CAS Team Achievements
Learn more about the recent accomplishments and community involvement of our family team.
Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc. Attend ConnectED Conference
Advisors from Ciccarelli Advisory Services Inc., affiliated with FSC Securities Corp, recently attended AIG Advisor Group’s 2015 ConnectED conference. Attendees included Kay Anderson, Paul Ciccarelli, Ray Ciccarelli, Carol Girvin, Anthony Curatolo, Lynn Ferraina, Jasen Gilbert, Kim Ciccarelli Kantor, Christopher LaFountain, Steve Merkel, Jill Ciccarelli Rapps, Geral Smith, Judy Alexander-Wasley and Samantha Webster. The annual event was hosted at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio from September 28 to October 1. Over 3,000 attendees, including financial advisors from FSC Securities Corporation, Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., SagePoint Financial, Inc. and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., AIG Advisor Group’s four broker-dealers, were present at the event.
“ConnectED has grown into one of our most successful education events for all advisors in the AIG Advisor Group network,” said Erica McGinnis, President and CEO of AIG Advisor Group. “This year we provided attendees with the exclusive opportunity to really hone in on business and practice development tools and resources. We’re confident that advisors left the conference with new and applicable knowledge to better serve their clients and grow their businesses.”
ConnectED 2015’s keynote speakers included Malcolm Gladwell, journalist and best-selling author, as well as Peter H. Diamandis, engineer, physician, author, Chairman/CEO of the X Prize Foundation and Executive Chairman of Singularity. The conference also featured more than 120 educational sessions on a range of topics reflecting the most current industry trends, best practices, products and policies.
Turtles on the Town
Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc. is pleased to announce our participation in “Turtles on the Town,” a Naples, Florida community arts project featuring 50 loggerhead sea turtle sculptures. These turtles will take up residence at various locations throughout Collier County, including one sculpture at our Florida office, beginning in November 2015 and continuing through February 2016. Local artists have lent their talents in making these sculptures come to life with ocean-based themes.
We’d like to introduce you to our turtle, whom we’ve affectionately named Terrance. His theme is “Under the Sea” and was commissioned to be completed by artist Nancy Job. Nancy hails from Rockford, Illinois but has made Naples, Florida her home for a number of years. Her work has been displayed in many venues including the Von Liebig Art Gallery, the University of Wisconsin and the United Arts Council at Rookery Bay.
Terrance is 4’ high by 4’ wide and weighs about 75 pounds. His design comprises beautiful sea-based hues of blues and greens, reminiscent of the vibrance of the under-water world, with splashes of gold. He is brought to life using various mediums including acrylic, glitter and sea glass. Nancy’s inspiration comes from her passion for landscapes and wildlife. She wanted Terrance to reflect the colors of the sea and the coral reefs, but also sparkle like the sun’s rays reflecting on the ocean’s surface.
The Turtles on the Town Exhibition is ultimately for the benefit of three local charities – the Community Foundation of Collier County, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, and the United Arts Council of Collier County. Supporters will have an opportunity to bid to purchase their turtle of choice at a Gala to be held at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida on March 9, 2016. For more information on the Turtles on the Town project, please visit http://www.turtlesonthetown.com/
The turtles “hatch” in November 2015. Be sure to stop by our office to meet and “sea” Terrance the Turtle. He will be more than happy to greet you.
Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc. Selected as a Finalist for “Florida Companies to Watch”
We are proud to announce that Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc. was selected as one of four companies in Collier County as a finalist for the “Florida Companies to Watch” awards program.
This awards program is presented by GrowFL- the Florida Economic Gardening Institute (in association with Edward Lowe Foundation) – state economic development program at the University of Central Florida. It seeks to identify, serve, and celebrate these Florida companies that have the best potential to contribute to Florida’s economy- those companies with solid increasing revenue growth and new job creation potential.
The distinctive awards program is specifically designed to seek out second-stage businesses from a wide range of industries throughout Florida. GrowFL’s definition of “Second-Stage” companies are those identified as a company somewhere between a start-up and a large firm- with a common ground of being poised for growth. These companies have 10-99 employees and $1 million to $50 million in revenue. Companies selected for the award have been determined to strengthen the economy of the region and support the spirit of the entrepreneurs who live among us.
Third-party rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluation. Please see http://flctw.growfl.com/ for more information about this awards program. There were approximately 500 nominees for the award and no fee was paid for nomination.
Kim Ciccarelli Kantor named one of Barron’s 2015 Top 100 Women Financial Advisors
The prestigious Barron’s Business and Financial Weekly has named Naples’ Kim Ciccarelli Kantor, CFP® CAP™, President of Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc., to its “Top 100 Women Financial Advisors” for 2015. Ms. Kantor was ranked 48th. She has previously been named to this esteemed list in 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2007. The ranking reflects the volume of assets overseen by Ms. Kantor and her team, and the quality and professionalism of her practice. Investment performance is not explicitly a criterion.
