Member News

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.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 8, 2020) – Norman Love Confections’ is a great way to send love to mothers near and far, particularly if you are unable to be together.
Norman Love Confections is introducing its limited-edition 2020 Mother’s Day Collection featuring 10 rich ganache-filled eggs in white, dark and milk chocolate as a sweet way to show some love to your mother and women who are like mothers to you.
The 2020 Mother’s Day Collection is offered from April 27-May 9 at Norman Love Confections’ chocolate salons in Fort Myers and Naples, as well as 24/7 online at NormanLoveConfections.com. In addition, new curbside pickup is offered at retail locations or local delivery is available in Southwest Florida. To order, call 239-561-7215.
A 5-piece box with two Mother’s Day heart-shaped flavors and three flavors from the signature collection is offered at $13.75; the 10-piece box with all 10 Mother’s Day heart-shaped flavors is available for $25; and the 25-piece box with all 10 Mother’s Day heart-shaped flavors and an assortment of chocolates from the Signature Collection costs $52.50. Additionally, other specialty gifts are available including a variety of pastries, desserts and baked goods by delivery.
Mother’s Day 2020 Collection heart-shaped flavor descriptions:

• German Chocolate Cake – Milk chocolate filled with flavors of coconut, almond and chocolate cake
• Cupcake – White chocolate with flavors of luscious frosted vanilla cake
• Rosé Champagne – Dark chocolate with flavors of bubbly blush wine and ruby chocolate
• Hazelnut Gianduja – Milk chocolate with flavors of smooth Italian chocolate hazelnut
• Coconut Cake – Dark chocolate with flavors of sweet coconut and white cake
• Grandma’s Chocolate Cake – Dark chocolate with flavors of deep, rich chocolate layers
• Cherry Cheesecake – White chocolate with flavors of New York cheesecake with real cherry jam
• Snickerdoodle – Milk chocolate with flavors of a soft cinnamon sugar cookie
• Banana Rum – White chocolate with spirited flavors of tropical fruit
• Vanilla Yuzu – Dark chocolate with tart citrus fruit flavor with vanilla accents

About Norman Love Confections
Founded in 2001 by Norman and Mary Love, Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its corporate headquarters at 11380 Lindbergh Blvd. in Fort Myers, Florida. The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014. Love was named the inaugural inductee of Dessert Professional Magazine’s Chocolatier Hall of Fame, partnered with local chefs to present a six-course meal at the James Beard House in New York and Norman Love Confections was ranked among the top 10 shops in the world for chocolate lovers by U.K. media outlet Daily Telegraph.
Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, including a pastry shop and café at Whole Foods Market in Fort Myers salon. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership and at independent retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information visit www.normanloveconfections.com or call 239-561-7215.

April 3, 2020 – Millennium Physician Group, a statewide provider of primary care is concerned Florida residents with chronic illnesses might postpone their healthcare needs during the “safer-at-home” order, potentially causing their conditions to rapidly deteriorate, making them more susceptible to COVID-19.
“Healthcare is considered an essential service and Millennium remains open during this stay-at-home order, not only to care for those affected by COVID-19 but also to care for patients who have other acute or chronic illnesses. The advancement of these medical conditions doesn’t stop during a pandemic situation,” says Millennium Chief Medical Officer Alejandro Perez-Trepichio. “Patients with hypertension, diabetes, and COPD, for example, must stay on top of their health and in regular contact with their doctor.”
The CDC and the Florida Department of Health have acknowledged that patients with chronic conditions have a higher risk of becoming infected with the COVID-19 virus and experience a higher mortality rate. “It is possible that if these patients misinterpret the stay-at-home order and disregard their health by skipping necessary appointments, their health will be put at risk. Given that recent reports indicate one quarter of COVID carriers show no symptoms, we could be in for another wave of infected patients during the stay-at-home order, if these patients mistakenly delay timely evaluation. That’s why Millennium’s medical offices, walk-in centers, labs and imaging centers remain open. Our first duty is to our patients,” adds Dr. Perez-Trepichio.
“While more than 1,000 patients a day are using Millennium’s telehealth service, MPG Connect, which connects Millennium’s patients with their physicians, sometimes it’s necessary to come into the medical office,” says a Millennium spokeswoman. “Our offices are screening potential COVID patients before they come into the office, along with following a number of other safeguards. However, if one of our patients chooses a telehealth visit, they will see their doctor, who has their medical records on hand.”
Call your doctor’s office for advice on the safest way to be seen, either in the office or through MPG Connect. Those interested in establishing with a Millennium physician can call (844) CALL-MPG.
About Millennium Physician Group
Millennium Physician Group is the largest  independent physician group in Florida with more than 500 healthcare providers at 130 locations in 17 Florida counties to serve 450,000 patients. Millennium offers primary care, specialty care, walk-in centers, imaging centers, labs and more. Learn more at www.MillenniumPhysician.com.

