Business After Hours Chamber Luncheon

Business After Hours
September 9th • 5:30-7:30
11290 Overseas Hwy
Hosted by
Chamber Luncheon
September 15th • 12-1:00pm
Hosted by
Welcome New Chamber Members!
EZ Waves
FLORIDA KEYS WIDE
Tel: 888-958-0809 • matt@ezwaves.com
Contact: Casey or Matt
The Nautical Nanny
Middle Keys Wide • Marathon, FL 33050
Tel: 954-296-4217 • i3arrett43@aol.com
Contact: Denise Tufts
Lime Tree Bay Resort
68500 Overseas Hwy
Long Key, FL 33001
Tel: 305-664-4740 Fax: 305-664-0750
info@limetreebayresort.com
Contact: Michael Weber
Disabled American Veterans
7280 Overseas Hwy • Marathon, FL 33050
Tel: 305-743-4705
davchapter122@gmail.com
Contact: Thomas Hornton
Driftwood Marina & Storage
13900 Overseas Hwy • Marathon
Tel: 305-289-0432
Fax: 305-743-8853
driftwoodmarina@yahoo.com
Contact: Shelly Breedlove
Speakers: Hal Leftwich, CEO, Fishermen’s
Community Hospital; Peter Chapman, Board
Chairman; Fishermen’s Community Hospital Board
of Trustees Topic: Happenings & Updates at Your
Fishermen’s Community Hospital
Schooner Wharf Bar
202 William St. • Key West, FL 33050
Tel: 305-292-3302 Fax: 305-292-1727
schoonerwb@aol.com
Contact: Evalena Worthington
Marathon Moose Lodge #1058 & Women of
the Moose Chapter #1027
11601 1st Ave. Gulf • Marathon, FL 33050
Tel: 305-743-4528
lodge20158@mooseunits.org
Contact: Steve Odle
Kristi's Key Lime Cookies
Florida Wide • Tel: 888-845-5003
kim@kristiskeylimecookies.com
Contact: Kim Casciero
Please RSVP as space is limited.
El Molcajete
1622 Overseas Hwy • Marathon, FL 33050
Tel: 305-780-7988 • Contact: Liz Cabrera
Aquaventures Eco Tours, LLC
Keys Wide • Tel: 305-731-3135
aquaventuresFLkeys@gmail.com
Contact: Miranda Murphy
Romeo Degani
(individual membership)
Chamber Member Recap
New Members This Month:
Total Members:
Visitor Center Recap
Total Members:
11
502
100
Chamber Ambassadors:
Anne O’Bannon, Mike Kiraly, Mike Puto, Sandra Bradshaw, Kristen Livengood, Kirsten Difender, Trish Hintze, and Kyle Samess
Chamber Email/Internet
Marketing Program
Please email or call for more information on
our newest marketing program! We will be
sending out monthly email blasts to a growing list of visitors (14,000+) and travel writers
(300+). The email blast will consist of up to 20
business listings (includes picture/logo, contact info and website link) as well as a calendar of events. This blast is a great way to get
noticed by travel writers and potential visitors.
The cost is only $35/month to participate.
(305) 743-5417 or
Info@floridakeysmarathon.com
Member Meetings
Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at
12:00pm at the Marathon Yacht Club
BPW/Marathon meets the 1st Thursday of
each month. 5:30pm at Faro Blanco/Hyatt
Place
VISITOR CENTER STATISTICS
July 2015
Total Number of Visitors
Daily average
Arriving W/O Reservations
Top State
Top Country
2,532
90
32%
Florida
Canada
Zonta Club meets the 3rd Tuesday of every
month at 5:30pm at the Marathon Yacht Club
Habitat for Humanity meets the 3rd
Thursday of each month at 6pm at San Pablo
Church Hall
Marathon Lions Club meets the 4th Monday
of every month at the Elks Lodge
Keys AHEC Senior Fitness Classes (ages
55+) at Key Colony City Hall Every Tuesday,
Thursday & Saturday at 8am Call 305-7437111 ext 204
Member Referral Program
Anytime a current member of the Chamber
successfully refers another business to join,
they will receive $25 in “Chamber Bucks!”
Chamber Bucks can be used to attend
monthly luncheon meetings or for advertising opportunities through our website or
newsletter.
