Member News

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 23, 2019) – Jason’s Deli of Southwest Florida, a leading family-owned deli restaurant, is hosting its 11th annual ‘Kids Eat Free’ event from Friday, Aug. 2 through Sunday, Aug. 4, offering complimentary meals to children aged 12 and under at all six Southwest Florida restaurant locations.
According to a recent survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, parents with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $507 per child on back-to-school shopping this year up from $465 last year. Expected spending is up on clothing, electronics and shoes.
“With plenty of back-to-school spending looming, we are happy to provide a reprieve for active families as they prepare for the school year ahead,” said Diana Willis, owner-operator of Jason’s Deli of Southwest Florida. “Coinciding with the State of Florida Tax Free Weekend, in our eleventh year of providing free kids meals with an adult entrée, we are pleased to offer parents and kids healthier meal options and savings on costs incurred at this time of year. As a bonus, our ice cream is free!”
From Friday, Aug. 2 through Sunday, Aug. 4, diners will receive up to two complimentary kid’s meals with each adult entree and drink purchase. Children must be present, and the ‘Kids Eat Free’ special may not be combined with other offers.
In Southwest Florida, participating Jason’s Deli locations include Fort Myers: 13550 Reflections Parkway at Cypress Lake Drive and 16441 Corporate Commerce Way at Alico Road; Naples: 2700 Immokalee Road at Airport Pulling Road; Cape Coral: 2311 Santa Barbara Blvd. near Veterans Parkway; Port Charlotte: 1100 El Jobean Road at the intersection of SR 776 at U.S. 41; and Sarasota: 5231 University Parkway near Honore Avenue.
Core values of Jason’s Deli are to provide the highest quality food, outstanding hospitality, a great place to work and a healthy, growing company with the highest personal standards. The company has banned artificial trans fats from its food and eliminated high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and dyes from its menus. In 2011, Parents magazine recognized Jason’s Deli as the No. 1 family restaurant chain in the nation, based on an analysis of food content, including calories, fat, saturated fat and sodium. Editors also compared the quality of ingredients (such as offering organic milk or antibiotic-free chicken), and conveniences include call-ahead seating, online ordering, crayons for children and the availability of high chairs and booster seats.
About Jason’s Deli

A family-owned deli restaurant chain, Jason’s Deli was founded in Beaumont, Texas, in 1976 by Joe Tortorice Jr. and now has 280+ locations in 28 states. In 2005, Jason’s Deli was the first major restaurant concept to ban artificial trans fats in the U.S. and later became the first to eliminate high-fructose corn syrup. At Jason’s Deli, regardless if you want gluten-sensitive menu items or vegetarian options, healthy kids’ meals, or if you would like to build your own salad at their famous salad bar, you will be delighted by the bigger choices of better food, from healthy to indulgent. For more information, please visit www.JasonsDeli.com or call 239-985-7215.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 23, 2019) – Priority Marketing, a full-service marketing, advertising, public relations and digital marketing agency, has relocated to a new office located within Six Mile Corporate Park at 12140 Carissa Commerce Court, Suite 201, approximately one mile north of Daniels Parkway off Six Mile Cypress Parkway.

Priority Marketing is the region’s largest, full-service marketing agency in Southwest Florida providing comprehensive, integrated award-winning marketing solutions to some of the area’s leading for-profit and non-profit organizations. The company currently employs a team of 35 professionals including in-house graphic designers, web developers, social media and digital marketing specialists, public relations professionals, traditional and digital media buyers, account managers and production managers.

