Member News

August 1, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA – The Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Virtual Campus Tour was officially launched today for prospective students.
 
The simulated experience includes 360-degree media layered with interactive elements, putting visitors in control of their own journey around the college’s four locations in Fort Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda and LaBelle. Users can access the tour on desktop, mobile or with virtual reality headsets at www.FSW.edu/virtualtour.
 
“Students want to see our campuses before they start classes, but are often unable to visit in-person. By providing a virtual tour option, students in our local area and around the globe can see firsthand what FSW offers,” said Amber McCown, FSW Director of Admissions. “The virtual tour is an exciting new opportunity to showcase the college using some of the latest technology available.”
 
While the majority of FSW students come from the five counties encompassing southwest Florida, the college is experiencing increased interest from students statewide and nationally. More applicants from states such as New York, Michigan, and Ohio — along with international students — are considering FSW to continue their education.
 
Traditional, in-person tours are still available throughout the year and by appointment at www.FSW.edu/tours. FSW is still accepting applications for admission to the Fall 2018 semester. For more information about FSW and how to apply, visit www.FSW.edu/admissions.
 
Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW debuted its intercollegiate athletics program in January 2016. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Naples, Florida — Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is pleased to announce that Attorney Beth Vogelsang is the new Chair of the firm’s Family Law Department, a role that David Sims has held since 2005.
With over 30 years’ experience in the courtroom, Vogelsang represents clients in all aspects of divorce proceedings. Her clients come from vastly different walks of life, including business owners, professional athletes, physicians, lawyers, teachers, managers, homemakers and retirees. Vogelsang also represents clients needing prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and handles international and interstate child custody disputes. She is also a former member of Henderson Franklin’s Executive Committee.
Vogelsang has received much recognition for her work in the divorce and family law field. She has been honored by Florida Super Lawyers magazine and was named one of the Top 50 Women Attorneys in Florida. Vogelsang has also been recognized by Best Lawyers in America and was named the “Fort Myers Family Law Lawyer of the Year” in 2015 and 2017. She is also holds the highest AV rating by Martindale Hubbell.
Vogelsang received her undergraduate degree from Pepperdine University (B.A., 1982, cum laude, 1982) and her law degree from the University of Miami School of Law (J.D., magna cum laude, 1985). She may be reached at 239-344-1244 or by email at [email protected].
Henderson Franklin is the largest, locally-based law firm between Tampa and Miami with over 55 attorneys dedicated to providing a wide range of legal services in the areas of business and tax planning, estate planning, family law, business and civil litigation, eminent domain, intellectual property, workers’ compensation, employment law, real estate, and land use and environmental law. Since 1924, Henderson Franklin has been assisting clients to build their homes, businesses, and communities in Southwest Florida. Henderson Franklin operates offices in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples and Sanibel Island. For more information on Vogelsang or Henderson Franklin, please visit www.henlaw.com.
 
 
 

FORT MYERS, FL (July 25, 2018) – Cory Mahosky recently joined Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Co., P.A. (MNMW) after working with the firm as a Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) intern for the spring semester.  Mahosky works in the tax division, helping to prepare individual and business tax returns and provide supportive accounting services.
“We love partnering with FGCU and the students in their accounting program,” said Victoria Loyola, CPA, CHBC, Partner at MNMW.  “Cory worked with us for the 2018 tax season and did a great job, we were happy to offer him a position with the firm as the internship was completed.”
Mahosky received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from FGCU, and is currently working towards his Master of Science in Accounting and Taxation, also with FGCU.  He plans to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam immediately following the 2019 tax season.
Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Co., P.A. is a public accounting and consulting firm with offices in both Fort Myers and Naples.  The firm offers a wide range of services including business consulting, human resources consulting, technology consulting and support, marketing and public relations consulting, tax planning and preparation, litigation support, mediation, forensic accounting, and elder services.  For more information, call (239) 433-5554 or visit www.markham-norton.com
 

Firm sponsoring annual ride that has raised more than $2 million  
FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 3, 2018) – Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured is proud to team up with the March of Dimes and motorcycle riders across Southwest Florida to sponsor the 18th Annual Southwest Florida March of Dimes Bikers for Babies event. Bruce L. Scheiner and son P.J. Scheiner, a trial attorney for the firm, are co-chairs of the police-escorted motorcycle ride on Nov. 4 from North Collier Regional Park to Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee.
Bikers for Babies has raised more than $2 million in Southwest Florida since 2001 to support medical treatments and education geared to help more mothers have full-term pregnancies and stronger, healthier babies.
“I’ve spent my career pursuing justice for those who otherwise would have no voice. Premature babies and infants suffering from severe health challenges can’t ask for better care, but we can,” Bruce L. Scheiner said. “I’m eager to support Bikers for Babies and everything they do to improve the lives of newborn babies and their families.”
About 1,500 bikers are expected to take part in this year’s ride, which will be the only March of Dimes Bikers for Babies event in the U.S.
The goal is to raise $150,000 for the March of Dimes, which invests 76 cents of every dollar in research and support for programs that help babies begin healthy lives. Learn more about how the funds are distributed at marchforbabies.org/waystohelp.
“As the parent of a young child, I’m proud to have the opportunity to work with March of Dimes and Bikers for Babies to support newborns and their families,” P.J. Scheiner said. “My heart goes out to every family that has to suffer through pregnancy or delivery complications, and I’m honored to stand with bikers across Southwest Florida to make sure those families get the attention, care and resources they so desperately need.”
All licensed motorcyclists are eligible to take part. To find out how to get involved, call the firm at 800-283-2900 or the March of Dimes at 239-271-2564.
Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, was founded in 1971 by Bruce L. Scheiner and his wife, Cheryl Scheiner. Both continue to work alongside their son, P.J. Scheiner, who joined the firm as a trial attorney in 2007.
Today, Bruce and P.J. work side by side in the negotiating room and the courtroom, where they fight to secure full and fair restitution for each and every client they have the privilege of representing. Bruce Scheiner still hand selects each case the firm accepts, personally assembles the team best able to see the case through to settlement or trial, and oversees every case from intake to resolution.
Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, has the knowledge, experience and resources to handle all types of personal injury and wrongful death claims for clients across the state of Florida, including trucking accidents, boating accidents, airplane accidents, nursing home neglect and abuse, construction accidents, defective product claims, premise liability claims and injuries to children.
Call 800-283-2900 or visit www.blslawyers.com.

Note to Media: More than 1,000 students will receive the essential supplies they need ahead of the new school year thanks to the Lipman Family Farms Backpack Giveaway and Back to School Event taking place this Saturday, Aug. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon. The 7^th annual event is expected to draw over 2,000 attendees to the Immokalee High School Football field at 701 Immokalee Drive.
 
Backpacks and school supplies will be given out to the first 1,500 elementary and middle school students in Immokalee. Bikes, gift cards and back-to-school haircuts will also be given away for free during the event. Aside from the giveaways, children and families will enjoy free food and entertainment, including the Collier County Sheriff’s rock climbing wall.
 
We hope to see you at the backpack giveaway on Saturday. If you’re planning on attending please contact us to confirm.
 
WHAT: 7^th Annual Lipman Family Farms Backpack Giveaway and Back to School Event
 
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 4, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
 
WHERE: Immokalee High School football field, 701 Immokalee Drive, Immokalee
 
WHY: The free event lends a helping hand to students and families in need while celebrating the start of the 2018-2019 school year.
 
CONTACT: Josh Milton, CONRIC PR & Marketing, 239-690-9840, [email protected]

July 31, 2018 – Punta Gorda, FLA – When the bell rings for the first day of class, there will be a new principal there to greet students at the FSW Collegiate High School-Charlotte.
 
Dr. Larry Miller, Dean, FSW School of Education, announced that Michelle Wier is the new principal for the collegiate high school.
 
“Michelle brings exceptional qualifications and expertise to lead our school, and she is already familiar with the needs of the community,” said Dr. Miller.
 
“I’m looking forward to welcoming our new and returning students back,” said Wier. “This school has a strong tradition of academic excellence and I plan to continue that tradition so that ultimately, our students benefit.”
 
Prior to joining FSW, she was the assistant principal at Lemon Bay High School for the past five years. Her career in education began nearly 30 years ago as a teacher before serving as a dean of students and a career specialist/student services program planner. She earned her bachelor of science degree in education at The Ohio State University, and her master in educational leadership at Florida Gulf Coast University.
 
