FGCU grad puts focus on clients, collaboration
FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 2, 2019) – Teamwork is at the heart of everything CONRIC PR & Marketing does. The company works collaboratively with its clients to develop and implement comprehensive marketing campaigns that provide tangible results. In its latest move, CONRIC has brought on marketing coordinator Katie Kupser, bolstering its award-winning service with a true believer in the power of positive communication.
“Hiring the right people to join our team is important to our clients’ and company’s continued success,” said CONRIC PR & Marketing President and Chief Marketing Officer Connie Ramos-Williams. “Kupser’s experience, skills and positive attitude, combined with the fact that she is an FGCU alumna with a love for the community and passion for helping businesses succeed, made her a perfect fit for our CONRIC culture.”
Kupser will play a multifaceted role, handling project and account management, business development, and strategic marketing. She’ll communicate regularly with clients to ensure CONRIC’s service continues to meet and exceed their expectations.
“The work we do is based on collaboration,” Kupser said. “It’s about relationships, being genuine, and caring for people as individuals. I look forward to having face-to-face conversations with our clients about their goals and working together to accomplish them.”
The longtime Southwest Florida resident graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a Bachelor of Arts in communication, with a concentration in public relations and minors in advertising and marketing. Kupser previously worked at Pearl Brands in Fort Myers and was a marketing intern at Azul Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa. She also interned at CONRIC during her time in college, developing an affection for the company’s clients and way of doing business.
“There’s a level of support and familiarity with the people at CONRIC that lifts me up and encourages me to put my best foot forward each and every day,” Kupser said. “There’s a strong focus on growth, and that applies to both staff and clients.”
Kupser also previously served as public relations and media director for the Jesse M. Woodyard Committee, which honors the life of a late former FGCU student. She worked to organize and execute the Fallen Eagle Redfish Classic, the largest annual fishing tournament in Southwest Florida, which raises funds for a scholarship in Woodyard’s name.
See the positive messages of success CONRIC creates every day for businesses and community organizations at conricpr.com.
CONRIC PR & Marketing
Recognized as one of the leading public relations, marketing and advertising agencies in Southwest Florida, CONRIC PR & Marketing was founded by Connie Ramos-Williams in 2007. The award-winning, full-service agency provides strategic brand awareness campaigns, integrated public relations programs, marketing development and consulting services, advertising campaigns, media buys, custom and niche publishing, creative writing and design, digital marketing strategies, website development, and crisis communications strategy and implementation. The firm serves clients in many industry sectors including banking, legal, medical, government, nonprofit, hospitality, beauty, manufacturing, construction, building and development, real estate, and professional development. CONRIC is a recipient of multiple Image Awards from the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association and Golden Image Awards from its statewide chapter, as well as Charlie Awards from the Florida Magazine Association. It’s a 2019 finalist in Florida’s Companies to Watch. For more information, call 239-690-9840 or visit ConricPR.com.

During May, 725,754 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Fla., an increase of 8.5 percent compared to May 2018. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is up 9.6 percent compared to last year. The traffic leader in May was Delta Air Lines with 187,907 passengers traveling to and from Fort Myers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Southwest (141,576), American (122,639), JetBlue (85,852) and United (83,586). Southwest Florida International Airport had 6,018 aircraft operations, an increase of 3.7 percent compared to May 2018. Page Field saw 9,294 operations, a 29.8 percent increase from May 2018. In addition, slightly more than 3 million pounds of air freight moved through Southwest Florida International Airport in May 2019. Southwest Florida International Airport served nearly 9.4 million passengers in 2018 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, visit www.flylcpa.com or Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flyRSW.

