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The Benefits of Observing Dry January

By Christopher J. Smith, attorney, Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A. According to Nielsen’s market data, total alcohol…

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The Benefits of Observing Dry January

By Christopher J. Smith, attorney, Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A.
According to Nielsen’s market data, total alcohol sales outside of bars and restaurants have surged roughly 24% during the pandemic. Spirits with higher alcohol content rose more than 27% over last year.
These alcohol trends in the midst of the pandemic were despite evidence that alcohol has the ability to decrease immunity!
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) note alcohol increases the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon and breasts among women.
Women are at greater risk for some of the negative effects of booze, including absorbing more alcohol than men and taking longer to break it down. Also, women are more vulnerable to brain and heart damage then men from alcohol. Limiting alcohol has been listed as one of four totally doable New Year’s resolutions that will reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Another New Year’s resolution that is gaining traction is Dry January. Social mentions of the practice of stopping or reducing drinking for the month of January increase 1,083% from 2015 to 2019.
Dry January started in the United Kingdom by Alcohol Change in 2013 and has been growing worldwide ever since. It’s a New Year’s wellness trend that allows people to start the year clearer, more refreshed and safer. Alcohol Change estimates that four million people, or around 1 in 20 Britons, now participate each year.
Abstaining from alcohol is not without its merits. Benefits of not drinking include:

  • Alcohol can mask underlying depression and anxiety, making symptoms worse
  • Alcohol degrades sleep quality
  • Alcohol dehydrates and can spike blood sugar
  • Alcohol can suppress your body’s immune system

Here’s another bonus of observing Dry January that often goes unmentioned. When you stop drinking, you will not risk drinking and driving.
Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rich & Purtz is a community champion for putting an end to drunk drivers. For three years, the firm has been a presenting sponsor for Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s Walk Like MADD 5K walk and run that raises money to ensure no one in our community suffers from the impacts of impaired drivers.
Our staff and attorneys see the impact of drunk driving through the clients we represent, reinforcing our advocacy for MADD. Nationally on average, two out of three people will be impacted by drunk driving in their lifetime.
Our attorneys have also been active in supporting area multi-jurisdiction DUI checkpoints carried out by law enforcement agencies in Lee and Charlotte County. Sponsoring the briefing dinner before checkpoints demonstrates to the officers that the law firm and the community supports their dedication to make our roads safer for all residents and visitors.

LARC Announces Inaugural Event Benefiting Lori Carroll-Collins Scholarship Fund

FORT MYERS, Fla. (November 29, 2020) – Save the date for LARC’s (Lee Association of…

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LARC Announces Inaugural Event Benefiting Lori Carroll-Collins Scholarship Fund

FORT MYERS, Fla. (November 29, 2020) – Save the date for LARC’s (Lee Association of Remarkable Citizens) inaugural fundraiser benefiting The Lori Carroll-Collins Scholarship Fund.  The event will take place at Misty Morning Barn in Fort Myers on Saturday, April 17, 2021.  Guests will enjoy gentle breezes flowing through the barn doors, among a backdrop of natural arching oaks, tropical pines and sun-kissed cypress trees.
The evening will include a five-course dinner created by celebrated local chefs Mike and Karen Gavala of G3 Catering and Gloria Jordan of La Trattoria Cafe Napoli.   Renowned chocolatier Norman Love of Norman Love Confections will provide handcrafted desserts.  Kellie Burns of NBC-2 will emcee the event.
Guests will meet sixth-generation winemaker, Clay Mauritson, founder and owner of Mauritson Wines in Healdsburg, California, and enjoy family-crafted wines paired with each course.  In 1998, Mauritson produced his first bottling of Dry Creek Zinfandel under the Mauritson label and, in 2002, he began devoting his efforts full-time to the Mauritson Family Winery project.
His winemaking philosophy is simple: You need exceptional fruit to make exceptional wine. About 300 acres of Sonoma County family vineyards and strong relationships built over the years with other growers have given him access to some of the best fruit that Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley and Rockpile have to offer. Devoted to making exceptional wines, Mauritson is on his way to becoming one of California’s foremost young winemakers.
The Lori Carroll-Collins Scholarship Fund was established by her family in memory of Carroll-Collins.  A resident of Fort Myers for 35 years, she cared deeply for her community and people in need and led her life by example, when it came to generosity and philanthropy. The fund will help bridge financial gaps and allow individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access innovative services offered by LARC.
“Lori was an inspiration to many, as she lived her life to the fullest, despite living with a disability,” said her husband, Marc Collins. “She never saw herself as different and fought for equal access for herself and others. Lori spent her life in a wheelchair, but the limitations of her body did not define her life.”
“This fund will light the way for people of all abilities for generations to come,” said Angela Katz, Director of Development and Communications at LARC. “It will allow individuals with disabilities and economic limitations to access services designed to help them reach their full potential.”
Limited tickets are available.  COVID-19 safety guidelines will be followed.
Sponsorship packages are available.
For ticket or sponsorship information visit www.larcleecounty.org, call Angela Katz at (239) 334-6285 x 229 or email [email protected].
 
