Posts by Jacob Ogles
Goodwill SWFL receives $12,500 grant to support The MicroEnterprise Institute
Goodwill Southwest Florida announces it has received a $12,500 grant from the Fifth Third Foundation in support of its Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute. The MicroEnterprise Institute is a key mission program of Goodwill SWFL, designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs across Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties. The program provides training and support to individuals…
Read MoreLee commissioners reappoints Cronin and Johnson to Tourist Development Council
The Lee Board of County Commissioners recently reappointed Pamela Cronin and Jay Johnson to the Lee County Tourist Development Council. Both Cronin and Johnson will serve four-year terms. “Pamela Cronin and Jay Johnson bring decades of hands-on experience in Lee County’s tourism and hospitality industry,” said Cecil Pendergrass, who chairs the Lee Board of County…
Read MoreKottkamp tackles state property tax, government spending issues at chamber luncheon
“The bottom line? Look, I would love not having property taxes, but I love it when I can, you know, have police and fire workers….” said president and chief executive officer of Florida TaxWatch Jeff Kottkamp in summation of his dissatisfaction with current proposed state legislation. “It’s not possible to have a thriving economy and…
Read MoreJohn R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate ranked #18 among nation’s top brokerages
John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate has been ranked No. 18 among the nation’s largest independent real estate brokerages in the 2026 RealTrends Verified brokerage rankings, based on 2025 production. The firm reported $4.39 billion in closed residential sales volume across 4,857 transaction sides, reflecting its continued strength and leadership across Southwest Florida’s Collier,…
Read MoreThe Club at Mediterra names Tim Recher Director of Culinary Operations
The Club at Mediterra has appointed Chef Tim Recher as Director of Culinary Operations, overseeing the club’s 60,000-square-foot main clubhouse, including multiple dining venues and event spaces and the Mediterra Beach Club culinary program. “Chef Tim brings valuable expertise and leadership to The Club at Mediterra,” said Carmen Mauceri, CCM, ECM, General Manager and Chief…
Read MoreHabitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties names McElveen as CEO
Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties has named Everett McElveen as its next chief executive officer. McElveen will join the organization on June 1, succeeding outgoing CEO Becky Lucas, following 25 years of service to the organization and its mission. McElveen brings more than three decades of experience in affordable housing and human…
Read MoreWarrior Homes of Collier names new operations manager
Warrior Homes of Collier, a Naples-based nonprofit serving at-risk and homeless veterans, has announced U.S. Air Force veteran Max Barber as its new operations manager for the organization. In this position, Barber will oversee Warrior Homes’ portfolio of homes to ensure veterans receive safe, clean and dignified housing, along with access to mental health services…
Read MoreIan Schmoyer named Builder Magazine’s 2026 Builder on the Rise
Ian C. Schmoyer, chairman, president and CEO of Christopher Alan Homes, has been named Builder Magazine’s 2026 Builder on the Rise. The national award recognizes emerging leaders who are shaping the future of the homebuilding industry. “I am honored by this recognition,” said Schmoyer. “From day one, my goal has been to build better in…
Read MoreImmokalee Foundation announces Ruth Rios as Chief Advancement Officer
The Immokalee Foundation is proud to welcome Ruth Rios, as its new Chief Advancement Officer. In this role, she will lead the organization’s comprehensive advancement strategy, including major and principal gift development, donor engagement, and long-term philanthropic growth. Rios brings more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit development and advancement leadership, with a proven…
Read MoreNaples Airport to become first coastal airport in South with elevated runway, taxiway lighting
Naples Airport has launched a first-of-its-kind project to enhance resiliency and post-storm recovery by elevating its lighting system across the airfield. The $25.4 million Airfield Lighting Rehabilitation and Electrical Vault Replacement Project will include the installation of 1,080 elevated edge lights along runways and taxiways at Naples Airport. Watertight lights will be positioned 20 inches…
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