FORT MYERS BEACH MONTHLY NEWSLETTERFEBRUARY 2017 — VOLUME 32, NUMBER 2Official Publication of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce

The Catchof the day

WATER, WATER EVERYWHEREPresident Liszak Spills Feelings About

the Lake O Releases

SMALL BUSINESS GURU EXTRAORDINAIRE

Duane Hoversten to Speak at Monthly Breakfast

AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTHGet to Know Our Vice Chair of Membership

HELLO NEW MEMBERSRentals, Reviews, Real Estate and More

HOW DO I LOVE THEE? LET ME COUNT THE WAVESFollow Your Heart to Fort Myers Beach This Year!

1 | FEBRUARY 2017 FORTMYERSBEACH.ORG

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FORT MYERS BEACH MONTHLY NEWSLETTERAPRIL 2016 — VOLUME 31, NUMBER 4Official Publication of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce

The Catchof the day

A MAN OF MANY TALENTSMeet Representative Ray Rodrigues

SAY NO TO THE LAKE O FLOWThe Value of Leadership and Public Support During a Time of Crisis

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR OR EMPLOYEE?Sail Into a Safe Harbor After Misclassification

IT’S ALL ABOUT BALANCEHow Our Community Can Come Together to Protect Popular Opinion

Food, Drink, Music & Fun!SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2016 | 11AM - 4PMOLD SAN CARLOS BOULEVARD on FORT MYERS BEACH

Come Eat, Drink & Vote!

CONTACT GEORGIA REINMUTH TODAY!(239) 896-5927 • georgia@paradisecg.com

Purchase a Newsletter Insert for One Month & Support

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Fort Myers Beach!

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Meet the Candidatesof the Fort Myers Beach Voting Precincts

Candidates are Invited to Attend an Informal Meeting with Chamber Business

Members to Answer Questions

Thursday • March 2, 2017From 6pm – 8pm

At Fish Tale Marina7225 Estero Boulevard • Fort Myers Beach

This Event is Open to the Public

Your Used Eyeglasses Can Help Someone See Better

The Need is So GreatSince its founding in 1917, Lions Clubs International has worked on projects designed to prevent blindness, restore eyesight, improve eye health and provide eye care for millions of people worldwide.

The Fort Myers Beach Lions Club invites you to participate in their eyeglass recycling program that provides for people in need.

Here’s How You Can Help• Donate new/used glasses, frames, lenses and unused contact

lenses (hearing aids and cell phones also accepted) to a community drop box (i.e., FMB Chamber of Commerce location)

• Become a drop- off location

• Become a member of the Fort Myers Beach Lions Club

info@fmblions.com • 239-823- 8327 (Jerry)

FEBRUARY 2017 | 2FORTMYERSBEACH.ORG

AmbassadorsSue AdamsLegalShield—Unique Benefits Independent Associate

Ken BuhrAssociate Member

Donna FaganFagan Associated Industries

Barbara FarrellIBERIABANK

Lisa FarrellAssociate Member

John Gavin Gavin’s ACE Hardware

Wayne Gibson R&W Gibson Promotional Products

John Henry Advance Solar & Spa

Captain Bubby HowellCaptain Bubby’s IsLAND Tours

Diana Italiano Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina

Dustin Leeka Beach Bubbles & More

Sandy Lepley CENTURY 21 TriPower Realty

Wanda Linatsas Royal Scoop Homemade Ice Cream

Leslie McElheny Associate Member

Charlotte McIntyre Associate Member

Larry McIntyre Associate Member

Fran Podraza CFS Roofing Services, LLC

Linda Reilly Beach Retreats FMB Inc.

Paula SchutteraCaptain Bubby’s IsLAND Tours

RJ SniderSalty Sam’s Marina

Dominick SoricelliHampton Inn & Suites

Elisabeth SussmanLifeVantage

Eric Tibbs Edward Jones & Co.

