Member News

FORT MYERS, FLA., January 13, 2020– The most successful opera company in Europe and the U.S. will be in Fort Myers February 3 to perform La Traviata, one of the world’s most famous stories of unrequited love.
Teatro Lirico D’Europa will perform at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on the Fort Myers campus of Florida SouthWestern State College, as part of the Fort Myers Community Concert Association 2018 season.
Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. concert are available at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall by visiting https://barbarabmann.ticketsoffice.org or by calling the box office at 239-481-4849.
Prices are $35 for lower balcony and $25 for upper balcony seats.  A limited number of orchestra and mezzanine seating is available at $55 each.
“This is an amazing and very rare opportunity to hear these musicians in concert,” said Fort Myers Community Association President Mary Lee Mann.  “La Traviata has been playing to rave reviews throughout the country.”
La Traviata is the classic tale of unrequited love taking place in and aroiund Paris during the 1840s. Teatro Lirico D’Europa travels with a full orchestra of 47 to 50 members and a chorus of 40 singers.
Teatro Lirico D’Europa was created in 1988 by the late Yves Josse, a former ballet dancer and French arts promoter, and George Lalva, a young Bulgarian opera singer.  The collaboration was a huge success in a very short time, resulting in tours with more than 250 performances in a single season throughout France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Sicily and Portugal.
La Traviata is the third of five classical performances to be presented this season by the Fort Myers Community Concert Association.
The two remaining concerts are:

• Russian State Symphony Orchestra – February 10, 2020
• Russian National Ballet – March 2, 2020

The Fort Myers Community Concert Association, now in its 71st 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.  For Community Concert Association membership information, visit www.fortmyerscommunityconcerts.org.
 
About the Fort Myers Community Concert Association
The Fort Myers Community Concert Association 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, The Boston Brass, Minnesota Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Vienna Boys Choir, Violinist Itzhak Perlman, Flutist James Galway, Pianist Andre Watts, Violinist Joshua Bell with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and many others.
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FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 10, 2020) – The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon on Jan. 16 will provide business leaders greater insight on an industry analysis tool from the Lee County Economic Development Office (EDO).

Guest speaker John Talmage, director of Lee County EDO, will share information about SizeUp Lee, a dynamic benchmarking tool developed by GIS Planning. SizeUp Lee enables any local business, regardless of size or industry, to see how it can most efficiently do business in Lee County. The easy-to-use, data-rich platform allows a user to better understand the competition, consumer expenditures, underserved markets and much more. Talmage also will recap the EDO’s progress.

Attendees of the Chamber luncheon will learn how to use this free business tool to help their businesses perform their best.

Talmage has spent his career working in economic development for both municipal governments and research organizations. Before he was named director of the Lee County EDO in February 2019, he previously served as CEO of Social Compact, a research organization serving the Federal regulatory community, cities around the country and community development organizations. He also served as the deputy director for Economic Development in New Orleans, where he focused on business development issues including workforce development, international trade and business recruitment and retention. Before that, he worked in New York City, where he primarily focused on communities throughout North Brooklyn to address economic development matters.

The Chamber luncheon will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16 at the Crowne Plaza at Bell Tower, 13051 Bell Tower Drive in Fort Myers.

The January luncheon is sponsored by Prima Luce on the Waterfront, A MacFarlane Barney Company. Admission is $25 for Chamber members and $35 for future Chamber members. To learn more or to register for the event, visit FortMyers.org or call 239-332-2930.

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.

