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Kevin Miller
Kevin Miller

INVESTORS’ SECURITY TRUST, FIRST BUSEY CORP. TO MERGE

Investors’ Security Trust has signed an agreement to merge with First Busey Corp., and the merger will be closed in early 2019. Investors’ Security Trust is moving forward with this strategic partnership as the combined organization, Busey Wealth Management, which will allow the company to provide a broad range of banking services to complement its wealth management services. With access to additional tools and resources and the backing of a $9.25 billion organization, the combined company is better positioned to serve existing and new clients, and to retain and attract top talent. Charles Idelson, president and CEO of Investors’ Security Trust, has been named Florida market chairman.

Bob Ferris

BDK MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS LAUNCHES

BDK Manufacturing Solutions LLC has launched in Naples. The new consulting service is led by company President Bob Ferris, who has 30 years of industry experience. As a cable plant manager, he guided Mark Products Inc. from a non-saleable position to a $14 million sale in five years. He ultimately took the business from negligible profitability to a $2.3 million profit in his final year. Mark Products was sold to SERCEL near the end of Ferris’ tenure, and Ferris was recruited from SERCEL to become vice president of operations at Pelican Wire in Naples. Ferris also served as facility superintendent at an Okonite Cables plant in South Carolina. He holds a Professional in Human Resources certification and has demonstrated success negotiating win-win compromises and formulating personnel manuals, corporate policies, job descriptions and management reports.

Kevin Miller

CCCR NAMES DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT 

Collier Child Care Resources (CCCR) has appointed Kevin Miller as director of development. Miller will oversee the fundraising program that supports CCCR’s four early childhood development centers and the tuition assistance they offer low-income, working families for high-quality early education and childcare. Miller comes to CCCR from The Village School of Naples, where he also served as director of development. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Florida State University. Miller has spent more than 20 years with the Greater Naples YMCA, the last 10 as president/CEO. He also worked for the NCH Healthcare Foundation, Southwestern State College and The Village School.

‘SOCIAL MEDIA PROFITABLE GROWTH’ SESSION SET

The Hispanic Business Professionals of Southwest Florida will host the Leaders in Business Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on May 24 at Cantina Laredo in Fort Myers. Jaci Langi, founder and CEO of Reframed PR & Marketing, will present “The Secret Weapon to Social Media Profitable Growth.” The session will provide attendees with insight into the crucial developments in the social media world, how to connect with audiences and create relevant content, and what the future holds ahead. The luncheon is open to the public. Tickets are $21 per person, and the fee includes lunch. Register online at Hispanicbusinessprofessionals.com.

TECH CLUB TO DISCUSS PROMOTION FOR NONPROFITS

Tech4Good SWFL members will discuss “Local Outreach and Promotion for Nonprofit Organizations” during the club’s monthly meeting from 6-8 p.m. on June 4 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Naples. Panelists are Dominic Del Debbio, a Google Ads expert; Robin DeMattia, a writer and marketing consultant; photographer Peggy Farren of Avant Garde Images/Naples Portraits; and Harriet Heithaus, Naples Daily News Arts and entertainment columnist. They will discuss how to work with the local media, capture and use the best photographs, extend public relations efforts beyond press releases, and take advantage of free Google advertising. Admission is free and a light dinner is served, with donations appreciated. Learn more and RSVP at tech4goodswfl.org.

SUMMER MUSIC, ARTS CAMP SET FOR STUDENTS

The Music Foundation of Southwest Florida’s annual summer arts program is scheduled weekdays from June 17 through July 19.  In its 28th year, more than 20 different camps in areas of music, theater, and visual and culinary arts are offered for students in grades sixth to eighth. A few camps are designed for students as young as third grade. The program is divided into four one-week sessions and camps are held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The fee is $150 per week, which includes activities, breakfast, lunch, and a souvenir T-shirt. Scholarships are available. Students must provide their own instruments for all band and string camps.  For more information, contact Ruth Christman at (239) 275-0057 or JCMFA@aol.com or go to www.music-foundation.org.

Tatiana Britz

LASH BOUTIQUE TO OPEN IN NAPLES

Tatiana Britz: lashes.brows.beauty, an upscale lash boutique, will have a grand opening from 5-7 p.m. on June 5 at 3370 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 2, Naples. Guests will enjoy drawings, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages. The new salon features the latest in products for lashes, brows, certified training and other highly specialized beauty services, according to a press release. Eyelash extensions, eyelash fills, lash tinting, eyebrow wax and tints, facial waxes are just a few of the services offered. For additional information about the grand opening event, call (239) 300-0983.

STEVENS HONORED FOR 30 YEARS OF SERVICE

Stewart Title recently honored Doug Stevens for his outstanding work, commitment to excellence, and 30 years of service with the company and to the community. As branch operations manager in Fort Myers and seasoned real estate closing expert, Stevens is constantly using his three decades of title insurance experience to create new business development for Stewart Title across Southwest Florida. Doug holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida Gulf Coast University and earned his Certified Land Closer designation by the Florida Land Title Association. He has been recognized as both the Fort Myers Association of Realtors’ “Affiliate of the Year” and Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s “Ambassador of the Year.”

Charitable Notes

Wine dinner fundraiser to benefit The Community House

A limited number of tickets are on sale now for the Antinori Wine Dinner, a charitable event to raise funds for The Community House, a gathering place for Sanibel Island activities operated by the Sanibel Community Association (SCA). The event will take place at 6 p.m. on June 8 at 2173 Periwinkle Way. Hosted by Bailey’s General Store, the dinner and wine pairing will showcase Marchesi Antinori’s Italian portfolio. Up to 40 guests will enjoy a dinner featuring wines paired with locally sourced cuisine created by Chef Karl of Sanibel Catering Co. Tickets are $100 per person or $550 for a table of six. Reservations can be made by calling Calli Johnson at (239) 472-1516 or online at https://baileys-sanibel.com/purchase-tickets-now.

Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner rewards students

Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured named Gulf Coast High School senior Hailey Mathieu the $1,250 grand prize winner of its Make a Difference Awards during its April 28 ceremony at The Forest Country Club. The firm founded the awards more than 20 years ago to recognize middle and high school students in Southwest Florida who perform outstanding community service. Winners were invited to a reception featuring the Hon. Circuit Judge Robert Branning. Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner awarded $250 to 15 other high schoolers and $100 to seven middle schoolers.

Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Foundation awards grants to schools

The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which concentrates its philanthropic efforts exclusively on education initiatives, has issued six grants totaling $1,908 to Lee County teachers to enhance classroom learning. The grants will provide supplemental materials and supplies for classroom activities, including science, art, music and general instruction. A common theme in the grants is hands-on learning, which research studies pinpoint as a critical strategy to engage young learners and foster a love for learning. Teachers from Gladiolus Learning and Development Center, Orange River Elementary, Colonial Elementary and Villas Elementary in Fort Myers, as well as Trafalgar Middle in Cape Coral, received grants through the Foundation’s latest distribution.

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