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Looking at plight of the SWFL business owner, post-Ian
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Special to SWFBT Submitted by Karen P. Moore, Publisher
Area companies are building a better future — one made right here in Southwest Florida.
Almost a year ago, Hurricane Ian devastated Southwest Florida, and our resilient region immediately began the tough climb “back.” Almost a year later and unfortunately, like many of you--I’m still waiting on insurance. Lucky for me, I did not lose my home or my business. I salute all of you who have endured that kind of loss—and worse. My plight is different: my insurance company was the first one to go under due to Hurricane Ian. BY KAREN P. So now I’m dealing MOORE with the State. That SWFBT Publisher has its own set of complications and stressors. Now this column is not about me. IT’S ABOUT US. I know I’m just ONE EXAMPLE—and certainly not the worst-case. Here’s my story...does it sound a little like yours? 1. My insurance company went out of business shortly after Hurricane Ian and my agent of 18 years did nothing to help me: When I called for assistance immediately after the hurricane, the owner oh-so-politely gave me the 1-800 number for the insurance company we both knew was going out of business. When I called, I promptly got hung up on, passed around, disconnected, you know the drill. Left floundering.
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Brady Photos by Christine trade to the Southof international offices. about the importance Buqueras talks Lee County Economic Development Director Carlos the first-ever stop at Port Manatee Executive during the Port’s west Florida market
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Special to SWFBT
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Dave Gammon elevated Charlotte EDO director
in the wake of Charlotte County, joinLucienne Pears former director Partners at Babcock ing Kitson and former Business Ranch, elevated and interim Recruitment Supervisor to executive director Dave Gammon Economic Developdirector of the ment Office. face in reGammon is a familiar he development as gional economic three years with his has proven in EDO. Charlotte County continue leading He is excited to like developments several existing page 19
Florida to communities in second one of four host as part of the Lee County was from seven countries welcome companiesTrade Summit. Manatee, annual International International Trade Hub at Port Fort Lauseries visited Organized by The one day Business opportunity ota and Tampa for the 2019 Global Bradenton/Saras derdale, Fort Myers,to 29. 26 Office, Southwest each from Aug. ReEconomic Development and the Southwest The Lee County Chamber of Commerce the event, which Florida Hispanic Association co-hosted gional Manufacturers Gulf Railway. Chile, Colombia, was sponsored Seminole from Argentina, Peru and other locales International companies Spain, Mexico, goods, apparel, artisanal El Salvador, Guatemala, food, coffee, fruits, cooking systems featured wine, snack and state-of-the-art to merchandise companies Lee County industryof founded as part summit showcases summit. Manatee, the Port during and An expo-style from seven nations Trade Hub at markets in Florida and business leaders visiting Summit. The International International Trade advice as a vital link between provides expert See page 6 the second annual in 2014, serves world. The hub TRADE throughout the
ENEURS h SALUTE TO ENTREPR poised for growt and Business Intermediary Proess Advisors experi- a CertifiedMergers & Acquisitions transaction Edison Busin the IBBA ap- Certified designations from ence totaling partner and
GAMMON See
Privacy & Cyber Security Forum announced
& Cyber SeA special Privacy held on Friwill be at curity Forum 9 a.m. to noon day, Nov. 8, fromNews Community the Naples Daily
room. Companies will William C. Huff and insponsor the informational community.
for the teractive forum forum is for atThe goal of the clearer undera tendees to gain keep their famito standing of how businesses private. lies, wealth and FORUM See page
18
in fi$170 fessional a Eric Gall, managing with a concentration proximately for Edison Avenue, won and an MBAthe University of Michigan. broker of record brokerage and lower million. Gall transactions and nance from leading business Gall in business the 2018, 2016 and acquisitions Niehaus, Bro- Assisting middle market mergers Pfeffer, Steven 2014 Business significant changes No. 1 are Michael and Phillip Reda. firm, is announcing kers of Florida Edward Valaitis Business Adto operations. Top Dollar Producer to rebrand itself Pfeffer joins Edison of business The firm has decided over 20 years Award for Southwest Advisors” to better out visors with experience, including 12 as “Edison Business service offerings, Florida, beating busi- transactionbusiness brokerage franchise communicate addedbusiness appraisals, Gall a over 90 other He is years as Southwest Florida. Pfeffer is a including certified appraisals and certiness brokers. owner in Certified certified equipment Business Brokers Board Certified Intermediary, International an 6 and also strategies. fied exit EDISON See page Chairman’s Circle mergers and acquisiBrokerage and led by Association Award winner. Eric holds continue to be tions efforts will 20 years of business Deal Maker Gall. He has over OPENING
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Hoffmann Family buys Hertz Arena, Everblades
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The Hoffmann Family of Companies has entered into an agreement to purchase the Florida Everblades and the Hertz Arena. Plans are underway for a complete renovation of the 8,284-seat, multipurpose arena. The improvements will include enhanced skyboxes, food services and installation of a state-ofthe-art scoreboard. Hertz Arena, which opened in 1998 as Everblades Arena, hosts a variety of events including concerts, Cirque du Soleil, Disney on Ice, boxing and trade shows. The venue offers
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25 suites, two additional ice rinks, a private club and a pub, Breakaway Sports Pub. The arena is also home to the Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles club hockey team of the American Collegiate Hockey Association. “We are optimistic that all of the 330 employees will remain with the Hoffmann Family of Companies,” said Craig Brush, Florida Everblades President and General Manager, who signed a five-year contract and has a commitment from all his senior staff to remain in place. “We are thrilled to be acquired by
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IN THE NEWS
Fort Myers sixth Business Summit slated for Sept. 20
Holly Bell addresses citrus growers about the 25,000-plus uses for industrial hemp, which can now be grown legally in Florida
Cannabis chief promises rich stash for hemp growers Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Jacob Ogles, Editor
SUMMIT See page 7
When other states started authorizing farmers to grow hemp, it didn’t take long to realize there was no place to sell it. Because no structures had been put in place for processing and manufacturing plants, state officials found themselves rushing a regulatory structure through so farmers could offload their first harvests. Holly Bell, Florida’s first Director of Cannabis, plans to learn from that mistake. She said the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will make sure all parts of the burgeoning hemp industry can move forward as soon as new rules unroll later this fall. “When our farmers are ready for a cash flow, we want to encourage them to get going,” she said.
Applications being accepted for the 25th Blue Chip Award The 25th Annual Southwest Florida Blue Chip Community Business Award application deadline is fast approaching. The Blue Chip Community Business Award recognizes successful, small businesses in Lee, Collier or Charlotte County that have overcome adversity to achieve success. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, Sept. 4. The independent judges select the honoree after all the applications AWARD See page 19
Bell spoke in August at the Citrus Expo and Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo, where growers from around the region gathered to hear her discuss this new and just recently legal product to diversify their inventory. Just a few years ago, there were no legal reasons to grow cannabis in Florida. Now, medical marijuana dispensaries pop up in more shopping centers each week. Soon, farmers will grow non-narcotic hemp crops. With the 2018 federal farm bill allowing hemp to grow, a budding industry will soon emerge in Florida. The Legislature this year authorized a pilot program for growing hemp in the Sunshine State, and state officials are nearly done weeding through a stack of public suggestions.
GrowFL announced this year’s 50 Florida Companies to Watch honorees, including three from Southwest Florida. Companies to Watch is a statewide competition that identifies companies expected to see significant growth over the next several years. The GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards program—now in its ninth year—honors 50 select second-stage companies from throughout Florida for developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and broadening new industries throughout Florida. Chosen from 500 growing second-stage nominations from throughout, Florida, the 50 companies named as the 2019 Florida Companies to Watch honorees generated nearly $1 billion in revenue and added over 900 jobs between 2015 and 2018. Together, the honorees project a 35 percent increase in revenue and 37 percent increase in job growth in 2019 compared to 2018. “These stand-out companies are all led by entrepreneurs, and have demonstrated their capacity and intent to grow,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, GrowFL executive director. “They also all have critical intellectual property or a niche position that gives them a competitive edge in their markets,” he said. Local honorees include: Cottrell Title & Escrow, Collier County; Mettauer Environmental, Lee County; and VeraData, Lee County . “This list recognizes second-stage Florida companies with passionate leaders who are making a difference in growing and diversifying our economy,” said Jennifer Barrows, GrowFL Chairman of the GrowFL Advisory Board and Business Development Executive with WithumSmith+Brown, PC. Second-stage companies are those
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HOT CROP Commercial Real Estate
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce has announced an exciting line-up for its 2019 Business Summit, set for Sept. 20. The summit, now in its sixth year, will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers. This year’s keynote address is “Communicate Your Way to Success,” by entrepreneur, business coach and international speaker Jason Evers. Evers has traveled to more than 20 countries on five continents
such a prestigious company. Our partnership with the Hertz Corporation and now this new ownership ensures that Hertz Arena will maintain our strong community presence and continue to be the number one choice for entertainment in Southwest Florida.” The team and the arena were previously owned by Peter Karmanos, founder of Compuware Corporation and prior majority owner of the Carolina Hurricanes in the National Hockey League. “Simply put, without the support of
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Estate A specially section exploringfocused monthly mercial real estate the SWFL commarketplace. IN THE NEWS Collier names Pelican as ‘Business of the Wire Month’
During the July ty Commission 9 Collier CounWire was named meeting, Pelican ty ‘Business of the Collier Counthe Month’ and recognized by was the a manufacturing Board for being County for over leader in Collier 40 years. Pelican Wire President Ted Bill, who received the are truly honored award, said “We Collier County to be named the Month’ for July.‘Business of the Since moving AWARD See page
Gov. DeSantis announces job growth grants
4
Gov. Ron DeSantis the Florida Departmentannounced of Economic Opportunity Florida are acceptingand Enterprise economic development project proposals for the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. $40 million is available to fund training and public job projects that support infrastructure growth and employment in Florida. “We know the frastructure projects importance inand workforce training has on economic development,” said DeSantis. “The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund will help Florida communities ensure they GRANTS See page
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Dr. Sandra Kauanui (left) and Noemi Ailynee Ramirez, Y. Perez (right) Jessica Sales, with - TIF Shark Daisy Montanez, Tank winners
Alondra Estrada Swap & Shop teamNeika Exulus, Young entrep reneurs share ideas, earn award s
Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Noemi Y. Perez Southwest Florida tion’s business-theme students in The Immokalee Foundad summer camp entrepreneurial recently shared ideas their Tank event modeled and garnered awards during a Shark The four-week after the popular TV show. was a partnership Business Management Pathway Coast University’sbetween the foundation and Floridacamp Gulf developed businessInstitute for Entrepreneursh ip. among them: finding plans that solved problems Students common clothes on a budget; centric finances; handling ñera; and findinggetting better sleep; planning studenta quincearestaurants suitable stricted diets. for people with reStudent teams gave presentations ences, startup costs, about their target projected profits, audiother aspects of marketing plans entrepreneurial and Dr. Sandra Kauanui, FGCU enterprises at iTECH mokalee. Judges Director of Entrepreneursh spoke during the for Smart Companies the presentations were: Brian in Imevent. ip, Rist, executive The chairman; Sofia Smart Companies gram allows shoppers Blanno, to arrange tor of corporate intern; and Matthew Turner, Hertz The through social an app, then physically to buy, sell or swap items direcFirst place awards responsibility. central location exchange those in Immokalee. items at a Shop team of Neika of $500 each went to the MentorUs, Daisy Montanez Exulus, Jessica Sales, Alondra Swap & smart financial an app that encourages students and Ailynee Ramirez. Estrada, decisions, earned interested in dressing Aimed at students for team members second place of to make fashionably on $250 each Alex Soriano, a budget, the pro- ie Etienne, Azael Simon-Quirino Je’an Espinoza, Myrlandand Simson Devesaint.
