OUR HISTORY ESTERO QUICK FACTS

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Cameron Kelly
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OUR HISTORY Estero was established and incorporated by the followers of Cyrus Teed, who proposed a theory that we live on the inside of the Earth s outer skin, and that celestial bodies are all

2 OUR HISTORY Estero was established and incorporated by the followers of Cyrus Teed, who proposed a theory that we live on the inside of the Earth s outer skin, and that celestial bodies are all contained inside the hollow Earth. This theory, which he called Koreshan Unity, drew followers to purchase and occupy a 320-acre (1.3 km2) tract in They were business-oriented and lived communally, prospering enough to found its own political party ( The Progressive Liberty Party ) and incorporate the town on September 1, 1904 as Estero. The 1908 death of Dr. Teed (who claimed to be immortal) was a critical blow to the group s faith, whose membership dwindled into the 1960s. The Foundation remains as The College of Life Foundation, which contributed (for example) at least $25,000 to the Gulf Shore Playhouse in or around The Koreshan s original tract is now owned by Florida as the Koreshan State Historic Site. Estero is now an unincorporated area of Lee County. Historically and culturally, the heart of Estero is the spring-fed Estero River, which flows to Estero Bay. Some of the earliest settlers of the area (notably the Alvarez, Fernandez, Johnson, and Soto families) were fishing families that lived on Mound Key, a mangrove-ringed island that dominates Estero Bay. During the early 20th century, these families moved upriver to the settlement which came to be known as Estero. As noted above, Estero is also the location of a utopian community called the Koreshan Unity, which is now preserved as the Koreshan State Historic Site. Until the 1970s, most settlement and development in Estero was near the river. ESTERO QUICK FACTS Area Total 21.1 sq mi (54.64 km 2 ) Land 20.0 sq mi (52 km 2 ) Water 0.1 sq mi (0.26 km 2 ) Elevation ft (4 m) Population (2016) Total 29,588 Density /sq mi (112.14/km2) ZIP code 33928, Area code(s) 239 Source: Wikipedia, Estero Historical Society, Zipcode.org, Census Bureau

3 OUR MISSION The Mission of the Estero Chamber of Commerce, through the unity and efforts of our membership, is to foster and achieve a healthy business and economic climate for all citizens of the Estero area. Our Values We base our mission on the belief that with a healthy economic climate the character and the unique history of the community will be maintained and enhanced. We believe educational opportunities, cultural enrichment and improved quality of life can best be achieved in areas where the free enterprise system is allowed to thrive. We understand that the unique character of our community must be preserved and this is best achieved when government, business and the general citizenry work together. Our Understanding We acknowledge that the mission of the Chamber cannot be achieved without support from a growing number of members. We understand, in order to attract and involve the business community, the Chamber must create value in the form of service to our members. Our Role We believe the role of the Estero Chamber is to: Promote, advocate, educate, assist and involve our members and the Estero community Represent Estero at the Local, State and National levels.

WHY JOIN THE ESTERO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE? You have a vested interest in Estero s continued growth and positive business climate. You aspire to maintain the excellent quality of life in Estero.

4 WHY JOIN THE ESTERO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE? You have a vested interest in Estero s continued growth and positive business climate. You aspire to maintain the excellent quality of life in Estero. You are doing business in Estero and sharing in its prosperity. You and your business prospers as Estero prospers. By helping build a thriving community, your investment is strengthened and your opportunities are broadened. The first Chamber of Commerce in this country was established in 1768, eight years prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Our forefathers saw the importance of the work of a Chamber so many years ago. Please join your fellow business people in THE ESTERO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, an organization consistently engaged in promoting the civic and economic development of our fine community.

