March 2022 Southwest Florida Business Today

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State considers Bright Futures change

Special to SWFBT Submitted by Jacob Ogles

Organizations to Watch

Businesses and organizations paving the way to the future in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties.

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Students who work for Southwest Florida businesses could soon be able to apply their experience to service hours for Florida’s Bright Futures Program. State law since 1997 has required students to complete community service hours in order to qualify for tuition scholarships to college or trade school. But Rep. Lauren Melo, RNaples, said that stipulation had an unintended consequence of making the academic and vocational program harder to participate in for students already working part- or full-time. “We blocked the financial support from some of those who need it the most,” Melo said. “Not everyone can volun-

teer in lieu of earning a paycheck.” She filed a bill this year that for the first time will allow students already in the workforce to apply their regular work time to the service hours. Now, scholarship hopefuls may donate time to a nonprofit, get paid for work approved by school district officials, or reach the hours through a combination of both. The Bright Futures Programs creates a path to several levels of scholarship. The Florida Academic Scholar program, which covers 100% of tuition and fees at a state college or university, required 100 hours of service. The Florida Medallion Scholar program covers 75% of tuition and requires applicants to complete 75 hours of community service. STUDENTS See page 15

Sports complex ‘opens its doors’ in Collier County

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & D Special to SWFBT

Submitted by Karen P. Moore A look at commercial real estate & construction update

CRE Construction & Development

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

18

in fi$170 fessional a Eric Gall, managing with a concentration proximately for Edison Avenue, won and an MBAthe University of Michigan. broker of record brokerage and lower million. Gall transactions and nance from leading business Gall in business the 2018, 2016 and acquisitions Niehaus, Bro- Assisting middle market mergers Pfeffer, Steven 2014 Business significant changes No. 1 are Michael and Phillip Reda. firm, is announcing kers of Florida Edward Valaitis Business Adto operations. Top Dollar Producer to rebrand itself Pfeffer joins Edison of business The firm has decided over 20 years Award for Southwest Advisors” to better out visors with experience, including 12 as “Edison Business service offerings, Florida, beating busi- transactionbusiness brokerage franchise communicate addedbusiness appraisals, Gall a over 90 other He is years as Southwest Florida. Pfeffer is a including certified appraisals and certiness brokers. owner in Certified certified equipment Business Brokers Board Certified Intermediary, International an and also page 6 strategies. See fied exit EDISON Chairman’s Circle mergers and acquisiBrokerage and led by Association Award winner. Eric holds continue to be tions efforts will 20 years of business Deal Maker Gall. He has over OPENING

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Hoffmann Family buys Hertz Arena, Everblades

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The Hoffmann Family of Companies has entered into an agreement to purchase the Florida Everblades and the Hertz Arena. Plans are underway for a complete renovation of the 8,284-seat, multipurpose arena. The improvements will include enhanced skyboxes, food services and installation of a state-ofthe-art scoreboard. Hertz Arena, which opened in 1998 as Everblades Arena, hosts a variety of events including concerts, Cirque du Soleil, Disney on Ice, boxing and trade shows. The venue offers

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25 suites, two additional ice rinks, a private club and a pub, Breakaway Sports Pub. The arena is also home to the Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles club hockey team of the American Collegiate Hockey Association. “We are optimistic that all of the 330 employees will remain with the Hoffmann Family of Companies,” said Craig Brush, Florida Everblades President and General Manager, who signed a five-year contract and has a commitment from all his senior staff to remain in place. “We are thrilled to be acquired by

A specially focused monthly section exploring the SWFL commercial real estate marketplace.

IN THE NEWS

Fort Myers sixth Business Summit slated for Sept. 20

Holly Bell addresses citrus growers about the 25,000-plus uses for industrial hemp, which can now be grown legally in Florida

Cannabis chief promises rich stash for hemp growers Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Jacob Ogles, Editor

SUMMIT See page 7

When other states started authorizing farmers to grow hemp, it didn’t take long to realize there was no place to sell it. Because no structures had been put in place for processing and manufacturing plants, state officials found themselves rushing a regulatory structure through so farmers could offload their first harvests. Holly Bell, Florida’s first Director of Cannabis, plans to learn from that mistake. She said the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will make sure all parts of the burgeoning hemp industry can move forward as soon as new rules unroll later this fall. “When our farmers are ready for a cash flow, we want to encourage them to get going,” she said.

Applications being accepted for the 25th Blue Chip Award The 25th Annual Southwest Florida Blue Chip Community Business Award application deadline is fast approaching. The Blue Chip Community Business Award recognizes successful, small businesses in Lee, Collier or Charlotte County that have overcome adversity to achieve success. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, Sept. 4. The independent judges select the honoree after all the applications AWARD See page 19

Bell spoke in August at the Citrus Expo and Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo, where growers from around the region gathered to hear her discuss this new and just recently legal product to diversify their inventory. Just a few years ago, there were no legal reasons to grow cannabis in Florida. Now, medical marijuana dispensaries pop up in more shopping centers each week. Soon, farmers will grow non-narcotic hemp crops. With the 2018 federal farm bill allowing hemp to grow, a budding industry will soon emerge in Florida. The Legislature this year authorized a pilot program for growing hemp in the Sunshine State, and state officials are nearly done weeding through a stack of public suggestions.

GrowFL announced this year’s 50 Florida Companies to Watch honorees, including three from Southwest Florida. Companies to Watch is a statewide competition that identifies companies expected to see significant growth over the next several years. The GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards program—now in its ninth year—honors 50 select second-stage companies from throughout Florida for developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and broadening new industries throughout Florida. Chosen from 500 growing second-stage nominations from throughout, Florida, the 50 companies named as the 2019 Florida Companies to Watch honorees generated nearly $1 billion in revenue and added over 900 jobs between 2015 and 2018. Together, the honorees project a 35 percent increase in revenue and 37 percent increase in job growth in 2019 compared to 2018. “These stand-out companies are all led by entrepreneurs, and have demonstrated their capacity and intent to grow,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, GrowFL executive director. “They also all have critical intellectual property or a niche position that gives them a competitive edge in their markets,” he said. Local honorees include: Cottrell Title & Escrow, Collier County; Mettauer Environmental, Lee County; and VeraData, Lee County . “This list recognizes second-stage Florida companies with passionate leaders who are making a difference in growing and diversifying our economy,” said Jennifer Barrows, GrowFL Chairman of the GrowFL Advisory Board and Business Development Executive with WithumSmith+Brown, PC. Second-stage companies are those

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The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce has announced an exciting line-up for its 2019 Business Summit, set for Sept. 20. The summit, now in its sixth year, will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers. This year’s keynote address is “Communicate Your Way to Success,” by entrepreneur, business coach and international speaker Jason Evers. Evers has traveled to more than 20 countries on five continents

such a prestigious company. Our partnership with the Hertz Corporation and now this new ownership ensures that Hertz Arena will maintain our strong community presence and continue to be the number one choice for entertainment in Southwest Florida.” The team and the arena were previously owned by Peter Karmanos, founder of Compuware Corporation and prior majority owner of the Carolina Hurricanes in the National Hockey League. “Simply put, without the support of

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IN THE NEWS Collier names Pelican as ‘Business of the Wire Month’

During the July ty Commission 9 Collier CounWire was named meeting, Pelican ty ‘Business of the Collier Counthe Month’ and recognized by was the a manufacturing Board for being County for over leader in Collier 40 years. Pelican Wire President Ted Bill, who received the are truly honored award, said “We Collier County to be named the Month’ for July.‘Business of the Since moving AWARD See page

Gov. DeSantis announces job growth grants

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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.

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Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Karen P. Moore, Publisher more inclusive city. 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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Photos by Vito Palmisano The Florida Everblades and Fifth Third Bank, National Association, announced a multi-year partnership, making Fifth Third Bank the official banking partner of Hertz Arena and the Florida Everblades.

Fifth Third Bank named official bank of Hertz Arena, Florida Everblades

The Florida Everblades and Fifth Third Bank, National Association, announced a multi-year partnership, making Fifth Third Bank the official banking partner of Hertz Arena and the Florida Everblades. The partnership launched in February and includes naming rights to the Fifth Third Bank Box Office and Fifth Third Bank Terrace. Blades fans can expect many opportunities to see the partnership with Fifth Third Bank on display including signage on the outdoor marquee and main arena dasher boards, plus digital signage in the Recreational Rinks at Hertz Arena. SPONSOR See page 18

Jim Weiss, Fifth Third Bank; Adam Winslow, Hertz Arena and the Florida Everblades; and Jennifer Auray, Fifth Third Bank, talk after the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Lights illuminated the baseball field and the crack of bats filled the night air, accompanied by the whir of voices, as local baseball fans and amateur players trailed into the new Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Collier County a few weeks ago. This night was an unveiling of sorts, since members of the facility’s national management company, Sports Facilities Management Network, were sharing the vision and plans for the facility, as it “settles in” to its Collier County home. SFMN Vice President of Sports & Entertainment Venues Jack Adams stated in his opening remarks, “The SFMN mission, headquartered in Clearwater, is to improve the health and vitality of all the communities we serve across the country, and that now includes the Paradise Coast Sports Complex.” He continued, “Our corporate vision is to develop and manage the highest performing youth and amateur sport, recreation, wellness, and entertainment facilities in the country. Our goal for this facility is to bring in business from out of town, furthering the economic vitality of this community.” Donald Engstrom, SFMN Director of Local Programming, shared, “It’s all about creating community engagement via sports tourism events as well as local programming and activities, creating a financial and local community win-win. SPORTS See page 7

IN THE NEWS Cape Coral among top moving destinations in U.S. in 2021

Annually, moving services website HireAHelper.com tracks total outbound and inbound moves across the country and surveys those who have moved to get a better understanding of how

Americans moved in the past year. Cape Coral ranked #8 in net growth (58.60%) for 2021, according to the company. The annual report also reported 17% of Americans that moved went to a different state, the highest percentage since 2015. MOVE See page 18

Naples Small Business Class starts March 21

Individuals who are thinking about starting their own business but need some mentoring are invited to apply to the Goodwill Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute, scheduled

for March 21 through April 28. The MicroEnterprise Institute is a six-week training program to help emerging entrepreneurs start new ventures and grow small businesses. Graduates complete a comprehensive training course and prepare a solid CLASS See page 8

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MARCH 2022

International innovators celebration returns to Fort Myers

The Edison Awards recently announced the 2022 finalists. Congratulations are in order, as over the last 35 years, receiving an Edison Award has become one of the highest accolades honoring successful innovation. The Edison Awards mission is to recognize, honor and foster innovation and innovators who are creating a positive impact in the world. This year’s finalists exceed expectations—representing 131 world-class products and services originating

from 16 nations. The complete list of finalists is showcased at https://edisonawards. com/finalists2022.php Edison Universe Executive Director, Frank Bonafilia remarks, “We remain impressed by the reach

of Edison’s innovative spirit, and grateful to the dedicated individuals who passionately produce such advanced solutions.” Hosted by Miles O’Brien, a journalist from PBS NewsHour, the event returns for a second year to the Luminary Hotel and Caloosa Sound Convention Center, in Ft. Myers, Florida, April 20-22. Attendees will experience game-changing new products and services while learning from several of today’s greatest

innovators. These innovators include the 2022 Edison Achievement Award Honorees, Carmichael Roberts, Material Impact, Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Bracken Darrell, Logitech. For more information about attending the Edison Awards or a list of past winners, visit www.edisonawards.com or contact jean@edisonawards.com. The Edison Awards are operated by Edison Universe, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Getting duped is biggest security threat to your business