Florida Hosts Competition to Remove Invasive Pythons from America’s Everglades
Today, the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl officially kicked off in South Florida with more than 550 people registered for the competition to remove as many pythons from the wild as possible. Native to Southeast Asia, pythons pose a significant threat to Florida’s native wildlife.
Under the direction of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) have teamed up with the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee and other partners to support the Committee’s Ocean to Everglades (O2E) initiative, which features the Python Bowl.
“Today kicks off the 2020 Python Bowl, where participants will head into the Everglades to remove invasive Burmese pythons,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I am hopeful the Python Bowl brings much-needed public awareness and engagement on this critical issue: pythons are severely disrupting natural food chains and continue to threaten endangered species.”
This Python Bowl is just one facet of the overall rescue mission to protect the native wildlife of the Everglades from the invasive Burmese python,” said Rodney Barreto, Chairman of the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee. “The Miami Super Bowl Host Committee is privileged to work with the State of Florida to bring much-needed public attention to this important issue.”
Starting today, participants in the 10-day Python Bowl begin removing Burmese pythons from the Everglades for a chance to win prizes for removing these nonnative constrictors from public lands in South Florida.
Participants who remove the most pythons in the “Pro” and “Rookie” category will win a Tracker 570 Off Road ATV, provided by Bass Pro Shops. Those who remove the longest snake and heaviest snakes in each category will be awarded a cash prize. More details about prizing is available at FLPythonChallenge.org.
Every participant who turns in at least one python as part of the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl will be eligible for a random drawing for additional prizes including cash and python skin items. Active duty military personnel and veterans who register for the competition will be eligible for additional prizes.
Prize winners will be announced at the Python Bowl awards ceremony on Jan. 25 at the Super Bowl Live event at Bayfront Park in Miami. Participants must be present to win, and the general public is welcome to attend the free event.
“We are grateful for the support from Governor DeSantis and our many partners including the South Florida Water Management District, our sponsors Bass Pro Shops and the Bergeron Everglades Museum and Wildlife Foundation and the members of the public who have stepped up to help us to remove these invasive snakes,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton. “It definitely takes a team to tackle this important conservation issue.”
“We are taking aggressive action to restore the Everglades and eliminate invasive pythons from the Greater Everglades Ecosystem,” said SFWMD Executive Director Drew Bartlett. “The South Florida Water Management District, the FWC and many other partners have removed more than 9,700 pythons from the state of Florida. With the public’s help and partnerships with FWC and the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee, we’ll have record success during the Florida Python Challenge. We’re proud to kick off the Florida Python Challenge today and appreciate Governor DeSantis and our partners for their strong commitment to Everglades restoration.”
It’s not too late! People interested in taking part in the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl can still register at FLPythonChallenge.org. A registration fee of $25 and an online training course are required.
The Florida Python Challenge 2020 Python Bowl is hosted by the FWC and the SFWD. Prizes will be awarded by the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida with funding and prizes provided by Bass Pro Shops and Bergeron Everglades Museum and Wildlife Foundation. For a complete list of rules, prizes, training or registration information, visit FLPythonChallenge.org.
About invasive Burmese pythons
Burmese pythons are not native to Florida and negatively impact native species. Wildlife biologists believe Burmese pythons were originally introduced into South Florida as a result of the pet trade. These constrictor snakes are originally from Southeast Asia and thrive in the Everglades ecosystem, an area similar to their native habitat. They are found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem in South Florida where they prey on birds, mammals and other reptiles. In 2017, the State of Florida created paid removal programs and has successfully removed more than 3,500 pythons to date. Under the leadership of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the state has more than doubled its resources to move the harmful pythons from the Greater Everglades Ecosystem.

Full-day of professional development for PR, marketing and communication professionals to be held Feb. 21, 2019
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 9, 2020) –  The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) is bringing its annual professional development conference to Florida SouthWestern State College, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers, on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. This year’s event “PR University 20/20: Focus on Best Practices” will include presentations on crisis communications, internal communications, social media, working with influencers and more. 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. 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.
Along with presentations from a lineup of dynamic speakers, PR University offers valuable education, professional development and networking opportunities.
Early registration is open now through Jan. 31 and 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. Event registration closes Feb. 14. For more information and to register to attend, go to the events page at fpraswfl.org.
DIGITAL MEDIA ASSETS
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.
 

Full-day of professional development for PR, marketing and communication professionals to be held Feb. 21, 2019
 FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 9, 2020) –  The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) is bringing its annual professional development conference to Florida SouthWestern State College, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers, on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. This year’s event “PR University 20/20: Focus on Best Practices” will include presentations on crisis communications, internal communications, social media, working with influencers and more. 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. 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.
Along with presentations from a lineup of dynamic speakers, PR University offers valuable education, professional development and networking opportunities.
Early registration is open now through Jan. 31 and 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. Event registration closes Feb. 14. For more information and to register to attend, go to the events page at fpraswfl.org.
 
