Business Notes
Chamber October informative luncheon
Join the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, the SanCap Chamber of Commerce, and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa for an informative luncheon featuring U.S. Senator Rick Scott. Senator Scott will discuss the national economy, the cost of living, and the role of government in Florida and across the country.
Portside Property Group 2026 year to date top agents
Portside Property Group celebrates Ken King and Alison Stone for excellence in real estate.
As a more than 30 year full-time Sanibel resident with decades of real estate experience, King, brings extensive local expertise and market awareness to every transaction. His understanding of changing market conditions allows him to strategically guide both sellers and buyers, helping them make informed decisions and position themselves for the best possible outcome. Known for his direct approach and strong negotiation skills, King is trusted by clients and colleagues alike to keep transactions moving smoothly from contract to closing.
Stone brings a focused, client-first approach to every transaction, combining personalized service with a strong understanding of the Southwest Florida market. Her dedication, energy, and attention to detail allow her to build trusted relationships while helping clients confidently navigate their real estate goals.
As a full-time Southwest Florida resident raising her family here, Stone offers valuable local insight and dedicated support to help you buy or sell with confidence.
Milissa Sprecher to sponsor Sanibel sea turtle nest in client’s name
Milissa Sprecher, realtor of McCallion & McCallion Realty is proud to announce the launch of a new campaign to help Sanibel Island sea turtles — while thanking her clients with a positive island benefit.
Called “Nest Sweet Nest,” all buyers and sellers transacting with Sprecher or Realtor Jackson Sprecher will be the proud “owners” of a year-long sea turtle nest sponsorship through Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF).
“There are a lot of ways to say thank you to real estate clients,” Sprecher said. “Our team decided to focus on a thank-you gift that’ll benefit our marine life, our community and most of all — those beautiful little baby sea turtles. We hope that our clients will see it as a kind of ‘legacy gift’ that, sponsored in their name, will always be something to which they can look at and take pride in.”
Those buying or selling a home, condo, property or business in Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers and Southwest Florida, contact the Realtor who’ll make the experience perfect — and top it off with the knowledge that you, too, are making a difference in the world.
“Everyone here is in love with this wonderful, unique concept. The opportunities to make a positive, lasting difference for our islands and our marine life can literally go on for years. Milissa Sprecher and team deserve a round of applause for their creativity, generosity and community-mindedness,” Barbara Linstrom, Communications Director for SCCF, said.
Contact Sprecher at www.MilissaSprecherRealtor.com or (239)414-6044.
Heidrick & Company’s Emily McGahey earns multiple leadership honors
Heidrick & Company Insurance announced that Account Executive Emily McGahey has earned a series of prestigious honors recognizing her leadership, professional growth and commitment to Florida’s independent insurance industry.
McGahey was recently named the Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA) Young Agents Council Young Agent of the Year, recognizing her contributions to the insurance industry and her involvement within Florida’s young agent community.
Building on that achievement, McGahey has also been selected for Florida’s Future Insurance Leaders (FFIL), FAIA’s leadership development program designed to prepare emerging insurance professionals to become future leaders within the industry and their communities.
McGahey was the first person to submit her application for the program last fall and waited nearly a year to learn of her selection.
Over the next year, McGahey will participate in leadership development, mentorship, education and networking opportunities through FAIA programs and events. She will also complete the Insurance Agents MBA (IA-MBA) program this fall as part of the FFIL program.
In addition to her selection for FFIL, McGahey has been chosen to serve as co-chair of the FAIA Young Agents Council Political Advocacy Subcommittee, working alongside Robbie Sistrunk Jr., who will serve as the YAC leadership representative for the subcommittee.
The Political Advocacy Subcommittee helps young insurance professionals better understand legislative issues affecting Florida’s independent insurance agents and encourages greater participation in the political and advocacy process.
“I’m incredibly grateful for these opportunities and honored to represent Heidrick & Company alongside so many talented professionals in our industry,” said McGahey. “I’m excited to continue learning, build meaningful relationships with other insurance leaders and become more involved in the advocacy efforts that shape our industry. I look forward to taking what I learn through these experiences and using it to make a positive impact within our agency, our industry and the communities we serve.”
SCIAR participates in SCCF and Coastal Watch’s International Coastal Cleanup
The Sanibel-Captiva Islands Association of Realtors partnered with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and Coastal Watch on Saturday, Sept. 19, to participate in the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup, part of Ocean Conservancy’s global initiative. Gathering at 9 a.m. at the Shell Harbor Beach Access, members and volunteers spent two hours clearing trash and debris from the shoreline to protect the local marine ecosystem. The group consisted of both Realtor and affiliate members.
