March 2024 Southwest Florida Business Today

STATE-OF-THE-ECONOMY IN LEE COUNTY

As Lee County rebuilds, economy continues to grow

In 2023, Lee County dove headfirst into rebuilding from Hurricane Ian, reaching tremendous milestones across the community.

Report lauds economic development

Business and community leaders from across Southwest Florida gathered Feb. 1 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre for a state-of-the-economy presentation that revealed encouraging signs about the local economy.

The Annual Meeting of the Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Lee County Economic Development Office attracted more than 350 guests as industry experts revealed numerous economic accolades from 2023 while offering a preview of the vision for business growth and development in 2024.

Notable 2023 Lee County statistics presented included:

• 20,000-plus jobs added year-over-

year in Q1-Q3.

• 2,850 new businesses registered within Q1-Q3.

• 4.4 million visitors in the first six months of the year.

• Those visitors had an $8.3 billion impact on the economy.

Additionally, the event recognized outgoing officers, including Horizon Foundation Immediate Past President Holly Smith and a “passing of the gavel” to incoming President Mark Stevens.

Special recognition was given to Executive Director Ben Siegel, who is retiring after 32 years with the Lee County Port Authority.

BY MARK STEVENS Guest Columnist

We continued to prove that the relationship with the Lee County Board of County Commissioners, the Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and the Economic Development Office is one of our most valuable business and community assets. The unwavering commitment to our shared mission to invest in the long-term vitality of Lee County, its businesses and residents has been instrumental as we expand, fortify and diversify the economic environment in our area.

Positive growth

As a result of this collaboration, we saw our economy continue to grow as more businesses and residents moved to Lee County, and we maintained our reputation as one of ECONOMY See page 15

Collier prepares for continued expansion, development

Special to Karen P. Moore, Editor

Collier County growth is poised to grow substantially, according to Brian Goguen, chief investment officer at Barron Collier Companies in Naples. And, he said, the substantial growth is expanding into eastern Collier County. Goguen addressed how his company helped the county navigate the delicate balance between continued development while maintaining envi-

IN THE NEWS

Governor DeSantis delivers millions to expand rural broadband Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded nearly $223 million to expand broadband internet access to Floridians, including small and rural communities.

This funding includes $135 million in state funding through the Broadband Opportunity Program and $86 million in federal funds through the Multipurpose Community Facilities Program.

That included $1,110,756 for the North Fort Myers Recreation Center to add fiber optic broadband Internet service to the recreation building, improve the existing Wi-Fi within the building by adding access points, and create a computer lab in an existing classroom. The upgraded Internet service and the computer lab for public use improves the selection of workforce development skills training, financial literacy classes

ronmental protection through Florida’s Rural Land Stewardship.

“We got together with the environmental groups about 20 years ago and we came up with a win-win solution. So now you can develop the farm fields that basically gives credits off environmentally sensitive areas, so they can’t be developed. They will always be protected and only the farm fields can be developed.”

Goguen said that even with a

 SWFBT News Update

To get current business news throughout the business day, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com.

 Moore About Business

Kick off your business week with “Moore About Business”! Tune in to SWFL PBS and National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate, WGCU radio at 90.1 FM, during Morning Edition and All Things Considered to hear SWFBT founder, owner and publisher Karen P. Moore share information and insights

45,000-acre build-out in Eastern Collier County, the additional land with its watershed flow ways and panther corridor is permanently protected at no cost to taxpayers.

He noted: “The most important areas are always going to be protected at no cost to the taxpayers. If all of those green areas were purchased by the taxpayers it would cost more than a billion dollars. But that’s not going to

COLLIER See page 15

for and about our local business community. Listen to past segments at https://news. wgcu.org/tags/moore-about-business

 WANT SOME EXTRA CASH?

Seeking part-time 1099 drivers for SWFBT’s Naples and Estero routes. Work only 2-3 business days/month from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Access to a computer and computer printer, and knowledge of Excel preferred. Call Karen at (239) 770-7527 or email publisher@ swfloridabusinesstoday.com

Photo by Elbert Ziegler

NBC-2’s Kellie Burns speaks at the Annual Meeting of the Horizon Council.

...

...

What is the economic impact of basketball on Lee County?

Special to Karen P. Moore, Publisher

There’s a lot going on in Lee County sports these days, and it’s more than major league baseball spring training. I recently caught up with Jeff Mielke, Lee County Sports Development Executive Director, to talk about the impact of the most recent basketball tournaments hosted right here in Lee County.

Mielke first talked about one of the oldest high school basketball tournaments in the country, the City of Palms Classic, that celebrated its 50th anniversary in December 2023, featuring the highestranked male players and teams.

“So with the City of Palms Classic, our best assessment — we don’t have the 2023 numbers in yet), but based on 2022, which was a very similar-sized tournament — it fills about 3,000 hotel rooms. It has over a $1-million direct visitor spending from the Palms Classic on our community.

“And if people get confused by economic terminology, a $1-million direct visitor spending looks like a million dollars coming out of a visitor’s pocket to spend in our community on hotels, restaurants, rental cars, entertainment, visiting our attractions.”

Continuing on the basketball theme, Mielke shared his thoughts on the Fort Myers Tip-Off, the

college basketball tournament for both men and women, that takes place the week of Thanksgiving, and how Lee County benefits from its increasing notoriety.

“The Fort Myers Tip-Off specifically is unique and special to us in the fact that it’s actually televised. So not only do we get the economic impact from all of the hotels being rented and all of the restaurants being eaten out at, and all the fans for those men’s and women’s college teams coming to

our community, but all of the men’s games and a few of the women’s games, were broadcast on FS1 or on Fox Television on Thanksgiving Day.”

He then noted, “This year we had a special night on Thanksgiving night where Indiana and Tennessee women played on Fox at 6:30 at night, and it was the most watched women’s basketball game in Fox’s history.”

Mielke pointed out the increasing popularity of and importance of women’s sports in, our local community.

“What we’re really excited about is the evolution of the women’s basketball product in Lee County. The quality of women’s sports coming into Lee County is rivaling that of the men’s events we have. So I think it’s really making our sports community more diverse.

“And it’s showing the girls and kids in our destination that there’s some really quality sports being played here. And I think a lot of these girls are role models for the students in our community.”

So based on how things are developing in our region, it sounds like amateur sports, certainly basketball, have established a foothold in Lee County, for both men and women, students and non-students, residents and visitors, alike.

Small businesses can’t afford to miss CRA’s listening sessions

In the heart of our vibrant city, where the dreams of entrepreneurs and community aspirations intersect, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is hosting its next listening session on March 19 for the Cleveland Avenue Redevelopment area. This session isn’t just another meeting; it’s a pivotal gathering where the voices of small business owners can resonate with the power to shape the future.

Why small businesses should be front and center

Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, embodying the spirit of innovation and community. They create jobs, foster community identity and drive sustainable development. The upcoming CRA listening session is a golden opportunity for these businesses to influence the decisions that will affect their future.

1. A voice in your future

The redevelopment plans will lay down the foundation for future economic and physical landscapes along Cleveland Avenue. Attending these sessions gives you a direct line to express your needs and concerns, ensuring the plan reflects a conducive environment for your business to flourish.

2. Networking opportunities

These sessions bring together a diverse group

of stakeholders, including city leaders, fellow business owners and residents. They provide a platform for networking, creating potential partnerships, and strengthening your ties within the community. The relationships built here can translate into collaborative opportunities and mutual support for years to come.

3. Insight into future developments

Knowledge is power, especially in business. By participating, you gain insights into potential changes in infrastructure, zoning and other developments. This information is crucial for strategic planning, helping you anticipate shifts in the business environment and adjust your strategies accordingly.

4. Advocate for supportive measures

CRA listening sessions are an open forum to advocate for policies and measures that support small businesses. Whether it’s improved infrastructure, tax incentives or support services, this is your platform to request the tools you need to succeed.

5. Strengthen community ties

By engaging in the redevelopment process, you’re not just a business in the community but an integral part of its growth and health.

Your involvement demonstrates your commitment to the area’s welfare, building a stronger connection with your customer base.

March 19: A date with destiny

The upcoming listening session is more than an event; it’s a chance to be part of something larger than ourselves.

It’s where we can collectively envision and sculpt a future that embraces growth, innovation, and community well-being.

As small business owners, your presence and participation are invaluable. The insights and experiences you bring are unique and can help ensure the Cleveland Avenue redevelopment area becomes not just a place of business, but a thriving, dynamic community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

We stand at the threshold of change. Let’s join hands and voices to shape a future that reflects our shared vision and values. March 19 is not just another day on the calendar; it’s a date with destiny for the Cleveland Avenue community and its small businesses. Let’s make it count.

