Business Notes
Continuing education classes available
Sanibel and Captiva Islands Association of Realtors members are required to complete continuing education classes to keep their licenses current.
The association offers many classes, but a favorite among the members is the Environmental Considerations of Coastal Living taught each year by Kristie Anders, former education director for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.
Though she retired last year, Anders has continued to teach island Realtors about the history and importance of the barrier islands that make up the community.
The class consists of a tour of the Bailey Homestead, SCCF Gardens, and boat trip around Cayo Costa and the Pine Island Sound.
SCIAR holds Membership Breakfast
The Sanibel and Captiva Islands Association of Realtors held its monthly Membership Breakfast on Sept. 19 and welcomed Valerie’s House SWFL President Angela Melvin as the speaker.
The mission of the organization is to help children and families work through the loss of a loved one together and go on to live fulfilling lives. Its vision is “that no child will grieve alone.”
An active volunteer and member of the board for Valerie’s House, SCIAR member Mike McMurray spoke about his personal connection to the group.
Johns Hopkins, Golisano enter agreement
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida recently entered into an agreement to expand care for kids across Florida’s west coast.
The new agreement officially took effect immediately and will give providers at both locations access to medical privileges to admit and treat patients. Golisano Children’s Hospital also will be able to take part in pediatric research studies and protocols through Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.
The innovative relationship provides a process for collaboration between the two hospitals, with a focus on increasing access to specialized pediatric care. Through the agreement, the hospitals will work together to deliver the highest quality care, leverage resources and create better value for families.
The two hospitals also agreed to promote best practices at both locations with the goal of tracking and improving patient outcomes, lowering costs and promoting patient care closer to home.
Business Notes
Rotary Club inducts new member
The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club recently welcomed its newest member, Robert D. Sprotte, with the classification of financial services.
Affectionately called “Bob the New Guy,” Sprotte is a graduate of Villanova University with a degree in finance. His professional experience includes positions with: Merrill Lynch; Paine Webber, Prudential, Hambrecht & Quest (Chase); Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (Credit Suisse); and Keefe, Bruyette and Woods (Stifel), with positions in equity and research sales mostly in the banking and technology sectors. Currently, he is a licensed health and life insurance agent with HealthMarkets.
Sprotte and his wife, Jackie, have been married for 35 years and have three children, who all work and live in the New York City area. They recently moved to Sanibel and are looking forward to enjoying the community and all it has to offer.
He was introduced to the club by his sponsor, Chet Sadler, and officially inducted by Membership Chair Annie Campbell, who was assisted by Membership Committee Member John Schwandke.
Royal Shell Real Estate producer develops team
Mike McMurray, a 27-plus-year real estate veteran who has generated over $1 billion in transactions, recently evolved his team to his own brand – McMurray & Members of Royal Shell Real Estate.
With over a decade of success, McMurray and his longtime colleague are pursuing Royal Shell Real Estate opportunities on different paths.
With offices on Sanibel and Captiva and in Lee County, McMurray & Members is continuing to build its brand on personalized service, while leveraging high-tech digital tools and marketing channels.
McMurray is a multigenerational Realtor who grew up in Fort Myers. He began his career on Sanibel, where he continues to focus his business. McMurray has worked as an independent agent, as well as with a team that evolved into a top real estate producer in Lee County, with over $100 million in real estate sold every year and over $1 billion in sales since 2006.
Now, McMurray and his team apply Royal Shell Real Estate resources to assist people in buying and selling homes throughout the Gulf Coast. They have knowledge of neighborhood locations, design features and details, as well as provide clients with a high level of personalized service.
For more information, call 239-850-7888, visit McMurrayandMembers.com or find the team on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
R.S. Walsh unveils new logos
R.S. Walsh Landscaping recently updated its company logo and the logo for its garden center on Sanibel, In The Garden.
Owner Robert Walsh explained that the redesigned logo maintains the hummingbird, which has been part of the company’s brand since its inception. It includes a streamlined one that incorporates a tropical leaf as the wing of the hummingbird.
Walsh and his wife, Lisa, began R.S. Walsh 36 years ago and opened In The Garden nearly 10 years ago. The center features a nursery with native and tropical plants, display gardens, a garden gift shop, pottery, fountains and outdoor seating.
For more information, call 239-395-5859 or visit www.rswalsh.com.
R.S. Walsh In The Garden is at 3889 Sanibel-Captiva Road.
Ciskowski joins Sanibel Captiva Trust
The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company announced the hire of Edwin C. Ciskowski as senior vice president and senior portfolio manager.
