FORT MYERS BEACH MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2015 — VOLUME 30, NUMBER 12
The Catch
Official Publication of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
TPI HOSPITALITY
of the day
THE MAYOR’S
COMMENTS
THE SPOTLIGHT
SHINES ON A
NEW MEMBER
DUEL IN THE SUN
Anita Cereceda
Reflects on 2015
Bud Nocera Sheds Light on
the Future of Florida Energy
SAND DOLLARS
CHEF’S CORNER
Meet the Senior VP of
Hotel Operations
Barbara Farrell Talks Fraud
Precautionary Services
Chef Dave Chetwin Shares
His Recipe For Success
Happy Holidays!
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Happy Holidays!
On behalf of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of
Commerce, we send out heartfelt wishes to all
of our members, their families, our visitors and
the beach community. May your celebrations
be safe, peaceful and joyous and best wishes
for a happy, healthy and hope-filled New Year.
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Officers and Executive Committee
David Anderson, Chair | Krusty Pete’s On-The-Beach
Robb Capps, Chair Elect | Premier Florida Realty of SWFL
Fran Podraza, Vice Chair | CFS Roofing Services, LLC
Sandy Lepley, Treasurer | CENTURY 21 TriPower Realty
Bud Nocera, President | FMB Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Staff
Bud Nocera | President
Rhonda Murray | Driector of Membership Services & Events
Doug McElheny | Internet & Social Media Manager
Pete Frye | Front Desk
Lisa Beckham | Accounting
Kathy Hanagan | Roxie
Call Alpha Networks
for a free evaluation
Repairs & More
239-985-1003
1661 Estero Boulevard, Suite 8, Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33931
239-454-7500 • Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
12680-2 McGregor Blvd
1 | DECEMBER 2015
Fort Myers, Florida 33919
FORTMYERSBEACH.ORG
December Luncheon Speakers
Ambassadors
DENNIS WALLENTA
Rhea Buckland
Hurricane Bay Water Taxi
TPI Hospitality/Senior VP of Hotel Operations
Robb Capps
Premier Florida Realty of SWFL
Dennis Wallenta joined TPI Hospitality in 1990 as an Assistant General
Manager in Austin, Minnesota, and was soon promoted to General
Manager and then to his current role as Senior Vice President of Hotel
Operations. As Senior VP, Dennis works with 16 hotels, 14 of which are
in Minnesota and two in Florida—the Staybridge Suites Naples and the
Pierview Hotel and Suites on Fort Myers Beach. Dennis has worked with
the Staybridge Naples for 13 years and has enjoyed spending a lot of
time in Florida over the years, for both business and leisure.
Donna Fagan
SPD Solutions, Inc.
Lisa Farrell
Port of Call Charters
John Gavin
Gavin’s Ace Hardware
TPI Hospitality proudly owns and operates a total of 40 properties in
Minnesota and Florida. In addition to developing successful hotels,
restaurants, and conference centers, TPI Hospitality is the largest 100% employee-owned hospitality
company in the US, a benefit that means as the value of the company grows, the employees, as owners, are
direct recipients.
TINA MATTE
Carrie Grunewald
Boys and Girls Clubs of Lee County
Captain Bubby Howell
Captain Bubby’s IsLAND Tours
Jaime Huffman
Santini Marina Plaza
Darrell Kendzior
Traction Plus
Gravina, Smith, Matte and Arnold Marketing and
Public Relations
Denice Knudsen
Premier Florida Realty of SWFL
Tina Matte joined Gravina, Smith, Matte and Arnold Marketing and Public
Relations in 1999. With more than 30 years of experience in professional
communications, marketing, public relations, government relations and
public policy, Tina works with clients throughout Southwest Florida,
including Grand Resorts Fort Myers Beach.
Sandy Lepley
CENTURY 21 TriPower Realty
Wanda Linatsas
Royal Scoop Homemade Ice Cream
A graduate of Leadership Lee County and Leadership Florida Class XXVII,
Tina was named one of the 50 Most Powerful Business People on the Gulf
Coast by Gulf Coast Business Review and was listed as one of the Most
Influential Women in Southwest Florida by Gulfshore Business Magazine.
Tina was twice appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to the Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission and
served as its chair. She currently serves on the board of directors for Floridians for Better Transportation and
Gulfshore Playhouse, and is a member of the Harry Chapin Food Bank Capital Campaign Committee.
Member Luncheon
Wayne Gibson
R&W Gibson Promotional Products
Leslie McElheny
Associate Member
Fran Podraza, Chair
CFS Roofing Services
Georgia Reinmuth
Paradise Advertising and Design
Paula Schuttera
Captain Bubby’s IsLAND Tours
R.J. Snider
Salty Sam’s Marina
Charles Stallings
Hampton Inn and Suites
With Speaker Dennis Wallenta and Tina Matte
Eric Tibbs
Edward Jones and Company
Join us for lunch Thursday, December 10th, 11:30am-1pm
Charley’s Boathouse Grill | 6241 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach
Megan Zelenak
Sea Gypsy Inn
Volunteers Needed
Volunteer at Roxie, the Fort Myers Beach mobile information center, and
take advantage of this great and personal way to promote your business/
service directly with potential clientele!
Roxie shifts run from 10am-2pm and
2pm-6pm, Tuesday-Sunday.
We do ask for a one four-hour shift per
month minimum. For more information
and to sign up, please contact Rhonda
Murray at 239-454-7500.
Roxie Volunteers
Donna Bates | AAA • Brendan Brindise | Brindise Group Inc.
Carolyn Crosby • Judy Cultice | Kiwanis Club
Donna Faulhaber • Sandy Hein
Captain Bubby Howell | Captain Bubby’s IsLAND Tours
Leslie McElheny • Bev Milligan | Myerside
Peg Moreland • Elaine Moses • Joanne Mufalli • Cheryl Nye
Michelle Pyle | Truly Scrumptious
Pam Schindler | Retired Military/Lee Co. Elections
Tony Scopel • Jessica Titus | Fort Myers Beach Realty
Roland Weinmann | Myerside • Debbie Whitehead
FORTMYERSBEACH.ORG
DECEMBER 2015 | 2
Florida’s Duel in the Sun
By Bud Nocera — President, Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
While it sounds like the title to a 1940s Gregory
Peck western, it’s actually the description of two
competing Florida constitutional amendments that
are being proposed for the November 2016 ballot.
What’s at stake? The future of solar energy in our
state. The problem is, each amendment will read
similarly and may confuse voters.
Like Uber and Airbnb, this is a new business model that could eventually
change how electrical power in Florida and the United States is bought, sold
and distributed. Needless to say, the electric utility companies in Florida
and state legislators aren’t too happy with the idea. It takes away the power
companies’ monopoly and the legislature’s power to regulate.
The other amendment is being brought forward by a group called Consumers
for Smart Solar. Their amendment will give the sole authority to generate
and sell solar power to the electric utility companies.
Floridians for Solar Choice, the group bringing
the amendment forward, interestingly, is a loose
coalition of both conservatives and environmentalists. The former wants
a free and open marketplace and less government regulation. The latter
wants Florida to move away from fossil fuel-based electric generation.
That’s a pretty significant difference. Sadly, because of the wording on the
ballot, they both sound like they do the same thing. Voters will need to be
familiar with the differences between the two amendments before they cast
their votes. Whichever amendment wins will determine the future direction
of solar energy in Florida.
Their amendment would prevent state and local governments from
regulating a local solar provider as they would a traditional utility company.
In other states, a local solar provider will install a lease-purchase solar
electric system on a home or business’ roof or backyard, and the power is
purchased by the home or business owner at an agreed-upon rate.
When it comes to this duel in the sun, we all need to know who the gunslingers
are, and which amendment will do what and for whom. Like the sheriffs in
the movie westerns, an educated voter can be a good and powerful force.
Please get to know and understand both sides of this shootout.
Mayor’s Comments
By Anita Cereceda — Mayor, Town of Fort Myers Beach
Dear Chamber Members, where do I begin? There are so many things
happening on Fort Myers Beach right now! Work occurring on the boulevard
is 20 years in the making, or more. Discussions of stormwater utility
projects have also been many, many years in the making. Water lines are
being replaced, construction as far as the eye can see has made the last
few months rather chaotic for all of us. Sometimes it is hard to see the
forest for the trees, but everything that is happening right now will make
Fort Myers Beach safer, and stronger for the future. The projects that we
complete now will ensure that future generations can enjoy our community
as we do now. The benefit will not only be for us in the short term, but will
protect our children and grandchildren and their families for many years to
come.
The redevelopment of downtown is probably at the forefront of the thoughts
of most business owners and residents alike. A few days ago, on November
30th, a presentation was made to both the Town Council and the Board
of County Commissioners on the project that TPI Hospitality, led by Mr.
Torgersen and his team, would like to build. This presentation was the
preliminary step in this process. It was an opportunity for us to see what
they are thinking about and gave us a chance to both comment and help
it evolve. There will be many opportunities for you to participate and have
public comment on this proposal. We will hold workshops here in the town
as well as numerous public hearings. Please think of this November 30th
presentation as the first step in a journey to creating a new gateway or front
door of our community.
The face of Fort Myers Beach is changing. We try to embrace the elements
that most fit our character and encourage changes to those that don’t. This
evolution is a natural part of any community’s growth. The celebration of 20
years since the day of our town’s incorporation is approaching on December
31st and it comes at a critical time in our history. It is wise for us to keep
a cool head and an open mind as we move forward into this next chapter.
I encourage all of you to participate to the best of your ability at town hall
meetings, getting to know all of the council members and town staff as well
as doing your part, as always, to make Fort Myers Beach the best it can be!
We have so much to be grateful for and as the holidays approach, I wish you
all a joyous season that will hopefully be filled with friends and family. Let’s
remember to take a moment to look around and say a word of thanks for the
great community in which we live and do business. — Warmest regards!
We’ ll Bring the Party to You!
Catering Your Holidays
239-765-2200 • 239-738-5202 cell
Exceptional Service & Pricing!
We Deliver & Set Up!
Chef’s Corner
By Chef Dave Chetwin
Matanzas on the Bay
Often, when I am asked about my job, I get questions like, “How long have
you worked here? What’s your favorite dish, your specialty, your style?
How do you come up with new items?” So, here’s a little history.
I started at Matanzas on the Bay in 1984 when it was known as Mike’s
Waterfront Landing. Over the years there have been a number of changes
to this little piece of paradise, but many of our staples have remained the
same—which leads me to two of my favorite dishes: fresh Gulf shrimp
and fresh domestic grouper. Over the years we have prepared these items
in so many different ways and styles, but to this day, the stuffed grouper
is one of my favorite dishes.
My specialty, it’s in the way I shop for products, fish, shrimp, steaks, ribs
and produce. I buy fresh and local whenever possible. I also have a great
crew working with me to prepare it, cook it and keep the consistency at
its best.
So, for my style, I’d like to say I’m kind of old school. I want the freshest
products available to create my meals from scratch. At Matanzas, all of
the sauces, soups, dressings, salads, pizza dough and even dinner rolls
are made in our commissary.
How do I come up with new items? I always stay open-minded about what
everyone else is doing. You can learn so much from the fanciest places
to back alley bars and eateries in every town and city across America.
There’s great food out there around every corner, as long as you’re
looking. Eat on America!!!!!!!
