Business Briefs
Dietitian & Personal Chef
Services opens in Cape Coral
Dietitian & Personal Chef Services, LLC, has opened in Cape Coral. Operated by Brandon Burns, a personal chef and a USPCA member, the business address is 2211 N.W. 7th Place.
Dietitian & Personal Chef Services offers in-home cooking for the busy family, home-bound clients, clients with special dietary restrictions, and clients who cannot cook or do not want to cook.
In addition, Burns offers free nutritional consultations and discusses personal preferences, dietary restrictions and personal goals. Meals are cooked weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.
Call 239-233-5733 or email dietitianpersonal-chef@yahoo.com to schedule a free consultation.
Three long-time employees
buy out accounting firm
Three long-time key employees at Kevin M. Burns & Associates LLC have purchased the Cape Coral-based accounting business, announced Anthony M. Constantino, a certified public accountant and one of the partners of the newly named Constantino, Nelson & Werline LLC.
The other partners and new owners are Deidra “Dee” Nelson and Yvonne Werline.
Constantino, Nelson & Werline LLC is an independent accounting firm that provides services ranging from basic tax management and accounting to more in-depth services such as financial statement preparation and tax planning for corporations and individuals. The renamed firm continues to service clients at the same location where it has been for 16 years: 4507 S.E. 16th Place in downtown Cape Coral.
The buyout was part of former owner Kevin Burns’ business succession plan that began to blossom in 2012 and was fully completed recently. Burns began his career in public accounting in 1981, and launched the firm in 1996.
Constantino, who has extensive experience in accounting, taxation and litigation support, joined the business in 1996. Werline brought more than 15 years of bookkeeping and accounting experience in the private sector when she joined the team in 1998. Nelson, with extensive experience in accounting and taxation for large and small businesses as well as individuals, came aboard in 2000.
Contact Constantino, Nelson & Werline LLC at (239) 542-1976. Online at www.cnwcpa.com
Juniper Village
to host activities
Juniper Village, an assisted living facility in Cape Coral, has special activities planned for the month of May.
This Saturday, May 7, at 2:30 p.m., the center is hosting a Kentucky Derby Party featuring pretty hats, horse racing and mint juleps. Residents and guests will be picking the winner and staff promises “just some good o’ Kentucky fun.”
On Thursday, May 26, at 2 p.m., the Eighth Annual Juniper Senior Olympics will be held. After the official lighting of the Olympic torch, the games will begin.
There will be prizes for the best senior game and best participant. The medal ceremony follows at 3:30 with awards, cheers and healthy celebratory snacks.
The public is invited to attend.
Juniper Village is at 4920 Viceroy Court, Cape Coral. For more information, call 239-542-3121.
Registration continues for free low back pain seminar
Do you or a loved one suffer from low back pain? Are you sick of suffering and not being able to work or spend time with your grandchildren, friends and family due to an achy back? Are you not working because of your pain and losing out on lost wages? Sick of taking pain killers?
If you answered yes to any, or all of those questions, Dr. Scott Gray, DPT, of Allied Physical Therapy might be able to provide you with some answers.
On Wednesday, May 25, Dr. Gray will be holding a free low back pain seminar at the office at 1413 Viscaya Parkway in Cape Coral.
The seminar will feature:
– A discussion of the top five things your doctor has not told you about managing and overcoming your low back pain.
– A free handout of the top ficw strategies that may ease your low back pain.
– Gifts and prizes from local sponsors
– Food and refreshments
Reserve a spot by calling 239-242-0070
Crystal Clean debuts new eBook
In an effort to help building managers across the nation find a suitable cleaning company that consistently delivers great service, a local janitorial company serving Cape Coral has published a free eBook on their website. The eBook entitled “7 Questions You Never Thought to Ask a Commercial Cleaning Professional” is a valuable resource for office managers everywhere. It’s a collection of 35 years of wisdom condensed into seven essential questions compiled by Crystal Clean owners Dave and Sharon Harting.
“We’ve often heard that all cleaning companies are the same and this sentiment typically comes from disgruntled office managers who’ve been disappointed by their custodial service,” said Dave Harting. “Our goal is to help those that choose to outsource their janitorial needs, select the most qualified, reliable cleaning company in their area. We believe that these 7 core questions will empower them to choose wisely and avoid the disappointment that comes with hiring unqualified cleaning contractors.”
In addition to asking each candidate if they’re licensed, insured and bonded, the eBook suggests asking more difficult questions such as “How are you committed to improving your company” and “Can you describe your company’s level of professionalism for me?” These two questions in particular will not only give the candidate a chance to shine, but also give managers insight into what makes them stand out from their competitors.