Kim has served families in the SW Florida community, along with additional family members, for over 30 years. The firm was founded as an independent advisory company, from the Ciccarelli Family team mission, to serve clients based on their needs throughout different stages in their lives, placing family values as a top priority.
“We are so thankful to our clients, who have expressed their confidence and appreciation for the work we accomplish together. It is a joy to serve when we believe in and are passionate about what we do. I am so very proud of everyone in our company, those who are responsible for the privilege of this recognition”, says Kim.
The firm provides comprehensive financial planning and investment management, including financial discussions for proper cash flow planning, income tax planning, charitable desires, advanced estate solutions, long-term care planning, portfolio design and monitoring, family meetings and education. Ciccarelli Advisory Services is a family-owned and operated wealth management firm with offices in Naples, Florida, and Rochester, New York, serving communities nationwide.
The “Barron’s Top 100 Women Financial Advisors” – The rankings are based on qualitative criteria: professionals with a minimum of seven years financial service experience, acceptable compliance records, client retention reports and customer satisfaction reports. Advisors are quantitatively ranked based on varying types of revenues and asset advised by the financial professional, with weightings associated for each. Additional qualitative measures include: in depth interviews and discussions with senior management, peers and customers. Because individual client’s portfolio performance varies and is typically unaudited, this ranking focused on customer satisfaction and quality of advice. Please see http://online.barrons.com/report/top-financial-advisors for more information.
Third-party rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluation.
Aging Gracefully Conference draws hundreds of women of all ages
Over 250 women were in attendance for the second annual Aging Gracefully: Women’s Wellness Conference which was held on May 9th in Naples, FL. The conference, presented by Absolute Physical Therapy, Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc. and Life in Naples Magazine, gave women a chance to network with other women, visit sponsor booths to see what our community has to offer in the area of wellness and hear three inspiring keynote presentations.
Jill Ciccarelli Rapps, CFP® of Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc., kicked off the presentation portion of the conference by presenting ‘7 Steps to Your Family’s Financial Success.’ It was not a usual “how to invest and save for the future talk,” but more focused on setting goals, planning, enjoying life and sharing with others. The seven tips gave an overall sense of security, happiness and well-being.
Gaynell Anderson, PT, CSCS of Absolute Physical Therapy of Southwest Florida spoke on ‘Maintaining Optimal Health Through Generations.’ Attendees learned simple tips for exercising, stretching and building body strength, as well as the importance good posture has on entire body health.
The last presentation was delivered by Deb Millsap, executive director of the SWFL Blue Zones Project®. She showcased how the Blue Zones Project®, spearheaded by NCH Healthcare System, will help with ‘Making Healthy Choices Easier’ in Collier County. Millsap encouraged attendees to get involved in making their world a safer, healthier place to live.
The conference, along with speakers and sponsor displays, gave women of all ages a chance to examine their own lives and answer questions that could lead them to a healthier and happier life. Event co-organizer, Jill Ciccarelli Rapps said that this year’s theme, ‘Wisdom through the Generations,’ really represented those powerful lessons that mothers pass to their daughters and granddaughters.
There were a number of sponsors helping to make the event possible. Each one was on-hand with information and/or samples of their products or services. They were: Chico’s and é Bella Magazine, along with A.JARON Fine Jewelry, Advocare Wellness Plan, Between Two Hearts, Beyond Motion, The Cider Press Café, Cloud 9 Float and Spa, Dō Terra Essential Oils, Dr. Bob – The Drugless Doctor, Eyes Wide Open, Here’s Howe Catering, Kerskie Group Inc., Marla Ottenstein – Professional Organizer Florida, McKenney Home Care, N Color Salon + Boutique, Pure Barre Naples, Vi at Bentley Village, Whole Foods, Wynn’s Catering, Wynn’s Healthy Oasis at the YMCA, and St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
Sponsorship dollars from the conference will be donated to this year’s three featured charities: Baby Basics, Dress for Success SW Florida, and the Greater Naples YMCA. For more information on the speakers please visit absoluteptswfl.com, CASMoneyMatters.com, and southwestflorida.bluezonesproject.com. To inquire about next year’s conference or for volunteering or sponsoring opportunities, please call Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc. at 239-262-6577 or email Ciccarelli@CAS-NaplesFL.com.
Gaynell Anderson and Deb Millsap are not affiliated with FSC Securities Corporation.
CAS Advisors Attend ConnectED 2014 Conference
Financial advisors, Kim Ciccarelli Kantor, CFP®, CAP™, Raymond F. Ciccarelli, Paul F. Ciccarelli, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU® & Anthony J. Curatolo recently attended the 2014 AIG Advisor Group ConnectED conference. The annual conference was the largest to date, with more than 3,400 attendees gathering in Nashville, Tennessee, for the event. Financial advisors with FSC Securities Corp, Royal Alliance, SagePoint Financial and Woodbury Financial, the four broker-dealers of AIG Advisor Group, were in attendance.
“ConnectED 2014 brought together some of the top advisors from across the nation to share best practices and creative ideas for partnering with clients to help them achieve strong financial futures,” said Erica McGinnis, President and CEO, AIG Advisor Group. “With presentations from a variety of key leaders and hundreds of educational breakout sessions, advisors left the conference with new knowledge, new skills and new opportunities for success.”
The three-day conference included general sessions with former Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Cam Marston – a well-respected expert on generational insights, and Pulitzer Prize winning author Dave McCullough. Advisors could also attend breakout sessions on topics ranging from global investing trends, social security reform, technology solutions for financial planning and more.
“ConnectED 2014 was a fantastic conference,” said Kim Ciccarelli Kantor. “From the incredible speakers to the interesting breakout sessions and many networking opportunities, I learned so much that can benefit my clients and my practice directly. This conference is a powerful learning opportunity, and one of the reasons I am so glad to be part of AIG Advisor Group.”
CAS Selected as a Finalist for “Florida Companies to Watch”
We are proud to announce that Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc. was selected as one of four companies in Collier County as a finalist for the “Florida Companies to Watch” awards program.
This awards program is presented by GrowFL- the Florida Economic Gardening Institute (in association with Edward Lowe Foundation)- state economic development program at the University of Central Florida. It seeks to identify, serve, and celebrate these Florida companies that have the best potential to contribute to Florida’s economy- those companies with solid increasing revenue growth and new job creation potential.
2014 marks the fourth anniversary of “Florida Companies to Watch” awards program. The distinctive awards program is specifically designed to seek out second-stage businesses from a wide range of industries throughout Florida. GrowFL’s definition of “Second-Stage” companies are those identified as a company somewhere between a start-up and a large firm- with a common ground of being poised for growth. These companies have 10-99 employees and $1 million to $50 million in revenue. Companies selected for the award have been determined to strengthen the economy of the region and support the spirit of the entrepreneurs who live among us.
First Annual Women’s Event on Aging Gracefully draws women of all ages
Over 200 women attended the first annual women’s community event on the subject of aging gracefully on Thursday, May 8, 2014. Presenters of the free event, Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc., Absolute Physical Therapy and D-Signed Nutrition, spoke on the theme “3 Keys to Living Longer and Maintaining Optimum Health and Wealth” which focused on food, fitness and finances for women.
For additional pictures from the event, click here.
Dee Harris, RD, LDN, CDE of D-Signed Nutrition, LLC; Gaynell Anderson, PT, CSCS of Absolute Physical Therapy of Southwest Florida; and Jill Ciccarelli Rapps, CFP® of Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc., were the featured speakers. ABC-7 news anchor, Courtney Robinson, emceed the event and led the panel discussion after the speakers had completed their related topic presentations.
The morning began with a continental breakfast and the opportunity to network with other women in the community. Sponsors for the event had display tables surrounding the St. John the Evangelist Ballroom where attendees could interact and obtain vital information about services and products. Participating sponsors of the event were: A. Jaron Fine Jewelry, Absolute Physical Therapy, Beyond Motion, Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc, Clementi Travel Services, D-Signed Nutrition, Dr. Andrea Frostino, e’Bella, Eyes Wide Open, Fashionista Life-Image and Wardrobe Consulting, Health Solutions, 
Integrative Mindfulness, Integrity Biofeedback Inc. and Academy, Liquid Biocell Life Blend, McKenney Home Care, Naples Yoga Center, Pretty Woman Ladies Fashions, Purely You Spa, Relax The Back, Sage Events, Senior Moving Simplified, The Paper Tamer, and Whole Foods.
“The event was a huge success,” says Jill Ciccarelli Rapps, Vice President of Ciccarelli Advisory Services, Inc. “Everyone seemed to learn something new — whether about nutrition, health or finances, the information seemed to ring true for so many women. We have already had an overwhelming amount of positive feedback and inquiries about next year’s event.”
According to Ciccarelli, the community event was created for women with the goal to educate and inspire attendees to continue their quest for optimum health and wealth, plus, have fun at the same time.
Check presented to help rebuild the Greater Naples YMCA
Ciccarelli Advisory Services was thrilled to present a check to the Greater Naples YMCA for $60,000 which represents the donations received from our December 2013 fundraising event, “A Holiday Concert with Paul Todd & Friends” held at Vi at Bentley Village. The proceeds went directly to help rebuild the Greater Naples YMCA, which received catastrophic damages from a lightning strike fire on Labor Day 2013. For additional information or to learn how you can help the YMCA rebuild, please contact Paul Ciccarelli at 239-262-6577 or email Ciccarelli@CAS-NaplesFL.com
Thank you to all those that attended and supported this special event!
Open House & Ribbon Cutting
On February 26, we held our open house and ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of our new office, which combined the teams from our former Bonita and Naples offices.
The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, along with nearly 30 Chamber Ambassadors joined our Partners for the office ribbon cutting. An open house and reception followed with over 225 guests in attendance. All enjoyed wine, appetizers and desserts catered by Cappelli’s, music by local youth and great networking opportunities.
