Business Briefs 11-1-24
Bank of America contributes to recovery effort from Hurricane Milton
Bank of America has committed $2 million to the American Red Cross and other organizations on the ground to support those impacted by Hurricane Milton.
The first $1.5 million will be deployed now to the American Red Cross as it focuses on providing immediate relief in Florida, including shelter, food, supplies and mental health services to those who need assistance. The remaining $500,000 will be allocated as needs are identified with partners supporting relief efforts in Florida. Leaders in the bank’s Florida markets will also partner with local organizations long-term as they help devastated communities navigate the path to recovery.
This $2 million is in addition to $1 million the bank committed in funding to support those impacted by Hurricane Helene, as it works closely with local organizations in those communities as well.
The bank is also offering financial assistance to clients across the state of Florida who may have been impacted. It has reached out to make them aware of the financial support and other resources available to them, as well as reminding them of digital banking options that provide secure access to help with their banking needs. Bank of America teams have also deployed mobile financial centers and ATMs in hardest-hit areas
B&I Contractors promote seven
B&I Contractors Inc. has announced the promotion of seven employee-owners to lead department positions. This move will enhance operational efficiency, profitability and regional growth through collaborative efforts across key departments.
The newly appointed employee-owners are:
● Eyner Gonzalez, HVAC Project Supervisor South West Florida Region
● Kenny Willis, HVAC Project Supervisor South West Florida Region
● Fabian Rodriguez, HVAC Senior Superintendent South West Region
● Tony Aguilar, Warehouse Manager South West and South East Region
● James Omer, Warehouse Manager West Central Region
● Nazir Mohammed, Property Manager South West Region
Established in 1960, B&I offices are located in Fort Myers, Tamarac, Sarasota and Tampa. The employee-owned company specializes in providing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for clients in commercial, institutional, and industrial industries throughout Florida and beyond. To learn more, call (239) 332-4646. Online at www.bandiflorida.com
ULI Southwest Florida to celebrate a decade of women leaders at 10th anniversary of View from the Top
The Urban Land Institute Southwest Florida recently announced the 10th anniversary celebration of its signature event, View from the Top, Thursday, Nov. 7, at Saltleaf Golf Preserve in Bonita Springs. This milestone event, themed “A Decade of Views,” will honor the exceptional women leaders who have graced the stage as speakers over the past 10 years, shaping conversations in real estate, land development and leadership.
The event will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $45 for ULI members and $65 for non-members. The evening will feature a cocktail reception, creating an engaging atmosphere for networking and celebration.
This celebration is an opportunity for ULI members and the broader real estate community to come together and honor the leaders who have helped shape the Southwest Florida landscape over the past decade. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an unforgettable evening of inspiration and connection!
For more information, to register, or to inquire about sponsorships, please visit swflorida.uli.org or contact Jackie Davis at Jackie.Davis@uli.org
Henderson Franklin celebrates 100th anniversary with $100,000 commitment to the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties
Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., one of Southwest Florida’s longest-established full-service law firms, marked its 100th anniversary by announcing a $100,000 commitment to the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties. The donation was unveiled at the firm’s anniversary gala, reflecting its enduring commitment to supporting the region’s most impactful community organizations. The funds will support the United Way’s core mission to provide critical assistance in health, education, financial stability, and crisis response across Southwest Florida.
For decades, Henderson Franklin has partnered with United Way to support local initiatives that strengthen the fabric of the community. This centennial donation amplifies that relationship, reflecting the firm’s dedication to serving not only its clients but also the broader needs of the region.
Marking a century of service, Henderson Franklin maintains a central role in shaping Southwest Florida’s landscape. With a team of dedicated attorneys, the firm has been a cornerstone in providing a comprehensive array of legal services. From business and tax planning to estate planning, family law, civil litigation, eminent domain, workers’ compensation, employment law, real estate, and land use and environmental law, Henderson Franklin has continually evolved to meet the diverse needs of its clients. With offices strategically placed in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Naples, the firm remains deeply connected to the region, carrying a legacy that goes beyond the courtroom. For more information about Henderson Franklin, please visit www.henlaw.com.
LQ Commercial real estate transactions
LQ Commercial has announced the following real estate transactions:
● Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida, Inc. purchased 81,941 square feet of office buildings at 2234 and 2270 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers from HC-2270 ColonialBlvd LLC/HC-2234 ColonialBlvd LLC for $15,500,000. Adam Palmer, CCIM, SIOR and Steve Wood of LQ Commercial represented the seller in the transaction.