Sand Dollars
By Barbara Farrell, IBERIABANK
Many small businesses today are faced with various
challenges including safeguarding against fraud. Strong
controls are necessary for businesses to create a safe and secure environment
for managing cash. Checks in particular are a target of fraud schemes.
Duplication of check stock, as well as check alterations, are common ways
in which businesses are victimized by fraudsters. What many don’t know is
that some security risks can be mitigated by working with your local banker.
One of the most effective anti-fraud tools available today called Positive
Pay detects fraudulent checks while strengthening your company’s internal
controls. This service combats illegal activity by comparing the check issue
information against the checks presented to your bank for payment. If an
exception occurs, the check will not be honored unless authorized by the
company’s administrator. Suspect checks are resolved before the bank
authorizes payment, and the business retains the right to reject any checks
that are possibly fraudulent.
ACH Debit Block is ideal for those businesses who utilize incoming electronic
payments. As transaction volumes increase, monitoring all of your account
activity daily could prove to be a daunting task. By implementing an ACH
Debit Block service, you can prevent unauthorized debits from hitting your
account and reject all ACH debits other than those sent by companies you
have permitted. This program stops unwanted ACH debits from hitting your
account and restricts who is permitted to debit your account which minimizes
your exposure to fraudulent transactions.
To learn more about these and other precautionary services, please contact
me at 239-985-8160, or your local banker. Banks offering these services
may have specific credit criteria and credit verification procedures to qualify.
FORTMYERSBEACH.ORG
DECEMBER 2015 | 4
New Member Spotlight
Terry Brennen
Let Me Do That
We are pleased to announce that Terry Brennen,
longtime community activist, has joined our team
at the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
through Paradise Advertising and Design. Terry
will be concentrating on getting to know beach
locals and communicating the benefits that beach
businesses gain through association and membership at the chamber.
Anne Saunders
1400 Estero Boulevard
239-243-8877
anne@letmedothat.me
My background is in marketing,
research and recruiting. Working
for a VP at Smith Barney, I was
able to obtain items considered
difficult to acquire, which allowed me to discover my passion for research.
I then began offering my services to friends and business colleagues who
were looking for out of the box ideas.
I also spent a number of years selling Software. I would travel often and
find myself exhausted when I had to shop for basic items not provided by
a hotel or restaurant after a long day’s work. Locating a store, often with
prices that were criminal, was a nightmare. I would also run into the same
problem when I would go on a vacation.
Solving that problem gave birth to Let Me Do That, a pre‐arrival service
that provides vacationers everything they may need at their fingertips
when they arrive, as well as access to me and my services while they are
here. We pride ourselves on delivering services that ordinary shoppers
fall short of.
Brennen, who brings a 45-year media experience quotient to the team
can be reached at 239-395-5878 or sales@fmbchamber.com.
Business Referral Group
The Business Referral Group is a great way to network, get referrals and
support the fellow 28 member businesses that meet two times per month
at 7:30am. The uniqueness of this group is that there is only one member
business per occupation and each meeting a member guest speaker is
chosen. Currently, they are accepting a CPA and an insurance agent. For
more information, please contact Fran Podraza at 239-898-4790.
CASH MOB THURSDAYS
BUSINE
S
BS
UNITY
MM
O
S
C
Now, I am pleased to say that I provide my services, full time to Let Me Do
That. I love what I do and I look forward to providing the very best service
to vacationers and residents in the Fort Myers area for a long time.
Terry is well known for his long time association with WGCU Public
Television. He spent almost 15 years representing WGCU and raising funds
for the PBS station’s local television documentary program effort, including
the best known Fort Myers Beach history program and the recent award
winning public TV program, Pink Gold. His family includes wife Carlene,
notable local author, and long time chamber members Bill Semmer, of
Semmer Electric and Joanne Semmer of Ostego Bay Foundation Marine
Science Center.
EVERY THURSDAY • 11AM-7PM
We invite our beach community, visitors, chamber members, and friends to join in coming
together and lending a helping hand to our local businesses during the construction.
