Member News

FORT MYERS, FL: June 22, 2020: Pat & Lisa Ciniello, the couple behind the BOWLAND and HEADPINZ Entertainment Centers concepts in southwest Florida, have announced their company is buying ZOOMERS AMUSEMENT PARK in Fort Myers. The Ciniello’s are purchasing the property and all its contents from Mike Barnes, who opened the park in 2012.
“We had put our FAST TRAX concept on hold during the Covid-19 situation,” said Pat Ciniello. “So when I was made aware that the Zoomers complex was for sale, I thought it might be the perfect opportunity to pivot from our original FAST TRAX plan and resurrect the project at Zoomers. So now, we’ll turn this 18 acre property into the new FAST TRAX, complete with brand new OTL Electric Go-Karts (replacing the old gas-powered karts), and other upgrades to the arcade, kitchen, outdoor bar and party areas. A new feature we’re definitely adding is a number of lanes of Duck Pin Bowling, which is a small bowling ball and squatty short pins. It’s a blast and perfect for kids & adults alike!”
“After 8 years of operation Zoomers is ready for its next chapter. Evie and I couldn’t be more pleased turning it over to the Ciniello’s. It has been an exciting experience we couldn’t have accomplished  without our exceptional team.” said Mike Barnes.
Zoomers, which has been closed since March, currently features two different outdoor go-kart tracks, mini-golf, 10 mechanical carnival-type rides, bumper boats and an indoor arcade with more than 80 games. Ciniello said there will be changes to the current set-up but it’s too early to say exactly how the transformation will take place.
“I already have my design team looking at ways to modify the current layout,” Ciniello said. “One thing that I really want to see is how we can create more shade and coverings over the outside spaces. It’s really hot out there during the summer months.”
Terms of the sale were not disclosed. Ciniello said the closing should take place by mid-July. He expects to re-open as FAST TRAX in early December.
Bowling Management Associates (BMA) is the parent company of Bowland and HeadPinz Entertainment facilities in southwest Florida. Bowland centers are Beacon Bowl in Naples and Coral Lanes in Cape Coral. HeadPinz centers are located in Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Naples. The company has been in business since 1980, when Pat Ciniello first acquired Beacon Bowl. For more information, please contact MIKE CANNINGTON, Director of Marketing, at 239-302-2155.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 18, 2020) – Priority Marketing earned four international Telly Awards for its impactful video storytelling that raised both awareness and support for its client partners.
Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards is a premier global competition honoring excellence in local, regional and cable television commercials, as well as non-broadcast video and television programming.
The four award-winning videos earned by Priority Marketing in 2020 include:

• Silver Award (social media video): Harvest & Wisdom video outlining new organic dining options and culinary masterpieces at Shangri-La Springs.
• Silver Award (social media video): Shine the Light SWFL video highlighting the community’s remarkable acts of generosity and solidarity during the COVID-19 crisis.
• Silver Award (branded content video): Saluscare testimonial video featuring candid, emotional interviews with individuals impacted by mental health and substance use disorders.
• Bronze Award (social media video): Captiva Cruises promotional video showcasing the beauty of Southwest Florida, tour options and the company’s impressive fleet of boats.

“Video offers a unique storytelling platform that includes both broadcast and digital opportunities that have helped our clients achieve outstanding results,” said Teri Hansen, APR, president and creative director at Priority Marketing. “Video is the most powerful way to evoke emotion and capture an audience’s attention, and engaged viewers ultimately can become new customers, loyal donors and dedicated volunteers.”
Priority Marketing’s creative team of marketing professionals, which includes two in-house videographers, provides clients with concepting, scriptwriting, video shoot coordination, directing, editing and production, animation, motion graphics and more.
Each year, the Telly Awards attract more than 12,000 entries from all 50 states and across five continents. Winners represent some of the most respected advertising agencies, television stations, production companies and publishers around the world.
For more information, please visit PriorityMarketing.com/Video-Production or call 239-267-2638.
About Priority Marketing
Established in 1992, Priority Marketing is a full-service marketing, advertising, public relations and digital marketing agency located at 12140 Carissa Commerce Court, Suite 201, in Fort Myers. Follow Priority Marketing on social media through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. For industry news and marketing insights, visit PriorityMarketing.com/our-blog and watch the FAQ Fridays video series on YouTube. For more information, call 239-267-2638 or visit PriorityMarketing.com

NAPLES, Fla. (June 5, 2020) – Growth Development Associates (GDA) will host the “Resurgence 2020: Reclaiming Business Revenues in a Post-COVID World” small business virtual sales conference June 22-25. The live video conference will feature 16 sessions designed to help companies and business professionals acquire immediate revenue to stabilize their operations and remain financially viable. Registration for the conference is now open at growthdevelopment.com/resurgence.

