People often ask me why I founded the Above Board Chamber of Florida.

The answer is simple.

It was never just about networking.

I believe that every business owner, nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, and professional has something they don’t know or understand. Too often, people are afraid to ask questions because they don’t want others to think they should already know the answer.

I wanted to create a welcoming place where learning is celebrated, questions are encouraged, and people genuinely help one another grow.

I have always believed that no one succeeds alone. Every great accomplishment begins with someone willing to share their knowledge, lend a helping hand, or open a door for someone else. That is the kind of community I wanted the Above Board Chamber to become.

My hope has always been that when someone leaves one of our meetings, they leave with far more than a stack of business cards.

I hope they leave standing a little taller.

More confident.

More inspired.

Better equipped with practical ideas they can immediately use to strengthen their business, nonprofit organization, career, and community.

Because I believe…

Knowledge builds confidence.

Confidence creates opportunity.

Opportunity changes lives.

Every program we present is thoughtfully designed to provide truthful, relevant, and practical information from respected leaders who are passionate about sharing their knowledge, experiences, and lessons learned with others.

I also believe that every person who walks through our doors has something valuable to contribute.

Some will teach.

Some will inspire.

Some will encourage.

Some will open a door that changes another person’s life forever.

That is the true power of community.

Because when we help one person grow…

…we strengthen a business.

When we strengthen a business…

…we strengthen a family.

When we strengthen families…

…we strengthen our communities.

And when we strengthen our communities…

We strengthen Southwest Florida.

That has always been my mission.

Helping people become the very best version of themselves by giving them the knowledge, confidence, relationships, encouragement, and opportunities they need to accomplish amazing things.

I believe every one of us has something valuable to teach…

…and something valuable to learn.

Success is sweeter when we help someone else succeed along the way.

Because when one of us grows…

…we all grow.

When one of us succeeds…

…we all succeed.

Together, we become stronger.

Together, we all rise.

“It was never just about networking. It has always been about helping people become the very best version of themselves.”

With gratitude,

Jeanne M. Sweeney
Founder & CEO
Above Board Chamber of Florida