Member News

FORT MYERS, FLA., May 4, 2020 – World-renowned artists from throughout Europe, Russia, and Great Britain will travel to Fort Myers in 2021 to perform for the Fort Myers Community Concert Association in its 72nd annual concert series.
Tickets are now on sale for the five performances, which organizers say bring the best in classical symphony, vocal and dance performances to Southwest Florida.  All performances will be at the Barbara B. Mann Hall on the Florida SouthWestern State College campus in Fort Myers.
“We anticipate that we’ll be sold out by the time the series begins in January,” said Community Concert Association President Mary Lee Mann.  “Where else can you see not one, but five performances for what you would expect to pay for just one?”
All five concerts are included in one ticket price, which ranges from $165 for prime orchestra and mezzanine seats to $155 for other orchestra and mezzanine seats, $85 for lower balcony seating and just $65 for upper balcony.
For membership forms, visit www.fortmyerscommunityconcerts.org or call 239-693-4849. Tickets to individual performances are not available at this time.
“We have been fortunate this year to attract some of the most outstanding artists in the world today, thanks to the generosity of our major underwriters and supporters,” Mann said.
“In these unprecedented times, one thing is certain.  Fort Myers Community Concerts will continue its more than 70-year tradition of presenting the finest concerts with the well-being of our patrons as a prime consideration.  If our 2021 series should have to be cancelled, all subscribers would receive a complete refund, or if they choose, a credit toward our next season.”
The five performances all begin at 7:30 p.m.:

• Moscow State Symphony Orchestra – January 19, 2021. – The Moscow State Symphony Orchestra presents a splendid ensemble including Weber: Oberon Overture, Bruch: Violin Concert No. 1 and Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6. Under the musical direction of Pavel Kogan, the MSSO has a reputation for high artistic standards and imaginative programming.
• Les Violons Du Roy Chamber Orchestra  – January 25, 2021.  Les Violons Du Roy is at the heart of the music scene in Quebec City and is a regular feature on the Montreal cultural calendar. The orchestra is known throughout North America thanks to the many broadcasts of its concerts and recordings on CBC, Radio-Canada and NPR.
• VOCES8 – February 16, 2021. The British vocal ensemble VOCES8 will present an a cappella concert celebrating diverse musical expression. The ensemble of eight has released acclaimed recordings that have all reached the top of the classical charts.
• The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass – March 9, 2021. The internationally acclaimed Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass is composed of some of America’s top brass musicians, who have appeared on the world’s most prominent stages and performed with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Boston Brass.
• National Dance Company of Siberia – March 23, 2021. The National Dance Company of Siberia introduces audiences to the cultural traditions of Siberia.  The 44-member dance company is elaborately dressed in gorgeous costumes and joined on stage by a live orchestra of instruments that weave music into the fabric of the dances and Siberian folklore.

The Fort Myers Community Concert Association, now in its 72nd concert season, is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization founded by the legendary Barbara B. Mann in 1949 to bring world-class entertainment to Southwest Florida at affordable prices.  The association consists of more than 1,700 members, underwriters and sponsors.  Performers brought to Fort Myers in the past by the association include The Israel Ballet, Violinist Itzhak Perlman, The Boston Brass, Minnesota Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Vienna Boys Choir, Pianist Andre Watts, Violinist Joshua Bell with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and many others.

FORT MYERS, FLA., May 1, 2020 – Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Stephen Prendiville is now offering COVID-19 Antibody Testing at his Fort Myers office. Prendiville said he wanted to do something to help individuals who are concerned about whether they have had or have come into contact with someone with the COVID-19 virus.
“There aren’t many testing sites available yet.  With our staff of medical professionals, we thought this would be a way to make testing more readily available,” he said.
Testing to see if someone has antibodies in their blood isn’t the same as testing to see if they are infected with COVID-19.  An antibody test can determine if someone has been infected and recovered.
This is especially useful for individuals who want to go back to work but must have a test or doctor’s note before they can return to their jobs.
“It has not yet been proven that antibodies are protection for this novel virus, but antibodies are generally considered as a form of protection after viral illnesses.  We are not encouraging actively sick individuals to have this test,” he said.
Broad testing of even a portion of the U.S. population could give researchers a general idea of how many Americans have been infected, which could be useful in predicting who might be immune if COVID-19 cases spike again this fall.
You do not have to be a patient of Dr. Prendiville’s to receive the test, which costs $220.  Individuals may be able to file with their health insurance company on their own to recover part of the cost. Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Dr. Prendiville’s office at  9407 Cypress Lake Drive in Fort Myers.  Call 239-437-3900 for an appointment.

FORT MYERS: Lee County commissioners voted Tuesday to reopen county parks and preserves, including all beaches and beach access points, parking lots, and free-standing bathrooms on Wednesday.
County Commissioner Brian Hamman says he called for the mayor of Fort Myers Beach to follow the county’s lead. Mayor Ray Murphy said Fort Myers Beach will discuss it at their meeting on Friday.
Staff will be onsite to help encourage beachgoers to follow the CDC guidelines, including social distancing.
Parks and preserves will open with regular hours.
The following beaches and parks will be open:

• Bonita Beach Park
• Bowditch Point Park
• Bowman’s Beach Park
• Causeway Islands
• Crescent Beach Family Park
• Little Hickory Island Beach Park
• Lynn Hall Memorial Beach Park
• San Carlos/Bunche Beach Preserve
• Turner Beach Park

The following beach accesses will also be open:

• Alison Hagerup Beach Park
• Andy Rosse Lane Park
• Boca Grande Beach Accesses
• Bonita Beach Accesses
• Dog Beach Park
• Estero Island Beach Accesses

Dog parks, pickleball courts, tennis courts, and baseball fields will all be open.
NOTE: When the beaches open Wednesday, you can go to the sandy beach areas at Bowditch Point, Lynn Hall Park and Crescent Beach, as well as many other county-owned beach access points on Estero Island, some of which are within the Town of Fort Myers Beach and some within the City of Bonita Springs. Look for a county logo on the access signs or parks signs and then you will know you are good to go.
The following amenities at all Lee County locations will remain closed:

• Playgrounds
• Pavilions
• Recreation centers
• Soccer, lacrosse and football fields
• Basketball courts
• Piers
• Splash pads and pools

Baseball and softball fields will reopen with caveats, including no league play and no access to dugouts or bleachers. These fields will be for groups of 10 or less who want to practice baseball or softball – but they will need to contact the Parks & Recreation supervisor listed on each landing page at www.leeparks.org for the individual site that has the field. Or people can call the Parks main phone number at (239)533-7275 for assistance.
Additional plans are in place for the reopening, including:
Staff will make hash marks on the walkways at high-use tennis and pickleball courts and other areas to help guide the public of social distancing if there is a waiting line.
All dog parks will reopen with caveats. There will not be any seating areas provided. Patrons need to bring their own chairs; pre-established socially distanced spacing will be identified. Patrons must take chairs home when they leave.
All parking fees will go back into effect under this re-opening to help with congestion and turn over that occurs at high-use park sites with parking fees. Staff is assigned to clean parking pay machines.
Normal operating hours at all parks, preserves and beach access sites will be observed.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office will assist with monitoring and educating the public at county beaches.
This move, approved at an emergency Board of County Commissioners meeting Tuesday, is part of the county’s phased-in approach for residents while still observing the governor’s executive order. Commissioners offered guidelines and stressed it is imperative that residents remain vigilant to continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Source: WINK News Website, 4/28/2020

FORT MYERS, FLA., April 22, 2020 —Residents who need eye care and have lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic, have no health insurance and are in financial hardship may now receive a virtual eye appointment from Quigley Eye Specialists at no charge. Upon completion of a financial affidavit, those in need may have fees that insurance would normally cover completely waived.
“Service to our community has been our mission since Thomas A. Quigley founded our practice more than 30 years ago,” said Dr. Duane Wiggins, Board Certified Ophthalmologist and Cataract and Refractive Surgeon at Quigley Eye Specialists. “Giving back is an important part of our everyday lives. We are proud of the fact that we have performed more than 2,000 free surgeries for those without insurance or means to pay because they were at risk of going blind without the needed procedure.”
Extending eyecare to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic is the next natural step for Quigley Eye Specialists. Waiving fees to help residents who need to see an eye doctor but don’t have the resources to pay for it is the responsible thing to do, he added.
Residents do not need to be a current patient of Quigley Eye Specialists to obtain virtual eye exams or have the fee waived. “Any patient who has an eye concern can now access this safe way to see a doctor without leaving their home,” said Dr. Wiggins.  “While we cannot do dilation online, we can uncover visible eye concerns that may involve obtaining a prescription for medication. If it is an emergency or cannot be handled online, we certainly can make an appointment for an in-office visit.”
For those with current insurance coverage, Medicare has waived co-pays for patients who use telehealth services during the COVID-19 emergency for common office visits, mental health counseling, and preventive health screenings, such as eye exams.  Some private insurers also are waiving co-pays.
Dr. Wiggins said there is also an emotional benefit to the virtual appointments.  “When we visit with patients in their homes via virtual eye appointments, we are able to connect. For many patients, this is the only human connection they have during this time of social distancing,” he said.
Virtual appointments may be the new normal for a long time. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the pandemic is expected to pose a threat until a vaccine is made. Therefore, social distancing guidelines may continue for the next 18 months.
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About Quigley Eye Specialists
Technology leaders in eye care, Quigley Eye Specialists is one of the nation’s leading multispecialty ophthalmology practices specializing in cataracts, laser cataract surgery, glaucoma, LASIK, dry eye, eyelid surgery, retinal issues, corneal conditions and routine eye care. As the number one choice for cataract treatment in Southwest Florida, Quigley Eye Specialists is committed to providing the highest level of quality eye care and service to the community. The practice has served the region for more than 30 years and offers patients convenient locations throughout Southwest Florida including Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Naples, Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda. For more information, call 239-466-2020 or visit QuigleyEye.com.
 

Fort Myers, FL: ​Today, ​​Frontline Foods​, a national grassroots organization working with restaurants, hospitals and other medical facilities to feed those working on the frontline COVID-19 crisis, announced their launch in Southwest Florida.
Frontline Foods donates healthy meals to hospital clinicians who are working in unprecedented times by partnering with local restaurants that have been devasted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Frontline Foods program started organically in multiple cities across the country; there are now 34 chapters (and growing) powered by over 400 volunteers. Thanks to the support communities, Frontline Foods has raised over $1.6 million, provided more than 50,000 meals to frontline workers and supported over 135 restaurants.
Diana Willis, owner of Jason’s Deli, brought the idea to Lee Health after participating in the program with other Jason’s Deli locations across the country. With the support of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, Frontline Foods is now available in Southwest Florida, enabling local restaurants to provide daily meals to Lee Health’s 10 different frontline medical locations treating COVID-19 patients.
“This program is a way to thank our local frontline heroes while at the same time support local businesses,” said Willis. “Our local frontline healthcare staff have made a huge commitment to caring for loved ones with COVID-19 and other illnesses. Additionally, the community is looking for ways to support our local restaurants during this global pandemic and this is a nationally proven model that works.”
To make a tax-deductible donation, with 100 percent going to restaurants providing meals for frontline healthcare workers, visit https://www.frontlinefoods.org/swfl. Any donation, big or small, will make a difference. Donations of $1,000 or more allow donors to request the restaurant they would like to support in the comment section. Otherwise donations will be rotated through the participating restaurants. Unrestricted gifts will be distributed across the participating restaurants.
According to hospital liaison Christin Collins, Lee Health is serving 3,500 meals daily to their frontline staff.
“During the week of March 30, more than 100 restaurants provided meals to Lee Health,” Collins said. “With the Frontline Foods program, we can streamline donations and deliveries from local restaurants and provide a way for philanthropic-minded individuals to help thank our local heroes who are working 24/7 to fight this pandemic in our region. The parents of one the founders of Frontline Foods live in Cape Coral and will be joining us in our efforts.”
Collins added the program will hopefully expand to other regional providers and emergency workers in the future as the momentum increases.
“We are helping to promote this effort and drive our Jason’s Deli customers to donate to it,” said Willis. “We are hoping more restaurants will join us.”
“This program through Frontline Foods is a great collaborative approach to supporting two groups devastated by the COVID-19 crisis,” said Sarah Owen, president and CEO of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation who is helping to promote and support the program. “Healthcare workers across our region and country are putting their lives on the line every day and at the same time hundreds of local restaurants have been forced to shut down and put workers out of jobs. By working with local restaurants to provide food for healthcare workers, the money will be put back into our community while supporting frontline workers with nourishment and a show of solidarity.”
Frontline Foods is partnered with World Central Kitchen, a tax-exempt, registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization and all donations will be made and distributed through World Central Kitchen.
For more information, please contact Corinne Wyard at 617.538.8973 or [email protected]
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About Frontline Foods
Frontline Foods’ mission is to bring food to healthcare workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic while at the same time supporting restaurants impacted by the crisis. 100% of money raised goes directly to restaurants in communities across the country enabling them to keep their kitchens open to prepare meals for hospitals and other medical facilities. The program is powered by a grassroots network with over 400 volunteers in 32 cities (and growing).
Frontline Foods is partnered with World Central Kitchen, a tax-exempt registered 501 (c) (3) charitable organization and all donations will be made through World Central Kitchen.  All donations made in connection with this project are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

