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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…
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…