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Tax Relief for Small Businesses
Governor DeSantis Signs Tax Relief Proposed by FCF/FFC on Behalf of Small Business Owners FCF/FFC advocacy efforts pay off as Florida legislature eliminatesdouble taxation of SBA 504 loans FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 26, 2023 Contact: Lexie Savedge - Ph: 850-681-3200 Email: lexie@saltermitchellpr.com TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — First Capital Finance/Florida First Capital (FCF/FFC) won big for small…
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Governor DeSantis Signs Tax Relief Proposed by
FCF/FFC on Behalf of Small Business Owners
FCF/FFC advocacy efforts pay off as Florida legislature eliminates
double taxation of SBA 504 loans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2023
Contact: Lexie Savedge – Ph: 850-681-3200 Email: lexie@saltermitchellpr.com
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — First Capital Finance/Florida First Capital (FCF/FFC) won big for small businesses in Florida during this legislative session. Working hand-in-hand with members of the Florida House of Representatives and the Senate, FCF/FFC secured passage of language addressing the double taxation of SBA 504 loans.
“This is a huge win for both small business owners and our lending partners,” said Todd Kocourek, FCF/FFC President and CEO. “By signing this bill, the state has provided flexibility in structuring loans, reduced lender risk, and removed the double taxation many small business owners incurred.”
FCF/FFC has 40 years of experience working with private-sector lenders to provide small business owners in Florida with long-term, fixed-interest below-market financing through the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loan Program. These loans are used by businesses to buy or build commercial property and purchase heavy-duty machinery and equipment.
The passage of this year’s tax package eliminates the requirement for additional documentary and intangible taxes when issuing a note to transfer interim loans to an SBA loan.
The unfair language of the original statute was evident to legislators who saw no reason to impose additional taxation on 504 loans to small business owners simply because the named lender on the interim loan was different than the one on the first mortgage.
Governor DeSantis signed the legislation into law on May 25, 2023, and it goes into effect July 1, 2023.
FCF/FFC thanks the legislature and the Governor for passing such an important piece of tax relief for small business owners and borrowers.
About First Capital Finance/Florida First Capital
With 40 years of experience, FCF/FFC is one of the nation’s top-ranked CDCs promoting economic development and job creation in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. FCF/FFC is a non-profit-certified development company promoting economic development and job creation.
Under the SBA 504 Loan Program, FCF/FFC works with private-sector lenders to provide eligible small business owners in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia with below-market, fixed-interest rate long-term financing to buy or build commercial property and/or purchase fixed heavy-duty machinery and equipment. Florida First Capital also lends under the Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund as well as the Florida Recycling Loan Program and other small business assistance programs.
Get in Touch: Email us at info@ffcfc.com or call us toll-free at 800.504.LOAN.
Stay Informed: Visit our website to sign up for monthly interest rate releases plus the latest small business lending information through e-alerts and our monthly e-newsletter.
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Thank you,
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| Gloria Mendez Project Assistant |  |
| Become Fluent in Floridian with SalterMitchell PR Ofc: (850) 681-3200 www.SMPRFlorida.com Partner in IPREX, the global communication network | |
Community Cooperative Announces June Mobile Food Pantry Times and Locations
FORT MYERS, FL. (May 29, 2023) – Community Cooperative has released its food pantry schedule for June. Now that school is out, the typical times for certain locations have changed. The Mobile Food Pantry program is one of Community Cooperative’s most innovative ways to bring food and assistance to neighborhoods with high food insecurity and…
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FORT MYERS, FL. (May 29, 2023) – Community Cooperative has released its food pantry schedule for June. Now that school is out, the typical times for certain locations have changed.
The Mobile Food Pantry program is one of Community Cooperative’s most innovative ways to bring food and assistance to neighborhoods with high food insecurity and that lack resources.
ID is required for all attendees and bringing bags is encouraged with a limit of one mobile food pantry visit per month per household address.
The Community Market is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon for emergency groceries at the main campus, located at 3429 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Fort Myers for those who cannot access a mobile site.
If you are interested in financially supporting, volunteering for, or have any questions about our Growing Healthy Kids & Families program, please visit us at www.CommunityCooperative.com or call 239-332-SOUP (7687).
About Community Cooperative
Since 1984, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in southwest Florida while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education, and social service programs. With a dedicated team of volunteers, board of directors and staff, Community Cooperative stays committed to its core responsibility to collect and distribute resources through a strong and viable network of community partners. Community Cooperative is an exemplary steward of the resources entrusted to it and serves clients with compassion and integrity. Through collaboration and ongoing education, Community Cooperative supports and strengthens those whose lives have been affected by hunger and homelessness, ensuring that they have access to the resources necessary to transform their lives with dignity.
