Member News

Note to Media: Blessings in a Backpack is partnering with local Alliance Financial employees to pack over 500 bags of food for students at Tice Elementary School in Fort Myers.
Local dignitaries will take part, including Bonita Springs Mayor Peter Simmons, Lee County Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass, Chief Assistant State Attorney Amira Fox, and Fort Myers City Councilwoman Gaile Anthony.
They’ll fill backpacks with kid-friendly, ready-to-eat items given each Friday to students in need. Students return to school on Mondays with an empty backpack, a full stomach and an eager mind.
The Media Alert is attached.
WHAT: Corporate packing event
 
WHEN: Thursday, September 27, 3 p.m.
 
WHERE: Alliance Financial, 14021 Metropolis Ave., Fort Myers
 
WHY: It’s increasingly difficult for Southwest Florida parents to feed their children. Inflation, job loss and low wages are profound challenges for many. Blessings in a Backpack works to provide food on the weekends for elementary school children who would otherwise go hungry.
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IMMOKALEE, Fla. (Sept. 24, 2018) – Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents an evening with The Orchestra, starring former members of Electric Light Orchestra, live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Friday, Feb. 15  at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale now for $79.00 and are available by phone at 1-800-514-ETIX or online at www.moreinparadise.com or www.jaytv.com/florida. Attendees must be 21 years of age.
 
The Orchestra has a pedigree that stretches back over many years, with roots reaching to the 1970s and 1980s with Electric Light Orchestra, the 1990s with ELO Part II and from 2001 to the present as The Orchestra, heralding a continuing era of unparalleled symphonic rock.
 
Following Bev Bevan’s retirement at the end of 1999 and their triumphant sell-out concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall and Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, Mik Kaminski, Louis Clark, Kelly Groucutt, Eric Troyer, Parthenon Huxley and Gordon Townsend regrouped as The Orchestra. The new name acknowledged each member’s illustrious former membership of the Electric Light Orchestra and/or ELO Part II but also forges ahead a future utilizing the spectacular symphonic rock sound for which they are unequalled. The Orchestra’s current lineup includes Kaminski, Clark, Troyer, Huxley, and Townsend, as well as Glen Burtnik.
 
ELO hits from yesteryear are the cornerstone of The Orchestra’s repertoire, including “Strange Magic,” “Do Ya,” “Don’t Bring Me Down,” “Evil Woman,” “Livin’ Thing,” “Turn to Stone,” “Sweet Talkin’ Woman,” “Telephone Line,” “Ma-Ma-Ma Belle,” “Mr. Blue Sky” and “Roll Over Beethoven.”
 
About Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
Open 24/7; 365 days a year, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is Southwest Florida’s premier gaming and entertainment destination. The 51,000-square-foot plus casino offers 1,300 slots, including Tarzan, Wheel of Fortune and Crazy Money, and 38 live table games including Blackjack, Mini-Baccarat, Pai Gow, Let It Ride, Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Blackjack Switch and Spanish 21. Dining options include the award-winning 1^st Street Deli, Asian fusion restaurant Lucky Mi Noodle House, and The EE-TO-LEET-KE (“The Camp”) Grill. Nightly entertainment is highlighted by the Zig Zag lounge, home of the Zig Zag Girlz, “where the party never ends” featuring nightly live entertainment and no last call. Additional entertainment and events are held at the Seminole Center, an indoor/outdoor special event center featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting system designed by Technomedia Solutions. The new Seminole Casino Hotel is the first upscale hotel to open in or near Immokalee and offers suites and deluxe guestrooms with modern décor and features, plus amenities including a swimming pool with adjacent private Seminole Chickee cabana huts, 24-hour fitness studio, free Wi-Fi, and desk concierge services.
 
 
 
 
 
 

SEPTEMBER 21, 2018 – PUNTA GORDA, FLA – Keith Callaghan, assistant vice president, Economic Development and External Affairs, Florida SouthWestern State College, was recently named to the Leadership Charlotte Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes Leadership Charlotte alumni who have distinguished themselves through their civic and business leadership and service to the community.
 
