Member News

NAPLES, Fla. (Jan. 24, 2020) – The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has bestowed its highest honor, the Eagle Award, on Nick and Linda Penniman, long-time supporters of the environment and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida at the annual meeting.

The award was presented at the annual meeting Jan. 16 of the Conservancy’s members by Van Williams, president of the Conservancy’s board of directors.

“It is our honor and pleasure to support this couple, recognizing how much they’ve contributed to Collier County and the Conservancy over the years,” he said. “It’s their integrity, dedication and unwavering commitment to what we do and what needs to be done here in the county.”

Each year, the Conservancy presents its prestigious Eagle Awards to individuals and organizations that provide outstanding leadership on environmental causes, shepherd philanthropic initiatives and participate in grassroots activism.

“Linda and I do what we do not for the recognition, but because of the work that needs to be done,” said Nick Penniman. “This award was truly special to us because it was given to us jointly, recognizing the work that we do together. There’s no other place in the region where you have as many environmental issues to address. We truly believe the Conservancy is the most effective organization in the country as their work is urgently important to the development of Southwest Florida. It’s a great honor and very satisfying for us to be involved.”

Nick Penniman retired in 1999 as publisher of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Currently on the Conservancy’s board of directors, he served as board chair from 1995-1997, and led the Saving Southwest Florida campaign to build the Conservancy campus for two years. For the Conservancy’s 50^th anniversary in 2014, he published Nature’s Steward: A History of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. He is a former member of both the Coastal Advisory Community and the Environmental Advisory Committee for Collier County. His second book, A Toxic Inconvenience: Red Tide and Blue-Green Algae on Florida’s Coast was published late last year.

Linda Penniman served on the Naples City Council from 2014 -2019, championing the environment and serving on a special taskforce for The Conservancy, chair of the Collier County Waterkeeper and aiding the city of Naples Planning Advisory Board, Coastal Advisory Committee and other organizations.

About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida:

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a not-for-profit environmental protection organization with a 55-year history focused on the issues impacting the water, land, wildlife and future of Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The Conservancy accomplishes this mission through the combined efforts of its experts in the areas of environmental science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, world-class Nature Center and von Arx Wildlife Hospital are headquartered in Naples, Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, south of the Naples Zoo off Goodlette-Frank Road. Learn more about the Conservancy’s work and how to support the quality of life in Southwest Florida www.conservancy.org.

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FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 24, 2020) – Target Roofing & Sheet Metal has hired Natasha Rodriguez as a project manager overseeing roof installations, repairs and replacements for commercial clients across Southwest Florida.

As project manager, Rodriguez facilitates communication between the company and its portfolio of clients, which include high-rises, mid-rises, apartment buildings, condominiums, shopping plazas, churches, schools and government facilities. Duties include creating purchase orders, reviewing project estimates and scopes of work, updating project schedules and timelines, overseeing jobsite safety protocol, upholding high standards of craftsmanship and professionalism, and maintaining concierge-level customer service.

Rodriguez previously worked as a project coordinator and estimator for a Fort Myers-based contractor supporting project managers and superintendents throughout all phases of a project, including estimating, negotiation, contracting, buyout, administration and project closeouts.

Rodriguez earned an Associate of Science degree from Miami-Dade College.

About Target Roofing & Sheet Metal

Target Roofing & Sheet Metal is an experienced, locally owned commercial roofing company dedicated to proactive roof maintenance and repair services, as well as exceptional reroofing and new construction roofing services. Target Roofing is skilled at installing shingle, tile, metal and flat roofs on a variety of commercial structures, including high-rises, mid-rises, apartment buildings, condominiums, shopping plazas, churches, schools and government facilities. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a commitment to reliability and responsiveness, Target Roofing serves commercial clients along Florida’s Gulf Coast. For more information, call 239-332-5707 or visit TargetRoofers.com.

