In 2024, SanCap Chamber membership numbers grew from 121 in 2023 to 452 active members,
John Lai, chamber president and chief executive officer, reported recently to the board of directors.
“This growth is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our board and staff, the support of our business community, and the value the chamber continues to provide,” Lai said. “The demand for our services continues to trend upwards, evident in the increase we’ve seen in web visits, Wander map downloads, and foot traffic in our visitor center.”
He underscored the success of the new Preserving Paradise leadership program, which has received positive feedback from participants, collaborators, legislators, and all supporting organizations. Other triumphs in 2024 include 46 ribbon-cuttings, the return of the chamber annual meeting and awards, partnering with the city in planning Sanibel’s 50th anniversary, the first State of the Islands event, and the robust return of Luminary Stroll.
Looking ahead to 2025, Lai expressed optimism for continued impressive hurricane recovery efforts. “With more than 42 percent of our hotel room inventory expected to be available by February 2025 and 65 percent by December 2025, we are confident that our community will rebound stronger than ever,” he said.
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].
