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Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
NOVEMBER 2020
ANNIVERSARY
Fort Myers studio reaches to Tampa, California Studio+ will be celebrating nine years of business this October 2020 Founded in 2011 Studio+’s mission from inception has been to transform lives through design During the past nine years Studio+ has seen the business grow from one office and eight employees to two additional offices in Tampa and California with over 35 employees Studio+ has been awarded Gulfshore Business’ Best of Business for architecture and/or interior design in 2014 2015 2018 and 2020 In addition Studio+ was awarded Firm of the Year by the AIA Tampa Bay chapter in 2018 Studio+ has had the privilege to work with incredible organizations that share a similar mission of transforming lives From local healthcare organizations like Lee Health and NCH to nationally recognized firms like HCA FineMark National Bank & Trust NeoGenomics and Gartner Studio+ has designed impactful buildings across all markets They take tremendous pride in the recruitment of amazing employees and would not be where they are today without all their hard work and passion for design
Don’t forget to post your in-person and virtual events on our B2B events calendar at www swfloridabusinesstoday com/calendar One of the primary keys to Studio+ success is the recruitment of amazing employees It is because of our talented and passionate employees that Studio+ has been able to design buildings that have a lasting impact for our clients and the communities they serve Studio+ is positioned for continued success and is looking forward to celebrating their 10-year anniversary in 2021 Studio+ is an Architecture and Interior Design firm focused on design solutions that transform lives specializing in healthcare senior living corporate municipal academic and commercial markets The Studio+ Fort Myers office is located at 12271 Towne Lake Drive Fort Myers For more information call (239) 476-8888 or visit WeAreStudioPlus com
ANNIVERSARY
High-end service sets Angelina’s Ristorante apart
A world-class dining destination like no other Angelina’s Ristorante in Bonita Springs is unmatched in every way Offering delectable upscale Italian food Angelina’s elevates the rich classic flavors associated with traditional Italian cuisine using only the freshest ingredients often sourced directly from Italy With wines hand-picked to pair perfectly with each dish by the Sommelier the restaurant is renowned for having one of the finest wine selections in the region within its 30-feet tall refrigerated wine tower The impec®
cable food and wine coupled with Angelina’s unparalleled high-end service makes for an exceptional experience from start to finish This meticulous approach to fine dining has earned Angelina’s numerous recognitions through the years making it one of Southwest Florida’s most awarded restaurants Established in April 2008 Angelina’s will celebrate its 13th anniversary in the spring of 2021 As the restaurant ANGEL NA See page 5
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Diversity in the workplace views are shared
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Karen P. Moore, Publisher
A font of useful information was given by Southwest Florida business professionals who recently participated in a lively and informative local discussion panel moderated by Above Board Chamber Executive Director Jeanne Sweeney. Panelists included Nirupa Netram, founder, Lotus Solutions LLC; Shanthy Bala, Esq, a Harvard-educated tax and business attorney; Theresa Ayers, owner, The
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Area companies are building a better future — one made right here in Southwest Florida.