Media Contact: Savahnah Pierre, Communications Coordinator, Savahnah@communitycooperative.com or call (239)332-7687 ext. 105
Upcoming SFWMD Public Meetings
Meeting Notice Join the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for upcoming public meetings and events in the next three weeks. For a list of all upcoming meetings, check out our Meeting Calendar. Meeting agendas are available at least seven days in advance. Meeting format varies for each meeting, and some meetings may be in-person only, virtual…
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 Meeting Notice Join the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for upcoming public meetings and events in the next three weeks. For a list of all upcoming meetings, check out our Meeting Calendar. Meeting agendas are available at least seven days in advance. Meeting format varies for each meeting, and some meetings may be in-person only, virtual only, or a hybrid of both formats. Take note of upcoming SFWMD public meetings  What: Governing Board Meeting When: June 8 at 9:00 a.m. Meeting information and materials will be posted seven days before the meeting date at sfwmd.gov/meetings.  What: Loxahatchee River Preservation Initiative Meeting When: June 12 at 12:00 p.m. Meeting Information Many SFWMD meetings are conducted via Zoom, a free online meeting tool. You can learn more about attending a Zoom meeting and even run a test on your computer, tablet or smart phone. Please note, you must have the latest version of Zoom to attend SFWMD meetings conducted on Zoom. The South Florida Water Management District is a regional governmental agency that manages the water resources in the southern part of the state. It is the oldest and largest of the state’s five water management districts. Our mission is to safeguard and restore South Florida’s water resources and ecosystems, protect our communities from flooding, and meet the region’s water needs while connecting with the public and stakeholders. |
Seeing bears in unexpected areas? What you should do:
May 30, 2023 Photos available Suggested Tweet: Juvenile #bears are leaving their mothers’ home ranges. Give them space & remove food attractants to reduce conflicts: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/35d353d @MyFWC #Florida Seeing bears in unexpected areas? What you should do: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the reminder that juvenile black bears are starting…
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 May 30, 2023 Photos available Suggested Tweet: Juvenile #bears are leaving their mothers’ home ranges. Give them space & remove food attractants to reduce conflicts: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/35d353d @MyFWC #Florida  Seeing bears in unexpected areas? What you should do: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the reminder that juvenile black bears are starting to leave their mothers’ home ranges in search of new homes of their own. Between the ages of 1½ -2½ years, juvenile or yearling bears start dispersing in spring and summer, with spring marking a return to activity for bears after limited movements in winter. During this time, juvenile bears may be seen in unexpected areas as they travel across a wide range of areas in search of a new location to settle down. In recent weeks, bears have wandered into Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. “The most important thing people can do to help these bears is to leave them alone,” said the FWC’s Bear Management Program Coordinator, Mike Orlando. “Give them plenty of space and let them move along on their own.” Black bears are generally not aggressive but, like any wild animal, if they feel threatened, they can become defensive. Dogs have been involved in over half of the incidents of people getting injured by bears in Florida. When walking dogs, keep them close to you – preferably on a non-retractable leash – and be aware of your surroundings, which is good practice for preventing conflicts with both bears and other wildlife. Before letting your dog out at night, flip lights on and off and bang on the door to give bears and other wildlife a chance to leave the area. As bears become more active this time of year, they cross more roadways. For your own safety and to avoid hitting bears and other wildlife, remember to slow down when driving, particularly on rural highways at dawn or dusk. Watch for road signs identifying bear crossing areas. Each year in Florida, an average of 250 bears are killed after being hit by vehicles. If you have bears in your area, follow these additional BearWise® Basics to help prevent conflicts with bears: 1: Never feed or approach bears -Feeding bears can make them lose their natural fear of people. -It is illegal in Florida to intentionally feed bears or leave out food or garbage that will attract bears and cause conflicts. -Getting close to a wild animal is dangerous. 2: Secure food and garbage -Store garbage in a sturdy shed or garage and then put it out on the morning of pickup rather than the night before. -If not stored in a secured building, modify your existing garbage can to make it more bear-resistant or use a bear-resistant container. -Secure commercial garbage in bear-resistant dumpsters. -Protect gardens, beehives, compost and livestock with electric fencing. -Pick ripe fruit from trees and bushes and remove fallen fruit from the ground. 3: Remove or secure bird and wildlife feeders -Remove wildlife feeders. -If wildlife feeders are left up, only put enough food out for wildlife to finish eating before dark and make feeders bear-resistant. 4: Never leave pet food outdoors -Feed pets indoors. -If feeding pets outdoors, only put food outside for short time periods and bring in leftover food and dishes after each feeding. 5: Clean and store grills -Clean and degrease grills and smokers after each use. -If mobile, store them in a secure shed or garage. 6: Alert neighbors to bear activity -If you see a bear, let your neighbors know. -Share tips on how to avoid conflicts with bears. -Encourage your homeowner’s association or local government to institute bylaws or ordinances to require trash be kept secure. Having conflicts with bears? Call one of the FWC’s five regional offices. -Go to MyFWC.com/Contact, and click on “Contact Regional Offices” to find the phone number for your region. -If you want to report someone who is either harming bears or intentionally feeding them, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). More information is available at MyFWC.com/Bear, where you can access the “Guide to Living in Bear Country” brochure. Find additional ways to be BearWise at BearWise.org. Thirty-eight states, including Florida, support BearWise®, an innovative program that helps people learn ways to responsibly live around bears. Help us help bears and other wildlife by purchasing the Conserve Wildlife license plate at WildlifeFlorida.org/CWT.  QUESTIONS? Contact the FWC STAY CONNECTED: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission · 620 S. Meridian Street · Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 · (850) 488-4676  |
Volunteer With Us @ FRINGE Fort Myers 🦩
Discover a world that promises to stimulate your imagination and inspire new ways of seeing and thinking. Share your talents with the world and volunteer with us! Volunteer With Us @ FRINGE Fort Myers: Performing Arts Festival • June 2nd - June 4th starting at 12:00 p.m. • Last chance…
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 Discover a world that promises to stimulate your imagination and inspire new ways of seeing and thinking. Share your talents with the world and volunteer with us! Volunteer With Us @ FRINGE Fort Myers: Performing Arts Festival • June 2nd – June 4th starting at 12:00 p.m. •  Last chance to be part of the Flock! We still have spots available to help out in the first ever Fort Myers FRINGE festival. Volunteer positions for May 29th-June 1st have been filled, but spots are still available for June 2nd-4th. Be a part of history by volunteering for this highly anticipated event! Flock yeah! We’re FINALLY introducing Fringe Fort Myers – the newest Fringe performing arts festival in the United States and the first ever in southwest Florida! With 51 performances on 4 different stages, Fringe Fort Myers has something for everyone – from one-person shows, to dance and music, magic, stand-up comedy and so much more. Most shows are 60 minutes in length, some are shorter. This inaugural event maintains long-standing Fringe traditions of being 100% independent, 100% unique and 100% inclusive. Even better, 100% of ticket sales go directly to the artists. Which means you’re 100% guaranteed to have the single greatest experience of your life. Enjoy shows for all ages with Kids Fringe! Join us for our Free FRINGE Family Art lab experience on June 3rd at 10am, and June 4th at 12pm; Join Alice from Alice in Wonderland for an interactive, family friendly show happening at the Alliance for the Arts. Available volunteer positions for this Festival start on May 29th 2023 and end June 4th at 7:30pm. Positions include, but are not limited to: – Music Stage Help – Performance Ushers – Bartenders – Noise control Help – And so much more! There are no training sessions required for any available volunteering positions, as we are moving back to paper ticket sales. Information about volunteer check-in will be sent out on May 29th by 9:00am and a reminder on May 31st by 9:00am! We are currently asking for : -up to 19 individuals for June 2nd -up to 38 individuals for June 3rd -up to 32 individuals for June 4th Scan or click hereto find more info on volunteer times!  Sign Up to Volunteer → Find Out More → Coming Up Next…  Arts Education Help – Summer Arts/Musical Theatre Camp Volunteers Looking to fill more hours over the summer? Our Summer camp is still in need of volunteers for our upcoming sessions on June 19th-August 4th. Volunteer positions are offered to students at least 14 years of age or older, who want to gain experience with Arts Education in a summer setting. Interested? Click here for our Summer camp volunteer application. Want to connect with Alliance for the Arts as a Volunteer? Our mission is to transform lives and improve our community through the arts. We’d love to introduce you to what Alliance for the Arts does for the arts and for our community. From building theatre sets to representing the Alliance at community events, volunteer opportunities are endless. To our current volunteers: We thank you for your hard-work and dedication to the Alliance, we wouldn’t be the same without you! Become a Volunteer→ See Upcoming Events→ Alliance for the Arts • ArtInLee.org 239-939-2787 • 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers Membership • Donate • Classes • Exhibits • Theatre • Digital Arts Lab  Janet & Bruce Bunch · The Claiborne & Ned Foulds Foundation Leigh Frizzell Hayes · Mary Lou & Richard Helms Meisenberg Family Trust · Jon & Megan Romine · Arthur Zupko And incredible people like you! |
Jumping June-ipers!
