sanibel & captiva chamber 4th qtr 2013 newmagazine

1C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

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S A N I B E L C A P T I VAwww.Sanibel-Captiva.org

2C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

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S A N I B E L C A P T I VA Our Mission: To Promote the Prosperity of Our Members and Preserve the Quality of Life in Our Community

Official Publication of

1159 Causeway RoadSanibel Island, Florida 33957

Phone: 239-472-1080 Fax: 239-395-0783

www.Sanibel-Captiva.OrgEDITOR & DESIGN

Bridgit Stone-Budd

LAYOUT & GRAPHICSLorraine Milano

CONTRIBUTORSChris Heidrick

Bridgit Stone-Budd

CHAMBER PHOTOGRAPHYHillgate Communications

CHAMBER STAFFRic Base, President

Steve Ehrhart, Director of OperationsBridgit Stone-Budd, Director of Marketing

Tyrone Humbles, Promotions - Chamber Tour Bus

VISITOR CENTER STAFFCandice Thompson, Visitor Center Supervisor

Bob Bechhold, Anne Liese,Allen Myers, Don Oglander,Barry Solomon, Jim Slattery

George Veillette, Lisa Williams,Julianne Kirkpatrick

The Sanibel-Captiva Islands Chamber NewsMagazineis published quarterly by

The Sanibel-Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce.Circulation: 6000

Online: www.Sanibel-Captiva.Org

Sanibel & Captiva IslandsChamber of Commerce

2013-2014 Board of Directors C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

T h e I s l a n d s o f

S A N I B E L C A P T I VA

For advertising or submissions, please contact

Bridgit @ 239-728-1920or Services@Sanibel-Captiva.Org

For subscriptions or address changes, please contact

Steve @ 239-472-8759 or Support@Sanibel-Captiva.Org

Mark AndersonBenchmark General Contractors 16836 McGregor BlvdFort Myers, FL 33908manderson@benchmark-gc.com

Doug BabcockTween Waters InnP.O. Box 249 Captiva, FL 33924 dougbabcock22@gmail.com

Mark BlustTimbers Restaurant703 Tarpon Bay RoadSanibel, FL 33957mblust@prawnbroker.com

Blanaid ColleyHillgate Communications2451 Periwinkle Way Sanibel, FL 33957 Blanaid@hillgate.biz

Chris DavisonIsland Inn3111 West Gulf DriveSanibel, FL 33957chrisd@islandinnsanibel.com

Dru Anne DoyleOcean’s Reach Condominiums Sanibel, FL 33957drudoyle@mindspring.com

Lee Ellen Harder - SecretaryBIG ARTS900 Dunlop Sanibel, FL 33957 lharder@bigarts.org

Barb Harrington RLR Investments, LLC 2340 Periwinkle Way, Suite KSanibel, FL 33957barb.harrington@RLRLLC.com

Chris Heidrick - ChairHeidrick & CompanyP.O. Box 59 Sanibel, FL 33957 chris@sanibelinsurance.com

Ken KourilThe Sanctuary Golf Club 2801 Wulfert Road Sanibel, FL 33957 kkouril@sanctuarygc.net

Michael Miller – Past ChairMichael P. Miller CPA, P.L.1648 Periwinkle Way Suite DSanibel, FL 33957 mikemiller@sancapcpa.com

Robert MonkMurty & Monk, P.A.1633 Periwinkle Way Suite ASanibel, FL 33957rmonk@murtymonk.com

Chris PendletonEdison & Ford Winter EstatesP.O. Box 2368 Fort Myers, FL 33902 cpendleton@efwefla.org

Fran Peters – Chair ElectIsland Vacations of Sanibel& Captiva, Inc.1101 Periwinkle Way Suite 108 Sanibel, FL 33957fran@sanibelislandvacations.com

Donna PumaPinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream362 Periwinkle WaySanibel, Fl 33957dmtp@aol.com

Jeff Shuff - TreasurerTween Waters InnP.O. Box 249Captiva, FL 33924jshuff@tween-waters.com

Sonja Smith SuitorCondominium Associationof Sanibel, Inc.P. O. Box 1041 Sanibel, FL 33957suitors@earthlink.net

Ric BasePresident1159 Causeway RoadSanibel, Florida 33957ric@sanibel-captiva.org

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S A N I B E L C A P T I VAOur Mission: To Promote the Prosperity of Our Members and Preserve the Quality of Life in Our Community www.Sanibel-Captiva.org

“They Paved Paradise And Put Up A Parking Lot” – Joni Mitchell, Big Yellow Taxi

The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce parking lothas reopened after almost 3 weeks of renovations.

The parking lot now has pervious pavers and 2 detention ponds to help control run-off to protectour beautiful and fragile environment. Chamber member GiGi Design Group was the

contractor and did a beautiful job. No more pot holes and dust bowl!

