Erica Fish, Marketing Communications Specialist
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The Greater Naples Chamber Board of Directors and Leadership Collier Foundation announced its newest leadership members as Barron Collier Companies’ Blake Gable and Brian Goguen who will begin their roles as Chamber Chair-Elect and LCF Advisory Council Chairman, respectively.
“We’re honored to have their involvement and leadership. Both have deep ties to the community, our Chamber and Leadership programs,” said Michael Dalby, CEO of Greater Naples Chamber. “As our organization becomes more involved in policy and advocacy work, toward our mission of cultivating economic opportunity for all, we’re confident that Blake and Brian will provide strong leadership.”
The Chamber’s focus on creating greater economic opportunities parallels work Gable and Goguen have been instrumental in over the past two decades for Southwest Florida. Both graduates of Leadership Collier and Leadership Florida and serving on boards throughout the state, the pair brings transformational development expertise to their roles at the Chamber. They will be providing strategic direction and guidance to Chamber staff when addressing annual priorities, developing legislative agendas, ensuring funding goals are met and determining key community issues to address.
“The Collier family and the entire team at Barron Collier Companies appreciates the impactful programs of the Greater Naples Chamber, and we believe it is our responsibility and privilege to give back to our local community,” said Gable. “It’s in our DNA. It’s who we are, and we are proud of our long-lasting legacy.”
The Chamber’s Board of Directors invests in elevating business impact by driving legislative action at the local, regional and state level. By serving as a voice for businesses, introducing employers with essential resources and partnerships, and connecting employees with local opportunities, the Board is a frontline advocate for Collier County’s everchanging workforce.
“BCC’s involvement has been long-term – essentially founding – supporters of the Naples Chamber. Through the years, multiple Collier family and staff members have served key roles in our organization’s leadership groups and committees,” Dalby said. “Blake has remained informed and engaged in the Chamber’s work and is familiar with many of our objectives. Though relatively new to our Board, Blake was a unanimous selection to serve as Chair-Elect because of his dedication to investment and our growing economy.”
Leadership Collier Foundation has connected class members with experienced area leaders when handling the biggest opportunities and challenges in the area since 1988. “With the benefit of new perspectives and connections, participants are prepared to take their places as effective community leaders,” said Amanda Beights, Sr. Director of LCF Programs.
Through exclusive experiences, such as taking LCF members behind-the-scenes to Collier businesses and governmental institutions, these future leaders become aware of important county values and initiatives. Goguen has remained involved in LCF programs and shares it’s a great way for current and future leaders to become educated on issues facing our community.
“Staying connected with friends and colleagues is part of supporting and building a stronger Collier County,” Goguen said. “My goal is to keep the programs running strong, finds ways to engage program alumni and create opportunities for people who want to become involved and remain involved in prosperous initiatives that create leadership roles and make a difference in our community.”
Starting this summer, Brian will provide a deeper perspective to alumni and future classes about what their roles mean to SWFL and how individual connections can lead to influential changes when exploring economic and professional development, local government, community stability and leadership opportunities.
“Brian has shown tremendous dedication to both bodies of work, has plenty of great ideas from a high-level perspective, is committed and inspires other alumni to reach the same level of leadership,” Beights said.
Barron Collier Companies is proud of the work both Gable and Goguen do in the community as they share their time and talent with others and continue setting examples of excellence for all company team members.
