As we give thanks and are relieved that Hurricane Dorian did not come our way I am being asked how we can help the people of the Bahamas. The fastest and the most effective way that your resources are doing the most good is the Salvation Army. With a grassroots organization in the Bahamas, the Prime Minister of the Bahamas suggests the Salvation Army as one of the fastest ways to help those in need. Please read the advisory. Here is the guidance we have been given for helping with relief efforts in the Bahamas:

A cash donation allows charitable relief agencies to use monetary contributions to purchase exactly what disaster survivors need. Monetary contributions are also easy to get to the disaster area. Moving a container of donated goods can sometimes cost more than the value of the items. Getting a donated commodity into containers and onto a ship, or onto a truck, across the sea to the disaster site, through the port costs and the customs’ tariffs, quality checked, quantity checked and sorted, and organized into warehouses, incurs a cost at each step. Supplies can almost always be purchased locally at the disaster site and provide savings in multiple ways. Finally, money used to purchase needed items locally can support local and state economies, helping local businesses and workers, which have suffered losses in the wake of the disaster event.

Donations may be made directly to the Bahamas:

Mail checks to: Salvation Army World Service Office P.O. Box 418558 Boston, MA 02241-8558. Mark checks with "Hurricane Dorian International Relief"

Online: www.helpsalvationarmy.org

Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY

I have the great honor of being elected by my colleagues in the business community as the current Chairman for our Chamber. My focus will be to uplift and provide an array of services for the business owner in our community. Stay tuned for exciting times with new regional partnerships, the introduction of new resources for our area’s merchants and a focused voice of business. For the interests of the Chamber are the interests of our members and the thousands of employees who help make Lehigh Acres a community on the move.  Read more...

When: Tuesday, Sep 24th, 11:30am-1pm
Where: Casa Lupita Cafe, 13120 Westlinks Terrace # 10, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Speaker: Ed Moore, Red Sneakers Mobile Marketing
Topic: Grow Business with Local Search

Bring plenty of business cards, we expect this to be a packed luncheon. Reserve your seat here.

This is the dedication for the Daniels/Gunnery Road interchange at 82 ceremony from yesterday. In attendance Greater Lehigh Acres Board Chairman Mike Welch, Vice Chair Katy Hoover and Board Member Lennore Mattefore. The expansion of SR 82 is the future economic expansion for Lehigh Acres, Gateway and Eastern Lee County. Ribbon cutting with several local elected officials and the Florida Department of Transportation.

If you are needing a small office, look no further... we've got your space!

Perfect for a 1-3 person office, you can have your business in the heart of Lehigh. Our Chamber office is approximately 12x14 and would include wifi in the package. For more information click here.

If you are looking for a job or are a Member who is looking for employees, feel free to visit our Career Section by clicking here.