Community News

Emmanuel Academies and Emmanuel Communities welcome Kristin Delfs as new Administrative Coordinator

 

Emmanuel Academies and Emmanuel Communities are pleased to announce Kristin Delfs has joined the team as the new Administrative Coordinator for the two local not-for-profit organizations under a management agreement with Success Facilitators, a Naples-based management services and consulting firm.
Delfs will serve as lead administrative professional with an emphasis on communications, relationship building and community partner collaboration.
With an in-depth background in team leadership, customer service and software support, Delfs brings a myriad of valuable skill sets to the two organizations. As a past software business analyst, she understands the importance of data collection, business management flow, functionality, and flexibility.
Originally from Colorado, Delfs moved to Naples approximately one year ago. Upon learning of the missions and community work of Emmanuel Academies and Emmanuel Communities, the call to community service and serving others drew her out of semi-retirement.
“We are very excited to have Kristin join us,” says Howard Isaacson, Chief Executive Officer of Emmanuel Communities, Inc. and Emmanuel Academies, Inc. “As we continue to grow, Kristin brings a wealth of experience in communications, problem solving, and leadership based upon her many years in the technology industry. I am excited about leveraging her skills to further the impact of our two ministries.”
To find out more about the programs from Emmanuel Communities or the college degrees offered through Emmanuel Academies, please contact Beatrice (BB) D’Angelo, Operations Coordinator, at Beatrice@EmmanuelCommunities.org or call her direct line at 239-595-6900.
Emmanuel Communities is a Blue Zones Project recognized organization. The non-profit also offers a community park which has special events and programs that are ongoing. The Emmanuel Community Park is located at 2770 Oil Well Road in Naples (west of Everglades Boulevard). For information call (239) 352-0118 or visit www.emmanuelcommunities.org.

Business Tips

Students Still Need Internships

By: Katherine Vickaryous – College Intern with E. Sue Huff & Associates, Inc.

 

Freshman year of college is a first glimpse of freedom. For me, it started off just as any normal school year; I joined a sorority, studied more than usual, and was figuring out life on my own. All of a sudden, college life was cut short by Covid-19. Just imagine packing for what was supposed to be the best spring break of your life, tanning on tropical beaches or skiing down the mountains, but instead you are told to stay home, wear a mask, and remain six feet from everyone. Yep… just my luck!

Florida State University notified me that I would be spending an extra two weeks home after spring break and, little did I know it would quickly turn into six months.

Now as I begin my sophomore year of college, I never would have imagined it being from my bedroom. All of my classes are remote and require more responsibility than before because there are no specific meeting times. This forces me to stay ahead of the game and constantly plan out my tasks. Who knew I would miss running to my 8am lecture so much?

As the “new normal” sets in, college students across the world are facing struggles regarding the future. Applying for internships isn’t the same anymore; career fairs are virtual, interviews are being held over the phone, and opportunities are scarce. This is a major struggle for a potential intern because the way person comes across over a phone call could be completely different than how they could showcase their personality and charisma in person.

Currently, I am interning virtually with E. Sue Huff and Associates. Sue has given me a great opportunity to gain experiences during these interesting and trying times. We meet weekly through Zoom to discuss my projects where she offers advice and critiques. I am extremely grateful to be working with her and I encourage every business to take students under their wing, as Sue has done for me. And the best part is, we work for free! I encourage you to open your doors to an intern.

 

Marketing your business

5 PR and public awareness tips to COVID recovery

  • Question: How important is a good PR and marketing plan for your business during COVID 2020?
  • Answer: Crucial

TIP 1: It’s critical to your business, especially during this particularly odd time in our lives, to be seen, heard and experienced.


TIP 2: Brainstorm with your team what can be announced, what new services you are offering, what need you are filling.


Tip 3: Team up with other businesses, groups, organizations to make a difference. Let the media know what you are doing. Be seen, make a difference. It will pay a return.

Tip 4: Ask clients for Google reviews, ask for votes when there are business awards available in your industry, and remember to make it easy for people to know you and recommend you. Send them the link to fill out a Google review for you or send a note that you would appreciate their vote for an award.

Tip 5: Up your game and PIVOT where needed. Start with your existing marketing plan and review all areas of planned activities including press releases, news pitches, networking, sales calls, social media, website, advertising, signage, alliances and all other marketing tools you have in your plan. Review how each one can be addressed and updated to meet today’s challenges. PIVOT your advertising to address client needs. What product or service do you offer that will fill a need. Focus on your strengths. Think outside the box.

Let’s talk marketing… E. Sue Huff
Marketing your business

What is NORMAL Marketing?

2020 has challenged us all and our marketing efforts but we can’t sit still, we need to pivot when necessary and market as never before. What is normal — besides a setting on your washing machine?

What are considered normal marketing practices?

They are different for each type of business. There is not one quick answer for one solution that fits all. Plus those dresses that say one size fits all usually don’t look as good on everyone as you might think.

We have to individualize your marketing approach.

HOW DO WE DO THAT?

Define what your NORMAL was to you – make a list of the marketing tools you used before COVID (which ones paid the largest ROI) Do you know? Did you keep data?

