnsonshuey@icloud.com www.debrajohnsonshuey.com

RETAIL HOSPITALITY OFFICE INDUSTRIAL LAND LEASING

RANDY KRISE, CCIM Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties Broker/owner of Krise Commercial Group and 2016 Florida CCIM Regional Vice President and Institute Board Member.

KRISE COMMERCIAL GROUP 239-633-8672 randy@krisecg.com www.krisecg.com

• • • • •

COMMERCIAL VACANT LAND INVESTMENT RETAIL INDUSTRIAL

GERALD HENDRY, MAI, CCIM State-Certified General Real Estate Appraiser RZ2245 The firm specializes in litigation/ expert testimony, as well as, commercial and residential appraisal services. Hendry is a Managing Partner of the firm. 2017 CCIM Florida Chapter Southwest District President.

MAXWELL, HENDRY & SIMMONS LLC 239-337-0555 geraldh@mhsappraisal.com www.mhsappraisal.com

• • • • •

APPRAISAL CONSULTING COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL TAX APPEALS

RON STRUTHERS, CCIM Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, North Port & Venice

Specializes in all facets of commercial brokerage and leasing in Charlotte County area. 2016 CCIM Florida Chapter Southwest District President: 2018 President-Elect

COLDWELL BANKER COMMERCIAL NRT 941-769-3316 rstruthers@ccim.net www.commercialrealtyfl.com

• • • • •

INVESTMENT RETAIL OFFICE INDUSTRIAL LEASING

WILLIAM H. ROLLINS, JR., CCIM, ALC Lee, Collier, Charlotte, DeSoto & Hendry Counties Senior broker. He is licensed in Florida, Georgia and Alabama and is an Accredited Land Consultant.

LAND SOLUTIONS, INC. 239-633-1963 wrollins@landsolutions.net www.landsolutions.net

• AGRICULTURAL • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL

An office, industrial and investment property specialist with more than 30 years of commercial real estate experience in successfully assisting clients with acquisitions, dispositions and leasing.

Why use a CCIM?

CRE CONSULTANTS

Naples Office 239-649-7755 dave.wallace@creconsultants.com

COMMUNITY

Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties Recipient of the RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame Award. Serving the SWFL market for over 30 years. We have 7 CCIMs to serve all our clients' needs.

RE/MAX REALTY GROUP 239-281-0441 mfrye@ccim.net www.michaeljfrye.com

MEASUREMENT

The CCIM designation is conferred by the Chicagobased CCIM Institute, a commercial real estate aﬃliate of the National Association of REALTORS. Learn more about the value of working with a CCIM.

• • • •

OFFICE RETAIL INDUSTRIAL LAND

CCIM

INTEGRITY

OFFICE INDUSTRIAL SALES & LEASES INVESTMENT

MICHAEL J. FRYE, CCIM

CREDIBILITY

• • • •

THERESA BLAUCH-MITCHELL, CCIM

Lee, Collier, Charlotte & Sarasota Counties SWFL CCIM Past President, Florida CCIM Membership Chair, CCIM International Committee. Hablo Español.

SPERRY COMMERCIAL GLOBAL AFFILIATES

• • • •

INVESTMENT RETAIL OFFICE INDUSTRIAL

239-265-2628 theresa@ccim.net www.sperrycga.com

ADVERTISING IN SWFBT’S CCIM PAGES

REALLY WORKS!

Wednesday 12/28/16 - A quiet business �me for commercial real estate. My cell phone rang. It was Barb Monahan, a long-�me CCIM in Naples who just commi�ed to par�cipate in the 2017 CCIM branding program. She said, “Hi Karen. I was wondering when did the newspaper get delivered?” I replied, “Yesterday.” She was very quiet, then said, “Wow! I’m up north celebra�ng the holidays with family, but just got a call oﬀ the ad I placed with you. That was really quick!” - Karen Moore, Publisher, SWFBT

Page 10

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

JANUARY 2018

COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida

Owen-Ames-Kimball honored for Complete Streets Initiative Owen-Ames-Kimball Company was recently given the Design-Build Institute of America Florida Region’s Honor Award for TransportationRoadways for work on the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Complete Streets Initiative project. The award was presented the 2017 DBIA Florida Region Annual Conference in Orlando. The Complete Streets Initiative was designed to enhance bike and pedestrian safety and connectivity, adding miles of new bicycle lanes, sidewalks and multi-use pathways to Lee County roads. The project was funded through a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Grant to the county from the U.S. Department of Transportation. As part of the project, O-A-K completed the construction of multi-use pedestrian paths, paved shoulders, sidewalks and two pedestrian bridges along Daniels Parkway from JetBlue Park to Six Mile Cypress Parkway; multi-use paths on Colonial Boulevard from Winkler Avenue to Veron-

ica Shoemaker Boulevard and along the north and south entrance roads at Florida Gulf Coast University; paved shoulders along Six Mile Cypress Parkway from Daniels Parkway to Metro Parkway and along Corkscrew Road from Corkscrew Woodlands Boulevard to Ben Hill Griffin Parkway; and sidewalks on four roads in San Carlos Park. The O-A-K team on the project included Mikey Newsome and Scott Reynolds as job site superintendents, Andrew Sass as assistant superintendent, Frank Mullins as project manager, Brian Filipek as assistant project manager, Matthew Zwack as general superintendent/chief safety officer, Shan Gaar as chief estimator and Dave Dale as principal in charge. Owen-Ames-Kimball Company has provided premier general contracting, design-build and construction management services in Southwest Florida since 1982. O-A-K’s Florida operation is an affiliate of its parent company located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

From left to right: Johnny Limbaugh, Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization; Bob Gates, ATKINS; Maricelle Venegas, Quest Corporation of America; Don Scott, Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization; Brian Walsh, The College Companies; and Jan-Erik Hustrulid, Owen-Ames-Kimball Company.

Real estate office opens on Marco Island

Premiere Plus Realty celebrated the opening of its new Marco Island office.

Premiere Plus Realty celebrated the opening of its new Marco Island office on Nov. 16 at an open house for the public. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at Premiere Plus Realty, on Park Avenue. “The Marco Island office is a convenient place where agents can meet clients in a professional setting with full administrative support,” said Eric Gallus, CEO and co-owner of Premier Plus Realty. “It’s a beautiful modern facility with the latest technology and conference rooms to help

our clients buy and sell their island homes.” Premiere Plus Realty has been growing rapidly, adding more than 30 agents to its ranks each month. Premiere Plus Realty began operations in Naples in 2003 and is now the largest independent real estate company in Southwest Florida with offices in Olde Naples, Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs and Cape Coral. The company has more than 1,100 agents today.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SERVICES Selling your business is our business

Buyers are looking for profitable businesses to purchase

Call now for a private discussion about the marketability of your business and how we can help.

(239) 433-1343 LARRY STEINBORN, Broker

SAND DOLLAR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS DEPOT BizDepot@aol.com 6309 Corporate Ct. #205, Fort Myers, FL 33919

Puzzled over how to keep up with changes in Southwest Florida’s Business Market? The missing piece is in your hands...

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A Developer or Investor’s Dream Come True! Two Properties Available

Burnt Store Road in Punta Gorda - 85 acres zoned for 296 units - All utilities included New price $2,000,000

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Tyra N. Read ATTORNEY AT LAW

Handling all Real Estate Needs from Contract to Closing throughout Florida 12140 Carissa Commerce Court Ft. Myers, Florida 33966 Tel: 239.628.4937 tread@bplegal.com www.bplegal.com

JANUARY 2018

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 11

COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida

Growth continues despite hurricane

A MarketBeat report from Cushman and Wakefield showed continued growth in the commercial real estate market in Southwest Florida. “Not even a hurricane was strong enough to weaken enthusiasm in commercial real estate here in Southwest Florida,” wrote Gary Tasman, CEO and principal broker for Cushman & Wakefield Commerical Properties Southwest Florida.” Despite brief business outages, things seem to be relatively back to normal. In fact, the storm may have prematurely jumpstarted the high season, and that has an immediate positive impact on business revenues across industries. Just in case you are still in catch-up mode in the wake of Irma and a very busy quarter for many of us, here are some highlights of the latest noteworthy developments in our area. From the report:

Pelican 1 Owner, the developer for Mystique, announced the first residential ﬂoor for the 20-story tower has been formed and poured, with additional ﬂoors underway.

Economy Southwest Florida’s regional economy exhibited strong growth for the third consecutive quarter in 2017. Positive trends include a 7-percent increase in tourist tax revenues, an increase in median home prices, and an increase in employment. Passenger activity at the Southwest Florida International Airport increased 7 percent in the beginning of the third quarter 2017 compared to 2016. The vacancy rate also decreased from second quarter 2017.

