Fort Myers: How to Get Discovered by the Media is Back and Better than Ever!

Reporters and producers are always on the lookout for great stories, and positive media coverage comes from knowing what they’re looking for. Several prominent media figures will share their secrets during the Above Board Chamber of Florida’s upcoming “How to Get Discovered by the Media” events. Members and guests are welcome to attend one or both events in September. Mark your calendar for Thursday, Sep. 8, from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the Crowne Plaza Bell Tower, 13051 Bell Tower Dr, in Fort Myers, and Monday, Sep. 12, from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail N in Naples.

This year attendees will have an unprecedented opportunity to ask questions directly to our S.W.F.L. media partners! Plus, there will be THOUSANDS of dollars worth of media prizes for our members to win at our September meetings from some of our media partners!

Not a member? Join today and save $25 on your application fee. Everyone is invited to join us, but you must RSVP to reserve your seat below! Come ready to learn and have fun. And maybe you, too, will “Get Discovered by the Media!”

Meet our Emcee:

• Chelsea is the Digital Marketing Director with CONRIC pr + marketing. Chelsea is responsible for enhancing the company’s and CONRIC clients’ online brand presence.  She is a former radio and podcast host and currently produces videos and podcasts for CONRIC and their clients. Chelsea’s diverse professional background makes her unique in how she approaches a client’s marketing and media strategy. Her passion is helping local businesses and nonprofits succeed in the wild west of digital and social media marketing.

Meet Our Media Partners:

• Peter Busch, Anchor NBC2. Peter is a multiple E.M.M.Y. award-winning journalist who anchors NBC2 News at 5, 5:30, 6, and 11 pm. He won three consecutive Emmys for news reporting during his time at K.P.H.O. in Phoenix. In Southwest Florida, he has won the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award twice. The first was for a series of stories on Rio de Janeiro’s preparations for the 2016 Olympic Games. The second was for his reporting from Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. https://nbc-2.com/
• Paul Lodato, GM of Christian Television Network. Paul Lodato was hired in July 2005 as the youngest general manager of the Christian Television Network, which was founded in Florida in 1979 and in Southwest Florida in 1995. CTN Southwest Florida (WRXY) is the only local full-power faith and family broadcast Television station with full-service video production capabilities in studio & on location. Paul is the host & executive producer of the weekly international broadcast Good News on Entertainment and Contending for the Faith reaching 55 million homes weekly across America. paul@ctntv.net
• Shari Armstrong, Weekend Anchor for FOX 4 News at 5 PM. Shari graduated from Evangelical Christian School in Fort Myers and then the University of South Florida in 2011 with a degree in Mass Communications – Broadcast Journalism. After graduating, I fled to New York, D.C., Atlanta, and Los Angeles to pursue my dreams of ___ (Honestly, my dream changed seventy-five times, but all were production, tv, and communications-related). I was looking for fulfillment that you don’t find in a place – you see it in your heart. Luckily, God placed a better plan on my life. Five years ago, I returned home and accepted the Lifestyle Journalist position at Hello S.W.F.L. I’m a proud Gulfshore Life “40 under 40” winner, too. https://fox4.com/
• Eric Raddatz | Editor | Artistic Director Florida Weekly, Hoffmann Family of Companies. Eric serves as the Editor and Creative Director at Ave Maria Sun and Babcock Ranch Telegraph, as well as Presentation Editor for West Villages Journal. He is an editor, columnist, writer, and filmmaker. He is also a regular contributor for N.B.C. in Fort Myers, the host of T.G.I.M., and the founder of the Naples and Fort Myers Film Festivals. Eraddatz@floridaweekly.com
• Steve McQuilkin, Senior Manager for Content, Regional Business, and Environment Editor at The News-Press (Fort Myers and Cape Coral) and Naples Daily News. Over the past 12 months, Steve has led USA TODAY Network statewide coverage on issues ranging from Amazon’s rapid expansion in Florida to rising home prices and furniture delays. He has twice served as the business editor and has also led the education team. He has also been executive metro editor, data editor, and real estate editor. https://www.news-press.com/ https://www.naplesnews.com/
• AJ Lurie. Vice President and Market Manager of Operations at B.M.G.’s Southwest Florida Radio Cluster Sunny 106.3. AJ Lurie started his career with Beasley Media Group in 2007 in Fort Myers, FL. After overseeing Beasley’s Delaware market for the last 4 years, A.J. has moved back to serve as the Vice President and Market Manager of the S.W.F.L. Market. He is a graduate of Florida State University. A.J. served as the Chairman of the State Broadcasters Association Board for Maryland, DC, and Delaware. And sits on the board of the Florida Association of Broadcasters. https://sunny1063.com/
• Laurie Ragle, Advertise Director Breeze Newspapers. Laurie has been in the advertising industry since 1985. She started in Dallas, Texas, with GTE Directories selling yellow page advertising. After a move, Laurie joined a local newspaper in Bloomington, Indiana, as the Advertising Director. She left Bloomington for Florida and joined the Breeze suite of newspapers in 2019 as their Advertising Director. Laurie enjoys helping her staff sell print newspapers, magazine ads as well as digital ads. Her goal is to help businesses grow and succeed. lragle@breezenewspapers.com
• Andres Felipe Paz, Publisher at Todos Magazine. TODOS Magazine is a modern, updated, and refreshing publication aimed at the Hispanic reader who seeks to develop successfully and receive quality information in their language. With its dual platform, print/digital, it aims to create a new editorial concept by uniting creators, advertisers, and readers with the common goal of excellence and success. TODOS Magazine offers a monthly distribution. AdVentureSWFL.com

