Member News

Many business owners start their companies with big dreams of freedom and flexibility. However, over time the business can start to feel more like a trap than a path to freedom.

In fact, you may feel trapped in your business because…

* You have become the bottleneck – you know more than anyone else in your company about your industry and it relies heavily on your expertise

* Your customers ask to deal with you personally instead of your team

* You are heavily involved in building or creating the products/services you sell

* And you are your company’s best sales person

* All of these factors can leave you feeling overwhelmed and tethered to your business, rather than liberated by it.

The Freedom Workshop provides an interactive experience to help business owners regain the freedom they envisioned when starting their company.

What you’ll learn…
♻️ How to recognize when you’ve fallen into the owner’s trap of being indispensable to your business, and steps to build a team and processes that allow you to step back.

⚙️ The 3 critical elements of a scalable business model that runs smoothly without you.

💰 The 8 key factors that drive the financial value and sale price of your business.

💵 The one type of high-margin recurring revenue that can drastically increase business valuation.

🔁 The 6 forms of sustainable recurring revenue streams to build.

📊 The 2 essential marketing strategies required to avoid commoditization and retention.

💡 The one key question to ask customers that predicts likelihood of repeat purchases and referrals.

With these actionable insights, you’ll be equipped to transform your business into a streamlined machine that runs smoothly without requiring your constant hands-on involvement. This enables you to finally achieve the freedom and flexibility you desire.

Event location: Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
1520 Lee Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901

REGISTER USING THIS LINK ⬇️
https://lnkd.in/ewhZnc-r

It’s About All of Us, a Yom HaShoah Holocaust remembrance, is 7 pm on April 30 at The Laboratory Theater of Florida

FORT MYERS, FL (April 23, 2024) – In honor of Yom HaShoah, the Laboratory Theater of Florida is holding a community event called It’s About All of Us  at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30.

It’s About All of Us is a Holocaust remembrance program inspired and designed to help the community remember Yom HaShoah, or in English, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Yom HaShoah commemorates the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust as well as the heroism of the survivors and rescuers.

Typically, the solemn day is observed with Jewish leaders, clergy, Holocaust survivors, and Jewish brethren. But for this year’s observance, Lab Theater is expanding this to honor the Holocaust victims. Diverse members of the Southwest Florida community will be coming together to pay respects to the Holocaust victims in a show of support and mutual understanding for the steep cost of hate, indifference, and fear.

Speakers and readers will include clergy, Rabbi Nicole Luna of Temple Beth El in Fort Myers, Dr. Robert Hilliard, a WWII liberator and rescuer, Holocaust survivor Peter Seminauer, Flo Giltman, a second-generation Holocaust survivor and member of Gen Shoah of SWFL, Shalom Life Center musicians Chuck and Diane Coffman and Bella Gutstein, Earl Sparrow, a Fort Myers music teacher and African American community activist, Cape Security owner and area resident Andre Blaine, LGBTQ community member Rachel Kaci Davis, Fort Myers resident Rosemary Allen, Canterbury School student Amelia Smith and other community members.

Sharing Yom HaShoah with diverse members of the community will help us to see the shared struggles and commonalities between us as humans.

“If we are to truly honor the memory of the Holocaust victims and help to ensure we do not have another genocide, we must be able to see the pain and effects of hatred on all members of the human family,” said Ella Nayor, Laboratory Theater of Florida Holocaust and Human Rights Education Outreach Director.

The use of instrumental music, song, and special lighting will allow patrons and guests the opportunity to better understand the importance of honoring the memories of those murdered, as well as the need to educate each new generation so to help prevent another Holocaust from happening again.

Join us for a night of unity and connection on  Tuesday, April 30th at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now for $10, and donations will be collected for the Lab’s Holocaust and Human Rights Education to further the work of human rights education in our community. For tickets, call 239.218.0481.

ABOUT THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA

The Laboratory Theater of Florida, a 501(c)3 non profit organization, is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts, through live performance, education, community outreach, experimentation, and the development of ensemble work. The company features ensemble productions, produces classic works, takes artistic risks, which both feature and challenge local performers. For more information visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com or the physical location at 1634 Woodford Avenue, in the Fort Myers River District.

Event Graphic

Event Graphic with date and time

The Laboratory Theater of Florida

The application portal for the 2024 SBA T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined program is now open and closes APRIL 28, 2024. This program is designed to provide free, comprehensive business coaching and education to CEOs of small businesses, like yours, looking to take their businesses to the next level.

You may already know, this program is community-based and supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The curriculum is taught by experienced Subject Matter Experts and includes a mix of virtual and in-person sessions. You will have the opportunity to learn from a cohort of accomplished peers with diverse perspectives and life experiences, and to build a nationwide business network for life.

Eligibility Qualifications:

The T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined advanced training series is open to small business owners and executives who:

● Have annual revenues of at least $250,000

● Have been in business for at least three years

● Have at least one employee other than themselves

● Can commit to completing the entire program, including coaching, submitting assignments, participating during in-person sessions, and reaching out for help

● Are coachable, ready to be challenged and supported, and willing to put in the necessary work to accelerate growth

Essential details about T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined:

● Applications are open from February 5 to April 28, 2024

● The program runs from June 18 through December 4, 2024

● Attendance is required for the eight in-person sessions at your local cohort

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to reimagine your organization’s future and accelerate your business’s growth.

Apply now at www.sbathrive.com

Craig Scott Memorial Golf Tournament Raises $76,825 for The Heights Center Early Learning

(Fort Myers, Fla. – April 23, 2024) — The Craig Scott Memorial Golf Tournament, “Tee It Up FORE Kids,” benefiting The Heights Center Early Learning program, raised $76,825.  The annual tournament honors Scott, a long-time board member and supporter of Heights Early Learning.

The Heights Center Early Learning program, a vital initiative under The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center umbrella, serves over 80 children from birth to four years old.  Committed to providing quality and affordable childcare for low-income families in the area, the program has earned a prestigious five-star rating from The Early Learning Coalition.

“We are deeply grateful for the generosity and support shown by our sponsors, participants, and volunteers at this year’s tournament,” remarked Kathryn Kelly, Founder, President, and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center.  “Their contributions enable us to continue providing a stable and nurturing environment for children in need, empowering parents to work knowing their kids are well cared for and safe.”

Title sponsors were Susan Scott and The Masiello Family Foundation.  Pat Ostrom was the Trophy sponsor.  Birdie Sponsors were Lake Michigan Credit Union, Owen-Ames-Kimball Company, RG Architects, Chip and Nancy Roach, Jim & Cindy Dwyer, Neal & Sherry Halleran, Bill & Laurie Harkey, Judy & Gerry Risch, Bonitz, FineMark National Bank & Trust, Florida Gulf Coast University, Golisano Children’s Hospital/Lee Health,  Green, Schoenfeld & Kyle LLP, The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, and Skanska.

The event took place on April 12 at Shell Point Golf Club in Fort Myers.  It included lunch at St. Charles Yacht Club, a raffle, and awards. 

The first place team was Jim Dwyer, Chris Dwyer, John Dwyer, and Jim Welch.  The second place team was Tom Lytton, Tim Vo, Mike Goins, Patrick Halvarson.  The third place team was Chris McLaughlin, Sean Guffey, Mason Covelli, and Steve Barman.  The closest to the pin men was John Muni and Women Beth Prather.  The longest drive men was Jim Dwyer and Women Megan Clipse.

The Heights Early Learning is located at 15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers 33908. For those interested in learning more about The Heights Center Early Learning program or supporting its mission, visit www.heightsfoundation.org or contact Annie Campbell at (239) 482-7706 or via email at [email protected].

About the Heights Foundation and the Heights Center

The Heights Foundation works to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.   Our mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts.    The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.  

Heights Early Learning serves more than 80 babies through 4 years old.   The Heights Center serves 155 children in AfterSchool and 153 children in SummerCamp.    The Harlem Heights Community Charter School serves 200 children from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community.   Approximately 923 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments.    Demographically, the population is approximately 81% Hispanic, 15% African-American, and 4% Caucasian.    The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. As a result, families cannot easily access family support services in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs within the neighborhood.

The Laboratory Theater of Florida’s Scripts Uncensored tackles The Laramie Project on April 28th

FORT MYERS, FL (April 22, 2024)  Scripts Uncensored, The Laboratory Theater of Florida’s banned literature reading club, meets monthly to read scripts that have been removed, challenged, or outright banned across the country. This month, the script is The Laramie Project by Moisés Kaufmann and The Tectonic Theater Project. 