Mystique’s ﬁrst residential ﬂoor is poured Pelican 1 Owner, the developer for Mystique, announced the first residential floor for the 20-story tower has been formed and poured, with additional floors underway. Pelican 1 Owner, is an equal partnership between an affiliate of the global investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and an affiliate of the Gulf Bay Group of Companies. Construction at the ultra-luxury high-rise continues to progress as the pouring of Mystique’s third floor nears completion. Upcoming milestones at Mystique include the pouring of the fourth, fifth and sixth floors, which is expected to be completed in early January. Mystique’s Certificate of Occupancy is estimated to be achieved in March 2019. Located just steps from the beach on one of only two remaining zoned developable land parcels in Naples between The Ritz-Carlton on the beach and Port Royal, Mystique offers 68 estate and four penthouse residences

with expansive living spaces and terrace views toward the Gulf of Mexico from most units. Additionally, Mystique offers nine Jardin residences. Mystique’s building amenities include a 24-hour staffed front desk with a monitored video/electronic closed circuit surveillance system, surveillance cameras at all owner entry accesses, and a two-level parking garage with controlled access. Additionally, Mystique offers SmartEstate™ integrated technology that features stateof-the-art home automation and monitoring systems, private elevators with biometric/alphanumeric access, and the opportunity to access an Electric Vehicle charging system. Mystique’s resort-inspired outdoor recreational amenities include a tropical pool, sun deck with pergolas and lush landscaping, and two Har-Tru tennis courts above the garage deck. Mystique’s lobby-level amenities offer custom-designed interior spaces for socializing, including a club room,

parlor, salon, library and solarium/card room. Mystique also features a theater, billiard room, board room, state-ofthe-art health and fitness club with the latest in exercise and wellness equipment, ladies’ and men’s steam rooms and showers and massage rooms with on-call masseurs and masseuses. Residents also will enjoy the exclusive and renowned amenities of prestigious Pelican Bay, including private beachfront dining, extensive walking and biking trails, chauffeured tram service, and private access to nearly three miles of unspoiled Gulf of Mexico beaches. Estate residences at Mystique range in size from 4,003 to 5,280 square feet of air-conditioned living space and are priced from over $3 million to over $7 million. Jardin residences offer 1,370 to 2,396 air-conditioned square feet and range in price from $1.2 million to $2.2 million. Mystique’s four expansive penthouse residences, priced from $8 million, have been sold.

We Care About SWFL Commercial Realtors With dedicated space for informa�on: • On our website with a Commercial Real Estate sec�on & directory • In our quarterly Commercial RE Market pullout in both the print & digital versions of SWFBT • With zoned and full-run inserts • With guest column opportuni�es • With digital marke�ng op�ons For more informa�on, call Karen at (239) 770-7527

Changes Coming to the Fort Myers’s Office Market Hurricane Irma generated minimal demand from displaced tenants. While power outages and flooding affected the office market, the effect on leasing activity and vacancy was marginal as offices were able to be back up and running on average within a week. REPORT See page 12

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Page 12

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

JANUARY 2018

COMMERCIAL RE MARKET A look at commercial real estate trends and topics in Southwest Florida

REPORT PAGE 11 Construction activity slowed for the third quarter 2017. However, future market analytics may change for Southwest Florida with the proposed redevelopment of The Atrium Executive Center. The redevelopment will displace nearly 150 tenants that currently lease office, retail or executive suite space in the office building. H2 Organization is planning the construction of H2 Innovation Center, a single operation tech hub that will be approximately 42,000 square feet. The project will include co-working and incubation offices, on-site dining, fitness center, event space and an innovation theater. The office building is located in the Fort

Myers business district on the southwest corner of College Parkway and Winkler Avenue. The current space is approximately 110,996 square feet of rentable office space in the South Ft. Myers/San Carlos submarket of Lee County. Although construction has not started, the project is expected to be completed in 2018. Outlook Displacement of tenants from the Atrium building is expected to increase leasing and absorption for fourth quarter 2017, as well as construction activity, well into next year. An increase in the office inventory is expected as the Southwest Florida market continues to grow. The hub is presumed to bring numerous entrepreneurs and new business to the region.

