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Focus shifts from restricting to reopening Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Jacob Ogles, Editor

Disaster Services

In this issue we discuss COVID-19, hurricanes as well as other kinds of potential disasters business owners may face.

LOOK INSIDE FOR SWFL “BLUE RIBBON BUSINESSES” THAT HAVE GONE THE EXTRA MILE DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS.

Commercial Real Estate

A specially focused monthly section exploring the SWFL commercial real estate marketplace.

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IONAL TRADE SUMMIT

2019 INTERNAT

rs and Salute to Entrepreneu solo practitioners

Startups, of the economy visionaries fuel Southwest Florida.

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

Estate Commercial Real 8-page pullout

South American

A comprehensive a quarterly Southsection that is Real Eswest Florida Commercial

Fort businesses visit

Myers

Special to SWFBT

tate market overview.

IN THE NEWS

to 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. County Charlotte 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, other locales International companies Spain, Peru and Mexico, goods, artisanal apparel, 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 during the summit. Trade Hub at Port Manatee, and An expo-style from seven nations 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 d Forum announce

& 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 for the community. 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 and also page 6 strategies.

See fied exit EDISON 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

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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

Focus on Manufacturing

Area companies are building a better future — one made right here in Southwest Florida.

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

Commercial Real Estate

A specially focused monthly section exploring the SWFL commercial real estate marketplace.

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

HEMP See page 5

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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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Commercial Real Estate

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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

12

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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 about ences, startup costs, their target audiprojected profits, marketing other aspects of entrepreneurial plans and Dr. Sandra Kauanui, enterprises at iTECH mokalee. Judges FGCU Director spoke during the for of Entrepreneurs Smart Companies the presentations were: Brian in Imevent. hip, Rist, The Smart Companies executive chairman; Sofia Blanno, gram allows shoppers 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

SHARK See page

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

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Disaster readiness sales tax holiday begins in state

With a sales tax free holiday May 29-June 4 on storm supplies in the Sunshine State, Florida-based business and home owners will be stocking up. Portable generators and fuel

After a stay-at-home order restricted many non-essential business activities in April, state and local leaders shifted toward recovery mode in May. Lee County received $134.5 million and began work on allocating those resources for businesses and individuals affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic. “I’d like to get people back to work,” said County Commissioner Brian Hamman.

In early May, county officials developed a plan for the funding, part of which will offset losses in bed tax and sales tax revenues. Officials hope between $50 and $75 million will be available for immediate assistance. A grant program has been proposed to give qualifying businesses up to $5,000 grants for reopening expenses like sanitation, replenishing inventory and providing personal protective equipment like face masks. As of press time, county commissioners were considering putting $25 million aside for the relaunch program, while also providing indirect business assistance through efforts like childcare support and rent and mortgage assistance for individuals.

Meanwhile, Gov. Ron DeSantis ushered Florida gradually into Phase One of recommendations from the Re-Open Florida Task Force. That included allowing most non-essential

Photo by Jacob Ogles Gov. Ron DeSantis and Lee Health CEO Dr. Larry Antonucci hold a press conference at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers. businesses to return to work if social planned to move most of Florida into distancing could be enforced. On May Phase Two, which would lift restric4, he allowed retailers and restaurants tions on gatherings from 10 people to open with 25% percent capacity, to 50 and would allow a host of stillthen increased that limit to 50% as of prohibited activities like tattoo parlors May 18. Personal services like salons to open. Companies with the capacity have been allowed to reopen, and gyms to let workers conduct business from can also operate again, though group home are still encouraged to do so. classes are still restricted.

RESTRICT See page 6 It was unclear when the Governor

DISASTER SERVICES

So it won’t ever happen to you, right?

Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Karen P. Moore, Publisher

“It can never happen to me” is what we all say, regarding so many potentially dangerous and devastating situations. But it CAN happen—to you, me or anyone. So I want to tell you my story—it happened right at the start of the COVID-19 crisis.

PART 1 Out of the blue, my Office 365 account (that automatically withdraws a small monthly fee every month from my bank account,) took two then three then four consecutive withdrawals for the same small amount on the same day, as well as one transaction under $50 but not a “normal” monthly fee. As much as I hate making 1-800 customer service calls, I called. We agreed these were unauthorized transactions. The customer service

representative told me he’d taken care of everything but if the refunds did not show up in my account, to call back on 4/1/20, which I ended up doing.

So we “dug in” to the situation. The CSR discovered someone had hacked into my Microsoft Office account and set up unauthorized website domains, automatically withdrawing money from my bank account for the monthly payments. Thankfully, because I check my bank account every day, I immediately caught this unauthorized activity.

PART 2 Meanwhile, back in February of this year, I was setting up an ad schedule for my newspaper with a regional financial institution. I had done business with this institution previously, so this was not a new relationship. I was working with someone

IN THE NEWS containers are among the items qualiAPEX Awards rescheduled fied for tax-free purchases, and here’s for Nov. 13 over pandemic a few tips from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute to help business and home owners. When the lights go out, generators keep you humming with light and power. When purchasTAX See page 12

The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business committee announced a new date for its 2020 APEX Awards, which will now be held on Nov. 13 at The Wes-

MOORE See page 15

tin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village in Cape Coral.

The annual APEX Awards recognizes outstanding women in the Greater Fort Myers community who excel in the areas of professionalism, philanthropy and leadership.

APEX See page 3

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

JUNE 2020

JUNE 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

BLUE RIBBON BUSINESSES

Dan Creighton hands out 150 meals and $25,000 to the Dunbar community.

Creighton employees deliver acts of kindness during pandemic As communities across the country are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, generous employees of Creighton Construction & Development are delivering acts of kindness to support local frontline medical staff and first responders as well as restaurants, families and others in need.

When the pandemic first began impacting Southwest Florida, Creighton Construction & Development founder Dan Creighton purchased $5,000 in food from Ruth’s Chris Steak House that otherwise wouldn’t have been used, and worked with the restaurant and its chefs to prepare 150 meals for disadvantaged families of the Dunbar community whose livelihoods had been impacted

by COVID-19. Creighton also gave out $25,000 from his own pocket, distributing $250 directly to 100 families who have been significantly affected. Creighton’s hope was that others would join him in serving others during this unprecedented time.

This single act of kindness inspired Creighton’s team to begin carrying out their own acts of kindness to support their communities. To date, Creighton and the

APEX PAGE 1

For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com Creighton Construction & Development associates have together impacted more than 3,300 people through the #CreightonCares challenge, contributing funds out of their own pockets to organize and execute these special projects.

“The coronavirus pandemic is impacting the communities we live in, and there are countless ways to inspire others and support those in need during this time,” said Dan Creighton. “True character is revealed in difficult times like these. It goes to show that we can all do our part – big or small – to make an impact on our communities and those who are struggling right now.”

Members of the Creighton Construction & Development team have been making waves coast-to-coast in Florida as well as in Texas and Colorado, delivering meals, funds and kind acts to others in their communities, and also challenging local business partners to join them in their efforts. A dozen #CreightonCares projects have been completed to date, with more underway.

For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com

Through Wednesday, July 1, the community is invited to submit nominations online at www.fortmyers.org/ events/apex-awards. Nominees must be current members of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce.

Following a review of all nominations, Women in Business will announce this year’s top five finalists during its monthly networking session

on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at the Crowne Plaza at Bell Tower in Fort Myers.

These five finalists will go on to be recognized during the gala dinner in November, where one will be named the recipient of this year’s APEX Award.

For more information, contact Linda Onorevole at (239) 332-2930 ext.

213.

Keep your staff and customers safe

Page 3

DISASTER SERVICES

Communication key to survival Florida is now reopening in phases, and many businesses and organizations are more than ready to begin a cautious and gradual return to business operations. However, not everything will return exactly as it was before COVID-19, at least not in the near future.

Employers are making tough decisions about how to do business moving forward. The safety of staff and customers is paramount, but some are also facing reduced revenue opportunity.

Many employees are understandably concerned about their job security.

That’s why it is critically important for businesses large and small to keep employees informed and engaged as they rise above the challenges created

by COVID-19. Hardworking, dedicated employees are the heart and soul of any business, and their support is just as critical as customers over the next few months.

The following seven guidelines can help businesses develop a strong internal communications plan as they move forward: Be open and honest: Employees see news reports of business slowdowns and job losses. Be transparent as the situation evolves and put employees’ minds at ease by explaining how you are addressing the crisis.

Communicate early and often: Employees are being inundated with information on news media and social media – some factual, some not. Filter out the noise to relay information relevant to their company, region and employees. Research shows many individu-

BY TERI HANSEN Guest Columnist

als trust their colleagues more than other sources of information.

