Business Notes
Lily & Co. Jewelers to host designer
Lily & Co. Jewelers will host a cocktail party on Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for jewelry designer Charles Krypell, followed by a second chance to meet him on Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Krypell will showcase his Gold, Sterling Silver, Diamond and Precious Pastel collections, as well as the Love Story collection during the two-day show.
Invite a friend to the cocktail party and each will receive a treat to kick off the holiday season.
Bring an unwrapped gift or canned food to be entered in a drawing for a $2,500 shopping spree.
For more information, call 239-472-2888.
Lily & Co. is at 520 Tarpon Bay Rd., Sanibel.
McMurray, Nette reveal new brand identity
McMurray and Nette, of Royal Shell Real Estate, recently introduced a new brand identity – brand, logo and positioning line.
The new brand identity will be rounded out using direct mail, billboards, print and digital advertising, and more as joint branding with parent company Royal Shell, including its rental and property management programs.
Led by Mike McMurray and Trevor Nette, the reinvigorated brand identity and new logo reflect a polished, sophisticated and elegant brand image, with the revamped positioning line of “Real Estate Done Really Well.”
For more information, call 239-850-7888 or 239-281-4435 or visit McMurrayandNette.com.
McMurray and Nette is at 1997 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
VIP Realty Group welcomes new agent
Island Realtor John Van Voorhis has joined VIP Realty Group.
After obtaining his graduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa, Van Voorhis and his wife moved to Southwest Florida in the late 1960s. An educator and coach before working in sales in the gladiola flower industry, the blend of teaching and his love of the land motivated him to become a Realtor.
Van Voorhis began investing on the islands in the late 1970s and has worked full-time as a Realtor since 2001. He is a member of the national, state, Fort Myers and Sanibel-Captiva boards of Realtors, and he holds the designation as a Sanibel and Captiva Island Specialist.
For more information, call 239-472-5187 or visit online at SanCapislandRE.com.
The VIP Realty Group is at 1560 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
Sanibel Sea School welcomes new trustee
The Sanibel Sea School recently welcomed Scott Fischer to the non-profit organization’s board of trustees.
Fischer’s love for the ocean began at age 16, when he started scuba diving in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. During his undergraduate program at Georgia, he worked as an assistant instructor and accompanied countless groups of students on their first open water dives in the ocean.
His life in Southwest Florida began with a quick, unplanned stop in Fort Myers. Now a full-time resident, he resides with his wife, Jennifer, and 12-year-old daughter, Michaela. Fischer is the founder and managing partner of SRI, a full-service advertising agency based in Fort Myers.
His other interests include traveling, boating, and just about anything outdoors.
The Sanibel Sea School is at 455 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
DDWS hires new development officer
Dot Voorhees recently accepted the full-time position as development officer for the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge.
She, along with fellow Development Officer Sierra Hoisington and Director of Development Lynnae Messina, will work with Executive Director Birgie Miller in strengthening and enhancing overall development efforts to support the mission of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Voorhees will head events and communication coordination for DDWS fundraising efforts.
A native of Katonah, New York, Voorhees brings over 15 years of experience in non-profit events management, marketing and communications to the team. Most recently, she was in charge of events and communications for the Friends of the John Jay Homestead in Katonah for 10 years.
Voorhees has served as a consultant working with clients from around the country on market research for TV advertising and has put to use her biology degree from the University of Miami as a wildlife researcher.
Mulka, DiCharia complete training program
Becky Mulka and Tina DiCharia, of VIP Realty Group, recently completed the Spokesperson Issues Training program conducted by Florida Realtors at its headquarters in Orlando.
Designed to improve public speaking abilities, enhance communication with the media and increase awareness of the issues affecting Realtors, it was taught by Tom Morgan and Joan McCain, Orlando-based communications experts with extensive experience with print and electronic media news.
Florida Realtors provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 165,000 members in 55 boards/associations.
Grotrian promoted to assistant vice president
Bank of the Islands announced that Darrin Grotrian has been promoted to assistant vice president.
With this promotion, he becomes an officer within the bank’s management team.