Larry Witzleben LMT, Neuro-Energy Balance™

Megan Zelenak Sea Gypsy Inn

Febuary BreakfastSPEAKER Duane Hoversten | Founder, Biz Coach PlusJoin us for breakfast Thursday, February 9th, from 8am-10am atCharley’s Boathouse Grill | 6241 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach

Business Referral GroupThis is a great way for you to network, get referrals and support your fellow Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce member businesses. The Business Referral Group consists of about 28 members and meets two times per month at 7:30am. The unique opportunity of being part of this group is that there is only one business per occupation in the group. A member is chosen each meeting to be the guest speaker. The members work together to get referrals for each other and brainstorm ideas for each other’s success. The group is very successful and a second one will be forming soon. Currently, they are spaces for accepting a CPA and an insurance agent. For more information, please contact Fran Podraza at 239-898-4790.

Officers & Executive CommitteeLisbeth Freeman, Esq., Board Chair | Lisbeth Freeman Law PLLCFran Podraza, Vice-Chair Operations | CFS Roofing Services, LLC

Sandy Lepley, Vice-Chair Membership | CENTURY 21 TriPower RealtyCurt Brenner, Vice-Chair Marketing & Business Development | GullWing Beach Resort

Bill Fagan, Treasurer | Patriot Lending Services, Inc.

Chamber StaffJacki Liszak | President

Rhonda Murray | Director of Business Development & EventsPat Smith | Manager of Membership DevelopmentLinda Raines | Administrative Support Specialist

Doug McElheny | Internet & Social Media Manager

1661 Estero Boulevard, Suite 8 • Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33931239-454-7500 • Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm

February Breakfast Speaker Duane Hoversten | Founder, Biz Coach PlusDuane Hoversten has started and owned a broad range of businesses including three fertilizer plants, seven computer stores, a software company, a spice company, a consulting company and a campground. For the last 20 years he has been a Small Business Management Instructor and for the last 16 years a Consultant for the Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC).

Duane has also been very active in his community serving on many boards including the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, Town of Fort Myers Beach Council, Hospital Board of Directors of Lee County, Hutchinson Economic Development, Hutchinson Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Lake Association, Fort Myers Beach Lions Club and a Bank Board.

Duane is a dynamic speaker that will leave you energized. He has created and given numerous seminars including Why Small Businesses Fail and What You Can Do About It, Don’t Let the Economy Crash Your Business and Marketing is Everything. Duane has his Bachelor of Science (BS) from Minnesota State University, Mankato and his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Cardinal Stritch University.

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Water, Water Everywhere...By Jacki Liszak | President, Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce

“Water, water everywhere nor any drop to drink”. — Samuel Taylor Coleridge, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.

We live on a small barrier island, surrounded by water. Our water is our lifeblood; it affects every aspect of our lives. Whether we walk on the beach, kayak in Estero Bay, run a tourism based business or are involved

in a lodging establishment or restaurant, the quality of the water surrounding us directly correlates to our quality of life.

One year ago, we were inundated by rainfall in record levels that pushed Lake Okeechobee’s water to the brink of the levee. The result was the release of millions of gallons of polluted water into the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie River. For weeks the water flowed east and west into our estuaries, coastal waterways and shorelines. The result, as we are all aware, was devastating. The state of emergency declared by Governor Rick Scott and the massive destruction of our estuaries became national news. The blackish-brown line of dirty, polluted water emptying into the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean was visible from the ground and from the air, and it was heartbreaking.

One year later, last year’s rains have not repeated themselves and the weather has remained cool and clear. Unfortunately, the effect of last year is still hovering over us and affecting the economy on our island. Hotel bookings are down, restaurants are slow and visitors are still asking, “How is the water?”.

On Thursday, January 26th, Sen. Rob Bradley (R-Fleming Island) filed a bill (Senate Bill 10) that directs state water managers to purchase land south of Lake Okeechobee and begin constructing a reservoir to hold 120 billion gallons of water. If approved, this bill would set into motion a crucial piece of the Everglades restoration that was conceptualized over 16 years ago.

According to a report by TC Palm, the bill, which has the backing of Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart), would set a December 31, 2017, deadline for the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to find a willing land seller. If unable to do so, the District would then be directed to acquire at least 60,000 acres by way of a stalled option agreement signed in 2010 by landowner US Sugar Corp.

Estimated cost for the reservoir project is $2.4 billion. Senators Bradley, Negron and other supporters anticipate a 50/50 cost share with the federal government, as the reservoir would be a component of existing Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). Florida’s portion, $1.2 billion, would be covered by real estate transaction tax revenues secured through the voter-approved Amendment 1 (Water and Land Conservation Amendment, voter

approved by a 75% margin in 2014). In March 2016, Florida legislators passed the Legacy Florida Act which builds on Amendment 1. The Legacy Act will provide at least $250 million a year to help pay for land and water conservation programs for the next 20 years.

