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SANCAP CHAMBER
John Lai
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SANCAP CHAMBER
Katy Forret
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GREATER FORT MYERS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Jen Whyte
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The SanCap Chamber Board of Directors recently signed a six-month contract with the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce to provide management services while the off-island chamber conducts a search for its next chief executive officer.
“I want to stress, this is a contract, not a merger,” SanCap Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer John Lai said. “Both chambers will remain separate organizations with their own boards, finances, identities and memberships. Our primary responsibility and focus will continue to be serving our Sanibel-Captiva members.”
Through the temporary partnership, the SanCap Chamber will provide organizational oversight, ensuring the Fort Myers chamber maintains day-to-day operations and continues delivering benefits to its members throughout the chief executive officer transition.
Added benefits of the partnership for members of both chambers will include a stronger and more unified advocacy presence in the upcoming legislative session; enhanced cross-promotion and potential cost efficiencies; access to a wider network of regional partners, customers and collaborators; opportunities to co-host events, share programming and participate in larger-scale initiatives; and stronger foundation for future collaboration. SanCap Chamber members will also benefit from increased regional brand recognition in mainland conversations.
“Please be assured the board has been careful and deliberate in making this decision,” SanCap Chamber Board Chair Katy Forret said. “Our commitment to the Sanibel-Captiva business community clearly comes first. This contract is designed to strengthen our chamber, broaden our influence and create new value for members, without compromising the mission that brought us here in the first place.”
Representing nearly 700 professionals and businesses across Southwest Florida, the Fort Myers chamber is known for high-quality programs, events and services that aim to empower, connect and unite members and the business community.
“We’re pleased to be entering into this management partnership with SanCap as we focus our energy on a thorough and thoughtful search for our next CEO,” chamber Board Chair Jen Whyte said. “This agreement allows us to continue to build momentum, serve our members and strengthen our chamber during this transition. John Lai and his team have demonstrated the leadership, professionalism and resilience we believe are essential to a successful chamber, and we’re confident this partnership positions us well for continued growth.”
In the coming weeks, the Fort Myers chamber’s board of directors and a committee of business-savvy leaders will conduct a comprehensive search for its next chief executive officer.
“The fact that the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce has asked us to step into this role is not just a compliment, it is a powerful testimonial that speaks directly to the resilience of our business community as we continue to recover and rebuild, as well as the steady, thoughtful leadership of our board of directors and the consistency, credibility and professionalism of our organization,” Lai said. “In short, we are being asked to lead because we have proven that we can.”