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The above Board Chamber presents: A Fireside Conversation with the Federal Reserve & the President of FGCUAs businesses and nonprofits plan for the year ahead, understanding the broader economic landscape is more important than ever. This special evening program will provide timely insight into the key economic trends shaping 2026 — including inflation, interest rates, workforce challenges, regional growth, and the factors influencing decision-making at both the national and local levels.
Through an engaging fireside conversation, attendees will hear directly from leaders at the Federal Reserve and Florida Gulf Coast University, gaining perspective on what lies ahead for Southwest Florida’s economy and how business and nonprofit leaders can prepare with confidence. Learn about what FGCU is teaching and doing for our ecomony. This is a rare opportunity to listen, learn, and ask thoughtful questions in a relaxed, conversational setting.
The discussion will be guided by Dan Lavender, CEO of Moorings Park, who will serve as the event’s Distinguished Moderator, helping to draw out practical insights and meaningful dialogue from this exceptional panel.
Featured Leaders:
Dr. Aysegul Timur,Ph.D., President, Florida Gulf Coast University Aysegul Timur, the fifth president of Florida Gulf Coast University, is widely known for building collaborative teams of university and community stakeholders to implement strategic initiatives, including workforce alignments. This is core to FGCU’s mission as a transformative, learner-centered institution that strategically serves the ever-changing needs of the Southwest Florida community – and beyond. https://www.fgcu.edu/about/officeofthepresident/
Shari Bower, Regional Executive at the Miami Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. As a member of the core group of Atlanta Fed leaders advising on monetary policy her work with business executives in the branch’s 13-county area helps bring local insights to national policy deliberations. Shari oversees the Miami Branch’s board of directors, the District’s Advisory Council on Travel and Tourism, and regional community outreach efforts. https://www.linkedin.com/in/shari-bower-b5b60b113/
Dan Lavender, CEO, Moorings Park – Distinguished Moderator DANIEL (DAN) LAVENDER is Chief Executive Officer of The Moorings ParkInstitute, Inc. The recipient of a Master’s in Business Administration degree from Ohio University, an Ohio Certified Public Accountant license, and a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Economics from Bluffton College, he has spent the majority of his career serving seniors. https://www.mooringspark.org/get-to-know-us/executive-team/
Special thank you to our sponsors:
Anthony J Leopizzi, Anthony J. Leopizzi, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, CIMA® Private Wealth Advisor for Verita Wealth Advisory Group https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-j-leopizzi-992b235/
William M. Blevins, President of Gulf Coast Business Bank https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-m-blevins-97502717/
Corey Lewis General Manager, WGCU Public Media https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-lewis/
We look forward to seeing you all on January 12th, 2026!
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Joyful Hanukkah and Happy Holidays,
Jeanne M. Sweeney, CEO/Founder
Above Board Chamber of Florida
www.aboveboardchamber.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannesweeney/
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Hilton Naples, Tesla, 5111 Tamiami Trl N, Naples, FL 34103, United States
Tickets
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