How To Vote For A Local Business

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1 Volume 28, Number 1 January/February 2013 The Catch FortMyersBeachChamber.org of the Day OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER FORT MYERS BEACH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFICERS/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Norma Pevey, Chair Associate Member John Gavin, Chair Elect Gavins Ace Hardware Eric Tibbs, Vice Chair Edward Jones & Company David Anderson, Treasurer Krusty Pete's Bud Nocera, President FMB Chamber Fran Myers, Foundation Red Coconut RV Park RETIRING 31 DECEMBER 2013 Jim Lambeth A Better Bugman Roxie Smith Pink Shell Development Dan Eaton Us Coast Guard Auxillary John Armitstead Lee Memorial Health Systems RETIRING 31 DECEMBER 2014 Steve DeAngelis Nervous Nellie s Brooke Klay Associate Member Terry Luster Kiwanis Ft. Myers Gateway to Islands Ann Alsop Associate Member Robb Capps Premier Sandals Realty RETIRING 31 DECEMBER 2015 Curt Brenner Gullwing Beach Resort Donna Bates Aaa Travel Ellis Etter Pink Shell Resort & Marina Barbara Farrell Iberiabank SPECIAL DIRECTORS Tom Hart Humphrey Knott et al Fran Myers Red Coconut RV Park FOUNDATION BOARD DIRECTORS: John Albion Ann Alsop C21 Tripower Rob Fowler Fowler Company Maryanne Baker Sunstream Realty Inc FOUNDATION BOARD OFFICERS: Fran Myers, President Red Coconut RV Resort Roxie Smith, Vice President Pink Shell Development Cyber Security Tips at February Luncheon, Sponsored by Krusty Pete s Crime Protection Specialists Michelle Sargis and Ronald Kohl, from Lee County Sheriff s Department Districts Charlie and Delta will team together at the February meeting for a special presentation on cyber security for small businesses. This month s luncheon is sponsored by Krusty Pete s. At this point in our ever-increasing reliance on the Internet for business marketing, banking and customer contact, almost all of us know someone who has fallen victim to on-line criminals who have stolen identities, hacked databases, or gained illegal access to bank accounts. The criminals may be working from Eastern Europe or from down the block, but the result is the same: financial loss and a long tedious process of recovery. The Lee County Sheriff s office will tell our members about the depth and degree of scams, hacking and phishing occurring in Lee County. There are examples of how bad the problem is and how it is a growing threat to our local merchants. The methods a criminal may use to obtain your personal identification are as varied as the victims themselves and while there is never a guarantee of not becoming a victim, there are certain steps one can take to greatly reduce the danger. While identity theft criminals have developed many ways of gaining access to your personal information and are continuing to come up with new ideas all of the time, there are ways which can make prevention easier. Everyone who attends the February 14 meeting will come away with easy to follow tips and procedures that will harden the security of their personal and business on-line presence. The luncheon will be February 14 at Charley s Boat House Grill, 6241 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach

2 Volunteers Needed: There are several opportunities coming up to help you Chamber. Call Jane Ross at if you can donate some of your time. Volunteers are need for both planning and on the day of the event. March 19 Mini Masters Golf Tournament April 28 Taste of the Beach May 16 Business Expo Board Highlights From the December Board Meeting 9 new members were reviewed. Board elections were completed. Bambi progress was discussed and miniature golf outing was planned as a fundraiser. From the January Board Meeting 4 new members were reviewed. Jason Camp of Pinchers presented the Chamber with a check for the 2013 Sandsculpting event. Terry Luster was presented as 2013 Ambassador Chair. The Ambassadors collected 350 pounds of food for Harry Chapin Food Bank in December. 2 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

