Member News

The Fort Myers CRA
Advisory Board will hold their Regular Meeting on
Wednesday, June 2 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Please contact the CRA Office for assistance if needed.
Phone: (239) 321-7100
Email: [email protected]
We hope to see you there.
Thank you!
More Information
To learn more about the Fort Myers CRA,
click the image link below to read our 2020 Annual Report:

*Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Monday, May 24, 2021, 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M., Effective Digital Marketing Channels for Small Businesses May 2021
Having identified your value proposition and USP and defined your target customers, this free livestream goes beyond organic (SEO) and social media traffic when it takes you into the Channels box of the Business Model Canvas and help you design an outbound marketing strategy. Free to attend. Click here to register. The workshop will be conducted by the Manasota SCORE Chapter.
Tuesday, May 25, 2021, 1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M., Creando un plan de contingencia financiero (Seminario en Línea)
Tener un plan de contingencia puede poner a su negocio en una mejor situación a la que se encontraba antes de la pandemia. Hablaremos de la evaluación financiera que necesita hacer y de la importancia de un plan de negocios de contingencia para atravesar o superar la posible crisis económica. Free to attend. Click here to register. The workshop will be conducted by the Florida SBDC at FIU.
Tuesday, May 25, 2021, 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., Review Your Options, Maybe Start Your Own Business?
If you have considered owing your own business you are not alone – millions of Americans share that dream. And yet, not everyone has the courage to get started. This free, interactive two-hour seminar will deal with the key information you need to be considering as you move forward. Click here to register. The workshop will be conducted by the Broward SCORE Chapter.
Tuesday, May 25, 2021, 6:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M., Start Your Business: Test the Viability Loading
In this FREE webinar, we will help you understand what is involved to start a business and your personal stage of readiness. We will not only discuss the basics behind starting a business, but also give you the tools you need to decide whether or not you have a viable business. Click here to register. The workshop will be conducted by the Miami-Dade SCORE Chapter.
Wednesday, May 26, 2021, 9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M., Negotiate Like a Boss! (Webinar)
Learn to negotiate like a pro! After this workshop you’ll which strategies to use during all types of negotiations and gain a significant advantage in your role. Free to attend. Click here to attend. The workshop will be conducted by the Florida SBDC at FIU.
Wednesday, May 26, 2021, 1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M., Small Business Tax Considerations (Webinar)
Do You Dread Tax Preparation Time Every Year? Whether you are filing your own taxes or rely on a CPA or accountant, it is important for small business owners to understand tax planning. Free to attend. Click here to attend. The workshop will be conducted by the Florida SBDC at FIU.
Wednesday, May 26, 2021, 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., Legal & Tax Implications of Starting a Business in Florida
When a business owner understands legal and tax issues that affect his or her business. Join Eric for a free, interactive workshop that will provide you with a wealth of information necessary to start or formalize your young or evolving business. Click here to attend. The workshop will be conducted by the Broward SCORE Chapter.
Thursday, May 27, 2021, 9:30 A.M. – 10:30 A.M., Financial Well-Being: Common Money Mistakes
In this webinar, we will talk about some of the most common mistakes people make with their finances and help you avoid them by: Managing your finances; Preparing for Financial setbacks; Meeting your financial goals; Making financial decisions. Free to attend. Click here to register. The workshop will be conducted by the Miami-Dade SCORE Chapter.
Thursday, May 27, 2021, 1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M., Setting Up Your Restaurant Now for Success Post-COVID
As businesses look to pivot again and adjust to the return to normal, there are fundamental steps you can take now to set your business up for success post-COVID. Free to attend. Click here to register.

Seminole Brighton Casino to Host Career Fair
WHAT: Seminole Brighton Casino will be staging a career fair.
Perks include $300 sign on bonuses for all positions (after 90 days of employment), comprehensive benefits package for full time employees, on call positions, wardrobe department providing uniforms, and career growth opportunities.
Positions are available in the areas such as, slot operations, cage cashier, public space, security, stewards, restaurant host/hostess, culinary and marketing coordinator.
Candidates are asked to bring a copy of their resume, a valid ID, social security card and, if required, a work authorization. They should also dress to impress.
Visit www.gotoworkhappy.com for a full listing of open positions.
WHEN: Tuesday, June 8
Anytime between 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
WHERE: Seminole Brighton Casino
17735 Reservation Road
Okeechobee, FL 34972

COVID-19 Economic Aid Overview Webinar
Tuesday, May 25
11am – 12pm EST
Online: Click here to join the Microsoft Teams event.
Call-in: 202-765-1264, ID 785977316#
Thursday, May 27 (en Español)
11am – 12pm EST
Online: Click here to join the Microsoft Teams event.
Call-in: 202-765-1264, ID 18289979#
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Forgiveness Webinar
Tuesday, May 25
1pm – 2pm EST
Online: Click here to join the Microsoft Teams event.
Dial-in: 202-765-1264, ID 770938296#
Updated PPP Lender forms, guidance, and resources are available at www.sba.gov/ppp and www.treasury.gov/cares.

