Cash flow, mitigating risks, PPP loans and tax law
FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 5, 2021) – Managing cash flow and financial risks during a pandemic can get complicated and frustrating. To assist manufacturers and other business owners, Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association (SRMA) will host the “Financial Risk Management” Roundtable on Zoom on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 8 a.m. There is no cost to attend.
“Addressing the urgent needs of SRMA’s manufacturer and affiliate members is our top priority,” says SRMA Board Chair Jeff Poirier. “This month’s webinar will address some of the biggest financial challenges manufacturers and businesses alike seem to face- managing cash flow and mitigating risks.”
This Roundtable webinar is generously sponsored by GEIS Construction and McGriff and open for all to attend. Participants will learn how to mitigate risks, navigate PPP funding, tax law, and cash flow management. Featured speakers include Donald Trummer, CPA at HBK’S Tax Advisory Group; Scott Gregory, Vice President and Business Insurance Agent at McGriff, Neil Shnider, CPA, CVA, MBA at
Florida SBDC at Florida Gulf Coast University; and Joseph Janoschka, Senior Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager of Business Banking at Bank of America. SRMA Board Chair Jeff Poirier will moderate the discussion and guests will have an opportunity to ask the panel questions that relate to their business.
To register for this free event, visit https://srma.net/category/events/ and a Zoom link will be sent to you. For more information about the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association visit SRMA.net, call 239-258-1385 or email [email protected].

About the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association

The purpose and objective of the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association is to bring together manufacturers to encourage the economic development of Southwest Florida through manufacturing, and to act as a forum for the expression and exchange of ideas and information among its members. The SRMA provides an advocacy platform for the general welfare of its members in the face of economic, civic and educational challenges. It encourages cooperation, information sharing and mutual aid, fostering social relationships and community involvement. Visit srma.net for more information or to become a member or sponsor.

People who are eligible to be vaccinated now include:

Phase 1

most recently eligible

• Persons ages 65 and older
• Health care personnel with direct patient contact
• Long-term care staff and residents
• Individuals extremely at risk of COVID
• K-12 school personnel, law enforcement officers, and firefighters age 50 and above
• (NEW) CVS is vaccinating teachers under age 50

Source: Florida Health Department

As part of our ongoing effort to increase public participation and engagement, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) encourages the public to provide input on the Final Draft 2021 Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Science Plan.
The final draft plan is available for public and peer review at SFWMD.gov/ASR. Please note that the public review period has been extended from 30 days to 45 days. Public comments can be submitted via email to [email protected] now through March 22, 2021.
About the Final Draft 2021 ASR Science Plan
The SFWMD and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) prepared the Final Draft 2021 ASR Science Plan to address uncertainties identified in the National Research Council’s (NRC’s) review of the ASR Regional Study Final Technical Data Report. There are potential benefits of ASR wells, and there are some technical uncertainties regarding regional effects of large-scale ASR implementation.
To address these uncertainties, the SFWMD and USACE developed a Final Draft 2021 ASR Science Plan, describing potential studies to be conducted as ASR wells are implemented in a phased manner. The ASR Science Plan was developed with review and input from an independent peer-review panel of scientists. The ASR Science Plan presents the first version of an overarching program of scientific studies that supports a phased ASR implementation schedule for the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration Project (LOWRP).
Although the studies proposed in the Final Draft 2021 ASR Science Plan are intended to be conducted at ASR locations identified in the LOWRP Integrated Project Implementation Report and Environmental Impact Statement, they may have broad application beyond the LOWRP’s scope.
The South Florida Water Management District is a regional governmental agency that manages the water resources in the southern part of the state. It is the oldest and largest of the state’s five water management districts. Our mission is to safeguard and restore South Florida’s water resources and ecosystems, protect our communities from flooding, and meet the region’s water needs while connecting with the public and stakeholders.

Webinar Series: PPP Updates for Your Small Business

COVID-19 Economic Aid Overview Webinar

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.

This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.

Join the South Florida District Office as we explore the next steps in the PPP process.

*Eventbrite access is required to register for the events.

(en español) Monday, March 8
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Monday, March 8
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Tuesday, March 9
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
(en español) Wednesday, March 10
11am – 12pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, March 10
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
PPP Forgiveness Webinar
The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, published a revised, borrower-friendly Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness application implementing the PPP Flexibility Act.
Join the South Florida District Office as we explore the next steps in the PPP process.
Thursday, March 11
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Friday, March 12
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.
Updated PPP Lender forms, guidance, and resources are available at www.sba.gov/ppp and www.treasury.gov/cares.

R.I.S.E. (Rebuild | Improve | Sustain | Engage) Business Forum IV
Industry Focus: Women and Minority-Owned Businesses

 Friday, 3/5/21 | 11:30AM-1PM

• Establishing Your Vision and Mission

• Branding You and Your Business

• Successfully Managing and Reframing Obstacles

To register for this free event, click here.

