A new tax climate

Bonita Springs always celebrates new businesses in a big way, but when Christine Ross moves to Annapolis, Md., in July the climate won't be so welcoming.

The Maryland State Chamber of Commerce recently named Ross president and CEO. Ross has been president and CEO of the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, the booming area between Fort Myers and Naples, for seven years.

Ross scored some big wins for the Bonita Springs chamber. She spearheaded the creation of the Bonita Springs Estero Economic Development Council, and under her watch the chamber earned a five-star ranking from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, one of only 83 chambers nationally to earn that distinction. The chamber earned the Florida State Chamber of the Year award in 2014.