We’re All Business
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S BUSINESS VOICE • 239-573-9732 Vol. 8 No. 10 / AUGUST 2015 www.swfloridabusinesstoday.com
Distributed in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs and Naples
IN THE NEWS
Applications open for Blue Chip biz awards
Applications for the 21st annual Southwest Florida Blue Chip Community Business Award are now open to successful small businesses in Lee, Collier or Charlotte County that have overcome adversity to achieve success. To qualify, the for-profit business must have been in operation for at least three years under the same ownership and employ five to 400 people. The awards are coordinated and sponsored by BB&T-Oswald Trippe and Co. and BB&T Bank. Applications are due by Sept. 7, and independent judges will pick the winning entry. Businesses can nominate themselves or be nominated by a third party. The award ceremony will AWARDS See page 8
Charlotte RESTORE plans open to comment
As a prerequisite for requesting and receiving Direct Component funding (known as Pot 1) under the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012, known as the RESTORE Act, Charlotte County must submit a multiyear implementation plan. On March 19, the U.S. Department of Treasury announced that $726,453 was allocated under the Transocean Settlement for Charlotte County. The Multiyear Implementation Plan describing the projects to be funded is now available for public comment. Visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov and click “RESTORE Act MYIP” in the Hot Topics list to access the plan and backup documentation. Paper copies are also available and can be requested – or comments on the plan can be made – by calling RESTORE Act Coordinator Mindy Collier at (941) 764-4996 or email Mindy.Collier@ CharlotteCountyFL.gov. Public comment will close Aug. 22.
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Bonita Chamber features mini trade show
Naples Daily News/The Banner played host to the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Business Before Business Mini Trade Show” on June 25. It was an opportunity for 30 Chamber members to showcase their products and services to fellow members and guests. The Chamber’s Business Before Business networking event is held on the fourth Thursday of every month with five of the events being Mini Trade Shows that promote business-to-business networking and referrals. Designated as the 2014 Chamber of Commerce of the Year by the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals, the Five-Star nationally accredited Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce strives to serve members, promote a region where business can grow and prosper and enhance the quality of life of the Bonita Springs area. With the support of annual partners including Lee Memorial Health System, Naples Daily News / The Banner, NCH Healthcare System, Physicians Regional Healthcare System, and The News-Press Media Group, the Chamber is able to focus on their mission of community development.
Above, Jennifer Queen, left, and Prenta Dushaj. Far left, Bob Rosier and Dayna McLaughlin. At left, Marcia Custer, left, and Patricia Asencio.
Economy’s 2nd quarter shows ‘strong recovery mode’ By Christopher Westley Special to SWFBT
A revised first quarter real GDP estimate indicated U.S. economic output fell 0.7 percent, and although there are concerns about data collection Naples Soap Co. was recently problems resulting in weaker-thannamed one of two “2015 Outstand- average first quarter measures for GDP ing Retail Leaders” in the state by in recent years, the general consensus the Florida Retail Federation (FRF) is that the higher-than-expected trade for their “commitment to the retail in- deficit contributed to the revision. In the third and fourth quarters of dustry and their community.” The FRF is the state’s premier trade associa- 2014, GDP increased 5.0 and 2.2 tion representing retailers for over 75 percent, respectively. In contrast, the Southwest Florida economy continued years. It is based in Tallahassee. Naples Soap was honored during a to exhibit strong growth in June special luncheon in June in Orlando, as compared to last year. In general, the part of FRF’s annual summer meeting. regional economic data suggest an economy still in a strong recovery SOAP See page 8 mode as we move into a slower
Naples Soap earns state award, opens on Sanibel
TAKE ONE
Seasonally adjusted regional taxable sales for March 2015 were up 10 percent over March 2014. Tax revenues were up 9 percent for the region encompassing Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. summer season. While the second quarter GDP figures for 2015 are expected to show improvement, the national economy continues to exhibit conflicting signals, with strong monthly jobs reports and wage pressure associated with the
boom phase of the business cycle, coupled with weak manufacturing output. Meanwhile, statements emanating from the recent Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee meeting (see below) reiterated its intention to begin a slow, calculated process to raise short-term rates and inch away from the zero-bound interest rate policy it has maintained since December 2008. Seasonally adjusted regional taxable sales for March 2015 were up 10 percent over March 2014. Seasonally adjusted tourist tax revenues were up 9 percent for the region encompassing Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. April 2015 passenger activity for the GDP See page 8