3 By Bud Nocera As we move into the second month of 2013 Our major focus continues to be putting the business community out in front. This philosophy is reflected in our new web site, This web site is about chamber member businesses and beach events. It was designed to assist both local residents and potential visitors to connect with our beach merchants and hospitality industry. The new Chamber web site was designed to be a powerful tool for beach businesses. Right now our Director of Sales Cindi D Andrea and Katrina Salokar, from our website design agency, are accepting appointments with Chamber members. Their purpose is to make sure every member knows know how use our web site database ChamberMaster to take full advantage of their membership. Each member should activate the maximum visibility available on ChamberMaster for their business. The more visibility, the more President s Blog opportunity there is to connect with potential customers. There are many upgrades we have made to our listings that are now included in the basic membership fee. And yes, there are upgrade packages and paid advertising and social media services that will enhance visibility even more. I would recommend that you call Cindi at and make an appointment to learn how to maximize your visibility. We are getting very close to having our first Bambi Visitor Information Center on Fort Myers Beach. So far we have raised $23,000. That is enough money to buy the first Bambi and to start the conversion process to take it from travel trailer to visitor information center. This work is now underway. Our initial budget was $30,000 for each Bambi and it appears our first one will come in at very close to that amount. We need to raise the last $7,000 and get the thirst Bambi on the beach. The last $7,000 will pay for the vehicle wrap for the outside, some spartan furnishings and for the inside, bringing electrical service to the site where the Bambi will be parked. We will also be going through Town permitting, acquiring insurance and the other details required to bring the Bambi into service. Going from fundraising start to having a vehicle on the beach in eight or nine months is amazing. We are asking that our members help us get over the top by making a donation. We will have our Mini Masters miniature golf tournament as a fundraiser for the Bambi on March 19. Eighteen teams will vie for the coveted Green Sweatshirts. We are now accepting reservations for teams! Book your team with Jane today! This month s member luncheon is sponsored by Krusty Pete s On-The- Beach, your on-island, one-stop source for all of your garment decoration, awards and customer gifts. Ask yourself, whose name or logo is on the shirt I m wearing. If it isn t your own, you are missing out on the most cost effective billboard advertising there is YOU and your staff. Using the latest in Direct-to-Garment printing, Embroidery and Rhinestone technology, Krusty Pete s can reproduce your logo or design across a myriad of products from simple tshirts and polos to sweatshirts and jackets and non-wearables like totes and bags. With a minimum of just 1 piece, Krusty Pete s makes it easy to get started - and of course, we like the large quantities too. Whether you are looking for a Business-to-Business, Wholesale or Sub-Contract supplier, talk to Dave or Marcee at Krusty Pete s. You ll find us to be competitive with all of the regional and online suppliers. As a Chamber Member, there is never a setup or digitizing fee. See you at lunch! INFO@FMBCHAMBER.COM San Carlos Boulevard/Fort Myers Beach, Florida / FAX: JANUARY/FEBRUARY

