Chamber trailer forced out of Times Square
The Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce recently moved its visitor information trailer from its perch in Times Square due to an exclusivity clause in the permit held by Tours and Information Center, Inc., its former neighbor in the pedestrian plaza. The stay was less than one month.
Town Manager Don Stilwell stated the Chamber’s permit was issued on a provisional basis, and that the long-standing kiosk in Times Square held exclusivity rights to dissemination of information. That latter license is active until September 2015. Proposal bids will be revisited then.
“(Tours and Information Center, Inc.) has had that exclusivity right in their license for a number of years,” Stilwell said. “When the permit was issued to the Chamber, they were told it was for a trial period. Based on what we heard from the kiosk people, we had to tell (the Beach Chamber) we couldn’t honor it.”
Beach Chamber President Bud Nocera said another location is being sought for “Roxie.” The Chamber trailer moved into the eastern hook of Times Square on Jan. 27. The first day report stated 91 customers visited the trailer between 10 a.m. and 2:20 p.m. alone.
“We received a call on Friday and were told that we would have to move out of Times Square, so we complied,” Nocera said.
The Caravel Airstream trailer was fully converted into a mobile information center back in 2013 with intent to provide visitors with directions, information on lodging, attractions, shopping and restaurants among other things. It had been situated on Old San Carlos Boulevard and Santini Marina Plaza since.
Back then, FMB Chamber Bud Nocera stated the need for the business organization was to regain presence on the island.
“Bringing the chamber of commerce information back to the Beach is important for the chamber and chamber members. It is a function that we feel will be good for our members and Fort Myers Beach,” he said then. “It’s been an interesting experience and very gratifying to see the community get behind the concept of the project and to all come together to make it happen.”