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to a new season. Begin your new season of creativity by checking out our upcoming summer classes. A few spots are still available for our Camps, REGISTER NOW:Musical Theatre Camp Summer Art Camp Adult Improv Workshop (Ages 18+) Saturday, June 10 •Explore the world of…
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 Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to a new season. Begin your new season of creativity by checking out our upcoming summer classes. A few spots are still available for our Camps, REGISTER NOW: Musical Theatre Camp Summer Art Camp  Adult Improv Workshop (Ages 18+) Saturday, June 10 •Explore the world of Improv with professional actor Jamison Webb! This workshop is designed for beginners, using simple exercises and basic short form games (like those seen on Whose Line Is It Anyway?) to introduce the art of improvisation. It’s an interactive, hands-on workshop; students will play games, take risks, be bold, and, again, have fun! Register → View All Classes →  Art-Tini Night At The Alliance- Make a Mini Bobble Head (Ages 21+) Friday, June 9th • This summer join the Alliance every 2nd Friday of the month as we get your creative juices flowing with craft cocktails and art making. In June we’ll be creating clay Bobble Heads- Bobble Heads are no longer just for the ball park! Artist/Instructor Victoria Rose Hahn will lead you through the process of creating your own unique doll. This class is perfect for a GNO, a fun date night or a just a great way to wind down after a busy week! Register → View All Classes →  Change Acting Class (Ages 17+) 6 Saturdays, June 10th-July 15th • The CHANGE Program (Communities Harnessing the Arts to Nurture and Grow Equity) engages aspiring adult actors of color in theatre education Providing performance opportunities, and a platform to convene dialogue on social issues that challenge our community through creative, artistic expression. Register → View All Classes →  Beginning Bonsai Worksop Monday June 5th • This interactive, hands-on workshop will introduce you to the ancient art of Bonsai- The Japanese art of growing and training miniature trees in containers, developed from the traditional Chinese art form of penjing. Register → View All Classes →  Beginning Belly Dance (Ages 18+) 5 Wednesdays, June 14th – July 19th • Have fun learning the ancient art and modern styles of this dynamic dance! Belly Dancing is a naturally low impact activity that improves posture, core strength, flexibility and the mind-body connection. No experience necessary.  Intermediate Tribal Belly Dance (Ages18+) 5 Wednesdays, June 14th – July 19th • Continue your exploration of Tribal Belly Dance with this Intermediate course! Focus here is on Intermediate to Advanced combos and their applications to group improvisational dance performance. Pre-requisites: Tribal Technique Volumes 1 and 2 or equivalent. Register → Register →  Zentangle For the Seasons (Ages 13+) Thursdays, June 6th- 27th • Zentangle is an easy-to-learn method of drawing patterns step by step. It is relaxing, gratifying and a great way to exercise the creative side of your brain! Beginning with the basics in the first class, we’ll then create a variety of Art works throughout the month, based on the season. Register → View All Classes →  Landscape Painting From A Photo- Beginner to Intermediate 4 Thursdays, June 6th- 29th • Join Instructor Pat Smelkoff as she guides you through the process of painting from a photograph. Using acrylic paint on a 11″x 14″ canvas you will paint a beautiful landscape from your own photo. You’ll learn how to create and apply a pattern from an enlarged photocopy, and then explore shadows, highlights and color choices. Register → View All Classes →  Step By Step Batik- Iris Monday, June 12th• If you’re looking for an intriguing art experience, this is the class for you. Utilizing a technique that originated in Indonesia called Batik, you will be working with multiple templates on Ginwashi rice paper, using melted wax and watercolor to create a beautiful painting that will boast a fabric-like finish. Register → View All Classes → Painting Portraits with Terry Lynn (Ages 16+) Intermediate Level 4 Thursdays, June 8th-29th • Join Terry Lynn as she guides you through the art of portrait painting. Some drawing and painting experience helpful.  Register → View All Classes →  The Art Of Birth Chart Reading (Ages 18+) 4 Fridays, June 30th-July 21st • Join us for some cosmic vibes while learning the most essential tool of astrology: birth chart reading! This four part class will walk you through the key components of a birth chart, and conclude with the implementation of the knowledge obtained so that you can do your own birth chart reading! Register → View All Classes →  Audition Prep – Private Acting Classes Mondays and Wednesdays, May 12th- August 18th • The next college audition season is fast approaching, are you ready? Carmen Crussard, co-founder of the Alliance for the Arts Youth Theatre Program, will help get you audition ready this summer with private acting classes designed to prepare you for college auditions and pre-screen videos. Register → View All Classes →  Manga and Pizza (Ages 12-18) Thursday, June 15th • Join us for a Manga/cartoon painting workshop- perfect for all levels! We’ll provide the pizza and drinks while popular Instructor Terry Lynn Spry focuses on creativity and painting for those that are interested in Manga/Cartoon. Register → View All Classes →  Presenting Free Family Artlab 