Grotrian will also continue serving as the assistant office manager for the island offices.
Last year, he represented the bank at the Florida Bankers Association’s “Emerging Leaders” Washington, D.C., Fly-in. An active Sanibel resident, he also serves on the board of the Sanibel Community Association as treasurer and is a member of Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club.
Dixon joins Naumann & Associates
John Naumann & Associates announces the addition of Amy Dixon to its professional team.
Dixon is a knowledgeable real estate professional and is a very welcome addition.
Thanksgiving cruise taking reservations
Adventures In Paradise is taking reservations for its annual Thanksgiving Sunset Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise on Nov. 22 from 4:30 to 6 p.m., departing from “G” dock at the Port Sanibel Marina.
Complimentary soft drinks and homemade pumpkin pie.
Tickets are $39 per passenger.
For reservations and information, call 239-472-8443 or visit www.AdventuresInParadise.com.
The Port Sanibel Marina is at 14341 Port Comfort Road, Fort Myers.
Cheeburger Cheeburger open at Sanibel Outlets
Cheeburger Cheeburger, a Sanibel favorite since 1986, is open for business at the Sanibel Outlets.
At 3,000 square feet and located next to Golf 4 Less, the popular 1950s-style hot spot for burgers, fries, milkshakes, wine and beer joins Island Java Caf as Sanibel Outlets expands its on-site food and beverage choices.
Customers presenting $50 in same-day store receipts at Shopper Services beginning Nov. 17 will receive a $10 Cheeburger Cheeburger gift card, while supplies last.
Lee County VCB seeks nominations
The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau is seeking nominations for the 10th annual Chrysalis Awards Celebration of Business & Tourism.
The VCB and the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce organize the luncheon and trade show, which will be held on May 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa.
The Chrysalis awards recognize the value of tourism and community teamwork in maintaining and enhancing tourism as a major economic engine for Lee County. The awards represent an opportunity for community members and businesses to recognize the dedication and hard work by tourism partners.
At the luncheon, six Chrysalis award recipients will be announced. A panel of local business and community leaders judge the nominations and select one award recipient for each of the following categories: business development, cultural achievement, education, business tourism leader, eco innovation, and sales and marketing.
Nominations can be submitted online at leevcb.com.
The nomination deadline is Jan. 18.
Norris earns certification
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank announced that Debbie Norris, vice president and office manager at the McGregor branch, earned the American Bankers Association Branch Manager Certification.
The certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate the skills essential to successfully manage branch office operations, knowledge of deposit and loan products, as well as sales management and customer service.
Norris has over three decades of banking experience. Prior to joining the bank, she worked in the corporate lockbox department at PNC Bank in Pittsburgh. She joined Sanibel Captiva Community Bank in 2002 as a teller supervisor and has managed the McGregor branch since 2006.
Business Notes
DeCicco recognized by Business Observer
Kyle DeCicco was honored at the Business Observer’s Annual 40 Under 40 Awards on Oct. 25 in Sarasota at Nathan Benderson Park Tower.
The awards are designed to recognize the region’s top young entrepreneurs and professionals from Tampa Bay to Naples who are committed to business growth, professional excellence and community service.
DeCicco joined Sanibel Captiva Community Bank in 2016 as its first commercial loan officer. In his current role as vice president and commercial loan officer, he focuses on commercial real estate lending and developing relationships with businesses and investors. He has worked in the banking industry for over a decade.
In addition, DeCicco is actively involved in upper management. As the bank underwent growth in 2017, he worked alongside the senior vice president-director of retail operations to launch two new Lee County branch locations.
DeCicco is a board member of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools and member of the Grant Selection Committee, and a captain-level Keel Club member of the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee Counties, among other volunteer efforts.
Ocasio promoted to vice president
Previously serving as assistant vice president and Sanibel-Captiva office manager for Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands, Willy Ocasio was been elevated to vice president.
Her title will retain her position as the office manager.
Ocasio’s office is in the Sanibel location.
A long-time resident of Lee County, she is actively engaged in the bank’s community service activities. Most recently, Ocasio was elected to the board of directors for F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva.