It was a big day for the islands as SanCap Chamber gathered at 2353 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel Island to celebrate, on April 25, the ribbon-cutting for Sanibel Captiva Islands Association of Realtors (SCIAR) and its tenant Finnimore’s Bike & Beach Rentals.
“As the business organization for Realtors, including affiliate business partners like insurance companies, title companies, bank and mortgage companies, and various real estate related businesses, the Realtors association represents a huge economic core for Sanibel and Captiva,” said John Lai, SanCap Chamber president and CEO. “To see it restored to better-than-pre-hurricane condition means the world to this community. We thank CEO Bill Robinson for his leadership during this challenging period and congratulate all business members involved, including the Craig family of Finnimore’s.”
“Our building was significantly damaged by the storm and underwent a full remodel to harden it for the future,” said Robinson. “We have been supported by many local businesses since the hurricane including being given office space by other local businesses while we waited for our office to be finished.”
Finnimore’s — a full bike shop rental, repair, and sales shop with watersports and beach equipment rentals, on the island since the 1980s – reopened shortly after the storm, said co-owner Joe Craig.
SCIAR added a new metal roof, new railings, and new exterior design and colors to the building. All windows and storefronts are impact resistant. SCIAR has been at its current location since 2009 and has been a chartered Realtor association since 1985 on the islands. Robinson thanked the chamber for helping with its comeback.
“The chamber has been great bringing businesses back together since the storm,” he said. “We enjoy our partnership with the chamber and thank them for helping celebrate this momentous reopening with us. John and his staff have been great partners through these difficult times.”
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].
