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Welcome to Business Blogs!
It is our goal to offer as much business education as possible to our members and the community.
Our blogs are designed for members to share best business practices in various industries. We realize one-size-does-not-fit-all and that your business or product might call for a different workflow process, different marketing technique or different hiring process.
So, slow down, read a bit and reach out to the business owner who wrote the article of interest to you.
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It was truly our pleasure to welcome Dr. Bill McDowell, Dean of Entrepreneurship at Florida Gulf Coast University, as the featured presenter at our Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce Food for Thought Luncheon. FGCU is widely recognized as home to one of the leading entrepreneurship programs in Florida and across the nation, and Dr. McDowell’s…
The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce was thrilled to take part in the Ribbon Cutting for The The Goddard School of Estero on Saturday, February 21. Congratulations to David Horell and his outstanding team on hosting such a fun-filled event for families and community members alike! From a lively DJ and face painting to balloons,…
Leadership Estero recently spent a powerful and eye-opening day immersed in the real-world challenges and solutions shaping our community during Social Issues Day on February 20. The experience began in Bonita Springs with a visit to Cafe of Life. Class members not only learned about the organization’s mission to serve individuals and families in need,…
The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce was thrilled to celebrate the Ribbon Cutting of Fifth Third Bank at Verdana on February 12, 2026! How often do you get to open with a live band, cheerleaders and the Florida Everblades Mascot Swampee? Thanks to the community and Estero High School for coming out to support this…
Big thank you to Harlan Parrish, Cindy Cedeno and the Coconut FineMark Bank and Trust team for hosting Alive After Five on February 12, 2026. A large crowd enjoyed the opportunity to meet with peers and connect with new colleagues in a relaxing environment. Congrats to our giveaway winners as well!
The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce thanks Dr. Ankush Gulati from the Kidney Institute of Florida for a engaging and informative discussion of the benefits of early testing for ourselves and our employees at our Food for Thought Luncheon on January 21. These luncheons are a great opportunity for local business leaders to network, learn…
Leadership Estero, the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce’s year-long leadership series, enjoyed a full day of exposure to some of the many arts and tourism opportunities here in Southwest Florida on Friday, January 16. Stops at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, The Cottages/Wonder Gardens, and Arts Bonita provided hands-on experiences and presentations from local professionals…
The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce started with year off with a bang at the Alive After Five held at the incredible meeting space at Venture Visionary Partners. A large crowd relaxed, networked and enjoyed the incredible food provided by Miller’s Ale House! Many thanks to Brook Bright & Venture Visionary Partners team for hosting…
The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce loved celebrating the official Ribbon Cutting of The Toasted Yolk Cafe on January 5! This popular brunch spot is now open and serving up delicious breakfast, lunch, and craft cocktails in a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Thank you to the Toasted Yolk team for choosing Estero, and to everyone who joined…
What an incredible night for a beloved community tradition! Coconut Point’s Annual Tropical Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting drew a fantastic crowd-families, neighbors, local bands, festive floats, and community leaders all came together to kick off the season in true Estero style. A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening…
Leadership Estero, the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce‘s year-long leadership series, toured a number of Public Safety facilities responsible for the protection of the greater Estero area on Friday, November 21, 2025. The group got hands-on with agencies including the Lee County Jail, Lee County Sheriff’s Office Nan’s Ranch, as well as a visit to…
The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce thanks Dr. MacDonald for a terrific presentation on Southwest Florida Proton, the 47th Proton Center for cancer treatment in the United States, opening soon. The crowd for our November Food for Thought luncheon was excited to hear about how this advancement in healthcare will attract patients and other businesses…
Miller’s Ale House was buzzing on October 23, 2025 as members of the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce business community came together for another packed Alive After Five! We’re so grateful for the delicious food, relaxed atmosphere, and terrific company that made the evening such a success. Attendees enjoyed networking, giveaways, and plenty of great conversations that…
The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce was thrilled to feature Lee County Port Authority Director Steven Hennigan at the October 2025 “Food For Thought” luncheon. Hennigan brought one-of-a-kind insight into the expansion of RSW and how it will impact the greater Estero area economy for years to come. The Chamber hosts these meetings as…
Leadership Estero, a development program of the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce, held its Government & History Day on October 10. Stops included the Schoolhouse and Cottage Museum of the Estero Historical Society, Koreshan State Park, and the Village of Estero. Shout out to Chick-fil-A for sponsoring lunch! The presentations gave our members a better…
The 2025-2026 Leadership Estero year-long program started with an exciting and revealing Kick-off event in September. This year’s roster is made up of: Allie Tafeen, TLC Marketing & Creative Services Caitlin George, NCH Heather Skaza Acosta, Florida Gulf Coast University John Bodner, Lee County Clerk of Court Joy Robinson, FineMark Bank Lisa Pesco-Swanson, Interfaith Charities Luke Czaplewski, Ageless Fitness Megan Calamaro, Caalm Accounting…
The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce was excited to feature Arthrex ‘ Andy Petry as the featured speaker at our Sept. 10 Food for Thought Luncheon. A packed house learned how this global company is making a significant impact by “helping surgeons treat their patients better” both in Southwest Florida and all over the world.…
Over 130 business community members joined us at Hertz #1 Club on August 21, 2025 for Alive After Five! at Hertz Arena. A big thank you to Mike Kelly and the Florida Everblades Professional Hockey Club for being amazing hosts and providing delicious food and a top notch environment for making new connections! And congratulations…
Huge thanks to Ted’s Montana Grill for hosting Alive After Five! on July 31, 2025. A full and lively crowd filled the deck for great food and casual socializing with fellow peers, members, and future members! It may be summer but our local business community never stops moving our area forward!
A huge thank you to everyone who packed the house for our July 10 Alive After Five at Oak & Stone Restaurant! The evening was filled with vibrant conversations, warm connections, and absolutely delicious food. We’re so grateful to Oak & Stone for being such gracious hosts-and to our amazing Chamber members who brought the…