Business Notes
SHELL MUSEUM OFFERS LOCALS DISCOUNT
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel announced the launch of a new “The Toll’s On Us!” promotion for the months of June and July.
Designed to help encourage residents of Lee and Collier counties to visit the museum and island, the museum will provide $9 — the cost of the Sanibel Causeway toll — off a party’s admission.
Executive Director Sam Ankerson noted that summer is a great time to visit the islands. With new exhibits of shells and marine life on view, the museum is a great destination for all ages before or after visiting the beach, restaurants, or other parts of Sanibel and Captiva.
The discount offer is valid from June 1 through July 31.
At time of purchase, one member of the party must show proof of residency, like a driver’s license, utility bill or lease agreement, and the offer cannot be combined with other discounts.
For more information, visit ShellMuseum.org or call 239-395-2233.
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.
CHAMBERS TO HOLD NONPROFIT LUNCHEON
For their monthly business luncheon, the SanCap Chamber and Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce (GFMCC) will host the Annual Nonprofit Luncheon on June 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at the Bell Tower Shops, at 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers.
A networking-style event, it is designed to connect local nonprofits with the business community by showcasing 10 nonprofit organizations.
Each nonprofit will receive a three-minute speaking opportunity. In addition, they can share brochures, donation information, volunteer opportunities, and general awareness materials with attendees.
The cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members through June 5.
After June 5, it is $50 for members and $60 for non-members.
To register or for more information, visit tinyurl.com/nonproflunch.
ISLANDER SPEAKS AT TECH CONFERENCE
Sanibel resident, neurodivergent creator and autism advocate Jen Friel was a speaker at the Web Summit Vancouver on May 11-14 at the Vancouver Convention Centre in British Columbia, Canada.
Featured in the Creative (AI) Summit track, she shared her insights on the intersection of autism and artificial intelligence (AI), bringing her perspective as a late-diagnosed autistic woman and polysynesthete to discussions about the future of technology.
Friel advocates for neurodiversity, using her platform to challenge stigma and build community. Her advocacy is particularly focused on women with autism, a demographic where symptoms are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed. Through her digital brand Talk Nerdy To Me, Friel blends humor, data and relatable storytelling to educate and empower others.
At the summit, she explored how AI can serve as a vital tool for neurodivergent individuals.
Her session highlighted how AI can reduce cognitive load, assist with executive functioning, and create more inclusive environments for neurodivergent professionals and creatives. She also addressed the ethical implications of AI development, ensuring that the technology of tomorrow is built with neuro-inclusion at its core.
The summit was expected to draw over 35,000 founders, investors and innovators.
BAYSIDE PRIVATE EVENTS DEBUTS MENU
Bayside Private Events at the Bonita Fish Company on Fort Myers Beach has introduced a curated catering menu highlighting unique flavors and an array of creative three-course selections.
It offers coastal choices inspired by the company’s seafood menu and includes a selection of 17 appetizers, four salads, 17 entrées and 12 sides. The dinner collections include the Bayside and Sunset packages. Bayside Private Events also offers three bar packages.
There is the signature Yucatán shrimp, snapper and grouper, as well as chicken and beef menu items like the Nashville chicken with hot honey glaze appetizer and carved smoked brisket entrée.
Bayside Private Events offers platters, butler-passed and buffet-style appetizers. The hors d’oeuvres include sliced corned brisket, ceviche, signature mullet dip, conch or shrimp fritters, crispy grouper bites with Key lime tartar, pecan-crusted chicken and bistro filet crostini. Sides range from grits and elote street corn to pecorino risotto and blue cheese-stuffed Roma tomatoes.
Entrées include chimichurri chicken, sauteed snapper with pineapple salsa, shrimp and vegetable risotto, blackened salmon with lemon dill sauce, seared grouper with mango pico de gallo, and New York strip steak with peppercorn and chicken Amarillo.
Bayside Private Events’ house-made dessert menu features Key lime pie, coconut cheesecake, flourless chocolate cake, and a fruit and berry bowl.
The HM Restaurant Group manages the Bonita Fish Company and Doc Ford’s, as well as the Dixie Fish Company.
For more information, contact Bayside Private Events Manager Joe Sletten at joesletten@hmrestaurantgroup.com or 239-788-4067.
The Bonita Fish Company is at 702 Fisherman’s Wharf, Fort Myers Beach.
SAN CAP BANK WELCOMES BERNIER
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank announced the hiring of Paula Bernier as a residential and commercial loan closer at the Bridge Branch in Fort Myers.
She will manage residential and commercial loan closings from contract through funding, ensuring accuracy, compliance and a smooth closing experience for borrowers.
Bernier has more than 30 years of experience in mortgage banking and loan operations. Most recently, she served as vice president and director of mortgage production at a community bank in Massachusetts, where she oversaw residential lending operations, compliance, loan quality and continuous process improvement.
Bernier’s background includes hands-on experience in disclosures, processing, underwriting and closing for conventional, jumbo, construction and rehab, as well as home equity loans.
Throughout her career, she has held leadership and operational roles with several of the nation’s largest mortgage lenders and bankers, gaining expertise across residential and commercial loan workflows.