Member News

FORT MYERS, Fla.  (May 28, 2019) The Uncommon Friends Foundation has opened nominations for its 2019 Business Ethics Award that are due by September 1. Businesses in Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry and Glades Counties who consistently demonstrate a system-wide commitment to high ethical business practices are eligible. Businesses can nominate themselves or be nominated by a third party. The online nomination form and detailed submission guidelines are available at www.uncommonfriends.org.
Finalists will be announced after the close of nominations and will be honored guests at the annual FGCU Business Ethics Roundtable to be held on Wednesday, October30 jointly hosted by Florida Gulf Coast University’s Lutgert School of Business and the Uncommon Friends Foundation. The recipient of the Business Ethics Award will be announced at the annual Uncommon Evening Gala to be held on Thursday, November 14 at the historic Burroughs Home & Gardens in downtown Fort Myers.
Celebrating its 26^th anniversary, the Uncommon Friends Foundation is dedicated to lifelong character building among today’s youth and business leaders, as it inspires future leaders toward excellence of character, a spirit of innovation, and a sense of purpose. It is located at the historic Burroughs Home & Gardens on the waterfront in downtown Fort Myers that offers a sheltered pavilion and dazzling water views for public and private events and tours year round. To schedule events or tours, call Executive Director Jennifer Nelson at 239-337-9503 or email [email protected] or [email protected].

The Urban Land Institute Women’s Leadership Initiative of Southwest Florida will be hosting a three-part professional development series this summer. Part 1 on Thursday, June 20th: Boost Your Professional Confidence. Attendees will: learn five ways to increase confidence in the next 30 days; why it is important to lead with your strengths; and how to work through challenging situations and break through fears. Part 2 on Thursday, July 18th: Stop Stalling and Take Action: How to Be More Decisive. Attendees will learn: how to prioritize their business day to get more done in less time; five ways to book their decision-making ability in their professional lives; and self-care techniques to keep their eye on the prize, event when the going gets tough. Part 3 on Thursday, August 15th: Communicate like a Boss: How to Enhance your Professional Communication Skills. Attendees will learn: how to communicate more effectively with clients and colleagues to get what they want or need; simple steps to boost their energy level to attract more of what they want; and strategies to help them “honor their time” and gracefully say “no.” All Parts will be held from 11am-1pm at Becker & Poliakoff, P.A., 12140 Carissa Commerce Court, Suite 200, Fort Myers, FL 33966 and include lunch. Please find information on the confirmed panelists and registration here. Seating is limited. Register today.
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 29, 2019) – Priority Marketing, a full-service marketing, advertising, public relations and digital marketing agency, has hired Kathy Becker as the firm’s senior content strategist.
In this newly created role, Becker works on behalf of clients to enhance public relations initiatives and generate consistent messaging through print, digital and social channels. The role also involves Becker providing strategic guidance on content strategies for clients across all departments.
Becker is a seasoned journalism and public relations professional with more than 35 years of experience. She previously was a senior copywriter at the corporate level for a national clothing brand, and prior roles include editor of Naples Illustrated for nearly 14 years and a variety of editing and writing positions at Gulfshore Life, a national Gen-X magazine and The News-Press. Becker’s freelance work has appeared in Arthritis Today, The Rotarian magazine, Cleveland Magazine and other publications.
Becker earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Drake University.
About Priority Marketing
Established in 1992, Priority Marketing is a full-service marketing, advertising, public relations and digital marketing firm located at 8200 College Parkway, 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.
– –
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 24, 2019) – One of America’s most prominent voices for gender equality is coming to the Lee County Bar Association’s next meeting. Michelle Suskauer, president of The Florida Bar and regular contributor to CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC and CNBC, will be the keynote speaker for the bar’s Third Annual Diversity Workshop and Luncheon. RSVPs are required at leebar.org or 239-334-0047 for the Friday, June 7 event that runs from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center on 2301 First St. in Fort Myers.
Suskauer is one of only six women to serve as President in the 70-year history of The Florida Bar, and she’s made leveling the playing field for women in the legal profession a cornerstone of her time in office. She’s worked this year to raise awareness of the gender pay gap and the Florida Bar’s grievance system for victims of gender-related misconduct, and she’s supported a proposal before the Florida Supreme Court that would provide parental leave for attorneys during trial.
“As the sixth female President, I know that women need to see other women rising in the ranks successfully and without sacrificing personal or family obligations so they know they can too,” Suskauer said to the Lee County Bar Association’s Res Gestae magazine. “It is my privilege and commitment to lift others and make sure the door is open for many more women to walk through, so that we lose count as to how many women have been president of The Florida Bar.”
Other speakers include local LGBTQ activist Arlene Goldberg and family law attorney Brian Kruger. The event is a function of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Lee County Bar Association, which includes attorneys Kelly L. Fayer and Henry Lee Paul, the Hon. Judge Devin George, Lee County Chief Deputy Tax Collector R. Noelle Branning, Lee County Bar Association President John Webb, and Ita Neymotin, regional conflict counsel for Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal.
“The presentations are sure to be very instructive and provide outstanding perspective
about the importance of continuing to attain greater appreciation of the diversity around us as well as the promotion of inclusiveness,” said Lee County Bar Association President John Webb.
The cost to attend is $25 for Lee County Bar Association members and $35 for non-members. Information about membership is available at leebar.org and by calling Executive Director Lisa Poulin at 239-334-0047.
About the Lee County Bar Association
The Lee County Bar Association, a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization, has served the citizens and legal community of Lee County since 1949 and has a current membership of almost 800. Its purpose is to further the education of its member attorneys and create meaningful interaction among them, and to inform the community on important legal matters. The bar strives to serve as a leader in advancing ethical conduct, excellence and the professionalism of its members. For more information, visit leebar.org or contact Executive Director Lisa Poulin at 239-334-0047 or [email protected].

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA (May 24, 2019) Rotary South honored some of Lee County’s top high school athletes on Wednesday, May 15th at the 2019 Rotary of Fort Myers South Scholar-Athlete Awards banquet. Civil rights pioneer and Olympic gold medalist Tommie Smith was the keynote speaker charged with the task of challenging this year’s nominees to excel as scholars, athletes, and citizens. As a recipient of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, he was best known for his iconic protest at the 1968 games in Mexico City which caused him to be vilified and ejected from the games, even though he protested against inequality, poverty, lynchings, and human rights.
The 33rd annual event recognized top athletes based on athletic and academic achievement, along with strength of character. 36 nominees gathered at the Fort Myers Crowne Plaza Hotel with the top male and female athletes winning $5,000 scholarships. In addition, ten athletes won $1,000 scholarships awarded by local businesses.
Pool Pros, Inc. and the Greater Ft Myers Chamber Foundation awarded the Service Above Self Scholarship to two recipients this year. Ariel Wallace of Lehigh Senior High School and Jordan Dovale of Island Coast High School both received one thousand dollars, not only for their athletic prowess, but also for academics.
“Eighteen Lee County-area high schools nominate a male and female who have GPAs of 3.2 or higher, won a varsity letter, and are involved in community & school activities” said Joe Mitchell, founder of Pool Pros, Inc. and chairman of the Greater Ft Myers Chamber of Commerce Board. “Pool Pros and the ‘Education Chamber’ have always been supporters of our youth’s education in Lee County and are more than happy to support hard workers like Jordan and Ariel.”
ABOUT POOL PROS, INC.:
Pool Pros is a swimming pool renovation company based in Fort Myers, Florida. It’s founder, Joe Mitchell is the current president of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and community leader who: helps local students bring up their grades, awards scholarships to local athletes, helps raise funds for education, and sponsors annual golf tournaments to benefit the Education Chamber. For information on pool renovations, visit https://www.poolpros-inc.com/services/renovation.

NAPLES, Fla. (May 22, 2019) – Charity for Change celebrated a year’s worth of learning 19 character traits, practicing charitable giving, volunteering and academics with year-end awards and fun at six high-energy assemblies at four Collier County schools this month. The last two celebrations for this year were Wednesday at Calusa Park Elementary, one of the first two schools to participate in Charity for Change when it was started in 2008. The year-long school program with coordinated class, school, family and community participation develops key skills: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making.
Since 2008, Calusa Park Elementary School children have raised $54,868 with fundraisers and by successfully completing academic challenges to “earn” donations from community partners for classroom charities. This year, children in Kindergarten-5^th grade at the school raised $1,884. Since it started, children in the Charity for Change program have raised a total of $133,842 for area non-profits the students learn about and select.
Students from each classroom, as well as one student of the year are recognized at each assembly, but the highlight is the appearance of Giver, the furry 6-foot orange orangutan mascot that helps motivate children during the year and by doing the Giver Shiver dance.
Jack Chadwick, president of Spring Run Charitable Foundation, supported by residents of Spring Run at the Brooks in Bonita Springs, said the board this year learned about Charity for Change and the foundation has donated $20,000 to support programs and promised support for the future. He attended his first year-end assembly Wednesday since learning about Charity for Change.
“I think it’s just fantastic to see the enthusiasm of not only the teachers but the students,” he said. “I was completely blown away. This is where our future is, with these children.”
Chadwick was joined at by other community partners at who support the program at Calusa Park Elementary including Mike Iacampo, Wells Fargo Advisors; Javed Kapadia, Ralph MacNiven, Bill Sever and Kelly Richards, State Farm; Lynda Meeker; Chris Knott, Naples Security Solutions; Joel Kessler, Old Naples News; and the Hon. Caroline Martino, Board Member.
Calusa Park Elementary Principal Lynda Walcott said she was happy to continue the program when she became principal five years ago. “Our students benefit in a variety of ways,” she said. “They learn how to give back to our community through charities that they can support, as well a match component helps with their math skills and teaches them to be kind.”
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. Through character education and community engagement, the organization serves children through its afterschool, summer school, preschool, and in-school programs. The goal of Charity for Change is to cultivate confident, compassionate children who become successful learners, contribute to their communities, and participate in society as ethical, employable, fulfilled and self-reliant citizens. For more information, visit www.charityforchange.org.
 
–
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 22, 2019) – Peace, honor, remembrance. Those emotions and so many others are stirred for visitors to The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. The mobile exhibit honors service members of the U.S. armed forces who died in the Vietnam War and those who were unaccounted for during the war, bringing the experience of the iconic Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington to a wider audience. The Rabe O. Wilkison American Legion Post 38 and the Colonial Charitable Foundation are teaming to bring the exhibit to jetBlue Park on Sept. 7-8 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day.
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is a three-fifth scale of the national memorial, standing 6 feet tall at the center and covering about 300 feet from end to end. The names of over 58,000 valiant service members who gave their lives or remain missing are etched into the traveling monument.
Visitors can see their reflection among the engraved names as they approach the glossy black granite, a feature meant to symbolically bring the past and present together. They will be able to take a piece of paper, place it over a name and rub a wax crayon or graphite pencil over it to create a memento of their loved ones.
The exhibit helps veterans and family members who have been unable to visit the Vietnam Memorial in Washington connect with the strength and courage they need to do so within their own communities. It’s a chance to heal, rekindle friendships and educate newer generations.
The landscape around the traveling wall is designed to be open and approachable, with tranquil spaces where visitors can gather their thoughts. There will be fresh flowers, a reflection tent and benches placed at the periphery of the memorial, all spaces designed to promote healing.
Visit travelingwall.us to see photos of the mobile exhibit and go to centennial.legion.org to find out about other events marking the American Legion’s 100th anniversary this year.
About The American Legion Post 38
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. Months later, on Sept. 5, 1919, Post 38 in Fort Myers became the first American Legion post in southern Florida. Named the Rabe O. Wilkison Post after a Fort Myers man who lost his life bravely fighting in World War I, the organization welcomes veterans from all branches of the U.S. armed forces to continue serving God, country and community. Members seek to serve the underserved by raising money to award scholarships to Southwest Florida children, giving aid and assistance to veterans in need, and supporting a number of other community programs and projects. Visit post38-swfl.org to learn how to join.
About Colonial Charitable Foundation
The Mission of the Colonial Charitable Foundation is to support local charities, programs and individuals in the greater Fort Myers and Lee County area that may not be served by other organizations. The Foundation is funded through the generous support of the Colonial Country Club community and other local individuals and businesses.
 