If you’ve had a typical IT professional explain why you need to purchase his backup, virus protection and the full gamut of his services, you’ve probably heard all of the nightmare stories of why. Let me guess, they painted pictures of disasters like fires or floods in your office. They probably also told you stories of the hackers ready to ransom your data in exchange for Bitcoin. All to get you emotionally invested. I too was that guy who tried to give business owners a reason to at least contemplate taking their IT infrastructure and security seriously and treat it like the lifeblood of their business. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard, “but we’re so small; no one wants to ransom us; we don’t have anything worth taking.” The sad fact is that 82,000 new malware threats are being released every single day and half of the cyber-attacks occurring are aimed at small businesses. In fact, the National Cyber Security Alliance reports that one in five small businesses have been victims of cybercrime in the last year, and that number is growing rapidly as businesses are shifting more to cloud computing and storing more information online. In my business, we don’t go more than two weeks without getting a call from a local Lee County business that has been affected by

some sort of cyber threat. Truth be told, the number one security threat in your business isn’t anything glamorous or some one-off acts of God…. it’s you and your co-workers. Like it or not, almost all security breaches in business are due to an employee clicking, downloading, or opening a file that’s infected, either on a website or in an e-mail. BY MATTHEW Here’s the fix: education. It’s REBSTOCK critical to train everyone workGuest Columnist ing online or on computers the subtle art of spotting infected emails or online scams. Cybercriminals are extremely clever and can dupe even sophisticated computer users. All it takes is one slip-up; so constantly reminding and educating your employees is critical. We provide weekly cyber security tips to all our staff and clients. If you’d like a copy of what we send out, you can get it here www.techinaflash.net/cyber-security-tip-of-the-week/. The next precaution is implementing an Acceptable Use Policy. An AUP outlines how employees are permitted to use company-owned PCs, devices,

For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com software, Internet access and e-mail. Policies must be enforced with content-filtering software and firewalls. We can easily set up permissions and rules that will regulate what websites your employees’ access and what they do online during company hours and with company-owned devices. Having this type of policy is particularly important if your employees are using their own personal devices and home computers to access company email and data. If an employee is logging into critical company cloud apps with an infected personal device, it can be a gateway for a hacker to enter your network. Which is why we don’t recommend you allow employees to work remote or from home via their own personal devices. If you need a place to start here is a great AUP template: www.sans.org/white-papers/369/. Matthew Rebstock is the owner and CEO of Tech in a Flash, a IT managed service provider servicing Lee and Collier County. Visit techinaflash.net, email info@techinaflash.net or call (239) 2449600.


MARCH 2022

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

The workforce dilemma: A SWFL update in one day Special to SWFBT Submitted by Karen P. Moore, Publisher Breakfast with the Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce “If Southwest Florida employers continue to say that the education system and employment agencies are not delivering what local employers need, it’s kinda their own fault. We put on this event and if they are not here today, then I put that on them:” — Colleen De Pasquale, Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Executive Director The Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce presented its first workforce event last month, with 80 attendees. The event featured trade show participants from local organizations who have a role in developing both short and long-term workforce initiatives. The event was keynoted by Dr. Henry Mack, chancellor at the Florida Department of Education. As chancellor, he leads the Division of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, overseeing all workforce education programs and economic development initiatives for the Department. “Gov. (Ron) DeSantis has invested $3.5 billion in workforce education since he entered office: that’s an unprecedented investment in our state,” he said. “The Florida school system is ripe to meet the demands of industry needs. Our main focus is adult learners. Currently, 3 million adults either do not have a high school diploma or can even read or write English. Educating this segment of our population may ‘save the day’ for our current workforce issues.” Of the most recent state investment of $90 million, which came about because of the second CARES Act, Mack noted $20 million was set aside for development of cybersecurity careers with $11-12 million earmarked for apprenticeship programs. “Employers can use these dollars to attract employees. These no-strings-attached dollars are not strictly construction or tradebased, as was the case in the past: they are intended for use in healthcare, information technology and manufacturing workforce development.” He also noted schools can now offer a registered nurse program with a specialty that includes more training because the state pays for the additional training. “So,” he shared, “a medical career employer can now develop its own talent supply because the school system will be training their current and future employees.” An additional $2 million is set aside specifically for business incubation/acceleration programs. Mack added, “If it wasn’t for the business community sharing what it needs from the school system, we wouldn’t have come this far: we need to keep that communication going.” He continued, “Education is not a silo, we need local businesses at the table to remove the barriers, including the Chambers and the local economic development and workforce agencies.”

Lunch with local manufacturers “No one knows how much manufacturing is in Collier County. How do we get students to understand the great career options available to them in this sector?” — Aaron Paquette, Assistant Director, Immokalee Technical College (iTECH), Center For Manufacturing Excellence The second part of the day was a tour and luncheon to bring together local manufacturers with the manufacturing education facility, iTECH, at its Naples campus. Paquette shared, “This center was set up based on the stated needs of local manufacturers: unfortunately, now this facility is underutilized. With the current workforce needs, however, job replacements aren’t there, so we can help manufacturers upskill their current workforce. So instead of simply offering the traditional on-the-job training, manufacturing employers can give them a true career path.” He continued, “We need to help high school students realize we can help them get a certification in high school and then help them get postsecondary education credentialing with transferrable skills.” Moreover, he shared, “We offer certification and credentialing programs, as well as internship and shadowing opportunities with our business partners.” Machining Instructor Ross Porter shared, “What we do here is based on this premise — to help unskilled people get skilled, skilled workers then get paid more and are also more efficient.” He continued, “Ultimately, these employees can be upskilled to program a robot to do a job.” He noted, however, “robots don’t replace people, they simply make things more efficient.” Then, he added, as the company grows, the upskilled employee continues to grow with the company. Paquette noted, “What we need to promote is that we’re here at this campus to fill the need for accessible manufacturing training—and it’s free. We have trained 270 people since we opened this facility in January 2020, despite COVID-19. “We also want to increase the number of students going through the full credentialing program. We want to make sure that local manufacturers know we are here to grow the local workforce with the skills they need.” Workforce events like both of these are popping up across the region to address this critical local labor issue. It is crucial, as Dr. Mack noted, that educators and business and industry leaders continue to come together to both participate and contribute to the solutions, and that these workforce events continue to pop up across Southwest Florida and across industries to increase awareness while creating the Southwest Florida labor force of tomorrow.

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UF ag engineer develops smart-spray technology Growers need to spray efficiently so they can apply pesticides and fertilizer only to crops – and minimize the chemicals that may contaminate natural resources. As they battle the economically devastating citrus greening disease, farmers must look to control costs wherever possible. With that in mind, Yiannis Ampatzidis is engaging artificial intelligence to develop a low-cost, smart tree-crop sprayer that can automatically detect citrus trees, calculate their height and leaf density and count fruit. That way, the farmers target their spray more efficiently, so it lands on trees and leaves – and reduces chemical use by about 30%, compared to traditional spray methods. “These smart technologies can save the fruit tree industry millions of dollars per year by optimizing chemical applications,” said Ampatzidis, a UF/IFAS associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee. Smart-spray technology lets the grower vary the amount applied based on tree size and leaf density, and it will not spray if there is no tree or if a tree appears dead. It also does not spray if it finds other objects, such as a water pump, a pole or a person. “This new technology will further enhance the tree-profiling systems we have in place today, with the ability to detect and only spray the target foliage,” Ampatzidis said. “Our data, collected by smart sensors, can control the amount of spray applied to the tree, in real time, and is stored in the controller to be downloaded for further processing.” The system utilizes machine vision, GPS and LiDAR — a light detection and ranging remote sensing system. Ampatzidis also developed algorithms to process the data

The smart tree-crop sprayer can automatically detect citrus trees, calculate their height and leaf density and count fruit. as well as software to control the sensors. The technology, cited in new research published by Ampatzidis, can also help farmers predict their crop yields. To test the system, Ampatzidis conducted several experiments in citrus orchards at the center and in commercial farms and found they used less pesticide and fertilizer. Protecting citrus trees and their fruit makes up a significant chunk of any grower’s budget. In Southwest Florida orange orchards alone, plant protection product applications cost about 34% of the total production costs. An industry partner, Chemical Containers has evaluated the technology and entered an agreement with UF Innovate Tech Licensing to license and commercialize the smart-spray technology. As they continue to evaluate the system’s efficiency, Ampatzidis and his team will study how well it detects and sprays trees in fields with tall weeds in more commercial groves. He and his team are also going to evaluate the system on other fruits, including peaches, apples and pecans to see how well it works on those tree crop systems. “We also plan to develop smart fertilizer spreader applicators to improve nutrient management,” he said. “Target-based management can help farmers apply nutrients as needed within the field, rather than applying fertilizers uniformly.”

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CBIA scholarship applications available The Collier Building Industry Foundation announces its 2022 scholarship application is now available. “To date, CBIF has proudly provided over $80,000 in scholarships to Collier County students seeking careers in building and construction-related industries,” said CBIA Executive Officer Amelia Vasquez. According to Vasquez, local graduating high school students or students currently enrolled in college and pursuing studies in construction and/or construction-related fields including architecture, engineering, interior design, surveying or specialty contracting (air conditioning, electrical, masonry, plumbing, etc.) may apply. CBIF continues to offer educational and fundraising opportunities to benefit local students seeking careers in building and construction-related industries. Applicants may also contact the Collier Building Industry Association office at (239) 436-6100 to receive an application via email or postal service. Completed applications are due to the CBIA by 5 p.m. on April 15 via U.S. Mail at 3200 Bailey Lane, Suite 110, Naples, 34105.

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Horizon boards announce 2022 officers Powered by an economic development vision and strengthened by iron-clad partnerships, a dynamic group of community leaders is poised to guide the Horizon Foundation and Horizon Council through 2022, which is forecasted to be a year of optimism and tremendous growth after the many challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. The Horizon Foundation, which raises private-sector funds to support the marketing efforts for Lee County Office of Economic Development, and the Horizon Council, the only public-private advisory board to the Lee County Board of Commissioners, named their boards of directors. Named to the seven-member executive board of the Horizon Foundation were: President Christopher Spiro, of Spiro & Associates Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, and Brand Architecture; Vice President Matt Roepstorff, of Gray Robinson; Secretary Ryan Carter, of Scotlynn USA; and Treasurer Sandy Stilwell, of Stilwell Enterprises. The Horizon Council named: Chair Holly D. Smith, Sanibel mayor and hotelier; Vice Chair Mark Stevens, president of Stevens Constructions; Treasurer Kristy Knupp,

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senior vice president of Ascend Wellness Holdings; and Secretary Guido Minaya, CEO of Minaya Global Learning Solutions. As president of the foundation, Spiro also is a member of this board. Smith serves as an ex-officio member and advisor to the foundation board. Voting members of the Horizon Foundation board also include: Immediate Past President Dan Eveloff of Regions Bank; Lee County Industrial Development Authority Chair Robbie Roepstorff of Edison Bank; and Lee County Economic Development Office Director John Talmage. In addition, two new members-at-large, Fred Edman of Wright Construction Group and Matt Price of Seagate Development Group, were elected at the Foundation’s annual meeting. These two individuals will represent Horizon Foundation investors and were nominated and elected by peer investors. Dilman Thomas, executive director of the Horizon Foundation, is the organization’s business community liaison and the first executive director in the organization’s history.

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Over the past 30 years, The Horizon Council and Horizon Foundation have been instrumental in bringing major companies to Lee County, including Gartner, Arthrex, Chicos FAS, as well as numerous other thriving businesses. The foundation continues to push for higher wages for workers, attainable housing, a better and more robust educational system, investing in infrastructure and raising the standard of living, livelihood and quality of life for our county’s residents. “In 2021, we moved back to in-person meetings with a limited number of members present and again delivered great content for our membership. Topics that I would have never thought of that became riveting, like human resources and legal issues with work from home staff,” Spiro said. “We set our sights on and energy towards the Industry Appreciation Awards since we had to table that premier event in 2020 due to the pandemic. If you were at the awards, you know the success of that sold-out event. Our positive community and business impact is a direct result of the investment Horizon Foundation members and investors make each year. We just finalized the 2021 year with our Annual Review meeting that set the tone and manner for the future.”

