Advertisement

You will be redirected to the page you want to view in  seconds.

Business

  • Top Business News
    • BUSINESS /
    Fort Myers Beach, as seen from the pier, was active on Friday afternoon as locals and tourists mingled to enjoy the good weather. Terry Allen Williams/ The News-Press

    Average age of Lee County visitors rising

    The average age of Lee County visitors is rising more rapidly than for global travelers in general.

    • May 18, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    The Mermaid Salon & Day Spa, located at 11637 Kelly Road in Fort Myers, held a ribbon cutting ceremony May 2 with the Greater Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. Joining owner Kathy Ann Beedle cutting the ribbon were (left to right, front row) Fran Podraza, CFS Services; salon customer Jan; chamber staff Cindi D'Andrea; chamber President Bud Nocera; Silvia Mata, Profiles; Theresa Shay See, Costco; and Terry Luster, Kiwanis Club Gateway. In the back row are Jaime Huffman, Salty Sam's; Barb Farrell, Iberiabank; chamber Board Chairman Norma Jean Pevey; and Sandy Lepley, Century 21 Tripower.

    Chamber of Commerce connections

    Congressman Trey Radel and regional delegation members for the Florida Legislature will be on hand June 29 for a luncheon activity presented by The Chamber of Southwest Florida.

    • May 18, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    Executive Director Beth Lobdell poses in the corporate office of Child Care of Southwest Florida. This nonprofit organization opened in 1967 and has six child care centers in Lee and Hendry counties. Andrea Rumbaugh/The News-Press

    Success story: Putting kids' early education first works

    Child Care of Southwest Florida does much more than babysit.

    • May 18, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    AT LEFT: More than 200 fitness enthusiasts celebrated the premier issue of Fit Nation Magazine at a Drop Party held at Trek Bicycle. Fitness enthusiasts, friends, family and more gathered to celebrate the premier issue of Fit Nation Magazine hitting the stands on May 1. The community was invited to join the Fit Nation Magazine team for a ride or run and then stay for the fun. Pictured are Kendra Sutton, Newt Barrett and Cynthia Curtis. AT RIGHT: Ty Roland and Evan Lubell; partners in the law firm Aloia, Roland and Lubell, LLP; provided free legal consultations and advice in the areas of real estate, BP oil spill claims and commercial litigation at the Lee County Bar Association's Annual Law in the Mall event, which was held at the Edison Mall. Pictured are LCBA Law In The Mall Attorneys Dustin Butler, Gus Simmons and Jon Bierfeld.

    Out and about in SWFL

    Pictured Above: More than 200 fitness enthusiasts celebrated the premier issue of Fit Nation Magazine at a Drop Party at Trek Bicycle.

    • May 18, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    Aa row of 2013 Camaros sit on the lot at Roger Dean Chevrolet in Cape Coral. Terry Allen Williams/news-press

    Local sales rebound during recovery

    Southwest Florida's economic recovery continued on pace in the first quarter of 2013 as business and consumer spending fed a 6.1 percent year-over-year growth in sales tax receipts.

    • May 18, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    Mahlon Hetrick speaks about the pathway to financial freedom while teaching his last business seminar Tuesday at First Baptist Church in downtown Fort Myers. Hetrick is retiring from Christian Financial Counseling after 30 years. Terry Allen Williams/news-press

    Christian Financial Counseling calling it quits

    Mahlon Hetrick has mixed emotions about his impending retirement.

    • May 18, 2013
    • BUSINESS /

    Sunday's business briefs

    The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce will hold final session of their 'Lunch & Learn Series' on Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Keiser University, 9100 Forum Corporate Way. The topic is

    • May 18, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    Dante Hutchins, left, of Fort Myers, gets interviewed by Amy Chery and Cody Webster of Best Buy on Friday. Andrew West/news-press.com

    Jobless rate dips again in Lee, Collier counties

    Unemployment numbers drop to five-year lows across the area.

    • May 17, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    Carolyn Babb, president of the Friends of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, accepts her organization's award.

    Lee County's best in business honored

    Chrysalis awards honor area's top performers in hospitality, business.

    • May 16, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    In this Thursday, April 11, 2013 photo, people wait in line before the Dr. King Career Fair at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany, N.Y. U.S. employers added 165,000 jobs in April, and hiring was much stronger in the previous two months than first thought, the Labor Department reports, Friday, May 3, 2013. The gains trimmed the unemployment rate to a four-year low of 7.5 percent. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

    Lee County jobless rate falls to 6.7 percent

    Lee County's unemployment rate fell to 6.7 percent in April, down from 6.8 percent a month earlier and 8.5 percent a year ago.

