volume 27, number 11 december 2012 the catch of the day

Volume 27, Number 11 DECEMbEr 2012

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER FORT MYERS BEACH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Membership Luncheon December 13 at Charley’s boathouse

It’s that time of year again when we gather with friends and family to celebrate the holi-days. This month our Membership Luncheon will be at Charley’s Boathouse. Town Man-ager Terry Stewart will lead us in a familiar Christmas sing along. There will be no formal speaker as this will be more of a party atmo-sphere.

The menu will be a buffet along with Charley’s famous salad bar, so there will be no menu se-lection when you make your reservation online. Please join us on Thursday December 13th at Charley’s Boathouse. Time as always 11:30 to 1:00. We look forward to spending time with all of you in the spirit of fellowship. Merry Christmas to all!

OFFICErS/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:Jennifer Seaborn, Chair – Sunstream Hotels & Resorts

Norma Pevey, Chair Elect – Associate MemberJohn Gavin, Vice Chair – Gavins Ace HardwareDavid Anderson, Treasurer – Krusty Pete's

Bud Nocera, President – FMB ChamberFran Myers, Foundation – Red Coconut RV Park

rETIrING 31 DECEMbEr 2012Jeff Pultorak – Alpha NetworksChris Heidrick – Heidrick & Co

Eric Tibbs – Edward JonesRob DeGennaro – Nervous Nellies

Nichole Bennett – Bennett ChiropracticCurt Brenner – Gullwing Beach Resort

rETIrING 31 DECEMbEr 2013Jim Lambeth – A Better Bugman

Roxie Smith – Pink Shell DevelopmentDan Eaton – Us Coast Guard Auxillary

John Armitstead – Lee Memorial Health Systems

rETIrING 31 DECEMbEr 2014Steve DeAngelis – Nervous Nellie’s

Brooke Klay – Associate MemberTerry Luster – Kiwanis Ft. Myers Gateway to Islands

Ann Alsop – Associate Member Robb Capps – Premier Sandals Realty

SPECIAL DIrECTOrSTom Hart – Humphrey Knott et al

Fran Myers – Red Coconut RV Park

FOUNDATION bOArD DIrECTOrS:John Albion

Ann Alsop – C21 TripowerRob Fowler – Fowler Company

Maryanne Baker – Sunstream Realty Inc

FOUNDATION bOArD OFFICErS:Fran Myers, President – Red Coconut RV Resort

Roxie Smith, Vice President – Pink Shell Development

FortMyersbeachChamber.org239-454-7500

The Catchof the Day

It’s that time of year again when we gather with friends and family to celebrate the holidays. This month our Membership Luncheon will be at Charley’s Boathouse. Town Manager Terry Stewart will lead us in a familiar Christmas sing along. There will be no formal speaker as this will be more of a party atmosphere. The menu will be a buffet along with Charley’s famous salad bar, so there will be no menu selection when you make your reservation online. Please join us on Thursday December 13th at Charley’s Boathouse. Time as always 11:30 to 1:00. We look forward to spending time with all of you in the spirit of fellowship. Merry Christmas to all!

It’s that time of year again when we gather with friends and family to celebrate the holidays. This month our Membership Luncheon will be at Charley’s Boathouse. Town Manager Terry Stewart will lead us in a familiar Christmas sing along. There will be no formal speaker as this will be more of a party atmosphere. The menu will be a buffet along with Charley’s famous salad bar, so there will be no menu selection when you make your reservation online. Please join us on Thursday December 13th at Charley’s Boathouse. Time as always 11:30 to 1:00. We look forward to spending time with all of you in the spirit of fellowship. Merry Christmas to all!

DECEMbEr 20122 fortmyersbeachchamber.org

Committee Meetings & Events

December 4 8:00 am

Executive board meeting Chamber Office

8:00 amDecember 12

Traffic Committee meeting Chamber Office

10:00 amDecember 20

Membership Luncheon Charley’s Boathouse, 6241 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach

December 13

Marketing Committee meetingChamber Office

If you would like to join any of these committees,

contact Jane ross at 454-7500.

From the November board Meeting

board Highlights

11 new members were reviewed.

