CFI awards grant to islands chamber for new position
The Sanibel and Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce will soon hire a member services manager, a critical position in helping it support businesses as they rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands reported that the position was made possible through a $75,000 grant from its Sanibel-Captiva Recovery Fund.
“We know that this position is necessary at this time, however without this grant, financially our chamber would not be able to make this hire,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. “We appreciate that CFI agrees that the work of the chamber is more important than ever. Their commitment to help the business community rebuild is evidenced by their swift action to make this grant available to us.”
The manager will be the point of contact for businesses — chamber members and non-members.
“To make sure we connect them with the resources they need to get reopened,” he said. “Some don’t even have a storefront right now.”
The chamber recently collaborated with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, which will administer a $3 million grant to assist Southwest Florida businesses damaged by Ian. The new manager will work with businesses to write applications expeditiously, so they can get the aid that they need.
With 90% of its members closed due to hurricane damage, the chamber lost significant revenue. The CFI reported that the chamber’s building was seriously damaged, as well. While the building should be repaired in the next couple of months, it will take some time to recover financially.
“We are proud to support the chamber and look forward to continuing to assist it and the many businesses still working to reopen to serve the community,” CFI Executive Director Dolly Farrell said.
It established the recovery fund in October to assist those who live or work on the islands by providing grants to organizations that positively impact the health, well-being and education of the community. In addition, the CFI’s Nonprofit Employee Assistance program awards up to $2,500 per individual to help with their recovery. As of April 1, $170,000 had been donated, helping 67 employees and their families.
Currently, the CFI and chamber and are seeking additional sponsors and donors. To make a donation, contact Farrell at 239-355-8614 or dfarrell@sancapcfi.org or visit MyCFI.org for more information.