Southwest Florida International Airport issues July traffic report

During July, 670,818 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. This was a decrease of 0.06 percent compared to July 2022. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is down 14 percent.

The traffic leader in July was Delta with 156,620 passengers. Rounding out the top five airlines were Southwest (135,014), American (118,523), United (84,151) and JetBlue (65,578).

Southwest Florida International Airport had 5,541 aircraft operations, an increase of 6 percent compared to July 2022. Page Field saw 15,901 operations, which was a 0.6 percent decrease compared to July 2022.

Southwest Florida International Airport served a record-breaking 10.3 million passengers in 2022 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, visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.

Greater Fort Myers Chamber announces 2023-24 Board of Directors

The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce announces its 2023-24 board of directors, officers and new members for the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors will be led by Board Chair Jay Johnson, owner of Bubba’s Roadhouse & Saloon, joined by Vice Chair Jen Whyte, co-owner of Fort Myers Brewing Company; Second Vice Chair Rodney Ford, territory director, south region for Coca-Cola Beverages Florida; Treasurer Melissa Mitchell, senior director of marketing for Priority Marketing; and Immediate Past Chairman Michele Hoover, managing partner of Solomon & Hoover CPAs.

New board members also include Justin Blohm, chief administrative officer for Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida; Ryan Brown, chief physician and operations executive for Lee Health; Jessica Crane, financial advisor for Northwestern Mutual; Ashleigh Droz, director of internships and cooperative programs at Florida Gulf Coast University; Neftali Feliciano, CEO of Cancer Alliance Naples; Matt Karastamatis, director of corporate sponsorships at Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation; Alicia Miller, executive director of Our Mother’s Home; Brandon Miller, local public affairs and permitting manager for Lumen Technologies; Todd Rauchenberger, director of business development for PF&A Design, Adam Stachurski, general manager at Scotlynn Group; and Kelly Thawley, college and career specialist for The School District of Lee County.

Working to support the Chamber’s efforts to enhance education and professional development at a variety of levels within Southwest Florida, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Board of Directors will be led by Hoover as president, joined by Vice President Kelly Thawley; Secretary Alicia Miller; and Treasurer Kelly Talamo-Drumm of KTD Accounting and Consulting.

To learn more about the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber Foundation, visit FortMyers.org.

Frontier Airlines announces nonstop service from Fort Myers to Detroit, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Long Island, Buffalo and Syracuse

Frontier Airlines will launch nonstop seasonal service from Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers (RSW) to Detroit (DTW) and Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) in November. Additionally, in November Frontier will restart seasonal nonstop service from RSW to three New York State destinations: Long Island (ISP), Buffalo (BUF), and Syracuse (SYR). With the new service, Frontier will serve a total of 12 destinations from RSW. Currently, consumers can book travel at FlyFrontier.com through Feb. 13, 2024.

To celebrate, America’s Greenest Airline is offering fares as low as $39. Fares must be purchased by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Aug. 29, 2023. Fares are valid for nonstop travel on select days of week. Fares are valid through Feb. 13, 2024. The following blackout dates apply: Nov. 18-22, 24-27, 2023; Dec. 20-24, 26-31, 2023; Jan. 1-6, 12, 15, 2024. Round trip purchase is not required.

Priority Marketing adds Soper as SEO strategist

Priority Marketing hired Ryan Soper as a search engine optimization strategist to help clients maximize digital traffic while enhancing their brand online.

In this role, Soper develops and implements effective SEO strategies across various industries for a variety of Priority Marketing’s clients, including nonprofits, and conducts keyword research, competitor analysis and on-page optimization to improve search engine rankings. Soper also writes and edits copy for websites, blogs and other digital content, collaborating with colleagues and clients to ensure SEO best practices are integrated across all online channels. Additionally, Soper monitors and analyzes website performance.

Priority Marketing’s portfolio of digital marketing services includes content development, search engine optimization, email marketing, online advertising and pay-per-click advertising, as well as website development, design, hosting and maintenance.

Before joining Priority Marketing, Soper was a content and SEO strategist for Engenius, a South Carolina-based web design and digital marketing firm. He also has served as a marketing coordinator for Master Website Planners and content creator for Social-Impact, LLC.

Soper earned a bachelor’s degree in communication with a concentration in public relations from Florida Gulf Coast University.

For more information, please call 239-267-2638 or visit PriorityMarketing.com.

Bollt selected to ULI Young Leaders Committee

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. has announced that Taylor Bollt has been selected to join the Young Leaders Committee of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Southwest Florida Chapter.

Bollt earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Tampa, majoring in political science and minoring in public speaking. He achieved his juries doctorate at Stetson University College of Law. Bollt may be reached via email at taylor.bollt@henlaw.com or by phone at 239-344-1361.

Henderson Franklin is one of the largest, locally-based law firms between Tampa and Miami, with over 55 attorneys dedicated to 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. With a legacy dating back to 1924, Henderson Franklin has been instrumental in shaping homes, businesses, and communities in Southwest Florida. Henderson Franklin operates offices in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Naples. For more information on Bollt or Henderson Franklin, please visit www.henlaw.com.