Entrepreneurship is the freedom to live a life of independence. America’s entrepreneurs represent our very own independent risk takers. It takes grit and determination start and run a small business. And it takes risk to produce profit. I have learned first-hand as an entrepreneur that taking risk often leads to mistakes, and mistakes always have a cost associated with them. This is where the U.S. Small Business Administration comes in. We want to help celebrate your Independence Day this year by helping you understand how the SBA can reduce your risk as an American entrepreneur.
America’s Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence 243 years ago, but it took more than a decade for that dream to become reality. Small business owners earn that same independence through starting and running their own companies, and the SBA and its partners can help make that dream a reality on a much faster track.
Owning a business can mean personal and financial independence for you and your family. If you are thinking of starting a business, you may start the process by placing your ideas into a business plan. A toolkit is available here: https://www.sba.gov/tools/business-plan/1.  The next step would be to contact your local SBA district office. An SBA team member may help guide you to the next steps, which will vary depending on the type of business you are starting.
If you are an existing entrepreneur looking to gain further independence by taking your business to the next level, then the SBA stands by ready to assist.  Whether you are looking for capital or access to government contracting, the SBA has a resource for you. A major component of the SBA that many are not aware of is its counseling arm. No matter where you fall in the business lifecycle, the SBA has a resource to help steer you confidently to the next level. And the best part: it is all available at no cost.
Entrepreneurship is as American as baseball, hot dogs and apple pie. We are excited to celebrate your independence with you as you lead your small business journey. We wish you a very Happy Independence Day. For the latest information, please follow us on Twitter @SBASoutheast.
 
South Florida District Office
Victoria Guerrero, District Director
Last month, we hosted a free event in the City of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida to aid entrepreneurs in securing federal contracts. More than 250 local small business owners attended the “Drive 8(a) Recruitment Summit,” sponsored by Urban Pulse Direct (UPD) Smart Solutions. Our goal at the South Florida District is to help Florida small businesses grow and expand our portfolio of 8(a) firms. While the federal contracting process can be daunting, we’re here to help small businesses navigate the landscape. We were also joined by experts from the Small Business Development Center, SCORE and Women’s Business Center who also shared information on the advantages of federal contracting programs, what it takes to qualify, and how entrepreneurs can receive free small business assistance from their respective organizations.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 20, 2019) – Cypress Pharmacy will host its monthly Seminar Saturday on Saturday, July 13 with a discussion on “What is CBD Oil” led by Natural Health Consultant Dr. Stan Headley.
The free public seminar will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. at Cypress Pharmacy, 9451 Cypress Lake Drive in Fort Myers. Headley’s program will help consumers understand what CBD is and what it isn’t, the benefits of quality CBD and how it can help with common health issues like anxiety, depression, chronic pain and insomnia.
“CBD products are cropping up everywhere, but not all CBD products are created equal,” said Dr. Headley, who specializes in functional and natural wellness, and leads the independent pharmacy’s dynamic wellness program. “We’ll share the facts – and dispel the fiction – about the benefits of taking a quality CBD product and how it can work with the body’s own system.”
As Cypress Pharmacy’s natural health consultant, Headley offers nutritional and lifestyle counseling, supplement recommendations, micronutrient testing and educational seminars, emphasizing options for those with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Cypress Pharmacy’s wellness program offers one-on-one consultations with Headley on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, or with a pharmacist on Mondays through Saturdays. Recommendations can include pharmaceutical-grade supplements in addition to dietary and lifestyle changes. Pharmacists may also examine current medications to assure the most effective therapy for the patient’s needs and to prevent duplicate therapies.
Headley is recognized as a leading authority in functional and natural wellness, which seeks to determine how and why diseases, illnesses and pain are occurring. He attempts to identify the root cause of a health concern rather than just treating symptoms. Headley does not diagnose or treat disease but educates customers about lifestyle and behavioral changes that can promote optimal health.
Cypress Pharmacy’s monthly Seminar Saturday sessions take place on the second Saturday of every month, providing education on a variety of wellness topics. To RSVP for the July 13 Seminar Saturday, or to learn more about Cypress Pharmacy’s wellness program, please visit CypressPharmacy.com/events or call 239-481-7322.
About Cypress Pharmacy
Cypress Pharmacy has been providing pharmaceutical and health care services in Fort Myers for more than 40 years and offers free local delivery, immunizations, medication synchronization and therapy management, customized compounding for patients and pets, personalized patient consultations, flu and strep throat testing, cholesterol and glucose screening, lab testing, Medicare Part D plan reviews, a broad selection of over-the-counter products, a full line of vitamins and supplements, and free vitamins for children and adults 50 and up. Cypress Pharmacy also offers Dispill, a medication packaging option that makes it easier to manage and take multiple medications on a precise schedule. Medication refills can be requested in person, over the phone, online and using the Cypress Pharmacy App. Cypress Pharmacy accepts most insurance plans and Medicare Part D. The entire staff, including pharmacists T.J. DePaola and Justin Ceravolo, are dedicated to providing the best possible service to every customer. Cypress Pharmacy is located at 9451 Cypress Lake Drive in Fort Myers, Florida and is open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information, call 239-481-7322 or visit www.cypresspharmacy.com.