Meet employees where they are: Many employees are still working remotely or in split shifts to minimize physical contact. Use the telephone, email, text or video chat to keep employees

in the loop.

Empower managers to engage: Supervisors should be well-versed in company and industry developments and confident enough to relay accurate messaging and answer employees’ questions.

Recognize special circumstances: There is no one-size-fits-all approach during a pandemic. An employee might need to work from home because of a child care situation or need human resources support because a spouse was laid off or furloughed. Be flexible.

Show compassion: Tensions run high during a crisis. Keeping a level head and maintaining a human element in communications will always help in the long run.

Seek professional help: Companies are experts in selling a product or service, but aren’t necessarily in the business of communications. During this challenging period, Priority Marketing KEY See page 4

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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

JUNE 2020

DISASTER SERVICES

C-19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL Cape Coral company keeps customers healthy Pure Glow Essentials is a bath and body small business located in Cape Coral that is currently surviving the COVID-19 pandemic. The owner, Ashley Lopez, hand crafts soap from scratch as well as lotion, shampoo, bath bombs and scrubs for your personal needs. All of her products are created with your desire for healthy skin in mind and devotes most of her time making sure all of her products are natural and chemical/ detergent-free for you.

Educating the public is tough when consumers go straight to a more convenient product that is regulated by the FDA and she cannot create it without being majorly fined. Soap and water is the best way to fight germs since it is a wash-off product.

Hand sanitizer stays on the skin and takes longer to remove germs than traditional soap and water. Her soap is created to keep your skin soft and hydrated with the natural Lopez oils within the soap. Detergents and chemicals in regular soap are very drying because they remove all of the oils on the skin, including the good oils.

Currently, because of the virus, the normal farmer’s markets that she usually attends are postponed so she has turned to Social Media for marketing and getting to know her community. Facebook and Instagram are her outlets for advertising,

KEY PAGE 3 is offering complimentary consultations by telephone and video chat, as well as discounted services to help businesses and organizations rise above the challenges. Additionally, ®

www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com PUBLISHER Karen P. Moore PRINT EDITOR & ASSOCIATE WEB EDITOR Jacob Ogles PRODUCTION MANAGER Jennifer Ogles PHOTO REVIEWER Colleen Scott PRINT AD DESIGNERS Jennifer Ogles Robert Brown DIGITAL MEDIA DESIGNER & EDITOR Michelle L. Hudson

P.O. Box 152299 Cape Coral, FL 33915-2299 News: 239-573-9731 All other: 239-573-9732 News email: editor@swfloridabusinesstoday.com All other information requests: publisher@ swfloridabusinesstoday.com The contents of Southwest Florida Business Today® are copyright 2019 by Southwest Florida Newspapers, Inc. No portion may be reproduced without the express written consent of Southwest Florida Newspapers, Inc. The publication of any advertisement or article does not necessarily reflect the view of the publisher of Southwest Florida Business Today®. For more information about any article or column appearing in Southwest Florida Business Today®, for advertising rates or subscription information please call 239-573-9732 or email: publisher@ swfloridabusinesstoday.com

OUR MISSION

Southwest Florida Business Today® is to provide the best business-to-business marketplace where business executives operating in Southwest Florida buy and sell goods and services via the exchange of news, advertising and information.

PCA businesses help in crisis times

Pure Glow Essentials is a bath and body small business located in Cape Coral live streaming and keeping her fans updated during the pandemic. During this time, she has turned to keeping her business website updated with new products as well as her store on Etsy.

Sales are steady as she announces new products being released in social media outlets.

Her business is going strong and she will make sure it improves even more after the current crisis is over so she can continue to attend public events again.

Ashley Lopez created her business because she always loved natural bath and body products. You can find her website at pureglowessentials.com.

the firm is providing free marketing tips and tools under the “Resources” tab at PriorityMarketing.com.

Well-managed internal communications can calm nerves and share valuable information while empowering employees to make informed decisions about their health, safety

and well being.

Teri Hansen, APR, is president and creative director at Priority Marketing.

Visit PriorityMarketing.com for more information. For more information, please call (239) 267-2638 or email info@PriorityMarketing.com.

• Selling Your Business?

• Buying a Business?

• What’s the Value of Your Business?

We Can Help!

Contact: Jim Bolinger, MBA, CPA (retired)

Keep up with the latest business news, events and more! www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com

Truforte Business Group

®

BUSINESS SALES - MERGERS - ACQUISITIONS

8270 College Pkwy ▪ Suite 105 ▪ Fort Myers, FL 33919

Phone: 239.284.1317 Ext 101 Cell: 239.220.2017 email: jim@truforte.com www.TruforteBusinessGroup.com

Anticipating what’s next... ...is what keeps you and your business ahead of the game.

To serve our clients better, SWFBT is now direct-mailed to SWFL business community leaders and top revenue company executives.

Here’s what is ahead for 2020 for Southwest Florida Business Today®.

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Call to reserve your advertising spot today: (239) 770-7527

Preferred Commercial Alliance is a TEAM of business owners that can serve your business needs during any disaster. All PCA member business owners are Licensed, Bonded and Insured, with a vast amount of experience in their industries. PCA members are the commercial companies to call when you need help for your Disaster Recovery needs. Here are a few of our business owners that can help you during hurricane season (or any other season).

• Bill Staggs, owner of Office Pride of SWFL, helps customers with all sorts of cleaning emergencies. The biggest way we maintain a safe work environment is by providing several different EPA-approved disinfection and sanitization services. These consist of intensive disinfection of high-touch areas—reducing the risk of contamination. Or we can sanitize the entire office. We also use an electrostatic disinfect service treatment, which disinfects common areas, personal spaces and hard-to-reach corners and crevices.

These services are of critical importance for maintaining a clean and healthy workplace, especially during this time when we are combatting the spread of germs, coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory illnesses.

Office Pride has many connections to local businesses that offer specialized cleaning/sanitization services, so for almost any emergency we can step in to help. Please contact Hollie Sullins, Development Manager.

• Steve Darby, with over 35 years’ experience, is the owner of Darby Engineering, a civil and structural engineering firm that can help you with inspections and permitting; site engineering inspections and certifications; construction engineering and inspections; stormwater pollution prevention plans and inspections; water management and flood Inspections. Inspection and Design of structural damage is crucial, to return your home or business to the condition it deserves, safe and secure.

• Debra Newell is the owner of Newell Lawn Care, a family-owned and operated business since 2000.

The company is a full-service landscape company and provides all lawn maintenance, irrigation, pest control, landscape designs and installation and removal of trees and plants. The business always provides an honest bid for each job, good workmanship and excellent service—no matter what. It understand the importance of making quick decisions and moving fast when a disaster hits, so you can count on us to be there for you to assist with your horticulture cleanups, removal of down or dangerous trees— all necessary to get your home and business back in order after a natural disaster happens. Please ask for Mark Childers, account manager.

• Margie Tann, owner of Florida Insurance and Financial Services, has provided exceptional service in commercial and residential insurance for over 32 years. Margie sees that most business owners do not check their coverage until they pay their premium—if they check at all. However, hurricane season seems to put that conPCA See page 13

JUNE 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 5

Achieving Optimum Hygiene The COVID-19 Task Force advises that the best protec�on is washing our hands.

Hygienic Hand Soap is your best and wisest choice.

As the pandemic subsides and businesses are re-opening, a major concern is the safety of employees and customers. It is essential that all personnel have ready access to handwashing facilities. Such ready access also fosters customer appreciation.

Additionally, the premises must be hygienically clean and reasonably free of the coronavirus. Fortunately, the newly emerging science of nano technology makes it easy to achieve. It enabled the development of Purely Green Hand Soap and Hygienic Cleaners which meets and defeats the challenge without the need for toxic sanitizers.

HOW TO ACHIEVE OPTIMUM HYGIENE

By Dr. Ted Tidwell, Formulator Simply stated, most viruses are groups of various proteins and other matter enveloped in, held together and protected by a lipid membrane. (“Gram negative”) See the orange circle in the illustration.

As a defense against the corona virus, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends frequent washing of hands with soap. Just as strong soapy water dissolves greasy residues on cooking utensils; Hygienic Soap penetrates and dissolves the lipid envelope.

When the lipid envelope dissolves, the entire glob disintegrates and is easily washed away. The virus is defenseless. Irritating chemical sanitizers are no longer needed.

Most strong soaps can be effective.

Purely Green Hand Soap is the best choice. Why? Nano powered Purely Green Hygienic Soap is vastly different from ordinary soaps and detergents. It contains trillions of tiny, unseen particles derived from processed extracts of natural plants such as coconuts, corn, grass, rice, soy trees and weeds, plus safer surfactants.

