Featured Speaker: David Gallentine - Financial Advisor
2023-01-04 07:30 - 08:30 (America/New_York) | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for January 4th Meeting:David Gallentine
Financial Advisor
David is a Certified Financial Planner™ and holds business degrees from the University of South Florida. He began his career in 1984 as a banker and worked in the southwest Florida banking community for 15 years. In 1999, he began working in his present capacity as a financial advisor in Fort Myers. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Fort Myers–Sunrise and believes in Rotary’s mission of helping local communities worldwide. He is a proud Ohio State Buckeye – in spirit – and has lived in Fort Myers since 1973. He has personally experienced the dramatic growth of southwest Florida. He still remembers a Thomas Edison “quote” that regularly appeared on every front page of the Fort Myers News-Press: “There is only one Fort Myers…and ninety million people are going to find it..!”
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
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Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Tamara Pigott - Executive Director
2023-01-11 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for January 11th Meeting:Tamara Pigott
Executive Director
Tamara (Tam – uh – ruh) Pigott (Pie – get) is the executive director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau in Southwest Florida. She oversees the promotion of the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of the Fort Myers area as a travel destination to targeted domestic and international visitors, including vacationers and business travelers. She is responsible for the strategic planning of the domestic and international sales and marketing efforts, along with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization.
A graduate of Florida State University, Tamara holds a bachelor of science degree in economics and political science and a master of science degree in political science. Her experience includes working as a research analyst and vice president of local research companies, analyzing the economic feasibility of local developments and business opportunities.
In 2015, Tamara earned the tourism industry’s highest educational achievement, the Certified Destination Management Executive designation, from Destination Marketing Association International.
Currently, Tamara Pigott is the executive director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB). As executive director of the VCB, she is responsible for an annual budget of $11.7 million. She oversees the promotion of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel as a travel destination to targeted domestic and international visitors, including vacationers and business travelers. She is responsible for the strategic planning of the domestic and international sales and marketing efforts, along with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the VCB.Tamara (Tam – uh – ruh) Pigott (Pie – get) is the executive director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau in Southwest Florida. She oversees the promotion of the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of the Fort Myers area as a travel destination to targeted domestic and international visitors, including vacationers and business travelers. She is responsible for the strategic planning of the domestic and international sales and marketing efforts, along with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization.
A graduate of Florida State University, Tamara holds a bachelor of science degree in economics and political science and a master of science degree in political science. Her experience includes working as a research analyst and vice president of local research companies, analyzing the economic feasibility of local developments and business opportunities.
In 2015, Tamara earned the tourism industry’s highest educational achievement, the Certified Destination Management Executive designation, from Destination Marketing Association International.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
Can’t Make it?
Join our Zoom Meeting – 2 Ways to Join
ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
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Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Dilman Thomas - Executive Director
2023-01-18 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for January 18th Meeting:Dilman Thomas
Executive Director
Dilman Thomas is the former Executive Director of the Horizon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which works in partnership with the Horizon Council and the Lee County Economic Development Office (EDO).
He has been in SW Florida for over 30 years and has served as a Senior Vice President for SunTrust Bank, Retail Banking, Regional President for Encore Bank, and Executive Vice President and General Manager for Oswald, Trippe and Company, and now McGriff Insurance.
Prior to coming to SW Florida, he served in a similar role with Pioneer Savings Bank, managing 27 offices from Springhill to Marco Island.
Community Service has been an integral part of his life, serving in the following roles in SW Florida:
Campaign and Board Chair of the United Way
Founding Chair of the Housing Development Corporation, building affordable housing in Lee County
Chair of Jr. Achievement of SW Florida
Chair of the Nations Association
Past President of the Rotary Club of Fort Myers – Sunrise
Board Member and Treasurer of the Quality Life Center
Past Chair of the FSW Foundation, Lee County
Board Member, The Chamber of SW Florida
Graduate of Leadership Pinellas and Leadership Lee County
Dilman lives in Lee County with his wife, Diane, and has two children and four grandchildren. He is a proud graduate of the University of Florida, along with both children.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
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ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Dr. Andrew M. Kurtz - Music Director
2023-01-25 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for January 25th Meeting:Dr. Andrew M. Kurtz
Music Director
Gulf Coast Symphony founder Dr. Andrew M. Kurtz enters his twenty-eighth season as the Symphony’s Music Director, President & CEO. His deep-rooted commitment to new work, community, and education, combined with a vibrant artistic vision, has led to creating and nurturing one of the most dynamic arts organizations in the region.
He was named the 2007 Performing Artist of the Year at Lee County’s Angel of the Arts Awards. Kurtz’s repertoire encompasses a wide range of music styles, from baroque to contemporary, and multiple genres, including symphonic, opera, ballet, musical theater, jazz, cantorial, and symphonic pops.
Kurtz also served as General Director of Center City Opera Theater, a professional opera company in Philadelphia dedicated to new work, new audiences, and new artists. During his sixteen-year tenure, he led over four dozen productions, including numerous world or regional premieres. Notable productions that received international praise and recognition include the world premiere of Lowell Liebermann’s The Picture of Dorian Gray (chamber version), the East Coast premiere of Daniel Catan’s Il Postino, the world premiere of Paul Morovec’s Danse Russe, and the world premiere of Michael Ching’s Slaying the Dragon.
Kurtz was the international tour conductor for CANTORS: A Faith In Song, featuring three of the world’s leading cantors, and now is the tour conductor for the NEW YORK CANTORS. In 2022, he and the Gulf Coast Symphony recorded TRINITY: CLASSICALLY IRISH for PBS, and he serves as the show’s tour conductor. He served as the Music Director of the Florida Jewish Philharmonic Orchestra and as Producing Artistic Director of Synergy Productions, a professional musical theater company in Southwest Florida.
Kurtz is the past president of the board of the Lee County Alliance for the Arts. An avid arts educator, Maestro Kurtz was Resident Music Director at the Luzerne Music Center. In 2001, he won First Prize in the Dell’Arte di Firenze International Conducting Competition and made his European conducting debut in Florence. In 1995, Kurtz made his international operatic debut in Tel Aviv while working as a staff conductor at the Israel Vocal Arts Institute. In 1997, he conducted the Metropolitan Opera Guild’s educational tour production of The Best of Puccini. He was a scholarship conducting student at the prestigious Aspen Music Festival and boasts numerous other conducting credits, including the Pennsylvania Opera Theater, the Pennsylvania Ballet, the Charlotte Symphony, Gonzaga Symphony, and the Ocean City Pops.
Kurtz completed his doctoral studies in conducting at the Peabody Conservatory and is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Virginia, where he received his master’s degree in music history and a bachelor of arts in music and drama. A native of Philadelphia, Kurtz has called Southwest Florida home for 30 years, where he currently resides with his wife, Julie, and their son, Benjamin.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
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ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Earl Quenzel - Rotary Club of Fort Myers - Sunrise President
2023-02-01 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for February 1st Meeting:Earl Quenzel
Rotary Club of Fort Myers – Sunrise President
Earl Quenzel will provide an overview of what to expect from this year’s Super Bowl advertisers, share insights about what makes a television commercial effective, and preview a few of the television commercials that will air during Super Bowl LVII at this week’s Rotary meeting.
Earl currently serves as president of the Rotary Club of Fort Myers – Sunrise, president of the McGregor Woods Homeowners Association, and is on the Players Circle Theater board. In addition to his active community involvement, Earl is a partner at Quenzel Marketing Agency with his wife, Colleen.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
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ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
Sunrise ZOOM Room