The Client Server recently celebrated its move to a larger office space with a ribbon-cutting in Sunshine Professional Park.

The Client Server expands office The Client Server recently celebrated its move to a larger office space with a ribbon cutting coordinated by the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce. It is now located in the Sunshine Professional Park on Bonita Beach Road. The Client Server was founded by President and CEO Wendi Fowler in 1996 and offers a wide range of information technology services, including network monitoring and email hosting. The new office in the Sunshine Professional Park will allow The Client Server to expand its managed ser-

vices and remote desktop support centers, to provide additional support to business clients. “We are pleased to be able to keep our technology office in centrally located Bonita Springs for over 21 years,” Fowler said. “The Chamber and the City of Bonita really know what it means to promote business development and support growing businesses. Although our clients are throughout Southwest Florida and beyond, our new office allows for a foundation in the heart of it all.”

18th ANNUAL SOUTHWEST FLORIDA CCIM DISTRICT

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE OUTLOOK CONFERENCE

PRESENTED BY:

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Elliot F. Eisenberg Ph.D. Nationally Acclaimed Economist

HYATT REGENCY COCONUT POINT 5001 Coconut Road Bonita Springs, Florida 34134

Event Registration http://bit.ly/2zjOgPM

2018 2018

January 22nd 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM

EARLY BIRD RATES: Members: $50 Non-Members: $60 College Students: $30 (with student ID)

AFTER JANUARY 6th: Members: $60 Non-Members: $70 College Students: $35 (with student ID)

AT THE DOOR: Members: $75 Non-Members: $75 College Students: $40 (with student ID)

Sponsorship Opportunities: (239) 281-1290 or Bev1314@ aol.com www.flccim.com/districts/southwest-district/

JANUARY 2018

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 13

Bay Pines VA lands patent for PTSD research, treatment The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System’s Research and Development Service promotes biomedical, clinical and health services research activities that advance health care for Veterans and their families. A central focus on the biomedical program is research, examining key Veteran health concerns such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Dr. Valentina Echeverria-Moran, an internationally recognized neuroscientist at Bay Pines VAHCS was recently awarded a patent for the therapeutic use of Cotinine in the treatment of PTSD. Echeverria-Moran has been researching the effects of Cotinine for the last 10 years and led a team of researchers at Bay Pines VAHCS, who made an Alzheimer’s related discovery in April 2011. The discovery was made while the team was investigating the effects of Cotinine on physiological and behavioral symptoms. The team found that in their model Cotinine protected neurons, prevented the progression of Alzheimer’s disease pathology, and enhanced memory. Cotinine, a major byproduct of nicotine metabolism, is nontoxic and longer lasting than nicotine. More information about this discovery can be accessed here: Bay Pines Researcher Makes Alzheim-

Dr. Valentina Echeverria-Moran, a neuroscientist at Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, was awarded a patent for a new PTSD treatment. er’s Related Discovery. This discovery led the team to investigate Cotinine further, finding that it also has the potential to benefit those suffering from PTSD. Read more about the patent here. Since, 2010 Dr. Echeverria Moran has filed 3 Cotinine related patents and continues to collect information regarding the results of her findings. Her current patent concerns itself with the diagnosis and treatment for PTSD by facilitation of the

extinction of fear memory utilizing a test subject. “The test subject is administered with a specific amount of Cotinine or a composition consisting of Cotinine in order to enhance the extinction of fear memory and thereby treating the subject with PTSD or other stress related conditions,” said Dr. Echeverria-Moran. In a given year, about 11 – 20 out of every 100 Veterans who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have PTSD. In addition, approximately 12 out of every 100 Veterans who served during the Gulf War and about 15 out of every 100 Veterans who have served in the Vietnam War suffer from PTSD. “Her new patent will allow expansion of her research on Cotinine and PTSD, including refinement and optimization of treatment, and will accelerate translation of findings to clinical practice. Such translation is imperative to ensuring that Veterans with PTSD have access to state of the art care at Bay Pines,” said Dr. Allison Williams, associate chief of staff for Research and Development, Bay Pines VAHCS. The Cotinine patent is one of the 33 major active research projects currently underway at Bay Pines.

Five ways to improve your employee benefits program Most employers are either totally frustrated at their employee benefits program or frozen in place waiting to hear about the next round of Congressional votes, according to Rob Pariseau, executive vice president of Lykes Insurance, a premier Floridabased commercial insurance firm. “This is actually a good time for employers to take a step back and take a look at their group health plan,” says Pariseau. “The goal is to identify what’s most important (and affordable) and to build a plan, over time, to keep it sustainable.” Pariseau says that the following five questions are a good guide through the process. He includes suggestions and options to assist employers when they speak with their benefits adviser about next steps. 1. How do you select your carrier or administrator? Most mid-sized advisers focus on the lowest rate for each 12-month period. Compare that method with establishing a strategic platform that addresses your challenges over multiple years. Challenges and options include integrated administration, care coordination, networks and reinsurance. The goal should be negotiation of multi-year total rate guarantees and caps. In addition, consider advisers who will work with best in class partners to identify customized initiatives like high performance networks for savings opportunities.

2. What is the cost structure and how are rates determined? Approximately 80 percent of mid-sized employers are fully insured and paying between 7 and 9 percent in fees, taxes and profits. An option to consider is “level funding,” which avoids fees and taxes, authenticates claims and uses data strategically. It also eliminates subsidies of other, less BY ROB PARISEAU innovative employers stuck in Guest Columnist deteriorating insured pools. 3. Who assists you and your employees with questions? Many carrier call centers and websites are either not helpful or not responsive. A better option is to identify carriers or administrators who offer dedicated teams, by name, to conduct multi-media open enrollments and provide for telemedicine, prescription assistance, claims, care coordination and wellness. What if they contacted doctors and pharmacies on behalf of employees to assure accurate insurance information for that first visit? 4. How engaged are your employees in evaluating cost and quality of healthcare services and how

compliant are they with treatment recommendations? A continuing challenge for cost control and improved employee health is to involve employees in shopping for cost and/or quality. Many don’t understand or can’t afford to comply with their course of treatment. By contrast, look for benefits advisers who identify carriers or administrators who will actually research cost and quality and intervene to incent patients to get the best care with the best outcomes from the best providers. 5. What type of communications tools are available? Too often, communications are “one size fits all,” whether in content or method of presentation. Increasingly, benefits advisers are suggesting more creative ways to identify when and how employees want to be communicated with, including ways to involve spouses and partners. “Putting in place even a simple planning process can provide employers with an effective roadmap that leads to fewer hassles, better care and more cost-effective services,” says Pariseau. “It’s a process that’s well worth the time.” Rob Pariseau, executive vice president of Lykes Insurance. He can be reached at (239) 931-5600 or rpariseau@lykesinsurance.com

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

JANUARY 2018

Communications tower industry eyes beneﬁts of drone use

A relatively new adopter of drones is the communications tower industry, which is beginning to see the benefit of utilizing unmanned systems to inspect infrastructure more safely. The U.S. National Association of Tower Erectors, which represents all aspects of the wireless and broadcast communications, is an advocate of the further use of said technology, claiming it can help reduce the number of tower inspections carried out by manned personnel and in turn reduce the number of fatalities associated with this work. “Historically, when tragedies occur while working in this industry, a lot of them are from falls,” said Todd Schlekeway, executive director of NATE. “The industry has made great strides through the years…but the bottom line is when you are working at elevation there is a risk. “Since 2003, the industry has tracked fatalities and frankly there have been too many of them. There have been great strides, but we believe drone use in our industry can reduce that number even more.” Schlekeway said while there is a keen interest across the industry for drone use to aid safe inspection of infrastructure,

they can more safely be undertaken by a drone. “We feel like we are just scratching the surface now in our industry from a commercial drone utilization standpoint,” he added. NATE is behind the further expansion of the use of drones in the industry, with all layers of the chain represented on its UAS committee. This includes contractors, telecoms providers, tower owners, construction companies and UAS service providers and training organizations. In the latter category is drone training and software provider Consortiq, which sits on the committee and is helping to shape and promote the safe integration of drone technology into the tower erector marketplace. The communications tower industry is beginning to see the benefit of utilizing “Understanding and reducing risk unmanned systems to inspect infrastructure more safely. (Operational Risk Management by inthe number of different stakeholders can sue for this work is that there are a lot of creasing safety implementation techlayers involved, and all parties have to niques into all aspects of a drone operation at times slow this down. This interest has been helped by the agree: “So those things still have to be will ultimately save lives,” stated Bryan U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s streamlined in our industry for this to get McKernan, Consortiq North America 2016 introduction of its Part 107 ruling, to scale, and I think each year you are go- vice president. which made the process by which coming to see more and more use.” “Every one of those layers are enHe stresses this technology is not go- thusiastic, but there is protocol,” Schlemercial operations of drones can be caring to replace people’s jobs, but rather keway said. “This is an exciting time, ried out simpler. Schlekeway said the regulatory en- ensure tasks do not need to unneces- because I think we are on the front end vironment is friendlier now, but the is- sarily be carried out by personnel when of this.”