Since 1984, the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has transformed blighted areas through beautification, affordable housing, historic preservation, and more: revitalizing neighborhoods and community spirit. Contact the CRA at (239)3217100 or fmcra@cityftmyers.com .

Photo by Stormie Pruskauer

The Fort Myers Tip-Off increasingly brings college basketball fans to the region, along with their tourism spending.

COMPANIES TO WATCH

Precision builds network of specialists across SWFL

In a year’s time, Precision Healthcare Specialists has blossomed from an innovative concept into a local health care network with eight world-class physicians supported by dozens of experienced nurse practitioners, physician assistants and medical staff.

Typically, medical providers operate from a central location until they outgrow that physical space. Then, they’ll open a second or third location. Precision Healthcare Specialists took a different approach, creating a series of smaller offices throughout the region, each housing its own specialty.

The network also took a different recruiting approach. Rather than searching nationally, the network’s leadership invited top surgeons and physicians in Southwest Florida to join the specialty practice. This provided a quicker transition while allowing doctors to maintain relationships with existing patients, an important factor for individuals undergoing specialized treatments or post-operative cancer care.

BROADBAND PAGE 1

and adds other training opportunities for the area that aren’t currently available due to the lack of reliable internet and equipment. Lee Health will partner with the project to provide telehealth benefits.

Today’s awards mean more than $226 million has been awarded for projects across 53 Florida counties, connecting more than 250,000 homes and businesses through the Broadband Opportunity Program. Additionally, Governor DeSantis awarded more than $247 million through the Broadband Infrastructure Program, connecting more than 59,000 unserved and underserved businesses, homes, farms and anchor institutions like hospitals and libraries to high-speed internet. The projects included:

To date, the practice’s board-certified physicians specialize in head and neck surgery, breast cancer, dermatology and urology. Additional medical specialties will be added in the coming months.

“Joining Precision means I’m able to provide my patients with access to a cohesive, comprehensive team of specialists across the region,” said Dr. Anthony J. Anfuso, a board-certified otolaryngology specialist who was the first physician to join Precision Healthcare Specialists. “One of the biggest challenges in health care is communication between providers, and at Precision, we’re all part of the same team taking a more holistic approach to patient care in Southwest Florida.”

Precision specialists currently see patients at seven locations across Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Naples.

Visit PHSpecialists.com or email Admin@PHSpecialists.com.

• Charlotte County Area ($167,187) — to add 9.77 miles of fiber optic cable to provide 158 unserved and underserved locations within Charlotte County with symmetrical download and upload speeds of 1 GB.

• Collier County Area ($390,000.) — to add 16.21 miles of fiber optic cable to provide 166 unserved locations within Collier County with symmetrical download and upload speeds of 1G.

• Lee County Area ($625,000) — to add 22.8 miles of fiber optic cable to provide 270 unserved and underserved locations within Lee County with symmetrical download and upload speeds of 1 GB.

• Seminole Tribe of Florida, Big Cypress ($5,000,000) — to add 93 miles of fiber optic cable to provide 819 unserved locations within Hendry County with symmetrical download and upload speeds of 1 GB.

ORGANIZATIONS TO WATCH

CareerSource SWFL primed for tomorrow’s workforce needs

By Peg Elmore Gest Columnist

2024 marks the 25th anniversary of CareerSource Southwest Florida, the region’s leader in workforce development connecting employers with qualified and skilled talent and job seekers with employment and career development opportunities.

With six locations serving Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties, CareerSource SWFL will welcome Monroe County to its region in July as part of a statewide restructuring initiative by Florida Department of Commerce.

Despite current economic uncertainties across the U.S., Florida’s, and more specifically Southwest Florida’s, economic climate continues to attract thousands of people who are relocating to the sunshine state every day.

Yet fulfilling workforce needs has been an on-going challenge not only in Southwest Florida but throughout the country, leaving many leaders and economists scratching their heads wondering, “Where are all the workers?”

Better known as a hospitality and tourism mecca, Southwest Florida has recently been experiencing a steady influx of new business and industry start-ups and relocations looking to capitalize on the state’s ample infrastructure possibilities and businessfriendly climate.

With the estimated 623,105 new business applications filed in 2021 alone, businesses are looking to partner with CareerSource SWFL to help fill the workforce void.

In a joint cooperative measure, CareerSource has forged strong relationships with the business and educational communities, leaders and government officials. Together, these forces are working to find and implement solutions to address the workforce needs of the SWFL region.

CareerSource SWFL is able to help fund eligible job seekers for training for in-demand occupations, in turn allowing them to become self-sufficient while filling workforce needs.

They provide specialized services for veterans, migrant and seasonal farmworkers and persons with disabilities, and are a resource for employment statistics and data — in partnership with the Employ Florida statewide online job board — enabling customers and stakeholders to make informed employment decisions. All this at no cost to the job seeker or business.

Through continuous growth, selfimprovement and technological advances, CareerSource SWFL will continue to serve the needs of both the region’s business sector as well as individual job seekers to ensure Southwest Florida remains Florida strong.

Peg Elmore is the president and CEO of CareerSource Southwest Florida. If you are a business in need of workforce assistance or an individual looking to further your career, education, training, or skills contact www. careersourceSWFL.com to find your closest SWFL center.

Dakota Premium Hardwoods goes all in for Charlotte County

Dakota Premium Hardwoods is making its first investment in the Sunshine State with the completion of its new distribution center in the Punta Gorda Interstate Airport Park, also known as Enterprise Charlotte Airport Park. Dakota Premium Hardwoods distributes high-end wood products, cabinet hardware and laminates for residential and commercial projects. Headquartered in Texas with six locations in the Lone Star State, it also has four in the surrounding states of Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and now Florida.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of Dakota Premium Hardwoods in Punta Gorda,” said Kay Tracy, business development manager.

“This new venture not only brings a unique and valuable product to our community but also signifies a step forward in our commitment to economic growth and diversification in Charlotte County. Dakota Premium Hardwoods represents the kind of innovative and forward-thinking business that we strive to attract. Their presence in our region is a testament to our thriving business environment and

our ongoing efforts to foster a supportive ecosystem for enterprises of all sizes. We look forward to the positive impact they will have on our local economy and the new opportunities they will bring to our residents.”

“Dakota leaders see a lot of the same growth catalysts in place in Florida that have made us successful in Texas,” said Dakota CEO Ron Mazzarella. “A beautiful state with projections for population growth, residents optimistic about the future, a general environment supportive of business all make Dakota bullish on the West Coast of Florida.”

Dakota is providing products and service to cabinet makers, trim carpenters, furniture makers, woodworkers, custom home builders and decking contractors from a new 72,000-square-foot facility on Piper Road in Punta Gorda.

Dakota will employ up to 50 locals at the new facility as it grows. “While we are headquartered in Texas, 100% of the jobs at the new Dakota Punta Gorda will be people in and around Charlotte County,” said Dakota Executive Leader of Business De-

ORGANIZATIONS TO WATCH

velopment Seth Okawa.

“Our company motto, ‘Building Success One Relationship at a Time,’ and our associated core values are all about spoiling our customers and supporting our valued employees to create a positive service model.”

Dakota leaders say their philosophy is to grow markets around local talent and build the bricks and mortar around the people. Dakota’s Punta Gorda facility is built around experienced local woodworking and cabinet supply professionals that have lived and worked in and around Punta Gorda, Cape Coral and the surrounding areas for decades.

“We know the local market and the current business environment for Woodworkers in this area and are dedicated to bring the quality and service they desire,” said Dakota Branch Manager Marv Lawrence, a Punta Gorda resident. “My family has been in this industry in this area for decades.”

Both Lawrence’s Dad and brother are working for the new Dakota Punta Gorda and are residents of Cape Coral.

Guadalupe Center celebrates success, impact of education at ‘Elevate’

Guadalupe Center’s annual signature gala attracted more than 350 supporters and shined a spotlight on the nonprofit’s 40-year history of success transforming lives, and the community of Immokalee, through education.

Held Jan. 12 at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, “Elevate the Journey of Endless Possibilities” also served as a formal kickoff to a yearlong celebration of the nonprofit’s 40th anniversary, when Guadalupe Center will emphasize the four pillars of its success: Resilience, Empowerment, Achievement and Leadership (REAL) Impact. ‘Elevate’ featured student performances and speeches, musical entertainment and a live auction, as well as exquisite cocktails and a dinner of braised ribs over mashed potatoes, capped by petit fraise chantilly for dessert.