He joins the company with over 30 years of wealth management experience, most recently from Wells Fargo Asset Management in Chicago, Illinois, where he held the position of senior vice president, serving as a securities analyst and portfolio manager.
Earlier Ciskowski worked at Keeley Asset Management Corp. as senior vice president and co-portfolio manager for a number of years. Through the majority of his career, he has held leadership roles at the firms he has served, while working in research and analysis, and portfolio management.
Ciskowski obtained his master’s degree in accountancy from DePaul University and his BBA from the University of Wisconsin, and he is also a certified public accountant.
He is located at the Sanibel office, at 2460 Palm Ridge Road.
Shell Point breaks ground on new facility
Shell Point Retirement Community recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction on Waterside Health Center.
It is a $77 million state-of-the-art health care building that will include a 180-bed skilled nursing facility with private rooms, a full-service health clinic and more. The six-level, nearly 200,000-square-foot health care building will provide easy access for residents to receive medical care and a variety of health and wellness services all within a functional, modern space.
The building will include a grand entrance and lobby, rehabilitation center with therapy pool, pharmacy, dental suite, nurse stations, dining and living rooms, sunrooms, plus a salon and day spa. Additional features include a butterfly garden, chapel and prayer garden, boardwalk, gazebo and bistro.
To complete the project, Shell Point has partnered with The Weitz Company.
The project is expected to be complete in 2021.
Business Notes
Sanibel Outlets hosting Shop Pink
In support of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sanibel Outlets is hosting Shop Pink.
The campaign is designated to support Lee Health Regional Cancer Center and its ongoing dedication to support patients through every step of their treatment and after.
Now through Oct. 31, customers can donate $5 and they will receive a “Pink Pass” from Sanibel Outlets, which can be used to save 25 percent throughout the month at participating brands.
Participating stores include Bass, Book Warehouse, Butterfly Beach, Calvin Klein, Carter’s, Crocs, Guess, Jockey, Kitchen Collection, Polo Ralph Lauren, SAS Shoes, Swim Mart, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, Van Heusen/Izod Golf & Vitamin World.
One hundred percent of donations benefit the Lee Health Regional Cancer Center.
Sanibel Outlets is at 20350 Summerlin Road, Fort Myers.
Deadline approaching to buy tickets
The deadline is approaching to purchase tickets for the Horizon Council, Horizon Foundation and Lee County Economic Development Office 2019 Industry Appreciation Awards, honoring businesses that have positively influenced Southwest Florida.
Doors open and networking begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch and the awards program from about 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 25 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, at 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs.
Tickets are $50 and include networking, lunch and the awards presentation.
Tickets can be purchased at www.leecountybusiness.com/iaw until Oct. 18.
Business Notes
SanCap bank employee recognized
Kristin Dilorio was recently honored at the Gulfshore Business Annual 40 Under 40 Awards at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point.
The awards recognize Southwest Florida rising stars who have distinguished themselves in their professions and communities through their contributions to the region’s economic, charitable and civic well-being.
Dilorio joined Sanibel Captiva Community Bank in 2016 to lead the its downtown Fort Myers branch as vice president and office manager. With over 15 years of banking experience, she has helped the branch grow and cultivate a healthy customer roster within a range of industries.
Dilorio is a board member of the River District Alliance and is a 2009 graduate of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Program. Since 2012, she has worked on allocations committees for the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee Counties, worked with Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties, participated in United Way food packing events and volunteered at Evangelical Christian School.
Business Notes
Johnson earns CFA distinction
The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company recently announced that Vice President Joel Johnson was promoted to portfolio manager after successfully completing the extensive curriculum and testing to become a Chartered Financial Analyst.
The CFA distinction measures and certifies the competence and integrity of financial analysts.
Johnson has been a member of the investment management team for four years. His work focuses on researching specific sectors in information technology and telecommunications for client portfolios.
Johnson has also been heavily involved in the day-to-day trading of client accounts, working alongside senior team members while earning his designation.
Prior to joining the firm, Johnson worked as a personal banker at Fifth Third Bancorp.
He obtained his degree in finance from Florida Gulf Coast University and was awarded a financial analyst internship with TerraCap Management in Bonita Springs, followed by an investment associate internship at Moors and Cabot Investments in Naples.
Decorator sweeps design awards
The Florida South Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers held its 40th anniversary gala and 2019 Design Excellence Awards on Sept. 21 at the Club Pelican Bay in Naples.
