Business Notes
CHAMBER TO HOST BUSINESS LUNCHEON
The SanCap Chamber will hold its next business luncheon meeting on July 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort, at 17260 Harbour Pointe Drive, Fort Myers.
The guest speaker will be Lee County Economic Development Office Director John Talmage. He will share his outlook on the current state of the local and regional economy.
FP Property Restoration is sponsoring the luncheon.
Cost is $35 for chamber members only. Advanced registration is required by July 14 at 5 p.m. at sanibel-captiva.org or by contacting Aaron Walton at aaron@sanibel-captiva.org or 239-472-8759; walk-ins will not be accepted. Payment is due at time of registration.
OFFSHORE SAILING SCHOOL NAMED FINALIST
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber recently named its finalists for the 2023 Chamber Awards.
Recognizing members for their outstanding contributions to the greater Fort Myers community, the program will feature an award ceremony to honor finalists and name honorees for their impact.
The Offshore Sailing School, which has a location on Captiva, is one of three finalists for the Small Business of the Year Award. The others are Spada Salon and Day Spa and Spiro and Associates.
The other categories are the Large Business of the Year Award, Community Impact Award, Entrepreneur of the Year, Nonprofit Excellence Award and Young Professional of the Year Award.
The event will be held on July 27 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers.
For more information or tickets, visit FortMyers.org or call 239-332-2930.
KADUK HONORED AT ANNUAL GALA
Rachel Kaduk, with Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, was honored at the 7th Annual Women of Distinction Gala on June 17.
This year’s event recognized the exceptional acts of kindness during the recovery efforts following the impact of Hurricane Ian on the Southwest Florida community. The award categories were realigned to center the celebration around the theme, “Spread Kindness like Wildflowers,” reflecting the resilience and compassionate spirit demonstrated by individuals throughout the storm recovery period.
Kaduk was one of 10 Southwest Florida women who received the 2023 Acts of Kindness Award.
WEIGEL NAMED CFO AT TRUST COMPANY
The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company founder and Chairman S. Albert D. Hanser Chief Executive Officer Terence M. Igo announced the promotion of Beth Weigel to chief financial officer.
She has more than 20 years of experience in accounting and small business management. Weigel oversees all aspects of the company’s operating budget and applications and manages expense projections. She also collaborates with the director of compliance and independent financial audit teams.
Prior to her promotion, Weigel served as chief operations officer overseeing the client relations team and supporting the trust administration operation.
Earlier in her career, she worked in public accounting as a senior staff accountant and earned her CPA. Weigel worked as the controller of a family-owned business, managing all phases of accounting, tax reporting and human resources.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in accounting from Clarkson University and completed her accreditation through the Florida Bankers Association Trust School.
TRAILWAYS CAMPS WELCOMES BOARD
Trailways Camps Inc. recently announced the members of its board of directors.
They include Kristina Beuning, Tom Chambers, Megan Feeney, Jerry Miller, Lewis Miller, Sharon Miller, Fred Richards, Randy Stitt and Annie Williams.
Chambers is the lead for Volunteer Services at tomkatfl@gmail.com.
Also, the following volunteers are serving on the Advisory Committee: Georgia Baker, Lee Bettenhausen, Joan Gibble, Kimby Hegwood-Brett, Ed Lamotta, Mark Salvo and Kirk Williams.
Last year, Trailways Camps Inc. was established as a registered nonprofit corporation to secure the future. Leadership transition plans were also made through additional estate planning.
Trailways Camps provides camping experiences for adults with special needs and respite for their caregivers. Its mission is: “Enabling adults with special needs, and those who care for them, to grow their social, emotional and spiritual relationship.”
For more information, visit www.trailwayscamps.org.
STONE, FORD JOIN KINGFISHER REAL ESTATE
Kingfisher Real Estate announced that Deb Stone and Pegge Ford have joined the team as sales associates.
Stone first purchased investment property on Sanibel and in 1985 she procured her full-time residence, along with obtaining her Florida real estate license. Stone was previously the co-founder and operator of a Sanibel travel company that included vacation rental services, and she has extensive knowledge of the vacation rental industry. Stone prides herself on strong relationships with her clients. Her ability to offer guidance and recommendations is based on nearly 40 years experience. Stone also possesses a background in accounting and previously performed accounting services for Bailey’s General Store.
Holding a degree from Marymount College in Virginia, Ford’s experience spans retail management, hospitality management and real estate. Her success in boutique and specialty department store management included positions in Palm Beach, Beverly Hills, New York, Chicago and Florida. One promotion took her to Fort Myers, where she was introduced to Sanibel. Ford soon called the island home and she began a hospitality career. Ford has served on the boards for the SanCap Chamber and Sanibel Community Association. She covers the Sanibel, Captiva and Fort Myers markets.