Naples Philanthropic Society Sharing Philanthropy Via Podcast Page

SPRING 2022

VOL. 2 NO. 4

SPRING ISSUE

CONGRESSMAN DONALDS INTRODUCES THE PROTECTING COMMUNITIES FROM HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS ACT

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CONGRESSMAN DONALDS INTRODUCES THE PROTECTING COMMUNITIES FROM HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS ACT

Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) recently introduced the H.R. 7206 Protecting Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act, which allows for the inclusion of ‘algal blooms’ to the applicability of Major Disaster Declarations to preserve vital marine ecosystems.

“Water is Florida’s most important natural resource and serves as the heart & soul of Southwest Florida,” said Rep. Donalds. “I’m committed to advancing bipartisan policies that promote the preservation of our waterways against potential long-term damage resulting from harmful algal blooms. This bill gives state and local leaders the opportunity to request federal funding to protect their waterways for future generations to come. I’m thankful for my colleagues’ support in this effort to protect our nation’s marine ecosystems.”

“I’m proud to team up with Congressman Donalds to give Governor DeSantis the resources needed to clean up harmful algal blooms (HAB) as they arise. Keeping Florida’s coastline and waterways clean not only helps protect South Florida’s precious ecosystems for our children and grandchildren to enjoy for generations to come, but it is instrumental in protecting South Florida’s economic engine.

I urge Speaker Pelosi to pass this legislation through the House expeditiously to get Florida these vital resources,” Rep. Gimenez said.

“Unfortunately, Floridians are all too familiar with the environmental and economic damage that harmful algal blooms can inflict,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “This critical legislation will empower the Governor to seek a disaster declaration and accompanying federal support when these harmful situations arise. I also remain committed to investing in critical research regarding the best strategies for prevention, mitigation, containment and clean-up. We must protect our pristine coastline and the vital industries it supports.”

“Harmful Algal Blooms (HBA) not only pose a serious threat to the health of many of our nation’s estuaries, like the Indian River Lagoon, but are also dangerous to the economies and communities along their shores,” said Rep. Bill Posey, founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Estuary Caucus. “This important legislation will help give states and local governments more tools to fight and mitigate their effects.”

“Coastal communities in Florida have suffered for decades as a result of the massive toxic discharges from Lake Okeechobee by the Army Corps,” said Rep. Mast. “The federal government has played a huge role in causing this public health crisis, but they aren't taking responsibility for their actions. This bill would give the State of Florida and local governments another tool to recoup costs from the federal government for the damage they are causing.”

Co-Sponsors of this legislation include: Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25, Scott Franklin (FL-15), Carlos Gimenez (FL-26), Al Lawson (FL-05), Brian Mast (FL-18), and Bill Posey (FL-08).

Mercer Advisors Acquires Cordasco Financial Network, Inc. Mercer Global Advisors, Inc. ("Mercer Advisors"), a full-service wealth management firm and national Registered Investment Adviser (RIA), today announced the acquisition of Cordasco Financial Network, Inc. ("CFN"), a respected wealth management firm headquartered in Naples, Florida. CFN serves over 400 clients with assets under management (AUM) of approximately $510 million. CFN was founded by Steve Cordasco, CEO, in 2011. CFN offers comprehensive financial planning and portfolio management to high-net-worth individuals, families, and corporate clientele. CFN's team will be joining Mercer Advisors.

With a staff of retirement specialists, CPAs, insurance consultants and more, CFN's team combines expertise in a variety of fields to design and implement customized solutions that help guide their clients towards economic success. CFN's recommendations are custom tailored to accommodate their clients' dreams and financial goals.

Commenting on the transaction, Founder Steve Cordasco stated: "I've built an RIA firm that delivers 'taxcentric' financial planning advice and employs multiple CPAs to make sure client tax consequence is considered and optimized as part of their overall financial planning experience. Contextually, we focus on where life meets wealth. In this regard, we provide multidisciplinary advice to our clients through CFP® professionals working hand-in-hand with our CPAs to provide holistic advice to our clientele. Our business model is successful, we are growing fast, but we lack the scale and leverage necessary to accommodate our growth with back-office responsibilities gobbling up valuable time and resources. I saw David Barton, Mercer Advisors Vice Chairman, speak at an industry conference and he coined the phrase, 'You either need to build scale, or join it, if you want to remain competitive.' I decided to join it rather than build it. I also loved Mercer Advisors' family office business model with in-house estate planning, tax return preparation, and corporate trustee services, which was a perfect fit with our business model. Of course, being able to offload back-office responsibilities to Mercer Advisors will add significant excess capacity to me and my team freeing us up to service more clients, and win new ones."

