Building on January’s State of the Islands presentation, the SanCap Chamber will host State of the Local Economy speakers at the Feb. 18 business luncheon at Sundial Beach Resort on Sanibel Island at 11:30 a.m. Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) executive director Tamara Pigott and Lee County Economic Development Office director John Talmage will present a county-wide snapshot.
Pigott oversees the promotion of the islands, beaches, and neighborhoods of the Fort Myers area as a travel destination to targeted domestic and international visitors, including vacationers and business travelers. She is responsible for the strategic planning of domestic and international sales and marketing efforts, along with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the VCB.
A graduate of Florida State University, Pigott holds a bachelor of science degree in economics and political science and a master of science degree in political science. Her experience includes working as an analyst and vice president of local research companies, examining the economic feasibility of local developments and business opportunities.
Talmage has spent more than 35 years working in local economic and community development, both for municipal governments and national research organizations. He most recently served as the chief of staff to the city manager of Fort Myers and served for several years on the Sanibel City Planning Commission.
Talmage began his career working for the New York City Council during the Dinkins and Giuliani administrations, focusing on development along the Brooklyn Heights, Williamsburg, and Greenpoint waterfronts. He directed economic development for the city of New Orleans and served as a senior policy advisor to mayors of Miami and Cincinnati.
“As we widen our perspective to the outlook for Lee County, we turn to two of our most trusted resources,” said John Lai, SanCap Chamber president and chief executive officer. “Long time in the service of Sanibel, Captiva, and our neighbors, John and Tam are able to discuss the impact island businesses can expect from upcoming strategies. Thank you to SCCF for sponsoring the lunch meeting.”
The SanCap Chamber business lunch is a monthly networking opportunity held at various member locations. The chamber strives to provide speakers to discuss business topics relevant to the membership. SanCap Chamber members receive meeting invitations by email. Cost for luncheon attendance is $35.
Advanced registration is required to attend; walk-ins are not accepted. Register by 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13, at sanibel-captiva.org or by contacting Aaron Walton at [email protected] or 239-472-8759. Payment is due upon registration.
ABOUT SANCAP CHAMBER
The SanCap Chamber is dedicated to promoting the prosperity of its members and preserving the quality of life of our community. The Chamber plays a key role in facilitating communication and cooperation between business, residents, and government to enhance the economic health of the islands. Its website, sanibel-captiva.org, receives over 1.3 million visits per year. For more information about the chamber, visit sanibel-captiva.org or contact John Lai, president and CEO, at 239-472-2348 or [email protected].
