Volume 30, Number 1 JANUARY 2015 The Catch of the Day · Elaine Moses Cheryl Nye ...

Volume 30, Number 1 JANUARY 2015

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER FORT MYERS BEACH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OFFICERS/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

John Gavin, Chair – Gavins Ace Hardware

David Anderson, Chair Elect – Krusty Pete’s

Robb Capps, Vice Chair – Premier Florida Realty

Fran Podraza, Treasurer – CFS Roofing Services LLC

Bud Nocera, President – FMB Chamber

RETIRING 31 DECEMBER 2014

Steve DeAngelis – Nervous Nellies

Jaime Huffman – Lani Kai

Terry Luster – Kiwanis FM Gateway to the Islands


Curt Brenner – Gullwing Beach Resort

Ellis Etter – Pink Shell Resort & Marina

Barbara Farrell – iBERIABANK

Sandy Lepley – Century 21 Tripower


Bob Layfield – Island Sandpaper

Wanda Linatsas – Royal Scoop

FortMyersBeach.org239-454-7500 phone

239-454-7910 fax

The Catchof the Day

Our Membership Luncheon will be in the morning this month to help everyone beat the traffic.

Join us Thursday, March 14th at 8:30am at Charley’s Boat House

Grill, 6241 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach for a delicious

Breakfast Buffet.

Join us Thursday, January 8th at 11:30am

at Charley’s Boat House Grill, 6241 Estero Blvd, Ft. Myers Beach,

for a delicious Membership Luncheonsponsored by the Welcome Wagon.

Kaye Molnar, President of Cella Molnar & Associates, Inc., established in 1996, has over 20 years of experience in planning and public involvement for new and expanding roadway and infrastructure facilities. Cella Molnar & Associates, Inc. is very unique in the public information industry because of their specific in-depth technical expertise in transportation and utility planning, design, and construction. Ms. Molnar is skilled in developing and implementing successful, comprehensive large-scale public involvement programs as well as working with individual property owners. She has established effective working relationships with media personnel and repeatedly develops trusted relationships with residents, property owners, and business owners on her projects. Ms. Molnar’s experience includes award-winning projects such as the City of Fort Myers’ Downtown Utility Replacement and Streetscape Improvements Project as well as their Riverfront Stormwater Basin Project. While Ms. Molnar has been working on the Estero Boulevard Improvements Project for the past several years, she was recently selected as the Project Public Information Officer for the construction phase.

Don Paight received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration from the University of Miami and Master of Science degree in Geography from Memphis State University. Mr. Paight has participated in continuing education programs including: the National Main Street Center’s first Downtown Revitalization Institute at Cornell University; National Trust for Historic Preservation and Florida Trust for Historic Preservation seminars; and Florida Redevelopment Association conferences and training programs.

Mr. Paight is the founding Executive Director of the Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency. The Agency oversees 14 redevelopment areas as well as the city’s public parking operations.

Mr. Paight has over 30 years of experience in urban redevelopment for the cities of Miami Florida, Memphis Tennessee, Norwich Connecticut and Fort Myers. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Florida Redevelopment Association and the Fort Myers Conference and Convention Council.

Meet Kaye Molnar and Don Paight at our January Member Luncheon

JANUARY 20152 FORTMYERSBEACH.ORG

1661 Estero Blvd. Suite 8Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

p. 239-454-7500 f. 239-454-7910

[email protected]

Join a committee!! Call Jane Ross 454-7500.

Bud Nocera – PresidentJane Ross – Member Service and Volunteer Coordinator

Doug McElheny – Internet & Social Media ManagerPete Frye – Front Desk

Lisa Beckham – AccountingKathy Hanagan – Roxie

January 1

Looking for people who love the Beach, love people and love to have Fun. Share your knowledge and join our volunteers in the Roxie. Still have a few shifts available. Call Jane Ross at 454-7500 if you can donate some of your time.

Business After Hours @ Bayfront Bistro 4761 Estero Blvd.

5:30 to 7:00 pmJanuary 15

Donna Bates of AAA Andrew Boster - Lee Tran Carolyn Crosby Judy Cultice – Kiwanis Club Sandy Hein Jo List - Island Sandpaper and Beaches and Keys Magazine Peg Moreland Elaine Moses Cheryl Nye Michelle Pyle - Truly Scrumptious Pam Schindler - Retired Military/Lee Co. Elections Jessica Titus of Fort Myers Beach Realty Debbie Whitehead

ROXIEVOLUNTEERS

HOME - FLOOD - AUTO - BOAT - COMMERCIAL - CYCLE - HEALTH - LIFE - MOBILE HOMES

1661 Estero Blvd. Suite 16, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

FT. MYERS BEACH INSURANCE BROKERAGE

FREEQUOTES

Richard D. KargerAgency Principal

Office: 239 233-8264 Cell: 239 321-4788 Fax: 239 236-0336 [email protected]

Immediate Coverage Available!“We Shop and Quote for You!”• 400 Top Rated Insurance Companies• Writing the Entire State of Florida.

WE RETURNPHONE CALLS!

Get Insurance From a Las Vegas Rock & Roll Hall of Famer D.J. Dice Martin...LOL

WE CAN DO IT ALL BY FAX, PHONE OR EMAIL

More Volunteers Needed!

Executive Committee Meeting @ Chamber Office

8:00 amJanuary 14

Happy New Year!

Monthly Membership Luncheon @ Charley’s Boathouse, 6241 Estero Blvd.

11:30 am to 1:00 pm January 8

Board of Directors Meeting @ Candlewood Suites, 9740 Commerce Center Court

8:00 amJanuary 21

LUNCH SPONSOR: WELCOME WAGON

JANUARY 2015 3FORTMYERSBEACH.ORG

Print Shop Ink

Gary Campbell, owner

Gary began his career not in the printing business, but as bartender and restaurant manager like so many others. He moved from California to work at the Flamingo Hilton in Laughlin, Nevada, then on to manage the restaurant at the Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert, California. After working for Gene Autry at his hotel in Palm Springs, Gary began working in a small print shop. He studied and learned the printing trade for 13 years until 2007 when he discovered Fort Myers Beach. Gary submitted his resume to JT Webb, and the rest is history. He was hired! Gary purchased the Print Shop Ink October 29, 2014. It has been an easy transition as he has worked in the shop for the past seven years.

"The Island community has been very supportive. Fort Myers Beach is a great family to be part of. We hope to inject a positive spin into this shop and remain a part of the Fort Myers Beach family," says Gary. One of the first things Gary did as new owner was hire Tracy Fox.

Tracy Fox!

Tracy is well known to those on Fort Myers Beach as she has been here for over 20 years and once worked at Matanzas on the Bay where she met the love of her life and most recently worked as a medical assistant next door to the Print Shop Ink. Tracy is the Mother of five grown children and loves her new job. She invites everyone to bring all their printing needs to her and Gary at PRINT SHOP INK., Located in Key Estero Shops 1661 Estero Blvd. Suite 3.

Winners of the Christmas Boat Parade were:

Smalll Power #10 Capt. Brent Samuels

Large Power #7 Capt. Lori MacMillan

Business Sponsored #24 Capt. Brian Josephson

Most Spirited Crew #16 Capt. Judy Maara

Peoples Choice #24 Capt. Brian Josephson

Parade Chairman Robb Capps is flanked by Michelle Pyle (on left) of Truly Scrumptious (food sponsor for the lead boat), and Jane Ross (on right), of Member Services with the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Boat Parade Photos by Katrina Salokar of Paradise Advertising

Lead boat leading the parade under the Matanzas

Bridge.


