Business Briefs
Schorle business manager/comptroller
at Honc Industries
Honc Industries Inc. has announced the appointment of Jeffrey S. Schorle as business manager/comptroller. Schorle has an extensive background in financial management, corporate banking, operational management and risk management. He has grown up in the Southwest Florida area and brings a large network of business and personal contacts with him to Honc Industries.
Schorle will be responsible for overseeing the financial strength of the company as well as managing public relations and focusing on new business opportunities for the organization.
Honc Industries Inc. is at 10101 Mallory Parkway, E., St. James City. For information, call 239-772-HONC (4662).
Sun Country Airlines increases service
to San Juan, Puerto Rico
The Lee County Port Authority has announced that Sun Country Airlines will begin nonstop service between Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and San Juan Luis Muoz Marn International Airport (SJU) in Puerto Rico with two weekly flights beginning May 3.
The original plan was to start the San Juan service with one weekly flight, but in response to passenger demand, Sun Country will inaugurate the service with two flights on Thursdays and Sundays from May 3 through Aug. 23. This is the first time RSW will have nonstop service to Puerto Rico.
To book flights or for more information, please visit the Sun Country Airlines website at www.suncountry.com.
Southwest Florida International Airport served more than 7.6 million passengers in 2013 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for airport operation or construction. For more information, log onto www.flylcpa.com or Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flyRSW.
Turner to chair 2015
March for Babies campaign
Bill Turner, the vice president of Commercial Banking for First Citizens Bank, has taken on the role of 2015 March for Babies Chair to raise awareness and essential funding to help babies that are born premature or with birth defects. He has made the commitment to raise $55,000 in new revenue as part of the overall goal of $300,000.
March for Babies, the March of Dimes largest fund-raiser, helps fund lifesaving research and educational programs aimed at helping moms have healthy babies. Last year in Lee County, more than $180,000 was raised from the March for Babies event.
More than 20,000 companies worldwide are partnering with their local March for Babies events to help reduce the premature birth rate and improve the health of babies.
Lee County residents can sign up today at www.marchforbabies.org/event/lee-county and start a team with co-workers, family or friends. Last year, more than 500 people attended the event. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, April 25, at Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers at 8 a.m.
For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs, for more information on the March of Dimes visit marchofdimes.org. Find out how you can help raise funds to prevent premature birth and birth defects by walking in March for Babies at marchforbabies.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Florida SBDC hosts seminar
on exporting products or services
The Florida Small Business Development Center of Florida (FSBDC) at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and Enterprise Florida Inc. (EFI) will co-host a free export seminar presented in Spanish. Business owners and entrepreneurs interested in exporting a product or service are invited to learn more about the topic and the resources available to help in the process.
The free seminar takes place Thursday, Jan. 22, from 2:30-4:30 p.m., at the Margaret S. Sugden Welcome Center on campus. Participants must register online at fsbdcswfl.org/training-workshops/, or contact Stephanie Pavolini, manager for Latin America & Caribbean International Trade Division, Enterprise Florida Inc. at spavolini@eflorida.com.
The FSBDC at FGCU offers one-on-one, confidential, no-cost consulting and low-cost workshops for businesses throughout Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. It is designated by the state as Florida’s principal provider of business assistance.
For more information, contact Amanda Stirn, Marketing Director for FSBDC, at (239)745-3706.
Economic development marketing strategies, Hertz
Equipment Rental highlighted at annual Horizon Council meeting
The Horizon Council and Horizon Foundation will host the 2015 Annual Meeting at 11:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 30, at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. To register online, visit www.horizoneventsite.com.
The luncheon program features keynote speaker John Boland, vice president of business development for Hertz Equipment Rental, a division of Hertz Global Holdings Inc. that is slated to spin-off into a stand-alone company. Recently tapped to lead strategic growth and corporate development efforts for HERC, Boland will provide insight into HERC’s operations, why they selected Lee County, and the organization’s anticipated impact on Southwest Florida’s job market and economy.
In addition to Boland’s presentation, Andy Levine, president/chief creative officer of Development Counsellors International, will present the findings of “A View from Corporate America: Winning Strategies in Economic Development Marketing,” a survey of 356 corporate executives with site selection responsibilities.
The Horizon Foundation continues to engage the local business community and provide new opportunities to strengthen Lee County’s business climate. The foundation is dedicated to enabling individuals and businesses to actively support the program of work of the Horizon Council and the Lee County Economic Development Office.
The Horizon Council is a public-private board established in 1991 to advise the Lee County Board of Commissioners on economic development issues. The council’s mission is to improve Lee County’s business environment, retain and encourage expansion of existing businesses, and attract new and diversified employers. It is the only public-private partnership of Lee County Government and business leaders. The Horizon Foundation Inc. is a 501(c) (3) organizations established as a fundraising vehicle enabling individuals and businesses to actively support the program of work of the Horizon Council and the Lee County Economic Development Office. For more information, visit www.leecountybusiness.comor call 239-338-3161.
FPRA to present workshop at
Florida SouthWestern State College
The Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) Southwest Florida Chapter will present a workshop Tuesday, Feb. 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Florida SouthWestern State College to help attendees understand the anatomy of a winning Image Awards entry.
With the entry process soon to be under way, Victoria Moreland will be joined by a panel of three local image experts to give insight into the entry process and judging: Samantha Scott, APR, Kate Gooderham, APR, CPRC and Carolyn Rogers, APR, CPRC. The panelists will present case studies to demonstrate what it takes to have a winning entry and some common mistakes to avoid. The panel will also connect the dots to link the Image Awards process to higher-quality project design and management.
The Image Awards competition is conducted annually by the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA to recognize outstanding public relations programs and to encourage and promote the development of public relations professionalism in our region. It has become a standard of public relations excellence in Southwest Florida. Winners demonstrate the very best examples of innovation, planning and design.
The cost for attending the workshop is $25 for members, $30 for non-members and $15 for students. It will take place at Building AA-177 at Florida SouthWestern State College, 8099 College Parkway in Fort Myers (visit www.fsw.edu for campus map). Guests must RSVP online at www.fpraswfl.org.
VanDomelen earns Senior Professional
in Human Resources accreditation
Patricia F. VanDomelen, SPHR, director of human resources for the Lee County Port Authority, has earned her Senior Professional in Human Resources accreditation by the HR Certification Institute. This designation is recognized throughout the United States as a professional credential for those who have mastered the strategic and policymaking aspects of human resources management and have an in-depth knowledge of all HR disciplines.
To achieve certification, VanDomelen passed a rigorous examination testing all aspects of her knowledge in human resource business management and strategy, workforce planning and employment, human resource development, compensation and benefits, employee and labor relations and risk management.
The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) is the leading certification provider for the global HR profession. HRCI sets the highest standard for the HR profession, advancing the discipline to be more strategic, relevant and focused on business objectives. More than 135,000 HR professionals in 100 countries worldwide display their HRCI certifications. For more information, visit www.hrci.org.
The Lee County Port Authority operates Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field in Fort Myers. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for the operation or improvement of either airport. For more information, please visit www.flylcpa.com or Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flyRSW.
BB&T-Oswald Trippe and Company’s
Elliott tabbed for advisory council
Jerry Elliott of BB&T-Oswald Trippe and Company continues to help improve the experience of Safeco Insurance customers after being re-selected as a participant on the company’s Southeast Region Agent Advisory Council.
The advisory council program, which consists of eight regional panels and a national council, gathers feedback from agents across the country to enhance both service and business results for Safeco and independent agencies.
Safeco has been using advisory councils for more than 10 years to collaborate with agents on solutions that will improve the agent and customer experience. Collaboration with agents through advisory councils is a testament to Safeco’s commitment to independent agents.
BB&T-Oswald Trippe and Company provides comprehensive insurance and risk-management services to families and businesses throughout Florida. The agency offers protection from the nation’s leading insurance companies through its offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Holmes Beach, Miami, Naples, Ocala and Weston, Fla.
BB&T Insurance Services, the sixth largest insurance broker in the U.S. and the eighth largest internationally, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BB&T. Founded in 1922, it operates more than 100 insurance agencies in Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and California. Visit Insurance.BBT.com/ to learn more. BB&T Insurance Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of Branch Banking & Trust Company.
For more information about Safeco Insurance, go to www.Safeco.com.
Mayor Henderson appointed
to Encore Bank board
Encore Bank has announced that Randy Henderson, Jr. has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Encore Bank.
Henderson has been a Fort Myers resident for 35 years, and serves as the city’s mayor. After earning a degree in business administration in 1979, he started his career in banking and worked his way up to a vice president position. Since 1986, he’s served as CEO of the family-owned real estate firm Corbin Henderson Company. He is a board member of the Lee County Horizon Council, a private-public economic development partnership seeking to improve the local business environment, retain and encourage the expansion of existing businesses, and attract new and diversified employers.