About LARC
Established in 1954, LARC Inc.’s mission is to empower and support individuals with disabilities and their families to reach their full potential. LARC is a 501(c)3 that provides programs and services for approximately 300 local men and women annually. The nonprofit offers youth programs, vocational training, community residential services, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis.  LARC’s main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers.  LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes located in Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.

Florida Skin Center Adds Insurance Carriers

FORT MYERS, FL. (December 14, 2020)- Florida Skin Center (FSC), a dermatology practice that provides…

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Florida Skin Center Adds Insurance Carriers

FORT MYERS, FL. (December 14, 2020)- Florida Skin Center (FSC), a dermatology practice that provides comprehensive medical services for the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair and nail disorders, announced that it has added Humana Medicare and Freedom Medicare to its list of accepted insurance carriers at all four Southwest Florida locations.  FSC has added Physician-Hospital Organization (PHO) to the list of accepted carriers at the Punta Gorda office.
Florida Skin Center accepts more than 70 health insurance carriers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, United Health Care, Medicare and Medicaid.  For a complete list of accepted insurance carriers, visit www.floridaskincenter.com/guest-resources.  Self-pay patients are also accepted.
“Seeing a dermatologist regularly is vital to maintaining skin health as well as overall health,” said George A. Gulisano, Florida Skin Center’s Chief Executive Officer. “We continue to add health insurance partners to ensure that Southwest Floridians are able to access these important services.”
In addition to services for the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair and nail disorders, procedures for aesthetic and cosmetic concerns are also available. Recognized for two consecutive years by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) and Neutrogena® Choose Skin Health program as Top Screener for free skin checks, Florida Skin Center maintains a focus on medical excellence and guest-service.
Florida Skin Center has offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres and Punta Gorda.  All locations offer readily available same-week and early-morning appointments. Ft. Myers and Cape Coral offices open on select Saturdays. Appointment scheduling and text messaging available online at FloridaSkinCenter.com or call (239) 561-3376. Follow Florida Skin Center on Facebook and Instagram.
About Florida Skin Center 
Florida Skin Center opened its doors in 2001. Currently with offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres and Punta Gorda, the dermatology practice provides comprehensive medical services for the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair and nail disorders. Procedures for aesthetic and cosmetic concerns are also available. Recognized for two consecutive years by the ASDS and Neutrogena® Choose Skin Health program as Top Screener for free skin checks, Florida Skin Center maintains a focus on medical excellence and guest-service.
All locations offer readily available same-week and early-morning appointments. Ft. Myers and Cape Coral offices open on select Saturdays. Appointment scheduling and text messaging available online at FloridaSkinCenter.com or call (239) 561-3376. Follow Florida Skin Center on Facebook and Instagram.

Stevens Construction honored as Contractor of the Year by the Lee Building Industry Association

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 15, 2020) – Stevens Construction Inc. earned four awards at the…

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Stevens Construction honored as Contractor of the Year by the Lee Building Industry Association

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 15, 2020) – Stevens Construction Inc. earned four awards at the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) Industry Awards including the highest honor, Contractor of the Year, announced Mark Stevens, company president.
A panel of nationwide judges named Stevens Construction Contractor of the Year based on criteria such as the company’s achievement of goals, client relations, professional certifications and community responsibilities. This is the ninth year Stevens Construction has received this honor, the company won in 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011 and 2007.
Stevens Construction won a Summit Award for the best healthcare project for Frantz EyeCare.  To accommodate their growing Naples clientele, Frantz EyeCare, the design team and Stevens Construction thoughtfully collaborated on a design that aligned with their budget and schedule, provided the aesthetic appeal to the Naples community and promotes staff efficiency, data collection and a unique and comfortable patient flow experience. Frantz EyeCare houses a 9,280-square-foot medical office on the first floor with an optical boutique, 21 exam rooms, patient lounge and procedure room. Situated in the center of the medical office is the cornerstone of the design, a state-of-the-art diagnostic testing room, which evaluates eye conditions and vision capabilities.
Stevens Construction also won a Summit Award in the best entertainment project category for BIG ARTS on Sanibel Island. Stevens Construction provided construction management services for a new, two-story, 27,000-square-foot facility, which houses a 3,800-square-foot performing arts center with 414-seat theater. The first floor features a spacious lobby, green room, box office, gift shop, piano storage, catering kitchen, two dressing rooms with showers and an expanded art gallery.
In the restaurant category, Stevens Construction earned a Summit Award for CaliBurger/Marlins Brewhouse: Local Craft Beer & Daiquiri Bar in Estero. Stevens Construction built CaliBurger to share a central dining room with the second location of Marlins Brewhouse: Local Craft Beer & Daiquiri Bar, where guests can enjoy both menus. Stevens Construction completed the 7,330-square-foot restaurant build-out in four months and under budget.
Stevens Construction has earned 58 Summit Awards since the program began in 2006.
The Summit Awards program recognizes BIA members who have obtained an outstanding level of success and demonstrated superior professionalism in the commercial construction industry throughout the year. The projects were judged for quality of construction, challenges, timeliness of completion, client satisfaction and safety.
About Stevens Construction
With offices in Fort Myers, Tampa and Orlando, Fla., Stevens Construction specializes in providing construction management, general contracting and consulting services to clients and design professionals. Other services include site and design team selection, budgeting, project scheduling, permitting, cost and quality control and warranty service. The company builds healthcare, commercial and hospitality facilities. For information, visit www.stevensconstructioninc.com or call 239-936-9006.

The Preserve offers Drive-Thru donations Dec. 16 and 18 for Toys for Tots

FORT MYERS, Fla. (12/14/2020)— The Preserve, a skilled nursing and assisted living community in South…

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The Preserve offers Drive-Thru donations Dec. 16 and 18 for Toys for Tots

FORT MYERS, Fla. (12/14/2020)— The Preserve, a skilled nursing and assisted living community in South Fort Myers, is collecting unwrapped toys for area children on behalf of the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation. Drive-thru donations will be held Wednesday, Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 18 from 2 to 6 p.m.
Donations of new, unwrapped toys for newborn children through age 12 will also be accepted at The Preserve during business hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until 12/18 when they will be picked up and distributed by Toys for Tots to approved local social welfare agencies, church groups and other organizations.
In 2019, Toys for Tots in Lee County distributed 55,321 toys to 16,422 children, sizable increases from the 38,090 toys and 10,960 children supported during the previous year.
Located at 14750 Hope Center Loop at the corner of Six Mile Cypress Parkway and Plantation Road, The Preserve, operated by Volunteers of America, the non-profit organization that also operates Gulf Coast Village in Cape Coral, offers 75 private skilled nursing suites for senior residents with specialized or advanced health care needs, as well as 21 boutique assisted living apartments and 17 memory support suites.
Anyone wishing to donate an unwrapped during the drive-thru is asked to RSVP to Rachel Hafer, 239-264-4444 or [email protected]. In addition to donations of toys, monetary donations also are accepted at www.toysfortots.org.
About The Preserve
Located at 14750 Hope Center Loop, at the corner of Six Mile Cypress Parkway and Plantation Road, The Preserve offers 75 private skilled nursing suites for senior residents with specialized or advanced health care needs, as well as 21 boutique assisted living apartments and 17 memory support suites. The community serves as a critical resource for post-acute care, offering highquality medical services, rehabilitative care and social programs. Highly-trained staff members and licensed professionals provide continuous medical support and foster a culture of caring and hospitality, creating specialized programs focused on rehabilitative and restorative care. For more information, visit https://www.thepreservevoa.org/ 
About Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need live healthy, safe and productive lives. Since 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered America’s most vulnerable groups, including veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, at-risk youth, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals and families, those recovering from addictions and many others. Through hundreds of human service programs, including housing and health care, Volunteers of America helps more than 1.4 million people in over 400 communities. Learn more at www.voa.org.