Path of Being; Precious Gunter, Esq., Director of Equity, Ethics, & Compliance & Title IX Coordinator, FGCU’s Lutgert College of Business. When asked “What is diversity in the workplace?,” Nirupa, whose firm helps with diversification efforts in the workplace, shared, “Having a workforce comprised of all races, generations, genders, ethnicities, disabilities, LBGTQ, as well as immigrants and refugees.” Expanding upon the question of how employers can create diversity, Bala responded, “It’s impor-
tant that employers know that diversity and inclusion are two separate things.” She added, “The employer must create an environment where employees feel safe with their differences from other employees.” She notes two important questions employers must ask--is management giving opportunities for inclusion, creating a comfort level for those who feel they have differences from other employees, as well as offering professional growth opportunities for people with diverse backgrounds?” DIVERSITY See page 22
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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 DevelopEconomic director of the ment Office. face in reGammon is a familiar he development as gional economic three years with his has proven in EDO. Charlotte County continue leading He is excited to like developments several existing 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 for one day Business opportunity the 2019 Global Bradenton/Sarasota and Tampa 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. Colombia, was sponsored Seminole from Argentina, Chile, Peru and other locales International companies Mexico, Spain, goods, apparel, artisanal El Salvador, Guatemala, food, coffee, fruits, cooking systems featured wine, snack and state-of-the-art to merchandise companies Lee County industryof founded as part summit showcases during the summit. Trade Hub at Port Manatee, and An expo-style from seven nations markets in Florida and business leaders visiting The International Trade Summit. advice as a vital link between annual International provides expert in 2014, serves 6 the second world. The hub TRADE See page throughout the
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& 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
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Advisors poised
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Intermediary and Proa Certified Business & Acquisitions transaction experithe IBBA ap- Certified Mergers designations from ence totaling 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 and nance from in business transactions leading business Gall 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 Pfeffer is a He is years as including certified appraisals and certiness brokers. in Southwest Florida. Certified Brokers owner Intermediary, certified equipment International Business 6 and Board Certified fied exit strategies. mergers and acquisi- also an EDISON See page Chairman’s Circle Brokerage and led by Association Award winner. Eric holds continue to be tions efforts will 20 years of business Deal Maker Gall. He has over OPENING
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Hoffmann Family buys Hertz Arena, Everblades
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The Hoffmann Family of Companies has entered into an agreement to purchase the Florida Everblades and the Hertz Arena. Plans are underway for a complete renovation of the 8,284-seat, multipurpose arena. The improvements will include enhanced skyboxes, food services and installation of a state-ofthe-art scoreboard. Hertz Arena, which opened in 1998 as Everblades Arena, hosts a variety of events including concerts, Cirque du Soleil, Disney on Ice, boxing and trade shows. The venue offers
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25 suites, two additional ice rinks, a such a prestigious company. Our partprivate club and a pub, Breakaway nership with the Hertz Corporation Sports Pub. The arena is also home to and now this new ownership ensures the Florida Gulf Coast University Ea- that Hertz Arena will maintain our gles club hockey team of the Ameri- strong community presence and continue to be the number one choice for can Collegiate Hockey Association. “We are optimistic that all of the entertainment in Southwest Florida.” The team and the arena were pre330 employees will remain with the Hoffmann Family of Companies,” viously owned by Peter Karmanos, said Craig Brush, Florida Everblades founder of Compuware Corporation President and General Manager, who and prior majority owner of the Carosigned a five-year contract and has a lina Hurricanes in the National Hockcommitment from all his senior staff ey League. “Simply put, without the support of to remain in place. “We are thrilled to be acquired by EVERBLADES See page 6
GrowFL announces statewide honorees
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IN THE NEWS
Fort Myers sixth Business Summit slated for Sept. 20 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
Holly Bell addresses citrus growers about the 25,000-plus uses for industrial hemp, which can now be grown legally in Florida
Cannabis chief promises rich stash for hemp growers Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Jacob Ogles, Editor
SUMMIT See page 7
When other states started authorizing farmers to grow hemp, it didn’t take long to realize there was no place to sell it. Because no structures had been put in place for processing and manufacturing plants, state officials found themselves rushing a regulatory structure through so farmers could offload their first harvests. Holly Bell, Florida’s first Director of Cannabis, plans to learn from that mistake. She said the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will make sure all parts of the burgeoning hemp industry can move forward as soon as new rules unroll later this fall. “When our farmers are ready for a cash flow, we want to encourage them to get going,” she said.
Applications being accepted for the 25th Blue Chip Award The 25th Annual Southwest Florida Blue Chip Community Business Award application deadline is fast approaching. The Blue Chip Community Business Award recognizes successful, small businesses in Lee, Collier or Charlotte County that have overcome adversity to achieve success. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, Sept. 4. The independent judges select the honoree after all the applications AWARD See page 19
Bell spoke in August at the Citrus Expo and Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo, where growers from around the region gathered to hear her discuss this new and just recently legal product to diversify their inventory. Just a few years ago, there were no legal reasons to grow cannabis in Florida. Now, medical marijuana dispensaries pop up in more shopping centers each week. Soon, farmers will grow non-narcotic hemp crops. With the 2018 federal farm bill allowing hemp to grow, a budding industry will soon emerge in Florida. The Legislature this year authorized a pilot program for growing hemp in the Sunshine State, and state officials are nearly done weeding through a stack of public suggestions.