These are unprecedented and challenging times. The health and safety of our clients, friends, attorneys, and staff are always our number one priority. To help slow the spread of the virus (#FlattenTheCurve), and protect the communities in which we live and work, Henderson Franklin is taking the following proactive measures and implementing the following policies effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020, through Friday, April 3, 2020, at which time we will reassess the situation. Rest assured that our offices remain fully operational and will continue to provide high-quality service to our clients.

• Remote Workforce. Attorneys, paralegals and exempt employees are strongly encouraged to work remotely.
• Rotating Workforce. Administrative support staff will be in the office on a rotating basis. A limited number of support staff will be working remotely, while others will be in our offices for those attorneys and professionals in need of in-person support. The rotation frequency, size, and composition of the on-site staff will vary depending on practice/office needs. Henderson Franklin will continue to have mailroom coverage, as well as other essential on-site coverage.
• All internal and external meetings are suspended. All client meetings held after Friday, March 20, 2020, will be held by video conference or rescheduled. Visitors to Henderson Franklin’s offices will be limited to mail and package delivery. Real estate closings, as well as wills and estate planning related closings/signings, will be rescheduled for a future date or will take place by audio/video conference or in person at the client’s home. All lunches and social gatherings are canceled or will be rescheduled.

Henderson Franklin’s COVID-19 Task Force

You are likely asking questions of how this crisis impacts your business. Please continue to contact your respective attorney with the same email and phone number that you are accustomed to using. A link to our attorney directory is here.
Henderson Franklin is working diligently to develop and refine our response to this crisis and has formed a Task Force to assist clients in this quickly evolving landscape:
Business & Tax

• Erin Houck-Toll, Esquire at 239-344-1296 or [email protected]
• Mark A. Nieds, Esquire at 239-344-1153 or [email protected]

Business Litigation

• Douglas B. Szabo, Esquire at 239-344-1260 or [email protected]
• Carlos Kelly, Esquire at 239-344-1326 or [email protected]

Employment Law

• Scott E. Atwood, Esquire at 239-344-1287 or [email protected]

Estate Planning

• Eric Gurgold, Esquire at 239-344-1162 or [email protected]
• Christopher G. Price, Esquire at 239-344-1183 or [email protected]
• Gregory Herman-Giddens at 239-344-1240 or [email protected]

Family Law

• Beth T. Vogelsang, Esquire at 239-344-1244 or [email protected]
• Christina M. O’Brien, Esquire at 239-344-1279 or [email protected]

Land Use & Zoning

• Jeff Wright, Esquire at 239-344-1371 or [email protected]
• Kaylee Tuck, Esquire at 239-344-1164 or [email protected]

Real Estate

• Fort Myers – Amanda Barritt, Esquire at 239-344-1108 or [email protected]
• Bonita Springs – Donald Thomson, Esquire at 239-344-1369 or [email protected]
• Naples – Sharon M. Zuccaro, Esquire at 239-344-1378 or [email protected]