The science is complicated but the results are simple and obvious: trillions of tiny nano powered particles penetrate and dissolve fats, greases, grime and oil. They quickly and easily penetrate and dissolve lipid membranes surrounding protein globs on hands and other surfaces. They confound physicists with their versatility.

During the Deep-Water Horizon oil spill, for example, they were powerful

PURELY GREEN HYGIENIC CLEANERS Before the invention of electron microscopes, the existence of nano particles was unknown. Since the early 2000’s more research is being accomplished. Nano particles are being used in computer and television technology.

A micron photo of Hygienic Soap ingredients: Average particle size: only 2.6 nano. A human hair measures 75,000 + nano.

As an insecticide, the particles penetrate and dissolve the insect’s protective lipid membrane, dissolving the cell. The insect has no defense.

Hygienic soaps, degreasers and pesticides are safer for business applications. They emit no toxic fumes and have been clinically documented as mutagen and genotoxicity free (“harmless to humans and animal cellular DNA”).

Better Hygiene; Better Health

Hygienic Hand Soaps are offered in high concentrates to be diluted on site. Optimum hygiene is delightfully affordable.

Example: Available in concentrated bulks, hygienic refills cost LESS than $1 per refill! Retailer inquiries are welcomed.

THE ORANGE RING IN THE ILLUSTRATION BELOW IS THE PROTECTIVE LIPID ENVELOPE.

enough to dissolve crude oil and rescue the poor oil-soaked pelicans, yet safe and gentle enough to remove fleas from day

Business Applications

old kittens. (They are also exceptionally effective as a broad spectrum, people and pet friendly bio pesticide.)

They provide safe and labor saving janitorial and decontamination benefits.

Chemical sanitizers require pre-cleaning to work. Hygienic Cleaners clean and dissolve lipid membranes with one application, saving substantial labor costs.

Hygienic Cleaners emit no unpleasant or toxic fumes. Customers are pleased.

Employees are comfortable, less fatigued and less prone to illness. Retention rates are better.

Reduced liability - Purely Green’s ingredients were documented as genotoxicity free. Customers, employees, customers are not exposed to respiratory or brain-damaging fumes. Internet searches indicate that no other decontamination product qualifies for this health standard.

Hygienic Cleaners contain no chemicals such as ammonium chloride, propylene glycol propyl ether, sodium chloride, ethyl or isopropyl alcohol etc. As the public becomes health aware, such ingredients may become obsolete.

Decontamination teams use Hygienic Cleaners to restore optimum hygiene in offices, retail stores, hotels, restaurants, schools, cruise ships, homes, assisted living homes, dairies, farms, factories, kennels, poultry farms, meat processing facilities, etc. With full time professional employees, the absence of debilitating fumes is especially valuable.

Nano technology is establishing new standards of public health and safety. It is the wave of the future.

Plus, even with nature derived ingredients, they are cost competitive. More details at www.PurelyGreenClean.com.

For bulk wholesale pricing, email PurelyGreen7@yahoo.com.

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Page 6

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

SanCap Bank

JUNE 2020

DISASTER SERVICES

STRONG In good times and bad, you can count on us. We’re here for you.

Amidst the recent COVID-19 crisis, we have helped hundreds of Southwest Florida businesses, independent contractors, nonprofit organizations and residents. Our team has secured more than 670 Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program loans totaling more than $67 million for this community.

Many of those loans helped our customers, but some also assisted local people who needed support when they couldn’t find it elsewhere. And that is what Sanibel Captiva Community Bank is all about.

YOUR EFFORTS

YOUR SUPPORT

WENT FAR BEYOND THOSE OF A BANK, YOU BECAME OUR PARTNER WITH ONE PHONE CALL AND A PROMISE.

AND DEDICATION TO YOUR CLIENTS IS ADMIRABLE AND WE ARE SO FORTUNATE TO BE WORKING WITH A GREAT GROUP OF PEOPLE.

− R. Michael Smith, Founder POSabilities

− Patrick Emrich, CEO Property Debt Research

YOU HAVE BEEN THE BEST BANK WE’VE EVER USED.

− Gregory Greaves, Electrical Engineer, Principal Tropical Generator, LLC

YOU ALL LITERALLY SAVED MY SMALL BUSINESS. − Kate Sergeant, Owner On Island, Inc.

Nano-powered Purely Green Hygienic Soap is different from ordinary soaps.

Nano-powered cleansing products are the future As businesses are beginning to reopen, a primary concern of every owner is the safety and comfort of his or her employees and customers. Owners want to assure their premises are hygienically clean and that employees and customers have ready access to hygienic hand washing facilities.

Fortunately, the newly emerging science of nano technology makes it easy.

It enabled the development of Purely Green Hand Soap and Hygienic Cleaners.

As a defense against the Corona virus, the Center for Disease Control recommends frequent washing of hands with soap.

Simply stated, viruses are generally groups of various proteins and other matter enveloped in and protected by a lipid membrane. To dissolve the lipid envelope, all that is needed is strong soap and prolonged rubbing. When the lipid envelope dissolves, the entire glob disintegrates and is easily washed away.

Just as strong soapy water dissolves greasy residues on dishes; Hygienic Soap penetrates and dissolves the lipid envelope. The virus is defenseless. Caustic chemical sanitizers are no longer needed.

Nano-powered Purely Green Hygienic Soap is vastly different from ordinary soaps. It contains trillions of tiny, unseen particles derived from processed extracts of natural plants such as coconuts, corn, grass, rice, soy trees and weeds, plus safer surfactants.

The science is complicated but the results are simple: they penetrate and dissolve fats, greases, grime and oil. They quickly and easily penetrate and dissolve lipid membranes surrounding protein globs.

They were powerful enough to dissolve crude oil during the gulf oil spill and rescue the poor oil soaked pelicans, yet safe and gentle enough to bathe day old kittens.

They are available in handy hand soap dispensers and money-saving concentrates for larger surface decontamination.

They reduce labor costs. Sanitizers work on clean surfaces, so they must first be cleaned, then sanitized. Hygienic

RESTRICT PAGE 1

239-472-6100 | www.SanCapBank.com NMLS #411904

While DeSantis has moved through reopening at a slower pace than his task force recommended, he still has spoken about a need to get business in motion sooner than later.

“We have an obligation to get to yes,” DeSantis said at a May press conference at Gulf Coast Medical Center.

Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties

BY TED TIDWELL Guest Columnist

Cleaners are simply soaps but leaves hygienic conditions with only one operation.

Because they emit no toxic fumes and gases, they are more comfortable for customers and employees. Employees are no longer exposed to toxic fumes and gases. They are healthier, more energetic and less fa-

tigued.

Clinical documentation of the ingredients as mutagen free and genotoxicity free (“harmless to humans and animal cellular DNA”) reduces liability concerns.

Customers and employees are not exposed to debilitating fumes and residues of toxins such as alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, propylene glycol propyl ether, sodium chloride, ethyl or isopropyl alcohol.

Nano technology is the future. As the public becomes more health conscious, such undesirable ingredients may become obsolete.

Professional decontamination and janitorial contractors are switching to hygienic cleaner to restore optimum hygienic conditions in offices, retail stores, hotels, restaurants, schools, cruise ships, homes, assisted living homes, dairies, farms, factories, kennels, poultry farms and meat processing facilities.

Nano technology is establishing new hygienic standards. Now, businesses, their customers, employees, associates and families can enjoy new alternatives to unhealthy cleaning chemicals.

Dr. Ted Tidwell developed the non-toxic cleaner, Purely Green Hand Soap and Hygienic Cleaners. Micron photography revealed he had stumbled upon a process that creates nano particles. For more details, call (239) 283-1222 or go to www.PurelyGreenClean.com/hygienic.

For contractor wholesale pricing, email PurelyGreen7@yahoo.com. have been allowed to move with the rest of Florida into Phase One, whereas highly infected areas like neighboring Broward and Miami-Dade counties wait until late May before DeSantis lifted the stay-at-home order there.

All three Southwest Florida have reopened beaches for at least periods of time, though Collier has restrictions on weekends after seeing many South Florida beach-goers travel to the area to find open shores.

JUNE 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 7

GUEST COMMENTARY Industrial/office parks key to economic development growth in Cape Retail, restaurants and hotels tend to generate sales tax and hospitality revenues for cities and counties. However, the employment created in the retail and hospitality sectors tend to be lower wages. While these jobs are an important component of the overall economy, the jobs that tend to pay higher wages fall within the industrial and office sectors. The employment generated in the industrial and office markets has tended to be not as impacted by COVID-19 with many more workers still on the job.