4 Experience Essential Oils Experience Essential Oils is the largest free online reference guide and Oil Shop for therapeutic grade essential oils for people and animals. Nan Martin the owner has intensive expertise using the oils for physical and emotional wellbeing as an internationally known intuitive, energy healer and Certified Raindrop Technique Specialist. She teaches, lectures and consults remotely or in person on an international level; and has a bi-monthly radio program called Change Your Vibe on BlogTalk Radio and Sedona Talk Radio. Nans intuitive consulting and coaching brings instant life changing results says Cindi D Andrea, Account Executive and Event Planner for Experience Essential Oils. She states If you are looking for more abundance, happiness or success in your life Nan is the one to go to! Cindi also stated that Nan s intuitive sessions for animals go way beyond providing information on what the animal is communicating, as she also clears the emotional blocks relating to the health issue or specific behavioral problem! At the end of each session, Nan also selects oils specifically for the person or animal. Nan and Cindi are planning a Business After Hours Event on June 20 as well as an introductory essential oil class that weekend. Nan will also be available for a limited number of individual consults for people and their animals in person following the event and class. If you are interested in improving your health or wealth, finding your true north or discovering more of who you are, then contact Nan or Cindi; or sign up for a complimentary consult on the website (a $100 value) at Experience- Essential-Oils.com West Coast FL Contact for Experience Essential Oils: Cindi D Andrea cindi@experience-essential-oils.com Website: Glee Ann Agius Salty Sam's Marina Eryka Aptake-Wagner East Commerce Solutions Dwayne Bowes Residence Inn Fort Myers / Sanibel Robb Capps Premier Sandals Realty Steve DeAngelis Nervous Nellie s Barbara Farrell IBERIABANK Pat Ferguson Accountable & Professional Home Watch Services Denice Knudsen Premier Sandals Realty Terry Luster Kiwanis Club of Fort Myers Gateway to the Islands Eric Tibbs Edward Jones & Co. Gary Donabed Synovus Bank Sandy Lepley Century 21 Tripower Realty Mike Bint Kings of Merch Fran Podraza CFS Facility Services Nicole Rizzo Baymont Inn and Suites Jonathan Gentile NBS Technology Services Terry Luster, Kiwanis Fort Myers Gateway to the Islands Terry is a 15 year plus member of Kiwanis and he and his wife Viki started this new Kiwanis Club in Realizing positive relationships with Kiwanis clubs and community Chambers of Commerce in other areas of Florida, Terry encouraged the new club leaders and directors to become a member of The Greater Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. He feels the Chamber is one of the best possible ways for any business, organization or individual to become involved, volunteer, and learn about the community in which we work, live, and build relationships to achieve sucess. Terry is currently serving the Chamber as a Director and Chair of the Ambassadors. He also served as 2012 Business Expo Chairman and continues as 2013 Chair. The Ambassadors of the Chamber are a group of member volunteers who extend special warm greetings to new members and reach out to assist the Chamber whenever and wherever possible, to further serve, promote, educate, network, and inform the diversified membership and the community. Ambassadors perform new member welcoming visits, participate in ribbon cutting ceremonies, and attend the three monthly networking events on the first three Thursdays of the month namely Business Card Exchange, Luncheon, and Business After Hours. They also are active in various Chamber events and activities, as well as sponsor an annual Tapa Hop event each September. Ambassadors encourage more member involvement and are always looking for new ideas to assist members in any way possible. If you have an interest in becoming an Ambassador, please contact me at or Jane Ross at JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

5 Bayfront Bistro LLC (239) Shawn LeMarie 4761 Estero Blvd. Ft. Myers Beach, FL Bistro 41 (239) S Cleveland Ave # 143 Fort Myers, FL Captain CJ's Jetpack Adventures (239) Barry Berger 1345 Fifth Avenue South Naples, FL Michael P. Miller CPA, P.L Linda Miller San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers, FL Nease Inc (239) Stephen Nease 1601 Jackson St Fort Myers, FL Bodenhafer, Chuck (239) Chuck Bodenhafer 5870 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL Welcome! Caribbean Home by Stephen Todd (239) Barbara Hire McGregor Blvd #105 Fort Myers, FL Caribbean Pearl Restaurant & Bar (239) David Cain 1661 Estero Blvd. #11-15 Fort Myers Beach, FL Experience Essential Oils (239) Nan Martin 3199 East Community Drive Jupiter, FL R & W Gibson Promotional Products (239) Wayne Gibson 9826 Gladiolus Bulb Loop Fort Myers, FL SERVICE PAINTING OF FLORIDA (239) Crystal Crothers Metro Parkway, Suite K Fort Myers, FL Spray Tan L.A. (973) Janet Duddy 519 Roma East Naples, FL Renewing Members Veolia Environmental Service(M) Yucatan Beach Stand Hodgepodge & Hot Flashes, Inc. EZ to Use Blue Book Florida Power & Light Co Welcome Guide Maps Absolute Best Inc Bennett Chiropractic & Wellness Center DeHays Automotive, Inc. Print Shop Ink of FMB, The Safe-T-Storage Beach Theater, LLC Sunny Day Guide Hooters/LTP Mgmt Tours Information Center, Inc. Smokin' Oyster Brewery Krusty Pete's Santiva Housekeeping BB&T-Oswald Trippe & Company Southwest Fla Distrib/Publishing Inc Gulfshore Grill Sensible Car Rentals Ocean Avenues Publishing, Inc. Pink Shell Development Crown Colony Golf & Country Club JANUARY/FEBRUARY

