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February 7, 2014
Dear Members, I had the opportunity again today to take part in a conference call with the Florida Chamber of Commerce. As will be my continuing policy should I hear of anything that is concerning to our membership I will gladly share with all. Today the guest speaker was Senator Jeff Brandes. Of great importance to all of us continues to be the flood insurance. Another example from the Tampa area where a business located in a flood zone experienced an increase from their 2013 rate of $4,500.00 to a staggering 2014 rate of $27,223.00. As you can see this can be a game changer for many businesses. Senator Brandes has introduced legislation on behalf of Florida’s residential and commercial property owners but the fight is far from over. You can go to www.flsenate.gov/enators/s22 and at the bottom of the page, under Session click on Bills and then when the page comes up type in Flood Insurance hit search and you can read his proposal. Second option is the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce was kind enough to send me a link to their web page sharing the extensive work they have done covering this and other very important water issues facing the State of Florida. I would encourage you to visit it! http://www.tampabaybeaches.com/chamber/Flood.aspx Respectfully, Gene Montenieri Estero Chamber of Commerce Hello Everyone,
I had the opportunity Monday to be part of a conference call with our Attorney General Pam Bondi and other members of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Several topics were covered and while discussions that concern businesses are important to all of us a few topics I felt could impact our personal lives and are worthy of mentioning! First, business owners need to be aware of a new type of “Business to Business Scam” that has surfaced. A seemingly legitimate business bills you for a service they claim to have provided, but never did! Your Accounts Payable department receives a printed “Yellow Page” add for your company with an invoice, looks real so they pay it, but it’s fake! You receive a notice that a new regulation requires an inspection of your building and the charge is $100.00, call and set up an appointment! These are just a few samples of what is happening in our state and we all need to question any suspect actions. You can visit www.myfloridalegal.com for more information or to report any suspicious actions. Two more topics can be of help to family, friends or employees. A very short time ago 98 out of the top 100 pill mills were located in Florida! Almost all have been shut down; however a new possibly more dangerous issue has surfaced. “Synthetic Drugs” these are manmade and for the most part still legal over the counter products and primarily target youngsters. They are replacing addictive drugs that have been illegal for years. Some are marketed as Incense. Here is a list of some, Mollies, Potpourri, K2, Spice, Cotton Candy and Bath Salts. Again if you visit www.myfloridalegal.com you can see what they look like and possibly save a life. The final topic while unpleasant needs our awareness! Florida is third in the nation for “Human Trafficking” We have seen a few stories on the news about arrests but they barely scratch the surface. I would suggest you visit the above web site and read more about all of these topics. Awareness is one key to prevention and possibly helping a fellow business person or child. I hope you find this as informative, as I did. Gene Montenieri The Estero Chambers Christmas Celebration was an amazing event. The business community corralled around, with much cheer and celebration, at Fords Garage, located at Miromar Mall. Trish and her entire Elves, worked diligently with providing the members an evening to remember. This years charity, "Christmas stockings for the children and pets", went to the Children of the Wagon Wheel Mobile Home Park in Estero, and the Animal Refugee Center. All guests were asked to donate a Christmas stocking for either a child or pet. WOW, what a beautiful showing of support, from the guests who brought over 100 stockings. The Estero Fire and Rescue Department, stopped by to pick up the entire bundle of Christmas Stockings, with bells on. Unity in the Community; the chamber epitomized the true meaning. |
Estero Chamber of Commerce
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