The evening’s highlights belonged to the clownfish class, a group of 4and 5-year-olds who sang Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds,” along with student Alejandro Loredo, whose emotional speech addressing his quest to overcome poverty drew a standing ovation. Loredo draws inspiration from his mother, a single mom who raised three children on an income of $400 a week.

“My mother is the strongest, most independent woman I have ever seen,” said Loredo, a senior at Immokalee High School and member of Guadalupe Center’s college-preparatory Tutor Corps Program. “She wasn’t there to walk me to school during my elementary years or waiting for me when I got home from after school, but it was because she was out in the fields working long hours to take care of bills and other expenses.”

Loredo, who previously sold snow cones and now operates a pressure-

washing business, will major in accounting or business at Florida Gulf Coast University. He, along with every other member of the Tutor Corps Class of 2024, plans to attend college.

Guadalupe Center’s annual gala is among Southwest Florida’s highestgrossing fundraising events and attracts the region’s top community, business and philanthropic leaders. The 2024 event raised a record $1.7 million to support Guadalupe Center’s educational programs, which serve 1,950 students annually from infancy

through college.

“For 40 years, Guadalupe Center has been making a positive impact – a REAL impact – on the lives of children and families in Immokalee,” said Guadalupe Center President and CEO Dawn Montecalvo. “Education has the power to create generational change, and every one of our gala attendees and sponsors is paving a path to success for the next generation.”

The live auction included luxury travel packages to exotic destinations, including Ireland and India, as well as exclusive fine wine and culinary experiences.

Auction packages were donated and coordinated by Guadalupe Center’s Board of Trustees, Preferred Travel & Company, Seabourn Cruise Line, Alexander & Roberts and Gamble Family Vineyards.

Elevate also included the popular Jump Up for Education, an interactive call to action in which attendees could make donations and jump up in support of Guadalupe Center.

“Guadalupe Center helps every student recognize that possibilities are endless and dreams have no limits,” Montecalvo said. “Every individual can write his or her own success story, just like Alejandro is doing.”

Dawn Montecalvo (left) high-fives student performers at Elevate

SanCap Chamber, CFI hosts informative State of the Islands breakfast summit

More than 230 SanCap Chamber business members and island residents learned the city of Sanibel finances are stable, real estate values remain steady, and 70% of island businesses have come back in some capacity. The two-and-a-half-hour State of the Islands Summit and breakfast, held Jan. 29 at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers, brought nearly 20 speakers and panelists to the podium to assess Sanibel and Captiva’s hurricane recovery before a sell-out crowd.

The SanCap Chamber presented the summit. Dr. Amir Neto, director of the Regional Economic Research Institute at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, was the keynote speaker, disclosing findings from a survey the chamber has asked local businesses to complete.

Based on surveys received to date, Neto presented a benchmark standard for future outlooks to come. “This does not pinpoint numbers, but shows trends,” he said, indicating that predicting a timeline for the return of accommodations and non-accommodations businesses is a process that will take time. “It’s going to be a longterm recovery.”

The 70% figure of reopened businesses, he explained, includes those who have moved off-island and those doing business online or remotely without a storefront

The summit also presented three panels to explore recovery within different facets of island operations. CFI’s Dolly Farrell moderated the first panel, State of Non-Profits, which also included Sam Ankerson with Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, Maria Espinoza of F.I.S.H. of SanCap, James Evans of Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Bill Harkey for “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, and Nicole McHale of Community Housing & Resources.

They addressed challenges and issues including affordable housing, transportation frustrations and food insecurity. The panelists recognized the importance of accommodations, the business community, and the maintenance of the islands’ environmental priorities.

“Our business community and our conservation community are inextricably linked,” Evans said. “The way businesses and our nonprofits work together, it’s just seamless… That’s exactly what we need to get our vitality back is to get resort housing back up…. We always support the chamber of commerce for getting back up on their feet. The chamber needs your help as well.”

The State of Real Estate panel recognized the importance of the islands’ environment and nonprofits in elevating property values and desirability. Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors CEO Bill Robinson moderated a panel consisting also of Kasey Albright and Eric Pfeiffer of Pfeiffer Realty Group and Jeff Burns of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

The panel discussed in detail the status of residential, condominium, commercial and vacant land availability and sales. The panelists generally agreed Sanibel is seeing a shift in age demographics as a result of the hurricane, with younger families moving in and older residents moving off-island because of anticipated long waits to get back into their homes.

“But it’s the same type of people, people who love Sanibel,” said Pfeiffer. In his conclusion of commercial property status, he reported, based on limited available

COMPANIES TO WATCH

data, the average and median price has increased after the storm.

“What I really want to tell you today is that the city of Sanibel, from a financial perspective, we are in excellent shape, we are stable and we are firm,” city manager Dana Souza told the crowd as part of the State of the City presentation, moderated by public information officer Eric Jackson.

Deputy City Manager and CFO Steve Chaipel and building official Craig Mole also spoke.

Souza reported on the decrease in taxable property values, which influenced the decision to increase the millage rate this year to the same rate as post-hurricane Charley. “That was a tough decision,” he said. He repeatedly thanked the state of Florida for coming to the city’s rescue in so many monetary ways, including an advance on monies to help with current beach renourishment. Souza commended city staff for its expediency with permitting. Mole reported 7,700 permits since the storm, compared to 1,800 in a normal year before Ian.

Panelists addressed affordable housing issues, saying the city is looking both on and off island for solutions. Souza explained the city’s new policy of bringing traffic issues back to pre-hurricane status by urging everyone to travel on and off island via Periwinkle Way rather than backroad routes through neighborhoods. Souza reported the plan has already reduced his travel time leaving the island.

Mayor Richard Johnson wrapped up the summit meeting’s roster of speakers with hope, optimism, and a message of working together: “We all here are linked to each other by these islands we know and we love.”

“We heard an incredible volume of take-away information this day,” said John Lai, president and CEO of the SanCap Chamber. “It was a truly inspiring and pragmatic exercise for so many in our community looking for answers and guidance. This is only the beginning of our series of recovery outlooks, which we will continue monthly at our business luncheons. We urge all island businesses to participate in the survey.”

Matern Professional Engineering delivers on Brightline

Matern Engineering, with a Fort Myers location turns 40 in 2024, marking four decades of delivering groundbreaking engineering solutions in Florida and nationwide. Since its humble beginnings in 1984, fueled by a passion for excellence and innovation, Matern has grown to a thriving team of over 60 dedicated and talented professionals and has recently transitioned to an employeeowned firm.

Team members have worked on notable projects, including developing an efficient and sustainable infrastructure at Orlando International Airport that helps serve millions of travelers. Matern was instrumental in the mechanical engineering of the Brightline high-speed rail facility in Orlando and its remote train maintenance facility. Additionally, Matern worked at the Heritage Bay Government Ser-

vices Center and provided the electrical and HVAC system work, installing an HVAC chiller system that cools and retains water, making it energy- and cost-efficient.

Matern’s commitment to quality engineering has propelled the company across state lines, with 10 additional state registrations allowing the company to serve clients nationwide. Matern delivers exceptional service and expertise to diverse clients from its four offices in Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa.

“Our journey is one of steady growth and unwavering dedication. We’re not just celebrating an anniversary; we’re celebrating 40 years of building trust, exceeding expectations, and leaving a lasting impact on the communities we serve,” said Ryan Strandquest, president of Matern Professional Engineering.

Amir Neto, of the Regional Economic Research Institute, speaks at a SanCap Chamber summit.

Matern was instrumental in the mechanical engineering of the Brightline high-speed rail facility in Orlando.

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida

PDA Gallery unveils space in Naples, focusing on avant-garde, vintage design

Art and design aficionados are invited to journey into the extraordinary as PDA Gallery, a pioneering force in the world of art and design, unveils an exhibition space dedicated to showcasing the unconventional and avant-garde vintage designs, innovation and creativity of both well-known and under-appreciated late 20th and early 21st-century designers and artists.

The novel 800-square-foot gallery is located on Ninth Street North in the downtown Naples Design District (former space of Shoreline Cabinets) in a building owned by One South Main, operated by Stuart Rothman, president of First Cambridge Realty, based in Massachusetts.

taste. The carefully curated collection includes museum worthy decorative objects, furniture, vessels, lighting, mirrors, screens/room dividers, large-scale sculptures and architectural artifacts.

