As you know, the Chamber recently started back with responsible, in-person events. I know that you may not be ready to socialize in-person yet and that is your personal decision – no judging here.
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Our local baseball season will start on May 11 with the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. Not only is the Chamber a season ticket holder but so am I! Though I am not a baseball fanatic (like BFF Kelly) I do love seeing good baseball and the fun stuff that happens in between innings. The Chamber uses their tickets as giveaways at various events or to thank our volunteers throughout the season.
The Mussels are celebrating the return of summer baseball to the region with 13 fireworks shows, 11 free giveaways, over 20 theme nights and so much more! The Mussels will also offer weekly promotions to give fans special discounts and some new and exciting offers. Individual tickets will go on sale today at 10:00AM online. Ticket packages are available now by calling (239) 768-4210.
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Each year, the Chamber and Women in Business Committee present the APEX Awards. The APEX Awards recognize the outstanding women in our community who excel in the areas of professionalism, philanthropy, and leadership.
Though we were not able to hold the APEX Awards in 2020, we are gearing up for a new format and new date for this year. The Westin of Cape Coral has been wonderful, allowing us to move the event 3 times but we are now ready to go. The 15th Annual APEX Awards, sponsored by Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, will be held on August 27, 2021!
The 2021 APEX Awards will be different from years past. Previously an evening, black-tie event, this year we are transitioning to an afternoon celebration that will include Words of Wisdom, incredible food, and a signature drink. Tickets are on-sale here. We hope you will join us!
Before the big reveal happens in August, we will celebrate all of the nominees and announce the five finalists at our Women in Business event on Wednesday, June 2 at 4:00PM, hosted and sponsored by the Crowne Plaza. Tickets can be reserved online or by calling 239-332-2930.
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Here are legislative updates as of April 22, 2021.
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These bills did not make it through committees so it looks like we will be taking this on again next year. The focus is to remove the sunset clause for Visit Florida, as it is set to expire in 2023.
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The same language in the bill HB1429 was also added to the House tax bill, which is an omnibus bill for various tax issues. We do not believe the status of SB2008 has changed since last week.
The Chamber does not support the proposed changes and has developed this position statement and has written letters to members of both committees. The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce supports preserving the current uses of Tourist Development Taxes and opposes any expansion of those uses outside of current tourism marketing activities .
On April 20, 2021 Governor DeSantis signed these into law.
Bryan Blackwell, Immediate Past Board Chair for the Chamber, was recently interviewed by NBC2 on the Main Street Fairness issue. The Board did not take a formal stand on the issue, but understand that small business owners will have some relief from their unemployment tax burden. Without these funds generated by online sales tax, the approximate per employee cost would increase. See image.
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New Chamber member, Coastal Dayz Brewery, is celebrating their 3rd anniversary! On Saturday, April 24 from 1:00PM to 10:00PM there will be special beer releases, food, music, and more. Coastal Dayz is located at 2161 McGregor Blvd in Fort Myers. Visit their website for more information.
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Both Coke and Fort Myers Brewing's teams went pretty far into the tournament, but it came down to new member, Florida Cool Today vs. veteran Chamber member, Pool Pros, Inc. The pic shows them right before the final round!
Congratulations to Florida Cool Today on their win! I think the rematch has already been scheduled for next year! A big shout out to our Cornhole tournament committee co-chairs Chris Reynolds from Wrightway Emergency Services, and Alex Graham from APEX Roofing, and to all of the wonderful volunteers who were instrumental in the event's success.
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I cannot close this week out without mentioning the Derek Chauvin trial that had so many waiting for a verdict. When the guilty verdict was shared, I read through comments made by news reporters, celebrities, athletes and more. And still, I am not sure what to say here today, to you, our community. I am not a Person of Color so cannot understand, but I can empathize and be part of the local work that is being done to teach on implicit bias, to elevate equity, and to be part of the solution. If you want to join me or hear more, call me (239-332-2930), email me (Colleen@fortmyers.org) or just stop in. The Chamber and I will be part of the needed change.
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Unless something significant happens over the next week, I will be skipping next week’s email. Elizabeth is graduating from Florida Atlantic University next Thursday and they are having an in-person graduation. From there, she and I will take a few days before her “full time adulting” starts.
Take care, have a safe weekend and #shoplocal
-Colleen
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