Featured Speaker: Jeff Mielke - Executive Director
2023-02-15 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for February 15th Meeting:Jeff Mielke
Executive Director
Jeff Mielke has been the Executive Director of the Lee County Sports Development (LCSD) department since its creation in 2003. In his time as Executive Director, LCSD has increased sports tourism by over 500%.
As the sports development agency for Lee County, the Sports Development office markets the region as a destination for state, national, and international sporting events and sports business. Sports Development works closely with Lee County Parks & Recreation, the Visitor & Convention Bureau, and our local colleges, universities, and sports clubs in attracting and managing over 150 events annually.
Jeff has a Master’s Degree in Sports Management from Florida State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Missouri.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
Can’t Make it?
Join our Zoom Meeting – 2 Ways to Join
ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Denise Wheeler Wright - Certified Circuit Civil Mediator
2023-02-22 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for February 22nd Meeting:Denise Wheeler Wright
Certified Circuit Civil Mediator
Denise began practicing law in 1994 in Tampa, Florida. Initially, she litigated cases on behalf of the Resolution Trust Corporation (“RTC”) to recover assets for failed savings and loans, along with representing businesses in commercial and contract disputes. Eventually, she focused more of her practice on representing employers in all types of employment litigation. She moved to Fort Myers in 2005 and continued representing employers and litigating commercial and business disputes. In addition to employment and commercial litigation trials, Denise has successfully tried land use cases on behalf of a public entity.
In 2014 Denise was certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a Circuit Civil Mediator. Since then, she has spent more and more time mediating civil litigation matters. She believes that most cases can be resolved through the mediation process and is willing to commit the necessary time, effort, and patience to reach compromises necessary to resolve disputes.
Denise approaches mediation with the experience of a litigator, the impartiality of a neutral, and the determination of an active problem solver. In 2020, Denise was formally inducted to the FL Chapter of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals in recognition of excellence within the ADR sector. In addition to mediation services, Denise is available to conduct neutral party objective workplace investigations with the same goal of solving difficult problems for employers.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
Can’t Make it?
Join our Zoom Meeting – 2 Ways to Join
ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Doris Colgate - Co-Owner, President & CEO
2023-03-01 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for March 1st Meeting:Doris Colgate
Co-Owner, President & CEO
Before joining the advertising department of Yachting Magazine in 1967, Doris had never been on a sailboat. However, after taking a Learn to Sail course at Steve Colgate’s Offshore Sailing School and then a sailboat racing course run by Steve Colgate, Doris became hooked on sailing – and Steve Colgate – who she married in 1969.
Doris joined Offshore Sailing School full-time as its Vice President In 1970, became President in 1978, and CEO/President in 2001. The Colgates grew Offshore Sailing School from a one-branch, two-instructor, two-boat operation into the industry leader with more than 150,000 graduates.
Doris launched the National Women’s Sailing Association to create more awareness of sailing among women and help women build confidence in their sailing skills, spearheaded You Can Sail Escapes to provide all-women sailing programs, launched the sailing-mentoring program for at-risk girls AdventureSail, and established the not-for-profit Women’s Sailing Foundation to enhance the lives of women and girls through education and access to the sport of sailing.
Doris served the sailing industry as chair of U.S. Sailing’s Commercial Sailing School Committee, BOAT U.S. National Advisory Council member, and Sail America’s Board of Directors.
Doris received the Betty Cook Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award from Boating Magazine, and the Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award by BOAT U.S./NWSA. The National Sailing Hall of Fame inducted Doris into its ranks in November 2022.
Along with her husband Steve, Doris was honored with the Industry Award for Leadership by the SAIL magazine, presented the Timothea Larr Trophy in recognition of their outstanding leadership and excellence in sailing education by the U.S. national governing body of sailing, U.S. Sailing and recognized by The Beaches of Sanibel & Ft. Myers Visitors and Convention Bureau in 2010 with the Junonia Award (its highest honor) for their tremendous commitment & dedication to the Lee County Tourism Industry, and again in 2013 with the Chrysalis Award for Offshore Sailing School’s contribution to Lee County tourism in the Sales & Marketing category.
Author of SAILING: A Woman’s Guide, Doris received the 2000 Southam Award for her informative how-to guide for women. Along with husband Steve, Doris co-authored Fast Track to Cruising in November 2005 and Fast Track to Sailing in 2009.
OFFSHORE High, a biography about Doris, her husband, Steve and Offshore Sailing School debuted in October 2021. According to acclaimed sailing author Larry Kretschmer, OFFSHORE High is a biography of sailing pioneers and a fascinating panoramic of the sailing industry during its formative years.
Doris earned listings in Who’s Who of America, Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who in the Southeast, Who’s Who in Education, and Who’s Who of the World.
Doris and Steve reside in Ft. Myers, Florida, headquarters of their Offshore Sailing School and Colgate 26 enterprises.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
Can’t Make it?