In Other News...
Please call/email and let us know about upcoming events or community news for our newsletter, social media pages and online
calendar. Or take advantage of our advertising opportunities with a flyer or ad space! 305-743-5417 or Jeanine@floridakeysmarathon.com
Or Submit Your Own Event! Now YOU can submit your own events to our online calendar. Visit www.floridakeysmarathon.com
and Click to Submit Your Event or call the Chamber for details.
Board Election Ballots will be mailed out very soon, please keep a look out for your ballot and be sure to vote, thank you.
Lime Tree Bay Resort offers a variety of accommodations to suit the needs of its customers.
From standard guestrooms to three-bedroom townhomes, the 56 rooms and suites offer direct
water views perfect for families looking for on the water fun, or couples looking for a quiet getaway. The resort is located on a quarter mile stretch of Bayfront with spectacular sunset views.
The new Acquapazza Restaurant is located on site and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
and offers fine Italian cuisine.
“We offer a quality product for a good value in a spectacular location which keeps our repeat
guest factor very high,” said General Manager Michael Weber. “Being situated midway between Islamorada and Marathon with a
tranquil setting keeps guests coming back to our hammocks, Adirondack chairs and a pool and hot tub overlooking gin clear waters
of the Gulf of Mexico.” Lime Tree Bay Resort is expanding across the highway to add more units and grow the resort and amenities.
68500 Oversees Hwy, Long Key • 305-664-4740 • www.limetreebayresort.com • info@limetreebayresort.com
The Nautical Nanny
Denise Tufts recently opened The Nautical Nanny mobile childcare services for families on vacation. The
Nautical Nanny is a childcare service for families vacationing in the Florida Keys. She has experience with
infants, special needs children, multiples, and teens and is available during the day or evening. She is a
pre-k teacher and former nanny with CPR-certifications and more than 13 years of experience.
Tufts goal is to keep the children safe and happy and her years of experience help her to accomplish
that. She also has familiarity with the local culture, cuisine and nearby activities for children. This helps
provide children and their families experience a true Florida Keys vacation beyond the beautiful beaches.
“Being a parent is rewarding, but a difficult job, especially while on vacation, and I like to give parents
the opportunity to enjoy some time without their children,” she said. “The Keys are so beautiful and
unique, so that could include a day on the dive boat, fishing, a night in Key West, or just being able to close their eyes at the pool. I
like to give parents a chance to relax comfortably, knowing their children are enjoying their own vacation with the help and comfort
of a trusted sitter.”
Phone Number: 954-296-4217• Website: www.facebook.com/TheNauticalNanny • Email: i3arrett43@aol.com
AIR UNLIMITED
We would like to introduce ourselves to you. We are AIR UNLIMITED, a small airline based in the
Central Florida area, newly committed to bringing visitors directly to the beautiful Florida Keys.
Originating from Sanford/Orlando International Airport, we will safely transport your visitors doorto-door in a short 90-minute flight. Our passengers begin their vacation the moment they step on
board our luxury cabin-class, twin engine Cessna 421C aircrafts.
AIR UNLIMITED offers round trip flights directly into Marathon Airport from Sanford, offering "by the seat" service every Friday and
Sunday. The fare for a round trip flight is $598.00 pp. Our passengers benefit from our free, secure parking and outstanding customer service, while eliminating annoying TSA lines and security hassles. Each of our VIP clients enjoys flying with safe, helpful and
friendly pilots, reaching their destination in comfort, and ready to continue their adventure.
Additionally, from our home base at Orl/Sanford Int'l Airport, Air Unlimited also offers round trip by-the-seat service into Marsh
Harbour, and Treasure Cay, Bahamas, as well as straight Charter Service in our elegant Citation Jet Mustang.
At AIR UNLIMITED, we are not new to flying. We understand the importance of a well maintained aircraft, well equipped cockpits
with the most up-to-date technical equipment and avionics, clean and tidy cabins, roomy and comfortable seats, responsible FAA
licensed and certified pilots, and reliable schedules which are made to be kept.
WE WOULD LIKE TO PARTNER WITH YOU. We would like to help get your customers to you! Air Unlimited would like to be your airline of choice when suggesting to your guests the best way to get to you! (Rack cards or any other printed materials available). We
would like to be listed on your website as " the easiest way to get here" with a link to our website. In return, we would be happy to
reciprocate with a link to your business.