If your business is in the first mile of the upcoming Estero Blvd construction project, or if you drive on Estero Blvd from Crescent Street to Lover’s Lane, you need to have a firm understanding about what is about to happen after Easter. This is not a road resurfacing project. It is the replacement of all above and below ground utilities including, but not limited to: • Replacement and improvement of an underground stormwater utility;• Replacement of all potable water and sanitary sewer lines;• Addition of natural gas line; and• Replacement and moving above ground power poles for the island’s

electric and cable communication infrastructure.

After all that is done, THEN curbs and sidewalks will be installed and the roadway will be resurfaced.

The point is, this project, although much needed, is going to be VERY invasive. It is going to be an enormous challenge to keep businesses in the construction zone healthy. Think VERY deep and wide ditches in a rolling construction project down Estero. Think very large backhoes, dump trucks, concrete culverts and pipes being installed. Think about concrete road safety barriers, piles of dirt (mud during the rainy season) along the right of way that will limit access to your business, and will limit or prohibit existing street parking.

Have News? Anything New and Noteworthy going on in your office? New employee? New Rep? Move? Please email [email protected] or call us at 239-454-7500 so that we can make note and update our file.

It Is NOT a Road Rebuilding Project!

By Bud Nocera

If you own one of these businesses, you must start planning now for what begins after Easter. This includes some careful financial planning, business planning and communication with your customers and employees. You must know what will happen and when, regarding the construction schedule, and how it will affect you.

Example: at some point your water service will be disconnected to tie into the new water line. When that happens you will be put on a “boil water notice” for three days. If you are a restaurant how will you get safe, clean ice for drinks? Potable water for cooking and drinking? You will probably need to go to disposable plates and utensils and perhaps offer a limited menu during that time. You will need a plan. And some help.

By early January the Chamber will have an Estero Blvd. Survival Guide, and we will deliver it to every business from Crescent Street to Red Coconut. It will provide project contacts, like Kaye Molnar of Cella, Molnar and Associates. Kay will be the central dispenser of information for the county and town to business and property owners and the public. Her website will be kept up-to-date daily with information, and she will be accessible to you by phone. Kaye is also our January luncheon speaker. I urge you to come hear her thoughts on how to get through the project. You need to get to know her. The Survival Guide will also provide key contacts for the Town of Fort Myers Beach and Lee County Governments, as well as local utility companies, local fire and police non-emergency numbers.

It will provide information on FREE business consulting and financial planning by Duane Holversten of the Small Business Development Corporation, hosted by Florida Gulf Coast University Lutgert College of Business. It will provide information on the Estero construction information website, which will be updated with information regarding construction schedules, pedestrian access maps and water shut-off schedules.

Also at our January 8 meeting will be Don Paight and Leigh Scrabis from the Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency to give us insights from their experiences in the reconstruction of downtown Fort Myers.

Know that your town government, county government, Kaye Molnar and this Chamber will do everything possible to provide information and assistance during construction. For example, we are now looking for a way to stage trucks with bagged ice and 5 gallon carboys of bottled water and deliver them to restaurants and hotels on demand at cost during water boil notices. We are looking at ways to keep visitors flowing, including to construction areas.

A recent media release from Cella Molnar stated:“Visit the project website at www.reFRESHFMBeach.com and click on Estero Boulevard for the latest project information. The website will provide information about construction-related activities once work begins. If you have further questions about the project, please contact Lee County’s Public Information Officer for this project, Kaye Molnar, Cella Molnar & Associates, Inc. at 239-337-1071, (toll-free) 877-496-1076 or via email to [email protected].”

There is a lot to do. But nothing works without well-informed and well-prepared business and property owners working in cooperation with county and town governments. This isn’t going to be a quick or painless process. Start planning NOW. Know that this, too, shall pass. When it does, the new, improved Estero Blvd. will be worth it.


Fran Podraza – CFS Roofing Services(CHAIR)

Debra Anderson – Pink Shell Resort and Marina

Robb Capps – Premier Florida RealtyDonna Fagan – SPD Solutions

Wayne Gibson – R & W Gibson Promotional Products

Carrie Grunewald – Salty Sam's MarinaJaime Huffman – Lani Kai Beach Resort

Darrell Kendzior – Traction PlusDenice Knudsen – Premier Florida Realty

Sandy Lepley – Century 21 TripowerWanda Linatsas – Royal Scoop Ice Cream

Jane RossLeslie McElheny

R.J. Snider – Paradise Advertising and Design

Charles Stallings – Hampton Inn & SuitesEric Tibbs – Edward Jones & Co.

Meet Sandra Justice LepleySandy Lepley, MBA, Ed.D., Broker-Associate, is a third generation Fort Myers area resident. Her grandparents were early pioneers (1920). Sandy was born at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii where her parents were stationed while her father served in the Navy. Sandy's father, Mac Justice, a Fort Myers native (1928), later became a very well known blue grass banjo musician/recording artist while enjoying a career spanning NY to Washington DC as an executive with IBM. The family gathered at Fort Myers Beach many times over the years, and Sandy has lived on the island full time since 1999.

Family members owned/operated King Symonds Realty, Inc., in Fort Myers, a commercial and residential real estate development and sales firm from 1964 - 2003. Sandy joined their business in 1998 after careers in guidance counseling, marketing management/consulting, and college administration. In 2003 Sandy joined the Century 21 office which is now the South office of the dynamic Century 21 Tri-Power Realty, Inc on Fort Myers Beach. Dr. Lepley resides at the beach with her husband, Dennis.

Recognized two years in a row as a "5 STAR REALTOR" by Gulfshore Life Magazine, Sandy offers excellent customer service. She is a member of the Realtor Assn. of Greater Fort Myers and the Beaches, and the Commercial and Investment Professionals of SW Fla. She is active with the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, on the Board and Ambassador Committee. Sandy is also a member of the FMB Kiwanis Club, and the Church of the Ascension Council of Catholic Women. An animal lover, she helps with the Find a Home Give A Home Pet Rescue.

Sandy and Dennis have a combined family of four grown sons and two grandchildren. They enjoy walking the beach, fishing, and dancing to doo wop music. Sandy plays the keyboard as often as possible, and loves to cook! They enjoy socializing with their many real estate customers and island folks who are now good friends.

Sandra Justice Lepley

Sandy Lepley, MBA, Ed.D., Broker-Associate, is a third generation Fort Myers area resident. Her grandparents were early pioneers (1920). Sandy was born at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii where her parents were stationed while her father served in the Navy. Sandy's father, Mac Justice, a Fort Myers native (1928), later became a very well known blue grass banjo musician/recording artist while enjoying a career spanning NY to Washington DC as an executive with IBM. The family gathered at Fort Myers Beach many times over the years, and Sandy has lived on the island full time since 1999.

Family members owned/operated King Symonds Realty, Inc., in Fort Myers, a commercial and residential real estate development and sales firm from 1964 - 2003. Sandy joined their business in 1998 after careers in guidance counseling, marketing management/consulting, and college administration. In 2003 Sandy joined the Century 21 office which is now the South office of the dynamic Century 21 Tri-Power Realty, Inc on Fort Myers Beach. Dr. Lepley resides at the beach with her husband, Dennis.

Recognized two years in a row as a "5 STAR REALTOR" by Gulfshore Life Magazine, Sandy offers excellent customer service. She is a member of the Realtor Assn. of Greater Fort Myers and the Beaches, and the Commercial and Investment Professionals of SW Fla. She is active with the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce , on the Board and Ambassador Committee. Sandy is also a member of the FMB Kiwanis Club, and the Church of the Ascension Council of Catholic Women. An animal lover, she helps with the Find a Home Give A Home Pet Rescue.

Sandy and Dennis have a combined family of four grown sons and two grandchildren. They enjoy walking the beach, fishing, and dancing to doo wop music. Sandy plays the keyboard as often as possible, and loves to cook! They enjoy socializing with their many real estate customers and island folks who are now good friends.

