Though this definition of a sponsor is accurate, it is not complete. Sponsors also serve as partners. It is not only for the financial support of a fundraising event, but the building blocks of a relationship between individuals and organizations. Time and time again, we see the joy that’s shared among sponsors when they are able to help move a mission forward for an organization. Not only do businesses find pride in supporting an initiative for the betterment of a community, they are able to expand their brand reach and recognition. "As the only bank headquartered in Collier County, we feel passionate about our commitment to local charitable and community organizations," said Heather Tice, vice president-director of marketing at First Florida Integrity Bank. "Sponsoring events gives us a unique opportunity to not only support these organizations but also to build partnerships with the people and groups that make a difference in Collier County. Whether it is sponsorship, event attendance or volunteer work, we feel it is imperative to assist the great work of our community organizations both as a company and as individuals." In Naples, or what we all call "paradise," it requires everyone working together to help maintain our quality of life. When businesses invest in the Naples Chamber, they are not only supporting our work for the betterment of Collier County, but also making a difference in their own company and among the larger business community. When minds come together, we work to build solutions addressing important local issues that affect our economy, our environment and our world-class community. "Gallagher Lutgert has always taken pride in supporting our community both financially and physically through the efforts of our staff," said Buddy Hornbeck, area vice president for Gallagher Lutgert. "Our community is what has enabled us to operate a successful business and everything we give to our community is paid back to us many times over. Helping organizations to help others that need our support is not only personally satisfying but also corporately satisfying knowing we are doing the right thing." Sponsorship is an excellent and targeted method for any company to consider. You can make an impact in your community and having your company logo seen in print advertising, social media, event displays and announced by the emcee – it’s a double-win for both the nonprofit and visibility for the business. We are thankful and inspired by the tremendous support of our largest community events, the Chamber Classic and Annual Meeting. Both the continued and new partnerships help us make Collier County the best place to live, work and visit. Become a sponsor today! For more information contact nikkie@napleschamber.org
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 The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce will host a regional economic update featuring Jerry Parrish, chief economist and the director of research for the Florida Chamber Foundation, at Wake Up Naples™ on April 3, 2019 at the Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail N, Naples, FL 34103.
Parrish previously served as the chief economist and director of the Center for Competitive Florida at Florida TaxWatch. Prior to that position, he served as the associate director of the Center for Economic Forecasting & Analysis (CEFA) at Florida State University and has many years of experience in the private sector in management roles at international manufacturing companies. Attendees will learn more about the local and regional economic outlook, and gain insight about securing Florida’s future for the next generation. The event is sponsored by Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC. Register online at www.napleschamber.org/events. Registration and tabletop exhibits begin at 7:30 a.m. The program starts promptly at 8 a.m. The cost to attend is $25 for members and $35 for non-members and registrants at the door. A limited number of exhibitor tables are available for $125 (event admission included). For more information, contact Nikkie Dvorchak at nikkie@napleschamber.org.  Staff from the The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce toured the headquarters and manufacturing facility of Cable USA LLC. Susan Kuhar, Member Services, and Melanie Schmees, Director of Business and Economic Research, were given a tour of the facilities by Rich Woodman, Vice President of Finance, at Cable USA. Chamber staff explored the facility that manufactures a wide array of custom designed cables and were able to see the production process up-close. The majority of Cable USA products are designed to meet specific-user requirements. Cable USA even has an Innovation and Technology center that is dedicated to offering its customers cutting edge advantages. With military contracts and over 25 petrochemical plants and refineries specifying their products, Cable USA is a leader in the high performance and custom design wire and cable business. The business was established in 1984 and has since had multiple expansions including an in-flight entertainment division, military division and fine wire & high-performance data division. Cable USA is a proud member of The Marmon Wire and Cable / Berkshire Hathaway Company. Cable USA, sustained damage from hurricane Irma, and is anticipating having the renovated floorspace up and running next month. The business has been a proud Chamber Member since 1992 and was awarded Business of the Month in March of 2018. Cable USA LLC and its team are proud supporters of local organizations such as Collier County Museums, the Sunshine Kids Foundation and the Collier County Regional Science and Engineering Fair. They also work closely with Lorenzo Walker Technical College to support fundraising and expose students to job opportunities. Interested in scheduling a retention visit with our team? Contact melanie@napleschamber.org
 Graduation time is rolling around soon for Leadership Collier. As a member of the Class of 2019 (Greatest Of All Time – GOAT!), it’s amazing to look back on the experience. It’s hard to sum it all up. I am new to the area and new to my role at the Harry Chapin Food Bank. I applied to Leadership Collier to increase my understanding of the area, its history, and how the community works. I hoped it would deepen my connections in Collier County and help make me a more effective leader here. I hoped it would enable me to contribute to the continuing development of this amazing community. I am confident it has achieved all of those objectives and more. Leadership Collier was full of amazing experiences. There are too many to relate here, but I will always remember the creativity, humor and camaraderie of our opening retreat and costume party. I will remember the great programs at Lorenzo Walker Technical Institute. Being touched by the serenity and beauty of the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Being terrified by the traffic stop role play during Law Enforcement Day.  It was full of amazing people. We have been exposed to leaders from every corner of Collier County: from non-profits, government and politics representing every major industry. We have talked to newcomers and founders of our county. They have shared their knowledge openly and candidly. We have gained insight into the successes and challenges of this County, and left impressed with their knowledge, commitment and collaborative spirit. And then, there are my classmates. They come from so many backgrounds and experiences, with diverse skills, temperaments and perspectives. All share a deep commitment to being effective leaders and making a difference in their organizations and in this community. All surprised me regularly with their wisdom, their passion, their candor and their humor. We talked, we argued, we agreed and disagreed, and we brought out the best in each other. I have built friends and connections I never imagined, many of which I expect will endure.  If you’re a leader in Collier County who hasn’t experienced this program, you should apply. Leadership Collier will connect you to this amazing community and its leaders, and will make you a more effective leader. It will also help our community. Collier faces plenty of challenges and opportunities. Leaders come in all shapes and sizes. Bring your talents -- Collier needs you.
Leadership Collier class of 2020 applications are due by Friday, March 29.
Click here to learn more and apply! We like to think big at the Naples Chamber. On March 12 our team members CEO and President Michael Dalby, Director of Government Relations Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, and former state Sen. Garrett Richter went to Tallahassee to speak with state leaders about local issues such as water quality, tourism and economic opportunity. Our roles as Collier County community members does not stop at the polls. By sharing your opinions and ideas with your representatives and senators in Tallahassee, you help them decide what to do about the issues and pending legislation that affect us all. They value your suggestions and encourage you to express them. Click here for tips on how you can effectively communicate with your legislator on issues that are important to you. Do you know who your legislator is? Visit the Naples Chamber’s Advocacy Action Center to find your legislator, track legislation and sign up for action alerts.  Florida Senate Majority Leader Kathleen Passidomo, Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Michael Dalby and former state Sen. Garrett Richter during a trip to the Florida Capitol.  Agriculture Commissioner Nikkie Fried, Michael Dalby, Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster and former state Sen. Garrett Richter.  Rep. Ana Maria Rodriguez with former state Sen. Garrett Richter, Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster and Michael Dalby.  CFO Jimmy Patronis, former state Sen. Garrett Richter, Michael Dalby and Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster  Former state Sen. Garrett Richter, Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster and Michael Dalby during a trip to the Florida Capitol.
The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce held the first of two 2019 Member Showcases on Tuesday, March 12. The bi-annual event was held at the Vineyards Country Club and featured over 40 local businesses. “The member showcase is a great event. Not only did I find it beneficial for my business, but also a terrific way to educate yourself about other businesses in the community,” said Lisa Winters from Storm Smart. The expo is here to serve the local business community, visitors and residents. This is a perfect event for small business owners and professionals who want to network with others throughout Collier County and develop new business and client contacts. Attendees explored dozens of booths throughout the country club to discover the latest products and services from Chamber members. Anyone looking for a new internet services provider, financial advisor, caterer or place to stay found it at the expo. “This being my first experience exhibiting and attending the Naples Chamber Member Showcase I was so excited to meet other members and listen to them explain why and what they do to help expand and build their business,” said Cindy Confer from Whole Foods. “It was no surprise to learn that just being a member of the Chamber, building a trusting relationship and taking part in one way or another with other successful businesses is a key proponent to their own successes. I have always known that people will do business with the people they like and trust which has been my own personal and continuous career / life goal.” Join the Naples Chamber in August for our second Member Showcase for 2019!  The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Collier County Commissioners selected Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida as the Business of the Month for March 2019.
