Business Briefs
Business by the Numbers
Learn more in an hour than you have learned form your accountant since you went into business. Taking control of your numbers allows you to make important business decisions base on logic, not emotion or tax accounting ease. An informative, fast paced, logical approach on how to improve your company’s bottom line!
In consideration of the current economic pressures we are cutting the fee from our usual $99 to just $29.95.
This program will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Cape Coral yacht Club, 5819 DriftwoodParkway. For more information call 239-574-0806. Registration is required.
LCEC Hires Manager of Marketing and Energy Services
Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC) announced that Ed Ryan has joined the company as Manager of Marketing and Energy Services. Ryan brings over 20 years of senior level management and leadership experience to LCEC. He will be in charge of planning, directing and managing LCEC’s product development, management and marketing efforts as well as LCEC product and service installation and maintenance, energy conservation programs, and business development opportunities.
Ed Ryan came to LCEC from Bishop Verot Catholic High School where he was the Director of Development. He is also well known to the Southwest Florida community through his service to nine local nonprofit boards of directors and committees, including the Harry Chapin Food Bank, Children’s Advocacy Center, United Way of Lee County, Junior Achievement and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Bayfront Bistro
Bayfront Bistro, located within Snook Bight Yacht Club & Marina’s newly developed $22 million facility, plans to open to the public in January, with an experienced management team in place.
Mike Wilke, General Manager and former General Manager of Zampieri’s in Destin, was the Florida Top 20 winner in 2006 and 2007 and is also holder of The Golden Spoon Award and Wine Spectator Awards. The head chef is Marvin Avilez, former head chef at the popular Harold’s On The Bay in downtown Fort Myers. Assistant Manager Dave Wood and Sous Chef Kevin Decker round out the team with more than 60 years of combines restaurant management experience. Heading up the design team and assisting this management group is Mitch Schwenke, well known owner of The Blue Coyote, Fort Myers’ leading private dining establishment in Caloosa Yacht & Racquet Club. Also heading up the launch team with Schwenke are Head Chef Josh and wine expert Corey from The Blue Coyote. Bayfront Bistro will be opening on Jan. 15. The menu and more information can be viewed at: www.BayfrontBistro.com
Cape Coral Day and Toning Spa
Cape Coral Day & Toning Spa will be expanding their services with Detox Body Contour Wraps as well as FIR Sauna treatments.
The Spa is known for its holistic wellness programs as well as the Therapeutic Isometric Toning Machines that help customers tone their bodies and lose inches.The spa is offering a complimentary toning treatment. For additional information, please call Suzanne Thomas at 945-5999
Parker vice-president of BNI chapter
Robert Parker, of the Insurance firm Parker & Zambrano, has been named Vice President of the City of Palms BNI chapter in Fort Myers. BNI is the world’s largest relationship networking group, and City of Palms is SW Florida’s oldest existing chapter.
An active and involved member since June of 2007, Robert was hand-picked by previous leadership to fill this high-profile position in the organization. The chapter’s incoming President, Gina Rosenberg of More Taste Than Money, says she “looks forward with enthusiasm to working with Robert as we take the Chapter forward into the challenges of the 2009 business year.”
“During my several years in the health care field,” Parker says, “I was struck by the hardships experienced by people who, through no fault of their own, had no insurance or inadequate coverage. My mission now is to help my clients — whether individuals, small businesses or entrepreneurs — to protect their assets against life’s unexpected events during their working years, while preparing them for a comfortable retirement at career’s end. My membership in the BNI organization helps me accomplish this goal.”
The family-run business of Parker and Zambrano offers health, dental, disability and life policies carefully customized to the needs and budgets of their clients. Robert is a Licensed Life and Health Insurance Agent as well as a Licensed Property and Casualty Agent. He holds an Associate’s Degree from the Franklin Institute of Boston, a Bachelor of Health Sciences from San Diego State University and a Masters of Health Sciences from James Monroe University of Virginia.
A Piece of the Windy City in Fort Myers
Slice of Chicago came to Fort Myers in September, brought to you special delivery by 5 guys with a dream and a taste for the best thin-crust pizza you will ever wrap your tastebuds around. Using only the freshest of ingredients, with pizza dough made brand-spanking new daily on-site, and crucial ingredients trucked in straight from the shores of Lake Michigan, Taste of Chicago delights its SW Florida customers, even those whose feet have never trod the pavement of the world’s most famous second city.
Slice of Chicago is located in The Shoppes at Fiddlesticks, on the corner of Daniels Parkway and Fiddlesticks Blvd. They are open from 11 am to 10 pm. Their phone number is 561-9800.
For more information go to: www.sliceofchicagoonline.com, or: www.get-groovy.com, or call Get Groovy! at 277-5200.
Bridge Networking Group to meet Jan. 8
The Bridge Networking Group is expanding into South Fort Myers with the launch of its new monthly after-hours networking event called “Sunset Exchange.” Co-chairs Connie Ramos-Williams and Rick Williams will be responsible for organizing and hosting the monthly event. The premier event will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Icabod’s Restaurant, located at 13851 S. Tamiami Trail. The event will be held on the second Thursday of each month thereafter. The event offers business professionals an evening of casual networking, business exchange, referrals, giveaways, live entertainment and food for just $15 per person. The Bridge Networking Group hosts networking events in Lehigh, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Estero, North Fort Myers, South Fort Myers and is coming soon to Punta Gorda. The Bridge is committed to helping people achieve both business and life goals through networking and promotions. For more information about other Bridge Networking locations, workshops or events visit: www.thebridgenetworking.com.
Custom Tailoring by Lena provides alterations, tailoring
Custom Tailoring by Lena, at 2924 Del Prado Boulevard in Cape Coral, does alterations, tailoring and clothing repairs for men and women. The company has “over a decade of experience and quality workmanship,” according to owner Lana Mann. The store is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For additional information, call 471-7280.
Cape Coral Floral Designs expands
Cape Coral Floral Designs, at 2126 Del Prado Boulevard, S., in Cape Coral, has expanded its floral shop, which now includes a Bridal Emporium. According to owners Tracey and Andy Jermy, the shop has continued to grow since it opened in 2004, and has been named the #1 florist in The Breeze readers poll from 2005 to 2008. For additional information, call the shop at 772-3377.
Hair Gallery Salon and Day Spa offers full salon and spa services
The Hair Gallery Salon and Day Spa, 3006 Del Prado Boulevard, is a full service salon and day spa that has been serving the Cape community for 25 years. According to owner Susan Cypher, the shop offers “quality customer service, multiple salon and spa services … in a relaxing tropical atmosphere.”
The salon is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are preferred. For additional information, call 549-3120.