Thank you to our meeting sponsors:

• Brian Chapman C.E.O. of Chapman Insurance Group. Brian Chapman, Jr. is a lifelong resident of Southwest Florida. Brian founded Chapman Insurance Group, a Southwest Florida Independent Insurance agency that provides insurance products for both commercial and residential insurance in Florida. Brian was appointed by Governor Rick Scott in 2011 to the Board of Trustees at Florida Southwestern State College and served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees until 2018. Brian is active in his church and local little league and loves the “salt life” that Southwest Florida offers. Brian is a member of the Above Board Chamber of Florida, https://www.cigflorida.com/
• Jayne Malinowski, Lake Michigan Credit Union. Jayne is the Florida Mortgage Sales Manager at L.M.C.U. She has a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University. Lake Michigan Credit Union has grown into a full-service financial institution with over $3.7 billion in total assets and $7 billion in serviced mortgages. As the #1 purchase mortgage lender in Michigan, L.M.C.U. is now in Florida to offer superior lending expertise. L.M.C.U. Mortgage of Florida brings vast expertise and rock-solid stability. We are happy to service the Sunshine State! You can contact Jayne at 239-994-3565
• Connie Ramos-Williams is the Chief Marketing Officer, Founder, and President at C.O.N.R.I.C. pr + marketing. C.O.N.R.I.C. pr + marketing is recognized as one of the leading strategic branding, digital marketing, website development, advertising, and public relations agencies in Southwest Florida. It’s the agency the Above Board Chamber of Florida, and hundreds of local, regional, and national companies turn to and trust for comprehensive marketing support that exceeds expectations and garners awards. For a free consultation, contact Connie Ramos-Williams at 239-690-9840 or Connie@ConricPR.com, or visit https://www.conricpr.com/contact-us/
• Sue Huff, owner of E. Sue Huff & Associates, Inc. – Marketing & Management Consulting. She provides strategic marketing and management consulting services to owners and managers of small and mid-size businesses, as well as non-profit organizations. Founded in 1994, the firm works to help clients reach their marketing and P.R. goals. Huff’s career began in the newspaper industry and has included T.V., radio, and ownership of a chain of print shops. www.ESueHuff.com

We are currently running our annual membership drive with a $25 discount. For information on becoming a member, please go to the membership tab at the top of this page or call 239-910-7426 and ask for Jeanne Sweeney, CEO/ Founder of the Above Board Chamber of FL.

Thank you to conric pr + marketing for helping us with our press releases and website to get this important meeting out!