GrowFL announced this year’s 50 Florida Companies to Watch honorees, including three from Southwest Florida. Companies to Watch is a statewide competition that identifies companies expected to see significant growth over the next several years. The GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards program—now in its ninth year—honors 50 select second-stage companies from throughout Florida for developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and broadening new industries throughout Florida. Chosen from 500 growing second-stage nominations from throughout, Florida, the 50 companies named as the 2019 Florida Companies to Watch honorees generated nearly $1 billion in revenue and added over 900 jobs between 2015 and 2018. Together, the honorees project a 35 percent increase in revenue and 37 percent increase in job growth in 2019 compared to 2018. “These stand-out companies are all led by entrepreneurs, and have demonstrated their capacity and intent to grow,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, GrowFL executive director. “They also all have critical intellectual property or a niche position that gives them a competitive edge in their markets,” he said. Local honorees include: Cottrell Title & Escrow, Collier County; Mettauer Environmental, Lee County; and VeraData, Lee County . “This list recognizes second-stage Florida companies with passionate leaders who are making a difference in growing and diversifying our economy,” said Jennifer Barrows, GrowFL Chairman of the GrowFL Advisory Board and Business Development Executive with WithumSmith+Brown, PC. Second-stage companies are those
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Estate A specially section exploringfocused monthly mercial real estate the SWFL commarketplace. IN THE NEWS Collier names Pelican as ‘Business of the Wire Month’
During the July ty Commission 9 Collier CounWire was named meeting, Pelican ty ‘Business of the Collier Counthe Month’ and recognized by was the a manufacturing Board for being County for over leader in Collier 40 years. Pelican Wire President Ted Bill, who received the are truly honored award, said “We Collier County to be named the Month’ for July.‘Business of the Since moving AWARD See page
Gov. DeSantis announces job growth grants
4
Gov. Ron DeSantis the Florida Departmentannounced of Economic Opportunity Florida are acceptingand Enterprise velopment project economic deproposals for the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. $40 million is available training and public to fund 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. Job Growth Grant “The Florida Fund will help Florida communities ensure they GRANTS See page
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Dr. Sandra Kauanui Ailynee Ramirez, (left) and Noemi Y. Perez (right) Jessica Sales, Daisy Montanez, with - TIF Shark Tank winners
Alondra Estrada Swap & Shop teamNeika Exulus, Young entrepreneurs share ideas, earn awards
Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Noemi Y. Perez Southwest Florida tion’s business-themedstudents in The Immokalee Foundasummer 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 Entrepreneurship. 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, other aspects of marketing plans entrepreneurial and Dr. Sandra Kauanui, FGCU enterprises at iTECH mokalee. Judges Director of Entrepreneurship, spoke during the for event. Smart Companies the presentations were: Brian in ImRist, 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
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The Immokalee Foundation students, mentors, tutors and team transitioned to virtual learning.
