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Our Magazine

Annual Estero Magazine

Watch for our latest issue in the Fall 2023, filled with the latest up-to-date information for residents, visitors and newcomers. For questions or advertising information, contact our Publisher, Sharon Van Rite at 239-572-4000 sharon@platinummediaservices.com

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.

Food for Thought with Dr. Bill McDowell

By kdailey_kim@papyrusdocument.com | February 27, 2026 | Comments Off on Food for Thought with Dr. Bill McDowell
Feb 26 FFT McDowell

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…

Ribbon Cutting for The Goddard School of Estero

By kdailey_kim@papyrusdocument.com | February 23, 2026 | Comments Off on Ribbon Cutting for The Goddard School of Estero
Goddard school Ribbon Cutting Feb 2026

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 Social Issues Day

By kdailey_kim@papyrusdocument.com | February 20, 2026 | Comments Off on Leadership Estero Social Issues Day
LE Social Issues Day 2026

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,…

Ribbon Cutting for Fifth Third Bank at Verdana

By kdailey_kim@papyrusdocument.com | February 13, 2026 | Comments Off on Ribbon Cutting for Fifth Third Bank at Verdana
Fifth Third Verdana Ribbon Cutting Feb 12, 2026

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…

Alive After Five at FineMark Bank

By kdailey_kim@papyrusdocument.com | February 13, 2026 | Comments Off on Alive After Five at FineMark Bank
FineMark Bank AAF Feb 2026

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!

Food for Thought with Dr. Ankush Gulati

By kdailey_kim@papyrusdocument.com | January 22, 2026 | Comments Off on Food for Thought with Dr. Ankush Gulati
Jan 26 FFT Gulati

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 Arts and Tourism Day 2026

By kdailey_kim@papyrusdocument.com | January 19, 2026 | Comments Off on Leadership Estero Arts and Tourism Day 2026
Leadership Estero Jan 2026

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…

Alive After Five at Venture Visionary Partners

By kdailey_kim@papyrusdocument.com | January 9, 2026 | Comments Off on Alive After Five at Venture Visionary Partners
Alive After Five at Venture Visionary Partners Jan 2026

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…

Toasted Yolk Ribbon Cutting

By kdailey_kim@papyrusdocument.com | January 5, 2026 | Comments Off on Toasted Yolk Ribbon Cutting
Toasted Yolk Ribbon Cutting 1-5-2026

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…

2025 Topical Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting

By kdailey_kim@papyrusdocument.com | December 9, 2025 | Comments Off on 2025 Topical Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
2025 CP Holiday Parade

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…

2023 Annual Holiday Party

By kdailey_kim@papyrusdocument.com | December 12, 2023 | Comments Off on 2023 Annual Holiday Party

2023 Annual Holiday Party On December 9, 2023 a festive and generous gathering of members and friends of the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce celebrated our community at Spring Run Golf Club. Santa and Mrs. Claus set the stage for festivities, food and fun. Guests brought donations for the Estero Fire Rescue Fill-A-Fire Truck Toy…

Coffee & Conversation with Larry Fiesel

By kdailey_kim@papyrusdocument.com | November 16, 2023 | Comments Off on Coffee & Conversation with Larry Fiesel

Coffee & Conversation with Larry Fiesel On Nov. 16 Estero Councilmember Larry Fiesel hosted the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce’s monthly “Coffee & Conversation” at Pelican Landing Clubhouse. Residents and business owners took advantage of the opportunity to ask and learn about issues facing Village of Estero District 2. EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Food for thought Featuring Tommy Doyle

By kdailey_kim@papyrusdocument.com | November 15, 2023 | Comments Off on Food for thought Featuring Tommy Doyle

Food for thought Featuring Tommy Doyle The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce was thrilled to have Lee County Supervisor of Elections Tommy Doyle at the November Food for Thought luncheon. The rain didn’t keep people away from learning about how our elections are kept safe and efficient. Mr. Doyle covered several topics including ballot fraud…

How To Network The Right Way

By kdailey_kim@papyrusdocument.com | November 3, 2023 | Comments Off on How To Network The Right Way
networking

6 Useful Tips for ‘Podium’ Finishes at Networking Events A networking event is a great opportunity to do more than hope to find people to solve your institutional problems. Instead, networking events are ideal opportunities to display excellence within a team setting. While doing so, you can gain invaluable insights and making meaningful and lasting…

This Year, Make a Marketing Plan

By kdailey_kim@papyrusdocument.com | November 3, 2023 | Comments Off on This Year, Make a Marketing Plan

As the new year draws near, small businesses are celebrating with employees and families alike. Holiday preparations go beyond planning parties and gatherings though as the new year lurks just around the corner and brings new opportunities that can be capitalized upon. Working within our community has shown that creating a marketing plan is the…

How Entrepreneurs Use Networking

By kdailey_kim@papyrusdocument.com | November 3, 2023 | Comments Off on How Entrepreneurs Use Networking

An essential skill for any entrepreneur the ability to create meaningful connections via networking, also called network development. Creating connections with customers both old and new is important but creating a network of other entrepreneurs and business owners provides value customers can’t provide. Typically this comes in the form of insights and ideas from various industry…

3 Creative Ways to Become Top of Mind

By kdailey_kim@papyrusdocument.com | November 3, 2023 | Comments Off on 3 Creative Ways to Become Top of Mind

Do you want people to think about your business before all others? Of course, you do. The first step to patronizing your business is remembering it exists. Imagine you have a free evening, and you want to go out to eat. It doesn’t matter how amazing the food is at the new place down the…

2023 Awards Dinner

By kdailey_kim@papyrusdocument.com | November 2, 2023 | Comments Off on 2023 Awards Dinner
2023 Awards Dinner

The Estero Chamber Board Members & Bob Pritt The 25th Anniversary Awards Dinner of the Greater Estero Chamber was held at Shadow Wood Country Club on June 2. Our keynote speaker was Dr. Aysegul Timur, the new President of FGCU. The Leadership Estero Charter Class also held their commencement during the dinner, marking a year…

Food for Thought featuring Cheryl Mandell

By kdailey_kim@papyrusdocument.com | September 14, 2023 | Comments Off on Food for Thought featuring Cheryl Mandell

Food for Thought featuring Cheryl Mandell Thank you Cheryl Mandell, Managing Editor of Estero Life Magazine, for being our speaker Sept. 13, 2023 for the Greater Estero Chamber, “Food 4 Thought”. The luncheon took place at the Embassy Suites in Estero. With over 25 years in print and digital media, Cheryl Mandell was promoted to…

Alive After five at Hertz Arena

By kdailey_kim@papyrusdocument.com | August 18, 2023 | Comments Off on Alive After five at Hertz Arena

Alive After five at Hertz Arena Chamber members made connections and received a great tour of the Hertz Arena and its #1 club at this networking event sponsored by the Florida Everblades and Hertz Arena on August 17, 2023. EVENT SPONSORS EVENT HIGHLIGHTS