January 2019 Southwest Florida Business Today

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SWFBT’s annual edition is a comprehensive overview of the SWFL market’s plans, projects and partnerships.

IN THE NEWS

Beckwith on governor’s health transition team

Hope Healthcare President and CEO Samira K. Beckwith has been named to the Transition Advisory Committee on Health and Wellness by Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis and Lt. Gov.-elect Jeanette Nuñez. Beckwith will serve alongside 50 health care experts from a variety of medical fields on the committee that will be co-chaired by Nunez and Alan Levine, the former secretary of Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration. “It’s a privilege to work with Governor DeSantis and this group of knowledgeable leaders to help set the course for Florida’s future in health care,” said Beckwith. “The transition team’s focus aligns with Hope’s vision of transforming the experiences of illness, aging and dying for all Floridians.”

Flight Fast Track opens at Punta Gorda Airport

Punta Gorda Airport announced Flight Fast Track has opened and welcomed owners David Schall and Craig Scully “to the PGD family.” Flight Fast Track is one of the only accelerated flight training schools in the state of Florida. The school offered a three-week accelerated private pilot course, along with accelerated courses in instrument training, CFI training and commercial multi-engine and commercial single engine courses. It also offers self-paced training for those learning to fly on their own time. The airport said in a release that FFT’s David Schall “loves showing people the possibilities of flight. Where it can take you, how you get there, how it can FLIGHT See page 8

Aerial photography shows the future site of Alico ITEC Park, which will debut in the first quarter of 2019.

Alico ITEC Park debuts in 2019 Alico ITEC Park — Innovation, Technology, Enterprise, Commerce — will make its full debut in the first quarter of 2019, announced developer Paul Hardy, principal of Naples-based ITEC. In addition to widening Alico Road in Fort Myers to four lanes from Ben Hill Griffin Parkway right to the entrance of ITEC Park, the 240-acre parcel will be fully platted in the first quarter, and the master lift station and Phase 2 of the sewer, roads and drainage for ITEC Park Boulevard will be completed, as well. Alico ITEC Park is part of the 3.075-million-squarefoot industrial space in the northeast quadrant of the ITEC See page 18

Alico ITEC Park will house “Innovation, Technology, Enterprise, Commerce,” according to developers.

Accelerator leverages colleges for startups Collier program expands higher ed partnerships

Collier County’s business accelerator program, a public-private partnership between Collier County and non-profit Economic Incubators, is expanding its partnership with the University of Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Southwestern State College and Hodges University to assist new and emerging businesses at the Naples Accelerator and the Florida Culinary Accelerator @ Immokalee. “This partnership of four local and state universities greatly expands the network of strategic partners and knowledge experts who are available to businesses within the Accelerator Project,” said Fred Pezeshkan, chairman of Economic Incubators.

“This builds upon our mission of creating jobs, investment and diversity in our community.” Dr. John D. Meyer, president of Hodges University, added: “Our collaboration with the Accelerator Project will strengthen and promote economic cooperation, including the sharing of information on the economic conditions here in the Southwest Florida area.” Dr. J. Michael Rollo, senior vice president for Strategy and Program Innovation for Florida Gulf Coast University, stated he is particularly excited about the opportunity for tailored accelerator and incubation services for faculty, staff and university alumni.

“We also will benefit from consideration of our recent graduates and current students for internships and employment,” Dr. Rollo said. Dr. Robert R. Jones, vice president, Economic Development and External Affairs at Florida Southwestern State College, agreed about the benefits of the partnership for students. “This partnership provides a tremendous opportunity for our students to obtain mentoring and coaching in a variety of areas, including business plan development,” Dr. Jones said. “It also will provide students with space to hold certain events.” Under a three-year agreement, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida

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