Conference registration is $595 per person and includes access to the live sessions as well as 30 days of access to the session recordings and access for one year to the Resurgence Forum to post questions, make comments, and get more information about implementing these tools in the work environment. “I’ve personally selected each topic and each panelist to make sure that from every topic you’ll leave with precise skills, tools and activities to put revenue on your books within hours of this conference,” said Eric Richardson, CEO.

Day one of the conference is all about generating immediate growth from existing accounts.  The speakers will cover topics including product upgrades, setting up big deals and quantifying value to create urgency.  Alongside panelists who used these techniques at Siemens, Tellabs, IBM and Digital Computer, the speakers will teach attendees the four questions that plan, debug, and create buying frenzies.

The second day of the interactive sales conference will ramp up the effectiveness of sales calls.  Since every sales opportunity is precious right now, small businesses can’t afford to waste even one.  Speakers will coach attendees on establishing trust and getting attention in a meeting. With the help of panelists who used these techniques at Hewlett Packard, Honda, Microsoft and Naples Luxury Real Estate, speakers will also teach tips on getting returned phone calls and voicemails.  Most important, attendees will learn how to win the deal during questioning, well ahead of any negotiation.

On the third day the focus will continue on increasing the effectiveness of sales calls.  Topics will include presenting solutions, not pitches, and showing how products and services are a perfect fit for the person being spoken with.  Panelists who used these techniques at Chrysler, Mercantile Mortgage, TransUnion and American Express will join the speakers to discuss how to close for the next step on every deal, and how to turn objections into the very reason that customers become comfortable to move forward.

Finally, day four of the sales conference will include panelists who used these techniques at the U.S. Department of Education, IDLife, Val-Kro Manufacturing and Blue Cross Blue Shield who will help attendees turn their team into highly motivated, well-coached, amped-up performers determined and committed to perform at levels even higher than before COVID-19.  Speakers will also discuss how to turn a strategic and tactical plan into business infrastructure that engages the whole company to deliver on business objectives.

About Growth Development Associates
Growth Development Associates, Inc. (GDA) is a privately-owned training and management consulting firm with consultant offices located across the United States. GDA helps organizations and individuals achieve record-level growth. GDA has served clients in more than 40 countries.  Services include strategic and tactical planning plus sales training for executives, management, sales and support personnel.  Training and reinforcement are available via classroom, online, personal coaching, and year-long video and webinar programs. Proven results include increases in sales revenue, profitability, customer growth, account retention, and employee retention. Organizations representing hundreds of U.S. colleges are using or currently exploring the integration of GDA’s curriculum into certificate and accredited courses.  GDA is also working with colleges and corporate partners to provide skills development and placement programs to fill jobs in sales and customer support.  For additional information about GDA call 800-966-4321 or visit www.growthdevelopment.com.
 
Downloadable Digital Media:

Resurgence 2020: Reclaiming Business Revenues in a Post-COVID World – full conference schedule and speaker bios
Download Growth Development Associates logo
Visit Resurgence 2020 Sales Conference Facebook Event Page
Download Eric Richardson, CEO, Growth Development Associates headshot

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 1, 2020) – Priority Marketing is introducing economical marketing solutions called Power Packs designed specifically to reenergize and relaunch small businesses and organizations looking to refresh or restart marketing campaigns following COVID-19.
Three types of Power Packs are available and include social media, email marketing and public relations services to help meet established goals and objectives.
Additionally, Priority Marketing has launched three Start Up Packs for new businesses and those relaunching brands. Packages include foundational marketing services like logo and website development, brand identity sets, collateral, email templates, social media setup and more.
“The past few months have been challenging for all of us, and it’s extremely important that small businesses and nonprofit organizations are proactive during this period so they can continue connecting with their target audiences and generating buzz in the market,” said Teri Hansen, APR, president and creative director at Priority Marketing. “The Power Packs bundle some of our most popular and effective marketing solutions into easy-to-understand, affordable packages that will be executed by our creative team of digital marketing professionals and public relations experts.”
Priority Marketing, Southwest Florida’s largest full-service marketing, advertising, public relations and digital marketing agency, also is offering complimentary consultations by telephone and video chat, as well as free online resources, to help local businesses, nonprofits and community partners rebound from the health and economic crisis.
For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation, please call 239-267-2638 or email [email protected].
About Priority Marketing
Established in 1992, Priority Marketing is a full-service marketing, advertising, public relations and digital marketing agency located at 12140 Carissa Commerce Court, Suite 201, in Fort Myers. Follow Priority Marketing on social media through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. For industry news and marketing insights, visit PriorityMarketing.com/our-blog and watch the FAQ Fridays video series on YouTube. For more information, call 239-267-2638 or visit PriorityMarketing.com.