John Agnew, Suzanne Boy named co-chairs of signature fundraising event, Fort Myers Police Department announced as title sponsor

FORT MYERS, Fla., (July 1, 2019) – Pace Center for Girls, Lee County has announced its fundraising event Tides of Change, to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, at MarineMax, 14030 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers.

Pace Center for Girls invites the community to help chart a smoother course for at-promise young women in Lee County through its Tides of Change event, which supports vital academic and social services for middle and high school girls, serving as a lifesaving compass that points them toward a brighter future.

Guests at the event will have a “yacht” of fun with shoreside evening cocktails, dinner and dancing dockside at MarineMax Fort Myers, and will have the opportunity to raise their paddles to bid on an array of wave-making live auction lots in support of Pace Center for Girls.

The signature event is led by co-chairs John Agnew and Suzanne Boy with Boy Agnew Potanovic Law Firm. The Fort Myers Police Department has been named the North Star (title) sponsor of the event.

A range of additional course-charting sponsorship opportunities are now available for the nautical-themed event, including Anchorage sponsorships at $10,000, Helmsman sponsorships at $7,500, Compass sponsorships at $5,000, Beacon table sponsors for $1,500, and in-kind sponsorships for décor, media, printing and program and live auction package donations.

“Seas” the day when ticket sales begin Monday, Sept. 2, with admission $200 per person. Proceeds will benefit Pace Center for Girls, Lee County and its strength-based, gender-specific programs that guide Pace girls in finding their voice and achieving their potential.

To purchase tickets, or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee or call 239-425-2366.

About Pace Center for Girls, Lee County

Since 2007, Pace Center for Girls, Lee County has been providing girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. The gender-specific, strength-based program is one of 22 Centers throughout Florida, and is known throughout the nation as a best practices model for diverting girls from the juvenile justice system. Pace is a registered not-for-profit organization that relies on the support of individuals, businesses, civic/community organizations and churches in Lee County in order to serve girls and their families. Since its inception, Pace Center for Girls, Lee County has served more than 650 at-promise girls and young women, believing each one deserves an opportunity to find her voice, achieve her potential and celebrate a life defined by responsibility, dignity, serenity and grace. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, Lee County, call 239-425-2366 or visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee.

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(Fort Myers, FL June 28, 2019) – The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center received a $10,000 grant from Capital Bank Foundation for School Success programs.  The grant will provide educational support and enrichment to more than 100 at-risk students in the organization’s summer camp and after school programs.
 
“The Heights Foundation developed school Success Programs to address the challenges that may result from poverty, limited English proficiency and limited educational involvement,” said Kathryn Kelly, CEO and founder of The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center. “Our programs provide a safe and engaging place for kids to be when school is out. Capital Bank Foundation’s grant helps build successful students and a stronger community. We are grateful for their support.”
 
“Since its inception, Capital Bank Foundation has invested to promote progress and prosperity across our communities,” said Bryan Simmering, Capital Bank Southwest Florida Market President. “Our grant to The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center is targeting the education and development of our next generation of leaders.”
 
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood. The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center were created with the goal of building strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.
 
For more information about The Heights Foundation and The Heights Center visit www.heightsfoundation.org or call (239) 482-7706.
 
About the Heights Foundation and The Heights Center
 
The Heights Foundation works to build self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood.  The mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts.  The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, is a place for Education, Opportunity, and Enrichment.   GLAD Kids is a child care and pre-k center serving more than 80 children birth-five.  The Harlem Heights Community Charter School currently serves kindergarten through fourth grade and will expand to serve up to fifth grade.
 
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community.   Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood.
 