Established in 1992, Priority Marketing is located at 12140 Carissa Commerce Court, Suite 201, in Fort Myers. For more information, call 239-267-2638 or visit PriorityMarketing.com. Also, follow Priority Marketing online at twitter.com/prioritymktg or on Facebook. For recent news and marketing insights, visit the blog: PriorityMarketing.com/our-blog.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 23, 2018) – FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 23, 2018) – Allyn International (Allyn), a local supply chain consulting firm, has donated more than $5,000 to Golisano’s Children Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Each quarter at Allyn, an employee is given the opportunity to raise funds for a nonprofit of their choice. For Allyn’s second quarter of the year, Heather Oskvarek volunteered herself to become the chairperson to raise funds that benefit Golisano’s.
Oskvarek chose to benefit the Golisano’s NICU for saving her daughter’s life. While pregnant in 2017, Oskvarek was diagnosed with Highly Elevated Liver Low Platelets (HELLP) Syndrome and was going into liver failure. The only cure to save Oskvarek was early delivery. Her daughter, Emerincia (Emma), was born 11 weeks premature. After birth, Emma was sent to Golisano’s as it was the closest children’s hospital. Emma spent 63 days in Golisano’s NICU, where she had to learn how to breathe, eat and grow.
Oskvarek hosted various events throughout quarter two, such as an Easter egg hunt, taco bar, and Painting with a Twist night at Gulf Coast Town Center. Employees eagerly participated in the events and one employee even donated the remainder of funds to reach Oskvarek’s goal. Throughout the quarter, Oskvarek managed to raise $2,843.15. Allyn then matched the amount to reach $5,686.30 As a result, Allyn has donated more than $157,000 to nonprofits worldwide.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 22, 2019) – Sandra Evans, PHR has joined Stevens Construction as human resources manager, announced Mark Stevens, president.

Evans will lead human resource initiatives of all three Stevens Construction office locations, manage the recruiting, onboarding, benefit plans, open enrollment process, training and wellness programs.

Evans previously served as director of talent for a national construction management company where she produced internal training programs to improve retention, assisted with benefits packages and led all recruiting efforts.

A member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), Evans has earned her PHR (Professional in Human Resources) certification from the HR Certification Institute which demonstrates her proficiency of human resource management including laws and regulations.

About Stevens Construction

With offices in Fort Myers, Tampa and Orlando, Stevens Construction specializes in providing construction management, general contracting and consulting services to clients and design professionals. Other services include site and design team selection, budgeting, project scheduling, permitting, cost and quality control and warranty service. The company builds healthcare, commercial and hospitality facilities. For information, visit www.stevensconstructioninc.com or call 239-936-9006.

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FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 19, 2019) – Jennifer Olivier, APR, CPRC of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA), recently earned professional certification in public relations and received the designation of Certified Public Relations Counselor (CPRC).
Earning the CPRC credential distinguishes senior members of FPRA who have demonstrated understanding and mastery of core public relations principles and ethical practices and have been certified to act as public relations counselors. Currently, there are 129 CPRCs in Florida, including 17 in southwest Florida.
Olivier is the marketing manager for Eye Centers of Florida, the largest and most experienced eye care practice in southwest Florida. She moved to southwest Florida a year ago from Lakeland, where she worked in public relations and marketing for 26 years, including time at Lakeland Regional Health, SUN ’n FUN International Fly-In and Publix Super Markets. She earned a communication degree from Florida Southern College in Lakeland. She’s a longtime member of FPRA and recently earned another professional credential, Certification for Associate Project Manager (CAPM).
To earn the CPRC credential, candidates must have 10 years of experience in the field; have earned the Accredited in Public Relations designation, which is the first tier of accreditation; successfully complete a verbal presentation; and pass a five-hour written exam.
About the Florida Public Relations Association
The Florida Public Relations Association is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida.  For more information on the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association, visit www.fpraswfl.org.

CAPE CORAL, FLA., July 19, 2019– Lifeline Family Center broke ground Thursday, July 18, for one-of-a-kind housing for single women with children graduating from their program.
More than 75 people attended the ground-breaking, including State Rep. Dane Eagle, Cape Coral Mayor Joe Coviello, Cape Coral Council members Jennifer Nelson and Marilyn Stout along with representatives from the offices of U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott.
The new facility will be built adjacent to Lifeline Family Center at 907 S.E. 5^th Ave. in Cape Coral and is the first affordable rental housing offered by Lifeline Family Center.
“This is the next step in helping our moms and their children toward independence,” said Lifeline Family Center CEO Kathy Miller.  “Accessible and affordable housing in a safe neighborhood is difficult to come by in Lee County.  As a single parent raising young children, it is almost impossible.  The availability for community housing programs is often years of waiting on a list.”
Lifeline Family Center provides a home on its campus for young women in crisis pregnancies for up to two years.  During that time, they learn skills to become self-supporting through education, job training, parenting classes, professional counseling and spiritual guidance.
It is the only residential program in Lee County for homeless young women in crisis pregnancies who are not part of the foster care program.
With the escalating cost of rental housing, Lifeline Family Center officials saw a severe need for affordable housing for graduates of their Phase I program and began a fund-raising campaign that now has topped $400,000.00. An additional $236,000.00 is needed to complete the project debt free.
The new housing will provide four two-bedroom apartments for their graduates so that they can continue to grow in their career path and utilize the on-campus day care facility while they work.  “Rents” will be just what it costs for insurance and to maintain the facility, about $500 a month, including water.
Within the two-year housing agreement, each mom will be encouraged to cultivate a relationship with Habitat for Humanity, a collaboration that will develop into home ownership for her family.
“This is how we can break the cycle of welfare and government dependency.  A successful, financially stable woman raising her family in a safe and loving environment creates a thriving community,” Miller said.
Since the non-profit organization was founded by Miller in 1996, 178 women and 117 babies have found a home at Lifeline Family Center.
In the current residential program, Lifeline Family Center serves up to 12 young women, ages 16 to 25, and up to 24 babies at a time. In the Outreach Ministry program, more than 6,000 women have received assistance with material needs, adoption counseling and resource referrals. The non-profit also operates a 24/7 Pregnancy Helpline, provides free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds by appointment, and does outreach to all areas of Lee County, including all college campuses.
 
About Lifeline Family Center
Founded in 1996, Lifeline Family Center provides young women in crisis pregnancies a safe home in Cape Coral and a learning environment.  They receive education, job training, professional counseling, parenting classes and spiritual guidance.  The two-year residential program prepares young moms and their babies to become self-supporting, contributing members of society.  Lifeline Family Center receives no government funding and is wholly dependent upon donations from generous individuals, churches and corporations that believe in Lifeline’s mission as well as United Way funding.  For more information about Lifeline Family Center, visit www.lifelinefamilycenter.org.

FORT MYERS, FL—Fort Myers Christian School (FMCS) was awarded a $15,000 technology grant from Views on Learning (VOL), an educational non-profit foundation dedicated to bridging the “digital divide” by making cutting edge technology and services available to accredited educational institutions.
The grant will provide 20 computers and monitors to upgrade student technology in its preschool through fifth grade classrooms. The computers are used as tools to assist teachers to further advance student learning. Among the programs students can access are Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math.
Each year, VOL offers grants of up to $25,000 for educational technology innovation to schools. Their grants have helped schools reach their educational objectives by supporting many facets of school technology including; wireless broadband deployment on schools buses, mobile hotspots for student checkout in underserved areas, one-to-one classroom devices, and support for school robotics and other STEM programs.
“We would like to thank Views On Learning for partnering with us in our continued efforts to provide the best technology to educate 21st century learners,” said FMCS Principal Mel Mitchell.
To learn more about Fort Myers Christian School or to schedule a campus tour to speak with someone about scholarship opportunities that may be available to attend FMCS, please contact the school office at (239) 939-4642, or visit its website at www.fortmyerschristianschool.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vietnam War memorial replica coming to jetBlue Park
American Legion Post 38, Colonial Charitable Foundation organizing exhibit
FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 19, 2019) – A local American Legion post is celebrating 100 years of service with a stirring public tribute to veterans. The Rabe O. Wilkison American Legion Post 38 and the Colonial Charitable Foundation are teaming to arrange an exhibit of The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall at jetBlue Park on Saturday, Sept. 7 and Sunday, Sept. 8, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day.
The wall, a three-fifths scale replica of the national memorial in Washington, will arrive in Fort Myers on Thursday, Sept. 5, 100 years to the day after Post 38 was formed. Representatives from the post and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office will meet the wall in front of the Winn-Dixie on 14600 Palm Beach Blvd. at 8 a.m. and escort it on the final leg of its journey to the park.
“We wanted to make our 100th anniversary about the enduring connection between the freedoms we enjoy and the price so many have paid to secure them,” Post 38 Cmdr. Kevin Boyd said. “We are so grateful to everyone who is helping us put this together for our heroes.”
The mobile exhibit features more than 58,000 names of U.S. service members who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war. The public is invited not merely to view the wall but to touch it, take a piece of paper, place it on a name and rub a wax crayon or graphite pencil over it to create a memento of someone whose memory lives on.
“It’s important to make the experience as vibrant and dynamic as possible so that newer generations of Americans gain an understanding of what these brave men and women gave to their country,” Boyd said. “This really drives it all home.”
Near the exhibit will be an area for solemn reflection, and a Hughes Helicopter 0H-6A model on display. The Army used the 0H-6A helicopters to fly some of the most dangerous missions in Vietnam, and only a third of the original fleet of 1,200 remained by the end of the war.
Opening and closing ceremonies are scheduled for both days, including the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute. Concession stands will be open and beer will be available for sale. All proceeds from the event will go toward programs for veterans.
Sponsors include Rocket Mortgage, Bank of America, Centennial Bank, Conditioned Air, Crowther Roofing, CVS Health, the Fort Myers Memorial Garden, the Fort Myers Police Athletic League, Galeana, the Heritage Palms Veterans Association, Heroes on the Water – Southwest Florida, LadyCakes Bakery, Morgan Stanley, The News-Press Media Group, Norman Love Confections, St. John XXIII Catholic Church, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Storm Smart,  Surterra Wellness, Tag a Pet for a Vet and Veterans United Home Loans.
Visit centennial.legion.org to find out about the legacy of the American Legion, and go to travelingwall.us to learn about the mobile exhibit.
Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting George Tice at [email protected] or 239-738-0601, or Jim Squadrito at 401-261-9096 or [email protected].

