Page 5 - Bonita Springs Florida Chamber

January 2010
Business EDGE
SHARPEN YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
Check Out Our New
Website!
Page 5
JANUARY 2010
2
25071 Chamber of Commerce Drive
Bonita Springs, Fl 34135
(239) 992-2943
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman of the Board—Brian Farrar
BCF Management Group
First Vice Chairman—Sabra Smith
Veritas Employer Services
Second Vice Chairman—James Dati
Bond, Schoeneck & King. P.A.
Treasurer— Joe Murgalo
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa
Immediate Past Chairman—Owen Feeney, D.M.D.
Bonita Estero Dental Group
BUSINESS EDGE
The Business Edge is published on the first Monday of each month.
VICE CHAIRMEN:
Jon Davis, CPA, CFP, Partner
McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
Wendi Fowler
The Client Server
Mike Kennedy
MKA Marketing
Jose R. Lopez
Tinsa
Vince Modarelli
Naples News Media Group
Sheila Seacat
Individual Member
2009-2010 DIRECTORS
Jeanne Burmeister
Bank of Florida
Henry C. Cohen
Cohen & Grigsby, P.C.
Scott W. Duval
Brennan, Manna, & Diamond, P.L.
Len Eckert
iconDo, Inc.
Phyllis Ershowsky
PKE Marketing & PR Solutions, LLC.
George Ghanem
Taylor Rental/Creative Events
Kim M. Hastings
Kim M Hastings, P.A.
Diane Ivey
Coconut Point
Tom Maiale
Key Private Bank
Jon McLeod
Mobile Exposure
Dr. Ed O’Neill
Bonita Chiropractic Center
William B. Shikany
Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home
G. Donald Thomson
Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Christine A. Ross—President & CEO
Stephanie Kissinger—Executive Vice President
Gabrielle O’Boyle—Special Events Director
Julie Liles-Digby—Membership Manager
Ryan Uhler—Marketing Manager
Tiffany Esposito—Communications Manager
Geraldine Pessolano—Executive Administrative Assistant
Cissy Prentiss—Administrative Assistant
Rosemary Stevens—Business Assistant
Thank You to Our 2009-2010
Invest for Success Partners
Chamber Advisors
Alvarez, Sambol, Winthrop & Madson, P.A.
Bonita Estero Dental Group
Brennan, Manna & Diamond, PL
Key Private Bank
Leadership Stewards
Downing-Frye Realty, Inc. – The Saunders Group
Chamber New Member Partners
Bank of Florida
Rosier Insurance
Chamber Investors
Naples News Media Group
The News-Press
Table of Contents
Free Small Business Consulting
Page 3
Power Networking Lunch
Page 4
Discounted Professional Headshots
Page 4
NEW Website Features
Page 5
Calendar of Events
Page 6
Networking Photos
Page 7
New Investors
Page 8
Astronaut to Inspire Area Leaders with
Message on Teamwork
Page 8
Renewing Investors
Page 9
Win Up to $2,000!
Page 9
Ribbon Cuttings
Page 10
YP Honored by Mayor
Page 11
Sign Up for Text Message Event
Reminders
Page 11
Election January 26th—VOTE!
Page 11
3
President’s Note
Technically
and visually
progressive,
this state of
the art tool
will provide
a
higher
level of serChristine A. Ross vice to both
our memPresident & CEO
bers
and
visitors
looking for information on the
region. During the next two
weeks, we will be populating
the site with more photography while fine tuning the content for search engine optimization. From a marketing perspective, we can now provide
video content, twitter, blogs
and a members-only opportunity to purchase enhanced listings both within each category
and on every
page. The enhanced listings
will take the
member out of
the general alphabetical order, and, depending upon
enhancement
level, provide
priority placement at the top
of the page, pictures of your
business, direct
e-mail links, a map link and so
much more. The staff will be
happy to discuss the details of
the new functionality, so call
Stephanie or Tiffany for a personal tour today.
JANUARY 2010
The Chamber’s New Website has Arrived!
Stay warm and join us at one
of our energizing programs
this month. It is the best way
to leverage your membership
investment. Happy New Year!
Christine Ross,
President & CEO
Join the President’s Club!