 
 
 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 27, 2019) – The Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office seek nominations for the 2019 Industry Appreciation Awards, which celebrate the Lee County business community and recognize outstanding local businesses that have positively influenced Southwest Florida. The honorees and finalists will be recognized during the annual Industry Appreciation Award luncheon on Friday, Oct. 25, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort in Bonita Springs. Applications must be received no later than July 12 at 11:59 p.m.
Businesses will be honored in five categories:
Community Steward of the Year – Awarded to a company that partners with nonprofits, community organizations and programs to improve the quality of business and civic life in Lee County through its financial or volunteer support.
Innovator of the Year – Recognizes a local business that develops innovative advanced technologies in its own business or in its industry and has had a positive economic impact in Lee County.
Manufacturer of the Year – Awarded to a Lee County manufacturing business that exhibits excellence in leadership, performance, profitability, and workforce relations.
Start Up of the Year – Awarded to a company founded in Lee County in the last 3-5 years that has overcome challenges and demonstrated continued growth in revenue and staffing to emerge as a business leader.
Business of the Year – Awarded to a small and large Lee County company that has been in business 6 or more years under the same corporate name and ownership. The companies must offer high-quality products and services, provide superior customer service, demonstrate strong ethical standards, be community minded, actively support employee development, and exhibit exemplary leadership within its industry and with its clients, contributing to the economic growth and free enterprise of Lee County. Awards will be granted in the small business (1-50 employees) and large business (51 or more employees) categories.
To access applications or for additional information please visit www.leecountybusiness.com/iaw.
The Lee County Economic Development Office provides business assistance to retain existing businesses, attract new businesses and encourage entrepreneurship to ensure Lee County has a strong economy, thriving communities and broadly shared prosperity.
The Horizon Council is a public-private advisory board established in 1991 to advise the Lee Board of County Commissioners on economic development issues. The Council’s mission is to improve Lee County’s business environment, retain and encourage expansion of existing businesses, and attract new and diversified employers. It is the only public-private partnership of Lee County Government and business leaders.
The Horizon Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization established as a fundraising vehicle enabling individuals and businesses to actively support the program of work of the Horizon Council and the Lee County Economic Development Office. For more information, visit http://www.leecountybusiness.com or call 239-533-6800.
 

Today at the Fort Myers Freedom Fest 4^th of July Celebration in downtown Fort Myers, 3 Pepper Burrito announces On the Run Chips & Salsa.
For the 4th of July Celebration, 3 Pepper Burrito (Downtown Fort Myers location), will have
On the Run boxes (chips, salsa, and queso) for $4 (or with a drink [water or soda] for $5) for sale in its courtyard.
“It’s going to be hot and we want to help people not get hangry (nor thirsty).”
said Dallas Brewer, General Manager at 3 Pepper Burrito.
 
Established in 2014, family owned 3 Pepper Burrito is a Quick Service Restaurant serving the best Burritos in town. We make our tortillas fresh from scratch and cook them to order! Visit one of our 9 locations in Southwest Florida today.

IMMOKALEE, Fla. (June 28, 2019) – Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment presents an evening with Wynonna and The Big Noise live in concert at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are on sale now for $87 and are available at the casino, on jaytv.com or by calling 800-514-etix. Attendees must be 21 years of age.
Respected by the millions of fans who are drawn to her music and undeniable talent, Wynonna’s rich and commanding voice has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide during her remarkable 34-year career. As one-half of the legendary mother/daughter duo “The Judds,” Wynonna was once dubbed by Rolling Stone as “the greatest female country singer since Patsy Cline.” The iconic performer has received more than 60 industry awards, with countless charting singles, including 20 No.1 hits such as “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Why Not Me,” and “Grandpa, (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Ole Days).”
Wynonna and her band The Big Noise, led by her husband/drummer/producer, Cactus Moser, released their debut full-length album in February 2016 via Curb Records to critical acclaim. Wynonna has described the new sound as “vintage yet modern” and a “return to the well.” It’s a rootsy work encompassing country, Americana, blues, soul and rock. The album features special guests Derek Trucks, Jason Isbell, Susan Tedeschi and Timothy B. Schmit.
About Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
Open 24/7; 365 days a year, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is Southwest Florida’s premier gaming and entertainment destination. The 51,000-square-foot plus casino offers 1,400 slots and 38 live table games including Blackjack, Mini-Baccarat, Pai Gow, Let It Ride, Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Blackjack Switch and Spanish 21. Dining options include the award-winning 1^st Street Deli, Asian fusion restaurant Lucky Mi Noodle House, and the recently renovated and 24-hour EE-TO-LEET-KE (“The Camp”) Grill. Seminole Casino Hotel’s nightlife is highlighted by the Zig Zag lounge, home of the Zig Zag Girlz, “where the party never ends” featuring nightly live entertainment and no last call, as well as the new Corner Bar. Additional entertainment and events are held at the Seminole Center, an indoor/outdoor special event center featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. The new Seminole Casino Hotel is the first upscale hotel to open in or near Immokalee and offers suites and deluxe guestrooms with modern décor and features, plus amenities including a swimming pool with private cabanas, 24-hour fitness studio and free Wi-Fi.
Located at 506 South 1^st Street in Immokalee, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee is easily accessible to all of Southwest Florida via I-75 and Southwest Florida International Airport is only a 45-minute drive from the casino. Located between Miami and Naples, north of Alligator Alley on Highway 846, it is five blocks south of Highway 29. Approximately 30 minutes from Naples and Fort Myers, the casino is a 90-minute drive from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Seminole Casino Hotel participates in the Seminole Players Club Wild Card Rewards Program whereby players earn and redeem comp dollars at all Seminole Casinos in Florida. For more information, call toll-free (800) 218-0007 or visit moreinparadise.com  or facebook.com/SeminoleCasinoHotel/.

