provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The September SanCap Chamber luncheon meeting brings a Business Resource Fair to The Community House on Sanibel Island, featuring two leadership members of the Lee County Economic Development Office (EDO), local business-geared vendors, prizes, and raffles. The Charitable Foundation of the Islands sponsors the event, which begins at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sep. 3.
Registration and the lunch buffet will open at 11:30, with speakers taking the podium at 12, while all participants are dining. About 15-20 vendors will be available to network and discuss services with luncheon participants from 12:30 to 2.
“This is a crucial time for our business community,” said SanCap Chamber president and chief executive officer John Lai. “Over the past three years, our local businesses have faced many challenges, experienced a difficult-to-predict summer season, and now find themselves entering a slower period while preparing for the busiest time of the year. The Business Resource Fair aims to help strengthen our community’s resilience and support our collective recovery.”
John Talmage, EDO director, will be the keynote speaker for a discussion on county-wide commercial developments and resources. He has spent more than 35 years working in the field of local economic and community development for municipal governments and national research organizations and served previously as the chief of staff to the Fort Myers city 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.
The U.S. Congress and New York State Assembly have recognized Talmage’s work in community development; he has received more than 35 awards for his contributions to economic and community growth across the country. His leadership and commitment continue to make a meaningful impact both locally and nationally.
EOD Senior Business Developer Tatum Walker brings over 20 years of experience in local government and the private sector, with a strong focus on program management, disaster recovery, and government affairs. She has dedicated more than a decade to advancing economic development initiatives.
In her current role, Walker facilitates business retention and recruitment efforts, fosters strategic partnerships, and curates economic development programs. She also serves as operations manager for federal economic funding programs, overseeing the administration of more than $20 million in grant funding to support workforce development through local businesses and educational institutions.
“With his wide berth of expertise from Sanibel and Captiva to nationwide, John is a valuable resource to our business community and an annual speaker on our meeting calendar,” said Lai. “We welcome Tatum to add her specific set of skills to this first-of-its-kind islands Business Resource Fair.”
The SanCap 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, Aug. 29, at sanibel-captiva.org or by contacting Aaron Walton at aaron@sanibel-captiva.org or 239-472-8759. Payment is due at time of registration.
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