    • May 17, 2013
    • BUSINESS /

    Lee County economic optimism on upswing

    Optimism is growing among Lee County business executives as they weigh the local economy, according to a quarterly business climate survey released Wednesday. The Executive Business Climate Index for the second quarter increased to 71 on a 100-point scale, which indicates expected continued improvement in the local economy.

    • May 16, 2013
    • BUSINESS /

    Business briefs: Marketing professionals share tips of the trade

    The Above Board Chamber will present 'Marketing Tips from the Best' on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at the Edison Restaurant, 3583 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. Topics include social media, how to get the greatest exposure for your company and the significance of branding.

    • May 16, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    John Naylor receives the Junonia Award Thursday at the 4th Annual Chrysalis Awards Thursday at the Harborside Event Center in downtown Fort Myers.  The Junonia Awards were creatd by the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau to recognize inidviduals who demonstrate leadership and dedication throughout the local tourism community.  Flanking Naylor on the left is Colleen Pasquale, Executive Director the Gretaer Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, and on the right, Tamara Pigott, Executive Director of the VCB. Terry Allen Williams/news-press

    Chrysalis Award winners honored at Harborside in Fort Myers

    Teamwork that sustains the local economy got the spotlight today at the fourth annual Celebration of Business & Tourism Awards Luncheon and Trade Show at Harborside Event Center, downtown Fort Myers.

    • May 16, 2013
    • BUSINESS /

    New survey shows Lee County business leaders more bullish about economy

    Business leaders are optimistic that the economy will improve next year and they’re more bullish about improvements in the Lee County economy than they were in the first quarter of 2013, according to a local business climate report released Thursday.

    • May 16, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    In this Thursday, April 3, 2013, photo, people fill out applications at the Green Mountain Flagging table at the 4th Annual Central Vermont Job Fair in Montpelier, Vt. The Labor Department reports on the number of Americans who applied for unemployment benefits in the last week on Thursday, April 18, 2013. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot) ASSOCIATED PRESS

    US jobless claims jump to highest level in 6 weeks

    WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid rose 32,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 360,000, the most since late March. The jump comes after applications fell to a five-year low.

    • May 16, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    Joe Piper checks out a shotgun while shopping Wednesday at Guns on 41 in south Fort Myers. Terry Allen Williams/news-press

    Southwest Florida run on guns appears finished

    From frustration to relief, local firearms retailers have a list of reasons why sales are down.

    • May 16, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    Lamar Fisher, left, conducts the auction as Francis Santos, center, and Frank Land assist Wednesday. Terry Allen Williams/The News-Press

    Bids low for Lee County school property

    Former district headquarters draws top offer of $750,000.

    • May 15, 2013
    • BUSINESS /

    Business briefs: Florida has a giant quarter for tourism

    The first quarter of this year was the biggest for visitors in the history of Florida tourism, according to preliminary estimates released Wednesday.

    • May 15, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    Fort Myers Beach was packed Wednesday with visitors, many of them from out of state, as tourist season kicked into full swing and the weather was perfect. Terry Allen Williams/The News-Pr

    Facts about area gathered for incoming Hertz employees

    Southwest Florida's municipal governments and chambers of commerce are gathering information to give Hertz Global Holdings employees a look at what to expect if they relocate here from New Jersey.

    • May 15, 2013
    • BUSINESS /

    Florida ranks among top states with most State Farm dog bite claims

    Florida ranks eighth among states with the most State Farm dog bite claims in 2012. According to State Farm, Florida had 123 claims at a cost of $7.1 million. California was ranked No. 1 with 451 claims costing $17.1 million.

    • May 15, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    The current headquarters of the Hertz Corporation in Park Ridge New Jersey.

    Hertz finds open minds at neighboring gated community

    Rental car giant Hertz's plans for a 1-acre sales/rental car lot on the 34.5 acres of land, increased traffic to the area and water run-off were just some of the questions residents raised. One homeowner even asked how early in the morning would

    • May 15, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    Lee Memorial Hospital, Fort Myers, FL Sarah Coward/news-press.com

    Dispute over south Lee hospital now in hands of state

    The dispute between Southwest Florida's largest health care systems over a proposed 80-bed south Lee County hospital is now in the hands of state regulators, who will decide its fate next month.

