Business Notes

TRUST COMPANY TO OFFER SEMINAR

The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company will offer “Domicile Day” — a seminar series on Florida residency, domicile status and estate planning — on Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. at its offices at 2450 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, and at 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.

Seating is limited, and reservations are required.

The seminar is designed for people with $2 million and higher in investable assets.

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

CHAMBER FACILITATES STORM RELIEF APPLICATIONS

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

The CFI’s Sanibel-Captiva Recovery Fund is taking application for grants to independently owned business based on need. The average grant is $5,000, as funds allow.

The CFI also partners with Sanibel Captiva Community Bank for Accelerate, a small business loan program available for a limited time. Coming from third-party investors, $1.2 million is available for five-year loans up to $100,000, based on need. Businesses that meet a critical need for island recovery and resident and guest requests — such as a pharmacy, dry cleaner, mechanic, and the likes — will receive preference.

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

A dedicated chamber staff person is available to help businesses with paperwork and questions.

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

SCCF OFFERING FREE YEAR OF MEMBERSHIP

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

Those who sign up will be automatically entered into a drawing for an outback jeep tour with Chief Executive Officer James Evans and up to two guests. It will include breakfast or lunch and an up-close look at private SCCF preserve lands, including island areas and habitats that are usually inaccessible.

CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF THE ISLANDS
Brian Rist

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

After one year, retaining an SCCF membership requires a donation of $100 or more per year or contributing 20-plus annual volunteer hours.

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

DDWS ELECTS BOARD MEMBERS, OFFICERS

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge held its annual meeting on Dec. 4 at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel.

Among the reports and other business items on the agenda, the Board of Directors voted in three new members for 2025: Jim Birmingham, Marvell Bradley and Hank Spire.

Following the meeting, the board 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 leader Kevin Godsea presented an update on hurricane recovery for trails and facilities — 42 projects in all — still undergoing restoration, and he thanked the DDWS for its partnership involvement and financial support.

CFI WELCOMES RIST TO BOARD

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

The former executive chairman of The Smart Companies, Brian Rist grew its largest subsidiary, Storm Smart, into one of the biggest manufacturers of storm protection products in the United States.

A Sanibel resident, he completed the CFI’s Leadership Sanibel-Captiva Program in 2024 and Rist serves on its Economic Revitalization Committee.

He teaches entrepreneurship students how to scale companies at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship.

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