Business Briefs
S.W. Florida Fishing Academy expands
Fin Finder Charters/S.W. Florida Fishing Academy, 5428 S.W. Second Place, has expanded its business from just chartering to teaching fishermen the local waters, conditions and techniques to catch fish they want to target.
With 33 years of local fishing experience, Capt. Pat and the crew are ready to help anglers with all their fishing needs.
The company is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 841-2781 for information on charters or the affordable fishing school.
Rnells Tuxedos changing locations
After 24 years in its current location, Rnells Tuxedos is moving to 1112 S.E. 47th Terrace.
Within the new, expanded space, Rnells offers tuxedo and suit sales and rentals, career apparel for men and women wait staffers, along with formal wear accessories from shoes to cuff links, cummerbunds and bow ties.
Last fall, the business, which is owned by Laura Trowbridge, opened Rnells Candle Cottage featuring Bridgewater Candle Company, Colonial and Votivo candles. Also available are artworks by Deborah Ostrowski.
The showroom hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m.-p.m.
For information, call 549-8986.
Twisted Conch under new ownership
The Twisted Conch, 837 S.E. 47th Terrace, is under new ownership – Karen and Bob Scarbrough.
The two, former Fort Myers High School sweethearts, who have been married for 30 years, have a goal of bringing the islands to Cape Coral with affordable dining and live entertainment.
The grand opening/ribbon cutting for the restaurant with a Key West atmosphere was Thursday.
Hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. For information, call 542-6622.
Paradise Tiki Hut under new ownership
The Paradise Tiki Hut, 1502 Miramar St., is under new ownership – Dr. Victor Drobnic.
The bar and grill, which finished first in the “exotic” category in the 3rd Annual Downtown Martini Competition, is open seven days a week.
For information, call 540-8454.
Bolanos Truxton marks 10th year
Bolanos Truxton has announced that this month marks the firms’ 10th anniversary in Fort Myers.
Jose A. Bolanos and Gregg S. Truxton formed Bolanos Truxton in 1996 in Coral Gables, Fla.
In March 1999, the firm expanded to Fort Myers, with Truxton heading up the office at University Park. The Fort Myers office has grown over the past 10 years to service a wide sector of the business community.
The AV-rated firm counsels clients in commercial real estate, corporate law and business transactions. The firm was built on providing personal, responsive and quality legal services.
The office is located at 12800 University Drive, Suite 350. For information, call 437-5421.
Frantz and Kazim join ‘America’s Top Ophthalmologists’
Local cataract and LASIK specialist Jonathan M. Frantz has been selected for inclusion in the new 2009 Edition of the “Guide to America’s Top Ophthalmologists.”
This is the fifth consecutive year Frantz has earned the prestigious recognition from the Consumers’ Research Council of America, an independent research company based in Washington, D.C., that evaluates professional services throughout America.
He has also been named in Best Doctors in America database since 2005.
This year, Kazim has joined Frantz in the 2009 edition. He is an eyelid and facial cosmetic surgeon who joined Florida Eye Health in September.
Frantz established Florida Eye Health in Fort Myers in 1994. The growing practice now has locations in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Punta Gorda, Lehigh Acres and Naples.
For information, visit: www.bettervision.net.
Cankar joins FineMark National Bank & Trust
Joseph R. Catti, president and chief executive officer of FineMark National Bank & Trust, has announced that Lee Moran Cankar has joined FineMark as vice president and senior banking officer.
Cankar comes to FineMark with 14 years of banking experience, most recently as a manager at SunTrust Bank in Cape Coral. Before relocating to Florida, she served as president of the Lake Bluff Office of Baytree National Bank & Trust Company in Lake Forest, Ill.
FineMark National Bank & Trust, founded in 2006, offers a comprehensive array of banking, trust and investment services to clients interested in establishing long term, high touch relationships.
Skipper joins staff at Crowne Plaza Hotel
The Crowne Plaza Hotel at Bell Tower announces the hire of Rhonda Skipper as the new group and association sales manager.
Skipper is a 20-year veteran in the travel and hospitality industry in Southwest Florida. In her new position, she will be responsible for group sales including regional corporate, government and associations.
Skipper earned her Certified Hospitality Sales Professional designation in 2004 through the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute.
The hotel is located at 13051 Bell Tower Drive. A 3-diamond hotel, it is just a few steps away from upscale shopping and dining as well as a 20-screen theater.
For information, call 482-2900 or visit: www.CPFortMyers.com
LCEC achieves high customer ratings
LCEC announces two key goals that impact LCEC customers were met and exceeded in 2008 – safety and customer service.
Maintaining high safety standards and striving for very satisfied customers is good business, but it is also has a tremendous impact on customers in the form of consistent base rates, outstanding assistance and reliable electrical service.
LCEC conducts weekly surveys to measure customer satisfaction and employee service. Customers who have been served through LCEC contact centers, marketing offices and payment centers are randomly selected on a weekly basis and are invited to respond confidentially.
In 2008, more than 500,000 telephone calls and internet requests were received. In prior years, it would have taken 13 or 14 months to reach this volume, and 2008 reached it in just 12.
Despite a weakened economy, payment concerns and increased customer inquiries, 77 percent of surveys returned throughout 2008 showed customers were very satisfied with LCEC customer service. This exceeded the 75 percent.
Established in 1940, Lee County Electric Cooperative Inc. is a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative serving Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Marco Island, Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Pine Island, Everglades City, Immokalee, Ave Maria, and parts of Lehigh Acres. LCEC is one of the largest employers in Lee County with more than 350 employees.
Among the charitable agencies LCEC supports through volunteerism and corporate sponsorship include the United Way, American Heart Association, Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement and local school districts.
Learn more at: www.lcec.net.
John Berry earns LEED accreditation
John Berry, vice president of field operations with McGarvey Development Company, has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council.
LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for eco-friendly building practices.
Berry has worked for McGarvey Development Company for more than 23 years, overseeing the construction of office, flex, tilt-wall and retail buildings. In addition, he also has experience in residential construction, providing hands-on experience in building custom homes.
Berry has an ACI-certification in Tilt-Up construction, and holds a Florida certified general contractor license.
McGarvey Development creates exceptional environments for the discerning customer. The company builds, owns and manages the highest quality Class A office and industrial space in Southwest Florida.
McGarvey Developments’ headquarters is located at 9530 Marketplace Road, Suite 301, Fort Myers. For information, call 738-7900.
Six Mile Cypress Slough to unveil LEED Silver Certification
A new twist on celebrating “green” takes place St. Patrick’s Day as the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve salutes its new LEED’s Silver Certification award for its interpretive center with free activities for the public.
The center is the first building in Lee County to receive the prized LEED certification, an award given buildings that meet the rigorous guidelines required to show Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
The 13,000-square-foot building was designed by Parker/Mudgett/Smith Architects Inc. of Fort Myers, working with the Friends of Six Mile, the support group that leads fund-raising efforts and serves as a volunteer force on the slough’s behalf.
The Six-Mile Cypress Slough Preserve and interpretative center is located on Six Mile Cypress Parkway in Fort Myers.
Call 533-7550 for details.