Jackson steps down as North Fort Myers Chamber director
North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce executive director Chris Jackson has resigned from his position, and the board of directors will take its time deciding which way to move forward.
The resignation will be announced to the membership this week in its monthly newsletter, according to Al Giacalone, president of the Chamber board of directors.
Jackson tendered his resignation on Jan. 20, citing the fact his wife, a pastor, is moving to South Dakota to lead a church in Sioux Falls, and his desire to start a new website building company.
“I saw a good opportunity to get into another venture that would work with small businesses as well,” Jackson said. “My wife has been asked to start a new Grace Church campus up there, so they’re separate issues.”
The Board of Directors accepted the letter on Feb. 3.
“I called the board personally and informed them that I had received it and would read it into the record at the next board meeting,” Giacalone said.
Giacalone said they need to fill the position, but will not do an immediate search, but rather do the daily tasks in the interim to keep the chamber moving forward.
“We will talk about it the next month or so and then decide how to proceed,” Giacalone said.
All Chamber events, such as the Taste of North Fort Myers on April 12, are planned as scheduled.
As for Jackson, who was executive director for three years, he will start a site called Easyweb247.com, which will charge a flat rate to set up and design a website.
Jackson saw the opportunity when he saw companies were charging thousands of dollars for websites that many small businesses could not afford, with other companies charging for every update.
“I got together with some designers here and came up with the idea. I’ve lived here for 25 years and made contacts with these people. As we transition to South Dakota, it’s a good fit there as well,” Jackson said.
Giacalone said losing Jackson was a tough loss, seeing as it was unexpected. But considering the circumstances, it’s understandable.
Jackson said he enjoyed his time as executive director.
“I enjoyed seeing the businesses get involved in the community as a community leader, and the events we put on like the Taste and the Redneck Games,” Jackson said. “I made a lot of friends and wish nothing but the best and greater success.”