Give Back to the Community Through College Scholarships
the Bonita Springs Area
Chamber of Commerce Foundation a 501 (c) (3) which annually gives back to the community through college scholarships for local area youths.
This elite organization
is responsible for hosting the
President’s Club Auction
every spring which funds the
scholarships awarded to local
students. As this event is
drawing near, the President’s
Club is searching for committee members to help plan this
event.
If you are interested in
participating on the committee or would like more information about the President’s
Club, please contact Stephanie Kissinger at (239) 9922943 .
BUSINESS EDGE
The President’s Club is
composed of a committed
group of business principals
who take a leadership role in
the Chamber’s efforts to build
a solid business foundation
for the continued growth and
prosperity of the community.
President’s Club members voluntarily contribute
additional funds in order to
provide financial support to
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Power Networking Luncheon
JANUARY 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2009
This event is a fast paced,
structured program to enhance
your networking skills and help
you reach out to the local business
community in order to grow your
business.
Facilitated by Lee Knapp
of Knapp Consultants, Inc. , this
event will be held at Hemingway’s Island Grill in Coconut
Point Mall from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00
p.m.
Attendees will have the
opportunity to present themselves
and their company or service to
other members at the table.
The cost to attend this
luncheon is $30.00. Reservations
must be made by Monday, January
18th. (Please Note: this event has
previously sold out prior to the
cutoff date so be sure to register
early!). This is a members only
event and is limited to three attendees from per company.
Participants are asked to
arrive promptly at 11:30 a.m. and
bring plenty of business cards!
For more information
about this event contact the Chamber at (239) 992-2943. Reservations can also be made online at
www.BonitaSpringsChamber.com
Lee Knapp, Knapp Consultants, Inc.
Professional Headshots at the Chamber
By Photography by David Michael
Wednesday, January 27, 2009
9:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
BUSINESS EDGE
David Michael of David Michael Photography will be at the Chamber on January 27th offering professional headshot photos at a discounted price to Chamber members only.
Price: $89.00 Plus Sales Tax
This package is offered at a special discounted rate:
A professional portrait session lasting up to 30 minutes
Choice of various back drops
Two quality high resolution digital images (one color, one black & white) for business cards brochures,
press releases, ads, etc.
Two quality low resolution digital images (one color, one black & white) intended for web use
Instant previewing for your selection
Special attention to Portrait retouching includes softening facial lines, removing stray hairs, blemishes,
brightening teeth and eyes
One CD
Full copyright permission for unlimited use
Sample portraits can be viewed at www.dmichael.biz. Appointments
are limited. To schedule your appointment today, please call:
David Michael Di Martino
Photography by David Michael
(239) 947-0746
Cell: (239) 913-7097
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JANUARY 2010
BUSINESS EDGE
JANUARY 2010
6
Best Bets
NOVEMBER 12TH
Power Networking Lunch
When: 11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.
Where: Hemmingway’s Island Grill
Plaza Del Lago Drive
Estero, FL 33928
Cost: $30.00
Join us for this fast paced program built to enhance your networking skills. This event will be facilitated by Lee Knapp of Knapp Consultants, Inc. This is
a members only event and is limited to three attendees from per company so make your reservations
now!
Mark Your Calendar
JANUARY 14TH
JANUARY 13TH
Back 2 Basics Brown Bag Lunch
When: 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Where: Chamber Boardroom
Speaker: Deborah Shane, Train With Shane
Topic: “Ten Ways to Stay Ahead of the
Competition”
Business After Hours
Where: Law Offices of John D. Spear
9420 Bonita Beach Road
When: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $10.00 in advance
SAVE THE DATE
JANUARY 28TH
Business Before Business
Where: Emeritus at Bonita Springs
26850 S. Bay Drive
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
When: 8:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
Cost: $5.00 in advance
The Power of Teamwork
February 12, 2010
TechXPO
March 11, 2010
Market Pulse
March 25, 2010
BUSINESS EDGE
***The deadline to register and receive a pre-printed name tag is two days before events by midnight. Thereafter, reservations
prices increase and are based upon availability. All members must register in order for us to provide an accurate count to host.
