Time to hit the accelerator. The next eight months could prove to be critical to Ft. Myers Beach. There will be elections, road projects, beach re-nourishment issues, and transportation and traffic flow concerns all to be discussed and decided. A new Interim Town Manager, Terry Stewart, will be hard at work as of February 1.

First, there is an election in March for two council seats. Mayor Kiker has announced that he is running for re-election and Councilman Herb Acken is retiring from the board. The direction of this town will certainly be affected by who will be serving on these boards. Further, the relationship with other agencies and jurisdictions will certainly be on the desk of these councilpeople. Beach re-nourishment, even with a modified plan, will still be challenged. There are some very needy areas to protect property as well as for recreational uses. Two County Commission seats, presently held by Commissioners Bigelow and Hall are up this fall and both have announced that they are running for re-election.

Second, there will be significant infrastructure improvements. This work includes North Estero Boulevard as well as railings on the north side of the Matanzas Pass Bridge. Also, the bridge will be painted an attractive blue. The result should be a real upgrade on the north side of our island. I believe a real transformation is occurring on that part of our island.

A decision on a successor owner to Seafarers Mall is likely to be made by the bank later this year. The new owner has real possibilities if they work with the town to improve traffic flow in that area and possibly improve parking and/or pedestrian crossings to Lynn Hall Park. Over the next few years, the resulting impacts can radiate down Estero Boulevard.

There will also be discussions about water utility lines, Bay Oaks recreation center, and important conversations regarding better public and private traffic flow on San Carlos Boulevard to Ft. Myers Beach are all likely to be discussed. The tail end of this period will no doubt include a lively discussion on the Town and the Lee County commission’s budgets.

We will also look forward to, hopefully, a scheduled groundbreaking for the expansion of the library and the opening of Newton Park. Off-island improvements include finalizing the widening of Gladiolus Drive as well as the conclusion of adding landscaping along Summerlin Road.

Your Ft. Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce will continue to work on behalf of your business to protect your business interests while pursuing more ways to improve the business climate in the Ft. Myers Beach Area. Our networking opportunities will include the interaction that your business can use to build relationships as well as to hear from officials who affect your life. Attending our upcoming seminars can also help guide you through these turbulent times. Together, we can build a stronger business community business by business. Your participation can allow you to strengthen your business strategies while creating a stronger business climate. The clientele will return but we cannot miss the opportunities for improvements today.

Come join GSW Consulting Group and The Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce as we explore the different components of using Social Media in Business.

January 6, 2010 at 8:30 am  ”The Business of Social Media”

An overview of what, where, and how social media is working for businesses today

January 12, 2010 at 8:30 am “Business Blogging and Article Writing”

This work shop will cover how blogging and article writing can increase your SEO, supplement and    improve current marketing efforts.  Beginner to Intermediate class w/ Manual.

January 14, 2010 at 8:30 am “Building Your Business on Facebook”

This workshop will take a step by step approach on how to establish your business presence on facebook. Beginner to intermediate class w/ Manual

January 19, 2010 8:30 am “Link Up on Linkedin and beyond”

In this workshop we will show you how to build on established business connections and create new business building relationships by sharing your expertise on more the 30 business networks. Beginner to intermediate w/ Manual

January 21, 2010 8:30 am ‘Twitter Your Way to More Business”

In this workshop we will instruct you in the art of doing business in 140 characters or less. Information is the currency of Today’s business world. Beginner to intermediate w/ Manual

January 26, 2010 at 8:30 “The Video Revolution”

In this class we discuss the way that short, simple, and well targeted video can increase your business bottom line. Beginner to intermediate w/ Manual

January 28, 2010 at 8:30 am “Making it All Work For Your Business”

You have learned the basics. Now it is time to put together your plan for using Social Media to market your business. This wrap up workshop will help you “Bring it all Together”  to ensure that your presence in the online community is efficient and effective.

All the classes are held at Diamond Head Beach Resort located at 2000 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach.  Classes cost $30.00 per member or $40.00 per non-member. One class is free if you sign up for all the classes.

Contact  The Great Fort Myers Beach Chamber at 239-454-7500 for more information or to make your reservation today!