The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce has joined a coalition of businesses encouraging federal lawmakers to make permanent a moratorium on drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

In September, the Naples Chamber’s Board of Directors voted to approve a resolution opposing off-shore oil drilling in Florida state waters and the eastern Gulf of Mexico. The Board also agreed to join the Florida Gulf Coast Business Coalition, an alliance of businesses and industry associations aimed at ensuring the federal moratorium on drilling in the eastern Gulf remains in place.

The Florida Gulf Coast Business Coalition officially launched on Oct. 16, with seven chambers of commerce, representing thousands of businesses up and down the coast. The coalition was formed in response to efforts by the federal government to open nearly all U.S. waters to new offshore drilling. The existing moratorium, which is set to expire in 2022, ensures drilling doesn’t get closer to Florida’s shores.

“The FGCBC is a powerful collection of people and businesses who have the most to lose under these dangerous new plans,” said Robin Miller, the president & CEO of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce, in a statement. “We will not allow additional offshore drilling to threaten our businesses and the healthy coasts that they rely on.”

Growing up in a household where volunteering was a way of life it was only nature that it too would become part of my company culture. I was raised with a very clear understanding that when you have, you give to others. Whether it be money, time, or compassion the reality of volunteering is that you get more out of it than what you give.

As a business owner, I am constantly trying to find innovative ways to keep my team motivated and dedicated to my mission. About 7 years ago I started a “Dedication Program” to highlight a local non-profit organization every quarter where Google reviews and Facebook likes drive the amount of the donation given to the selected organization. Each member of my team can nominate a non-profit which in turn educates our team about organizations we may not otherwise be familiar with. It has been a great way to bring my team together while supporting our community.

The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce announces the recipients of the 2018 Excellence in Industry Awards.
 
The Excellence in Industry Awards, presented by The Naples Chamber recognize Collier County businesses and individuals that exemplify innovation, economic diversification and community enhancement. The winners will be recognized at the 25th annual awards reception on Nov. 14, 2018 at the Silverspot Cinemas from 8 – 10 a.m. Alex Sink, Florida’s former chief financial officer from 2007 to 2011, will deliver the keynote address. To register visit, www.napleschamber.org/excellenceinindustry

The 2018 Excellence in Industry Awards winners include:

​COMPANY TO WATCH: Lenkbar, LLC.
Lenkbar LLC started operations in 2012 with three employees and an idea: to design and manufacture safe and innovative surgical instruments. It has grown to over 25 employees and is expanding into a 16,000 square foot state of the art facility.

Pictured : Erik Papenfuss - President at Lenkbar LLC.

HEART OF THE COMMUNITY: Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Founded almost a century ago, the 43-acre Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens reaches over 350,000 guests each year with its conservation and education mission. Constantly evolving and adapting, the Zoo seeks innovative ways to connect people with animals and nature to inspire them to respect, value and help conserve wildlife and the environment. 

Pictured: Jack Mulvena, President at Naples Zoo

​Pillar Award: Coastal Engineering Consultants, Inc.
Coastal Engineering Consultants, Inc. has been serving Southwest Florida for over 40 years. Its team of engineers, geologists, scientists and surveyors design workable alternatives to produce results that are in harmony with natural ecosystems. It encourages staff to get involved in the community and has served dozens of nonprofits over the last four decades.

Pictured : Michael Poff, President at CEC

​YP of the Year: Alyssa Haney
Alyssa Haney has demonstrated ambition and a strong commitment to the community through her advancement at First Florida Integrity Bank and volunteer work for numerous organizations. A 2018 GAIN (Growing Associates in Naples™) graduate, she serves on the boards of the United Arts Council, Naples Players and Humane Society of Naples Pawfessionals.

Pictured : Alyssa Haney

Chairman’s Award: John Passidomo
John Passidomo served as a Chamber board member and chair of its Public Policy Committee for many years. His dedication to economic and workforce development is unmatched and he has been an integral part of shaping the mission of the Chamber and its governmental relations platform.

Pictured: John Passidomo

NAPLES, FL (October 12, 2018) – The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Collier County Commissioners selected The Immokalee Foundation as the Business of the Month for October 2018.

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.

Since its inception in 1991, The Immokalee Foundation's mission has been building pathways to success for the children of Immokalee by emphasizing education, vocation and life skills.  The Immokalee Foundation now serves approximately 1,300 Immokalee students each year and matches area volunteers as mentors to its students. 
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The Board of Collier County Commissioners and Bethany Sawyer, director of membership, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, presented Noemi Perez, executive director, Immokalee Foundation, with a commemorative plaque at the October 9, 2018 County Commission meeting.

Community Enhancement Activities
The Immokalee Foundation annually commits more than $4,000,000 into the Immokalee community to enhance educational opportunities for the students residing therein. These funds also provide post-secondary scholarships to these students to help eliminate the financial barrier of a college or vocational education, enabling them to gain professional employment upon graduation.

An integral part of accomplishing The Immokalee Foundation’s mission is building bridges between residents of Naples and the children and families of Immokalee.  The Immokalee Foundation’s and its students’ successes are intertwined with the generosity of our volunteers and benefactors from Naples. Without the support of the greater Naples community, the programming of The Immokalee Foundation would not be possible. In fact, most of the foundation’s 140 volunteers who serve as mentors are from Naples. This is an extremely important volunteer function because Take Stock in Children scholarships, administered by The Immokalee Foundation, can only be awarded to students who are matched with a mentor.  Through the program 100 percent of its students graduate from high school and enroll in college or a vocational program. Of those students, 84 percent graduate from a post-secondary program.
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Thanks to The Immokalee Foundation’s programs, graduates become skilled and qualified professionals, the majority of whom return to serve as part of the workforce in Collier County.