Real Estate: An Overview of the Current Situation in Southwest Florida

Transcription

a
p u b l i c a t i o n
o f
t h e
g r e a t e r
n a p l e s
c h a m b e r
o f
c o m m e r c e
Business Currents
A U G U S T
2 0 0 8
w w w . n a p l e s c h a m b e r . o r g
Real Estate:
An Overview of the
Current Situation in
Southwest Florida
PAGE 14
Reason and Emotion:
Leadership in Difficult Times
PAGE 11
Community in Action:
The Collier County
Foreclosure Task Force
PAGE 25
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AUGUST 2008 I Business Currents I Visit Us Online at www.napleschamber.org
CONTENTS
11
BUSINESS CURRENTS MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2008 | VOLUME 3 / NUMBER 8
14
C OV E R S TO RY
R E A L E S TAT E : A N O v e r v i e w o f
the Situation in Southwest
Florida
Everyone knows the real estate market has cooled in the past year. But are some
parts of the industry flourishing? This month we talk with several professionals in the
industry to find out the inside scoop.
SMALL BUSINESS
Timely Reminders for Small Business
Owners
Find out what they’re doing to save homes in
Collier County................................................25
This month, our friends at SCORE provide a list of MANAGEMENT
helpful tips to keep your small business running Better Feedback = Better Performance: A
smoothly, efficiently -- and legally!......................7 Five Step Model
Improving feedback to employees may
be one of the best ways to improve your
LEADERSHIP
business’ performance. Columnist Jeff Grady
Reason and Emotion: Leadership in
offers a simple five step guide to help you
Difficult Times
achieve that end..........................................29
Good leadership is a critical attribute at any
time, but becomes even more important
during tumultuous times. Explore how to THE CHAMBER SCRAPBOOK
maintain positive and effective leadership in Photos from Recent Chamber Events.............32
an economic downturn................................11
HUMAN RESOURCES
NEW MEMBERS
15
25
Chamber New Member Business Directory.....34
Prevention: Your Best Defensive Against
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Workplace Harassment
No one likes to talk about the possibility of any New businesses in town..................................38
form of harassment happening in their place of
business. But the reality is it can happen. The BUSINESS BRIEFS
best way to prevent your business from the Business Accolades and Achievements
negative impact of workplace harassment is What’s happening with local businesses.........39
prevention!.................................................21
COMMUNITY
Community in Action: The Collier
County Foreclosure Task Force
TRANSITIONS
Who’s who in the local business community....43
EVENTS CALENDAR
As many homeowners face foreclosure, Guide to upcoming Chamber Programs and
a group of area professionals have come Events........................................................44
together to help cut disaster off at the pass.
Business Currents
A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER NAPLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Visit Us Online at www.napleschamber.org I Business Currents I AUGUST 2008 Official Publication of
The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce
2390 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 210, Naples, FL 34103
239-262-6376 Tel ‫ ׀‬239-262-8374 Fax
www.napleschamber.org
PRESIDENT & CEO
Michael V. Reagen
EDITOR
Marci-Nicole Seamples
SALES
Michele Klinowski
Pat Port
Kathy Swank
DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Marci-Nicole Seamples
Iva Sokolik
CONTRIBUTORS
Jeff Ahern
Libby Anderson
Jon Fishbane
Roy Duffus
Marci Seamples
Jeff Grady
editorial board
Phil Beuth
Jonathan Fishbane
John Fumagalli
Michele Harrison
Alan Korest
Nancy Lascheid
Edward Morton
Dick Munro
Stephanie Spell
Susan Takacs
LEGACY LEADERS
Barron Collier Companies
Collier Enterprises
Fifth Third Bank
GATES
Kraft Construction Company
Lutgert Insurance/The Lutgert Company/
Premier Properties
NCH Healthcare Systems
Orion Bank
Physicians Regional Medical Center
TIB Bank
Titan Custom Homes
CHAMBER STAFF
Michael V. Reagen, President & CEO
Jim Goehler, COO/CFO
Stephen Hart, Sr. Vice President, Public Policy
Brenda O’Connor, Sr. Vice President, Programs
Stefanie Cuthbertson, Vice President, Community Relations
Michele Klinowski, Vice President, Hospitality
Alissa Arce, Executive Assistant to the President
Sandra Calad, International Community Manager
Didem Guler, Public Services Coordinator
Danielle Beaver, Information Center Support Specialist
Don Neer, New Member Services
Pat Port, Account Executive
Marci-Nicole Seamples, Communications Manager
Kathy Swank, Sr. Account Executive
Ana Givoca, Intern
Allison Lepp, Intern
Jessica Maguire, Intern
Iva Sokolik, Intern
Grey Torrico, Intern
small business
Timely Reminders for Small
Business Owners
by Roy Duffus
I
f you have the luxury of a home-based business -- no office leasing costs, no
frustrating daily commute, and no disturbances from noisy co-workers -- you
are really able to maximize your real estate investment. The same applies to your
employees or contractors working from their own home offices. However, remember
that home offices should reflect the same level of commitment, professionalism and
dependability customers would expect if you set up shop on main street.
Be sure it’s legal. Check with your local
zoning office about zoning regultions in your area.
Some communities, neighborhoods and apartment
complexes may have covenants that restrict certain
types of businesses. Requirements for licensing
also vary among jurisdictions. Some require a fee or
tax, based on income, while others simply want to
know that your business exists.
Establish a business address. Not all
customers look favorably on a business with an
obviously residential address. Many homebased business owners rent a post office box
and use that address on their business
cards and stationery.
Get the right equipment.
The cost of electronic equipment
continues to decline, and
such devices as an all-inone fax machine, printer,
scanner
and
copier
increase
efficiency
while conserving space.
You may need more
than one phone line
to accommodate and
separate your personal
and business needs.
Cable modems can
provide continuous
Visit Us Online at www.napleschamber.org I Business Currents I AUGUST 2008 CJ HUESTON, ChairWOMAN
Corporate Dimensions, Inc.
Katie Sproul, CHAIR-ELECT
Barron Collier Companies
JEFF FRIDKIN, Immed. Past Chairman
Grant, Fridkin, Pearson, Athan & Crown, P.A
TODD GATES, Vice-Chair
GATES
Thomas r. QUINN, jr., vice-chair
jeanne seewald, vice-chair
Hahn Loeser & Parks, LLP
BILL SPINELLI, Vice-Chair
Titan Custom Homes
Lou Vlasho, Vice-Chair
Rimaco Corporation
JAMES A. WARNKEN, Vice-Chair
Markham, Norton, Mosteller, Wright & Co. P.A.
Michael Reagen, President
Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce
Thomas Abraham
Moss and Associates
Bruce Anderson, Esq.
Roetzel & Andress LPA
MICHELLE ARNOLD
Collier County Government
JOHN BARLOW
TOM BUCKLEY
Naples Day Surgery
R. Scott Cameron
Cameron Real Estate Services, Inc.
patricia case
Case Benefit Consultants
debbie chandler
Anchor Health Center
scot congress
Congress Jewelers
Ted Corbin
Mellon
Bob Corina
Collier Enterprises
CHRIS DOYLE
Naples Daily News
KENT ELLERT
Fifth Third Bank
John Fumagalli
Northern Trust
Dottie gerrity
cedar hames
Paradise Advertising
Michele Ellis Harrison
Clark Hill
Hilton Naples & Towers
JAMES HOPPENSTEADT
Pelican Bay Foundation
Bud hornbeck
Lutgert Insurance
David Kakkuri
Florida Gulf Coast University
Todd Kendall
Premier Properties of SWFL, Inc/Lutgert Co.
Ron labbe
Naples Lumber & Supply Co., Inc.
Edward Lett
TIB Financial Corp.
Peter Manion
Ex Officio Liaison with GNL
Tony MARINO
The Marino Group
Geoffrey Moebius
Physicians Regional Medical Center
Bob Mulhere
RWA, Inc.
KP Pezeshkan
Kraft Construction
Rey Pezeshkan
Architectural Network, Inc.
Mayela Rosales
Azteca America
Thomas Schneider
Ex Officio Liaison with GNL
brian settle
NCH Healthcare System
Craig Sherman
Bank of Florida SW
Michele Smith
Creative Printing & Supply
Randy Smith
Naples Transportation Tours and Event Planning
Tom Storrar
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Tom Taylor
Hole Montes, Inc.
sandy waite
Platinum Dry Cleaners
michael wynn
Sunshine Ace Hardware
Internet access without the need to add or
tie up a phone line. Make sure your phone
has voicemail that enables a client to leave
a message while you are on the phone.
Organize for productivity.
Carefully design your workspace around
your business tasks but in accordance
with your work style and habits.
Establish contacts. Working
from home can limit your ability to
network. Make an extra effort to connect
with potential clients and colleagues by
joining a professional association. You may
want to consider meeting with clients at
their office or in a rented conference room
for a more professional environment.
Keep careful records. The
Internal Revenue Service tends to audit
home-based businesses more frequently,
especially when they claim business
expenses such as writing off a portion
of the mortgage payments for the home
office. You can choose from many different
systems to document all your business
expenses. Your accountant can advise
you on claiming deductions, including
proportionate
maintenance,
utility,
insurance, tax and depreciation.
Other Important Considerations
Small business owners – whether
operating from home or commercial
facilities -- need motivated employees – as
well as those equipped with the necessary
skills. Owners and employees need to
share an understanding of the business
and how it interprets as well as responds
to customers’ needs and expectations.
Often, because they are so wrapped up
in operational skills, many employers are
not the best employee motivators. Their
“people skills” may fall short. Help in
this regard is available from experienced
outside sources, such as the local Naples
Chapter of SCORE (Service Corps of
Retired Executives).
If your business already has or
plans to hire employees, the legal, tax,
insurance and other employer paperwork
responsibilities need consideration.
Many business owners may
delegate work to an employee only to find
a finished task or product not what they
envisioned. The culprit may simply be
poor communication. It’s important to
have direct contact to make your message
clear. Some owners try to save time and
manage by email. That works only to a
point, but direct contact builds trust and
rapport.
Establish your business “mantra”
and keep repeating it. Don’t assume
that everyone involved in the business
understands and buys into the mission
as you do. After all, you’re the one who
created it, not them. They haven’t lived
and breathed every detail as you have. But
proper motivation can help bridge the
gap.
Here’s one simple step to make
certain you communicate clearly. Instead
of asking if an employee understood your
instructions, ask what specific steps the
person will take to complete the task.