FORT MYERS, Fla., (May 22, 2019) – Pace Center for Girls, Lee County’s next Love That Dress! collection event, “FUNky Fashion Show,” will be held on Wednesday, June 19.
FUNky Fashion Show, hosted by IBERIABANK and presented by the Gunterberg Charitable Foundation, includes a fashion show of one-of-a-kind recycled or repurposed pieces created by individuals and businesses, as well as a selection of must-see “ready to wear” looks from the Cape Coral-based boutique, Razzle Dazzle. Guests can enjoy food and signature cocktails from Big Blue Brewing, raffle items and music by Robert McDonald of New Beginnings.
Guests at the collection party also can be among the first to purchase tickets for a chance to win a 24-month lease on a new 2019 INFINITI QX50 SUV. Only 150 tickets will be sold, and the winner will be drawn at Love That Dress! on Aug. 21.
FUNky Fashion Show runs from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19 at Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Parkway in Cape Coral. The fashion show starts at 7 p.m. Per person tickets include admission, food and a complimentary drink and are $50 in advance or $60 at the door. Bring a new or gently loved dress to donate and receive a free raffle ticket. To purchase tickets, please visit www.LoveThatDressLeeCounty.com.
Eco-friendly fashionistas can also enter a dress in the FUNky Fashion Show. Entries are $75 per person and include event admission, food and a complimentary drink. Prizes for the fashion show include Runway Ready, People’s Choice and Funkiest Fashion, and prizes include two tickets to Love That Dress! and a $100 Gift Card.
Love That Dress! is an annual campaign soliciting donations of new and gently loved dresses, handbags, shoes and accessories. A series of social events helps build inventory, and the campaign culminates with what’s described as “the ultimate feel-good shopping spree” in which supporters enjoy an evening of shopping, music, cocktails and a silent auction.
Proceeds from Love That Dress! events support Pace Center for Girls’ programs and services, which assist girls ages 11 to 18 who have multiple risk factors impacting their academic achievement, including family income, substance abuse, domestic violence, foster home placement, neglect, grief, incarceration of a family member and physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
In August 2018, more than 450 fashionistas and community supporters attended the 10^th annual Love That Dress! fundraiser, helping raise more than $157,000 to support Pace Center for Girls, Lee County.
To learn more about Pace Center for Girls, Lee County and its programs, please visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee or call 239-425-2366.
About Pace Center for Girls, Lee County
Since 2007, Pace Center for Girls, Lee County has been providing girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. The gender-specific, strength-based program is one of 22 Centers throughout Florida, and is known throughout the nation as a best practices model for diverting girls from the juvenile justice system. Pace is a registered not-for-profit organization that relies on the support of individuals, businesses, civic/community organizations and churches in Lee County in order to serve girls and their families. Since its inception, Pace Center for Girls, Lee County has served more than 650 at-promise girls and young women, believing each one deserves an opportunity to find her voice, achieve her potential and celebrate a life defined by responsibility, dignity, serenity and grace. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, Lee County, call 239-425-2366 or visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee.
– END –
 
Media Contacts:
Emily Golden, Priority Marketing, [email protected], 239-267-2638 or 239-565-1595 (cell)
Dave Breitenstein, Priority Marketing, [email protected], 239-267-2638 or 239-317-5424 (cell)

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 22, 2019) – The Fort Myers Miracle are bringing a hockey tradition to Hammond Stadium on Friday, June 7, when the team will host its first Teddy Bear Toss to benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.
“The Teddy Bear Toss might be a hockey thing, but if it’s for a good cause, then we’ll gladly try it,” said Chris Peters, president and general manager of the Fort Myers Miracle.
Miracle fans are asked to bring new, unwrapped teddy bears and stuffed toys of all shapes, sizes, species and characters. After the final out is recorded, fans can throw their stuffed animals onto the baseball field. Miracle players and staff will collect the bears, which will be donated to Golisano Children’s Hospital and given to pediatric patients as a means of providing comfort and support during their hospital stay.
“The Florida Everblades have held a Teddy Bear Toss for the past 20 years, and it’s been incredibly successful,” Peters said. “Southwest Florida residents are known for their generosity, so we’re hoping the community comes out to Hammond Stadium on June 7 with as many teddy bears as they can carry.”
First pitch for the June 7 Miracle game is at 7 p.m. against the Jupiter Hammerheads. Postgame fireworks will follow the Teddy Bear Toss. General admission tickets start at $8.50 in advance or $10 on game day. 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.
– END –
Media Contacts:
Marshall Kelner, Fort Myers Miracle, [email protected], 239-768-4210 or 952-239-4325 (cell)
Dave Breitenstein, Priority Marketing, [email protected]

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 21, 2019) – Shell Point Retirement Community’s 2019 Summer Concert Series will welcome a performance by the Gulfshore Tenors at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, in the Grand Cypress Room at The Woodlands at Shell Point, 14441 Woodsong Lane in Fort Myers. The event is open to the public, with tickets available for $20 online at www.shellpoint.org/summer or by phone at 239-454-2067.

The Gulfshore Tenors will perform, for their fifth year in Southwest Florida, a diverse repertoire of musical selections including standard love songs of the 20th century like “Unchained Melody,” “Nella Fantasia” and “Sway” – all songs made famous by singers such as Il Divo, Andy Williams and Elvis Presley. 

To learn more about the upcoming performance by the Gulfshore Tenors, visit www.shellpoint.org/summer or call 239-454-2067. Tickets purchased online or by phone will be held for pick-up at will call on the night of the performance.

About Shell Point Retirement Community

Shell Point Retirement Community, founded in 1968, is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers, Florida. Shell Point offers independent retirement living, assisted living, and skilled nursing for its 2,400 residents in an active, resort-style environment. Lifestyle amenities include deep-water boating access with free dockage, a championship 18-hole golf course, and other recreational and educational activities. To learn more, visit www.shellpoint.org or call 1-800-780-1131.