Paying it Forward with Nanette Leonard

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As we journey into 2016, we wanted to take a moment to thank you for supporting us as we support those making a difference in Charlotte County. Each month we take a deeper look at those who have done something extraordinary to better our community, as well as, inform you of local events and important trends in real estate. In our kick-off to 2016, we've chosen to feature creative activist, Nanette Leonard, whom we can thank for bringing community arts to Charlotte County, as well as, supporting numerous community outreach foundations. We also want to focus on the real estate market and where it's heading this year. How will it measure up to 2015? Read along as we take you on the exceptional life journey of Nanette, the future predictions of real estate and all the local happenings you need to know this month.

Paying it Forward

Over the past several months I have had the opportunity to interview some of the most dynamic and amazing people in our area. Each has either touched my life or made a significant impact in our community. While their backgrounds are diverse, they share a common trait, "to serve without recognition. Even though photos of her appear in the newspapers frequently, Nanette Leonard still is a very private person. When I approached her about doing this interview, Nan was very hesitant. She has spent her entire career scheduling media interviews for her clients, not for herself. However, she thought this might be a wonderful opportunity to promote the 2nd Annual Punta Gorda Short Film Festival and the fact that Punta Gorda's Chief of Police, Tom Lewis, is participating in the upcoming Dancing with the Charlotte Stars to raise money for the Arts & Humanities organization.

Growing up in Stuyvesant Town in New York City, Nanette was exposed to the vibe of big city life and the culture that went along with it. At a young age she developed an appreciation for music and the arts by taking piano and guitar lessons. She even wrote a "half dozen songs," but would later add with a laugh, "There wasn't any way I could ever quit my day job." However, she would soon find out the entertainment industry was in her blood.

Nan is an experienced public relations/marketing professional and producer in the entertainment industry. She began her career at Allied Artist Pictures, serving as Publicity Manager, working on PR campaigns on Academy Award winning films such as "Cabaret," "The Man Who would be King," and "Papillon." At United Artists, Nan served as East Coast Director of Publicity, mounting PR campaigns on such films as "Raging Bull," The Bond Films," The French Lieutenant's Woman (Meryl Streep); and worked with Steve Guttenberg, Marvin Hamlish, Alan King, Jay Leno and Redbook Magazine, among many others.

During the 1980s she was a Senior Vice President at Solters/Roskin/Friedman, one of the largest entertainment PR firms at that time, where she launched the career of and represented Whoopi Goldberg. She also represented other well-known talented celebrities including Dolly Parton, Gregory Peck, Tony Award winning actors Judith Ivey, ("Steaming" & "Hurlyburly") Frances Ruffelle ("Les Misersbles") and Anthony Crivello (Kiss of the Spider Woman") just to name a few. Nan describes the talent she has worked with as being "down to earth," a trait she clearly embodies herself. She also represented ski and sports filmmaker Warren Miller, (a sport Nanette is very passionate about to this day) in addition to the Aspen Skiing Company.

In 1992, Nan opened her own agency, Nanette Leonard Public Relations, servicing a diverse clientele: Two-time Tony Award-winning actress Judith Ivey; Tony Award winning actor, Anthony Crivello; International Television personality, journalist, author, Cristina Saralegui; Michael Uslan (Executive Producer of all the Batman films); The Montclair Art Museum's Exhibition: Reflecting Culture: The Evolution of American Comic Book Superheroes; The Monmouth County SPCA. She also launched businesses for Jon Bon Jovi's youngest brother, Matthew Bongiovi (Elements, Steakhouse & Lounge (Sea Bright, NJ); 84 Park (Stamford, CT) and branded and represented the Garden State Film Festival. She also opened Nanette Leonard Management, representing actor Kevin Interdonato, and booking him on an episode of Law & Order. Nan is also a voting member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences.

Having worked in the entertainment business she feels awkward talking about the people she has represented, saying, "Sometimes when speaking about the people with whom I have worked, it might seem that I am name dropping, but I'm really not... these are the just the folks I worked with, no differently than my friends work their clients...mine were just more well known."

In her spare time, with an amazing committee, Nan produced the Lyons/Sambora Charity Series for 13 years, raising money for disabled children's sports programs for Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA). This ski event (held at Hunter Mountain, Hunter, NY), was created to honor Bill Lyons and John Sambora (first cousin of Bon Jovi's lead guitarist, Richie Sambora), who lost their battles with cancer at age 29. The race featured competition between able bodied (AB) and disabled skiers. "We disabled the able-bodied skiers by asking them to use adaptive equipment normally used by an amputee skier. This provided the AB skier with a first- hand opportunity to understand the challenges faced by a disabled skier, it also leveled the playing field," explains Nan. She also started a golf classic, once again featuring competition between abled-bodied and disabled golfers. Now I don't know about you, but when I consider my golf game and how I have seen some of those with tremendous disabilities play the game, you would think I was the one who was impaired. Both events were hugely successful, raised money or DSUSA and raised awareness.