Tort & Insurance Defense

• Michael J. Corso, Esquire at 239-344-1170 or [email protected]
• Heath E. Gelman, Esquire at 239-344-1273 or [email protected]

Worker’s Compensation

• David H. Roos, Esquire at 239-344-1219 or [email protected]
• Russell S. Whittle, Esquire at 239-344-1218 or [email protected]

Office Location

• Fort Myers – Russell P. Schropp, Esquire at 239-344-1280 or [email protected]
• Bonita Springs – Donald Thomson, Esquire at 239-344-1369 or [email protected]
• Naples – Scott A. Beatty, Esquire at 239-344-1169 or [email protected]

 Administration

• Kenneth L. Crooks, Chief Operating Officer at 239-344-1177 or [email protected]
• JoAnn Cherrington, Human Resources Manager at 239-344-1269 or [email protected]

Resources

• Employers – Get Ready for Emergency Coronavirus Employment Laws, by Scott Atwood, March 16, 2020
• HR Law & Solutions Seminar is Postponed until September 10, 2020, by Gail Lamarche, March 10, 2020

Please continue to check our website for updates and above all, take care of yourself, your families and other loved ones.

Allyn International supports the supply chain industry by launching complimentary, introductory virtual training.
FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 2020) – Allyn International Services Inc., a supply chain services firm, has launched complimentary, introductory virtual supply chain training. As the coronavirus outbreak has caused international lockdowns, Allyn opened its courses to the professional network in an effort to reduce physical interactions and maintain supply chain knowledge.
Allyn uses internally developed virtual modules to provide existing staff with the necessary learning tools to help them in their professional development and grow their technical skillset. The firm has 23 locations globally and ensures that the compulsory training includes international details. This platform increases productivity and worldwide spread of internal education from seasoned internal experts, necessary to provide quality service to Allyn’s clients. With the current crisis around the coronavirus outbreak, Allyn hopes to extend this availability to partners in the industry.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and rapid spread have caused multiple lockdowns of businesses around the world. These lockdowns have brought a significant impact to supply chain corporations. Employees around the world have been asked or forced to work remotely from home, causing a delay in training and education. According to Allyn’s index, ground transportation is facing delays, and air freight is at low capacity due to flight cancellations. As the situation continues, logistics and global trade compliance employees are actively trying to find ways to accommodate clients’ needs during this time.
Allyn’s operational training and customer service leader, Deirdre Trevett states, “We expect to see a significant increase in the criticality and usage of virtual training delivery methods, as travel restrictions widen, and limiting movement helps prevent further spread of the virus.”
Allyn has been working diligently to maintain communication within their Fort Myers, FL headquarters and their locations around the world as everyone subsides to remote work.
Allyn’s chief operating officer, Michal Svoboda, is enthusiastic about helping ease the situation for the time being, stating, “As there are countless health professionals heroically fighting the COVID-19, individuals and corporations should provide something selfless in return. We’ve invested in developing this comprehensive training in order to serve our clientele better, now others will be able to do the same during this time.”
To access the complimentary introductory  courses, please visit allynintl.com/training/
About Allyn International
Allyn International is dedicated to providing high quality, customer-centric services, and solutions for the global marketplace. Allyn’s core products include transportation management, logistics sourcing, freight forwarding, supply chain consulting, tax management and global trade compliance. Allyn clients range from small local businesses to Fortune 500 firms. Allyn conducts business in more than 20 languages and has extensive experience in both developed and emerging markets. Highly trained experts are positioned throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Allyn’s regional headquarters are strategically located in Fort Myers, Florida, U.S.A., Shanghai, P.R. China, Prague, Czech Republic, and Dubai, U.A.E. For more information, visit www.allynintl.com.