The reservoir is not a new idea, but rather is one of the 68 projects authorized in CERP by Congress in 2000. It is a plan to "restore, preserve and protect the south Florida ecosystem while providing for other water-related needs of the region, including water supply and flood protection.” Currently, project planning for the reservoir is set to begin in 2021. SB10 proposes to move the time frame up in response to the prolonged state of emergency in 2016.

SB10 has become a rallying cry for dozens of individuals and groups including: Daniel Andrews (Captains for Clean Water), Mike Conner (Director of Angler Outreach for Bullsugar.org), Manley Fuller (Florida Wildlife Federation), Jim McDuffie (Pres. Bonefish and Tarpon Trust), Eric Eikenberg (CEO, Everglades Foundation), Cara Capp (Everglades Coalition and National Parks Conservation Association), Blair Wickstrom (Florida Sportsman Magazine), Ed Tamson (Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership), Mike Baldwin, (Co-chair for the Everglades Coalition and Vice President of Ding Darling Wildlife Society), Tom Van Lent (Everglades Foundation), Anglers Coalition for the Everglades and Coastal Conservation Association Florida to name a few.

Proponents say the reservoir will add nearly ten-fold to ongoing efforts and will curtail a cycle of freshwater discharges to the Indian River and Caloosahatchee estuaries. At the same time, the reservoir would serve to refresh historical water supply needs for Everglades National Park and Florida Bay.

Supporters have stated, “People who care about fishing, the Everglades and Florida’s nature-based economy need to get behind this critical legislation.” The Everglades Coalition is “calling on all members of the Florida Legislature and Governor Rick Scott to support this smart and appropriate bill to tackle one of the biggest threats to our state’s water.” Florida Sportsman Publisher Blair Wickstrom said, “Let’s mobilize to get this bill passed."

There is a groundswell of support for our natural resources and for Everglades restoration. We should recognize that as stewards and advocates of clean water, changes in water management policies are necessary. Our water is the lifeblood of our community and its quality directly affects our island and its tourism based economy. It is critical that we continue to push for policy change. We need to stay informed, follow developments, write to our elected officials and support the groups that are behind SB10. It is a smart and appropriate bill that will move the needle on water quality and Everglades restoration.

Water, water everywhere... IT’S TIME TO GET INVOLVED!

FEBRUARY 2017 | 4FORTMYERSBEACH.ORG

February Meetings & EventsBusiness Referral GroupWednesday, February 1st | 7:30am-9amHampton Inn and Suites Fort Myers Beach/Sanibel Gateway11281 Summerlin Square Drive | Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach Art Association Social FundraiserWednesday, February 1st | 5pm-7:30pmFMB Art Association | 3030 Shell Mound Blvd | Fort Myers Beach

Chamber Coffee ConnectionThursday, February 2nd | 7:30am-9amRoyal Scoop Homemade Ice Cream | 2307 Estero Blvd | FMB

Ambassador MeetingThursday, February 2nd | 9am-10amRoyal Scoop Homemade Ice Cream | 2307 Estero Blvd | FMB

FOLKS Songwriters at Sunset Concert SeriesThursday, February 2nd | 4pmLovers Key State Park — Beach Gazebo8700 Estero Blvd | Fort Myers Beach

Executive Committee MeetingWednesday, February 8th | 8amFMBCC Main Office | 1661 Estero Blvd, Suite 8 | Fort Myers Beach

After Hours Tips & Tools for Business OwnersSEO, Is Your Website WorkingWednesday, February 8th | 5pm-7pmFMBCC Main Office | 1661 Estero Blvd, Suite 8 | Fort Myers BeachSPEAKER Duane Hoversten | Founder, Biz Coach PlusHOSTS FMBCC and IBERIABANK

Member BreakfastThursday, February 9th | 8am-10amCharley’s Boathouse Grill | 6241 Estero Boulevard | Fort Myers BeachSPEAKER Duane Hoversten | Founder, Biz Coach Plus SPONSOR Edward Jones & Co.