5 3 MONTHLY EVENTS Check out event calendar here for the next scheduled event! Rise & Shine Estero Start your day by joining us for networking with area professionals, door prizes and Continental breakfast. Scheduled on the 1st Thursday of the month from 8:00am-9:30am. Lunch & Learn A series of many great educational lunches take place on the 2nd Wednesday of every month (except June) from 11:30am-1:00pm. Learn while you lunch! The Estero Chamber offers an opportunity to any member to sponsor a Lunch & Learn event. A sponsorship entitles you to the following benefits: 1. Company logo on the web site as the sponsor for the Lunch & Learn Estero month of A table beside the registration table to welcome all attendees and the opportunity to meet EVERYONE! 3. The privilege of placing your business card or a sell sheet at every place setting! 4. Five precious minutes to speak about your product or service! ***All for the Nominal Fee of $75.00*** To sponsor a Lunch & Learn event, please info@esterochamber.org. Business After Hours Join us for hors d oeuvres, refreshments, networking and after hours socializing on the 4th Thursday of every month from 5:30pm-7:30pm (Nov and Dec are discretionary, due to holidays observed and annual Christmas Party). An opportunity is available to any Estero Chamber Member to host one of our Business After Hours events. Requirements 1. Use of your business place where members can gather. 2. A table provided where members can register, pay and given their drink coupons. 3. Some like to have door prize(s), so need a basket for members to drop their business card. 4. Host member expected to provide hors d oeuvres and refreshments (soft drinks, beer, and wine). The chamber will arrange for the guest speaker. The benefit to being a Host Sponsor is: 1. Your business designated, as the Host Sponsor on our web-site. 2. The opportunity to speak for five minutes about your business. To sponsor a Business after Hours event, please info@esterochamber.org..

SPECIAL EVENTS Ribbon Cuttings Get your business recognized in the community with an Estero Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Event! These events can be scheduled at the members request.

6 SPECIAL EVENTS Ribbon Cuttings Get your business recognized in the community with an Estero Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Event! These events can be scheduled at the members request. Date and time must be approved by board members for attendance before confirming. To request your ribbon cutting event, esterochamber.org. Annual Luncheon & Awards Recognition Our annual awards luncheon takes place every June. Annual Golf Tournament Our Annual Golf Tournament takes place every October.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gene Montenieri, Chairman of the Board GMS Smart Solutions Gene s career has encompassed retail management and volunteer roles.

Lyne Graczyk, President LWG Bookkeeping Services A Lee County native with more than 15 years of banking experience, Lyne is actively involved in the local community.

Jeff Maas, Director Envirostruct LLC Jeff brings 28 years combined experience in accounting, corporate finance and operations management.

Bill Oberman, Director Lee Memorial Health System Bill develops strategies and tactics for marketing all business entities of Lee Memorial Health System, as well as internal

She has received numerous Top Producer Awards from the Womens Council of Realtors and serves in many leadership positions in the community.

building and remodeling. He is actively involved in numerous community organizations and serves as a director on the Bonita-Estero Economic Development Council board.

Her passion is to leverage her extensive financial experience to make the financial lives better for the Businesses she serves.

He is also a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee to the Lee County MPO.

He now commands the Public Services Division, comprising more than 10 departments including Crime Prevention, Sheriff s Youth Activities League, Citizens Against Senior

Cheryl Willett, Director Accounting For Profitability Cheryl has more than 25 years of accounting experience and 10 years QuickBooks experience; she and her organization provides

Nella DeCesare, Director WBN Marketing LLC Nella has 20+ years of marketing and advertising experience.

William Turner, Director Encore Bank A graduate of the University of Florida, Bill has served in the roles of branch manager, corporate trainer, commercial lender & branch

Bill has also served as President of the SWFL Gator Club, Lee County Chair for the March of Dimes March for Babies, President of the Edison Festival of Light, and on the

