Ankerson To Speak At Chamber Business Luncheon

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

Sam Ankerson will speak about the work at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum during the next chamber luncheon. Photo provided

Sam Ankerson, executive director of the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, will speak at the business luncheon meeting of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 10 at Casa Ybel Resort.

Ankerson took the helm at the museum in March. Prior to that, he served as deputy director at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, Fla., managing operations including communications, visitor experience, facility, program, and COVID-19 response and reopening.

At Norton, Ankerson also coordinated the 2019 opening of a major new wing designed by award-winning architects Foster + Partners. Before moving to Florida, he lived in Vermont, where he worked for 14 years in development and communications at Shelburne Museum, and for four years in fundraising at the University of Vermont. He began his career in the music business.

“With all the exciting things we have been seeing happen at the shell museum in the past couple of years, we anticipate an informative and fascinating talk about Sam’s plans for the museum and how it has evolved into its current important mission of education and conservation,” said John Lai, chamber president and chief executive officer.
The chamber business lunch is a monthly networking opportunity held at various member locations. The chamber strives to provide speakers to discuss relevant business topics for the membership.

Sanibel-Captiva chamber members receive meeting invitations by email. Cost for luncheon attendance is $30 for chamber members only. Advanced registration is required to attend; walk-ins are not accepted. Register by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5, at sanibel-captiva.org or by calling 239-472-8255. Payment is due at time of registration.

ABOUT SANIBEL & CAPTIVA ISLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting the prosperity of its members and preserving the quality of life of our community. With more than 460 active Chamber members from both islands and businesses from Lee and Collier counties, the Chamber plays a key role in facilitating communication and cooperation between business, residents, and government to enhance the economic health of the islands. The Francis P. Bailey, Jr., Chamber Visitor Center is located at the entrance to Sanibel Island and welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year. VISIT FLORIDA named the visitor center one of 13 official Florida Certified Tourism Information Centers in the state. It is open 365 days a year and provides comprehensive information about things to do, places to visit, and where to stay, shop, and dine. The chamber website sanibel-captiva.org receives more than 1.3 million website visits per year.

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