The Laramie Project is the story of the community’s reaction to the 1998 murder of a gay University of Wyoming student, Matthew Shepard. The play is set in Laramie, Wyoming, and uses the actual words of the town’s residents, pulled from interview transcripts, to create a complex portrait of a community confrontation with itself. 

Each month of Scripts Uncensored includes a table read of a play followed by a discussion about the play, the social and political climate that existed when it was written, and why it has been challenged today. Each month is led by a different theater professional. 

Thanks to a generous donation, this event is FREE to our community. Registration is available on the Lab Theater website.

Scripts Uncensored

ABOUT THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA

The Laboratory Theater of Florida, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts, through live performance, education, community outreach, experimentation, and the development of ensemble work. The company features ensemble productions, produces classic works, takes artistic risks, which both feature and challenge local performers. For more information visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com or the physical location at 1634 Woodford Avenue, in the Fort Myers River District.

The Laboratory Theater of Florida

Season 15

Thinking Theater ®

Thinking Theater ® is a registered trademark of The Laboratory Theater of Florida

Southwest Florida Symphony Music Director, Radu Paponiu, Departs This Summer

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 22, 2024) — The Southwest Florida Symphony, the only professional orchestra in Lee County and the fourth oldest orchestra in the state, announces bittersweetly that its music director, Radu Paponiu, has accepted a position with the world-renowned San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra as its music director. Therefore, Maestro Paponiu has tendered his resignation to the Southwest Florida Symphony and will not continue his engagement with the orchestra through its 64th season. This comes on the heels of Maestro Paponiu’s wife, Blair, winning the associate principal flute position with the San Francisco Symphony last year.

“There was a unique and special chemistry between Radu and the musicians of our orchestra,” says Amy Ginsburg, the Southwest Florida Symphony’s Chief Executive Officer. “While this is a phenomenal opportunity for Radu to further his career, he will be deeply missed by all of us in the Southwest Florida Symphony family. We wish him and Blair all the success in the world. The San Francisco Symphony is so fortunate to count Radu and Blair among the exceptional talent in their ranks. We look forward to seeing where their careers take them next.”

Maestro Paponiu went on to say, “I will forever cherish making music with the extraordinary musicians of the Southwest Florida Symphony and sharing it with our wonderful community. While excited about the opportunities ahead, I am also grateful for our work together and I will miss being a part of the Southwest Florida Symphony family.”

About Southwest Florida Symphony

The Southwest Florida Symphony debuted as a community orchestra on April 15, 1961, playing in schools and community centers with a roster of only 24 volunteer musicians. Today, the symphony boasts a roster of 70 world-class professional musicians and is Lee County’s only fully professional orchestra and the fourth oldest in the state. In the coming weeks, it will announce its 64th season lineup of performances and guest conductors. In the meantime, The Southwest Florida Symphony concludes its 63^rd season of excellence with 70s-80s-90s Unplugged, featuring the dazzling arrangements of the orchestra’s tradition of artistic excellence and innovation. Maestro Paponiu, the sixth music director in the organization’s history, also served as the associate conductor and youth orchestra director for the Naples Philharmonic in addition to guest-conducting with orchestras throughout the United States and Europe. For more information about the Southwest Florida Symphony, upcoming season performances, and subscription and ticketing information, visit swflso.org or call 239-418-1500.

The Alliance for the Arts Announces Performers for Fringe Fort Myers 2024 

The four-day performing arts festival will be held May 30-June 2, 2023

Fort Myers, FL (April 22, 2024)- The Alliance for the Arts and Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre presents Fringe Fort Myers 2024 performing arts festival May 30-June 2, 2024. Fringe Fort Myers 2024 features a wide variety of performances, from one-person shows, to dance and music, to stand-up comedy, and much more.

Fringe Fort Myers 2024 is the newest member of the Canadian Association of Fringe Festivals (CAFF), and the first to come to Southwest Florida. Fringe Fort Myers 2024 follows the long-standing Fringe traditions of being 100 percent independent, 100 percent inclusive and 100 percent unique, with 100 percent of ticket sales going directly to the artists.

Fringe Fort Myers 2024 kicks off Thursday, May 30 at 5:00 p.m. with a “Flamingle with the Artists” Reception in the Alliance Gallery, giving patrons a chance to meet the artists, followed by the Preview show at 6:30 p.m.. At the preview, each performer has three minutes to sell the audience on why they should see their show. “They can perform a scene from their show, talk about the show or just burp for three minutes,” said Bill Taylor, producing artistic director at the Alliance for the Arts. “Whatever they think will get you to buy a ticket!” This event is open to the public, and more information is available at artinlee.org/fringe. Following the Preview Show there will be one performance in each venue. Most shows are 60 minutes long. 