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

Page 15

Hurricane Irma to have short-term effect on real estate market

By Clifford Chip Olson Guest Columnist

Editor’s Note: Part 1 of 2 The mass casualty events of Las Vegas, Texas and around the world have many of us thinking, are we safe in our day to day activities? Due to these events, we have started implementing a plan for our property managers based on an adoption of publications from Home Land Security Dept., FEMA and hospitals So, what is a mass casualty event? A mass casualty incident is an incident with multiple victims which will overwhelm the resources of the responding agencies or the area hospitals. This could be a shooting situation, a vehicle accident or an explosion. Historically, multiple factors such as ease of access, inadequate escape paths, inability to identify threats and poor communication have made it easier for these incidents to occur. A plan for a mass casualty event often identifies these site vulnerabilities. The assessment process provides an opportunity to work with community partners to identify, correct and prevent problems. It also fosters communication with those that would be involved in a crisis situation.

Key findings based on a Home Land Security Department Report: • Incidents of targeted violence are very seldom sudden impulsive acts. • Most attackers did not threaten their targets prior to the attack. • Individuals who engaged in targeted violence lack a specific profile. • Attackers typically have difficulty coping with losses or failures. Many had considered or attempted suicide. • Attackers typically feel bullied or injured by others prior to the attack. • Most attackers had access to and have used weapons prior to the attack. • Despite prompt law enforcement responses, most shooting incidents were stopped by means other than law enforcement interventions. • Most attackers engaged in some behavior prior to the incident that caused others concern or indicated a need for help. • Prior to the incidents, other people knew about the attacker’s idea and/or plan to attack.

So, what does a property manager do to lessen the possibility of a mass casualty event? A property manager needs to build a

plan and involve the right people. Relationships need to be built in advance so that emergency responders and others are familiar with your properties and organization. There likely is plenty of talent among your staff, building maintenance departments, volunteers, tenants or organization who can contribute ideas. Involve local law enforcement to provide information on crime patterns and history. Request to have them all assist in a property walk-through. Other sources for information and planning can come from fire departments, emergency management departments, hospitals, custodial staff and what other properties and companies are doing. Assessing and Correcting Vulnerabilities Efforts to reduce the vulnerability to an incident will be more effective if they are based on a thorough property assessment by your team. Site assessments should be completed annually to keep up to date. The assessment needs to includes walking the neighborhood and grounds, interactions with tenants, conducting online research, and interacting with local law enforcement. It also means in-

specting the property, talking to tenants, reviewing policies and procedures and the building’s operational systems. Consideration of situational risk factors such as valuables on site or social activities in the community needs to be incorporated into the assessment. During this assessment, the Team needs to think about human interactions and asking “What if” questions. The results of a site assessment need to be in written form, with copies placed in with the property manager and on property. This ensures the information can be retrieved quickly if a crisis takes place. The assessment needs to be done in layers of security. Consider the first layer the natural or constructed barriers which include the neighborhood, street, curb and public sidewalk. The second layer would be from the public sidewalk to the edge of building. The third layer is the building exterior and interior areas. Chip Olson is owner of RE 1 Advisor. He has written a guide for Emergency Management for Property Managers that will be available in early 2018. He can be reached at chip@re1advisor.com or by calling (239) 280-0733.

AWARDS PAGE 1

ENTREPRENEURS PAGE 1

The award ceremony followed, during which all 46 businesses crossed the stage to receive framed awards honoring their dedication to family-friendly practices. Special recognition was given to Bonita Bay Club and Arthrex, who tied as Employer of the Year in the Large Business category, as well as Fun Time Early Childhood Academy for Employer of the Year in the Small Business category. Collier County Public Schools and Golisano Children’s Museum were runner-ups in their respective categories. CCCR Executive Director Niccole Howard said: “Many companies today desire a win-win situation in which they help people generate their best work, attract and retain top talent, while allowing employees greater flexibility and support. We want to encourage this trend by recognizing a company’s dedication to the wellbeing of their employees.” Since this event also fell on Giving Tuesday, the globally recognized day of giving following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, CCCR hosted a book drive to help provide holiday gifts for the children at their development centers, the majority of which are economically disadvantaged and whose parents especially struggle during this season. A total of 35 books were donated throughout the event.