That way you can be absolutely certain
they not only understood, but also plan to
complete the assignment in an appropriate
way.
Avoid constantly criticizing
employees. That hurts morale and can
make people less motivated. If you
highlight the positive and correct mistakes
without getting personal, employees are
more likely to deliver what you want.
Reward achievement and share customer
adulations. In exemplary situations, perks
can be very appropriate motivators.
Strive to be a visible manager.
Sure, all business owners are busy. But
the people who work for you deserve your
attention. Carve out some time for oneon-one as well as group meetings. Offer
your undivided attention to demonstrate
to others that they are a priority in your
business and you value their opinions and
contributions.
Don’t forget the rules of overtime
pay. In good times and bad, employees at
millions of small businesses nationwide
are working overtime. But many small
business owners may not be totally
informed on the issue of overtime pay. The
consequences of failing to pay overtime
when required, or paying it improperly,
can be severe.
Meet the Officers
of the Board
Name:
Jeffrey
Fridkin
Board
Position:
Immed. Past
Chairman
Company:
Grant,
Fridkin,
Pearson,
Athan &
Crown, PA
Why did you first become involved
in the Chamber?
Ed Morton asked me to join with
him to make our Chamber THE
VOICE for our business community in
Collier County. His enthusiasm and
commitment were contagious, and I could
not resist.
In your current Board position,
what functions are you responsible
for?
I am Immediate Past Chair, and in that
role get credit for all that is good while
having little responsibility for anything
that goes wrong. I love this job!
What do you hope to accomplish
during your term?
I will be working closely with the Board,
and the Leadership Collier Foundation
Board, to advance the agendas of both
in ways which are needed by the current
Chairs.
What do you see as the value of
the Chamber to our community?
The Chamber is THE VOICE for
employers, employees and their families
in Collier County working through these
challenging times, and represents their
interests in keeping our governments
focused upon the needs of working men
and women and their children.
What suggestions would you give
to someone that wants to become
involved in the Chamber?
The Chamber offers a wide array of
opportunities. Find one or more of the
many Chamber activities which interest
you. Volunteer your time, become
involved, meet the many good people who
share your interest and make a positive
difference towards our goal of making
Naples the best place to live and work
in the USA.
Visit Us Online at www.napleschamber.org I Business Currents I AUGUST 2008 According to the U.S. Department
of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division
(WHD), hourly employees must be paid
overtime at time-and-a-half for working
more than 40 hours in a workweek.
Overtime pay may not be waived by
any agreement between you and your
workers.
Over the past several years, the
federal government has been stepping
up enforcement of wage and hour laws
regarding overtime. Particular scrutiny
falls on thousands of what the Department
of Labor (DOL) considers “low-wage”
businesses, such as day care centers,
restaurants, janitorial services, health care
facilities, motels and temp services.
Yet, among small businesses,
there remains a great deal of confusion
about the rules of overtime pay. In general,
federal wage and hour rules apply to any
business with at least two employees
and $500,000 in revenues. But there are
exceptions as well as state guidelines that
may also apply.
One potential pitfall involves
salaries for work weeks more than 40
hours. According to the Department of
Labor, a fixed salary for a regular work
week longer than 40 hours does not
eliminate an employer’s obligation to pay
overtime. Under Federal rules, however,
employers can exempt certain positions
from overtime regulations.
These “white collar” exemptions
include executives and professionals who
spend at least 80 percent of their time on
duties involving their own independent
discretion and not structured work.
Federal law does not require extra pay for
weekend or night work, nor is there any
provision for double-time pay. Both are
matters of agreement between you and
your employees.
As officials at Paychex, a payroll
firm, note, “Classifying your employees as
either exempt or non-exempt is neither
exact nor easy.” The decision shouldn’t
be based merely on job title or whether
someone is hourly or salaried. Instead, use
job duties as the main factor.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division Web site,
www.wagehour.dol.gov, has detailed
information on federal requirements for
overtime, minimum wages, family and
medical leave and related topics critical
to small business. Look for the “Overtime
Pay” section and also the FAQ section
that answers questions about when
overtime is due, how many hours per day
or week employees can work, and what’s
considered full- or part-time employment.
State requirements and contacts are also
listed.
For more information on this and other
Small Business topics call the Naples Chapter of
SCORE, Counselors to America’s Small Business. The local phone number is 239-430-0081. Or visit
the web site www.scorenaples.org and click on
“Request counseling NOW as a first time client.”
The SCORE business office is located at 900
Goodlette Road N. in the Fifth Third branch bank. Office hours are 9:00 AM until Noon, Mondays
through Fridays. Counseling is offered FREE of
charge to US citizens and legal immigrants.
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10 AUGUST 2008 I Business Currents I Visit Us Online at www.napleschamber.org
LEA D E R S H I P
Reason and Emotion:
Leadership In
D
Difficult Times
by Jon Fishbane
ifficult economic times, such as those we are in now,
often test the quality and depth of leadership whether
in business or politics. They test whether a certain
balance exists within a leader’s thought and character. They
test whether a leader can properly balance analytical and
emotional capacities and reasoning, and then ground them in a
dependable and stable set of moral principles.
Adversity, notes Jim Kouzes and Barry
Posner in their book A Leader’s Legacy,
introduces us to ourselves. It is
an opportunity for us, and
those who work with us, to
become more self-aware
and thereby better able
to handle conflict,
Visit Us Online at www.napleschamber.org I Business Currents I AUGUST 2008 11
Executive
Profile
Name:
Michele
Peppe
Company
The HarrisPeppe Team
Years of
Industry
Service: 27
How would you best describe
what separates your company
from your competitors?
Absolutely, it’s our website!
What would you say are the major
contributors to your success?
1. Always put the customer first.
2. Make certain that each party feels
like it’s a Win-Win situation.
3. “Detach from the outcome” --If you
are doing all the right things, business
will follow.
4. Honesty and integrity above all else.
5. Don’t forget to say Thank You.
6. Always give back.
If I were a competitor enterring
your marketplace, what advice
would you give me?
“Do what you love, love what you do”!
What do you see in the future for
your company in Naples?
As Chip and I get to that age when we see
that the end is closer than the beginning,
we hope to enjoy life. We are giving a
lot more responsibilities to our two
oldest daughters, Meagan and Krista.
Eventually we hope to be working for
them. With them at the helm, the sky is
the limit for The Harris-Peppe Team!
What would you change about
your experience(s) on the road to
success?
When I was younger and the major
breadwinner in my family it was always
a balancing act combining a successful
career and motherhood. In retrospect
I would work less hours. My kids
would tell you that I was always there,
but looking back I would definitely do
with less to spend more time with my
children.
provide direction, and be open to change.
Indeed, during periods of adversity, we are
given the opportunity to deepen humility
and acknowledge from where we all
started as well as remember the ways we
struggled to get to where we are in order
to help others who might be where we
once were.
Humility is derived from the
Latin word humus, which means ground or
earth. In a crisis, a leader needs more than
ever to be emotionally and spiritually
grounded; to be down to earth so that he or
she can listen to the concerns of employees
and act purposively and empathically.
In his book Lincoln’s Virtues, historian
William Lee Miller described Lincoln’s
ability to be down to earth in crisis times
and that the direction of his thought
and character was purposive personally,
politically and morally. His thoughts and
actions were directed toward the goal of
keeping the union together as a political
and moral unity. The same purposiveness
also applies to business organizations.
To effectuate a grounded sense
of purpose within a company facing
difficult times, leadership should be
“resonant,” argues Daniel Goleman and
Richard Boyatzis in their work Primal
Leadership, not “dissonant.” Resonant
leaders are able to interweave intellect and
emotion in their decision-making. Thus,
bottom line decisions are made with an
understanding of the human cost involved
as well as a concern with preserving team
pride, respect for differences in work
styles, attitudes and morale. This is
quite different from dissonant leadership
that makes decisions after the fashion of
political dictators who care nothing for
human beings--only their power, control,
and image. Success is ultimately their
success--no one else’s. And history has
shown that such success, along with
that of the dictator, is not only of limited
duration, but also is rarely admired for
very long.
What does resonant leadership
entail, especially in times of adversity? It
entails an emotional intelligence that can
be imparted to all levels of the organization.
Goleman and Boyatzis have identified
four key “emotional intelligence domains”
applicable to resonant leadership:
• self-awareness;
• self-management;
• social awareness; and
• relationship management.
How well a leader harmonizes
emotional knowledge with analytical
ability will have serious consequences for
the company.
Self-awareness
involves
understanding one’s emotions and how
they can be channeled effectively in
relationship to working with others
both internally within the company
and externally to the larger business
community. It includes the ability to
be conscious of one’s strengths and
limitations as well as not only the capacity
for self-honesty, but also the courage to
be honest about oneself with others and
honest with them as valued co-workers
and colleagues.
Self-awareness clarifies selfpurpose and the ability to articulate a
shared vision and purpose for and within
the organization. Out of self-awareness
arises the capacity for self-management,
which enables a leader to achieve his or
her goals and express them persuasively.
Self-management involves the ability
to manage one’s feelings and not be
dominated by them. This is especially
important in times of stress when negative
emotions such as intense anger, panic, fear,
abusive criticism and so on can undermine
the emotional well-being of individuals
as well as the company at large. Selfmanagement limits destructive emotional
surges. Appropriate self-management
will encourage patience, transparency
and openness, the capacity to listen to
difficult information, and knowing when
it is time to delegate and when it is not
time to do so. The conjunction of selfawareness and self-management helps to
foster a climate of self responsibility as
well as social responsibility.
Social awareness is the capacity
to empathize with another, to be able to
“read” another’s expressions, concerns
and voice-tones. Psychologists often refer
to this as attunement, indeed as empathic
attunement. It enables the leader to
plug into another’s reality and connect
with that person because the leader is
emotionally and intellectually authentic
and concerned with imparting his or her
value system while listening carefully to
the ideas and accompanying feeling tones
of another. A leader’s social awareness,
because he or she can listen to other
perspectives without feeling threatened
by them, will allow him or her to calm
and guide others in troubled times and
unite the organization behind common
goals and principles.
From a practical perspective,
social awareness, with its components
of attunement and empathy, enables the
leader to more effectively deal with and
teach other employees how to meet client
and customer needs and expectations, be
flexible toward their concerns, encourage
cross-selling within an organization, and
foster cross-cultural dialogue outside the
organization. Imparting this awareness
during difficult times essentially tells
everyone the future is open-ended, that
we will succeed despite the present
down-turn. Coupled with self-awareness
and self-management, the leader’s social
awareness lifts others out of presentcenteredness and directs energies toward
creating goals for the future along with
strategies for their implementation.