    • May 14, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    Sharon Arnold, left, Laurel Smith, Tina Matte and Amy Gravina are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their firm this week. Lindsay Terry/The News-Press

    Thirty years of success: Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold

    Whether educating Southwest Florida about water conservation, promoting a new terminal at Southwest Florida International Airport or advocating transportation planning, a local firm has been at the forefront for three decades.

    • May 14, 2013
    • BUSINESS /

    Hertz's future Estero neighbors curious

    Nobody in Southwest Florida will experience a more direct impact with rental car giant Hertz relocating its world headquarters here than residents of Rapallo at Coconut Point.

    • May 13, 2013
    • BUSINESS /

    SBDC kicks off celebration of National Small Business Week

    Southwest Florida can celebrate National Small Business Week Wednesday with a free networking and mini tradeshow hosted by the Small Business Development Center at FGCU.

    • May 14, 2013
    • BUSINESS /

    Tuesday's business briefs

    The Ted Todd Insurance Agency has been named as an Allstate Premier Agency for having achieved the highest standards of balancing business performance and excellent customer experience.

    • May 13, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    Pumping gas Getty Images/Polka Dot RF

    Interactive: Lee County gas prices

    Lee County's average gas price is $3.46 a gallon unchanged from a week ago but down 13 cents from the same time in April, according to AAA Fuel Gauge Report.

    • May 13, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    Ted Todd

    Local insurance agency named Allstate Premier Agency

    The Ted Todd Insurance Agency has been named as an Allstate Premier Agency for having achieved the highest standards of balancing business performance and excellent customer experience.

    • May 13, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    In this April 24, 2013 picture, Baltimore's Harbor East shopping district is reflected in a retail store's window display. Americans increased their spending in April at retail businesses, buying more cars and clothes after cutting purchases sharply in March. The rebound suggests consumers may help boost growth again in the April-June quarter. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) AP

    National retail sales increase in April

    April retail sales increased 0.6 percent seasonally adjusted compared to March and 3.9 percent unadjusted year over year, according to the National Retail Federation. These numbers exclude automobile sales, gas stations and restaurants.

    • May 13, 2013
    • BUSINESS /

    Lee County commissioners back airport contract negotiations with Triangle Services

    The company that’s cleaned Lee County airports for more than 10 years won a vote of confidence today from county commissioners.

    • May 13, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    Traffic coming and going on the Mantanzas Pass Bridge to Fort Myer Beach was thick Wednesday as visitors thronged to the beach. Parking was difficult as spaces were filled quickly and drivers often had to wait for a previous driver to leave their space in order to park. Terry Allen Williams/news-press.com

    Proposed garage would serve Fort Myers Beach

    Newly appointed Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Joe Kosinski believes he could have the solution to the island's traffic and parking woes. A parking garage.

    • May 13, 2013
    • BUSINESS /

    Monday's business briefs

    Hydro-Electric Farms in Fort Myers will test its turbine / generator prototype unit at a private testing session on Wednesday at the Sun N Fun water park in Naples.

    • May 12, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    Andrea Kay

    Eager college grads need to shift energy into self-marketing

    Parents of young people graduating from college ask me constantly what their kids can do to get a job.

    • May 12, 2013
    • BUSINESS /

    Artful shopper: Fit2Run at Coconut Point specializes in everything for the runner

    Talking shop with Kimmi van der Veen, store manager of Fit2Run in Fort Myers.

    • May 12, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
     thinkstock.com

    Workshop on business preparation for emergencies coming to Fort Myers

    The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is helping businesses prepare for disasters by holding workshops across the state. It will be coming to Estero May 22.

    • May 10, 2013
    • BUSINESS /

    Anatomy of Hertz-Lee County deal

    Car rental giant Hertz hand-picked Lee County for its world headquarters under a veil of secrecy.

    • May 12, 2013
    • BUSINESS /

    Poll of the Week: Will having Hertz move to Lee County help attract other businesses to Southwest Florida?

    Will having Hertz move to Lee County help attract other businesses to Southwest Florida?