Children’s Advocacy Center names director

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Rachel Peacock joined the Children’s Advocacy Center of SWFL as director of development and community relations. In this role, Peacock will work to expand the awareness of the agency in the community while also cultivating and maintaining donor relationships. “We are thrilled to welcome Rachel to the Children’s Advocacy Center. Her experience, knowledge and relationshipbuilding capabilities in the community complement our dedicated team who strive Peacock every day to end child abuse and neglect,” said CEO Julie Boudreaux. “Her skills will help expand the awareness of our mission and provide opportunities for education about the numerous services our agency offers.” Peacock’s background has been deeply embedded in community involvement and fundraising for over 17 years. She comes to the CAC from WGCU in the development and management of its corporate support division for the last six years. Peacock is a lifelong resident of Lee County. Her professional experience prior to WGCU included a career in campaign management for elected officials in both local and state offices. Since 1981, Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida worked to improve the lives of children and their families through a coordinated response to child abuse and neglect, offering them a safe and friendly environment in which to heal. CAC provides abuse determination services as well as therapeutic counseling, parenting education and prevention programs in Lee, Hendry, Glades and Charlotte counties. All services are provided free of charge. For more information, call (239) 939-2808 or visit www.cac-swfl.org. CAC is a United Way Partner Agency.


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MARCH 2022

ORGANIZATIONS TO WATCH Immokalee Foundation creates lasting impact through mentorship “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” — Oprah Winfrey

At The Immokalee Foundation, mentorship is a keystone of our program, with individualized attention provided to each student participant. Foundation mentors impact how students see themselves, their influence leading to an enhanced self-image that follows each student into postsecondary education and beyond. For many who volunteer to mentor students at The Immokalee Foundation, their decision is all about giving back to the community, filling their time in a meaningful way, and providing direction to young students looking to achieve their goals. Foundation mentors meet with their students weekly, contributing their time, attention and experience while offering advice to help their students be successful. Virtual and in-person mentoring options are available. The Foundation matches volunteer mentors with high school students who live in the Immokalee community. Many of these students are looking to become the first in their family to pursue a postsecondary education, and the personal relationship that each student builds with their mentor plays a major role in helping make those dreams a reality. Students in The Immokalee Foundation’s programs are highly motivated by the educational opportunities available to them. Each student must meet and maintain certain requirements, including maintaining a minimum GPA, remaining crime and drug-free, volunteering in the community and meeting with their mentors once a week. The Foundation mentors have found that becoming a mentor has been one of the most rewarding and life-changing experiences they’ve ever had. Oftentimes, the mentor becomes the mentee and begins to learn from the student, too. Linda Ayer is a perfect example

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Jerry Belle, The Immokalee Foundation Board Chair and his mentee Joel G. of an Immokalee Foundation mentor who cherishes her experiences and goes above and beyond to create a lasting impact on her mentees. No stranger to Immokalee, Ayer spent 29 years working at Immokalee High School as an English and Drama teacher, going on to serve as the high school’s activities director before retiring in 2011. However, she loved working with children and continued to look for ways to be engaged with the community and Immokalee’s students. “Linda strives to involve herself in many ways to help our local students and organizations, from volunteering at the Immokalee High School’s BETA Club (Better Education Through Achievement) to The Immokalee Foundation’s mentorship program through Take Stock in Children. We are very fortunate to have Linda’s support,” said Yeimi Espinoza, Take Stock Program Manager at The Immokalee Foundation. Take Stock in Children is a statewide nonprofit mentoring, college success and college scholarship organization dedicated to transforming Florida, one student at a time. As a Take Stock in Children affiliate, The Immokalee Foundation is able to offer students scholarships and access to highly skilled mentors, all

of whom volunteer their time in service to the community. Over the past eight years, Ayer has worked with twelve students, and each one can testify to the extraordinary impact she has had on their Ayer lives. “I firmly believe we are put on this Earth to serve others,” Ayer said. “I have so enjoyed working with all my mentees over the years and no matter how old we get, there is always something that we can learn and something that we can give. The students keep me young and I hope that sharing some of my experiences can help them in return.” Former mentee and current Florida Southwestern State College student, Maricela, reflected on how Ayer made a difference in her life, starting from their first meeting at The Immokalee Foundation. “I’ve known Mrs. Ayer since the day I was interviewed for the mentor program at The Immokalee Foundation my freshman year of high school. I was asked challenging questions about my personal life, plans, and hardships—which became emotional for me to share,”

said Maricela. “Mrs. Ayer saw potential in me and asked to be my mentor. In high school, I faced many challenges, including depression. As complicated as things were at the time, Mrs. Ayer was always supportive and a great listener—she stood by me and never gave up on me. Her guidance led me in the right direction. As a first-generation college student, I had no clue what would help me advance my education. She is passionate and devoted—an empathetic symbol of what a role model should be.” Ayer’s dedication to The Immokalee Foundation has resulted not only in recognition from her mentees and Immokalee Foundation staff, but also the state-wide Take Stock in Children organization where she has been named 2022 Take Stock Mentor of the Year. “I feel very fortunate that I’ve had the opportunity to work with The Immokalee Foundation and with the students I have mentored,” Ayer said. “Immokalee has some wonderful kids with lots of talent. I encourage others in the community who may think that life has passed them by to consider signing up to become a mentor. You’ll find that it’s one of the greatest opportunities and joys in your life—becoming a mentor was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” At The Immokalee Foundation, these extraordinary volunteers help to unlock the potential of each individual student. Their mentoring program is transformative for mentors and an invaluable gift to student mentees. To get involved as a mentor for The Immokalee Foundation or to find out more, visit: immokaleefoundation.org/volunteer-or-mentor/.

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ORGANIZATIONS TO WATCH

Page 7

ORGANIZATIONS TO WATCH

Freedom Waters to expand nationwide

Mike Goodman is credited with developing HF scientific’s two major product lines used in the production of clean drinking water – turbidimeters and CLX chlorine analyzers.

Innovative engineer rides off into the sunset As legend has it, in 1980, the owners of HF scientific decided to escape the cold of Canada and head south for the tropical shores of Florida. A young engineer by the name of Mike Goodman hopped on his Honda CX500 and rode south. “Our founding partners vacationed in Fort Myers, so we eventually packed up our small garage-sized office and moved to Florida,” Goodman said. That international motorcycle ride isn’t Goodman’s best-known feat, however. Today, he is widely recognized for his creative thinking and innovative product contributions to HF scientific during his 42 years of service. Thanks to his efforts, HF scientific blossomed into a global producer of instrumentation, test kits and chemical reagents used for monitoring water quality in a variety of applications. Goodman is credited with developing the company’s two major product lines used in the production of clean drinking water – turbidimeters and CLX chlorine analyzers. “He’s made a phenomenal impact on this company and industry,” said Dorian Cauceglia, research and development manager at HF scientific. Following in his father’s footsteps, Goodman’s childhood dream was becoming an electronic engineer. “I refer to myself as an old hacker,” Goodman said. “Initially, I started with repair and calibration, and eventually

we developed an engineering department. From there, we experienced phenomenal growth as a company.” In 2005, HF scientific’s founding partners retired and sold the company to Watts Water Technologies, a global leader of water solutions for residential, industrial, municipal and commercial applications. HF scientific continued to retain its name, and by 2007 began supporting the Ballast Water Management System market. Goodman was essential to ensuring compliance with internationally recognized standards that help sustain the marine ecosystem. By 2020, the company had outgrown its original building and moved to a new, state-of-the-art facility on Airport Park Drive in Fort Myers. Throughout HF scientific’s evolution, Goodman has been a steadfast contributor in mentoring a team of engineers that will shape the future of the company. According to Tom Whiteside, a long-time colleague who has worked with Goodman for more than 33 years, “He’s a treasure trove of knowledge and will truly be missed.” “Having recently celebrated 42 years with the company, it’s time for me to enjoy this next phase of life,” Goodman said. “HF scientific has given me the opportunity to do what I love most, to travel across the world, to help municipalities with water treatment solutions and to work with an amazing group of people.”

For 15 years, Freedom Waters Foundation has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of children, individuals with special needs and veterans by providing therapeutic boat experiences. The Naples-based nonprofit organization has impacted more than 35,000 local individuals since its inception in 2006 via its South and Southwest Florida locations. They are planning to expand nationwide to widen their reach and offer a renewed zest for living, sense of self-worth, accomplishment and independence to those in need in other communities. With the help of local commercial and private boat owners, and the organization’s dedicated staff and loyal volunteers, Freedom Waters Foundation is proud to offer a variety of healing programs for individuals and their families free of charge. Children and adults with life-threatening illnesses or disabilities, veterans and active military, and at-risk youth are able to partake in activities that they might not have had the chance to participate in and can thrive in a supportive and safe environment. Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Freedom Waters

SPORTS PAGE 1 “And this programming is not just sports, it includes concerts and other entertainment events, like the Air Supply concert coming in March.” Adams noted, “This community is so aligned with the purpose of the project—while 50% of its use is for sports tourism, the other 50% is for community use and enrichment. “We want to partner with Collier County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau as much as possible because we all win when people come.” Currently there are five long fields and five more fields under development. Also coming to the facility are 40 camping sites as well as fitness tracks. There is a site also slotted for an indoor events building/complex to open at some as-yet undetermined point in the future. This facility would

For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com Foundation successfully navigated the rough waters and continued to create positive impacts in the communities they serve. In 2021, the organization safely provided more than 2,200 boating experiences that served more than 700 children and adults with special needs and their families and about 1,500 veterans and their families. The organization also successfully hosted its first outof-state Weller Day Boat Outing in Atlanta, Georgia on Lake Lanier and welcomed more than 460 individuals with 90 boats registered to volunteer. Freedom Waters Foundation hopes to double its attendee numbers in 2022 in Georgia while maintaining its growth in South and Southwest Florida and expanding into Indiana and further into Georgia, sharing the freedom and joy on and off the water with as many people in need as they can reach. For more information about Freedom Waters Foundation, visit freedomwatersfoundation.org. also serve as a hurricane shelter, which means that the facility would be eligible to receive certain building grants. David Wasson , local marketing & promotions manager for the complex, noted, “With the way the complex is designed, we also have the opportunity to align the different pieces in creative ways. For example, the artificial turf that drains so well gives us the ability to provide venues for more than traditional sports.” Adams added, “It is this diversity that we want to showcase at trade shows.” Engstrom noted, “So don’t be surprised to hear about the wide variety of events/activities that are planned to take place at this facility. Everyday is a new adventure in our business! Each day we say, ‘What we can we do in this facility that’s a little different and will help the local community thrive?”

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MARCH 2022

COMPANIES TO WATCH

Staying true to the community, even as it changes In 1958, when Naples was a small, sleepy fishing village, Don Wynn converted a former Western Auto Parts store into a full-service hardware store. His goal was to offer “small town advantages” like friendly service and strong core values, as well as “big city advantages” like a large inventory of products and competitive prices. That store later became the area’s first Sunshine Ace Hardware. As the region has grown, so too has Sunshine Ace. The company now has nine hardware stores in Collier, Lee, Charlotte and Pinellas counties, as well as a commercial paint store in Naples, plus two Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware stores and two Crowder’s Gifts & Gadgets shops in Manatee County. In addition, Sunshine recently added a new division–Ace Handyman Services– to help customers service repairs in their home. In 2022, Sunshine Ace is returning to its roots with a new store at Founders Square in North Naples. The decision to build there was the same reason Don Wynn originally

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Top: A rendering shows plans for a new Sunshine Ace hardware store in North Naples. Left: Don Wynn in 1958 opened a fullservice hardware store in then-sleepy Naples. chose downtown Naples–convenience for residential and commercial customers. The section of North Naples east of I-75 is buzzing with commercial activity, yet homeowners and businesses still lack easy access to a full-service hardware store. The new store will change that.

