Updated:

"While it is unfortunate that this information was communicated prior to our scheduled announcement to the Chambers membership, the Greater Pine Island Chamber Board of Directors would like to provide clarity to today’s article in order to prevent any further miscommunication of certain facts. 

Due to the continuing Covid-19 pandemic, Lee County declined issuing the Chamber an event permit for Mango Mania 2020. This required the event to be canceled. This significant funding loss required the Board of Directors to make the difficult decision to furlough our Executive Director, Jennifer Jennings, until new funding streams could be determined.

Moving forward, as the Chamber evaluates various options in order to remain a valued part of the Pine Island community, it will need to consider if remaining in its current location provides the best business strategy.

The Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce remains committed to its membership and we look forward to serving the community for years to come.

Please feel free to contact us at 239-283-0888 with any questions you may have."

 Beth Sowers

(Ed. Note Updated 6-12-20: Ms. Sowers doesn't indicate her position at GPICC and the Chamber website, as of this week, hasn't been updated in a very long time, however, we have learned the she is the Board Treasurer. A number of Board members listed on the Chamber website either aren't on the Board or gone from the area entirely. Furthermore, Lee County doesn't have jurisdiction in Cape Coral where the German-American Social Club is located and couldn't issue a permit. The GPICC has had non-profit status since 1961.)