Relationship
management
builds upon the other three emotional
competencies. It offers the opportunity
to be truthful, demonstrate leadership
through conflict management, and
undertake changes in direction along
with explaining honestly the reasons for
them. It offers the opportunity to remind
everyone what values are sacrosanct.
And it encourages team building
across organizational boundaries, new
methods of training and information
sharing including leadership assessment
information that can help a leader with
better self-assessment.
recognize the immediate importance of
involving human resources to assist in:
• letting employees know that they are
valued no differently than customers and
clients are;
it is connected to integrity. Sacrifice also
creates a climate for mutual learning,
freedom to experiment and freedom to be
creative. It is often assumed that in difficult
times more attention should be paid to
management and present-centeredness.
Yet, the opposite is often true. As Gary
Hamel notes in his book The Future of
Management, too much management can
inhibit the very imagination, freedom
and emotional openness that is necessary
to generate new ideas, designs, products
and strategies for the future. Recognizing
this is not only rational but emotionally
intelligent as well.
• developing problem-solving and strategic
teams to address crisis situations;

• re-training;
• explaining to employees in an open
transparent way what problems the
company is facing;
• encouraging feedback and creativity
to help surmount anxiety, fear and worry
over the economy, and have a team and
future oriented approach;
• develop performance appraisal teams
that seek to find ways to identify untapped
abilities and strengths that will enhance
loyalty and pride, and so on.
At the end of the day, good
leaders will also model sacrifice whether
in good times or difficult times. Sacrifice
is passionate in nature because one freely
and actively gives of oneself to better
others. Sacrifice engenders trust because
Jon Fishbane is a partner with the law firm of
Roetzel & Andress. He has a Ph.D in History
from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from
Indiana University. He also serves as an Adjunct
Professor at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Why are all of these factors
important? They encourage personalism.
The leader sees people as his best resource
and reaches out to them especially when
times are tough. Such a leader does not
seek to place himself above others. Rather,
he or she works with others knowing
that will enhance authority rather than
detract from it.
From a practical standpoint,
financial and operational leadership will
COVER STORY
Real
Estate:
An Overview
of the Current
Situation in
Southwest
Florida
by Marci Seamples
A
nyone who has lived in Naples
for a significant amount of time
realizes that Collier County’s
economy has long rested on the
shoulders of three main industries: real
estate, tourism and agriculture. As our
world works through tough economics
times, it is no surprise that any industry
finds itself in choppy, uncharted waters.
And while we are fortunate enough to
live in a corner of the world where many
desire to live and relocate to, our main
lifeline industries are not immune to the
financial crunch at hand.
There is no question real estate
in Southwest Florida has cooled – but has
it across all types of real estate? Is it all
doom and gloom? When we think of real
estate, at least when I do, we tend to think
of it in the residential sense – the condos
and single family homes that line our
manicured streets. But real estate is more
than that – there is also the commercial
sector of the real estate market as well as
property management.
Here we will take a look at each
of these facets of the industry and where
we may be headed in Southwest Florida.
Home Sweet Home – The Residential
Side of the Real Estate Industry
You can’t ignore the facts: home
foreclosures in both Collier and Lee
counties are at an all-time high. On July
1, The Naples Daily News reported that
Collier foreclosures jumped to an all-time
high in June at 718. Foreclosures have
become such a concern, a Foreclosure Task
Force has come together to help educate
and assist homeowners and, hopefully,
keep them from foreclosing. (For more on
the Foreclosure Task Force, see related
article in this month’s issue).
However,
and
perhaps
surprisingly, there are some bright spots.
“2007 was our third best year in our
history, only trailing 2004 and 2005,”
stated Philip R. Wood, President and
CEO of John R. Wood Realtors. “Based
on the first six months, 2008 should take
over the position of our third best year, but
it will not exceed 2004. Year to date, our
number of transactions is up over last year
-- but the average sales price is down, due
in large part to slower sales in the upper
end categories and a very active market in
the below $500,000 level.”
Founded in 1958, John R.
Wood Realtors is among the largest
independently owned real estate firms
in Southwest Florida with offices
strategically placed throughout Collier
and Lee Counties.
Wood attributes the company’s
success in the current economic situation
to his agents, a sentiment echoed later in
this article regarding excellent customer
service being a driving factor in any
business’ success in these trying times.
“We have been fortunate to obtain a
number of really great agents during the
last couple of years. They are helping
us gain market share, even in the slow
markets. Year to date, we are number one
in market share. That indicates that our
programs are working and our agents are
successful in their efforts, even in this
challenging market.”
However, the rules of the game
have changed a bit. When asked if his
company was seeing a different type of
buyer than in past years, Wood responded:
“All buyers are looking for a deal. There
have been a greater number of lower
end buyers who seem anxious to grab an
opportunity before prices start rising again
and they are priced out of the market. Our
typical buyer is still there, although many
of them have been sitting on the sideline
during the past 24 months. That buyer
is a baby boomer couple, very successful,
looking to purchase a second vacation
home for now and later move down on a
more full time basis. In addition, they may
have recently inherited some additional
dollars, so they are typically in very good
financial shape.”
And, with the current state of
things making it a bit more difficult to find
the financing needed for a home purchase,
John R. Wood Realtors has smartly found
creative ways to solve the problem. “In
today’s world, buyers want us to make
everything as simple as possible, including
one stop shopping so they don’t have to go
to multiple locations to obtain financing,
title insurance, survey, inspections and
other closing services,” explained Wood.
“We provide a closing coordinator to
assist in this process, and we feel that the
mortgage services are vital. Southview
Mortgage, our new mortgage company,
can shop all the local banks plus financial
institutions across the U.S. to bring the
buyer the absolute best loan for their
needs. In today’s market, where many
banks are paranoid about making loans,
many people have difficulty obtaining
financing. Our mortgage company can
usually resolve that situation and help the
customer obtain the loan.”
And the creative effort is
working, especially in regards to
saving sales that may have fallen
apart because of the difficult
financing situation. “We have
seen a definite increase
in ‘saved sales’,” stated
Wood.
“When a
sale might appear
to be falling
apart due to the inability of the buyer to
obtain financing through their sources,
Southview Mortgage steps in, finds them
a loan and the buyer is able to purchase
the home.”
As for the future, Wood feels
positive, citing the desirability of life
in Southwest Florida. “For the first six
months of 2008, the market has a very
definite upward trend line, with sales
consistently above the same period last
year. Inventory levels are also falling.
We are coming out of the down market,
which will continue. The Naples area will
be, as in the past, one of the first markets
in the country to recover.”
Lehigh Acres.”
“Despite
heavy
media
sensationalism, foreclosures in the Naples
area compose a minor percentage of
overall homes in the area,” Wood
continued. “It is a larger issue
in certain Lee County
neighborhoods,
such as Cape
Coral and
Open for Business – The Commercial
Side of the Real Estate Industry
“Real estate in southwest Florida
is once again coming to life. With the
beautiful beaches, climate and lifestyle
nothing will keep people from wanting
their home in paradise.”
When it comes to permits,
the number issued in Collier County
has declined over the past seven years.
However, the change from 2006 to 2007
has been the most drastic at -31.3%,
according to Florida’s Office of Economic
and Demographic Research. Residential
permits are certainly down from were they
were a year ago. Surprisingly, commercial
permits in Collier County were slightly up
in April 2008 as opposed to April 2007.
The commercial side of the real
estate world seems to have fared a bit
better. “In regards to commercial leases,
for the first six months of 2008 our
volume is remarkably similar to numbers
for the same time frame in 2007, 2006 and
2005,” stated Craig Timmins, a principal
with Investment Properties Corporation
(IPC). “We’re on track this year in terms
of numbers of transactions completed and
those numbers are right on line with what
we’ve experienced for years.”
IPC, a Naples-based commercial
brokerage firm, focuses on buyer and seller
representation, site selection, leasing
exchanges, consulting and development
services.
“There are businesses opening
and leasing property in Collier County,”
said Timmins “For example, we recently
did a lease for a financial service provider
who is expanding. However, there are also
businesses who are defaulting on their
leases. You have success stories mixed
with the negative.”
In regards to sales: “Vacant land
sales are down. People are not buying
vacant lots. The numbers are way down
and volume has slowed,” stated Timmins.
“The leasing side is definitely the good
side of the equation right now.”
There are commercial properties
moving forward and flourishing. In
speaking with Scott Cameron, President
of Cameron Real Estate Services, he
was very enthusiastic about one project
imparticular. “We have a property we’re
developing called Eagle View, located on
Goodlette-Frank Road, near the front of
the Wilderness Country Club. Anchor
Health Center just moved into their new
20,000 square foot facility at Eagle View.
Information Technology Network, Inc.
is about to enter, the bank site has been
sold. We have two spots left waiting for
other medical, law or other professional
tenants.”
Cameron Real Estate Services
primarily deals in commercial real estate,
but does have interests in residential
real estate and property management.
Cameron was worked in the SW Florida
market for over 30 years.
“I’ve been through many cycles,”
stated Cameron. “Typically, Naples is
not affected as strongly as other areas of
the country. I think some of this has to
do with the unprecedented growth from
2001 to 2005. The higher you climb, the
further you fall.”
Cameron was quick to point out
that some industries are fairing better
than others. “It is important to ask which
businesses are doing well and which
are not doing quite as well to gather
some insight. For example, anything
having to do with alternative modes
of transportation are doing well. We
recently put a TREK Bicycle store in a new
location in north Naples. It’s a gorgeous
location and they are doing exceptionally
well. They are looking to expand for the
upcoming season. With the high price of
fuel and boomers trying to stay in shape,
bicycle sales are doing well. Tenants that
are struggling are businesses such as
mortgage companies, title companies and
services related to real estate.”
Cameron was also quick to
point out that a high level of service is
instrumental to the success of any business
right now. “Consumers look for value and
convenience. I know a home furnishing
business that has been in this market for
20 years and they are doing extremely well
because of the high level of service they
provide. When things are tight, consumers
want a good product at a reasonable price.
They want knowledgeable staff and good
back up service. Four or five years ago,
consumers didn’t mind paying a bit more
or so-so service. Now they want their
dollar to go as far as it can.”
Upkeep – The Property Management
Component
Excellent customer service may
be why one facet of Cameron’s business
– property management - is flourishing.
