Southwest Florida public relations firms announce merger

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 1, 2010) – Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and Public Relations and m.creative have joined forces to provide clients with a more comprehensive range of services. m.creative principal Melinda Isley, APR, has become a partner in Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold, joining principals Amy Gravina, APR, Laurel Smith, APR, Tina Matte and Sharon Arnold.

Easter celebration to be held at The Shell Factory

NORTH FORT MYERS, FL (March 29, 2010) – The Shell Factory and Nature Park will be hosting a selection of activities on Sunday, April 4 in celebration of Easter.

Beginning at 11 a.m., the amusement venue located in North Fort Myers will hold a non-denominational service that is open to the public followed by an Easter buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Dolphin Room located next door to the Shell Factory’s on-site seafood and steakhouse, Capt’n Fishbones. The newly renovated Nature Park will offer a complimentary child’s admission all day with each paid adult and there will be special fun Easter activities for the children. The Buffet will include roast turkey, roast pork and baked ham as well as dressing, mashed potatoes and candied yams, tossed salad, vegetables, coffee or tea and a dessert selection for $16.95. A children’s menu will also be available.

Standbyhousing.com founder featured on dadsdivorce.com

Local Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst JoAnne C. Holt recently became a monthly contributor to DadsDivorce.com.

DadsDivorce.com provides essential information and resources about divorce, alimony, child support and child custody to men and fathers at any stage of divorce.

CCMI kicks off Do Something campaign

March 19, 2010 (FORT MYERS, FL) – At the recent Sam Galloway Jr. & Friends 7^th Annual Soup Kitchen Benefit, Community Cooperative Ministries, Inc. (CCMI) launched their Do Something Twenty Ten campaign.

“With so many options available to help our neighbors and community in need, doing nothing is not an option,” said Sarah Owen, CEO of CCMI. “Do Something is our campaign to encourage everyone, young and old to take ownership in helping our community. Doing anything is better than doing nothing.”

Rib City goes coast to coast

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 16, 2010) – At a time when economic challenges have caused massive closings and layoffs in the restaurant industry, Rib City is experiencing continued growth, surprisingly without the aid of franchise marketing or advertising.

According to company officials, the majority of the southern-style barbecue chain’s growth is attributed to customers applying to open their own Rib City franchise in their home state.

Myers, Brettholtz & Company, PA unveils new brand

Myers, Brettholtz & Company, PA, Certified Public Accountants, is kicking off their fourth decade of business with a brand new look.

“Our motto is that we are the exception to the rule,” said Steve Brettholtz, shareholder and President of the firm. “We pride ourselves on not being typical accountants and we believe our fresh new look supports that claim.”

MACK ENDORSES BENACQUISTO FOR FLORIDA SENATE

Congressman Connie Mack (FL-14) today endorsed Lizbeth Benacquisto for Florida Senate, District 27, calling her a true champion for smaller government and more freedom.

Mack said : “Now, more than ever, we need principled, conservative, common-sense leadership at every level of government, and that’s why we need Lizbeth Benacquisto in the Florida Senate. “Lizbeth is a thoughtful leader who will stand up for the people of her district and continue to fight for the principles that make our state and nation strong: less taxing, less spending, less government and more freedom.

“I’m proud to support Lizbeth and I know she will make an excellent senator.”

Benacquisto, who continues an energetic, grassroots, issues-based campaign throughout District 27 said,“I am thrilled to have the support of Congressman Mack.  He, like his father, is a true believer in smaller government, lower taxes, and more personal freedom.  That’s the philosophy we need in government now and that’s how we will get the economy going again.”

Wiener Dogs still being accepted for race

NORTH FORT MYERS, FL (March 17, 2010) – Race entrants are still being accepted for the inaugural running of the Florida Wiener Dog Derby to be held at The Shell Factory in North Fort Myers on Sunday March 28, 2010.

Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. is a State of Florida registered non-profit organization. Proceeds from the Florida Wiener Dog Derby will be donated to the Pets are Working Saints Ministry ( P.A.W.S.) and the Lee County Animal Refuge Center (A.R.C.) for the care and support of animals in need. Race sponsors include Doug Dailey Investigations and Wyndham Hotels.

Junior ROTC once again to hold Spring food drive for CCMI

March 15, 2010 (FORT MYERS, FL) – Lee County’s 13 Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs will hold a month long food drive to benefit

Community Cooperative Ministries, Inc. (CCMI) from April 12 thru May 14, 2010.

FGCU Women’s Golf Volunteers at CCMI

The Florida Gulf Coast University Women’s Golf Team spent February 12 volunteering at Community Cooperative Ministries Inc.’s (CCMI) Soup Kitchen and Montessori Preschool. The members helped prepare meals to serve over 200 of the area’s hungry and homeless residents for the day and helped the Montessori students with projects and learning.