Most sincerely,
Lisa Gregg ~ Chick Gregg ~ Mark Neubauer • 407.585.4300 • l.gregg@flyairunlimited.com • www.flyairunlimited.com
Executive
Membership Circle
Starfish Level
Fishermen’s Community Hospital
The Art Studio • Marlin Bay Yacht Club
Angelfish Level
Iberia Bank • First State Bank
Hawks Cay • BB&T Bank
Florida Keys Media • Blue Spearit
Seahorse Level
Marathon Marina & Boatyard
Florida By Water • Centennial Bank
t
Dear Marathon Chamber of Commerce Members:
As yet another FL Keys summer comes to an end, and the fall begins; I can't help but think about what we have accomplished
this year, and what lies ahead. We have had another record-breaking season, successful Seafood Festival, and once again this
summer was another record-breaker (occupancy, average daily rates, and via bed tax collections)! Your Marathon Chamber
continues to grow and remain a healthy, and active organization dedicated to supporting your needs and success. We have started a new event called the Florida Keys Craft Beer & Bubbly
Fest (this year's event will be Dec. 27th), offered discounted rates to members for three business/educational seminars, awarded $12,000 in scholarships to Marathon students and chambermembers, and once again will soon be awarding $15,000 in business-beautification grants to ten business-members. Looking ahead is also exciting, as we will have another new resort
opening up within the next three to four months (Marriott Courtyard), as well as seeing Knights Key finally get developed into a 4-5 star 199 room resort! The new customs and immigration
services at Marathon International Airport will also soon be operational (targeting early October). Your Chamber is also very active in the City's workforce housing initiative; with yours truly
sitting on this taskforce. We will continue to work hard and push for more workforce housing opportunities and developments that meet those currently in (and future) our workforce. Our
businesses are obviously dependent on having a healthy and thriving workforce, and your Marathon Chamber (and Board) will be part of this solution.
This month, you, our valued member will make a very important decision, electing six (6) new members to the Marathon Chamber Board of Directors. You will receive your ballots any day
now, so please be sure to vote! The Board is dedicated to representing our business-members, as well as setting the overall direction of your Marathon Chamber of Commerce; therefore your
vote definitely counts and determines the leaders you wish to have representing you.
You will also have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for our annual BIG RAFFLE CONTEST, which culminates at our Awards Banquet on Oct. 16th at Hawks Cay Resort (save the date
please). Prizes include a luxury vacation of your choice or $2,000.00 cash, $100.00 gift certificates to great restaurants, 2-night stay (plus spa) at Hawks Cay Resort, Marathon Aquarium
Encounters experiences, and more. Tickets are only $25.00 each and benefit our scholarship program; only 600 tickets max will be sold, and with so many prizes, your odds are very good to
win! Please be sure to contact us anytime to get your tickets before they run out.
Lastly, please be sure to email me any questions for candidates running for local office as our Candidate Forum will take place on Oct. 5th. We are covering the Marathon City Council race
only this year; your input and questions are important to us so please email, fax, drop off, or mail them into me.
Have a great September everyone; please be sure to contact us for any business assistance, needs, etc. Our doors are always open and no request is out of bounds.
Respectfully,
Daniel Samess, M.S. • Chief Executive Officer • Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce • 12222 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 • W: (305) 743-5417 / F: (305) 289-0183
Email: ceo@floridakeysmarathon.com • www.FloridaKeysMarathon.com • www.RelocateToTheFloridaKeys.com • www.MarathonSeafoodFestival.com
MARATHON EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
Team Up! with Marathon High School through our
Community-Based Work Experience and Community-Based
Employment programs. We are looking for businesses that
will consider hiring high school students. Please contact
Nancy Smith, ESE Job Coach 305-289-2480 ext 55455
Sept. 1 • Chamber Educational Seminar
Seminar #2 Conflict Resolution Seminar
8:30-11:30am at Hyatt Place Conference Center
Learn the essentials of dealing with difficult customers, bosses, and people in your personal life. $50/member $75/nonmembers. Reduced pricing for attending multiple seminars.