Scholarship program receives support from Vulcan Materials

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION &

“PDA Gallery is a home for a collection of objects created by designers, architects, and artists we love,” said Mike and Kelly Mahigel, founders and avid collectors who recently relocated to Southwest Florida from Minnesota. The couple merges together two disciplines – art and design – using their personal approach, expansive knowledge, eye for detail and

New and long-time collectors have an exciting opportunity to start or add to their collection with both well-known and up-and-coming artists in a broad range of styles and mediums. PDA Gallery celebrates notable avant-garde architects, vintage furniture designers and artists such as Shiro Kuramata, Gaetano Pesce, Ettore Sottsass, Shigeru Uchida, Alessandro Mendini and Carl Frederik Svenstedt.

“Our goal is to bring together works that represent the innovative and experimental spirit of the avantgarde movement alongside carefully curated vintage pieces that showcase the design trends and styles of the 1970s through early 2000s,” explained Mike Mahigel. “This blend provides a unique perspective on the evolution of design over time, celebrating both the unconventional and the timeless.”

GALLERY See page 10

DEVELOPMENT

A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida

The Real Estate Investment Society will be offering 10 additional scholarships to students at Florida Gulf Coast University, thanks to the generosity of Vulcan Materials Company. The firm has donated $25,000 to the REIS Scholarship Foundation, which funds scholarships for outstanding students pursuing degrees in real estate, finance, engineering and construction management. The scholarships each provide $2,500 toward tuition and books. These outstanding scholars also receive honorary membership in REIS for one year and may attend meetings on a complimentary basis.

“The REIS scholarship programs represent our commitment to our professions and our community,” said President Justin Thibaut. “We support student interest in business by providing financial assistance for their higher education and welcoming them to participate in our meetings and educational programs. Our goal is to promote the professionalism of our future business leaders and thereby the economic vitality of our community.”

Bev Larson, chair of the REIS scholarship committee, said the Paul Sands Memorial – REIS Scholarship is an endowed FGCU scholarship program, funded by REIS Scholarship Foundation, a not-for-profit, registered 501(c)3 corporation. Continuing contributions from REIS and the annual Paul Sands Memorial Slaw Dog Invitational Golf Tournament have increased and sustained the fund.

stevens CONSTRUCTION

Where to start when planning a construction project

Oftentimes, business owners do not know where to start when they decide to take on a construction project, whether it is a new building or renovation of an existing building.

Outside of the construction, there are so many additional steps, such as selection of the project site, due diligence, financing, choosing the right design team. It is an overwhelming process and having one company guide through the entire process would be extremely valuable.

At Stevens Construction, we do just that. We help clients navigate everything associated with the development and construction of a commercial project. In fact, we provide our clients with the best value when involved early in the process—we guarantee that we will save time and money while constructing a superior project.

We help with due diligence of a potential site or building before a property is purchased to help determine if it is ideal for the client’s vision. Because of our more than 20 years of experience, we have a vast network of engineers and architects and understand which teams are best suited for specific project types and make recommendations to our clients.

In a time of supply chain delays, cost increases and labor shortages, it is crucial to have the construction manager work with the design team to ensure the project is being designed within budget and with readily available materials.

Gone are the days of hard bidding where a business owner works directly with an architect to design their project and then that business owner brings final plans to three construction companies for competitive bidding. Especially in today’s turbulent market, this method is guaranteed to bring challenges such as unrealistic cost and schedule expectations, change orders, delays and the possibility of not being able to construct the project be-

BY JODI HUNTOON Guest Columnist

cause it is too expensive, plus time and money is wasted.

Why? Because the construction team isn’t involved in the design. Most of the cost of any project is from the work being provided by the subcontractors. We have our finger on the pulse of the subcontractor market, understanding the cost and availability of materials and can provide valuable input as the project is being designed. Plus, our dependable relationships with the subcontractors result in better pricing and performance.

We educate our clients throughout the design on the actual costs and availability of various materials, methods and systems for their project and they decide how they want to spend their budget. This process sets our projects up for success so the construction phase is simple.

Not only are we building a project, but also a trusted relationship. To anyone out there considering a commercial project, consider a team who can help guide through the entire process, allowing you to continue doing what you do best.

With offices in Fort Myers and Orlando, Stevens Construction provides construction management services to commercial, healthcare and hospitality clients throughout Florida. Additionally, Stevens Construction has a special projects division that focus on projects under $1 million, which include build-outs, renovations and repairs.

Jodi Huntoon is the marketing director for Stevens Construction. Contact JodiH@stevensbuilds.com or (239) 936-9006.

REIS announces its 2024 officers

The Real Estate Investment Society announced the election of officers and the Board of Governors to lead the organization during 2024: President Justin Thibaut, CCIM, of LSI Companies; Vice President Josh Philpott, AICP, of Stantec; Treasurer Kristine Smale, of Christopher Alan Homes; and Secretary Phil Fischler, CCIM, of Fischler Property Company.

The Board of Governors includes: Kevin Beauparlant, of Bank OZK; Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell; Jennifer Fisher, of Strayhorn, Persons-Mulicka and Fisher; Zannon Garza, of DeAngelis Diamond; Donald Schrotenboer, of REALVIZORY; Ryan Shute, PE, of Morris-Depew Associates; and Shelton Weeks, PhD., of Lutgert College of Business. The immediate past president, Lori Moore of Roetzel & Andress, also joined the Board.

The Real Estate Investment Society is an independent organization, dedicated to assisting members in the effective utilization of real estate through networking, education, public service and a common voice on pertinent issues. The membership represents a broad spectrum of real estate, environmental, financial, legal, design, construction, marketing and management companies.

Unidos opens in prime downtown Naples location

A vibrant and innovative Latin-fusion restaurant, Unidos — A Latin Kitchen & Bar, has opened in downtown Naples, ushering in a new era of culinary exploration and cultural fusion in Southwest Florida.

Unidos is located at the corner of U.S. 41 and Central Avenue in the space formerly home to Starbucks and Valento’s Pizza & Hoagies in Downtown Naples, with self-parking behind the restaurant.

All 4 One Hospitality is behind the privately family-owned restaurant group founded by Sal Muñoz, his wife Jaime Muñoz and partner Carlos Angel. A force in the Chicago dining scene for the past decade, operating UNIDAD in a suburb of Chicago, Muñoz said the new Naples location is part of his family’s long-term growth strategy.

He has been working in the hospitality industry for 25 years including the banquet captain and floor manager at Sepia (a Chicago West Loop restaurant) and a server and magician’s assistant at Caesars

at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

“Unidos (pronounced oo-nee-dos) means united in Spanish. Our restaurant is a testament to the global nature of food and the endless possibilities that arise

when different culinary traditions come together,” Muñoz said, noting fusion results in exciting dishes that can vary greatly depending on the country, the specific influences and ingredients involved.

Occupying 3,200 square feet with both indoor and outdoor dining including a walk-up outdoor service window, the new restaurant design is a collaboration between the owners and Naples architectural design firm BDL Design, led by architect Brian Leaders, whose goal was to create a graceful, sophisticated atmosphere.

The building’s exterior has been refreshed by repainting the metal architectural element which wraps around the top of building a soft gray to complement a new gray signboard, restoring the timeworn stone facade to its natural off-white color and painting black the metal oversized picture window frames for a chic look.

UNIDOS See page 10

Daniels Marketplace announces groundbreaking for Phase Two

Wilder, a national real estate development firm focused on the east coast, announced the groundbreaking for Phase Two of Daniels Marketplace, an open-air, Whole Foods-anchored shopping center in Fort Myers.

Phase Two of the development is located at the northeast corner of the current center, adjacent to the Six Mile Cypress Parkway entrance and directly next to Kekes Breakfast Cafe. Confirmed tenants coming to the 24,616-square-foot addition include Bluemercury, Fidelity Investments, Lovesac, J. McLaughlin and VIO Med Spa, with more to be announced. The new development will also introduce public green space that will be available for center activations and leisure activities.

“The breaking of ground for Phase

Wilder announced the groundbreaking of Phase Two of Daniels Marketplace, an open-air, Whole Foods-anchored shopping center in Fort Myers.

Two marks a significant milestone in Wilder’s journey to unlock the power of place at Daniels Marketplace,” said Tom Wilder, principal at Wilder.

“Our vision to embrace the space between the buildings with the introduction of green space and event activations, combined with diversifying the merchandising mix and adding financial services, will be realized with this development. On completion of Phase Two, Daniels Marketplace will become

a landmark example of a post-pandemic shopping destination, where a carefully curated mix of uses will breathe new life into every corner, to be enjoyed by the community and all visitors.”

