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by Jeff Lytle
he Greater Naples Chamber of We can look to thought leaders in areas like Vail Valley,
Commerce rings in the new year with Colorado. They share these challenges and are very seasonal
Ta new CEO. Kristina Park comes from when they receive an influx of visitors and the needs for workers
Pinellas County, where she was COO of a increase. Similarly, they have found a mix of solutions to fit their
chamber called Amplify Clearwater, to succeed communities needs and have worked to improve it year over year.
Michael Dalby, now working as a university Another example is in Tampa Bay. The Innovation District in
fundraiser in Texas. Park agreed to a Q&A via St. Petersburg is working towards cooperative housing solutions
email with Jeff Lytle for Life in Naples. in the healthcare space. There are companies like Diamond Age
What is it about Naples and the chamber that attracted your in Phoenix, 3D-printing homes to greatly reduce the cost of
attention? constructing a property, Move to Work creating new structures
Naples has such a strong reputation for its beauty and around federal funds, and Blue Hour Housing working in
signature warm hospitality, all of which I have found to be partnership with employers to convert underutilized spaces into
absolutely accurate. The livability of this community is quite rich workforce housing.
as evidenced by the number of individuals and families like myself Make no mistake, these solutions are multi-layered and require
who are flocking to the area for the active lifestyle, quality schools a lot of moving parts including wraparound livability qualities like
and sense of community. transportation, access to education and healthcare and more.
The chamber is well supported and positioned to protect the I look forward to partnering with Collier County business
things that residents and visitors love owners, elected officials, and others already
about the destination, while growing to working towards solutions in this space to
ensure prosperity for all. find the right model to fit our needs.
Many of the pressing issues keeping Is it important to diversify our
Collier County business owners up economy or can we keep on the path
at night are similar to the ones I've of what already makes Collier so
been working to help improve and prosperous?
solve for the last decade in Tampa Bay, There is certainly a special mix that has
such as affordable housing, workforce made the area so successful and desirable
development, quality childcare, beach to live and visit. There is opportunity
renourishment and the property insurance. to build on this success and continue
I look forward to building on the strong to enhance it as the economy not only
foundation set by this organization in the responds to trends but anticipates them to
community that supports it. maximize the impact.
How should a chamber fit into the mix Such success allows development
of government and civic organizations through a more "Rodeo Drive Effect."
that help drive local communities? This means we get to ask ourselves "Does
By leading collaboration. Chambers this development fit our community
of commerce are positioned at the ideal culture?" We get to be selective to build
intersection of government, nonprofits and businesses. Through the community that we want and need for now and into the
economic development, advocacy and workforce development we future. In doing so, we invite a diverse set of perspectives into this
work together to drive toward a vision crafted by those who live conversation to ensure we are building prosperity for all.
and play there. What do you like to do in your spare time?
There are many examples of success through these collective Explore. I love getting outdoors, both by land and water and
impact models. They are so successful because they require a soaking up the area’s recreation offerings -- visiting the beach,
diverse set of voices at the table to build something that functions boating and exploring the area’s parks and playgrounds with my
well for all. We look forward to serving as the organization family. I am learning the game of golf and have been told I'm in
to lead this collaboration and curate consensus to drive our the perfect place to learn pickleball as well.
community forward. How can the chamber connect with retirees who have loads
Affordable workforce housing is an issue in Collier County. of talent and want to volunteer?
Do you know of initiatives that have succeeded elsewhere that This is one of the many areas that I am excited to optimize.
we could use here? There is an incredible brain trust of talented individuals across
There are many models of success to explore. Whether Collier County that have a lot of knowledge and expertise to
employer-assisted housing, developer incentives, cooperative offer the area's growing businesses. I look forward to growing the
housing units or one of several other successful models, the key engagement opportunities so we can match up these interested
will be finding the right mix specifically suited to Collier County. retirees with the community that would be enhanced by their
expertise.

Life in Naples | January 2024 61