Candidates for open board positions were discussed. There are presently 7 candidates for 4 positions.

A new membership pricing schedules was approved. It will be tied to advertising packaging.

The date has been set for the Annual Gala. It will take place Friday, January 18th.

business Card Exchange The Island Jewel, 7205 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach

7:30 amDecember 6

Chamber Office closes at 1:00 pmDecember 24

business After HoursPink Shell Resort & Marina, 275 Estero Blvd, Ft Myers Beach

5:30 pm

11:30 am

Christmas, Chamber Office will be closedDecember 25

Chamber Office closes at 3:00 pmDecember 31

Taste of the beach Committee meeting Chamber Office

10:30 am

Ambassador Committee meeting Chamber Office

9:30 am

board meeting Chamber Office

8:00 amDecember 19

1:00 pm

3:00 pm

DECEMbEr 2012 3fortmyersbeachchamber.org

Sponsored by:

Spirit of the Holidays Annual

Pancake Breakfast Saturday, December 8th 7-10am Red Coconut Clubhouse, 3001 Estero Blvd. Breakfast is $5.00 per person

All proceeds benefit the needy children of the Fort Myers Beach area

Sponsored by:




‘Tis the Season to Shop Locally

by bud Nocera

Fort Myers Beach is a community of small businesses, mostly owner-operators who work long hours to make their businesses turn a small profit. All of us who live and work on or near the beach are keenly aware of the need to make our money for the year during season. But there is another season, the holiday season, when we can help our friends and neighbors by shopping locally.

I will admit that in the past it was easy for me just to go on-line and get my shopping done by ordering gifts over the internet. It is what I did prior to coming to this beach and taking the reins of this chamber. But after six months in this seat I can’t con-

ceive of doing that. Having met and gotten to know many of our restaurant and retail store owners, I understand the importance of shop-ping where you live, and in doing so, helping others to make their living, too. This island community is much like a village in New Eng-land, albeit with sand, coconut palms and amazing sunsets. By and large we know each other. A village survives because residents trade with each other, even though they may have other options.

What’s great about our beach is the wonder-ful variety of shopping available. From Santi-ni Marina Plaza to Times Square, and nearby on San Carlos and South Fort Myers there are

owner-oper-ated shops and services that offer all manner of item for holi-day gift giv-ing. From clothing to jewelry to fine art and even gift certificates for massages and a spa day, there is something for everyone on your gift list. We also have an amazing va-riety of restaurants from which to purchase gift certificates.

This month, take time to shop locally.

17200 San Carlos Boulevard/Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33931239-454-7500 / FAX: 239-454-7910

E-MAIL: [email protected]

Sponsored by:




Saturday, December 8th 7-10amRed Coconut Clubhouse, 3001 Estero Blvd.Breakfast is $5.00 per personAll proceeds benefit the needy children of theFort Myers Beach area

Spirit of the HolidaysAnnual Pancake Breakfast

http://www.fortmyersbeachchamber.org


As a local Ace Hardware dealer, Gavin's Ace is a member of the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the industry. Ace Hardware began as a small chain of stores in 1924 and has grown to include more than 4,500 stores in 50 states and more than 70 countries. As part of a cooperative, every Ace Hardware is independently owned and oper-ated. The Gavin family is proud to be a part of the Ace Hardware tradition and serve the local community.

Gavin's Ace was founded in October 1987 acquiring Cypress Hardware on Cypress Lake Drive. In March 1991, the Gavin family was approached about buying the much larger Gaddies True Value only 3 miles away. After a deal was stuck, the True Value store was

Gavin's Ace Hardware

Glee Ann Agius Salty Sam's Marina

Eryka Aptake-Wagner East Commerce Solutions

Dwayne Bowes Residence Inn Fort Myers / Sanibel

Robb Capps Premier Sandals Realty

Steve DeAngelis Nervous Nellie’s

Barbara Farrell IBERIABANK

Pat Ferguson Accountable & Professional

Home Watch Services

Denice Knudsen Premier Sandals Realty

Terry Luster Kiwanis Club of Fort Myers Gateway to the Islands

Eric Tibbs Edward Jones & Co.