The 20,000-square-foot location will feature commercial paint, grilling and fishing departments, as well as a wide selection of power and hand tools, hardware, lawn and garden supplies, plumbing fixtures, outdoor living accessories and gifts. Today, Sunshine Ace is recog-

COMPANIES TO WATCH

SoZo Wellness opens in Fort Myers as Collaboratory’s first impact investment

SoZo Wellness Pharmacy recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the new Dunbar pharmacy’s official opening. Located on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Fort Myers, SoZo Wellness Pharmacy is a lifestyle brand which provides solutions that lead to wholeness in mind, body and spirit. SoZo’s focus is on improving healthcare and social outcomes in underserved communities, through exposure to integrative approaches to healing. SoZo Wellness is operated by Dr. Shadreka McIntosh, a fifth generation Dunbar resident who has always dreamed of bringing a pharmacy to her community. Collaboratory, with the collaboration of Catalyst Community Capital, approved SoZo Wellness Pharmacy as its first impact investment to fund a wellness pharmacy in Dunbar. This was the first impact investment from Collaboratory’s new revolving loan fund. Money that is repaid from these investments or loans is recycled to help other nonprofit and for-profit social entrepreneurs. McIntosh is a doctor of Pharmacy and has a Mas-

ter of Science in Integrative Medicine. She is passionate about the use of mind-body medicine and conventional medicine, where appropriate, to close the gap in healthcare disparities of chronic diseases that plague minority communities. SoZo Wellness Pharmacy fills a gap that has long been present in this area of healthcare services. There is no pharmacy within a two-and-a-half mile radius of the 33916 ZIP code. Collaboratory, formerly the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, cultivates regional change for the common good. Its goal is to end all Southwest Florida’s social problems on an 18-year deadline. Collaboratory will do this by organizing the large-scale coordination of multisector efforts that spark and scale locally sourced innovations and solutions. Collaboratory brings ideas and individuals together in a modern space, infused by the history of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot in Fort Myers. For more information, call (239) 488-2580 or visit www.sozo-pharmacy.com or.

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nized as one of Florida’s largest family-owned home improvement retailers. The company’s true advantage is still its “red-vested heroes,” friendly associates who readily share their expert advice so DIYers and contractors can find the tools and supplies to complete their next project. “Naples has long since moved past its sleepy fishing village roots,” said Sunshine Ace President Michael Wynn, Don Wynn’s grandson. “However, we have maintained the small-town hardware store charm while offering more full-service neighborhood locations, more products and premium brands, and more ways to shop. And soon, residents and businesses in North Naples will have their own full-service hardware store, complete with small town charm, to call their own.” For more information, please visit SunshineAce.com.

CLASS PAGE 1 plan to guide their start-up. They work with mentors who are successful businesspeople, and hear from subject matter experts in areas of accounting, legal, marketing, insurance and funding. An easy-to-use workbook, used by organizations across America, assists in transforming vision into a plan for a successful business. Classes are scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursday evenings at the Collier County Library. Attendance is limited, so early sign up is recommended. A recent program graduate said, “This course helped me to organize and plan out the steps for creating my business. Coming in, I had no idea how to start a business that would lead to success, and now I have that.” To apply, visit www.goodwillswfl.org/ microenterprise or call (239) 995-2106 ext. 2304. The session is $80; Volunteer hours can be substituted for the fee if income requirements are met. For more information, email Sandra Plazas at sandraplazas@goodwillswfl.org. Don’t forget to post your in-person and virtual events on our B2B events calendar at www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com/calendar

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

COMPANIES TO WATCH Seagate closes 2021 with $195-plus million in sales, contracts

Seagate Development Group first fastest growing luxury interior design made a name for itself nearly seven firms in the market. The team completed three model home designs in years ago with one new community, Esplanade Lake Club, along with a preferred builder status in Quail West, remodel and new home in Quail West, two design-build projects, a commertwo model homes in Hill Tide Estates cial property management portfolio and one model home in Talis Park. of roughly one million square feet, The team’s Oak Hill model in Quail and a focus on delivering the best West not only took home a Sand Dolproduct and customer service in the lar award for Interior Design of the marketplace. Today, with an awardA look at commercial real estate & construction updates Southwest Florida Yearin(single-family homes at $5 milwinning portfolio of projects, an emlion or more), but it was also named ployee count that has multiplied more Home & Design Magazine’s February than six times over, a global headSignature Home. With 40 projects on quarters off Interstate-75, and new and growing divisions, the leading, Seagate’s commercial sector ended 2021 with over $90 million in construc- its agenda, Theory Design has hired full-service residential and commer- tion and development contracts and its residential division closed 2021 with a vice president and new team members at every level to accommodate cial development company has an un- over $105 million in residential sales. the growing demand for its holistic wavering business model that adheres The end-of-year success is also includes model and custom homes approach to interior design. to the belief that profit is an inevitable due in part to the sale of Arbor Towne in Windward Isle, Esplanade Lake “We’ve always looked past chalbyproduct of the Seagate Mission. Seagate’s commercial sector end- Square as well as self-storage facili- Club, Hill Tide Estates, Talis Park lenges to find opportunities that gared 2021 with over $90 million in con- ties in Arbor Towne Square and Es- and Quail West. Seagate also quickly ner success. We expect 2022 will struction and development contracts. tero, along with tenant improvement became an in-demand luxury home present opportunities in new and renovations market leader throughout unique forms, and our growing team Those include high-profile projects projects throughout Fort Myers. Just last month, Seagate purchased Southwest Florida. One of its testa- of accomplished talent is ready to exlike NeoGenomics’ global headquarLiberty Plaza for $11.75 million – ments to that success is a Sand Dol- emplify the mission that we’ve carters, Scotlynn USA Division’s North expanding its commercial property lar award for a whole house remodel ried since day one,” said James Nulf, American corporate headquarters as management division into the Naples over $1 million in Quail West. Now, Jr., chief operating officer and partner well as White Cap Construction Supmarket, in addition to the 1.5 million with a framework for an estate man- at Seagate Development Group. ply’s and Rice Insulation & Glass’ square feet currently in its manageagement program in the works, the Seagate Development Group’s cornewest facilities. This is coupled with ment and leasing portfolio. team can continue to serve residential porate headquarters is located on Inthe groundbreaking of Alico Trade Not to be outdone, Seagate’s resi- clients long after turnover. terstate Commerce Drive in Fort MyCenter – a 40-acre business park for dential division closed 2021 with over Theory Design, a Seagate com- ers. For additional information, visit single-tenant, flex and industrial de$105 million in residential sales. This pany, established itself as one of the SeagateDevelopmentGroup.com. sign-builds.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

MARCH 2022

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

Commercial property predictions for this year 2021 was an explosive year for commercial development in Southwest Florida. Thanks to what we’re calling the “COVID Economy,” our region experienced a population boom, which in turn created more demand for commercial and residential property than anyone anticipated. Southwest Florida saw an explosion of housing starts and rental communities, as well as rent growth last year. What do we mean by the COVID Economy? Economically speaking, the pandemic created opportunity for growth in Southwest Florida. Tourists with pent-up travel demand were drawn to the Sunshine State because of limited restrictions and business closures. At the same time, employees nationwide were coming to the realization that they could potentially work from anywhere, and Southwest Florida’s quality of life has certainly attracted remote workers. These factors, in combination with low interest rates and other federal economic initiatives, sparked an exponential population surge—on top of our region’s already above-average growth.

supply, we expect to see a near recordbreaking year for land sales. ● Because much of our investment property is absorbed, we will see a decrease in the number of investment sales. However, the average value of 2022 investment sales will be considerably higher. ● Development deals will be both more scarce and more expensive, meaning developers will likely team up to get projects off the ground efficiently. BY GARY ● Speculative building will increase. TASMAN Although our region’s commercial deGuest Columnist velopment has been rapid, it has lagged behind the population explosion. Developers have a great opportunity to create value through spec building, as the projected returns on the risk outweigh the low returns on cap rate deals. ● The economy will slow down by the end of 2022. The recent increase in housing values isn’t sustainable longterm, and combined with anticipated interest rate increases, prices will flatten and sales will slow. If you’re a commercial property owner, buyer, user or investor, the market still provides opportunity for you—but it is moving quickly. Whether it’s time for you to sell, or you’re just considering your options in our current commercial real estate market, the commercial property experts at Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida have the knowledge, data and resources to determine the best strategy for you.

Growth, Supply and Demand Commercial development closely follows population growth. New residents need services like health care, restaurants, grocery stores and entertainment venues. As these new facilities are built, jobs are created and even more people move to the region to fill those positions. As high demand meets a dwindling supply, where do we go from here? Our region’s current inventory of office, industrial, retail and even multi-family homes are nearly depleted, creating demand for even more development. However, the growth of our region is environmentally constrained by the Gulf of Mexico to the west and environmentally-sensitive lands to the east and south.

Gary Tasman is the founder of Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida and serves as CEO/Principal broker. Contact him at (239) 489-3600.

Our predictions for the commercial property market in 2022: ● As demand for land increases disproportionately to

Introducing ALDEA

Burlington Stores will open a new store in Fort Myers this spring, bringing the total number of locations in the state to 80. The store will be at Cypress Woods Shopping Center on Ben C. Pratt Six Mile Cypress Parkway. With an updated and clean store design, customers will shop for merchandise including: ladies’ apparel and accessories, menswear, comfortable and casual finds for kids, footwear for everyone, everything baby, home décor items, pet care and toys. As Burlington continues to expand its footprint, it remains focused on finding talent. Burlington is delighted to create job opportunities for the local community. Those interested are encouraged to visit Burlingtonstores.jobs/ to apply online for a variety of positions.

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

COMPANIES TO WATCH

RGA works toward creating a more sustainable future

Groundbreaking: Fall 2022 Occupancy: Spring 2024 MIDTOWN FORT MYERS’ INTIMATE URBAN LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCE Studio, One and Two Bedroom Apartments Located between Central Avenue, Market Street and Fowler Street, ALDEA is one of the first planned communities for Midtown and is expected to transform the landscape of the surrounding area. 300+ units housed within two residential buildings looking inward to multi-functional courtyard spaces.

A fitness center enables an active lifestyle and a parking garage provides a desired convenience.

A mix of studios, one and two bedrooms, several of which offer additional dens.

Randy Krise, CCIM

Commercial Real Estate Broker Cell: 239.633.8672 Email: Randy@KriseCG.com www.KriseCG.com

Burlington to open new Fort Myers location

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We started as three determined architects in a small storefront in May 2012. we are now 11 professionals about to move into a space twice the size of the original. Remaining cutting edge and tech driven utilizing BIM/REVIT software, while also contributing to and being a part of the community continue to be an integral part of our firm. These are exciting times for RGA; we are beginning work on two new elementary schools, a new Mental Health Facility, with a Technical College just underway. The following are several points of focus concerning the future: Climate Crisis The architecture, engineering and construction industry accounts for about 76% of electricity use and 40% of all U. S. energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions. RGA is a LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficient Design) accredited firm and we are keenly aware of the role we play in construction. Our current work includes the Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University, an environmental research facility tracking for LEED Gold. Energy efficiency is one way to reduce CO2 emissions. RGA principals are responsible for seven Lee County elementary schools built between 2002 and 2012. The latest uses half the power as the first

one. We take pride in these advancements and will continue to push even further.

Disruptive Technologies The internet of things, generative and parametric design, artificial BY CHARLIE intelligence, roGUTEKUNST botics, 3D printGuest Columnist ing, big data and augmented or virtual reality are responsible for the coming paradigm shift in the AEC industry. They promote collaboration and data driven strategies that architects and clients alike can trust. New Construction Materials and Methods All of the above considerations create a fertile ground for innovation in new construction materials... including CO2-absorbing materials (such as CLT), sustainable concretes, and biomechanics. ¬¬RGA employs 3D printing and digital mockups for window studies at Franklin Park Elementary. Charlie Gutekunst, AIA, NCARB, is a principal at RG Architects, PA. Contact him at crg@RGarchitectsPA.com or (239) 332-2040.