David Barton, Vice Chairman, who led this transaction on behalf of Mercer Advisors added: "Steve is an entrepreneur and great leader. He's also very good at business development. Steve's talents are rare and together we'll leverage one another's strengths to aggressively expand our Florida presence, including his satellite offices in the Northeast where we already have a heavy office footprint. Steve has also assembled a strong team which is very important to us. In our industry, you are only as good as your talent, and I believe our combined talent is superior. This transaction is a true win-win for all concerned."

Dave Welling, Chief Executive Officer of Mercer Advisors said, "Steve has built a great business and strong team, and they are highly respected wealth management professionals. In all respects, this union adds to our culture, our expertise and our commitment to local markets. We look forward to working together as we strive to deliver outsized results for our clientele."

THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA, NAPLES UNVEILS A COASTAL-INSPIRED REDESIGN AND “GARDEN TO SEA” SPA OFFERINGS

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A sophisticated ambiance complements authentic, holistic treatments as the iconic, oceanfront resort ushers in a property-wide remastering An exclusive oasis, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Naples has unveiled a transformation with a coastal-inspired redesign reflecting the serenity and natural beauty surrounding the luxury resort.

The transformation, which encompasses the spa’s guest areas, treatment rooms, salon, and relaxation lounges, complements the resort’s dramatic Evolution of an Icon remastering project. With a focus on wellness and authentic, intuitive treatments that aid in rejuvenating mind, body, and soul, the new refined design elements and coastal palette reflect the healing nature of warm sand, soothing waters, and gentle tropical breezes rich with floral garden scents.

Known for its “Garden to Sea” focused treatments that capture the essence of the local surroundings, guests will experience authentic wellness during their spa visit. Unique wellness services such as “Intuitive,” “Sea Holistic” and “Drift to Sleep” offer guests a sense of place through holistic practices that incorporate plant and flower-based aromatic oils to stimulate and relax the mind and body. Specialty treatments include the “Calm Seas Massage,” a gentle hands-on healing therapy for guests with compromised health, and “Restorative Therapy,” a treatment that combines 15 immuneboosting essential oils to help individuals recover from ailments such as jet lag and low energy levels. Treatments for men include “Power Hour” and “Muscle Recovery Massage” along with facials, manicures, and pedicure services.

Geared towards organic and sustainable products, the spa offers skincare programs such as the “Well Aging Facial” which utilizes only pure, clean products. Offering 35 treatment rooms, including aesthetics-only and hydro-therapy rooms, the spa is a hub of wellness offerings where a full day spa experience includes the use of the mineral pool, the wet lounge consisting of a steam room, steam showers, infrared sauna, hot and cold plunges, and Jacuzzi.

A state-of-the-art fitness center keeps fitness regimens on track with Technogym and Peloton equipment, in addition to options for personalized training with fitness professionals and a schedule of yoga, Pilates, and spin classes, among others.

For more information please visit: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/naples/naples-beach/offers/spa-escape

Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum Announces Opening of Two Summer Exhibitions on June 25 Artis—Naples announced that two summer exhibitions will open at The Baker Museum on June 25, one featuring (and questioning) traditional portraits in a variety of media and the other presenting more than 50 works that have been added to the museum’s permanent collection since 2019. True Likeness will be on view from June 25 through September 25, and Recent Acquisitions: 2019-Present will be on view through January 8. The Baker Museum will be closed for summer maintenance from July 25 until September 6.

“We are proud to present these two outstanding exhibitions this summer,” said CEO and President Kathleen van Bergen. “True Likeness provides a snapshot of our current world through the works of a diverse group of artists. There is also tremendous variety in the works exhibited in Recent Acquisitions. This exhibition is a testament to the incredible generosity and support of individual collectors and donors and their trust in Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum as a collecting institution and its stewardship of significant works of art since it first opened its doors in 2000.”

Yacht Rental Demand Is Soaring, Coast Yachts Expands Chicago Charter Fleet With Sunseeker Predator 60 Coast Yacht Charter experiences are the essence of the luxury lifestyle. Coast Yachts' fleet of charter yachts are not your typical charter boats. They are hand-picked based upon quality, maintenance reliability and, of course, good looks.