Miami Super Bowl Host Committee’s Ocean To Everglades Initiative Features the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl
Who: State and local leaders will join the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the South Florida Water Management District (District), and Miami Super Bowl Host Committee’s Ocean To Everglades Initiative.
What: Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl Awards Celebration. Python Bowl participants and the public will gather to learn the results of the competition. The FWC and the District will announce the winners of this one-of-a-kind competition that supports the delicate Greater Everglades Ecosystem by encouraging the humane removal of these nonnative snakes that are decimating our native species. The event will include:

• Announcement of winners for each category, including most, longest and heaviest pythons in the pro, rookie and veteran/active duty categories.
• Awarding of prizes including two 570 Tracker Off Road ATVs provided by Bass Pro Shops.
• Drawings for additional prizes.
• State experts on nonnative fish and wildlife and Python Bowl participants and winners will be available for media interviews.

Where: Bayfront Park, Miami: Super Bowl LIVE Huddle Down Stage. Gate 15 is the media entrance at Super Bowl LIVE where media must present their NFL media credential or their regular media credential to gain access. Please keep in mind that the media entrance is the only way to enter the park with gear (i.e., tripods and cameras). If you enter through the general entrance, gear will not be permitted.
When: Saturday, Jan. 25, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Why: To recognize the winners of the Python Bowl and thank all participants for their involvement. Every python removed is a victory for Florida’s native wildlife. The pythons removed and the awareness raised by the event will help protect Florida’s Everglades habitats, as well as the animals that live there, from invasive Burmese pythons.
Background: The Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl is a conservation effort that includes public outreach on invasive pythons and a 10-day competition to remove Burmese pythons from public lands in south Florida. The aim of the 2020 Python Bowl is to engage the public in participating in Everglades restoration through invasive species removal. Details are available at FLPythonChallenge.org.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Important guide on attending Super Bowl LIVE. Includes road closure information, parking and more.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 23, 2020) – Lee Association of Remarkable Citizens (LARC) has received a grant to purchase a new van through the Rotary Clubs of Fort Myers, Fort Myers South, Fort Myers Sunrise and a matching grant from Rotary District 6960, Southwest Florida.
The goal of Rotary grants is to fund specific projects and equipment that will be used to help an organization achieve its mission.
“Our new van will make a substantial difference in the quality of life of the individuals who utilize our programs,” said Angela Katz, LARC development director. “Transportation is one of the biggest barriers for people with disabilities. Our new van will give us more opportunities to participate in recreation, education and employment in our community.”
“The collective leadership and expertise of our members helps us tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, locally and globally,” said Kerri Goldsmith, president of Rotary South. “Our collaboration to purchase the van for LARC is an example of how we can unite to reach individuals in our community most in need.”
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.
To learn more about LARC visit www.larcleecounty.org or contact Angela Katz at 239-334-6285 x229.
About LARC
Established in 1954, LARC Inc.’s mission is to empower and support individuals with disabilities and their families to reach their full potential. LARC is a 501(c)3 that provides programs and services for approximately 300 local men and women annually. The nonprofit offers youth programs, vocational training, community residential services, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis. LARC’s main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers, and has a satellite campus in Bonita Springs. LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes located in Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 23, 2020) – Shell Point Retirement Community continues the Concerts & Conversations program of its 2019-2020 Fine and Performing Arts Series with a performance by Penning & Langford at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the Grand Cypress Room at The Woodlands at Shell Point, 14441 Woodsong Lane in Fort Myers. Tickets for this event cost $30 and can be purchased online at www.shellpoint.org/concerts or by phone at 239-454-2067.

Soprano Diane Penning and tenor and pianist Paul Langford met nearly five years ago at a performance arranged by a mutual pair of musician friends. Both accomplished and seasoned artists individually, the two forged a duo with a repertoire that includes music from the Great American songbook, encompassing Broadway and standards as well as well-known songs that soared to the top of the charts.