Henderson Franklin partners with WGCU Public Media to present “Practical Estate Planning Tips Often Overlooked”

Fort Myers, Florida - Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is pleased to announce that…

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Henderson Franklin partners with WGCU Public Media to present “Practical Estate Planning Tips Often Overlooked”

Fort Myers, Florida – Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is pleased to announce that Naples estate planning attorneys Gregory Herman-Giddens and Anthony Cetrangelo, Jr., will present a virtual seminar entitled “Practical Estate Planning Tips Often Overlooked,” on January 19, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. The presenters will discuss simple estate planning tips to avoid probate, why medical directives are so important during these times, and how to make sure your pet is cared for after you pass away, and much more. This complimentary webinar is presented in association with WGCU Public Media. To register, please visit: https://www.henlaw.com/news-insights/.
Herman-Giddens provides his clients with customized estate and trust planning and administration services, including the creation of irrevocable trusts, estate, gift, fiduciary and individual income tax planning and compliance matters, taxation of deferred compensation, small business and nonprofit organization formation, trust modification and decanting, and trust protector services. He is a regular speaker at continuing education programs and frequently serves as an expert witness throughout the United States in trust and estate lawsuits.
Herman-Giddens is a stockholder and Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning and Probate Law (North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization), a Certified Financial Planner™, a Registered Trust and Estate Practitioner (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), and is a member of WealthCounsel, LLC. He is qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales and is admitted to practice in North Carolina, Florida, New York and Tennessee. Herman-Giddens serves on the Carolina Meadows Board of Directors in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina, his J.D. from Tulane University School of Law, and his LL.M. (Estate Planning) from the University of Miami School of Law. Herman-Giddens may be reached at 239-344-1240 or by email at [email protected].
Cetrangelo assists clients in all aspects of planning an estate or setting up a trust, including revocable and irrevocable trusts, enhanced life estate deeds, durable powers of attorney, living wills and health care surrogacy. He also guides families through trust or summary administrations, as well as formal administrations in probate court. Prior to joining Henderson Franklin, he was managing partner of a Naples law firm.
Cetrangelo received his Juris Doctoris from Ave Maria School of Law (Naples, Florida) and a Bachelor of Science from Troy University (Troy, Alabama), with honors, majoring in Literature and minoring in Criminal Justice. He may reached at [email protected] or by phone at 239-344-1358.
About Henderson Franklin
Henderson Franklin is one of the largest, locally-based law firms 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. Henderson Franklin operates offices in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Naples. For more information on the Herman-Giddens, Cetrangelo or Henderson Franklin, please visit www.henlaw.com.
About WGCU Public Media
WGCU Public Media is Southwest Florida’s source for PBS and NPR. A member-supported service of Florida Gulf Coast University, WGCU provides educational programming that inspires, informs and engages the Southwest Florida community. Serving all or part of 12 counties in south and Southwest Florida, with five distinct digital TV channels, two FM radio channels, two HD radio channels, and multiple websites, WGCU delivers national and international programming, and develops, produces and delivers relevant, informative and educational local programs to the region.  For more information, visit https://www.wgcu.org/ or contact Jennifer Denike, Donor Relations Specialist, at 239-590-2514 or by email at [email protected].

Big Cypress RV Resort Re-opens

BIG CYPRESS, Fla. (October 26, 2020) – Florida Seminole Tourism announces the re-opening of Big…

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Big Cypress RV Resort Re-opens

BIG CYPRESS, Fla. (October 26, 2020) – Florida Seminole Tourism announces the re-opening of Big Cypress RV Resort on Monday, November 2 with new campground safety guidelines.
“We’re excited to re-open and welcome our guests back,” said Evelyn Mata, Big Cypress RV Park and Campground Manager.
Campground rules have been updated to ensure the best experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guests must wear masks and practice social distancing.
Mata added, “The Seminole Tribe of Florida is taking every safety precaution needed to ensure our guests stay safe and well as we continue to navigate these trying times.”
Additionally, guests must adhere to all Tribal Government, Campground, and CDC safety guidelines.
For more information about the re-opening of Big Cypress RV Resort, please visit https://www.bigcypressrvresort.com/.
About Big Cypress RV Resort
Nestled in the heart of the Florida Everglades, the Big Cypress RV Resort is located, just 60 minutes from Fort Lauderdale, on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation. Owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, our full-service resort offers visitors 110 paved RV sites with full hook-ups or air-conditioned cabins. Our guests enjoy the wonder that is the Florida Everglades – a top South Florida tourist destination. While here, guests can relax under an authentic chickee hut or swim in our heated pool.
About Florida Seminole Tourism (FST)
The Seminole Tribe of Florida is a federally recognized Indian Tribe. FST is a top Florida Everglades adventure, learning and camping destination. We share the excitement and wonder of the Florida Everglades with visitors from around the globe. Our award-winning Everglades attractions include Billie Swamp SafariAh-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, and Big Cypress RV Resort & Campground.
 