Callaghan is a Leadership Charlotte class of 2012 alumnus and chairs the Leadership Charlotte healthcare day and education day programming. He is involved with many local charities and serves on the boards of the Fred Lang Foundation, Charlotte Behavioral Health Care, the Boys and Girls Club of Charlotte County, Crossroads Hope Academy, the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce and the Visual Arts Center Endowment Trust. Callaghan serves as a Take Stock in Children mentor and volunteers for the Animal Welfare League, United Way and Leadership Charlotte. He has also served on the Charlotte County Community Health Improvement Partnership and School Health Advisory committees.
 
“When my wife and I arrived in Charlotte County 13 years ago, we didn’t know a soul,” said Callaghan. “The Leadership Charlotte program was my first introduction to the people of the county and to the wonderful organizations that support our community. I cannot say enough positive things about this program and the impact it’s had on my life. It’s an honor to be recognized by Leadership Charlotte.”
 
 
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sep. 21, 2018) – Dr. Patrick Flaharty and his team at Azul Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa are dedicated to the continuing education of eye care professionals and giving back to community members in need. For the third year in a row Azul was a major sponsor of the nationally known Southwest Florida Optometric Association’s (SWFOA) 38th Annual Educational Retreat, which took place in August at South Seas Resort on Captiva Island. Azul regularly supports education and charitable efforts focused on vision care and eye health. Azul staff met with hundreds of participants to discuss cosmetic and medical issues related to eye care.
Flaharty, the medical director of Azul, is a plastic and reconstructive ophthalmic surgeon as well as a cosmetic surgeon. “We support this event so more patients have access to eye care professionals who are well-versed in cutting-edge procedures and best practices,” Flaharty said. “It’s just as important to make sure people who need that top-quality care are able to afford it.”
The SWFOA seeks to advance and promote the quality, availability, and accessibility of eye care and related health care. The three-day retreat attracted 240 optometrists from across the country for a series of seminars and workshops.
The retreat began with the Don Williamson Memorial Golf Tournament, which raised $15,000 for an account SWFOA members use to fund eye care and eyewear for people in need. The SWFOA works with school nurses, caregivers and others to identify potential recipients of the assistance from across Southwest Florida.
The charitable initiative is one of nearly two dozen causes Azul supports as part of its mission to enhance the community. To see the full list of organizations Azul partners with, and to find out about volunteer opportunities, visit azulbeauty.com.
About Azul Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa
Azul Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa has been serving the needs of skin care and cosmetic surgery patients across Southwest Florida for more than 20 years. Dr. Patrick Flaharty and his staff are dedicated to making the patient’s vision a beautiful reality as they strive for excellence in facial cosmetic surgery. The practice provides comprehensive solutions in both the surgical and nonsurgical realm of facial aesthetics. For more information, visit azulbeauty.com.

Fort Myers, Fl. Sept. 21, 2018 (For Immediate Release) – The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee (WIB) will host its October networking meeting from 4pm-6pm on Wednesday, October 3rd at Cornerstone Builders of Southwest Florida located at 14680 South Tamiami Trail in Fort Myers. Event attendees will have an opportunity to hear from a panel of marketing and public relations professionals about the Southwest Florida Challenge (#SWFLChallenge), a positive social media campaign launched in response to water quality issues facing Southwest Florida that promotes patronage of local attractions.
Panelists include Teri Hansen of Priority Marketing, Connie Ramos-Williams of CONRIC PR & Marketing,  Randy Mitchelson of iPartnerMedia, Angeli Chin of Veer 90 Creative, and Tamara Pigott of the Lee County Visitors and Convention Bureau. Samantha Scott of Pushing the Envelope will moderate the panel.
Guests will enjoy a complimentary beverage, plus light appetizers, along with networking, and a 50/50 raffle with proceeds benefitting the Women in Business Scholarship Fund. The non-profit spotlight will highlight Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida. All business professionals are invited to attend. Admission is $10 for Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce (GFMCC) members and $20 for future GFMCC members. To register, call (239) 332-3624 or visit. www.fortmyers.org.
ABOUT WIB:
Part of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, the Women in Business committee is dedicated to helping women achieve their fullest professional and personal potential.  A variety of networking and educational programs are offered throughout the year, typically the first Wednesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
ABOUT GREATER FORT MYERS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
Located at 2310 Edwards Drive in Downtown Fort Myers, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. has been serving Lee County and surrounding areas since 1989. The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is a business organization of professionals who support and promote a progressive, sustainable community.

