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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.
Read. Share. Collaborate.
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…
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…
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…