Gary Donabed Synovus Bank

Sandy Lepley Century 21 Tripower Realty

Mike Bint Kings of Merch

Fran Podraza CFS Facility Services

Nicole Rizzo Baymont Inn and Suites

Jonathan Gentile NBS Technology Services

Fran Podraza, CFS roofing Services, LLCFran is the Director of Business Development for CFS Roofing Services, LLC Fort Myers, Florida and a full service roofing con-tractor serving the Commercial, Industrial, Condominium and Residential communities on the west coast of Florida. He came to Fort Myers in 1974 to become a partner in Bardon’s Office Systems & Supply Company. Bardon’s had offices in Fort Myers and Fort My-ers Beach and were members of the Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. In 1983 the business was divided and Fran started Bardon’s Business Interiors and Design, a con-tract office furniture company which he ran until he sold it in 1995. Since that time he has been in the roofing business. First Fran was with Crowther Roofing and then Service Works Roofing of Tampa that provided roofing main-tenance programs for Commercial, Industrial

and Condominium properties. In March of this year he moved to David Crowther’s company, CFS Roofing Services.

During his time in Southwest Florida, Fran has been involved in many community activities

including Rotary, Easter Seals Society, Little League, Youth Basketball, City of Palm High School Basketball Tournament, Caloosa Catch & Release Fishing Tournaments, Roy Hobbs Baseball and the Amateur Baseball Associa-tion of SW Florida. He has one Daughter, a Son and 4 Grandchildren. Fran is a firm believer in the mission of the Fort Myers Beach Cham-ber. He is looking forward to working with the Ambassador Committee to help develop an organization that will benefit the Beach’s resi-dents, businesses and its visitors now and in the future.

converted and Gavin's Ace Hardware had a new home. The business grew at this loca-tion, and enjoyed it's new neighbors on Fort Myers Beach while being large enough to still serve the greater Fort Myers area.

Founded by Larry, Rita and Ron Gavin, and then joined by John Gavin, the company still has the “family” atmosphere local hardware stores had in mind when Ace first started in the 20's. Ron Gavin, second generation own-er says “Service to the customer is still our number one goal.”

Gavin's Ace belongs or supports area groups such as United Way, Kiwanis, Harry Chapin Food Bank, Shriner's Children's Hospi-tals, among others. “25 years of surviving

in business is very gratifying.” says Larry Gavin. “But 25 years of being a part of this community is what I am proudest of.”

An active member of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, Gavin's Ace was named Chamber Business of the Year in 2012.


renewing MembersADVENTUrES IN PArADISE, INC

(239) 472-8443 Craig Stewart 14341 Port Comfort Rd. Ft Myers, FL 33908

AFFOrDAbLE DECOrATING(239) 218-5303 Ruthann O'Brien 16122 SandRidge Ct Ft Myers, FL 33908

CHANDLEr, MATHIS & ZIVLEy713-739-7722 Perry Zivley945 Heights BlvdHouston, TX 77008

NEwS PrESS(239) 335-0520 Janelle Grenzy 2442 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Drive Fort Myers , FL 33901

welcome!

PALMETTO'S APPArEL(239) 463-1515 Dick & Jan Wood 7205 Estero Blvd # 712 Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

PArADISE ADVErTISING AND DESIGN(239) 395-5878 Katrina Salokar 2340 Periwinkle Way Unit J3 Sanibel Island, FL 33957

VIZMArkET(239) 676-7291 John Rowland 28380 Old 41 Rd., Suite 10 Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Prestige Estate Services specializes in the liquidation of personal property, estate valu-ations and appraisals. Often times their clients are faced with relocating, death or downsizing. Prestige helps clients retain and realize the value within their personal proper-ty when they need to move on. They will utilize any appropriate market, often times using a combined effort of live estate sales, auction and Prestige's on-line ecommerce site.

In early 2010, Prestige Estate Services was launched by Alicia and Brad Weaver. They had heard too many horror stories from friends and family who had dealt with items being liqui-dated without proper valuation. Alicia has 10+ years in e-commerce and logistics, Brad comes from a long line of antique specialists and has a passion for estate sales. With their combine talents it was time to bring visibil-ity, accountability and professionalism into the liquidation and appraisal industry. Since

Prestige Estate Services

Beach Pierside Grill, The

Nemo's on the Beach

Pointe South Condominiums

American Cancer Society

Residence Inn Fort Myers / Sanibel

Beach Accommodations, LLC

Nemo's on the Beach

Valentine Eye Care

Majestic Airport Taxi/Limo Service

Salty Sam's Marina

Identifi, Inc.