Enjoy New Sunday Brunch in ‘Safe + Sound’ Setting at Seminole Casino Hotel’s EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill

IMMOKALEE, Fla. (Nov. 30, 2020) – The EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill in Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee will…

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Enjoy New Sunday Brunch in ‘Safe + Sound’ Setting at Seminole Casino Hotel’s EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill

IMMOKALEE, Fla. (Nov. 30, 2020) – The EE-TO-LEET-KE Grill in Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee will unveil a new weekly Sunday brunch menu Dec. 6, with table-service brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Executive Chef Jim Anile said that the new brunch will feature classic as well as less-traditional Southern brunch fare, with fun and favorite brunch-style cocktails and desserts also available.
“The Seminole Casino Hotel Culinary and Restaurant Team always endeavors to keep our menu fresh and interesting,” said Chef Jim. “We are excited to expand our offerings with one of our favorite meals — brunch.”
A sampling of the menu includes:
Lite fare dishes

  • Sweet Corn Chowder with rock shrimp and chive cream
  • House Smoked Salmon with arugula, pickles, herb cream fraiche and bagel crisps
  • Iceberg Wedge with fried bacon, corn bread, pickled red onion and Green Goddess dressing
  • Haystack shrimp with shredded kataifi and lemon aioli
  • Avocado Toast with grape tomatoes, lemon, feta on sourdough bread

Entrée dishes

  • Grilled Beef Filet with spinach, mushroom and tomato Benedict
  • Baked Shrimp and Cheese Grits with bacon, cremini mushrooms and scallion goat cheese
  • Chorizo Omelet made with farm eggs, Monterey Jack cheese, spinach, chorizo, onions and charred tomato salsa
  • Pastrami Hash with poached or fried eggs, peppers, onions, potatoes and Hollandaise sauce
  • Roast Pork Benedict with poached eggs, truffle fries and spicy pork shoulder
  • Charred Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Curry with steamed rice and fresh coriander
  • Smoked Sausage with biscuits and gravy

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee reopened on Aug. 31 under the company’s new and stringent “Safe + Sound” program guidelines which include multiple initiatives designed to create a quality entertainment and dining experience in an environment that helps to keep guests and team members safe.
For a full list of safety protocols, and the most up-to-date information, please visit https://www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com/good-clean-fun.htm.
About Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is Southwest Florida’s premier gaming and entertainment destination. Located at 506 South 1st Street in Immokalee, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is easily accessible to all of Southwest Florida. The 51,000-square-foot casino offers 1,400 slots and 38 live table games. Dining options include the award-winning 1st Street Deli, Asian fusion restaurant Lucky Mi Noodle House, and the EE-TO-LEET-KE (“The Camp”) Grill. Seminole Casino Hotel’s nightlife 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, as well as the new Corner Bar. 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. The Seminole Casino Hotel is the first upscale hotel to open in or near Immokalee and offers suites and deluxe guestrooms with modern décor and upscale features. Seminole Casino Hotel participates in the Seminole Players Club Wild Card Rewards Program whereby players earn and redeem comp dollars at all Seminole Casinos in Florida. For more information, call toll-free (800) 218-0007 or visit moreinparadise.com or facebook.com/SeminoleCasinoHotel/.

2021 Industry Appreciation Awards Applications now open

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 8, 2020) – The Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Lee County…

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2021 Industry Appreciation Awards Applications now open

