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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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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…
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…
We’re thrilled to congratulate our President, Clifford “Cliff” Brand, on being featured in Estero Life Magazine for his unwavering commitment, community-first leadership, and family-rooted values. From growing up in a family-owned pharmacy in Georgia-where neighbors were treated like family-to serving our local SWFL community through finance, church, school boards, and the Chamber, Cliff brings heart and…
Leadership Estero 2024-2025: Healthcare Day Healthcare Day with Leadership Estero began with a visit to Lee Health Coconut Point, then proceeded to NCH Florida North Naples Hospital for a tour of the new medical building, which is set to open on June 9th. The event continued at the Village of Estero with presentations from 4KIDS…
The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce is proud to award two $1,000 scholarships to remarkable Estero High School seniors whose talents and drive exemplify the future of our community! Shiv Kalvadia earned 1st place in our “Business in Estero” essay competition. Shiv will be heading to Florida Gulf Coast University this fall to pursue a…
Chris Simoneau of Lee Health captivated a packed room at the April Food for Thought Luncheon, hosted by the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce, with his thought-provoking presentation: “The Promise and Peril of Southwest Florida Healthcare.” Drawing on his deep expertise as a healthcare strategist, Simoneau offered compelling insights into the region’s evolving landscape-sparking conversation…
New GECC President Cliff Brand On April 1, Cliff Brand assumed the position of President for the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce, showcasing his dedication to the community. With prior experience on the Board of Directors and as the Golf Tournament Committee chair, Cliff brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. His active…
Leadership Estero 2024-2025: Environment Day The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Estero classmates embraced their wild side during Environment Day! The day started at the new Discovery Center at Lovers Key State Park, where they walked along a maritime hammock on Black Island Trail. They had an open dialogue with a panel of industry…
Leadership Estero 2024-2025: Arts and Tourism Day For Arts & Tourism Day, the Leadership Estero class took a tour of the Wasmer Art Gallery and learned about the art and theatre programs at Bower School of Music & the Arts at Florida Gulf Coast University. Dr. Amir B. Ferreira Neto of FGCU’s Regional Economic Research…
A packed house of over 30 people attended the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce January 2025 Food for Thought Luncheon, which featured a presentation from the EsteroFest Committee on the many ways local organizations and businesses can make the most of their participation. EsteroFest 2025 is scheduled for March 15 at Estero Community Park and…
A jolly and fun day was had by all, but especially the crew from the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce at the Tropical Holiday Parade held at Coconut Point Mall on Saturday, December 7, 2024. After a full day of activities, including a classic car show, the Chamber took part in the parade as a…
December 2024 Food For Thought Luncheon: Why do Good People do Bad Things? The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce was so excited to have Dr. Meagan Baskin from the Southwest Florida Leadership Institute (SFLI) explain why your good staff, customers and vendors can end up acting in ways that negatively affect your business. The presentation…
On Monday, November 11, 2024 the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce honored veterans and Gold Star Families with recognition and a great breakfast at Mario’s of Estero. Huge thank yous go out to: Mario’s of Estero for cooking and serving a delicious breakfast Gary Israel for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance and singing…
Leadership Estero 2024-2025: Kickoff! The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce Leadership Estero Class of 2025 kicked off the program October 18th, when members were introduced to one another through team building and leadership development exercises. The event was facilitated by Jessica Rhea, the director of Experiential Learning & Career Development at Florida Gulf Coast University.…
SpaviaEstero hosted a lovely Alive After Five! event for members and friends of the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, October 17 at their new location at 19517 Highland Oaks Drive. Tours of the beautiful facility, along with refreshments from fellow member ChicknCone and special deals made the evening a great way for our…