Cape Coral, Fla. (June 1, 2020) – Tom Hayden, a candidate for Cape Coral City Council in District 3, has partnered with several Cape Coral businesses and organizations to honor the Class of 2020 at Cape Coral High School with 332 signs that will be on display in front of the high school along Santa Barbara Boulevard, starting June 7.
In this 50th anniversary year celebrating the incorporation of Cape Coral, the signs are a way to recognize the accomplishments of the 41st graduating class of the city’s first high school. The signs will display the graduate’s name, the school logo and “Congratulations Class of 2020.” Hayden and members of the community will be placing the signs along Santa Barbara, beginning at 10 a.m. on June 7. The signs will be displayed through June 13, but graduates are welcome to get their individual sign as a keepsake beginning June 11.
“Congratulations from the Cape Coral community for all your hard work and this fantastic accomplishment,” Hayden said. “We know this is not the graduation you expected, but today’s events should not detract from all the hard work, all the tests taken and homework completed that brings you to the end of this remarkable journey and title of Cape Coral High School graduate.”
Cape Coral businesses and organizations stepped up with donations to have the signs made by Arthur Printing. They include the Rotary Club of Cape Coral, Gary Aubuchon of Aubuchon Homes, Inc., Wayne Kirkwood of Kirkwood Electric Inc., Calusa Certified Marine, LLC, and ACWoodcraft Inc.
“Education and accomplishment means the world to me and these graduates deserve to be recognized by our community,” Hayden said.
About Hayden
Born in Lafayette, Indiana, Hayden graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism. He worked 41 years as a journalist in various roles, including as a sportswriter and sports editor at newspapers in Lafayette and Muncie, in the North Hills of Pittsburgh and at The News-Press, where he was also Cape Coral editor and Community Conversations and Senior Engagement editor. Married to Joanne Hayden, they have five children and seven grandchildren. He serves on boards of numerous non-profits and has worked on various projects throughout Cape Coral.

Fort Myers, FL (June 1, 2020) – Alliant Association Management is pleased to announce they were recently awarded the diamond level winner in the management category for the 2020 Florida Community Association Journal Readers’ Choice Awards.
“Receiving an award such as the FLCAJ Readers’ Choice and being recognized within the industry is an honor,” said Millie Strohm, President and CEO of Alliant Association Management. “Much of the credit for this award goes to our hard-working and dedicated employees here at Alliant. We all work as a team to get the job done and provide the quality service that our clients have come to expect. This award is certainly a highlight, especially given the otherwise uncertain and challenging times the world is currently facing.”
The FLCAJ has been providing news and vital information to operators of condominiums, homeowners associations, cooperatives, and other multi-unit communities on a monthly basis since 1987. It is a well-respected and well-known authority in the industry. The annual Readers’ Choice Awards are in their seventh year and are announced in the March edition of the Journal.
About Alliant Association Management
Alliant Association Management specializes in the management of HOAs, condos and cooperatives. The company was founded in 2005 and is one of the largest locally owned and operated association management companies in SWFL with offices in Fort Myers and Naples. Serving over 170 communities, Alliant prides itself in taking the team approach when it comes to association management. To learn more, visit www.alliantproperty.com.

Fort Myers, Florida — Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is pleased to announce that Luca Hickman has joined the firm. He will be based out of Henderson Franklin’s Fort Myers’ office. Hickman, who is a registered patent attorney with a dual U.S./German degree in engineering, will expand the breadth of the firm’s litigation and intellectual property practice areas. Prior to joining the firm, he worked for a boutique international intellectual property law firm.
Hickman has experience working on high profile business and contractual matters, including multi-million dollar mergers and acquisitions involving publicly traded companies and celebrities, assisting clients with creation and management of intellectual property portfolios, brand licensing and anti-infringement matters – including extensive anti-counterfeiting work, and creating and overseeing global trademark portfolios. With his background in engineering and law, Hickman is in a unique position to understand both the underlying technical issues and the underlying legal issues assisting engineers and architects against design defect and professional liability claims.
Hickman serves on the Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Board of Directors, is the President and Director of the Fresh Foundation, Inc., and is a member of the Catholic Bar Association. When not working, he enjoys writing, working on cars and prototyping his latest invention idea. Hickman received his undergraduate degrees from the Milwaukee School of Engineering (with high honors) and Lübeck University of Applied Sciences. He also graduated valedictorian and first in his class from Ave Maria School of Law. Hickman may be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 239-344-1307.
Henderson Franklin is the largest, locally-based law firm 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. Since 1924, Henderson Franklin has been assisting clients to build their homes, businesses, and communities in Southwest Florida. Henderson Franklin operates offices in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Naples. For more information about Hickman or Henderson Franklin, please visit www.henlaw.com or connect with us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram.

