Naples Daily News, Fla., It’s Your Business column

March 14--The Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce will head to its second annual legislative days trip to Tallahassee on March 18.

Among those attending will be Christine Ross, president & CEO of the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce; Tiffany Esposito-Kittinger, director of Operations of the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce; Vince Modarelli, chairman of the Bonita Springs Estero Economic Development Council; Bob Rosier, president of Rosier Insurance; and Bonita Springs City Council representatives Janet Martin and Steven Slachta, Mayor Ben Nelson and City Manager Carl Schwing.

From March 18 and 19, the group will communicate the chamber's 2014 legislative priorities of education, economic development and health care.

"Legislative days is an excellent opportunity to participate in legislation at the state level to communicate our local needs and foster stronger relationships with our state elected officials," Ross said in a statement.

Hispanic chamber plans job fair

The Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be holding its 2014 Spring Job Fair on Thursday, March 27, at Hodges University's campus in Fort Myers.

The Colonial Boulevard site hosts the job fair that day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Rates for booths are $250 and $200 for nonprofits. Rates include a table, two chairs, logo on a power point presentation, snacks and drinks. There is a $12 fee for table cloth rentals.

Anyone interested in renting a booth, contact the Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 1400 Colonial Blvd., Suite 250. Call 239-418-1441 or email info@hispanicchamberflorida.org.

A Vernon Allen home earns LEED certification

A. Vernon Allen Builder Inc., a Naples-based luxury home builder, reported it has achieved Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) standards for a newly constructed residence in Old Naples.

LEED for Homes Certification is a set of rating systems for the design, construction and maintenance of green buildings, homes and neighborhoods. Created through the U.S. Green Building Council, the designation recognizes design and construction that supports sustainability and energy efficiency.

The home at 165 Second Ave. N. represents the first LEED for Homes certification attained by the 60-year-old homebuilder.

"The luxury home market has largely ignored the changing trend for recognition in efficiency, sustainability and rising energy costs. It is a trend that we are proud to lead our market with, and our plans are to continue with more homes attaining this certification in the future," said Ryan Benson, a partner at A. Vernon Allen Builder, in a statement.

"Our clients are becoming more aware of the benefits, without a significant cost premium that the energy-efficient market once required," added Andrew Bringardner, a partner with the firm.

Estero Bay Chevrolet earns excellence award

Estero Bay Chevrolet has received this year's David Graham Award for Excellence in Development.

The award for the dealership, off Corkscrew Road near Interstate 75, was announced at an Urban Land Institute-Southwest Florida event Wednesday at Florida Gulf Coast University. The seminar focused on how to build healthy places.

The award, presented by the Estero Community Planning Panel and the Estero Design Review Committee, is named in memory of longtime Estero resident, developer and active community member David Graham. It's been presented annually since 2007.

Neal Noethlich, a founding member of the Estero Community Planning Panel, described the dealership as "a true asset to our community" in handing out the award.

Of note in gaining the designation were its buildings in earth tones, extra landscaping and subdued lighting.

Accounting firm celebrates 25 years

Certified accountant firm Davidson & Nick is celebrating 25 years in Southwest Florida.

The firm has been working in accounting, tax and financial management for Naples-area businesses and individuals since 1989.

Partners Jim Davidson and Paul Nick are both graduates of Stetson University and have served the community since 1989.

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