 The manufacturing industry has been the industry to watch over the past few years. That’s not surprising considering that manufacturing in the United States is the ninth-largest economy in the world. In fact, manufacturers in the U.S. perform more than three-quarters of all private-sector research and development in the nation, driving more innovation than any other sector. Here is a quick look at manufacturing by the numbers:
Collier County is on par with the national trend, supporting a strong and ever-growing manufacturing industry. Check out these quick facts about manufacturing in Collier County:
So, what’s next? Understanding and addressing trends in the manufacturing industry will aide in the growth and vitality of the industry. By 2020 there will be an estimated 3,227 workers retiring in manufacturing positions in Collier County alone. Since January, there have been 1,600 postings for positions related to manufacturing operations, confirming the demand for labor in this industry. Recognizing the need, Collier County is creating a pipeline for future talent and continues to promote technical education by opening training programs, such the Center for Manufacturing Excellence, which will expand and enhance Immokalee Technical College’s manufacturing offerings at a centralized location. The Center, which is set to open in January 2020, will not only offer a traditional machining course, but also create specialized, industry-specific training programs and an apprenticeship program. “Collier County has been crucial for our business and strategic delivery,” said Cindy Santiago, human resources manager at Progress Rail, a supplier of railroad and transit system products and services. “Starting from our early beginnings, the county has supported our initiatives to support our community and bring new talent. At Progress Rail, we believe in building partnerships, supporting our community and building the next generation of workforce.” The Greater Naples Chamber works to engage students and business operations alike to create a vibrant economy in all industries, including manufacturing. National Manufacturing Day is Friday, Oct. 4, and we have partnered with Pelican Wire and Arthrex to host work-site tours for high school students to showcase local manufacturing careers. These events allow manufacturers to open their doors and connect with future workforce. Follow us along on Facebook and Instagram the week of Oct. 4, as we highlight the manufacturing industry. Do you have an hour to spare to engage and inspire students about local opportunities? Visit napleschamber.org/collierleads or contact Alex Breault at alex@napleschamber.org. Looking for resources for your business? Check out the resources available to you below.
Talent Development Collier Leads, a collaboration between Southwest Florida’s major educational institutions and local businesses, create work-based learning opportunities—such as internships—that a crucial to the development of our future workforce. Contact: Alex Breault, director of work-based learning, alex@napleschamber.org Business Retention and Expansion Take advantage of business support programs that improve your bottom line, grow your business and create jobs at no cost to you!
Melanie Schmees, director of business & economic research, melanie@napleschamber.org Economic Development Resources The Chamber's focus on economic development is to create a healthy economic climate where businesses can thrive. To meet this goal, we provide key services and support, ranging from relocation and expansion expertise to long-term planning with our community partners. Learn more about our partners here:
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 Nikkie Dvorchak (GAIN '17)
As Vice President of Events and Development for the Greater Naples Chamber, Nikkie Dvorchak manages all the monthly and annual Chamber events and giving for the organization. Her work with the Chamber has given her the wonderful opportunity to work with a variety of businesses, community leaders, and talent every day. “When I see the efforts of so many people in Collier and what they do to help each other out, to do good for those in need, to take time to participate on committees, boards, and to volunteer, it truly is a place unlike any other. I am so fortunate to be able to be a part of it,” Nikkie said. In 2011, Nikkie and her husband made the big decision to move to Naples from Pittsburgh, Penn. “Pittsburgh will always be a huge part of who I am and I love going back to visit, but I love that I can now call Naples home,” Nikkie said. “I had been visiting the area with my family for many years. It was always a dream of mine [to live here]. I decided I didn’t want to wait until I retired but wanted to live my dream now. The people are by far the best part…but of course the beauty, quality of life and endless opportunity are what make Naples really special.” Nikkie has planted her roots firmly into the Naples community and her commitment to supporting our local area extends well beyond her important work in the Chamber’s offices. She is also a co-chair of the Zoobilee event at the Naples Zoo, where she works to help raise awareness and bring in needed funds for environmental education programs and for conservation initiatives to save threatened and endangered species. Nikkie’s dedication to our local zoo has earned her a position on the Naples Zoo’s Board of Directors beginning in October 2019. She is also a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, serving on the organization’s National Philanthropy Planning Committee. As a GAIN graduate, she also serves on the LCF Alumni Association Events & Outings Committee. Nikkie’s favorite Chamber event is the Naples Children’s Business Fair, which will be held on January 11, 2020. Nikkie says, “This event gives young entrepreneurs ages 6-17 the opportunity to showcase their product or service to the public. We had amazing participation our first year, and I can’t wait to see it continue to grow this year.” Please support her efforts by attending and participating in the exciting upcoming Chamber events she has worked so hard to plan.  The Greater Naples Chamber is honored to announce our 2019 Distinguished Public Service Award Winners! Established in 2003, the Distinguished Public Service Awards recognize the outstanding contribution of an individual or team to their respective public service profession and to the well-being of Collier County. This year’s award categories and honorees include the following:  EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES Deputy Chief Tony Camps, Capt. Anthony Maro, Capt. Matthew Allen, Lt. Mike Smith, Lt. Kevin Escalera, Lt. Tony Delatorre, PM Moises Galicia & Lt. Jorge Castillo, Collier County Emergency Medical Services This team of dedicated professionals with Collier County Emergency Medical Services has taught over 260 classes and has trained over 6,800 Collier County residents as part of the Stop the Bleed Campaign. The two-hour class prepares individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to provide medical care for surviving a mass violent event, such as an active shooter. A graduate of the first class taught by this team used her training to survive the Las Vegas shooting in October 2017.  FIRE SAFETY Lt. Robert Schank, North Collier Fire Control and Rescue Lt. Schank began his career in fire safety in 1997 with the North Naples Fire District. He is now a lieutenant with the North Collier Fire Control & Rescue District. He coaches soccer at Lely high school where he focuses on mentoring youth, with many of his mentees following in his professional footsteps. Schank has been responsible for influencing over 20 emergency responders to start their career in Collier County.  LAW ENFORCEMENT Lt. Michael O’Reilly & Sgt. Matthew Doyle, Naples Police Department Lt. O’Reilly and Sgt. Doyle, of the Naples Police Department, were off duty attending a Boy Scout swim test when they noticed a man having a seizure in the pool. Both men jumped into action and began rendering emergency aid. Through several cycles of CPR and a shock from an available AED, they were able to bring the patient’s pulse back and save his life. Within a week, the man was fully recovered.  TELECOMMUNICATIONS PST-II Kristopher Murphy, Naples Police Department PST-II Murphy, of the Naples Police Department, received a 911 call from a panicked woman indicating her stepfather was unconscious on the floor with irregular breathing. Murphy immediately recognized the emergency as cardiac arrest and had the stepdaughter begin chest compressions within 3 minutes and 15 seconds of receiving the call. After 78 seconds, the man began breathing on his own, and he was alert and speaking minutes later.  LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Retired Deputy Chief Michael Nichols, City of Naples Fire-Rescue Department Retired Deputy Chief Nichols played a key role in producing the first-ever five-year strategic plan for the City of Naples Fire-Rescue Department. He also had a vital role in forging a partnership between the Naples Fire-Rescue, Collier County Sheriff’s Office and Motorola to implement and deploy the new computer-aided dispatch system improving unit response time. Additionally, Nichols has been instrumental in teaching and mentoring local youth in the annual Naples Police and Fire-Rescue Youth Academy. The Greater Naples Chamber will honor 13 Collier County first responders with the 17th annual Distinguished Public Service Awards on October 9 at the Hilton Naples from 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. The keynote speaker will be Collier County Judge Janeice Martin of the 20th Judicial Circuit. Reserve your seat today! The event is sponsored by Naples Daily News, Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Naples, Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., First Florida Integrity Bank, 100 Club, Dragon Horse Media, Burntwood Tavern, Lee County Electric Cooperative
and Life In Naples.  The Leadership Collier Foundation (LCF) of the Greater Naples Chamber announces the Leadership Collier Class of 2020. The class began their program with a kick-off celebration at 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19 at The Naples Players.
