Priority Marketing’s September 2023 Client Headlines Report recaps news stories that you should read, watch or hear before the month ends.
The firm’s award-winning Public Relations Team helps clients and partners earn media coverage in newspapers and magazines, on television and radio, and on blogs, social media and websites. At the end of each month, the PR Team combs through hundreds of local, national and international news headlines to create its informative Client Headlines Report.
Below are just some of the many important stories that were published or aired in September 2023.
Theatre celebrates 30 years of blockbuster entertainment
Fort Myers’ first dinner theatre company, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, is celebrating its 30th anniversary by looking back at three decades of Broadway-caliber performances, exceptional service and community impact. Priority Marketing helped draw media attention to the anniversary and a celebratory event that attracted hundreds of theatre-lovers, community members and dignitaries for a special performance of “Hairspray.”
WINK: The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre celebrates 30th anniversary
SWFL Happenings: Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre celebrates 30 years
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As seen on TV
In addition to pitching individual stories to media, Priority Marketing also pitches ongoing TV segments that feature clients and community partners as guests. Regular segments help solidify guests’ standings as subject matter experts while providing structure and content for newscasts. Below are four examples of standing segments:
Wonder Wednesdays: Staff members and volunteers with Wonder Gardens bring critters into ABC7’s studio for interactive, educational segments that cover a range of animal-centric topics.
ABC7: Fun events coming this fall
ABC7: Things to do in Southwest Florida
ABC7: Wonder Gardens talks two exciting new programs for visitors!
Mental Health Monday: Mental health has emerged as a crisis for youth, and Kids’ Minds Matter is coordinating with local agencies to meet the needs of Southwest Florida children and families. WINK brings together experts for weekly segments that address a range of issues.
WINK: Child cancer patients ring the bell
WINK: Helpings kids with hospital visit
WINK: Baker Act spike among children
Tech Bytes: CRS Technology Consultants Co-owner John Joyce is interviewed monthly for segments that cover technology, digital innovations, cybersecurity and more.
ABC7: Email scams get sophisticated with AI’s help
ABC7: Why is my Wi-Fi running so slow?
ABC7: ChatGPR: Too soon for AI?
Healthy Living: September is Recovery Awareness Month, and substance abuse and recovery experts representing a pair of local nonprofits – SalusCare and Healthcare Network – shared their insights on this regular TV segment.
ABC7: Vince Smith Center helps Southwest Florida teens struggling with addiction
ABC7: Addiction is a cause for concern of the entire community
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Two restaurateurs join forces on Sanibel Island
Foodies on Sanibel Island will benefit from a new partnership between the owners of the iconic Island Cow (which was destroyed by fire in 2022) and Mad Hatter (which was destroyed by Hurricane Ian). Wickie’s Lighthouse Restaurant and The Magic Bus Ice Cream & Caffeine are currently being built by longtime island restaurateurs Brian & Elke Podlasek and Max & Bridget Kolshak. Within a few days of media pitching and distributing a news release, eight outlets had already published or aired stories.