3 times in June! Saturday, June 3rd and Sunday, June 4th Join us for special Fringe Edition of ArtLab On Saturday we will be presenting a demo of our upcoming Tierra & Friends class; a world movement and music class for children. Plus, Artist Steven Fetterhoff will give kids a hands-on opportunity to explore the world of graffiti art. On Sunday we’ll offer a fun flamingo inspired art project, led by one of our Artist/Instructors. Saturday, June 17th • Join us for Father’s Day Gift Making We’ll be making a special gift for the Father figures in your life! Admission is free, but please register so we have an accurate count for supplies. This ArtLab is limited to the first 50 people that register. Register → View All Classes →  Tierra and Friends World Movement and Music 4 Thursdays, June 8th-29th • Tierra & Friends is a world music organization for children and families! Through our world music and movement program children learn about diversity, the basics of music theory, music appreciation, and so much more! Register Ages 0-3 Register Ages 4-6  Tik Tok Tuesdays for Tweens and Tweens (Ages 10 – 16) Tuesday, June 20th • Each month, on the 3rd Tuesday, Instructor Tiani Rosado will guide tweens and teens through one of the latest Tik Tok Art projects. In June we’ll be creating “pop-up” art. Remember your favorite pop-up books from childhood? In this class we’ll be making pop-up scenes that reflect your own unique sense of style. Register → View All Classes →  Painting with Eunique (Ages 5-10) Thursday, June 22nd • Introduce your child to the world of art with our Painting with Eunique class. Each session will explore new topics, so whether this is your child’s very first art class, or they’ve painted with Eunique before, they’ll explore something new! Register → View All Classes →  Neurographica: Lessons from the Sea Turtle (Ages 13+) Thursday, June 29th • Neurographica® is a method that enables you to change your perception of yourself and your surroundings by using drawing techniques. Experience positive changes in your life through drawing, using the Neurographica® method. This process provides a way to express your feelings and make your dreams a reality. The class does not require previous drawing experience. Register → View All Classes →  Musical Theatre Summer Camps June 19th-August 4th • Our Musical Theatre camp is geared toward students with multiple levels of dance, voice and theatre experience. This popular week-long camp is taught and led by Broadway Palm staff and features special guests – actors and actresses straight from the Broadway Palm stage! Register → Find Out More → June’s Featured Gallery Exhibition  Joan Sonnenberg: A Retrospective In the Gallery June 16- July 29 • At the age of 5, Joan became interested in the real and imaginary facets of art and life which have formed the basis of her artwork ever since. Interested in geometric patterns achieved through multiple reverse etching processes, Joan superimposes and stacks up to ten images on top of each other until it becomes a complex montage of lines, shapes, and patterns. She strives to alter and combine abstraction with realism; capturing marks made over time through human intervention; the mundane, decaying worn objects, dumpsters, wall graffiti. She also portrays street people, each embedded with stories to tell. She strives to convey the harmonious coexistence of abstraction and realism, transcending and encompassing both doctrines. Opening reception: June 16, 5-7 p.m. • See it first! This free event is open to the public. Come meet your neighbors and enjoy light refreshments! Theatre Gallery Artist: Christian De Jesus is an artist from Fort Myers Florida, who has placed and won in many art shows in the area. His medium of choice is acrylic paint on canvas or cardboard, but he also uses clay and spray paints on occasion. Member Gallery Artist: Our walls will be awash in artwork from our Summer Arts Camp students. Find Out More → Find Out More → Alliance for the Arts • ArtInLee.org 239-939-2787 • 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers Membership • Donate • Classes • Exhibits • Theatre • Digital Arts Lab  |
Upcoming Artist Opportunities
The end of snowbird season doesn't mean an end to opportunities to engage with the arts at the Alliance. Here's a collection of upcoming exhibitions and exciting opportunities for local artists! Current Exhibition: Bits and Pieces: The Realm of Creation On display until June 9 • Since early 2020,…
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| The end of snowbird season doesn’t mean an end to opportunities to engage with the arts at the Alliance. Here’s a collection of upcoming exhibitions and exciting opportunities for local artists! Current Exhibition: Bits and Pieces: The Realm of Creation  On display until June 9 • Since early 2020, Hodge has been drawn to the mysterious inner mechanics of artistic creation in a series of new works which are reflections of how the cerebral cortex of our brain uniquely synthesizes bits and pieces of memory and along with our imagination creates meaning in paintings that contain a unique shorthand of colored marks, shapes, and forms. This new visual language reflects how this artist creates deep and profound meaning in abstract works of art. In the Theatre Lobby: “Techniques” by Barbara Yeomans In the Member Gallery: Lee County Art Educators Upcoming Exhibition: Joan Sonnenberg: A Retrospective  Opening Reception: June 16, 5-7pm • Interested in geometric patterns achieved through multiple reverse etching processes, Joan superimposes and stacks up to ten images on top of each other until it becomes a complex montage of lines, shapes, and patterns. She strives to alter and combine abstraction with realism; capturing marks made over time through human intervention; the mundane, decaying worn objects, dumpsters, wall graffiti. She also portrays street people, each embedded with stories to tell. She strives to convey the harmonious coexistence of abstraction and realism, transcending and encompassing both doctrines. In the Theatre Lobby: Christian De Jesus Storm Stories: A Juried Exhibition, Submissions Open June 1  We believe in the healing power of art. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, we have seen a great need for healing in our community. We are asking artists to create artwork about their experiences during or after the storm in any capacity. It may be stories of resilience or trauma or loss. It can evoke a wide range of emotions. It is meant to be cathartic and therapeutic and shareable, something everyone can relate to in some way. Artists may submit 1 – 3 pieces for consideration for this exhibition. There is no entry fee. We encourage artists to submit 2D and 3D artwork using found objects and recycled materials collected after Hurricane Ian. Alternatively, we ask artists to submit artwork expressing their experiences during and after Hurricane Ian. All media will be accepted, such as paint, collage, photo, drawing, print, etc. Only original artwork will be accepted. No giclée. All entries must be submitted online no later than August 7 at 5pm. Exhibition will display September 1-30, 2023. Download the Prospectus → Call for Mural Proposals!  The Alliance for the Arts is launching the Bloom & Wallace Digital Arts Lab – the first of its kind in Lee County – providing opportunities for the public of all ages and abilities to explore and hone skills in writing, filmmaking, podcasting, digital design, computer generated paintings, photography, digitally created music, e-books, 3D design, editing and other creative applications. The Alliance for the Arts will commission an artist or artist group to paint a mural in the new Digital Lab. Artists are being asked to submit proposals for a mural to be painted in the front corner of the Lab, approximately 9ft wide to be completed in July 2023. The selected artist will be awarded a stipend of $1,000 for completion of the mural. Deadline to submit a proposal: June 26, 2023. Download the Prospectus → Call to Fiber Artists!  Inside the Claiborne & Ned Foulds Theatre are 6 noise canceling panels, roughly 4’x4.5’ (exact sizes can be provided upon request). The Alliance for the Arts is asking up to 6 fiber artists to create new covers for the panels. Submissions accepted on rolling basis. Email your submission to Emily at exhibitions@artinlee.org. Download the Prospectus → Display Your Art at Palm City Brewing  We are looking for 3-4 artists to display art at Palm City Brewing as part of an ongoing partnership between PCB and the Alliance. They are looking for Florida/beach themed artwork to decorate their walls. The work will be on display for 3-4 months inside their brewery. The work must be for sale. Sales will be processed through the Alliance for the Arts and will be subject to our standard 40% commission with 60% of the sale price going to the artist. If a piece sells, artists will be invited to replace it with another piece. Email exhibitions@artinlee.org if you are interested in participating. Artist Studio Tours 2023  After a few eventful years which prevented the event from happening, the Alliance for the Arts is once again kicking off our beloved Artist Studio Tours! This event will take visitors on a self-guided tour of the studios and creative spaces of artists all over our community. The Alliance is seeking up to 10 artists interested in opening up their art studios to visitors in September of this year. There is no cost to participating artists and artists are welcome to sell their work to visitors with no commission split. If you are interested in participating, please email exhibitions@artinlee.org with a bio or artist statement, images of your studio or workspace, and up to 3 images of your artwork.    Alliance for the Arts • ArtInLee.org 239-939-2787 • 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers Membership • Donate • Classes • Exhibits • Theatre • Digital Arts Lab Janet & Bruce Bunch · The Claiborne & Ned Foulds Foundation Leigh Frizzell Hayes · Mary Lou & Richard Helms Meisenberg Family Trust · Jon & Megan Romine · Arthur Zupko And incredible people like you! |
South Florida Weekly Webinars to June 10 CSH Email ID:0088540603274
Click here to find workshops and events going on todayDIVAS IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY - May 30 11:30 am Help clients to understand the “industry” Identify profitability Determine how to get a “slice of the pie” Develop & manage successful businesses May 30 Divas In The Trucking Industry (flwbc.org)Simple Steps for Starting a Business: Revenue…
