Moore About Business

"Since I own and run a small business AND my small business’ main focus is to serve other local small business owners, I love the month of May, because it’s “Salute To Small Business” month." Karen Moore shares the results of the Florida Small Business Development Council Awards for 2023.

A popular part of the Edison Awards is the Young Edison Challenge, which is open to students from around the world. Out of the 60 applications, two Naples high school students were winners for their innovations: one received a bronze medal, the other was named a "Game Changer" for its global impact.

Karen Moore, publisher of Southwest Florida Business Today, recently spent time talking with innovators at the Edison Awards in Fort Myers. Torrey Smith, the inventor of Pillbot was on the top of her list.

Executive Director Frank Bonafilia has described the recent 36th annual international Edison Awards as the Oscar awards for the field of innovation. Named for the pre-eminent innovator and 40-year Fort Myers resident Thomas Edison, the event is in its third year, and will be returning to Fort Myers for the next 5 years.

Lee County Economic Development Director John Talmage spoke at a recent real estate gathering and shared how much Hurricane Ian affected Lee County's growth pace.

At a recent gathering of business owners and entrepreneurs, the guest speakers were family members of Ray Lutgert. Lutgert began his commercial real estate development business nearly 50 years ago, starting with the Park Shore planned unit community in Naples. When Lutgert died in 2010 at the age of 90, his legacy has been continued by his children and grandchildren.

Hodges University and a Naples company is hoping to start an innovative business hub similar to Silicon Valley and the Research Triangle. Hodges and LabX introduced a new program they believe will accelerate entrepreneurialism in Southwest Florida.

Fort Myers mayor Kevin Anderson provided an overall economic update for local commercial real estate professionals. For him, the prognosis looks positive.

Karen Moore, publisher of Southwest Florida Business Today attended an event that honored grant recipients from a unique partnership between Florida TaxWatch, the Collaboratory of Fort Myers and Verizon. The Gathering House was one of 25 who received the needed funds.

Karen Moore, publisher of Southwest Florida Business Today attended a commercial real estate professional meeting where she sought a response from Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers about recent comments from TPI Hospitality about their goals for the barrier island.