Imagine the phone rings, and it’s a reporter with great news. They are covering a hot topic that affects your industry, and they want to use a spokesperson from your company as an expert source. The deadline is 5 p.m., but all they need is a quote and a headshot.

Maybe this hasn’t happened to you yet, but you need to be aware that it could. This is a realistic scenario, and an example of why photography is such an important part of your media relations tool kit. Many managers think about photography on an as-needed basis, and unfortunately they are caught unprepared when a valuable opportunity such as this comes along.

In this case, headshots are at issue. All company spokespersons should have a current headshot available in a digital format that can be quickly disseminated to the media. Getting an appointment with quality photographers can take days or even weeks so don’t wait until you need it. Snapshots taken by a staff member on the fly may suffice, but how will that headshot look printed next to the professional image provided by your competitor?

Other photography essentials vary from company to company. For some companies, having quality photography of their products is absolutely essential. For others, having individual headshots of the entire staff may be important. Take stock of your company’s photography and determine what you need to bring the collection up-to-date.

Format is also important. If you haven’t already had old photographic prints scanned, do so now, and make sure you have high resolution files. The higher the resolution the better, since it is much easier to make an image smaller than it is to make it larger.

Also, be proactive and think about photography in everyday situations. Are staff members planning to attend a fundraiser, volunteer event or social activity? Be sure someone photographs them in the act! These photos can be used for newsletters, Facebook updates and more. They add a personal touch to the story that resonates with customers. You might be surprised to see them in a montage about your life at an award ceremony someday!

Of course, professional photography is ideal, and sometimes it is essential, but there are many times when it isn’t practical. Luckily, today’s high-quality digital cameras allow novices to achieve acceptable results with a little training. Our next blog post will offer some tips of the trade to ensure every photo taken by your staff is the best it can be.

Margaret G. Tuya has been named executive director of Grub & Ellis |‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ 1st Commercial’s Property Tax Management Division. Tuya brings more than 19 years experience as a commercial assessment analyst for the Lee County property appraiser to Grubb & Ellis |‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ 1st Commercial.

“During my tenure with the Lee County Property Appraiser’s office, I was responsible for a number of high profile commercial ventures involving new construction, improved and vacant properties, base rate cost analysis and sales verification, tax appeals and more,” says Tuya. “I look forward to bringing my experience in the high stakes property tax game and serving the best interests of our clients at Grubb & Ellis |‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ 1st Commercial.” 

As executive director of the Grubb & Ellis |‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ 1st Commercial’s Property Tax Management Division, Tuya’s responsibilities include property tax appeal management and consulting services, review of new construction for cost-to-build accuracy, and management of all commercial property tax services including new, improved and vacant properties.

“Tuya’s reputation as a leading authority in Lee County’s commercial property tax system has earned her the nickname of ‘Property Tax Margaret’,” says Robert Johnston, Senior Vice President, Industrial, Grubb & Ellis |‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ 1st Commercial. “Her insight into the complexities of the local commercial real estate market, her understanding of filing deadlines and her professional contacts make Margaret a strong asset to Grubb & Ellis and our clients. We are fortunate to have ‘Property Tax Margaret’ on our side.”

To learn more about Grubb & Ellis |‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ 1st Commercial’s property tax management services or to set up an appointment, call 239-210-7615 or email Margaret.tuya@grubb-ellis.com.

Named to The Global Outsourcing 100™ in 2009 by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals™, Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE) is one of the largest and most respected commercial real estate services and investment companies in the world. The company’s 6,000 professionals in more than 130 company-owned and affiliate offices draw from a unique platform of real estate services, practice groups and investment products to deliver comprehensive, integrated solutions to real estate owners, tenants and investors. The firm’s transaction, management, consulting and investment services are supported by highly regarded proprietary market research and extensive local expertise.

Through its investment subsidiaries, the company is a leading sponsor of real estate investment programs that provide individuals and institutions the opportunity to invest in a broad range of real estate investment vehicles, including public non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs), tenant-in-common (TIC) investments suitable for tax-deferred 1031 exchanges, mutual funds and other real estate investment funds. For more information, visit http://www.grubb-ellis.com/.

One week after announcing the 2010 season opening day and operating schedule, Sun Splash Family Waterpark has launched new Facebook and Twitter pages and generated immediate fan support with an online contest. Sun Splash will open for the 2010 season on Saturday, March 13.

Sun Splash launched the Facebook and Twitter pages Feb. 2 and announced that the first 100 people to become Facebook fans and the first 100 Twitter followers were to be entered into drawings for a free season pass. In less than 24 hours, 200 people became Facebook fans and in less than 48 hours the number jumped to 500. Because of the immediate support, Sun Splash revised the contest to provide a drawing for five free season passes among the first 1,000 fans. The contest for a free drawing for the first 100 Twitter followers is continuing as well.

The Facebook page is located at: www.facebook.com/pages/Cape-Coral-FL/Sun-Splash-Family-Waterpark/260514151193?ref=ts and the address for the Twitter page is twitter.com/sunsplashcc.

