The Catch of the Day The Catch of the Day

Volume 28, Number 8
FortMyersBeach.org
239-454-7500
September 2013
The Catch
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
John Armitstead – Lee Memorial Health Systems
RETIRING 31 DECEMBER 2014
Steve DeAngelis – Nervous Nellie’s
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
Maryanne Baker – Sunstream Realty Inc
Linda Beasley
Rob Fowler – Fowler Company
Ginny Smith – Pink Shell Development
FOUNDATION BOARD OFFICERS:
Fran Myers, President – Red Coconut RV Resort
Come Meet Mei-Mei Chan President and
Publisher of The News-Press Media Group
Meet Mei-Mei Chan at our September Membership Luncheon! Mei-Mei joined The
News-Press Media Group as President and Publisher in March 2010, and has
established herself as a dynamic community catalyst. She is passionate about
civic leadership
and the important
role The News-Press plays in helping reflect,
MEI-MEI
CHAN
connect, challenge
and
lead
Southwest
Florida, with the core purpose of serving
President and Publisher
the greater good.
The News-Press Media Group
Dr. Martin
KingofJr.theBlvd.
Mei-Mei has 2442
an unusually
broadLuther
knowledge
media industry, having held
Fort
Myers,
FL
33901
executive positions in news, circulation, consumer marketing and advertising.
She came to Florida from The Seattle Times Company, where she had been the
Vice President of Advertising.
Mei-Mei joined The News-Press Media Group as President and Publi
She is the 2013 recipient of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Apex Award, honoring
hasinestablished
as a dynamic
community
catalyst.
passiona
outstanding and
“Women
Business.” Inherself
2012, Mei-Mei
received the
following honors:
stateShe
Sen.isMike
leadership
and
the
important
role
The
News-Press
plays
in
helping
reflect,
co
Bennett and Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto presented her the Senator’s Award for helping ignite new
lead
Southwest
Florida,
with
the
core
purpose
of
serving
the
greater
good.
regional engagement around the important topic of education as an economic driver; The Estero
unusually
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industry,
ha
Chamber of CommerceMei-Mei
named herhas
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year; the Gannett
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parpositions
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news,
circulation,
consumer
marketing
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advertising.
She
came
ent of The News-Press, honored her for diversity and leadership at its annual employee awards; and
The ofSeattle
Times
where
she had
been the
Vice
President
Unity: Journalists
Color listed
her Company,
among the 100
outstanding
journalists
of the
past
century. of Adve
She is the 2013 recipient of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Comm
Mei-Mei has honoring
long been outstanding
involved in leadership
development
and nowInserves
a memberreceived
of the the
“Women
in Business.”
2012,asMei-Mei
Horizon Council, Lee County’s Economic Development partnership, chairing its Economic Developstate Sen. Mike Bennett and Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto presented her the Sena
ment Task Force; the Advisory Council for FGCU’s Lutgert College of Business; the Naples Chamber of
helping ignite new regional engagement around the important topic of educat
Commerce Board; and as a statewide trustee for the PACE Center for Girls.
driver; The Estero Chamber of Commerce named her the corporate person of
Previously, Mei-Mei
held
editor and the
reporter
positions
at News-Press,
the Post Register
in Idahoher
Falls,
the
Gannett
Company,
parent
of The
honored
forID,diversity
an
Chicago Sun-Times,
Weekend awards;
magazine,and
USA Unity:
Today and
the Commercial
News in
Danville,
annualUSA
employee
Journalists
of Color
listed
her IL.
among the
journalists
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pastincentury.
Born in Canton,
China, Mei-Mei
Hong Kong until the family immigrated to Chicago when
Mei-Mei
has
long been
in leadership
she was 7. She is a communications graduate
frominvolved
the University
of Illinois atdevelopment
Champaign. Sheand
is now
of
the
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Lee
County’s
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Development
partnership,
c
married to Randy Kirk, a former journalist; they have two grown children and enjoy playing tennis,
Economic
musical theater,
traveling Development
and exploring. Task Force; the Advisory Council for FGCU’s Lutge
Business; the Naples Chamber of Commerce Board; and as a statewide truste
Center for Girls. Our Membership Luncheon will
Join us
Thursday,
September 12th
Previously,beMei-Mei
held
editor
and
in the morning
this
month
to reporter positions at the Post Reg
help everyone
beatWeekend
the
ID, the Chicago Sun-Times,
USA
magazine, USA Today and the C
attraffic.