Get lean and clean with your message

Write down your client profile/who are they/what do they do/where do they shop/why did they choose you

Knowledge is power. We can only learn where and how to move forward by knowing what has worked and what did not.

The steps you need in order to dance to the winner’s circle.

How well do you dance, what are your strongest steps?

Cha Cha – clear cut repetition? (1, 2, 3 builds customer loyalty)

Twist and Shout – always moving, offering something new and exciting

Tango – are you involved and up close with your clients’ needs

Pivoting seems to be the new dance step we need to learn.  

What does this mean?

Pivot can mean: turn, spin, rotate, twirl, swivel or even spin

With our new dance step, we don’t want to get off balance and fall flat on our face. We need to be graceful and know our strengths and opportunities.

What are your strongest attributes, build on those?

I have pivoted my business model several times over the past 25 years to gain clients. 2001, 2010 and now. Every pivot brought new opportunities and new clients.

Stay flexible and KNOW your strongest dance steps – being flexible will help you survive and thrive. PIVOT and move forward with your “customized” marketing plan. It’s your business.

Community News

STARability Foundation receives over $7,000 from First Watch Soft Opening

The STARability Foundation was the recipient of a “Friends and Family Pre-Opening” event held at First Watch in mid-July at their newly opened restaurant located at 900 Neapolitan Way in Naples.

The special fundraising event was held during the restaurant’s soft opening; all who attended were treated to a complimentary fresh breakfast, brunch or lunch entree of their choice plus a beverage. Each guest was asked to donate a minimum of $10 with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the STARability Foundation and, over the two-day opening, funds raised through donations at the restaurant amounted to $6086. And, an additional $1,000 was donated to STARability as a result of this event.

A check was presented to STARability in August by Kelsie Davidson, Regional Marketing Manager of First Watch, and Gigi Sendejes, First Watch’s Park Shore General Manager.

“We are so grateful to have First Watch as a community partner. They support our mission of shining light on ability, not disability,” says Karen Govern, STARability Executive Director.  “This event was a wonderful gift.”

ABOUT STARability Foundation

The STARability Foundation exists to Support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing life-transforming opportunities that emphasize Teamwork and connection to the community to build Awareness and Respect for their individual abilities. A professional staff and more than 100 volunteers deliver a full calendar of engaging, innovative and creative programs to ensure that members, currently ages 14 to 70, have the quality of life they seek and deserve after aging out of school-supported services.

For more information about the Naples nonprofit and its programs, go to www.STARability.org or https://www.facebook.com/STARabilityfoundation.

Photo – Left to right:

Susan Ford, STARability Program Coordinator

Madison McNally, STARability Program Director, Trailblazer Academy

Karen Govern, STARability Executive Director

Gigi Sendejes, First Watch – Park Shore General Manager

Kelsie Davidson, Regional Marketing Manager, First Watch Restaurants, Inc.

Community News

Save the Date 2nd Annual 3K Fun Run, Walk & Roll set for October 12, 2019 to benefit STARability Foundation

Mark your calendars for the STARability Foundation 2nd annual 3K Fun Run, Walk & Roll on Saturday, October 12 at Cambier Park, located at 755 8th Avenue South in Naples.

The Fun Run will be for all ages and starts at 8:00 a.m. with registration beginning at 7:15 a.m. After the race, attendees may enjoy music, sponsor booths/exhibits, and healthy food and refreshments provided compliments of First Watch.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the STARability Foundation and their programs at the event which has been designed to bring exposure to diverse members of the community. Proceeds will benefit STARabiltiy programs for individuals with disabilities and their families.

The public is invited to take part in this fun family event. Registration for this “All Abilities” event is open to the public; fees are $25 for adults and $15 for children 10 and under. To register please visit www.starability.org/3k-fun-run-registration.

Sponsors helping make this event possible include: Gulf Coast Runners, Naples Pool Service, Inc., Cherry Hill Tattoo, and Paragon Theaters Pavilion Naples.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available; for more information please email info@STARability.org or call 239-594-9007.

ABOUT STARability Foundation

The STARability Foundation exists to Support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing life-transforming opportunities that emphasize Teamwork and connection to the community to build Awareness and Respect for their individual abilities. A professional staff and more than 100 volunteers deliver a full calendar of engaging, innovative and creative programs to ensure that members, currently ages 14 to 70, have the quality of life they seek and deserve after aging out of school-supported services.

For more information about the Naples nonprofit and its programs, go to www.STARability.org or https://www.facebook.com/STARabilityfoundation.

Marketing your business

Save the Date FALL FEST set for October 19 at Emmanuel Community Park

Emmanuel Community Park will be hosting their first annual FALL FEST on Saturday, October 19, 2019. The family-friendly day of fun will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the park located at 2770 Oil Well Road in Naples.

The Fall themed festival is free and open to the public and will be filled with games, music, a pumpkin patch, bounce house, contests, and fun activities for all ages.

“We hope to make this event a community tradition,” says Howard Isaacson, CEO of Emmanuel Communities. “Our goal is to give back to the community and make our first FALL FEST fun for the entire family.” 

Sponsorships and booth space are still available. The booth space is free of charge and in return, participating organizations will be asked to have candy and/or a small toy to distribute to guests; or, create a game or activity for children to enjoy.

For more information about sponsorships or booth space, please call 239-261-0894 ext. 315 or visit www.EmmanuelPark.org to register.

ABOUT Emmanuel Communities, Inc.:

Emmanuel Communities, Inc. is a non-profit organization that was founded by Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Naples to create a community park that fosters an environment of family, faith and community experiences. Phase one of Emmanuel Community Park is now complete and open to the public. The park is located at 2770 Oil Well Road in Naples (west of Everglades Boulevard).

For information call (239) 261-0894 ext. 315 or visit www.emmanuelcommunities.org.

Marketing and Public Relations/PR

Local Non-profits attended the 10th Annual “Thinking Outside the Box” Seminar

Over 100 attendees representing local non-profit organizations throughout Collier County attended the 10th annual “Thinking Outside the Box” seminar on August 9. The annual event was held again this year at the Naples Daily News Community Room.

The theme, The “Top 10” Tips for a Non-Profit’s Success, was chosen to represent the 10th year that the free seminar has been presented by the event’s founder Sue Huff of E. Sue Huff & Associates Marketing and Management Consulting.

Speakers presented topics to help local non-profits improve their marketing and development strategies, social media presence, as well as, explore 10 myths for major gifts.

Speakers included: Sue Huff; Kelly E. Capolino, local real estate professional and Founder of the Diamond Volunteer Program; Katie Schweikhardt, Director of Development for United Way of Collier County; Cecily Lancit, Owner and Founder of Lancit Digital Media; Batya Maman Comunale, Owner and Founder of Social Connect; and John C. Riley, CFRE, President of Riley Philanthropy.

Sponsors for the event were: E. Sue Huff & Associates, Kelly E. Capolino PA, Sissy Smith of Gifted Coin, Rick Gallo Auctioneer, Community Foundation of Collier County, and the Above Board Chamber of Florida. Newk’s Eatery provided the continental breakfast.

For more information about E. Sue Huff & Associates Inc. Marketing and Management Consulting please contact Sue Huff at 239-596-7990.

Marketing and Public Relations/PR, News

Registration is now open for the 10th Annual “Thinking Outside the Box” Seminar for Non-Profits

E. Sue Huff & Associates, Inc. is proud to announce the 10th annual “Thinking Outside the Box” seminar for non-profits will be held on Friday, August 9, 2019. Registration is now open for non-profit organizations in Collier County.

The 8:30 a.m. to noon seminar will be held at the Naples Daily News Community Room located at 1100 Immokalee Road in Naples.

This year’s theme is The” Top 10” Tips for a Non-Profit’s Success which will coincide with the 10th annual event. The free seminar is being presented again this year by the event’s founder Sue Huff of E. Sue Huff & Associates Marketing and Management Consulting.

There will be five speakers featured this year and all will be presenting topics to help local non-profits improve their marketing and development strategies for sustainability.

Speakers will include Sue Huff; Kelly E. Capolino, local real estate professional and Founder of the Diamond Volunteer Program; Katie Schweikhardt, Director of Development for United Way of Collier County; Cecily Lancit, Owner and Founder of Lancit Digital Media; Batya Maman, Owner and Founder of Social Connect; and John C. Riley, CFRE, President of Riley Philanthropy.

Sponsors making the event free and possible for local non-profits are E. Sue Huff & Associates, Kelly E. Capolino PA, Sissy Smith of Gifted Coin, Rick Gallo Auctioneer, Community Foundation of Collier County, and the Above Board Chamber of Florida. Newk’s Eatery will be the continental breakfast sponsor.

Sponsorships are still available; for more information about becoming a sponsor of this event, email Sue@ESueHuff.com.

To register, go to https://tinyurl.com/TOB2019rsvp

Seating is limited and early registration is encouraged as this event fills fast. Limit two people per organization.

Marketing and Public Relations/PR

3 Differences between Marketing and Public Relations

Some people think of marketing and public relations as interchangeable terms, but they are completely different. Learning the difference between marketing and public relations can help you create better-focused marketing and PR campaigns, with better objectives, goals and outcomes. It’s important to remember that PR is a big part of your marketing mix.

Here are three differences between marketing and public relations.

  1. Purpose

Marketing and public relations have different purposes. Your organizations marketing purpose is to include the various marketing tools and tactics to promote and sell products or services, including market research and advertising. The purpose of public relations/PR is to build name recognition through positive relationships with media and the community.

  1. Target audiences

Marketing and PR strategies target different audiences. Marketing strategies and plans targets the end user and customer. Public relations/PR consist of a wide range of audiences (customers, employees, suppliers, investors, media, etc.), who collectively further the organization’s success.

  1. Campaign success

Marketing and PR success should be measured after campaign implementation. Each strategy is measured differently; a successful marketing campaign would be one that met sales goals and resulted in profit and high return on investment and public relations success is define through building beneficial relationships with key audiences.

Both, marketing and public relations/PR, are vital in achieving a company’s goals.