“We’re finding that landlords are more
and more in need of good professional
property management. Street rents are
considerably lower than they were two
or three years ago. Tenants are seeking
discounts or abatement from their
landlords to help get through the cash
crunch. To that end, in order to maintain
the property in good working condition
at reasonable rates, property management
has become a critical service landlords need
to provide for their tenants. A property
management company is just one phone
call away and able to deal with property
issues more quickly than a landlord who
may be out of area. Property management
companies can help deliver good service,
making the property desirable to a tenant.
Professional property management is one
piece of maintaining sound commercial
properties.”
Good property management
can also help the landlord during tight
economic times. “Because we have
experience dealing with the vendors,
we can make sure we are getting a good
rate for the service provided,” explained
Cameron. “If we receive an invoice for an
improvement or repair that looks a little
high, we can work with the vendor. We
are familiar with the contracts and the
vendors and can make sure the landlord is
getting the best value.”
Outlook for the Future
Unfortunately, there is no crystal
ball. No one can say, with any level of
certainty, when the market will turn.
“The future is hard to know,” said
Craig Timmins of IPC. “The good news is
that Southwest Florida is still a desirable
place to live. People want to move here,
that should help absorb residential and
commercial product with continued
population growth.”
that doesn’t have much impact on the
economy immediately, regardless of
the outcome,” explained Cameron.
“But if people feel a change, we will
see movement on the investment side
because it’s not an emotional purchase.
It’s a technical purchase. A commercial
real estate purchase is an investment, a
residential purchase is more emotional.
With residential, you want the aesthetics
to be a certain way, you want the right
school district and so forth. With
commercial, it is about getting a return on
an investment.”
Then there is the question – is
this actually a good time to buy land?
“It may be a good time to
cautiously buy land,” said Timmins. “For
an investor who wants to buy income
property, there’s not a big supply. Prices,
comparatively speaking, are still higher
than averages around the country.”
However, there are ways to make
it a good investment. “There are some
good values out there for both improved
and unimproved commercial properties,”
says Cameron. “We’re looking at one
transaction right now where a land owner
doesn’t want to carry it. So he is offering
partnerships for a return once the property
is developed. And right now, building
costs are down by 20%.”
Our real estate industry is most
certainly experiencing turbulence, as is
expected during an economic downturn.
Luckily, we live in a very desirable
location in the US. It is time for those in
the industry to fasten their seat belts, for it
is a bumpy ride. However, with excellent
customer service and slow absorption of
the current inventory – and a little luck –
the Southwest Florida real estate industry
may be on its way to finding the port in
the storm.

Seamples is the Communications Manager for the
Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce
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Cameron agreed. “It will take
time to absorb the inventory. But that’s
how a market works. If you think about it,
the people that are selling today and doing
other things are Baby Boomers. Those that
are buying are GenXers. Renters are the
next generation. There is a large pool of
Boomers and GenXers, and that speaks
well for the market.”
And the election? “Traditionally,
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T E C HRNES
O LOOUGRYC ES
H UMAN
Prevention:
Your Best Defense Against
Workplace Harassment
by Libby Anderson M.S., SPHR
I
n 2007, over 27,000 harassment charges were
filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission (EEOC), resulting in awards of
approximately 65.6 million dollars in awards.
Worried yet? You should be. The next award could
be paid by you.
While workplace harassment isn’t a
glamorous topic in the business arena, the
discussion is essential as every business
owner could face claims of harassment.
The best defense? Do everything you
can to prevent the claim to begin with.
Harassment is defined by the
EEOC as a “form of employment
discrimination that violates Title
VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,”
which protects individual from
discrimination based on things
like religion, marital status, ethnic
background,
gender,
sexual
orientation (in most states), and
race. Also important are The Age
Discrimination in Employment Act
of 1967 (ADEA), and the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
For the official definition, see www.
eeoc.gov. To paraphrase, harassment
is
considered
discrimination
and becomes unlawful under 2
conditions:
1. Where enduring the offensive
conduct becomes a condition of
continued employment, or
2. The conduct is severe or pervasive
enough to create a work environment
that a reasonable person would
consider intimidating, hostile or
abusive.
The first item is frequently called “Quid Pro Quo”, which is Latin for “this for
that”. An example would be something like this: boss tells the employee he will give her
a raise if she goes out on a date with him or a promotion is denied when an employee
refuses to give sexual favors to a supervisor.
The second item is usually referred to as “hostile work environment”. An
example of that would be if there are frequent and/or significantly derogatory comments
about a person’s religion, race, gender and so on. Hostile work environment behaviors
usually fall in three categories: physical, verbal, or non-verbal. Some employees try to
say they are being subjected to a hostile work environment when they are disciplined
on a behavioral issue. If the discipline is related to a job specific short coming and the
language used by the supervisor is non-discriminatory, that is not harassment.
Does this mean that a slip of the tongue in which you say something stupid
or an accidental touch is harassment? Generally, no. Significant consideration is given
to how frequent the behavior has been, establishing a pattern of behavior, and to how
“severe and pervasive” the behavior is. Meaning, how significantly was the victim and
his or her work performance impacted? A reminder, intent is not usually defensible. It is
about the perception of the victim that the behavior is unwelcome.
Again, see www.eeoc.gov for further information in terms of defining actions,
behaviors, and conditions that could be considered harassment under the law. It is
important to understand harassment extends to anyone who interacts at your work
environment including vendors, company officers and customers. The obligation of the
business owner is to maintain a harassment free environment for everyone.
Your job? To prevent the situation from occurring.
Experts agree that even if a harassment claim is made, your efforts to prevent
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on being the first to find July’s Chamber Cat!
You could be here next month! Simply find the Chamber Cat (this page doesn’t
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[email protected]
with the page number.
(contest open to Greater Naples
Chamber Members Only)
the circumstances put you in a much more
favorable light. The first step is to have a
comprehensive anti-harassment policy.
Your anti-harassment policy
should always be in written in plain
English and available in other languages
if appropriate. The policy should be very
clear about the definition of unlawful
harassment with an outline of specific
conduct that is considered inappropriate
(for example, inappropriate sexual
comments). It should also explain that
harassment should not occur outside of
work at company sponsored functions off
premises, including on business travel.
In addition, some employers
are utilizing what is commonly called a
“love contract”. Many married couples
meet their spouses at work. Nevertheless,
in order to prevent a jilted lover from
claiming harassment after having a
consensual relationship that turned sour,
some companies ask employees who enter
a dating relationship to sign this contract
to prevent future claims. So much for the
romance!
A complaint procedure is also a
necessity in working towards prevention
of claims of harassment. This procedure
should be included in the policy. The
purpose of the procedure is to explain to
alleged victims the course of action they
should take if they perceive they are being
harassed. Several individuals should be
identified as those who are authorized
to accept complaints in the event that
the direct supervisor is considered at
fault, unapproachable or unavailable. It
is strongly encouraged that those who
feel they are victims understand there is
an obligation for them to speak up or it
could be interpreted that the behavior is
consensual.
It is also essential that all
staff is trained for an awareness and
understanding of the company policy on
harassment and their obligation to prevent
it. The most effective training will cover:
• The company policy
• The specific type of conduct that will
not be tolerated
• How to report a claim of harassment
This training should be presented
to all new employees and annually to all
employees. The most effective training
is one in which a separate session is
conducted for supervisors as they carry
a higher liability and responsibility
in preventing claims. All participants
should be asked to sign a copy of the
anti-harassment policy for the company
records, receive a copy for their records
and sign an attendance record for the
training presented.
In the event of a claim of
harassment, immediate response is
required. Every complaint must be properly
investigated by a proper authority relating
to the business. These investigations
include interviews of witnesses and
both parties in the complaint. Beware of
retaliatory behaviors that may result from
these claims and interviews. That too could
be considered harassment. Confidentiality
of witnesses can not be guaranteed due
to the nature of the situation, but all
participants should be advised to keep the
investigatory discussions private.
If the investigation reveals that
harassment did occur, prompt response
is also required in the form of appropriate
corrective action. Depending on the
severity, this could be a written warning
or termination. All investigations should
be documented in writing as well as the
corrective action.
The biggest damage can come to
an employer and/or supervisor who was
made aware of a potentially harassing
situation and did nothing. This indicates
tacit approval of the unacceptable
behavior. That’s when claims usually are
filed with the EEOC, and then they will
investigate. An EEOC investigation is
disruptive and time consuming. They
will request all documentation and move
from there. If there is no documentation
of an investigation and proper action, they
will be more likely to find fault with the
employer. Even if the employer is found
not at fault, there is significant damage to
productivity during the process.
While
this
article
condensed information on harassment
prevention, it should make you aware that
you need to be more aware of what is going
on in your work environment and what
you need to do to create a harassment free
workplace. This is for your information
only, and not considered legal advice.
Please consult a qualified attorney if you
have specific concerns.
Workplace harassment reduces
productivity and has the potential to
disrupt your business and even cost you
thousands in damages. Prevention is easy
in comparison with the hassle that ensues
with a claim.

Libby Anderson M.S., SPHR is a Human Resource
consultant and conducts training on a variety
of topics including harassment prevention. Her
website is www.edahr.com and can be reached at
239-285-4777.
provides
C o m m u n i ty
Community
in Action:
The Collier County
Foreclosure
Task Force
T
By Jeffrey Ahren
here is an old adage, “if you want something done, ask a busy person.” The story of
the Collier County Foreclosure Task Force proves that time-honored saying true.
Another famous quotation, attributed to Thomas Hardy, also applies to the Task
Force: “good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the
vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.”
What is the Collier County Foreclosure Task Force? It is simply a ‘grassroots’
cooperative effort between the Legal Aid Service of Collier County (Legal Aid), the Collier
County Bar Association (CCBA) and others to promote foreclosure prevention in Collier
County.
Creating the vision
The true genesis of the Task Force can be traced back to February 21, 2008 when
Legal Aid (through funding by the United Way of Collier County) hosted a “Friend-raiser”
event at the Naples Beach & Golf Resort. The purpose was to thank old and new ‘friends’
of Legal Aid and to recruit additional volunteers for Legal Aid’s Collier Lawyers Care pro
bono program. That night, several prominent local attorneys decided to form a Task Force,
along with Legal Aid, as an emergency initiative to address the alarming rate of foreclosures
occurring in Collier County.
