Member News

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.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 26, 2018) – The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is hosting a new weekend event that combines fishing and food into one family-friendly experience.

The Tails & Tailgating Kids Fishing Tournament, presented by Stokes Marine, Inc., is Saturday, April 7 and will be held at Marine Max, 14030 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers.

The children’s fishing tournament starts at sunrise, and anglers may fish from land or boat. Children must return to Marine Max by 2 p.m. to check in and announce what type of fish they caught. The deadline to register for the fishing competition is Friday, April 6. The cost per child is $25 and includes a participation trophy and access to the after-party following the competition. All children and parent fishing partners will also receive an event T-shirt.

The after-party includes a shrimp boil at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 at the door and include food and beverages.

“We are excited to bring a day of fun and food to the Southwest Florida community during the Tails & Tailgating Kids Fishing Tournament,” said Dan Adams, chairman of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce board of directors. “Designed to include the entire family, the inaugural event provides opportunity for our area’s youngest anglers to get out on the water, and the after-party is sure to offer a great time for all ages.”

In addition to Stokes Marine, Inc. as the title sponsor, event sponsors include Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops as the Kid’s Zone sponsor and Captains For Clean Water as the Snook sponsor. Redfish sponsors include Caloosa Tent & Rental, Camping World, HBK CPAs & Consultants, IBERIABANK, Lott & Gaylor Insurance, Poll Pros, Inc. and The Mitchell Family, R & R Sprinkler & Landscape, Solomon & Hoover Certified Public Accountants and Stevens Construction. Trout sponsors include Prawnbroker Restaurant Group and Suncoast Beverage.

Prospective participants in the fishing tournament can contact Stephanie Davis at [email protected] for more information.

About the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce:
Serving Lee County and surrounding areas since 1989, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a business organization of professionals who support and promote a progressive, sustainable community. The Chamber represents nearly 800 businesses, professionals and individuals throughout Lee County, providing opportunities for members to participate in a variety of meaningful networking, educational and community- and business-focused programs and events. The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is located at 2310 Edwards Drive in downtown Fort Myers. For additional information regarding membership opportunities or events please call 239-332-3624 or visit www.fortmyers.org. For the latest news and updates, follow the Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gfmcc or Twitter at @FtMyersChamber.

FORT MYERS, FL (March 27, 2018) – Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Co., P.A. (MNMW) welcomes Moises Moraga as an IT Support Specialist to the firm’s Information Technology department.  In this position, Moraga provides customized IT services for internal MNMW team members, as well as clients of the firm.  This includes server management, diagnostics, virus/malware removal, network security, and IT consulting.
“Technology plays a huge role in the success of all business entities, and Moises brings our clients and team members additional expertise and experience to ensure that we provide the best IT services,” said Michael Tarabokija, A+, MCP Information Technology Manager for MNMW.  “Our department has been expanding to provide more services to clientele, and he has been an amazing asset to the team.”
Moraga brings more than 15 years of experience to MNMW, specializing in providing technical support for notebook and desktop users.  He has been on top of the ever-changing program changes, having provided support for Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 98SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10 operating systems; as well as support for convergence products.  Moraga holds a Specialized Associates Degree in Computer Hardware Technology from the New England Institute of Technology at Palm Beach.
Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Co., P.A. is a public accounting and consulting firm with offices in both Fort Myers and Naples.  The firm offers a wide range of services including business consulting, human resources consulting, technology consulting and support, tax planning and preparation, litigation support, mediation, forensic accounting, and elder services.  For more information, call (239) 433-5554 or visit www.markham-norton.com

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 27, 2018) – Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available for Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida’s 2018 Business Hall of Fame, Lee County induction and awards ceremony on April 25.

During the event, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida will induct Pason Gaddis, co-founder and CEO of Florida Media Group, LLC, and Gary Griffin, P.E., president and CEO of B & I Contractors, Inc., into the 2018 Business Hall of Fame, Lee County.

The dinner and awards ceremony is Wednesday, April 25 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, 5001 Coconut Road in Bonita Springs. A cocktail reception at 5 p.m. kicks off the event and will be followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $250 each, and sponsorship packages that include up to eight seats are still available.

The prestigious Business Hall of Fame award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who serve as role models for youth through their professional accomplishments and commitment to the community. Gaddis and Griffin will join a distinguished group of individuals who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since its founding in 1999.

To reserve tables, purchase individual tickets or become a sponsor, call the Junior Achievement office at 239-225-2590 or visit www.JASWFL.org. Proceeds benefit local Junior Achievement programs.

About Junior Achievement:

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future and make smart academic and economic choices. Junior Achievement programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches 4.8 million students per year in more than 100 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.6 million students served by operations in over 100 countries worldwide. Locally, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida partnered with more than 280 classroom business volunteers during the 2016-2017 school year to provide more than 10,600 students with Junior Achievement programs in excess of 440 classes throughout Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. For more information on Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida visit www.JASWFL.org, call 239-225-2590 or email [email protected].

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.
 
 
About Pure Florida
Pure Florida is a water attraction company helmed by father-and-son duo Captains Lance H. and Harry Julian.  The company offers a variety of unique eco-excursions for its visitors that incorporate maritime history, tourism, sightseeing and entertainment. Pure Florida features 19 vessels for sunset and specialty cruises as well as boat and jet ski rentals, fishing charters, group events and educational field trips for schools and students from marinas in Naples and Fort Myers.
In addition to Pure Florida, the founders are also partners in Marine Team International and Pure Image Productions, providing professional marine consulting, television and video production and photography services. With a long history in maritime productions, Lance and Harry Julian have helped to create some of the most memorable water scenes in film production, with credits including “Titanic” and “Waterworld,” and television credits such as the reality show, “Survivor.” As the fourth and fifth generation working within the maritime industry, Lance and Harry Julian enjoy sharing their passion and expertise with fellow adventurers in the Southwest Florida area. For more information, visit www.PureFL.com or call its Naples location at 239-263-4949 or its Fort Myers location at 239-919-2965.
 
 

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.
 
 
 
 
 

FORT MFORT MYERS, Fla. (March 23, 2018) — Easter Sunday is a great day to tour the gardens at Edison & Ford Winter Estates as many plants and trees are blooming this time of year. The site is open regular business hours on Easter Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Guided and self-guided tours are available throughout the day with the last guided tour at 4 p.m. Self-guided, audio tours and maps are available in English, German, Spanish and French. Guide maps also are available in Chinese.
The Museum Store, Ford Cottage Shoppe and Garden Shoppe will be open for anyone looking to buy a plant or gift for a loved one. The Garden Shoppe is stocked with many blooming plants. The Edison Ford Shoppe at Bell Tower Shops will be closed on Easter.
For more information, contact Edison & Ford Winter Estates at 239-334-7419 or visit www.edisonfordwinterestates.org.
YERS, Fla. (March 23, 2018) — Easter Sunday is a great day to tour the gardens at Edison & Ford Winter Estates as many plants and trees are blooming this time of year. The site is open regular business hours on Easter Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Guided and self-guided tours are available throughout the day with the last guided tour at 4 p.m. Self-guided, audio tours and maps are available in English, German, Spanish and French. Guide maps also are available in Chinese.
The Museum Store, Ford Cottage Shoppe and Garden Shoppe will be open for anyone looking to buy a plant or gift for a loved one. The Garden Shoppe is stocked with many blooming plants. The Edison Ford Shoppe at Bell Tower Shops will be closed on Easter.
For more information, contact Edison & Ford Winter Estates at 239-334-7419 or visit www.edisonfordwinterestates.org.