"When asked if my cup is half-full or half-empty my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup."
- Sam Lefkowitz
NEXT WEEK! CHAMBER HOLIDAY PARTY
You are invited to the Chamber Holiday Party on Wednesday, December 2 from 5:30PM-8:30PM at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower 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 physically 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. 

Limited space remains - make your reservation today!
CHAMBER TO HOST FLORIDA INSTITUTE FOR POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
JANUARY 12-14, 2021
Florida needs good leaders who want to serve their local communities and run for public office. Across the State of Florida there are over 4,500 electable positions, and thousands of appointed officials, that make and shape policy for millions of Florida families and businesses. From local boards, city councils and county officials to the State Legislature, there is a growing need to ensure candidates running for office understand the issues facing Florida and our economic future.

The Florida Institute for Political Leadership (FIPL), a newly-formed initiative of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, was created to assist leaders who want to improve their local communities by serving in appointed positions or in elected offices. The institute is a non-partisan program designed to recruit, train and guide people by providing leadership and training opportunities to get better candidates across the State of Florida.

This free online program will provide a briefing on emerging local and state issues, teach attendees on what local opportunities are available for appointed or elected positions, guidance on how to prepare to run for office in the future and provide training on how to run winning campaigns during the 2021 election cycle and beyond.

The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is excited to be serving as a host for the Florida Institute for Political Leadership, January 12-14, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day.

It’s non-partisan, it is free, and open to everyone. The Florida Institute for Political Leadership does not support or oppose, directly or indirectly, any candidates for public office, financially or otherwise. It will provide campaign schools and training in a non-partisan manner for those interested in running for public office. 

Interested in learning more? Please email Linda or call 239.332.2930.
YOUR DONATED ITEMS CAN HELP ST. MATTHEW'S HOUSE
For almost thirty years St. Matthew's House has provided innovative solutions to fight homelessness, hunger, substance abuse, and poverty in Southwest Florida. St. Matthew’s House is in need more household item donations to help fund their Women Center in Fort Myers as well as their food pantry that benefits all Lee County residents.

Give your in-kind gifts (furniture, appliances, clothing, etc.) so that your used items can impact the lives of the less fortunate. They accept donations of these items:

  • Appliances and household item donations
  • Men, women, and children clothing donations
  • Men, women, and children shoe donations
  • Jewelry donations
  • Furniture donations
  • Sporting goods and bicycle donations
  • And much more!

St. Matthew's House offers fast and free pick-up in Lee County of household items donations. Call 239.774.3315 or schedule a pick-up online. Items can also be dropped off at their Metro Parkway location: 13140 Metro Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33966.

**St. Matthew's House is hiring! They are looking for donation pick up drivers for Fort Myers and other positions. To view available jobs go to https://stmatthewshouse.org/about/careers/
CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE WEEK
JASON'S DELI OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Since 2001, Jason's Deli of SWFL has been serving up fresh meals that everyone can enjoy! In 2005, Jason's Deli was the first major restaurant concept to ban artificial trans fats in the U.S. and later became the first to eliminate high fructose corn syrup. At Jason's Deli, if you want gluten-sensitive menu items or vegetarian options, healthy kids' meals, or if you would like to build your own salad at their famous salad bar, you will be delighted by the bigger choices of better food. From healthy to indulgent, we have variety for the pickiest eater. Order online to earn deli dollar rewards or 24/7 on the app. 
 
Jason's Deli delivers on their commitment to the communities they serve and so much more. It's a family thing. For more information, please visit www.jasonsdeli.com.
13550 Reflections Pkwy
Fort Myers, FL 33907
16451 Corporate Commerce Way
Fort Myers, FL 33913
Naples
2700 Immokalee Rd
Naples, FL 34110
2311 Santa Barbara Blvd
Cape Coral, FL 33991
The Chamber office will close at noon on Wednesday, November 25 and re-open at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, November 30.