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Bailey’s among finalists for the 25th annual Industry Appreciation Awards

By Staff | Aug 24, 2016

Bailey’s General Store was named one of the finalists for the LocalLEE Grown Business Award.

“We were extremely excited because after learning about the locally grown award, we thought it was the shoe-in perfect award for us,” said Calli Johnson of Bailey’s General Store. “We were really excited that other people thought that too.”

The ceremony, which will take place Aug. 25 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Estero, is hosted by the Lee County Economic Development Office and the Horizon Council.

The LocalLee Grown Business will be awarded to a company that was founded in Lee County and is distinguished by its operational excellence and commitment to Southwest Florida’s business climate. In addition to Bailey’s, other finalists include Parker/Mudgett/Smith Architects and Physician’s Primary Care of Southwest Florida.

Bailey’s General Store was founded in 1899 by Frank P. Bailey. During that era, the general store which was known as the Sanibel Packing Company, provided all supplies to the community and homesteaders.

“As the second oldest business in Lee County, Bailey’s strives to provide the highest quality of service and products to the guests and residents of this area. For our residents, day-trippers, and international guests, Bailey’s has served generations of adventurers to our county and islands,” Johnson said.

Bailey’s has over 100 employees and is very involved when it comes to the community and protecting the environment. Last year, they implemented their Bring Your Own Bag initiative to cut down on the excess waste of plastic bags. For every reusable bag that is brought in, Bailey’s donates to a local non-profit. They will also be installing solar panels in their store at the end of August. By installing the solar panels, Bailey’s plans to reduce their carbon footprint by 50 percent.

“We realize the importance of caring for our environment and while it does take energy to run a store, we would like to do that in the most efficient way possible,” she said.

In addition to going green, Bailey’s is well-known for donating food to nonprofits in the community like CHR, FISH, SCCF and SCA.

“Community-wise, we’re always involved and ready to help. Dad’s policy on community projects is always yes,” Johnson said.