6 December Bambi Donations Total collected as of January 31st, 2013 : $22, Chamber Champions $500+ Fish Tale Marina Santini Marina Plaza & Self Storage Sunstream Hotels & Resorts Parrot Key Caribbean Grill Airstream Aristocrat $100 + Raffles Tin Can Tourist $50 Crazy Woman Kayaks Island Sand Paper Member News! Beach Chamber Presents Awards at Annual Gala The Greater Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce recognized community leaders for their involvement and work in the Fort Myers Beach Community. The awards were part of the Chamber's Annual Gala, held Friday evening, January 18, at the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina on Fort Myers Beach. Among the recognition made during the evening were: Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Mr. Terry Luster, Kiwanis Fort Myers Gateway to the Islands. This award is to the member of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber Ambassadors who donates the most volunteer hours during the course of the past year. Community Involvement Award: Gavin's Ace Hardware. The Community Involvement Award goes to the person or company that demonstrates through the course of the year their continuing involvement in Fort Myers Beach area activities that benefit and support both the Chamber and other beach community programs. Economic Development Award: Diversified Yacht Services. This annual award goes to the company that has demonstrated their ability to bring economic development and jobs to the Fort Myers Beach area. The Bambi Award: Dan Baggot, SW Florida Brochure Publishing and Distributing. The Bambi Award is a special recognition for assisting the Chamber in realizing its goal of acquiring its first Airstream "Bambi" model travel trailer for conversion to a visitor information center on Estero Island. The Petro Award: Al Durret, Fish Tale Marina. The Petro Award is a new annual award named after longtime Fort Myers Beach Chamber President D.J. "Petro" Petrucelli. It is awarded annually to the Fort Myers Beach. It will be given each year to the person on Fort Myers Beach who epitomizes selfless service to the beach community. Special Honorary Recognition (naming of first Bambi): Roxie Smith. The first Airstream "Bambi" information center will be awarded to longtime beach leader business woman, Roxie Smith, for her lifetime of work promoting Fort Myers Beach and providing hospitality and accommodations to beach visitors. 6 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

7 Salty Sam s Waterfront Adventures Hires Jaime Huffman as Marketing Director Salty Sam s Waterfront Adventures, the area's premier attraction featuring the popular waterfront restaurants Parrot Key Caribbean Grill and Big Game Waterfront Grill, Salty Sam's Marina, the Pieces of Eight Pirate Cruise and numerous fishing and sightseeing charter and rental boats, announces the addition of Jaime Huffman as its new Marketing Director. In this position, Huffman is responsible for the development and execution of all marketing and communication campaigns, including print and digital advertising, social media, and public relations. Relocating from South Carolina, Huffman brings Salty Sam s a vast amount of experience within the marketing and public relations industry. Prior to joining Salty Sam s, Huffman was the Director of Marketing for Palmetto Creative Media in Greenville, SC. She also worked as a Casting Director for CBS and worked on Emmy-award winning television shows such as Amazing Race. Huffman began her career as the Coordinator of Public Relations at Mercy Ministries in Nashville, TN. We're excited to have Jaime join our team," says Matt Hanson, Vice President. She brings a fresh perspective to the company and our marketing efforts. Jaime has the right blend of marketing, social media, and public relations skills that are ideal for extending our brand as one of Southwest Florida s premier attractions. Huffman graduated from University of South Carolina with a bachelor degree in Mass Communications. On joining Salty Sam s, Huffman said: I couldn t be more thrilled at having the opportunity to promote and market all the incredible experiences at Salty Sam s Waterfront Adventures. Whether it s the award winning restaurants, the pirate ship, or any of the other water related activities and charters, Salty Sam s is a unique must do destination offering something for all ages About Salty Sam s Waterfront Adventures Salty Sam's Waterfront Adventures is the area's premier attraction featuring the popular waterfront restaurants Parrot Key Caribbean Grill and Big Game Waterfront Grill, Salty Sam's Marina, the Pieces of Eight Pirate Cruise, and numerous fishing and sightseeing charter and rental boats. Plan to spend the day! The businesses of Salty Sam's Waterfront Adventures have earned such prestigious regional awards as Best Waterfront Dining since 2005, Best Marina Since 2004, Best Waterfront Attraction since 2009 and Small Business of the Year. Founded in 1999 and family owned, Salty Sam's is located at 2500 Main Street, Fort Myers Beach, Florida 2013 Business Expo May 16 The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce Business Expo will be held May 16 from 4 to 7 pm at the Marriott Residence Inn, Summerlin Road, Fort Myers. This year s event will feature business-to-business and consumer-to-business discounts and prizes. The 30 Chamber member exhibit spaces for the Expo are expected to sell out quickly for this unique business producing affair. Applications will soon be available online and in the Chamber office. If you have an interest in joining the Business Expo committee or have any questions, please contact Terry at JANUARY/FEBRUARY

8 Business Card Exchange Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce held their morning Business Card Exchange on Thursday, December 6, at The Island Jewel located at Santini Marina Plaza. Maria Carlini owner of Island Jewel with Terry Luster of Kiwanis Fort Myers Gateway to the Islands Photo by Jane Ross Nicole Rizzo of Baymont Inn and Suites on left with Eryka Aptaker of East Commerce Solutions Photo by Jane Ross Also enjoying our Business Card Exchange is left to right Sandy Lepley of Century 21 Tripower, Dave Anderson of Krusty Petes, John Cavada of Gavins Ace Hardware and Dr. Nicole Bennett of Bennett Chiropractic & Wellness Center. Photo by Jane Ross Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce welcomed the new year with an early morning Business Card Exchange at Pro Files Salon located at San Carlos Blvd. Shown left to right Dwayne Bowes of Residence Inn Fort Myers/Sanibel with Eryka Aptaker of East Commerce Solutions Inc., Denice Knudsen of Sandals Realty and our hostess Debbie Montiel owner of Pro Files Salon. Photo by Jane Ross 8 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

9 New Member Luncheon Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce welcomed three new members at their monthly Membership lunch held on Thursday December 13 at Charley s Boathouse. Shown left to right is Linda Miller of Michael P. Miller CPA,P.L. Chamber President Bud Nocera Debra Anderson and Ken Buhr of Universal Vacations Alicia Weaver of Prestige Estate Service and Chair Elect Norma Jean Pevey. Photo courtesy of Bob Pitcher FM Observer Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Terry Luster, Eric Tibbs and Robb Capps show just a tiny sample of the food that the Ambassador program collected for the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Terry is with the Kiwanis Club of Fort Myers Gateway to the Island, Eric is with Edward Jones on Fort Myers Beach and Robb is with Sandals Realty. Tanger Outlet Mall provided the bags. Chamber Chairman Norma Jean Pevey and Chamber President Bud Nocera welcome new members at the January Membership Luncheon. Receiving their plaques were Cindi D Andrea of Experience Essential Oils and Crystal Crothers of Service Painting of Florida. Photo by Jane Ross JANUARY/FEBRUARY

