Member News

The two-day fundraiser began on Sunday evening with a gala for nearly 250 people at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club. Dozens of great auction items raised thousands of dollars that support Barbara’s Friends, the Golisano Children’s Hospital Cancer Center Fund and The Brain Tumor Navigator Program at the Lee Health Regional Cancer Center. The gala concluded with a poolside concert from the Bryan Brothers Band featuring Counting Crows drummer Jim Bogios.
More than 2000 people filled Suncoast Credit Union Arena at FSW Monday night to watch some of the world’s top tennis players take to the court for the fundraising exhibition tournament. World No. 14 Sam Querrey took on Mardy Fish in an exciting match won by Fish. Luke and Murphy Jensen entertained the crowd with their on-court antics during their doubles match against Robby Ginepri and Donald Johnson. The exhibition wrapped up with a hard-fought match between the greatest doubles team of all-time, Mike and Bob Bryan, and Sam Querrey and Robby Ginepri, with the Bryans coming out on top.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 27, 2018) – The Southwest Florida Community Foundation has launched an Earth Day campaign to raise awareness and funds for the environment in Southwest Florida.
The “Earth Day the SWFL Way” campaign is meant to engage locals on how they can save our unique environment and help be a part of the change by sharing what efforts they pledge to take in honor of Earth Day on April 22, 2018.
By visiting https://floridacommunity.com/environment/ participants can take a poll and choose three things they plan to do in honor of Earth Day. There are giveaways for everyone who engages and the Community Foundation is giving away Pura Vida bracelets to anyone who makes a donation to their Fund for the Environment of Southwest Florida.
Options in the poll for engagement include stopping the use of plastic straws, using your own cup when you buy a cup of coffee or tea, avoiding the use of plastic cutlery and bottles, using re-usable shopping bags and more.
“We are focused on a sustainable Southwest Florida and think the idea of doing the most good for the community right now while protecting it for the future is important,” said Sarah Owen, president and CEO of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. “Sustainability, especially for our environment, is at the center of everything we do.”
Earth Day is celebrating its 48th year as a movement that continues to inspire, challenge ideas, ignite passion and motivate people to action. The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life and is widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement. Today, the Earth Day Network (EDN) works with tens of thousands of partners in 192 countries to broaden, diversify and mobilize the environmental movement. More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world.
The Southwest Florida Community Foundation, founded in 1976, cultivates regional change for the common good through collective leadership, social innovation and philanthropy to address the evolving community needs in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The Foundation partners with individuals, families and corporations who have created more than 400 philanthropic funds. Thanks to them, the Foundation invested $5.4 million in grants and programs to the community. With assets of $115 million, it has provided more than $71 million in grants and scholarships to the communities it serves since inception. The Foundation is the backbone organization for the regional FutureMakers Coalition and Lee County’s Sustainability Plan. Currently, the Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s regional headquarters are located off College Parkway in South Fort Myers, with satellite offices located on Sanibel Island, in LaBelle (Hendry County) and downtown Fort Myers. For more information, call 239-274-5900 or visit www.floridacommunity.com.

M/V KUDU II relocated to new slip after $6.5 million renovation of city docks
NAPLES, Fla. (March 26, 2018) – Pure Florida is expanding its operation to the newly renovated Naples City Docks after the completion of a $6.5 million upgrade. Pure Florida’s M/V KUDU II is a fishing and sightseeing cruise vessel offering daily departures for deep sea, coastal calm bay fishing and sightseeing cruises.  In addition, the boat can be chartered privately for unique adventures on the water in Naples. Pure Florida’s CEO, Capt. Harry Julian said, “Partnering with the Naples City Docks is an exciting opportunity to expand where our guests can enjoy a Pure Florida experience. The renovated docks, new restrooms and ship store make accommodating guests easy and comfortable.” Pure Florida fishing captains are experts in their field and provide guests with everything they need from the fishing poles, to bait, plentiful fishing spots and will clean the fish upon return to the docks.  To book any Pure Florida fishing or sightseeing trip, visit www.PureFL.com or call 239-263-4949.
KUDU II offers versatile fishing excursions with 4 hour, 6 hour and 8 hour charters.  Guests will experience unique fishing that can include a combination of deep sea and coastal calm bay fishing along with unique sightseeing opportunities throughout Naples Bay, Rookery Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and more.  Deep Sea Fishing takes guests 20 miles or more offshore, depending on weather conditions, in search of the big catch. Fish can include grouper, snapper, sharks, tarpon and many other seasonal varieties. Coastal Calm Bay Fishing takes you along the barrier islands, which not only includes great fishing opportunities but also a chance to enjoy the nature and wildlife that abounds near the northern 10,000 islands.  Possible catches include grouper, snapper, redfish, snook and other seasonal varieties. Families of all ages are welcome to join these fishing excursions.