In addition to growing its board in the last calendar year, Encore Bank has dramatically expanded its consumer and commercial lending department in response to increased demand across Southwest Florida and recently completed a comprehensive remodel of its Port Charlotte branch.
Encore Bank has six convenient locations, including two branches in Naples at 3003 Tamiami Trail North and 2370 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Bonita Springs at 4450 Bonita Beach Road, Fort Myers at 7920 Summerlin Lakes Dr., Port Charlotte at 2120 Kings Highway, and Sun City Center at 1653 Sun City Center Plaza.
For more information, call 239-278-5505 in Fort Myers, or visit www.encorebank.com. Member FDIC
Cavanaugh named Outstanding
Law Enforcement Chief Executive of Year
John (Jack) T. Cavanaugh Jr., chief of police for the Lee County Port Authority Police Department, was recently awarded the Outstanding Law Enforcement Chief Executive of the Year by the Southwest Florida Police Chiefs Association. More than 40 law enforcement agencies in Southwest Florida vote for these annual awards, which is given to a member who goes above and beyond the call of duty.
The Southwest Florida Police Chiefs Association, founded in 1985, promotes efficient law enforcement services through cooperation and coordination between all local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies in Southwest Florida. Cavanaugh is a past president of SWFPCA and held positions as treasurer and secretary. He also oversaw the 2013 Annual Florida Police Chiefs Association’s Summer Conference.
Cavanaugh was named police chief for the Lee County Port Authority (LCPA) in 2009 and is responsible for public safety and security at Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field.
The Lee County Port Authority operates Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field in Fort Myers. No ad valorem (property) taxes are used for the operation or improvement of either airport. For more information, please visit www.flylcpa.com or Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flyRSW.
Hersch, Hill to present estate
planning workshops on Feb. 4-5
Attorneys Craig R. Hersch and Michael B. Hill of Sheppard, Brett, Stewart, Hersch, Kinsey & Hill, P.A. will present two informative Florida estate planning workshops on Feb. 4 and 5 at 2 p.m. to provide answers to many estate planning questions on wills, trusts, and other documents.
The Wednesday, Feb. 4 ,workshop will be held at the Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. The identical workshop will also be held Thursday, Feb. 5, at Temple Beth El, at 16225 Winkler Road, Fort Myers.
All attendees will receive their informative Florida Estate Planning Guide and DVD.
New and partial-year residents will learn about Florida homestead laws, if their will and trust documents from up North are valid in Florida, the advantages of declaring Florida residency, how to avoid probate, and why changes in the laws make it necessary for everyone to have older estate planning documents updated. Attendees are invited to bring a copy of their current estate planning documents and arrive a half hour early to receive a confidential, complimentary review and written analysis following the presentation.
Celebrating 90 years practicing law, Sheppard, Brett, Stewart, Hersch, Kinsey & Hill, P.A. is at 9100 College Pointe Court, Fort Myers. Partners Hersch and Hill are Florida Bar Board Certified attorneys in wills, trusts and estates, providing legal services in estate planning, probate and trust administration, and asset protection strategies. Reservations can be made by calling 239-425-9379 or at www.sbshlaw.com/seminars.shtml.
First Annual Six Bend
Chili Cook Off Jan. 31
The First Annual Six Bend Chili Cook Off will be taking place Saturday, Jan. 31. This event is a contest to name the tastiest chili of all and designed to raise money for Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida. Individuals and restaurants are welcome to enter in the contest, with prizes awarded for the best tasting chili based on attendee votes for participants. The public is encouraged to come out to the event, taste the chili, and help determine the winner.
The festivities will begin at 11 a.m. and will last until 2 p.m. The spiciest chili entries will be set up outside at The Pit, while the remainder of the entries will be set up within Six Bends Harley-Davidson store.
There is a $10 entry fee for participants that will also be donated to charity. Tasting is free.
All participants must bring one crock pot full of their tasty chili to ensure enough for all of the judges. Harley-Davidson gift cards will be awarded to the top three winners at 2 p.m. First place will receive a $150 gift card and a specialty gift basket, second place will receive a $75 gift certificate and third place will receive a $25 gift certificate.
To register in the chili cook off, please contact Hospitality at (239) 275-4647 by Jan 30.
Six Bends is located off exit 131 at the Southeast corner of I-75 and Daniels Parkway at 9501 Thunder Road, Fort Myers.
For additional information on upcoming events or rental space available at Six Bends, please call Kelly Lanham at (239) 275-4647 or visit sixbend-shd.com/events.