Nan spent 34 years living in Middletown, NJ, and was a member of her community. Thirty Seven people from her hometown in Middletown, NJ, lost their lives on September 11 ^th . She joined many others in her township to raise money to create a memorial garden. Nan was very active in her town, dedicating much of her time to the Monmouth County S.P.C.A. by lending a hand to environmental causes, organizing toy and food drives during the holidays for the local hospital and food bank, organizing a local benefit for the victims of Katrina, working fundraisers for the Monmouth County S.P.C.A. and much more.

Three years ago, with her parents in their nineties, Nan felt the time had come where she needed to be closer to her folks. In 2012, her NJ friends held a big party and told her they thought she was brave to be driving from NJ to Florida by herself. Recalling that conversation, she laughed and told me it wasn't the drive...but the fact she didn't know how to pump gas! (It's illegal to pump your own gas in NJ).

It was during her trip, that she made a commitment to herself to recreate the type of life she had in in NJ in Punta Gorda. That included making new friends, searching for an animal shelter where she could volunteer, becoming an involved member of her community and paying it forward.

"One of the best decisions I made was becoming a member of the Punta Gorda Chamber (PGCC). It is a great resource. John Wright, President of The Chamber, Pat Oliva and the members of the Chamber immediately made me feel so welcomed. The people I have met at the Chamber have become such close friends, I am so blessed," remembers Nan. Last year, Nan was voted Diplomat of the year.

Nan had a short list of priorities when she arrived here. Her dog Boomer and cat Simba had passed away and she told me, "I needed to 'mush up some fur'." She found the Animal Welfare League which has become a very significant part of her life. She signed up as a volunteer to walk the dogs who were looking for their forever homes. Soon after, she was invited to join their Gala committee and helped produce their Black & Gold, 50th Anniversary event in November of 2013. In December, she was asked to become a member of their Board of Directors. She remains on the AWL Board and has served as co-chair for their Fire & Ice, Captain's Ball annual fundraiser and organizes AWL's Yappy Hour community outreach event, among others. She also adopted her dog, Casey, from AWL. "The staff and volunteers at the AWL are so committed, passionate and compassionate. I have made lifelong friends throu gh this amazing organization,' Nan said.

When arriving in Punta Gorda in 2012, Nan was surprised to meet a few women who had also moved from NJ. Last March, Nan created FRESH JERSEY TOMATOES (FJT), as Jersey is known for their delicious tomatoes. "We met at a restaurant in Port Charlotte, had a fabulous time and, of course, none of us heard any accents," she said, as she laughed. "Almost one year later, we have 45 women ranging in age from the mid-thirties to our oldest member who is 80 years young...and she is absolutely wonderful," according to Nan. The FJT's meet every month, talk about what they're doing, family and, of course, NJ. At the first meeting Nan said she wanted the group to help a family or a grass roots charity...Debi Malinoski (owner of HipNotique) and Nan are currently researching various avenues. It's always about paying it forward - it's in Nan's DNA.

Last year, Nan and business partner, Doug LeClaire, director and creator of Asbury Shorts/USA, New York City's longest running concert of award winning short films, discussed bringing this non-competitive film festival to our community and the Punta Gorda Short Film Festival (PGSFF) was born. Asbury Shorts/USA and The Charlotte Harbor Office of Film & Digital Media present this new event which is hosted by The Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce (PGCC). John Wright, President of the PGCC serves as MC. Now in its second year, the PGSFF is poised to make this year's festival even more successful. "Last year over 460 people attended, it was SRO and sold out. I was absolutely thrilled, said Nan, who serves as Executive Producer.

Tickets are selling quickly and people are really looking forward to this year's event that will take place on March 9 ^th at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. Tickets are available at the Punta Gorda Chamber and online (www.puntagordachamber.org ).

Simultaneously, Nan is one of 15 cheerleaders - "Tommy's Bobbies," for our Punta Gorda Chief of Police, Tom Lewis, who is participating in Dancing with the Charlotte Stars in a few weeks. He, along with other contestants, are dancing to help raise money for the Arts & Humanities organization. "It's a great event and very entertaining...please buy a ticket and support Chief Lewis," Nan urges.

To say Nan is a talented woman with a diverse background is a gross understatement. She is an avid snowboarder, an animal rights activist, and studied the art of clowning. Yes, you heard that right. Being a clown was always on her bucket list. Years ago, she mentioned it to a friend who represented Ringling Bros, Barnum and Bailey Circus. That friend made it possible for Nan to dress as a clown as she followed the professional Ringling clowns into the center ring of the "Big Top," where a special show for disabled children was being performed. She recalls, "I slowly walked towards this little boy who was in a wheelchair. He looked at me and gave me the biggest smile and it touched my heart, I almost cried." She went home that day and found a clown school and five months later graduated with honors. "I learned how to throw and take a pie in the face, do a little magic and make balloons...my balloon skills left a lot to be desired, but I had a blast!" says Nan, reminiscing.

"I moved to Punta Gorda knowing only my parents. I didn't know if I was going to reopen my agency and I had no concept of what it would be like taking care of my now 96-year-old father and 93-year-old mother and what that would entail. Like all of us, we make and keep our friends from college, our working environments and vacation spots. I never thought I would meet the amazing people I have met here. I opened my PR/marketing company, I continue to learn about life as seen through my parent's eyes and I have made the most incredible friends. I feel as though I have known them my entire life...they are all people of such high quality. I am so incredibly blessed to be living in this place we call paradise, surrounded by these extraordinary people who I truly love," says Nan.

For some, giving is something that is done during a certain time of year or done when called upon, but for Nan it is a passion that comes from the soul. In her three short years since coming from New Jersey, Nan has touched more lives in our community than many have in a lifetime, yet something tells me we haven't seen anything yet!

Interview by GARY CARDILLO

Will 2015's Good Fortune Carry On in to 2016?

The 2015 real estate market showed significant growth from the previous year as home sales in Charlotte County increased approximately 10% while condos, villas and town home sales from around the county increased almost 5%.

Punta Gorda Isles home sales rose just under 17% while condo, town home and villa sales posted a more modest gain of 3% over the previous year. Homes sales in Burnt Store Isles increased 7% while condos, villas and town homes posted measurable gains, as well.

Starting off the new year home sales in Charlotte County dropped slightly by 1%, however, sales of condos, villas and town homes rose by almost 37%. In the waterfront communities of Punta Gorda Isles and Burnt Store Isles, home sales increased by 9.09% over the January time period last year, while condo, villa and town home sales posted similar gains.

Despite the roller coaster ride many have taken in the stock market with the volatility in oil and tech stocks, coupled with more mild temperatures up north that have delayed the arrival of some of our seasonal visitors, our real estate market seems poised to have another good years as inventory levels are low, and home prices continue to rise.

2015 REAL ESTATE SALES STATS

	NUMBER SOLD	BEDS/ BATH	AVG. S.F.	LIST PRICE	SELLING PRICE	ADOM	SP/LP RATIO
CHARLOTTE COUNTY	1/1/14 - 12/31/14
SINGLE FAMILY HOMES	4222	3/2	1,730	$192,647	$182,927	94	95%
CONDOS, TOWNHOUSES , VILLAS	1063	2/2	1,332	$170,909	$161,365	112	94%
	1/1/15 - 12/31/15
SINGLE FAMILY HOMES	4640	3/2	1,761	$214,780	$205,747	79	96%
CONDOS, TOWNHOUSES, VILLAS	1115	2/2	1,308	$189,610	$180,488	111	95%
	1/1/14 - 12/31/14
PGI - CONDOS, TOWNHOUSES, VILLAS	254	3/2	2,188	$401,988	$383,023	109	95%
PGI - CONDOS, TOWNHOUSES, VILLAS	199	2/2	1,542	$202,044	$191,354	99	95%
BSI - SINGLE FAMILY HOMES	57	3/2	2,239	$390,505	$373,382	120	96%
BSI - CONDOS, TOWNHOUSES, VILLAS	23	3/2	1,715	$189,813	$179,757	95	95%
	1/1/15 - 12/31/15
PGI - SINGLE FAMILY HOMES	297	3/2	2,206	$453,993	$432,762	104	96%
PGI - CONDOS, TOWNHOUSES, VILLAS	205	2/2	1,590	$234,934	$223,635	106	95%
BSI - SINGLE FAMILY HOMES	61	3/3	2,355	$439,613	$420,410	125	96%
BSI - CONDOS, TOWNHOUSES, VILLAS	33	3/2	1,720	$206,552	$197,268	79	95%

CHARLOTTE COUNTY	1/1/15 - 1/31/15
SINGLE FAMILY HOMES	259	3/2	1,830	$215,051	$205,738	85	96%
CONDOS, TOWNHOUSES, VILLAS	57	2/2	1,371	$203,263	$194,384	148	95%
	1/1/16 - 1/31/16
SINGLE FAMILY HOMES	256	3/2	1,728	$234,746	$226,452	67	97%
CONDOS, TOWNHOUSES, BILLAS	78	2/2	1,323	$205,166	$195,306	92	95%

PGI & BSI	1/1/15 - 1/31/15
SINGLE FAMILY HOMES	22	3/2	2,455	$480,500	$454,955	109	95%
CONDOS, TOWNHOUSES, VILLAS	14	2/2	1,699	$249,871	$239,357	135	96%

PGI & BSI	1/1/16 - 1/31/16
SINGLE FAMILY HOMES	24	3/2	2,175	$460,767	$439,915	102	96%
CONDOS, TOWNHOUSES, VILLAS	18	3/2	1,784	$239,000	$231,250	30	96%