Leadership Collier was formed by the Naples Chamber in 1988 to develop a network of informed citizens prepared to assume leadership roles in our community. The Chamber believes knowledge is a key element and prime motivator of leadership. Consequently, the primary objective of Leadership Collier is to educate local business leaders about the societal and economic challenges facing the community today. The nine-month program includes 10 full-day sessions. Over the course of 10 sessions participants will fully explore local government, education, economic development, agriculture, arts and more. “Congratulations to the Leadership Collier Class of 2020 as they embark on one of the most rewarding and impactful experiences of their professional careers,” said Chief Stephanie Spell, LCF Board Chairwoman. “While there are so many reasons why our Collier County community is unique and very special, I know for sure that Leadership Collier graduates contribute significantly to our exceptional quality of life here.” The LCF Board of Directors congratulates the following class members of Leadership Collier 2020: Chair: Chief Tabatha Butcher, Collier County Emergency Medical Services First Vice Chair: Brian Goguen, Barron Collier Companies Second Vice Chair: Mary Beth Geier, Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Patrick J. Bimonte, Arthrex, Inc. Julie Blauman, Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida Samantha Bloom, Oh Snap Media Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster, Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce Blase Ciabaton, Naples Print Source Amy Clayton, Fifth Third Bank Kristen Coury, Gulfshore Playhouse Jaime Crossan-DeBres, Community Health Partners Helena Dabrowski, Sunshine Ace Hardware Tracy Duhaney, Unidine Corporation at Moorings Park Steven Foster, Wells Fargo Private Bank Brian Galligan, The Naples Botanical Garden Bill Grigsby, Wasmer, Schroeder & Co. Mark Hanke, Greater Naples YMCA Matthew Johnson, Aviance Capital Partners Peter Johnson, St. Matthew’s House Marianne Lambertson, Grace Place for Children & Families Claudine Leger-Wetzel, Stock Development Tiffany Lehman, Insurance Source of Naples Stephanie Lucarelli, The State of Florida Todd Lyon, NCH Healthcare System Jessica Manchette, Champions for Learning Matthew McLean, Collier County, Growth Management Department Robert Mirakian, United Way of Collier County Michael Moore, Vanderbilt Beach Resort/Turtle Club Restaurant Denise Murphy, The Players Club & Spa Tovah Nadassky, First Florida Integrity Bank Chad Oliver, Collier County School District Karie Partington, Collier County Sheriff’s Office Tony Pernas, Big Cypress National Preserve Trish Robertson, Supervisor of Elections Jordan Scardigno, Moorings Park at Grey Oaks Lorna Scharlacken, Legacy Law Unlimited PLLC Jennifer Schell, Physicians Regional Healthcare System Michael Searcy, Searcy Financial Services, Inc. Jamie Thompson, Barron Collier Companies Ali Mete Timur, Mekpa N.A. Inc. Yadira Vintimilla, BMO Wealth Management Stephanie Wardein, Lee Health Ken Warriner, City of Naples Airport Authority Beth Wolff, Neurology Center, Brian D. Wolff, M.D., P.A. Michelle Zamniak, Hodges University Click here to learn more about the Leadership Collier Foundation and its programs. BETHANY SAWYER | DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP Think of them as the ultimate brand ambassadors for the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce.
We do. The Naples Chamber’s ambassadors are a group of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly each day to highlight the benefits Chamber membership. From shepherding new members to celebrating grand openings, our ambassadors are on the frontline of Chamber work. Ambassador programs are common at chambers of commerce across the country. According to the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, ambassadors are usually community volunteers that serve on welcome committees, help with membership campaigns or act as public relations liaisons at social events hosted by a chamber. At the Naples Chamber, our ambassadors are active advocates. They regularly seek opportunities to educate, promote and share the benefits of a Chamber membership, and play an essential role in member recruitment, communication and retention. You can find our ambassadors assisting with our monthly meetings and annual programs, as well as attending ribbon cuttings and after-hours networking events. “We couldn’t do the work that we do without this group of enthusiastic and devoted volunteers,” said Michael Dalby, the president and CEO of the Naples Chamber. “Our ambassadors understand the value of becoming a member of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and are committed to making Collier County the best place in America to live, work and visit.” But the Chamber isn’t the only one that benefits from the ambassador program. While the program is critical to the continual growth of the Chamber, it also provides ambassadors with plenty of opportunities for personal and professional growth. Being an ambassador offers a great deal of visibility and builds credibility for a person’s own business. Since our ambassadors are among the first people to meet with members, they’re able to spread the word about their company, while talking about how the Chamber helped them. But being an ambassador isn’t just a chance to boost their clientele base. It’s also a chance to learn more about the people, organizations and businesses that make up our great community. That’s how Dennis Sanders, the president of Proxy LLC, views his time as a Chamber ambassador. Sanders joined the Chamber ambassadors in 2015 and said he can “think of no better position in which to be, personally and businesswise, than that of an ambassador with the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce.” “As an ambassador, I have had the opportunity to meet and interact with individuals and business owners I otherwise would not,” he said. Sanders said events – such as ribbon cuttings and grand openings – give him the chance to see how excited new members are about their businesses. And while he’s excited to be there, he knows his presence helps the business owner feel confident and supported. “Being an ambassador gives me greater insight (into) what it takes to be a better citizen and business owner here in the greater Naples area,” he said. “It enhances the gift of giving one’s time and talent to the community at large.” Interested in becoming a Chamber ambassador? Click here to learn more or to apply. |
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