11:30am
Danville, IL.
at Charley’s
Boat
House Grill,
Join us Thursday,
March 14th
at
Born in Canton,
China,
Mei-Mei
lived
in
Kong until the family
8:30am
at Charley’s
Boat
House FortHong
6241
Estero
Blvd,
Myers
Beach,
Chicago when she was
SheEstero
is a communications
graduate from the Univers
Grill,7.6241
Blvd, Fort
a Beach
delicious
Membership
Luncheon.
Champaign. She is for
married
to Randy
Kirk,
a former journalist;
they have two
Myers
for a delicious
Breakfast
Buffet.
enjoy playing tennis, musical theater, traveling and exploring.
[email protected]
www.FortMyersBeach.org
17200 San Carlos Blvd.
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
239-454-7500 / FAX: 239-454-7910
Bud Nocera – President
Jane Ross – Member Service and Volunteer Coordinator
Cindi D’Andrea – Director of Sales
Mary Beth Broderson-Soper – Accounting
Doug McElheny – Internet & Social Media Manager
Pete Fry – Front Desk
Kathy Hanagan – Roxie
Janet Malloy – Front Desk
September 5 7:30 - 9:00 am
Chamber Coffee Connection
@ Beach Family Medical Clinic 1661 Estero Blvd.
9:15 am
Ambassador Meeting
September 11 8:00 am
Executive Committee
September 12 11:30 am
Membership Lunch
@ Charley’s Boathouse
September 17 5:30 pm
Tapa Hop
Departs from The Fish House
September 18 8:00 am
Board Meeting
10:00 am
Ribbon Cutting for Exclusive Consulting
Chamber office
September 19 10:00 am
Traffic Meeting
Aye M ate y’s!
Its Not Too L ate!
It’s not too late to become a Pollo Tropical® Pirate Fest
sponsor! No matter how large or small your desired
involvement, we have several packages availible to suit.
We greatly appreciate those who have already signed
up and remind our members that these events
help us draw tourism not only on Columbus Day
weekend... they promote return visits all year round
and make our beaches a memorable place to visit.
Give us a call at 454-7500 to discuss this opportunity.
www.pollotropicalpiratefest.com
2
SEPTEMBER 2013
September 25 10:00 am
Christmas Boat Parade Committee
All meetings are held at the Chamber office unless
otherwise noted.
Join a committee and make a difference!
If you would like to join any of these committees,
contact Jane Ross at 454-7500.
FortMyersBeach.org
There are several opportunities coming up to help your Chamber.
Call Jane Ross at 454-7500 if you can donate some of your time.
Volunteers are needed for both planning and on the day of the event.
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.
Want to join the scalawag Pirates? Need volunteers for the Pirate
Fest both Saturday and Sunday Oct. 12 and 13.
Like to play in the sand? Need 200 volunteers for our 27th Annual
American Sandsculpting Championship November 22 to December 1.
No heavy lifting involved.
 Donna Bates of AAA
 Patsy Dorsey of Fort Myers Beach Lions Club
 Carolyn Crosby
 Debby Kildow
 Cheryl Nye
 Jessica Titus of Fort Myers Beach Realty
 Sandy Hein
 Jean-Ann Walker
 Joni Johnson
 Ken Tribble of Re/Max Realty
 Debra Anderson of Universal Vacations
Tuesday, Sept. 17
Join us for our 11th annual Tapa Hop
Oct. 11 -13
Pirate Festival
Nov. 22 – Dec. 1
American Sandsculpting Championships
Saturday, December 7
Christmas Boat Parade
Thanks to SunStream for
Sponsoring our
August Luncheon
Monica Flowers Crews is originally from Alexandria Indiana. She moved to Fort Myers
Beach in 1986 and immediately began working for SunStream, which is headquartered at
6231 Estero Boulevard. For the past 27 years,
SunStream has operated resort, hotel, condominium and timeshare
properties that have welcomed guests from around the world; and is
widely acknowledged for introducing the first "turnkey" management
rental program in Fort Myers Beach, and one of the first "condo-hotel"
property management companies in Florida. SunStream's collection of
managed properties feature restaurants, spas, conference space, activities programs and leasable commercial space; and they showcase
the exemplary service and warm hospitality that garners SunStream
an excellent repeat guest rate. SunStream also has a Realty division
and Development division. Truly having learned the business from the
ground up, Monica's held over a dozen positions with SunStream in
operations, finance, and human resources on both the property and
corporate levels. Currently, Monica serves in the position of Executive
Director assisting the President with administrative and new business
matters. Monica has held a Florida Community Association Manager’s
license since 1995 and a Florida Real Estate Sales Associate’s license
since 2009.