Save The Date for this diverse business and community summit
coming to Fort Myers April 9^th – 11^th
 FORT MYERS, FL (March 3, 2021) – Edison Mall, in partnership with the Dunbar Festival Committee, De’ Marshawn’s Salon & Makeup Studio, and SWFL Impact Partners, will host the inaugural SWFL Black Expo, a free to the public event, highlighting minority businesses of all types in the SWFL area April 9^th, 10^th and 11^th, 2021. A portion of the proceeds from this signature event will go to fund and expand local black owned 501c3 nonprofits in the area.  Edison Mall, as a goodwill ambassador is focusing on providing a safe, diverse, family-oriented center that is culturally and economically impactful for our SWFL community.
The SWFL Black Expo include a designated kid zone with crafts and activities, seminars, workshops and speakers for the brand-new entrepreneur to the seasoned business professional. There will be vendors, food trucks, and more.  An opening reception is scheduled for April 9^th with Lee Pitts Live hosting in the Food Court of the Edison Mall.
“At Edison Mall, we believe in the importance of embracing the diversity and multicultural backgrounds of our guests,” said Brad Lunn, General Manager. “We are looking forward to creating a truly community wide event, in partnership with the Dunbar Festival Committee, De’ Marshawn’s Salon & Makeup Studio, and SWFL Impact Partners. We need to celebrate the rich diversity our southwest Florida community holds.”
Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are available.  As April is Diversity Month, Edison Mall and its partners are inviting all businesses of color to become a vendor.  If you are a black owned 501c3, there will be a space reserved for you for free. A portion of the proceeds from this signature event will go to fund and expand local black owned 501c3 nonprofits in the area.  For more information on vendor and sponsorship opportunities please contact Angeli Chin at [email protected] or call 239-939-1933 x 2725.
The SWFL Expo is just one example of Edison Mall’s continued efforts to bring diverse communities together through unique events and programs, while allowing guests the opportunity to experience new cultures and learn about their traditions. For more information on the SWFL Black Expo, visit shopedisonmall.com.
Edison Mall remains focused on providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. In the continued need to address COVID-19, the town center has proactively implemented additions to the Code of Conduct, effective immediately and until further notice.
These additions include the following guidelines:

• Practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people.
• Covering your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover is recommended.
• Do not gather in groups.
• Adhere to each individual tenant’s COVID-19 policies.
• Adhere to all federal, state and local regulations, recommendations and mandates regarding COVID-19.

The Code of Conduct is posted at the town center and available online.
Edison Mall’s already rigorous disinfectant and cleaning practices will also continue many times per day, including periodically disinfecting areas most susceptible to the spread of germs. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer dispensers are located in highly-trafficked areas and walkways for public use.
The SWFL Black Expo embraces Edison Mall’s role as a community partner to offer guests one-of-a-kind, local products, while encouraging genuine connections with those who provide them. This is just one example of Edison Mall’s efforts to provide guests with safe, memorable experiences while supporting their community.
For additional information on Edison Mall’s please visit shopedisonmall.com
About Edison Mall
Edison Mall is Southwest Florida’s only enclosed and climate-controlled shopping destination serving the Greater Fort Myers and Naples area. The community center is home to more than 160 national and local retail, dining and entertainment options, as well as numerous events and activities throughout the year. A dynamic offering of things to do along with things to buy keeps guests engaged and returning often.
 

PPP Forgiveness Webinar

The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, published a revised, borrower-friendly Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness application implementing the PPP Flexibility Act. 

Join the South Florida District Office as we explore the next steps in the PPP process.

Thursday, March 4
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.

Friday, March 5
1pm – 2pm EST
Click here register on Eventbrite.

Updated PPP Lender forms, guidance, and resources are available at www.sba.gov/ppp and www.treasury.gov/cares.

FWC celebrates 12 years of out-of-season largemouth bass spawning
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management has successfully spawned Florida largemouth bass out of season for the twelfth year in a row at Richloam Fish Hatchery in Webster. This practice allows biologists to produce twice as many largemouth bass per year than other state’s hatchery systems whose hatcheries produce spawn only once a year. The benefit to the FWC is the efficiency of producing more fish without the added expense of collecting additional broodstock.
Freshwater fisheries biologists collected a total of 41 individual spawns during October 2020 that yielded over 250,000 fry, which were stocked in hatchery ponds to grow. Spawning Florida largemouth bass out of season provides other advantages for fisheries managers because south Florida warms up sooner than central and north Florida. Because south Florida is warmer earlier in the year, spawning fish out of season at Richloam Hatchery provides game fish to this region at a time when the fry’s natural forage is available, thus increasing the chances the fish stocked from the hatchery will survive. The 2020 out-of-season year class will be stocked in Lake Trafford in the spring and in Orlando community fishing ponds in the summer of this year.
For more information about the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, contact Laura Rambo Walthall at 850-488-0520 or [email protected].