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They don’t mind Mondays

Marco Islander Greg Havemeier and fellow staffers at Gulfshore Insurance in Naples are enjoying the honor of their company being named one of the best places to work in Southwest Florida.

They shared a win in the 50 to 175 employee category with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

Havemeier is Vice President and client advisor for the company.

Clinching the award were factors such as an 11.4 percent growth rate, nearly 80 percent of the 100 employees being enrolled in a 401K retirement program, low staff turnover, full participation in health, dental, life and long term disability insurance, and 27 paid days off after one year of employment.

In addition that figure jumps to 32 days after five years’ service, while an employee incentive plan offers a bonus payout of 22 days over the course of the year for meeting goals.

The awards were under the auspices of the Economic Development Council of Southwest Florida.

Meet, greet ‘n eat

Like most restaurateurs do, Mel Slawik had a soft opening some while back for his Almost Famous Mel’s SouthBeach Smokehouse-BBQ.

Also the owner of Cathy O’Clarke’s Restaurant, Slawik is pulling out all the stops this Thursday with a ribbon-cutting and shindig for this relatively-new acquisition — situated opposite the rising timeshare block Crystal Shores, towards the south of the island, off Collier Boulevard.

On hand for the ribbon-cutting will be ambassadors from the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce.

Food and prizes also beckon for those who attend.

Branching out

Go-ahead local couple Andy Delgado and Ivette Todd have stretched their entrepreneurial wings with some expansions to Delgado’s Premier Plus Realty business.

The company has added a construction division, which offers 3- to 4-bedroom homes including a two-car garage and pool for under $400,000.

Todd says the design is “California/Mediterranean” inspired, and the homes rise according to refinements up to about $899,000.

In addition, Todd said, the company has become the exclusive dealer/distributor for a new hurricane protection company called Storm Stoppers.

Todd works for Insurance Solutions as well as running Premier Plus Realty.

She and Delgado (who is also a Marco Island Police Officer) are well-known for their efforts in running the new Cal Ripken baseball league.

Contact number for Delgado is 642-2900.