Local decorator Lynette Bard swept with seven wins in six residential categories. Her firm, Rue du Rix, won two first place Crystal Awards for Best Traditional Design under 3,000 square feet and Best Universal/Aging in Place Design. Second place finishes were in the Contemporary Kitchen Design, Contemporary Bath Design and Residential Small Space categories. Another Residential Small Space and Transitional Bath entry garnered honorable mentions.
Bard has been providing design and decorating services to Sanibel, Captiva and the Fort Myers area since 2014. She is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. Before 2014, Rue du Rix was well established in Westchester County in New York.
Broker takes part in industry expert panel
Eric Pfeifer, broker and owner of the Pfeifer Realty Group, recently attended the 2020 Agent Experience as a real estate industry expert panelist.
The one-day conference included an agenda designed to help Realtors and agents prepare their mindset and business goals to help them soar into the next year and new decade.
Expert panelists and speakers were gathered from across the country to motivate and educate fellow real estate professionals on a variety of topics.
Topics covered at the conference included the power of mindset, business planning for 2020, building strong relationships and getting involved and giving back – Pfeifer’s favorite topic.
Joining him on the panel were: David Cribbs, with Florida Luxury Realty; Jane Bond, with Compass Realty; George Oberdoster, with MVP Realty; and Veronica Figueroa, with eXp Realty.
Rec center adds to Hall of Sponsors
International Osprey Foundation, of Sanibel, has joined the Sanibel Recreation Center’s Hall of Sponsors as a new sponsor.
Proceeds from the purchase of the sponsor sign are applied to the center’s Financial Assistance Program. It assists parents, grandparents and legal custodians who financially qualify for their children to attend the after-school program, summer day and holiday camps, fun days, babysitter training camp, basketball league, volleyball camp, Zuni Camp Out and C.I.T. program at the center.
A printout of all the sponsors can also be obtained at the center’s reception counter.
For more information, call volunteer sponsor Chairperson Barry Alan Roth at 239-313-9591 or Sanibel Recreation Center Director Trish Phillips at 239-472-0345.
Castro joins SanCap Community Bank
Edwardo Castro recently joined Sanibel Captiva Community Bank as an operations clerk with the bank’s operations center located at College Parkway.
He will be responsible for a variety of regular and recurring operational and accounting functions to support bank operations.
Castro has nearly 10 years of data analysis and record keeping experience. Prior to joining the bank, he served as a data administrator and senior log and records manager for the United States Marine Corps in North Carolina and South Carolina.
A 2018 Florida Gulf Coast University graduate with a degree in accounting, Castro is pursuing a master’s degree in accounting and taxation and is expected to graduate in 2020.
Career Day Trade Show planned
The Lee Building Industry Association and School District of Lee County will host the 2nd Annual Build My Future Lee County on Oct. 23 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lee Civic Center.
The career day trade show will help address the skilled workforce shortage within the building industry and all proceeds will aid in funding construction curriculum in Lee County Schools.
The career day trade show will feature companies from all aspects of the construction industry, from foundation to roof. Over 700 district students will get a hands-on introduction to various building trades.
The Lee BIA is seeking construction companies and trade contractors to exhibit in and sponsor the event. Anyone that is interested in participating can visit www.BIA.net or call 239-936-5525.
Lee Health names new CIO
Lee Health recently named Rick Schooler as its new chief information officer.
In the role, Schooler will oversee operational management, planning, organizing and strategic direction of the information systems/information technology function for the health system.
Schooler’s career spans 28 years in healthcare and nine years outside of healthcare. He joined Lee Health after serving as vice president and chief information officer at Orlando Health, where he was responsible for information technology, telecommunications, clinical informatics, enterprise analytics, quality reporting, biomedical engineering, supply chain and a group-purchasing organization.
Before joining Orlando Health, he was the vice president and chief information officer at Central Georgia Health System (Navicent Health).
Schooler earned his MBA from the University of Indianapolis and a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology from Purdue University. He is also a Certified Healthcare CIO and a board-certified executive coach.
Lee Health adds new director
Michelle Happer recently joined Lee Health as its newest system director of diversity.
In the role, she will oversee and lead Lee Health’s diversity, patient care civil rights and language services.
Happer has more than 10 years of health care, education and community relations experience in diverse settings. She most recently served as the manager of compliance and cultural diversity for the Sentara Optima Health Plan in Virginia Beach, where she was responsible for cultural diversity and inclusion program initiatives. Before that, Happer was a physician relations executive for Inova Health System in Falls Church, Virginia.
She has a doctorate of education in organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Happer also earned a Master of Arts in communication and public relations and Bachelor of Science from Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia. She is completing her Master of Arts in health care law from Regent University.