During this performance, Penning and Langford will take the audience on a musical journey with a remarkable variety of great music from shows like “West Side Story,” “King and I,” “Sound of Music” and “Camelot,” as well as standards by Gershwin and Cole Porter, and songs like Perry Como’s smash hit “It’s Impossible” and the ever-popular “You Raise Me Up.”

As part of Shell Point’s Concerts & Conversations program, guests can enjoy fellowship and a dessert reception with the performers following the concert.

About Shell Point Retirement Community

Shell Point Retirement Community, founded in 1968, is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers, Florida. Shell Point offers independent retirement living, assisted living, and skilled nursing for its 2,500 residents in an active, resort-style environment. Lifestyle amenities include deep-water boating access with free dockage, a championship 18-hole golf course, and other recreational and educational activities. To learn more, visit www.shellpoint.org or call 1-800-780-1131.

NAPLES, Fla. (Jan. 23, 2020) – The Conservancy of Southwest Florida members elected five new directors for four years terms on the board of directors. Terry Edwards, Robin Hamilton, Katrina Lundmark-Kash, Jon Kukk and Charles Mueller were elected at the organization’s 56^th Annual Members’ Meeting on Jan. 16 at the Conservancy Nature Center.

Edwards is a retired editor and art gallery director who, with her husband Bob, is a trustee of the Naples Children & Education Foundation and former chair of the Naples Winter Wine Festival. She chaired the 2017 and 2018 Naples Zoo galas and has served on the Conservancy’s Magic Under the Mangroves committee. She is a former board member of the Shelter for Abused Women & Children. A native of St. Louis, she moved to Naples in 2004. She is passionate about education, wildlife and water conservation.

Robin Hamilton, vice president wealth advisor for Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management has worked in the financial industry for 23 years in Pittsburgh and Naples. After growing up in Chicago, Robin moved with her family to Florida and graduated from the University of Florida. She served as the Conservancy’s 2019 Chair for “Magic Under the Mangroves” and remained on the board. She serves on the board of the Women’s Foundation of Collier County and is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Collier. She is an avid diver and boater and recognizes the challenges facing Southwest Florida’s water and wildlife.

Lundmark-Kash is retired owner of Canyon Road retail store in New Canaan, Connecticut, owner of K. Lundmark Design, an art teacher in Chicago public schools and motion picture set decorator for films and TV commercials. Lundmark-Kash became a full-time resident of Naples in 2015, spending summers in Chicago. She is a trustee of Naples Children & Education Foundation and a member of the grant committee. She was active in the equestrian community in Barrington Hills, Illinois, and part of the Save Five Acres group that successfully defended the existing 5-acre zoning regulations to protect the rural character in Barrington Hills.

Kukk moved to Naples in 2001 after obtaining his architectural degree in 1991 at Cornell University and founded Kukk Architecture and Design with his sister. He has served numerous positions at the state and local level for the American Institute of Architects, including AIA Florida SW chapter president and state director. He was founding member and chairman of the City of Naples Design Review Board where he served two terms and helped craft the city ordinance that still governs local commercial design today. He is an active volunteer with the Naples Gulfshore Sunset Rotary, Collier Building Industry Association, Naples Historical Society and the Conservancy’s RedSnook Catch and Release Charity Tournament. He is focused on water quality issues and guiding the Conservancy’s long-range planning and future campus expansions.

As president of the West Florida Region for Northern Trust, Mueller is responsible for leading the delivery of holistic advice and client service through investment, fiduciary, banking and wealth planning professionals. He has over 37 years of experience in serving business-owning families, corporate executives, professionals, not-for-profits and other wealth owners in a variety of wealth management and commercial banking roles. He serves on the board of directors for the Naples Zoo, Naples Historical Society and The Nature Conservancy – Illinois Chapter, and is a past trustee of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

“Members of our board of directors provide leadership, financial oversight and help set strategic plans for our organization,” said Rob Moher, president and CEO of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. “These dedicated volunteers come from diverse backgrounds in public service, private industry, education, media, finance and philanthropy and are an invaluable asset to the Conservancy’s mission to protect our water, land, wildlife and future.”

