Member News

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Mar. 2, 2021) – The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) is set to present a webinar with award-winning industry leader Heather Kernahan, North America CEO of Hotwire Global.
The chapter invites business leaders and PR/marketing professionals to attend the upcoming Zoom event, “Busting Silos Across Marketing & PR,” from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 9.
Attendees will learn about the convergence of marketing and communications and how it continues to rank highly in industry trends. While this notion may have been running in the background for some time, a surge in modern-day technology and data has revealed a new set of shared disciplines between the two professions.
Kernahan is a Global tech expert and business leader featured in Fast Company, Fortune, Thrive Global, BizWomen, PR Week, AdWeek 2020 and SF Business Times 100 Most Influential Women. She is also chair of the board of the PR Council, a global professional organization that represents professionals who work in agencies. Kernahan has also been recognized for her many accomplishments including being awarded a Bronze Stevie in the Woman of the Year – Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations category and top B2B Influencer in B2B News Network.
Registration for the webinar is $5 for students, $15 for members and $20 for future members. Please go to https://www.fpraswfl.org/event-registration/fpra-events/march-webinar/ to register.
About Hotwire Global
Hotwire Global is a PR and communications consultancy agency that helps businesses better engage and connect with their customers. From Sydney to San Francisco, they operate with a borderless mind-set across 12 wholly owned locations covering the US, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Australia, together with a partner network spanning 29 cities around the world.
 
About the Florida Public Relations Association
Established in 1938, FPRA is the oldest public relations organization in the country. FPRA is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners, who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For additional information, please visit the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA website at http://www.fpraswfl.org.

Mariand Torres as Eva Perón
Mariand Torres grew up in Miami, Florida and has called NYC home for 15 years. She is best known for playing the role of Elphaba on Broadway and the National Tour of Wicked, and most recently collaborated with Stephen Schwartz on the film version of his musical Snapshots, which was produced in collaboration with ACT of Connecticut. Other credits include: Broadway: Wicked, and the original cast of Broadway’s first Acapella musical, In Transit. National/International Tours: Wicked, and the world premiere of Prince of Broadway, directed by Harold Prince/Susan Stroman, which played in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan. Off-Broadway: Natasha, Pierre and the the Great Comet of 1812 (Original Off B’way Cast), School of Rock (Gramercy Theater World Premiere). Regional: Eva Peron in Evita (Kansas City Rep), Helen Bechdel in Fun Home (KC Rep) Lady of the Lake in Spamalot (Connecticut Rep), world premiere of Michael John LaChiusa’s Giant (Signature Theatre), and Murder Ballad (Actors Playhouse). TV: Madam Secretary.
Mariand has participated in the development of new musicals with New York Theatre Workshop, The Public Theater, LAByrinth Theatre Company, New York Stage and Film, Sundance Theatre Lab, The Old Globe and Yale Rep, among others. She has performed in concerts throughout NYC (Lincoln Center, Birdland Jazz, Joe’s Pub and others), with the American Pops of Washington, DC and as far as Beijing, China. Education: Bachelor of Music, Musical Theater, University of Miami.