RSVP by August 31st 305-743-5417 or
Chelsey@floridakeysmarathon.com
Sept 10 • Out of the Darkness Community Walk
Hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Monroe County Sheriff's Office in Key West • Registration at
5pm Walk starts at 6:30pm • Contact: Mary Lou Hoover 305849-2457 mlhoover@mindspring.com or Jo Socha
305-292-7042 jsocha@keysso.net
For more info: http://afsp.donordrive.com/event/kw
Sept 12 • Fishermen's Community Hospital Free Health Fair
Open to the community. Lab testing, screenings, vital signs,
speak with a dietician, pharmacist and many more. Health
Care Provider and physician referrals available. For accurate
blood testing, do not eat or drink after midnight the night
prior to the fair. For more info: Dianne Weitz 305-289-6207
Marathon maseratipalu@comcast.net
Big Pine/Lower Keys
executivedirector@lowerkeyschamber.com or
kquist@gmail.com
City of Key West terry@yankeefreedom.com
Sept 24-27 • Marathon International Bonefish Tournament
This challenge awards individual and team champions scoring
the largest bonefish and permit, the top anglers in fly and
grand slam divisions (angler who releases the largest bonefish, permit and tarpon), as well as the tongue-in-cheek “wet
pants”champion titles for anglers wading from shore. One of
the few tournaments where anglers can fish without a professional guide. Contact: Barba 305-304-8682 bnbfishing@comcast.net
Save the date: October 5th
Seminar #3 Exceptional Customer Service
8:30-11:30am at Hyatt Place Conference Center
Studies show that 65% of business revenue comes from repeat
customers. Good service isn't enough; businesses need to be
exceptional. Learn how to be memorable.
Sept • 15 Chamber Membership Luncheon
Hosted by Lazy Days South from 12p-1pm $16 Please RSVP as
space is limited. Guest speakers: Hal Leftwich, CEO,
Fishermen’s Community Hospital; Peter Chapman, Board
Chairman; Fishermen’s Community Hospital Board of
Trustees? Enjoy lunch while you network and socialize with
your fellow community and Chamber members.
Sept 26 • The ReMARCable Tour De Keys
Join us for a Century Ride from Key Largo to Key West
Help support the Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens
of the Florida Keys. Be a rider, sponsor, or a volunteer! For
more info contact Jo Socha 305-393-2466
jojosocha@gmail.com
Sept 4-6 • Heroes Weekend
Hawks Cay Resort hosts annual Heroes Salute program to
honor military, fire and rescue, law enforcement and medical
personnel; a special Labor Day weekend event is planned to
include an All-American BBQ, heroes tribute, country music
concert and fireworks show.
For more info: 877-484-9342 matt.lawrence@hawkscay.com
Sept 17 • Fishermen's Community Hospital
Lunch & Learn Community Health Series
11am-1pm Getting Around Your Diet with Dana Hartley, RD
RSVP Dianne Weitz 305-289-6207 ext 6207
Save the Date! • Oct 16th
Marathon Chamber Annual Awards & Installation Banquet at
Hawks Cay Resort
Sept 9 • Chamber Business After Hours
Hosted by Centennial Bank and Fishermen's Hospital
Foundation. 5:30-7:30pm at Centennial Bank 11290 Overseas
Hwy. Enjoy food and beverages while you network and socialize with your fellow community and Chamber members.
Sept 19 • International Coastal Cleanup
Florida Keys Scenic Corridor Alliance and Ocean Conservancy
Roadside and shore cleanups will take place from Key Largo to
Key West. To get involved, please contact an FKSCA Board
Member in your area
Key Largo gina.boilini@gmail.com or dpmoses@bellsouth.net
Islamorada director@islamoradachamber.com or
shirleyallenwilson@gmail.com
Dec 27th • 2nd Annual Florida Keys Craft Beer
& Bubbly Fest.
