Chamber retreat: Shown here are most members of the board of directors of the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce who met in retreat last week. On July 20, thy discussed upcoming Chamber matters and listened to representatives from local service organizations. Board members are show here with the last speaker, Dr. Stephen Schroering. They are from let to right, Inke Baker, the Chamber’s assistant director; Dr. Stephen Schroering, Joe Whalen, president and CEIO of the Chamber; David Deetscreek, chairman of the board, Chris Rakunas, Cindy Dodd, Celeste Buhl, Chuck Hodde, Cherly McConahy, Laurie Jerriey and Nate Stout, all board members. Photo by Mel Toadvine

Members of the board of directors of the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce met July 20 in a day-long retreat. During the day, they listened to presentations from the following people representing various local organizations: Jim Boback, Jere Carrick, and Edd Weiner for the Economic Development Board; Rick Anglickis from Kiwanis; Debra Shuman, representing the American Business Woman’s Association; Dr. Frank Avey representing the Rotary Club of Lehigh Acres; Rae Nicely, director of Lehigh Community Services ; and Dr. Stephen Schroering who spoke about the new free medical clinic which will serve all of Lee County, but be located in Lehigh and hopefully open by the end of this year.

David Detscreek, the new chairman of the Chamber board, said this was the last retreat for the group until after January when new officers are sworn in on the board. He said that there will be five openings on the board to be installed at the January Chamber Banquet.

He said the speakers were given a chance to help Chamber board members to learn and become more familiar with the named civic groups.

“I believe it is important that we begin a relationship with the various organizations so we can show some unity and provide assistance to each other should it ever been needed,” Deetscreek said.

The retreat which lasted all day was held in a conference room at Lehigh Regional Medical Center on Lee Blvd.

Deetscreek said the program in the morning included controls and policy discussions for the Chamber, and what was expected of the nominating committee for new board members. A lunch break was provided by Lehigh Regional Medical Center, whose CEO Chris Rakunas is on the board.

Deetscreek said the retreat was “a wonderful experience for board members” and said the day was a success.