In addition to the performances, there will be a Kids Fringe Fest happening Saturday June 1. 

Mad Libs Live!– Foulds Theatre, Alliance for the Arts. 

Mad Libs Live is energetic, original and fast-paced. It captures the essence of the classic word game, and watching it can help kids distinguish between nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs. In the one-hour musical, you meet four students from Blankville Central High School: Gogo the jock, Virtuosa the diva, shy and artsy Merrily and Geyser the nerd.

This show is suitable for all ages. 

Showtimes: Saturday June 1 at 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 or $5 for 12 and under. 

Presented by Sears Studio Performing Arts Academy.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Abridged)–Alliance for the Arts Green Market stage.

In William Shakespeare’s stage classic; love, magic, betrayal, truth and desires take center stage. Hermia has a decision to make, Lysander or Demetrius. She loves Lysander but Demetrius has a better standing in court, more money, though he’s not so nice. Hermia’s best friend Helena only has eyes for Demetrius and will do anything to have him. Including selling out Hermia and Lysander as they plan to elope. The four lovers end up lost in the forest trying to find their way out. However, what they encounter will change the course of their lives.

Showtimes: Saturday June 1 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 or $5 for students with valid ID.

Presented by Cypress Lake Center for the Arts High School drama department.

Fringe Fort Myers 2024 continues through June 2, 2024 with additional programming to be announced. All of the shows are $16, and patrons can buy multiple shows for a discount: 3 shows for $45 or 6 shows for $80. All shows are included in the discount except the Carousel of Burlesque. There are no refunds, no exchanges, and no exceptions. Please note that all Fringe Fort Myers shows begin at the time stated on your reservation and that we cannot guarantee late seating. Please arrive 5 to 15 minutes before show time.There will be no late seating for any of the Fringe shows. Tickets may be purchased online at artinlee.org/fringe or by calling the box office at (239) 939-2787. 

Nine acts have been selected for Fringe Fort Myers 2024, running the gamut from burlesque, to magic, to stand-up comedy and more. Please note that due to adult language, content and themes, some of the performances are not suitable for those under the age of 18:

In the Foulds Theatre at the Alliance:

Tomatoes Tried To Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life – from Vancouver, BC

When faced with a cancer battle, Keith Alessi’s lifelong dream becomes the key to saving his life.

This show is suitable for all ages. 

Showtimes: Thursday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 1 at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, June 2 at 2:30 p.m.

The Carousel of Burlesque: Behind the Curtain – from Fort Myers, FL

The Carousel of Burlesque premiered last year with the history of burlesque in the US . Now it’s time to take a look behind the curtain.

This show contains nudity and is not suitable for those under the age of 18.

Showtimes: Friday, May 31 at 8:30 p.m., Saturday, June 1 at 8:45 p.m., Sunday, June 2 at 4:00 p.m.

TransMasculine Cabaret, Starring Vulva Va-Voom – from Tampa, FL

“TragiComic transgender-identifying true confessional” and “obscene, maniacal burlesque headliner” seem like incompatible elements…but this gritty song-and-dance nightclub comedian has combined stranger, stickier things onstage. Nine-time Fringe honoree Vulva Va-Voom asks of queer identity: “Who gets to define whether someone is a drag queen, king, or an in-between?” Hardships, meet hilarity.

This show contains adult language and content and is not suitable for those under the age of 18.

Showtimes: Friday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, June 1 at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 2 at 1:00 p.m.

Fringe Classroom Stage at the Alliance:

The Other Side – from Orlando, FL

The Other Side is a story of survival, an experience of magic, and a message of hope. Magician Sebastian Gerhardt was 22 years old when he was diagnosed with an inoperable, malignant brain tumor and told he had six months to live. It was time to say goodbye to his family, friends, and loved ones. This show is his story; combining magic and storytelling to express his newfound appreciation for life and inspire others to do the same.

This show is suitable for those 12+.

Showtimes: Friday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, June 1 at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, June 2 at 1:00 p.m.

Cock Talk – from Fort Myers, FL

A male version of the play ‘Vagina Monologues’. Four men explain, discuss, and debate the trials and tribulations of the “member.”

This show contains adult language and content and is not suitable for those under the age of 18.

