SPECIAL TO THE NEIGHBOR The chamber luncheon speakers from Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt are John Agnew and Suzanne M. Boy, with Kim Constantine, executive director of the North Fort Chamber of Commerce.

Labor law was the hot topic at the September monthly luncheon of the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Business Leaders.

The chamber lunch speakers were from Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt PA, John Agnew and Suzanne M. Boy, attorneys at law, commercial litigation, appellate law, who spoke about employment law in 2009 – “Looking Back, Looking Ahead, A Top Ten List.”

“The audience was fully engaged as Suzanne spoke about increased minimum wage, Federal COBRA Subsidy, Employment Nondiscrimination Act, Working Families Flexibility Act, FMLA and more,” said Chamber Executive Director Kim Constantine.

In the presentation, they noted the increased minimum wage, which is now $7.25 an hour as of July 24, 2009, with Florida’s minimum wage at $7.21, but employers must pay the higher of the two.

Tipped employees must be paid at least $4.23 and hour, and they noted that President Obama said he would seek $9.50 per hour in 2010.

SPECIAL TO THE NEIGHBOR Kim Constantine introduced new members at the monthly chamber luncheon. They include, Julie Lease, Mobile Notary; Cheryl Kromnock, Caloosa Tent and Rental; Jeff Houfek, Abby Carpets and Floor; Judy Lounsberry, regional manager, Equity Lifestyles Properties; Diane Allen, North Western Mutual; Ed Southard, general manager, Equity Lifestyles Properties; and Kathy Przybyla, Pure Breeze, Air Sanitizing LLC.

Another subject was a Federal COBRA Subsidy, in which a new federal COBRA premium subsidy is there for “assistance eligible individuals” and gives extended COBRA continuation coverage for certain individuals. While employers must pay 65 percent subsidy up front, they can also recoup costs through tax credits.

Constantine introduced new members at the luncheon. They include Julie Lease, Mobile Notary; Cheryl Kromnock, Caloosa Tent and Rental; Jeff Houfek, Abby Carpets and Floor; Judy Lounsberry, regional manager, Equity Lifestyles Properties; Diane Allen, North Western Mutual; Ed Southard, general manager, Equity Lifestyles Properties; and Kathy Przybyla, Pure Breeze, Air Sanitizing LLC.

The lunch was hosted by Equity Life Style Properties at the Pine Lakes Clubhouse.

The next Business After Hours event was announced. It will be held Thursday, Oct. 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Anderson-Patterson Cremation & Funeral Services. That business is located at 3654 Palm Beach Blvd., in Fort Myers.

The cost is $5 for members and non-members. RSVP as early as possible to 997-9111. The event runs from from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The October chamber regular luncheon will not be held in lieu of a big special event. Mark your calendar for the chamber’s annual Celebrity Waiters Event, which will be held Thursday, Oct. 29, at Faith Assembly of God Church located at 6950 Bayshore Road, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is a favorite event for those who attend each year, with local celebrities serving guests lunch and doing extras like singing and dancing to raise funds. Call for tickets or details.

Welcome Center Reception

The chamber will hold a Welcome Center Reception Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the chamber offices. They are located in the Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 North Tamiami Trail, Unit 10.

The cost is $10 per person. Constantine said it is a great opportunity to view the newly redesigned center and to network.

Appetizers and refreshments will be served by Cohen and Cohen Catering.

“There will also be a special presentation to the North Fort Myers Rotary for our new Welcome Center door and sign,” she continued. “Come see all the new changes for you and our visitors.”

A special thanks in advance to the reception was given to Rafael Ramos of Handy Man Services and The North Fort Myers Neighbor for their support of the event.

For information on any chamber event, call 997-9111. For information on membership, ask for Constantine.

The chamber offices are located in the Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 North Tamiami Trail, Unit 10. The Web site is www.nfmchamber.org or you can e-mail exec@nfmchamber.org.