FSWC-Charlotte is designed to provide students of all ability levels an opportunity to graduate with both a high school degree and an Associate of Arts (AA) degree.  The teaching methods used provide students an engaging learning environment and opportunities to receive additional educational resources through the high school and Florida SouthWestern State College.  For more information about Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School Charlotte County visit http://www.fsw.edu/wp/cchs/.
 
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 31, 2018) – Due to patron demand, Society has expanded their Treehouse dining menu.
 
The new menu offers 28 items from flatbreads, small plates, soups and salads and large plates as well as sushi and raw bar options. Between 4 to 7 p.m. each day Happy Hour seven items will be offered for just $7 each.
 
“We found that our patrons are really enjoying the atmosphere at the Treehouse and asked us to offer more menu options for them to be able to stay upstairs and dine al fresco,” said Brad Cozza, owner/partner of Society. “We were happy to oblige since our goal is to be Southwest Florida’s go to dining and entertainment venue, seven days per week.”          
 
The all-day menu includes four types of flatbreads, a soup of the day and salads including classics like Caesar, wedge and a chop salad as well as Kale and Fennel and an heirloom tomato salad with protein add-ons available; small plates ranging from shrimp, calamari, wings, Cuban Cigars, hummus and fries; large plates with burgers, steak kabobs, a Philly cheesesteak, fish and chips, grouper and a chicken club and a variety of sides.
 
Located at the Bell Tower Shops, Society is a modern American restaurant featuring multilevel dining and bar options from al fresco dining on the patio, banquette seating in the main dining area and the vibrant rooftop Treehouse with live music.
 
Society serves lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with light bites available from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with a late-night-bites menu available on weekend nights.
Society features 14,000 square feet of dining and event space with seating for 250 and also provides private dining and event opportunities in the intimate Executive and West dining rooms.
 
For more information, visit www.societyfortmyers.com or call 239-334-0900.
 
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CAPE CORAL, Fla. (August 1, 2018) – Michael Chatman, president and CEO of the Cape Coral Community Foundation, invites the Southwest Florida community to nominate outstanding local nonprofit organizations, leaders and partners for the second annual Excellence in Nonprofit Performance Yearly awards (The ENPYs). Finalists and winners will be recognized at the awards luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 9 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Bell Tower at 13051 Bell Tower Drive in Fort Myers.
 
Up to three finalists will be selected in each of the following categories by a panel of judges:
 

• Nonprofit Organization of the Year (established more than three years ago)
• Nonprofit Rising Organization of the Year (established less than three years ago)
• Nonprofit Executive of the Year (CEO, president, executive director)
• Nonprofit Board Leader of the Year (board member)
• Nonprofit Employee of the year (paid staff member)
• Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year (individual who serves the organization and/or community)
• Nonprofit Business Partner of the Year (business who supports nonprofits and the community)

 
In addition, the Community Impact Award, the Paul Sanborn Service Above Self Award and the Elmer Tabor Generosity Award will be presented to three inspirational individuals. The Organization of the Year and Rising Organization of the Year will each be awarded a grant from the Cape Coral Community Foundation. Application submissions are due Friday, August 31 at 10 a.m.
 
“A prosperous community is made up of individuals who dedicate themselves and their time to make it the best place it can be,” Chatman said. “The ENPY Awards gives us the opportunity to celebrate those exemplary individuals and their contributions in Southwest Florida.”
 
Criteria, instructions and nomination forms are available at TheENPYs.com. Sponsorships are also available until Sept. 10. For information on becoming a sponsor, visit TheENPYs.com.
 
The Cape Coral Community Foundation, also known as the Global Center for Generosity, is a nonprofit organization created to help generous civic-minded donors that make a positive impact on their community and beyond. It works to grow philanthropy and strengthen society by encouraging endowments, addressing public needs and providing community leadership. For more information, call 239-542-5594 or visit CapeCoralCF.org.
 
Josh Milton, Vice President of Media Relations
CONRIC PR & Marketing
6216 Whiskey Creek Drive, Suite B
Fort Myers, FL 33919
239-690-9840
[email protected] | ConricPR.com