Priority Marketing’s January 2023 Client Headlines Report recaps 10 news stories that you should read, watch or hear.
Our experienced PR Team helps clients earn media coverage in newspapers and magazines, on television and radio, and on blogs, social media and websites. At the end of each month, Priority Marketing combs through hundreds of local, national and international news headlines spotlighting our partners to produce the Client Headlines Report.
Below are just 10 of the many important stories that were published or aired in January 2023.
Small request turns into life-changing moment for Fort Myers woman
Nancy Jackson had a small request for Lee BIA Builders Care. Her home was showing its age and she was hoping for small interior repairs. “Small” isn’t in the vocabulary of Builders Care and Christopher Alan Homes, which joined dozens of generous businesses and volunteers to demolish the deteriorating home and rebuild the structure from the ground up, providing Jackson with a safe, comfortable and accessible home.
WINK: 66-year-old woman battling health issues gets new home in Fort Myers
ABC7: Notes of love line walls of home being built for Fort Myers woman
WGCU: Fort Myers woman seeks a little home repair, non-profit builder group gives her whole new house
Cape Coral Breeze: Builders Care, Christopher Alan Homes rebuild Fort Myers home
Back in business and on the water
Since 1986, a Captiva Cruises boat tour has been on the “must-do” list for many tourists, seasonal residents and locals. Hurricane Ian brought tourism to a standstill in the fall, but one by one, small businesses have been reopening. Captiva Cruises marked its reopening in January with a ribbon-cutting and celebratory cruise aboard a 45-foot catamaran with media, businesses leaders and dignitaries.
FOX4: Captiva Cruises celebrates reopening on Captiva Island
Gulfshore Business: Captiva Cruises returns to business with Cabbage Key trips from Captiva Island
WINK: Captiva Cruises returns to business with Cabbage Key trips from Captiva Island
WGCU: Captiva Cruises heralds reopening from Ian-related damage with tour
Sanibel Island Reporter: Captiva Cruises reopens with limited cruise schedule
WINK: Cabbage Key still going strong despite Hurricane Ian’s nearby impact
Addressing SWFL’s future… now
Southwest Florida’s pristine environment has been the region’s calling card for generations. Community leaders have been studying climate issues, and some of the first steps toward action emerged at the SWFL Climate & Community Summit. The event’s 250+ attendees included national and regional experts, environmental innovators, elected officials, Southwest Florida residents, and civic and business leaders who addressed solutions that protect the region from adverse impacts to our land, water and lifestyle.
WINK: Climate leaders come together to discuss the future of Southwest Florida
The News-Press: ‘Climate change is not a spectator sport’: More than 200 meet in Naples to explore solutions
WGCU: A major environmental summit urges focus on the challenge of climate change in Southwest Florida
Jewish community celebrates new gathering place in Naples
In 2016, the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples had a dream to create a center for Collier County’s Jewish community, envisioning a multi-purpose, functional space that would allow multiple activities to happen simultaneously while being enhanced by state-of-the-art technology and security. The dream became a reality in early January as the nonprofit held a grand opening for its 20,000-square-foot center.
WGCU: Jewish Cultural Center opens in Naples
Florida Weekly: Jewish Federation of Greater Naples celebrates opening of the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center Jan. 15
WINK: Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center preparing for grand opening weekend
Insurance battle continues for SWFL nonprofit
Like many businesses and homes, SalusCare sustained structural damage to its building during Hurricane Ian. Four months later, Lee County’s only designated mental health, crisis-stabilization unit has still not reopened. That’s because the nonprofit’s wind and flood insurers have not yet determined who will pay for renovations estimated at $1 million. A guest opinion from board member Peter Dennis in November outlined the issues at hand, and additional media dove into the story in January as the stalemate continued.
The News-Press: SalusCare faces insurance battle from Ian flooding; patients must go elsewhere for help
WINK: SalusCare Crisis Stabilization Unit remains closed due to hurricane damage
Sharing love, chocolate for Valentine’s Day
Southwest Florida’s favorite chocolatier, Norman Love, unveiled the Norman Love Confections’ 2023 Valentine’s Day Collection, which features 10 heart-shaped dark, white and milk chocolates. Flavors include Mimosa, Lemon Bar, Vanilla Rum, Manjari, Raspberry Rose, Coconut Cream Pie, Pinot Noir, Coffee Caramel, Red Hot and Caramelia. Locals have enjoyed the confections for two decades, but online shopping and shipping now mean Norman Love Confections can be the perfect way to say “I love you” no matter where you live in the U.S., and national media are taking note.
Forbes: Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: The Finest Milk Chocolate Truffles From Around The World
Ecole Chocolate: bean2bonbob: Valentine’s Day Fine Chocolate
Candy Industry: Norman Love Confections announces its 2023 Valentine’s Day Collection
This was the second time Forbes featured the Fort Myers chocolatier in two months. In December, the ultra-premium chocolates were spotlighted in the publication’s Holiday Gift Guide 2022: The Most Indulgent Milk Chocolate Gift Baskets.
Chicken salad craze sweeping across Southwest Florida
Chicken Salad Chick, a fast-casual, Southern-inspired chicken salad concept, opened its third location in Southwest Florida in less than five months. The newest location in Port Charlotte followed restaurants in Fort Myers and Estero. The menu features more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors as well as fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches and delicious desserts.
Charlotte Sun: Chicken Salad Chick aims for Jan. 10 opening
Gulfshore Business: Chicken Salad Chick opens in Port Charlotte
Times of the Islands: Chicken Salad, reimagined
Attendance soars for Redefining Autism series
Family Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and families with autism, created its Redefining Autism speaker series to raise awareness for issues impacting those on the spectrum. The series launched in September, but leaders anticipated a large crowd and moved an event featuring renowned autism activist Dr. Temple Grandin to a larger venue. More than 500 people listened to Grandin’s story, insight and guidance.
ABC7: Family Initiative continues its mission to redefine autism
WGCU: Dr. Temple Grandin: world-renowned autism activist and animal behaviorist
The Roar/East Lee County News: Family Initiative hosts autism activist Temple Grandin for Redefining Autism series
Hurricane relief PODS debut across Lee County
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades has been at the forefront of Southwest Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian. The nonprofit recently established a Recovery Distribution Program with PODS container locations around Lee County for residents in need. Through its Gifts in Kind Program, United Way partnered with PODS, Lee County government and local social service agencies to distribute new furniture and home goods through PODS containers that will be replenished weekly.
WINK: United Way, PODS partner to provide distribution sites for Ian victims
FOX4: United Way establishes PODS sites for families impacted by Hurricane Ian
Cape Coral Breeze: United Way establishes PODS sites for families impacted by Hurricane Ian
Wowing audiences with its mission
Dress for Success SW Florida promotes the independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help them thrive in work and in life. Transportation is a challenge for many, so Dress for Success launched its Wardrobe on Wheels (WOW) Factor mobile boutique that brings free clothing and services to low-income women across Southwest Florida.
ABC7: Dress for Success SW Florida launches ‘WOW Factor’ mobile boutique
Do you need a Public Relations Team to help tell your story? Please give us a call today at 239-267-2638 or send an email to LetsTalk@PriorityMarketing.com.