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (June 28, 2019) – Shangri-La Springs, a historic property in downtown Bonita Springs specializing in fresh, organic cuisine, has hired David Robbins as chef de cuisine for Harvest & Wisdom, the property’s farm-to-table restaurant, set to open soon.

Robbins will work with Executive Chef Allen Fisher to train and supervise staff, as well as inspect and select only the freshest fruit, vegetables, meats, fish, fowl and other food products. Robbins comes to Harvest & Wisdom with more than 15 years of experience including most recently as consulting executive chef, director of food and beverage at Society, Fort Myers. He has also worked at Crave Culinaire; Stonebridge Country Club; The Dutch in the W Hotel & Residences in South Beach; Blue Hill at Stone Farms, rated one of the World’s Best 50 Restaurants in 2017; Malabar in Lima, Peru, where he collaborated with Chef Pedro Miguel Schiffiano, owner of two restaurants on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants; Mereday’s Fine Dining; Naples Grande Resort and Fiddler’s Creek Club and Spa.

“We are excited to add David to the team of Harvest & Wisdom,” said Fisher. “His passion for creating the freshest product for our guests fits well with our plans for the restaurant and Shangri-La Springs.”

Robbins was featured chef and lecturer at ECHO Farms international Food Festival, and featured chef at Southwest Florida Wine & Food Festival 2018 and 2019.  Robbins grew up in Waimea, Hawaii, and developed a passion for ecology working on his family’s flower and lei business and all-natural produce farm. He moved to Florida as a teenager and got a degree in cultural ecology at Florida Gulf Coast University.

“Working with communities and ecosystems in a sustainable format truly is a win for everyone,” he said.

About Shangri-La Springs

Built in 1921, Shangri-La Springs currently offers a variety of unique services including a stately property with an organic garden, fitness studio, full-service organic spa, gift shop and event and wedding venue rated GOLD in the Naples Daily News 2019 Best of Bonita/Estero. The property specializes in offering guests a nexus of beneficial practices, activities and engagement opportunities that include wellness classes, art shows and special programs. A range of natural and organic treatments and products including facials, massages, eucalyptus steam room, far infrared sauna and private garden lounge are offered at the Spa at Shangri-La Springs, which was rated SILVER for Day Spa in the Naples Daily News 2019 Best of Bonita/Estero. In addition, the historic property is undergoing interior renovations to open as a full-service boutique hotel that will feature 21 guest rooms, a restaurant and bar, outdoor dining area and conference room in the Great House. Renovations are also underway for six guest rooms located in Villa Ascona, a building positioned near the property’s courtyard, perfect for spa weekends or bridal party accommodations. Renovations to the hotel property are underway, with the restaurant opening during the summer. . Shangri-La Springs is located at 27750 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs. For more information call 239-949-0749 or visit www.ShangriLaSprings.com.