By Mike Welch
At this writing the Chamber of Commerce just celebrated a blockbuster 28th Annual Awards Gala with a filled to capacity crowd last Saturday January 18th.
By now many have heard that this organization was close to closing in 2018. Last year in 2019 was a year of reform and stabilization for the business organization. The Board of Directors led by Chairman Mike Welch determined along with economic development leaders in the region that the SR82 expansion project will be a game changer in terms of good growth and development and it will further enhance relationships between Lehigh Acres and Gateway.
The next several months will see a transition to the New Chamber and its new name. In the meantime, the Chamber Offices have been revitalized and is becoming a hub of activity for the business community. The new logo that is being shown in this edition on another page highlights the SR82 interchange – the first of its kind in Florida. It highlights in a concrete way that SR82 and this revolutionary interchange is a game changer for the Eastern part of Lee County. Plan to hear about more exciting things coming out of the Chamber in 2020.
WELCOME UNITED STATES ARMY
January 9, 2020 the Chamber of Commerce hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting for the new United States Army Career Center located at 2814 Lee Blvd.
Representative Spencer Roach along with several local and state leaders as well as representatives from Federal offices were in attendance. Chamber Board Chair Mike Welch noted that, “At a time when our nation is confronted with a dangerous world this office opening reminds us that our freedoms are hard won and that our debt of gratitude goes to those young men and women who will answer the call to serve.”
Carolyn Peplow, Executive Director of Lehigh Acres Community Services provides us with a column outlining the hectic pace at the Community Services this time of year. Highlights are free tax services. Please read the article to plan. In addition, Community Services will host its Ninth Annual Lobster Fest on February 22nd. Cocktails at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner 7:00 p.m. Reservations are limited. Please call Carolyn at 239-369-5818. Or email carolyn@lehighcommunityservices.com
Major Brenda Lane of the Salvation Army also provides an article outlining the Lehigh Acres Service Centers programs and recent activities. The Salvation Army’s Service Center is located at the Lehigh Town Centre, 25 Homestead Road, #41 in Lehigh Acres.
