About the Chamber

Our Mission:

To promote the prosperity of our members and preserve the quality of life in our community.

For more than 60 years, The Sanibel-Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce has been dedicated to fostering the growth & prosperity of our business community, while nurturing the quality of life for all those who live, visit and work on our sanctuary Islands.

Destination Marketing

The Sanibel-Captiva Visitor Center sees over 100,000 visitors come through our doors. The Chamber markets our destination through traditional, digital and social media outlets to attract visitors to come and experience Sanibel & Captiva Islands.

Community

After visiting the islands, many visitors turn into part-time or full-time residents of the islands. The Chamber sends out relocation and information packages out-of-state, bringing vacationers, business owners and new residents to our beautiful islands.

Business Development

The Chamber works on the local level to provide opportunities for members to network with other businesspeople and community leaders and to become better educated through various chamber events and sponsored programs.

Advocacy and Education

Through pro-business initiatives, The Chamber represents chamber member businesses in local, state, and national government issues.

History of the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce

10 years prior to 1962 island pioneers gathered on the east end of Sanibel and formed the Sanibel & Captiva Business Association, which eventually evolved into the Chamber of Commerce. In 1963 the ferry to Sanibel was replaced by the causeway with a drawbridge to Sanibel. Shortly thereafter in 1964 the land was purchased at its current site to build the chamber of commerce building. Construction began with the $13,350.00 budget.

In 1974 Sanibel was incorporated as a city in Lee County, becoming the “City of Sanibel”. In 2011 the Chamber Visitor Center was rededicated as the ‘Francis P. Bailey, Jr. Visitor Center’ in recognition of one of the original island pioneers that help establish the business association and the chamber.

On February 20th, 2022 the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 60th anniversary of incorporation.