FORT MYERS — Stickboy has waived its expert tech support and remote setup fees for two months to help local businesses that are not fully prepared for the unique challenge that COVID-19 has demanded: A truly remote workforce.
“I grew up in Fort Myers. The well-being of our community and the success of local businesses has deep meaning to me,” says Josh Zachritz, Director of Operations at Stickboy. “The world is forcing us to work remotely, and we are answering in a big way. Stickboy is offering free services that will undoubtedly help businesses weather this difficult economic climate and the new stay-at-home order.”
Stickboy is offering free tech support for two months in Southwest Florida. Whether or not businesses have an IT company, the experts at Stickboy will help resolve any technology issues to make sure productivity doesn’t lag. If companies do not have a plan to work remotely, Stickboy is also waiving its labor fees to set up remote capabilities.
According to a recent Gartner snap poll, 54 percent of HR leaders implied that poor technology and/or infrastructure is the biggest obstacle to effective remote working.
Stickboy takes away those barriers and helps keep businesses operating at full capacity. Elite Electrical is one local company that took advantage of Stickboy’s offer to help once remote work became a necessity. The large company needs to keep operations running smoothly — especially because it is deemed an essential business.
“Our technology partner Stickboy was able to have all of our computers remotely accessible in minutes,” says Shannon Fitz, Chief Financial Officer of Elite Electrical in Fort Myers.
About Stickboy
Stickboy is an award-winning technology firm that is optimizing businesses with custom software, mobile applications, process automation, and advanced IT solutions. Its team is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technologies for businesses large and small, helping increase efficiencies and scale growth.
Stickboy can be reached at 239-206-1193, [email protected] , and stickboy.ai.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 10, 2020) – WearTheFund, a mission-driven custom apparel company, launched a SWFL Strong T-shirt campaign offering a unique way to help those most impacted with food, shelter, and basic human needs due to the economic challenges caused by COVID-19. In collaboration with CONRIC PR & Marketing who rallied the SWFL Strong online community, WearTheFund created a special #SWFLStrong apparel collection – adult, youth, and even onesies – featured on a dedicated website at swflstrong.wearthefund.com. $10 from every purchase is donated to the SWFL Emergency Relief Fund.
“As a local, socially-conscious business also feeling the adverse impacts of this crisis, we want to support other individuals and organizations experiencing the same,” expressed Sam Lewis, WearTheFund Founder and CEO. “With a #SWFLStrong Shirt, together we are ONE as a united community. I encourage everyone to spread the word so we can serve as many of our neighbors as possible.”
“This pandemic may be the hardest thing we have ever experienced in our lifetime but when our community comes together, we are stronger than COVID-19,” says Connie Ramos-Williams, president of CONRIC PR & Marketing who along with her CONRIC team launched the SWFL Strong Facebook Group, a safe space for businesses, nonprofits and families to unite and share positive news and information. “We’re honored to support WearTheFund’s initiative to raise money for a local relief fund.”
The Southwest Florida Community Foundation in partnership with United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee Counties created the SWFL Emergency Relief Fund in response to COVID-19, distributing funding to nonprofits on the front line working with those most affected. The fund will provide resources to local organizations working to provide aid, as well as complement the work of public health officials and local government to expand capacity to address all aspects of the outbreak as efficiently as possible.
“Right now, every single dollar donated will make a difference in the lives of our residents,” said Jeannine Joy, President and CEO of the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee Counties. “WearTheFund has given back so much to our community already. We are appreciative of this amazing opportunity that Sam has made possible to help even more people when it is needed most.”
ABOUT WEARTHEFUND
With its headquarters and production warehouse in Fort Myers, Fla., WearTheFund is a mission-driven custom apparel company committed to changing the way the world does business – profit is not the bottom line – with high quality merchandise that “gives back” to the client’s own charity or nonprofit of choice. The company is known for its social responsibility and extensive charitable network, contributing close to $200,000 to diverse causes that achieve social good for the communities it serves. For more information, visit wearthefund.com.