To assist entrepreneurs in preparing their pitches, SCORE is offering seminars that provide insight into angel investing, the criteria for VenturePitch SWFL and the kinds of equity investment structures angel investors prefer. For more information on the seminars, visit https://portcharlotte.score.org/ and click on “Helping Entrepreneurs Prepare for a VenturePitch Event.” The VenturePitch SWFL series is part of the Tamiami Angel Funds’ e.co initiative to build a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem from Sarasota to Naples. Modeled after the popular Shark Tank television show, entrepreneurs make a brief pitch to seasoned investors on stage in front of an audience. Tamiami Angel Funds consist of three membermanaged funds that allow high-net-worth individuals and families to invest in promising early stage and expansion-stage companies located in the U.S., with a preference for those in the state of Florida. Adrenaline Venture Fund launched in August 2016 with the goal of bridging a startup from idea to minimal viable product and a chance to secure a Series A investment. This fund targets seed and early stage companies that exhibit extraordinary potential for commercial success. “Babcock Ranch is the ideal host for VenturePitch SWFL because of its leading-edge focus on clean energy, multi-modal mobility and entrepreneurial incubation,” said Cartwright. “We are excited to make this event a draw for the entire Southwest Florida region.”

Naples Mayor Bill Barnett and CCCR Executive Director Niccole Howard give awards for the Collier County Public Schools and for Arthrex.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY

JANUARY 2018

Marketing expert shares tricks of the trade at upcoming seminar You may be an industry expert, but how much do you really know about marketing your product or service? “Marketing is about the shortest, fastest, least expensive and most direct route to a lead, a sale and a brand,” confirmed Media Relations Agency CEO Lonny Kocina. The Cape Coral resident adds: “What you don’t know about marketing is surely stunting your business’s growth. It’s unfortunate how much money is being wasted and how many sales are missed.” A strong business advocate, Kocina will share his logical marketing process with local business owners and leaders during a North Port Central Rotary Club event. The event is free and open to the public. Kocina’s presentation, to be held Jan. 17

at the Olde World Restaurant in North Port, will be based on his new book, The CEO’s Guide to Marketing. “Many people think marketing is all about the creative. But that’s not true. In fact, many companies allow the creative tail to wag the dog rather than implementing sound marketing procedures.” Kocina has come up with a logical, sixstep process he calls Strategically Aimed Marketing, or SAM 6, which is detailed in his new book, “The CEO’s Guide to Marketing”. Kocina says there are three groups who will benefit the most from learning the SAM 6 process: • CEOs and business owners. This group has two problems. The first

problem is that most marketers don’t know even basic marketing terms. That can’t be good. The second problem is that most marketers aren’t following a well-defined process. CEOs and business owners can use the SAM 6 process as way to quickly assess the competence of their marketing team. “That’s why the subtitle of The CEO’s Guide to Marketing is: The marketing book every marketer should read before their boss does.” • Marketing managers. Marketing managers need to be on solid footing. No one should know more about marketing than they do. Not the CEO’s and owners, and certainly not the creative team who works under them. The

better their understanding of marketing concepts and processes, the more productive and less stressful they will be. • Marketing talent. The SAM 6 process will put talent such as graphic designers, writers and web designers miles ahead of their peers. “SAM 6 will help them use their talents to create content that gets results. It can also add rocket fuel to their marketing careers. I’m not kidding when I say my new book, The CEO’s Guide to Marketing, will make anyone who reads it the smartest marketer in the room.” For additional details about signing up for or attending the presentations or to purchase “The CEO’s Guide to Marketing,” go to www.publicity.com.

Youth Leadership Collier accepting applications for 2018 program The Leadership Collier Foundation, an affiliate of The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, is now accepting applications for the Class of 2018 Youth Leadership Collier program. Youth Leadership Collier is a week-long intensive program that begins with a weekend of team-building activities. Participants interact in daily sessions designed to give them first-hand experience in various aspects of the community. Topics include local government, healthcare, law enforcement, business, agricul-

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