Ask The Chamber

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Q: Where can we go to see wildlife/birds/alligators/pelicans/manatees?

A: These are some of the most popular questions asked at the Visitor Center of the Sanibel Captiva Chamber Of

Commerce. The staff and volunteers who staff the center are the first people whom visitors meet and they love this question because it gives them the chance to talk about their favorite subject – the islands of Sanibel and Captiva.

This is the aspect of the job that they enjoy most: helping our many visitors –up to 1,500 a day in season – find the

attractions for which Sanibel and Captiva are renowned worldwide. Our natural beauty and the wildlife that makes it

home is a top reason for coming here and the chamber staff and volunteers know that they are the ambassadors for

this extraordinary and unique resource.

They also know that this resource is fragile and has to be carefully cherished; a view shared by all members of the

chamber. Island businesses know that our visitors treasure the unspoiled quality of our islands and our unique natural beauty. Think how difficult it would be to recreate this quality in our modern age: particularly so on an island adjacent to the waters of the Gulf. Islands such as ours could have huge potential for both active recreation like fishing, boating and sailing and passive sunsoaked holidays by the sea, relaxing on our beaches. It is nothing short of miraculous that the Sanibel founding fathers not only had the vision to see the potential for Sanibel but were able to put together the plan and carry it through that saw that vision become reality.

The chamber is proud to play a full part in guarding this resource – not only is it vitally important to residents, it is at

the heart of our members’ business proposition. Restaurants, hotels, resorts, small inns and cottages and retailers in variety

earn their livelihood because man, in a happy alliance with nature, has turned the dream  into the Sanibel that we know

today. Chamber members are determined to play an active part in protecting the qualities conceived by their predecessors.

We did not create them: we are remarkably fortunate in enjoying them and we accept responsibility for handing them on

to future generations.

Chamber members do so by actively participating in causes that have as their goal the preservation of the sanctuary

quality of Sanibel. A key principle of the Sanibel Plan is that Sanibel is and should remain a sanctuary: a sanctuary for wildlife and native vegetation, a sanctuary for natural beauty, a sanctuary for residents seeking tranquility and visitors seeking a unique break from the bustle and stress of urban life.

The importance of sanctuary is a belief is shared by residents and businesses alike and is it lies at the center of the chamber’s mission – “To promote the prosperity of our members and preserve the quality of life in our community.” The interests of residents, businesses and the natural world with which they share Sanibel are inextricably intertwined: the quality of life for human residents is dependent on conserving the natural world. The chamber, therefore, supports the non-profits and the many individuals that do so much to keep the island a haven for nature.

Chamber members participate in the many fundraising activities arranged to benefit our natural environment. They work with the city to ensure that the detailed regulations that protect the Sanibel way of life are understood and respected. They also jointly explore ways to reconcile these regulations with changing realities and residents’ needs: for example, the near universal use of smart phones has fundamentally altered the telecommunications infrastructure. Business has a responsibility to ensure that the innovation demanded by consumers in 2013 can live side-by-side with nature without harmful effects to either. Leadership provided by individuals, nonprofits, the city and businesses has shown that we recognize that we are mutually dependent on each other. All can benefit from this recognition.

Island Sun (July 19, 2013)