Guest speakers Kathryn Kelly, president and chief executive officer of the Heights Foundation, and John Talmage, director of the Lee County Economic Development Office, will address issues concerning economics of the local workforce and county-wide development at the November 13 SanCap Chamber meeting scheduled for Sundial Beach Resort starting at 11:30 a.m. R.L.R. Investments sponsors the luncheon and presents its new director of commercial leasing and community relations, Ali Kendall.
Kelly is the President and CEO of the nonprofit Heights Foundation, which she founded in 2000 to build strong, self-sufficient families in Fort Myers’ Harlem Heights neighborhood. She will be talking about Heights Foundation’s initiatives for workforce development and the Heights CareerTech Institute it is building.
The institute’s primary goal is to empower Harlem Heights and the broader Southwest Florida community by providing hig- quality education, professional training, and enrichment opportunities. It is dedicated to automotive, marine, and construction trades, and business and healthcare services.
Talmage, who has spent more than 30 years working in the field of local economic and community development for municipal governments and national research organizations, served previously as the chief of staff to the city of Fort Myers manager. He also sat for several years on the Sanibel City Planning Commission and on island boards of directors, including the Sanibel Community Association, F.I.S.H., CROW, and the Sanibel Sea School.
From past work for the New York City Council to facilitating a Community Real Estate Development Program for the University of South Florida’s Florida Institute of Government throughout Florida, Talmage has vast experience working with communities to improve the business climate.
Kendall, a longtime friend of Sanibel, brings a wealth of experience in marketing, communications, business development, and relationship management to R.L.R. A graduate of Cornell University, her diverse career spans the globe, where she has worked with startups and small businesses in various capacities.
“Three remarkably bright stars in Southwest Florida skies promise a constellation of insights into the future of how the region will meet and manage challenges ahead,” said John Lai, SanCap Chamber president and chief executive officer. “Our workforce, economic development, and commercial real estate drive where we’re headed and how we can prepare and participate.”
The 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, Nov.. 8, at sanibel-captiva.org or by contacting Aaron Walton at [email protected] or 239-472-8759. Payment is due at time of 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].