Industry’s best recognized with the ADDY^® award for creative excellence in advertising.
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Mar. 2, 2021) — The region’s advertising industry shined bright at the American Advertising Awards ADDY^® Night Live gala on Saturday, February 20^th, hosted by the American Advertising Federation-Southwest Florida (AAF-SWFL). The evening’s festivities were emceed by comedian Sheena Reagan with musical guest The Rosada Project. What was judged to be Southwest Florida’s best advertising of the past year was showcased at the gala from among 150 advertising executions and campaigns entered into the competition. Entrants included advertising agencies, advertiser creative teams, and freelance professionals.
Also at the event, AAF-SWFL named Mr. Bob Beville, Vice President of Sales at Waterman Broadcasting, as its 2021 AAF Silver Medal honoree. The Silver Medal award program recognizes business community leadership and contributions to advertising by actively furthering industry standards, creative excellence and responsibility in areas of social concern.
AAF-SWFL American Advertising Award winners include:
Myra Janco Daniels Best of Show Award
Ø  Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Best of Category Awards
Best of Print
Ø  Wilson Creative Group for client Collins DuPont Design Group
Best of Sales & Marketing
Ø  Priority Marketing for client Southwest Florida Children’s Charities, Inc.
Best of Out-of-Home and Ambient Media
Ø  Shell Point Retirement Community
Best of Online Interactive
Ø  Wells Marketing for client Fords, LLC
Best of Film, Video and Sound
Ø  Celsius Marketing | Interactive for client Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design
Best of Cross Platform
Shell Point Retirement Community
Best of Elements of Advertising
Ø  Caryn Clark…The Hip Chick Voice! for client Your CBD Store
Best of Public Service
Ø  Quenzel & Associates for client Player’s Circle Theatre
Judge’s Choice Awards
Ø  Celsius Marketing | Interactive for client Wicked Dolphin Rum
Ø  Sun Broadcasting for client Just One of Those Dayz
Ø  Priority Marketing for client TwinCutz Barbershop
People’s Choice Award
Ø  Priority Marketing for client Guadalupe Center
Gold ADDY
Ø  AAF-Southwest Florida
Ø  Caryn Clark…The Hip Chick Voice!
Ø  Celsius Marketing | Interactive
Ø  CONRIC pr + marketing
Ø  Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Ø  NOISE INC.
Ø  Priority Marketing
Ø  Quenzel & Associates
Ø  Shell Point Retirement Community
Ø  Sun Broadcasting
Ø  Waterman Broadcasting
Ø  Wells Marketing
Ø  Wilson Creative Group
Silver ADDY
Ø  AAF-Southwest Florida
Ø  Absher Design Group, Inc.
Ø  Celsius Marketing | Interactive
Ø  CONRIC pr + marketing
Ø  Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Ø  Hodges University
Ø  Naples Zoo
Ø  NOISE Inc.
Ø  Payton Brands
Ø  Priority Marketing
Ø  Quenzel & Associates
Ø  Shell Point Retirement Community
Ø  Wells Marketing
Ø  Wilson Creative Group
 ABOUT THE AMERICAN ADVERTISING AWARDS
Conducted annually by the American Advertising Federation (AAF), more than 30,000 entries are submitted each year into the nationwide American Advertising Awards. The local chapter phase is the first of the three-tier, national competition. Concurrently, across the country, local entrants vie to win ADDY^® Award recognition as the very best in their markets.
At the second tier, local ADDY^® winners compete against winners from other local clubs in one of 15 district competitions. District ADDY^® winners are then forwarded to the third tier, the national stage of the American Advertising Awards. Entry in your local ad club competition is the first step toward winning a national ADDY^®.
Entering the American Advertising Awards supports the advertising industry. AAF uses the proceeds to enhance advertising through programs such as public service, student scholarships, legislative advocacy, advertising education, and consumer awareness.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN ADVERTISING FEDERATION-Southwest Florida
AAF-SWFL is the unifying voice for advertising in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties. The 501(c)(6) nonprofit business organization provides industry advocacy and knowledge sharing. It hosts a number of programs and initiatives that support its membership through government relations, professional development, advertising education, mentorships, networking, diversity and inclusion, and recognition of excellence. AAF-SWFL is a local chapter of the American Advertising Federation, the nation’s oldest and largest advertising industry trade organization of its kind. Learn more at aafswfl.com

FWC: You can help Florida’s nesting waterbirds.
As nesting season begins for waterbird species across the state, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing five easy ways that members of the public can help conserve these vulnerable bird species.
Many shorebird and seabird species, such as the least tern, nest directly on beaches across the state where their eggs and chicks are well camouflaged in the sand. Colonies of wading birds, such as herons, will typically nest on mangrove islands off the coast. Biologists stress that the most important thing for waterbirds during nesting season is space. When these birds are disturbed and forced to leave their nests, their eggs and chicks are left vulnerable to heat and predators.
“Small actions can make a big difference for wildlife,” said FWC Florida Shorebird Alliance Coordinator, Shea Armstrong. “By taking a few steps to limit disturbance to nesting waterbirds, we can help ensure they have a successful nesting season and that they will be around for our children and grandchildren to enjoy.”
Here are five ways you can limit disturbance and make a difference for nesting waterbirds:

1. Keep your distance from birds, on the beach or on the water. If birds become agitated or leave their nests, you are too close. As a general rule, it is best to stay at least 300 feet from a nest and to avoid walking through flocks of birds whenever possible. Birds flushing, calling out loudly and dive-bombing are signals for you to give them space.
2. Respect posted areas, including Critical Wildlife Areas, which are established to protect congregations of one or more species of wildlife from human disturbance during critical life activities including nesting, feeding or migration. Avoid entering any area marked with signs for nesting birds and use designated walkways when possible.
3. Keep the beach clean and do not feed wildlife. Food scraps attract predators, such as raccoons and crows, that can prey on shorebird eggs and chicks. Litter on beaches can entangle birds and other wildlife.
4. It is best to not take pets to the beach but, if you do, keep them leashed and avoid shorebird and seabird nesting areas. Always take your pet to pet-friendly beaches and be respectful of the rules.
5. Know what to do if you hook a bird while fishing. Remember, don’t cut the line: reel, remove, release. Visit MyFWC.com/Unhook to watch an educational video that shows step by step how to safely unhook a bird. It could save a life!

