Need to catch up on Southwest Florida business news? No problem. Here are the top stories of the week pulled from our daily newsletter, Gulfshore Business Daily.
Friday, October 19
NAPLES CHILDREN’S BUSINESS FAIR HELD SATURDAY
The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and the Leadership Collier Foundation (LCF), an affiliate of the chamber, will bring the Naples Children’s Business Fair to Collier County from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday in the outdoor courtyard of Gulf Coast High School. Community members are invited to attend the family-friendly event, grab lunch and shop more than 100 youth-run businesses in support of student entrepreneurs. Awards will be presented in five age groups, and one student will have the chance to win the “Sunshine Award,” which provides a chance to display and sell their product or service in a local Sunshine Ace Hardware store. The Naples Chamber and LCF will work with participants post-event to help continue their professional growth, connect them with business leaders and provide support on their entrepreneurial journey. A donation of $5 is suggested for general attendees. It is recommended to bring cash to shop the businesses. Proceeds from the fair benefit the Leadership Collier Foundation. To learn more, visit www.napleschamber.org/cbf or contact Nikkie Dvorchak at nikkie@naplechamber.org or (239) 403-2909.
Thursday, October 18
FGCU PRESENTS BUSINESS ETHICS CASE COMPETITION WINNERS
Florida Gulf Coast University’s (FGCU) Lutgert College of Business hosted its second Business Ethics Case Competition. Sam Palmisano and Erika Schell made the winning presentation of the case, “Artificial Intelligence: Tap or Slam on the Brakes?,” which addressed how AI is allowing for accurate facial and body recognition in video, opening many avenues for public safety, but potentially raising civil rights questions, a press release states. The second-place team consisted of Kelsey Gladney and Andrew Bokowy. The judges included Tom Davison, entrepreneur; Jennifer Nelson, executive director, Uncommon Friends Foundation; Acie Forrer, market president, First American Bank; Dr. Jenny Manegold, chairperson, FGCU Management Department Chair; and Dr. Diana Fandel, instructor, FGCU Management Department. The FGCU winning team qualified to represent the university at the Collegiate Ethics Case Competition at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Oct. 18-20. FGCU is one of only 25 universities to be invited to the competition. The team will also be advised by Drs. Ashley Mandeville and Jerry Schoenfeld of FGCU’s management department. For more information, contact Dr. Eric B. Dent, edent@fgcu.edu, (239) 590-7162.
Wednesday, October 17
CCCR NAMES EMPLOYERS OF THE YEAR
Collier Child Care Resources (CCCR) has announced the winners of the 19th annual Family Friendly Business Awards, which recognize organizations in Collier County with policies and benefits that assist employees in raising their family. Two organizations were honored as Employers of the Year for showing special commitment to family-friendly policies and innovative practices. Arthrex received the Employer of the Year award in the large business category of 50 employees or more, and NCH Healthcare System was the runner-up. PBS Contractors received the Employer of the Year award in the small/medium business category of 49 employees or less, and Quarles & Brady LLP was the runner-up. For more information on the winners of the Family Friendly Business Awards, visit www.collierchildcare.org.
Tuesday, October 16
STICKBOY PARTNERS WITH TAMIAMI ANGEL FUNDS
Stickboy Creative has teamed up with Tamiami Angel Funds, the largest angel fund in Florida. This kind of technology partnership is a first of its kind for both companies. Tamiami Angel Funds is relying on Stickboy for its expertise in “bleeding-edge” technology development while it conducts its due diligence investigating companies. Stickboy is an award-winning custom software, mobile application, and website development firm based in Fort Myers. Since 2011, Tamiami Angel Funds has invested $12.5 million in 20 portfolio companies including Catalyst OrthoScience, ConnexPay, and MassiveU. The funds’ average investment is $655,000.
Monday, October 15
BONITA CHAMBER ADDS SIX TO BOARD
The Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce has welcomed six additions to its board of directors: Darcy Eikenberg, founder, Red Cape Revolution; Meighan Harris, CEO, Bonita Springs-Estero REALTORS; Danville Leadbetter, director of acquisitions and development, London Bay Homes; Gary Tomcik, chief experience officer, NCH Healthcare System; Connie Vestal, branch manager, Lake Michigan Credit Union; and Cheryl Willett, president, Willett Business Management. Learn more about the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce at BonitaSpringsChamber.com.
In other news…
Learn how tech-driven startups are reinventing real estate here.
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