Fort Myers — Fieldr, a local web-based software platform that connects emerging talent to employers, has removed the cost for any job listings on its College Portal.
“Crisis or not, our mission is to provide opportunities for learning, growth, and significance– so that’s what we’ll continue to do one way or another. We’re here to help, and we’re here to stay.” – Connor Firmender, CEO and Co-Founder of Fieldr.
What is usually priced at $120/post, is now completely free for any business – for-profit or nonprofit. This is a great opportunity for businesses to connect with young talent and nonprofits to find students in need of service-learning work. Fieldr also works directly with school districts to serve secondary education. What is usually an annual licensing agreement, Fieldr is offering three-month trials to school districts for their Summer Internship programs.
With social distancing and remote work becoming the norm, an allegiance of SWFL tech companies is stepping forward to help local businesses survive and keep working during this time.
Fieldr joins Stickboy, a local IT and software solutions company based in Fort Myers. Stickboy has waived its expert tech support and remote setup fees for two months to help local businesses that are not fully prepared to work remotely.
Recently launched, the Fieldr Academy Podcast brings tips, insights, and resources to the community of business owners, staff, and students. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Play, and YouTube, Episode 002 features Jordan Azis, Technology Advisor for Stickboy, and dives into the “art of working remotely.”
About Fieldr
Serving over 500 College Students in SWFL alone, Fieldr’s College Portal is designed to allow businesses to register, create a custom profile, and post a diverse set of opportunities that range from internships, project-based, and remote work. With our requirement of social distancing, more and more people are working from home and many are finding new remote work opportunities. This generation of emerging talent is a pool of effective future employees that are geared for the style of work that is now commonplace.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 8, 2020) – Elmquist Eye Group is now offering telehealth services for patients with conditions that do not require an in-office exam.
Offered via a HIPAA-compliant platform, Elmquist Eye Group’s telehealth consultations are intended for ocular conditions that can be diagnosed and managed virtually, including styes, cysts, eyelid swelling and red eyes. Virtual visits can also help determine if a patient’s symptoms require urgent treatment or further evaluation. For other serious issues and for those experiencing pain or vision loss, Elmquist Eye Group is still providing in-office care at its Fort Myers location. Its Cape Coral office is temporarily closed during this time. The practice is temporarily postponing non-emergency eye exams, as directed by the CDC and the American Academy of Ophthalmology to safeguard patients and staff and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Customers are still able to purchase contact lenses from Elmquist Eye Group’s Optical Boutiques. Eyeglass repairs and purchases are available by appointment. Orders can be mailed to customers’ homes or picked up at Elmquist Eye Group via curbside pickup.
“Elmquist Eye Group is dedicated to the overall health of our patients, staff and community, and telehealth allows us to keep serving patients while reducing the number of in-office visits during this unprecedented time for our community,” said Dr. Trevor Elmquist, founder of Elmquist Eye Group. “While a virtual visit cannot replace a comprehensive dilated in-office eye exam, our ophthalmologists and optometrists stand ready to provide consultation and answer any questions.”
Please contact Elmquist Eye Group at 239-936-2020 to learn more about telehealth services or to set up an emergency appointment.
About Elmquist Eye Group
E. Trevor Elmquist, D.O. founded Elmquist Eye Group in Fort Myers in 1992. Elmquist and his skilled associates Dr. Kate Wagner, Dr. Sarah Eccles-Brown and Dr. Nina Burt continue to provide a complete range of medical and surgical eye care to the residents of Lee County. Services include comprehensive eye exams, diagnosis and treatment of cataracts, dry eye, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and many more eye conditions. For more information and appointments call 239-936-2020 or go to www.Elmquist.com.

Nominations to close May 1

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 8, 2020) – Want to brighten your day by honoring an exceptional woman in business? The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business committee is seeking nominations for its 2020 APEX Awards, an annual awards event that recognizes outstanding women in the Greater Fort Myers community who excel in the areas of professionalism, philanthropy and leadership.
The nomination deadline has been extended through Friday, May 1. The community is invited to submit nominations online at www.fortmyers.org/events/apex-awards. Nominees must be current members of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce.
“The Chamber and its Women in Business committee are proud to honor the many remarkable women who are doing incredible things within our greater Fort Myers community,” said Tracy Siekmann, co-chair of the 2020 APEX Awards. “As we work to overcome these unprecedented times, you can help lift the spirits of an inspirational, hardworking leader by nominating them for this prestigious recognition.”
Five finalists will be announced in June, and the finalists will go on to be recognized during a gala dinner, where one will be named the recipient of this year’s APEX Award.
Presented by Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, the 15^th annual APEX Awards dinner will be held on Friday, Aug. 28 at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village in Cape Coral. Tickets are $150 each, available for purchase at www.FortMyers.org.
“Even more important now than ever, this event offers a special opportunity to celebrate the impactful leaders of our community,” added 2020 APEX Awards co-chair Kelly Talamo. “We look forward to welcoming yet another phenomenal woman into this group of distinguished APEX honorees.”
For more information on sponsorships or purchasing tickets for the event, please contact Linda Onorevole at 239-332-2930 ext. 213.
About Women in Business
Part of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, the Women in Business committee is dedicated to helping women achieve their fullest professional and personal potential. A variety of networking and educational programs are offered throughout the year, typically the first Wednesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
About 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 239-332-2930 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.