Community Overview
The Eastern Collier Chamber of Commerce serves the communities of Immokalee, Ave Maria and Big Cypress. The Chamber is located in Immokalee, the most established of the three communities, with Ave Maria located directly southeast.
The town of Immokalee, located in the heart of south central Florida, is a non-coastal, agricultural wonderland. While many Florida cities are known for their beaches and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico, Immokalee is known for its relatively small population and pastoral atmosphere. With a rich ranching background beginning in the late 1800s, it’s no wonder that Immokalee has gone on to cement its role as a major farming center and produce supplier during frigid winter months.
While other states’ growing seasons are largely spring- and summer-based, the Immokalee growing season runs from October through May. The town helps supply the country and beyond with citrus fruits, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, squashes, eggplants, cantaloupes, watermelons and more while the winter season halts the majority of the country’s other agricultural production.
The Eastern Collier Chamber of Commerce also represents the nearby community of Ave Maria and up-and-coming Big Cypress. The vision of Ave Maria began in 2002 when the groundwork was laid to create a large, Southern Catholic university. To complement the addition of the new university, a community was built in tandem with the university’s construction. The result is a six-neighborhood town that enjoys reaping the benefits of its proximity to the university: diverse dining options, a pedestrian-friendly town layout and an array of daily entertainment options.
The communities of Eastern Collier County are proud of their heritage and diversity. With the power that lies behind valuable exports and a firm economic footing, the communities are presently flourishing. Welcome to the place “where worlds of opportunity begin”!
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