Posts by Jacob Ogles
Collaboratory announces key leadership promotions
Collaboratory announces a series of strategic promotions and team transitions designed to strengthen operations, expand community impact, and support the organization’s continued growth. “I am proud to recognize these team members for their outstanding contributions and leadership,” said Dawn Belamarich, president and CEO of Collaboratory. “These promotions and transitions reflect the momentum we’re building—and the…
Read MoreFort Myers offers arts and culture grant program starting April 15
Last fiscal year, the city awarded $150,000 in grants to support local organizations, groups and individual artists within the City of Fort Myers. For this annual opportunity, the city has again committed $150,000 to help sustain arts and cultural programming in the community. An informational webinar will be held on Wednesday, April 15 from 3-4 p.m. to provide…
Read MoreBusey Bank announces Director of AI, Data Science and Insights
With the continuing emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven strategies in finance, Busey Bank announced Adrianne Bernini as its first-ever Director of AI, Data Science & Insights, effective Monday, April 6. In her role with Busey, Bernini is tasked with formulating, communicating and executing the strategic and responsible use of enterprise data and AI/ML…
Read MoreLQ Commercial welcomes Kimberly Kneier to its Florida team
LQ Commercial welcomed Kimberly Kneier, who will extend LQ’s retail services to Florida’s East Coast. Kneier, is a seasoned corporate retail real estate representative with 30 years of success in portfolio optimization, site selection, acquisitions / dispositions and complex negotiations. Specializing in Florida’s East Coast, she has built an extensive network throughout the retail and…
Read MoreLuminary Hotel & Co. promotes Josef Zimmermann to executive chef
Luminary Hotel & Co. has promoted Josef Zimmermann to Executive Chef, placing a seasoned, European-trained operator at the helm of one of Southwest Florida’s most complex multi-concept culinary programs. In his new role, Zimmermann will oversee all culinary operations across the 243-room waterfront hotel, including The Silver King Coastal Kitchen, Lobby Bar, Beacon Social Drinkery, Oxbow Bar…
Read MoreLee Commissioners award contract to reconstruct, expand Fort Myers Beach fishing pier
The Lee Board of County Commissioners continued its commitment Tuesday to rebuilding and expanding the Fort Myers Beach fishing pier, voting to award a $11.7 million construction contract for the project. The reconstruction by RJ Gorman Contracting LLC will extend the pier to roughly 1,000 feet long and 12 feet wide, or more than 70%…
Read MoreCape Coral small business class now accepting applications
Aspiring entrepreneurs thinking about starting a business, or who have launched but need some mentoring, are encouraged to apply for the Goodwill Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute. The MicroEnterprise Institute is a six-week training program that helps emerging entrepreneurs start new ventures and grow small businesses. Graduates complete a comprehensive training course and prepare a solid plan…
Read MoreOlde Florida Motorcoach & RV Resort breaks ground on new public grill & rally center
Olde Florida Motorcoach & RV Resort will officially break ground on its 10,000 sq. ft. Grill & Rally Center on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11 am. The ceremony will take place onsite at the resort and will be followed by a reception featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres from 12 to 2 pm. This new development…
Read MoreLondon Bay announces the opening of first tower for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay
London Bay Development Group announces the completion and delivery of its first residential tower for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay, known as “South Tower,” one of two 22-story buildings that will together span nearly a mile of pristine waterfront and offer 224 residences in total. This milestone signals a defining moment in the ongoing transformation…
Read MoreCOTI names Lai 2026 Person of the Year
At its recent annual meeting, the Committee of the Islands (COTI) named SanCap Chamber president and chief executive officer John Lai as its 2026 Person of the Year. COTI board president Bill Millar presented the award, commending Lai for his leadership since he took his current position in 2018 and then seeing the chamber through…
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