Dear Fellow Chamber Members,
“Great things in business are never done by one person; they’re done by a team of people.” — Steve Jobs
I recently read an article where this quote was recalled and it immediately reminded me that as members of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce (GFMCC) we are all part of one team, working in support of one another. A good team pulls together when faced with adversity and when the challenge is great. And a great team will excel in the face of the most difficult adversary. As a player on the GFMCC team, our support of each other’s business is more important than ever.
So please remember to “Spend Local” - it’s more important than ever. From my own experience in the hospitality industry local support has never been more important and what has been shown from so many of our Chamber members is greatly appreciated. Normally at this time of year my business is welcoming the many Twins and Red Sox fans who year after year come down and fill our restaurants, hotel rooms, stores and beaches as they take in a game or two at JetBlue Park or CenturyLink Field. This year will be different, with limited capacity at our stadiums and many folks still unsure of traveling past their own front door. So, thank you in advance for continuing to support local businesses.
And thank you to all that came out in support of the Women in Business Sweethearts and Scholarships event at Millennial Brewing last week. It was a wonderful event with over 70 people in attendance and everyone doing a good job of being safe with face masks in place and plenty of social distance. The event raised $1750 and had a lot of great gift baskets and auction items. Congrats to the WIB committee for putting on such an enjoyable event.
We hope that you will also come out and join us for our first in-person luncheon that will be held Wednesday February 17 here at the Crowne Plaza. We have three excellent speakers lined up to discuss business development in Fort Myers and Lee County. We will be taking special precautions to see that everyone can practice social distancing and enjoy a safe luncheon environment. Thank you also to Sanibel Captiva Community Bank for sponsoring our first luncheon.
Be on the lookout for more events, both virtual and in-person, in the weeks and months ahead. Get the full value of your chamber membership and join in the many informative and fun events coming your way in 2021.
Stay Safe,
Jim Larkin
Board Chairperson
