Costumed kids eat free at Hooters on Halloween

Children wearing their Halloween costume at any Southwest Florida Hooters restaurant this Saturday, Oct. 31 will receive a free kids meal.  The meals are served on a Hooters Kids Club Frisbee that the kids can take home.  Kids meal choices include grilled cheese, wings, boneless wings, burger sliders, chicken sliders, cheese quesadilla and mac & cheese.  

The meal deal is for children 10 and under wearing a Halloween costume. One free kids meal per paying adult, for dine in only.  

Included in the promotion are Hooters of Cape Coral, 3120 Del Prado Blvd., 239-945-4700; Hooters of Fort Myers, 4411 Cleveland Ave., 239 275-4666; and Hooters of Fort Myers Beach, 600 Estero Blvd, 239-463-6033. 

LTP Management, a Franchisee of Hooters of America, owns and operates 17 locations in South Florida.  For more information about South Florida Hooters please visit www.HootersFlorida.com or follow us at Twitter @HootersFlorida, Instagram @SouthFLHooters and Facebook @HootersFlorida.

Michaels promoted to assistant vice president for Sanibel Captiva Community Bank

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has announced the promotion of Jeanette Michaels from senior loan closer to assistant vice president.

Michaels is responsible for the assembly, preparation and verification of closing documents as well as coordinating all aspects of the loan closing process. One of the bank’s original employees, she works out of the Downtown Branch, located at 1533 Hendry St.

Founded in 2003, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has two locations on Sanibel Island and six more locations throughout Lee County. The bank employs 100 employees, and more than 40% are current shareholders.

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank’s team members provide customized individual and business banking services and specialize in residential and commercial lending. The bank offers free personal and business checking, deposit accounts with competitive interest rates, instant issue debit cards and a full array of digital banking products and services. To learn more, visit www.SanCapBank.com.

Three Henderson Franklin lawyers recognized for pro bono service

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., this week announced that three attorneys, Antoinette “Toni” Peck, Kayla Richmond and Douglas Szabo, were honored during the Lee County Bar Association’s Pro Bono Awards held virtually Friday, Oct. 16.

Peck handles all aspects of divorce, marital and family law, with a focus for handling special needs matters, such as when custody involves a child with a disability, or when a couple is trying to conceive by assistive-reproduction technology, or when there is a need for international child support enforcement. She also understands the unique laws pertaining to children of tribal nations. Her pro bono work helped establish legal guardianship to a child’s relatives after the

She received her undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota and her law degree from the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis. Peck may be reached at toni.peck@henlaw.com or by phone at 239-344-1302.

Richmond is a stockholder and also focuses her practice in the areas of divorce, marital and family law, including custody, paternity, child support and domestic violence cases. Her most rewarding pro bono case this year was assisting a father reunite with his daughter after two years of estrangement.

After graduating from Fort Myers High School, she received her B.A. from the University of South Florida (magna cum laude), her J.D. from Stetson University College of Law, and her M.B.A. from Stetson University (summa cum laude). Richmond may be reached at 239.344.1156 or via email at kayla.richmond@henlaw.com.  

Szabo is a stockholder and chair of the firm’s Business Litigation department. His pro bono service included representing an elderly homeowner at risk of losing her home due to improper liens being recorded by a homeowners’ association. All liens were eventually removed and other similarly-situated homeowners’ homes were saved.

Szabo represents clients in complex business cases, including corporate and partnership disputes, trade secret litigation, real estate disputes, and breach of contract lawsuits. He also represents companies, financial institutions, bankruptcy trustees, and other creditors in bankruptcy court. In addition, Szabo is frequently called upon to defend media companies in First Amendment matters.

Szabo received his undergraduate degree from Rollins College (with high distinction) and his law degree from the University of Florida (with honors). He may be reached at 239-344-1260 or via email at douglas.szabo@henlaw.com.

Henderson Franklin is a locally-based law firm with over 55 attorneys providing a wide range of legal services in the areas of business and tax planning, estate planning, family law, business and civil litigation, eminent domain, intellectual property, workers’ compensation, employment law, real estate, and land use and environmental law. Since 1924, Henderson Franklin has been assisting clients to build their homes, businesses, and communities in Southwest Florida. Henderson Franklin operates offices in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Naples. For more information on Attorneys Peck, Richmond or Szabo or Henderson Franklin, please visit www.henlaw.com or connect with us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram.

Leadership NEXT to spotlight nonprofit industry, volunteerism during Nov. 10 program

Leadership NEXT, a monthly program for advancing business professionals, will present a virtual program from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 10, highlighting the nonprofit industry and volunteerism.

Attendees of Leadership NEXT will hear from Stefanie Edwards, chief development and operating officer of Community Cooperative, a nonprofit with a mission to eliminate hunger and homelessness in Lee County. Edwards is a graduate of the Lutgert College of Business at Florida Gulf Coast University and oversees all of Community Cooperative’s operations, fundraising, development and volunteer programs that include 3,500 volunteers with more than 40,000 hours last year.