The city’s current business parks including Andalusia, Viscaya and MidCape Business Parks are home to many light industrial and

BY RICARDO commercial estabNOGUERA lishments, which offer the highest paying private sector employment and tend to be most recession-proof. These employers also do not rely on patronage from local residents, although they service local residents with home improvements, auto repair and other service. These employers draw business from outside the county and generate revenues for the city while grow-

Cape Coral’s current business parks are home to many light industrial and commercial establishments, which offer the highest paying private sector employment and tend to be the most recession-proof.

The challenges described above are ing the local economy.

Across the 120 square miles of land in not new and are well known by many who the Cape, approximately 92% is devoted reside and operate businesses in the Cape. to residentially zoned and the remaining However, there are several opportunities 8% is zoned and reserved for commercial for the Cape to capitalize on attracting and and industrial purposes. There are also expanding the industrial/office market. some impediments that create challenges Such assets include: • Largest workforce between Miami to attract industrial/office business parks in and Tampa the City such as: • Sites available near market • Distance from Interstate-75 • Incentives • Competition from sites along InterCommunities that maintain larger arstate-75 • Lack of public infrastructure avail- eas of their market supporting industry able to support industrial/office develop- and office tend to have stronger, more balanced economies and are in a better finanments in the Cape.

• Proximity to colleges, universities cial position to withstand economic crises.

The Cape has some healthy office and and trade schools

Best Commercial Lot Values in Southwest Florida 25335 Rampart Blvd Port Charlotte 33983

4214 Duncan Road (Hwy. 17) Punta Gorda 33982

Price: $995,000 Size: 4.30 AC Description: Medical Office Space. Deep Creek has several ALF communities, private and public. Major Rehabilitation Center adjacent to this site.

Two major hospitals within 10 minutes of site.

East border of the property is a large Housing Complex with future zoning of commercial in front. Plans available for 7 buildings, each 5,000 sq. ft.

Price: $795,000 Size: 6.84 AC Description: 2 lots, 1 - 5.3 Acre Parcel and 1 - 1.5 acre parcel, 6.8 Acres, environmentals done. Just East of I-75. Zoned Industrial, Retail, Commercial General, No Residential or Mixed Use, 6.84 Acres at Washington Loop. Over 150 sq. ft. Road Frontage on Duncan. Phase I reports available, survey also available. Future land use is Commercial Corridor.

Marion Ave Punta Gorda 33950

industrial businesses, which should be embraced and encouraged to expand such as: • Ecological Labs • Architectural Metal Flashings • CK Advertising • Mercola • Insite Managed Solutions There are also opportunities to attract and expand similar companies to the Cape. Carlos Acosta, broker and owner of Commercial Real Estate Services of SWFL, shared the following in regards to the industrial market; “In order for the Cape to become a well-rounded community where residents can live and work in the same community, we must develop office and industrial parks. Restaurants, retail, auto dealers, are good for the economy. However, the best paying jobs tend to be in the office and industrial sectors and there is limited land available for these uses in the Cape. Expanding public infrastructure along Burnt Store Road, Andalusia Industrial Park, and Pine Island Road both west of Chiquita and east of NE 24th Road will draw more industry to the city and better paying jobs where people can purchase homes and live a comfortable lifestyle.”

Michael Richter, CEO and President of Ecological Labs, a company that employs 65 local Cape residents, also shared PARK See page 10

FORT MYERS sale opportunities GATOR LANES and TER-TINI'S

$3,996,000 | 7050 Crystal Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33907

Established bowling alley and event center business has been owned and operated by current owner for 41 years. This is a very profitable business. Owner may consider a sale/lease-back for 3 years maximum if buyer would consider redevelopment of the 2.25± acre parcel.

PROMINENT COMMERCIAL SITE

$2,187,000 | Six Mile Cypress Pkwy. & Plantation Dr., Fort Myers, FL

For more information contact:

Jeanette Igoe Broker Igoe Realty P.A.

Price: $399,000 Size: 2.70 AC Description: Zoned Low Intensity Industrial. 2 parcels, one approximately .25 Acres, the other 2.7.

Perfect for Warehouse, Storage Facilities, Truck or Auto Terminal Hub, close to Hwy 17 and I-75 exit. Railroad meets rear of property.

I-75 Interchange currently projected to cross eastern portion of property, high visibility once completed.

ABR, CIPS, CPRES, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, GREEN, SFR, TRC

jigoe5@aol.com 239-572-3269

www.facebook.com/IgoeRealty/

2± acres at the hard corner of Six Mile Cypress Pkwy. and Plantation Dr. near the Minnesota Twins Spring Training stadium. It is adjacent to the new Hope Preserve, a 46-acre commercial development with an assisted living center that is open and operational. Ingress will be from both roads.

Randy Krise, CCIM

Commercial Real Estate Broker Cell: 239.633.8672 Fax: 239.690.4105 Email: Randy@KriseCG.com www.KriseCG.com

w w w

.KriseCG.Com

Page 8

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

JUNE 2020

RLI Apex awards offer recognition to CCIMs The RLI APEX Awards Program, sponsored by The Land Report, celebrated its third year with a record 105 applicants totaling a combined $2.65 billion-plus in qualifying transaction volume and 3,535 sides represented.

All land professionals recognized as part of the RLI APEX Awards Program are active members of RLI. The APEX 2019 Top Twenty Award winners were ranked by qualifying production volume and are also all included in the APEX Producers Club. Of the top twenty award winners, six were Florida CCIMs. These six super producers include: • Billy Rollins, CCIM, ALC • Bill Eshenbaugh, CCIM, ALC • Ryan Sampson, CCIM, ALC • Dean Saunders, CCIM, ALC • Jeff Cussons, CCIM, ALC • Marty Dormes, ALC “I’m very proud. It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the top land producers in the RLI organization,” said Billy Rollins, CCIM-SWFL, ALC and a three-

time winner.

“I was selling groves and farmland, citrus, and cattle all my life, but I wanted the formal training. It only made sense for me to get the CCIM and ALC designations.”

In addition to the Top Twenty Award winners, RLI also picks two ALCs that worked together on the largest transaction. This year’s award ALC to ALC Award went to Bill Eshenbaugh CCIM, ALC and Ryan Sampson CCIM, ALC – also Florida CCIMs. Real estate experts who have both the CCIM and ALC designations are in a completely different playing field due their training and experience.

For more information on the top award winners, make sure to get a copy of The Land Report, one of the industry’s leading magazines for landowners and land professionals, which will publicize the top winners in their upcoming Spring 2020 issue. All land real estate professionals are invited to join RLI and apply to the prestigious APEX Awards Program next year.

Learn more at rliland.com.

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VIP Realtors uses tech in real estate VIP Realty is using technology at a higher level than ever before, combining two technologies—Nodalview, a 3D-Tour platform designed for Real Estate, and Call Page to provide potential buyers with a live conversation and real-time home visit available 24 hours a day.

The new virtual real estate tool, “Visit This House from your Couch,” powered by Nodalview’s Live Session technology, allows buyers to experience a 3-D agent-guided virtual tour visit. Scheduling a safe visit is easy using CallPage. Visit VIPRealty.com and click on the phone icon to receive a call back for an appointment.

Available on viprealty.com, potential buyers connect directly with the agent online, within minutes, day or night, to schedule their real-time walkthrough. During the conversation, the agent takes the buyer on a guided, in-

teractive visit of the home, both inside and outside, providing them with the property features and addressing any questions they have in real time.

“With the current environment prohibiting buyers from physically touring properties, this technology allows buyers to view the home any day of the week, 24/7, from around the world,” said Charlie Ashby, president of VIP Realty in Southwest Florida.

“With interest rates historically low and supply and demand fairly even, market conditions are ideal right now, especially in Southwest Florida. By using these two technologies simultaneously, we can connect buyers and agents directly as they shelter in place.

Additionally, this transforms the appraisal business because appraisers can conduct live walk-through visits without going into the homes, allowing for virtual desktop appraisals.”

Work begins for NeoGenomics HQ

On-site work has begun in preparation for construction of NeoGenomics’ new global headquarters, located just west of Interstate-75 and north of Alico Road along Three Oaks Parkway in Fort Myers. Seagate Development Group is the developer, construction manager and site contractor for the $60-million state-of-the-art facility.

The project is scheduled to be completed by the third quarter of 2021.

On-site work began with the installation of silt fencing and clearing of the 14-acre site. In preparation to begin vertical construction, the site will

require importing an estimated 65,000 cubic yards of fill dirt to bring it to the proper elevation. Seagate Development is currently filling at a rate of 5,000 yards per day. Vertical construction is slated to begin in May. NeoGenomics is a leading provider of cancer-focused genetic testing services. The new 150,000-square- foot headquarters will be home to administration and an expanded laboratory.