.June Plant Sale at Edison and Ford Winter Estates
FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 21, 2021) — On June 19, starting at 9 a.m., Edison and Ford Winter Estates will hold a special plant sale, open to the public. The sale will take place outdoors, in the Garden Shoppe and surrounding areas. Additional plant vendors will also be on site, including Betty Ann’s Bromeliads, Calusa Palms and Tropicals, Deep South Natives, Miami Mike’s Bromeliads, Palm Tree Gardens, and SunLand Orchids. Admission to the plant sale is free (does not include tours or admission to the museum, lab or riverside of the property).
“With the rainy season around the corner, now is the time to buy plants for the garden,” said Debbie Hughes, Horticulture Director. “Once the rains start, Mother Nature will take care of the watering.”
The Garden Shoppe offers a unique place for gardeners to shop for quality plants. A large selection of flowering and fruit trees, butterfly plants, herbs, succulents, orchids, rare exotics and Florida natives are available. Many of the flowering trees and shrubs in the botanical gardens are available for purchase, along with wind chimes, fountains, ceramic flower pots and garden art. The Garden Shoppe is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
A limited number of garden carts are available, so guests are encouraged to bring their own. Edison Ford members receive a 10% discount on Garden Shoppe purchases (guests can join that day and get the discount). Refreshments will also be available for purchase.
Following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, masks are recommended when social distancing is not possible. Masks are required on guided tours. Protective shields have been installed at the ticket counter and outdoor checkout is available for plant purchases. For additional information, visit EdisonFord.org.
 

American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball Date Set
Lee County event scoots to exciting new location for Fall 2021
FORT MYERS – The Lee County Cattle Baron’s ball is on the move this fall. The American Cancer Society will hold this year’s 17^th annual event Saturday, October 23^rd at the beautiful and historic Edison & Ford Winter Estates near downtown Fort Myers. From humble beginnings at Sam Galloway Ford, the event has been held in many locations over the last sixteen years. The committee was looking for an outdoor location to safely allow the 350+ guests expected to gather together when planning for 2021. Edison & Ford met that need, while providing an beautiful view and surroundings, along with a central location within Lee County.
This year’s event is being chaired by Susan Frantz, founder and CEO of Frantz Marketing Solutions. Frantz also chaired the 2020 virtual experience and pediatric cancer fundraising campaign. She was incredibly motivated to chair again this year in order to continue the fight against cancer and hold an in-person event to support American Cancer Society.
“This year we celebrate 17 years and an amazing history of support in our community” Frantz said. “However COVID-19 has put ongoing support at risk and is undermining our lifesaving fight. When we gather together safely this fall for an incredible outdoor in-person experience, we are giving hope the advantage.”
If you would like more information on partnering with the 2021 Lee County Cattle Baron’s Ball, volunteering at the event, becoming a sponsor, or donating auction items, please visit leecattlebarons.com or contact Laura Bright, American Cancer Society staff partner, at 239.330.3497 or [email protected].
 
ABOUT THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to attacking cancer from every angle. For more information, go to www.cancer.org.
 

Governor Ron DeSantis issues proclamation for Safe Boating Week in Florida 
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued a proclamation for Safe Boating Week in Florida. We are grateful for his recognition of this important week urging Floridians and visitors to boat safely while enjoying Florida’s beautiful waterways.
SAFE BOATING WEEK IN FLORIDA 
WHEREAS, Florida is committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors to our great state; and 
WHEREAS, residents and tourists alike enjoy taking to the Sunshine State’s waterways to enjoy boating, fishing, sailing, and swimming; and 
WHEREAS, recreational boating is an important part of our state’s lifestyle, tourism, and economy; and 
WHEREAS, safe boating on our waterways begins with operator awareness and preparation, and it is important that Floridians are aware of potentially life-saving tips before boating including: wearing life jackets, staying sober while navigating, attending safe boating courses, participating in free boat safety checks, and carrying lifesaving emergency distress and communications equipment; and 
WHEREAS, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is committed to protecting Florida’s natural resources and people through proactive and responsive law enforcement services, including enforcing boating rules and regulations, coordinating boating safety campaigns and education, managing public waters and access to them, conducting boating accident investigations, identifying and removing derelict vessels, and investigating vessel identity theft and fraud; and 
WHEREAS, Safe Boating Week in Florida is an opportunity to bring awareness to life-saving tips and promote safe boating so Floridians can continue to experience the adventure of our waterways in the “Boating Capital of the World.” 
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ron DeSantis, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby extend greetings and best wishes to all observing May 22 – 28, 2021, as Safe Boating Week in Florida. 

• 2021 Safe Boating Week in Florida proclamation Word version.docx

The Lee County Port Authority is pleased that the Lufthansa Group has announced they will inaugurate weekly nonstop flights between Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Fla., and Frankfurt Airport in Germany in March 2022. Flights will be operated by Eurowings Discover three times a week between RSW and FRA. The flights will be published by Lufthansa Group and tickets can be booked starting May 26, 2021 at www.lufthansa.com.
For Lufthansa Group’s news release announcing the service, please click here.
For more information about Southwest Florida International Airport, please visit www.flylcpa.com or Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flyRSW.
MAY 20, 2021
Please note:  Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from Port Authority employees and officials regarding Port Authority business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your email communication may be subject to public disclosure.

(Fort Myers, Fla. – May 20, 2021) — The seventh annual benefit golf tournament, “Tee It Up FORE The Kids,” took place at The Club at Shell Point on April 24 and raised $45,000 for The Heights Center Early Learning (formerly GLAD Kids).
A part of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center family, Heights Early Learning’s mission is to ensure low-income families have quality, affordable childcare. 85 children birth to age four read, learn and play in a safe environment while their parents work to provide for their families.
The event was sponsored by The Masiello Family Foundation, The Healing Heart Giving Fund, and entech.
“The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average,” said Pat Ostrom, tournament director.  “This tournament helps ensure low-income families have quality, affordable childcare.”
Men’s team flight winners were Jim Dwyer, John Dwyer, Chris Dwyer and Jim Welch.  Ladies team flight winners were Doris Hill, Sandy Jacquay, Marilyn Grubisich and Constance Fennessey.  Coed team flight winners were Jan-Erik Hustrulid, David Vazquez, Megan Clipse and Ryan Richards. Closest to the pin winners were Jason Gunias, Louise Donadio, Nick Mazzola, Sophia Phelps, John Dunaham and Megan Clipse.  Closest to the line winners were Brad Prokop and Gerry Brasch.
For more information about The Heights Center, The Heights Foundation and Heights Early Learning, visit www.heightsfoundation.org  or call (239) 482-7706.
 About The Heights Foundation, The Heights Center, and The Heights Early Learning
The Heights Foundation works to build self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.
The mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts.  The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.   Heights Early Learning serves 85 babies through age 4. The Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 120 children from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community.   Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families cannot easily access family support services in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.

Dear Small Business Leader: The Small Business Administration (SBA) & Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) are providing several educational opportunities, starting today, for you to learn more about programs that will help your business get back on track. We are pleased to have U.S. Small Business Administrator Isabella Guzman join us to kick off this important webinar series today, May 20th at 4:00 pm ET in OUR REGION!! During this first event you will:
• Hear about what steps you can take now to learn and take advantage of new and existing programs that are available at the SBA
• Get an update regarding programs and recent policy announcements made by the Biden-Harris Administration
• Have your questions answered by SBA Leadership & small business experts
• Learn how you can become a vaccine leader in your community
• Discover tools and resources you can use to take your business digital
This event and the entire series are open to any small business owner & leader. We hope you will join us and Administrator Guzman today!
________________________________________
REGISTER HERE
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Disclaimer: Cosponsorship Authorization # 21-0501-14: The SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products, or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable Accommodation:
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities (such as providing an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter) will be made if requested at least 24 hours in advance of this event; please send an email with the subject header ACCOMMODATION REQUEST to [email protected], and in the body specifically state the accommodation you are requesting. An ASL Interpreter will be available live for the May 20th and June 3rd webinars. All the webinars will be recorded and will be available on sba.gov with subtitles within a few days after the event.
If you need live language interpreters for a webinar, please contact Stephan Jordan via [email protected] AT LEAST 72 HOURS prior to the webinar you wish to attend. Please use the date of the webinar you wish to attend as the subject header with INTERPRETER REQUEST and in the email please indicate the language you would like interpreted. If you need assistance with registration or other technical difficulties, please contact Stephan Jordan at [email protected].