“We were thrilled to receive such a tremendous response to this new, fun way for us to communicate with our supporters,” said Michael Kalvort, Deputy Director of the City of Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Department. “We encourage everyone to not only get online and become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, but also to encourage friends and family to do the same. Throughout the season, we plan to offer periodic discounts to our Facebook fans and Twitter followers, so it will pay off to support the waterpark.”

Also, Early Bird Season Passes now are on sale and offer park visitors savings of up to 29 percent off the regular season pass prices. Early Bird season passes are $49-$59 for Cape Coral residents and $69-$79 for non-residents through April 11. Details on general admission and season pass prices and benefits are available at http://www.sunsplashwaterpark.com/.

Sun Splash will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March 13 through March 28. The waterpark will be open every day the week of April 1-11 for Lee County Public Schools’ spring break, then three days a week (Friday-Sunday) until schools dismiss for summer break in mid-June. Details about this year’s operating schedule are posted at www.SunSplashWaterpark.com.

Sun Splash Family Waterpark is Southwest Florida’s largest waterpark with more than 14 acres of slides, pools, food and fun for all ages. It is located at 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., just 2.5 miles north of Veterans Parkway in Cape Coral, Fla., and is open March through September. Sun Splash is owned and operated by the City of Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Department. For hours, ticket information and directions to the park, visit the Sun Splash Web site at www.SunSplashWaterpark.com or call 239-574-0558.

Eleven area businesses will sponsor Lee County’s most anticipated business and real estate event, The News-Press 2010 Market Watch program. The event is scheduled for Feb. 25, 2010 at the Harborside Event Center in the Fort Myers River District.

The News-Press is the title sponsor of Market Watch. Silver sponsors are: The Law Offices of Kevin F. Jursinski, P.A., Priority Marketing, Sandbill Realty and TaxCuts1, Inc. Bronze sponsors include: BB&T Bank, CB Richard Ellis, Harmon’s Audio Visual and Ken Sneeden & Associates. Burson Real Estate School and Terry Wynter Auto Service Center are booth sponsors, and Studio RK Salon and Terry Wynter Auto Service Center are promotional item sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities are still available by calling 239-267-2638.

At The News-Press 2010 Market Watch, industry experts will present an all-inclusive overview and forecast of the local real estate market complete with 2009 statistics to answer many of the continuing questions about the present and future of the Southwest Florida market. Tickets are $49 per person for general non-reserved seating and $450 for premium placement reserved tables of eight. Registration is available at www.MarketWatch2010.com.

The event will take place Feb. 25 at the Harborside Event Center in the Fort Myers River District, beginning with networking at 4 p.m., followed by the presentation from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. No dinner will be served with the program. This year’s presenters are Denny Grimes, president of Denny Grimes & Company, and Stan Stouder, a founding partner with CB Richard Ellis Fort Myers-Naples. For additional inquiries, please e-mail marketwatch@prioritymarketing.com or visit www.MarketWatch2010.com.

Nulman Mediation Services has donated $1,000 to help the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) Builders Care program provide free home repairs to disadvantage Lee County residents.

“This donation is such a special way to show support during these challenging times,” said Heidi Taulman, Builders Care executive director. “We are so grateful to Nulman Mediation Services for their support.”

Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA). Its objective is to provide emergency repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means. Builders Care enlists the volunteer services of Lee BIA members and leverages grants and donated materials to provide construction and remodeling services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Most recent top corporate sponsors include Armadillo Underground and Real Estate Investment Society.  Builders Care is headquartered at the Lee BIA offices at 4210 Metro Parkway, Suite 100, Fort Myers FL 33916. Donations can be made online at www.LeeBuildersCare.org, or to the Builders Care general fund at BB&T (formerly Colonial Bank) Page Field branch at 4959 South Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers. More information is available by calling 239-938-0056.

Dr. Michael J. Collins has awarded Stevens Construction Inc. the contract to build the 10,440-square-foot Collins Vision Center, announced Mark Stevens, company president.

Located at 6900 International Blvd., the medical office building will feature eight exam rooms, a procedure room, two orbital scan rooms, lobby, reception area, staff lounge, an eyewear retail area and administrative offices. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2010 and is slated for completion in late 2010.

Christopher Lee Architects, Inc. is providing the design services. 

Based in Fort Myers, Fla., Stevens Construction specializes in providing construction management, general contracting and consulting services to clients and design professionals. Other services include site and design team selection, budgeting, project scheduling, permitting, cost and quality control and warranty service. The company builds healthcare, commercial and hospitality facilities. For information, visit www.stevensconstructioninc.com or call 239-936-9006.

Tickets are still available for The News-Press 2010 Market Watch with early registration pricing available through Jan. 31. Early registration prices are $39 per person for general non-reserved seating and $400 for premium placement reserved tables of eight. Beginning Feb. 1, ticket prices will be $49 per person for general non-reserved seating and $450 for premium placement reserved tables of eight. Registration is available at www.MarketWatch2010.com.

