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“I GET TO WORK FOR A COMMUNITY THAT MEANS AS MUCH TO ME PERSONALLY AS PROFESSIONALLY.” By John Sprecher
On October 1, 2017, the Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new President and Chief Executive Officer. His name, John Lai, is a familiar one to those in the travel and tourism industry throughout Southwest Florida. His job will be to fill the shoes of Ric Base, who is retiring December 31 after a very successful 11 years in the position. Lai is a hospitality industry professional with more than 25 years experience, most of those years in resort and tourism management positions for resorts and resort companies on Sanibel and Captiva. But as he’ll
eagerly tell you, the islands hold a special place for him and his family that transcends career — where he took his wife on a first date, got engaged, got married and baptized his children. At 46 years old, John Lai is the youngest person ever to lead the Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce. The energy, expertise and enthusiasm he will bring to the position — along with his connections in local and regional tourism — should prove a winning combination for an organization and a community facing a fast-moving and constantly-changing industry.
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