COMMUNITY CAREER CONNECTOR

AT THE GREATER NAPLES CHAMBER, ALL ROADS LEAD TO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

The Greater Naples Chamber’s mission of cultivating economic opportunity for all may sound like a lofty goal, but the chamber achieves it by advocating for business-friendly policies, connecting businesses to the resources they need to thrive, and nurturing talent to better prepare the regional workforce for generations to come.

The chamber’s work has never been as vital as it is right now. When the COVID-19 pandemic reared its head, the chamber served as a connector between employers, government, and nonprofits on pandemic-related issues and resources. The chamber contacted hundreds of members, facilitated conversations between elected officials and employers, and continued to educate and inform employers about our community’s issues.

These were ordinary acts in extraordinary times, ones that members and community leaders have come to expect from the Greater Naples Chamber. As the voice of business in Collier County, the chamber remains at the forefront of issues facing the region—including talent development, housing, and water quality.

“We are focused on creating a better economy for the workforce of today and tomorrow,” says Michael Dalby, president and CEO of the Greater Naples Chamber. To accomplish these goals, the Greater Naples Chamber:

○Launched an initiative aimed at attracting remote workers to Collier County. As more and more businesses allowed remote work during the pandemic, the chamber began marketing the area as a haven for remote workers. If you can work from anywhere, why not work in paradise? ○Hosted conversations, both in-person and virtual, with local, state, and federal lawmakers to advocate for a wide variety of issues, including workforce housing and workforce training, affecting the business community. ○ Partnered with local, regional, and statewide organizations on a variety of community initiatives, including efforts related to COVID-19 relief, economic de-

velopment, and community engagement. ○ Connected students to internships, informational interviews, and job shadowing experiences, providing them with a better understanding of careers available throughout Collier County and

Southwest Florida. ○Provided leadership and professional development opportunities to hundreds of

Southwest Florida community leaders. ○Served as a voice for its 1,200 members.

“We have a talent-based agenda,” says

Dalby. “Our goal is to make Collier County an attractive place for employers, workers, and visitors alike.”

top left: Alex Breault, director of talent initiatives at the Greater Naples Chamber, with Henry Mack, Florida’s chancellor for career and adult education above: A chamber networking event; Florida Rep. Lauren Melo, Greater Naples Chamber Chairman Garrett Richter, and Florida Senate President-Designate Kathleen Passidomo Left: The chamber’s 2021 Annual Meeting

Learn more about the Greater Naples Chamber at napleschamber.org.