CHAMBER
CONNECTION
Our Mission Statement:
The Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce & Board of Directors are
committed to promoting, informing, and advocating for our businesses as
well as our great destination!
www.floridakeysmarathon.com
The Official Monthly Publication of the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce
Business After Hours
May 2014
BPW Taste of the Islands winners
58901 Overseas Hwy
May 14th 5:30-7:30pm
~
Membership Luncheon
Lazy Days
Best Entree and Best Decorated Booth
Driftwood
Best Appetizer
Cabana Breezes
Best Seafood Entree
May 20th,12-1pm - $16
Please RSVP
Speaker:
Marathon Vice Mayor Chris Bull
Topic: Developing a Plan for the
Beautification of Marathon
Food ~ Fun ~ 50/50 Raffle
Networking
Leigh Ann’s Coffee House
Best Salad and Best Dessert
Brutus Seafood
Best Soup/Chowder
Paradise Juice Bar
Best Sandwich
BPW Past Kahunas
Rachel Price, Johnnie Darby,
Karen “Coop” Cooper,
Hal Schumacher, Julie Johnson,
Natalie Johnson and
current Kahunas Sarah Cizmas,
Derrick Johnson and
the Big Kahuna Winner
Vincenzo Massaro.
Kahunas raised over $13,000
this year for BPW local student
and adult scholarships.
“Business Beautification Application Inside”
Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce
2013 / 2014 Board of Directors
Ben Daniels - Chairman of the Board
Century 21 Schwartz Realty
5180 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
305-289-5670/Cell 305-395-2723
bendanielspa@aol.com
Ryan Elwell - Chairman Elect
Royal Furniture
1757 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
305-743-4397/Cell 305-481-1791
ryan@keysfurniture.com
Sheldon Suga - Treasurer
Hawks Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd, Duck Key, FL 33050
305-743-7000/Fax 305-743-5215
Sheldon.suga@hawkscay.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
John Bartus - Past Chairman
John Bartus Productions
PO Box 2523, Marathon Shores, FL 33052
305-731-1177/Fax 305-359-9101
jebartus@bellsouth.net
April Tracy - Director
Cabana Club
401 Ocean Dr. East, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051
305-743-4443/Cell 305-393-0631
atpcabanaclub@aol.com
Scott Newton - Director
Keys Grafix & Signs 305-743-7724
Key Colony Help Desk 305-942-3658
Town Square Mall
scott@keycolonyhelpdesk.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
Julie Johnson - Director
Time Out Magazine
PO Box 500087, Marathon, FL 33050
305-289-3936/Cell 305-481-2614
timeoutmagazine@comcast.net
Stacie Kidwell - Director
American Caribbean Real Estate
38 Treasure Road, Marathon, FL 33050
800-559-8141/Cell 305-731-9075
Stacie@yourkeysconnection.com
Bill Kelly - Director
Kelly Electric
PO Box 523401, Marathon Shores, FL 33052
305-743-6098
kelly6098@aol.com
Steve Levine - Director
Publix
5407 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
305-289-2920/Cell 305-240-2404
minthekeys@yahoo.com
Justin Bruland - Director
O.F.F/Organized Fishermen of Florida
PO Box 501064, Marathon, FL 33050
305-481-4081 jlb06z@my.fsu.edu
Daniel Samess, CEO
Marathon Chamber of Commerce
12222 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
305-743-5417/Cell 305-849-9688
ceo@floridakeysmarathon.com
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Chamber Ambassadors:
Anne O’Bannon, Mike Kiraly, Mike Puto,
Sandra Bradshaw, Kristen Livengood,
Lesley Aaron, Kirsten Doel & Trish Hintze
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
Rhonda@floridakeysmarathon.com
Welcome New Members
TAXI ON THE RUN
3951 Overseas Hwy
Marathon, Florida 33050
Tel: (305) 395-1221 Fax: (888) 872-7446
samueldemming@att.net
UNIQUE MARINE
93160 Overseas Hwy
Tavernier, FL 33070
Tel: (305) 853-5370 Fax: (305) 853-5374
todd@uniquemarine.com
VISITORS CENTER
STATISTICS
For March 2014
Total Number of Visitors:
5277
Daily Average:
170
Arriving W/O Reservations:
31%
Top State:
Florida
Top Country:
Canada
May Meetings
1812 13 14 14 14 19 20 21 26 27 31 -
Nearshore Waters Meeting
6pm Mthn Fire Station
Parks & Rec Meeting
6pm Mthn Fire Station
CIAB 4pm Mthn Fire Station
City Council Meeting
5:30pm Mthn Govt Center
DAC III 9am Hawks Cay Resort
Chamber Business After Hours (see flyer)
Code Board Hearing
6pm Mthn Fire Station
Planning Commission
5:30pm Mthn Fire Station
Chamber luncheon (see inside)
BOCC 9am Nelson Govt Center
Memorial Day City Hall,
Chamber & VC Closed
City Council Meeting
5:30pm Mthn Govt Center
E-Waste Recycling
9am-1pm County Public Works Yard
- Marathon Lions Club
meets the 2nd Monday of every
month at the Elks Lodge
- BPW/Marathon
meets the 1st Thursday of every month
at 5:30pm at the Marathon Yacht Club
- Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at
12:00pm at the Marathon Yacht Club
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.
SHOWCASE
YOUR BUSINESS
To have your business
spotlighted FREE in this
Publication, Chamber Connection,
Contact: Jeanine at 743-5417 x203
jeanine@floridakeysmarathon.com
Follow us on Facebook,
Twitter and You Tube!
Letter From Our CEO
SPRING CLEANING & THE 4th ANNUAL BUSINESS BEAUTIFICATION PROGRAM
complete and submit your application by May 7th to be
considered for the $1,500.00 beautification grant.
We hope you are able to participate in the 2014 Business
Beautification Program. Have a great May everyone; and
be sure to contact us for any business assistance, needs,
advice you may need. Our doors are always open and no
request is out of bounds.
As we officially say goodbye to “high season” and hello to
springtime, many of us can now take a big sigh of relief.
But not that big, as there are still many tasks to take care of;
one of which is synonymous with springtime; Spring Cleaning.
Spring cleaning means different things to different businesses;
for some it is literally cleaning up our shops, making repairs, etc.
For others it is clearing or cycling out our inventories. For your
Marathon Chamber springtime signifies our annual Business
Beautification Program, fourth annual to be exact.
The Chamber’s Board of Directors, this year Chaired
by Mr. Ben Daniels, has always supported beautification
efforts within our community. In the past your Marathon
Chamber donated to help kick-start the City’s US1 Median
Landscaping Project; which is now complete and displays
a vast improvement than what was there prior to. Since
initiating our program, we have awarded thirty (30)
business beautification grants to business-members
totaling $45,000.00. With the main goal of allowing our
business-members to engage in their own beautification
projects, the result is a better looking Marathon/Middle
Keys. Each of our beautification grants is $1,500.00; with
the goal of helping businesses realize beautification projects
and initiatives they have had planned but were lacking in
funds and resources. Our grants are designed to push or
encourage such business owners to move ahead knowing
they have some financial support from their Chamber.
As part of the program we have also negotiated special
discounted rates with local contractors, landscapers,
painters, etc. to even further stretch businesses’ budgets.
I am thrilled to say that our average business beautification
project is about $6,000. This means that recipients/businesses
are putting in about $4,500.00 of their own funds; a three-fold
increase from our grant of $1,500.00!
This program not only helps our businesses move forward
with such projects, but allows the Board and Chamber to
have a valuable impact within our business community.
Knowing that we are putting monies and resources back
into our business community is extremely rewarding and
truly a win-win for the Chamber and our business-members.
Applications were mailed out to all our members about a
week and half ago; applications are also included as a flyer
insert in this Newsletter as well. Please be sure to fully
Most Respectfully,
CEO
Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce
(305) 743-5417
ceo@floridakeysmarathon.com
www.FloridaKeysMarathon.com
Executive
Membership Circle
Starfish Level
Fishermen’s
Community Hospital
The Art Studio
Angelfish Level
Iberia Bank
First State Bank
Hawks Cay
BB&T Bank
Seahorse Level
Marathon Marina &
Boatyard
Florida By Water
NuRelm
Centennial Bank
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News From Our Members
FKEC Warns:
Phone Scammers
are Back!
FKEC continues to receive reports of
a telephone scam targeting businesses.
Most recently, the scam caller states
he/she is from FP&L (Florida Power & Light) and will disconnect power if payment is not provided by phone within 45
minutes. All members,
individuals and businesses, should know FP&L does not
provide electrical service in the Florida Keys and cannot
disconnect power. To keep your business from falling
victim, FKEC suggests company owners/operators make
all employees aware of this scam.
FKEC employee before providing any personal or payment
information.
Common scam tactics to be aware of:
- Scammers request pre-paid cash cards such as
Green Dot cards.
- Scammers have strategically targeted businesses,
such as restaurants, in the late afternoon or right
before the evening rush, threatening to disconnect
power immediately, hoping to force the target to
act immediately.
- Caller ID numbers are spoofed to look as if it is
actually the utility company calling.
In most cases scammers instruct the target to purchase
a Green Dot pre-paid cash card and call back with the
numbers. FKEC will NEVER threaten to disconnect power
unless payment is provided via a pre-paid Green Dot cash
card. FKEC does not accept Green Dot cards.
- They have been able to obtain account numbers
or some specific information about your account.
Should you receive a call similar to what is stated above,
you are advised to hang up and call FKEC at 305-852-2431
immediately to ensure that you are speaking to a bona fide
- Scammers are also using bogus emails and
automated calls to contact potential targets.
- Scammers are targeting both commercial and
residential accounts nationwide.
FKEC is working with Co-op members and local law
enforcement to prevent further scams. However, your
best protection against any type of fraud is being aware,
protecting your personal information and notifying law
enforcement if someone is trying to defraud you.
For more information about scams visit
www.stopfraud.gov or the Better Business Bureau
website at http://www.bbb.org.
You can also contact FKEC at 305-852-2431.
Need a Nurse .... at Home?
Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Florida Keys
offers a full-range of at-home services.
wVisiting Nurse Association - skilled home-health care w
wVNA’s Hospice of the Florida Keys w
w Life. At Home. - private duty care w
Call, click or visit today for more information or to learn
how you can help with our mission of caring.
Visiting Nurse Association &
Hospice of the Florida Keys, Inc.
Licensed to Serve the Keys since 1984
305.294.8812
Lower Keys
HHA21245096 HPC50310951
4
305.743.9048
Middle Keys
www.hospicevna.com
305.852.7887
Upper Keys
HCS232500 HCS232517
News From Our Members
Kindergarten and First Grade classes from Switlik Elementary
School spent the day in the hammock recently learning about
our natural environment and how important it is to preserve it.
Crane Point Museum calling local artists to submit original work
(11”x14” to 18”x24”) for the Crane Point Poster to be sold in the
gift shop and online. Deadline extended
to May 15th .
Artwork should be
a depiction of some
portion of Crane
Point’s 63-acre
hardwood hammock
and is to be forwarded
to Crane Point for
review and selection.
For more information
or to arrange a visit to
Crane Point for
inspiration, contact
Loretta Geotis at
305-743-3900
or email: loretta@
cranepoint.net
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Events
Please call/email and let us know about upcoming events or community news for our newsletter and online calendar. Or take
advantage of our advertising opportunities with a flyer or ad space! 305-743-5417 or Jeanine@floridakeysmarathon.com
Or try our Brand New Events Calendar! Create your own Community Events! 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.
April 30th-May 2nd
Tarponian Tournament
For enthusiastic tarpon anglers, silver kings mean springtime.
This high-energy, three-evening tournament mandates that
teams fish with a different captain each evening. Teams also
rotate among the three major bridge channels in Marathon,
so any potential “hot spots” are shared among all anglers.
Contact: David Breznicky at 215-542-1492
Email: dbreznicky@breznickyassociates.com
May 1st
Hawks Cay Resort Job Fair
Offshore Bull and Cow Tournament
A $10,000 first prize awaits the angler with the largest
bull and cow combined, as well as prizes awarded to
anglers catching the largest dolphin, wahoo, tuna and
tripletail, grouper and snapper.
Contact: Jack Carlson 305-481-0495
Email: carlson.jack@ymail.com
or bigtimetackle@comcast.net
May 3rd
Kentucky Derby
9am-1pm
Various Positions Available
Competitive Wages & Benefits, Great Environment,
Development Opportunity, Meal Per Shift, Parking.
Online application available at www.hawkscay.com
Drug Free Workplace
Equal Opportunity Employer
Please apply online before you come to be interviewed on site.
May 8th-24th
Marathon Community
Theater presents:
May 1st-4th
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Events
May 9th-10th
8th Annual
Mother’s Day
Dolphin Tournament
Presented by Marathon
Boat Yard and hosted by
Tarpon Creek Bar & Grill
to benefit and support
Habitat for Humanity
www.mothersdaydolphintournament.com
Visit Mike for
FINANCING made easy!
Centennial Bank’s local loan expert MIKE understands the
uniqueness of the islands, and he’s dedicated to finding the
perfect loan for you.
We offer FNMA, FHLMC, FHA, VA and non-traditional loans.
Conventional, Jumbo, FNMA, FHLMC, FHA and VA Financing
Available.
Mike Kiraly • 305-676-3019
mkiraly@my100bank.com
RESIDENTIAL LOAN OFFICER, NMLS 675432
MY100B ANK.COM • 888-372-9788
A Home BancShares Company (Nasdaq:HOMB)
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Events
May 14th
Chamber Business After Hours
Hosted by Dolphin
Research Center
and Centennial
Bank from 5:307:30 at DRC
(MM59)
Come check out
the dolphins and network
with fellow Chamber members.
Enjoy behavior sessions with the dolphins,
educational activities, the DRC Sprayground
and a sunset celebration.
May 20th
Chamber Luncheon
Hosted by Castaways Restaurant from noon-1pm.
$16 Guest Speaker: Marathon Vice Mayor Chris Bull
Topic: Developing a Plan for the Beautification of Marathon
May 24th
May 17th
Race Through Paradise!
Swim. Bike. Run. Fun!
MaraTri (short for Marathon Triathlon)
is a multi-sport, multi-distance race series based in
Marathon, Florida Keys.
Our races are specifically designed
for first-timers and those that love
to share the sport of triathlon with
friends and family.
This event will feature both local corporate and community
teams combined with competitive and recreational “club”
teams from around the southeast region. All teams will
converge on Sombrero Beach for one day of exhilarating
competition!
Racing begins at 9 am and concludes between 3 and 4 pm.
Post racing celebration includes awards, music and celebration!
Spectators can watch all of the action from Sombrero Beach from the comfort of their beach blanket! Proceeds go to The Heron’s Mission.
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We are a charity organization at heart,
benefiting local youth athletics and the
encouraging the use of our great outdoors.
Registration is Open!
www.maratri.com
Chamber Luncheon Marathon Grill
Business After Hours
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The Art Studio
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Member Spotlight
RVillage.com
is a super simple, and FREE online social
network for RVers and RV parks. It is also
an incredibly effective advertising tool for
those businesses wishing to reach RVers
who are in their town for a short time.
Your business can be seen by each and
every RVer in a 70 mile radius, no matter
if they are in a park or not.
With RVillage.com, our users spend an
average of 20 minutes a day on the network,
with your name on the screen. You are visible
to travelers, no matter where they spend the
night in your area, at home, in the truck stop,
the casino lot, Walmart parking lot, or the rest area. You are also visible world wide to RVers planning their vacations
in South Florida and the Keys. When RVers stop in your area, they want to shop, eat great food, and see fabulous
attractions. Some will be in need of a doctor, dentist, veterinarian, dog groomer, RV parts or a technician. Let’s not
forget the need for manicures, pedicures, massages, hair care, RV and car detailing, and all the sports. This form of
advertising is a benefit to both the RVer and the advertiser.
RVillage.com is free for the RVer and the parks. The landing page will have a video explaining the RVer point of view.
You are welcome to join the fun and set up a personal profile.
“Join the network”
it’s a great way to check it out!
http://www.rvillage.com/
Feel free to contact me:
boehlen@rvfriendnetwork.com
Oceans Design Group
is a boutique marketing agency with locations in Miami Beach and Marathon, Florida.
We specialize in web design, brand development, marketing and advertising strategy, social media marketing,
and professional photography. ODG offers creative, out-of-the-box marketing services specializing in the digital space.
Our photography division offers professional photography services shooting interior, architectural, fashion,
and lifestyle. We offer full-day and half-day rates to accommodate your budget.
Oceans Design Group has worked with numerous companies,
big and small, so our experience is broad. We aren’t afraid to
take risks and we pride ourselves in the ability to be creative
with small budgets to make clients’ money work as hard as
possible. We always guarantee the most up-to-date marketing
practices and technological know-how with over 15 years digital
work experience. But our bottom line is the satisfaction of our
clients. We are sure to always go the extra mile and ensure that
our clients are happy.
www.oceansdesigngroup.com
www.facebook.com/OceansDesignGroup
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Member Spotlight
Those who are fortunate enough to live and work
in the Keys realize the importance of protecting our
greatest assets – the community and environment.
For more than 20 years, the Middle Keys Marine
Association (MKMA) has been a partner both on
land and in the tranquil waters surrounding the
Florida Keys. Composed of a diverse collection
of marine tradesmen and skilled artisans, MKMA
has become a leading supporter of the community
and civic events and continually offers scholarships
to the students of Monroe County.
For more information on choosing the right service for your vessel, pick up a copy of MKMA’s “Guide to Florida Keys
Marine Services, a Boater’s Guide to Professional Marine Services.” Available at member facilities and information kiosks
throughout the Keys. Our Mission: The Middle Keys Marine Association’s objectives are to advance the education of
those engaged in the marine industry, to promote prosperity within the industry, to convey to our membership and the
public reliable information on matters concerning marine interests, to solicit from our membership problems or issues
facing the industry, to promote the general interests of the marine industry and to protect and/or improve conditions
related to the marine industries, waterways and related facilities.
Proud member of the Marathon Chamber of Commerce and sponsor of the Marathon Seafood Festival!
MKMA is always looking for new members. For information regarding membership contact Dave Foley at any of the
numbers listed below.
MIDDLE KEYS MARINE ASSOCIATION/MKMA
P.O. Box 501806
Marathon, FL 33050
Tel: 305-743-3368 Cell: 305-240-4487
mkma@juno.com
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business meet customer.
(talk amongst yourselves).
connect with 18 million businesses. one app, one site.
Proud Supporter of
Greater Marathon Chamber
©2013 YP Intellectual Property LLC. All rights reserved. YP, the YP logo and all other YP marks contained herein are trademarks of YP Intellectual Property LLC and/or YP affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
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Greater Marathon
Chamber of Commerce
Boating & Family Destination
of the Florida Keys
12222 Overseas Highway
Marathon, Florida 33050
Ph: 305-743-5417
Fax: 305-289-0183
Toll Free: 1-800-262-7284
e-mail: visit us@floridakeysmarathon.com
Www.floridakeysmarathon.com
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Permit No. 10
Marathon, FL 33050