Business news roundup, July 30

FPL has uptick in earnings

Florida Power & Light had an increase in second-quarter income compared to last year, according to an earnings report released Tuesday.

FPL, the state's largest electric utility, reported net income of $423 million, or 96 cents a share, compared to $391 million, or 92 cents a share, during the second quarter of 2013. FPL said it averaged 91,000 more customer accounts this year than during the same period in 2013 and pointed to improvement in Florida's economy.

FPL's parent company, NextEra Energy Inc., reported second-quarter adjusted earnings of $630 million, or $1.43 a share, compared with $620 million, or $1.46 a share, during the second quarter of 2013.

— News Service of Florida

Green Innovations gains retail partner

Cape Coral-based Green Innovations announced it has received an initial purchase order from a new retail partner, Wisconsin-based Woodman's Markets, for its line of natural and bamboo consumer products.

Woodman's Markets, with 13 retail locations, ordered the company's Sensational Bamboo Bath Tissue and Clearly Herbal Gentle Baby Wipes. Financial terms of the order were not disclosed.

Green Innovations Ltd. trades over-the-counter as GNIN.

Stevens completes medical office

Stevens Construction has completed construction of Gastroenterology Associates of S.W. Florida.

At 1303 SE 8th Terrace in Cape Coral, the 7,500-square-foot medical office features 16 exam rooms, conference rooms, nurse station, offices, supply rooms, lounge and reception area.

The Stevens Construction team included Project Manager Trent Swartz and Superintendent Jamie Butdorf. Gastroenterology Associates was designed by Jason P. Tramonte Architects.

Accounting firm among top companies

Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company has been selected as one of Florida's Best Companies to Work For by Florida Trend Magazine. The certified public accounting and consulting firm, with 38 employees, was selected as the fourth best place to work and ranked highest among Southwest Florida employers.

One hundred companies are recognized in the sixth annual list, which includes small, medium and large companies across the state. Selection is focused on leadership and planning, corporate culture and communications, role satisfaction, work environment, relationship with supervisor, training and development, pay and benefits and overall engagement.

For the complete list, visit floridatrend.com/best-companies. The rankings are also published in the August issue of Florida Trend magazine.

CenturyLink an ArtFest sponsor

CenturyLink has joined ArtFest Fort Myers as a supporting sponsor.

ArtFest Fort Myers is Feb. 6-8 in downtown Fort Myers along the riverfront.

Newsmakers

Visit Florida appoints Lee County staff

Six staff members of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau have been appointed to Visit Florida's industry committees: Tamara Pigott to the advertising and Internet committee; Pamela Johnson, international committee; Laura Chmielewski, promotions committee; Judi Durant, visitor services committee; Fran Belasco, industry relations committee; and Lee Rose, communications committee.

Committee positions are a one-year term and consist of Visit Florida board members and partners who have an interest or possess strong knowledge in each specific committee's discipline or product segment.

Smiley joins WGCU staff

Sean Smiley has been named a corporate support associate for WGCU Public Media. He will work with companies and organizations in Southwest Florida to develop strategies to reach the public broadcasting audience.

Smiley most recently served as business development director for Secrets of Champions. He has also served as a branding specialist, member recruitment specialist, national sales representative and as an administrative assistant coach.

Two join driving school

Jay Anderson and Dan Moser have joined Stephen A. Emerson Driving School as behind-the-wheel driving instructors and mature driver evaluators.

Anderson and Moser are instructors for the Lee Memorial Trauma Services Young Driver Program and the court ordered high-risk driver course.

Calhoun-Krupick joins FineMark as accounting manager

Julie Calhoun-Krupick has joined FineMark National Bank & Trust's Fort Myers Office as accounting manager.