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The Immokalee Foundation received a $25,000 technol- transition was swift and effective for our students. ogy grant from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation. “The COVID-19 relief was tremendously helpful in setOriginally awarded as a challenge grant, the modified funds ting up our staff in virtual offices and putting laptops into supported the foundation’s technology needs during the the hands of students who otherwise would not have been able to stay connected to school and the foundation,” said COVID-19 pandemic. “The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation grant Perez. “All the additional challenges that our community helped us transition our Career Pathways programming to is facing make our work more important than ever, so we succeed. virtual platforms in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” need to do everything it takes to help our ® students LEAVE THE CLEANING TO US! said Noemi Y. Perez, president and CEO of The Immokalee We are so appreciative of the Richard M. Schulze Family Celebrating 12 Years Foundation’s generous support of our efforts.” Foundation. “In doing so, we continued current program• Provides quality janitorial services ming and were able to add new programming options. The • Committed GRANT See page 6 to honesty, integrity, hard work
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Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Karen P. Moore, Publisher more inclusive city. Student Hailey her employer, Sanibel Captiva “It is never too the Mayor if he Countryman asked munity Comlate to give had Bank, to FGCU’s on diversity whom a team of advisors Education. your prejudices.” up College 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 derson has known Randy Hen- a team. inspired to create just such residents and community if we city’s have diversity Ndiang’ui wanted don’t 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 about 10 years and asked him, for the its 18 members committee drew 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
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(239) that are unfolding across ev- B2B and Charlotte Counties, and a 368-1219 new SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S MARKETPLACE • 239-573-9732 Goodwill offers training on mations Expanded Bonita Chamber ery sector and industry. name to reflect its regional reach –cepride.com billstaggs@offi digital literacy, work skills Vol. 13 No. rebrands asCape SWFL Inc. Labor believe that evenDistributed enSWFL Inc. 12 /experts OCTOBER 2020 in Fort Myers, Coral, TAKE ONE
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As Florida continues to manage The Bonita Area Chamtry level workers will now be expectedEstero, Bonita “We are ecstatic to share our new,FOLLOW SOUTHWEST FLORIDA www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com SpringsSprings and Naples BUSINESS TODAY® ON: the impact of COVID-19, Goodwill to use a variety of digital devices and ber of Commerce, a premier business more inclusive model with businesses Industries of Southwest Florida is fa- equipment. Here are a few examples services organization since 1953, has across Southwest Florida,” said Tifcilitating new digital skills training to of technology use by industry: launched a new membership model to fany Esposito, President and CEO ofSWFL companies help learners prepare for job transfor- INSIDE THIS ISSUE better serve businesses in Lee, Collier GOODWILL See page 8 CHAMBER See page 7
A look at commercial real estate trends & topics in Southwest Florida
named to top state list
Do you want a clean office ... or a clean and HEALTHY office?
Two Southwest Florida companies announced they were among the first CONTACT US TODAY round of the 2020 Florida Companies Nikko Conn Nikko@imageoneusa.com to Watch finalists announced by GrowAnthony Conn FL. The awards event, now in its 10th Anthony@imageoneusa.com year, honors impressive second-stage It’s not a matter of IF, it’s a matter of WHEN! Are You Ready? companies from throughout the state (239) 789-2267 for developing valuable products and www.imageoneusa.com/fort-myers services, creating quality jobs, enrichSalute to Entrepreneurs ing communities and broadening new Startups, solo practitioners industries throughout Florida. and visionaries fuel the economy Founded in Naples in 1980, of Southwest Florida. Presstige Printing is experiencing record growth fueled by its commitment to customer satisfaction and investment in industry leading technology. The recent round of investments is part of the company’s “Presstige 2020” initiative, which includes nearly $3 million in state-of-the-art equipment and technology. The results are industry Dane Eagle, right, shakes hands with Rep. Ray Rodrigues, R-76th District, leading quality, consistency, and efon the floor of the Florida House of Representatives. ficiency to match with the company’s superior customer service. “We were blown away when we Commercial Real Estate Special to SWFBT cision to resign, months after DeSansaw the list of phenomenal companies An 8-page pullout secSubmitted By: Jacob Ogles, Editor tis, unhappy with leadership, largely that we are alongside,” Presstige Printtion that is a quarterly SWFL sidelined the director. ing Owner Wes Weidenmiller said. Commercial Real Estate market Dane Eagle came a couple hun“Look, we certainly have got our “This recognition confirms my belief overview. dred votes short of the Republican challenges ahead of us,” Eagle told that investing in technology here at nomination for Congress. But he still Southwest Florida Business Today. our SWFL headquarters positions us ended up in a position of responsibil- “But there’s a great staff in place. among the best printers in the state.” Get ity and influence. Gov. Ron DeSantis They’ve been overworked. I look forPriority Marketing is also among Southwest in September announced the Cape ward to giving them more resources the Southwest Florida businesses to be Florida’s Coral lawmaker as his choice for ex- and fixing the problems of the past named finalists. business ecutive director of the Department of with the CONNECT system and “GrowFL received more than 400 news and Economic Opportunity. moving forward to a brighter day.” nominations this year, and it’s gratifyThat’s a position under extraordiEagle brings with him an intimate ing to know that we’re not just regarded information nary scrutiny at the moment. When knowledge of Southwest Florida as as a successful business in Southwest delivered the coronavirus pandemic spurred he takes over the agency after repreFlorida, but across all of Florida,” said straight statewide layoffs this year, the state senting House District 77 for the last Teri Hansen, president and creative to your unemployment system, CONNECT, eight years in the Legislature. That director at Priority Marketing. “Our crumbled under intense demand. will guide decisions for the new dimailbox company has grown to over 40 emThat ultimately led into former each month. ® DEO rector.THE CLEANING TO US!ployees that are working tirelessly to DEO See page 13 LIST See page 14 executive director Ken Lawson’sLEAVE de-
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Dane Eagle takes over DEO
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2019 INTERNATIONAL
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and Salute to Entrepreneurs 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
IN THE NEWS
to
Dave Gammon elevated Charlotte EDO director
businesses visit
Fort Myers
Special to SWFBT
tate market overview.
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 DevelopEconomic director of the ment Office. face in reGammon is a familiar he development as gional economic three years with his has proven in EDO. Charlotte County continue leading He is excited to like developments several existing 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 for one day Business opportunity the 2019 Global Bradenton/Sarasota and Tampa 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. Colombia, was sponsored Seminole from Argentina, Chile, and other locales International companies Mexico, Spain, Peru artisanal goods, 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 The International Trade Summit. advice as a vital link between annual International provides expert in 2014, serves 6 the second world. The hub TRADE See page throughout the
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Edison Business partner and
Privacy & Cyber Security Forum announced
& Cyber SeA special Privacy held on Friwill be at curity Forum 9 a.m. to noon day, Nov. 8, fromNews Community the Naples Daily room. Companies will William C. Huff and insponsor the informational 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
Advisors poised
for growth
Intermediary and Proa Certified Business Mergers & Acquisitions transaction experithe IBBA ap- Certified designations from ence totaling 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 and nance from in business transactions leading business Gall the 2018, 2016 and acquisitions Niehaus, Bro- Assisting middle market mergers Pfeffer, Steven 2014 Business significant changes 1 are Michael and Phillip Reda. firm, is announcing kers of Florida No. 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 Pfeffer is a He is years as including certified appraisals and certiness brokers. in Southwest Florida. Certified Brokers owner Intermediary, certified equipment International Business 6 and Board Certified fied exit strategies. mergers and acquisi- also an EDISON See page Chairman’s Circle Brokerage 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 such a prestigious company. Our partprivate club and a pub, Breakaway nership with the Hertz Corporation Sports Pub. The arena is also home to and now this new ownership ensures the Florida Gulf Coast University Ea- that Hertz Arena will maintain our gles club hockey team of the Ameri- strong community presence and concan Collegiate Hockey Association. tinue to be the number one choice for “We are optimistic that all of the entertainment in Southwest Florida.” The team and the arena were pre330 employees will remain with the Hoffmann Family of Companies,” viously owned by Peter Karmanos, said Craig Brush, Florida Everblades founder of Compuware Corporation President and General Manager, who and prior majority owner of the Carosigned a five-year contract and has a lina Hurricanes in the National Hockcommitment from all his senior staff ey League. to remain in place. “Simply put, without the support of “We are thrilled to be acquired by EVERBLADES See page 6
GrowFL announces statewide honorees
HOT CROP
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
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
Holly Bell addresses citrus growers about the 25,000-plus uses for industrial hemp, which can now be grown legally in Florida
Cannabis chief promises rich stash for hemp growers Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Jacob Ogles, Editor
SUMMIT See page 7
When other states started authorizing farmers to grow hemp, it didn’t take long to realize there was no place to sell it. Because no structures had been put in place for processing and manufacturing plants, state officials found themselves rushing a regulatory structure through so farmers could offload their first harvests. Holly Bell, Florida’s first Director of Cannabis, plans to learn from that mistake. She said the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will make sure all parts of the burgeoning hemp industry can move forward as soon as new rules unroll later this fall. “When our farmers are ready for a cash flow, we want to encourage them to get going,” she said.