Coast Yachts, the private yacht charter and yacht management company with operations in Chicago, Miami and the Bahamas, is answering the call for larger, newer and more luxurious yachts on Lake Michigan, adding the Sunseeker Predator 60 to its yacht rental fleet in Chicago.

The Sunseeker Predator 60, named City Life, boasts a length overall of nearly 64 feet and a width just shy of 17 feet, creating the most spacious entertaining venue of any yacht in its range. Operating in total compliance with the United States Coast Guard regulations and safety protocols, City Life comfortably holds up to 13 guests and is operated by a licensed captain along with an experienced cabin concierge to attend to City Life's guests' every need. The yacht has a tender garage with water toys, a submersible swim platform, two sun-pads, a large dining table, outdoor seating for all guests, five satellite televisions, a concert quality sound system, a cockpit grill, three refrigerators, a wine refrigerator, two freezers, a Yeti cooler, two heads, two fullsize showers, two queen beds, a saloon lounge, a massive retractable cockpit moon roof and more.

"The demand for our yacht charter and yacht membership programs have reached all-time highs in the past 12 months," says Jason De Palma, Founder of Coast Yachts. "Our member-operated boat club fleet was sold out preseason, and our yacht charter fleet is nearing full capacity. We need more yachts to keep up with the flood of new entrants to the market. We are actively shopping for more boats and pursuing yacht owners who have an appetite for revenue and tax depreciation. City Life is joining the Coast family at the perfect time. She is an amazing yacht, one of the largest and highest quality yacht available for charter in Chicago."

Coast Yachts manages an expanding fleet of company-owned watercraft as well as a privately owned fleet offering management, concierge, cleaning, maintenance and crew services to yacht owners. The Coast Yachts Owner's Club program was designed to make a boat owner's happiest day, every day. There are three levels of yacht care to choose from along with optional charter revenue to offset fixed costs.

For more information about Coast Yachts or to inquire about its programs and services, call 888-733-5885 or visit www.ownthesea.com.

Coveted Designer Mariano "Lavi" Feliciano Join's Luxury Chamber Naples

Kyle A. Cavaliere is being recognized by Continental Who's Who Kyle A. Cavaliere is being recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Distinguished Executive for his excellent work in the field of Business Strategy and Talent Optimization and in acknowledgment of his work as the Owner and CEO of Style Analytics, Inc and President of Luxury Chamber SW FL. Before founding Style Analytics Inc., Mr. Cavaliere worked as the Owner of Cavaliere Ent Inc. Mr. Cavaliere has over ten years of experience in the field.

As the Owner of Style Analytics, Inc., Mr. Cavaliere helps businesses transform their processes and strategies and utilize the talent on staff acquired to form highperforming teams to optimize the company, increase productivity, and maximize efficiency. He specializes in fraud detection and monitoring, finding lost funds, management consulting, and assisting teams as they plan asset protection programs for the future.

He offers introductory consultations, where he discusses his clients' goals, execution of their plans, and helps plan fresh new projects.

Among other tools, he is a Certified Talent Optimization Consultant, and utilizes the Predictive Index as a large part of his management consulting tools. Mr. Cavaliere founded Style Analytics Inc. in March 2021, taking on the role of CEO. He works to implement new business strategies to create ultra-efficient work processes. He is ready to tackle any challenge and put his clients on the path to success. He believes the key to his success is his deep focus, strict discipline, and hard work.

In his newest acquisition in September 2021, Mr. Cavaliere became the President of Luxury Chamber SW FL. The company creates enjoyable cultural networking events by connecting purveyors of luxury goods and services with brand aficionados and philanthropists. They create unique charity events at popular venues, and are proud to share high-quality referrals, educational opportunities, and member benefits with the exclusive list of members and celebrities.

Mr. Cavaliere's most outstanding achievement is opening Style Analytics and Luxury Chamber SW FL, where he loves working one-on-one with his clients to improve their businesses. He looks forward to expanding the companies to a national or global audience.

He holds certifications as a Certified Talent Optimization Consultant and a Certified Business Consultant. To stay abreast of developments in the field, he is an Elite Member of FoundersCard.

For more information and to schedule a consultation, visit https://www.styleanalyticsinc.com/ or email him at kyle@styleanalyticsinc.com