As an organization dedicated to empowering, connecting and uniting our region, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce believes that there is no place in our community or society for racism. 

We believe that actions speak louder than words. Our board and staff recognize the importance of contributing to the dialogue on equity, and while we don’t have all the answers, we want to listen, learn and work together toward meaningful, inclusive and lasting change.

As such, we are developing a task force to work with stakeholders in our community so we can understand how to better serve and empower our members through impactful opportunities, programs and resources. We will put a plan together to help unify local businesses and professionals around the important issues that address racism, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

The Chamber pledges to be part of the solution. We will continue working over the weeks, months and years ahead to implement change and be a champion for an inclusive, diverse business community. Together, we can elevate the conversation and take action.
HURRICANE UPDATE
On Wednesday, July 1 at noon , special guest Jim Farrell from WINK TV will share about this year's hurricane season.

We will also be joined by representatives from Lee County who will discuss the changes made for shelters related to COVID-19. There will be time allotted for Q&A. This event is free, though registration is required for access.
FREE VIRTUAL EXPO: THURSDAY JUNE 25
Emerge SWFL is hosting a free virtual expo with one goal: to reinvigorate the local economic landscape. By connecting people to businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations across Southwest Florida, Emerge provides a much-needed service to the business community — a safe way for people to network, interact and explore opportunities as if they were in a convention center or expo hall.

The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 25. The event provides an expo-style virtual gathering to bridge the gap for professionals who want to get more involved with chambers, associations, non-profits or any other organizations that resonate with them. 

Supporting partners of Emerge SWFL include Lee County EDO, Lee Health, United Way, FGCU, FSW, SBDC, Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, and Estero Chamber of Commerce among others. Organizing sponsors include SWFRTP, Stickboy, Two39 Group, and Fieldr. These companies and dozens more make up the large coalition of local businesses working together to support the SWFL community through challenging times.
JULY WOMEN IN BUSINESS: HOW TO INFUSE CBD INTO FOOD & DRINKS
July's Women in Business features  Seed & Bean Market , who will present a virtual cooking event to demonstrate How-To Infuse CBD into food and drinks, coffee and more!

Learn more about CBD and the unique ways to use it in food, drinks and our favorite, mocktails! From hemp protein shakes to cannabis beer cheese  Seed & Bean Market  cohesively bridges the gap of CBD retail and cannabis cafe with a one of a kind menu. 

Wednesday, July 1, 4:00PM

This Women in Business event is free, though registration is required to gain access to this virtual event. At registration you will have the opportunity to donate and support the Women in Business Scholarship fund. 
BOARD CHAIRPERSON TRANSITION CELEBRATION
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us in recognizing outgoing board chairperson Bryan Blackwell ( Molloy Financial Group ) , and welcoming incoming chairperson Jim Larkin ( Crowne Plaza Bell Tower ) .

Thursday, July 9, 5:00PM

$20 per person includes beer, wine and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Cash bar for cocktails. This in-person* event will follow CDC guidelines.

We will also be drawing the winners of the "144 Envelope Adventure" prizes at this event!

*The presentation portion of the evening (at 6:00PM) will be streamed on Facebook live for those who prefer to participate remotely.
144 ENVELOPE ADVENTURE UPDATE
The 144 Envelope Adventure , helps us help our businesses and community! Each envelope is numbered from $1 to $144, and the dollar amount determines the number of entries in the drawing. For example, for $6 you get 6 chances, for $49 you get 49 chances, etc.


The drawing date has been moved to Thursday, July 9th.

Prizes are being added daily and include:
HOTEL & TRAVEL: Two-night stays at Hilton Naples , Hotel Indigo Sarasota , Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront , Embassy Suites on I-Drive in Orlando, Crowne Plaza Fort Myers Presidential Suite, Homewood Suites Bell Tower Shops . Two round-trip tickets for Key West Express

ARTS & ACTIVITIES: Naples sunset cruise for 4 adults with Pure Florida , golf foursome at Fiddlesticks Country Club , gift cards for HeadPinz , gift certificate to Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre , gift certificate to Bert's Pinebay Gallery, Matlacha .


SPORTS: Boston Red Sox memorabilia, including baseballs signed by Jackie Bradley, Jr. & Carl Yastrzemski, as well as a Sports Illustrated "Boston Strong" cover signed by Jonny Gomes. Minnesota Twins memorabilia, including baseballs signed by Jake Odorizzi and Latroy Hawkins, and an All Star game plaque. Florida Everblades prize packs that include 4 Endzone level ticket vouchers to a regular season home game in 2020-2021, 1 Everblades program, and 1 signed Florida Skunkapes players signed puck.

HOME: gift certificate for carpet or tile cleaning by Zerorez .

Thank you to all of the businesses and individuals donating prizes! If your business would like to contribute a prize, please contact Linda Onorevole, 239.332.2930, linda@fortmyers.org .
SAVE THE DATE: LEADERSHIP NEXT JULY 14
Leadership NEXT's virtual event on Tuesday, July 14 at 5:00PM will focus on the FGCU Restart SWFL Initiative .

Good health makes good business, so it makes sense for FGCU’s Lutgert College of Business and Marieb College of Health & Human Services to unite to mobilize their expertise and resources, along with those of their local partners, to help businesses respond to the impact of COVID-19 on their operations, work forces, vendors and customers.

The Restart SWFL Seal of Confidence is a campaign to bring a renewed sense of confidence and prosperity to the region through which business owners pledge to adhere to a set of four standards involving health, business and ethical practices and to participate in two business- or health-related discussions to earn the seal. Participants must take a minimum of two sessions then answer a short questionnaire for each to qualify for the seal. 
Leadership NEXT's July 14 event will be virtual. Admission is free for Chamber members and $5 for future members. Registration is required for access to this virtual event.

Leadership NEXT's annual sponsor is the FGCU Alumni Association.