Pilot program to promote local economic growth
The North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Committee has announced a new, unique, way to promote business in North Fort Myers.
“It’s called Discover North Fort Myers – Your Hometown Florida Destination for….everything,” said North Fort Myers Chamber Executive Director Kim Constantine.
Discover North Fort Myers represents a unique partnership between the NFM Chamber and NFM commercial property owners and managers.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy, and local shopping areas are the heart and soul of the community,” Constantine said.
Many major shopping destinations have large staffs, marketing efforts and funding to promote themselves – or organizations solely developed to promote centers to the public, called Destination Marketing Organizations or DMOs.
The NFM Chamber will help act as a DMO for local centers, using its resources and the visibility of the chamber itself.
The purpose of the campaign is to focus awareness on the many enjoyable aspects of North Fort Myers and the discoveries for shopping, dining and activities that the area offers, she continued. The effort will encourage local residents, seasonal residents and area visitors alike to explore the local community shopping and business centers throughout North Fort Myers, and to enjoy doing business with the merchants they “discover” there.
The Chamber will be working with two local business centers – Weaver’s Corner and Coral Gate Commons -to promote their retail space.
“But, as importantly, to provide resources to the existing tenants,” said Constantine.
Incoming president of the Chamber’s Public Affairs Committee Al Giacalone of Sun Country Realty said, “It is grassroots economic development at its best. Local small businesses are the lifeblood of the community. By combining the resources of the chamber, the plaza owners and the individual businesses we can help them all grow together.”
The committee recently met with Cheryl Maymon, a commercial broker for Cam Realty of Southwest Florida who works with Weaver’s Corner, to discuss ideas.
“I think it is a really unique opportunity for the Chamber and local businesses to work together toward a common goal,” said current committee chairman Dr. Jeff Houfek of Abbey Carpet & Floors.
“I think it is an exciting opportunity for the merchants in the two centers to exponentially increase their businesses,” said attorney Claire Avery, from the firm of Roberts & Engvalson.
Key Chamber and Public Affairs Committee members will spearhead the campaign. Besides Houfek, Giacalone and Avery, they include Dick Collins of the Snowbird Journal, who is the incoming Chamber president, BJ’s Wholesale Club Community Relations Representative Sandra Aguilar and Mike Shymansky of America’s Business Benefits Association.
Shymansky, a life and health insurance agent, said, “This will be a 100 percent supportive effort for the simple reason that the small investment of time, effort and energy by the Chamber will produce multiple benefits and investment for our businesses within our community.”
“Ribbon cuttings and network and community events are being planned for the two centers during season, Constantine said. “We look forward to creating a template/business plan that supports North Fort Myers and current CHamber members.”
For information contact Constantine at exec@nfmchamber.org.