Erica Fish, Marketing Communications Specialist
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At Barron Collier Companies (BCC), fostering a culture of growth gives our goal-driven professionals tools to further their careers. We partner with local groups to offer professional development opportunities to our team members and the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce is one of Collier County’s best resources for businesses. This community-minded organization empowers professionals and drives economic success, and its leadership programs provide excellent opportunities for BCC employees to get involved.
Recently, BCC Accounting’s assistant controller, Jessica DiGiorgio, was selected for the Associate Leadership Collier (ALC) class of 2024. Specific for young professionals (ages 21-40), this Greater Naples Chamber program is tailored for hands-on workshops where she and her peers will gain insights into local industries and implement leadership strategies when taking their place as our area’s next generation of community leaders.
“BCC has such deep roots and I’m excited to take a deep dive into various industries that contribute to the successes of Naples’ business side of community operations,” said DiGiorgio.
Leadership Collier Foundation has connected class members with experienced area leaders since 1988. “With the benefit of new perspectives and connections, participants are prepared to take their places as effective community leaders,” said Amanda Pearson, Sr. Director of LCF Program.
Since the foundation’s establishment, thirteen BCC employees have completed the ALC program and thirty-three graduated from Leadership Collier Florida (LCF).
2023 LCF graduate, Stephen Massie, is Collier Family Farms’ sales manager and has years’ experience with agricultural production – an industry which holds significant economic history since the county’s founding. During his time in the program, Massie introduced 40+ professionals to the growing industry and how production supplies farm to table opportunities for the area’s grocers and consumers.
“Collier County’s agricultural sector is a diversified mix of workers, families and businesses, and being able to present to other professionals who were unaware of what I do and how it impacts health, sustainability and profit to the community was rewarding to do,” he shared.
Investing in our employees’ futures not only creates the cycle for continued success and innovation but empowers our organization’s maintaining of community engagement.
Human Resources & Payroll Manager, Ashley McNamara notes her passion for non-profit involvement was highlighted during her 2020 ALC participation. “Amanda and the Foundation gave me a deeper dive into additional relief efforts that I was interested in volunteering for,” McNamara said.
Ample opportunities for learning and growth are not just about investing in employees’ futures but championing the continued success of a business and the fellowship created between various organizations. With the benefit of new perspectives and connections, all of Barron Collier Companies’ ALC and LCF graduates are prepared to transfer their knowledge and best practices for a better Naples and a better Collier County.
