Celebrating 10 Years
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S B2B MARKETPLACE • 239-573-9732 Vol. 11 No. 11 / SEPTEMBER 2018 www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Distributed in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs and Naples
TAKE ONE
FOCUS ON: SWFL MANUFACTURING FOLLOW SOUTHWEST FLORIDA BUSINESS TODAY ON:
Technology to tackle toxic blooms? Local manufacturer unveils Project Blue to fight algae Special to SWFBT Jacob Ogles, Editor
Commercial Real Estate
A specially focused monthly section exploring the SWFL commercial real estate marketplace.
IN THE NEWS PGD surpasses one million passengers in 2018
In the first seven months of 2018, Punta Gorda Airport has already surpassed the 1 million-passenger threshold. 2018’s one-millionth passenger, as well as the six-millionth passenger since commercial service commenced in 2007, travelled through PGD in July. “This is another milestone for PGD, and it demonstrates the success of our low-cost airport model, said PGD’s CEO James W. Parish. “As an airport we strive for continued improvements in customer service, logistics and efficiencies — all while keeping costs low so Allegiant can pass savings down to their customers.” PGD is Allegiant’s fourth biggest operation with six to nine Airbus A320s stationed on site, varying seasonally. PGD officials predict the 2018 passenger count will total nearly 1.5 million by the end of December. TRAVEL See page 10
Fort Myers engineering firm AXI International this week announced a new effort to curb blue-green algae blooms using sonic buoys to prevent the toxic organisms from ever entering the Caloosahatchee or St. Lucie rivers. The Project Blue initiative, as proposed, would use ultrasonic technology to stop algae cells from cycling toward the water surface, stopping
sunlight from reaching the algae. An informational video explains that the toxic blooms happen now because algae gets into the rivers following discharges from Lake Okeechobee during period of high rain fall, then the algae ultimately hits estuary waters and interacts with saltwater. That leads to the explosive blooms on the river, and eventually to the release of nutrients that feed red tide in saltwater. But the algae cycle in the river depends on cells rising in the water
PALM CITY BREWING COMPANY HOSTS SRMA
Photos by Christine Brady More than 40 Southwest Florida manufacturers and local business professionals gathered to mix and mingle as well as to support yet another local manufacturer—The Palm City Brewing Company, a neighborhood beer manufacturer with its facilities located in Fort Myers.
Blue Chip Award application deadline approaching
The 24th 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 counties that overcome adversity to achieve success. Applications must be submitted by Sept. 4. Businesses can nominate themselves or be nominated by a third party. The award ceremony will take place on Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa. To submit an application, contact Stacey Mercado at (239) 433-7189 or SMercado@mcgriffinsurance.com.
After a tour of the brewery (above), SRMA Executive Director Neil Kagan (right top) shared updates and upcoming events for the Southwest Regional Manufacturing Association, with the assemblage as Palm City Brewing Company products (i.e. refreshments) were sampled, shared and enjoyed by attendees (right). Discount on Parking Private Parties Exclusive Gifts Merchandise Discount Presale on other Events
table to get sunlight and lowering to feed off nutrients. Engineers with AXI International propose using buoys to stop that water column movement. By disabling the organisms from navigating the water column, cells would be trapped at a depth to prevent photosynthesis, but also would make sure the algae was not feeding off nutrients from the deepest part of the river. Without food or sunlight, the algae will starve, AXI International officials say. ALGAE See page 10
SWFEDA names interim leader The board of directors of the Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance has named Susan Pareigis as interim president and CEO of the regional organization. Most recently, Pareigis served 10 years as president and CEO of the Florida Council of 100 following four years as Gov. Jeb Bush’s appointed secretary of the Agency for Workforce Innovation. PaPareigis reigis previously was president and CEO of the Economic Development Council of Collier County and served in international business development at the Lee County Office of Economic Development. Pareigis has served on the board of directors for Enterprise Florida and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “Susan’s executive-level experience, coupled with her extensive knowledge of Southwest Florida, makes her the perfect choice to lead the Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance,” said Al Reynolds, chairman of the board. “We are confident the Alliance will continue to flourish under Susan’s leadership.” Pareigis said: “I am eager to work with the five-county region to further diversify the Southwest Florida economy through additional high-wage jobs and targeted industries.” The Southwest Florida Economic Development Alliance serves as a nonparochial economic development coordinator to site selectors, real estate consultants and targeted companies, working in collaboration with local economic development organizations.
BUY ANY TICKET PACK & GET AN
EVERBLADES T-SHIRT Limitations apply.