The Conservancy’s board of directors is currently led by board chair Van Williams, vice chair Phil Gresh, treasurer John R. Walter and secretary Gerri Moll.

About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida:
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a not-for-profit environmental protection organization with a 55-year history focused on the issues impacting the water, land wildlife and future of Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The Conservancy accomplishes this mission through the combined efforts of its experts in the areas of environmental science, policy, education and wildlife rehabilitation. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, world-class Nature Center and von Arx Wildlife Hospital are headquartered in Naples, Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, south of the Naples Zoo off Goodlette-Frank Road. Learn more about the Conservancy’s work and how to support the quality of life in Southwest Florida www.conservancy.org.

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FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 23, 2020) –  Early bird registration for “PR University 20/20: Focus on Best Practices” expires January 31.  The annual professional development conference, produced by the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA), is $75 for FPRA members, $95 for future members and $55 for students. The price after early registration closes is $99 for FPRA members, $129 for future members and $65 for students. The event will be held at Florida SouthWestern State College, 8099 College Parkway, Building U, Room 102, Fort Myers, on Friday, February 21, 2020 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information and to register to attend, go to the events page at fpraswfl.org. PR University sponsors include CONRIC PR & Marketing, iPartnerMedia, LCEC and M&M Multimedia.
PR University is open to the public and provides seasoned and young professionals, business owners, and anyone who communicates to internal or external customers, real-world tools they can use in their daily work. The conference will include presentations on crisis communications, internal communications, social media, working with influencers and more. Attendees will gain clarity and insight into today’s changing marketplace and enhance their communication skills to effectively integrate new media with traditional communication elements. Professionals accredited with their APR earn two continuing education points toward maintenance requirements.
Speakers for PR University include Mary Briggs, APR, CPRC, System Director, Strategic Communications & Public Relations, Lee Health; Betsy Clayton, APR, Director of Communications, Lee County Government; Ana Hoyos, Area Director – Southeast U.S. and Latin America, Meltwater; Lonny Kocina, CEO, Media Relations, Inc.; Kristin McClement, Director, Public Relations and Social Marketing, Chico’s FAS; Alyson Seligman, Owner/President, SBS Agency; and Breanne Winter, CEO and Training Specialist, Speak Up Consulting & Coaching.
DIGITAL MEDIA ASSETS
Speaker Bios & Event Registration Page: https://www.fpraswfl.org/pr-university-20-20-focus-on-best-practices/
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2456787384640636/ 
PR University banner: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oK5B8PCveoDpFYUbA46L3eM8cTyBdQCK/view?usp=sharing 
FPRA Southwest Florida Chapter logo: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ntc8iEQPeRDORU6HR0BjBw9UAoxlV_zg/view?usp=sharing
About Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association
Established in 1938, the Florida Public Relations Association is the oldest public relations organization in the United States. FPRA is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida. The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association is dedicated to programs and activities that enhance the success of public relations professionals in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For information about upcoming events or to become an FPRA member, please visit www.fpraswfl.org or www.facebook.com/FPRASWFL.
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 23, 2020) – Seed and Bean Market, Florida’s first cannabis café and CBD marketplace, will host the Feb. 11 session of Leadership NEXT, a monthly program for advancing business professionals.

In 2018, Seed and Bean Market cultivated into reality in Fort Myers after its five founders, who had been in the cannabis industry for years, discovered their passion for the benefits of CBD and enjoying a solid cup of coffee, unique foods and beers, as well as giving others a comfortable lifestyle destination.

Participants at Leadership NEXT will learn about the CBD industry from Cole Peacock, founder and partner of Seed and Bean, who will discuss the concept and opening of Seed and Bean, its CBD-infused beverages and hemp-blended foods, as well as the many uses and benefits of CBD. Guests can enjoy light appetizers and a complimentary beverage, discounted CBD cocktails and mocktails, and a 10% discount on CBD purchases that evening.