During the program, Edwards will discuss the increased need for Community Cooperative’s services due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting impact on staff, volunteers, clients and the community. Edwards will also share more about Community Cooperative’s new Plate It Up! Chef Challenge, where local chefs create dishes from a selection of mystery ingredients that were donated to the nonprofit’s Community Market or to its Food Rescue Program.

Attendees of Leadership NEXT represent a variety of businesses and industries throughout Southwest Florida. Sessions take place on the second Tuesday of every month and offer opportunities to develop new knowledge and skills, establish working relationships with colleagues and engage in valuable programs and discussions to further enhance their careers. .

The Leadership NEXT program is free for members of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and $5 for future members. Attendees can register in advance at FortMyers.org to receive webinar login credentials.

The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is located at 2310 Edwards Drive in downtown Fort Myers. For additional information, please call 239-332-2930 or visit www.fortmyers.org.

Beck Companies acquires ASAP Heating & Cooling & Home Services

Beck Companies has announced that it has acquired ASAP Heating & Cooling & Home Services, Inc., a home service contractor providing services in Lee, Collier, Charlotte and Sarasota counties. ASAP Heating & Cooling & Home Services specializes in air-conditioning, heating, duct cleaning and air quality. It will operate under its existing name as a division of Beck Companies.

Headquartered in Fort Myers, with a satellite office in LaBelle, Beck Companies is a full-service firm that specializes in commercial and residential construction, air-conditioning and heating (HVAC), plumbing, electrical, roofing and real estate services. Founded in 2003, the company serves clients throughout Hendry, Glades, Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Highlands and DeSoto counties.

With the addition of 14 vehicles to its fleet and 18 new employees, this acquisition complements Beck Companies’ corporate portfolio, adding an additional $3 million in revenue, and aligns nicely with the company’s long-term growth strategy and vision for the future.

For more information, call (239) 260-4022 and (239) 694-8300 or visit BetterWithBeck.com and ASAPHeatingAndCooling.biz.

Iron Ridge Insurance Services welcomes Doragh

Iron Ridge Insurance Services is reinforcing its commitment to knowledgeable, innovative, and ethical insurance coverage by adding Cyndi Doragh to its team of professional agents. Doragh will focus on building Iron Ridge’s presence in the condo association, homeowners’ association, and legal services markets.

With more than two decades of experience in commercial insurance, Doragh is highly attentive to risk management issues. Her resume also includes extensive nonprofit leadership and financial planning experience, including management of a local community bank.

For an evaluation of your commercial or personal insurance coverage, contact Cyndi Doragh of Iron Ridge Insurance Services at 800-775-8526 or CDoragh@IronRidgeInsurance.com.

Established in 2011, Iron Ridge Insurance Services (www.IronRidge Insurance.com) is a boutique independent agency that is committed to serving the community by providing innovative commercial insurance solutions. The agency helps clients manage risk through professional liability, management liability, data breach liability, general liability, commercial property, workers’ compensation, and commercial auto insurance programs. Iron Ridge Insurance serves commercial clients in a variety of fields, but specializes in managing risk for architects and engineers, physicians and medical practices, condominium and homeowners’ associations, and legal providers. The agency also offers competitive personal insurance solutions for individuals and families.

Total Wine & More’s Points with a Purpose raises $34,330 for Community Cooperative

A two-week customer appreciation event where shoppers collected five times the loyalty points at Total Wine & More’s Lee County stores resulted in a donation of $34,330 for  Community Cooperative. The donation will help fund ongoing emergency food programs during the pandemic, including the soup kitchen, Meals on Wheels, the Community Market and mobile food pantries throughout Southwest Florida.

Total Wine & More donated an amount equal to the value of all points that customers accrued at Total Wine & More’s Lee County stores from Sept. 1-13. The initiative was part of a Points with a Purpose event at Total Wine & More nationwide, which committed to donating up to $2 million across 25 states.

For 35 years, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in Lee County while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education and social service programs.

For more resources and information on how to get involved, contact Stefanie Edwards at Stefanie@CommunityCooperative.com or call 239-332-7687. Monetary donations are always welcomed and can be made directly at www.CommunityCooperative.com, or mailed to: Community Cooperative, P.O. Box 2143, Fort Myers, FL 33902.

Total Wine & More is America’s largest America’s largest independent retailer of fine wine, beer and spirits with 211 stores in 25 states.

For more information about Total Wine & More, please visit http://www.totalwine.com.

P.J. Scheiner recognized by select trial lawyer association

Preston J. “P.J.” Scheiner, attorney with Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, has been invited to become a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Scheiner is one of only 300 attorneys across the U.S. invited to join this prestigious organization this year.

An invitation-only organization, ABOTA is a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges dedicated to preserving and promoting the civil jury trial right provided by the Seventh Amendment. Membership currently consists of more than 7,600 lawyers and judges nationwide. The general purpose of ABOTA is to help ensure that individuals receive effective representation and that a more efficient administration of justice benefits the general public.