Ms Tammy C RagoneReal Estate Sales

Representing Buyers and Sellers alike in Fort Myers, the Islands, and all of Southwest Florida!

Cell: (239) 826-4868Business: (941) 505-2950

Direct: (941) 777-3199

[email protected] EXIT REALTY Office is Independently Owned and Operated


November Membership Luncheon

New Members receiving their Membership Plaques from Chairman of the Board John Gavin on left Roland Weinmann and Beverley Milligan of Myerside LLC with Chamber President Bud Nocera.

Doctor Heather Barron from CROW addressed the Members at the November Membership lunch held at Charley's Boathouse.

Edison Ford HouseOnce again the Fort Myers Beach Chamber was asked to

decorate a tree at the Edison Ford Winter Estates.

Shown left to right decorating the porch tree is Ambassador and Board Member Robb Capps and Wanda Linstsas with Ambassadors Deb Anderson and RJ Snider. Photo by Donna Fagan

Ambassador Donna Fagan stands in front of the finished tree.

Sand Sculpting

Some of the volunteers who gave up their Thanksgiving to help with Sandsculpting 2014.


Business After Hours

Chairman of the Board John Gavin introduced his new manager Doug Hauser and his wife to the Chamber.

The Chamber Business After Hours held their Business After Hours on November 20 at the Outrigger Beach Resort. Shown left to right are our hostess's Dee Stevens and Paula Poe.

The Hospitality Heroes Award Program needs your support. We are needing $50.00 per month for 5 months from member sponsors to make this program happen again in 2015. Single or monthly billing is available.

The rules for Hospitality Heroes are as follows:

Only Chamber member employees qualify for the awards, and any member qualifies to submit nominations. Businesses are not limited to lodging, food and drink. Management can nominate one employee per month and a business can only have one winner. Please send your nominations via email to [email protected] with a few words as to why this employee deserves the nomination. Winners will be drawn randomly at the monthly Chamber luncheons.

Winners will be featured in the Island Sand Paper and the FMB Chamber Monthly Newsletter. Sponsors will be recognized in all press releases to media.

For more information please call us at the office 454-7500

Support Hospitality Heroes Award Program

Coffee Connection

Joining the fun is L to R Ambassador Donna Fagan of SPD Solutions, Eryka Aptaker of East Commece Solutions Inc. Ambassador and Board Member Wanda Linatsas or Royal Scoop, Chair Elect David Anderson of Krusty Pete's and Jo Kelly of Isle of Art.

Thursday December 4 Island Jewell hosted the Chamber Coffee Connection. Shown L to R is Hostess Maria Carlini with Pat Smith.

Try Our New

Specialty Menu

Offering Low Glycemic

Index And Low

Calories

Chamber Members receive 15% Off your Whole Guest Check

ONE COUPON PER TABLE Can not be used with any other offer. 18% Gratuity may be added to bill before discount. 11am - 10pm,

Expires Feb 1st, 2015

Make sure you pick up a Nelliesdiscount card come

in six times and get a FREE meal

FREE

MARINA DOCKAGE

with Dock Attendant’s

Assistance

With over 100 menu items. You can reel in the largest selection of fresh seafood, prime steaks, delectable sandwiches and on and on and on. Catch fine spirits and get hooked to the beautiful waterfront atmosphere!!!

Entertainment daily on the waterfront.

Nellie’s Upstairs Waterside Bar Where it’s Happy Hourall the time!!!

Take-out Available 239-463-8077www.nervousnellies.net • 1131 1st St., Ft. Myers BeachGPS Coordinates: 26”27’23.41” N, 81”57’15.18” W

Volume 30, Number 1 JANUARY 2015 The Catch of the Day · Elaine Moses Cheryl Nye ...

Documents

Transcript of Volume 30, Number 1 JANUARY 2015 The Catch of the Day · Elaine Moses Cheryl Nye ...