Spectrum Contracting Inc.

Crazy Woman Kayaks LLC

Fort Myers Beach Kiwanis Club/Thrift Shp

Seaside Resort

Snook Bight Marina

Iona-Hope Episcopal Church, Inc.

Billie Swamp Safari

United Site Services of Florida

their launch they have hit the ground running, their services are constantly in high demand and they continue to grow and ex-pand their services.

In November 2012, they opened a new branch that will serve all of South-west Florida. The team at Prestige Estate Services is backed by a professional staff, including appraisers and collectors with more than 4o years of experience in managing es-tate sales and liquidating property. Experi-ence that becomes quickly evident to our cli-ents as we handle every aspect of the estate sale, start to finish!

When hiring prestige you can put your mind at ease. You're hiring the industry leaders to liquidate your property swiftly and profession-ally! You can reach us directly at 239-233-8450, email is [email protected] or visit our website for more information, www.PrestigeEstateServicefl.com.


Member News!

Volunteers NeededThe Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce is look for volunteers to assist at our visitors center during season (January thru April). If you live on the Beach, know the Beach, and love the Beach this is a chance to share your enthusiasm with tourists coming to our beautiful area. Four hour shifts are needed several days a week to supplement our current center staff. The environment is friendly and casual. Telephone and computer skills are required. Please contact Nancy Eaton at 239-454-7500 or email [email protected]. The Chamber Visi-tor Center is located at 17200 San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach.

Airstream Aristocrat $100 +

• Anonymous

Tin Can Tourist $50

• Print Shop Ink

November bambi Donations

Thank you...

Nancy Eaton & Eric Malasky for hosting our November Business After Hours and the following individuals/business members who contributed

door prizes for the event.

A Better Bugman

Big Game Bar & Grill

Matanzas Inn Restaurant

Seminole Gulf Railway

Salty Sam’s Marina

Thank You …

Nancy Eaton & Eric Malasky for hosting our November Business After Hours and the following individuals/business members who contributed door prizes for the event.

A Better Bugman

Big Game Bar & Grill Matanzas Inn Restaurant

Seminole Gulf Railway Salty Sam’s Marina

Thank You …

Nancy Eaton & Eric Malasky for hosting our November Business After Hours and the following individuals/business members who contributed door prizes for the event.

A Better Bugman

Big Game Bar & Grill Matanzas Inn Restaurant

Seminole Gulf Railway Salty Sam’s Marina

December ribbon CuttingYou're invited to attend our next ribbon cutting, scheduled for December 19th at 10:00am, at Ostego Bay Marine Sci-ence Center, 718 Fishermans Wharf, Ft Myers Beac.

Nervous Nellie's to host next 'Dine out for bambi's Sake' FundraiserPlease come to Nervous Nellie's Crazy Wa-terfront Eatery for lunch on Tuesday Dec 11, 2012. Dine on this date between 11:00am and 3:00pm and 10% of your food and bev-erage bill will go towards the purchase of two Airstream Bambi travel trailers which will be converted into mobile visitor infor-mation centers. These mobile chambers will enable the chamber to assist visitors in dis-

Please come to Nervous Nellie's Crazy Waterfront Eatery for lunch on Tuesday Dec 11, 2012. Dine on this date between 11:00am and 3:00pm and 10% of your food and beverage bill will go towards the purchase of two Airstream Bambi travel trailers which will be converted into mobile visitor information centers. These mobile chambers will enable the chamber to assist visitors in discovering our local restaurants, attractions, and accommodations."Bambi" is the name of a 16 foot long classic Airstream travel trailer. The Bambi Trailers will be painted with scenes of Fort Myers Beach to make them fun and attract attention. We hope to see you there!

covering our local restaurants, attractions, and accommodations."Bambi" is the name of a 16 foot long classic Airstream travel trailer. The Bambi Trailers will be painted with scenes of Fort Myers Beach to make them fun and attract attention.