7 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gene Montenieri, Chairman of the Board GMS Smart Solutions Gene s career has encompassed retail management and volunteer roles. He serves on the National Advisory Board of Grace for Vets, a U.S. Veteran service organization. Gene is passionate about veteran services and the Chamber. Lyne Graczyk, President LWG Bookkeeping Services A Lee County native with more than 15 years of banking experience, Lyne is actively involved in the local community. She has served on committees and assisted in fundraising for the American Cancer Society s Estero Relay for Life, and the American Heart Association. Jeff Maas, Director Envirostruct LLC Jeff brings 28 years combined experience in accounting, corporate finance and operations management. He moved to Florida in 1994 and is a member of the Estero Community Planning Panel. Bill Oberman, Director Lee Memorial Health System Bill develops strategies and tactics for marketing all business entities of Lee Memorial Health System, as well as internal communications to all employees. Judi Gietzen, Vice President Owner-Broker - Elite Realty of SWFL A longtime Estero resident, Judi has more than 25 years of real estate experience. She has received numerous Top Producer Awards from the Womens Council of Realtors and serves in many leadership positions in the community. Bill Campos, Treasurer President, Monarch Builders of SW Florida Winner of the 2013 Silver & Bronze National Professional Remodeler awards, Bill has 46 years of experience in building and remodeling. He is actively involved in numerous community organizations and serves as a director on the Bonita-Estero Economic Development Council board. Kaci Carter, Secretary Vice President, Valley National Bank. Kaci is an experienced leader and banker with over 30 years of management/banking experience. Her passion is to leverage her extensive financial experience to make the financial lives better for the Businesses she serves. Al O Donnell, Director President, O Donnell Landscapes, Inc. Al moved to Florida in 1976 and has served on the Chamber s Board since its inception. He is also a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee to the Lee County MPO. Commander Morgan Bowden, Director Lee County Sheriff s Office Morgan has been with the Lee County Office of the Sheriff for 38 years. He now commands the Public Services Division, comprising more than 10 departments including Crime Prevention, Sheriff s Youth Activities League, Citizens Against Senior Exploitation and the VOICE program (Volunteer Observers Impacting Community Efforts). Cheryl Willett, Director Accounting For Profitability Cheryl has more than 25 years of accounting experience and 10 years QuickBooks experience; she and her organization provides financial training, support and assistance to business owners in the Southwest Florida market. Nella DeCesare, Director WBN Marketing LLC Nella has 20+ years of marketing and advertising experience. Her organization assists Southwest Florida clients with strategic planning, website development, social media and digital/traditional advertising. William Turner, Director Encore Bank A graduate of the University of Florida, Bill has served in the roles of branch manager, corporate trainer, commercial lender & branch administration throughout his banking career. Bill has also served as President of the SWFL Gator Club, Lee County Chair for the March of Dimes March for Babies, President of the Edison Festival of Light, and on the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Golden Apple Teacher Selection Committee. Trish Leonard, Director TLC marketing and Creative Services As Lee County resident since 1972, Trish Leonard, IOM is President of TLC Marketing & Creative Services, a boutique, marketing, event planning and public relations firm. She brings over 30 years of experience to her industry. Trish serves on numerous boards and committees including the Everglades Wonder Gardens, Lions Eye Clinic and Zonta Club of Bonita Springs, to name a few. Dallas Revord, Director FineMark Bank Dallas Revord is a Relationship Banking Officer for FineMark s Coconut Point office. Dallas, who has more than two decades of banking experience, has been with FineMark since Prior to FineMark he was Vice President and Branch Manager for a community bank in Bonita Springs. Dallas also serves as Chairman of the board for the City of Bonita Springs Historic Preservation Advisory Board and a he is a member of the Bonita Springs Historical Society. He is a graduate of Leadership Bonita, Class of In addition, Dallas is a member of the Estero Rotary and a committee member for the Bonita Springs Film Festival.

8 CONTACT US S. Tamiami Trail, Estero, FL Mail: P.O. Box 588, Estero, FL Phone: (239) Fax: (239) esterochamber.org

BPW Connection November 2016

Look who won Woman and Business of the Year! BPW Connection November 2016 Congrats to Woman, Business of the Year! We are so pleased to announce the winners of Business and Woman of the Year. Our own president,