Peacock was involved with the Florida Constitutional Amendment for Medical Marijuana and has been working on the ground level for the last five years to help form the cannabis industry in Florida. In addition to his role as the founder and partner of Seed and Bean, he was also recently appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture and the Governor’s Office to the first Hemp Advisory Committee to help guide the development of the state’s emerging hemp industry.

Leadership NEXT runs from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at Seed and Bean Market, 1520 Broadway, Suite 107, in Fort Myers. The February program is sponsored by Wilbur Smith Attorneys at Law.

Attendees of Leadership NEXT represent a variety of businesses and industries throughout Southwest Florida. Monthly sessions take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month and offer opportunities to develop new knowledge and skills, establish working relationships with colleagues and engage in valuable programs and discussions to further enhance their careers. Leadership NEXT’s annual sponsor is the Florida Gulf Coast University Alumni Association.

Leadership NEXT is free to attend for members of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and $10 for future members. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance at FortMyers.org and follow “Leadership NEXT” on Facebook for more information.

About the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce:
Serving Lee County and surrounding areas since 1989, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a business organization of professionals who support and promote a progressive, sustainable community. The Chamber represents nearly 800 businesses, professionals and individuals throughout Lee County, providing opportunities for members to participate in a variety of meaningful networking, educational and community- and business-focused programs and events. The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is located at 2310 Edwards Drive in downtown Fort Myers. For additional information regarding membership opportunities or events please call 239-332-2930 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.

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FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2020) – Minnesota Twins players, coaches and alumni will join baseball fans and business sponsors Feb. 13 at the 22^nd annual Minnesota Twins Celebrity Golf Classic to raise support for the Integrative Medicine Program at the Regional Cancer Center.
This annual event includes golf with a Minnesota Twins player or personnel, lunch before the 1 p.m. shotgun start, on-course refreshments, and hole-in-one prizes. A dinner following the tournament is open to players and non-players and includes cocktails, delicious food and the opportunity to bid on exclusive silent auction items.
Proceeds from the Golf Classic will support the Integrative Medicine Program at the Regional Cancer Center, Southwest Florida’s premier cancer care center that treats all aspects of patient care under one roof. The Center’s Integrative Medicine Program, created in response to higher rates of cancer survival and patients living longer, incorporates traditional services like physical rehabilitation, peer counseling and dietician services with therapies such as acupuncture, reiki and others. The Center has received accreditation with commendation from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer.
“In addition to providing state-of-the-art cancer care, the Regional Cancer Center is implementing strategies to support a healthy body, mind and spirit with integrative medicine that goes beyond managing cancer symptoms and side effects,” said Dr. James Orr, Regional Cancer Center medical director. “This program enhances life during treatment, promoting the patient’s wellbeing as they struggle with their health. Integrative medicine incorporates innovative techniques such as acupuncture and reiki with tried and true strategies such as peer counseling, physical rehabilitation, and dietician services.”
Sponsorship opportunities to golf with Minnesota Twins players and personnel are available. Dinner tickets for non-golfers are $70 per person. For more information, call 239-214-0687, email [email protected], or visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/twins.
About Regional Cancer Center
Established in 2008, Lee Health’s Regional Cancer Center keeps care close to home through a collaboration between Lee Health, 21st Century Oncology and Florida Cancer Specialists to provide high quality cancer treatment. With comprehensive oncology services, the latest technology, physician specialists and experienced staff all in one place, patients receiving care at RCC experience health care outcomes that exceed those of most cancer centers in Florida. Visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/RegionalCancerCenter or call (239) 343-6950 for more information.
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Aimbridge Hospitality, the world’s leading third-party hotel management company, announces it has completed a full renovation costing over $3 million at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites East – The Forum, a 111-room hotel located at the entrance of the Forum’s shopping center.
As the transformation was so GRAND, the hotel guests will be truly amazed.  Everyone is welcome to come and join in the Grand Re-Opening Celebration on Thursday January 23^rd at 5:00pm!