Chamber Committee Meetings
JANUARY 15TH
8:30 a.m. - Market Pulse Committee
JANUARY 18TH
9:00 a.m. – Economic Development Committee
JANUARY 20TH
4:00 p.m. - Ambassador Committee
JANUARY 28TH
4:00 p.m. – Leadership Bonita Alumni Committee
FEBRUARY 1ST
5:30 p.m. - YP Steering Committee
FEBRUARY 3RD
12:00 p.m. – Government Affairs Committee
FEBRUARY 4TH
8:30 a.m. - President’s Club Committee
FEBRUARY 5TH
8:30 a.m.—TechXPO Committee
“Holiday in Wonderland”
“Holiday in Wonderland”
The Club at Grandezza
The Club at Grandezza
“Holiday in Wonderland”
“Holiday in Wonderland”
The Club at Grandezza
The Club at Grandezza
The Club at Grandezza
“Holiday in Wonderland”
The Club at Grandezza
BUSINESS EDGE
“Holiday in Wonderland”
JANUARY 2010
Networking Event Photos
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JANUARY 2010
8
New Investors from December 02, 2009
through January 5, 2010
Bonita Unique Coupons
(239) 405-1324
Bonita Springs
Home Thai Sushi Bar
239-948-4663
Bonita Springs
Sheila Greenspan
(399) 963-1008
Naples
Elite Mortgage Specialists &
Commercial Lending
(239) 963-1675
Fort Myers
Law Offices of Jay F. Cook, P.L.
239-591-6648
Naples
TINSA USA, Inc.
(239) 992-9171
Bonita Springs
Select Real Estate
(239) 222-2690
Estero
Travelhost Southwest Florida
(239) 643-1656
Florida Text Deals.com
(888) 360-8890
Naples
Janis Winchester
Ft. Myers
The Power of TEAMWORK Knows No Limits
Astronaut to Speak on the Power of Teamwork
BUSINESS EDGE
February 12, 2010
8:30 a.m.—10:00 a.m.
$25.00
Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport @ Town Center
Join us as three time NASA
space shuttle astronaut and Naval
Academy Graduate Captain Pierre
Thuot USN (Retired) shares his experiences as the lead space walking
astronaut on the first flight of the
space shuttle Endeavour; a mission
to capture and repair a stranded
$350M commercial communications satellite.
His presentation will include a NASA documentary movie
of the mission. Please join him and
learn why The Power of TEAMWORK, Knows No Limits…….even
in outer space.
CAPT Thuot received his
Naval Flight Officer wings in August
1978. Following training in the F14A Tomcat at Naval Air Station
Oceana, Virginia, he was assigned to
Fighter Squadron 14 where he
made overseas deployments to the
Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas
aboard the USS John F. Kennedy
and USS Independence. While assigned to Fighter Squadron 14 he
graduated from TOPGUN, the Navy
Fighter Weapons School.
He was then selected to attend the
U. S. Naval Test Pilot School located
at Naval Air Station Patuxent River,
Maryland. Upon graduation in June
1983 he worked as a project test
flight officer at the Naval Air Test
Center flying the F-14A Tomcat, A6E Intruder and the F-4J Phantom
II. In June 1984 he returned to the
U. S. Naval Test Pilot School as a
flight instructor.
CAPT Thuot was a mission
specialist on the nine-day maiden
voyage of the space shuttle Endeavour, which launched on May 7,
1992. During that mission, he performed three space walks that resulted in the capture and repair of
the stranded Intelsat VI F3 com-
mercial communications satellite.
The third space walk was the first
ever three-person space walk. This
8 hour and 29 minute space walk
broke a twenty-year-old space walk
duration record that was held by
Apollo 17 astronauts.
To view Captain Pierre J. Thuot’s
full biography, please click here.
One through Five Years
LA Fitness - Bonita Springs
CNL Bank, Southwest Florida
Classic Floors & Countertops
Susan Holly, CPA, PA
Fafco Solar
Classic Floors & Countertops
Roger Brunswick P.A.- John R.
Wood Inc. Realtors
Six through Ten Years
The Client Server, Inc.
Pelican's Nest Golf Club
United Way of Lee County
The Print Shop
Service First Insurance
Professionals
Champion Cleaners
Eleven through Fifteen
Years
Lassus Wherley Wealth
Wholesale Screen Printing &
Embroidery
Sixteen through Nineteen
Years
ARBC, Corp., Arthur
Rutenberg Homes
Harwick Homes, LLC
B. Franklin Jewelers
Mathes Realty Appraisal Inc.
Twenty Years or more
Citrus Park Trost
International, Inc.
Bohn Chiropractic Clinic
Agnoli, Barber & Brundage,
Inc.
Bert Russ Construction, Inc.
Bonita Veterinary Hospital
Law Offices of John D. Spear,
P.A.
Bill Smith Appliance &
Electronics
Bonita Auto Supply, Inc.
Bonita Boat Rentals & Resort
Presstige Printing &
Datamail
Brown & Brown Benefits
Sunshine Ace Hardware
9
JANUARY 2010
Renewing Investors from
December 02, 2009 through January 5, 2010
Win Up to $2,000!
Purchase Your President’s Club Auction Raffle Tickets Today!
Raffle tickets are
$25.00 each with a 1st
prize of $2,000, 2nd prize
$1,000 and 3rd prize of
$500. There are only 500
tickets available and they are
selling out quickly so get
yours today!
The drawing will take
place at the Auction on April
20th. Winners do not need to
be present to win.
The Auction is open
to the public and will be held
at Bentley Village in Naples.
To purchase a ticket or
donate an auction item, please
contact Tiffany Esposito at
(239) 992-2943 or contact a
member of the President’s
Club Committee.
BUSINESS EDGE
The 2010 President’s
Club Auction is underway!
The theme “It’s a Tropical
Affair” lends way to a Hawaiian atmosphere filled with
fun, excitement and plenty of
games and auction items.
To add to the fun this
year, the President’s Club is
selling raffle tickets and offering you a chance to win up to
$2,000!
JANUARY 2010
10
Ribbon Cuttings
Literacy Council of Bonita Springs
27308 Old 41 Road
Bonita Springs , FL 34135
(239) 495-0999
www.bonitaliteracy.org
Allure Accounting, LLC
BUSINESS EDGE
3665 Bonita Beach Road, #3
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
(239) 992-3355
www.allureaccounting.com
The Terraces at Bonita Springs
27180 Bay Landing Drive, Suite 7
Bonita Springs , FL 34135
(239) 221-8907
www.theterracesatbonitasprings.com
YPs Honored by Mayor for Civic Engagement
JANUARY 2010
(L to R) Mayor Ben Nelson, Tennille Sevigny, Young Professionals Chair, Lisa Adams and Tom Maiale accept a Certificate of Achievement for community involvement on behalf of
the Young Professionals of the Bonita Springs Area Chamber
of Commerce.
The Young Professionals were
honored by Mayor Ben Nelson at the City
Council Meeting on December 16, 2009
for their role in this year’s Holiday in the
Park hosted by the City of Bonita
Springs.
Numerous volunteers from the
organization came out to the event to
assist families get some holiday spirit.
Mayor Nelson presented representatives
with a Certificate of Achievement for
community involvement, which is one of
the cornerstone values of the Young Professionals.
To find out more about the Young
Professionals or to become involved,
please contact Stephanie Kissinger at
(239)
992-2943
or
Stephanie@BonitaSpringsChamber.com.
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Sign Up for Event Reminders via Text Message!
We are now offering
our members a new Event
Reminder Text Message
service to help you stay informed about all the events
we have to offer. You may
opt into this service to receive a text message reminder of upcoming Chamber events on the last day of
pre-registration (so you can
make sure to get in on the
early registration price!)
You will receive
event reminders for Business After Hours, Business
Before Business, Back 2 Basics, and Power Networking
Lunches. To opt in, sim-
ply text “bscc” to
74422! Or, click here for
more information.
Service provided by Florida Text
Deals.com
Get Out and VOTE!
completed between January
11th and January 23rd
(excluding January 18th in
observance of MLK Day) at
24951 Old US 41, Suite #10
in Bonita Springs.
For more information
about early voting call (239)
949-1581 or CLICK HERE.
If you have any questions, please contact the Lee
County Elections Office at
(239) 533-8683 or visit
www.leeelections.com.
BUSINESS EDGE
Don’t forget to go to
the polls on Tuesday, January 26th and VOTE! Councilmen for Districts 1 and 3
and the 10 proposed
amendments will be on the
ballot.
Polling sites will be
open from 7:00 a.m.—7:00
p.m.
Early voting can be