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank hires Gutknecht

Leah Gutknecht has joined Sanibel Captiva Community Bank as a teller at the bank’s College Branch, located at 7040 Winkler Road, Fort Myers. She is responsible for assisting customers with personal and business banking transactions. Gutknecht has prior experience in the customer service industry.

Founded in 2003, and celebrating its 20th anniversary, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has seven open locations throughout Lee

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.

Wilson senior account executive off CONRIC pr + marketing

CONRIC pr + marketing has announced the hiring of Kelley Wilson to its team. Wilson, from New York, is the new senior account executive. CONRIC pr + marketing is a full-service digital marketing, branding, advertising, public relations and web development agency recognized as an industry leader in creative visual design.

Bringing years of business experience to the agency, Wilson has extensive knowledge as a brand manager for a large gardening distribution company and marketing manager for a busy luxury real estate agency. These positions have solidified her ability to get to know her clients and get down to the heart of people.

See the campaigns CONRIC creates for businesses and community organizations at conricpr.com. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 239-690-9840.

Fort Myers Brewing to host Dog Days of Summer Aug. 26

Fort Myers Brewing Company is hosting Dog Days of Summer from noon to 11 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 26, featuring craft brews and frozen drinks, food trucks, live music, a prize drawing and fun for furry friends and their owners.

Celebrating International Dog Day and in recognition of the brewery’s 10th anniversary year, Fort Myers Brewing has released a limited-edition throwback T-shirt and glassware that pay tribute to the brewery’s first mascot, Scooch, the beloved late dog of founders Rob and Jen Whyte. On Aug. 26, a portion of sales on the limited-time merch will support the Gulf Coast Humane Society.

Serving Southwest Florida for more than 75 years, the Gulf Coast Humane Society is a private nonprofit animal welfare organization that provides refuge to more than 3,000 animals each year who are in need of compassionate care.

The event will take place at Fort Myers Brewing Company, 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 28, in Fort Myers. For more information, visit Facebook.com/FMBrew or call 239-313-6576.

Gillard joins Marquis Wealth Management Group

Marquis Wealth Management Group has announced that Arnold Gillard has joined the firm as an associate financial advisor. He graduated from the Lutgert College of Business at Florida Gulf Coast University and holds B.S. in finance.

Gillard is currently studying for the Florida Life, Health and Annuity license and the Investment Advisor license.

Marquis Wealth Management Groupis an independent, registered investment advisory firm located in Fort Myers specializing in personal investment advisory and financial planning services.

Marquis Wealth Management Group is at 6208Whiskey Creek Drive, Fort Myers. For information, call 239-454-1117 or visit www.marquiswealthgroup.com

Storm Smart donates 56 windows to Habitat for Humanity

Storm Smart, a leading provider of innovative storm protection solutions, has contributed 56 new impact windows to Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties. This donation showcases Storm Smart’s commitment to making a positive impact within local communities and supporting affordable housing initiatives.

The donated windows, known for their durability and technology, will make a lasting difference in the lives of the families that will call these houses their homes. With enhanced protection against storms and improved energy efficiency, these windows align perfectly with Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to creating sustainable and resilient housing solutions.

Storm Smart is a provider of cutting-edge storm protection solutions, specializing in Storm Catcher screens, shutters, impact windows and doors, and other products designed to withstand the rigors of severe weather. For more about Storm Smart, which is located at 2351 Crystal Drive in Fort Myers, visit https://www.stormsmart.com/ or call 888-657-7876.

Habitat for Humanity is a globally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to building safe, affordable, and sustainable housing for families in need. Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, Habitat for Humanity strives to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live. For additional information, visit www.habitat4humanity.org or call 239-652-0434.

Millennial Brewing Company Oktoberfest set

Millennial Brewing Company will once again host its Oktoberfest event Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at 1811 Royal Palm Ave. in downtown Fort Myers. Sanibel Captiva Community Bank is the presenting sponsor for the fifth year.

The event has something for everyone from locally crafted German beer and authentic German food to axe throwing to a children’s play area.

Event times are from 4-10 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29; noon to 10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30; and noon to 6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 1.

For beer lovers, there will be eight house brewed authentic Oktoberfest releases, including pumpkin beer guest taps. All beers are $5 and souvenir cups will be provided to the first 5,000 pours. A pumpkin seltzer, cider and other cocktails also will be available at three fully stocked bars.

For food lovers, load up on authentic German Bavarian cuisine, including bratwurst, schnitzel, potato pancakes, pretzels, roast pork and much more. There also will be fusion food trucks and hand-crafted pretzels.

For fun, listen to live music each day, including the headliner, The Ben Allen Band, from 2-5 p.m., Sunday, presented by Cape Coral Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Throw an axe or two, participate in the free stein hoisting competitions, multiple free eating contests and the Hammerschlagen Hammer and Nail competitions. Free bounce houses and face painting will be available for the children. There also will be a dedicated pet care and treat area featuring The Wiggle Bar Dog Food Truck.

Over 500 seats will be available under a huge tent and outside. People can also bring their own tents and chairs. A portion of sales each day will benefit local charities.

For more about Millennial Brewing Company, visit https://www.millennialbrewing.com/