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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD TLC reflects on unusual year 2020! A year that all businesses will look back on for the obstacles and challenges that were faced. All businesses in one way or another felt some effect of this unusual year, including TLC. When the events of the pandemic began to unfold, TLC worked remotely for three months and conducted all business via phone and Zoom, different from our usual in-person meetings with clients. We also lost the ability to attend networking events with our peers. Throughout this year, TLC’s main goal was to put 100% focus on ensuring our current clients successfully made it through the bumps in the road. We wanted to make sure that each and every one of them had a plan to weather the storm, and to keep their business operating and flourishing. 2020 was proof for every business that you must have a plan in place. Things can go from great to downhill quickly, and having a team that helps you forecast and make it through these times is imperative. While 2020 had its challenges for TLC, there were also some great moments as well. Our team expanded and current staff were promoted. Taylor Eaton joined the team as the events and public relations coordinator, Robert Wetzel was promoted to director of marketing and communications and Adele Amico started as our receptionist. (Both Eaton and Wetzel are graduates of Florida Gulf Coast University.) TLC took part in the Florida Small Business Development Center at FGCU internship program and are delighted to have Silvia Morales, a Finance and Supply Chain Logistics major, with us for six weeks. In September, we held our annual staff retreat, led by Suzanne Specht with the Florida SBDC, where we strategized on the growth of the company, new vision and mission statement, community service projects and advancements for the coming year. TLC is optimistic for a successful and prosperous new year for us, our clients and other businesses in the community. In 2021, TLC would like to grow our team, reach and help new businesses, and continue to make a difference in our community! Contact TLC Marketing & Creative Services at (239) 405-8115 or visit tlcmarketing-events.com.

CHARLOTTE PAGE 1 County received, Gammon said he and his team are working right now on getting the last $400,000 of that amount out and utilized. He added, “The 1% local option sales tax is a community investment that was recently reapproved by the citizens of Charlotte County to help keep the region moving forward.” As for projects currently underway, Murdock Village is moving forward. Gammon noted, “The entertainment district piece closed a month ago and will be breaking ground soon.” He added, “We just need to fill in the last piece with commercial activity and the Commissioners are considering a mixed-use

DECEMBER 2020

Our approach to building a labor pool in demand The job market is in a constant state of change. At times, unemployment rates can be very low and job postings might net few, if any, applicants. Other times, employers can be inundated with resumes and have the luxury of choosing from a pool of highly qualified applicants. More than a dozen colleges and universities in Southwest Florida are churning out graduates with degrees in business, education, nursing, engineering and more. However, they aren’t training individuals for careers in the trades, like plumbers, electricians, roofers and HVAC technicians. So how can businesses fill those vacancies if applicants lack training and experience? Provide it for them and do it for free. Since its founding in 2008, Pro-Tec Plumbing & Drains has continued to grow its service area and add customers. That’s meant hiring additional plumbers, warehouse supervisors, project coordinators and managers. When Southwest Florida’s economy is strong, there are not many experienced, skilled trades workers and journeymen actively seeking jobs. However, there are talented men and women who possess all of the “soft” skills all employers want – creative thinkers, problem solvers, motivated, dependable, hardworking, a positive attitude and willingness to learn. Those individuals are out there. If job postings state “experience required,” and applicants have none, their resume will never make it to the human resources department. Pro-Tec Plumbing is not waiting for the job market to correct itself and start churning out plumbers. Instead, the company is creating a new Technician Apprenticeship Program to train and develop plumbers. No experience is required, just a good attitude, basic technical skills and a desire to grow with the company. The U.S. Department of Labor calls this a learn-while-you-earn model that combines on-the-job training with job-related instruction. The labor department forecasts demand for plumbers and pipefitters to grow 4% annually during the next decade, so plumbing companies, as well as other contractors, must be proactive to ensure they have the labor to com-

zoning overlay that, if passed, will aid in the redevelopment of large tracts like the Port Charlotte Town Center Mall.” While the Sunseeker Resort development is stalled for now, the Allegiant airport hub is being developed. He said, “There will be a great synergy between the two as the Sunseeker project gets back on track.” Also underway is the $100 million expansion of Promenade Mall, with a plan to transform it into a walkable community. “We’re working on getting mixed-use approval now.” As for the future, Gammon shared that the main project coming online now is the Enterprise Charlotte Airport Park (ECAP). “With 4,300 acres available for development and two I-75 interchanges, there are some great commercial opportunities here.”

BY RICHARD HUME Guest Columnist

plete every project. For employers, an Apprenticeship Program allows companies to: • Train employees according to specific procedures, policies and expectations • Pair apprentices with top employees to create a highly skilled workforce • Address deficiencies before they become habits For employees, an Apprenticeship Program allows

them to: • Be paid during training instead of paying for classes at a technical school • Secure a guaranteed position with a local company • Ask for assistance or instruction without being judged Additionally, Pro-Tec Plumbing developed a new Career Progression Plan that clearly defines the steps and skills needed to progress from entry-level jobs into positions where they work alone and maintain their own work truck. The plan also puts into writing how employees can be considered for management roles. Too often, trades workers don’t recognize the potential to advance within a company and instead seek “greener” pastures, both from situational and financial standpoints. Companies with a strong Apprenticeship Program are not focused on what employees can do from day one. Instead, day 10 and day 100 are important milestones as new hires learn and develop their skills, ultimately growing with the company into exactly the type of employee you envisioned. Richard Hume is a Master Plumber and President of Pro-Tec Plumbing & Drains, which he co-founded in 2008 with his brother, Brandon. For more information, visit PTPnaples.com/ careers or call (239) 261-1000.

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2020 Media Breakfast

Mapping Your Media Navigating Through the Changing PR Landscape December 8, 2020 8 to 11 a.m.

CareerSource Southwest Florida 6800 Shoppes at Plantation Drive Suite 170 Fort Myers, FL 33912