From that moment on, all members rolled up their sleeves, checked egos at the
door and got to work. Early on, a core philosophy evolved. The people at-risk of foreclosure
in the community did not need a ‘Blue-Ribbon’ panel, or a white paper from a think tank.
These folks needed help now. Not false hope or empty promises.
But what kind of assistance could be delivered and how? The Task Force needed
to determine what was realistic as the initiative was completely volunteer-based and
lacked direct funding of any kind.
After the initial meeting, the ranks of the Task Force grew rapidly. The members
began to meet once a week. A very talented team was quickly assembled. By April, the
attorney members of the Task Force included: Legal Aid Advisory Board Member and
Past CCBA President Kelley Price, Esq. (Cohen & Grigsby); CCBA President Kathleen
Passidomo, Esq. (Kelly, Passidomo & Alba, LLP); Maureen Aughton, Esq. (Aughton Law
Firm, P.A.); Jane Yeager Cheffy, Esq.; Celia Deifik, Esq. (Ross, Lanier & Deifik, P.A.);
Lisa Barnett Van Dien, Esq. (Cheffy, Passidomo, Wilson & Johnson); Kelly Davis, Esq.
(Quarles & Brady, LLP); Elizabeth Opalka, Esq.; and Former Rep. J. Dudley Goodlette, Esq.
(Goodlette, Coleman & Johnson, P.A.) - among others. The CCBA’s Executive Director,
Lisa Mead, performed a central role from the beginning.
The vision about what to do, and how to do it, became
clear. With limited resources and time to give, the foreclosure
prevention initiative would have to be implemented in stages.
The three stages would be education, intervention and
prevention. Something had to be done quickly to provide ‘triage’
for homeowners who could not hold on to their homes much
longer without meaningful intervention.
Articulating the vision
It was decided that the first ‘stage’ of the initiative,
education, would involve a free seminar/workshop, open to
the public. With less than 2 months to plan, the date of May
22nd was selected. Hot topics of interest to those facing the
prospect of foreclosure were identified, such as short sales, loss
mitigation, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, negotiating with lenders,
bankruptcy and ‘foreclosure rescue’ scams. A talented panel of
attorneys and experts from other disciplines was recruited to
address these topics at the workshop.
To pull off a successful event in less than two months,
more than good planning was required. The event needed to be
promoted effectively, and a team assembled with the capacity
to execute the project. In true grassroots fashion, the pieces
began to fall into place. Volunteers came on board on what
seemed like a daily basis. Paula Robertson and Vivian Vedel
(Paula Robertson & Associates) donated their Public Relations
services to promote the workshop. The Task Force was featured
on Fox 4 and ABC 7 local TV, and members appeared on the
‘Gulf Coast Live’ radio show on WGCU 90.1 FM, and ‘the Bob
Harden Show’ on WGUF 98.9 FM. An article on the upcoming
workshop appeared in the Naples Daily News.
A crucial component of the plan to assist borrowers atrisk of foreclosure was to enlist certified credit and foreclosure
counselors, to craft household budgets for individuals, and
prepare the ‘loss mitigation packet’ materials required by
lenders. Two local non-profit agencies became key players in
the initiative: Home Ownership Resource Center in Ft. Myers
(Eddie Felton, Executive Director) and Collier County Housing
Development Corporation (Kathy Patterson, Executive
Director).
Mike Reagen, President and CEO of the Greater Naples
Chamber of Commerce, has been an enthusiastic supporter of the
Task Force. Mike and his staff provided technical assistance and
promoted the Task Force to the local business community. From
the media exposure, more volunteers came forward. Bankers,
mortgage brokers, citizen volunteers and others wanted to help.
Volunteers placed brochures all over town.
On May 22, 2008 over 100 people attended the “Save
Your Home” Workshop at the Max Hasse Community Park
in Naples. In addition to Task Force members mentioned
previously, the expert panel included General Magistrate David
Friedman (who coined the name for the workshop); noted real
estate Appraiser Cindy Carroll, SRA (Carroll & Carroll, Inc.);
Brian Williams, Esq. (Cohen & Grigsby); Stephany Carr, Esq.;
Molly Whalen (Collier County Housing Development Corp.);
Ready to get away?
and Sandra Rains (Consumer Credit
Counseling Service).
The workshop
spanned over 2 hours, and in a key planning
element, it was videotaped (courtesy of
Mike Sturdevant and Action Legal Video).
The workshop included a question and
answer segment at the end. The feedback
received from those who attended was
overwhelmingly positive. Stage one of the
initiative was now complete. Stage two,
intervention, would undoubtedly bring
even greater challenges.
Passionately owning the vision
The intervention phase of the
initiative would entail providing direct
one-on-one counseling sessions with
people. At these sessions, options would
be identified, strategies formulated and
an action plan developed to try to save
homes from foreclosure. This would often
include direct negotiation with lenders.
The Task Force has been
inclusive in offering assistance to all those
concerned about foreclosure, regardless
of economic standing.
Nobody has
been turned away from the free events.
However, the emphasis has been to
assist lower-income homeowners and
‘core workforce’ members - particularly
families with children trying to save their
only home.
“So many of our neighbors are
finding themselves in the untenable
position of losing their homes that
something had to be done to help them,”
noted Lisa Mead. “The Foreclosure Task
Force is the culmination of the efforts
of a group of dynamic, committed and
compassionate people who saw that need
and responded.”
On June 21, 2008, a free clinic
was conducted at Legal Aid, administered
by certified counselors with the Home
Ownership Resource Center and the
Collier County Housing Development
Corporation. At this 4 hour clinic, the
agencies gathered the information needed
to try to save almost 25 homes from
foreclosure.
The largest and most ambitious
event to date by the Task Force was
scheduled for July 12, 2008, when a free
foreclosure law clinic was conducted at
Legal Aid. This event featured more than
20 pro bono attorneys from the CCBA,
who provided advice and counsel on
foreclosure matters to all who attended.
Relentlessly driving to
completion
The work of the Task Force is
far from complete. The final stage of the
initiative, prevention, will be addressed
starting in the Fall of 2008.
Thanks to the efforts of Rep.
Garrett Richter, a supporter of the Task
Force, meetings have been scheduled
with the Florida Bankers Association
(FBA). The Task Force and the FBA will
explore mutually beneficial solutions to
problems facing borrowers and lenders
alike. Furthermore, in the planning stage
is a public policy forum to address ‘macro’
issues regarding foreclosure. The forum
would include representatives from
the banking, real estate, and mortgage
industries, as well as government officials,
attorneys and consumer groups.
Perhaps the most far-reaching
project by the Task Force is the blog it
has created at www.foreclosuretaskforce.
blogspot.com . It is updated regularly
and contains links to approximately 2
hours of video from the “Save Your Home’
Workshop and other helpful resources on
foreclosure prevention.
The Task Force needs more
volunteers and more resources to complete
its work. If you would like to become
involved, contact the Task Force by email
at [email protected].
Jeffrey Ahren is the Pro Bono Coordinator and
Development Officer for Legal Aid Service of
Collier County, a private, non-profit law firm,
and a Division of Legal Aid Service of Broward
County, a non-profit corporation. He has been
named by the members as the Chairman of
the Collier County Foreclosure Task Force, a
cooperative effort between Legal Aid Service
of Collier County and the Collier County Bar
Association promoting foreclosure prevention.
Jeffrey is an Attorney licensed in New Jersey and
Pennsylvania. He practiced for 10 years with
a prestigious law firm specializing in complex
litigation and appellate practice located in
Southern New Jersey. He is a graduate of the
Rutgers School of Law/Camden, and of Albright
College. Visit Us Online at www.napleschamber.org I Business Currents I AUGUST 2008 27
MANA G EMEN T
Better
Feedback =
Better
Performance:
A Five-Step
Model
by Jeff Graddy, Ph.D.
I
f you are a leader who is looking to increase the
performance of your team or company, there is a
simple solution that guarantees big improvements –
give better feedback. People often cite a “communication
breakdown” as the reason why things get off track on
a project or task, but this is just camouflage for what
really happened: you didn’t give good enough feedback.
If you give timely, actionable feedback to your people
they will feel both supported and challenged at the same
time – and they will know what to do next. When you
(or others) blame “communication,” the goal becomes
to “improve our communication” or some other overlygeneral commitment. Instead, consider something much
more specific and measurable - increasing your skill in
giving constructive feedback. The outcome: you will
reduce any problems with communication, eliminate
excuse-making, and improve your ability to achieve
your goals as a leader. In addition, you will also make
your work life much less frustrating! Here is a five-step
plan for improving your feedback delivery:
Step 1: Set the Stage
Timing is everything. Make sure
you are offering feedback at an appropriate
time. The sooner you can give it the better,
hopefully in real time, but always within
24 hours. Giving constructive feedback
is important, but that doesn’t mean
embarrassing someone in front of the
whole team. Remember: praise in public,
reprimand in private. And frame the
conversation so they know what’s coming
(e.g., “Terry, I wanted to talk with you
about this morning’s meeting, as I have
some concerns about how you handled
the disagreement you were having with
Steve.”).
Step 2: Make an Observation
Start by stating what you
directly saw or heard, not what you think
about the situation. By simply “stating
the facts” you will reduce people’s initial
defensiveness, and get them to focus on
what actually happened. It’s hard to argue
with reality (e.g., “I noticed you kept
interrupting Steve, you cut him off 4 or 5
times.”). Usually this step leads the person
to offer the “reason” or excuse for the
behavior (i.e., “Well he was talking about
expansion plans and we need to focus on
cost savings opportunities!”), which then
allows you to address the next step…
Step 3: Mention the Effect
This is the step everyone skips.
You need to tell the person why it really
matters. People don’t change their
behavior if they don’t have a good reason,
so you need to give them one. Tell them
exactly why you are concerned with their
behavior - make it clear and appeal to either
their logic or their emotions (or both). Try
not to speak for others (e.g., “I understand
you have different ideas than Steve about
how to achieve our goals, and you may
be right, but cutting him off limits our
brainstorming session and could keep us
from making a fully informed decision.”).
Notice I didn’t try to relay how Steve was
feeling or claim ‘the team thinks you were
rude’ – both examples of using others to
deliver your message. Instead, I simply
labeled the impact I felt.
Step 4: Take a Deep Breath
You have to give people a chance
to respond. For most people, giving them
constructive feedback will sting, so give
them a few seconds to think about things
and recognize their error. In some cases,
they might actually make a legitimate
argument for why the behavior was
necessary. But you’ll never know unless
you pause and focus on listening carefully
to their response. Take a deep breath and
really listen. You can then probe with
good follow up questions to make sure
they “get it” (e.g., “So did you realize you
were cutting him off? And can you see how
your effort to address your own concerns
had the unintended impact of shutting the
team discussion down?”).