Business Observer: After fire and hurricane, island restaurant owners team up for new concepts
The News-Press: New Sanibel restaurants to open from the owners of Island Cow and Mad Hatter
NBC2: Two iconic restaurants destroyed on Sanibel team up to rebuild
Sanibel Island Reporter: Island restaurateurs to open Wickie’s Lighthouse, The Magic Bus
Santiva Chronicle: Owners of Island Cow, Mad Hatter Opening Two New Eateries
SWFL Business Today: Owners of Island Cow and Mad Hatter to open Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant on Sanibel
Beasley Broadcast Group: Two Iconic Sanibel Restaurants To Reopen Under A New Name
Gulfshore Business: Owners of Island Cow, Mad Hatter to open Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant on Sanibel
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Applauding Southwest Florida’s rising stars
Gulfshore Business unveiled its latest cohort of 40 Under 40 honorees, who share the commonality of making a difference in their careers and the community, all before reaching the age of 40. This year, nine of the 40 honorees are esteemed clients of Priority Marketing! Congratulations to each young professional on their achievements, especially the nine representing our clients:
- Margo Brewster, 35: Development Manager, Pace Center for Girls, Lee
- Brandon Hume, 37: Co-Owner/Vice President, Pro-Tec Plumbing & Air
- John Joyce, 35: Owner, CRS Technology Consultants
- Isis LaRose, 38: Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Market Development, Better Together
- Maria Munguia-Cortes, 25: Community Relations Coordinator, Lipman Family Farms, and Board of Directors member, Guadalupe Center
- Madison Mitchell, 37: Vice President of Community Impact, United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties
- Kendal Potesta, 37: Franchise Owner, Chicken Salad Chick
- Daniela Rambhajan, 27: Director of Family Services, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties
- Megan Strayhorn, 36: Attorney, Strayhorn, Persons-Mulicka & Fisher
Gulfshore Business: Meet the 40 Under 40 Class of 2023
WINK: Under 40 and making a mark on Southwest Florida
WINK: Southwest Florida’s 40 under 40 honored at Coconut Point
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Community lands $2 million grant for senior housing
The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers has earned another large grant, this time a $2 million federal award to support construction of 80 senior housing units for low-income residents who would also have access to case management services, social activities and ongoing classes. The grant was awarded through the Greater Dunbar Initiative, a comprehensive transformation plan for the large-scale revitalization of the 37-acre, 199-unit Southward Village into a mixed-income community.
Business Observer: Fort Myers revitalization project picks up another $2M in funding
FOX4: Fort Myers Housing Authority received $2 Million for ‘The Greater Dunbar Initiative’
SWFL Business Today: Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers receives $2 million in funding for The Greater Dunbar Initiative
Florida Weekly: Fort Myers receives $2 million for Greater Dunbar Initiative
Gulfshore Business: Housing Authority of the city of Fort Myers receives $2M in funding for The Greater Dunbar Initiative
FOX4: $360M to end food desert and create better housing in Dunbar
Florida Daily: HUD Sending More Than $6.5 Million to Fort Myers, Palm Beach County Housing Authorities
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Volunteers trade hockey sticks for hammers
Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties welcomed 125 season ticket members and staff affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team for a recent build in Habitat’s new neighborhood off Prospect Avenue in Fort Myers. Volunteers worked alongside Habitat staff and future homeowners to build and raise the walls on four single-family homes. Over a two-day span, volunteers dedicated 566 hours of work installing pre-built interior and exterior walls, hurricane straps and clips, and more.
WINK: Tampa Bay Lightning assists Habitat for Humanity in building homes
Charlotte Sun: Tampa Bay Lightning helps build Habitat homes
Cape Coral Breeze: Habitat for Humanity and Tampa Bay Lightning team up to build four homes for families in Fort Myers
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Supporters ‘brave the shave’ to help kids with cancer
The 6th Annual Clips for Cancer is a monthlong event to raise funds necessary to ensure that programs and services are available for local children diagnosed with cancer at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. The event has grown from head shavings to include numerous special events, collections and fundraising challenges to meet a goal of $350,000 for Barbara’s Friends through the Lee Health Foundation.
ABC7: Clips for Cancer and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
WINK: Child cancer patients ring the bell
ABC7: Golisano Children’s Hospital’s AYA cancer treatment for teenagers and young adults
Naples Daily News: Estero youth shaves heads at annual event
ABC7: Clips for Cancer raises funds for children battling cancer
ABC7: Clips for Cancer – Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Florida Weekly: Frank Haskell: His grief became a superpower
WINK: Logan Stryker, cancer patient, throws first pitch at tournament
South Florida Hospital News: ‘Clips for Cancer’ events throughout September to raise money for children with cancer
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Keep an eye on these two SWFL businesses
A pair of Priority Marketing clients, Fort Myers Brewing Company and Pro-Tec Plumbing & Air, were named finalists for GrowFL’s “Companies to Watch.” The program celebrates “high-performing second-stage companies that demonstrate innovative business strategies and excellent potential for future growth.” Winners will be recognized in February.
Florida Trend: GrowFL Announces 13th Annual Florida Companies to Watch Finalists
Cape Coral Breeze: Fort Myers Brewing announced as GrowFL “Company to Watch” finalist
SWFL Business Today: Pro-Tec Plumbing & Air named GrowFL ‘Company to Watch’ finalist
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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.
