Talk of the bay

When association makes plans, prepare for the worst

Florida Bankers Association forged ahead with plans for its annual convention at the Ritz Carlton in Naples last week despite damage in the surrounding area from Hurricane Charley.

"The hotel is very happy we're coming because it gets people working," said Alex Sanchez, chief executive of the bankers' trade group. "It gets them focused away from their personal challenges."

Despite the business-as-usual mindset, there was one acknowledgement of the storm. Proceeds from a silent auction Thursday evening were to be donated to Charley's victims.

Hoteliers in southwest Florida might think twice before taking convention reservations from the FBA in the future, however. Sanchez said the last time the group held its meeting in that part of the state was Sept. 11, 2001.

"We had to cancel that one," he said.