Bradley's hosts networking event

Bradley's Fine Jewelers was the site of an Independence Day barbecue bash for the ages.

The specialty jewelry store hosted an after-hours event recently that drew more than 130 local business professionals.

"It was one of the most attended events in some time," said Angela Schivinski, who was in charge of membership development for the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce.

"The attendance was fabulous and it was a great networking opportunity for everyone."

Being able to network was just part of the after-hours event as professionals also enjoyed hot dogs, hamburgers and red, white and blue martinis.

"We wanted to put something together that was patriotic for Independence Day so we set up tents and
invited everyone," said Brad Congress, who is part owner of the jewelry store.

The store, which is part art gallery, joined the chamber of commerce three months ago and wanted to introduce itself to the community.

"We had many different business professionals from everywhere who came and enjoyed themselves ... I was stunned by the outcome," Congress said, noting that some event attendees had such a good time they stayed later than the two hours set aside for the event. "We even had local Miss America pageants (participants) from Cape Coral, Bonita and Fort Myers come and chomp down on burgers."

The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 20-year anniversary and boasts more than 1,300 businesses.

"There are very important people in the community and many of them come out specifically to meet other business professionals in the community," Schivinski said. "It's a way for them to connect and build a rapport with people they may have not had a chance to get a meeting with."