Event

Lee County Economic Development – Spring Luncheon 2024

Thursday, May 16th | 11AM-1:30PM 

The Plantation Club in Somerset

10300 Dartington Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33913

Join us on May 16th at the Plantation Club in Somerset for a lunch of networking featuring two highly influential speakers sharing information about development in the Cape Coral and East Lee County areas. 

Featured Speakers 

John Talmage, Director of Economic Development 

John Talmage has more than 20 years of experience in City Government and Economic Development and has developed a national reputation as a leader in innovative practices by pairing information with capital development to create new approaches for economic development in communities across the country. John focuses on business development issues, including workforce development, international trade, and business recruitment and retention, to advocate for an asset-based approach, leading to opportunities to testify before Congress and work with the Federal Regulatory community. John plans on speaking about the current growth and future projects coming to the East Lee County Area. 

Alex Breault, FutureMakers Coalition

FutureMakers Coalition is a regional initiative that supports efforts to increase educational attainment as a pathway to a skilled and sustainable workforce pipeline. The coalition is working on systems change to help Southwest Floridians earn the high-quality credentials needed to fill in-demand jobs. Our goal is to make sure 55% of adults between the ages of 25-64 in our region have an education beyond high school by 2025.

Bill Johnson, Horizon Foundation

In assuming his role as the new face of the Horizon Foundation, Johnson brings to the table eight years of invaluable nonprofit leadership experience, poised to attract investors, cultivate relationships, and propel Lee County’s economic growth through strategic partnerships and financial mechanisms. With a successful track record as the Executive Director of the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association, Johnson has demonstrated his prowess in managing day-to-day operations, steering through challenges such as the pandemic, and ensuring financial stability. His diverse background, spanning membership sales and retail management, enriches his skill set, further augmented by his educational accomplishments including a Certificate in Non-Profit Organizational Management from Villanova University.

Schedule of Events 

*Arrive as early as 11:00 AM 

11:30 Lunch Served

11:30: Welcome from the MC, Sponsor and Guest Intro.
11:45AM John Talmage: Speech and Q & A 

12:45PM – Alex Breault, FutureMakers Coalition

1PM Bill Johnson with Horizon Foundation

1:15PM Closing Remarks and Announcements

$45 for the Lunch

Sponsorship Opportunities

Become a sponsor, and receive your logo in communications to the members and attendees.
Be thanked in the meeting and get your promotional materials in the takeaway bags.

Be a table captain or an ambassador for this event.

*Sponsorship includes one seat at the lunch.

$250

Contact Katrina Salokar at 239-470-5611 or email board@swflbusinessalliance.com for Sponsorship Opportunities.

bronze

Join bronze and receive:

DIRECTORY MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS for all levels include:

  • A full business listing on the SWFLBA website
  • Advanced invitations to all events both private and public
  • Assistance from SWFLBA Leaders
  • A digital logo of recognition
  • Social media promotions on all networks
  • Discounted rates for publications and marketing services.

Supporter Level and Executive Level have additional benefits.

Cost: $150 yearly or $15 per month

Join Yearly | Join Monthly

Silver

Join Silver and receive:

This includes DIRECTORY MEMBER BENEFITS Plus:

  • Your directory listing will be promoted on social media and given out for referrals.
  • You may bring your handouts and giveaways to our events.
  • Receive invitations to volunteer and represent the network as an ambassador or at other events.

Cost: $300 yearly or $30 per month

Join Yearly | Join Monthly

gold

Join gold and receive:

This includes MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Plus:

  • Your directory listing will appear as a priority in the directory.
  • You will be promoted on social media and given out for referrals.
  • Bring your handouts and giveaways to our events, and we'll actively distribute them.
  • Receive invitations to volunteer and represent the network as an ambassador.
  • You'll be recognized as an Executive Leader at events, receive leadership opportunities, help craft events, take sponsorships, or be a speaker.
  • Our team will custom-promote you on social media, and you'll have an opportunity to participate in SWFL's BEST Awards program (details to come).

Cost: $500 yearly or $50 per month

Join Yearly | Join Monthly