Wilder acknowledged several local municipalities, officials and partners for their involvement in making this development a reality: John Talmage at the Lee County Economic Development Department; Lee County Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass; Lee County

Manager Dave Harner; LQ Commercial Real Estate Services; Cherry & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services; Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida; J. Raymond Construction Corporation; Nelson Worldwide; Newgate Retail Advisors; and Rue Real Estate.

Phase One opened in 2018 and is located at the northwest intersection of Daniels Parkway and Ben C. Pratt/ Six Mile Cypress Parkway in south Fort Myers. Anchored by Whole Foods Market, the first location in Fort Myers, the 140,000-square-foot space features a robust merchandising mix, including fast-casual dining, boutique retail, outdoor dining options and other high-end shops.

The development is scheduled to be completed in 2026.

Magical Empire

Unidos — A Latin Kitchen & Bar, has opened in downtown Naples.

SWFL CRE, CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

A look at commercial real estate & construction updates in Southwest Florida

UNIDOS PAGE 9

The 25-seat al fresco paved patio area serves as a garden hideaway with multiple greenery and colorful blue salvia and pink pentas flower boxes shielding diners while enhancing the streetscape along Central Avenue.

flooring and plush rattan wicker chairs with black and ochre-colored pendant and track lighting complementing the exposed industrial-style ceiling.

“We are thrilled to welcome Unidos into our neighborhood,” said Elizabeth Kurtz Isbell, president of the Naples Design District Board, adding that the new restaurant reflects the neighborhood’s eccentric mix of art, design, style, food and culture.

The redesigned 152-seat interior dining room features an open kitchen concept that delivers great views into the preparation of the food and drinks. The 20-seat lounge and the ceviche and guacamole bar are enhanced by multi-colored Colombian tiled walls, oversized 20-by-20-foot porcelain tile

GALLERY PAGE 7

The husband-and-wife team travel the world to negotiate artworks for the discerning collector. They continue to expand the gallery’s network, creating international partnerships with esteemed gallerists, curators and collectors in the U.S., Europe, Japan and the Middle East.

As an authority in Fine Art Asset Management PDA Gallery has developed a core collective of leading experts in art appraisals, art history, scientific forensics analysis, authentication, provenance, gallery exhibition, insurance and other professionals to create a full slate of art industry services catering to ambitious buyers and

112 townhome units and retail space.

“The planned partnerships with local bakeries and breweries echo our mission to provide a supportive environment for local businesses where residents and visitors shop, dine and play.”

collectors.

Avant-garde refers to a movement in the arts that pushes the boundaries of conventional or traditional norms, often characterized by innovative, experimental and unconventional approaches.

In furniture design and art, avantgarde designers and artists challenge established norms and seek to create work that is groundbreaking, often pushing the limits of functionality, materials and aesthetics.

Vintage design refers to pieces from a previous era that are considered illustrative of the design trends and styles of that time. Vintage items are sought after for their historical and aesthetic value, with specific areas such as midcentury modern or Art Deco.

Water conference gives a positive outlook on a resilient recovery

By Karen Miller Guest Columnist

On Jan. 26, more than 200 professionals, academics and students gathered at Florida Gulf Coast University for the 33rd Annual Southwest Florida Water Resources Conference. This year, the event was coordinated through the collaboration of 10 co-host organizations whose missions promote education on water resources issues and was sponsored by 24 local businesses and organizations.

For 33 years, the event has provided financial support to high school and college students by providing cash awards to research poster contest winners and attending students. The poster contest is held during the conference and is open to all students at Florida universities, colleges and secondary schools who have conducted water resources research in Florida. This year’s participants were a diverse group of students who presented water resources research that will surely benefit Florida in the future.

Speakers at the conference discussed “Opportunities for a Resilient Recovery in Southwest Florida” and provided insights into how our ecosystem and community is recovering from Hurricane Ian.

Dr. Melissa May, FGCU assistant professor of Marine and Earth Sciences, discussed stress levels on the oyster population, a vital ecological species in the gulf. Her research finding showed that although oysters were stressed by hurricane Ian, they were stressed much more by the high water temperatures in the Gulf in July, indicating that global warming of oceans may contribute to further stress in the future.

FGCU Water School’s Drs. Win Everham and Brian Bovard shared their research findings on the effects of Hurricane Ian on mangrove forests. Although our mangrove forests showed early signs of resiliency after the hurricane, research proved that “a single snapshot in time doesn’t give an accurate picture,” according to Dr. Everham. Research findings by FGCU students and professors show that mangrove mortality appears to be significant. Delayed mortality is still playing out, and fine particulate deposits, not salinity, are the driver at the mangrove sites that were studied. Seedlings indicate a potential for recovery and, given the importance of mangroves in protecting our coastlines, facilitated migration may be a resiliency strategy for future consideration.

Russell Tripp with Rinker Materials shared the success of the Woodring Road Living Shoreline project that the City of Sanibel deployed prior to Hurricane Ian. Attenuation devices consisting of 42-inch reinforced concrete pipe and reef balls were planted with red mangroves along the shoreline bordering the road. The structures provided additional protection to the existing mangroves allowing them to mature and expand. After the storm, it was evident the project’s hardening of the shoreline provided mangrove and oyster habitat protection and expansion and safeguarded the roadway.

Calusa Waterkeeper Codty Pierce updated the audience on the progress of derelict vessel recovery efforts in Southwest Florida’s navigable waterways. Immediately following Hurricane Ian, derelict vessel recovery was initiated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission that located and tagged destroyed vessels. The Florida Department of Emergency Management coordinated the removal and disposal of vessels, and salvage was handled by FEMA contractors, insurance hired salvagers, FWC and private salvagers.

“For the most part, we see most derelict vessels recovered from our waterway, although there is still much work to be done in key areas.” Pierce said.

The fate of vessels that remain land trapped on mangrove islands from storm surge is unclear. For locations like marinas that still have derelict vessels the chain of custody issues and lack of insurance may increase the timeline of the salvage process.

Dr. Don Duke of FGCU reported on the lessons learned from observing the performance of the FGCU Campus stormwater system during and after Hurricane Ian. Observations and data collection led to the conclusion that the wetlands surrounding the campus

COMPANIES TO WATCH

were a key contributor to the stormwater systems’ successful performance during the hurricane. It may be an indication of how best to handle future development in Southwest Florida by incorporating wetlands and open spaces around residential and commercial developments.

Other presentations that focused on water quality included Keynote Speaker Dr. Barry Rosen, FGCU professor and expert on blue-green algae, who explained why Cyanobacteria Harmful Algae Blooms are so successful and gave overviews of potential human health impacts. David Hempleman and Steven Snyder of Partner Engineering and Science explained how land in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan is prepared for conversion from former citrus groves to stormwater treatment areas and Jeremy McBryan of Ecosystem Investment Partners gave an example of how STAs are designed using the example of the Lower Kissimmee Basin Stormwater Treatment Area.

A highlight of the conference was the panel discussion on Hurricane Ian, “Partnering Through Recovery.” Panel contributors included Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman, Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers, Sanibel City Manager Dana Souza, Army Corp of Engineers Colonel James Booth and Florida Department of Environmental Protection South District Director Jennifer Carpenter. Moderator Bev Larson led an upbeat discussion of how federal and state agencies worked together with local governments to immediately respond to the many emergencies posed by the hurricane and facilitate recovery efforts.

“The relationships we built prior to the storm through sometimes sensitive discussions on things like releases from Lake Okeechobee benefited us greatly as we responded to the storm,” said Booth. The panel seemed to agree that the big takeaway of the discussion is “build strong relationships now, they will come in handy during a crisis.”

Karen Miller is the Chamber of Southwest Florida’s Steering Committee Co-Chair for the 33rd Annual SWFL Water Resources Conference. With over 30 years of experience in education and public relations for environmental and engineering projects, Miller has managed community outreach activities including project-specific public forums and community education workshops. Contact karenmmiller7132@gmail. com or (716) 983-7958.

Arvum Senior Living emerges as pivotal step in Discovery’s strategic shift

Discovery Senior Living, headquartered in Bonita Springs, introduced its latest operating company, Arvum Senior Living. The launch of Arvum marks a significant expansion of Discovery’s diverse multi-brand portfolio, solidifying its presence in the heartland of America. This move is a pivotal milestone in Discovery’s evolving regional operating company structure, dedicated to delivering exceptional senior living experiences tailored to local seniors. Arvum Senior Living currently manages communities in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Wisconsin and is well-positioned to strategically manage communities throughout the Great Plains region.

