Christian Chamber's annual expo is Saturday

The world of business, with its competitive edge, its noise and hustle and pressure — and with its Mecca of the almighty dollar — seems an odd partner for the higher ideals of religion. But the Christian Chamber of Southwest Florida is determined to prove otherwise.

"The Christian Chamber is about business as it should be — done with integrity, concern and excellence," said Jeanne Sweeney, chamber executive director.

Photo by Jessica Waters, Banner

Religious symbols such as the cross can be found at a number of the Christain Chamber of Southwest Florida member businesses. The chamber provides support for business owners who wish to identify themselves as Christians.

Started in 1997 by Glenn Black of Northwestern Finance, the chamber has flourished in Southwest Florida, growing by an average of 100 companies per year, according to Sweeney.

With the chamber's fourth annual business expo being held Saturday, Feb. 11, the chamber is striving to promote area businesses not only among their members, but also to the community at large.

"It's not just Christians just working for other Christians to give them the best deal," said Sweeney. "It is Christians working with everyone in the whole community in an ethical way."

Business and religion are not incompatible, said Sweeny. Although the central idea of business is to make a profit, that doesn't have to conflict with the morality of faith.

"There is no place in the Bible that says you have to be poor," she said. "It's what you do with your money that makes you who you are."

She pointed out that there many wealthy members in the chamber, and they use their money in a caring way. Money, in and of itself, is not sinful; it can be used to make a difference in the community.

"God gives us all different gifts, and they are ours to give out and share," she said.

Not only does the Christian faith offer insight into how to utilize the profits of a well-run business, but that the running of the business itself offers a chance to put Christian beliefs and behaviors into practice, she added.

"In our chamber, there is an accountability factor," said Sweeny. "When they stand up and say they are a Christian-run businesses, they are held to a higher standard."

By applying the values that Christianity espouses, members of the chamber believe they offer the entire community an assured ethical place to do business.

"We have each other to stand up together with and to make sure we are doing things in an ethical way," said Sweeney.

The chamber promotes networking and interaction between members and offers assistance, counseling and programs to grow member businesses in the community during their monthly meetings and various events.

"Our meetings are very friendly, people get to know each other and trust each other," Sweeney said. "People do deals with a handshake like they used to when there was a trust factor."

Mark Horrocks, founder of Habitat for Hope and the newest member of the Christian Chamber, said members of the chamber offer the community a different atmosphere in which to do business — whether that business is putting carpeting in your home or buying slushies on a hot day.

"Members of the chamber are called to offer a higher standard of business," he said, adding that the opportunity to network with other like-minded business owners is a good opportunity for not only member businesses but for the charities and ministry organizations that belong to the chamber also.

"It is a great way to get the word out about what we do," he said.

"We care very much for our ministries," said Sweeney.

The chamber often promotes the fundraising efforts of member ministries such as the Teen Challenge. At their Jan. 21 meeting, members will be able to make a $25 donation to the Teen Challenge organization when they arrive at the meeting, and when they leave the meeting, they will find their car cleaned and polished.

"They get a clean car and get to donate to a great cause," said Sweeney. "Ours is a multi-task culture, and we are multi-task corporation."

But there is no mistake that the chamber is a business support organization. The focus on Christianity does not make their goals any different than other business chambers. The organization offers member businesses help in marking, business planning, employee searches, and emergency assistance as well as spiritual guidance and support.

"This is the place to be if you are looking for great fellowship as well as to advance your business," she said. We are here to help, whether it is business-wise, emotionally, spiritually or just a helping hand.

The Christian Chamber Business Expo will be Saturday, Feb. 11, from 10 am to 3 p.m. at Bell Tower in South Fort Myers. For more information on the expo or the chamber, visit HisChamber.org or call 481-1411.