MARCH 2022

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

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

COMPANIES TO WATCH Stock Custom Homes finishes tremendous year with $197M in sales Stock Custom Homes, the awardwinning custom home building division of Stock Development, has had yet another year of record-breaking success. In 2021, the esteemed builder not only reported a total of $197 million in sales but also completed and sold its most extraordinary project to date, a grand oceanfront estate located on South Ocean Boulevard in Palm Beach. This overwhelming success is a testament to the 2020 Builder of the Year’s exceptional craftsmanship and is a catalyst for the continuous expansion of its notable legacy. Stock Custom Homes continues to make a notable impression throughout Florida,

constructing one-of-a-kind estates in Golf and Country Club. Building on to expand, the award-winning luxury prestigious communities such as Pine that momentum, the builder is cur- homebuilder’s custom homes diviRidge Estates, WildBlue, The Lake rently developing another impressive sion, Stock Custom Homes, is actively Club at Lakewood Ranch and Palm oceanside property on North Ocean working on custom estates throughout Beach. Boulevard. Southwest Florida along with SarasoJust a few of their outstanding sucToday’s homebuyers recognize ta, Wellington and Palm Beach. cesses in 2021 include receiving seven Stock Custom Homes as the builder With more than seven decades of awards at the Collier Building Indus- that defines luxury living in Florida. building experience, Stock Developtry Association’s 2021 Sand Dollar Their superb craftsmanship, original- ment is one of Florida’s most dynamic Awards, continued expansion into new ity and vibrant outdoor living designs and innovative development compageographic and selling a majoriare the hallmarks of distinctiveupdates com- nies.inSuperb craftsmanship, originalA look areas, at commercial real estate & construction Southwest Florida ty of newly developed residences prior munities. ity and vibrant outdoor living designs to completion. Recognized as the leading South- are the hallmarks of distinctive comSpecifically on the East Coast, not west Florida luxury home builder in munities from Naples to Sarasota and only did Stock sell the estate on South premier communities for 20 years, on the east coast. Ocean Boulevard, but the company Stock Development has completed For more information about Stock completed and sold multiple residenc- more than 5,000 homes along the Custom Homes’ visit stockcustomes in the admired Palm Beach Polo Gulf Coast and beyond. Continuing homes.com or call (239) 249-6400.

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

COMPANIES TO WATCH

Sunizo expands commercial real estate services Sunizo is excited to announce it is expanding its commercial real estate services. Sunizo was originally developed as a commercial property management company in 2015 for a REIT (real estate investment trust) to manage a commercial portfolio in Florida, Georgia, and Texas. Now Sunizo is offering full-service commercial leasing, sales, and management services. Sunizo’s area of expertise is focused on the following property types: industrial/flex, office, retail, and land. The team has decades of experience and is looking forward to expanding and executing these superior services. The Sunizo headquarters is current-

ly located in Fort Myers. The company is going to be concentrating its efforts in the Southwest Florida region providing local expertise because they already have extensive knowledge of the market, vendors, prospects, and the region! Sunizo has impressive negotiation skills and first-hand experience with natural disaster and emergency management in addition to the day-to-day operations of commercial properties. Sunizo is going to be a superior partner for commercial investors wanting to find great opportunities, landlords who want their portfolios managed effectively and efficiently, and businesses searching for their next successful space!

Vantage completes renovation for BBQ restaurant Vantage Construction Services, a commercial general contractor in Fort Myers, has completed the renovation for Big Nick’s Barbecue. The renovation included stripping the building completely inside, installed all new finishes and kitchen hood, with fire suppression system. Site work was completed with added driveway and landscaping. Big Nick’s BBQ is located on Cypress Lake Drive in Fort Myers. Owner Tim Fisk brings 25 years of

BBQ experience to Big Nick’s, honoring his father, Nick Fisk. Business partners Erik Flett and Tim Collier collaborated on this renovation each bringing their own expertise to the project. Vantage Construction Services is a client-focused construction company providing consulting, pre-construction, general contracting, construction management and design-build services for commercial construction in Southwest Florida. HEALTHCARE SERVICES GROUP

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Renovations progress at Centennial Park

Wright Construction Group is progressing according to schedule on renovations being at Centennial Park, located in Downtown Fort Myers. All underground drainage and water services were recently completed on Centennial Park East. Currently, the amphitheater construction is underway along with site lighting and irrigation, and in the coming weeks, landscaping will begin. The renovations on the pavilion and park restrooms are finished in Centennial Park West, allowing for the

construction of a new 11,000-squarefoot playground to commence. All renovations are expected to be completed in the late spring of 2022. This renovation will allow for the City of Fort Myers to provide quality amenities with the ability to host events and provide opportunities for the people of Fort Myers. Through these events and opportunities, their goal is to promote community amongst residents, as well as growth to the city as a whole

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

MARCH 2022

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

Sport Clips to bring MVP hair care to Port Charlotte

Sport Clips Haircuts, the nation’s largest franchise dedicated to men’s and boys’ hair care, opened Feb. 15 in Port Charlotte’s Quesada Commons shopping center on Tamiami Trail. This locally owned and operated business is the latest of the franchise’s more than 1,850 locations across the U.S. and Canada. “Sport Clips offers our clients the expertise of well-trained stylists in a fun and clean environment where they can enjoy watching sports on TV during their haircut. We look forward to introducing clients to our services and distinctive experience,” said Mike Wills, who owns the Sport Clips

location with wife and business partner Caline. “The Sport Clips concept is growing across the country, and our team members are committed to providing a championship haircut experience for clients in Port Charlotte and surrounding areas. We have an exceptional team!” The new Sport Clips offers: • Haircut services, including the “MVP Experience” that features a precision haircut, massaging shampoo, hot steamed towel and neck and shoulder treatment. • Sport Clips stylists who are pros in men’s hair and specialize in hair care for men and boys and stay up to

date on trends. • Large, flat-screen televisions playing sports programming at each haircut station and in the lobby. • Online check in, the best way to schedule service with an estimated wait time at www.sportclips.com, check-in, download the app or use your smart speaker or display. • Contactless payment through Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay. Sport Clips in Port Charlotte will also provide free “MVP upgrades,” including a massaging shampoo, hot steamed towel and neck and shoulder treatment, to all first-time clients who purchase a haircut service.

Pendergrass welcomes businesses to Lehigh

Construction has been underway and has reached the halfway point for The Shops on Pine Island in Cape Coral.

Heatherwood reaches halfway point on Shops on Pine Island

Construction has been underway and has reached the halfway point for The Shops on Pine Island in Cape Coral. This new mixed-use project is two buildings that total nearly 25,000 square feet and are located near the intersection of Pine Island Road and Del Prado Boulevard. This site will accommodate retail

stores and various locally known and national restaurants. Construction on the shell buildings is scheduled for completion in the early summer of 2022. The project is being led by the Bonita-Springs-based team’s project manager, Jo Lucarelli, and designed by the award-winning GMA Architects & Planners.

Lee County Commissioner and Chairman Cecil Pendergrass joined the East Lee County Chamber of Commerce in January in welcoming several new businesses to Lehigh Acres. The businesses range from medical supply and healthcare to A/C maintenance and real estate. Welcoming events were held on Jan. 21 Pendergrass for Millennium Physician Group on Westminster Street, The Medicine Shoppe on Homestead Road, ValAir on Homestead Road and Realty World C. Bagans First and Colorado Road.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SERVICES

LSI brokers commercial property in Fort Myers

LSI Companies brokered a 7.39-acre commercial property and in Fort Myers for $1,995,000. The property was acquired by 1875 Holdings, a Delaware company, from Yowell Real Estate, and Jurgensen Real Estate. The property is located on Commercial Drive in Fort Myers. The seller was represented by Hunter Ward, of LSI Companies, and the buyer was represented by Michael Price, of LandQwest.

LandQwest leases CenterLinks offices

Nelsen Corporation leased 13,830-square-feet in the ‘CenterLinks’ industrial project on Oriole Road in units #3-5 in Fort Myers from Centerlinks Associates. Wuelf leased 9,675-square-feet in units #7-8. Aurum Nail Supply leased 4,610-squarefeet in the industrial project in unit #6 in Fort Myers. Adam Palmer, CCIM, SIOR and Mike Doyle, CCIM of LandQwest Commercial represented the landlord in the transaction. Aux Delices renewed 1,250-square-feet of retail space in ‘Regal Plaza’ on South Tamiami Trail in Fort Myers from Susence FL Holdings. Bruce Micciche, CCIM of LandQwest Commercial represented both parties in the transaction. LandQwest is a nationally recognized, privately-held commercial real estate brokerage organization that provides business partners with property management, tenant representation, leasing, sales, and consulting services to shape commercial landscapes.

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MARCH 2022

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 13

COMPANIES TO WATCH

Lykos Group work ethic present in every remodel In 1989, Sonny Lykos formed Lykos Home Improvement, providing minor residential improvements, remodels and condominium common area repairs for full-time Naples residents and retirees in small homes and condominiums, as well as small homeowners’ and condominium associations in East Naples, the City of Naples and Wyndemere Country Club. More than 30 years later, his legacy of integrity and accountability continues with the success of what is now The Lykos Group. The son of Greek immigrants, Sonny Lykos was a baby boomer raised with the traditional work ethic and values typical of the generations responsible for building America, lessons he applied when parenting his own children. Lykos’ sons, Peter and Tom, joined the company in 1992. “In the beginning, the primary driver of our sales and growth was word-of-mouth referrals,” said The Lykos Group President Tom Lykos. “But also importantly, when we worked on single-family homes, nearby residents would see our work and stop to talk to us. When we remodeled condos, other residents would come into our projects while we were working and see the quality of our work and how well we maintained our job sites.” Early on, The Lykos Group’s project properties were at the lower range of values in Naples, mainly involving simple improvements and repairs for clients who had bought properties in need of updates prior to move-in, updates to replace worn finishes or fixtures and improvements brought about by lifestyle changes. “Client expectations back then were not very different from today,” Lykos said. “Clients expected value for what they paid, they expected the work to be done on time, and they expected a level of quality commensurate with the cost. Beyond that, I think clients also want an enjoyable experience and to have a friendly relationship with reliable contractors.” Over the years, The Lykos Group grew to perform larger residential remodeling projects and expanded its condominium association service work. In 1999, Tom and Peter Lykos took the helm of the company, and Sonny left to recreate his original vision of performing small home improvement projects. “My father focused on performing every project to the best of our abilities,” Tom Lykos said. “He had a God-given talent to connect with people and expressed a sincere interest in them. From his clients to the lady at the drive-thru at his favorite McDonald’s, every single person he interacted with was important to him and he made sure they felt it.” Lykos says that among many important lessons his father instilled in him and his siblings is that America offers everyone the opportunity to pursue prosperity and happiness, but these things take hard work and sacrifice. As Lykos and his siblings matured, they

“We also benefit from a remarkable sense of community when we can use our resources to benefit our less fortunate fellow citizens, especially children. While it is very gratifying to help a client create their dream home, the spiritual enrichment we receive when we help children is priceless.”