Applications being accepted for the 25th Blue Chip Award The 25th Annual Southwest Florida Blue Chip Community Business Award application deadline is fast approaching. The Blue Chip Community Business Award recognizes successful, small businesses in Lee, Collier or Charlotte County that have overcome adversity to achieve success. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, Sept. 4. The independent judges select the honoree after all the applications AWARD See page 19
Bell spoke in August at the Citrus Expo and Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo, where growers from around the region gathered to hear her discuss this new and just recently legal product to diversify their inventory. Just a few years ago, there were no legal reasons to grow cannabis in Florida. Now, medical marijuana dispensaries pop up in more shopping centers each week. Soon, farmers will grow non-narcotic hemp crops. With the 2018 federal farm bill allowing hemp to grow, a budding industry will soon emerge in Florida. The Legislature this year authorized a pilot program for growing hemp in the Sunshine State, and state officials are nearly done weeding through a stack of public suggestions.
GrowFL announced this year’s 50 Florida Companies to Watch honorees, including three from Southwest Florida. Companies to Watch is a statewide competition that identifies companies expected to see significant growth over the next several years. The GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards program—now in its ninth year—honors 50 select second-stage companies from throughout Florida for developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and broadening new industries throughout Florida. Chosen from 500 growing second-stage nominations from throughout, Florida, the 50 companies named as the 2019 Florida Companies to Watch honorees generated nearly $1 billion in revenue and added over 900 jobs between 2015 and 2018. Together, the honorees project a 35 percent increase in revenue and 37 percent increase in job growth in 2019 compared to 2018. “These stand-out companies are all led by entrepreneurs, and have demonstrated their capacity and intent to grow,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, GrowFL executive director. “They also all have critical intellectual property or a niche position that gives them a competitive edge in their markets,” he said. Local honorees include: Cottrell Title & Escrow, Collier County; Mettauer Environmental, Lee County; and VeraData, Lee County . “This list recognizes second-stage Florida companies with passionate leaders who are making a difference in growing and diversifying our economy,” said Jennifer Barrows, GrowFL Chairman of the GrowFL Advisory Board and Business Development Executive with WithumSmith+Brown, PC. Second-stage companies are those
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• Committed to honesty, integrity, hard work Allegiant expands PGD nonstop service offerings
Sign with us, get your both 4th month freeW. Parish. “These new routes mark AlAllegiant announced two new nonternational Airport, beginning stop routes from Punta Gorda Airport Nov. 20. The new routes will oper- legiant’s first flight from PGD into the
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Estate A specially section exploringfocused monthly mercial real estate the SWFL commarketplace.
IN THE NEWS Collier names Pelican as ‘Business of the Wire Month’
During the July ty Commission 9 Collier CounWire was named meeting, Pelican ty ‘Business of the Collier Counthe Month’ and recognized by was the a manufacturing Board for being County for over leader in Collier 40 years. Pelican Wire President Ted Bill, who received the are truly honored award, said “We Collier County to be named the Month’ for July.‘Business of the Since moving AWARD See page
Gov. DeSantis announces job growth grants
4
Gov. Ron DeSantis the Florida Departmentannounced of Economic Opportunity Florida are acceptingand Enterprise velopment project economic deproposals for the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. $40 million is available training and public to fund 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. Job Growth Grant “The Florida Fund will help Florida communities ensure they GRANTS See page
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Dr. Sandra Kauanui Ailynee Ramirez, (left) and Noemi Y. Perez (right) Jessica Sales, Daisy Montanez, with - TIF Shark Tank winners
Alondra Estrada Swap & Shop teamNeika Exulus, Young entrepreneurs share ideas, earn awards
Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Noemi Y. Perez Southwest Florida tion’s business-themedstudents in The Immokalee Foundasummer 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 Entrepreneurship. 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, other aspects of marketing plans entrepreneurial and Dr. Sandra Kauanui, FGCU enterprises at iTECH mokalee. Judges Director of Entrepreneurship, spoke during the for Smart Companies the presentations were: Brian in Imevent. 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
launches Diversity
SHARK See page
Special to SWFBT Submitted By: Karen P. Moore, Publisher more inclusive city. Student Hailey her employer, Sanibel Captiva “It is never too the Mayor if he Countryman asked munity Comlate to give had Bank, to FGCU’s on diversity whom a team of advisors Education. your prejudices.” up College 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 about 10 years and asked him, for the its 18 members committee drew 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
Committee
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October webinar to provide CRA updates
The Urban Land Institute Southwest Florida will host a webinar on Oct. 6 with officials from Community Redevelopment Agencies in Southwest Florida. The officials will pro-
thousands of Chicago residents to our sunny beaches and outdoor paradise.” Allegiant offers a special option to BUSINESS TODAY® ON: thrilled to fly with ease from Punta Gor- Punta Gorda-area travelers with low da into these major metropolitan areas,” base airfare and savings on rental cars said Punta Gorda Airport CEO James and hotels.
IN THE NEWS vide behind-the-scenes updates from the Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Bayshore Gateway Triangles CRAs. The event, scheduled from 2 to 3 p.m., will provide a chance for participants to hear from all the local CRAs and the work being done to WEBINAR See page 13
Professional, construction jobs on the rise in SWFL
The Department of Economic Opportunity announced that in August, construction and professional jobs in Southwest Florida went up even as the total number of jobs went down.
Three major industries gained jobs over the year in the Fort Myers area: construction (+900 jobs); professional and business services (+700 jobs); and government (+600 jobs). Four major industries gained jobs over the year in the Naples area: construction
JOBS See page 3
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The Hoffmann Family of Companies has entered into an agreement to purchase the Florida Everblades and the Hertz Arena. Plans are underway for a complete renovation of the 8,284-seat, multipurpose arena. The improvements will include enhanced skyboxes, food services and installation of a state-ofthe-art scoreboard. Hertz Arena, which opened in 1998 as Everblades Arena, hosts a variety of events including concerts, Cirque du Soleil, Disney on Ice, boxing and trade shows. The venue offe
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Lee County receives its share of federal funding, like the $134 million targeted for Lee County COVID-19 The importance of completing the relief through the CARES Act. 2020 Census is especially clear as the For the first time, the Census community responds to the challenges is available to complete online at of the COVID-19 pandemic. my2020census.gov or by phone at Participating in the Census ensures
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GUEST COMMENTARY
FRLA sounds alarm on wage amendment Voters across the state are already casting their ballots and Election Day is nearing but it is not too late to spread awareness about this catastrophic proposal and urge all voters to defeat this terrible idea that will destroy Florida’s hospitality industry and the people that make it so great Have you read your ballot yet? As you may have seen the ballot contains a fiscal impact statement on Amendment 2 and it gives the hard truth Here is the exact language directly from the ballot description: “This proposed constitutional amendment is estimated to have a net negative impact on the state budget This impact may result in higher taxes or a loss of government services in order to maintain a balanced state budget as required by the constitution ” What does this mean? Polling indicates that when voters read this language printed right on the ballot their support falls to 60% Remember ballot amendments need 60% to pass and we are now right on the line Our efforts have brought that number back into a beatable range You can contribute here to help us keep our digital campaign fully operational until Election Day and continue to expand influence • We launched a digital video encouraging voters to simply read their ballot to learn about the negative consequences of Amendment 2 • The conservative group Americans for Prosperity launched a video last week as part of a campaign to defeat Amendment 2 • Our social media campaign continues to gain steam having reached over 2 million persuadable voters since Oct 1 Amendment2HurtsYou com and the FRLA Minimum Wage web page are both excellent resources for you and your teams to learn about the true impacts of Ballot Amendment 2 FRLA also stands ready to answer any questions on the issue and we strongly urge you to save Florida jobs and vote no on Ballot Amendment 2 Contact the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association at (888) 372-9119 or help@frla org
RANKINGS PAGE 1 a period of seven years WalletHub compared 515 U S cities across 17 key metrics The data set ranges from population growth to college-educated population growth to unemployment rate decrease In addition it produced a separate ranking by city size Economic Growth in Cape Coral (1=Fastest-Growing; 258=Avg ): • 28th – Population Growth • 68th – Median Household Income Growth • 38th – Job Growth • 149th – Poverty Rate Decrease • 179th – Unemployment Rate Decrease • 1st – Growth in Number of Businesses • 25th – Working-Age Population Growth • 24th – Foreclosure Rate Decrease • 175th – Median House Price Growth