The SanCap Chamber hosts its second annual breakfast presentation on the State of the Islands 2025 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers. The presentation will highlight recent progress made in several fields, featuring representatives on each topic. Doors and registration open for the event at 8 a.m. Breakfast commences at 8:30, and the program at 9.
“State of the Islands brings the business community up-to-date on the many facets of island commerce, based on survey results and other data,” said John Lai, SanCap Chamber president and chief executive officer. “This important presentation will be held in lieu of the January business luncheon. It will inform members about changes in post-hurricane predictions compared to last year at this time.”
Topics include the state of the city of Sanibel with representatives Eric Jackson, public information officer; Dana Souza, city manager; Craig Mole, building official; and Paula McMichael, planning director. Presenting the state of real estate will be Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of REALTORS© chief executive officer Bill Robinson, along with island real estate agents Jeff Burns and Eric Pfeiffer.
A storm surge discussion will be carried by James Evans, chief executive officer of SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation); Chauncey Goss, board chairman for the South Florida Water Management District; and Oisin Dolly, city engineer.
Nicole McHale, executive director of Community Housing & Resources, will speak about her organization’s status. Sanibel’s first mayor, Porter Goss, will make a special presentation on “50 Years of the Sanibel Plan,” upon the occasion of the city’s incorporation 50th anniversary year. Current mayor Richard Johnson wraps up the discussions with closing comments.
Bank of the Islands is Title Sponsor for State of the Islands. Captains for Clean Water and the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of REALTORS© sponsor at the Lighthouse Level; “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society and LCEC at the Periwinkle Level; and SCCF at the Blind Pass Level. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the well-attended event. For information, contact operations manager Aaron Walton at [email protected] or 239-239-472-8759.
SanCap Chamber members and non-members are invited to State of the Islands. Cost for attendance is $60. Advanced registration is required; walk-ins are not accepted. Register by 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17, at sanibel-captiva.org or by contacting Aaron Walton at [email protected] or 239-472-8759. Payment is due at time of registration. Cancellations must be received 24 hours prior to the event to be eligible for refund.
ABOUT SANCAP CHAMBER
The SanCap Chamber of Commerce 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].