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ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Judie Baker-Basil - Owner
2023-03-08 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for March 8th Meeting:Judie Baker-Basil
Owner
Judie Baker-Basil moved to Pine Island, Florida, in May 2014 with her husband, Mickey Basil. She owns Basil’s Bottle and Glassworks, located in Flea masters Flea market. Prior to moving to Florida, she lived in the Washington, DC, area where she co-owned J & F Associates (a safe company). She is a Certified Safe Technician. Other career roles included sales training and opening new branch offices as a VicePresident for WMI, an international sales company.
In 2017 Judie met Shawn Gilstad, co-founder of Charlotte County Imagination Library (in 2011), an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This program intrigued Judie, as she had studied Biology and Special Education at Towson State University and has a passion for child development. Over the next few years, Judie learned more about the Imagination Library program, which mails a free book to preschool children every month until they turn 5 years old.
Conversations with Imagination Library program staff in Tennessee gave Judie further encouragement to consider establishing an affiliate to serve the estimated 37,000 preschool-age children living in Lee County. She worked with an attorney to establish Lee County Imagination Library, a non-profit organization with 501(c)3 designation and the solicitation permit from the State of Florida in July 2022. Local affiliates of the Imagination Library program have 2 roles -to register the preschool children living in the contracted area and to raise the $26 per child needed annually to pay for the 12 free books to be mailed to each child. The Dollywood Foundation covers the other program expenses at no cost to the affiliates, such as technology, marketing materials, book selection, and contracts with publishers and other companies responsible for getting the books from publication to mail.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
Can’t Make it?
Join our Zoom Meeting – 2 Ways to Join
ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Lucrecia Garcia - Youth Services Chair
2023-03-15 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for March 15th Meeting:Lucrecia Garcia
Youth Services Chair
Lucrecia Garcia was born and raised in Venezuela. She studied Political Science at the Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV)and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Administration. After working for a couple of years at an Advertising and communications company in Caracas as an information department coordinator, she decided to move to the USA.
In September of 1994, she landed in Chicago to study English at Concordia University. After a few months, she continued her English language studies at Truman College. In the summer of 1998, she moved to Miami, FL, where she started and continued practical learning in accounting, specifically bookkeeping. From 1998 through 2007, she worked for different companies as Officer Manager and Bookkeeping Clerk. Her two children, Christopher and Alyssa, were born in Miami.
In 2007 Lucrecia had the opportunity to move to Fort Myers, where two of her sisters were already living and raising their children. During her first four years in the SWFL area, she continued to work in the accounting area with a couple of construction companies. In 2012 she had the opportunity to explore another area of work, this time as a Legal Assistant at Bruno & Prado PLLC, and was able to learn and work on Personal Injury and Worker Compensation cases, and sometimes in Family cases. In 2016 the opportunity began to work in the insurance industry and found guidance from the experience of William Garcia, who is not just a friend but the father of her children. She has been working as a licensed agent for Allied Marketing Group since then.
In 2019 she started a new line of work, acquiring a Liberty Tax franchise in Fort Myers. The office was operative until October 2022, when she and her business partner decided to close the operations and dedicate more time to health insurance. In the summer of 2017, she was asked by the parent of her children’s friend if she was interested in being a host family in the Rotary Exchange Student Program. Since then, she has had a wonderful experience hosting students from other latitudes of the world, and she also sent her daughter as an exchange student to Japan in 2019. Her daughter was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Fort Myers – Sunrise, and guided by John Steakley, her club-sponsored counselor. Last year she was asked by Rotary to be the new Inbound Coordinator for our district. At this moment, Lucrecia is the proud mom of a Marine and an International student in Sapporo, Japan.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
Can’t Make it?
Join our Zoom Meeting – 2 Ways to Join
ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Bryon Wilfert - Consulate General of Mongolia
2023-03-22 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for March 22nd Meeting:Bryon Wilfert
Consulate General of Mongolia
Bryon Wilfert has Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, and Master of Arts degrees from the University of Toronto and a degree in public administration from St. Lawrence College in Kingston. In addition, he is an Accredited Municipal Clerk. He taught history and political science at Havergal College in Toronto from 1977 to 1997.
The Honourable Bryon Wilfert has served more than ten years as the Chair and other Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (CJIG) posts. He has contributed significantly to enhancing the relationship and promoting mutual understanding between Japan and Canada through interaction between both countries’ inter-parliamentary groups. In June 2011, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, Japan’s second-highest honor, by Emperor Akihito to recognize these outstanding contributions officially.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING

Can’t Make it?
Join our Zoom Meeting – 2 Ways to Join
ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Rob Spicker - Assistant Director
2023-03-29 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for March 29th Meeting:Rob Spicker
Assistant Director
Rob Spicker is the Assistant Director of Media Relations and Public Information for the School District of Lee County. He serves as the primary spokesman for the School District and is involved in all District communication efforts, social media, video production, and community outreach.
Prior to joining the School District, Rob was a broadcast journalist for 27 years. He spent 10 years waking up Southwest Florida as the anchor of WINK News This Morning on both WINK-TV and WXCW. Rob helped lead WINK News This Morning to unprecedented ratings success. Rob and his wife have three children and have called Fort Myers home since 2007. He is Board Vice President for the Animal Refuge Center in North Fort Myers, which is Southwest Florida’s largest no-kill shelter.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
Can’t Make it?
Join our Zoom Meeting – 2 Ways to Join
ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Bill Waichulis - Managing Director
2023-04-12 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for April 12th Meeting:Bill Waichulis
Managing Director
Bill Waichulis is Managing Director for the Florida Resort Division of Boykin Management Company. His career has spanned many property operations with two management companies, Interstate Hotels and Resorts for 14 years and Boykin Management Company since 2006.
Bill has managed many different brands to include Westin, Sheraton, Hilton, and Holiday Inn, all within the state of Florida. In his last position, he was Director of Operations for South Seas and the Sanibel properties. He is currently responsible for the Florida region. Bill serves on the Board of Directors for Visit Florida, Lee County Hotel Association, and Lee County Tourist and Development Council.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING

Can’t Make it?
Join our Zoom Meeting – 2 Ways to Join
ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Brian DelNegro - General Manager
2023-04-19 07:30 - 08:30 | Jaguar Dealership, 15875 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, FL, 33908
Featured Speaker for April 19th Meeting:Brian DelNegro
General Manager
Brian DelNegro is a proud Worcester native and attended college at Westfield State University in Westfield, Massachusetts. After living in Massachusetts for most of his childhood Brain relocated to sunny Florida in 1994. He began his career in the automotive industry a couple years later where he started selling cars at Fort Myers, Toyota.
Brian quickly worked his way up to management positions and transferred over to Naples Nissan after some time. He then took on the General Manager position at Jaguar Land Rover Fort Myers in the year 2010. He has been the General Manager at the dealership for over 13 years now where he works alongside his younger brother Nick DelNegro. Brian is an avid car lover and has enjoyed watching the Jaguar Land Rover brand grow to what it is today. Brian also believes in giving back to the community as much as possible and works closely with local charities and organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Blessings in a Backpack, Valerie’s House, FGCU Athletics, ECS Highschool and much more.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Jaguar Dealership in Fort Myers
15875 S. Tamiami Trail, FL, 33908
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING

Drive For Education Club Assembly - April 26th
2023-04-26 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Drive For Education Club Assembly – April 26thT-Minus 48 Hours
By the time our weekly meeting starts on Wednesday, we’ll be at less than T-Minus 48 hours to the launch of the Club’s Signature Fundraising Event, the OneDigital Sunrise Rotary ProAm Golf Classic. This week’s meeting will focus on our final preparations for the tournament.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
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Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Robert Cacioppo - Players Circle Theater
2023-05-03 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for May 3rd Meeting:Robert Cacioppo
Players Circle Theater
Robert was born and raised in New York City and began his professional career in 1978 with The Passion of Alice at New York City’s famous Greenwich Mews Theatre. He directed extensively in New York City before coming to Florida 30 years ago and, since that time, has become a leader in Southwest Florida’s theater movement. He became Artistic Director of the Pirate Playhouse in 1990, turning that company, at the time, into the area’s only resident Actors’ Equity Association Company and directing over 60 productions.
Robert Cacioppo, Florida Rep’s Founder, was honored by the Florida Professional Theaters Association with the Richard G. Fallon Award for Excellence in Professional Theatre for his tenacity, vision, passion, and leadership in creating professional theater in the state of Florida.
Currently, Robert stays busy as the artistic director of Players Circle Theater. Players Circle Theater is one of the premier theaters in Southwest Florida and “has a three-fold mission: to create a home for a variety of theater employing an ensemble of professionals; to become an outlet for community involvement in the arts; and to enrich, educate and entertain our community with classes and performances.” Players Circle Theater follows this mission by continuously putting on award-winning performances and staying engaged in the community.
When he is not working at the theater, Robert’s favorite direction is home, where he happily lives in Fort Myers with his wife, actress/producer (and co-founder of Florida Rep and Players Circle Theater), Carrie Lund.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
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Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Liston Bochette III - Ward 4 Council Member
2023-05-10 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for May 10th Meeting:Liston Bochette III
Ward 4 Council Member
Liston “Lin” Bochette is a five-time Olympic Athlete, internationally recognized artist and civic leader.
Councilman Bochette served on the Community Redevelopment Agency Board and in 2018 was appointed to the Fort Myers City Council by Mayor Randall P. Henderson to complete the term of a retiring councilperson. He was elected to represent Ward 4 again in November 2020.
Bochette received his B.F.A from the University of Florida, then went on to complete his M.A from InterAmerican University, and Ph.D. from Pacific Western University.
Councilman Bochette has been a delegate to the White House for Olympic Affairs. Over the years, he worked closely with Olympic bid and host cities around the world as a senior advisor on management, budget, transportation, housing, security, infrastructure, and programing. He has been responsible for multi-million dollar budgets and complex work forces.
Bochette was elected to serve two terms as the Secretary General to the World Olympians Association, overseeing 200 national bodies with over 100,000 members. Additionally, he served as President of the Pan American Olympians Association, and sat on the Athletes’ Commissions of the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympians.
Bochette won the Decathlon at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Havana, Cuba in 1982 and was presented with a Gold Medal in the arts by IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch during the Olympic Games in Barcelona in 1992. Bochette was inducted into the University of Florida Hall of Fame in 2008, the State of Florida Track Hall of Fame 1998, and received meritorious citations from the Senate of Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee, and was the USSA International Sport Artist of the year in 1996.
He served on the United States Sports Academy Board of Trustees and the University of Florida College of Fine Arts Advisory Board. He is the co-founder along with Al Oerter of the Art of the Olympians Museum, and was appointed Chairman of the American Sports Museum and Archives in Daphne, Alabama.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
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Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Gary Tasman - CEO & Principal Broker
2023-05-17 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for May 17th Meeting:Gary Tasman
CEO & Principal Broker
Professional Background

May 2014 – Acquired 4 mm sf commercial real estate management portfolio – largest 3rd party commercial property management portfolio in Southwest Florida
March 2009 – Founded Commercial Property Southwest Florida, LLC (Only Independently Owned & Operated Member of the Cushman & Wakefield Alliance in State of Florida)
January 2007 – Joined Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. – Opened Southwest Florida Market
Prior – Directed Largest Revenue Generating Team a Grubb & Ellis/VIP for over a decade

Experience

32 Years Real Estate Industry
Closed over 1,000 Transactions – $700 Million plus
Office, Retail Industrial Site Analysis
Market & Financial Feasibility Studies
Expert Sales & Communication Authority
Stonegate Bank (Southwest Capital Bank) – Founding Organizing Director National start up bank; charter from the US Governments’ office of Currency and Controller in July 2006
Certified: Florida State Certified Real Estate Broker and Appraiser
Keen Sense for Identifying Winning Strategies & Opportunities
Expert Witness
Recognized Locally, Regionally, & Nationally as Southwest Florida

Education

Bachelors in Finance, Eastern Kentucky University
Florida State Certified Real Estate Appraiser
Licensed Broker, Florida

Achievements

2007 – Present: Lead six broker teams that close 175-200 commercials sales, leases, and consulting assignments
2000 – 2006: Top Revenue Producing Associate of the Year – Grubb & Ellis/VIP
2005: Top Generating Affiliate Associate for Grubb & Ellis Globally
2002 – 2004: Top 10 Revenue Generating Associate Expert On Southwest Florida Commercial Real Estate
Speaks to Public & Professional Organizations On Current Commercial Real Estate Trends
Weekly Newspaper Columnist – Cape Coral Breeze
Special Guest Columnist – Commercial Connection in Fort Myers News- Press
Often Quoted – Florida Real Estate Journal, Gulf Coast Business Review, Florida Business Weekly, Napes Daily News

WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
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Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Francesco Rugiano Beckmann - Product Manager
2023-05-31 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for May 31st Meeting:Francesco Rugiano Beckmann
Product Manager
Francesco Rugiano Beckmann studied at Bocconi University – School of Economics, in Milan, and has a Master of Science in industrial engineering and technology management from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology – NTNU.
Francesco has been with AquaFence since 2016, working out of the HQ in Norway as the product manager for the flood mitigation products FloodBarricade and FlashWall, focused on entering new markets, R&D management, supply chain optimization and IPR.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING

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Join our Zoom Meeting – 2 Ways to Join
ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
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Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Dr. Veronica Graversen - Retinal Surgeon
2023-06-07 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for June 7th Meeting:Dr. Veronica Graversen
Retinal Surgeon
Dr. Veronica Graversen is board certified and has won numerous awards, including the Honor Award from the American Society of Retina Specialists in 2011. She has extensive training and experience in the management of uveitis and retinal disorders.
She has published multiple articles in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and has lectured at several international meetings. She is co-editor of the Diagnostic Atlas of Retinal Diseases.
Dr. Graversen also did a fellowship at New England Retina Associates with Dr. Peter Liggett who is on the faculty of Yale School of Medicine and the Cornell Weill College of Medicine. She completed an ophthalmology residency program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she served as Chief Resident.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
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Join our Zoom Meeting – 2 Ways to Join
ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Jenn Downes - Education Specialist
2023-06-14 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for June 14th Meeting:Jenn Downes
Education Specialist
Jenn Downes, a Lee County native and former school teacher, is the Education Specialist for Keep Lee County Beautiful, a nonprofit organization that has been in Lee County for 33 years. Her main role is public outreach to inform the community about their efforts in recycling education, litter prevention, and community beautification. In 2022, Keep Lee County Beautiful had over 4,000 volunteers collect and remove almost 79,000 pounds of litter from our Lee County road and waterways, and is on track to do even more this year.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING

Can’t Make it?
Join our Zoom Meeting – 2 Ways to Join
ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Earl Quenzel - Rotary Year in Review
2023-06-21 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for June 21st Meeting:Earl Quenzel
Rotary Club of Fort Myers – Sunrise President
2022-2023 Rotary Year in Review
Earl Quenzel started his marketing career after receiving his BA in communications from Rowan University in 1980. During his marketing career, two major airlines (TWA & Continental Airlines) and the nation’s leading telecom brand (AT&T) recruited Earl to lead their marketing teams while transforming from operating in a regulated business world to winning in a highly competitive, deregulated marketing environment.
Between gigs in the airline industry, two start-up ventures recruited Earl to lead the marketing and sales teams responsible for developing and launching: the Travel Channel (1988) and the eCommerce brand Priceline.com across Europe (2000).
Earl enjoys serving his community as an avid participant. Earl currently serves as president of the Rotary Club of Fort Myers – Sunrise, the McGregor Woods Homeowners Association president, and a board member for Players Circle Theater.
In addition to his active community involvement, Earl is a partner at Quenzel Marketing Agency, where he works with his wife, Colleen.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
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Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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No Meeting This Week
2023-06-28 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
No Meeting This WeekThere will be no Sunrise Rotary – Fort Myers meeting this week. Weekly meetings will resume Wednesday, July 5th.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
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Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Bryon Wilfert - Canada Day
2023-07-05 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for July 5th Meeting:Bryon Wilfert
Canada Day
Bryon Wilfert has Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, and Master of Arts degrees from the University of Toronto and a degree in public administration from St. Lawrence College in Kingston. In addition, he is an Accredited Municipal Clerk. He taught history and political science at Havergal College in Toronto from 1977 to 1997.
The Honourable Bryon Wilfert has served more than ten years as the Chair and other Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (CJIG) posts. He has contributed significantly to enhancing the relationship and promoting mutual understanding between Japan and Canada through interaction between both countries’ inter-parliamentary groups. In June 2011, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, Japan’s second-highest honor, by Emperor Akihito to recognize these outstanding contributions officially.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
Can’t Make it?
Join our Zoom Meeting – 2 Ways to Join
ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Liz Christie - Club President
2023-07-12 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for July 12th Meeting:Liz Christie
President
Liz Christie serves as the 2023-2024 Rotary Club of Fort Myers Sunrise President. In May of 2023 she traveled to the Rotary International Convention in Melbourne, Australia in preparation for the year as Club President. During her presentation, she will review the convention activities and share her experiences in Melbourne and Sydney.
She has been a Rotarian for 23 years and proudly served as Club President of the Rotary Club of Palatine, IL in 2011-2012. She was born in Winona, MN and attended the University of Rochester, NY where she received a BA in Political Science and minors in both Marketing and Economics. She relocated to the Chicagoland area and attended DePaul University where she earned an MBA in Change Leadership Management.
She spent her years in the Chicagoland area working with nonprofits and businesses to create local, national and international events. During her tenure she coordinated activities ranging from golf outings with the Chicago Bears to private label food industry trade shows to dinner dance galas for local youth programs. Through her own event company, ElizEvents, she initiated the area’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration and parade, as well as the Rotary Oktoberfest celebration – both of which still remain strong in the Palatine, IL community.
In 2019 she and her husband, Matt, moved to Fort Myers. After finding an event position with a manufacturing reliability company, Covid arrived and essentially wiped the on-site event industry off the map. This provided an opportunity to explore the world of community management and in June of 2020 she received her state Community Association Manager’s license. She currently works for Castle Management as a CAM in Estero, FL. Liz is also a current member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Order of the Moose.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING

Can’t Make it?
Join our Zoom Meeting – 2 Ways to Join
ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Olena Hall, Olga & Volodymyr Vermiichyk - Update on Ukraine
2023-07-19 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for July 19th Meeting:Olena Hall, Olga & Volodymyr Vermiichyk
Update on Ukraine
Olena Hall was born in Ukraine in 1986 and moved to the U.S. in 2015. She earned her masters degree in Philology (The study of language) from Volyn National University in 2008. She worked as a school teacher in Ukraine until she moved to the United States. Since arriving in the U.S. Olena has spent time raising her now 15 year old son and 6 year old daughter as well as working for several years as a Paraprofessional helping children learn the English language. She has also spent time advocating for Ukrainian causes including organizing supply drives to send Aid to Ukraine. She enjoys advocating for Ukrainians and talking about Ukrainian culture and language.
Olga & Volodymyr Vermiichyk (Olena’s parents) – were both born in Ukraine. They have lived in Ukraine since their birth until the present day. Olga is an assistant principal at the public school near her home, and has been working as an educator for 38 years. Volodymyr is an electrical engineer, is now retired and works as a school bus driver. They want people in the U.S. and around the world to understand the struggles of the Ukrainian people to maintain their culture, language and national identity in the face of a Russian aggression that insists those things do not exist.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
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Join our Zoom Meeting – 2 Ways to Join
ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Christopher S. Bernier, Ed.D. - Superintendent
2023-07-26 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for July 26th Meeting:Christopher S. Bernier, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Dr. Christopher Bernier was sworn in as Superintendent of Schools of the School District of Lee County on May 16, 2022. With nearly 100,000 students and 13,000+ employees, Dr. Bernier will lead the 9th largest school district in Florida and 32nd largest in the U.S. His priority as Superintendent is to lead with a student-centered philosophy and ensure that the district’s strategic plan will meet the academic and social emotional needs of our students. Dr. Bernier also plans to prioritize the district’s budget to ensure that the district is being fiscally responsible and good stewards of taxpayer dollars.
The district’s core values will guide Dr. Bernier’s leadership:

Excellence
Integrity
High Expectations
Accountability
Belief in Students
Professionalism

Prior to Lee County, Dr. Bernier served as the Chief of Staff for the Clark County School District (CCSD) in Las Vegas, Nevada, the fifth largest school district in the country. For three years, he helped to execute the student-centered vision of the Clark County District for the over 300,000 students and 42,000 employees, investing an annual budget in excess of $5 billion. As an Executive Cabinet leader, Dr. Bernier led many projects, including a few below:

Emergency Operations and COVID Response Commander
Lead Member of District’s Negotiation Team
Chairman of the Diversity’s Inclusion and Equity Committee for Goals and Objectives
Chairman and Digital One to One Project Lead
Chief Facilitator Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee
Chairman of the Community and School Safety Committee