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vietnam War memorial replica coming to jetBlue Park
American Legion Post 38, Colonial Charitable Foundation organizing exhibit
FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 19, 2019) – A local American Legion post is celebrating 100 years of service with a stirring public tribute to veterans. The Rabe O. Wilkison American Legion Post 38 and the Colonial Charitable Foundation are teaming to arrange an exhibit of The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall at jetBlue Park on Saturday, Sept. 7 and Sunday, Sept. 8, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day.
The wall, a three-fifths scale replica of the national memorial in Washington, will arrive in Fort Myers on Thursday, Sept. 5, 100 years to the day after Post 38 was formed. Representatives from the post and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office will meet the wall in front of the Winn-Dixie on 14600 Palm Beach Blvd. at 8 a.m. and escort it on the final leg of its journey to the park.
“We wanted to make our 100th anniversary about the enduring connection between the freedoms we enjoy and the price so many have paid to secure them,” Post 38 Cmdr. Kevin Boyd said. “We are so grateful to everyone who is helping us put this together for our heroes.”
The mobile exhibit features more than 58,000 names of U.S. service members who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war. The public is invited not merely to view the wall but to touch it, take a piece of paper, place it on a name and rub a wax crayon or graphite pencil over it to create a memento of someone whose memory lives on.
“It’s important to make the experience as vibrant and dynamic as possible so that newer generations of Americans gain an understanding of what these brave men and women gave to their country,” Boyd said. “This really drives it all home.”
Near the exhibit will be an area for solemn reflection, and a Hughes Helicopter 0H-6A model on display. The Army used the 0H-6A helicopters to fly some of the most dangerous missions in Vietnam, and only a third of the original fleet of 1,200 remained by the end of the war.
Opening and closing ceremonies are scheduled for both days, including the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute. Concession stands will be open and beer will be available for sale. All proceeds from the event will go toward programs for veterans.
Sponsors include Rocket Mortgage, Bank of America, Centennial Bank, Conditioned Air, Crowther Roofing, CVS Health, the Fort Myers Memorial Garden, the Fort Myers Police Athletic League, Galeana, the Heritage Palms Veterans Association, Heroes on the Water – Southwest Florida, LadyCakes Bakery, Morgan Stanley, The News-Press Media Group, Norman Love Confections, St. John XXIII Catholic Church, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Storm Smart,  Surterra Wellness, Tag a Pet for a Vet and Veterans United Home Loans.
Visit centennial.legion.org to find out about the legacy of the American Legion, and go to travelingwall.us to learn about the mobile exhibit.
Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting George Tice at [email protected] or 239-738-0601, or Jim Squadrito at 401-261-9096 or [email protected].

