Doug Congress started his year as the new chairman of the board for the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce by poking fun at himself and outgoing chairwoman Diane Lepola.
The two have spent the last year at odds over a college football game in which Lepola’s Louisiana State University Tigers pounced Congress’ University of Florida Gators.
“Last year Diane was hosting an event and I brought along my 2-inch TV set so I could watch the game and everyone was crowding around my table,” said Congress, the vice president and co-owner of Congress Jewelers. “She was trying to put on a show and I just couldn’t miss the game. But her team won anyway.”
And to honor that moment Lepola’s husband, Skip, presented her with a framed picture of the LSU stadium to remind Congress that his wife was still on top even as outgoing chairman of the board.
“They like to laugh at my expense and I’m okay with that. That’s what this group is about,” said Congress, who spoke in depth about his goals during this year’s annual luncheon.
The luncheon proved informational for the members as the new 2006-2007 year was off to a start. Congress vowed to continue in the footsteps of his predecessors by applying to keep the chamber’s accreditation status.
“Only five percent of the chambers in the United States are accredited and we are one of those. In Lee and Collier county there are 18 chambers and we are the only accredited ones,” Congress said. “That’s something we need to keep up and luckily we have someone working on it.”
Keeping his members busy won’t be hard for Congress who has plans to increase membership, maintain an 85 percent member retention rate and increase chamber awareness among the community. He also plans to redo the chamber’s website.
“We have a lot to accomplish but we are moving in the right direction,” said Congress, who chose this year’s slogan of “Take it to the Limit” based on an Eagles song he said he had on his iPod. “We have a good vision and the entire membership contributes and that’s why we are so successful.”
The past year’s success’ were also shared at the luncheon with Lepola presenting Bob Di Pesa with the Ambassador of the Year award and Judi Gietzen with the Recruiter of the Year award.
“I feel honored but the task is something I really believe in and the chamber is something that every business should be a part of,” said Gietzen, who has been a member since 2001.
As a final duty as outgoing chairwoman Lepola had the opportunity to present the first Pat Lord Award of Volunteerism and Service Stewardship. The award was named after the longtime member who served on every board at the chamber but passed away this year from cancer.
The award went to News-Press sales manager Vince Modarelli who got quite emotional at hearing his name and was touched that he would be picked to receive an award named after Lord.
“This is Pat’s award. She was the one who said that I should get plugged in and get involved,” Modarelli to the more than 200 chamber members in attendance. “This means more to me than you will ever know. Pat is the reason I stand here.”
During the luncheon Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott talked about volunteerism and its role in any organization.
There was also an introduction of new chamber team members and WINK-TV news anchor Chris Cifatte served as the master of ceremonies.
But the luncheon wouldn’t have been complete without Congress poking one final stab at Lepola and her Tigers.
“LSU goes against the Gators (soon) and we will beat her,” said Congress after the luncheon. “She will have to remember the Gators. But it’s all in good fun.”
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