Summer is here and while the busy season is behind most of us, the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce is busy planning events and improving services for its members.
As your director, I will constantly be in search of new ways to bring commerce to the Boca Grande area. Here is a list of some of the many things we have accomplished over the last year and what we have lined up for this coming season:
n BGACC website improvements emphasizes the unique beauty and leisure activities of the Gasparilla/Cape Haze area and provide opportunities for businesses to be highlighted. Chamber member business and a web links are automatically listed on the website, which had more than 2 million hits last year.
Article Photos
Lew Hastings
n The new BGACC directory is in development now and will run from September to August 2013. Please review the ad sales sheet and return the completed form as soon as possible for your ad to be included in this publication. This new timeline will give our membership one less thing to worry about when the busy season kicks off in the fall.
n A dynamic new logo represents our island history and ambiance.
n Development of social media accounts such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Pinterest. The Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce office manages these websites regularly.
n The monthly Business to Business program was a great addition last year and will continue to serve as a networking event and a chance for member businesses to showcase services.
n Creation of a unique QR code for the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce that can be used to send visitors to our website from our social media websites. The code is prominently displayed in our window at the Chamber office so visitors during off hours have access to our website and your business information through their smart phones instantly.
n A revised calendar of events and newsletter will be designed to keep local businesses and the community informed and engaged in all upcoming events. The calendar will be regularly updated with more community events on our website helping potential visitors better plan their trip to the area which will encourage longer and multiple stays.
Increased visibility with Charlotte County and Lee County visitor bureaus and governments.
n The successful revival of the "World's Richest Tarpon Tournament" this spring brought new sponsors, participants and business to the area. We hope to grow this event over the coming years to help educate the recreational fishing community and the public that we can bolster our economy and promote conservation of our natural resources through responsible angling and boating.
These are just a few of the things going on at the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce with more to follow. While this year proved to be an important step in the right direction toward economic recovery, please be assured the BGACC Board of Directors is committed to working diligently to help keep momentum going for a prosperous coming season.
I anticipate an exciting and challenging year ahead. By renewing your membership for the 2012/2013 season, you help us continue to make this a Chamber that delivers value and produces results.
Our current project that we are excited about is The Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce's totally redesigned 2013 membership directory, which will be a great tool to promote businesses to visitors, residents and other local businesses.
The directory will be printed on high gloss stock and the cover will be UV coated. The size will be consistent with previous directories but the new look, feel and top quality design going into it is going to be a great tool to tell people more about the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce Members and the importance of supporting local businesses.
Membership renewals will be in the mail next week and I hope all of you take advantage of the special member directory offer attached for July.
Thank you for your continued support of the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce and I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Lew Hastings
executive director
Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce