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| Click here to find workshops and events going on today DIVAS IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY – May 30 11:30 am Help clients to understand the “industry” Identify profitability Determine how to get a “slice of the pie” Develop & manage successful businesses May 30 Divas In The Trucking Industry (flwbc.org) Simple Steps for Starting a Business: Revenue and Profit Projections – May 30 6 pm Revenue & Profit Projections In this workshop, you will learn: Financial Planning – Why you need it – How to forecast your sales, costs, profits and assets Understanding and using financial statements- 3 primary financial statements you need to know about Finding financing Simple Steps for Starting a Business: Revenue and Profit Projections | SCORE How to Attract & Retain Key Talent with the New Secure Act 1.0 & 2.0 – May 31 11:30 am Many businesses have learned the hard way that it is much easier to retain key staff than to recruit new ones. Are you wondering how to identify and maintain these employees that are essential to your business growth? Florida SBDC at FIU is proud to partner with Equitable Advisors to give business owners insight into how to retain their key people through executive benefit plan strategies. Overview ⋮ How to Attract & Retain Key Talent with the New Secure Act 1.0 & 2.0 ⋮ Blackthorn ⋮ Events ORIENTATION TO FUNDING – May 31 11:30 am This Workshop is Mandatory for business owners who need MONEY – FUNDING – LOANS to move their idea or business to the next level Info will be provided on types of funding and their use, documents required to apply for funding, incl. Business Plan Template, 5 page PowerPoint Presentation and Next Steps to Move Forward May 31 Orientation to Funding (flwbc.org) SBA Loan Refinancing – May 31 12 noon With the Federal Reserve’s recent hikes of the federal funds rate, borrowers with small-business loans may think that they’ve missed their opportunity to refinance to a lower interest rate. That’s not necessarily the case. A lower interest rate may still be within reach, because the rate you pay on your business loan is influenced by more than the Federal Reserve. And while a better interest rate can be helpful, it is not the only reason to consider refinancing. We will explore what you need to keep in mind as you weigh your options. SBA Loan Refinancing | SCORE Como lanzar su Negocio en USA desde America Latina – Nivel Introductorio – May 31 6pm Está pensando en expandir su negocio desde América Latina a USA? Puede ser más sencillo de lo que parece. Este seminario le explicara cuáles son los pasos claves para abrir mercados, establecer y operar su empresa en USA, evitando los errores más frecuentes y costosos. USA continúa siendo una alta prioridad para muchas empresas Latinas, que exportaron alrededor de US$406,000 millones en 2017. Para las PYMEs, representa un mercado formidable si se aplica el plan adecuado. Como lanzar su Negocio en USA desde America Latina – Nivel Introductorio | SCORE Motivación del Logro – May 31 6 pm Si las personas reconocen la Motivación del Logro en su vida diaria, ellos pueden practicarla conscientemente, aprender a aplicarla más eficazmente en situaciones empresariales. El concepto básico de la Motivación al Logro ha sido exitosamente aplicado en más de cuarenta (40) países que representan diversas circunstancias culturales y económicas. Informes de experiencias indican el mérito de este seminario en mejorar el porcentaje de éxito de los Socios de Aprendizaje graduados, señalado igualmente por nuevas Fundaciones de Empresas y expansión de negocios existentes. Su objetivo es que los Socios de Aprendizaje comprendan la importancia de entender las Características del Comportamiento Emprendedor a saber: Búsqueda de Oportunidades, Correr Riesgos, Exigir Eficiencia y Calidad, Ser Persistente, Ser Fiel a los Compromisos Contraídos, Fijar Metas, Conseguir Información, Planificar y hacer Seguimiento Sistemáticamente, Ser persuasivo y crear redes de Apoyo y Tener Autoconfianza. Motivación del Logro | SCORE Business Contracts – Must Knows – May 31 6 pm This webinar is designed to help business owners who want to learn more about creating business contracts for their businesses. The webinar will provide tools to help business owners avoid common mistakes when using contracts. Webinar topics will include: What makes an agreement a contract? The basic contracts every business should have The ONE provision that should be in every business contract Understanding common “boilerplate” language How to properly use online contract templates Best practices for enforcing contracts Business Contracts – Must Knows | SCORE Profit First – June 5 5:30 pm Roughly 50% of businesses fail within the first 5 years. Those are the lucky ones! The majority of the businesses that survive are racking up debt, and their leaders are perpetually stressed. Most entrepreneurs are living a financial nightmare. This happens because of one thing: most do not understand profitability. Profit must be baked into your business. Every day, every transaction, every moment. Profit is not an end-of-year event, Profit is a habit. Profit First is a cash management tool that consistently tells you the truth about the health of your business. It’s a system that tells you what you can spend and what you MUST keep in your business. Profit First | SCORE The Organizational Types – June 5 6 pm The Organizational Types and Other Considerations for a Small Business module provides an overview of business organizational types and is designed to help participants to understand how selecting the correct organizational type can benefit their business. The Organizational Types | SCORE DIVAS IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY – June 6 9:30 am Help clients to understand the “industry” Identify profitability Determine how to get a “slice of the pie” Develop & manage successful businesses June 6 Divas In The Trucking Industry (flwbc.org) Branding 101 – June 6 6 pm Hear about different tools and techniques that will help you build your brand! Learn: How to start with branding Brand elements and associations Brand building truths Building brand and brand equity Benchmark Branding 101 | SCORE ORIENTATION TO FUNDING – June 7 11:30 am This Workshop is Mandatory for business owners who need MONEY – FUNDING – LOANS to move their idea or business to the next level Info will be provided on types of funding and their use, documents required to apply for funding, incl. Business Plan Template, 5 page PowerPoint Presentation and Next Steps to Move Forward. June 7 Orientation to Funding (flwbc.org) Crie seu próprio Business plan (Portuguese) – June 7 12 noon Muitos dos potenciais empreendedores perdem o rumo quando se trata de esboçar sua ideia de negócio em um Business Plan. Com um Business Plan definido, os empreendedores são obrigados a serem específicos sobre o que vão oferecer ao seus clientes. Um Business Plan também é obrigatório para tratar com bancos ou investidores. Assim sendo, não deixe que a ideia de elaborar um Business Plan atrase sua oportunidade de seguir em frente. Vamos juntos focar em como tirar a ideia da sua cabeça e colocá-la no papel! Crie seu próprio Business plan (Portuguese) (sbanavigator.org) DISCcover Effective Selling – June 7 6 pm This workshop will use the DISC Model of Human Behavior to help business owners, salespeople and anyone involved in sales learn how to quickly connect with the buyer and sell the way the customer wants to buy. Selling is influencing, therefore, establishing credibility is essential to sales effectiveness. A strategy built on adapting to the “right fit” for a given prospect will reinforce credibility with every interaction! The training teaches you how to apply behavioral-based selling strategies, then adjust for each prospect’s behavior style. DISCcover Effective Selling | SCORE Marketing 101 – June 7 6:30 pm During this Small Business Certificate Series we will offer trainings from highly trained business experts! During these workshops, companies will learn: Steps to successfully start and grow a business Review of key financial concepts for small businesses How to start doing business with the government Learn successful marketing strategies to grow your business Gain insights from the lender’s perspective and steps you can take today to make your business more bankable Overview ⋮ Marketing 101 ⋮ Blackthorn ⋮ Events More Events and Workshops Find events | U.S. Small Business Administration (sba.gov) Miami-Dade Business Navigators Florida Women’s Business Center Workshops Tampa Bay Women’s Business Center Workshops weVENTURE Women’s Business Center Workshops Florida Small Business Development Center at FIU – Miami Florida Small Business Development Center at UCF – Orlando Florida Small Business Development Center at IRSC – Port St. Lucie Florida Small Business Development Center at USF – Tampa Broward SCORE Workshops Manasota SCORE Workshops Miami-Dade SCORE Workshops Palm Beach SCORE Workshops Space Coast SCORE Workshops Southwest SCORE – Ft. Myers Workshops Treasure Coast SCORE Workshop |
Recreational harvest of snook in Atlantic state and federal waters closes June 1
May 26, 2023 Suggested Tweet: Recreational harvest of #snook in Atlantic state and federal waters closes June 1:@MyFWC #Florida #fishing Recreational harvest of snook in Atlantic state and federal waters closes June 1 The recreational harvest of snook in Atlantic state and federal waters will close June 1 and will reopen on Sept. 1, 2023.…
Member News
| May 26, 2023 Suggested Tweet: Recreational harvest of #snook in Atlantic state and federal waters closes June 1: @MyFWC #Florida #fishing Recreational harvest of snook in Atlantic state and federal waters closes June 1 The recreational harvest of snook in Atlantic state and federal waters will close June 1 and will reopen on Sept. 1, 2023. This seasonal harvest closure occurs during peak snook spawning in the Atlantic and is a management tool that helps to conserve Florida’s prized snook populations for anglers today and for generations to come. If you are interested in the future of snook management in Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) would like to hear from you. The FWC is considering a holistic management approach for snook that includes a review of several environmental and human factors, such as habitat, fishing effort and stakeholder feedback, to evaluate the fishery on a more local scale. Annual Reviews for each proposed management region can be found by visiting MyFWC.com/Marine and selecting “Snook.” Tell us your thoughts about the snook fishery and proposed regulations by submitting a comment online at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments. Keep up to date with saltwater and freshwater fishing regulations on your phone with the Fish Rules App and follow Instagram.com/FishRulesApp or Facebook.com/FishRulesApp. QUESTIONS? Contact the FWC STAY CONNECTED: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission · 620 S. Meridian Street · Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 · (850) 488-4676 |
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REPORTS APRIL TRAFFIC
FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 26, 2023) – During April, 981,216 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. This was a decrease of 20 percent compared to April 2022. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is down 18 percent. The traffic leader in April was Delta with 207,290 passengers. Rounding out the top five airlines…