As an independent company that started in a home garage in 1981, Crystal Clean has developed not a thriving business with 35 years of longevity, cleaning numerous large corporate buildings in Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, and Cape Coral.
To download a free copy of “7 Questions you Never Thought to Ask a Commercial Cleaning Professional”, visit www.cleaningfortmyers.com/ebooks/ and enter your name and email address.
Cartridge World expands services
Cartridge World at 13141 McGregor Blvd., Suite 4, in Fort Myers, has expanded its services for Lee and Collier counties, supplying a large selection of toner and ink cartridges for both office and home use.
The company, owned by Alexander Irigoyen, also sells and services printers, prints pictures on photo paper and offers advice on the best and most efficient printing practices.
Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Cartridge World also offers free delivery to qualified businesses. For more information, call 239-689-5123.
White exhibit featured at Island Conclave Fine Art Gallery
Noted abstract impressionist Wendy White will be showing at an exclusive art exhibition at Island Conclave Fine Art Gallery. White’s work will be displayed throughout the month of May with a kick off cocktail reception opening being held on Friday, May 6, from 6-8 p.m.
Born in Rockaway Beach, New York, White gathered her early influences from her life by the sea. While studying under abstract expressionist painter and mentor, Milton Resnick, she continued her work under a full academic scholarship to Barnard College of Columbia University.
White’s accomplishments are staggering with several exhibitions in New York City and Miami to exhibitions in Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Finland, Buenos Aries and Switzerland, all in all, selling over 120 canvases with over 200 exhibitions.
White’s style combines modern day expressionism with the old master impressionists in her painting of oils on canvas. She loves to paint to music and discovered a connection to the rhythm of each brush stroke developing into a crescendo of tone. The rhythm floats the form, and the painting is revealed.
When she is not painting or showing, she heads up the New Light Foundation, a non-profit founded by her and her husband to give scholarships to young people and serve their community by providing cultural outreach.
She now resides on Pine Island and said she is happy to be showing at Island Conclave Fine Art Gallery, located at 5101 Pine Island Road, on Pine Island, about one mile east of Pine Island’s Center. Contact the gallery at 239-282-8488.
Expedia CruiseShipCenters drops anchor in Fort Myers
Planning a vacation has just become a lot easier for families in the Fort Myers area. With the desire and expertise to help their community find the right vacation, local entrepreneurs Frank and Susan Teklitz have opened a new Expedia CruiseShipCenters franchise at 4600 Summerlin Road, Suite A8.
Expedia CruiseShipCenters part of Expedia Inc., one of the largest travel companies in the world offers cruise vacations and much more through its 200 locations across North America. Customers are able to choose from numerous vacation possibilities over land, sea and air, including customized trips, coach and rail tours and insurance all at Expedia prices.
In addition to the research and booking features available on their local website, the Teklitzes and their team offer personal vacation consultations in person, through email or over the phone, so customers always have the freedom to book when, where and how they choose.
Expedia CruiseShipCenters vacation consultants are provided with extensive training and marketing support which allows them to become navigators of spectacular vacation experiences, even with no travel experience.
For more information or to research vacation options, visit www.cruiseshipcenters.com/fortmyers or call 239-984-3535.
Lee County/Horizon Council now accepting applications for the 25th annual Industry Appreciation Awards
To salute excellence in Lee County’s business community, the Lee County Economic Development Office and the Horizon Council are seeking submissions for the 25th annual Industry Appreciation Awards. The honorees will be recognized during the Industry Appreciation luncheon on Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Estero. Networking begins at 10:30 a.m. and the program is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Horizon Council will honor businesses in four categories:
– The LocalLee Grown Business Award will be awarded to a company that was founded in Lee County and is distinguished by its operational excellence and commitment to the vibrance of Southwest Florida’s business climate;
– The Business Citizenship Award honors a company whose financial, volunteer and active involvement in organizations and programs have helped create a better quality of life in Lee County;
– The Emerging Business Leader Award will be awarded to a relative newcomer to Lee County that is experiencing marked growth while introducing inventive products, services or business practices;
– The Bruce T. Gora Legacy Award has been added to honor the 25th anniversary of the Industry Appreciation Awards. It recognizes an individual who during the last 25 years has established a history of distinguished service and contributions to the betterment and growth of Lee County’s business community.
Applications for the 2016 Industry Appreciation Awards are now being accepted online at LeeCountyBusiness.com. The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 27.