Naples, FL (May 18, 2020) – Charity for Change has received a $5,000 grant from the Pelican Sound Charitable Foundation that will be used to add curriculum content, update the proprietary platform and create videos to compliment the curriculum. The new curriculum and videos will support the transition to distance learning and make it possible to reach more children.

“With the changes and challenges of social distancing and distance learning, it is more important than ever that we give our students the foundation they need to understand and manage their emotions,” said Karen Conley, founder and CEO of Charity for Change. “The current social distancing environment fuels isolation and disengagement. Our program develops resiliency, leading to the prevention of maladaptive behaviors, anti-social traits and mental health problems. The efficiencies created by our new virtual platform will expand the number of students we can reach for years to come.”

In 2008, Charity for Change started with two in-school programs in Collier County. Since then, the organization has served more than 62,000 children in Florida and several other states in afterschool, summer school, in-school and pre-school settings. Pre- and post-tests of children participating in the Charity for Change Afterschool Program at Guadalupe Center in Immokalee for the 2018-2019 school year showed an increase in character trait knowledge of 40%.

About Charity for Change

Founded in 2008, Charity for Change brings children together to see past their differences and work together for others in need to prevent bullying and violence and instill empathy and a giving spirit. Through character education and charitable activities, the organization serves children through its afterschool, summer school, preschool, and in-school programs. Since 2008, the program as impacted 62,000 children, instilling 19 character traits and raising $138,000 for 100 area charities. The goal of Charity for Change is to cultivate confident, compassionate children who become successful learners, contribute to their schools and communities, and will participate in society as empathetic, resilient ethical, and self-reliant citizens. In 2020, Charity for Change launched GiverTV, an interactive video series hosted on the Charity for Change website, charityforchange.org/givertvgames and Charity for Change’s YouTube channel. Videos feature the program’s mascots, Giver and U2Can, teaching foundational skills that include character education and service learning. For more information about Charity for Change, please visit www.charityforchange.org or call 239-592-6787.

FORT MYERS, Fla. – May 18, 2020 – Pushing the Envelope, Inc., a strategic marketing communication firm based in Fort Myers, has launched “Kickstart 2020,” a program to help fellow Southwest Florida businesses reopen post-COVID-19.
Given the current economic situation and the need for marketing help for businesses trying to reopen and gain traffic, Pushing the Envelope has identified the three most helpful, cost-effective strategies -– social media, public relations, email marketing.
For the budget-minded, they are now offering mini marketing packages focused on each, and a combination of the three.
These economical resources will provide businesses with defined return on investment and includes a once a month consultation to discuss marketing goals, business needs, etc.
Additional details and pricing information about “Kickstart 2020” can be found at https://www.getpushing.com/kickstart-2020/ or by emailing [email protected].
ABOUT PUSHING THE ENVELOPE, INC.
Pushing the Envelope, Inc., is a strategic marketing communication firm. Based in Fort Myers, the firm services clients both regionally and nationally. For more information, please call (239) 221-2858, visit www.getpushing.com or email [email protected]

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 21, 2020) – The Lee County Port Authority will be temporarily closing Concourse C at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) on Thursday, April 23, 2020, in an effort to consolidate airport resources. This closure will impact Delta Air Lines and United Airlines passengers traveling in and out of RSW. Delta passengers will go to Concourse D and United passengers will go to Concourse B for security screening and flights.
“In response to a decline in passenger traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic, LCPA has evaluated airport infrastructure and operations for ways to maximize efficiencies and implement cost-saving measures,” said Ben Siegel, CPA, C.M., acting executive director of the Lee County Port Authority. “By consolidating operational areas and temporarily closing Concourse C, this will help us better manage TSA staffing and checkpoint operations, as well as prioritize and increase the frequency of cleaning and supplies for the concourses in use.”
Ticketing and check-in for Delta and United passengers remains the same and flight arrivals scheduled to come into Concourse C will be moved to B or D.
Southwest Florida International Airport served more than 10.2 million passengers in 2019 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, visit www.flylcpa.com or Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flyRSW.