Oct 10, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                 October 10, 2008

CONTACTS: Nancy Hamilton, Lee Rose, Katie Meckley (239) 338-3500

Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau names Pine Island tourism leader to esteemed Junonia Club

LEE COUNTY, FL – Citing her commitment and dedication to the Lee County tourism industry, the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) presented Pine Island business owner and tourism advocate Sally Tapager with the Junonia Award today at the Team Tourism Summit at Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa.  

The Junonia award was created to recognize those individuals who have positively impacted the local tourism community by demonstrating unique capabilities, leadership, commitment, and dedication. Selected as a symbol of the award due to its rarity, the Junonia shell is highly treasured. 

Tapager began her tourism career with the prestigious Maritz Incentive House where she was the first female vice president. 

As owner of Pine Island-based Tropic Star Cruises, Tapager served as president of the Pine Island Chamber from 2001 to 2007 and was responsible for the chamber board repositioning the island as Florida's Creative Coast.  She helped develop MangoMania, Art Night on Pine Island, the Blueway Paddling Festival and other events that continue to help businesses throughout the county to attract visitors.  Her service on the Lee County Parks Advisory Board has helped draw attention to the importance of community and regional park development.  She was recognized with an E-Award in 2005 and the Greater Pine Island Chamber, Al Mills citizen of the year award in 2007.

"Her partnerships with state and county parks have provided opportunities for our visitors to experience the out islands and the nature-based product that sets The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel apart from other destinations.  Her commitment and dedication have had a positive impact in our tourism community that will not be forgotten," said Suya Davenport, VCB executive director. 
 
Tapager's Tropic Star cruises and adventure outings include overnight camping trips to Cayo State park, shelling and Calusa mound cruises and water taxi services to the barrier islands.

In receiving the award, Tapager joins The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel Junonia Club  membership that includes:  D.T. Minich, C.D.M.E., former executive director of the VCB and now the executive director of the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitor Bureau  (CVB); Chris Pendleton, president and CEO of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates; Roxie Smith, of Pink Shell Development and member of the Tourist Development Council; Steve Tutko, biologist and consultant to Babcock Ranch; Fran Myers, owner of Red Coconut RV Resort and member of the Tourist Development Council; Elaine McLaughlin, former executive director of the VCB; Brian Holly, former managing director for Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa; Tom Cronin, owner of the Shell Factory; Steve Greenstein, former executive director of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce and Jay Kinzer-Halcrow, former sales and marketing director of the West Wind Inn.
 
 

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