A special thank you to our own island local, Ms. Sarah Ashton, for the cover concept!

Here is a picture of the 1st family that pulled into the newly paved lot.The Swing Family from Cincinnati, OH. Christi, Jenn, Kim and Tom. Congratulations!

Before After

4C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

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S A N I B E L C A P T I VA Our Mission: To Promote the Prosperity of Our Members and Preserve the Quality of Life in Our Community

C H A M B E R

P A P A R A Z Z I

Chamber Business Luncheon at The Captiva Island Yacht ClubSponsored by A Better Bugman

Chamber Business Luncheon at The Sundial Resort & SpaSponsored by Shell Point Retirement Community

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S A N I B E L C A P T I VAOur Mission: To Promote the Prosperity of Our Members and Preserve the Quality of Life in Our Community www.Sanibel-Captiva.org

Our Chamber Mobile AppFollow us on facebook

2014 events will fill up fast! Claim yourLuncheon Sponsorship and/or After Hours Host now!

Chamber Schedule of Events 2013-2014

Are You Our Friend on Facebook?

CHAMBER BUSINESS LUNCH CHAMBER AFTER HOURS BOARD of DIRECTORS MEETING

RIBBON CUTTINGS & CHAMBER TOUR

2nd Tuesday of the Month - 11:30 PM – 1:30 PM 3rd Monday of the Month - 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

3rd Thursday of the Month - 8:00 AM

SPECIAL EVENTS BUS SCHEDULE

*LOCATION, SPONSOR and SPEAKER *LOCATION and HOSTS Starfish Grille at the Holiday Inn

Ribbon Cuttings 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM See our Online Events

Calendar for more details

September 10th September 16th September 19th September 25th Ribbon Cutting September

Shell Point Starfish Grille Doc Fords - CaptivaSeaFood and Nautical

Festival - 9/6

Sponsored By News-Press Media Group Treasure Coast Beerfest - 9/20

Speaker: Peter Dys - Shell PointOctober 8th October 21st October 17th October 2nd Ribbon Cutting October

Captiva Island Yacht Club IL Cielo Holtz, Mahshie, Decosta, PASponsored By SW Florida Distributing

Speaker: Rae Ann Wessel - SCCFNovember 12th November 18th November 21st November 6th Ribbon Cutting November

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum Rosier Insurance Calusa Bluewater FestivalEdison & Ford Winter Estates November 13th Ribbon Cutting NASCAR Race-11/15

Speaker: Chris Pendleton Enchanted Ballroom Villages Trade Show-11/28December 10th December 16th December 19th December 6 & 7 Luminary December 6 & 7

Sanctuary Golf Club Chamber Open House Note location change Luminary Luminary @ Bailey'sSponsored by: R S Walsh Landscaping Sanctuary Golf Club

Speaker: Lee Ellen Harder 4pm

January 14th January 27th - Date Change January 16th January 19thSundial Beach Resort & Spa CIP's Place Chamber Expo

Sponsored by: Rosier InsuranceSpeaker: Judi Newman - Identity Theft

February 11th February 17th February 20th

March 11th March 17th March 20thSCCF

April 8th April 21st April 29thNO Business Lunch This Month No After Hours This Month Annual Meeting - TBD

6C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

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S A N I B E L C A P T I VA Our Mission: To Promote the Prosperity of Our Members and Preserve the Quality of Life in Our Community

The New Chamber Parking Lot… A symbol of several Chamber priorities

Over 180,000 visitors each year will find a new welcome mat at the front door of the islands…the new Chamber Parking Lot. I’d like to take a moment to point out how our new parking lot is a symbol of so much more.

We all know our guests visit the islands of Sanibel and Captiva for the pristine environment, though some have told us they would like to see updates in other areas. The new paver parking lot is a great example of such an improvement. And, in keeping with a core principle of our Chamber, the new parking lot is more than an aesthetic improvement…it is an environmental improvement.

For the past 50 years, the old sand/gravel parking lot had no storm water management plan. Before this project storm water would simply run off and carry surface pollutants directly into environmentally sensitive areas. About 1/3 of the cost of our project went to the creation of two retention areas and an engineered storm water retention plan in full compliance with City requirements. I’m proud we were able to complete this project “in harmony with our sanctuary island environment”.

This project is also an excellent example of our very healthy relationship with the City. The parking lot is actually located on City property. The Chamber and the City entered into a 30-year lease prior to the undertaking of the project and the City could not have been more supportive in its review and approval of the project.

I look forward to continuing our close work with the City as the topic of CommercialRedevelopment continues to evolve. I also hope our members see the new parking lot as an example of the City’s willingness to work with property owners who are considering improvements to their properties “in harmony with our sanctuary island environment”.

