Chamber resources help Southwest Florida businesses thrive

In a world of rapid change and population growth, connecting, empowering and uniting businesses and professionals around common goals matters more than ever.

For over 30 years, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce has been a dedicated partner that understands our community and champions the businesses that call it home. With over 700 professional and business members throughout Southwest Florida, we welcomed 25 new members in January alone. Representing businesses of all sizes and across every industry, our organization is poised for continued growth.

The chambers of yesteryear have generally been viewed as socializing bodies where businesspeople come together to network. Today’s chamber is so much more. Meaningful, educational community- and business-focused programs are

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Before such talks can begin, though, the bill needs to make it past Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk. Lee Health last year supported a bill that would have set up a similar process but opened to it to any public hospitals in Florida. DeSantis vetoed the legislation, calling it too broad.

“Florida’s public hospitals serve our medically indigent and support the state share of our low-income pool,” the Governor wrote in a veto message. “Under these circumstances each policy change to the governance structure of our independent hospital districts should be reviewed on a district-by-district basis.” the cornerstone of what we do, bringing to light the relevant, timely issues that are impacting the business community. problem solvers. We want to listen to our members and deliver solutions to the problems that are keeping them from reaching their fullest potential. We want to serve as a catalyst for economic growth in our local community.

This year, proponents of the bill will pursue a different posture for the bill. The legislation this year is limited to impacting only Lee Health. It also was first passed as a local bill by the Lee County Legislative Delegation. That sends it on a slightly different course through the Legislature, though it still ultimately must pass muster with DeSantis.

Nachef said the procedures proposed aren’t radical. The process was modeled off methodology that existed in statutes for decades. Tampa General Hospital was the last Florida system to go through the conversion, becoming a private not-for-profit corporation in 1997. Future legislative changes eliminated that path years ago, but Nachef sees reason to allow Lee Health to go down that road.

State Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers, said a lot of thought and study has gone into the bill, making her hopeful it becomes law. She chairs the Lee County Legislative Delegation, which unanimously backs the bill.

“It’s something that the local system has been working on with the delegation for years,” she said.

When you leave one of our sold-out programs, you leave with knowledge and resources that can be used for your career, business or community.

In fact, we recently refreshed the Chamber’s mission statement to better reflect these goals and strategic vision for the Chamber.

The Chamber remains focused on the growth and strength of our business community, providing the resources, relationships and solutions that will help businesses thrive for years to come.

BY BRIAN HAMMAN Guest Columnist

Recent events have covered topics including tourism marketing after Hurricane Ian and spring training economic trends, while our upcoming March 15 program provides valuable insights into leadership strategy.

The Greater Fort Myers Chamber wants to be

Brian Hamman is the president and CEO of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, a business organization that provides solutions and serves as a catalyst for growing the economy. Call (239)332-2930.