Business Briefs
Business by the Numbers
Learn more in an hour than you have learned from your accountant since you went into business.
Taking control of your numbers allows you to make important business decisions based 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 event will be held on Jan. 14, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Parkway.
To register and for more information call 574-0806
Business Networking
The Above the Line Chapter of Business Networking International announces its new leadership lineup for 2009. Chris Black of Winged Foot Title was recently elected president along with Vice President/Membership Chair, Edye Button of GreenFlag Profit Recovery and Secretary/Treasurer, John Kerschner of Panther Community Bank.
Membership Committee consists of Phil Ciccarello, Private Client Insurance, Craig Wells, Century 21 Sunbelt Realty, Mike Briers, Briers CPA, and Ryan Maynard, Midas. Visitor Hosts: Richard Galipeau, Krystal Klear, Nancy Constantine, Regions Bank, and Brian Thompson, AllState Insurance. Education Coordinator: Justin Corbett, ActionCOACH. Mentor Coordinator: Michael Cherniawski, Decision Marketing. Librarian: Brian Thompson, ProCut Lawn Care. Event Coordinators: Christine Smith, Principal Financial Group and Rich Galipeau, Krystal Klear Windows.
Above the Line Chapter meets on Wednesdays from 7:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Sweet Tomatoes, 7040 Petty’s Way, just south of Daniels off Hwy 41 S in Fort Myers.
Synovus Bank builds house for Habitat for Humanity
Synovus Bank staff and its families volunteered for Habitat for Humanities to help build a home for a deserving family in need.
“Synovus Bank and its employees strive to do their best to support area nonprofits and our southwest Florida community in the year ahead,” said Rick Williams, Synovus Bank Area vice president.
Armadillo Underground donates $10,000 to Lee BIA Builders Care
Armadillo Underground has donated $10,000 to help the Lee Building Industry Association Builders Care program provide free emergency home repair services to disadvantaged Lee County residents.
“This donation demonstrates Armadillo Underground’s commitment to the local building industry and community,” said Heidi Taulman, Builders Care executive director. “We are grateful that they support our mission to provide critically needed home repairs for elderly, disabled and low-income Lee County residents.”
Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee BIA. Its objective is to provide emergency repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means. Builders Care enlists the volunteer services of Lee BIA members and leverages grants and donated materials to provide construction and remodeling services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Builders Care is headquartered at the Lee BIA offices at 4210 Metro Parkway, Suite 100, Fort Myers, FL 33916. Most recent top corporate sponsors include McGarvey Development Company, Brooks and Freund and Armadillo Underground. Donations can be made to the Builders Care general fund at any Colonial Bank. More information is available by calling 938-0056.
Airport reports latest traffic count
During November, 603,366 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport, a decrease of 7.4 percent compared to November 2007. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is down nearly 6.1 percent over the same period last year.
Southwest Florida International Airport had 7,225 aircraft movements (takeoffs and landings), a decrease of 8.7 percent over November 2007. Page Field General Aviation Airport saw 5,914 movements, a 13.8 percent decrease from November 2007. In addition, nearly 2.8 million pounds of air freight moved through both airports in November 2008.
Southwest Florida International Airport served more than 8 million passengers in 2007 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, log onto: www.flylcpa.com.
FPRA presents PR University 2009: ‘Weathering the Storm’
The Southwest Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association will present PR University 2009: “Weathering the Storm,” a one-day seminar for public relations professionals on Jan. 9 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Hodges University in Fort Myers.
Weathering the storm is not a seasonal occurrence for public relations professionals – in fact, it can be a way of life. At PR University 2009, public relations professionals from throughout Florida will share their insights and innovations about crisis management, surviving tough economic times and foolproofing your career in a series of dynamic, fast-paced presentations. Attendees will also hear from a lively keynote speaker and participate in a unique crisis-related tabletop exercise. To register or find more information, visit: www.fpraswfl.org
The keynote speaker will be Joe Hice, APR, associate vice president of public relations, University of Florida, who will address: “The shock heard ’round the world A viral media storm.” Visit: www.fpraswfl.org for registration information and more details.
Stevens Construction partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Florida
Stevens Construction Inc. recently partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Florida in the lunch buddy program that pairs a responsible adult with an elementary student in need of a positive role model.
A pioneer in the lunch buddy program, Stevens Construction is the first business to participate on a corporate level. Stevens Construction team members volunteer for an hour once a week to mentor students at Villas Elementary who may need additional academic or social attention.
“Stevens Construction is helping area children build their self-esteem and confidence, we hope to help many more children in our community with corporate participation,” said Heather McDonald, community-based case manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Florida.
For more information on the Lunch Buddy Program, call 278-0003 or visit: www.hereforthekids.com.
Colonial Bank’s Bassett to serve on Lee County BIA board
Robert B. Bassett, Colonial Bank’s area president for Lee and Collier counties, has been selected to serve on the 2009 board of directors for the Lee Building Industry Association.
The Lee BIA is a nonprofit organization providing technical assistance, information and educational services to members of the building industry throughout Lee, Hendry and Glades counties.
Bassett has nearly 30 years of experience in the banking industry.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Marquette University and a master’s degree in business from Husson College. Additionally, he is a graduate of the New England School of Banking and the Commercial Lending Graduate School at the University of Oklahoma.
New Businesses
Bass Tile & Beyond Inc.
Bass Tile & Beyond Inc., 2713 S.W. 4th Place, Cape Coral, is a tile and marble business owned by Flavio Jamur.
The business provides installation starting at $1.50 per square foot.
The business, which is licensed and insured, also offers special commercial rates and free professional consultation.
For additional information, call 634-2389.
Property management and lawn maintenance
Roberto Ramos operates a property management and lawn mowing business in Cape Coral. The services he provides includes lawn maintenance, tree services, pressure cleaning, carpet cleaning, garage cleaning, janitorial services, general home maintenance, gutter cleaning, swimming pool and spa water treatment (commercial and residential) and more.
The business is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.
For additional information, call 772-5538.
Noah’s Ark Pet Sitting Inc.
Noah’s Ark Pet Sitting Inc. of Cape Coral is a family-owned and operated, licensed and insured, company providing pet and home services. Owned and operated by Brenda Joy Garner, the company offers 30-minute visits as requested and overnight stays when needed for”all creatures great and small.”
For additional information, call 471-7126.
Lindsey’s Attic
Lindsey’s Attic, 4527 Del Prado Boulevard, #13, in Cape Coral, is a consignment boutique and more.
Managed by Ralf Behment, the company sells home decor and furnishings, art, antiques and collectibles and unique gift ideas.
Lindsey’s Attic also offers home decorating and staging, with delivery and pick-up service available.
The shop is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For additional information, call 540-0880.