SunStream's Esterra Professional Center located at 6231 Estero
Boulevard has Class "A" Commercial Office space for lease, ranging
from 150 sf to 2,600 sf. Please contact Monica at 765-4111 for more
information.
FortMyersBeach.org
SEPTEMBER 2013
3
By Bud Nocera
The Real Impact of the Lake Okeechobee Discharge
Every summer for the past many years the
rainy season has brought water releases from
Lake Okeechobee. Normally the plume of water flowing from the lake only affected the
northern end of the beach and Matanzas Bay.
This year the water release is much larger,
visually more negatively impacting, and affects our entire island and bay. It has created
an economic issue that is detrimental to our
island’s tourism economy.
The problem is not only affecting Fort Myers
Beach, but also Sanibel, Captiva and the
coastal waters near St. Lucie and Fort Pierce,
including the Indian River Lagoon. From a
survey we conducted in August, the water discharge is harming our tourism. It’s a problem
that will not go away with a PR or marketing
effort.
On August 21 the chamber sent out an electronic survey to its 114 accommodations
members. By August 26, 40 accommodations
responded. This is a large enough sample to
be statistically accurate for our beach. Here
are the results:
Question 1:
Have you had questions from guests regarding the water quality of the Gulf or Bay?
Question 4:
Have you suffered a financial loss because of
the water issue?
39 accommodations responded to this question.
Response: 59% answered yes.
Question 5:
If yes, how much?
34 accommodations responded to this question.
Response:
< $1,000: 35%
$1,000 to $5000: 43%
$5,000 to $10,000: 13%
>$10,000: 9%
solutions be implemented. Any solutions must
ensure the discharge from Lake Okeechobee
does no harm to the Caloosahatchee River,
our estuaries, bays or the Gulf of Mexico.
If we do not insist on action, every summer,
to some greater or lesser extent, we will have
turbid water, and every severe rainy season
there will be a crisis. Red tide will continue
to be an issue. In the long term, without permanent solutions, our reputation as a destination may be increasingly damaged. In
this age of Trip Advisor and online consumer
reviews of destinations, we need beaches we
know will be clean and visually inviting for
visitors.
As you can see, the results are troubling. We
have gone from one of the strongest tourism
years in our island’s history to seeing cancellations and shortened stays, as well as weak
reservations for Labor Day Weekend.
Yes, this is an issue for our local accommodations. But make no mistake, this is a tourism, real estate, restaurant, gift shop and
jobs issue. It is about our future economic
prosperity. It is an issue that can no longer
be ignored.
It is time for action from our state and federal
officials. We as residents and business owners must insist that both short and long term
Perhaps most importantly, it is an issue of
the legacy we leave to our children and future
generations.
40 accommodations responded to this question.
Response: 95% answered yes.
Question 2:
Have you had cancellations or guests leaving
early because of the water issue?
40 accommodations responded to this question.
Response: 63% answered yes.
Question 3:
Have you had guests indicate they will not return because of the water issue?
40 accommodations responded to this question.
Response: 60% answered yes.
4
SEPTEMBER 2013
Affordable Member-2-Member Adveritsing
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$50 - 1/8 page
$75- 1/4 page
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$150 / INSERT
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For more details, contact:
Cindi D'Andrea at [email protected] or 239-454-7500 ext 206
FortMyersBeach.org
Debra Anderson – Universal Vacations
Your Foundation at Work
Dwayne Bowes – Residence Inn Fort Myers/Sanibel
The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce Foundation was established in 1985. The purpose
was to assist the Greater Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce in its efforts to help
promote Fort Myers Beach and the area in attracting visitors to our beautiful tropical island. In
addition, the Foundation later expanded its role and took on a program to assist area students
in their quest to attend, after graduation from high school, an institution of higher education by
providing scholarships.