10 Business After Hours Thank You... Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce lets their hair down at their Christmas Business After Hours which was held at the Pink Shell Spa and Resort. Pictured with Santa (aka John Cavada of Gavins Ace Hardware) are elves Robb Capps, Denice Knudsen and Norma Jean Pevey. Photo by Jane Ross 10 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 Pink Shell Resort & Marina for hosting our December Business After Hours and the following individuals/business members who contributed door prizes for the event. One Flight Up Costco Wholesale Thank You The Print Shop Ink Parrot Key Caribbean Grill Pieces of Eight Pirate Cruise Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille Pink Shell Resort & Marina for hosting iberiabankour December B The Nauti Turtle Hours and the following individuals/business The Beach Pierside Grill members contributed door prizes for Bay the Oaks event. Recreational Campus Edison Ford Winter Estates Red Coconut RV Resort Robb Capps One Denice Flight Knudsen Up Costco A Better Wholesale Bugman The Print Shop Ink Parrot Key Caribbean Grill Pieces of Eight Pirate Cruise Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille iberiabank The Nauti Turtle The Indian Princess for hosting our January Business After Hours and the Thank The Beach Pierside You Grill following individuals/business members Bay Oaks Recreational Campus Thursday Jan. 17th the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce enjoyed a Business who contributed door prizes for the event. After Hours on the Indian Princess an authentic paddlewheel boat. The Indian Princess Edison for hosting Ford A Better our Winter Bugman January Business Estates After Hou Some of those that enjoyed the evening are Andy Massey of Hilton Worldwide with out of Big Game Bar & Grill the following individuals/business Red Coconut members RV Resort town guest Nancy Lantz and Robb Capps of Premier Sandals Realty. who contributed do Fish Tale Marina prizes for the event. Behind them is Brian Josephson from Fort Myers Boat Tours with his guest and standing Robb The Fish Capps House Peggy Patterson of the Fort Myers Princess. Denice Palmetto s Knudsen Apparel Photo by Jane Ross Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce. Salty A Better Sam s Bugman Marina A Better Bugman Big Game Bar & Grill Fish Tale Marina The Fish House

11 Ribbon Cuttings Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce celebrated the updating of Ostego Bay Marine Science Center with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday December 19th. Pictured left to right is Chamber President Bud Nocera with Chair elect Norma Jean Pevey and Ambassador Chair Eric Tibbs of Edward Jones. Cutting the Ribbon is Joanne Semmer and Betty Goodacre of Ostego Bay Marine Science Center with Ambassador Robb Capps of Sandals Realty. In back with the tour group are Ambassadors Dwayne Bowes, Sandy Lepley, Marcee and Dave Anderson, Terry Luster and Jane Ross David and Amy Cain celebrated the opening of their new restaurant Caribbean Pearl with a Ribbon Cutting by the Fort Myers Beach chamber of Commerce on Thursday Jan. 17th. Immediately behind on David on the left is Amy helping with the scissors. Joining in from the Fort Myers Beach Chamber are left to right President Bud Nocera, Denice Knudsen of Sandals Premier Realty, Cindi D'Andrea of the Chamber and far right Terry Luster of Kiwanis Fort Myers Gateway to the Islands. Fran Podraza of CFS Services is seen behind David. Also joining was their restaurant staff. All were treated to some fantastic finger foods immediately following the ribbon cutting. Photo by Jane Ross Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce. Kelly Greens celebrated the completion of their newly remodeled clubhouse with a ribbon cutting with the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce. Cutting the ribbon is Tom Chambers, president of the Kelly Greens board of directors and Lyn Larsen chairperson of the renovation committee. Those present on the January 28 celebration from the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce were Fran Podraza of CFS Services, Chamber President Bud Nocera, Sandy Lepley of Century 21 Tripower, Barbara Farrell of iberia Bank, Robb Capps of Premier Sandals Realty and Eryka Aptaker of East Commerce Solutions. Photo by Jane Ross - Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce JANUARY/FEBRUARY

12 February 2013 Networking Events Business Card Exchange The monthly Breakfast Business Card Exchange will be held on Thursday, February 7th. from 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. Our host will be Synovus Bank Summerlin Road, Fort Myers Enjoy a cup of coffee and networking! Membership Luncheon Our monthly Membership Luncheon will be held on Thursday, February 14th. from 11:45 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Sponsored by Krusty Pete s Our host will be Charley s Boat House Grill San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Enjoy both hot and cold buffet Our guest speakers will be Crime Protection Specialists Michelle Sargis and Ronald Kohl, from Lee County Sheriff s Department Member Cost is $15 in advance or $20 at the Door. Please register online Business After Hours Our monthly Business After Hours will be held on Thursday, February 21st from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Candlewood Suites 9740 Commerce Center Court Fort Myer, FL Great Door Prizes! Our own 50/50 Jackpot drawing! Please visit to make reservations. Save money and time! Prepay by Credit Card! 12 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013