Greater Naples Chamber: Chamber Chats Podcast

In this episode of Chamber Chats, we sit down with Michael Puchalla, CEO & Executive Director of The Housing Alliance, to discuss one of the most important issues facing our region: housing affordability. Michael leads The Housing Alliance and its affiliated organizations—the Housing Development Corporation of Southwest Florida (HELP) and the Collier County Community Land Trust (CCCLT)—which w...

In this episode of Chamber Chats, we’re joined by Jeanne Seewald, Partner at Hahn Loeser & Parks, to discuss the legal issues business owners often overlook—and why understanding business law and intellectual property is critical in today’s evolving marketplace. Jeanne focuses her practice on intellectual property and business law, working with everyone from startups and entrepreneurs to estab...

In this episode of Chamber Chats, we’re joined by Stanley Tobin, Sr. Director of Investment Banking at Young America Capital, to discuss what business owners need to know when preparing to sell a privately held business. With more than 30 years of experience in financial services—including alternative investments, restructuring, direct lending, and investment banking—Stanley brings valuable insigh...

In this episode of Chamber Chats, we sit down with Lisa Gruenloh, Founder and President of Purpose Journey, Inc., to explore how strong organizational culture, emotional intelligence, and intentional leadership drive meaningful impact. With more than 30 years of experience across corporate, government, nonprofit, and consulting sectors, Lisa brings a unique perspective on leadership, workplace cul...

In this episode of Chamber Chats, we sit down with Paul Selvidio, Head of School at Community School of Naples (CSN), to explore how education, leadership, and community engagement come together to create a dynamic and forward-thinking academic experience. In this episode, we explore: What’s next for CSN and its approach to innovation in education  How the school connects students with the broader...

In this episode of Chamber Chats, we’re joined by Karen Govern, Chief Executive Officer of STARability Foundation, a Naples nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In this episode, we explore: STARability’s growth and what’s driving its expanding impact How the organization is addressing longstanding service gaps The importance...

In this episode of Chamber Chats, we sit down with Cormac Giblin, Director of Housing Policy & Economic Development for Collier County Government, to discuss how strategic partnerships are shaping the future of Collier County’s economy. Cormac shares insight into the Partnership for Collier’s Future Economy—a collaborative effort between Collier County and the Greater Naples Chamber designed t...

In this episode of Chamber Chats, we sit down with Jim Conlin, Star Certified Product Ambassador at Mercedes-Benz of Naples, for an inside look at the evolving luxury automotive market. With more than three decades of experience in the automotive industry, Jim shares expert insight into current inventory trends, what sets Mercedes-Benz of Naples apart, and how the dealership continues to balance l...

In this episode of Chamber Chats, we sit down with Cynthia Valenti Smith, Vice President and Mortgage Production Manager for Regions Bank across Collier, Lee, and Charlotte Counties. With more than 30 years of banking experience, Cynthia blends deep financial expertise with a passion for community engagement and equitable opportunity. In this episode, we explore: • How Regions Bank’s mission trans...

In this episode of Chamber Chats, we’re joined by Phil Lee, West Florida Market President for Florida Blue, the state’s leading health solutions company. With major changes on the horizon for Open Enrollment and the future of federal subsidies, Phil helps break down what individuals, families, and business owners need to know to make informed, affordable coverage decisions. In this episode, we’ll...

In this episode of Chamber Chats, we sit down with Linda Boggier, Certified Consulting Hypnotist, Wellness Coach to explore how hypnosis can be a powerful tool for improving well-being and achieving personal and professional goals. With over a decade of experience helping individuals transform habits, manage stress, and build confidence, Linda shares how tapping into the subconscious mind opens th...

In this episode of Chamber Chats, we’re joined by Annalise Smith, Chief Philanthropy Officer at AVOW Foundation, to explore how compassionate care, grief support, and community generosity come together to make a lasting difference in Southwest Florida.  Whether you’re looking to better understand end-of-life care or discover new ways to give back, this episode offers heartfelt insights into the po...

In this episode of Chamber Chats, we sit down with Dorian Zwierewicz, Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). Dorian shares how the SBDC empowers businesses with fewer than 500 employees — from launching a startup and navigating growth challenges to securing government contracts and scaling successfully. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or...