BIZ SENSE: Beach Chamber opens house at new site
Location, location, location.
That’s the typical answer as to what are the three most important factors in establishing the value of a business or other Real Estate building.
For the Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, the answer may be less profound and more of a matter of semantics. Financial reasons and downsizing due to staff size may propel ahead of location.
The Beach Chamber vacated its long-time office building (currently owned by the FMB Chamber Foundation) at 17200 San Carlos Blvd. and moved from the gateway to the island to Key Estero Shops at 1661 Estero Blvd. (suite 8) on the island. Last Wednesday, officials held an open house and ribbon-cutting to commemorate the occasion.
“There are a more than a couple of people in this room that have helped us get back on the Beach, get to the right size of this Beach Chamber of Commerce and make this what it should be,” said President Bud Nocera.
Before the move, Nocera stated his 2014 goal was “to get the chamber financially secure” after “some tough finances over the past couple of years.” Relocation, cutting expenses and increasing finances were key components to the desired result.
The former office digs featured 3,000 square feet and all the maintenance costs and monthly utilities associated with a building. The new office unit is less than half the size (1,249 square feet), less than half the monthly expenses and more updated as far as furnishings. (Herman Miller cubicles were donated by an unanimous source.)
For example, Nocera stated the three air conditioners at the former office building yielded an electric bill between $900 and $1,600. There were also large insurance premiums and staff expenses.
“We are less than a third (in cost) of that now,” he said.
After the ribbon cutting, Nocera applauded his staff (Cindi D’Andrea, Jane Ross, Doug McElheny, Nicci Frazier, Kathy Hannigan), Gavin’s Ace Hardware, Robb Capps of Florida Premier Realty, Katrina Salokar of Paradise Advertising & Design and many others.
“Without all of you, your membership, support and volunteerism, this wouldn’t be happening,” said Nocera. “I am so thankful I get to come to work everyday with the greatest people in the world.”
The official move took a bit longer than expected. Chamber officials vacated the building in late November 2013 and began business out of its current site on Feb. 3. In the interim, the staff worked from their individual homes and out of its mobile tourist information trailer (“Roxie”) that is either situated on Old San Carlos Boulevard or within Santini Marina Plaza.
Seeing the Beach Chamber in its new headquarters is a deja vu of sorts for those who have lived on Fort Myers Beach for quite some time. Before the Beach Chamber established residence in the off-island Chamber Foundation building in the early 1990s, the nonprofit business organization was housed in Key Estero Shops.
“It’s good to be back on the Beach,” said Nocera. “History repeats itself.”
The Beach Chamber has a mission to promote and protect the interests of the business community. It is primarily volunteer-driven and supported by foundation directors, officers, ambassadors and committee members. The officials include Foundation Board President Fran Myers of Red Coconut RV Park, 2014 Beach Chamber Board Chairman John Gavin of Gavin’s Ace Hardware, Chair-elect David Anderson of Krusty Pete’s On-The-Beach and Vice Chair Capps.
Drop by the Beach Chamber office during working hours Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 454-7500 or go to www.fortmyersbeach.org for more information.