Over 100 children and their families attended an orientation on Tuesday, September 25 to get tips on how they can succeed as a young entrepreneur at the Naples Children's Business Fair. 

The Children’s Business Fair, a nationally-recognized program, is coming to Naples on Oct. 20. Sponsored by The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and the Leadership Collier Foundation (LCF), this national event gives students between the ages of 6 and 17 the chance to showcase their products, while promoting entrepreneurial skills.

The Acton Children’s Business Fair is a national event originally developed by the Acton Academy Schools and Acton MBA Program. The organizations believe in the power of work and entrepreneurship to improve self esteem and strong communities. At the Naples Chamber and LCF we work each day to expand our workforce and diversify our economy. We understand that to affect real change in our workforce and community, we need to be strongly invested in connecting students to the educational and business opportunities to excel.

At the orientation Chamber vice president of events and development, Nikkie Dvorchak and vice president of the LCF, Amanda Beights, walked through the event timeline, set-up and tear-down and covered helpful tips for selling products and services.

It was a delight to see the excitement in our local students! They asked a variety of questions about the awards, their business presentation and were diligently taking notes. 

We are expecting around 800 attendees at the Naples Children's Business Fair! There are over 106 "businesses" registered with over 150 students participating. There will be everything to buy from soaps to art and even magic!

The 2018 Naples Children’s Business Fair will take place on Saturday, October 20th, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gulf Coast High School. Bring cash to support our young entrepreneurs’ ventures while voting for the most original business idea, highest business potential, and the best presentation/creativity awards. We will see you there! ​

Like the Facebook event here to stay informed!

​The purpose of my summer internship with the Guadalupe Center was to research various methods to create a survey that would collect the alma mater information of donors, professional advisors and Guadalupe Center friends, select a method, and create a survey.
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In this internship I was able to utilize my existing computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel and learn how to use new programs such as Online Express, Constant Contact and Blackbaud software. I also had the opportunity to enhance my professional skills, including written and verbal communication, attire and overall presentation that will have a long lasting impact on my future endeavors.
 
At the beginning of the project, I was instructed and became familiar with the database the Guadalupe Center uses. This process helped me become more self-aware about how I learn best. I realized that when I manage my time and schedule; learning the database and all its functions would progress. This strategy helped me enhance my problem-solving skills by becoming aware that my decisions would have an impact on the work of those around me. I was given clear direction and guidance on all my assignments with the expectations that were needed along with their deadlines.
 
I divided my time between the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee, Florida and the Development Office in Naples, Florida. When I was in Immokalee I worked in the library which has a studious and vibrant ambiance to it. I felt a strong connection with the Guadalupe Center and the work that I was doing. I was filled with joy as I looked through the tall glass windows and saw children as they ran around the playground. At the Naples office, I was surrounded by business professional staff members and board members. They welcomed me with open arms and pretty soon I fell into a comfortable routine where it became a habit to have lunch together. One of my unexpected projects included being asked for suggestions on a name for a project that was being developed. By being put on the spot I was able to challenge my creativity.
 
After sending the Alma Mater Survey, I was excited to see 50 responses within the first 20 minutes! I felt such a sense of accomplishment by seeing the response number rise. Overall, this internship was an amazing opportunity that provided with many benefits and memories. If I were presented with another opportunity to intern for the Guadalupe Center, I would definitely do it all over again.

Interested in hosting your own intern? Email alex@napleschamber.org for more information.

NAPLES, FL (September 25 2018) – The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Collier County Commissioners selected Driftwood Garden Center & Florist as the Business of the Month for September 2018.
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Each month, the award is presented to an organization that has enhanced the community through financial, volunteer and active involvement in organizations and programs that assist in creating a better quality of life for all citizens in Collier County.

The Board of Collier County Commissioners and Bethany Sawyer, Director of Membership, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce presented Craig Hazelett, his wife and parents, with a commemorative plaque at the September 11, 2018 County Commission meeting.

Driftwood spans two acres, offering thousands of interior and outdoor plants. In addition to plants, they offer a large selection of pottery and other resources for gardening.
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The stores encompass a full-service Nursery, water gardening center and florist.  Driftwood also has professional landscape designers on staff to create custom home or commercial landscape designs.