Showtimes: Friday, May 31 at 8:30 p.m., Saturday, June 1 at 7:15 p.m., Sunday, June 2 at 2:30 p.m.

LOVE LETTERS TO HUMANITY – from Floyd, VA

This one-woman show weaves dance, theatre and stand-up comedy to reveal both the dark and the light on the search for inner peace. From movement poetry to grotesque play, this piece holds satire with compassion in a hilarious depiction of the wild reality of being human.

This show contains adult language and is rated PG-13. 

Showtimes: Thursday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 1 at 8:45 p.m., Sunday, June 2 at 4:00 p.m.

Off Broadway Palm at Broadway Palm:

The Chase: A Light Bringer Story– from Lutz, FL

A sequel to The Light Bringer, The Chase is another true-life storytelling show, written and performed by Laila Lee, who weaves a tale of mystery, intrigue, and survival that begins with a rude awakening to being stuck between a virtual rock and a hard place.

This show is suitable for those 16+.

Showtimes: Friday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, June 1 at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, June 2 at 1:00 p.m. Held at Off Broadway Palm located at 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33907.

Stabilized Not Controlled – from Naples, FL

Evil landlord “Killer” Joe goes to war on the tenants of his five-floor, stabilized apartment building in Manhattan. Septuagenarian sex addict Lorna Breedlove, the “mother” of them all, guides her eccentric neighbors to keep up the good fight in this biting comedy that ran for two years at Manhattan’s Stage Left Studio.

This show contains adult language and content and is not suitable for those under the age of 18.

Showtimes: Thursday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 1 at 8:30 p.m., Sunday, June 2 at 4:00 p.m. Held at Off Broadway Palm located at 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33907.

Runaway Princess: A Hopeful Tale of Heroin, Hooking and Happiness – from Bronx, NY

Former New York City call girl Mary Goggin shares the true, award-winning story of her traumatic Irish Catholic upbringing, alcoholism, drug addiction and prostitution. Fortunately, like all fables, there is a happy ending. As we peel away the last layer of a broken woman who never felt she fit in, we find the princess, reunited at last with her most precious treasures.

This show contains adult language and content and is rated PG-13. 

Showtimes: Friday, May 31 at 8:30 p.m., Saturday, June 1 at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 2 at 2:30 p.m. Held at Off Broadway Palm located at 1380 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33907.

Full show descriptions, graphics and tickets are available now at ArtInLee.org/Fringe. Please note that all Fringe Fort Myers shows begin at the time stated on your reservation and that we cannot guarantee late seating. Please arrive 5 to 15 minutes before show time. Fringe Fort Myers prides itself on returning all box office sales to its artists.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Bill Taylor at [email protected]. 

About Alliance for the Arts

The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit community visual and performing arts center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Florida. Since 1975, the Alliance has been committed to transforming lives and improving community through the arts. The Alliance campus and galleries are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Located at 10091 McGregor Boulevard just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. For more information, please call 239-939-2787, visit us at www.ArtInLee.org, find us on Facebook and  Instagram.

Community Cooperative Honors Volunteers During Volunteer Appreciation Week

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 22, 2024) – Community Cooperative is proud to celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week by recognizing the invaluable contributions of over 2,000 dedicated volunteers who are the heart of their organization.

In a world where time is a precious commodity, Community Cooperative volunteers dedicate their energy into supporting a cause that greatly impacts the community. They understand the immeasurable impact volunteers have within their organization. In fact, Community Cooperative operates primarily thanks to the dedication of these remarkable individuals, showcasing the power of collective action and community engagement.

“Our volunteers are the driving force behind our success,” says Stefanie Ink-Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative. “Their selfless dedication and tireless commitment empower us to fulfill our mission of ending hunger and homelessness throughout southwest Florida.” 

Just last year, 41,000 hours were given by more than 2,000 active volunteers at Community Cooperative. They are incredibly grateful to everyone who volunteers at their organization whether it is on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis, it all counts towards making a difference in the community.

“The Community Cooperative Volunteer Team is made up of the most committed, altruistic, and inspiring people I have ever had the pleasure to work with,” said Brooke Flake, Community Cooperative’s Volunteer Services Manager. “We couldn’t do the amazing work we do for our clients without every volunteer.”

If you’d like to join Community Cooperative’s Volunteer Team visit www.CommunityCooperative.com for more volunteer opportunities.

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.