Our Magazine
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.
Read. Share. Collaborate.
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…
September 2024 Food for Thought The September 2024 Food for Thought Luncheon featured Lee Health’s Chris Simoneau at Embassy Suites Estero. A changing community necessitates a changing healthcare system. Lee Health is preparing for our area’s future by evaluating its business structure. Chris Simoneau, chief development, marketing and communications officer for Lee Health and the Lee…
A very full house (140+ attendees) at the Hertz Club at Hertz Arena, home of the three-time Kelly Cup Champion Florida Everblades! The attendees included pre-registration holders and walk-ins. There was a great amount of conversation and activity this late afternoon along with fellowship & new relationships were formed. Hertz Arena Vice President of Business…
July 2024 Food for Thought The Rotary Club of Estero and the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce learned so much at their co-sponsored Food for Thought luncheon held July 2 featuring Dr. Aysegul Timur, the President of FGCU. She shared how FGCU’s multiple colleges are preparing over 16,000 students to meet the needs our community. Thanks to…
June Alive After Five at Oak & Stone Restaurant What a terrific evening at Oak & Stone Restaurant in Estero for the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce Alive After Five gathering! A friendly and cheerful crowd of local business owners and civic leaders enjoyed delicious food, craft drinks and a whole lot of conversation in…
26th Annual Awards Dinner and Leadership Estero Graduation The 2024-2025 Board of Directors were elected and installed. The 26th Annual Awards Dinner of the Greater Estero Chamber and Leadership Estero graduation was held at Shadow Wood Country Club on June 7. Our keynote speaker was Mark Wilson of London Bay Homes. The Leadership Estero 2023-2024…
Golf Tournament 2024 On Saturday, May 4 our Annual Golf Tournament was held in beautiful weather with a great group of golfers! Proceeds provide operating costs for the Chamber and the Estero Historical Society. We are so thankful to our sponsors, who made the event possible: Title Sponsor: Hotwire Communications Tournament Sponsor: Coconut Point Ford…
May Food For Thought The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce was proud to host the Lee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller at our Food for Thought Luncheon May 1. Clerk Kevin C. Karnes gave an excellent presentation on the responsibilities of his office here in Lee County, including the safeguarding court records,…
April Food For Thought April’s Food for Thought Luncheon featured Debra Wilson, Lee Health’s Vice President of Oncology, on Wednesday, April 3 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Estero, Florida. The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce was thrilled to host this presentation on how Lee Health continues to grow its services at their Cancer Institute…
Esterofest 2024 What a great time was had by thousands of area residents at EsteroFest 2024! The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce wants to thank the many, many people who made this community celebration available with free general admission. Residents enjoyed a Kids Zone, a Business Expo, presentations from Estero Fire Rescue and the Lee…