Bonita chamber ushers in new leader

The football rivalry between outgoing chairwoman of the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Diane Lepola and incoming chairman Doug Congress will continue even now that Lepola has handed over her gavel at the Annual Chairman’s Gala at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa.

Lepola, a Louisiana State University fan, stood before more than 250 chamber members and stepped down as chairwoman of the board.

But she didn’t let Congress take over the position without a few light jabs to his beloved University of Florida football team.
He responded by pointing out his bright orange tie and blue handkerchief.

“For the record, Florida did win this year,” Congress said before the awards portion of the gala.

Lepola quickly jumped in to complete Congress’ sentence by pointing out “but LSU did win last year!” she said.

The pair have been at odds over their college football teams’ success since last year when Lepola’s Tigers pounced Congress’ Gators during the Annual Gala.

Congress attended the event with a tiny TV so he wouldn’t miss the game.

“She was trying to put on a show, and I just couldn’t miss the game,” said Congress, the vice president and co-owner of Congress Jewelers.

Now that Congress is the chairman of the chamber, he gave his first speech at the gala and told members that this year’s theme was “Take it to the Limit” based on an Eagles song he said he had on his iPod.

Taking it to the limit will mean revamping the chamber’s Web site, increasing member participation, keeping the chambers accreditation status and increasing retention rates among members.

“We need our members to get involved because the chamber can only be as good as the efforts of its member,” said Congress, who had “Hail to the Chief” played as he took the gavel from Lepola.

Lepola stared him down much as their football teams do when they face each other on the field, but Congress laughed and the two embraced in a hug to audience applause.

The night continued with awards honoring several members of the community including citizen of the year Ray Faubion and Sabra Cecil as the chamber's director of the year.

Awards also were handed out to the Schumann Law Group and Colonial Bank for being members of the year in business.

Chamber President Nancy Keefer said the gala was a night to show appreciation for Lepola and welcome Congress.

“It’s a celebration to get everyone pumped up about the upcoming year and a celebration of the business and what they can do for the community,” Keefer said.

Even Keefer knows that the rivalry between Congress and Lepola will continue and Congress made sure to remind everyone.
“This night brings it all together with the old and the new ... the past and the present,” said Congress at the conclusion to his speech while looking at Lepola. “The gators are winners during my year and it will surely stay that way.”