● Freeman Properties of SWFL, LLC purchased the 2,500-square-foott office at 6829 Porto Fino Circle, in Fort Myers, from Michael Crowther Trust for $680,000. Adam Palmer, CCIM, SIOR and Steve Wood of LQ Commercial represented the seller.
● Lee County Property Appraiser leased 31,006 square feet of office space at 1520 Lee St., Fort Myers, from Embarq Florida LLC. Adam Palmer, CCIM, SIOR represented the transaction.
● Thai Spice Garden leased 2,498 square feet of retail space at 5611 Six Mile Commercial Court, in Fort Myers, from Sunset & Whitney Holdings, LLC. Frank Kupiec and Adam Palmer, CCIM, SIOR of LQ Commercial represented the transaction.
● WEDO Insurance leased 900 square feet of retail space at 15248 S Tamiami Trail in Fort Myers, from Susence FL Holdings, LLC. Bruce Micciche, CCIM of LQ Commercial represented the landlord while David Sepul of LQ Commercial represented the tenant in the transaction.
LQ Commercial is a Florida-based commercial real estate brokerage organization that provides comprehensive property management, tenant representation, leasing, sales, investments and consulting services. For information, visit LQCRE.com.
CRE Consultants announces real estate transactions
CRE Consultants | Brokerage Services has announced the following local real estate transactions:
● Hickcox Brothers Marine leased a 7,700-square-foot industrial space at 847-905 S.E. 9th Terrace, Unit A, Cape Coral, from R & R Engineering Properties. stan stouder, CCIM of CRE Consultants and Phil Deems of Phil Deems Realty negotiated the transaction.
● KeyBank National Association leased a 5,000-square-foot office space in University Park at 12830 University Drive, Fort Myers, from Uccello University, LLC. Enn Luthringer, CCIM of CRE Consultants negotiated the transaction.
● Superior Waterway Services, Inc. leased a 2,105-square-foot industrial space at 13850 Treeline Ave., S., Unit 7, Fort Myers, from 13850 Treeline, LLC. Randy Mercer of CRE Consultants negotiated the transaction.
● AeroCare Holdings, LLC leased a 2,000-square-foot industrial space in Metro Commerce Center at 11270 Metro Parkway, Unit 13, Fort Myers, from Metro Commerce Center, LLC. Randy Mercer of CRE Consultants negotiated the transaction.
CRE Consultants | Brokerage Services, which provides “a full spectrum of commercial real estate and property management services for property owners, landlords, tenants and developers,” is at 12140 Carissa Commerce Court, Suite 102, Fort Myers. For additional information, call 239-481-3800 or visit https://creconsultants.com/
Weichert, Realtors – Agency ONE welcomes Rolstad
Weichert, Realtors – Agency ONE has welcomed Kelli Rolstad to its team of agents. She serves clients in Southwest Florida for all their real estate needs.
As a Weichert affiliated agent, Rolstad has access to in-depth training programs, the latest technology and the most powerful sales and marketing tools in the industry to help offer superior real estate service to her clients.
Originally from Minnesota, Rolstand earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Metro State University before moving down to Florida. Prior to pursuing a career in real estate, she worked in the insurance industry, as a business analyst, and spent much of her time fundraising for her children’s local schools, where she organized golf tournaments, Olympic events, and more.
Weichert, Realtors – Agency ONE is an independently owned and operated Weichert affiliate. The company serves Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples and surrounding areas in Southwest Florida.
For more information about Weichert, Realtors – Agency ONE, located at 8191 College Parkway, Suite 301, in Fort Myers, and 1113 S.E. 47th Terrace, Suite 7, in Cape Coral, call 239-415-6500 or visit weichertagencyone.com.
Above Board Chamber presentation Nov. 14
Join the Above Board Chamber of Florida for a discussion on the importance of empathy in all aspects of life, from the workplace to the home. Following the panel, a mini-workshop will allow attendees to dive deeper and get their remaining questions answered.
The program, “Why Empathy Matters and How to Leverage It at Work, Home, and Everywhere in Between,” will be held Thursday, Nov. 14, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at the Bell Tower
A panel discussion will be held from 11:20 a.m. to 12:50 p.m., followed by a mini-workshop from 1-1;30 p.m.
The emcee of the event is Steve Niehaus, an M&A Advisor with Edison Business Advisors who specializes in the sale of privately held businesses.
Panelists include Doni Landefeld, PhD, ACPEC, the founder and CEO of Metamorphosis Coaching, which helps leaders and teams transform their performance and well-being through assessments, training and coaching;
Robert “Bob” Mason, PhD, a retired psychologist and former field director for Child Support Enforcement at the Department of Revenue; and Leslie Taylor, PMHNP, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
RSVP at https://www.aboveboardchamber.com/