— Tom Lykos, Lykos Group President learned to sacrifice short-term gratification for long-term security and success, along with the inevitable lessons that come with exercising free will and enduring the consequences of immature decisions. Though their father died in 2008, the values and work ethic that made his company successful, a commitment to responsibility, personal accountability and the pursuit of success with integrity, are still demonstrated by The Lykos Group today. Throughout more than a 30-year history, The Lykos Group has performed more than 800 residential projects throughout Southwest Florida. “When I took over in 1999, my focus was on making The Lykos Group the best company it could be, for our clients and for our employees,” Tom Lykos said. “I established five-year goals for the company and worked on achieving them. Every few years, I established new five-year goals based on our achievements, market conditions and other factors.” Today, Lykos says the company’s work encompasses many different neighborhoods throughout Southwest Florida. “Our clients’ homes are substantially more sophisticated, their property values have increased significantly, and the caliber of our projects is considerably higher,” he said. “However, the initial reasons for the renovations and new homes of our current clients are very similar to those of our early clients. Our current clients want a home that enhances their lifestyle. They expect us to provide high quality construction with passion, professionalism and integrity. They also hope to develop friendly relationships with members of our team that they can rely on into the future. They desire a very positive overall experience.” Throughout its 30 years, The Lykos Group has woven founder Sonny Lykos’ unwritten philosophy into its company’s culture, valuing its different partners and business associates, from subcontractors, architects, interior designers, vendors and skilled tradespeople, as well as insurance brokers, financial service providers and marketing professionals. Sonny Lykos’ wife, Barb, has been critical in perpetuating Sonny’s influence in the company with customers, vendors and employees. Well known for her welcoming personality, Barb continues to serve as a reliable source for advice and inspiration. The company treats each partner with respect

and appreciation for their contribution to its success. These core values, based on loyalty over the years, have reinforced the fact that relationships will be mutually rewarding. Lykos says while he is proud of what the company has achieved so far, he is committed to continued improvement. He is pleased by the volume of valuable outcomes, repeat clients and regular referrals, all of which he attributes to lasting relationships. His 10-year goals include focusing on improving every aspect of the company. “We are not driven by a specific sales volume,” Lykos said. “Rather, we want to grow the company to a level that allows us to provide the absolute best experience we can for our clients, while providing the best short- and long-term personal and professional careers for our employees.” Lykos says that creating a company its employees can rely on to provide stability, along with the ability to achieve personal success, are among The Lykos Group’s biggest accomplishments. The company currently has 22 employees, 13 of whom are long-term. Its most tenured employee has 26 years of service. “We strive to create a family atmosphere, a culture of teamwork and work-life balance,” Lykos said, “while supporting our employees’ performance and challenging them to be their best.” When asked for the three best pieces of leadership advice he has received, Lykos said, “Three leaders in the Collier Building Industry Association showed me that success is multifaceted and unique to each person. Success requires integrity, discipline and passion. And you can’t sacrifice the other areas of your life for the sake of business success.” He added, “We also benefit from a remarkable sense of community when we can use our resources to benefit our less fortunate fellow citizens, especially children. While it is very gratifying to help a client create their dream home, the spiritual enrichment we receive when we help children is priceless.” One of Lykos’ biggest business surprises has been learning how impactful The Lykos Group has been—and continues to be—in so many peoples’ lives. “At times, we probably underestimate how much we affect the people we interact with,” he said. “Relationships present opportunities but they also come with responsibilities.”

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 local business news and a calendar of local business events, please visit our website www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com

For more informa�on, call Karen at (239) 770-7527 ®

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

MARCH 2022

COMPANIES TO WATCH

The K9 Kitchen expands to nationwide sales and delivery The K9 Kitchen, a Southwest Florida maker of premium, fresh dog food, expanded its selection of meals, treats and pup-sicles to a nationwide market, further enhancing the brand’s growth. The company supplies allnatural, antibiotic-free, hormonefree and steroid-free food, designed by healthcare industry veterans and company founders, Corene Petitpren and Kendra Locke, along with a team of vet nutritionists. This company began selling its food and treats at local farmer’s markets throughout the area, and is now a nationwide provider of fresh premium dog food. The K9 Kitchen focuses on wholesome ingredients that are highly nutritious, easily digested and feature one-of-a-kind recipes. Not only does this food qualify as complete and balanced in that it can be utilized as a dog’s sole diet, The K9 Kitchen meals and treats also help to keep dogs healthy, allowing them to maintain a healthy weight, enjoy a shiner, healthier coat and spend less time at the vet. The K9 Kitchen’s products include meals like turkey-

Top: Corene Petitpres and Kendra Locke founded The K9 Kitchen and create products including Gobble Me Gone, Peanut Butter Treats and Pop-sicles. Left: The owners pose for a photo with their own canine companions. based Gobble Me Gone, featuring all white-meat turkey breast, treats, like the ever-popular Peanut Butter Treats, boasting organic ingredients

and famous pup-sicles, like CantaBerry Fusion, a low-calorie way for dogs to get much-needed vitamins and minerals.

Customers across the United States (with the exception of Alaska and Hawaii) can order products at www.thek9kitchenllc.com, and Southwest Florida customers have the added option of purchasing the company’s products from select retailers such as Farmer Joe’s in Cape Coral, several Dog Perfect locations, Little Paws Bakery in Fort Myers, and Burnt Store Animal Hospital in Punta Gorda. Owners Petitpren and Locke spoke about this expansion and the future of The K9 Kitchen. “We work diligently to ensure that what we sell is of the highest quality and being able to bring that quality to the rest of the country is just such an amazing feeling. Our dogs are our best friends, our companions, our family members, and feeding them the very best in nutrition will help them stay livelier, happier and overall healthier. We’re dog lovers and we are excited to bring even more options to more customers in the future, so that more dogs can benefit from this incredible nutrition,” they said.

COMPANIES TO WATCH

CONRIC communicates with passion for its partners

CONRIC pr + marketing turns 15 this year. Launched during the recession in 2007 to support local businesses during challenging times and strengthen regional economic development, CONRIC has helped hundreds of clients launch, rebrand and expand their businesses. CONRIC has grown to an award-winning full-service agency providing creative strategic branding, digital marketing, public relations, advertising, graphic design and website development services to businesses, nonprofits and individuals in the Southwest Florida region, as well as throughout the U.S. and internationally. Maintaining CONRIC’s strong organizational health and culture is top of mind as the team continues to grow remotely across the country. Just before news of the pandemic, the agency transitioned to remote work. Ramos-Williams believes this may have been her best strategic move to date. Since going remote, the team has nearly doubled in size, and now serves more than 150 businesses in 35 states across the country. At the heart of it all is the agency’s passion for people. It all starts with building relationships. CONRIC’s team prides itself on taking the time to get to know its clients and listen to their needs. Learning every detail about an organization and its customers helps to create a tailored marketing and communications strategy focused on specific goals and outcomes. CONRIC forms long-lasting strategic partnerships with every client to lead effective, comprehensive communications that power exceptional growth while

allowing you to focus on your business. Even if you have an inhouse marketing and communications department, partnering with CONRIC can save you time and money. The agency has spent years diversifying its services and talented team of experts, but not every client will use every service offered, and that’s OK. Having a fluid strategic business and marketing plan BY CONNIE that can be easily adapted as local RAMOS-WILLIAMS and global trends change or unexGuest Columnist pected natural disasters disrupt the status quo is key. From start to finish, this custom fit approach opens access to all of CONRIC’s talent and resources, including continuous research, analytics and data to identify trends and fine tune adjustments based on clients’ specific needs. This flexibility, personal attention and precise targeting is where CONRIC eclipses the competition. There is no better time than the present to hit refresh and invest in a rebrand of your own company, products or services. Consumer habits are rapidly changing. Outsourcing strategic planning and marketing to CONRIC pr + marketing will help you optimize your business for the market of today and prepare for the way your customers will interact with you in the future. A

coordinated strategic plan is a must, particularly as you approach your online presence. Look at these statistics: • 79% of Americans are online shoppers, Pew Research Center data says. • 79% of all shoppers go online to research products before they buy them in a store, according to a Stanford University study. • 38% of people will stop engaging with a website just because the content or layout is unattractive, Adobe research says. If you want to be a “Business to Watch,” you must invest in your success. Even with a small start-up budget you can see a huge difference in post reach, engagement and leads. To successfully move forward you must have intention, a clear vision that provides meaning, reason and purpose for everything you do. It’s OK if you’re not sure where to start, as you don’t have to go it alone. CONRIC has been helping business leaders for 15 years, offering tips and advice on developing solid plans with a defined purpose, goals, and effective strategies to help drive their business and excel their status as an industry leader. Connie Ramos-Williams is the president and chief marketing officer at CONRIC pr + marketing, a leading creative agency with offices in Fort Myers and Naples that specializes in branding, digital marketing, public relations, graphic design and website development. Visit conricpr.com, email info@ conricpr.com or call (239) 690-9840.


MARCH 2022

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

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COMPANIES TO WATCH

Sustainable investing: Making money while doing the right thing

Sustainability has been a buzzword in recent years as more people understand the importance of minimizing our impact on the environment. Sustainable investing also is growing in popularity. The term generally refers to the consideration of environmental, social and governance factors when investing, in addition to the traditional investment goal focused on growing value. Many investment firms, including Andrew Hill Investment Advisors, are recommending that clients consider sustainability as a key component of their overall investment strategy. Companies with an environmental focus are well-positioned for solid growth in the coming years. Below are three examples of sustainability concepts that are emerging in investment portfolios: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Environment: Many businesses and households have become avid recyclers, keeping items like electronics, paper, plastics and glass out of landfills. They also are purchasing items made from recycled products and supporting companies that prioritize the environment. Investing: There is a tremendous economic opportunity in using old, used or surplus products as raw materials, a practice that helps avoid environmental damage caused by mining while also reducing overall costs and waste. For example, my firm holds an investment position in TREX, the leader in composite decking made from sawdust and plastic bags, and two steel companies, Nucor and Schnitzer Steel, that use recycled metals as their raw materials

instead of mining for iron ore. All three companies enjoy profitability that exceeds industry averages, which suggests that recycling offers an economic advantage over companies that mine raw materials.

Pandemic Safety Environment: COVID-19 created economic opportunities for businesses that promote healthy BY ANDREW indoor air quality. For instance, HILL air conditioning contractors can Guest Columnist install ultraviolet lighting in air filtration systems to prevent further spread of the coronavirus, as well as combatting mold, mildew and other contaminants. The result is a cleaner, healthier environment to work and live. Investing: Our firm was an early investor in Carrier Corp., a leading global manufacturer and distributor of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems with an increased focus on clean air. Social responsibility helped drive the initial investment, but the opportunity grew as Carrier emerged as a leading provider of clean indoor air.

Andrew Hill, CFA, is president and co-founder of Andrew Hill Investment Advisors. Founded in 2010, AHIA is a Registered Investment Advisory firm based in Naples. The firm integrates environmental, social and governance analysis into the research process and holds positions in client, the firm’s pension plan, and the personal accounts of the firms’ principals in companies mentioned in this article. Contact (239) 450-3999.

Electric Vehicles and Solar Energy Environment: Automotive technology has continued to make strides as manufacturers introduce hybrid and all-electric vehicles. The recent Colonial Pipeline hack, which created widespread fuel shortages throughout the Southeast, may influence car-

COMPANIES TO WATCH

Sauces sell like hot cakes Reshma Tannassee’s sauces sell like hotcakes. She started the business on her own, and now she has 13 employees and hopes to have about 300 in a few years. With certain foods, you can’t just sell your product from home. You need a license. That’s where Tannassee got help from Matt Krug, a state specialized agent in food science for UF/IFAS Extension, who’s based at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center. Originally, Tannassee had a Cottage Food license, which allowed her to mix spices and make bread at home. She wanted to make hot sauce; however, the cottage food license doesn’t cover that. As fortune would have it, her sister-in-law called her one morning after seeing an announcement about the grand opening of the Culinary Accelerator @ Immokalee on TV news. Enter Krug, who teaches entrepreneurial chefs at the Accelerator. There, he guides them through the regulatory hoops so they can obtain necessary licenses to operate and expand their businesses. Krug was hired by UF/IFAS in 2017 and has provided guidance to the facility ever since. “Initially, I was helping the project team make decisions on equipment purchases and hiring employees and other things while the facility was built,” he said. “Since it opened in Spring 2018, I have provided guidance to facility staff and many of the food entrepreneurs who work in the facility on the topics of food safety and regulations.” Tannassee’s experience at the Accelerator and, in particular with Krug, has been eye-opening. “I didn’t know I needed to do all this.

buying trends for years to come. National media and politicians have increasingly emphasized electric vehicles and renewable energy as a means of reducing greenhouse gases. It’s also an effective strategy to offset the rising cases of lung cancer among nonsmokers. Investing: Tesla sales doubled from 2018 to 2020. Meanwhile, Tesla’s newly redesigned solar roof and battery storage are emerging business lines that complement its car division. In client portfolios, Tesla was a core holding until earlier this year, when our firm harvested significant profits. We also reduced our position in NextEra Energy, the parent company of Florida Power & Light, as it may soon need to compete with more solar installations. While the ultimate goal for any investor is to enjoy financial growth, sustainable investing is a concept that can offer both financial and environmental benefits. As more Americans integrate sustainability practices into their lifestyles, investors have an opportunity to experience positive returns while having a positive, long-term impact on society, environment and the performance of a business.