The health and safety of visitors, employees, residents and partners are our top priorities. As part of ongoing efforts to help prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 and protect public safety, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will temporarily close public access to the following District-managed properties, effective at 6 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, April 4, 2020:

• Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) in Lee and Collier Counties

Closures are made to protect the health and safety of the public along with land management staff, law enforcement officers and first responders who are responsible for responding to incidents on District lands. The District follows the lead of local governments that have issued Safer at Home orders in their communities and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Florida Department of Health.
Updates about other SFWMD-managed properties will continue to be announced as they develop. For a complete list of current closures, click here.
SFWMD continues to coordinate with the Florida Division of Emergency Management to respond to COVID-19. Learn more about the District’s response. 
For questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, visit FloridaHealth.gov/COVID-19 or contact the Department of Health’s 24/7 COVID-19 Call Center by calling 866-779-6121 or emailing [email protected].
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.
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 3, 2020) – The 27^th annual Boston Red Sox Celebrity Golf Classic and Tee Party offered baseball fans the opportunity to meet players from the Red Sox and raised more than $525,000 for Kids’ Minds Matter. The Tee Party was Feb. 17 at the newly renovated The Forest Country Club and included food, entertainment, as well as silent and live auctions.
The Golf Classic was Feb. 18 at The Forest Country Club. Celebrity Red Sox participants included Andrew Benintendi, new manager Ron Roenicke, Jason Varitek and Hall of Famer Jim Rice. Golisano Children’s Hospital “celebrities” included Jack Bell, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 rare liver cancer in 2008. His cancer had metastasized to both of his lungs. After treatment at Golisano Children’s Hospital and a liver transplant in Cincinnati, he has been cancer-free for almost 12 years. Felix Diego Santiago Colon was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in November 2018 when he was 12. He recently returned to Gateway Charter School, where he is in sixth grade.
Major sponsors included Boston Red Sox Foundation, WebTPA, Marcoaldi Management, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Stephenson Giving Fund, Florida Radiology Consultants, The Salty Crab Bar & Grill, USI Insurance Services. The Forest Country Club volunteers and staff have made the event a success for the last 27 years.
The Dinner on the Diamond event rounds out the Boston Red Sox Celebrity Golf Classic series each year. This year’s event, which had been scheduled for March 19, was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Proceeds from events will support Kids’ Minds Matter, the hospital’s pediatric mental and behavioral health fund. Kids’ Minds Matter advocates for the estimated 46,000 Southwest Florida youth who are struggling with mental and behavioral health disorders like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, psychosis, substance abuse, autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Funds raised help align community, inpatient and outpatient care, provide proper screening, hire additional mental health professionals, and train physicians, parents, educators and caregivers.
About Kids’ Minds Matter
Founded in 2016 by Susan Goldy and Scott Spiezle, Kids’ Minds Matter is a unified movement in Southwest Florida dedicated to advancing pediatric mental and behavioral health services. By developing clinical pathways to screen and treat patients, enhancing public awareness through education, and lobbying for systemic change and sustainable funding, Kids’ Minds Matter aims to align mental health providers, local agencies, the judicial system, law enforcement, schools and faith-based organizations. Kids’ Minds Matter is managed through the Lee Health Foundation. Please visit KidsMindsMatter.com or call 239-343-6950 for more information.
About Golisano Children’s Hospital
Established in 1994, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has been named a “Top Hospital” three consecutive years by The Leapfrog Group. It is the only recognized children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami. Lee Health opened the new 134-bed Golisano Children’s Hospital in May 2017, relocating the children’s hospital from the adjacent HealthPark Medical Center. It includes comprehensive pediatric services including a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, milk lab, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 70 private rooms. Golisano Children’s Hospital is proud to have been named Soliant’s 2018 Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S., a recognition determined by popular vote. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 3, 2020) – Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties donated 375 hazmat suits, 120 pieces of eyewear, and 40 boxes of medical-grade disposable gloves to Lee Health.
