Leadership NEXT, a monthly program for advancing business professionals, will host a networking program from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13 at The Wine Room in Fort Myers.
A wine bar and retail shop in downtown Fort Myers, The Wine Room offers wine tastings, wine by the glass, wine bottle purchases and beer options for those who are not wine lovers. With every bottle purchase, 3% is given back to the community by selecting a local nonprofit of choice.
During the Leadership NEXT program, Sarah Newcomb, founder of The Wine Room, will share her entrepreneurial experience, and the challenges of opening a new business during the COVID pandemic. Prior to launching The Wine Room, Newcomb held positions with Lee County Government and The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools before becoming the first person to serve as president and CEO of the Estero Chamber of Commerce.
Guests will also hear from Ali Strauss-Eck, owner and operator of Grazing Haus, who will share her experience launching Southwest Florida’s first concierge cheese service. Strauss-Eck founded Grazing Haus in 2019, inspired by her American-Austrian heritage and passion for cultural eating. Known for its unique styling and grazing of artistically curated cheese and charcuterie arrangements, Grazing Haus offers boxes, boards and tables that can be sent as a gift or enjoyed at home, in addition to hosting hands-on charcuterie classes for small groups.
Attendees of Leadership NEXT represent a variety of businesses and industries throughout Southwest Florida. Sessions take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month and offer opportunities to develop new knowledge and skills, establish working relationships with colleagues and engage in valuable programs and discussions to further enhance their careers. Leadership NEXT’s annual sponsor is the Florida Gulf Coast University Alumni Association.
The program on April 13 will be held at The Wine Room, located at 1544 Broadway in downtown Fort Myers. Admission is free for Chamber members and $10 for future members and includes one complimentary drink. Advanced registration is required for all attendees as capacity is limited to allow for social distancing. Attendees can register at FortMyers.org or call 239-332-2930.
About the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce:
Serving Lee County and surrounding areas since 1989, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a business organization of professionals who support and promote a progressive, sustainable community. The Chamber represents over 750 businesses, professionals, and individuals throughout Lee County, providing opportunities for members to participate in a variety of meaningful networking, educational and community- and business-focused programs and events. The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is located at 2310 Edwards Drive in downtown Fort Myers. For additional information regarding membership opportunities or events please call 239-332-2930 or visit www.fortmyers.org. For the latest news and updates, follow the Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gfmcc or Twitter at @FtMyersChamber.
