The CSWF Program of Action is a “work plan” led by the members of the Chambers’ Board of Directors. Committees are made up of members of the chamber who are interested in the topics and initiatives outlined in the program. Committee Chairs report regularly to the Chamber Board on the progress of each initiative. The purpose of the plan and the activities generated by each working group is designed to enhance and advance the Mission of the The Chamber of Southwest Florida. If you are interested in joining one of the committees listed below, please contact the chamber via email.
Our regional chamber has a tradition of advocacy for regional solutions and adequate infrastructure. Our government relations committees educate business leaders about public policy issues and encourages members to become actively involved in understanding and influencing the local, state, and federal policy decisions that impact the Southwest Florida Business Community.
The Chamber is the oldest and strongest provider of leadership programs in the region. We have graduated more than 1000 community leaders since 1987 and are building the next generation of community leadership through Leadership Lee County (LLC) programs.
Regional Business Leadership Coalition
Co-Chairs: Gary Griffin & Bill deDeugd
Provides policy briefing and topical sessions with government and business leaders regarding issues of impact to local businesses.
Leadership Lee County Steering Committee
Chair: Leslie Zelkowitz
This committee helps Chamber staff plan and execute the Leadership Lee County (LLC) tours that are the core of the LLC experience. It is comprised of recent and past LLC graduates.
Regional Water Futures Roundtable
Co-Chairs: Fred Edman &Trudi Williams
This forum brings SWFL organizations together around the area of water resources to provide educational events that increase awareness of how water issues impact our businesses.
NEXgen LLC Steering Committee
Chair: Alan Canfield & Bill de Deugd
This committee brings the LLC experience to SWFL high school students in an effort to build our next generation of leaders and expose them to the many career opportunities that SWFL has to offer.
Legislative Priorities Policy Roundtable
Co-Chairs: Trudi Williams, Kevin Besserer & Heather Mazurkiewicz
This forum brings SWFL organizations and community partners together to discuss and share legislative impacts and draft a SWFL legislative priorities policy for the Chamber.
Leadership Lee County Alumni Committee
Chair: David Miller
The goal of the committee is to keep LLC graduates engaged and connected through alumni events and the compilation of the LLC Communications Directory.
Southwest Florida Tallahassee Days
Co-Chairs: Heather Mazurkiewicz & Kevin Besserer
This committee cordinates and promotes a three-day, two-night trip to Tallahassee during the legislative session to meet with State Senators, Representatives, and agency leaders to discuss the legislative priorities of SWFL businesses.
Connect SWFL!
Chair: Karen Miller
This emerging program will assist employers in recruiting & retaining senior leaders by introducing relocated senior executives and their families to SWFL leaders in the business, government, entertainment, and non-profit sectors. The program emphasizes connectedness and relationship building.
The Chamber keeps our members and the regional business community current on the topics that will have the greatest impact on their organizations. Individual workshops, seminars, and luncheons examine both business and policy issues that affect the business community.
The Chamber keeps our members and the regional business community current on the topics that will have the greatest impact on their organizations. Individual workshops, seminars, and luncheons examine both business and policy issues that affect the business community.
Regional Economic Outlook
Co-Chairs: Tom Mueller & Earnest J. Wilks
The goal of the committee is to develop topical economic presentations and discussions that provide insight and value to SWFL businesses for planning and forecasting purposes. Periodically, they are called on to assist Chamber staff in organizing a SWFL Regional Economic Outlook Conference.
CSWFL Monthly Luncheons
Chair: David Miller
With input from the various CSWFL committees, the Chamber staff plans monthly luncheons that provde meaningful information, access to community and state leaders, and networking opportunities to CSWF members and future members.
Medical Industry Roundtable
Chair: Mary Franklin & Selynto Anderson
This is a forum designed to build a regional medical industry discussion group to address the unique needs of the medical sector and share challenges and solutions.
Chairman’s Council
Co-Chairs: Fred Edman & Tom Mueller
Chairman’s Council members meet quarterly for small group discussions with local government and business leaders to voice their business concerns and engage with decision-makers on key regional topics.
Southwest Florida Transportation Roundtable (SWFTR)
Co-Chairs: Fred Edman, Carlos Kelly & Heather Mazurkiewicz
Exponential growth in the region means that Southwest Florida continues to face challenges with transportation infrastructure. This committee has a goal to invigorate the transportation forum to address these challenges and advocate for a planned transportation system that meets the needs of our growing community.
Member Development & Retention Team
Co-Chairs: David Miller & Kevin Besserer
This committee is dedicated to building a strategic plan for the recruitment and retention of Chamber members and ensures that Chamber programs bring value to our members.