Step 5: Make a Suggestion
Be specific. Once you have labeled
what happened and why it matters, you
should make a specific recommendation
to the person. Don’t shove it down their
throat, but offer it as a possible solution.
Suggest things that have worked for you,
or that often work within the company, or
even best practices for the industry (e.g.,
“Terry, I would encourage you to hold
back until Steve is done talking in the
future, not that you shouldn’t be vocal, but
just time it better so everyone’s ideas are
heard. I use a trick where I jot down my
immediate thoughts so I remember them
later, especially if someone is talking for
ten minutes straight. Then when they’re
done I can either build on their idea or
disagree, but either way I know I have
the floor and I have my notes in front of
me.”). If you don’t know what they should
do differently but still think they should
change something, say so, but be willing
to follow up with them later on to offer
action steps.
Following this simple five-step
approach will help your team by making
expectations clear and by holding people
accountable when they are falling short.
Whether you’re talking about the rules of
engagement for staff meetings or a missed
deadline for a critical rollout, this feedback
model can help you deliver messages that
have the right impact. And don’t forget
to use the same model for giving positive
feedback – the more frequent, meaningful
and specific you are the more likely they
are to keep up the right behaviors, too.
Finally, if you want to further increase the
likelihood that this approach will work,
make sure you are open to feedback when
you receive it. Nothing makes people less
likely to listen to you than to be someone
who never listens to others! Practice the
five steps on a daily basis and you will be
on your way to increasing your feedback
delivery performance – and thus the
performance of those who work for you.

Dr. Jeff Graddy is an Associate with Leadership
Research Institute (LRI). Jeff’s consulting
experience includes working in the pharmaceutical,
financial,
sport,
healthcare,
media,
communications, education, professional services,
not-for-profit, and government sectors. He serves
clients both domestically and internationally,
at all levels within organizations. Before joining
LRI, he worked as a psychotherapist and sport
psychology consultant for individuals, teams,
and organizations, where he worked to unleash
optimal performance. Jeff has also taught in the
Psychology/Behavioral Science departments at
several universities within the U.S.
Jeff holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from
the University of Florida, where he specialized
in performance psychology. He is a member
of the American Psychological Association’s
Society of Consulting Psychology. He is also a
qualified administrator of the Myers-Briggs Type
Indicator (MBTI) and is a certified in Emotional
Intelligence.
Community Banking Has A New Home!
Community Bank of Naples
may be going away, but its
bankers aren’t. We’re now at
Royal Palm Bank and eager
to give you the service you
expect without all those
annoying service fees. So join
us and experience what we’re
calling Community Bank
with a Royal Touch!
(l-r) John Harper - SVP, Minesh Dodia - VP, Tom DiBernardo - VP,
Greg Murphy (Seated) - Pres/CEO, Patrick Philbin - EVP/COO
Greg Murphy
President/CEO
Naples:
1255 Creekside Parkway/593-5522
(Immokalee Rd. between
US 41 & Goodlette)
www.royalpalmbank.com
Member FDIC
Marco Island:
690 Bald Eagle Drive/642-1166
Fort Myers:
7040 Winkler Road/415-0044
Providing Creative
Tax Solutions
For the Business and
Investment Community
Aaron A. Farmer
Attorney at Law
Formerly Senior Counsel with the IRS,
Office of Associate Chief Counsel (International)
• Domestic & International Tax Planning
• Tax Controversy & Litigation
• Asset Protection Planning
(239) 262-2040
[email protected]
720 Fifth Avenue South Suite 211
Naples, Fl 34102
The Hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon Advertisement
Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience
The Chamber Scrapook
Wake Up Naples
@ The Naples Hilton
July 16, 2008
Pete Corradino of the Everglades Day Safari
speaks to the crowd on the topic of ecotourism
Marcello Palazzi & Spencer Greenlee (Squeegee Squad)
Russell Tuff (Collier Citizen), Marianne Jacquemain
(Polar Engraving), Bob Sandy (Naples Daily News) and
Rick Kendall (Scripps)
Larry Ray, Ernie Bretzman (United Way) &
Brian Settle (NCH Healthcare Syetems)
Deanna Desruisseaux, Rachael Blenkhorn, Pat, and Lisa
Vetter (Hill, Barth & King, LLC)
Chad Hart (M&I Bank) introduces the guest
speaker
New Chamber Members
Community Banking Has A New Home!
Community Bank of Naples
may be going away, but its
bankers aren’t. We’re now at
Royal Palm Bank and eager
to give you the service you
expect without all those
annoying service fees. So join
us and experience what we’re
calling Community Bank
with a Royal Touch!
(l-r) John Harper - SVP, Minesh Dodia - VP, Tom DiBernardo - VP,
Greg Murphy (Seated) - Pres/CEO, Patrick Philbin - EVP/COO
Greg Murphy
President/CEO
Naples:
1255 Creekside Parkway/593-5522
(Immokalee Rd. between
US 41 & Goodlette)
www.royalpalmbank.com
Member FDIC
Marco Island:
690 Bald Eagle Drive/642-1166
Fort Myers:
7040 Winkler Road/415-0044
ABG World , LLC
Ms. Marina Berkovich
899 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. Suite 116
Naples, FL 34108
(239) 566-1771
www.abgworldllc.org
The Beaux-Arts Group
Mr. Mike Fabian
6835 International Center Blvd.
Ft. Myers, FL 33912
(239) 280-1399
Benson’s, Inc.
12650 Whitehall Drive
Ft. Myers, FL 33907
CitiPark
Mr. Bruno DeBellis
486 Bristlecone Lane
Naples, FL 34113
(239) 963-2899
Community Coordinated Care for
Children, Inc (4C)
Ms. Deborah Carr
201 8th Street South, Suite 200
Naples, FL 34102
(239) 935-6137
www.4cFlorida.org
Content Marketing Strategies
Mr. Newt Barrett
3459 Marabella Court
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
(239) 494-8597
www.ContentMarketingToday.com
Fiddler Films, Inc.
Mr. Louis Hernandez
4707 Enterprise Avenue, Suite 2
Naples, FL 34104
(239) 435-1818
www.fiddlerfilms.com
Florida Weekly
Mr. Pason Gaddis
4300 Ford Street, Suite 106
Ft. Myers, FL 33916
(239) 333-2135
www.FloridaWeekly.com
Gulf Coast Business Review
Ms. Angie Basile
12734 Kenwood Lane, Suite 63
Fort Myers, FL 33907
(239) 226-4227
www.review.net
Jean Shane Realtor - Waterfront RG
Ms. Jean Shane
1395 3rd Street South
Naples, FL 34102
(239) 877-3041
Jerry Cangiano - Prestige Properties
Mr. Jerry Cangiano
4947 Tamiami Trail N., #106
Naples, FL 34103
(239) 438-2437
Mr. Electric of Southwest Florida
Ms. Suzanee Comer - Downing
3733 Peace River Rd.
Punta Gorda, FL 33983
(239) 262-5677
www.mrelectric.com
MTO Cleaning Services
Ms. Kristen Lydon
10823 Tamiami Trail North, Suite F
Naples, FL 34108
(239) 594-6864
Natural Hearing Solutions, Inc
Mr. Bob Ladimir
694 8th Street North
Naples, FL 34102
(239) 262-3070
www.naturalhearingsolutions.com
Norman Love Confections
Ms. Krista Cartee
11380 Lindbergh Blvd.
Ft. Myers, FL 33913
(239) 561-7215
www.NormanLoveConfections.com
Red Roof Inns, Inc.
Ms. Dawn Hughes
1925 Davis Blvd
Naples, FL 34104
(239) 774-3117
www.redroof.com
Richard C. Young & Co, LtdInvestment Advisors
Ms Victoria E Perfido
500 5th Avenue South
Naples, FL 34109
(239) 213-1789
www.younginvestments.com
Ronald Barakett Sun Realty
Mr. Ronald Barakett
483 Preswick Lane
Naples, FL 34120
(239) 850-1366
www.MLSofNaples.com
Shane Consulting Group
Mr. Kevin Shane
1120 Clam Court
Naples, FL 34102
(239) 877-3055
www.consultshane.com
SignPro Graphics, Inc
Mr. Jeff Bradtmiller
1910 Countess Court
Naples, FL 34110
(239) 597-0390
Spiro & Associates
Mr. Bruce J. Hershey
1520 Royal Palm Square Blvd., Suite 300
Ft. Myers, FL 33919
(239) 481-5511
www.spiroandassociates.com
Sunshine Woodcrafts
Mr. Tad Sulek
1100 5th Avenue South, #201
Naples, FL 34102
(239) 206-4433
www.sunshinewoodcrafts.com
Swiss Team, Inc
Mr. Christopher Santos
4206 Enterprise Avenue, A-3
Naples, FL 34104
(239) 434-7244
The Island Pub, Inc
Ms. Naomi Lane
600 Neopolitan Way
Naples, FL 34103
(239) 262-2500
www.naplespubs.com
The Mike Davis Medical Center
Ms. Nancy Freeman
1755 Heritage Trail, Suite 604
Naples, FL 34112
(239) 658-3126
www.collier.org
Three 60 Media, Inc.
Mr. Robert Alpizar
(239)537-1943
www.Three60Media.net
Trek Bicycle Store of Naples
Mr. Joseph DuBois
Naples, FL 34108
(239) 591-8735
www.TrekBikesFlorida.com
Wired for Wireless
Ms. Sheila Striglers
1954 Tamiami Trail N
Naples, FL 34102
(239) 434-9733
www.wiredforwireless.com
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deals and a convenient area
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ABG World Video & Audio Production
899 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. Suite 116
Naples, FL 34103
ABG World Video and Audio Production
is proud of its local, national and
international experience and continuous
on-air-presence via celebrity TV news
show. Relocated from NY Metro area.
Any broadcast format. Documentary
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Video Transfers/Duplication. DocuMemory personal films. Royalty Free
music for any production/event. Music
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Fedex Kinko’s
890 Neapolitan Way
Naples, FL 34103
FedEx Kinko’s offers access to copying and
digital printing, professional finishing,
document creation, internet access,
computer rentals, videoconferencing,
signs and graphics, notary, direct mail,
Web-based printing, and full range of
FedEx day-definite ground shipping and
time-definite global express shipping
services. Open 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days
a Week.
Fiddler Films Inc.
4707 Enterprise Avenue, Suite 2
Naples, FL 34104
Award Winning and National &
International recognized film and HD
Production Company. Producing world
class productions, marketing videos, TV
commercials, and short films; we offer
the unique combination of world class
marketing and passionate creativity. The
end result will be unique entertaining
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Florida Weekly
4300 Ford Street, Suite 106
Ft. Myers, FL 33916
Editorial Profile: Intelligent, serious
journalism via in-depth features,
studies and reporting that provides
an alternative, independent voice.
Coverage includes news, entertainment,
health, the arts, business and real estate.
Circulation: More than 35,000 copies are
distributed weekly to subscribers and
through more than 800 finer Southwest
Florida area retailers.
Gulf Coast Business Review
12734 Kenwood Lane # 63
Ft. Myers, Fl 33907
The Gulf Coast Business Review a weekly
publication mailed to C Level Executives
& Business owners. We are the leading
source of relevant and reliable business
news and economic information in
Southwest Florida.
Jean Shane, Realtor – Waterfront
Realty Group, Inc.
1395 3rd Street South
Naples, FL 34102
Having 18 years experience as a
Realtor in four different States, Jean
truly is a “Client focused” real estate
consultant. Call Jean at 888-275-9139
Ext. 1 and learn what real values are
in these changing times throughout
Collier County. Get quality results from
qualified professional.
Jerry Cangiano – Prestige Properties
4947 Tamiami Trail North #106
Naples, FL 34103
I specialize in residential homes and
condominiums focusing on waterfront
and golf communities. I provide a
personalized one on one service with
each customer. I listen to their needs
and I work from contract to closing and
beyond to ensure their satisfaction. My
business is built on referrals.
window lettering, interior and exterior
signs.
SKYShades of Southwest Florida
21810 Palmetto Dunes Dr. #201
Estero, FL 33928
SKYShades specializes in custom
shade structures with over 200 years
experience in design, engineering and
installation. Our products are custom
engineered for both functionality and
aesthetic appeal for numerous markets.
MTO Cleaning Services
We offer a turnkey product and service
10823 Tamiami Trail North, Suite F
which includes design, permitting,
Naples, FL 34108
and installation that conforms to local
MTO Clean is a National Franchise of building codes and wind ratings.
cleaning professionals. Our mission is to
make life easier for our residential and Swiss Team Enterprises, Inc.
commercial clients by providing a full 4206 Enterprise Avenue A-3
line of professional cleaning services Naples, FL 34104
including customized home and office Swiss Team provides a full complement
cleaning, carpet cleaning and window of cleaning and restoration services since
washing. Call for a free customized 1997. We welcome all you service needs
estimate that is 100% satisfaction including: Commercial and Residential
cleaning, Power washing, Window
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cleaning, The Rotobrush System for
Natural Hearing Solutions
Heating & Air Condition Duct Cleaning,
694 8th Street North
Clean and Seal Tile and Grout, Skilled
Naples, FL 34102
Labor for Renovations/Remodeling
-andThe Island Pub, Inc.
11121 Health Park Blvd. Suite 100
600 Neapolitan Way
Naples, FL 34110
Natural Hearing Solutions is focused on Naples, FL 34103
providing individuals with the newest “We discovered a hidden treasure, a
solutions for hearing loss. We offer tropical paradise right here in our own
the most natural feeling and sounding backyard. It is conveniently tucked away
hearing aids. We pride ourselves on and offers superb food at an excellent
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a new set of hearing aids or service on like you were in the Caribbean and on
your current ones. Come by today and vacation.” Contact us for additional
information.
experience the difference.
Red Roof Inn & Suites
1925 Davis Blvd.
Naples, FL34104
This location offers an outdoor heated
pool, outdoor hot tub and coin laundry
facilities. Standard 2 bed and King Bed
Pool side rooms have refrigerators. We
are located 1 1/2 mile from downtown
and the beaches. We are close to many
restaurants and shopping areas.
Shane Consulting Group
1120 Clam Court
Naples, FL 34102
Shane Consulting Group helps people
and organizations improve sustained
results by aligning strategy, management
and organizational systems. Our
development approach transforms and
empowers people and organizations
with a customer focus. Through our
association with Resources Associates
Corporation, our approach has worked
in industries including education,
healthcare, insurance, construction,
government, financial, and education.
SignPro Graphics, Inc
1910 Countess Ct.
Naples, FL 34110
SignPro Graphics Inc, with our experienced
staff and state-of-the-art equipment
makes great signs at reasonable prices.
Our in house department can create
custom cut lettering and dimensional
signs for wood, metal or plastic. We do
logo design, vehicle graphics, magnetic,
The Mike Davis Medical Center
1755 Heritage Trail #604
Naples, FL 34112
Horizons Family Care Center was an
initiative by Mike Davis and others to
ensure everyone in our community had
access to health care. Horizons offers
primary medical care to all in our
community regardless of ability to pay.
Mike continued that effort as a State
legislator. We have renamed the office
“The Mike Davis Medical Center” in his
honor and in his memory.
Trek Bicycle Store of Naples
9051 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 99
Naples, FL 34108
Trek Bicycle Store of Naples is Southwest
Florida’s leading bicycle retailer. We are
a full service shop offering sales, service,
rentals, and performance programs. We
work on all makes and models. Certified
technicians, bicycle fitters, and coach
on staff. Open 7 days a week.
Wired for Wireless Coastland Mall Center.
Naples, FL 34102
Wired for Wireless is the leader in the
wireless lifestyle industry. Whether you
need to secure your home, a handsfree car kit, a way to stream music,
photos and videos wirelessly, expand
the capabilities of your Bluetooth cell
phone, make your iPod wireless or
seeking wireless home solutions, we
can help.
N
e
w
M
e
m
b
e
r
S
p
o
t
l
i
g
h
t
r i b b o n c u tt i n g s
BetterLife Respiratory & Medical Supply - 3845 Beck Blvd #807, Naples 34114
Emack & Bolio’s - 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Rd # 122, Naples 34109
Tuesday, August 19th
Dining with Friends
Dine out for a good cause!
Invite your friends for a meal at
participating Naples Originals
restaurants on Tuesday, August 19 and
a portion of the proceeds will be donated
to Senior Friendship Centers Collier.
Alexander's * Bamboo Cafe * Bambusa Bar & Grill
Bayside Seafood Bar & Grill * Bellini Italian Ristorante on Fifth
Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro * Bistro 821 * Bleu Provence
Brambles Tea Room * Caffe dell'Amore * Chrissy's at Bayfront
The Dock at Crayton Cove * EVOO Market & Bistro * French Bread Oven
Gourmet Catering & Take Out * Greek Gourmet * Grouper 'n' Chips
HB's on the Gulf at Naples Beach Hotel * The Island Pub
Le Lafayette French Gourmet * Mangrove Café * Maxwell's on the Bay
Naples Tomato * Noodles Italian Café & Sushi * Old Naples Pub
Pelican Larry's - Davis * Pelican Larry's - Immokalee
Pelican Larry's - Pine Ridge * Randy's Fishmarket Restaurant
The Real Macaw * Remy's Bistro * Ridgway Bar & Grill
Riverwalk at Tin City * Scenes on the Bay * Spanky's Speakeasy
Stoney's Steakhouse * Sunburst Café * Swan River Seafoods
The Tropical Reef * Vanderbilt Grill and Wine Bar * The Village Pub
For more info, call 239-263-7425
or visit www.seniorfriendship.com
Pollo Tropical - 3777 East Tamiami Trail, Naples 34103
AmTrust Bank - 2315 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. # 304, Naples 34110
BusinessBriefs
A look at what’s happening in the business community
GRANT, FRIDKIN, PEARSON,
ATHAN & CROWN, P.A.
Attorneys
At
L Aw
5551 Ridgewood dRive, Suite 501 • NapleS, Fl 34108
tel (239) 514-1000 • FaX (239) 514-0377
Visit us at www.gfpac.com
The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be
based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you
free written information about our qualifications and experience.
© 2008 OfficeTeam. A Robert Half Company. EOE. 0807-3012
Stoney’s Sports Café is hosting
a “Summer Sports Bash” to benefit Big
Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Florida.
The Shelter for Abused Women
& Children is pleased to announce that
the nonprofit domestic violence center
was designated by the Doris Day Animal
Foundation.
The Francis Pew Hayes Center for
Lifelong Learning at Hodges University
has developed a special program for those
working with youth in the community.
Sky Angel announced its recent
launch of the Pentagon Channel as part of
the television channels available.
FMI Corporation announced the
sale of H.F.P. Corporation to Integrated
Products and Services Incorporated, an
affiliate of UTC Fire & Security.
Fifth Third Bank announced plans
to open its full-service Gateway Shoppes
Financial Center at North Bay.
HB’s on the Gulf has once again
captured the prestigious “Award of
Excellence” from Wine Spectator
magazine.
Grubb & Ellis | 1st Commercial
announced today that Frito-Lay has
signed a lease agreement for a new 35,000square-foot distribution facility.
The RWA, Inc. Planning Department
has been selected as the preferred
consultant to provide professional
planning services for the Immokalee CRA
Master Plan Update & Related Services.
Heatherwood Construction has
completed construction and renovations
at the Page Field Cente” plaza.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of
Southwest Florida will be hosting 3
hours of sailing at Sugden Regional Park.
Sunmaster of Naples earned a Silver
National Ornamental & Miscellaneous
Metals Association (NOMMA) Award
for its design and installation of stainless
steel.
CHS Healthcare’s Naples location
has changed its name to The Mike Davis
Medical Center, to honor the late Mike
Davis, one of Collier County’s most admired politicians.
A stunning, one-of-a-kind photographic mural of the Everglades has been
installed at Big Cypress Market Place, a
new air-conditioned flea market and win
Who’s making what in
your area.
The FREE OfficeTeam 2008 Salary Guide has the
latest administrative hiring information. Call today!
Naples 239.643.4901 • Ft. Myers 239.985.2230
officeteam.com
ery opening this summer in East Naples.
David Lawrence Center will be
observing Recovery Month and will honor
several outstanding Law Enforcement
officials.
Youth Haven has partnered with
Starbucks Coffee for a Summer Pajama
Drive to benefit the children living in our
community’s Emergency Shelter.
The Downtown Naples Craft
Festival will be transformed into an
outdoor craft art showcase complete
with 150 crafters with affordable original
works available for sale.