Seagate Development Group is headquartered in Fort Myers. For information, contact (239) 738-7900.

Visit SeagateDevelopmentGroup.com.

We Care About SWFL Commercial Realtors With dedicated space for informa�on: • On our website with a Commercial Real Estate sec�on & directory • In our quarterly Commercial RE Market pullout in both the print & digital versions of SWFBT • With zoned and full-run inserts • With guest column opportuni�es • With digital marke�ng op�ons

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VIP Realty is using technology to provide potential buyers with a live conversation and real-time home visits available 24 hours a day.

InterIor BuIld-to-SuIt $12.00 PSF nnn

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For more informa�on, call Karen at (239) 770-7527

ENN LUTHRINGER, CCIM

®

Partner

239.481.3800 x235 www. CRECONSULTANTS .com

enn.luthringer@creconsultants.com

1 2 1 4 0 C A R I S S A C O M M E R C E C O U R T, S U I T E 1 0 2 , F O R T M Y E R S , F L 3 3 9 6 6

www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com

JUNE 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 9

Choose facts over fear in commercial real estate Through this current crisis, many have learned to combat that fear by looking to the truths that ground us and bring us peace. A common phrase that has emerged in the media amid the crisis is “facts over fear.” Not only does this shift in focus help us to manage very reasonable concerns about the pandemic, the economy, and our world in general, but it can also be very helpful as we learn to navigate the evolving business climate.

Commercial real estate is one of many industries in which people tend to sit on the sidelines during times of economic uncertainty. By focusing on facts over fear, Fischler Property Company recently developed a creative strategy for their client, a local property owner who was interested in selling a 21,349-square-foot office building near the base of the Midpoint bridge on Colonial Boulevard.

For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com The team at Fischler Property Company worked with international investors on the sale of the commercial building and closed the sale for $1.45 million – just 48 days after signing the original contract. . The transaction took place at the height of the Coronavirus pandemic which impacted normal business processes across the globe. Through the unique timing of this sale, the Fischler Property Company has seen that the sooner owners begin the process of preparing for the ultimate sale of their real estate asset or portfolio, the more options, flexibility and higher value they will enjoy.

The President and Founder of Fischler Property Company, Phil Fischler, stated, “In a time where

there is uncertainty and some fear, making a deliberate choice on where we direct our energy and attention is important. By removing speculation and emotion from the decision-making process and using facts to develop a range of reasonable scenarios, FPC implemented a strategic approach to mitigate the risk associated with the current market uncertainty—and meet both the client and buyer’s objectives.”

Fischler Property Company encourages property owners to contact a local commercial real estate property management company for a consultation if they are considering selling all or part of their commercial real estate portfolio.

For more information, contact Fischler Property Company at (239) 895-1060 or visit FischlerCo.com.

DISASTER SERVICES Learn to identify a pandemic and plan for next one before it strikes Part 1 of 2 What is a pandemic? It can best be defined as occurring over a wide geographic area and affecting an exceptional high proportion of the population. A pandemic occurs when a new contagion or communicable virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population. Due to the discovered influenza strains in birds, threats of biological warfare from terrorism and the rapid increase in international travel and tourism, there has been an international focus on pandemics over the past ten years. A pandemic can happen in any season and the infection is able to spread quickly across international borders. The key to understanding pandemics are contagion models.

The contagion models are used to predict the pattern by which a disease will spread. These contagion models provide us with the importance of controlling exposure to the virus once an outbreak has occurred.

It is important to realize that these models have one major limitation. The lack of information about the form a potential pandemic strain can take.

What actions can you take?

You must first take the risk of the pandemic seriously. Many times, in the past, businesses thought of a pandemic risk as not valid or a crazy idea to plan for. For example: one important client I had was for the Super Bowl this year.

They had Homeland Security do their risk assessment and I was working on their Disaster Recovery Plan. I felt that their risk asBY LINDA sessment did not include enough HANWACKER and did not identify “pandemic” Guest Columnist as a risk, so I added it. The CIO thought it was crazy to include it at the time in January and called me a few weeks ago and ask how I knew to add it. I added it because the CDC had been warning “not if but when.”

Businesses are in serious trouble now if they did not plan. 43% of US companies never reopen after

a disaster and 29% more close within three years without a plan. There is no definitive answer to determine if your business is properly prepared. Different businesses require different levels of preparation depending on the size of the business, the number of locations that the business has, whether the business provides goods or services or both to customers, whether the company has customer accessible outlets or works with customers via phone or computer as well as many other considerations.

For more on pandemic strategies for your business, read next month’s issue.

Linda Hanwacker is an industry subject matter expert, guest speaker, author and CEO and founder of The LSH Group in Fort Myers, which has provided professional services with economical solutions for business continuity, IT disaster recovery, pandemic planning and emergency management planning for more than 20 years. Contact her at hanwacker@thelshgroup.com.

NorthMarq negotiates $1.375 million refinancing

Bob Harrington, vice president of NorthMarq’s Miami office arranged the $1.375 million refinance of Financial Center Office Building, a 30,626-sqaurefoot office property located on College Parkway in Fort Myers. The permanent-fixed loan was structured with a 10-year term on a 25-year amortization schedule. NorthMarq arranged financing for the borrower through its relationship with a regional bank.

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Page 10

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

JUNE 2020

Global HR finalizes lease at Renaissance Center Global HR has finalized a lease occupying 22,553 square feet in Renaissance Center on Marketplace Road in Fort Myers from Brookwood SFL I. Renaissance Center offers a modern and prestigious back drop for corporate headquarters, professional offices, and other businesses in a safe Class A environment in with convenient interconnectivity to Fort Myers and Naples and Southwest Florida International Airport via I-75.

This lease is a seven-year lease renewal and extension. It demonstrates the tenant’s continued commitment to Lee County and to the South Fort Myers submarket. They have been at the Renaissance Center since 2012.

The transaction represents one of Lee County’s largest office leases executed year-to-date. Typically, only five to 10 leases of this size are executed across all building classes, annually. Furthermore, amidst cur-

Global HR has finalized a lease occupying 22,553 square feet in Renaissance Center on Marketplace Road in Fort Myers.

Veteran Lee County brokers rent market conditions, executing a transaction of this magnitude is par- Randal L. Mercer of CRE Conticularly noteworthy and represents a sultants, and Gary Tasman and “win-win” negotiation for the land- Shawn Stoneburner of Cushman & Wakefield|CPSWFL collaborated and lord and for Global HR.

PARK PAGE 7

North River Center sold in North Fort Myers D & D 35 Corporation purchased the 14,020 square foot office center known as North River Center located on North Cleveland Avenue in North Fort Myers, from North River Center for $940,000.

North River Center includes tenants such as Medicab Transportation, Ameriprise Financial Services and Community Living and Employment Services.

The center is located north of Caloosahatchee River, close to downtown Fort Myers and the central business district. The plaza also has high visibility on Tamiami Trail and on an active retail corridor with national and

negotiated on their respective clients’ behalf.

Randal L. Mercer of CRE Consultants represented landlord, Brookwood Financial and Gary Tasman and Shawn Stoneburner, represented the tenant, Global HR in the lease negotiations.

Randal L. Mercer stated “Global HR has been an excellent tenant in the property for the past seven years and Brookwood Financial, owners of Renaissance Center, were pleased to retain them as valued tenants.”

Gary Tasman, who represented Global HR with his partner Shawn Stoneburner, stated “after conducting an exhaustive search of all available options within the market and outside area, Global HR decided to continue growing its business here. It is a clear statement to the value Global HR assigns to the high-quality building, their respect for its ownership

D & D 35 Corporation purchased the North River Center in North Fort Myers. local tenants.

Adam Palmer, CCIM, and Artem Nashman, CCIM, of LandQwest Commercial represented both parties in the transaction. They will continue leasing with the new owner.

his experience in regard to moving into the North Cape Industrial Park. Ecological Laboratories, a 44-year-old Bio Tech company, purchased a single parcel of land in the North Cape Industrial Park In 1998 to build its factory in Florida. We drove over the bridge to Cape Coral and never looked back. Twenty years and five buildings later, our 3-acre campus has continued to grow. We now have approved plans from the City to build our 6th building, a 12,500-square-foot addition to our campus, giving us a total 80,000 sf of laboratories, warehousing and manufacturing. Our average salaries meet and exceed the Lee County

$44,000 average. It is important that the City of Cape Coral continue building its industrial base so companies like Ecological Labs can continue to prosper here in the City. We are proud to create a well-meaning career path for the local community to grow and prosper along with us.”

In the coming months, the City’s Economic Development Team will continue to aggressively promote office and industrial expansion and recruitment of new companies in the largest city between Miami and Tampa— Cape Coral.

Ricardo Noguera is Economic Development Manager for the city of Cape Coral. Contact him at (239) 233-7427 or RNoguera@capecoral.net.

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JUNE 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 11

C-19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL

Delivering good customer service in today’s challenging market

By Nancy Frede Guest Columnist

Okay, your customer is working from home and probably so are you. How do you still sound businesslike, professional and caring?

Be sure to make every conversation whether it be a phone call, email, social media or in person contact count, help the customer feel important in these challenging times, demonstrate how you can help them solve their issue—if you can’t, refer them to someone who can.

Hope you are safe, do you need anything? Your voice needs to sound compassionate and be smiling/ thoughtful and caring. Make the call personal but professional.

You might want to have a link available to email them COVID-19 resources such as Southwest Florida Business Today or 211. Have an information notebook that your team has available to answer any questions that are asked in the conversation.

Be clear with your questions and answer the customer’s questions with respect and always use proper grammar adding that you, the customers are important to us, particularly longtime customers.

Follow up each conversation with an email to your customer which should be copied to the professional that will continue the conversation, always telling the customer that you are making the referral to the person named.

Just think how many people your customer may text or call that you and your company sounded like you cared. Your business will improve with good referral stories. “When the customer gets good service from your business, it boosts their self-image.

And when they feel good about themselves, they feel good about you and your company.”

Have a sales software, even Excel works to record what happened on the call including updating contact information including date of call, name, address, telephone number and email information.

Call all your current customers and check in, this is a great way to get referrals, offer a discount if they need your services in this challenging time.

“Listen to any complaints about your company by phone, email, in person and social media and be sure to respond in a positive way. Your customers with complaints can be your best allies in building and improving your business. They point out where your system is faulty or your procedures are weak and

Golf club drives meals to hospital

necting with hospital and frontline workers who need food,” said Vineyards Country Club Chief Operating Officer Paul Malonson. “We realize lots of them are working nonstop and, on behalf of the leadership, staff and residents of Vineyards Country Club, we want them to know how much we appreciate their dedication and professionalism.”

Community organizations or others who wish to donate meals are asked to contact Vineyards Country Club catering services at (239) 353-1500.

Purely You Spa reopened on May 11 in accordance with the regulations and guidelines put forth by State of Florida Office of the Governor, the Florida Department of Health and the Board of Cosmetology. Management and staff have worked diligently during the spa’s closure to update its already rigorous sanitation and hygiene standards and implement new policies and procedures to promote the health and safety of guests and staff.

A selection of some of the updates and adjustments Purely You Spa has made are as follows: While our spa has always met stringent sanitation requirements, we will now more visibly display those efforts and display additional signage for your comfort.

Guests will be asked to wash their hands before entering the spa and guests are required to complete a brief COVID-19 Screening form.

Guests will receive verbal confirmation by their service provider(s) that their hands and all equipment have been sanitized prior to the start of their service.

Service providers will wear masks during all treatments as an enhanced

You Have One Opportunity to Sell Your Business BrokerIManaging Partner

Eric J. Gall

To stay current throughout the business day with COVID-19 business news & resources, go to swfloridabusinesstoday.com/ covid-19-tips-for-business/

Nancy Frede is The Business Doctor in Cape Coral. Contact her at (508) 380-3737 or nfrede@aol. com,. Learn more at www.boothcamp.com and www.nonduesrevenue.com.

Purely You Spa reopens with new policies

Dawn Flynn (Vineyards Country Club Food & Beverage Director), Jesus (Server) and Patrick Simmons (Assistant Food & Beverage Director) deliver meals to healthcare workers on behalf of Vineyards Country Club.

®

problematic. They show where your products or services are below expectations. They point out areas where your competitors are getting ahead or where your staff is falling behind.” The great news is you are now more aware of the problem and you can fix it.

Another idea, what can you do to help the first responders, the medical team, grocery clerks? What can you supply or can you arrange a car parade to say thank you? Whatever you do, you, your company and the service you provide will always be remembered.

My sincere thanks for what you can do to help others.

Lastly about me, I was recently laid off as an employment specialist from The Fort Myers Salvation Army, so I now create free resumes and cover letters to help people be ready when it is time to look for jobs and consider business coaching. To everyone be safe.

C-19: SUCCESS & SURVIVAL

BLUE RIBBON BUSINESS

Vineyards Country Club, a Blue Zones Project-approved facility, donated and delivered 175 meals to associates of NCH Healthcare System’s Downtown Baker Hospital on April 24.

Vineyards Country Club has prepared, donated and delivered more than 700 lunches and dinners in four separate events benefiting healthcare workers at Physicians Regional Medical Center (Pine Ridge), NCH North Naples Hospital and NCH Downtown Baker Hospital.

“We are pleased to continue con-

For more business news, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com

Eric@EdisonBA.com

239.738.6227

Certified Business Intermediary Certified Merger & Acquisition Professional Master of Business Administration 2014, 2016 & 2018 BBF #1 Top Dollar Producer for SWFL 2018 IBBA Chairman's Circle and Deal Maker Awards Over $165M Lifetime Transaction Volume

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safety measure.

Use of communal lounge area will temporarily be suspended to ensure social distancing guidelines are met.

Communal snacks and beverage service will temporarily be suspended. We encourage guests to bring their own water bottles/beverages.

Beauty, relaxation and optimum wellness is the ultimate focus of the Purely You Spa team. This unique and tranquil facility (located in Naples at 3066 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 302) is celebrating their 10th anniversary. In spa services are now available again like massage therapy and results oriented holistic organic skincare.

Purely You Spa will continue to follow local, state, and national regulations regarding the safe operation of spas. As the spa receives additional guidance, its policies and practices will be updated accordingly.

To view the full menu of services at Purely You Spa, visit www.purelyyouspa.com. Guests interested in scheduling treatments or services can do so via our website, or by calling (239) 331-8266. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week, by appointment.

Page 12

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

JUNE 2020

DISASTER SERVICES

Four steps to protect your roof before a hurricane approaches Weather forecasters are predicting another aboveaverage Atlantic hurricane season.

Across Southwest Florida, preparation is our forte.

We stock up on bottled water and canned goods, top off the gas tank and dust off the hurricane shutters once we’re in the cone of uncertainty.

Unfortunately, many people ignore the part of their home or business that withstands the full fury of a hurricane—the roof. Modern materials are wellengineered and built to last, but hurricanes and tropical storms will always expose weaknesses in a roof.

That’s why now is the time to complete these four steps so you’re prepared for the next storm: Get to know a roofer: Ask colleagues and friends for references and consult online review sites like Yelp, Angie’s List and Facebook Reviews. Check licensure status and complaints through the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation and Better Business Bureau.

Gather insurance paperwork: Insurance companies will be overwhelmed with phone calls and emails after a storm, and representatives might not have time to pull up your policy to see what’s covered. Gather the paperwork, and read it! Many property owners are surprised to learn that damage caused by flooding

TAX PAGE 1 ing a generator, consider the types of items you will need to power. If you are planning to use a generator, installing a carbon monoxide detector is a good idea.

Now is a great time to pick one up and batteries are available tax-free May 29-June 4.

Fuel cans are also tax-free during Florida’s 2020 Disaster-Prepared-

or hurricanes isn’t always covered under their policy.

Take photos: Insurance companies want proof that a roof was not damaged prior to a storm.

Photo documentation will eliminate any doubt and speed up the timeline.

Schedule an inspection: Once you settle on two or three reputable roofing companies, ask each to visit your property and provide

BY CASEY an inspection and recommendaCROWTHER tions.

Guest Columnist Hurricane Irma seems like a distant memory, but some property owners are still battling their insurance companies to pay out claims. The holdup likely is a dispute about whether Irma caused the damage or if the lack of preventative maintenance is to blame.

Under Florida law, property owners have three years to file insurance claims for hurricane damage. That means the statute of limitations for Irma claims expires this September. Rainy season has already kicked into high gear, and it’s entirely possible

ness Sales Tax-Holiday. Remember fuel more than 30 days old should not be used in any outdoor power equipment. It is illegal to use any fuel with more than 10% ethanol in outdoor power equipment.

The full list of supplies that are part of the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday are available at revenuelaw.floridarevenue.com/ LawLibraryDocuments/2020/05/ TIP-123007_TIP_20A01-02_ FINAL_RLL.pdf

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that leaks emerging now can be attributed to Irma.