    • May 12, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    Pall Corporation, an aerospace and filtration-systems manufacturer, will be moving its Fort Myers operation to facilities in  DeLand and New Port Richey. Special to news-press.com

    Lee County manufacturer moving out of area

    Lee County's second largest manufacturer will be closing its doors after 36 years. Pall Corporation, a worldwide aerospace and filtration-systems manufacturer based in New York, will move its Fort Myers operation on Evans Avenue to facilities in DeLand and New Port Richey.

    • May 11, 2013
    • BUSINESS /

    Sunday's business briefs

    The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce will hold its third session of their Lunch & Learn series on Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Keiser University, 9100 Forum Corporate Way, in Fort Myers.

    • May 11, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    Becky Brooks, owner of Professional Writing Services, poses at Venture X in Naples. She meets with clients at Venture X; a community-based office space that rents work spaces to small businesses, professionals and startups; and in her home office in south Naples. Andrea Rumbaugh/The News-Press

    Success story: Woman writes ticket to job independence

    Becky Brooks started Professional Writing Services as a side job to help pay off her student loans.

    • May 11, 2013
    • BUSINESS /

    Southwest Florida professional calendar

    Friday, May 17 12th Annual Tri-County Human Resources Conference The Human Resources Management Association (HRMA) of Southwest Florida hosts this yearly conference for human resources professionals.

    • May 11, 2013
    • BUSINESS /

    Next move hinges on court's PIP Insurance ruling

    Florida lawmakers wrapped up the 2013 legislative session but left an insurance issue unaddressed — replacing personal injury protection automobile insurance with bodily injury liability coverage.

    • May 11, 2013
    • BUSINESS /

    Chamber of Commerce connections

    Grab your grass skirt and hula dance your way to a festive, one-of-a-kind Business After Five. The networking event will take place on May 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hooters located at 4411 Cleveland Ave.

    • May 11, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    This is the kitchen of the Valencia model built by Arthur Rutenberg Homes. This particular home is located at Miromar Lakes and has had its design patented. Terry Allen Williams/The News-Press

    Copyright registration on home designs may be returning

    Home design is everything for architects and home builders, and many seek copyright registration to safeguard their work.

    • May 11, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    The first hotel in Cape Coral, the Nautilus Motel. special to the news-press

    Nautilus one of first Cape businesses

    The picture is of the Nautilus Motel in Cape Coral. It opened in 1960 and was one of the first businesses in the new city. A group of Lutherans presented the first church service in the city on March 27, 1960, at the motel.

    • May 11, 2013
    • BUSINESS /

    Poll of the Week: Will having Hertz move to Lee County help attract other businesses to Southwest Florida?

    Will having Hertz move to Lee County help attract other businesses to Southwest Florida?

    • May 11, 2013
    • BUSINESS /

    Signs point to banner Lee County tourist season

    The numbers are in: Season sizzled. 'It looks like we'll have another record-breaking year,' said Lee County tourism chief Tamara Pigott, addressing the county's Tourist Development Council meeting Friday in downtown Fort Myers.

    • May 11, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    Edward and Delores Cornell are greeted by Lonnie Pellechia at the Ridge Diner on Friday in Park Ridge, N.J. Cornell, a former mayor, said he is disappointed that Hertz is moving. Andrew West/news-press.com

    Hertz's exit hurts, people of New Jersey town say

    In this tiny town, resentment and resignation mingle with recognition that the high cost of living, taxes, government costs and regulation probably drove Hertz out of its bucolic surroundings into the waiting arms of Southwest Florida.

    • May 11, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    Proposed location of Hertz world headquarters in Lee County

    Hertz aims to add a car lot to Estero site

    Rental car giant Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. wants to create a retail sales and leasing lot for up to 50 cars at its planned world headquarters in Estero, and at least one county commissioner is concerned.

    • May 11, 2013
    • BUSINESS /
    Pall Corporation, an aerospace and filtration-systems manufacturer, will be moving its Fort Myers operation to facilities in  DeLand and New Port Richey. Special to news-press.com

    Fort Myers manufacturer's closing to affect 255 employees

    Lee County’s second largest manufacturer will be closing its doors this year.

    • May 10, 2013

Local Deals

Flip, shop and save on specials from your favorite retailers on Marco Island

GET DEALS NOW

Marco beach cam

RESTAURANTS

Find local restaurants, read
and submit reviews

Celebrating the best of South Lee and North Naples

READ MORE

Reader Photos

Get the Hurricane Hub app

DealChicken.com

Sign up to save 50-90% off SWFL dining, shopping, spas, activities and more. Every day.