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Dec. 8, 2020) – The Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Lee County Economic Development Office (EDO) seek applications for the 2021 Industry Appreciation Awards (IAA), which celebrate the Lee County business community and recognize outstanding local businesses that have positively influenced Southwest Florida. The honorees and finalists will be recognized during the annual IAA luncheon on Friday, May 14, 2021, at Caloosa Sound Convention Center in downtown Fort Myers. Applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on Dec. 31, 2020.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Lee County EDO have added a special award category for the 2021 IAA event. The Business Resiliency and Innovation Award will recognize a business that successfully pivoted their operations, products or services to be resilient and help the community during COVID-19. These companies have proved their resiliency by not only surviving but thriving during a crisis and may be companies that shifted to focus on a different set of customers in a new horizontal or vertical market. These businesses embraced challenges, listened to customers and conducted careful research in order to successfully shift operations for the betterment of the company, employees and the community.
Businesses will be honored in six additional categories:
Community Steward of the Year – Awarded to a company that partners with nonprofits, community organizations and programs to improve the quality of business and civic life in Lee County through its financial or volunteer support.
Innovator of the Year – Recognizes a local business that develops innovative advanced technologies in its own business or in its industry and has had a positive economic impact in Lee County.
Manufacturer of the Year – Awarded to a Lee County manufacturing business that exhibits excellence in leadership, performance, profitability and workforce relations.
Start Up of the Year – Awarded to a company founded in Lee County in the last three to five years that has overcome challenges and demonstrated continued growth in revenue and staffing to emerge as a business leader.
Large Business of the Year – Awarded to a Lee County company that has been in business six or more years under the same corporate name and ownership. The company must offer high-quality products and services, provide superior customer service, demonstrate strong ethical standards, be community minded, actively support employee development, and exhibit exemplary leadership within its industry and with its clients, contributing to the economic growth and free enterprise of Lee County. The Large Business of the Year category is for companies with 51 or more employees.
Small Business of the Year – The same criteria apply as the Large Business of the Year, but companies may not have more than 50 employees to be eligible.
To access applications or for additional information please visit IndustryAppreciationAwards.com.
The IAA will be part of a larger two-day celebration of business in Southwest Florida that will also include the Blue Chip Awards. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Horizon Foundation Chief Fundraising Consultant Dilman Thomas at 239-810-1948 or [email protected]
The Lee County Economic Development Office provides business assistance to retain existing businesses, attract new businesses and encourage entrepreneurship to ensure Lee County has a strong economy, thriving communities and broadly shared prosperity.
The Horizon Council is a public-private advisory board established in 1991 to advise the Lee Board of County Commissioners on economic development issues. The Council’s mission is to improve Lee County’s business environment, retain and encourage expansion of existing businesses and attract new and diversified employers. It is the only public-private partnership of Lee County Government and business leaders.
The Horizon Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization with the mission and purpose to support, foster, and encourage the economic development and diversity of business interests in Lee County. The Foundation provides financial, advisory and other support for the Lee County Economic Development Office and the Horizon Council as well as financial and other support to such other organizations and entities that the Foundation determines will promote and complement the interests and mission of the Foundation, the EDO and/or the Horizon Council.

CONRIC pr + marketing launches community event calendar - Agency highlights local business and community happenings

FORT MYERS, Fla. (December 8, 2020) — CONRIC pr + marketing is proud to announce…

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CONRIC pr + marketing launches community event calendar - Agency highlights local business and community happenings

FORT MYERS, Fla. (December 8, 2020) — CONRIC pr + marketing is proud to announce the latest addition to its newly redesigned website— the CONRIC Community Calendar. This online calendar is available for all to see and accessible to all businesses and organizations who wish to promote their events to the public at no cost- just one more way CONRIC hopes to give back and support our community during challenging times.
“CONRIC pr + marketing has served as a media resource promoting client and local events on our blog, social media platforms and digital newsletter for years,” said president and chief marketing officer, Connie Ramos-Williams. “We’re excited to now launch a dedicated space on our website that can serve as a valuable resource for event promotion where people can search for things to do in our community all throughout the year. This just one more way we can help keep #SWFL Strong!”
The CONRIC Community Calendar will feature local Southwest Florida business, non-profit and family-friendly events. Anyone may submit events that are held within the immediate Southwest Florida vicinity (Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry & Glades Counties) to the calendar. All submissions will be reviewed and approved before being published. To view upcoming SWFL events or to submit one of your own, visit conricpr.com/events.
CONRIC pr + marketing
CONRIC pr + marketing is one of the leading creative digital marketing, branding, public relations, advertising and web development agencies in Southwest Florida. Connie Ramos-Williams launched the award-winning, full-service agency in 2007. The firm serves a diverse portfolio of clients in many industry sectors including financial, legal, education, medical, government, non-profit, hospitality, manufacturing, construction, real estate, association, and salon and spa. CONRIC was named Gulfshore Business magazine’s Best Advertising Agency and one of the Best Public Relations Firms in the region in 2020. The agency has earned multiple Image Awards from the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association and Golden Image Awards from its statewide chapter, Charlie Awards from the Florida Magazine Association, national Addy Awards from the American Advertising Federation and international MUSE Award for creative design. CONRIC PR + Marketing has offices located at 5237 Summerlin Commons Blvd., Suite 307 in Fort Myers and 1415 Panther Lane in Naples.  For more information, call 239-690-9840 or visit conricpr.com.