For more information, go to MyFWC.com/Shorebirds and download the “Share the Beach with Beach-Nesting Birds” brochure. Or go to the Florida Shorebird Alliance website at FLShorebirdAlliance.org to learn more about how to participate in shorebird and seabird conservation efforts.
Report illegal activity and any unposted nests to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922), #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone or by texting [email protected].
For more information about Florida’s CWAs, visit MyFWC.com/CWA.
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Mar. 2, 2021) – The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) is set to present a webinar with award-winning industry leader Heather Kernahan, North America CEO of Hotwire Global.
The chapter invites business leaders and PR/marketing professionals to attend the upcoming Zoom event, “Busting Silos Across Marketing & PR,” from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 9.
Attendees will learn about the convergence of marketing and communications and how it continues to rank highly in industry trends. While this notion may have been running in the background for some time, a surge in modern-day technology and data has revealed a new set of shared disciplines between the two professions.
Kernahan is a Global tech expert and business leader featured in Fast Company, Fortune, Thrive Global, BizWomen, PR Week, AdWeek 2020 and SF Business Times 100 Most Influential Women. She is also chair of the board of the PR Council, a global professional organization that represents professionals who work in agencies. Kernahan has also been recognized for her many accomplishments including being awarded a Bronze Stevie in the Woman of the Year – Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations category and top B2B Influencer in B2B News Network.
Registration for the webinar is $5 for students, $15 for members and $20 for future members. Please go to https://www.fpraswfl.org/event-registration/fpra-events/march-webinar/ to register.
About Hotwire Global
Hotwire Global is a PR and communications consultancy agency that helps businesses better engage and connect with their customers. From Sydney to San Francisco, they operate with a borderless mind-set across 12 wholly owned locations covering the US, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Australia, together with a partner network spanning 29 cities around the world.
About the Florida Public Relations Association
Established in 1938, FPRA is the oldest public relations organization in the country. FPRA is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners, who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For additional information, please visit the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA website at http://www.fpraswfl.org.
 

The annual South Florida Environmental Report details restoration, scientific and engineering accomplishments throughout the Everglades watershed
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) today released the South Florida Environmental Report for Water Year 2020 (May 1, 2019 – April 30, 2020) showing the continuing major progress being made for Everglades restoration and water quality under Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The 2021 South Florida Environmental Report highlights the restoration, scientific, and engineering accomplishments in SFWMD’s 16-county jurisdiction. The report also provides extensive peer reviewed research summaries, data analyses, financial updates, and a searchable database of environmental projects. The report covers environmental information for Water Year 2020 (May 1, 2019–April 30, 2020) and project budgetary information for Fiscal Year 2020 (October 1, 2019–September 30, 2020).
Highlights of Everglades restoration progress detailed in the report include:

• Progress expediting and completing more than two dozen projects identified by Gov. DeSantis in his Achieving More Now For Florida’s Environment Executive Order (19-12). Signed less than 48 hours after Gov. DeSantis took office, the order directs SFWMD to expedite the completion of these projects and during Water Year 2020 several of these projects have been completed or reached major milestones.
• Progress made fulfilling the requirements of the Everglades Forever Act (EFA) restoring the water quality and reducing the total content of nutrients such as phosphorus in Everglades-bound water.
• Progress made fulfilling the requirements of the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program which includes the implementation of restoration projects and other programs to improve water quality north of Lake Okeechobee and the coastal estuaries and reduce the flow of water into the lake.
• Progress being made completing components of other restoration plans for the Everglades such as the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and Restoration Strategies that will help improve the quality, quantity, distribution and timing of water in the Everglades.

The report also details environmental monitoring and permitting work that SFWMD undertakes to safeguard South Florida’s environmental resources.
Read SFER Highlights.
Read the full SFER report.
 

