VENTURE FORUM REP
>>Tim Cartwright, president of the Gulf Coast Venture Forum (GCVF) (www.gcvf.com)  in Naples, will join the Florida Venture Forum’s “Early Stage Selection” committee. The group will be responsible for the choosing early-stage companies from across the state to present their investment prospectuses at the inaugural conference scheduled for May. The Florida Venture Forum is a statewide, not-for-profit organization designed to bring emerging growth companies together.

NINE ADRIANS
>>The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) recognized the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) (www.paradisecoast.com) for advertising and public relations excellence with nine winning entries in the 18th annual Adrian Awards competition. The CVB was awarded two gold Adrians, four silvers and three bronze awards. The gold Adrian awards were for the destination’s new print advertising campaign and for public relations efforts surrounding last summer’s series of ghost orchid blooms at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

NEW BANK OFFICIAL
>>Southwest Capital Bank (www.southwestcapitalbank.com) has appointed Jeff Schorle as vice president of commercial banking. He is responsible for establishing and managing new commercial lending relationships. His office is at the bank’s headquarters in the Southwest Capital Bank Building at 12670 Creekside Lane in Fort Myers. Schorle has been honored as a top performer at previous banks and has received a number of military commendations, including Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for Outstanding Professional Service and Commitment.

OFFICE BUILDING
>>McGarvey Development (www.mcgarveydevelopment.com) has completed construction of the first of four office buildings at Eastlinks Business Park at 12550 Professional Park Drive in the Gateway area of south Fort Myers. Office suites, which can be customized, start at 1,300 square feet, with a total of 30,000 square feet of office space available. Three additional office buildings are planned for a total of 174,000 square feet of space.

AUTO INDUSTRY DISCUSSION
>>John W. Mendel, senior vice president of automobile operations at American Honda Motor Co., will discuss the challenges and issues facing the automotive industry at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 22 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort in Bonita Springs. Mendel’s presentation is part of a series sponsored by the Speakers Assembly of Southwest Florida. The cost, which includes lunch, is $40 for guests of the Speakers Assembly. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 948-7909 or e-mailing speakersassembly@aol.com. 

PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION
>>Fort Myers ophthalmologist Dr. Trevor Elmquist (www.elmquist.com) has earned the certified ophthalmic executive (COE) designation. Certification is awarded by the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators to candidates who meet nationally recognized standards in ophthalmic administration, including finance, accounting, marketing, operations and management.

RESALE SHOP
>>The Shelter for Abused Women & Children will host the grand opening of Another Option, the nonprofit organization’s second thrift store, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 9 at 5239 Golden Gate Parkway in Naples. The 2,898-square-foot store will feature clothing, shoes and accessories as well as some furniture and home accents. The new shop and the shelter’s other resale store, Options Thrift Shoppe, 968 Second Ave. N. in Naples, provides victims and survivors of domestic violence the opportunity to shop, using complimentary vouchers, for the items needed as they rebuild their lives. For more information about Another Option, call 775-3862.

DISTINGUISHED HOSPITAL
>>Physicians Regional Healthcare System has received the HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence. This distinction is based on an independent study released by HealthGrades, a healthcare-ratings company. The study of quality at the nation’s 4,971 hospitals places Physicians Regional Healthcare System in the top 5 percent for overall clinical quality.

EDC MIXER
>>The Economic Development Council of Collier County will hold a membership meeting and mixer featuring addresses by Space Florida and DayJet executives at 3:45 p.m. on Feb 28 at the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club. Space Florida is the point of contact for state aerospace-related activities with federal agencies, the military, state agencies, businesses and the private sector. DayJet provides a per-seat, on-demand jet service for regional business travel. The cost for the event is $30 for EDC members and $40 for nonmembers. Register online at www.enaplesflorida.com. 

VOLUNTEER AWARD
>>Collier County Emergency Management Department volunteer Frederick C. Edwards has earned the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association’s 2008 Volunteer Award for contributing more than 6,000 hours in emergency-management related activities. In 1998, Edwards provided amateur radio service to the county’s special needs shelter during Hurricane Georges. Because of his strong organizational skills and dedication to duty, Edwards was designated the emergency communications coordinator for the countywide shelter operation (22 shelters) and has continued to successfully man this position during 20 activations and two presidential-declared disasters that threatened county residents and visitors.

HOME CONCIERGE SERVICES
>>Local entrepreneur Bonnie D’Angelo has launched a concierge and home-watch business in Lee and Collier counties. Peace of Mind Concierge (www.peaceofmindswfla.com) services include grocery shopping, event planning, errands, travel planning, home and office organization, pet sitting, business referrals, home watching, patient concierge, hurricane preparation and relocation services.

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