As an operating company of Discovery Senior Living, Arvum will function as a local management

company with a dedicated leadership team, leveraging the comprehensive support services provided by the Discovery Operational Support Center located at the company’s Florida headquarters. This initiative reflects Discovery’s commitment to enhancing the quality of senior living while maintaining a strong regional focus.

Richard Totorico, a tenured Discovery leader assumes the role of division chief operating officer for Arvum, further strengthening the executive leadership team. Totorico brings to his newly created role more than 30 years of healthcare administration experience working in acute care, community-based and senior living settings. He previously served as regional director of operations for SummerHouse Senior Living as

well as executive director of The Trace. Totorico has a Master of Business Administration degree, is a veteran of the armed forces, and, as a sergeant in the United States Air Force, received the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal for his work as an F-15 crew chief.

“We are excited to launch Arvum Senior Living as our latest operating company and brand,” said Richard J. Hutchinson, CEO of Discovery Senior Living. “The addition of Arvum signifies the ongoing evolution in our multi-year strategic initiative aimed to seamlessly blend personalized local community management with the strength and stability of our differentiated home office specialty support departments. We are equally pleased to have Richard, a seasoned DSL executive at the helm of the Arvum team.”

Photo by Karen Miller

Attendees listen at the 33rd Annual Southwest Florida Water Resources Conference.

FGCU program receives national 2024 Entrepreneurship Education Award

The United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship announced the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Education Award recipients on Jan. 13 as part of the USASBE 2024: Forging the Future Together annual conference hosted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham J. Frank Barefield, Jr. Entrepreneurship Program.

The FGCU Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program, of which Stormie Pruskauer is Coordinator, received the Model Community Accelerator/Incubator Award.

“Our association is honored to showcase outstanding entrepreneurship programs across the country and then share those insights and expertise to raise the level of all entrepreneurship educators,” said Thomas G. Pittz, board chair of USASBE and associate professor at the University of Tampa.

As USASBE’s top program honors, the USASBE Excellence in Entrepreneurship Education Awards recognize bold and innovative programs making an impact in the field of entrepreneurship education. The Model Program and Model Emerging Program

For more business news,visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com

Awards honor colleges and universities with comprehensive, high-quality educational programs that successfully train future generations of entrepreneurs. The Excellence in Pedagogical Innovation and Excellence in Co-Curricular Innovation Awards recognize institutions with creative, high-quality, sustainable and impactful courses and co-curricular programs in entrepreneurship education. The Model University Accelerator/Incubator and Model Community Accelerator/Incubator Awards recognize collegiate and community programs that help young entrepreneurs develop their ideas into viable and even scalable businesses.

“The programs competing for this year’s awards were all outstanding,” said Dennis Barber III, program awards chair. “It was extremely difficult to make a final selection as every one of the finalists showed so very well how their program is strength-

ORGANIZATIONS TO WATCH

Apprenticeship model helps improve job quality

“Registered Apprenticeship: Superhighway to Good Careers.”

This statement reflects the key significance that Registered Apprenticeship has received and has proven apprenticeship is a win-win industry-driven training model that expedites the pathway into good lifelong careers and improves diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. Registered Apprenticeship is recognized as a key strategy to improving job quality and creating access to goodpaying careers.

Tri-County Apprenticeship Academy is a non-profit established in 2003 as a four-year Registered Apprenticeship program. Our program provides training in electrical, HVAC and plumbing. Our apprentices work in local industry and attend related classroom instruction at the academy. As a non-profit, we depend on donations and local contractors’ support.

Our program is a great contribution to our local specialty contractors in the Southwest Florida area. We currently have over 200 contractors and we service five-county areas of Collier, Charlotte, Lee, Glades and

Hendry. Many of our apprentices after graduation get promoted to Field Superintendent, Foreman, and Project Manager. We have trained approximately 4,500 apprentices since opening.

Tri-County Apprenticeship Academy has an amazing staff that has made a great impact on Apprenticeship Training in Southwest Florida over the last 20 years. Christine Sardina, executive director, has been with TCAA since 2003. Sardina has a passion for the apprenticeship training and the success of the apprentices who have been impacted by TCAA’s programs. Jill Hagen, apprenticeship coordinator, has been with TCAA since 2008. Hagen’s hard work and commitment have helped with the program’s continued success. Shelby Summers is the new addition to our apprenticeship team. Summers has embraced her new career with great dedication and commitment. The apprenticeship team works very closely with contractors, apprentices and the community to ensure the promotion and success of the program. Visit tcaafl.com.

ening its model for success in entrepreneurship.”

Recipients of this year’s awards were: Miami University Farmer School of Business (Model Program Award); Saint Louis University Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship (Model Emerging Program Award); The Center for Economic Inclusion at C.T. Bauer College of Business-University of Houston (Excellence in Pedagogical Innovation Award); University of Michigan - Flint, Hagerman Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Excellence in Co-Curricular Innovation Award); Iowa State University: CYstarters Accelerator (Model University Accelerator/Incubator Award); and FGCU Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program (Model Community Accelerator/Incubator Award).

“Presenting the Excellence Awards to these very worthy programs is one of the highlights of our annual conference and my year,” said Julienne Shields, CEO of USASBE. “Each year new innovations are happening that continue to propel entrepreneurship education forward. I’m already excited to see what next year’s conference in Las Vegas will unveil.”

ORGANIZATIONS TO WATCH

Estero students LEAD the way forward

LEAD has dedicated time to raising funds through galas and golf tournaments in order to provide students at Estero High School with life-changing scholarships; over $200,000 has been raised and over $120,000 netted.

LEAD (Leadership Enrichment, and Development) Estero is a student-led nonprofit charity. The organization has another upcoming golf tournament and gala on April 13 and 14, where organizers aim to raise even more than they did last year, as to provide a great number of scholarships and more to their community’s youth.

They have set up a $25,000 endowment fund with FGCU that will provide scholarships annually and in perpetuity to students from Estero High. LEAD has issued many scholarships to seniors, a wet bulb thermometer, and more to Estero High.

LEAD is working extremely hard to open more doors for students with immense potential, and limited resources. Others have been inspired by the charity and students in Fort Myers are looking to the organization for guidance about starting their own similar LEAD branch. LEAD is also supporting

Florida Gulf Coast University in integrating its entrepreneurial curriculum into Estero High for students to earn leadership opportunities and college credit.

BY KYRA RITTER Guest Columnist

The members of LEAD Estero are creating a legacy and combining their efforts to strengthen the future leadership of our community. LEAD is continuing to make a meaningful impact that will promote waves of change through enriching and leading the youth of our future into a more active leadership role.

Kyra Ritter is current founding member and Vice President of LEAD Estero. She is a senior at Estero High School who plans on attending the University of Florida. Contact (239) 595-7131 or donate@LEADestero. com. Visit leadestero.com.

COMPANIES TO WATCH

Growing business prepares area for storm

Advanced Hurricane Technology is a dynamic and growing family-run business that has expanded in scope significantly in the past three decades.

Beginning as a single-employee minority-owned company in 1993, AHT has now grown to include over 70 employees, a small fleet of trucks and a strong reputation in the storm protection industry.

We produce cutting-edge storm and wind abatement products in our new facility located in the heart of Lee County. Our diverse workforce pulls from both Collier and Lee counties, and is a testament to the multi-cultural background of our Southwest Florida community.

We embrace new challenges and opportunities afforded by our industry, with an eye on keeping pace with the growing dangers of hurricane season and beyond. Additionally, we have opened locations in Ecuador and Puerto Rico to better

BY JAIME ZABALA Guest Columnist

serve clientele outside of the United States. Our explosive growth, focus on a local workforce,and willingness to give back to our community marks Advanced Hurricane Technology as a Southwest Florida company to watch today and in the years to come.

Jaime Zabala is the president of AHT and a Florida Gulf Coast University graduate. Zabala worked as a NASA engineer for 10 years before taking over the family business in 2019. Contact jzabalajr@ aht-usa.net or (239) 260-0020.

COMPANIES TO WATCH

Responding to an unmet need in senior care

Just 12 years ago, Southwest Florida’s senior living industry looked very different. At the time, there wasn’t an option for seniors to age at home. Their only options were to pay for a costly private nurse or a home health program. But for seniors who wanted to age in place with the security of health care for the future, there wasn’t a choice.

