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SANCAP CHAMBER
Tamara Pigott
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SANCAP CHAMBER
John Talmage
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The SanCap Chamber will host State of the Local Economy at its business luncheon on Feb. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, at 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel.
Building on the chamber’s State of the Islands last month, Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) Executive Director Tamara Pigott and Lee County Economic Development Office Director John Talmage will present a countywide snapshot.
“As we widen our perspective to the outlook for Lee County, we turn to two of our most trusted resources,” chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. “Long time in the service of Sanibel, Captiva and our neighbors, John and Tam are able to discuss the impact island businesses can expect from upcoming strategies.”
Pigott oversees the promotion of the islands, beaches and neighborhoods in the Fort Myers area as a travel destination to targeted domestic and international visitors, including vacationers and business travelers. She is responsible for the strategic planning of domestic and international sales and marketing efforts, along with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the VCB.
A graduate of Florida State University, Pigott holds a Bachelor of Science in economics and political science and a Master of Science in political science. Her experience includes working as an analyst and vice president of local research companies, examining the economic feasibility of local developments and business opportunities.
Talmage has spent more than 35 years working in local economic and community development, both for municipal governments and national research organizations. He most recently served as the chief of staff to Fort Myers’ city manager and he served for several years on the Sanibel Planning Commission.
Talmage began his career working for the New York City Council during the Dinkins and Giuliani administrations, focusing on development along the Brooklyn Heights, Williamsburg and Greenpoint waterfronts. He directed economic development for the city of New Orleans and served as a senior policy advisor to mayors of Miami and Cincinnati.
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation is sponsoring the luncheon.
The cost is $35 for attendees.
Registration is required by Feb. 13 at 5 p.m. at sanibel-captiva.org or by contacting Aaron Walton at aaron@sanibel-captiva.org or 239-472-8759. Payment is due at the time of registration.