To be eligible for membership, attorneys must have at least five years of active experience as trial lawyers, have tried at least ten civil jury trials to conclusion, and possess additional litigation experience. Members must also exhibit the virtues of civility, integrity, and professionalism.

P.J. Scheiner joined Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner in 2007 and, working side-by-side with his father Bruce, has helped build it into one of the largest legal practices in Southwest Florida with a team of over 50 professionals.

P.J. Scheiner’s commitment to his clients has helped secure multi-million-dollar jury verdicts for those who have suffered devastating injuries caused by others’ negligence and carelessness. Also committed to his community, P.J. is involved in fighting for water quality through Captains for Clean water, and leads his firm’s efforts helping the youth of Southwest Florida.

Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, has the knowledge, experience, and resources to handle all types of personal injury and wrongful death claims for clients across the state of Florida, including trucking accidents, boating accidents, airplane accidents, nursing home neglect and abuse, construction accidents, defective product claims, premise liability claims and injuries to children.

Call 800-283-2900 or visit www.blslawyers.com.

Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce to host 2020 Business Summit Nov. 16-19

The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce will host its 2020 Business Summit virtually this year, bringing the local business community together for an expanded multi-day summit Nov. 16-19.

The virtual event launches at 4 p.m., Monday, Nov. 16, with a keynote address by Christin Collins, “Thriving Through These Unprecedented Times: Organizational Health Starts with You!” Collins will discuss why business leaders need to care for themselves first in order to lead a healthy organization and live a life of optimal well-being.

Virtual workshops will be held at 8 a.m., noon and 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17 and Wednesday, Nov. 18, featuring 18 one-hour sessions led by local business leaders. The Chamber has announced the lineup of workshop sessions and speakers, which include: Understanding Financial Statements: Neil Schnider, Florida Small Business Development Center at FGCU; Cannabis & Its Positive Impacts to Lifestyle & Wellness: Cole Peacock and Terry Tincher, Seed & Bean Market; It’s Not a One-Night Stand, It’s Your Brand: Christopher Spiro, Spiro & Associates; Pandemics, Racial Justice and Elections: What Employers Need to Know in 2020 and Beyond: Suzanne Boy, Boy Agnew Potanovic, PLLC; Resilience and Community Relationships: Diana Willis and Nicole Nunez, Jason’s Deli; Will Prather and Melissa Vogt, Broadway Palm; Jim Larkin, Crowne Plaza at Bell Tower; moderated by Jessica Walker, Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, P.A.; Video by the Numbers: Mike Haley, M&M Multimedia; Tax Topics Related to Business: Angela Cooley, Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, P.A.; Introduction to the Florida Institute for Political Leadership: Andrew Wiggins, Florida Chamber of Commerce; Make Your Mess Your Message: Jason Teeters, SecondMuse; When Should You Seek Help From a Physical Therapist?: Joe McGilvrey, Apex Physical Therapy; Building the Ultimate Business Plan: Dorothy Browning, Florida Small Business Development Center at FGCU; Pivoting Your Business: Cole Peacock, Seed & Bean Market; Powering Up Your Marketing & PR Program: Teri Hansen, Holly Boldrin and Melissa Mitchell, Priority Marketing; Generating Sales Success in These New Times: Angela Schivinski, Florida Weekly; Resume & Cover Letter Writing: Janeth Castrejon, CareerSource Southwest Florida; Knowing Your Business Ecosystem, Its Attack Surface & Pragmatic Steps to Defend It: John Schlager, Inceptus; How to Find a Job in a Time of Uncertainty: Rose Fuller, FGCU; and Government Contracting 101: Robert Warner, Florida Small Business Development Center at FGCU.

The Business Summit will conclude Thursday, Nov. 19, with a special session led by Tessa LeSage of FutureMakers Coalition, “Introduction to a Conversation about Structural Racism & Implicit Bias,” and a closing presentation by Charly Caldwell, “Make 2021 Your Best Year Ever Through the Power of the 5P’s,” which will guide business leaders in creating a personal and professional plan for success in 2021.

The virtual Business Summit is $75 for members of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and $99 for non-members. Attendees can choose to attend nine live sessions, including the keynote and closing presentations, and will also receive the recordings of all sessions and presentations. To register and learn more about each session, visit FortMyers.org/Events/Business-Summit or call 239-332-2930.

Serving Lee County and surrounding areas since 1989, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a business organization of professionals who support and promote a progressive, sustainable community. The Chamber represents over 750 businesses, professionals, and individuals throughout Lee County, providing opportunities for members to participate in a variety of meaningful networking, educational and community- and business-focused programs and events. The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is located at 2310 Edwards Drive in downtown Fort Myers. For additional information regarding membership opportunities or events please call 239-332-2930 or visit www.fortmyers.org. For the latest news and updates, follow the Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gfmcc or Twitter at @FtMyersChamber.