That’s when Volunteers of America National Services responded to an unmet need in senior care and established Senior Choice at Home. VOANS went to bat for seniors who desired to remain independent and stay at home, even changing the law to become the first continuing care retirement community at-home option in Florida. VOANS leadership and a team of industry colleagues worked together to pass legislation that would allow a CCRC to expand beyond the physical walls of a senior living community and into the homes of older adults. Over 200 seniors called lawmakers to persuade them to change regulations and allow CCRCs to exist within a senior’s home. In 2012, the law was amended and Senior Choice at Home was born.

With 90% of seniors wanting to stay at home, Senior Choice at Home is a program that provides its members with coordinated long-term care services, including a personal advocate and a guaran-

BY GREG ANDERSON Guest Columnist

teed spot at a CCRC if needed in the future. Member services are supported by a Concierge Care Coordinator with expertise in navigating today’s complex health care environment as needed. Licensed as a CCRC “without walls,” Senior Choice at Home provides life care services in the member’s own home, so they don’t have to move to a senior living community unless they choose to do so. Should a member need assisted living, skilled nursing or memory care in the future, those living arrangements are secured, and costs are covered under the membership. It’s proactive planning and makes financial sense, as it offers asset protection against unexpected health care costs. Most importantly, our members and their families tell us it brings them peace of mind for their future.

Greg Anderson is executive director of Senior Choice at Home. Contact ganderson@voa.org. Visit SeniorChoiceatHome.com.

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS SCORE EVENT

On Jan. 24, more than 150 local women business owners gathered for the day to learn about how to grow their businesses at the Southwest Florida SCORE chapter’s first “Women Entrepreneurs, Positioning your Business for SUCCESS Conference.” Both attendees, at right, and speakers, above, shared their business victories and challenges. Topics presented ranged from how to get funding, to marketing, to managing work-life balance.

Photos by George Waters

Empowering women one roof at a time

When the winds of change blew through my life, I found myself charting a new course—one that diverged from a law school path to a dynamic world of roofing and entrepreneurship. My journey is not just one of personal transformation but also a beacon of hope for women in traditionally male-dominated industries.

BY HANNAH VOGEL Guest Columnist

Initially poised to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather, who founded Vogel Law and Midwest Title in Naples, and my dad, who owned Midwest Reprographics, my path took an unexpected turn after graduating from Florida Gulf Coast University with a degree in legal studies. The onset of the pandemic prompted me to question the conventional wisdom of pursuing a legal career, especially in a virtual learning environment.

It was after a conversation with my good friend James Hartney, a structural engineer with insights into the roofing business, that my career path changed. Recognizing the untapped potential in roofing, James proposed a partnership that would leverage our backgrounds and expertise. We were excited to create our construction company. However, that partnership ended abruptly two years ago as a tragic accident took James’ life. Without a partner, my business had to pivot and change. As a result, Vogel Roofing was created.

To date, our roofing team has completed over 140 roofs, but our reach extends far beyond business success. We are dedicated to empowering girls and women to explore careers in construction. Women are intuitive, detailed, great communicators and provide exceptional customer service and the Vogel Roofing journey serves as a blueprint for a more inclusive and equitable future—one where barriers are dismantled and aspirations know no bounds. One roof at a time, we are inspiring women to explore new career paths, just as I did.

As we become a business to watch, we will strive to empower the next generation of women in construction, roofing and beyond.

Hannah Vogel is the owner and founder of Vogel Roofing, a Florida graduate of FGCU and a trailblazer in a predominantly male-dominated field. Contact Vogelroofing.hannah@gmail.com or (239) 451-3203.

Cap Table Nation introduces impact investment funds in SWFL

Cap Table Nation, a visionary force driving positive change in private capital investment, announced its historic launch in Southwest Florida. Cap Table Nation is the infrastructure catalyst set to etch its mark on local investment history, devoted to fostering growth and community development.

Cap Table Nation was meticulously designed by Gingras Global, one of the world’s first impact investment fund administrators, guiding entrepreneurs and investors committed to achieving positive business impact and financial success. Committed to uniting like-minded individuals in an alliance for doing good, the launch of this groundbreaking infrastructure is now taking place in the vibrant community of Southwest Florida.

Creating real change

This launch begins a transformative era in private capital investment, inviting positive business change for the communities of Southwest Florida.

Its debut signifies a commitment to investing in the region, sparking positive transformations across Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, Glades and Sarasota counties. Every aspect of Cap Table Nation is designed to leave a lasting impact on diverse industries, ranging from agriculture and water quality to tourism and skilled trade.

At the heart of Cap Table Nation’s vision is a clear purpose: to provide investment venture

capital infrastructure tools, impeccable reporting and steadfast administrative support. The aim is to offer investors a dependable, accurate, and seamless experience as they choose to deploy their capital in Southwest Florida. The initiative is designed to inspire new and existing venture capital funds to channel their investments into regional companies and projects. This novel concept promises to flourish under the proven gold standard of Gingras Global’s successful model.

“In an area where venture capital has not been formally activated, support tools are needed to make sure the venture capital funds have the best chance for success,” said Natalie Hazen, president of Gingras Global. “Cap Table Nation provides those tools not only for the first two venture capital funds to invest here in Southwest Florida, but for other funds that want to invest here.”

Advisory tables, local insights

The advisory tables are integral to Cap Table Nation’s infrastructure, consisting of community stakeholders providing crucial economic and impact insights. These individuals will play a pivotal role as ambassadors in their respective communities, ensuring that street-level intelligence is shared as a robust feedback loop. Through these initiatives, Cap Table Nation is actively shaping a dynamic and locally rooted investment environment, fostering the growth and sustainability of businesses throughout Southwest Florida.

COMPANIES TO WATCH

HF scientific improving water quality worldwide

Everyone, regardless of where they live, should have access to clean drinking water.

That mindset has guided HF scientific, a Watts brand, since the company moved its global headquarters from Canada to Fort Myers in 1980. Today, the business is at the forefront of research and development of innovative water quality solutions that make water safe to drink in Southwest Florida, throughout the U.S. and across the world.

In recent years, HF scientific has ramped up its research and development initiatives, thanks to its new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Fort Myers. The company has recently been granted six patents, which include electronics, instrument appearance and chemistry. HF scientific is continuing to develop novel technologies so it can advance into the future, ensuring that the next generation and beyond will have access to safe drinking water.

HF scientific’s team of engineers, chemists, product managers and other professionals design and manufacture instrumentation, test kits and chemical reagents used for analyzing and monitoring water quality. The company primarily serves two audiences: (1) The municipal market provides clean water to homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and other settings to help ensure safe, clean drinking water; and (2) The ballast water market ensures safe, efficient operations for commercial vessels in the shipping industry and HF scientific’s instruments protect the marine environment by removing foreign organisms from ballast water.

BY CHARLIE PASQUARIELLO Guest Columnist

One instrument HF scientific launched last year, the MCX, helps monitor monochloramine levels within municipal water systems. The MCX is critical to helping systems that use chloramines to treat drinking water in compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations.

Water quality is a global concern that impacts our health, as well as the health of our entire ecosystem. HF scientific is proving that high-tech companies don’t need to be headquartered in California’s Silicon Valley, North Carolina’s Research Triangle or another major metropolitan area to innovate.

Next time you turn on a faucet, think about how the water traveled from rivers, lakes, reservoirs and underground aquifers into your home. Whether you’re in Fort Myers or Fort Worth, Cape Coral or Cape Cod, products developed right here in Southwest Florida could be helping ensure that the water we use to quench our thirst, bathe our children, wash our laundry and prepare our dinner is crystal clear and safe from contaminants.

Charlie Pasquariello is senior product manager at HF scientific, a global manufacturer of water quality measurement instruments. Visit HFscientific.com. Contact (888) 203-7248.

Initial funds

Cap Table Nation’s infrastructure will house the first two groundbreaking venture capital funds, marking a significant milestone in the region’s economic landscape. The Florida Growth Opportunity Fund, Southwest, is strategically focused on creating and nurturing companies in pre-seed, seed, or early stages of development. Simultaneously, Engage Florida Ventures, Southwest, is geared towards supporting companies at all stages, including mature companies, fostering their growth to a scale that ensures a long-term presence in the region. The capital raise for these two funds started in late February.

The future of impacting investing in Southwest Florida

Cap Table Nation envisions a future where venture capital is fully supported, contributes to economic success and serves as a driving force for community prosperity. It is focused on supporting formal registered private equity and debt, informal capital pools and donor-advised funds, all dedicated to local investment initiatives.

Cap Table Nation’s launch and the successful capital raise of the first two funds will mark a significant milestone in reshaping the future of private capital investment in Southwest Florida. Individuals, businesses and stakeholders are invited to join in fostering a thriving and sustainable community through impactful investments.

For more information, visit CapTableNation.com.

Digital marketing conference offers strategies, inspiration for small business growth

Mark your calendars for an exciting two-day live training event in Fort Myers dedicated to covering the latest trends in online marketing for small businesses. This immersive experience will teach attendees cutting-edge strategies to attract their ideal customers, elevate brand visibility and drive business growth.

First of its kind in the local area, The Digital Marketing Conference will be held on April 3-4 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Collaboratory in Downtown Fort Myers.

Marketing enthusiasts, business owners, students, entrepreneurs and anyone interested in learning online marketing are welcome to join. Attendees will learn from seven local expert business owners and entrepreneurs who will share proven tips and success stories to take their online presence to the next level.

Key topics include: Digital Marketing Strategy; Content Marketing; Video Storytelling: TikTok Videos and Reels; Website Optimization; Social Media Marketing; Lead Generation; Design and Branding Inspiration; and AI and Chat GPT.

The conference will deliver practical ideas that attendees can implement right away. Participants will leave feeling inspired and ready to take action. Registration is now open. Space is limited. Visit thedigitalmarketingconference.com to reserve a spot.

Paradise Coast continues to welcome more visitors

As we welcome the new year here on Florida’s Paradise Coast we realize that there is so much on the horizon for 2024, bringing tremendous opportunities to continue to promote our destination to new visitors and legacy guests.

Currently topping that list for 2024 is the recent announcement from the United Soccer League. Naples has been awarded its own USL League One soccer club. This exciting partnership will open doors to numerous opportunities, generating brand awareness for our destination among both domestic and international audiences. It will bring highly valuable visitors throughout the year, primarily during the shoulder seasons. The league is set to begin play in 2025.

Below is a brief snapshot of what we saw in our numbers for November, based on research from Downs & St. Germain.

• Revenue remains high, climbing 17% year-overyear

• We welcomed 207,000 visitors (up 15% from 2022)

• They booked 219,400 room nights (a decrease of 1.3% from 2022)

• We registered 1,442,800 visitor days, an increase

COLLIER PAGE 1

happen because it doesn’t need to be paid for that way.”

According to Goguen, Barron Collier was able to achieve this nature/development balance in the Ave Maria community area with the Rural Stewardship Setting Areas, land that will never be developed.

“We set aside 17,000 acres of property to do that. To put that in a frame of reference, that’s almost twice the size of the entire city of Naples. That’s a lot of land. It’s 26 square miles that we set aside at no cost to anybody, that is never going to be

ECONOMY PAGE 1

the best places to live and work in the nation. Our population is now over 800,000, with the 1 million threshold on the horizon. Since 2020, our population has grown 5.3%, a notable increase despite the pandemic and Ian.

Along with the increased population, we saw additional signs of a strong economy over the past three years, such as the 48% increase in sales tax collection, the 65% increase in property values and 39.1% increase in GDP.

Jobs were plentiful for the increasing population as 2,850 new businesses and 20,000 new jobs were added in Lee County from Q1-Q3 in 2023. Meanwhile, Lee County was named one of the Top 20 cities in the nation for “Remote Work Hot Spot” by Yahoo Finance.

Commercial sector thriving

Even with the robust employment numbers in 2023, there is much more to come. Right now, the Alico Road corridor has 50 active commercial and industrial projects underway with 12 million square feet expected to come online throughout the next five years, bringing an annual job growth rate of 1-3% for the next five years. This has prompted the Board of County Commissioners to prioritize the Alico Road Connector project, which will extend Alico Road to Sunshine Boulevard in Lehigh Acres. Additionally, the Three Oaks Parkway Extension connector project will increase the potential for additional growth.

of 23% from 2022

• Direct Spend in the destination came in at $226,001,500 with an overall economic impact of $313,690,100, a 7.4% increase from 2022.

In December, our occupancy rate experienced a 9.1% decrease, primarily due to the increased inventory compared to the same period last year. With The Ritz-Carlton, Naples and LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort now back online, our inventory has grown by 6.3% compared to last year. Despite this, our Average Daily Rate remains high, showing a remarkable increase of 21% over the previous year. Additionally, Revenue Per Available Room has seen a positive growth of 10% year over year. It’s worth noting that part of this increase can be attributed to last year’s housing of recovery workers, who typically spend less while in the destination.

However, we are observing a softening in demand, with a 3.4% decrease year over year, primarily linked to a decline in Florida visitors. This is partially offset by a consistent trend of strong visitation from Canada and an increase in visitor count from Europe, particularly the United Kingdom and Germany.

Strategically, our marketing efforts in 2024 will con-

developed so that we can develop a ton of Ave Maria.”

He said that Ave Maria illustrates the expectations for sustainability from the Rural Land Stewardship program as compared to other growth areas in Southwest Florida.

“It’s a requirement in the Rural Stewardship area that you not only do residential, but you have to include things like—we have a business park, we’ve got a Town Center, we’ve got other commercial areas that are embedded in the project, so it’s going to be designed to be compact and sustainable.”

Goguen said that while affordable housing is no longer available along the

It begins with education

Preparing the employees needed for these job openings begins with a sound education system. Lee County and the Lee County School Board are ready to support education for our continued population and job growth by investing more than $1 billion over the next 10 years.

This investment has already begun thanks to voters passing a half-cent sales tax increase that has generated an additional $440.8 million dollars in capital funding. In 2023, the sales tax allowed the School District of Lee County to open three new schools, complete five school renovations, provide 73,000 Chromebooks to over 100,000 students and more.

These numbers, while quite impressive, are a brief look at the impressive 2023 that Lee County enjoyed. More details highlighting the economic impact the Horizon Foundation, Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office have made are available in the 2023 Annual Review booklet.

Mark Stevens is president of the Horizon Foundation and president of Stevens Construction, which provides construction management, general contracting and consulting services to clients and design professionals. Stevens Construction is headquartered in Fort Myers and also has offices in Orlando and Sarasota.

centrate on emerging markets, sustaining engagement with international markets to enhance brand awareness and implementing initiatives to boost visitation during shoulder seasons. A key aspect of our strategy involves targeting niche audiences that actively support our partners, particularly during the low season. Initiatives like promoting Sizzle Dining and designating September as Culinary Month will remain a central focus.

The prominence of sports tourism is set to grow, with the Paradise Coast Sports Complex gaining momentum, the USL formulating its team and marketing strategy and pickleball gaining increasing attention.

We will maintain our focus on increasing partner engagement and actively seeking collaborative opportunities with our partners throughout the year.

As a reminder, the expiration of the 1% Collier County surtax has led to a reduction in tax collection. The total taxes now stand at 11%, down from 12% (comprising a 5% bed tax and 6% sales tax).

The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau promotes tourism in Collier County. Contact (800) 688-3600.

coast, Eastern Collier County could be a solution for some workforce housing.

“We’ve got to solve this problem. The only place where it can be solved at scale in Collier County, is in eastern Collier County, because the price is more affordable out there and I’m not talking about low, very low affordable housing. We’re talking about homes that are 80% to 120% of median income—we’re talking about homes for firefighters, policemen, teachers, all those kind of jobs. So we are delivering that at Ave Maria.”

He acknowledged that Eastern Collier County might be a commute for some folks, but there are a surprising number of people moving from the East Coast

of Florida; 70% to 80% of buyers are coming from Broward and Miami-Dade counties to Ave Maria, and there’s a variety of reasons. That was a trend we never saw coming. We never thought when we did this that we would capture so many people from the East Coast of Florida.

To support the growing number of rooftops, Barron Collier also continues working on other projects, including Founders Square, a joint effort by Barron Collier, Trinity Commercial Group and Metro Commercial. It is a 55-acre mixed-use development of at least eight restaurants, a 400-unit apartment community, a two-story medical office building and a three-story self-storage center.

“Our Top Priority is to provide a

Better Way of Doing Business.”

analysis for

Like Thomas Edison, we believe there is always “a better way.” That means providing safe, sound banking services that empower our community’s small business leaders to reach their goals. Edison National Bank/ Bank of the Islands is FDIC-insured and continues to earn the highest 5-Star Superior rating by BauerFinancial - the source for unbiased, independent financial institutions across the nation.

We are standing strong with money to lend. With a history of long-term stability and resilience, we are absolutely committed to remaining wellpositioned to honor our promises and protect our banking customers.

Geoff Roepstorff, CEO and Robbie Roepstorff, President

Geoff Roepstorff, CEO and Robbie Roepstorff, President