VIP tickets on sale now! 305-743-5417
Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce
2014 / 2015 Board of Directors
Ryan Elwell - Chairman
Royal Furniture
1757 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
305-743-4397/Cell 305-481-1791 • ryan@keysfurniture.com
Scott Newton - Director
Keys Grafix & Signs 305-743-7724
Key Colony Help Desk 305-942-3658
Town Square Mall • scott@keycolonyhelpdesk.com
Bill Kelly - Chair Elect
Kelly Electric
PO Box 523401, Marathon Shores, FL 33052
305-743-6098 • kelly6098@aol.com
Rich Malafy - Director
Law Offices of Campbell & Malafy
10887 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
305-743-2492/Fax 305-743-2432 • rmalafy@msn.com
Leigha Fox - Secretary
Florida Keys Media
30336 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
305-872-9100/Cell 305-900-0749 • fox@flkeysmedia.com
Julie Johnson - Director
Time Out Magazine
PO Box 500087, Marathon, FL 33050
305-289-3936/Cell 305-481-2614
timeoutmagazine@comcast.net
Dustin Sedlak - Director
Kirk of the Keys Presbyterian Church
8877 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
305-743-4256/cell 305-890-6868 revsedlak@gmail.com
Steve Levine - Director
Publix
5407 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
305-289-2920/Cell 305-240-2404
minthekeys@yahoo.com
Daniel Samess, CEO
Marathon Chamber of Commerce
12222 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
305-743-5417/Cell 305-849-9688
ceo@floridakeysmarathon.com
John Bartus - Treasurer
John Bartus Productions
PO Box 2523, Marathon Shores, FL 33052
305-731-1177/Fax 305-359-9101 • jebartus@bellsouth.net
Stacie Kidwell-Past Chair
Re/Max All Keys
10055 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 3350
305-735-4095/Cell 305-731-9075
stacieinthekeys@gmail.com
Justin Bruland - Director
O.F.F/Organized Fishermen of Florida
PO Box 501064, Marathon, FL 33050
305-481-4081 jlb06z@my.fsu.edu
Matthew Lawrence-Director
Hawks Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd, Duck Key, FL 33050
305-289-5127 Fax 866-642-3936
matt.lawrence@hawkscay.com
TJ Patterson - Director
Florida Keys Electric Cooperative
3421 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
305-852-2431/cell 305-709-8530 • tj.patterson@fkec.com
Marathon Chamber After Hours • MArathon Community Theatre
Chamber Secretary Leigha Fox of Florida
Keys Media with Lesley Aaron and Sara
Matthis of the Weekly newspaper
Thespians Neil Anguilo and
John Hunt
Theater President Devin Clarke of the
Dolphin Research Center and cast members entertaining the crowd
Anneke Patterson of the Weekly newspaper,
Nineke Young of Florida Keys Aquarium
Encounters with their parents Dini and Henk
Roeloffzen
Clare of the City of Marathon, Denise Tufts of Nautical
Nanny, Patti Zimmerlin of Iberia Bank, Scott Tufts of
Sombrero Resort & Marina and Terry Zimmerlin
Mallory Morton and
Michelle Coldiron of
Global Health Connection
Trish Hintze of Century 21 Real Estate, Vicki
Tashjian of Florida Keys Vacations, Inc, Jo Ann
Wagner of Centennial Bank, Sue Lovely of the
Law Offices of Thomas Wright, Chamber
Chairman Ryan Elwell of Royal Furniture, Vice
Mayor Mark Senmartin of Cash Flow Jewelry &
Pawn with son Dante
Chamber Director Julie Johnson
of Time Out Magazine and Cliff
Rydel of TV88
Johann Laning of Karaoke by Johann
and Beth Williams of the Chamber of
Commerce
Natalie Ehrig sings for the
crowd
The Samess's getting into character at
the event
Marathon Chamber Luncheon • Florida Keys Steak & Lobster House
BPW ladies include: Chamber Director Julie
Johnson of Time Out Magazine, Becky
Shifflett and Joy Wilson of First State Bank,
local candidate Trish Hintze of Century 21
Schwartz Real Estate, Jeanine Christiansen
of the Marathon Chamber and Chamber
Ambassador Sandra Bradshaw.
Guest speaker Josh Mothner of Coldwell
Banker Schmitt Real Estate with Habitat
for Humanity Executive Director Chris
Todd Young
Joann Cook and Stacie Kidwell of Re/Max
All Keys with Chamber Ambassadors
Sandra Bradshaw and Kirsten Difender of
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate
Local candidate Michelle Coldiron and
daughter Mallory Morton of Global
Health Connection with Chamber CEO
Daniel Samess