“Clearly, in terms of foot traffic, we’re the most popular visitor center in the state outside of VISIT FLORIDA’s welcome centers.” — Ric Base
Ric Base is rightly proud of that performance. “Clearly, in terms of foot traffic, we’re the most popular visitor center in the state outside of VISIT FLORIDA’s welcome centers,” he notes. “We’re obviously positioned nicely in location, but these are special islands and people are excited to learn about them when they walk through our doors. That’s where our staff really shines, providing guests a warm welcome, a plethora of information and a great passion for our island lifestyle.” Again, the facts prove Base right. Somewhat amazingly, the Sanibel Captiva Visitor Center ranks among the top three attractions on TripAdvisor, having received more than 700 reviews. “That says a lot about our volunteers and our staff in making visitors feel welcome.” Just as amazingly, the organization provides all of these services with but four full time employees, a handful of part time employees and approximately 35 volunteers. “I learned early on inmy career that one thing you couldn’t teach others is attitude,” Base says. “Our staff loves the islands and are passionate about this place, and share that love with every guest.” Scot Congress, president of Congress Jewelers and past president of the board of the chamber of commerce, is
impressed. “It’s a ‘grass roots up’ volunteer organization in many respects,” he says. “The love and passion for the islands are what drives the chamber’s success. From the volunteers at the front desk, to its all volunteer board and incredible executive team, that passion is the gift that keeps on giving.” But the marketing of a destination is becoming more sophisticated every day, and Ric Base — who’ll retire at the end of 2017 — is smart enough to not sit on his laurels, or his hands. Rather, this chamber of commerce will again take on the role of destination marketer more aggressively than ever this year, with $125,000 (its largest amount ever) budgeted for website and social media promotion. In the end, however, even the biggest budget in the world would be wasted if nobody was buying what you were selling — and as Base has seen the past 11 years, Sanibel Island and Captiva Island sell themselves quite well. “We’re a bit of a throwback to old Florida, a kinder and gentler way of life without the glitz. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, enjoy gorgeous beaches, wonderful nature and all kinds of recreation, or just mellow out, this is the place to have that relaxing getaway. It’s a different speed of life and, like our slogan says: naturally, you’ll love it here.”
{ www.Sanibel-Captiva.org
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