Barnes named local ABWA’s Woman of the Year

Longtime Sanibel businesswoman Nancy Barnes was recently voted 2019 Woman of the Year by the Sanibel Captiva Charter Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association.
The award recognizes leadership in ABWA supporting the professional development of women on Sanibel and Captiva. Barnes was crowned by outgoing Woman of the Year Gaby Bell.
“Participating in ABWA for over 35 years has meant so much to me,” Barnes said. “It’s an organization that stands up for the progress of women in business and I’m glad to be a part of it.”
Barnes is well known in the printing business on the islands. In 1982, she and her husband, Ed, established Island Graphics. Although the business changed hands in recent years and is now affiliated with Arthur Printing, Barnes ran the Sanibel office until it closed in 2018.
“Nancy has been a major force in the progress of ABWA on the islands,” chapter President Gloria Garrett said. “She has held nearly every leadership role and won a regional Council Lifetime Achievement Award. This year she reinstated the role of chapter historian, spoke at the Women’s History Month meeting, participated actively in board meetings and showcased ABWA at the annual Islands Day Parade.”
The Sanibel Captiva Charter Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association celebrates 40 years supporting professional growth through leadership, education, networking support and recognition. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sundial Beach Resorts & Spa on Sanibel.
For more information, visit www.ABWASanibelCaptiva.org.