The Horizon Council is a public-private board established in 1991 to advise the Lee County Board of Commissioners on economic development issues. The Lee County Economic Development Office works to attract new and diversified businesses to the area, and improve the overall business environment in Lee County. For more information, visit www.leecountybusiness.com or call 239-338-3161.
Liquid nitrogen ice cream store opens in Fort Myers
Sub Zero Ice Cream has moved into Southwest Florida. Sub Zero serves the creamiest, premium ice cream that’s customized to each guest’s preferences by rapidly freezing individual creations using liquid nitrogen. The new store, at 16230 Summerlin Road, #202, in Fort Myers, near the HealthPark Medical Center, will celebrate its grand opening May 27.
Sub Zero is a science spectacle when it comes to serving made-to-order -321 degree liquid nitrogen treats, which take about two minutes. The flash freezing ensures milk molecules remain small, and water particles don’t grow into ice crystals and preserve nutrients in the base, resulting in an ultra-smooth and creamy product.
Sub Zero Ice Cream of Fort Myers is owned and operated by local franchisees Karen Kopp and Chris Firlej, longtime veterans of the casino industry. They first tried the ice cream at the Naples location, deciding to open their own location to bring the same experience to the Fort Myers community.
Sub Zero Ice Cream of Fort Myers is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the week. To learn more, visit www.subzeroicecream.com or call 239-208-4353.
Results of 20th Annual LCEC United Way Fishing Tournament announced
LCEC recently announced that nearly $50,000 was raised at the 20th Annual LCEC United Way Fishing Tournament on April 16 on Pine Island. All proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades & Okeechobee Counties. This amount includes a portion of the prize money which was donated back by several of the tournament winners. Congratulations to Grand Slam Winner, Team Jamie & Gigi, who weighed in at 19.94 pounds.
Tournament results by the numbers: 215 anglers, 100+ raffle prizes, 90 fish weighed in, 70 boats, 45 boats weighing in fish, 36 trout, 21 snapper, 20 redfish and 13 snook.
Special thanks to the premiere sponsor of this year’s tournament: Irby.
For a complete list of winners, event photos and information on next year’s milestone tournament, visit www.uw.lcec.net/fish.html.
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 a major contributor to the local economy as one of the largest employers in Lee County with 400 employees. Learn more about LCEC online at www.lcec.net.
Grey new communications editor
for CONRIC PR &?Marketing I Publishing
Connie Ramos Williams, CEO and president of CONRIC PR & Marketing | Publishing, has announced that Kathy Grey has joined the agency as communications editor.
Grey is responsible for management of both internal and external communication projects, client relations and copywriting – including ad copy, brochures, bulletins, catalogs, letters, speeches and other forms of communication. She also helps CONRIC develop and meet its strategic marketing objectives.
With more than 25 years’ experience in advertising, marketing, public relations and journalism, Grey’s breadth of experience will be utilized extensively with CONRIC’s clients and in new business development.
Most recently, Grey served as the editor of Charlotte County Florida Weekly, a newspaper she helped launch in 2009. In her seven years there, she was responsible for editing, writing and assigning stories and determining the newspaper’s weekly local content.
CONRIC PR & Marketing | Publishing was founded in 2007. For more information, call (239) 690-9840 or visit www.conricpr.com
Applebee’s recently presented check
to U.S. Marine Corps for Toys for Tots program
Applebee’s locations in Florida and Georgia recently presented a check for $56,277 to the U.S. Marines Corps in support of its Toys for Tots program. Cape Coral raised $3,845 and North Fort Myers raised $ 1,431.
The funds were raised during Applebee’s annual Breakfast with Santa fundraising events in Florida and Georgia, in which 100 percent of the proceeds benefitted underprivileged children to brighten the holidays, unify local communities and deliver a message of hope.
Over the past 17 years, Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises in New Jersey, Long Island, Florida and Georgia have raised more than $3.6 million for the Toys for Tots initiative, helping to spread holiday cheer to over 230,000 deserving children.
Participating Applebee’s locations in Florida include Boynton Beach, Cape Coral, Delray Beach, Es-tero, Fort Myers, Fort Pierce, Greenacres, Jack-sonville, Lake City, Lake Park, Naples, North Port, Okeechobee, Port Charlotte, Port St. Lucie, Punta Gorda, Royal Palm Beach, Sara-sota, St. Augustine, Venice and Vero Beach, and in Georgia in Brunswick, Kingsland and Waycross.