The hurricane could have lifted TPO membranes or tiles out of place, thus breaking their watertight seal.

Small leaks may have formed, but water intrusion might have been isolated to attic or crawl spaces.

Flashing, which helps direct water off a roof, might have been compromised and is now contributing to ponding after a rainstorm.

The only way to pinpoint a cause, and possibly have insurance cover a repair or replacement, is to request an inspection. The qualified opinion of a Haag-certified inspector carries weight with insurance companies and can make or break a claim by connecting the dots between a hurricane and its resulting damage.

It’s important to take care of your roof now so you’re able to spend the days and hours before a storm focusing on yourself, your family, your employees and your business.

Casey Crowther is president of Target Roofing & Sheet Metal, a licensed and insured commercial roofing specialist based in Fort Myers. For more information, visit TargetRoofers.com or call (239) 344-7496.

DISASTER SERVICES

Helping community get back to business

Lending is one of the most important these funds mean contributions community banks make many local busito local economies and it is especially nesses can keep their critical in difficult times like these as doors open and pay COVID-19 inflicts devastating damemployees, which age to so many local businesses and helps to maintain a organizations. In good times and in bad stable economic enwe help to drive the Southwest Florida vironment. economy by lending out every dollar During this chalwe take in. Every year since our doors lenging time, we anopened in 2003 our loan to deposit ratio swered the commuhas consistently been at 100% or above. BY KYLE nity’s call for help.

These dollars are injected directly back DECICCO We picked up our into our community by lending to local, Guest Columnist phones, replied to small businesses starting up, companies emails, and if necesexpanding their footprint or families sary safely met people in our offices to looking to purchase a home encourag- ensure needs were being met and exing economic activity. ceeded. This crisis will pass and when In direct response to the COVID-19 it does we will continue to be here for crisis, we quickly mobilized 25% of our customers, employees and comour small but mighty staff to help our munity. Sanibel Captiva Community customers navigate the Small Busi- Bank is committed to staying locally ness Administration Payroll Protection owned and operated where decisions Program. Because we’re a community are made locally with an unwavering bank, our processes are nimble and ef- commitment to do our part to support ficient, allowing us to also assist non- the Southwest Florida community. customers whose financial institutions were unable to help them. To date, we Kyle DeCicco is senior vice president are proud to have successfully secured and senior loan officer for Sanibel Capover 670 PPP loans for almost $70 tiva Community Bank. As a member of million dollars for Southwest Florida the executive management team he fobusinesses, independent contractors cuses on expanding the Bank’s lending and nonprofit organizations. Receiving division. Contact (239) 472-6100.

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JUNE 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

Page 13

DISASTER SERVICES

Prepare for hurricane season to strike before this crisis wraps

Consider this scenario: Last year, your hurricane evacuation plan was to head to Atlanta and wait the storm out in a hotel room. This year, the hotel has been converted to a COVID-19 treatment facility.

Your business, already struggling to remain viable during the COVID-19 shutdown, simultaneously experiences a cyber-attack. Employees could be stranded for days during a wildfire instead of hours if first responders are stretched thin, answering both COVID-19 calls and wildfire-related rescues.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact and disrupt businesses—and we head into hurricane and wildfire season—it has become increasingly important for business owners and operators to anticipate the potential of a compound disaster.

A compound disaster refers to two or more disaster events creating additional and increasingly complex response and recovery challenges as each disaster amplifies the effect of the other. Unfortunately, natural disasters and human-caused crises are unlikely to decrease in frequency during a pandemic.

Compound Disaster Business Considerations In the midst of this “new normal,” it has never been more important to assess and adjust your business preparedness plan, anticipating new ways of responding to compound events. Remote, decentralized work forces, financial constraints and supply chain disruption are just a few variables important to consider

PCA PAGE 4

when recalibrating preparedness planning. Consider the following issues complicating compound disaster scenarios: Overwhelmed disaster management support. Familiar state, federal and provincial government responses may be limited due to lack of availability or resources during a compound disaster. Government agencies, emergency service providers and healthcare sysBY JENNA tems already struggling to keep SHIELDS up with the global pandemic will Guest Columnist be further strained and therefore, response times could be unusually high. Natural disaster response efforts require a large mobilization and coordination of teams of people and volunteers, which will include new and difficult challenges in a compound disaster response environment.

An added challenge will be protecting first responders and those affected by the disaster from COVID-19.

Evacuation and temporary shelter challenges. During large-scale natural disaster evacuations, temporary shelters can be the only option for many people. However, options that may have been available previously may no longer be viable due to social distancing requirements and COVID-19 risk. Businesses will need

with most Florida markets, Margie can answer all of your questions and give you the coverage you need at a competitive premium—giving you the peace of mind you deserve.

• Steve Bray is director of marketing for Titan Restoration and Construction. No matter the source of your water woes, Titan Restoration Construction has the skills to extract, remove, and clean up any water damage that has caused you and your home grief. Titan Restoration Con-

cern right up front in people’s minds!

But if a storm is looming, it’s too late to take action. From making sure your property is covered, to knowing your deductibles or even knowing if you have business income to be able to continue paying your business’s bills, should be just a few questions you should ask. With both her experience and ability to write insurance

For the latest news on COVID-19 and its effects on SWFL businesses, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com to review and amend their evacuation and continuity plans accordingly and consider any possible options for establishing a new meeting place. Consider how a compound disaster and COVID-19 will affect your supply chain and transportation as well.

Technology-related challenges. Many organizations have rapidly transitioned their employees from office-based to home-based. Having a decentralized workforce will have both pros and cons in the event of a natural disaster. While the likelihood of your entire remote staff being impacted by a single, localized event may be lower, utility outages could disconnect critical staff for an extended period of time should their homes lose power. Consider your options in this scenario. Is there a way to make these employees and their technology more resilient in the face of a natural disaster? Another important aspect to consider is the recent rise in cyber incidents. A decentralized staff has made many business networks more vulnerable.

Jenna Shields is a communications consultant for global insurance brokerage firm Hub International. Contact her at (312) 636-5355 or JSC.Jenna.Shields@hubinternational.com.

struction repairs water or fire damage by rebuilding after the event. The process begins with cleaning out and eliminating areas that are beyond repair or restoration so that they can be replaced with completely new materials. Unfortunately, mold becomes a problem but not for Titan Restoration and Construction. Titan also does mold repairs: mold can never be eliminated because it exists everywhere.

With mold and its spores existing both indoors and out, the best any company

can do is control, contain, and remediate mold.

The Preferred Commercial Alliance (PCA) of Southwest Florida is a team of local professionals you can trust for all your commercial needs.

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Contact any of the featured professionals by calling (239) 234-1792 or visit www.PreferredCommercialAlliance.com.

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Page 14

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

JUNE 2020

DISASTER SERVICES

BioSweep disinfects work stations, combats smoke and odors

By Jolyn Covelli Guest Columnist

At BioSweep Suncoast, our business is restoring yours!

BioSweep is new to Southwest Florida; we opened in October. We are a franchise partner of a 12-year-old company founded by scientists.

BioSweep offers two technology services. One is a process to permanently remove smoke and odors, the second is long-term surface decontamination lasting 9-12 months.

The sciences behind our processes has become highly relevant because of the COVID-19 virus.

We know the anxiety everyone is facing to make sure we do the right things in order to re-open.

We don’t make any claims about COVID-19 yet, no one should be. Not enough time and testing has passed.

However, we do eliminate pathogens in the Corona Spectrum family, as well as SARS, MRSA and others.

Our BioSweep Base Treatment is a proprietary process utilizing UV Radiation while producing Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor, Hydroxyl Radicals and Oxyradical Plasma.

This is the H2O2 technology used on N95 masks, but

For the latest news on COVID-19 and its effects on SWFL businesses, visit www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com on steroids. This process eliminates all VOCs, including viruses, bacteria and mold.

This is the process we normally use for smoke and odor removal. However, we are now using it to decontaminate HVAC systems and indoor spaces. It far exceeds CDC guidelines.

We work with most major insurance companies to service clients with fire/water losses, trauma and other contamination issues.

Our second process is called Surface Defense. Surface Defense is a proven EPA-, DOD- and USDA-certified long-term anti-microbial.

It is organic/green, sustainable and cost-effective.

Our anti-microbial treatment will last up to 12 months.

Surface Defense bonds to the surface at 75X the force of gravity. As it cures, millions of anti-microbial “spikes” form. They’re positively charged atoms that rupture the cell walls of microbes, killing viruses, bacteria and fungi upon contact.

Normal cleaning and disinfecting are essential for every business. However, once it dries and that surface is

touched, the contamination process starts all over again.

Surface Defense is a long-term solution for wellness, prevention and peace of mind.

