Bonita Springs Florida Weekly

Southwest Florida Alliance of Chambers’ 4,600 voices are louder than one

BONITA SPRINGS AREA CHAMBER INSIDER



 

 

Just like two scoops of ice cream are better than one and two squeaky wheels are louder than one, we all know that when you have a concern, getting multiple groups involved can help get the ball rolling on a solution.

That’s what’s so exciting about being a part of the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce. When one business has a question, idea or issue, whether it is legislative or professional, we can give that business access to 800 more businesses.

Those are 800 local organizations that might have experienced the same problem — and found a solution they can share. They are 800 local organizations that might love the chance to work with someone on developing an innovative idea. They are also 800 local organizations that can work together as one loud, impactful voice to solve problems.

It’s easy for legislators (and their staffers) to delete an email from one business or miss one phone call. It’s harder for them to avoid 800 messages. When local businesses and community members work together, they can make a significant, positive difference in our region’s quality of life. The Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce exists to bring those organizations together.

On an even larger scale, we are proud to be working with six fellow chambers from Southwest Florida as a massively squeaky wheel on the issue of water quality. We have been meeting with businesses and water quality experts to discuss, implement and advocate for solutions.

As one chamber, we are a voice that represents 800 local businesses. Together with the Southwest Florida Alliance of Chambers, we represent more than 4,600 businesses — and their neighbors, customers and fellow residents, all of which are in desperate need of solutions to Southwest Florida’s water crisis.

This summer will be another tough one for local businesses. The solutions we’re working on will have positive, long-term impacts, but items like the C-43 Reservoir that will store water during the wet season, switching from septic tanks to central sewage and reducing the use of fertilizer that feeds algae will not give us short-term help.

What will help, however, is continued education, research and advocacy by this community for water quality.

Mark your calendar now for the firstever Water Summit we are planning for Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa. Until then, we urge you to check out www.bonitaspringschamber.com/Water-Resources to learn more about our water crisis and its long-term solutions. ¦

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