IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BUSINESS SUMMIT
21 sessions over 4 days - all led by Chamber members - strategically placed at 8:00AM, noon and 4:00PM to limit the effect on your workday.

For only $75 ($99 for non-members) you can attend the sessions live, or wait to watch the 21 recordings at your leisure - perhaps in your pajamas (no judgment!)

Even if you didn't sign up in time to hear yesterday's opening presentation by Christin Collins, you will get to experience it via video. We have a full schedule of sessions today through Thursday - here's a link to all of the sessions.
CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE WEEK: NFI MASKS
During the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in early March, National Filters, Inc., of Harbor Beach, MI, answered the call to tool up and make face masks for the American people. Through this endeavor NFI Masks LLC was born as the manufacturing and sales arm for various styles and level of face masks. NFI Masks relocated to Fort Myers in June and since that time has created 30 new jobs with plans of doubling its workforce by February 2021. NFI Masks takes pride in manufacturing a quality 100% American made product by using only US made raw materials. Since inception they have manufactured over 10 million masks for various customers including Colleges & Schools, Correctional Facilities, Emergency Services, Food Processing, Government Agencies, Hospitality Industry, Manufacturing Companies, Utility companies and more. Their current capacity is 3 million masks/month which is expected to climb to 15 million/month come the new year.

16140 Lee Road, Suite 120, Fort Myers, FL USA 33912
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm EST
239-990-6546, sales@nfimasks.com
NFI Masks joined the Chamber in September. They sponsored and played in this year's Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic.
CHAMBER HOLIDAY PARTY
You are invited to the Chamber Holiday Party on Wednesday, December 2 from 5:30PM-8:30PM at the Crowne Plaza to help us celebrate the end of 2020! This year's theme is "How the Grinch Stole Christmas - and 2020!"

Come ready to deck the halls as there will be awards for best holiday-themed outfits!

Capacity is limited to 90 guests. We have all of the ballrooms and the courtyard and can safely physical distance. Please note that masks are required in the public spaces of the hotel. One complimentary adult beverage is included in ticket price, then cash bar. $50 for Chamber Members, $75 for Future Members. 

The party is only a few days after Thanksgiving so make your reservation today. 
THE SALVATION ARMY'S ANGEL TREE PROGRAM
Because of the generosity of so many organizations across SWFL, 4,000 local children – including six-year-old Cyndi and her family – experienced the hope and joy of Christmas through The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program in 2019.

Last year, Cyndi’s father, Tom, died suddenly after a fall from a ladder. Daily responsibilities became daily hurdles for Cyndi’s mom Shannon who was desperate to bring a little joy to her sweet children. She reached out to The Salvation Army for Christmas help. Because of such incredible support from community partnerships, we were able to make sure a time that could have been overwhelmed by sadness and loss was one that brought smiles and joy.

This year, the need is even greater, and we wanted to reach out to you, a valued partner, to invite you to join us and help Rescue Christmas for children like Cyndi… and moms like Shannon.

If you would like to help, please fill out our online form here, or use this PDF and return by email or fax.

Not every story is exactly like Cyndi’s but each family that comes to us is in the midst of their own crisis searching for a little boost to push through the holidays, and often beyond. It takes an army of love to bring the hope and joy of Christmas to so many local children each year and we would be honored to have you as a partner in making that happen right here in Lee County.

If you have any questions, you can find an overview of the program and frequently asked questions here or contact the Angel Tree Coordinator at (239) 278-1551. 
The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers to serve as bell ringers for their Red Kettle Campaign. Click here to learn more.
NOVEMBER IS DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH
HOW LEE HEALTH CAN HELP
At Lee Health, we have multiple experts who work with patients and community members to help them treat and manage diabetes. That’s important because some recent numbers show 14 percent of adults in Lee County have been diagnosed with diabetes. Another 9.2 percent of Lee County adults have pre-diabetes or borderline diabetes.

So for National Diabetes Awareness Month, here are some important things you need to know about the condition as well as some resources you can use to lower your risk or help you live your best life if you have diabetes:

What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus occurs when the body cannot produce or respond appropriately to insulin, a hormone that absorbs and uses glucose (sugar) as fuel for cells. The stats are staggering: Approximately 30 million Americans (9 percent) have diabetes and another 84 million Americans (26 percent) have pre-diabetes. Diabetes lowers life expectancy by up to 15 years, increases the risk of heart disease by 2 to 4 times, and is the leading cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputations, and adult-onset blindness.

That might sound like a lot of bad news, but the important thing to remember: Your diabetes can be controlled. Through good self-management skills and collaboration with a health care provider, you can still live a healthy, fulfilling, active life while preventing complications.