Michael Saunders & Company agents and staff help during 2026 International Coastal Cleanup
Agents and staff from Michael Saunders & Company’s Sanibel’s office spent Saturday morning giving back to the coastline they love, joining the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup on Sept. 19.
The team met at 9 a.m. at Shell Harbor Beach Access, teaming up with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) and Coastal Watch for the island-wide cleanup — part of the Ocean Conservancy’s global effort to protect oceans and waterways. For two hours, volunteers worked the shoreline, picking up litter and debris and doing their part for the beaches that make Sanibel and Captiva what they are.
For the Michael Saunders & Company team, it’s a simple idea: this coastline is home.
21 finalist announced for 2026 Industry Appreciation Awards
The Horizon Foundation, Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office have announced 21 finalists for the 2026 Industry Appreciation Awards.
The Industry Appreciation Awards celebrate Lee County businesses that drive the local economy, employ our workforce and shape their industries. Winners will be celebrated at an Oct. 23 awards luncheon at Caloosa Sound Convention Center in Fort Myers. The event will also celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Horizon Council. Registration for the event is now open.
The Industry Appreciation Awards will honor one winner in each of this year’s seven categories. Finalists include:
• Lee Trailblazer Award: Bob Dean Supply, Inc., Moran Kennedy, NORTHSTAR Technologies Group
• Start Up of the Year: Southwest Florida Proton, Sugarshack Downtown, UBYou
• Tech Catalyst Award: ADDMAN Group, Eightpoint, Optivate Health
• Small Manufacturer of the Year: Botanical Brewing Company, NORTHSTAR Technologies Group, Wicked Dolphin Distillery
• Large Manufacturer of the Year: California Closets of Southwest Florida, PRAVADA Private Label, VGM Holdings
• Small Business of the Year: Aviation Precision Technology, COLDEST, Sun Harvest Citrus
• Large Business of the Year: ADG Architecture, South Seas, Wright Construction Group
“Lee County is home to an outstanding group of businesses that are making a significant impact across a wide range of industries,” said Horizon Council Chair Ben Spence, who is chief operating officer of Lee Health and will become its president and CEO this fall. “Each finalist has demonstrated a commitment to innovation, growth and excellence, and the contributions they are making to our community make them incredibly deserving of this recognition.”
The Oct. 23 event will be held at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center, 1375 Monroe St. in Fort Myers. The event starts with networking opportunities at 10 a.m. with a luncheon and awards ceremony to follow at 11 a.m. Event tickets for the 2026 Industry Appreciation Awards are $100 each and available online at IndustryAppreciationAwards.com. Tables of 10 are also available.
HM Restaurant Group to become title sponsor of ‘Ding’ Darling Tarpon Tournament
HM Restaurant Group will become the title sponsor of the annual “Ding” Darling Tarpon Tournament, continuing the company’s longstanding support for the premier Southwest Florida fishing tournament and its conservation mission continues despite a demand to remove the Doc Ford’s name.
HM Restaurant Group manages the Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille restaurants, which served as title sponsor of the tournament for the past 14 years. During that time, the tournament has raised more than $2 million to support conservation efforts at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
As part of ongoing litigation and trademark disputes involving the Doc Ford’s name, Randy Wayne White, owner of the Doc Ford’s trademark, sued HM Restaurant Group to prevent it from using the Doc Ford’s name in association with the tournament. As a direct result of the lawsuit, the longstanding Doc Ford’s title sponsorship will end and HM Restaurant Group will become the title sponsor.
“We would have been proud to continue supporting this tournament under the Doc Ford’s name, just as we have for the past 14 years,” said Joe Harrity, partner with HM Restaurant Group. “Randy Wayne White has demanded that the name be removed, and as a result, we are happily moving the sponsorship to HM Restaurant Group. “We look forward to helping the tournament build on its success and expand its conservation impact for years to come.”
The title sponsorship change will take effect with the 2027 tournament. HM Restaurant Group will continue its financial support of the event under the company name.
“Over the years, this tournament has evolved into one of the most powerful engines for conservation at “Ding” Darling — and HM Restaurant Group has been instrumental in that growth,” said Angeli Chin, events, marketing and grants manager for the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society. “Their unwavering commitment as our title sponsor doesn’t just sustain the tournament; it propels us forward. Because of partners like HM, we’re able to dream bigger, do more and expand the impact this event has on the waters and wildlife that define our community.”
The 15th annual “Ding” Darling Tarpon Tournament will take place in May 2027.