The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce is set to host a panel discussion on the economic and community impact of professional sports in Southwest Florida during its Wake Up Naples event on Wednesday, Sept. 24, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Hilton Naples. The breakfast forum aims to connect business leaders and community members through informative dialogue and networking opportunities. n nFeatured speakers include Robert “Bob” Strommen, founder of Naples JBB United, a professional pickleball team and founding member of the National Pickleball League; Roberto Moreno, club president and co-founder of FC Naples, a USL League One soccer team; and Calvin Isaac, director of sales for the Florida Everblades hockey team. n nKristina Park, president and CEO of the Greater Naples Chamber, highlighted the expanding presence of professional sports in the region and its potential to stimulate economic growth. She described the panel as a platform to hear from leaders shaping the local sports landscape and fostering community engagement. n nStrommen, who also serves on the National Pickleball League board, established Naples JBB United to promote wellness and social connection, particularly among adults over 50. The team’s name honors the sport’s original creators: Joel Pritchard, Barney McCallum, and Bill Bell. n nMoreno, who has held leadership roles at Zumba and MBAF, co-founded FC Naples in January 2024. The team plays at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex and aims to serve as a regional rallying point while introducing a growing sport to local audiences. n nIsaac, entering his third year as sales director for the Everblades, oversees ticket operations, corporate sponsorships, and group sales. His background includes experience with major sports organizations such as the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pirates, as well as the PGA. n
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Naples Chamber to host speakers on economic impacts of sports
The Greater Naples Chamber invites people to learn about the business and economic impact of professional sports teams in Southwest Florida during Wake Up Naples on Wednesday, Sept. 24. The event begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail N. n nWake Up Naples is a recurring breakfast event hosted by the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce to provide members and the community with important information and opportunities for networking and business exchange. n nSpeakers at the Sept. 24 event include Robert “Bob” Strommen, founder of Naples JBB United, the professional pickleball team; Roberto Moreno from FC Naples, representing professional soccer out of the Paradise Coast Sports Complex; and Calvin Isaac from the Florida Everblades hockey team. n n“Southwest Florida’s professional sports presence continues to grow, and with it comes incredible opportunities for our local economy,” said Kristina Park, president and CEO of the Greater Naples Chamber. “This panel brings together industry leaders who are shaping the future of sports in our region, and we’re proud to facilitate these important conversations for our members and community.” n nThe speakers will share insights on how sports organizations are driving community engagement, boosting the local economy, and creating opportunities for businesses and fans alike. n nStrommen is the owner and founder of Naples JBB United, a professional pickleball team based in Naples, and is a founding team of the National Pickleball League. Previously, Strommen was the managing partner of Naples Pickleball Center. He currently serves as a board member for the National Pickleball League. n nThe team’s name, JBB, is a tribute to the three founders of pickleball: Joel Pritchard, Barney McCallum, and Bill Bell, who established the sport in 1965. Beyond being a sports team, Naples JBB United serves as a community asset, promoting healthy lifestyles, social connection, and community impact, particularly for people older than age 50. n nMoreno is the club president and co-founder of FC Naples. Moreno is also a board member at Patro Eisden, minority owner at Leyton Orient Football Club and minority owner at SC Preußen Münster. He previously held various leadership roles at Zumba and worked as a tax accountant at MBAF. n nFC Naples is a professional American soccer team that plays in USL League One, the third tier of the American soccer pyramid. Founded in January 2024, the team is based in Naples, with home games played at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex in East Naples. FC Naples provides a community rallying point in Southwest Florida and brings a growing sport to the area, offering a new option for local sports fans. n nIsaac is in his ninth season with Hertz Arena and the Florida Everblades, and his third season as the director of sales. Isaac oversees the day-to-day operations of the ticket sales department, and specializes in corporate sponsorship, season memberships and group sales. Prior to joining the Everblades, he worked with multiple professional sporting organizations while pursuing his bachelor’s degree from PennWest University. His experience includes work with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates and the PGA.