Seven-game homestand features fireworks, giveaways, drink specials and more
FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 18, 2019) – The Fort Myers Miracle are bringing one of the most recognized sports movie villains of all time, Shooter McGavin, to Hammond Stadium for a meet-and-greet with baseball fans.
Actor Christopher McDonald will appear at the Miracle game on Friday, July 26, signing autographs and posing for photos with fans in the stadium breezeway from 6:45-8:30 p.m. First pitch is 7 p.m. against the Lakeland Flying Tigers.
McDonald has numerous movie and television credits to his name, but his role as an arrogant golfer and nemesis to Happy Gilmore, played by Adam Sandler, is among his most-known acting gigs.
“Happy Gilmore is one of the best sports-comedies ever produced, so to have Shooter McGavin at our game is pretty special,” said Chris Peters, president and general manager of the Fort Myers Miracle. “This season, we’ve welcomed a variety of actors who played notable characters on TV shows and in movies, including Stanley Hudson from The Office, Roger Dorn from Major League and Smalls from The Sandlot.”
McDonald’s appearance highlights a seven-game homestand over an eight-day period that includes the following promotions:
Thursday, July 25 (7 p.m. vs. Lakeland Flying Tigers)

• Thirsty Thursday: $1 and $2 beer specials courtesy of Budweiser and Cat Country 107.1
• College Night: $5 tickets for students with valid ID

Friday, July 26 (7 p.m. vs. Lakeland Flying Tigers)

• Happy Gilmore Night: Actor Christopher McDonald, who played Shooter McDonald in Happy Gilmore, will sign autographs and pose for photos with fans
• Postgame Fireworks Show: Pyrotechnics launch after the final out from right field
• Golf Giveaway Night: Lucky fans have a chance to win golf equipment and free rounds of golf at local courses
• Baseball Card Giveaway: The first 500 fans through the gates will receive a complete set of 2019 Miracle baseball cards

Saturday, July 27 (6 p.m. vs. Lakeland Flying Tigers)

• Bark in the Park: Dogs are welcome and receive treats upon arrival; Lee County Domestic Animal Services on site to discuss adoptions
• Celebrate Buddy the Elf: Fans dressed in elf gear will receive a special ticket offer
• Santa Hat Giveaway: The first 500 fans through the gates will receive a limited-edition Miracle Santa hat
• Christmas in July: The Miracle will be collecting children’s toys and stuffed animals that will be donated to the Salvation Army
• Used Car Giveaway Night: Miracle fans will have a chance to win a used car, courtesy of Dixie Buick GMC
• Greg Cote Night: Meet Greg Cote, a noted sportswriter and ESPN personality

Sunday, July 28 (1 p.m. vs. Lakeland Flying Tigers)

• DQ Family Sunday: Free ticket offer through participating Dairy Queen restaurants
• Princesses and Pirates Day: Children wearing princess or pirate apparel will receive free admission and can compete in a costume contest during the game
• Pre-Game Catch and Post-Game Run the Bases: Fans can play catch on the field from noon to 12:30 p.m.; children 12 and under can run the bases after the game

Tuesday, July 30 (7 p.m. vs. Dunedin Blue Jays)

• Two for Tuesdays: 2-for-1 specials on tacos, fountain drinks and draft beer, courtesy of Coors Light and 96K-rock

Wednesday, July 31 (7 p.m. vs. Dunedin Blue Jays)

• Wicked Wing Wednesday: Boneless or bone-in teriyaki, BBQ and hot chicken wings will be priced at just 50 cents all night; fans 21-and-older who purchase 10 or more wings will receive a $2 off coupon for a Wicked Dolphin liquor product at the Salty Crab Bar

Thursday, Aug. 1 (7 p.m. vs. Dunedin Blue Jays)

• Thirsty Thursday: $1 and $2 beer specials courtesy of Budweiser and Cat Country 107.1
• College Night: $5 tickets for students with valid ID
• 80s Night: Wear your parachute pants, oversized earrings, leg warmers and big hair to celebrate the 1980s

Hammond Stadium is located at CenturyLink Sports Complex, 14400 Six Mile Cypress Parkway in Fort Myers. General admission tickets start at $7.50 in advance or $9 on game day; fireworks games cost an extra $1.
For more information about baseball tickets and game-day promotions, please call 239-768-4210 or visit MiracleBaseball.com.
About the Miracle
The Fort Myers Miracle are the Class-A Advanced Affiliate of the Minnesota Twins and have played home games at Hammond Stadium since 1992. The Miracle won the 2018 Florida State League Championship, the team’s second title in five years. Notable Miracle alumni include Joe Mauer, Jose Berrios, Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano and Torii Hunter. Follow the Miracle online at MiracleBaseball.com or through its social media channels: Twitter (@MiracleBaseball), Instagram (fortmyersmiracle), Facebook (Fort Myers Miracle) and Snapchat (ftmyersmiracle). For questions or ticket information, call the Miracle at 239-768-4210.