Member News

March 28, 2018 – Fort Myers, FL – SWFL students are invited to a movie night on Friday, April 13th! For just $5, see the original classic sci-fi comedy Ghostbusters on the big screen, presented by the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center’s Junior Board of Directors. Donate a non-perishable food item to get a discount on ticket price! The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is located at 2301 First St. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District.
 
The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center established a Junior Board to provide young adults with an opportunity to gain experience serving on a non-profit board. Each year, the Junior Board is given a budget and tasked with presenting events to the community. The Junior Board meets regularly, plans events, and makes an action plan to put on the event. This extracurricular initiative serves multiple purposes: it allows Junior Board members to fulfill volunteer hours required for scholarships; it helps gain experiences related to learn teamwork, planning, and implementing projects developed; and it gives them experience serving on a managerial board.
 
As part of this year’s events, the Junior Board presents Ghostbusters on April 13th. The entry fee is just $5, and attendees can get a $1 discount on the ticket price if they bring a non-perishable food item to the event. Non-perishable food items will be donated to the Harry Chapin Food Bank in Fort Myers. Movie goers can also purchase concessions, like pizza, popcorn, soda, and candy. Seating and floor space for lounging will be available in additional to theater-style seating. Bring pillows if choosing to sit on the floor. Adults over 18 must be accompanied by a school-aged child to attend. All proceeds benefit the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center’s Junior Board.
 
The Junior Board presents Movie Night: Ghostbusters
Friday, April 13, 2018
7pm: Movie | 6pm: Doors
Tickets: $5 ($1 off with non-perishable food donation)
Visit www.sbdac.com or call 239 333 1933 for tickets and info.
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 28, 2018) – The Fort Myers Miracle will be offering spectacular fireworks shows after a dozen home games this season, bringing the popular family-friendly attraction back by popular demand.
Fireworks will dazzle Miracle fans after 10 Friday night games at Hammond Stadium in addition to Opening Night on Thursday, April 5 and Independence Day on Wednesday, July 4.
“There is no better way to start your weekend than a Friday night at the ballpark capped by fireworks,” said Chris Peters, president and general manager of the Miracle. “It’s one of our more popular promotions for fans, and thanks to our generous corporate sponsors, we’re able to continue lighting up the sky for 12 nights this season.”
All games featuring postgame fireworks shows begin at 7 p.m. Fireworks dates for the 2018 season include:

• Thursday, April 5
• Friday, April 6
• Friday, April 13
• Friday, April 27
• Friday, May 4
• Friday, May 18
• Friday, June 8
• Friday, June 29
• Wednesday, July 4
• Friday, July 20
• Friday, August 3
• Friday, August 17

 
Pyrotechnic displays will be coordinated by Zambelli Fireworks, a Pennsylvania-based company that produces more than 1,600 shows annually at municipal celebrations, corporate functions and sporting events.
Miracle single-game tickets cost an additional $1 on fireworks nights, and $2 more on Independence Day.
The Fort Myers 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.
For additional information, please call the Fort Myers Miracle at 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. 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.
 

Guests to network, tour the facility, hear more about operations and about
the organizations partnership with CROW.
FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 27, 2018) – Leadership NEXT, a professional organization for advancing business leaders in Southwest Florida, brought to you by the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, will host its next program on April 10^th from 5 to 7 p.m. at Specialized Veterinary Services (SVS) at 9500 Marketplace Road in Fort Myers. This program comes at a perfect time as National Pet Day is the very next day!
The program will offer guests the opportunity to network and tour the 24-hour, state of the art emergency hospital specializing in individual care for pets. Services include advanced imaging, internal medicine, interventional radiology, neurology, surgery and animal rehabilitation. SVS is also a drop off location for distressed or injured wildlife. CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) evaluates their status and treats them so they can be released to their natural habitat. Guests will also learn more about this partnership and how they are helping wildlife in Southwest Florida through research and conversation medicine.
The April program sponsors are Pool Pros, Inc. and Stevens Construction. Leadership NEXT is free to attend for members of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and $10 for future members. Refreshments will be provided. All guests are encouraged to register in advance at www.fortmyers.org.
Leadership NEXT is a premier networking group for advancing professionals in Southwest Florida. More than 50 guests representing a variety of businesses and industries throughout the region regularly attend the monthly programs designed to provide valuable information and foster collaborative working relationships. Programs take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month. The location will change every month based on the program topic. Follow Leadership NEXT on Facebook to learn more.
About the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. represents over 900 businesses, professionals, and individuals throughout Lee County. The Chamber provides opportunities for members to network with other business people, participate in meaningful committee work, become better educated through various Chamber-sponsored programs and communicate one-on-one with community leaders. Ten percent of all membership dues are returned to the community for education-related projects, scholarships, and workshops. To learn more, visit www.fortmyers.org.

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.