Fort Myers Mayor
Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Karen P. Moore,
launches Divers ity Committee
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more inclusive city. Publisher Student Hailey Countryman asked her employer, Sanibel Captiva “It is never too the Mayor if he munity Bank, Comlate to give up had to FGCU’s College on diversity whom a team of advisors Education. your prejudices.” of Henry David Thoreau for guidance. Since he could rely on said, “We In a recent interview she can’t really say question was no, the answer to that ing to be representative we are tryat that moment Fort Myers Mayor derson felt Henof our city’s derson has known Randy Hen- a team. inspired to create just such residents and community if we don’t have diversity Ndiang’ui wanted Florida Gulf Coast University on the to make She sure the Mayor explained the council itself.” was prepared ter Ndiang’ui for professor Dr. Pe- road ahead committee drew about 10 years and asked him, for the its 18 members was a guest speaker and from the commu“Are in his class, “In- really able to handle the truth?” you nity, representing troduction to Diversity,” diversity project moved The ethnicity, forward. in Novemgender and sexualin race, ber. Henderson Beth Countryman, asked students Hailey’s moth- tity. “We can’t be a committee idenhe could do to what er, became make Fort Myers up of old white made involved with men and think the project, going a which led to we are a $25,000 donation to be in charge of diversity.” from DIVERSITY See page 11 Payment Plans Available • Discounted Merchandise Parking Options Discount • Presale • Private Parties & Exclusive Gifts on Hertz Arena Concerts & Family Shows Buy Any 19/20 & Get A $20 Membership Pack FORD’S GIFT & ‘BLADES TOTE CARD BAG Valid on any NEW full, voucher
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Marilyn Santiago is the first Hispanic woman to receive the Women In Business Committee’s APEX Award. Pictured here are (l-r) Amy McQuagge, Santiago, Mark Loren and Brian Hamman.
Fort Myers Chamber celebrates excellence
The Southwest Florida community came together to recognize local businesses and leaders at the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s second annual Chamber Awards, held July 27 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in downtown Fort Myers. The program celebrated the installation of the Chamber’s 2023-24 board of directors and featured award ceremonies, grant presentations and a gourmet dinner to honor the dozens of business and community leaders as finalists in a variety of awards categories before naming the overall winners. “Our Chamber is here to Empower, Connect and Unite our members, and the annual Chamber Awards pay
IN THE NEWS
Wright Construction Group starts Three Oaks Parkway extension
Wright Construction was recently awarded a Lee County contract to build a 2.5-mile, four-lane road extension at the north end of Three Oaks Parkway. The project also will include a new bridge crossing over the Fiddlesticks canal, concrete sidewalks, two bike lanes, street lighting and utility relocations.
The $26.8 million project has started after it was approved by the Lee County Commission. The road extension is the first phase of a multi-level project to improve road network connections, as well as provide modal transportation alternatives. This project is the first phase of a larger effort to “improve road network connectivity and relieve traffic EXTENSION See page 23
tribute to the many incredible business and community leaders who call Fort Myers home,” said Jay Johnson, chair of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber. “We were proud to recognize nearly two dozen finalists for their outstanding achievements and celebrate our 2023 honorees for their impact.” The Chamber Awards recognized a recipient in each of the following categories: • Small Business of the Year was awarded to SPADA Salon & Day Spa. One of Southwest Florida’s largest day spas, SPADA is owned by Andrew and Judy Williams and features 21 private treatment rooms, AWARDS See page 23
IAN See page 22
IMPORTANT BUSINESS NOTES SWFBT News Update To get current business news throughout the business day, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com. Moore About Business Kick off your business week with “Moore About Business”! Tune in to SWFL PBS and National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate, WGCU radio at 90.1 FM, during Morning Edition and All Things Considered to hear SWFBT founder, owner and publisher Karen P. Moore share
information and insights for and about our local business community. Listen to past segments at https://news.wgcu.org/tags/ moore-about-business Here’s what our clients have to say: “I’ve advertised in Southwest Florida Business Today for the past 15 years. It is the most affordable way to reach the local business community. And everyone should take advantage of the free guest column opportunity!” — Randy Krise, Owner, Krise Commercial Real Estate, 15-Year Advertiser
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