FOR INFORMATION & SCHEDULE, PLEASE VISIT FORTMYERSBEACH.ORG
JO
Meetings and Events
Business Referral Group
December 2nd at 7:30am
Hampton Inn and Suites
11281 Summerlin Square Drive
Chamber Coffee Connection
December 3rd from 7:30am-9am
The Island Jewel
7205 Estero Boulevard
Ambassador Meeting
December 3rd from 9am-10am
Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
1661 Estero Boulevard
Cash Mob Thursdays
Every Thursday from 11am-7pm
5 | DECEMBER 2015
FORTMYERSBEACH.ORG
Christmas Boat Parade
December 5th at 6pm at Salty Sam’s Marina
Executive Committee Meeting
December 9th at 8am
Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
1661 Estero Boulevard
Member Luncheon
December 10th from 11:30am-1pm
Charley’s Boat House Grill
6241 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach
Speaker: Dennis Wallenta and Tina Matte
Board of Directors Meeting
December 16th at 8am
Hampton Inn and Suites
11281 Summerlin Square Drive
Think Local,
Shop Local,
Buy Local,
JOIN THE MOB!
Business Referral Group
December 17th at 7:30am
Hampton Inn and Suites
11281 Summerlin Square Drive
Business After Hours
December 17th from 5:30pm-7:30pm
Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina
275 Estero Boulevard, Suite 710
New Years Eve and Town of FMB
Birthday Celebration
December 31st in Times Square
FMB Chamber Office Closures
December 24th at 12pm-28th at 8am
December 31st at 12pm-January 4th at 8am
November Ribbon Cutting
Special Visitor
FMB Chamber Directors, Staff, and Ambassadors, and Walmart
Supercenter Manager, Missy Simmerman, Cut the Ribbon as Store
#4063 Opens it’s Doors
FMB Chamber President, Bud Nocera Welcomes Luke Lilliam From
Marco Rubio’s Office, Who Spent an Afternoon in the Chamber Board
Meeting Discussing Issues Like Social Security and Medicare
Walmart Supercenter
17105 San Carlos Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach
FMB Mayor, Anita Cereceda, Welcomes Walmart Supercenter to the
Area
FMB Chamber Office
1661 Estero Boulevard, #8, FMB
November Coffee Connection
After Hours
Amy Gillete, Tuckaway Bagel & Wafel Cafe; Bud Nocera, FMB Chamber
President; Tre Gillette, Tuckaway Bagel & Wafel Cafe; Wanda Linastas,
Royal Scoop FMB
Silvia Steiger, Owner of Skye’s and Hostess of Business After Hours,
With Beverly Milligan, Myerside LLC
The Tuckaway Bagel and Wafel Cafe
1740 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach
Roland Weinmann and Bev Milligan, Myerside LLC; Dave Anderson,
FMB Chamber Chair / Krusty Pete’s On-the-Beach; Bud Nocera, FMB
Chamber President
Skye’s Restaurant
7205 Estero Boulevard, FMB
November Member Luncheon
Re-Opening
FMB Chamber Chairman of the Board, Dave Anderson, and FMB
Chamber Ambassador, Sandy Lepley, posing with the luncheon
speaker, Ben Feldman
FMB Mayor, Anita Cereceda and Former Mayor, Dan Hughes, Wield
the Scissors for the Grand Opening With Bill Grace, Betty Meyer,
and Current and Former Town Council Members, Dan Andre, Dennis
Boback, Summer Stockton, Tom Babcock, and Rexann Hosafros
Charley’s Boat House Grill
6241 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach
FMB Chamber Chariman of the Board, Dave Anderson, with new
member, Mike Dopslaff, Sky High Jet Packs and Fly Boards
Mound House
451 Connecticut Street, FMB
Photo courtesy of The Island Sand Paper
FORTMYERSBEACH.ORG
DECEMBER 2015 | 6
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