Upcoming Southwest Florida business events

Naples Speakeasy Toastmasters Club will meet at 6 p.m. Monday at North Naples Collier Government Building, 2335 Orange Blossom Drive. “Making Powerful Business & Social Connections Through Facebook” will be presented by Naples Speakeasy Toastmasters Advanced Club and Ruth Kuttler. Monthly meetings are held the second Monday of each month. Information: 262-8183.

The Chartered Financial Analysts Society of Naples will host a luncheon meeting at noon Tuesday in the Chokoloskee room at the Naples Beach Hotel, 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. N. Jim Hale, former executive vice president of Target Corp. and currently Chairman of the Institute for Responsible Corporate Governance, will discuss how recent developments are impacting corporate managers. Members: $30; guests, $40. Reservations: www.cfanaples.org

Business Network International “Catch The Buzz” chapter will hold its weekly breakfast at 8 a.m. Tuesday at The Inn of Naples, 4055 U.S. 41 N., Naples. Barbara Bolick will speak. Guests are welcome. Information: 449-7810 or www.bniswfl.com

Merrill Lynch will host the following at the Merrill Lynch offices, 9128 Strada Place, suite 301, North Naples:

Gary T. Crisci, wealth management adviser and Stefan J. Contorno, financial adviser of Merrill Lynch will host “Annuities Workshop,” noon Tuesday. RSVP: Chandan Khan at 649-2967 or chandan_Khan@ml.com

Heidi Varsames, financial adviser, and Dora Watson will host “Women, Wine and Estate Planning,” presented by Cynthia Carlson from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 21 and Oct. 28, presented by Susan Nesbet-Sikuta of Cohen & Grisby. RSVP: Dora at 649-2976

Coffee, Cupcakes and Covered Calls – Bradley Towle of Genesis Capital Advisers will host its free weekly roundtable discussion group, “How to most effectively use Exchange Traded Funds in your portfolio,” at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Capital Wealth Planning’s office, 840 111th Ave. N. RSVP: JoAnna Irons at 593-2100

Uncommon Friends Foundation will host the following:

n Its annual presentation of honorary life memberships and a volunteer of the year award at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Burroughs Home, 2505 First St., Fort Myers. The public is invited to attend. Cost is $25. Reservations: call 337-9505.

n “The Art of Tea at the Burroughs Home and Gardens,” presented by Lady Katherine from 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 20, at the Burroughs Home, 2505 First St., Fort Myers. Cost is $20. Information: 337-9505 or www.uncommonfriends.org

Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce will host the following:

n “Social Media Series: Session 4,” Tuesday, 11 a.m. to noon, the Chamber. Topic: creating movement - applying what you’ve learned - presented by Cyndee Woolley, of C2 Communications. Cost is $15. Contact: www.napleschamber.org

n “Business After 5” at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Encore Bank. Members in advance, $5; members at the door and future members, $10; nonmembers, $25. Contact: www.napleschamber.org

n “Wake Up Naples - 2009 Distinguished Public Service Awards,” 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Hilton Naples, 5111 U.S. 41. Members in advance, $20; members at the door and future members, $25; nonmembers, $45. Information: www.napleschamber.org

n “Executive Club,” Tuesday, Oct. 27, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Blue Martini in the Mercato. Network with members of the Collier County Dental Association and the Collier County Medical Society. Limited space available. RSVP by Oct. 22, two attendees per executive club member allowed. Information: 403-2914 or 298-7920.

n “Re-Engineering Your Business Model” co-sponsored by SCORE Naples from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 24, in the chamber’s LCF room. No charge. Information: www.napleschamber.org

n “Don’t Run Out of Money...Understanding Business Cash Flow,” 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the chamber LCF room. Members, $5; nonmembers, $25. Information: www.napleschamber.org

n Executive Club at Blue Martini from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Blue Martini at the Mercato. Limited space available. RSVP by Oct. 22 at www.napleschamber.org

n “Chamber Alliance Luncheon” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, the Chamber, LCF Room. Jeff Ahren, co-chairman of the Collier County Foreclosure Task Force, will speak. Cost is $10. Information: www.napleschamber.org

Ed Rivera, financial adviser at Edward Jones Investments, will host the following: A four-week financial workshop: Thursday, Oct. 22 and Oct. 29; “Outlook & Opportunities-Smart Decisions for Tough Markets” at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 14 and Nov. 12. This seminar is free but seating is limited. RSVP: Libbie at 596-5115

The Southwest Florida Employer’s Association will host “Creating a Culture of Organizational Excellence” from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. Thursday at the North Naples United Methodist Church. The program will be presented by HR professional Libby Anderson. Members, free; SHRM chapter members and Chamber members, $25; all others $35. Reservations and information: 285-4777 or Libby@swfea.org

Naples Area Professional League of Executive Services will meet at 7:45 a.m. Thursday at The Club at Naples Bay Resort in The Cypress Room, 1800 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. Networking begins at 7 a.m. “How To Be Innovative,” will be presented by Gene Landrum, a Hodges University professor. Information: Tim P. Tillapaugh at 825-7711 or Patrick Dearborn at 877-4340 or www.naplesgroup.net

Lee Collier Networkers will host the following:

n Its Immokalee/Ave Maria lunch meeting “Effective Networking,” presented by Joy Rocco, Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., iTech in Immokalee. Cost is $17 if prepaid no later than Oct. 10 on Web site: www.leecolliernet.com; pay at the door is $25 cash only.

n Its Naples lunch meeting will be held Oct. 27, 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Naples Beach Hotel, Broadwell Conference Center in Naples. Tammie Nemecek, Economic Development Council of Collier County, will speak about the growth potential, economic stimulus programs, industry dynamics and added advantages offered in Collier County. Members, $22 if prepaid; nonmembers, $25 if prepaid on www.leecolliernet.com/napleslunches.html; $30 cash only at the door. Register no later than Oct. 23 to be assured of a seat.

Downtown Naples Association will host the following:

n Its Naples beer festival. Thursday, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cost is $20. Reservations: (239) 435-3742

n Halloween party on Fifth Avenue, Saturday, Oct. 31, from noon to 4 p.m. for a children’s costume contest, face painting, trick or treating and other “kids stuff,” from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. there will be an adult and family costume contest and live music.

Barry Nicholls will be giving demonstrations of gold welding with a Laser Jewelry Welder from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Paradise Jewelry in Bed, Bath, & Beyond Plaza. Nicholls will be welding gold directly to gold without using solder. Information: 591-2645

Soroptimists will host ‘50s-style Sock Hop Dance to benefit local Alzheimer’s Association and Support Network from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Noodles Italian Café and Sushi Bar. Cost is $20 a person and includes an Italian buffet lunch and dancing. Information: Rita Albaugh at (239) 821-5562 or Jeannie Upton at (239) 269-6320

Fort Myers Republican Women’s Club will host its luncheon meeting “The Past, The Present, and The Future,” presented by Florida District 74 Rep. Gary Aubuchon at noon Tuesday, Oct. 20, at The Helm Club in The Landing. It is open to the public. A social hour begins at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $16. Reservations are required by Thursday and may be made by calling Elizabeth Nicholson at 489-3483.

The Edison Restaurant & Bar will host its next Edison’s Business Expo from 5 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 20, at the Edison Restaurant & Bar, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Also, its weekly After Hours Business Booster is held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the Edison. Information: Connie Ramos-Williams at (239) 848-0239 or Conric4u@aol.com

The Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce will host the following:

n A breakfast featuring Jerry Ross “tactics through tough times” from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Embassy Suites 10450 Corkscrew Commons Drive, Estero. Members before Oct. 18, $20; $30 after. RSVP: 992-2943

n Disney Entrepreneur Center executive director to speak from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, Embassy Suites Fort Myers, 10450 Corkscrew Commons Drive, Estero. Ross will present “Tactics for Tough Times” to guide entrepreneurs and small business owners. Registration is $20 for members before Sunday, Oct. 18, by midnight. Thereafter, reservations are $30 per member and based upon availability. Sponsorship opportunities are available. To become a sponsor, contact Gabrielle O’Boyle at (239) 992-2943 or Gabbi@BonitaSpringsChamber.com

n Business Before Business, from 8 to 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, at Cozmo the School, 10347 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Members prior to Oct. 20, is $5; at the door, $10; future members, $40. Reservations are limited to the first 80 guests. Information or to register for the event: www.BonitaSpringsChamber.com or contact the Chamber at (239) 992-2943 or Info@BonitaSpringsChamber.com