Private eco-sightseeing trips on the M/V KUDU II is a 2 hour experience for up to six guests, only available from the Naples City Docks.  Guests will cruise out to the Gulf of Mexico, seeing beautiful Port Royal mansions, touring through the northern 10,000 islands and getting up close to wildlife in their natural habitat. The excursion will be guided by an experienced Pure Florida captain who will also narrate on the history and ecology of the area.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 26, 2018) – The Fort Myers Miracle have announced a partnership with Achieva Credit Union that will provide up to 50 free tickets per game to area nonprofit organizations.

Achieva is inviting registered 501(c)(3) organizations to sit in its “Community Corner” at Hammond Stadium, offering up to 50 tickets so local groups can bring the whole team to the ballpark for Miracle home games.

“Achieva Credit Union has been a tremendous community partner for many years, and the ‘Community Corner’ is a great way to reward local organizations and individuals that dedicate their time and energy to great causes,” said Chris Peters, president and general manager of the Fort Myers Miracle.

“Achieva’s presence in Lee County is growing,” said Achieva CEO Gary Regoli. “Community involvement is a large part of Achieva’s company culture, and that makes the partnership with the Fort Myers Miracle such a good fit.”

The credit union just announced it is in the process of acquiring Preferred Community Bank, which will expand Achieva’s presence in Lee County with three more branches when the transaction is completed later this year. In addition, Achieva has played a major sponsorship role in events around Southwest Florida like the Coconut Run 5K & Kid’s Run to support area schools each year as part of the Coconut Festival in Cape Coral. Achieva has also sponsored the Cape Coral Festival of the Arts and has partnerships with area cities to produce “Movies in the Park” events, jazz festivals and “Boat-a-Long” events.

The Miracle, the Class-A Advanced Affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, begin the 2018 season on Thursday, April 5 against the Charlotte Stone Crabs. The 140-game regular season schedule runs through Sunday, Sept. 2.

The Miracle also are hosting five Nonprofit Nights during the season. For $100, organizations can receive 20 game tickets for staff, volunteers and donors, along with a table to promote their mission to fans. Nonprofit Nights will be held April 27, May 18, June 8, July 20 and August 17. Achieva “Community Corner” tickets are not available on these dates. Nonprofits may only attend one Achieva “Community Corner” game during the season.

Visit MiracleBaseball.com and click on the Community tab for more information about both programs. Nonprofit organizations can call the Fort Myers Miracle at 239-768-4210 to lock in a date.

About the Miracle

The Fort Myers Miracle are the Class-A Advanced Affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, and have played home games at Hammond Stadium since 1992. Notable Miracle alumni include Joe Mauer, Miguel Sano, Byron Buxton and Torii Hunter. Follow the Miracle online at MiracleBaseball.com or through its social media channels: Twitter (@MiracleBaseball), Instagram (fortmyersmiracle), Facebook (Fort Myers Miracle) and Snapchat (ftmyersmiracle). Opening Night at Hammond Stadium is Thursday, April 5 against the Charlotte Stone Crabs. For questions or ticket information, call the Miracle at 239-768-4210.

About Achieva Credit Union

Achieva Credit Union was founded in 1937 in Pinellas County. Today, it is rated a Superior 5-Star credit union by Bauer Financial and has with over $1.5 billion in assets and 23 branches, serving more than 150,000 members. Anyone who lives or works in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota Counties, or whose family member has an Achieva Credit Union account, can bank with Achieva. For more information about Achieva, visit www.achievacu.com.

Fort Myers, Fla. March 23, 2018 – The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee (WIB) will host its April networking meeting from 4–6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4th at The Burroughs Home at 2505 First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901.  This month’s WIB event will focus on The Value of Volunteerism while providing open networking for local professionals.  Local community leaders and volunteers, Marc Collins of Carroll Properties and Kelly Fayer, PA will cover the benefits of community involvement and the importance of donating time and talent. They’ll discuss the immense value that volunteers bring to the table for local non-profits and the value that volunteering can add to your own life, both professionally and personally.
Thank you to The Burroughs Home for sponsoring our April Women in Business meeting. Larue Pest Management is the scholarship sponsor for this event, while the non-profit spotlight will highlight the Uncommon Friends Foundation.  All business professionals are invited to attend.  Admission is $10 for Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce (GFMCC) members and $20 for future GFMCC members.  To register, call (239) 332-3624 or visit www.fortmyers.org.
ABOUT WIB:
Part of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, the Women in Business committee is dedicated to helping women achieve their fullest professional and personal potential.  A variety of networking and educational programs are offered throughout the year, typically the first Wednesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
ABOUT GREATER FORT MYERS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
Located at 2310 Edwards Drive in Downtown Fort Myers, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. has been serving Lee County and surrounding areas since 1989. The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is a business organization of professionals who support and promote a progressive, sustainable community.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 26, 2018) – Holiday House Chair Tracy McGee of the Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club recently presented a check for $26,970 to Executive Director Jennifer Nelson of the Uncommon Friends Foundation from its 61^st Annual Holiday House. As every year, the historic Burroughs and Langford-Kingston homes at 2505 and 2500 First Street are decorated in miles of ribbon, garland and lights, recreating the sparkle and richness of traditional holiday décor.
“We appreciate all the work the Fort Myers Woman’s Community Club puts into planning and executing the annual Holiday House fundraiser every year as its special gift of love to the community and to raise money for property maintenance year around,” said Uncommon Friends Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Nelson. “Each event is always unique and spectacular. Planning is already underway for 2018 Holiday House open from December 7 through 22.”
The Uncommon Friends Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1993, is dedicated to lifelong character building among today’s youth and business leaders. Its mission is to promote character education in schools, business ethics in the workplace, and historic preservation of the Burroughs Home and James Newton Archives. For more information, visit https://uncommonfriends.org/ or call 239-337-9503.