We hope to see you there!


26th Annual American Sandsculpting Event – Thank you Volunteers!By the time this goes to press we will have rested up from the 26th annual Ameri-can Sandsculpting event. But I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of our Chamber of Commerce, Board Members and Ambassadors that volunteered to make light work out of heavy. The event was a 10 day event over two weekends as well as Thanksgiving Day. Our President Bud Nocera and I were on the sand every day all day and we could not have done this without the wonderful group of volunteers we had. So… A HUGE THANK YOU to all of you that volunteered with us, it and YOU are very much appreciated.

Membership Luncheon at Nauti Turtle restaurant

Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce welcomes new members at their monthly Membership Luncheon held at the Nauti Turtle Restaurant on Thursday Nov. 8th. Left to right Chair elect Norma Jean Pevey, Chamber President Bud Nocera, Katrina Salokar of Paradise Advertising and Design, John Rowland of VizMarket, Ruthann O'Brian from Affordable Designs and Sis Berube of the Fort Myers News-Press.


Fort Myers beach Christmas boat Parade 2012

The 2012 Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce Christmas Boat Parade was an evening of fun and celebration! With 26 dazzling decorated boats full of costumed revelers the boat parade left Salty Sam’s Marina at dark and traversed the waters of the back bay delighting thousands of spectators. The Chamber would like to thank Dan Eaton, Chairman of the Boat Parade committee, the com-mittee members, the sponsors and the boaters for making the 2012 event a huge success!

winners of Fort Myers beach Christmas boat Parade 2012Category Boat # Boat Name Capt. Name Sponsored by

Small Power boat (up to 26 feet) Most Creative Theme #1 Double VisionStuart Koplan Most Spirited Crew #19 Brent's Boat Brent Samuels

Large Power boat (27 feet and up) Most Creative Theme #12 Island Time Kevin Walker Most Spirited Crew #25 Chillin The Most Brian Josephson

Sail boat (any size) Most Creative Theme and Most Spirited Crew #14 Dream Caught Don Calder

Non-Motor boat Most Creative Theme #5 Hydro Bike Paul Corzatt

business Sponsored boat (power or sail) Most Creative Theme #4 Yahta Yahta Yahta Ted Schindler Matanzas Inn & Restaurant

Most Spirited Crew #3 Paradise Neil Newton Paradise Parasail

Judge's Favorite boat #20 Short Cut Ken Foret

People's Choice boat #5 Hydro Bike Paul Corzatt

Most Festive House Party Deep Passage Lane Lenny Brown


Fort Myers beach Christmas boat Parade 2012


business Card Exchange at Tanger Outlet Mall on November 1

Charles Stallings (left), Hampton Inn, and John Cavada, Gavins Ace Hardware

Tanger Outlet Mall event hostess, Mall Manager Sara Holderfield (left), Dwayne Bowes, Residence Inn, and Jessica Paulmann, Brown & Brown Insurance, enjoyed getting acquainted at the Business Card Exchange

GleeAnn Agius (left), Salty Sam's Marina, and Terry Luster, Kiwanis Club Fort Myers Gateway to the Islands.


Edison Ford winter Estates Decorating Party

The Chamber Ambassadors were invited to help decorate the Edison Ford Winter Estates for the holidays. Attached is the photo from the Chamber’s decorating party at the Edison Ford Estates on Wednesday November 14. Stop by the Estates and see their handiwork.

Front row from Left to Right

Sandy Lepley of Century 21 Tripower

Jack Reading of Baymont Inn and Suites

Nicole Rizzo of Baymont Inn and Suites

Vicky Luster of Kiwanis Fort Myers Gateway to the Islands

Glee Ann Agius of Salty Sam’s Marina

Norma Jean Pevey

Back row left to right

Fran Podraza of CFS Services

Chamber President Bud Nocera

Terry Luster of Kiwanis Fort Myers Gateway to the Islands

Robb Capps of Sandals Realty

NOT SHOWN Ruthann O’Brien of Affordable Decorating and Denice Knudsen of Sandals Realty

volume 27, number 11 december 2012 the catch of the day

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