Member News

  
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 13, 2019) – Norman Love Confections has hired seasoned professional Liz Zollars as its new corporate sales manager for Central Florida.
In this newly added role, Zollars will serve as the chocolatier’s concierge for Orlando-area businesses and organizations wishing to create a corporate gifting program for their valued employees, clients and prospects. Norman Love Confections packages its handcrafted, ultra-premium artisan chocolates in gift boxes, towers and baskets that are ideal for corporate gifting needs, including prospecting, thank you gifts, special promotions, company events, holiday gifts and celebrations.
Zollars previously was the national sales director for NOAH’s Event Venue, which offers event venues for business meetings, corporate seminars, weddings and special occasions across 23 states. She also held positions as a regional manager and event venue director for the company. Zollars’ prior roles include positions as an assistant event coordinator, event design assistant, business and sales development assistant, and project coordinator for a variety of corporations and major events in Central Florida.
Zollars earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Event Management from the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management and an Associate of Art degree in Business Administration and Management from Valencia College.
 
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 was named 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 Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, including a pastry shop and café at Whole Foods Market in Fort Myers salon. 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 ca

(Fort Myers, Fla. – August 12, 2019) — The Heights Foundation fourth annual benefit golf tournament “Swing Fore The Kids” presented by Five County Insurance will take place on Friday, September 27 at Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club in Fort Myers.  The proceeds of the event support The Heights Center’s programs that work to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood of Fort Myers.  Last year’s tournament raised $26,500.  Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., there will be a boxed lunch, a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. and dinner, auction and awards at 6:00 p.m.  The presenting sponsor is Five County Insurance.
 
“The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average,” said Jim Sanger, Chief Operating Officer of The Heights Foundation.  “This tournament will help support programs at The Heights Center including School Success and our enriching summer camp.”
Tournament Registration is now available.  A foursome is $600 and a two golfers are $300.   Sponsorships that include golf packages and recognition are available.  Sponsors include Entech, Baja Electric, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, Capital Bank Foundation and Clinger, Sizemore and Associates.  The sponsorship deadline is September 13 and golfer registration deadline is September 20. For more information visit www.heightsfoundation.org/golf or call Jim Sanger at (239) 482-7706 or email [email protected]
 
About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center
 
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.   GLAD Kids is a child care and pre-k center serving more than 80 children birth-five.  The Harlem Heights Community Charter School currently serves kindergarten through fourth grade and will expand to serve up to 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 are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.
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FORT MYERS, FL (August 12, 2019) – Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens (LARC) is hosting the inaugural Exceptional Employers of Southwest Florida event on Thursday, September 12 from 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at The Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s Collaboratory, 2031 Jackson St, Fort Myers, 33901.   The event is free and open to the public.  Advance registration is requested.  The purpose of the event is to recognize exceptional employers in our community that have hired individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
 
The event will include a light breakfast, networking and a panel discussion with local business owners and executives discussing best practices for employing individuals with disabilities.  Panelists include Brian West, media and communications manager, Publix Super Markets, Pat Carroll, co-founder, Carroll Properties Investments and David Mulicka, owner, Honc Destruction.
 
“We are recognizing the unique talents that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities bring to the workplace,” said Angela Katz, LARC Development Director.  “They are capable and are some of the most dedicated and reliable employees any business could want.  We encourage companies that are currently employing people with different abilities to attend, as well as those who are interested in building a diverse workplace.”
 
“Individuals with disabilities offer a broad pool of talents and tend to stay on the job longer than employees without disabilities,” said Pat Carroll. “Given the opportunity, they are able to show their skills, loyalty, and determination, and become successful members of the community. Hiring people with exceptional abilities is a win-win for everyone.”
 
Businesses who employ people who are differently able are encouraged to register in advance so they can be recognized at the event.  To register as an Exceptional Employer or to register as an attendee visit www.larcleecounty.org/events.
 
Event sponsorships are available.  For more information contact Angela Katz, Development Director at 239-334-6285 x229 or [email protected].
 
Established in 1954, LARC is a training center for success for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. LARC serves more than 300 individuals annually and participants range in age from 14 to 76.  LARC offers vocational training, community residential services, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis.  LARC’s main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers, and a satellite campus is in Bonita Springs.  LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes located in Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.
To learn more about LARC visit www.larcleecounty.org
 
About LARC
 
Established in 1954, LARC Inc.’s mission is to empower and support individuals with disabilities and their families to reach their full potential. LARC is a 501(c)3 that provides programs and services for approximately 300 local men and women annually. The nonprofit offers vocational training, community residential services, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis.  LARC’s main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers, and has a satellite campus in Bonita Springs.  LARC also operates two Residential Group
 
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 8, 2019) – SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. has introduced its 2019-2020 board of directors, led by Sandy Stilwell-Youngquist as president and Jason Stephens as vice president, in addition to Ray Higdon as vice president of marketing and public relations, Brooke Denson as secretary and Jeff Lagarce as treasurer.

SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. board members are responsible for supporting the operations and mission of the nonprofit and administering funds that support local organizations committed to pediatric health care and education. Officers are also responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of the 2020 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, a signature fundraising event featuring world-class cuisine, renowned vintners and a spirited live auction.

Celebrating its 12th year, the 2020 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest will take place Feb. 21-22, 2020. The two-day event will feature uniquely themed Chef Vintner Dinners on Friday, Feb. 21, held at private homes throughout Southwest Florida, followed by The Grand Tasting and Live Auction on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs. The majority of the auction proceeds from the event will be allocated to support pediatric health care services at Golisano Children’s Hospital, as well as pediatric health care educational programs at Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College.

To learn more about the 2020 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, please visit www.swflwinefest.org.

About SWFL Children’s Charities Inc.

SWFL Children’s Charities Inc.’s annual signature fundraiser, the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest, has raised more than $26.9 million over the past 11 years, making it one of the top-grossing wine fests in the country. The 2020 event will support pediatric health care services at Golisano Children’s Hospital, as well as pediatric health care educational programs at Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College. For more information, visit www.swflwinefest.org.

Who:       The Preserve, A  Family of Senior Living Options by Volunteers of America
What:     Come learn what you can do today to improve your balance and prevent falls.
Where:   Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Rd., FM  33912
When:     August 29th 3:30-4:30 PM

RSVP To 239-574-0078

Presented by :  John Nicolette, physical therapist, Director of Allied Health Services, Gulf Coast Village and The Preserve.
About John:      Originally from Oneonta NY, John Graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Physical Therapy.  With a passion for the practice, he then became a full-time professor of Physical Therapy in Binghamton, NY, before moving to Southwest Florida.  During John’s 20+ years in Lee County, he has worked as a Physical Therapist in various settings, but he also continued as a teacher and now advisor at FL Southwestern College and Kaiser University.
The Preserve:   Opening in 2019, The Preserve is an amenity rich senior living community in an intimate, boutique style setting, providing progressive care and personalized service delivered with exceptional hospitality.
14750 Hope Center Loop, Fort Myers, Fl 33912
For more information, call 239-574-0078 or visit thepreservevoa.org
 

Emergency Water Damage, Flood, Fire & Sewage Cleanup

Seriously, lets be friends! Everyone needs a friend to call when they have an emergency at their home or business!
FP Property Restoration is Florida’s leading full-service property damage restoration company, serving both residential and commercial property owners throughout the state. From water and flood damage to fire and smoke damage, sewage spills, damaged contents, mold, and more, our highly trained and IICRC-certified team is capable of handling it all.
Whether your home has suffered serious storm damage or your place of business was affected by a fire, or you need a mold inspection, you can rely on FP Property Restoration to respond quickly and provide you with the exceptional repairs, remediation, and restoration services you need. When you reach out to us, we will be on-site in 30 minutes or less for all emergencies. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week all year-round.
Need to schedule a free mold inspection or water damage estimate?
Need property damage restoration services in Florida? 
Contact Vincent from FP Property Restoration today at (239) 219-8650 to schedule a free, on-site inspection.
Best Regards,
Vincent Idaspe
Business Development Representative of SW Florida
FP Property Restoration | Life Uninterrupted
IICRC Certified Firm
Licensed Mold Remediators: MRSR2615
Licensed Mold Assessors: MRSA2437
Contractor: CBC1254220
Toll Free: 888-595-1105 | Mobile: 239-219-8650
[email protected]
Visit us online at: www.FPRestoration.com

Fort Myers, FL. (August 7, 2019) – Alexander Miel has joined Allyn International Services, Inc. (Allyn) as a Logistics Specialist at their global headquarters in Fort Myers, Florida. Miel is responsible for collecting and communicating all necessary information related to upcoming and ongoing shipments, projects and services. Miel will also be providing support, consulting, and obtaining best possible transportation rates for one of Allyn’s biggest clients.
Before joining Allyn, Miel earned his Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Studies from Florida Gulf Coast University. Miel brings to Allyn experience in transportation services, most recently serving as Assistant Manager at Penske Truck Leasing.
Alexander Miel hired as Logistics Specialist for Allyn International
About Allyn International
Allyn International is dedicated to providing high quality, customer centric services and solutions for the global marketplace. Allyn’s core products include transportation management, logistics sourcing, freight forwarding, supply chain consulting, tax management and global trade compliance. Allyn clients range from small local businesses to Fortune 500 firms. Allyn conducts business in more than 20 languages and has extensive experience in both developed and emerging markets. Highly trained experts are positioned throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Allyn’s regional headquarters are strategically located in Fort Myers, Florida, U.S.A., Shanghai, P.R. China and Prague, Czech Republic. For more information, visit www.allynintl.com

Eight-game homestand also features ‘Military Appreciation Night’
to raise money for veteran charities
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 7, 2019) – The Fort Myers Miracle have joined other Minor League Baseball teams across America to raise money for Vs. Cancer, the signature fundraising campaign of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
The Miracle will host Vs. Cancer Night on Friday, Aug. 9 at Hammond Stadium to generate support for pediatric brain tumor research as well as family support and child life programs. Fans can donate at the ballpark and purchase raffle tickets for baseballs autographed by former, current and future MLB ballplayers. Sport Clips also will be on hand offering haircuts in exchange for donations.
Minor league teams have turned the Vs. Cancer fundraiser into a competition, allowing donors to offer online contributions on behalf of their favorite Single-A, Double-A or Triple-A baseball team. Several Miracle players also have created their own accounts and are soliciting donations from fans.
“The Miracle gladly partner with a variety of charitable organizations in their fundraising initiatives, and the Vs. Cancer movement is critically important to help children who are battling brain cancer,” said Chris Peters, president and general manager of the Fort Myers Miracle. “Although we’re hoping to generate the most donations among all minor league teams, the key is raising as much money collectively as we can to help the Foundation.”
To donate to the Miracle’s Vs. Cancer campaign, please visit Team.CureTheKids.org/team/233684.
Vs. Cancer Night highlights an eight-game homestand that includes the following promotions:
Thursday, Aug. 8 (7 p.m. vs. Jupiter Hammerheads)

• University of Miami Night: Wear Hurricanes gear to purchase tickets for $5.
• Thirsty Thursday: $1 and $2 beer specials courtesy of Budweiser and Cat Country 107.1.
• College Night: $5 tickets for students with valid ID.

Friday, Aug. 9 (7 p.m. vs. Jupiter Hammerheads)

• Postgame Fireworks Show: Pyrotechnics launch after the final out from right field.
• Cancer Night: Join the Miracle in the fight against cancer; proceeds will support the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
• Ferris Buehler Night: The first 500 fans through the gate will receive special Miracle sunglasses.

Saturday, Aug. 10 (6 p.m. vs. Jupiter Hammerheads)

• Bark in the Park: Dogs are welcome and receive treats upon arrival; Lee County Domestic Animal Services on site to discuss adoptions.
• NFL Night: Miracle fans will have an opportunity to win game tickets to see the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
• Military Appreciation Night: All active duty and retired military personnel and their family members will be admitted free with valid I.D., courtesy of American Legion Post 38. The Miracle will be wearing custom patriotic jerseys that will be auctioned for charity during the game.
• Tank Top Giveaway: The first 500 fans through the gate will receive a Miracle tank top.
• Youth Sports Night: All youth sports teams can contact the Miracle ticket office in advance for a special group discount.

Sunday, Aug. 11 (11 a.m. vs. Jupiter Hammerheads)

• DQ Family Sunday: Free ticket offer through participating Dairy Queen restaurants
• Pre-Game Catch and Post-Game Run the Bases: Fans can play catch on the field prior to the game; children 12 and under can run the bases after the game

Monday, Aug. 12 (7 p.m. vs. St. Lucie Mets)

• Nothing Night: The Miracle are inviting baseball purists to Hammond Stadium for a night without wacky promotions, music between innings or walk-up songs.

Tuesday, Aug. 13 (7 p.m. vs. St. Lucie Mets)

• Two for Tuesdays: 2-for-1 specials on tacos, fountain drinks and draft beer, courtesy of Coors Light and 96K-rock.

Wednesday, Aug. 14 (7 p.m. vs. St. Lucie Mets)

• Wicked Wing Wednesday: Boneless or bone-in teriyaki, BBQ and hot chicken wings will be priced at just 50 cents all night; fans 21-and-older who purchase 10 or more wings will receive a $2 off coupon for a Wicked Dolphin liquor product at the Salty Crab Bar.
• Halfway to Valentine’s Night: Celebrate with your loved ones at the ballpark.

Thursday, Aug. 15 (7 p.m. vs. St. Lucie Mets)

• Thirsty Thursday: $1 and $2 beer specials courtesy of Budweiser and Cat Country 107.1
• College Night: $5 tickets for students with valid ID
• Networking Night: Bring your co-workers and friends for a special pregame gathering at 6 p.m. at the Salty Crab Bar featuring Wicked Dolphin.

Hammond Stadium is located at CenturyLink Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Parkway in Fort Myers. General admission tickets start at $7.50 in advance or $9 on game day; fireworks games cost an extra $1.
For more information about baseball tickets and game-day promotions, please call 239-768-4210 or visit MiracleBaseball.com.
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. The Miracle won the 2018 Florida State League Championship, the team’s second title in five years. Notable Miracle alumni include Joe Mauer, Jose Berrios, Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano 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). For questions or ticket information, call the Miracle at 239-768-4210.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 7, 2019) – Priority Marketing, a full-service marketing, advertising, public relations and digital marketing agency, was honored by the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) for outstanding public relations programs, winning a total of five awards at the Golden Image Awards held during the 81^st Annual FPRA state conference on Aug. 6 in Tampa, Florida.

Priority Marketing earned a Golden Image Award and a Judges’ Award for a video brochure and printed insert developed for Guadalupe Center. To help engage donors in a fundraising campaign, Priority Marketing crafted an eight-page case for support that used creative copywriting and eye-catching graphics to demonstrate the need for private support. The firm conceptualized, scripted and coordinated poignant and touching videos that played on a screen module inside an innovative trifold video brochure provided to potential donors. Within one month, Guadalupe Center had received major gifts and pledges from 29 donors, exceeding its fundraising objective by 140%.

Additionally, the Firm earned an Award of Distinction for its execution of a compelling 3-minute Fund-A-Need video for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s 2018 Magic Under the Mangroves event, inspiring a record-breaking $1.5 million in donations during the Fund-A-Need portion of the Magic Under the Mangroves event.

Priority Marketing also earned an Award of Distinction for its execution of a public information campaign for The School District of Lee County, designed to educate voters about a half-cent sales tax increase to fund school construction, renovation, maintenance and other capital costs. Priority Marketing helped the School District develop and execute a multi-platform public information campaign, “Change for Change: It’s About Kids, Not Numbers,” and the referendum was approved in November by 52% of Lee County voters.

An Award of Distinction was also awarded to Priority Marketing for the company’s FAQ Friday Video Series for generating nearly 10,000 video views on social media, a 170% increase over 2017; reaching 15,500 engaged social media users in 2018 (up 137% over 2017) and 3,500 page views (up 136% over 2017) as well as increasing organic traffic to the company’s website and blog.

The Florida Public Relations Association presents the annual Golden Image Awards to recognize measurable excellence among Florida public relations professionals. The winners are selected by a panel of industry professionals outside the state of Florida who evaluate entries based on several criteria including a situational analysis, objectives, implementation, results and budget. Priority Marketing has won more than 200 Image Awards since the inception of the program in 1957.

About Priority Marketing

Established in 1992, Priority Marketing is located at 12140 Carissa Commerce Court, Suite 201, in Fort Myers. For more information, call 239-267-2638 or visit PriorityMarketing.com. Also, follow Priority Marketing online at twitter.com/prioritymktg or on Facebook. For recent news and marketing insights, visit the blog: PriorityMarketing.com/our-blog.

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Lee County students get ready to roll for straight-A safety

The School District of Lee County is kicking off the school year with a Back-to-School Block Party from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 10 at Bell Tower Shops.

Presented in partnership with Safe Kids Southwest Florida, Lee County’s largest back-to-school block party is free and open to the public, offering family friendly fun for all ages, including a “Safe-to-School” Safety Zone, interactive games, a bounce house, giveaways, music and a visit from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to include Sheriff Carmine Marceno, multiple school resource officers and Deputy Dogs.

The “Safe-to-School” Safety Zone will get K-12 students ready to roll for straight-A safety, highlighting important safety tips for pedestrians, bicyclists, bus stop safety, driving and other student-related safety recommendations.

“We are excited to start the new school year and welcome our students back to campus,” says Superintendent Dr. Greg Adkins. “The Back to School Block Party is the perfect way to get students excited but also remind them about ways to stay safe when they ride the bus.  I look forward to seeing everyone there.”

Bell Tower Shops is located at 13499 S. Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers.  Media is invited to attend.  Please RSVP to [email protected]

For more information, contact:

Rob Spicker

Assistant Director, Media Relations and Public Information

239-461-8420

[email protected]

  
Vision: To be a world-class school system