Leadership NEXT to review the 'State of Lee County' at Aug. 11 virtual program

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Aug. 5, 2020 - PRLog -- Leadership NEXT, a monthly program for advancing business professionals, will host a virtual program from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 11 to discuss the "State of Lee County."

Leadership NEXT will provide an overview of Lee County's response to COVID-19, including the LeeCares program and its efforts to offer immediate assistance for individuals, families and businesses recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, LeeCares has invested over $16 million into the community through its individual and business assistance programs, has distributed 1.2 million PPE items to small businesses and is also supporting childcare and food pantry assistance programs through United Way. Its services continue to expand with the recent launch of its Business Rehire grant program, which offers further assistance to businesses that are rehiring employees laid off or furloughed due to the pandemic.

The August program will be led by Brian Hamman, chair of the Lee County Commission, and John Talmage, director of the Lee County Economic Development Office. A Lee County native, Hamman's priorities as a county commissioner are to bring jobs to the community, keep taxes low and protect the environment that draws so many to the region. Talmage has spent his career working in economic development for both municipal governments and research organizations.

The Leadership NEXT program is sponsored by WearTheFund, a wholesale custom apparel company. WearTheFund is offering all registered attendees $100 off a purchase of $200 or more of logoed apparel.

Attendees of Leadership NEXT represent a variety of businesses and industries throughout Southwest Florida. Sessions take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month and offer opportunities to develop new knowledge and skills, establish working relationships with colleagues and engage in valuable programs and discussions to further enhance their careers. Leadership NEXT's annual sponsor is the Florida Gulf Coast University Alumni Association.

The Leadership NEXT program is free for members of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and $5 for future members. Attendees can register in advance at http://www.FortMyers.org to receive webinar login credentials.