Robb Capps – Premier Florida Realty
John Crane - Northwestern Mutual Naples/
Estero Group
Steve DeAngelis – Nervous Nellie’s Inc.
Gary Donabed – Synovus bank
Barbara Farrell – iBERIABANK
The Foundation also assists mostly financially, the Fort Myer Beach Elementary School by providing materials and equipment that the school needs – over and above what the Lee county Board
of Education can provide. Also with the assistance of the Fort Myers Beach Fire Dept. they make
Christmas a happy time for needy Beach Children with the arrival of Santa in a Fire Truck delivering hundreds of toys and clothing.
Jaime Huffman – Pieces of Eight Pirate
Cruise
Denice Knudsen – Premier Florida Realty
Sandy Lepley – Century 21 Tripower
Wanda Linatsas – Royal Scoop Ice Cream
Funding from the Foundation comes from a variety of sources; from the members of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce; individuals, from the sale of items donated by individuals and
from some Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce special events. This is where your Foundation Donation money goes.
Terry Luster – Kiwanis Club of Fort Myers
Gateway to the Islands
Fran Podraza – CFS Roofing Services
Charles Stallings – Hampton Inn & Suites
Eric Tibbs – Edward Jones & Co.
Tapa Hop Opportunities
It’s that time of year again for the 11th Annual Fall
Tapa Hop hosted by the Greater Fort Myers Beach
Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors on September 17th, 2013.
We are looking for businesses that would be interested in contributing a raffle/door prize of any value.
These prizes should be dropped off at the Chamber
of Commerce or I will be happy to save you the trip
and come by your place of business to pick them up.
per Poker Score Card (no limit - while they last)
you will draw a Playing Card at each of the 5 locations. The winner will be determined at South
Beach Grille the final restaurant location with
the best 5 card hand and win a cash prize.
Where is the Tapa Hop? The check in will begin at The Fish House Restaurant located behind
Santini Marina Plaza at 4:30pm.
When is the Tapa Hop? Tuesday, September
We also have a few spots left to hang your business
17th, 2013. Check-In begins at 5 pm at The
banner during the event on one of our Beach Trolleys
Fish House. The first Beach Trolley will depart
for only $100 (you must supply the banner).
promptly at 5:30 pm. All Trolleys will return to
South Beach Grille at Santini Marina Plaza around 9:30 pm for the final
that time of year again for the 11 annual Fall Tapa Hop hosted by the Greater Fort Myers Beach Area
Please remember that YOUIt’s
and
YOUR employees are invited to attend
Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors on September 17th,prize
2013. drawings and awarding the Best Poker Hand. (*Must be present
the event too!! Tickets purchased in advance are only $30; tickets
to
win)a raffle/door prize of any value. These prizes
We are looking for businesses that would be interested in contributing
purchased at the door the day
ofbethe
eventoffwill
$35 and
are based
should
dropped
at thebe
Chamber
of Commerce
or I will be happy to save you the trip and come by your place of
to pick them
on availability. Tickets canbusiness
be purchased
atup.the chamber office or at
If you have any questions concerning the event or would like me to
www.fortmyersbeachtapahop.com.
pick the
upevent
youronraffle/door
prize,
please
contact
We also have a few spots left to hang your business banner during
one of our Beach
Trolleys
for only
$100 me at 239-218-8787 or
(you must supply the banner).
[email protected]
What Is Tapa Hop? With thePlease
purchase
of an
ticket
you
will board
remember
thatevent
YOU and
YOUR
employees
are invited to attend the event too!! Tickets purchased in advance
are
only
$30;
tickets
purchased
at
the
door
day of the event
will be $35 and are based on availability.
one of our Beach Trolleys visiting 7 participating ChambertheMember
Sincerely,
Restaurants each serving 3What
of their
specialty
to munch
Denice
Ambassador
Is a Tapa
Hop? “goodies”
With the purchase
of anon
event ticket
you Knudsen,
will board one
of our Beach Trolleys visiting 6
participating
Chamberadditional
Member Restaurants
eachofserving
theirMyers
specialty
“goodies”
munch on and
a cash
and offering a cash bar. With
the nominal
purchase
$1 3 ofFort
Beach
Areato Chamber
of offering
Commerce
bar. With the nominal additional purchase of $1 per Poker Score Card (no limit - while they last) you will draw a Playing
Card at each of the 6 locations. The winner will be determined at South Beach Grille the final restaurant location with the
best 5 card hand and win a cash prize.