We’re treating office buildings, restaurants, churches, apartment complexes, country clubs and more.

We offer a combination of our two processes, or standalone, depending on our customers’ needs.

Technologies like this are usually reserved for tier-1 institutions, so we are blessed to be able to bring it to the public. We feel and obligation and responsibility to do so.

As a business owner of a new technology service, it’s hard to inform the public about something they can’t see or touch, but we know that new technology is vital today and for years to come.

We’ve been trying to inform our community about BioSweep and what we have to offer, but running into the usual firewalls and gatekeepers has been a challenge.

We’re here to help our business community get back to work with some sense of normalcy.

Visit our website www.biosweepsuncoast.com for detailed and specific information.

For more information, contact Jolyn Covelli at (239) 558-3110, jolyn@biosweepsuncoast.com or go to www.biosweepsuncoast.com.

Red Cross supports families impacted by Collier County wildfires American Red Cross volunteers from the Florida Gulf Coast to Heartland Chapter responded to wildfires in Collier County that threatened neighborhoods in the surrounding areas.

The Red Cross worked closely with emergency management officials to support two county-managed reception centers, provided to the impacted families to coordinate a safe place and determine any further assistance needed.

As of mid-May, the Red Cross provided emergency aid, such as lodging and direct client assistance, to more than 18 individuals impacted

by the wildfires.

Red Cross Volunteers have been trained to follow proper safety procedures and protocols to continue serving communities impacted by local disasters, during this global health crisis. For the safety of the public and our workforce, volunteers are providing support and emergency aid to individuals on a virtual basis through phone and the use of video conferencing technology.

At this time, the Red Cross continues to monitor the evolving situation with the Collier County wildfires and working closely with local officials

to determine any further needs in the community.

During this coronavirus outbreak, the Red Cross’ physical presence may not be the same across the country, but the emergency help provided will continue, including financial assistance as well as other resource like health and mental health services which may be provided over the phone.

Families in our community, across the country and around the world turn to the Red Cross every day for help because emergencies don’t stop. Hospital patients still need lifesaving blood;

neighbors still need food, shelter and care after disasters and military families still need support.

How people can take action: Make a financial donation to their local Red Cross to help people affected by home fires and other disasters in the United States and around the world.

Visit redcross.org/donate.

Visit redcross.org/wildfires to find safety tips and how to yourself and loved ones from wildfires.

More on the urgent needs of the Red Cross mission can be found at redcross.org/SouthFlorida.

IN BUSINESS SINCE 1984

EQUITIES FUNDING Group, inc.

Equipment Leasing Specialist “Working Capital Loans”

Stephen Kolton

1949 “You’ve Tried The Rest, Now Go With The Best”

Bank Rejects Working Capital Easy Process Quick Decisions All Machinery All Credits Start Ups Located in North Fort Myers Email: equi�es@a�.net www.equi�esfunding.com

President Cell: 239-747-9955

1999 Commercial Property Liability • Work Comp Auto • Contractors HOA / COA

SERVING SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SINCE 1949

Helping you protect your Business or Association.

Call us today to discuss your coverages and options.

Celebrating 29 years in business / Family Owned

Fort Myers: 239.334. 2195 • Cape Coral: 239. 542.3148 www.PaveseLaw.com

www.LciQuotes.com • 239-656-5551

390 Pondella Rd #1, N Ft Myers, FL 33903

2009

2006

2008

SWFL's Premiere Production & Creative Studio Videography & Photography Built for Business

YOUR FIRST PROJECT

2011

1981

2008

The Letter Box, Inc.

Business Smarts Begins with SWFL Business Today.

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®

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239.573.9732

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(239) 574-2028

www.LetterBoxInc.com

JUNE 2020

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

DISASTER SERVICES

Protect from tech disruption Hurricane season is June to November, but year-round potential for severe weather in Southwest Florida means business owners must always be ready.

And, as the COVID-19 pandemic illustrates, businesses need to consider how other situations can impact operations.

As integral as technology is today, the right combination of services and equipment can be even more crucial following a disaster. Here are some items for Southwest Florida companies to consider when disaster preparedness planning.

Prepare for power outages Severe weather, construction crews and traffic crashes can cause power outages in Southwest Florida, which in turn can corrupt hard drives and digital files that are not saved correctly.

An uninterruptible power supply solves this by automatically kicking on when the main power is off. Although a UPS can’t power systems for long, it will buy you time to save your work and properly shut down devices or start generators.

Internet outages.

An Internet connection can be as important as electricity for many business operations and devices. Services like Comcast Business ConnectionPro provide you with a 4G LTE backup router that takes over if your main Internet service provider fails.

MOORE PAGE 1 whom I had worked with previously and emailed her an ad agreement and invoice for the ad schedule around 2/10. We were in regular contact 2/6-2/11 and she was getting a check processed for the ad schedule payment.

The invoice was for a few thousand dollars. Shortly after the first invoice was sent, I realized I had underbilled the client and sent a second invoice that included this difference, hoping to “intercede” the first invoice before the check was cut and sent to me. (But to someone simply “watching” my email activity, it might look like I was billing the financial institution a few thousand dollars PER MONTH.) The payment for the first invoice was sent via a check I received and deposited on 2/27. I then received, in the mail, a

BY KIM MCCARTNEY

Back up to the cloud Use a service that automatically backs up your drives to the cloud on a nightly (or even hourly) basis to help prevent a loss of data if something happens to your hard drive.

Safeguard against cyber-attacks Keep Web browsers, firmware and security applications up to date to ensure the best defense against malware and viruses. Additionally, you should install a secure firewall to protect against potential hackers.

Also consider additional cybersecurity services, like Comcast Business SecurityEdge, which covers all connected devices without requiring software installations on each device. The cloudbased solution updates internet domain threats every 10 minutes, so companies can be protected from the latest threats.

Kim McCartney is the Sales Director for Comcast Business in Southwest Florida, including Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, Sarasota and surrounding areas.

Contact her at Kim_McCartney@cable. comcast.com form from the credit union to set up direct deposit, which I completed in my own handwriting and mailed back to them— which is what I normally do. I do not send direct deposit setup forms via email since the form contains extremely confidential (i.e. bank account,) information, and of course, email communications are not secure. I was surprised to receive a second check for the full amount of the second invoice on 3/23, which I did not cash immediately: I waited to hear back from the financial institution as to how I should handle the second check. Then the COVID-19 “curtain” came down in Florida on April 1, so we were all much more distracted from our day-to-day activities than we normally are.

When I didn’t hear back from the financial institution, I cashed the second check and mailed a check to them for what they did NOT owe me on 4/18.

Parts 3 & 4 will appear in the July issue of SWFBT

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Page 15

239-574-2028

Call today for a quote!

The Letter Box, Inc. 936 Country Club Blvd.

Cape Coral, FL 33990

CONSIDER THE CAPE

LARGEST WORKFORCE BETWEEN TAMPA AND MIAMI No State Income Tax Hiring Incentives Available 800K Workers in 45 min Radius Top 50 U.S. Cities to Start a Business

Within 30 mins of Multiple Universities & Colleges

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For Business Expansion & Development Opportunities Contact Madelon Miuccio 941-769-3718 or MMiuccio@capecoral.net

Page 16

Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®

JUNE 2020

WE MAKE BANKING ABOUT YOU!

STANDING STRONG…

To gether

Now more than ever, relationships matter.

As Lee County’s oldest

community bank, we’ve spent nearly 25 years building

relationships with customers and giving back to our local community. During this

time of uncertainty, we’re

working diligently to do our part, serving as the trusted and responsive banking

partner that customers need and showing our heartfelt

dedication to protecting and empowering those we hold

dear. Discover the difference a local banking relationship

can make at Edison National

Bank and Bank of the Islands.

We continue to stand strong together and make banking about YOU.

Lending Team – From left back row: Geoffrey Roepstorff, CEO CEO;; John Ammons, Vice President, Cleveland Avenue Office Manager; Liz Aurensan, Vice President, Lending; Robbie Roepstorff, President. From left middle row: Darrin Grotrian, Asst. Vice President, Lending, Sanibel-Captiva Asst. Office Manager; Kim Nyberg, Vice President, Professional & Executive Banking; Greg Blurton, Vice President, Sr. Commercial Loan Officer.

From left front row: Leah Kirby, Kirby, Vice President, River District Office Manager; Willy Ocasio, To learn Vice President, Sanibel-Captiva Office Manager; Pam Edwards, services Vice President, Lending.

more about our customer and convenient locations, please visit EdisonNationalBank.com or call 239.466.1800.

An Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC | Bank of the Islands is an office of Edison National Bank.