Business Briefs
Designer Shoe Gallerie plans grand opening
Designer Shoe Gallerie, 1019 Cape Coral Parkway, three doors down from Iguana Mia Restaurant, will hold its grand opening April 11 to 13. The Gallerie features shoes and accessories that are designed in Italy and handcrafted in Peru. They have a collection of sandals designed by Nancy Li.
Gallerie’s new line is Spring Step shoes and sandals, designed for extra comfort and style.
While shoes are the focus of the business, Designer Shoe Gallerie offers its customers many other accessories and items. Belts, handbags, wallets, jewelry, handmade shawls and table holders for purses.
The boutique also features a lounge area for the men. They can have a seat on the couch, enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the game on the TV in the section of the store set aside just for men.
The store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with an extra hour of shopping until 7 p.m. on Friday.
For more information, call 541-8875 or visit: www.DShoeGallerie.com.
Shell Point employees earn certification
Two Shell Point employees, Scott Herron and Ed McCoy, earned the certification as Florida landscape technicians from the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association according to Steve Morton, Landscape Planner of Shell Point.
The Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association is a network of professionals who work in unison to shape the future of Florida’s nursery and landscape industry.
Herron joined Shell Point as a crew leader in 2007. He is originally from Detroit, Mich. where he worked for a prominent landscape company for 13 years.
McCoy has been with Shell Point since June 2006 and also serves as a crew leader. His experience has covered many areas of the country in different types of climate settings, and before joining Shell Point he owned a landscaping business in Naples.
Herron and McCoy also serve as mentors to other staff members in the area of landscape management. They work closely with other employees to ensure that proper horticultural practices are in place and that all staff members are knowledgeable.
Dog Bakery to feature author, adoptable pets
During the Downtown Street Market on Saturday, April 5, visitors can stop by the Cape Dog Bakery tent to see some adorable canines from the Animal Refuge Center who are looking for a forever home. In addition, Stuart Wisong, author of a new book for animal lovers called, “Angel Come Home,” will be on hand to autograph each copy of the book purchased. He will be accompanied by Angel, his Maltese, the star of the book, who will mark the books with a paw print. Stuart and Ryan Hadlock, his manager, have indicated they will donate the proceeds from the sale of this book in Lee County to the sanctuary.
Anita and Lou Simmons, owners of the Cape Dog Bakery who are involved with the Labrador Rescue group, will offer some incentives to those who purchase books or adopt a pet.
For more information about this no-kill sanctuary, visit the Web site at www.animalrefuge.com.
CCCIA plans events
— CCCIA will hold its dinner meeting, at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 10, at La Venezia. Conversations and cocktails will be followed by the program and dinner.
— CCCIA Poker in the Caribbean — Texas Hold ’em tournament will be held Friday, April 11 at La Venezia. This is a professionally run tournament. There are a limited number of seats available. View flyer at: http://www.cccia.org/PokerFlyer08.pdf
— Run with the Pack! CCCIA Membership Development Task Team meeting is Wednesday, April 16 at Riverside Bank conference room. Contact chairman Trent Dunn (tdunn@stormsmart.com) or membership director, Tracy Wilson (tracy@cccia.org).
— CCCIA Hall of Fame Golf Classic will be May 10 at Coral Oaks Golf Club. View registration flyer at: http://www.cccia.org/GolferFlyer08.pdf. Sponsorships are available.
— Storm season is on the horizon. Time to check preparedness kit and the generator. Attend Generators: It’s All About Safety; a free seminar brought to you by LCEC, The city of Cape Coral and the CCCIA at 6:30 p.m., May 14.
Two groups plan joint meeting
The Southwest Florida Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development and Human Resources Management Association of Southwest Florida announced their joint April 9 meeting, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Cypress Lake Country Club, 6767 Winkler Avenue, South Fort Myers.
Presenter will be internationallyknown speaker and trainer Jack Wolf. His presentation will be on “Increasing Employee Performance.” A former Bob Pike trainer, Wolf holds a Ph.D. and is a certified performance technologist trained to identify and systematically resolve barriers to peak performance. He has been training professionals for more than 28 years, designing and delivering courses on creative sales, management, train-the-trainer, and leadership.
Cost is $18 for HRMA and ASTD members; $25 for guests. RSVP by Friday, April 4, by sending an e-mail to: hrmarsvp@swfc.edu.
Jewish Business Network plans breakfast
The Jewish Business Network of Southwest Florida will hold their breakfast and business, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Friday, April 11, at The House of Wu, 14975 Technology Court, Fort Myers.
Evening happy hour will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 15, at Robb & Stucky Interiors, 13170 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers.
For additional information, call 433-7708.
Lee County Business Women to meet
Lee County Business Women sales and networking will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, at Sam Seltzer’s Steakhouse, 2635 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, just north of College Parkway. Cost is $16 members; guests and no-RSVPs $20. Menu is fire cracker shrimp, dessert, beverage (vegetarian upon request). For reservations call 985-0400, or visit: www.LeeCountyBusinessWomen.com
Mini trade show and Business After Hours will be from 3 to 5 p.m., with free admission and from 5 to 8 p.m., with a $5 admission, Tuesday, April 29, at the Clarion Hotel, 12635 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. Cash bar after 5 p.m.
For additional information, call 985-0400.
Olive Garden to open April 21
Olive Garden will open its restaurant in Cape Coral at at 4 p.m., on Monday, April 21, 1910 Pine Island Road N.E. The new restaurant, built in the company’s Tuscan-farmhouse design, is the first in Lee County. Approximately 165 jobs will be created with the opening of the 247-seat, 7,399 square-foot restaurant.
From Monday, April 21 to 27, the restaurant will serve dinner only Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 4 to 11 p.m. The restaurant will be open for lunch beginning Monday, April 28, starting at 11 a.m., daily.
Olive Garden, an Italian restaurant is a division of Darden Restaurants Inc., the world’s largest casual dining company in sales and market share.
For more information, visit Olive Garden’s Web site at: www.olivegarden.com.
Dr. Piper Center plans luncheon
The Dr. Piper Center for Social Services Inc. will hold its fifth annual administrative professional luncheon and fashion show at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 22, at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater. There will be a silent auction, Chinese auction, fashion show from Tanger Outlet and entertainment from Al Holland of the “Platters” and nurse humorist Carol O’Flattery. Cost is $30 and includes a ticket for the Chinese auction. All the proceeds will go towards the foster grandparent and senior companion programs.
LCEC names new public relations coordinators
Lee County Electric Cooperative announced that Kathleen Taylor joined the company as public relations coordinator. Taylor will be a spokesperson for LCEC, proactively working with the media to build and maintain positive relationships within the community. Her responsibilities will also include planning and writing newsletters, Web site information, press releases and other materials.
Taylor most recently served as publicity director at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers. There she led efforts among art organization leaders to strengthen community interest, understanding, and action for the local arts community. She began her career as a reporter/producer for WGCU Public Media.
Sunsights by Solstice offers trends for teens
Sunsights by Solstice, the new offspring of the sunwear specialty chain, Solstice Sunglass Boutique, opened its new store Friday, March 28 at Edison Mall, 4125 Cleveland Drive, Fort Myers.
Additional store locations are scheduled to open later this year. The new Sunsights by Solstice retail concept is targeted to younger consumers, teens through younger-minded adults.
The stores offer shoppers a mix of designer brands in a wide price range. Customers are encouraged to try on as many pairs as they like.
They carry A/X Armani Exchange and Marc by Marc Jacobs and Dior, Gucciand Giorgio Armani.
For additional information, call 936-0020 or visit: www.solsticestores.com.