Christ Child Society of Naples
has distributed over 3,000 books to the
children visiting the Ronald McDonald
Care Mobile.
The Greater Naples Chamber of
Commerce recognized CRS Technology
for providing outstanding technical
support and service provided to the
Chamber.
Basik Development LLC has leased
more than 80 percent of the merchant
booths and all of the restaurant spaces at
Big Cypress Market Place.
Ocean’s Reach Condominiums has
become the first and only lodging facility
on Sanibel Island to be designated a Florida
Green Lodge by the Florida Department
of Environmental Protection.
Youth Haven will begin providing
short-term, residential respite care for
behaviorally challenged children in the
community.
Intech Printing & Direct Mail, Inc.
announced it has been honored with four
awards from the Printing Association of
Florida for outstanding achievement in a
variety of categories.
The Shelter for Abused Women
& Children is pleased to announce a
partnership with The Humane Society
Naples designed to raise awareness about
the link between domestic violence and
animal abuse.
The Naples Zoo at Caribbean
Gardens is offering free admission to
police, paramedics, Transportation
Security
Administration
agents,
firefighters and paid professional
emergency workers from August 1 – 31.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of
Southwest Florida (BBBS-SWFL) and
Skydive Air Adventures of Clewiston,
Florida will be having a skydiving
extravaganza on August 4 to raise funds
for BBBS-SFWL..
Enhancing productivity and
profitability for our clients through
computer networking and software.
239.325.5100 | www.itnnaples.com
Awarded, 2007 & 2008 American Red Cross
Good Neighbor Award
Celebrating 20 years of serving the Naples Area
Tim Philbrick, Owner
www.printcopycenter.com
Ph: (239) 643 5581 • Fx: (239) 643-3329 • Em: [email protected]
NBH17676 Currents Spa Ad
2/11/08
4:29 PM
Page 1
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Transitions
Who’s Who in the Business Community
Dr. Kelly Craig is the new
pediatrician at CHS Healthcare’s Marco
Island Pediatrics location.
Jon Ahlschwede has been named
Operations
Manager
of
Stanley
Consultants’ Naples office.
Mario Valle was recently appointed
to the Collier County Development
Services Advisory Committee.
Matthew Philip, Personal Lines
Account Manager at Gulfshore Insurance
Inc. of Southwest Florida, has been
awarded the Associate in Insurance
Services (AIS) designation and diploma
by the Insurance Institute of America.
Stephanie Foster has been hired at
The Neighborhood Health Clinic as their
Director of Development.
Premier Properties of Southwest
Florida, Inc. REALTORS announced
Chris Adkins has joined the company as a
sales associate for The Strada at Mercato.
Debra E. McIntyre has been appointed
as a Private Banker at TIB Bank.
Russ Markovic has joined the sales
team of Intech Printing and Direct Mail,
Inc.
Colonial Bank’s Florida West Coast
region has promoted Knox McMasters
to senior vice president , business banking
manager.
The Junior Achievement 2008 Collier
County Business Hall of Fame welcomed
Jerry F. Nichols of Brown & Brown Benefits as chair and Katie Sproul of Barron
Collier Companies as vice-chair.
The Salvation Army Center welcomed
Lieutenant Vanessa Miller.
RWA Inc. has announced the
certification of
Kurt Englund as
Professional in Human Resources
Dr. Joseph Kibitlewski, Criminal Justice Program Chair at Hodges University,
will present his paper on Terrorism at the
XV World Congress of the International
Society for Criminology.
Joanne L. Roach has joined Bank of
Florida - Southwest as a Relationship
Specialist.
Andrew L. Buschle has joined Bank of
Florida as Senior Vice President, Market
Manager for Collier County.
FMI Corporation announced J. Stuart
Phoenix has been elected to its Board of
Directors.
When it comes to long-term care,
there’s no place like home.
A good thing about Long-Term Care Insurance from State Farm®* is that you have your choice of
care options – including in your home. You’ll also be helping to protect your life savings from the
cost of extended care. To learn more about it, just talk to your neighborhood State Farm agent.
tonya lowe, agent
Chartered Life Underwriter
4404 Thomasson Drive
Naples, FL 34112
Bus: 239-643-7426
[email protected]
See your local State Farm Agent for details on coverage, costs, restrictions and renewability. This policy has exclusions and limitations.
statefarm.com ® • *StateFarmMutualAutomobileInsuranceCompany • HomeOffice: Bloomington,Illinois P02460FL 04/05
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SOME OF LIFE’S TOUGHEST
CONVERSATIONS HAPPEN
OVER COFFEE.
Chamber Calendar of Events
..............................
August 2008
When was the last time you had that
conversation about Life Insurance?
Tuesday, August 5th
4:00 pm
Brian A Glaeser, Agent
7385 Radio Road
Naples, FL 34104-6704
Bus: 239-774-0665
[email protected]
Collier County Commission
(District 5) and Tax Collector
Forum
Co-sponsored by: The Naples
Daily News
East Naples Community Center
3500 Thomasson Drive
Free and open to the public
...................................................................................................................................................
Talk to me today about your life insurance needs.
..................................................
Thursday, August 7th
11:30 am to 1:00 pm
LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR, STATE FARM IS THERE.®
State Farm Life Insurance Company
(Not licensed in NY or WI) • State Farm Life and
Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI)
Home Offices: Bloomington, IL • statefarm.com®
P062020 0806
Accelerated Networking
Luncheon
Location: Imperial Golf Club
1808 Imperial Golf Course Blvd
$15 Members Only in advance
(Pre-registration ends April 25th)
NO Walk-ins Permitted
Register online:
..................................................
10:45 am - 12:00 pm
60-Minute Success Seminar
Topic: “Time Management”
Speakers: Kelly and Rich
Townsend from Townsend
Consulting
Location: The Chamber Building
2390 Tamiami Trail N., 2nd FL
Conference
Complimentary
Space is Limited
Register on-line:
4:00 pm
Collier County School Board
Forum
Co-sponsored by: The Naples
Daily News
Vineyards Country Club
400 Vineyards Blvd.
Free and open to the public
..................................................
Wednesday, August 20th
7:30 am
Wake Up Naples
The Naples Hilton
Speaker: Jennifer Edwards,
Supervisor of Elections
$20 in advance,
$25 at the door & Non Members
Register online:
..................................................
Thursday, August 21st
3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Annual Trade Show
The Naples Beach Hotel
851 Gulf Shore Blvd N
Naples, FL 34102
$10
Register online:
................... Chamber Calendar of Events
Thursday, September 4th
11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Accelerated Networking
Luncheon
.............................................................................................................
September 2008
Location: Bear’s Paw Country
Club, 2500 Golden Gate Parkway
$15 Members Only in advance
NO Walk-ins Permitted
Register online:
..............................................
Tuesday, September 14th
10:45 am to 7:00 pm
60 Minute Success Seminar
Topic: A PR Writing Course
Speakers: Teresa Morgenstern,
Word Play
Location: The Chamber Building
2390 Tamiami Trail N., 2nd FL
Conference
Complimentary
Space is Limited
Register on-line:
Wednesday, September 17th
7:30 am
Wake Up Naples
The Naples Hilton
Speaker: Clarence Tears
Director, Southwest Florida
Water Management District
Topic: Our Water Resources Today
and Tomorrow
$20 in advance,
$25 at the door & Non Members
Register online:
..................................................
Thursday, September 18th
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Business After 5
Sponsored by: Village Center
at Ole in Lely Resort (Stock
Development)
Location: 9075 Celeste Dr,
$5 members in advance
(preregistration ends at noon
the day of the event); $10 at the
door and guests of members; $20
future member (Future Members
can attend two events before
deciding to join)
Register online:
Medical Providers Front row: Gregory E. Leach,
MD, MBA; Theodore Crowell, MD; Ruth DuPont, MD
and David Kutob, MD; Middle row: Melissa Levers,
ARNP and Deena Krishna, FNP; Back row:
Jill Anderson, ARNP and Cindy Brown, ARNP
FaMily Practice
Pediatrics to geriatrics, acute and
chronic illnesses, preventive care,
routine physicals and minor surgery
Urgent care
Burns, fracture care, lacerations,
sprains and strains, and sudden
onset of minor illness
occUPational Medicine
Drug screening, employment
and FAA physicals, and worker’s
compensation
extended hoUrs
361 DAYS A YEAR
8am - 8pm Monday - Friday
9am - 5pm Saturday-Sunday
Don’t miss the 2008 Trade Show
Thursday, August 21
3:00 to 7:00 pm
The Naples Beach Hotel
$10 in advance!
Register Online at
No appointment necessary.
However, scheduling an appointment
usually reduces time spent at the center.
Magnolia
Square
Advanced
Medical Center
1250 Pine Ridge Road
566-7676
www.AdvancedMedicalCenter.com
New Patients and Visitors Are Always Welcome.
On-site digital X-rays and laboratory.
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EVERYDAY A NEW
SHOPPING ADVENTURE.
CONVENIENCE
IS THE
ULTIMATE
LUXURY.
When you purchase a residence at
The Strada you receive more than just the
finest interior features offered anywhere in
Naples. You’ll also have the opportunity to
walk downstairs and experience the many
new and exciting restaurants and retail
stores Mercato will have to offer, like Naples’
only Whole Foods Market® and The Capital®
Grille. This is a once in a lifetime chance to
live in a development where everything you
Artist’s Rendering
need is right downstairs.
UPTOWN RESIDENCES FROM THE $500s
239.594.9400 | 877.797.9400
MercatoNaples.com
ASK ABOUT
OUR ATTRACTIVE DEVELOPER
MODEL LEASEBACK PROGRAM
ON-SITE SALES & DESIGN CENTER NOW OPEN: Located just North of Vanderbilt Beach Rd. on the east side of US 41.
ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER.FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS,REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS
REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503,FLORIDA STATUTES,TO BE FURNISHED TO THE BUYER OR LESSEE.
OBTAIN THE PROPERTY REPORT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW AND READ IT BEFORE SIGNING ANYTHING.NO FEDERAL AGENCY HAS JUDGED THE MERIT OR VALUE,IF ANY,OF THIS PROPERTY.
ALL RENDERINGS ARE ARTIST’S CONCEPTION. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE APPROXIMATE,AND ALL FLOOR PLANS AND DEVELOPMENT PLANS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY THE DEVELOPER.
EXCLUSIVE
REPRESENTATIVE