The Bonita Springs / Estero Economic Development Council Update

 June 2, 2011 — The Bonita Springs Economic Development Council Board of Directors unanimously approved a name change at its May 21 Board Meeting. From this point forward, the organization will be known as The Bonita Springs / Estero Economic Development Council. “Adding “Estero” to the name more accurately reflects our organization’s mission to be the area’s economic development authority fostering regional collaboration for the retention, expansion, creation and attraction of jobs and businesses for our entire service area,” explains Council Chairman Rich Mancini, “and Bonita Springs / Estero is a more accurate descriptor for our region of focus.”

 

According to Vice Chair Joe Ariola, “One of the most powerful tools we have as an organization is our ability to collaborate with our resource partners on behalf of the businesses we serve. Many of our partners and investors are physically located outside of Bonita Springs’ city limits, so the new name reinforces our commitment to collaboration throughout the region.”

The Bonita Springs / Estero Economic Development Council is in the process of developing its communication plan, website and collateral materials. All of these will incorporate the new name.

The Bonita Springs / Estero Economic Development Council is organized to build a place to live and work that is economically diverse with a year-round economy that also enhances the environment and reflects the character of the inhabitants of the Bonita Springs / Estero, Florida area. The BSEEDC meets on the second Wednesday of each month in the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Board room. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Council, contact any of the Board members above or Christine Ross at 239-992-2943.

Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Helps Local Economy by Going Mobile!

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. June 1, 2011 – We are excited to announce their new mobile app, MyChamberApp, which helps consumers find discounts, events, and services offered by the Chamber and chamber members.

MyChamberApp provides maps, locations, phone numbers, websites, images, and even videos to help consumers make a shopping decision.

MyChamberApp is available to iPhone, iPod, Android and Blackberry users for free. To download the app please visit www.MyChamberApp.com/downloads or use the App Store on the iPhone or iPad.

The Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce is one of the early adopters of this mobile technology. “We are proudly serving our community and continue to help stimulate local commerce while supporting our members,” stated Christine Ross, president and CEO of the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce. “This new technology will enhance member’s visibility, without additional cost, and allow us to better serve the community.”

To find out more, please contact Tiffany Esposito at (239) 992-2943 or Tiffany@BonitaSpringsChamber.com.

BONITA SPRINGS CHAMBER HOSTS BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS EXPO

 BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. May 25, 2011 – The Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce is planning its annual Business-to-Business Expo, which will take place on Thursday, June 9 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Vi at Bentley Village.

 

The Business-to-Business Expo, commonly referred to as the B2B Expo, is the Chamber’s premier business event. Now in its 17th year, the B2B Expo has built a strong reputation as the go-to tradeshow for local businesses to showcase their products and services, and a preferred event for networking overall.

 

Our advice: Stake out your booth or purchase your ticket to attend now, before the event is sold out.

 

Last year’s trade show attracted 45 exhibitors and over 200 attendees. Similar numbers are anticipated this year because most business owners understand the importance of the expo in creating more business.

 

“If you are trying to increase sales you know how valuable face-to-face time with potential clients can be,” commented Gabrielle O’Boyle, special events director for the chamber.

 

Tickets to attend the event are $10 and this event is open to the public. Please note that exhibitor space and locations with electric are limited, and booth locations are secured with payment. Vi at Bentley Village is located at 704 Village Circle in Naples.

For more information, please contact Gabrielle O’Boyle at (239) 992-2943. The deadline for exhibitors to be included in the event program is May 30. Both attendees and exhibitors can register online at BonitaSpringsChamber.com . For more information, please contact Gabrielle O’Boyle at (239) 992-2943.

 

 

BONITA SPRINGS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CELEBRATES RELOCATION OF LOCAL BUSINESS

 Dex Imaging Now Open on Old 41!

 

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. May 17, 2011 – We recently celebrated the ribbon cutting ceremony of Dex Imaging in Bonita Springs on Wednesday, May 11 celebrating their relocation.

Dex Imaging – DEX is united in the pursuit of one goal: to make each customer’s document imaging equipment and workflow processes the most reliable (and effortless) part of their business, guaranteed. Of course, a lot goes into making that one goal a reality. They begin with respect for people. They value innovation, their customers and their employees and their expertise. They call them DEXPERTs.

Their promise is to always remain on the cutting-edge of document imaging innovation, providing world-class equipment, integrated document management solutions, knowledgeable (and accessible) technical expertise, flexible financing, and competitive pricing . . . all within reach, offered by one company.

 

Dex Imaging is now located at 24850 Old 41 Road, Suite #19 in Bonita Springs and can be reached at (239) 444-2193.

BONITA SPRINGS CHAMBER CELEBRATES OPENING OF BRINKS HOME WATCH

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. May 25, 2011 – We recently celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of Brinks Home Watch in Bonita Springs on Wednesday, May 25 welcoming the business to the community.

 

Brinks Home Watch– Specializing in a variety of services Brinks Home Watch is committed to the safety, security and preservation of the client’s home. The goal is to enhance the experience clients have while at home and away. They specialize in many services such as weekly security and operations, storm services, concierge, open and close, contractor monitoring, videography and digital stills. Brinks Home Watch can be reached at (239) 961-3506.

BONITA SPRINGS CHAMBER CELEBRATES RE-OPENING OF CATARACT & REFRACTIVE INSITUTE OF FLORIDA

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. April 20, 2011 – We recently celebrated the grand re-opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida in Bonita Springs on Friday, April 15th welcoming the business to the community.

