Chamber has festive Holiday After Hours and Social
In December, the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce hosted several holiday events for local business leaders.
At a Holiday Social at the Chamber offices, a new donated tree was lit, with presents donated by members and their customers under the tree, ready to be sent off to the Toys For Tots campaign.
Ray Hair of Ray Hair State Farm Insurance was the official sponsor of the event, and his office is noted as doing many charitable events year round. “I believe we should give back to the community, that’s part of my philosophy,” Hair said. This year he collected not only for Toys For Tots but for helping out families in the Suncoast Community.
His office also spearheaded back-to-school supplies for local children and local schools earlier this year, with other charitable campaigns.
Many toys were brought in by Arizona Pizza Company General Manager Jerry Kealler. At his restaurant, guests were encouraged to help with his toy drive campaign. “Any guest that brought in an unwrapped toy around the holidays got a discount on their check,” he said of the number collected. The community got behind the drive he noted. “Their check and the charity benefitted twice – and the toys will stay in the community.”
He and his company also “adopted” 40 families that received free pizzas. “We are supporting those 40 local families,” he continued.
Also on hand were Baron and Kim Cohen of Cohen & Cohen Catering, who have been seen in many charitable endeavors around the community this year.
Presents were placed under a new Christmas tree donated by new Chamber member Belk Department Store.
Corliss Kazemba, Belk general manager, also hosted a Holiday After Hours at the store in December. One highlight of the evening was a treasure hunt throughout the store.
While Belk is located in Cape Coral, Kazemba said it was important to her to be a member of the North Fort Myers Chamber as well as being in that area. “We have continuously been in the North Fort Myers community doing fashion shows, so that enhances Belk awareness in the community, along with joining the chamber.”
She said customers can find some great deals there continuing into the new year. “Not only will customers be able to come in for after-Christmas deals, but also the arrival of new many spring fashions. They are here now. That’s the next big thing.”
Of Belk Department donating a tree and decorations to the Chamber Welcome Center, Chamber Executive Director Kim Constantine said, “Our Welcome Center will now always have a pre-lit Christmas Tree to welcome visitors at the holidays,” said Chamber Executive Director Kim Constantine.
Constantine also talked about things that have enhanced the chamber’s service capabilities over the last few months. “One thing is new membership software that will enhance opportunities for members,” she noted.
She also outlined goals for the new year. “Our goal is to raise our membership another 50 percent and we will be doing something different. To enhance chamber programs and services, we will have a membership retreat combining leadership, networking and tools to help businesses.”
Ray Hair State Farm Insurance is located at 90 Pine Island Rd. in North Fort Myers. For information call 995-0202.
Cohen & Cohen Catering is located at 11220 Metro Parkway in Fort Myers. For information call 243-8906.
Belk Department store is located at 2342 Surfside Blvd. in Cape Coral. For information call 282-5692.
The North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center is located in the Shell Factory & Nature Park complex at 2787 North Tamiami Trail. The phone number is 997-9111.