Lee County Tax Collector program shows students how art is used in commerce
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 26, 2018) – It’s more than just a way to beautify Florida’s roads. Kids Tag Art, a partnership between the Lee County Tax Collector and the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, collected over $40,000 this year for art programs at 49 participating schools.
The program gave more than 5,600 Lee County fifth-graders the opportunity to create a design for front-end decorative license plates to be sold on leetc.com, the Lee County Tax Collector’s official website. Students were encouraged to come up with designs that fit with a “Reach for the Stars” theme.
“Our children deserve the highest level of art education possible, and they need to see how they can use art within the framework of the marketplace,” Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart said. “I’m proud that we’re able to encourage and contribute to the success of so many students. It’s goes hand in hand with our mission of service to the community.”
Two designs from each participating school were selected as Award of Distinction winners. A reception catered by the Downtown House of Pizza and Jason’s Deli was held for students who created the winning designs. Each school was presented with a check for $800 to be used for art supplies.
The program continues to raise money for School District of Lee County schools. The tags will remain available on leetc.com through the end of the school year, scheduled for May 31. They cost $20 plus $7.50 shipping and handling. Each Award of Distinction art design can also be purchased as a mug or mousepad.
AAA – The Auto Club Group is the program’s Premier Sponsor. Prominent Sponsors are Sam Galloway Ford and eGOV. Several other community sponsors support Kids Tag Art, including Auto Data Direct/Title Check, Miami Heart Research Institute, Lee County Electric Cooperative, LifeLink, Strayhorn & Persons, P.L., and Goldberg Noone, LLC.
 About Lee County Tax Collector
The Lee County Tax Collector (LCTC) exists to serve the citizens of Lee County. The office takes pride in organizational excellence and offering exemplary customer service and operates by the credo of “We’ve got your back.” The LCTC operates leetc.com, the official interactive website of the tax collector, which allows county residents to quickly and easily take care of motor vehicle and vessel registration, pay property taxes, make appointments for concealed weapon permits and more. The agency operates six service centers open daily throughout the county to provide efficient, convenient services. The LCTC works to provide innovative and quality service that supports the growth and sustainability of the community. For more information, visit leetc.com or follow Lee County Tax Collector on social media.
About The Foundation
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Inc. is a private, 501(c)(3) organization established in 1986. Its mission is to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators through programs, resources and experiences made possible through corporate, individual and educational partnerships.
 

Free chocolate bunnies offered for online purchases

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 26, 2018) – The Norman Love Confections’ limited-edition Easter Collection is available through April 1, featuring rich egg crèmes in white, dark and milk chocolate. The 2018 Easter Collection offers fruity flavors including strawberry, lemon, orange and raspberry; delicacies like mint, caramel, peanut butter and coffee; and everyday favorites of chocolate and vanilla. Other Easter specialty products include milk, white and dark chocolate bunnies, as well as chocolate-covered marshmallow bunnies.

Additionally, Norman Love Confections’ Miromar Chocolate Salon is now offering a live-action dipping station, featuring chocolate-dipped strawberries, waffle cones and marshmallows.

For online purchases of $50 or more, customers receive a free chocolate bunny and those buying $100 or more in product get two free bunnies. This offer is good online only at www.normanloveconfections.com. Norman Love Confections’ 2018 Easter Collection is offered at Norman Love Confections’ chocolate salons in Fort Myers, Naples and Estero or at www.normanloveconfections.com. The 5-piece Easter Egg Box is offered at $13.25, the 10-piece Easter Egg Box is available for $24, and the 25-piece box is $50. Additionally, Gourmet Easter Baskets and other specialty gifts are available, including the Norman Love Mystery Boxes, offering themed assortments of chocolate treats by delivery.

Flavor descriptions of the 2018 Easter Collection

Lemon

White Chocolate

A splash of lemon mixes beautifully with white chocolate in this refreshing confection.

Orange

White Chocolate

A classic combination of orange juice and vanilla in white chocolate will always quench your thirst.

Strawberry

White Chocolate

Real fresh strawberries blended into white chocolate provide a pleasing pop of sweetness.

Raspberry

Dark Chocolate

A sweet surprise lies at the center of this dark chocolate – creamy white chocolate raspberry ganache.

Chocolate

Dark Chocolate

Drink a double dose of dark chocolate with this rich, creamy ganache-filled confection.

Vanilla

Dark Chocolate

We’re honoring yesteryear with this timeless combination of vanilla custard and dark chocolate.

Mint

Dark Chocolate

Just a “sip” of sweet mint flavors the vanilla ganache in this delicious dark chocolate.

Caramel

Milk Chocolate

Treat yourself to a spoonful of our famous creamy caramel, enrobed in a milk chocolate shell.

Peanut Butter Cream

Milk Chocolate

Peanut butter and milk chocolate are an ever-popular pair, from the soda fountain to the Chocolate Salon.

Coffee

Milk Chocolate

Roasted coffee beans enrich the creamy ganache center of this milk chocolate confection.

About Norman Love Confections

Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers, Florida. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Love has recently been named as the inaugural inductee of Dessert Professional Magazine’s Chocolatier Hall of Fame, partnered with local chefs to present a six-course meal at the James Beard House in New York and Norman Love Confections was ranked among the top 10 shops in the world for chocolate lovers by U.K. media outlet Daily Telegraph.

Norman Love Confections has four Chocolate Salons in Southwest Florida, and chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www.normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 26, 2018) — On April 7, Edison & Ford Winter Estates will host its last Rhythm on the River music celebration of the season with the Journey tribute band, Faithfully, at 6 p.m. in the river pavilion. During the show, Faithfully will give away a guitar signed by the group. The band has been performing Journey’s hits all around the world since 2011.
The Edison Ford river pavilion offers a beautiful river view and a chance to see a spectacular sunset. A limited number of seats will be provided; guests are encouraged to bring a folding chair.
Event tickets are $25 or $20 for Edison Ford members. A cash bar will be available. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit EdisonFordWinterEstates.org or call 239-334-7419.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 26, 2018) – Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce that partner Christina Harris Schwinn was honored with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) SWFL’s 2017 Excellence Award at the March SHRM SWFL luncheon.

Schwinn, former SHRM SWFL legislative director, was selected for this award because of her tenacious attributes and exemplary service on behalf of the organization. She accepted SHRM SWFL’s legislative director position in 2014 and took her responsibilities and this board position to the next level. During Schwinn’s four years of service in this position, she attended the HR Florida Legislative Conference each year, actively meeting with local governmental leaders to promote the selected HR Florida Workforce legislation. She implemented and sent out a weekly email, titled “Legal Development Updates,” providing all active chapter members with the latest legislative updates. She also has served as an SHRM SWFL luncheon speaker on an annual basis for the past five years, presenting on relevant legal and legislative updates.

The SHRM SWFL Human Resources Award of Excellence recognizes those individuals in the chapter who have achieved high levels of professional excellence in HR or an HR‐related field. Considered the “best of the best,” these individuals have impeccable ethics and are actively engaged not only within the HR profession, but also within their community as a whole. They are strategic business partners who strive for the highest standards of professional performance, and who serve as role models to others. They focus not only on their own professional achievements, but also on helping others achieve professional success. Champions for the HR profession, these individuals are dedicated to advancing the HR profession both inside and outside the HR community. For more information about SHRM, visit www.shrmswfl.wildapricot.org.

Schwinn joined Pavese Law Firm in 2005 and her primary practice areas are employment law, business transactions, community association law and real estate law. She is an accomplished public speaker and regularly writes articles that have been published both locally and nationally in a variety of publications. 

Pavese Law Firm is a full-service law firm with offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and West Palm Beach. The firm provides a broad range of legal services for individuals, families, small businesses and large corporations. Practice areas include agricultural, banking and finance, bankruptcy, business and corporate, civil litigation, condominium and homeowners’ association law, employment, environmental and water, estate planning, probate and trusts, marital and family, land use and government, and real estate law. Established in 1949 as a one-person general practice firm, Pavese Law Firm has grown into one of the largest legal practices in Southwest Florida. With a long history of service to Southwest Florida, Pavese Law Firm has played a significant role in the growth of local businesses, communities and major development projects. For more information, visit www.paveselaw.com.