It was so hard.” It took Tannassee eight months to obtain the necessary license to make and sell her sauces. Krug tweaked the ingredients in Tannassee’s sauces so she could attain the license she needed. The trick was in their pH level. Getting the correct pH would allow Tannassee to pass canning regulations. Krug found the pH level in the sauce was too high, due to ingredients such as cucumbers, so they modified the recipe to lower it. Tannassee now makes 170 products, some sold under the brand name Carina’s, and she conducts business with J.W. Marriott Marco Island as well as Seed to Table to sell them. “I enjoy the excitement I see on their faces when they successfully obtain the necessary licensing to operate their businesses,” Krug said. “It’s also fun to see the businesses grow, and I get satisfaction when I see their products on the shelves at the grocery store.” He credits Tannassee for creating jobs for people in Southwest Florida. Tannassee and her business partners broke ground in January on a 10,000-square-foot facility in Ave Maria, which will take two years to build. She’s hiring 300 people to work around the clock on her sauces. The top jobs will pay about $30 an hour. She gives a lot of credit to Krug. “He’s my genius. Without Matt, I don’t know if we could have figured this out.” By the same token Krug lauds Tannassee. “There’s a lot of demand for her product,” he said. “She’s worked really hard. She’s really growing her company.” They still meet to discuss her food safety plans and test that allimportant pH content in her sauces.

STUDENTS PAGE 1 The state also runs the Florida Gold Seal Career and Professional Education Scholarship, which provides support for students seeking vocational certifications instead of pursuing a college degree. Participants must complete 30 hours of community service to secure the assistance. Melo’s bill won’t change any of the academic requirements, needed standardized test scores or expected industry certificate requirements tied to any of the programs. Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, expressed concern the bill would discourage students from volunteering for charitable organizations if they can meet the requirement through paid work. But she ultimately voted for the bill and said many students, especially in poor districts, today must effectively choose to give up paid work in order to meet program requirements.

Don’t forget to post your in-person and virtual events on our B2B events calendar at www.swfloridabusinesstoday. com/calendar The Florida House has greeted the proposed change with enthusiasm. Halfway through Florida’s 60-day Legislative Session, both the House Post-Secondary Education & Lifelong Learning Subcommittee and the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee unanimously approved the bill. The Department of Education has endorsed the change, as has the University of Central Florida and the University of Florida student government association. Companion legislation in the Senate, sponsored by Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Palm Coast, had also already cleared the Senate Education Committee with a unanimous vote. Both chambers of the Legislature appeared poised to pass the bill off the floor barring unexpected roadblocks.

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

MARCH 2022

Cheering Dunbar champion, girls, builders ORGANIZATIONS TO WATCH

Online resources enhance reach of student programs

Special to SWFBT Submitted by Marilyn Santiago

Hey hey! Can you believe February is already over? It feels like I just woke up from Christmas. January passed so fast and part of it I attribute it to the great time we’ve spent at SWFL’s networking events and celebrations One thing we all have in the area, we all enjoy a good time. Weather it is a community fundraiser, professional association monthly meeting or celebration of arts and culture, we all enjoy the great weather, impeccable gastronomy and beautiful company SWFL has to offer! A great example of networking at its best, was the Lee Building Association monthly dinner, annual awards and the 2022 Board of Directors Installation. The event took Place at the Edison Restaurant and everybody was welcomed by this year’s president, Paul Beattie, CEO of Beattie Development, and past president Frank Jenkins, CEO of Frank Jenkins Homes. There were fun celebrations this month, but no one compared to the well-deserved celebration of the 30th Anniversary Celebration of Dunbar’s own attorney, Joe North. The Caloosa Sound Convention Center was the setting of an exquisite, dressed attendance of over 500 guests. Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson recognized North with the key to the city. We all learned great anecdotes from friends and his beautiful wife, Benita North, and now understand better why this loved attorney has been proudly named “The Senator of Dunbar.” What a great story! What a great member of the community! The fundraiser I enjoyed the most this month was Pace of Lee County’s 15th Anniversary “Believing in Girls” Gala. Produced by co-chairs Dwayne Bergman, Luis Insignares and Rebekah and Jeff Barney, the event welcomed a who’s who of Southwest Florida gathered to recognize and support young women at risk at the Pace Center Believing in Girls Gala. Thanks to all for reading our column and following us on social media. We are enjoying every second of it and remember, if you want us to cover your event, reach out to us. Marilyn Santiago is president of Sunshine Integrated Solutions, a lifestyle marketing/PR consultancy firm providing creative solutions, media strategies, talent and

Chris Spiro and Paul Beattie

Connie and Rick Williams, Randall and Virginia Henderson and friends.

Benita and Joe North and Michael Chatman 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.

Since 1994, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida has provided students with the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future and make smart academic and economic choices through in-person volunteerism and education. Not allowing the pandemic to prohibit local children from getting these critical life lessons, JA SWFL met the challenge head-on, restructuring programs and making resources available online for teachers and parents for the first time. Despite the huge shift, the organization provided almost 70,000 hours of instruction to nearly 10,500 students in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties in the 2019-2020 school year alone. In the 2020-2021 school year, JA SWFL continued to advance. Beyond the initial online resources, JA SWFL wanted students to receive the full benefit of its programs and introduced two delivery models for its classroom instruction allowing students the opportunity to remain engaged virtually with the JA programs. In 2021, JA SWFL provided more than 126,000 hours of instruction to nearly 13,900 students in 576 classrooms throughout Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. JA SWFL also introduced an entirely new educational experience, JA Inspire, designed to provide eighth graders in Lee and Collier County the opportunity to explore virtual career booths and hear from speakers in industry sectors like technology, business and finance and health and life sciences. In 2021, more than 9,000 students in the Lee and Collier School District attended and benefitted from the virtual career fair. JA SWFL will continue to accelerate its existing programs to deliver an impactful and essential curriculum focusing on work and career readiness and financial literacy. For the 2021-2022 school year, JA SWFL hopes to reach a total of 25,000 students in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties and aims to certify every student in Southwest Florida with JA programs by 2025. For more information about Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, visit www.juniorachievement.org/ web/ja-swflor/.

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MARCH 2022

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 17

COMPANIES TO WATCH

Fort Myers law firm makes an impact from serving SWFL

Southwest Florida personal injury law firm Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz celebrates 60 years of serving the community in 2022. Since 1962, the law firm’s lawyers have won hundreds of trials for personal injury clients and recovered more than $500 million in settlements. We are proud of what the firm has accomplished in the past 60 years. Our commitment to providing excellent, personal legal representation and making a positive impact in the communities in which we live and work remain our key priorities, as they have since the firm was started. Attorneys at the firm have received numerous awards and have been involved in many law organizations. Attorneys John B. Cechman, Richard L. Purtz, J. Jeffrey Rice and Christopher J. Smith are Florida Board Certified in Civil Trial, an honor about only 1% of trial lawyers achieve by trying a certain number of civil trials to verdict and passing a written exam. Rice is also Board Certified in business litigation and construction law. Our attorneys have served on nominating and grievance committees and as mediators for the Florida Supreme Court and the U.S. district courts. They have been officers and founding members of professional

groups including the Calusa Inn of Court, the American and Florida Justice associations, Southwest Florida Trial Lawyers Association, American Board of Trial Advocates, Lee County Association for Women Lawyers and Southwest Florida Federal Court Bar Association. Personally, Cechman received a Bronze Star for service in the Vietnam War. Attorney Adam BY STEPHEN Heisner serves with the U.S. Army BUCKLEY and U.S. Army Corps of EngiGuest Columnist neers, and also received a Bronze Star. Rice was an NFL referee for 25 years, including officiating more than 400 NFL games, 24 postseason assignments, four Super Bowls and four Pro Bowls. His name is on display in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, for his longevity as an NFL official. Throughout the firm’s history, attorneys and staff have donated time and resources to the benefit of many worthy organizations, local schools and athletes. Support has included 15 years of collecting for Toys for

Tots, four years as sponsors of Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s annual fundraiser, an award from the Bay Pines VA Health System for support of veterans and supporting and facilitating animal care through pet food donations of over 3,600 pounds since 2019 for the Gulf Coast Humane Society. The firm started in a small office on the northeast corner of Main Street and Broadway in downtown Fort Myers and has been continuously doing business there for 60 years, starting out in a former jewelry store and expanding by buying neighboring offices, including a former bank. Currently, additional offices are in Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres and Port Charlotte. Twelve staff members have been working at the firm for more than 20 years, a total of 452 years collectively. Five have been at the firm more than 40 years. Less experienced attorneys have joined the firm, gaining wisdom from the experience of our long-time employees while helping innovate and prepare the firm to serve the community for the next 60 years. Stephen W. Buckley is a partner with Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz and has been with the firm for 53 years.

ORGANIZATIONS TO WATCH

Emmanuel Communities partners with CDC Foundation in vaccine equity program Emmanuel Communities was selected by the CDC Foundation to participate in the Partnering for Vaccine Equity Program to serve Collier County. The selection from the CDC Foundation was aided by Emmanuel Lutheran Church’s early work in helping the community access COVID-19 vaccines without the stress and challenges

early in the distribution process. The outreach to the community during the early days of the pandemic resulted in more than 1,500 first and second vaccines between January and April 2020. The Partnering for Vaccine Equity Program builds on the early work of church leaders and their efforts to reach Collier County’s minority populations, those not fluent in English,

COMPANIES TO WATCH

Firm builds trust, engagement in region Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Co. is a public accounting and consulting firm in Fort Myers and Naples, serving SWFL for more than 40 years. In addition to traditional tax and accounting services, we are trusted advisors and business consultants specializing in construction, medical and dental practices, human resources, information technology, marketing and public relations. Other specialty services include forensic accounting, litigation support, family mediation and elder care. What sets us apart is our culture and commitment to excellence. It’s a promise we’ve made to ourselves and our clients to act passionately, be respectful, seek opportunities, serve as a mentor, lead with integrity, provide outstanding service and strive for excellence. MNMW has been recognized for its service to our clientele and our team. Awards include being named one of Accounting Today’s ‘Best Accounting Firms to Work For’ in 2020 and 2021, one of Florida Trend’s ‘Best Companies to Work for In Florida’ from 2011-2021, and named as Gulfshore Business Magazine’s Best of Business ‘Best Accounting Firm’ in 2013, 20162019 and 2021. Our team is passionate about praising, supporting and encouraging each other, and that attitude carries over into how our clients are treated. When working with MNMW, you are not just a client; you become part of our family. Our experts work with each person and/or business to define their unique needs and strategize on the best course of action to provide the maxi-

mum results. Recognizing the importance of giving back, MNMW encourages team members to identify an organization/cause they are passionate about and then invests in their involvement. Collectively, team BY L. GAIL members contribMARKHAM uted more than Guest Columnist 2,000 hours to civic engagement in our local community last year. The culture of MNMW has helped our firm grow to become a leading organization in our community. Because of these many attributes, we feel that MNMW will continue to be a ‘Company to Watch’ for years to come as we work tirelessly to ensure our team, clients and community always have the best experience in working with us. L. Gail Markham is a Florida Supreme Court certified family mediator and the founding partner of Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, P.A. She graduated cum laude from the University of Maryland College of Business and Management and is the founding partner of MNMW. She has extensive experience in litigation support services, family mediation and forensic accounting and has been recognized as an outstanding community leader on numerous occasions. Contact her at (239) 433-5554.

and those who may be living in poverty. The Vaccine Equity program is being funded by a CDC Foundation $100,000 grant. “One of the intentional benefits of this project is the formation of new relationships and collaborations with area not-for-profits leveraging our capacity and desire to serve. As we develop Emmanuel Community Park

on Oil Well Road, we are welcoming community partners to utilize the site and to offer their services,” said Howard Isaacson, CEO of Emmanuel Communities. “Our ultimate goal is to help community members access needed services, thus improving their quality of life.” VACCINE See page 19

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

MARCH 2022

ORGANIZATIONS TO WATCH

Collier senior resource center rebrands, hires director To better reflect the work the nonprofit organization does in serving Collier County’s senior population and caregivers, Collier Senior Resources at the Golden Gate Senior Center has changed its name to Collier Senior Center-Golden Gate. “As Collier County’s first senior resource center, the renaming to Collier Senior Center simply better reflects who we are as an organization – past, present and future – as well as our mission of empowering seniors to maintain independent and meaningful lives through programs and services designed to support them and caregivers,” said Board Chair Jim Barton. In 2010, Collier Senior Center became the first senior resource center in Collier County when the Women’s Philanthropic Network and Community Foundation established the 501(c)3 tax-exempt, charitable organization as Collier Senior Resources after discovering Collier was only county in Florida without such a resource center and an assessment revealed the need for programs serve the community’s growing older adult population. Services began with a Virtual Resource Directory for caregivers and, in 2014, the charity continued its expansion opening the Golden Gate Senior Center with the County’s daily hot lunch program, AARP Foundation job training and placement for out-of-work low-income seniors and a weekly Meals of Hope food pantry for anyone in need. Since then, the organization has continued to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of Collier seniors and those who care for them, offering free fellowship, enrichment, wellness programs, continuing education and basic services in a safe, diverse, welcoming environment to nearly 1,500 members.

MOVE PAGE 1 The findings of its fourth annual U.S. migration study, examining over 90,000 moving jobs booked in the United States in 2021, identified where the biggest swings in population have occurred, helping to explain how the pandemic impacted work, money and family life in the United States over the last year. “This has been an extraordinary year with a lot going on politically, socially and economically, and it’s fascinating to see the trend-lines that large volumes of moving data can reveal about people’s behavior during this time,” said Miranda Marquit, chief data analyst at HireAHelper. “This year’s findings tell the story of how the pandemic has forced people to move for financial reasons, or for family or work reasons - or in some cases, not to work at all.” In absolute terms, Florida (5.8%),

“I’m proud to be part of Collier Senior Center at a time when our community, and especially our seniors, need the vital programs and services we offer. I look forward to working together with our supporters and partners to ensure the health and wellbeing of our community’s older population.”

— Esther Lully, Director of Collier Senior Center-Golden Gate “I’m proud to be part of Collier Senior Center at a time when our community, and especially our seniors, need the vital programs and services we offer,” said Senior Center Director Esther Lully. “I look forward to working together with our supporters and partners to ensure the health and wellbeing of our community’s older population.” Lully, who is a certified speaker, leadership trainer/coach and behavioral consultant, minored in Psychology at Southeastern University where she also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Practical Theology before attending Western Governors University for a Master of Science in Management & Leadership. She has worked as an educator, club director and director of family services at area charities including Habitat for Humanity of Collier County and New Horizons of Southwest Florida. Additionally, the new Senior Center Director has volunteered with Hope for Haiti, 919

Texas (4.8%), and California (3.2%) saw the greatest share of all moves that took place in 2021. New Jersey (-54%) and California (-49%) had the highest ratio of people leaving versus moving in. The Great Resignation also revealed itself in the study as 19% of Americans who moved in 2021 blame the pandemic for making them reassess their priorities and quit their job. Among the most noteworthy was the massive gain in moves to New York City. For the first time since HireAHelper began publishing its annual study, more people had moved into New York City than out - and not just by a fraction. In 2021, 86% more people moved to NYC than left. Meanwhile, The Villages, the age-restricted community in Sumter County, saw the largest net gain among U.S. cities as it had three times more people move in than out. And Arkansas had 44% more people move in than out - the highest percentage of all states.

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Ministries and participated extensively in Naples Toastmasters Club. Collier Senior Center-Golden Gate is a new name, but the charity continues to provide the same array of free services for seniors, caregivers and those in-need that nourish bodies, minds and spirits: • More than 20 weekly programs plus other offerings: daily breakfast, hot lunch and coffee bar; weekly food pantry; monthly birthday parties; yoga, dance and exercise classes; art and craft classes; cards and games; holiday parties and additional life-enhancing offerings like blood pressure, vision and diabetes screenings; oral health assessments; balance testing and fall prevention lectures; counseling and support services. • More than 1,200 hot lunches a month to seniors in-need and weekly access to a Meals of Hope food pantry to 780+ Collier County families, including 330 needy seniors. • Centralized source for local and long-distance caregivers seeking senior-related information, services and resources in Collier County. • Partnerships to provide programs, socialization and convenient access to other agencies. • The charity maximizes each dollar received by collaborating with trusted partners, including AARP Foundation (job placement and training for out-of-work, low-income seniors), Alzheimer’s Support Network, Area Agency on Aging, Catholic Charities (social services), Collier Area Transport, Collier County Nutrition, Literacy Volunteers, Sheriff’s Office and more. For more information or to donate, please call (239) 252-4541, or visit CollierSeniorCenter.org

SPONSOR PAGE 1 In addition, Fifth Third Bank will be the presenting partner of the annual Teddy Bear Toss game, host activation nights and hospitality opportunities. “We are thrilled about the partnership with the Florida Everblades. It demonstrates the Bank’s commitment to South Florida, and it will help us connect in a new and meaningful way with fans of the Florida Everblades,” said Jim Weiss, Fifth Third’s South Florida regional president. “This partnership impacts more than sports; together it supports our vibrant community and relationships. We are most excited about the impact we will create together to make it a Fifth Third better.” “We are pleased to announce that Fifth Third Bank will be joining the Everblades family as the official banking partner and becoming the face of banking at Hertz Arena,” said

Photo by Vito Palmisano Fifth Third Bank, South Florida Regional President Jim Weiss addresses the group that gathered recently for the ribbon cutting at Hertz Arena. Chris Palin, Everblades vice president of business development. “We look forward to this great partnership with new visible landmarks within Hertz Arena along with the commitment from both sides to positively impact the lives of others in our community.”

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

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COMPANIES TO WATCH

Priority Marketing helps SWFL businesses adapt, thrive

Emmanuel Communities’ Vaccine Equity Team: Falon Tabares, Theresa Shaw, Howard Isaacson, Adriana Buitrago, Kaitlyn Ziegelmaier, Gina Fidler and Tamika Seaton

VACCINE PAGE 17 A team was created to reach and inform the public about vaccine facts. Isaacson is leading the charge and key team members include Adriana Buitrago, former executive director of the Hispanic Institute at Hodges University; Tamika Seaton, a not-for-profit consultant serving multiple community organizations; Falon Tabares, CEO of The Healthy Earth, a local not-forprofit; and Theresa Shaw, CEO of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Naples. Each team member brings unique perspectives, community relationships and direct access to organizations and civic groups working within the targeted demographics. The goal is to create well-informed and equipped community messengers so they may equip others to confidently point to reliable sources of information regarding COVID-19, variants, different vaccines and boosters, as well as vaccine availability and scheduling.

The team is offering training to provide the skills and information sources for anyone to be an equipped messenger of vaccine facts. There are also vaccine information materials in three languages, videos and multiple media communications tools available. All are free of charge. “We recognize that it is each individual’s choice whether they decide to get vaccinated,” said Isaacson. “We also know that making a choice requires information and that is why we’re striving to assist people who may be open to vaccination to have access to quality information rather than opinions.” Information is available at www. VaxTruths.org, on Twitter and Facebook at @VaxTruths and in Spanish on Twitter at @VocesCreibles and Facebook at @InformacionVerdaderaCovid. Printed materials are available in Haitian Creole. Email H.Isaacson@ EmmanuelCommunities.org. Emmanuel Communities is a Blue Zones Project recognized 501(c)(3) organization that fosters community involvement for a happier and healthier life.

Two years into the pandemic, it’s “business as usual” for many companies in Southwest Florida that report sales have returned to normal. Successful entrepreneurs, however, don’t strive to be normal – they want to be exceptional. They look for double-digital sales growth rates each year and measurable jumps in foot traffic, website visits and social media engagement. They stay ahead of industry trends through continuous innovation and are always scanning market conditions looking to introduce new products and services. Those are the hallmarks of success. Established in 1992, Priority Marketing’s range of services include public relations, event management, brand development, graphic design, social media and email marketing, media planning, web solutions, video production, digital advertising and more. During the pandemic, Priority Marketing created customized, integrated marketing reactivation plans that allowed clients to reinvigorate their brand, remind current customers of their products and services and invite new customers to engage with them. A smart, calculated approach helped clients reach the right audiences in the right places at the right moments. That can include social media so brands stay front and center with current and future customers, media relations so businesses are present across

all news platforms and digital marketing so companies reach their target audience at any hour, on any device. Priority Marketing – already the region’s largest firm at the pandemic’s outset – added 52 new clients in 2020 and 65 additional clients in 2021. The Fort Myers-based company also increased its staff to 47 creatives and mastermind strategists who serve clients across a broad spectrum of industries, including hospitality and tourism, retail, health care, senior living, construction, legal, financial, government, education, locally owned businesses and charitable organizations. GrowFL named Priority Marketing as a “Company to Watch” in 2020 and the firm is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022 by sharing its significant milestones, like donating $3.5 million in pro bono services and completing more than 150,000 projects for several thousand clients over three decades. “Whenever our team grows, that is a sign that clients are growing their businesses, too,” said Priority Marketing President and Senior Creative Director Teri Hansen. “An effective marketing firm creates and executes a vision to help clients reach their goals, and we always strive to do our best so clients can focus on what they do best.” For more information, call (239) 2672638 or visit PriorityMarketing.com.

ructuring / Bankruptcy | Business Law | Commercial Litigation

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999 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. Suite 200 Naples, FL 34108

239-571-6877 KNOWLEDGE. g: Naples, Ft. Myers, Sarasota, Tampa & Orlando INTEGRITY. RESULTS. Mike Dal Lago, Esq. Christian Haman, Esq. Jennifer Duffy, Esq. Serving Naples, Ft. Myers, Sarasota & Tampa

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Page 20

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

MARCH 2022

WE MAKE BANKING ABOUT YOU!

“A LOAN CAN SPARK ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES,

including a better way of doing business.

— Greg Blurton, Vice President, Sr. Commercial Loan Officer

Like Thomas Edison,

we believe there is always “a better way.” To us, that means being attentive, invested and involved in the efforts of our community’s business leaders as we provide them with commercial lending services that empower them to reach their goals. We invite you to experience the benefits of joining Edison National Bank/ Bank of the Islands.

Edison National Bank/ Bank of the Islands customers enjoy:

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To learn more about our customer services and convenient locations, please visit EdisonNationalBank.com or call 239.466.1800. An Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC | Bank of the Islands is an office of Edison National Bank.


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