The Postal Service offers the following information to help customers prepare.
U.S. citizens must present a valid passport book when entering or re-entering the United States by air.  U.S. citizens entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry must present a passport book, passport card or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government.
To obtain a passport applicants need to:

• Bring proper proof of American citizenship. This must be either a certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state; a previous U.S. passport; a certificate of citizenship; or a naturalization certificate. (Please note: a hospital-issued birth certificate alone is not acceptable.)
• Bring proof of identity.  This must be either: a recently issued U.S. passport; a recently issued naturalization certificate; a recently issued certificate of citizenship; or a current valid driver’s license, government ID or military photo ID.
• Bring a photocopy of proof of identity.  Each applicant must bring a photocopy of the front and back of the ID that will be presented at the time of passport acceptance.
• The passport application requires recent color passport photograph of you (2” x 2” in size). The Post Office will offer passport photo service for $15.
• To save time, customers should download the passport application at travel.state.gov and complete beforehand.  Do not sign the application.

Fort Myers, FL, Sept. 20, 2018 – Motorists who cross the Sanibel Causeway between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, and Sunday, Sept. 23, will not have to pay a toll. A donation from the Southwest Florida Community Foundation will cover the costs during those hours as a way to encourage locals to support Captiva and Sanibel businesses, many of which are feeling economic impacts from the lingering red tide.
Lee County Department of Transportation will place message boards today (Thursday, Sept. 20) to inform motorists of the hours and dates when tolls will be covered by the foundation’s donation.
The donation comes as the county hosts the annual Island Hopper Songwriter Festival, which runs Sept. 21-30 with events on Captiva this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (Visit www.islandhopperfest.com.)
 
The county also has launched a #OneLee campaign, which showcases deals from local businesses to motivate people to shop, dine and play locally. (Visit www.onelee.biz for details.)
Efforts by the City of Sanibel and Lee County continue on the island’s beaches and shorelines to pick up dead fish and other marine debris that has been killed by red tide and has washed inland. (For an update on red-tide cleanup funding and efforts, visit www.leegov.com/waterqualityinfo.) The City of Sanibel has suspended parking fees at all Sanibel beaches this month.
The donation from the Southwest Florida Community Foundation toward the Causeway tolls is a separate foundation effort from one announced earlier this month called SWFL Cares. That fund is designed to collect donations to be dispersed through United Way-affiliated nonprofit organizations to help families and individuals who have seen lost wages and other economic impacts due to red tide and blue-green algae. The foundation has already dispersed nearly $30,000 in donations to United Way. (Visit https://floridacommunity.com.)
The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest also is partnering with the foundation on this effort. Music fans can make a donation during Island Hopper Fest by texting GIVESWFL to 444999. Donations will go directly to the SWFL Cares Fund.
After the Captiva weekend events, the festival moves to downtown Fort Myers on Sept. 24-27 and then wraps up on Fort Myers Beach on Sept. 28-30.
Lee County Parks & Recreation is waiving parking fees now through Sept. 30 at Lynn Hall Memorial Park, 950 Estero Blvd., and Bowditch Point Park, 50 Estero Blvd. Both parks are located on Fort Myers Beach. (Visit www.leeparks.org.) The fee waiver mirrors a decision last week by the Town of Fort Myers Beach to extend the free parking at its sites until the end of the month to assist businesses impacted by red tide.

Fort Myers, FL, Sept. 18, 2018 – The monthly networking luncheon for the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 9, at Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport at Town Center, 9931 Interstate Commerce Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913.
The cost is $30 for FPRA members, $40 for future members and $25 for students. Members and future members can register for the luncheon by going to www.fpraswfl.org.
About the speakers:
Gordon Paulus, APR, CPRC, is a Senior Communications Specialist at Gulf Power Company in Pensacola, where he has worked for almost 15 years. He previously worked for 21 years for newspapers in the sports department. Paulus is the State President of Florida Public Relations Association.
Cheray Keyes-Shima, APR, CPRC, is the Executive Director of the Florida Public Relations Association. Keyes-Shima is principal of KSC, a full-service communications firm founded in 1998 that focuses on creating real connections between businesses, brands and people.
Randy Mitchelson, APR is an award-winning entrepreneur, author and community leader with more than 25 years of experience in sales, marketing and financial services. Mitchelson is vice president at iPartnerMedia, Inc. (iPM), a digital marketing and print agency in Bonita Springs. Mitchelson is the President-Elect for the SWFL Chapter of FPRA.
 
 

Ft. Myers, FL – September 17, 2018 – Wicked Walk celebrates the arts in Lee County, the achievements of student artists, and the unique heritage belonging to Southwest Florida – with a spooky twist. Experience this one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical experience while supporting Lee County Schools and arts education! The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
Choose a time via the ticket link for a guided theatrical tour throughout the Art Center of Fort Myers history, with a spooky twist. Lee County teachers have helped their classes create art pieces, installations, skits, musical performances, and more to conjure the ghosts of Fort Myers’ past.
Catch glimpses of the Snack House restaurant and the personalities that used to haunt it. Take part in a spirited USO celebration from the 1940s, and stroll through the ghostly grounds of the Edison gardens. You might run into Mina Edison herself!
Proceeds from the Ghoul Gala will benefit SBDAC and the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools is a non-profit charitable education foundation which enhances and enriches the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators. The Foundation’s programs, resources and experiences are made possible through corporate, individual and educational partnerships.
Wicked Walk
Friday, October 26th | 6pm – 10pm
Kids: $5 | Adults: $10
For more info, visit www.sbdac.com or call 239 333 1933

Ft. Myers, FL – September 17, 2018 – Spend October’s Music Walk singing along to all your favorite piano tunes! On Friday, October 19th, take part in Dueling Pianos, feautring 2018 Summer Singer-Songwriter Competition finalist, David Rode, and 2017 Summer Singer-Songwriter Competition Finalist, Sarah Hadeka. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
Dueling Pianos is an interactive music experience where the audience picks the setlist! Each pianist will take written audience suggestions for the next song in their setlist. However, it’s up to the piano players what songs will be featured. Pass them a tip to make sure your song gets played! Audience members are encouraged to sing along to some of the greatest piano hits of all time by musicians like Billy Joel, Elton John, and Queen.
Dueling Pianos will feature two grand pianos placed back to back in the center of SBDAC’s Grand Atrium with an audience seated in the round. Since there’s no stage, attendees can approach the pianos, suggest a song, and give their favorite player a few bucks. Don’t miss this exciting first concert in the Noteworthy Series! Invite your friends to have a few cocktails and experience Dueling Pianos like never before.
This concert is part of the Noteworthy Series, which showcases some of the best performers in Southwest Florida! Dueling Pianos is the first concert in the series. Additional concerts include Swinging Standards with the Danny Sinoff Trio on Thursday, November 8th and Songwriter Stories with Dee Goodson and Kyle Anne Duggan on Friday, March 22nd.
Noteworthy Showcase: Dueling Pianos
Featuring Sarah Hadeka and David Rode
Friday, October 19th | Doors: 7:30pm • Music: 8pm
Tickets: $5
Call 239 333 1933 or visit www.sbdac.com