DIGITAL MEDIA ASSETS
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, FL (January 9, 2020) – In light of recent events, The Laboratory Theater of Florida is hosting a Community Holocaust Remembrance January 27th at 7 pm.
This is a solidarity-focused event to unite residents and visitors to remember the Holocaust and reflect on atrocities committed based on fear, hatred, and ignorance.
A Holocaust survivor will be joined by Jewish, Muslim, and Christian religious leaders and laypeople who will share their thoughts and experiences with patrons who will have the opportunity to not only remember, but learn and connect with others of similar and varying faiths. Attendees will have the opportunity to light an LED candle in remembrance of those whose lives were lost or forever altered by the Holocaust.
Philosopher George Santayana once remarked that “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” The Laboratory Theater of Florida has earned a rare endorsement from the Florida Holocaust Museum for its efforts to ensure that these stories are told and retold in a manner that encourages unity and not discord.
Lab Theater board member Ella Nayor will moderate the discussion. Ella is a noted author and freelance journalist dedicated to inspiring change and raising awareness of just how connected we truly are in the universe.
This is a free event, with collected donations benefitting the Florida Holocaust Museum.
Reserve a seat by calling the box office at 239-218-0481.
 
ABOUT THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA
The Laboratory Theater of Florida, a 501(c)3 nonprofit 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.

FORT MYERS, FL (January 9, 2019) – New York director, acting coach, and Sanford Meisner-alum Steven Ditmyer will offer both a workshop and a Meisner Level One certification course at The Laboratory Theater of Florida. The 3-hour Meisner taster workshop will be January 25th from 2 – 5 pm at the theater. The 20-hour certification course will be held over 4 days, Feb. 1, 2, 8, and 9, from noon until 5 pm each day.
As an actor, Steven has worked with the likes of Al Pacino, Arthur Miller, Tony Randall, Ron Rifkin, Sam Waterson, Dianne Wiest, and more. As a director, he has worked with Alec Baldwin, Charles Durning, Jack Klugman, and many more. This spring he will be directing Sarah Ruhl’s How to Transcend a Happy Marriage at The Laboratory Theater of Florida.
The Meisner Technique is a foundational part of acting. Sanford Meisner said, “Acting is the ability to live truthfully under given imaginary circumstances.” It is one of the systemic and complete acting techniques in the western world. This technique not only changes the way the actor responds to other actors on stage but in every aspect of character development.
The 3-hour Meisner taster workshop will give actors 18 and up an in-depth glimpse into the Meisner method, which espouses living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.
Thanks to the support of generous sponsors, and as part of the Lab’s community outreach program, The Lab is able to offer this workshop for $10. Seating is limited.
The 4-day, 20-hour Meisner Level One certification course will be held from noon – 5 pm on Feb. 1, 2, 8, and 9th. Participants must attend all sessions to receive certification. This course is open to actors of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, ages 18 and up.
Workshop: January 25, 2 pm – 5 pm, $10
Course: February 1, 2, 8, 9 noon – 5 pm. $325 for non-members, $250 for Lab members.
Tickets are available to purchase by calling the box office at 239-218-0481. For additional savings, guests may purchase an annual membership.
ABOUT THE LABORATORY THEATER OF FLORIDA
The Laboratory Theater of Florida, a 501(c)3 nonprofit 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.
 
 

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Free basic sign language class for families begins Jan. 14

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 7, 2020) – The Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center (DHHC) received a $2,500 grant from the Cape Coral Community Foundation to help support the family ASL classes, which re-start Jan. 14 after a holiday break.

To apply for the grant, DHHC created a 45-second video explaining the need for the classes, pointing out that parents in three out of four households with a deaf child do not know sign language, meaning that 75% of households with deaf children have no communication with their child at home.

“Our goal is to help families bridge this gap by instilling the skills they need to communicate effectively,” said Alicia Miller, executive director of the center. “With the help of the Cape Coral Community Foundation, we are thrilled to extend this learning opportunity to more and more families within our community.”