At The News-Press 2010 Market Watch, industry experts will present an all-inclusive overview and forecast of the local real estate market complete with 2009 statistics to answer many of the continuing questions about the present and future of the Southwest Florida market.

The event will take place Feb. 25 at the Harborside Event Center in the Fort Myers River District. It will begin with networking at 4 p.m., followed by the presentation from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. No dinner will be served with the program. This year’s presenters are Denny Grimes, president of Denny Grimes & Company, and Stan Stouder, a founding partner with CB Richard Ellis Fort Myers-Naples. The event sponsors include The News-Press as the title sponsor, Priority Marketing, The Law Offices of Kevin F. Jursinski, P.A., Tax Cuts 1 Inc. and Sandbill Realty. For additional inquiries, please e-mail marketwatch@prioritymarketing.com or visit www.MarketWatch2010.com.

Ali Parish has joined the sales and marketing team at Vineyards as a new home specialist. In this position, Parish is responsible for educating customers about Vineyards and assisting with new home purchases.

Originally from Connecticut, Parish has nearly 20 years of experience in real estate sales including positions with two prominent Southwest Florida residential communities. She began her career in Wilmington, NC and has been a Florida-licensed Realtor since 1994. This mother of two attended the University of Tennessee and Western Connecticut State College and currently serves on the board of directors for North Naples United Methodist Church.

Vineyards is an award-winning 1,375-acre gated residential community consisting of two 18-hole PGA championship golf courses, 12 Har-Tru tennis courts, a 70,000-square-foot clubhouse, and single-family and multifamily homes priced from the low $400,000s to more than $4 million. The Vineyards sales office is located at 75 Vineyards Blvd., east of I-75 off Pine Ridge Road. For more information, please call 239-353-1920 or 800-749-1501, or visit http://www.vineyardsnaples.com/.

Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida will honor prominent business leaders and induct them into the 2010 Business Hall of Fame, Lee County, at a dinner and awards ceremony on May 5 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Estero. The prestigious award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who serve as role models for youth through their professional accomplishments and commitment to the community.

Many Lee County students involved with Junior Achievement will attend the Hall of Fame event, where they can interact with local professionals and practice their etiquette skills. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the event now are available. Proceeds benefit Junior Achievement programs. For event tickets and sponsorship information, call the Junior Achievement office at 239-225-2590.

About Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through a dedicated volunteer network, Junior Achievement provides in-school and after-school programs for students which focus on three key content areas: work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Locally, Junior Achievement will reach more than 10,000 students in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties during 2009-2010 school year. Today, 138 individual area operations reach four million students in the United States, with an additional five million students served by operations in 120 other countries worldwide. For more information, contact the local office at 239-225-2590, or visit www.JASWFL.org on the Web.

Dr. Peter Curcione and his partners in the Athletic Orthopedic and Reconstructive Center have moved from their prior Fort Myers office to a new state-of-the-art facility at 3210 Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers.

For patient convenience, the new Fort Myers office features on-site MRI services and a new, fully equipped rehabilitation and fitness center. In addition, the practice has installed electronic medical records and digital X-rays to improve efficiencies for patients, physicians and staff.

“Electronic medical records provide immediate access to patient information,” said Curcione. “For example, a patient comes in with recurring hip pain. Using the EMR, I can immediately access his patient record to review his previous diagnosis, prior test results and document any new complaints. Very quickly, I have accurate, up-to-date information to help me make the best decisions for my patient.”

The practice also added touch screen patient kiosks in exam rooms allowing patients to more quickly and accurately enter in their medical symptoms, medical and surgical history, medications, family history, allergies and other medical background. In addition, new digital images have replaced large bulky X-rays. Images now are stored on the computer and can be accessed in patient exam rooms and physician work stations.

The office number remains the same at 239-936-6778. Curcione also continues to see patients at his Lehigh office at 3400 Lee Blvd., Suite 105 in Lehigh Acres. The Lehigh office number remains the same at 239-368-8277.

About Dr. Peter Curcione:
Dr. Peter Curcione is an osteopathic physician, a board certified orthopedic surgeon and a partner in the Athletic Orthopedic and Reconstructive Center. With offices in Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres, Curcione has served patients in Southwest Florida since 1997. His specialty training and interests include joint replacement surgery, including minimally-invasive procedures such as the anterior approach to hip replacement. In addition, Curcione is experienced and trained in treating disorders of the shoulder and the hand, including fracture care, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis care and reconstructive surgery of the hand. He is trained in arthroscopic shoulder surgery, specifically, all arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs and ligament repairs, as well as arthroscopic reconstruction of the shoulder. He takes great care to keep up to date with the most cutting-edge technologies and procedures to optimally serve his patients.

For more information, visit www.bone-fix.com. Click video to view a broadcast of how the anterior approach to hip replacement surgery is performed. Also, visit Dr. Cucione’s blog at www.topbonedoc.com and follow him online on Facebook and http://twitter.com/topbonedoc.