September 2018
A Message From Our President & CEO
By Colleen DePasquale
After not clinching their playoff spot until the final day of the regular season, Fort Myers Miracle won last night and defeated the Daytona Tortugas in 4 games to claim the Florida State League Championship! Congratulations to our home town team!

It has been an eventful month since our last newsletter! On August 25th we recognized Teri Hansen APR, of Priority Marketing, as this year’s Apex Awards recipient. The Apex Awards ceremony is designed to honor a local individual who demonstrates career excellence and ingenuity, gives back to the community, and supports others in attaining their professional goals. Teri is the owner and president of Priority Marketing, one of the region’s largest full-service marketing, advertising, and public relations firms.


The 5th Annual Business Building Symposium is
Wednesday, September 19th -- Don't miss it!
Featuring Keynote Speaker Matt Keller of Advance Leadership and Next Level Church
Opening Kick-Off Speaker, Yvonne Keller, Corporate Culture Expert
and 8-time author
Attendees will participate in a variety of valuable breakout sessions on: Driving Sales
Employee Retention ~ Leadership Development ~ Social Media ~ Human Resources
Talent Management ~ Work/Life Balance ~ Disaster Management and more!
Teri Hansen of Priority Marketing Receives the 2018 APEX Award
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce Teri Hansen, APR as the recipient of this year’s APEX Awards. The 13th Annual APEX Awards, presented by Vector & Ink, took place on Saturday, August 25th at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa.

An Important Message for Small Business Owners:
Many of our of local small businesses have been financially impacted by the recent red tide and blue-green algae that has lingered on Southwest Florida’s coastline. Although we are seeing some relief from the actual red tide and algae bloom, the loss of marine life, clean-up and recovery remains. Rep. Bob Rommel has invited Ken Lawson, the President and CEO of VisitFlorida, to come and speak with small business owners on Monday, October 1 st at 2:00pm at Bayfront Bistro in Ft. Myers Beach. Mr. Lawson wants to provide your members with possible solutions including how Florida and VisitFlorida will assist them in getting the word out to the public and tourists that they and Florida are open for business.
Representative Bob Rommel - District 106
Invites Small Business Owners to
Q & A Session
“Impact of the Recent Red Tide and/or Blue-Algae on Your Business and Possible Solutions”
with
KEN LAWSON, President & CEO of 
October 1, 2019 - 2:00pm
Bayfront Bistro
4761 Estero Blvd.
Ft. Myers Beach 33931
RSVP by 9/26/18
239-417-6200
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, September 11
5:00 - 7:00 PM
FREE for Chamber Members
$10 for Future Members
Around The Clock Fitness
1755 Boy Scout Dr.
Fort Myers
Thursday, September 13
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
FREE Event
The Standard
1520 Broadway
Fort Myers
Thursday, September 27
5:00 - 7:00 PM
$10 Chamber Members
$20 Future Members
Downtown Social House
1406 Hendry St.
Fort Myers
Wednesday, October 1
4 - 6 PM
$10 Chamber Members
$20 Future Members
Cornerstone Builders of Southwest Florida
14680 S. Tamiami Trail
Fort Myers
Welcome New Members!
Membership Concierge Services Committee Spotlight: Ian Ackerman
Business: Northwestern Mutual
10070 Daniels Interstate Ct., #230 Fort Myers, FL 33913

Years at Business: 3

Previous Employment: Hospitality Industry

Hobbies & Interests: Golf and tennis

Burning Desires: Space travel

Something Nobody Knows About You: I'm Greek

Keys to Your Success: Endurance and persistence
Member News
Community Events
Click on any photo to check out ALL of our recent event photos!

Don't forget to share your photos using #GFMCC!
Business Before Breakfast
IBERIABANK
August Luncheon at St. Charles Harbour Yacht Club
Conversations & Cocktails at Bahama Breeze
Ribbon Cuttings
Robert Parks
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is heartbroken to announce that we have lost an active member, a dedicated and valuable part of our Membership Concierge Services Committee, and most importantly -- a dear friend. After a long battle with chronic illness, Robert Parks of Priority Business Solutions passed away last week.

There will be a Celebration of Life gathering for Robert on Thursday, Sept. 20th from 5 PM - 7 PM at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops -- all are invited to attend.
Robert with his daughter, Olivia
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