 

Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida – Specializing in a variety of services and procedures, Dr. James Croley is committed to his patients and their eye care. They specialize in procedures including Lasik, cataract surgery, Conductive Keratoplasty and blepharoplasty. Dr. Croley has been operating his Southwest Florida practice since 1980 and has since been very active in the development of new advances in Ophthalmology.

Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida is located at 4061 Bonita Beach Road, in Bonita Springs and can be reached at (239) 949-1190.

BONITA SPRINGS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CELEBRATES OPENING OF NEW BUSINESS

Advanced Hearing Technology Now Open!

 

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. May 17, 2011 – We recently celebrated the ribbon cutting ceremony of Advanced Hearing Technology, Inc. in Bonita Springs on Wednesday, May 11 welcoming the business to the community.

Advanced Hearing Technology, Inc. – Working within the medical community, their clinic provides a variety of hearing healthcare services including hearing assessments and rehabilitation, education, and counseling. Their clinic also fits and dispenses sophisticated hearing aids and related devices to suit all types of hearing loss and life styles. Assessments regarding the level of amplification that would be best suited to patients are generally completed following a comprehensive hearing evaluation by a qualified hearing health care professional. Advanced Hearing Technology also actively participates in the prevention of hearing loss through the provision and fitting of hearing protective devices, consultation on the effects of noise on hearing, and consumer education.

Advanced Hearing Technology, Inc. is located at 3350 Woods Edge Circle, Suite #101 in Bonita Springs and can be reached at (239) 948-3434.

BONITA SPRINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTS BUSINESS BEFORE BUSINESS & MINI TRADE SHOW

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. May 25, 2011 – We are excited to announce their Business Before Business and Mini Trade Show event will take place on Thursday, May 26, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. at The Naples Daily News in Naples.

This affair offers an opportunity to network with local professionals and learn more about local businesses while enjoying a complimentary breakfast. Attendance for members is $5.00 prior to May 24, $10.00 at the door and future members are $30.00. Reservations are limited to the first 80 guests.

The Naples Daily News is located off US 41 at 1100 Immokalee Road in Naples. For more information or to register for the event, please visit www.BonitaSpringsChamber.com or contact the Chamber at (239) 992-2943.

BONITA SPRINGS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION RAISES OVER $15,000 FOR LOCAL COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. May 17, 2011 – We are excited to announce the “Kentucky Derby” Party raised over $15,000 on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa.

The event featured a hat contest, games of chance and a live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby. All proceeds benefit local college scholarships and chamber programs.

 

“This year the President’s Club committee, in partnership with the Bonita Springs Chamber Foundation, had great success in our first ever Kentucky Derby Fundraising event!” commented Erin Garcia, CNLBank, committee Co-Chair. “The Hyatt provided great atmosphere with the venue and the mint juleps. The committee planned a fun filled ‘southern night’ with games and contests that kept the people entertained while donating to the cause. We ended the evening on a high with the hat contest and the drawing for the Beach Bucket for Scholars Raffle. I think the entire evening was a success and provided great momentum for next year.”

 

The President’s Club is a committed group of business principals who take a leadership role in the Chamber’s efforts to build a solid business foundation for the continued growth and prosperity of the community. President’s Club members voluntarily contribute additional funds to provide financial support to the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation a 501 (c) (3) which annually gives back to the community through college scholarships for local area youths. To date the Foundation has donated more than $70,000 in local scholarships.

 

For more information about the Foundation or the Chambers involvement in the community please contact the chamber at (239) 992-2943 or www.BonitaSpringsChamber.com.

 

The Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce is located at 25071 Chamber of Commerce Drive in Bonita Springs. For more information, please call (239) 992-2943 or visit www.BonitaSpringsChamber.com.

 

BONITA SPRINGS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONGRAULATES THE 2010 -2011 GRADUATING LEADERSHIP BONITA CLASS

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. May 17, 2011 – We are very pleased to announce the graduation of the 12th anniversary class of the Leadership Bonita program!

Throughout the nine-month educational program, the Leadership Bonita Class covered many different aspects of the community including, government, education, economic development, healthcare, tourism, public safety, and social issues. Designed to hone leadership skills, create the opportunity for personal growth, and help participants learn more about the Bonita Springs area, Leadership Bonita provided both fun and informative one-on-one networking with community leaders.

Participants were selected based upon their leadership roles within their organization and represented a cross-section of the community, including business, education, government, non-for-profit and also citizens at-large. We are pleased to congratulate the class of 2010-2011 Leadership Bonita. The Leadership Bonita class is proud to boast more than 200 graduates of the program since its inception in 1998.

2010-2011 Leadership Bonita Class:

 

• Adam Botana, Manager, Bay Water Boat Club
• Michael Briers, Shareholder, Briers CPA
• John Dulmer, Director, CH2MHILL/City of Bonita Springs
• Leonard Egdish, Director, Naples News Media Group
• Vann Ellison, President & CEO, St. Matthew’s House
• Wendi Fowler, President & CEO, The Client Server
• Mark Generales, Partner, Southern Trust Financial
• Ike Lichtenstein, CEO, ISL Financial Advisors
• Bill Oberman, System Director, Marketing & Communications, Lee Memorial Health System
• Fred Partin, Executive Director, Bonita Springs Utilities
• Becky Pomerson, President, Keystone Garden Centre, Inc.
• Brian Przespolewski, Sergeant, Lee County Sheriff’s Office
• Christine Ross, President & CEO, Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce
• Mary Saunders, Owner, Saunders Law Firm
• Beth Vogelsang, Attorney, Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt