LPG PRIMARY CARE CLINICS NAMED ASTHMA-FRIENDLY
Four Lee Physician Group (LPG) primary care clinics became the first pediatric outpatient offices in the state designated platinum-level “Asthma-Friendly” by the Florida Asthma Coalition (FAC), according to a news release. This is the highest level of recognition the coalition awards and highlights outpatient centers that create a safe and healthy environment for patients with asthma.
Pediatric clinics in Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres each had to meet specific criteria that were designed to improve asthma care and outcomes for patients.
Last year, the FAC designated Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida as the fourth “Asthma-Friendly” hospital in the state. Lee Health already helped day care centers and school districts throughout Southwest Florida work toward Asthma-Friendly designation.
The Lee Health Child Development Centers were also honored at the FAC 2019 Summit, when they received the platinum-level “Asthma-Friendly” recognition for Child Care Centers. To learn more about the Asthma-Friendly recognition, visit https://tinyurl.com/GCHAsthma.
AIA CHAPTER ACCEPTING ALLIED MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Florida Southwest Chapter is now accepting Allied Membership Applications for 2019. Allied members may be individuals who otherwise are not eligible to join the AIA, or businesses who support the architectural profession, either through goods or services or simply a shared interest in its built environment.
The chapter hosts many events throughout the year, including monthly breakfast meetings for the Naples and Fort Myers sections, continuing education classes and presentations, a lecture series, and its annual Design Conference and Design Awards. Allied membership is separate at each level of the AIA: national, state, and local. For more information, visit www.aiaflasw.org.
SCHMEES JOINS NAPLES CHAMBER
The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce has appointed Melanie Schmees as the new director of business & economic research. She will focus on supporting local business development efforts through economic development initiatives, business retention and expansion, and economic research and analysis.
Schmees earned her bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from Florida Gulf Coast University. Prior to joining the Naples Chamber, Schmees handled compensation valuation at Healthcare Appraisers. Previously, she conducted economic research at the Lee County Economic Development Office.
ADG ARCHITECTURE COMPLETES CHURCH DESIGN, HIRES LEGER
ADG Architecture has completed the design of a new campus expansion for Gateway Trinity Lutheran Church. The project includes a new 500-seat worship center and a 4,500-square-foot fellowship hall. OAK of Southwest Florida is the construction manager and has started constructing the project. The new worship center is slated to be open by the end of 2019.
In addition, ADG Architecture has welcomed Ashley Leger to its Fort Myers location as a project manager. Leger will be responsible for overall coordination of both architectural and interior design projects. She received her degree in architecture from Lawrence Technological University and has eight years of professional experience. Her portfolio includes a variety of project types including municipal, veterinary, and restaurants.
FREE KONMARI TIDYING UP WORKSHOP SET
Avow Treasures Resale Store will host Elizabeth Player, Certified KonMari Consultant, who will present a workshop on Marie Kondo’s philosophy of tidying up, also known as the KonMari Method. The workshop will take place from 1-2:30 p.m. March 18 in the Ispiri Community Center at Avow in Naples. The event is free of charge and open to the public. Avow will provide each attendee with a free Donation Clean Out Kit to help them repurpose those items that no longer “spark joy.” For more information, call (239) 261-4404 or visit avowcares.org.
ACCOUNTING FIRM EXPANDS STAFF
Hughes, Snell & Co. P.A., Certified Public Accountants and Consultants, has added Ian Carpenter, Nicolas Rota and Carlotta Seals to the firm. Cody Collins, Jami Howes and Diana McAvoy have been promoted to senior associates. Carpenter was hired as a staff accountant, and works with the audit team and assists with preparation of tax documents. Rota joined the firm through its tax internship program and is a staff accountant providing tax services to clients.
Seals brings more than 25 years experience to her new position as a senior tax accountant. Collins has been with Hughes, Snell & Co. P.A. since 2016 and his responsibilities as senior associate include the preparation of trusts, estate planning and tax returns. Howes was recently promoted to senior accountant. She joined the firm in 2016 through a tax internship. McAvoy joined Hughes, Snell & Co., P.A. in 2014. Now a senior associate, she works in the client accounting advisory services area.
GUADALUPE CENTER HOSTS INAUGURAL LEADERSHIP DAY
Fifty sophomores, juniors and seniors from Immokalee High School had an opportunity to network with and learn from successful business leaders during Guadalupe Center’s inaugural Leadership Day on Feb. 12. Leadership Day featured a dozen professionals and entrepreneurs offering insight into their occupations and inspiration to pursue a college education and a career, both key components of Guadalupe Center’s Tutor Corps program.
Roundtable discussions were led by Guadalupe Center volunteers Mark Nagan (engineering), Rick Lane (information technology), Meredith Dee (psychology), Tom White (business/accounting), Carlton Cleveland (business/finance), Gene Renna (business/engineering), Melissa Cofta (business/marketing), Kristin Ryan (nursing), Joe Vento (physician), Dr. Murray Yost (physician), Dick Munro (media) and Jim Ragusa (education).
Following the discussions, Nancy Carlson, former vice president of aviation and marine at ExxonMobil Fuels and Lubricants, delivered a keynote address.
CHARITABLE NOTES
Dress for Success SW Florida signature fundraiser to be held Friday
Tickets are still available for Dress for Success SW Florida’s signature fundraiser, “A Vegas Night in Black & White,” held from 6-9:30 p.m. on Friday at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs. Live auction items include a Labor Day weekend vacation in Las Vegas with tickets to an Elton John concert, trips to New York and Miami Beach, and a 20-guest private wine class at Total Wine at Coconut Point.
Guests are invited to wear black and white cocktail attire for the event. Tickets are $125 each and $1,200 for a table. Tickets include hors d'oeuvres, a champagne toast and seated dinner. The event will also feature a silent auction, Las Vegas-style games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, craps and poker.
Money raised from this annual event will help support programs that are offered free to women in Lee and Collier counties. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, contact Nickole Hendra at (239) 689-4992 or visit swflorida.dressforsuccess.org.
Naples Winter Wine Festival Online Auction raises more than $300,000
This year’s Naples Winter Wine Festival Online Auction raised $302,100 alongside the close to $16 million raised under the tent during the live auction. This was the fifth year of the online auction and its highest grossing year ever, now bringing the online auction’s total to more than $1 million. The online auction drew bidders from throughout the U.S.
The online auction was made possible with the support of 70 donors and organizations across the country, who donated an array of fine dining experiences, sporting excursions, luxury staycations and more. Funds raised from the auction help support the work of the Naples Children & Education Foundation, which will award this year’s grants to local organizations serving Collier County children in need on March 18.
FGCU Alumni Association to host fishing invitational
The Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Alumni Association is hosting the first annual FGCU Fishing Invitational. The tournament will kick off with an honor start at 7 a.m. on April 6, followed by an awards banquet at The Edison Restaurant. A captain’s meeting will be held on April 5 at Florida Gulf Coast University.
The cost to attend is $150 per angler, which includes tournament entry, the awards banquet, giveaways and cash prizes. Tickets to the awards banquet only are $50 and include a cocktail reception, silent auction and dinner.
Formerly the Fallen Eagle Redfish Classic, the FGCU Fishing Invitational was created to honor the memory of Jesse Woodyard, an FGCU student and member of the FGCU Fishing Club who passed away in 2014. The Florida Gulf Coast University Alumni Association will now be hosting the annual fishing tournament, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Jesse M. Woodyard Scholarship. To register, visit FGCUfishinginvitational.com.
Abuse Counseling and Treatment Inc. to host concert benefit
Abuse Counseling and Treatment Inc. will host the “Rock Out Against Domestic Violence” concert, featuring Razing Cape, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Top Rocker Plaza in Fort Myers. All proceeds will benefit Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc. (ACT) and their many services. The event will include dinner options from local food trucks, beer for purchase on-site, raffle prizes worth $500-plus, a 50/50 raffle cash prize, vendors and more. Admission is $15 per individual and includes parking. Tickets are available now here or at the door on the day of. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, call (239) 939-2553.
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