Government Affairs CommitteeMonday, February 13th | 8:30amFMBCC Main Office | 1661 Estero Blvd, Suite 8 | Fort Myers Beach

Board of Directors MeetingWednesday, February 15th | 8amHampton Inn and Suites Fort Myers Beach/Sanibel Gateway11281 Summerlin Square Drive | Fort Myers Beach

Business Referral GroupThursday, February 16th | 7:30am-9amHampton Inn and Suites Fort Myers Beach/Sanibel Gateway11281 Summerlin Square Drive | Fort Myers Beach

Business After HoursThursday, February 16th | 5:30pm-7:30amHooters | 1600 Estero Blvd | Fort Myers Beach

New Business Workshop | Business BasicsThursday, February 16th | 5pm-7pmFMBCC Main Office | 1661 Estero Blvd, Suite 8 | Fort Myers BeachSPEAKER Duane Hoversten | Founder, Biz Coach PlusHOSTS FMBCC and IBERIABANK

Commotion by the OceanThursday, March 2nd | 6pm-8pmFish Tale Marina | 7225 Estero Blvd | Fort Myers Beach

The Government Affairs Committee is currently working on the following topics:

• Right of Way Issues on Estero Boulevard• Request for More Prominent Police Presence

Along Estero Boulevard Within Work Zones• Staying Informed on Water Quality and SB10

Legislation• Development Issues on the Island• Flood Insurance • Commotion by the Ocean for Fort Myers Beach

Town Council Elections

If you would like to get involved with the Government Affairs Committee, please contact the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce Office.

239-454-7500 | info@fmbchamber.com

YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK

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January Coffee ConnectionHOST Island View at Lani Kai Island Resort | 1400 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach

January Member LuncheonHOST Charley’s Boathouse Grill | 6241 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach

Johnette Nelms (Beach Baptist Church), Curt Brenner (FMBCC Vice Chair, GullWing Beach Resort), John Henry (Advance Solar & Spa)

Tanya Kaish Keller (Fort Myers Beach Friends of the Arts), Janeen Paulauskis (FMBCC Board Director, Fish Tale Marina)

Sherry Spicer (Sanibel Outlets), Terry Inscoe & Julie Harmon (American Cancer Society), Sara Holderfield (Sanibel Outlets)

Fran Podraza (FMBCC Vice Chair, CFS Roofing Services, LLC), Tony Italiano (Technologies Pro Group, LLC), Diana Italiano (Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina)

Georgia Reinmuth (Paradise Creative Group), Jacki Liszak (FMBCC President), Paula Sisk (Telephone Support Systems), Bob Layfield (Island Sand Paper), Pam Flaherty (Fort Myers Beach Art Association)Johnette Nelms (Beach Baptist Church), Donna Fagan (FMBCC Ambassador)

Beth Freeman (FMBCC Board Chair, Lisbeth Freeman Law, PLLC), Fran Podraza (FMBCC Vice Chair, CFS Roofing Services, LLC)

Ribbon CuttingRE/MAX Under the Sun | 2801 Estero Blvd, FMB

FMBCC Members, Ambassadors and Friends gather to welcome RE/MAX Under the Sun and to celebrate the opening of their office located at 2801 Estero Boulevard in the Sea Grape Plaza

Ribbon CuttingCasablanca Cafe at Lani Kai | 1400 Estero Blvd, FMB

Bob Conidaris cuts the ribbon welcoming Starbucks Coffee to the Casablanca Cafe at the Lani Kai Island Resort with FMBCC Members, Ambassadors and Friends

Baristas Angela Gentile, Melissa Murr & Tina Paige (Casablanca Cafe at the Lani Kai Island Resort)

Ambassador of the MonthSandy Lepley | CENTURY 21 TriPower Realty

Sandy Lepley is a third generation Fort Myers resident who has lived on Fort Myers Beach since 1999. After busy careers in regional planning, education counseling and administration, and marketing, she followed family into real estate rather than retiring because... "It's a people business and I really know and love SW Florida. It’s great to have some flex time to be able to serve the community too."

Sandy has completed leadership programs for the

Board of Realtors and the Town of Fort Myers Beach. She is currently serving on the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce Board and Kiwanis Club of Fort Myers Beach Board and on Lee County and Island committees. Also, she and her husband foster rescued kittens. The couple have a combined family of four sons and two grandchildren.