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 creates a better quality of life for all citizens in Collier County. The Board of Collier County Commissioners and Bethany Sawyer, director of membership at The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, presented Richard LeBer, president & CEO, with a commemorative plaque at the Mar. 12, 2019 County Commission meeting. Harry Chapin Food Bank of SWFL leads Collier County in the fight to end hunger. Since 2013, Harry Chapin Food Bank has grown food distribution in Collier County to 5.1 million pounds by providing more fresh, nutritious food through partnerships with other nonprofit agencies and the food bank’s mobile pantry program. In 2018, they distributed 24 million pounds of food and other grocery items, including 6.4 million pounds of fresh produce, throughout Southwest Florida. Valued at $41.5 million, this food equals about 20 million meals for people in need. In Collier County, they distributed 5.1 million pounds of food. Last year the food bank expanded their distribution by 90 percent and opened a larger 13,500 sq. ft warehouse to serve as a distribution and meeting center. The Collier County Center gives the capacity to supply more fresh produce and other items to more than 30 partner agencies in Collier County. The Center has expanded volunteer opportunities and offers space to collaborate and partner with other organizations. Join us Tuesday, March 12 at the Vineyards Country Club from 4 -7 p.m. for our bi-annual Member Showcase!  The Naples Chamber Member Showcase is the perfect gathering of local community members. Under one roof you'll have industry experts that promote innovation and collaboration. We are excited to offer the opportunity for you to connect with others and find a potential new client. Here are five benefits from attending the Member Showcase:
Enjoy delicious food, refreshing beverages and enjoy strolling through the booths. Don't forget to bring your business cards for our exciting door prize drawings.
 The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Melanie Schmees has joined the Naples Chamber as the new director of business & economic research. She will focus on supporting local business development efforts through economic development initiatives, business retention and expansion, and economic research and analysis.
“We are very thrilled to welcome Melanie to our team,” said Michael Dalby, president and CEO of the Naples Chamber. “She will bring a fresh approach to business development in our area. Her extensive background in data and research will prove beneficial to our entire community.” Melanie grew up in Wellington, FL and earned her Bachelors degree in finance and economics from Florida Gulf Coast University. “I am excited to join the Chamber and contribute to our mission of making Collier County the best place in America to live, work and visit,” said Schmees. “Through research and community engagement we can identify opportunities for growth that will benefit everyone." Prior to joining the Naples Chamber, Schmees handled compensation valuation at Healthcare Appraisers. Previously, she conducted economic research at the Lee County Economic Development Office.  Andres Paz (GAIN '15) Local Sales Manager for Media Vista Group, Vice-Chair of this year’s GAIN class, and GAIN 2015 alumnus, Andres Paz is proud to call Collier County home. Andres often expresses his appreciation for his participation in the GAIN program and is now focusing much of his volunteer efforts with LCF, working to promote the GAIN, YLC, and Leadership Collier programs through new and different media. His goal: To encourage more diverse applicants so that classes more closely resemble Collier County’s demographic makeup. He is especially excited to spark the interest of Hispanic professionals so they apply to LCF programs. “Many Hispanics that I know of have never heard of any LCF programs,” Andres said. “I’m inspired to spread the word so that more Hispanics can go through programs like GAIN and enjoy the benefits of being an LCF alumnus.” Elected by his GAIN classmates to represent them as graduation speaker, Andres says the program for emerging leaders had a huge impact on his life, both personally and professionally. Andres credits GAIN with providing valuable connections who have shaped his business relationships and friendships. He says, “the quality of my fellow GAIN 2015 Gold-Standards is outstanding,” crediting several of his classmates with inspiring him to “become a better person” and “opening doors” to new opportunities, organizations, and entities. Even with a busy career, Andres finds time to give back to the community. Andres says GAIN “was a game changer for me,” connecting him to the young professionals who are working every day to make Collier County the best place to live, work, and visit. GAIN inspired him to dig in and volunteer more, surrounding him with new opportunities to give back that he never would have known existed. Because of GAIN, you can call Andres a fairy godfather for children at Youth Haven, Southwest Florida’s only emergency and residential shelter for boys and girls ages 6-18 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. Andres has collaborated with fellow LCF alumni, including Denise Murphy (GAIN ‘15) and Danny Pate (LC ‘16), to provide unique opportunities for children at the shelter. Just this month, he took a group to the Collier County Fair for a night of fun and games. In past years, Andres organized a night out at the movie theater. A fan of our envious weather, Andres enjoys the opportunity Naples’ climate offers for him to play soccer and ride his bicycle year-round. While some complain about traffic during season, he doesn’t mind it and is appreciative of the economic impact our snowbirds and tourists have on the local economy. |
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