Registration is open for the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation’s 5K Virtual FUN Run/Walk. This will be a fun way for individuals and families to enjoy sunshine and fresh air in Lakes Park or wherever they prefer to exercise. For a $25 entry fee, participants can walk, run or jog at their own pace and be helping the non-profit foundation add enrichments to better Lakes Park for all to enjoy. Kick-off and t-shirt pick-up will be 9am-noon on March 27 and run through April 3, 2021 so participants can choose the best time for them. Sign up at LakesPark.org by March 21 to guarantee a race t-shirt. The event is being generously sponsored by Amavida Living, Riva Del Lago Condominium, Harris Dermatology, Bill Valenti/Morgan Stanley and Sarah Selfridge/Schooner Bay Realty. For questions, contact [email protected].
Entry fee : $25.00
Sign up:  Www.Lakespark.org
OR
Www.runsignup.com
“Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation
Virtual 5K FUN Run/Walk”
Marsha Asp
Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation
(239) 851-6434
[email protected]
http://www.LakesPark.org

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 26, 2021) – ​Better Together is hosting a pop-up community job fair for Southwest Florida residents from 2 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3 in Fort Myers.
The church-based job fair will connect job seekers with local employers who are ready to hire immediately. The community job fair is part of Better Together’s “Better Jobs” program, which has helped 32,000 applicants connect with employment opportunities across 20 states. At job fairs hosted by Better Together, two-thirds of attendees get a job interview, and one out of four receive a job offer on the spot.
“In times of economic hardship, we want to empower our neighbors in need by supplying the necessary resources they need to succeed,” said Megan Rose, CEO of Better Together. “Our team is dedicated to connecting people with opportunities to provide a loving, safe and supportive foundation for their families.”
The March 3 job fair will be held at Christ Community Church, located at 4050 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers. Space is limited. Participating employers include Advance Auto Parts, Jimmy John’s, JW Marriott, Managed Labor Solutions and Timberline Construction Group.
Job seekers can register at BetterTogetherUS.org/PopUp-JobFair.
Churches interested in hosting a Better Together job fair can visit BetterTogetherUS.org or email [email protected] for more information.
ABOUT BETTER TOGETHER
Better Together is a nonprofit organization that helps parents going through a hard time keep their kids out of foster care, find work and address the root causes of their struggle so that they can reunite as a family with the tools and support system to thrive. A privately funded and professionally supported organization, Better Together is made up of volunteers who believe helping people help themselves is the best way to restore dignity and bring families together. Through the Better Families program, families are offered a preventive alternative to foster care while they get the help they need. To date, the program has kept 96% of children served out of foster care. The Better Jobs program was created to address the 76% of families that come to Better Together because of economic hardship tied to unemployment. In addition to community job fairs, the program offers job seekers coaching, guidance, support and encouragement through local church partners. For more information, visit BetterTogetherUS.org.

At its February meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) directed staff to gather public input on the future management of snook, redfish and spotted seatrout in the area of southwest Florida where they are currently catch-and-release only. This came after the Commission received a staff review of the latest Fish and Wildlife Research Institute monitoring data and listened to public input on snook, redfish and spotted seatrout in southwest Florida. 
“We know this is an important issue to this region of Florida and, because of that, I will be working with staff to set up ways to gather continued input from recreational anglers and the fishing guide community,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton. 
“We have a responsibility for managing these species for all stakeholders,” said Vice Chairman Mike Sole. “It really is going to be a combination of looking at the science and listening to our stakeholders to determine how we can best manage the resources for all.” 
“We need to listen to everyone,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “I want recreational anglers to feel like their voice is important. 
Beginning in August 2018, the FWC made a series of temporary regulation changes to help conserve snook, redfish and spotted seatrout that were negatively impacted by a prolonged red tide that occurred in late 2017 through early 2019. Ultimately, these popular inshore species were made catch-and-release only in all waters from Pasco County through Gordon Pass in Collier County through May 31, 2021. 
Long-term monitoring data indicate snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout were resilient and did not experience long-term negative effects from the 2017-2019 red tide. However, anglers and charter captains have expressed concerns that these fisheries had declined prior to red tide and that the red tide affected habitat that is essential to these species. 
FWC staff will continue gathering public input both online at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments and through public workshops, which will be scheduled in the future. To learn more about future workshops, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Rulemaking” and “Upcoming Public Workshops.” 
FWC will revisit this topic at the May 12-13, 2021, meeting. Additionally, staff will provide updates to Commissioners after stock assessments for snook and redfish throughout Florida are complete later in 2021. These stock assessments, along with stakeholder input, will help staff and the Commission evaluate whether any long-term management changes are needed in the future. 
Learn more about regulations for these species by visiting MyFWC.com/Marine and clicking on “Recreational Regulations.” 
View the Commission meeting presentation at MyFWC.com/Commission by clicking on “Commission Meetings” and the agenda under “February 25-26, 2021.”