Lee County: Water Crisis Impact on Businesses Find Solutions and Support!
Our waterways have drastically changed from what we have had in the past. Our economy is being hurt along with our health. Join us in a discussion as we look to experts for solutions and help through Business loans and so much more!
Sponsored by SBDC at Florida Gulf Coast University and Tri-Town Construction, Inc
Emcee: Chad Gillis, Environmental Reporter News Press Media Group Environmental reporter for the News-Press A Royal Bahamian potcake lover, Chad Gillis is a hillbilly: Scotch-Irish born in the South. He studied English and audio engineering at a four-letter college and holds a minor in public speaking. He moved to Florida in 1999, camping for months before taking a job at the Naples Daily News. An outdoors writer for the News-Press, Gillis lives in San Carlos Park with his wife, Marcie, a yoga and paddleboard instructor.
Meet our panelists:
John Cassani, Calusa Waterkeeper , Inc. John Cassani is a career scientist and outspoken water advocate. Calusa Waterkeeper covers the Caloosahatchee River & Estuary, Lake ... John has university degrees in Biology and Fish and Wildlife.
Suzanne Specht is the Assistant Director and full-time certified business consultant for the Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University. She has been with FGCU since 1997. Suzanne assists small business owners with access to capital and has specific expertise in SBA loans. Recently, Suzanne was awarded the Valor Award from the FSBDC Network for her assistance to small business owners from Hurricane Irma. She assisted over 150 businesses with emergency bridge loans totaling $6.2 million.
Chris Whitman, Captain for Clean Water is a forth generation Florida resident. Chris is a USCG licensed Master Captain and for nearly 20 years has owned and operated Stillwater Charters guide service. Chris years in the outdoor industry has provided him the opportunity to produce and host the nationally televised show Wild Instinct Outdoors. Having spent his life on the waters and in the woods of wild Florida, Chris had witnessed firsthand the destruction caused by the manipulation of the states natural water flow. Because of his understanding and apparition of the outdoors and marine ecosystems he joined friend and fellow fishing guide Captain Daniel Andrews to found Captains for Clean Water.
Rae Ann Wessel is a limnologist and marine scientist with 40 years of experience working in South Florida; the past 13 years as the Natural Resource Policy Director for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. Her policy, advocacy and outreach work has focused on bringing scientific grounding to Everglades and Caloosahatchee restoration issues, protection and restoration of water resources, critical habitats, land management, and fish and wildlife conservation.
Featured Non-Profit Kari Lefort, Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, Inc.
Special thanks to our 2018 yearly sponsors
CONRIC PR and Marketing
Pulse Technology Solutions, LLC
Spada Salon & Day Spa
Your Walking Billboard
Charlie McDonald Photography
Lady in Pink Photography
Signarama, North Fort Myers