Business Notes
PRESERVING PARADISE TAKING APPLICATIONS
Applications are open for the 2026 Preserving Paradise program.
It brings together 20 Southwest Florida locals from across different industries and community organizations to learn about the Everglades ecosystem’s role in the region’s economy.
The program aims to equip business leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for Everglades restoration, emphasizing the economic benefits and the role businesses can play in ensuring clean water for the overall economic health of the region.
It is a collaboration between Captains for Clean Water, the SanCap Chamber, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and The Everglades Foundation.
Applications are due by June 27.
To apply or for more information, visit https://sanibel-captiva.org/preserving-paradise/.
SOUTH SEAS OFFERING FL, GA DISCOUNT
South Seas on Captiva announced its Palm and Peach Getaway, which offers Florida and Georgia residents 30% off of accommodations and is valid on bookings and stays through Nov. 15.
Guests can experience the resort’s newly enhanced amenities, dining destinations and family-friendly activities with the offer, while enjoying a convenient getaway just a short drive from home.
They will have access to a wide variety of activities and experiences throughout the resort, including kayaking, paddleboarding, biking, fishing excursions, dolphin cruises and beachside relaxation.
South Seas also offers multiple dining options, from casual waterfront fare to elevated coastal cuisine.
Guests must present a valid Florida or Georgia ID at check-in.
Blackout dates and additional restrictions may apply. The offer cannot be combined with other promotions or applied to existing reservations.
For reservations or more information, visit SouthSeas.com/offers.
South Seas is at 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva.
CFI, FGCU PARTNER FOR WORKSHOP
In partnership with Florida Gulf Coast University’s Southwest Leadership Institute, the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) hosted a two-day Leadership Development Workshop on May 19-20 at the Sanibel Public Library on Sanibel.
It brought together nonprofit staff and small business teams for learning, connection and growth.
CFI reported that it was honored to welcome Dr. Meagan Baskin and four FGCU faculty members, who led the workshop. Over the course of the program, 22 island leaders strengthened skills in leadership, culture building, decision-making, adaptability and team development.
Made possible in part by CFI’s Community Impact Fund, the workshop provided partial scholarships for organization participants.
CFI thanked the library for hosting the event and all of the organizations that took part.
FOUNDATION WELCOMES BOARD MEMBER
The FISH of Sanibel Captiva Foundation welcomed Jeff Cory to its board of directors.
He brings over 30 years of experience serving older adults and helping families plan for the future. Throughout his career, Cory has dedicated himself to improving the lives of seniors through leadership, education, financial planning and fiduciary services.
He previously served as the founding executive director of The Legacy Foundation at Shell Point, where he helped build a culture of charitable giving and long-term support for residents and programs. Today, he is founder of Promise Fiduciary, which provides professional trust, estate, and fiduciary services for seniors and their families.
His professional credentials include Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA).
Cory holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration and Master of Science in organizational leadership from Nyack College in New York.
The foundation supports the long-term sustainability of FISH of Sanibel-Captiva by raising, managing and stewarding charitable resources that help ensure essential services remain available for future generations.
CHR ANNOUNCES NEW TEAM MEMBER
Community Housing & Resources (CHR) welcomed Dorothy Plumb as its new development director.
It reported that she brings enthusiasm for strengthening partnerships and supporting the continued growth of CHR’s programs that serve the island community.
CHR added that it is grateful to add her to the team.
KIWANIS CLUB INDUCTS NEW MEMBER
The Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club welcomed a new member.
Nick Adams was recently inducted.
The club reported that it is proud to induct him and looks forward to seeing the amazing ways that he will contribute to its mission and the community.
For more information, visit www.sanibelkiwanis.org.
SAN CAP COMMUNITY BANK RECOGNIZED
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank was named one of the 2026 “Best Place to Work in Southwest Florida” by Gulfshore Business for the third time in five years.
It was chosen as one of 27 company honorees after an assessment and selection process conducted by Best Companies Group, an independent research firm that specializes in identifying and recognizing great places to work.
Companies from across the region entered the two-part process to determine the Best Places to Work. The process consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices and demographics, in addition to an employee survey to measure employee experience. Combined scores determined the top companies and final rankings.
Best Companies Group managed the process and analyzed the data to determine the winners.
The named businesses appeared in the June/July issue of Gulfshore Business.
FLORIDA TRUST APPOINTS WEBB AS CIO
Florida Trust Wealth Management announced the appointment of Logan S. Webb, CFA, CFP, to chief investment officer.
As an accomplished senior portfolio manager and investment analyst with 20 years of experience, he has served as investment team lead over the Tampa Bay portfolio management team, while working with clients to tailor their investment strategies to best meet their financial goals and estate planning needs.
Prior to joining Florida Trust, Webb served at Bank of America Private Bank, formerly U.S. Trust, as a senior portfolio manager in Dallas and later in Austin, Texas, managing individual and institutional client accounts valued at more than $1 billion. In his role as designated institutional portfolio manager, he was responsible for managing endowments, foundations and other philanthropic relationships.
Webb holds the Chartered Financial Analyst and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations.
He is a graduate of Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in economics.
Webb is based in Florida Trust Wealth Management’s Tampa office on Boy Scout Boulevard.
HM RESTAURANT PROMOTES VIZCARRA
The HM Restaurant Group has promoted Rebecca Vizcarra to general manager of the Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille on Fort Myers Beach.
She is a seven-year veteran of the company.
As general manager, Vizcarra will oversee the day-to-day operations and team members, while elevating the restaurant’s commitment to legendary service and award-winning food. A certified guest service professional, she looks forward to growing professionally and personally in her new role.
The HM Restaurant Group noted that Vizcarra is a valued member of the Doc Ford’s team, bringing creativity, positivity and passion to everything she does.
The company manages Doc Ford’s, the Dixie Fish Company and Bonita Fish Company.
JOHN R. WOOD NAMES OFFICE BROKER
John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate has named Jeffrey Piipponen broker of its Marco Island office.
He brings more than 20 years of brokerage leadership experience in Southwest Florida and the Florida Keys, including oversight of multi-office operations, agent development and sales management.
Piipponen most recently served as sales manager for multiple offices with Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Cos. in the Keys, where he oversaw growth, retention and recruiting efforts, and developed production-based training programs for sales teams.
Before that, Piipponen spent eight years as managing broker for Coldwell Banker Realty’s Realogy Brokerage Group, overseeing offices in Naples, Bonita Springs and Fort Myers Beach. During that time, he led agent recruiting initiatives and supported the expansion of sales teams across the region.
Earlier in his career, Piipponen was broker-owner of ERA Faust Realty Group, a three-office franchise brokerage. During his nine years with the company, he oversaw agent growth and brokered approximately 3,500 real estate transactions.
Piipponen earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of South Florida and completed MBA coursework at Wright State University.
The office is at 1000 N. Collier Blvd., Suite 1, Marco Island.