Business notes | News, Sports, Jobs – SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

A TRUST COMPANY WILL OFFER A SEMINAR

The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company will offer “Home Day” — a series of seminars on Florida residency, domicile status and estate planning — Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. at its offices at 2450 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, and 13525 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers.

It will include a presentation and Q&A led by staff and local estate planning attorney Jennifer Hammond, with Green Schoenfeld & Kyle.

Places are limited and reservations are required.

The seminar is designed for individuals with investable assets of $2 million and above.

To make a reservation, contact Frances Steger at 239-472-8300 or festeger@sancaptrustco.com.

THE ROOM FACILITATES STORM RELIEF REQUESTS

In partnership with the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI), the SanCap Chamber is facilitating two disaster recovery programs to help small businesses get back on their feet after Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton.

The CFI Sanibel-Captiva Recovery Fund is accepting grant applications for independent businesses on an as-needed basis. The average grant is $5,000, funds permitting.

FCI is also partnering with Sanibel Captiva Community Bank for Accelerate, a small business loan program available for a limited time. Sourced from third-party investors, $1.2 million is available for five-year loans of up to $100,000, based on need. Businesses that serve a critical rebuilding need on the island and the demands of residents and guests – such as a pharmacy, dry cleaner, mechanic, etc. – will receive preference.

REFUGE/DDWS From left, “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge, Board Vice President Bill Millar, Secretary Barbara Bluedorn and President Bill Harkey.

A dedicated chamber staff member is available to assist businesses with paperwork and questions.

For assistance, contact Alex Bustamante at 239-440-9709 or Alex@sanibel-captiva.org.

SCCF OFFERING A FREE YEAR OF MEMBERSHIP

Through June, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is offering one year of free membership in the organization.

Those who register will automatically be entered into a draw for an outback jeep tour with CEO James Evans and up to two guests. This will include breakfast or lunch and an in-depth review of private SCCF reserve lands, including island areas and generally inaccessible habitats.

Brian Rist ISLANDS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

Members also receive print publications, 10% off retail – including merchandise from the Sanibel Sea School and Native Landscapes & Garden Center – and reciprocal benefits at more than 150 nature centers across the United States that are part of the Association of Nature Center Administrators network.

After one year, maintaining a SCCF membership requires a donation of $100 or more per year or a contribution of more than 20 annual volunteer hours.

For more information, visit sccf.org/keep-conservation-cooL.

DDWS ELECTS BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS

THE “Ding” The Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge held its annual meeting on December 4 at JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel.

Among reports and other agenda items, the board voted in three new members for 2025: Jim Birmingham, Marvell Bradley and Hank Spire.

Following the meeting, the Board of Directors met to elect the following officers for 2025: Bill Harkey as President, Bill Millar as Vice President, Barbara Bluedorn as Secretary and Bill Valerian as Treasurer.

Also at the meeting, “Ding” Darling Complex Chief Kevin Godsea provided an update on hurricane recovery for trails and facilities – 42 projects in total – still under restoration, and he thanked DDWS for its involvement in partnership and financial support.

CFI WELCOMES RIST TO THE BOARD

The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI) recently announced its newest board member.

Former executive chairman of The Smart Companies, Brian Rist, built his largest subsidiary, Storm Smart, into one of the largest manufacturers of storm protection products in the United States.

A Sanibel resident, he completed CFI’s Leadership Sanibel-Captiva program in 2024 and Rist serves on its economic revitalization committee.

He teaches entrepreneurship students how to grow businesses at the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Rist is the founder of the Rist Family Foundation and has served on philanthropic boards including Uncommon Friends Foundation, FGCU Foundation, Lee Health Foundation and many others.