Before being recruited to Las Vegas, Dr. Bernier served Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) from 1987 until 2019. He was a devoted classroom teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal at middle, high and virtual schools, Director of Professional Development and Associate Superintendent. His final promotion with OCPS resulted in Dr. Bernier leading the Office of School Choice where he was responsible for all choice options including Alternative Education, Charter Schools, Orange County Virtual School, K-12 Magnet Programs, School Age Services, Student Enrollment, Teen Parent Program and Home Education. These responsibilities supported the vision and mission of OCPS and influenced the trajectory for more than 200,000 students, 25,000 team members and a budget in excess of 2.2 billion dollars.
Dr. Bernier has received numerous recognitions for his work including being named Florida Principal for the Year by The Florida PTA. Throughout his career, he has remained a devoted student advocate and has fostered, nurtured, and maintained safe and positive learning environments wherever he has the opportunity to serve. Dr. Bernier has a proven capacity for developing and implementing equitable educational improvement efforts, advancing access for all, and raising student achievement through shared leadership with school leaders, educators, students and community members.
Dr. Bernier earned his undergraduate degree in History and Education from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern and his doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
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Join our Zoom Meeting – 2 Ways to Join
ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Angela Katz - Executive Director
2023-08-02 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for August 2nd Meeting:Angela Katz
Executive Director
Angela Katz is an Executive Director at LARC, the Lee Association of Remarkable Citizens. Established in 1954, LARC Inc. is a training center for success that provides support services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
A highly accomplished strategic fundraising and development professional, Katz joined LARC as director of development and communications in 2016. Her responsibilities included fund development, internal and external communications, marketing, and advancing community and business partnerships.
Prior to LARC, Katz established her own company, Angela Katz, LLC, specializing in fundraising strategies for non-profits. She was the development director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida for four years. Katz transitioned into non-profit work after retiring from a successful career as a Regional Vice President with PartyLite Gifts. She was responsible for strategic direction and training for a sales leadership team of more than 300 individuals, generating more than $1 million in annual sales.
Katz aims to continue championing innovative programs and meeting community needs for individuals with intellectual disabilities. She created the Learn, Achieve, Become Program (LAB) as well as the Exceptional Employers event recognizing employers in our community that have hired individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through vision and funding, she brought LARC’s Engraving Enterprise to life and established the Lori Carroll-Collins Scholarship fund.
Katz received her certification in fundraising management from Indiana University, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She earned certificates in non-profit management and non-profit operations from Hodges University. She is a board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and The Babcock Neighborhood School. She was named non-profit employee of the year by The Cape Coral Community Foundation in 2019.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
Can’t Make it?
Join our Zoom Meeting – 2 Ways to Join
ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Priya Ahluwalia - Rotary Club of Babcock Ranch President
2023-08-09 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for August 9th Meeting:Priya Ahluwalia
Rotary Club of Babcock Ranch – President
Priya Ahluwalia is a true entrepreneur at heart. She has over 14+ years of professional experience in multiple sectors (startups, teaching, and nonprofits). She specializes in strategy, business, life mentoring/coaching, and business development roles across early-stage startups. She is the Founder of MoAloo Ventures (a venture capital firm), where the firm brings ideas to life. MoAloo Ventures help incubate startups and assist them in launching in the market.
She has two Masters’s degrees (Chinese Language and English Literature) with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Priya is fluent in English, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, and Punjabi, with some proficiency in Japanese. She has personal and professional experience in China, India, and the United States. Priya loves to teach Chinese and Hindi language, travel the world with her best friend (husband – Mohit), and paint in her free time.
Priya joined Rotary in May 2022 and currently serves as the Club-President of the Rotary Club of Babcock Ranch. Her goal is to make an impact in others’ lives.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
Can’t Make it?
Join our Zoom Meeting – 2 Ways to Join
ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
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Featured Speaker: Jordan Brown - FBI Special Agent
2023-08-16 07:30 - 08:30 | Doubletree at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers, 33907, United States
Featured Speaker for August 16th Meeting:Jordan Brown
FBI Special Agent – Speaking on Terrorism
Jordan Brown began his career with the FBI in Jacksonville, FL, in 2017 as an Intern. For the summer of 2017, Jordan worked on various violations, including criminal and national security matters. At the conclusion of the internship, Jordan was hired full-time as an Operational Support Technician for the Jacksonville Field Office of the FBI. Jordan continued his work in Jacksonville until 2019, when he was selected for New Intelligence Analyst training in Quantico, VA. Upon graduation, Jordan was assigned in Huntsville, AL, at the Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center where he worked with scientists to disseminate intelligence pertaining to Improvised Explosive Devices recovered throughout the world.
In June 2021, Jordan began training as a New Agent in Quantico, VA. Upon graduation from the Basic Field Training Course, Jordan was assigned to work White Collar Crime in Fort Myers, FL, out of the Fort Myers Resident Agency-Tampa Field Office. Jordan has a B.S. in Homeland Security and a B.S. in Global Conflict Studies from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and an A.A. degree from Daytona State College.
WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING
Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops
13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907
LET US KNOW YOU ARE ATTENDING
Can’t Make it?
Join our Zoom Meeting – 2 Ways to Join
ONEClick on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this method you can join via a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or phone. If you use a desktop or laptop you can use your regular browser or download the Zoom App for your computer. If you plan to join via a tablet or phone, you must download the application from your phone provider’s App store.
Sunrise ZOOM RoomTWOClick on the link below and and enter
Meeting ID: 465 653 4071
Sunrise ZOOM Room