FortMyersBeach.org
Where is the Tapa Hop? The check in will begin at The Fish House Restaurant located behind Santini Marina Plaza .
SEPTEMBER 2013
5
Coffee Connection
On Thursday, August 1, the Fort Myers Beach
Chamber of Commerce held their monthly
"Chamber Coffee Connection" at the Residence
Inn Fort Myers/Sanibel. Shown here is our host
Mr. Dwayne Bowes, Director of Sales, with Board
Chairman Norma Jean Pevey.
Enjoying a chat with a guest at the Chamber Coffee Connection is (far left) Chamber
Treasurer David Anderson, co-owner of Krusty Pete's; (far right) Ambassador John
Crane of Northwestern Mutual Naples/Estero; and Ambassador Barbara Farrell of
iBERIABANK.
Scholarship Winners
On Thursday August 8, 2013, the Fort Myers Beach Chamber Foundation presented their annual scholarships to Beach resident students.
Foundation president Fran Myers (on the left) presented the scholarships with Dr. Nancy Graham, the Superintendent of Lee County School
District (shown far right).
Students in no particular order are Samantha Neumaier, Bailey Mullarkey, Collette Kiesel, Sarah Swanbeck, Bonnie Rich, Robert Swanbeck,
Stan Stouder, David Albion, Hannah Albion, Jordan Wallace, Dean Wm.
Simmons, Rachael Whitehead and Jennifer Hemstreet. Three were already
in school and not able to attend they are: Anthony Monaco, Ryan Jenkins and
Eddie Collins.
Our congratulations and best wishes to all our students!
New Member Luncheon
New member Lesley Mercer of Sky Zone Fort Myers is shown with
Chairman of the Board Norma Jean Pevey and Vice Chair Eric Tibbs.
6
SEPTEMBER 2013
FortMyersBeach.org
Business After Hours
Girls just want to have fun... Aboard the Fort Myers Princess (left to right) Ambassador
Wanda Linatsas of Royal Scoop on the Beach, Deb Nelson, Dr. Nicole Bennett of Bennett
Chiropractic & Wellness Center, Barb Mezeske of Sunstream Realty and Pat Smith.
Thank
You!
Chairman of the Ambassador's Terry
Luster of Kiwanis Fort Myers Gateway
to the Islands with a new Chamber
member Naylet Liptak.
A Big Thank You to Capt. Gene of the Fort Myers Princess for hosting our August
Business After Hours. Also to Nervous Nellie’s for catering the food.
Raffle Donor’s were: Royal Scoop Ice Cream, Salty Sam’s Waterfront Adventures,
Snook Bright Marina, Hampton Inn, Residence Inn, Parrot Key Caribbean Grill, Krusty
Pete’s, A Better Bug Man, and Robb Capps.
The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce held their monthly
Business After Hours Thursday August 15 aboard the Fort Myers
Princess. Enjoying a cocktail (from left to right), are Marcee
Anderson, co-owner of Krusty Pete's; Bessie Anderson; Chamber
Treasurer David Anderson, also co-owner of Krusty Pete's, with
his Dad Godfrey Anderson. Looks like Mom and Dad had a great
time.
Enjoying the cruise on the Fort Myers Princess is Ambassador
Debra Anderson of Universal Vacations along with Ken Buhr, also
of Universal Vacations, with Chamber Chairman of the Board
Norma Jean Pevey.
FortMyersBeach.org
SEPTEMBER 2013
7
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8
SEPTEMBER 2013
FortMyersBeach.org
17200 San Carlos Blvd
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
PAID
FORT MYERS, FL
PERMIT #569
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
FREE KAGE
DOC ant’s
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MAR ck Attend
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with D ssistance
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Lunch, Dinner and
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Happy Ho
Where it’s time!!!
all the
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15% Off ryeceive
Whole Gue our
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ONE COUPO
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1131 1st St., Ft. Myers Beach • www.nervousnellies.net
GPS Coordinates: 26”27’23.41” N • 81”57’15.18” W
an not be
w
Gratuity mith any other offer. 18%
ay be added
to bill before
discount.
Expires Oct 11am - 10pm,
ober 6th,20
13