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NFM Chamber Tax Day party brings out hundreds

By Staff | Apr 22, 2009

Andrea Galabinski North Fort Myers Chamber President John Gardner with Allie the Alligator and handler Jerry Cobert from Babcock Wilderness Adventures at the Tax Day Celebration.

By ANDREA GALABINSKI, “mailto:nfmneighbor@breezenewspapers.com”>nfmneighbor@breezenewspapers.com

Several hundred local business leaders and community members joined the North Fort Myers Chamber for a Tax Day Celebration and Mini Business Expo Wednesday, April 15. The purpose of the event was to relieve the stress of tax day with a fun, networking event.

There were many chamber members and many new faces, different local business leaders who had not been to the new chamber offices attending the event. There was even a guest appearance by Benjamin Franklin and Allie the Alligator.

“Benjamin Franklin” was a costumed Carolyn Graves, business manager for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. “I always have fun when I dress up as Ben Franklin,” she said.

She was one of the 27 vendors who had booths with information and coupons for their businesses.

“Benjamin Franklin” was a costumed Carolyn Graves, business manager for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.

“We also gave out ‘stimulus packages’ and coupons from local businesses, drawings and giveaways,” said the chamber’s Lori Davidson.

The free “stimulus packages” with coupons were valued at over $2,500 off goods and services.

Chamber President John Gardner said the event was very successful.

“We’re very happy with the turnout,” he said. “Lots of people, lots of vendors. We’re seeing a lot of different faces, a lot that are perspective new members, which is great for the chamber. A lot of residents have come too, that I haven’t seen at chamber events.”

Jerry Cobert from Babcock Wilderness Adventures was one of the new attendees who brought Allie the Alligator to the event for kids and adults alike to view and touch if they wanted.

Sandra Agulara from BJ’s also manned a vendor booth for the celebration.

“Allie is about three years old,” she said.

The next chamber networking event will be a Business After Hours Networking event, to be held at Tucker Vision Center. The date is Wednesday, May 6, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tucker Vision Center is located at 88 Pine Island Rd., Suite 3 in North Fort Myers.

Chamber officials say to bring your office co-workers and invite your friends. The cost is $5 for members and non-members.

The chamber offices are located in the Shell Factory & Nature Park complex. For information, call 997-9111.