A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO
By Colleen DePasquale
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We are so inspired by the many Chamber members helping the community that we want to share all of the projects and programs with you! Perhaps you will be equally inspired to help. Click the links below for specifics on each, or
click here
for the Members News section of our website.
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EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE
WITH THE BIZ IQ ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM
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Biz IQ
is based on the nationally recognized NxLeveL Guide To Growing Your Business Course, which is taught around the country and considered a college level course. It is a 10-week program for existing entrepreneurs. This highly successful model ensures that all students get the individualized help they need while also completing a professional business plan within a short but realistic time-frame. The course also helps students take advantage of new and emerging business opportunities.
A $500 grant will be awarded to the student who develops the best business plan during the course!
- Curriculum includes NXLeveL Guide to Growing Your Business
- Tuesday nights 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Weeks 2 through 10 have an added optional 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM optional study session with Instructor
- Meet at Chamber, 2310 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Start date: JANUARY 29, 2019
- Application deadline: JANUARY 23, 2019
- Bonus: 4-hours with experienced business mentor
- Tuition - $250 including materials
Requirements
- Minimum years in business: 2-years*
- Read “E-Myth Revisited” by Michael E. Gerber before the first class
To register, or for more information, please contact Colleen DePasquale at 239.332-2930 ext 210,
colleen@fortmyers.org.
*Those who have less than 2-years in business who are interested please contact Guido Minaya for other programs that may fit your needs.
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YOUR BUSINESS MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR HURRICANE TAX CREDITS
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If your business was disrupted in any way by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, or Maria, you may be eligible for the Employee Retention Credit.
Our chamber partner,
Synergi,
will be hosting an informational webinar on Wednesday, December 19th at 11:00 AM on how your business can receive hurricane tax credits. This credit is up to $2,400 for every employee retained after the hurricane!
Are you wondering if you might qualify for hurricane credits? This will be addressed in the webinar, but in the meantime, here are a few questions to consider:
Was your business disrupted by a hurricane?
Did your business lose power?
Could your employees get to work?
Were deliveries delayed?
Were your sales down?
Did you incur additional expenses?
Did your location close?
You may be eligible to earn up to $2,400 for each employee! President Trump signed $36.5 billion in federal disaster relief (H.R. 3823 Section 503) which allows eligible disrupted businesses to receive up to $2,400 for each employee retained after the hurricane made landfall.
Synergi Partners is available to assist you with a free evaluation of available Federal Hurricane Relief Tax Credits. Fees only apply if Synergi Partners identifies credits for your business. Join Synergi Partners as they highlight the benefits your business can receive from the hurricane retention tax credits.
Please register for the webinar via the link below. After registering, a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar will be sent to registrants.
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Mark your 2019 calendars for these popular Chamber events!
- Twins & Pins: February 17, 2019
- Chrysalis Awards: May 10, 2019
- APEX Awards: August 17, 2019
- Golf Tournament: October 18, 2019
For information about becoming an Event Sponsor, contact Katie Hanson, Event Coordinator at 239.332.2930 ext 211, katie@fortmyers.org.
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MOLLY UPHOFF
Molly is in her second season with the Florida Everblades and first season as Season Ticket Sales & Service Manager. Molly joined the Everblades after graduating in 2017 from St. Norbert College, located in De Pere, Wisconsin, with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration. While at St. Norbert, she was an assistant to the Sports Information Director for the St. Norbert Athletic Department. She also served as a marketing intern for the Green Bay Bullfrogs of the Northwoods League.
Molly is a fan of the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs, and the Green Bay Packers and enjoys line dancing in her free time.
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TONIGHT!
Tuesday, December 4
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
$55 Chamber Members
$75 Future Members
Campo Felice
2500 Edwards Dr
Fort Myers
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Ribbon Cutting
Friday, December 7 5:00 PM
1520 Hendry Street
Fort Myers
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Tuesday, December 11
5:00 - 7:00 PM
FREE for Chamber Members
$10 for Future Members
Eva's Closet & Foundation
16331 Old US 41, Ste. 101
Fort Myers, FL 33912
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Hosted by the Membership Concierge Services Committee
Wednesday, December 12
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
FREE Event
Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce
2310 Edwards Drive
Fort Myers
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS
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MEMBERSHIP CONCIERGE SERVICES [MCS]
COMMITTEE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
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MICHELE HOOVER
Business Location:
1342 Colonial Blvd. Ste. B-11, Fort Myers Florida 33907
Years in Business:
35 years. Believe or not I started working for a CPA at the age of 15.
Previous Types of Employment:
No other career. I was a great fill in bartender for our family Sports Bar in Cleveland, Ohio
Spouse Name:
John Schroder – married September 29, 2018
Children:
I now have 4 new stepdaughters
Pets:
Owen my 125lb Portuguese Waterdog/Irish Wolfhound mix.
Hobbies and Interests:
When I can get away I like to travel. We like to boat and sad to say I am a true Cleveland Browns Fan and Ohio State fan. I watch every game. Yes I am a glutton for punishment with the Browns.
Burning Desires:
To live on a boat.
Something Nobody Knows About You:
I have been to over 150 concerts – classic rock, pop and country. I kept all of my ticket stubs. It was easier to see headliners in Cleveland but I still try to catch concerts in FL.
Keys to Your Success:
I had to put myself through college so I worked full time and went to Cleveland State University in the evening. Working as an accountant in the construction industry while going to school helped my career as a CPA. I can appreciate what my clients are going through. Learn to listen to people. Always remember that each individual has their own strengths and weaknesses. Never be afraid to admit you made a mistake. I have learned over the years that I cannot change other people, I can only change the way I react to other people.
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WANT TO BUILD CONNECTIONS WITH OTHER INDUSTRIES TO GAIN NEW LEADS?
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The Chamber Path 2 Profits (P2P) Leads group is currently looking for new members in its breakfast group, which meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 8:00AM.
If your industry is listed below and you are interested in attending our breakfast meeting on Wednesday,
January 9th from 8:00 – 9:30 AM at The Standard Restaurant, please email Laurie Stanley at
laurie@fortmyers.org.
Attorney
Auto Repair
Bank Card Processing
Business/Life Coach
Commercial Real Estate
Chiropractor
Computer Consultant
Custom Embroidery
Dentist
Document Destruction
Education
Employee Benefits
Event Planner / Event Rentals
Floor Coverings
Funeral Services
Health & Nutrition
Heating & Air Conditioning
Home Builders
Home Inspectors
Home Remodelers
HVAC
Medical Aesthetician / Skin Care
Moving & Storage
Payroll Services
Plumbing
Sales Training
Security Consultant
Stress Management
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CHAMBER PARTNERS WITH AAA
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The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and AAA have partnered to offer Chamber members special rates and offers. To access these benefits, please use the AAA Membership Group discount code created especially for our Members:
GTGFMCC
The new AAA Membership discount program for Chamber Members (New Memberships only) will offer the following:
· 20% off new primary classic/Renews at normal non-discounted rate (current rate is $66, so discounted rate would be $52.80)
· 1 free associate
· ½ additional associate
· $10 off for Auto Bill sign up (Membership Automatic Renewal)
For Chamber members that already have a AAA Membership, they are offering the following discounts on your renewal:
· 4+ year members can add a free associate
· $20 off next renewal for referring a friend
· $20 off next renewal for purchasing a gift membership (recipient of gift also gets $20 off their next renewal)
Members will be able to sign up one of two ways:
Or call in to 239-939-6500 and press option 4.
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CHAMBER HOLIDAY HOURS
December 24: Closing at noon
December 25 & 26: CLOSED
December 31, CLOSED
January 1, CLOSED
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