Chris Heidrick, Chair

A Word From Your Chair

7C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

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S A N I B E L C A P T I VAOur Mission: To Promote the Prosperity of Our Members and Preserve the Quality of Life in Our Community www.Sanibel-Captiva.org

8C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

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S A N I B E L C A P T I VA Our Mission: To Promote the Prosperity of Our Members and Preserve the Quality of Life in Our Community

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce 2013 Tour Bus Schedule

We’ve Got Florida Covered!

9C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

T h e I s l a n d s o f

S A N I B E L C A P T I VAOur Mission: To Promote the Prosperity of Our Members and Preserve the Quality of Life in Our Community www.Sanibel-Captiva.org

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S A N I B E L C A P T I VA Our Mission: To Promote the Prosperity of Our Members and Preserve the Quality of Life in Our Community

Welcome New Members

A Better Way Marketing, LLCJamie Laura, Mobile Sales Force

Serving Sanibel & Captiva IslandsABetterWayMarketing.Mobi

FISHMISSHAYDENCaptain Frank Ventimiglia

Serving Sanibel & Captiva IslandsFishMissHayden.com

239-337-4275

Isabella’s Island Style Weddings & EventsStacey Gerhart, Proprietor

Serving Sanibel & Captiva IslandsIzzieStyle.com239-895-3105

Island Time Dolphin & Shelling CruisesJessica DeGraw, Captain

Serving Sanibel & Captiva IslandsIslandTimeCruise.com

239-898-6155

Windows Plus, LLCCrystal Borton

Serving Sanibel & Captiva IslandsWindowsPlusLLC.com

239-267-5858

Island View Window CleaningLou Fodor

Serving Sanibel & Captiva Islands239-313-7930

SWFL Tech GroupChris Long

Serving Sanibel & CaptivaSwflTechGroup.com

239-267-1244

Seminole CasinoJennifer Thomas, Group Sales Manager

Immokalee, Floridaseminoleimmokaleecasino.com

239-658-7545

Valerie Tutor, RealtorJohn R. Wood, Island Realtors1019 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Valerietutor.sanibelrealestatemarket.com239-472-2411

Waterview Dining @ SundialPaul Cuppy, Food & Beverage Director

1451 Middle Gulf Drive, SanibelSundialResort.com

239-472-4151

Marla Manning info@thesanibeldesigncenter.com2240 Periwinkle Way 11A, Sanibel

TheSanibelDesignCenter.com239-395-1201

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & GrilleJean Crenshaw, General Manager

5400 Plantation Road, CaptivaDocFords.com239-312-4275

11C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

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S A N I B E L C A P T I VAOur Mission: To Promote the Prosperity of Our Members and Preserve the Quality of Life in Our Community www.Sanibel-Captiva.org

A Thank You Note From A Proud Navy Mom

Recently my eldest son returned from the Persian Gulf, after being deployed to the

region for eight months. His name is Jordan Rylander and he is a 2nd Class Petty Officer/

Search & Rescue Air Crewman with the U.S. Navy. To say I was, relieved upon his return

would be an understatement, yet I certainly was… relieved, proud, and happy all rolled

into one! Of course, since he and my daughter-in-law Blayne, are stationed in San Diego,

it was their visit to Florida that was anticipated greatly!

In December 2011, Blayne and Jordan were married here at the Sanibel

Congregational United Church of Christ, where I work as the Office Manager. It was not

a surprise that they chose to marry on beautiful Sanibel Island, as Jordan and I enjoyed

many weekends on the Sanibel beaches when he was a growing up.

When Jordan and Blayne arrived in Florida, mid-May of this year, one of the first

things they wanted to do was to go to Sanibel Island. They spent many days of their leave

time on the Island, collecting shells, eating at the awesome restaurants, and making more

Sanibel memories. One of the things we did as a family before they left to return to San

Diego and the Navy, was to go to Lighthouse Beach and have family photos taken. I’ve

enclosed a couple of the photos, because I want to say “Thank you” to the city and people

of Sanibel for being so welcoming and hospitable. These photos of Jordan & Blayne,

makes me so happy – after all I can’t imagine there is anyone who when visiting Sanibel

Island, doesn’t have a smile on their face. Just thinking about all the smiles that have been

generated over the years from just simply being here fills me with joy. It is my hope that

since Jordan & Blayne began their lives together one December evening in a beautiful

Sanibel church, they will continue to visit this tranquil place long after I am gone…that

would make this Momma very happy indeed.

Sandra J. Simmons

Office Manager

Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ

2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957

(239) 472-0497

12C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

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S A N I B E L C A P T I VA Our Mission: To Promote the Prosperity of Our Members and Preserve the Quality of Life in Our Community

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