n Annual Golf Tournament, Oct. 30, beginning at 1 p.m., Raptor Bay Golf Club, 23001 Coconut Point Resort Drive, Bonita Springs. Entry into this shotgun scramble tournament is $125 before Oct. 1 and $150 thereafter. Participants must register by Oct. 28 and can do so online at www.BonitaSpringsChamber.com. Information or to register: www.BonitaSpringsChamber.com or the Chamber at (239) 992-2943 or Info@BonitaSpringsChamber.com

The Bridgers Group at Merrill Lynch will host “Moving Forward through Volatile Times” on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Thursday, Oct. 29, at Shula’s Steakhouse, 5111 U.S. 41, Naples at the Hilton. These presentations will be hosted by Jay Bridgers, vice president and senior financial adviser and Dale Kirk, financial adviser. The events begin with a complimentary wine tasting at 5:30 p.m. Reservations: Dale Kirk at 649-2915

The Community Foundation of Collier County hosts the seventh annual Professional Advisors Conference from 8 to 11:45 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Hilton Naples, at 5111 U.S. 41, Naples. Cost is $50. Seating is limited. RSVP: Susan Barton at sbarton@cfcollier.org or call 649-5000

Myers, Brettholtz & Co. will host “Financial Analysis and Ratios for Nonprofits” registration and a continental breakfast beginning at 7:30 a.m. with the seminar from 8 to 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Hilton Garden Inn, 12600 University Drive, Fort Myers. Event is free, but space is limited. Contact: eva.wilson@mbcopa.com or (239) 939-5775

The American Institute of Architects, Florida Southwest chapter, will continue the Alfred W. French III Lectures Series in architecture the following three Friday evenings this fall at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 and Nov. 6, at International Design Center, 10800 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Reception is at 6 p.m. General admission, $25; students, $10; series, $65. For tickets: 263-3898 or e-mail pamm@andreaclarkbrownarchitects.com

The Urban Land Institute Southwest Florida District Council will host “Understanding the Dollars and Sense of Green Development and Construction” at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Florida Gulf Coast University. It will feature a panel of regional, statewide and national experts in the field who will address the financial aspects of green development using relevant case studies. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Members, $15; nonmembers, $25; students and government representatives, $10. Register: (800) 321-5011 or http://swflorida.uli.org/evants.aspx

The Shelter for Abused Women & Children and The Humane Society Naples will host its second annual “Strut Your Mutt, Naples’ Premier Halloween Pet Costume Contest,” from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Germain BMW of Naples, 11286 U.S. 41 N. Information: 643-1880, ext. 18

The Collier County Women’s Bar Association, in partnership with Legal Aid Service of Collier County and the Neighborhood Health Clinic, will host a legal aid clinic for low-income individuals from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the offices of Legal Aid Service of Collier County, 4125 U.S. 41, in the Liberty Plaza. RSVP: Ana de la Cruz (239) 298-8143

The German American Business Chamber of Southwest Florida will host its “business circle” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at International Realty, 3838 U.S. 41 N., suite 416. Members, free; nonmembers, $15. RSVP by Oct. 24: liz@gabc-swfl.com

Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida will host its 2009 Business Hall of Fame, Collier County dinner and awards ceremony at 5 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. Proceeds benefit Junior Achievement programs. To reserve tables or individual tickets or to become a sponsor: Junior Achievement office at 225-2590.

The Naples Area Board of Realtors partnered with Habitat for Humanity will host a fundraising event “Howl for Habitat” from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in Grey Oaks. All proceeds will go to Habitat for Humanity. Cost is $40 if purchased before Oct. 1 and $50 thereafter. To pre-register, sign up on www.NABOR.com by clicking on the event calendar. Information: Debbie Zvibleman at 272-8878, or Maribeth Shanahan at 597-1666 FGCU will host “Code Enforcement Certification Training, Level II - Administrative Aspects of Code Enforcement” from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 19 to Oct. 23; exam from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 24, at FGCU - Atrium Executive Center, 8695 College Parkway, No. 1181, Fort Myers. F.A.C.E. members, $480 plus exam cost; nonmembers, $600 plus exam cost. Information: Joanne Hartke at (239) 425-3273 or jhartke@fgcu.edu

Naples Press Club hosts WGCU panel in a discussion about “Public Media in Transition” at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, in the community room of the Naples News Media Group building, 1100 Immokalee Road. Contact: naplespressclub.org

The seventh annual “Handbag Happy Hour,” a live and silent auction of coveted designer, celebrity and one-of-a-kind handbags benefiting Island Coast AIDS Network Inc., will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort in Bonita Springs. The event is co-chaired by Sharon Torregrossa, community volunteer, and Stacey Mercado, marketing coordinator for Oswald Trippe and Co. Inc. The event is sponsored by Oswald Trippe and Co. Inc./Westfield Insurance, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort, Planned Perfection and pearl brand communications. Cost is $85. Register: www.icanswfl.org Information: www.icanswfl.org or 337-2391.

FGCU Small Business Development Center will host a workshop for new and existing entrepreneurs, beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Lutgert Hall on FGCU campus. Cost is $79. Half-day attendees can attend either in the morning or afternoon and the cost is $49. Reservations: www.sbdcseminars.org or (239) 745-3700

Business Network International, the DownTown Networkers chapter, will hold its weekly meeting at 7:45 a.m. Thursdays at IHOP, 1921 Davis Blvd., East Naples. Guests are welcome. Cost is $10. Information: Jamie Bergen at (239) 572-3720.

Edward Jones will host its weekly discussion on current stock market news and updates at 11 a.m. Thursdays at the Edward Jones Office, 4826 Davis Blvd. (Kings Lake Plaza) Topics include “tax free” investing, opportunities in equities, retirement planning and more. Bring any and all questions. RSVP: Sharyn at 732-8683.

Cusimano Electric will host a home standby generator education/information seminar from 9 to 11 a.m. the first and third Saturday monthly at Vision Ace Hardware, 12830 Metro Parkway, Fort Myers.

Rotary Club of Naples Bay weekly meetings are at 12:15 p.m. every Tuesday at the Naples Bath and Tennis Club, 4995 Airport-Pulling Road, south of Pine Ridge Road. Information: www.naplesbayrotary.org or 352-6992.

Insurance Professionals of Collier County holds monthly meetings the third Wednesday of every month at the Naples Harbour Yacht Club, 475 North Road, Naples. Information: www.ipcconline.org and e-mail info@ipcconline.org

Optimist Club of Naples meets the first and third Thursday monthly at 6:15 p.m. at IHOP, 1921 Davis Blvd., Naples. Information: at 598-1992, 594-7742 or www.naplesoptimistclub.com

Goal Setters Business Network International, North Naples chapter, will hold its weekly breakfast meeting at 8 a.m. Wednesday at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, 1225 Piper Blvd. Cost is $10. Information: Lola Moore at (239) 398-3006 or Kelly Salmons at (239) 597-0787.

Business Network International, a Bonita BizNet chapter, will hold its weekly breakfast at 7:15 a.m. Wednesday at Spanish Wells Country Club, 9801 Treasure Cay Lane, Bonita Springs. Guests are welcome. Information: Matt at (239) 593-7333 or www.bniswfl.com

Business Network International will hold its weekly meeting at 7:15 a.m. Thursday at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 7100 Airport-Pulling Road N., North Naples. Information and reservation: (239) 354-3224.

Kiwanis Club of Naples on the Gulf will hold its weekly meeting at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at Perkins Restaurant, 3585 Pine Ridge Road, North Naples.

Kiwanis Club of Naples will hold its weekly meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Collier Athletic Club, 710 Goodlette-Frank Road N., Naples. Information: (239) 597-3261.

Kiwanis Club of Pelican Bay holds its weekly meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 4320 U.S. 41 N. Information: www.kiwanisofpelicanbay.org

Kiwanis Club of Northside Naples will hold its weekly meeting from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. Thursday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples. Information: www.northsidenapleskiwanis.com

Kiwanis Club of East Naples holds its weekly meeting at 7:30 a.m. Friday at IHOP, 1921 Davis Blvd., East Naples. The cost, which includes breakfast, is $10. Information: (239) 403-5437.