SanCap Chamber to discuss water-quality’s economic impact

As the SanCap Chamber continues its Preserving Paradise leadership program, connecting the dots between local ecology and economy, it has invited The Everglades Foundation Chief Executive Officer Eric Eikenberg to speak at its Wednesday, Sep. 18, business luncheon starting at 11:30 a.m. at The Community House on Sanibel Island.

The Everglades Foundation is one of three organizations partnering with the chamber for Preserving Paradise, along with Captains for Clean Water and SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation).

As CEO of the Everglades Foundation, Eikenberg oversees a team of nationally recognized scientists, educators, lobbyists, and communications and development professionals who work together to achieve a decades-long campaign to restore America’s Everglades – roughly three million acres of endangered habitat that is vital to Florida’s economic and environmental viability.

Appointed CEO by the foundation’s board of directors in 2012, Eikenberg has extensive policy and political experience in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. He previously served as chief of staff to former Gov. Charlie Crist and former U.S. Rep. E. Clay Shaw, Jr. The latter authored the landmark $8.4 billion Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).

A sought-after public speaker on the importance of preserving one of America’s most unique natural habitats, Eikenberg is a regular op-ed columnist. He also is a widely quoted source for national and local media outlets, including National Public Radio, CNN, The Associated Press, U.S. News & World Report, Politico, and Miami Herald.

Eikenberg has been a long-time champion for expediting Everglades restoration, with a knack for innovation and engaging partners in the corporate, philanthropic, and political arenas. During his tenure as CEO, The Everglades Foundation has provided scientific, technical, and policy support to numerous decision-makers in executing CERP.

Eikenberg’s team helped bring widespread attention to the perennial toxic algae crisis in Florida and across the globe and has been a leading voice on the need to incentivize technological solutions to problems that threaten our waterways, livelihood, and health.

“Eric is the expert on Florida’s most fragile and important ecosystem, and we have been honored to partner with him on this latest groundbreaking endeavor to take local water-quality advocacy to the next level,” said John Lai, chamber president and CEO. “He will address the economic factors of a clean environment from the perspective of Florida’s most crucial watershed.”

The chamber business lunch is a monthly networking opportunity held at various member locations. The chamber strives to provide speakers to discuss business topics relevant to the membership. SanCap Chamber members receive meeting invitations by email. Cost for luncheon attendance is $35 for chamber members only.

Advanced registration is required to attend; walk-ins are not accepted. Register by 5 p.m. on Friday, Sep. 13, at sanibel-captiva.org or by contacting Aaron Walton at [email protected] or 239-472-8759. Payment is due at time of registration.