With an accelerating spread of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic occurring in Southwest Florida, many local hospitals are experiencing a shortage of essential medical supplies for frontline health care workers.
In a recent public statement regarding COVID-19, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties CEO, Becky Lucas, declared, “we believe now is the time for us to do even more to protect you, our team, Habitat homeowners, future homeowners, and the community for whom we deeply care.”
Observing Habitat’s guiding principle to put God’s love into action, Habitat construction staff members organized a donation of medical-grade protective gear to Lee Health. The contribution consisted of 375 hazmat suits, 120 pieces of eyewear, and 40 boxes of disposable gloves.
“We are so blessed that during these hard times, we can continue to help others by putting God’s love into action. A big thanks to Carlos and the team for gathering these items and facilitating the delivery. And lastly, a BIG thank you to everyone at Lee Health who is on the frontlines during these trying times,” said Habitat’s Director of Purchasing, Olivia Thomas.
Lee Health Development Representative, Paul Martin, thanked Habitat, saying, “We truly appreciate the donations you’ve made today that will help all of our heroes working on the frontlines.”
As the number of COVID-19 patients continues to grow, Lee Health and our essential health care workers will need additional community support. If you are in possession of disinfecting wipes, eye protection, disposable gloves, hazmat suits, or N95 masks—please consider donating extra supplies to our local hospitals. Lee Health is also accepting online donations, which can be made securely at leehealthfoundation.org/donate.
Together, we can get through this, building a community that is stronger and more resilient.
About Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties
Since 1982, 1,600 families in need of a hand up have partnered with Habitat Lee and Hendry to build or improve their home. Habitat homeowners, alongside volunteers, help build their own home and pay an affordable mortgage. Through volunteering, financial or material donations, everyone can help Lee and Hendry county families achieve strength, stability and independence. Through shelter, we empower. For more information, visit www.Habitat4Humanity.org.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 6, 2020) – Crystal Stouten has been appointed executive director for Lee BIA Builders Care, the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA).
In her role, Stouten will work with contractors and local businesses to secure in-kind services, as well as monetary and material donations, to help Lee BIA Builders Care carry out its mission to provide emergency construction services at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and/or disabled homeowners, and their families, who cannot obtain repairs through traditional means. The executive director also helps assemble teams of skilled volunteers to complete construction projects and lead fundraising events throughout the year.
Stouten, a seasoned sales, marketing and communications professional, previously served as business development director and customer relations manager for Service Contracting Solutions, a Fort Myers-based company that is one of Florida’s largest painting contractors. While there, Stouten collaborated with the executive team to improve policies and procedures while also overseeing marketing campaigns and recruitment, coordinating company events, maintaining relationships with vendors and more.
Stouten’s related experience also includes a position as membership director for the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association (CCCIA) and in purchasing and vendor relations for K. Hovnanian First Homes.
Stouten is a member of numerous local committees, including the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, Lee Building Industry Association, Associated Building & Contractors Association, Building Managers International and other community-based organizations.
To date, Lee BIA Builders Care has helped more than 425 Lee County families and has provided over $4.75 million in construction services and materials at no cost to the families in need.
About Lee BIA Builders Care
The mission of Lee BIA Builders Care is to provide emergency construction services at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and/or disabled homeowners, and their families, who cannot obtain repairs through traditional means. Lee BIA Builders Care offers a full range of no-cost emergency construction services to improve the safety and health for needy seniors and disabled individuals of all ages by enlisting the expertise and donated services and materials of contractors, sub-contractors and businesses. To date, Lee BIA Builders Care has put more than $4.75 million in construction services back into the community at no cost to homeowners in need. Builders Care is funded through financial donations, grants and donated services and materials to provide emergency construction services to qualified homeowners throughout the community. Lee BIA Builders Care is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization under the charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association. Lee BIA Builders Care is headquartered at 6835 International Center Blvd. #4 in Fort Myers. Donations can be made online at www.LeeBuildersCare.org. More information is available by calling 239-938-0056, and by following Builders Care at www.Facebook.com/LeeBuildersCare.