DHHC offers free weekly American Sign Language (ASL) and deaf culture instruction for families with deaf or hard of hearing children. The sessions, which resume Jan. 14, are free every Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. during the school year at the center located at 1860 Boy Scout Drive in Fort Myers.

The family sessions are led by a parent of a deaf child and are designed to help parents and siblings learn basic ASL to understand the needs of their deaf or hard of hearing family member.

Parents learn basic communication and sign language, deaf culture and the struggles of raising a deaf child. Siblings play and learn to communicate with their sibling with sign language. Families come together at the end of each session to practice what they learned. Guest speakers, such as other hearing parents who have had success raising their deaf child and learning sign language or teachers who talk about educating deaf children, are sometimes scheduled. Families are encouraged to attend the sessions as often as they like, as education is ongoing.

The center also offers five-week ASL classes for adults, with the next beginning session starting Monday, Feb. 10. DHHC uses “Signing Naturally” curriculum, designed to introduce ASL to aid in communication with the deaf and hard of hearing community and educate those who may be losing their hearing. Classes are $75 for a five-week course, with discounts for the hard of hearing and immediate family members of a deaf person. Classes for the deaf are offered for free.

For information, call 239-461-0334 voice phone, 239-247-5821 video phone. For information on classes, visit dhhc.life/asl-classes.

About Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center

Founded in 1983 as The Deaf Service Center, the Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center is the only organization of its kind in Southwest Florida specifically working to improve the quality of life for the deaf and hard of hearing citizens and their families through education, advocacy and community involvement. A wide range of services are offered to deaf and hard of hearing children and adults of Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Glades and DeSoto counties, including interpreting services, free telephone equipment loans, deaf mentor program, American Sign Language classes, information and referral services, employment assistance, family education, community outreach and education, and adaptive equipment sales. For information, call 239-461-0334 voice phone, 239-247-5821 video phone, or visit www.dhhc.life.

SUMMARY: Local pest control company, Larue Pest Management has announced that they will be Golden Heart Annual Sponsors of Our Mother’s Home to help support their goal of raising $220,000 in 2020.
Fort Myers, FL – (January 6, 2020) – Larue Pest Management, a local, family owned pest control company, announced today that they will be Golden Heart Annual Sponsors of Our Mother’s Home of Southwest Florida. Over the last 20 years, Our Mother’s Home has allowed hundreds of foster girls (ages 12-21) who have become pregnant the opportunity to raise their own children, while learning the life skills necessary to be successful adults.
This isn’t the first year that Larue has supported Our Mother’s Home, but learning of the home’s goal of raising $220,000 in 2020 in honor of their 20th anniversary prompted them commit even more this year, and hopefully inspire others to offer their support as well.
“As a board member of Our Mother’s Home, I’m very aware of the life changing work that they do for children in our community, as well as the financial responsibility that goes along with it. Our Mother’s Home raises 60% of its own funding and supporting up to 8 teenage girls and their babies under one roof can be quite expensive.” stated Marin Asher, Marketing Director at Larue Pest Management. “I feel blessed to work for a company that values Our Mother’s Home’s mission enough to focus their annual giving on them this year.”
As a Golden Heart Annual Sponsor, Larue will support all of Our Mother’s Home’s major fundraising events during 2020 including:

• Our Mother’s Home’s 20th Anniversary Celebration on January 25th at The Plantation Golf & Country Club
• The 4th Annual Chair-A-Tea Party on March 20th at the Bonita Bay Club
• A Family Fun Fishing Day on April 4th at Marlins Brewhouse
• The 5th Annual Young Women on the Rise on September 18 at Keiser University

For more information about how you or your business can get involved by sponsoring, volunteering or attending any of these events, visit www.ourmothershome.com.
About Larue Pest Management, Inc.
Since 1978, Larue Pest Management, Inc. has been offering lawn care and pest control in Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Sanibel, Cape Coral and all of Lee, Collier, Hendry and Charlotte counties. Larue’s pest control services offer year-round pest prevention, including termite, bed bug, mosquito and ant control for homes and businesses. Their tree, shrub and lawn care services deliver the proper nutrients to keep landscapes healthy during dry or rainy seasons.