This year Sandy is the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce Vice Chair of Membership promoting active networking for success, stewardship and also fun.

Please contact Sandy for all your real estate needs at CENTURY 21 TriPower Realty at 239-463-5887.

FEBRUARY 2017 | 6FORTMYERSBEACH.ORG

New Member SpotlightsEstero Island Taxpayers Association (EITA)Beverly Milligan239-529-8785 | esteroislandta.orgPO Box 2505 | Fort Myers Beach

Working for Equal Representation for All Estero Island Taxpayers

Estero Island Taxpayers Association announce I COUNT!, a focused campaign representing the rights of all Estero Island taxpayers and their role in local economic and political decision making.

Exclusive Affair Party RentalsDavid and Sherry May239-267-1237 | fortmyerspartyrentals.com2206 Andrea Lane, Unit C | Fort Myers

Located in Fort Myers, Exclusive Affair Party Rentals is Southwest Florida’s premier party rental company. They are a full service wedding, event and party rental provider, supplying everything you need from start to finish. Whether you are planning a small intimate gathering, a large wedding or corporate event, they have the products, service and attention to detail that will make your next event a huge success.

They sincerely appreciate your interest and look forward to combining your imagination and our experience to produce the event that you have envisioned.

Gulf Breeze CondosCheryl K. Martin239-699-6114 | gulfbreezecondos.com5577 Estero Boulevard | Fort Myers Beach

Gulf Breeze Condominiums provide the perfect family escape any time of the year. Just across the street from the beach—relax by the heated pool, explore seven miles of shoreline, rent a personal watercraft… or so much more.

Located in the middle of Estero Island, conveniently between the incredible nature of Lovers Key State Park and the bars, boutiques and restaurants of downtown Fort Myers Beach. Fully furnished 1 and 2 bedroom condos offer all the comfort and convenience of home. Rent a 1-bedroom for a spontaneous getaway or rent all four units for your unforgettable vacation with family and friends.

Interim HealthCare of Charlotte CountyCassie Conrad941-787-5636 | interimhealthcare.com3390 Tamiami Trail, Suite 203 | Port Charlotte

Believing that living in the comfort of your own home can make a huge difference in your quality of life, Chuck and Cassie Conrad, Owners of Interim HealthCare of Charlotte County, FL are dedicated to delivering home care services with unmatched compassion.

Interim HealthCare employs an experienced staff of home care experts.

LegalShield — Unique BenefitsSue Adams, Independent Associate989-414-3196 | uniquebenefits.orgSouthwest Florida

Everyone Deserves Legal Protection

At LegalShield, they’ve been offering legal plans for 40 years, creating a world where everyone can access legal protection—and everyone can afford it. Unexpected legal questions arise every day and with LegalShield on your side, you’ll have access to a high-quality law firm for as little as $20 a month. From real estate to document review, speeding tickets to will preparation, and more, their attorneys are here to advise you with any legal matter—no matter how traumatic or how trivial it may seem. Their law firms are paid in advance so their sole focus is on serving you, rather than billing you. With their legal plan you will be protected and empowered to worry less and live more.

RE/MAX Under the SunApril Nixon239-314-5360 | remax.com2801 Estero Boulevard | Fort Myers Beach

40 Years of Outstanding Agents and Outstanding Results

From a single office that opened in 1973 in Denver, CO, RE/MAX has grown into a global real estate network of franchise-owned and operated offices with more than 90,000 sales associates. Those agents constitute the world's most productive real estate sales force. Through their efforts, they've made it possible to say that nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX

Technologies Pro Group LLCTony Italiano813-610-3254 | sohowdwedo.comSouthwest Florida

A proven way to engage customers forever, a powerful way to learn about what is and is not working with your business, a stunningly effective way to harness the raw power of social media, and a time-tested way to start getting long term, targeted search engine traffic all in one incredibly engineered platform.

Please contact the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce Office for rates.239-454-7500 | info@fmbchamber.com

CONFERENCE ROOMFor Meetings, Classes, Etc.Located at the Chamber Office1661 Estero Boulevard, Suite 8 • FMB

HOST Walmart | 17105 San Carlos Boulevard, Fort Myers BeachSPONSORS The News-Press Media Group | Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina | The Print Shop Ink | Sky Zone Trampoline Park

THANK YOU TO OUR HOST & SPONSORS!