Business Notes
CHAMBER TO HOST BUSINESS LUNCHEON
The SanCap Chamber will hold its next business luncheon on March 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, at 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel.
The guest speaker will be FISH of Sanibel-Captiva Executive Director Maria Espinoza. She will provide an update on the charitable programs that the organization offers residents and employees of Sanibel and Captiva.
Cost is $35 for attendees.
Registration is required by March 14 at 5 p.m. at sanibel-captiva.org or by contacting Aaron Walton at aaron@sanibel-captiva.org or 239-472-8759. Payment is due at the time of registration.
SCYP TO HOST LUNCHEON WITH SPEAKER
The Sanibel Captiva Young Professionals (SCYP) will host its first Food For Thought Luncheon on March 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors (SCIAR), at 2353 Periwinkle Way, Suite 201, Sanibel.
The guest speaker will be Storm Smart Industries founder and Past Executive Chairman Brian Rist, who also founded the company’s “We Care” program and Go Energy Smart. He will speak on his experiences and give advice relevant to young professionals.
Food and refreshments will be provided.
The event is free and open to the community.
Deb Ames, of BeachView Tree Service, and SCIAR are sponsoring the luncheon.
Registration is required by March 21 at https://tinyurl.com/3bkvtet5.
For more information about the SCYP, follow on Facebook and Instagram @sanibelcaptivayp or contact scyprofessionals@gmail.com.
PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR EVERGLADES ACTION DAY
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s (SCCF) Environmental Policy Department is looking for community members passionate about Everglades restoration and improving local water quality to join it in attending Everglades Action Day 2025.
Everglades Action Day is an annual advocacy event in Tallahassee organized by the Everglades Coalition in honor of legendary environmental activist Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ birthday.
Participants will attend pre-scheduled meetings with the senators and representatives serving their district to advocate for full Everglades funding, protection, restoration and supporting legislation.
They will attend meetings as teams, led by team leaders from the SCCF and other partner organizations belonging to the coalition, such as the Tropical Audubon Society and Florida Oceanographic Society.
Registration is free, along with chartered east and west coast buses to the state capitol, with a local west coast pickup in Fort Myers. Costs for participants will include a one-night stay at the hotel in Tallahassee and meals throughout the overnight trip.
Registration will close on March 21.
For more information, contact apecenka@sccf.org.
CHR NAMED AS FINALIST FOR AWARD
Community Housing & Resources (CHR) announced its selection as a finalist for Best Overall Charity Event in The Community Foundation’s 2025 Charity Event Awards.
The recognition celebrates excellence in charitable event planning and the profound impact the events have on the community.
CHR reported that it is happy to be nominated for the award, which underscores its commitment to creating impactful events that benefit the community.
The Charity Event Awards is an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence in philanthropy and event planning. It will honor organizations, individuals and teams that elevate charitable events and initiatives to new heights.
SAN CAP BANK EXCEEDS $188M IN LENDING
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank announced it has provided more than $188 million in residential, business, construction and homeowners’ association loans across Sanibel and Captiva.
The bank reported that the milestone reflects its commitment to helping residents, businesses and organizations rebuild and recover in the aftermath of Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton.
Since Ian, the bank has also donated over $1.7 million to local community causes. In addition, its employees have contributed nearly 3,000 volunteer hours to support a range of initiatives.
The bank reported that over the past decade, it has maintained an average loan-to-deposit ratio of 92%, ensuring nearly every dollar deposited is used to fund local loans that foster economic recovery and stability.