Beach Chamber sets 2014 goal/ move back on beach
To the editor:
During this past year, the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce worked hard on its primary goal of increasing the value of having a chamber membership. The goal was accomplished by improvements in our services and communications: developing a website that put our members out in front; improving our newsletter; inviting informative and interesting luncheon speakers; holding educational seminars and implementing networking opportunities.
We have strived to add value and community involvement. In June, we launched our mobile Chamber visitor information center, Roxie, back on Fort Myers Beach. Improvements were made to major events such as the Taste of the Beach and Pirate Fest. We worked with our partners, Pinchers and the Wyndham Garden Hotel, to make The American Sandsculpting Competition one of the largest signature events in Southwest Florida.
During this past year, we have also made progress in cutting expenses and increasing revenues. However, we still have work to do to make this Chamber more financially sound. Making the Chamber run like a business is critical and ongoing. One thing a good business will do is take stock of its location and overhead to see if it is meeting its customer’s needs and its own fiscal goals.
Perhaps the most important goal for 2014 will be to move this Chamber back to Fort Myers Beach. This will be done by January. If we are to be the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, we need to be located on Estero Island. Thus you will see us moving out of the current offices at 17200 San Carlos Blvd., and relocating to the beach. The current building, which is owned by the Chamber Foundation, will be leased or sold.
Our commitment to this beach community is stronger than ever. Our commitment to delivering ever-improving member and community services remains paramount. We look forward to 2014 as a transitional year to further our mission of business advocacy, education and visitor services. All with the overarching goals of helping our community and making beach businesses’ cash registers ring.
Bud Nocera?
President
Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce