The Official Monthly Publication of the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce August 2012 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 CHAMBER CONNECTION Business After Hours Shrimp Boil! August 8 th , 2012 Starts at 5:30 ~ Membership Luncheon August 21 st , 2012 12 noon $16 Please RSVP Speaker: Hilary Badoian of Middle-Upper Keys Toastmasters All of our events include Food/Fun 50/50 Raffle ~ Networking ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY! Chamber Members catering to visitors and tourists: Just outside the main doors to the Marathon Visitors Center, we have installed a new display case that every Visitor Center customer will see as they enter our establishment (over 45,000 walk-ins/year). Advertise your business inside our secure display case and "be seen!" Max display poster size is: 42in x 36in (hxw) or you can display multiple flyers, etc. Advertising terms are bi-weekly (2 weeks) at $200.00/term. Call or email your Marathon Chamber for more details and to reserve your space. (305-743-5417 [email protected]) Chamber Ambassadors Anne O’Bannon, Julie Johnson, Mike Kiraly, Mike Puto, Tara Morris, Lori Bailey, Sandra Bradshaw Chamber Ambassadors Needed! If you would like to help represent your local Chamber, please let us know! Congratulations to Chamber Ambassador Lori Bailey on her new position with First State Bank in Key Largo. We will miss you!
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The Official Monthly Publication of the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce August 2012
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
CHAMBER CONNECTION
Business After Hours
Shrimp Boil! August 8th, 2012 Starts at 5:30
~ Membership Luncheon
August 21st, 2012 12 noon $16 Please RSVP
Speaker: Hilary Badoian of Middle-Upper Keys
Toastmasters
All of our events include Food/Fun
50/50 Raffle ~ Networking
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY! Chamber Members catering to visitors and tourists: Just outside the main doors to the Marathon Visitors Center, we have installed a new display case that every Visitor Center customer will see as they enter our establishment (over 45,000 walk-ins/year). Advertise your business inside our secure display case and "be seen!" Max display poster size is: 42in x 36in (hxw) or you can display multiple flyers, etc. Advertising terms are bi-weekly (2 weeks) at $200.00/term. Call or email your Marathon Chamber for more details and to reserve your space. (305-743-5417 [email protected])
Chamber Ambassadors Anne O’Bannon, Julie Johnson, Mike Kiraly, Mike Puto, Tara Morris, Lori Bailey, Sandra Bradshaw Chamber Ambassadors Needed! If you would like to help represent your local Chamber, please let us know! Congratulations to Chamber Ambassador Lori Bailey on her new position with First State Bank in Key Largo. We will miss you!
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2011 / 2012 Board of Directors
Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce Chamber Email/
Internet Marketing Program: Please email or call Daniel directly for more information on our newest marketing program! We will be sending out monthly email blasts to a growing list of visitors (10,000+) and travel writer(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 $25/month to participate. (305) 743-5417 or [email protected]
August Meetings 2 - Near-Shore Waters Committee Mtg
6:00pm Mthn Fire Station 8 - DACIII Mtg 9:00am Hawks Cay Resort 8 - Business After Hours (see inside) 9 - Parks and Recreation Committee
6:00pm Mthn Fire Station 13 - Community Image Advisory Board
Mtg 4:00pm Mthn Fire Station 14 - City Council Meeting 5:30pm Mthn Govt Center 16 - City Council Budget Workshop 6:00pm Mthn Fire Station 20 - Planning Commission Meeting 5:30 pm Mthn Fire Station 21 - Chamber Luncheon (see inside) 28 - City Council Meeting 5:30pm Mthn Govt Center 29 - Code Compliance Hearing 6:00pm Mthn Fire Station
Lupe Marzoa - Chairman of the Board Capital Bank - PO Box 50399, Marathon,FL 33050
Members! SUN MOTORS 9200 Overseas Hwy, Marathon 33050 Tel: 1-305-432-1774 [email protected] UNIQUES BY KENNEDY STUDIOS 1733 Overseas Hwy, Marathon 33050 Tel: 305-743-2040 [email protected] CHAMBER MEMBER RECAP
New members this month: 7
Total members: 443
VISITOR CENTER RECAP
New members this month: 2 Total Members: 98
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Letter from our CEO
We are happy to announce that our 2nd Annual BIG Raffle Prize Contest is back. Your Chamber will be selling $25.00 raffle tickets to raise monies for our annual programs (scholarships, beautification program, red carpet program, etc.). Raffle tickets will be sold here at the Marathon Chamber as well as at our monthly Business After Hours and Luncheons. Only a total of 600 tickets will be sold with a 1st and a 2nd grand prize as well as other great, valuable prizes. 1st Grand Prize = A luxury vacation package valued at over $5,500.00. The Grand Prize Winner will have a choice of five different, unique vacation packages from a shopping spree at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chicago plus hotel stay, four-night stay at the Fairmont in Scottsdale, AZ with Championship Golf for two, New Orleans Jazz & Dining experience plus hotel for two, a Napa Valley wine tour and tasting with chauffeur as well as a five-night stay at the Marriott in downtown Napa, and Celebrity Cruise in a deluxe stateroom with balcony. *All trips include airfare for two and accommodations! 2nd Grand Prize = A Half-Day Offshore Fishing Charter with Best Bet Sportfishing, Captained by Jason Long (valued at $650.00)! Other Prizes include a weekend stay plus spa at Hawks Cay Resort, a four-night stay at a five star resort (Brassada Ranch) in Oregon, $100 gift certificates to Mile Marker 88, Cabana Breezes, Plaza Grille, and more! This will be an exciting opportunity for chamber members and locals to support a great organization in the Marathon Chamber while also having a chance to win some fabulous prizes. We will draw the winners at the Chamber’s Awards & Installation banquet at Hawks Cay Resort on Oct. 12th. Winners do not have to be present to win. We hope you all will purchase tickets and support your Marathon Chamber of Commerce. For more info please contact the Marathon Chamber at 305-743-5417 and ask for Jeanine, Tina, or Daniel.
We are also proud to announce our upcoming educational seminar for local businesses and their employees which will take place at the Marathon Yacht Club on Oct. 4-5, 2012. The seminar will focus on three core areas important to any business’s success: 1 - Customer Service 2 - Internet Marketing, 3 - Management/Leadership. We have three great presenters teaching each section and we know participants will learn a lot of valuable information that they will be able to effectively utilize back at their places of work. Please see our flyer insert inside this newsletter for more info and to sign you and your staff up. Most Respectfully, CEO Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce (305) 743-5417 [email protected] www.FloridaKeysMarathon.com www.RelocateToTheFloridaKeys.com www.MarathonSeafoodFestival.com
Chamber’s BIG Raffle Contest is BACK plus an Educational Seminar for Businesses
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Marathon Wild Bird Center volunteer Karyn Buckley releases a juvenile osprey on Sombrero Beach that found its way to the facility in late spring. The bird gained the stam-ina it needed to be returned to the wild by eating at least two large fish, such as mullet and snapper, each day for a couple of months. To report an injured bird or inquire about volun-teering, please call the Marathon Wild Bird Center at (305)743-8382
Photo credit: Chris Pankow Middle-Upper Keys Toastmasters Meeting Dates for August August 7th @ 6 - 7 PM - Marathon Public Library August 14th @ 8- 9 AM - Life Pointe, Tavernier August 21st @ 8-9 AM - Florida Keys Community College, Marathon August 28 @ 6-7 PM - Life Pointe, Tavernier www.middlekeystoastmasters.org
Think Pink Thursdays Every Thursday Flip Flop Candy Shoppe will donate 10% of sales to Relay for Life. Come check out Marathon’s Sweet Spot! 9061 Overseas Highway Drop by and see what’s new at the Middle Keys Center of Florida Keys Community College (FKCC) in Marathon Sign up for certificate and training programs in -Medical Billing and Coding - Phlebotomy Technician - Pharmacy Technician Boost professional & personal skills: Microsoft Office Suite, English as a second language, digital photography… Join us at MKC and Spring forward in 2012! Classes offered online, tra-ditional classroom, video conference, credit and non-credit MKC Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30 am-6:30 pm, Friday 8:30 am-4:00 pm 900 Sombrero Beach Blvd. (2nd floor, east wing, MHS) Call 305.743.2133 www.fkcc.edu
News From Our Members
Pigeon Key Groundbreaking Ceremony
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News From Our Members
SEPTEMBER SPECIAL FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS Grassy Painting & Decorating would like to offer Chamber members 20% off any labor during the month of September. Work must be scheduled by August 15th and commence in September. Offer applies only to new jobs. Grassy Painting & Decorating, LLC is a full service painting contractor serving residential and commercial customers throughout the Florida Keys. Services for both interior and exterior encompass a wide range of restoration and coating systems from floors to roofs, faux finishing to waterproofing for any job, large and small. We are licensed, fully insured and carry workman’s compensation on all employees.
Grassy Painting & Decorating, LLC PO Box 500719, Marathon FL 33050 (305) 289-0402 [email protected] www.grassypainting.com Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter
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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 [email protected] 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. Now through August 15th Stuff the Bus for Monroe County Schools Publix and Office Depot! Simply shop in these stores and buy a "Tools for Schools" gift card at check out (at Publix) OR buy extra school supplies (Publix and Office Depot) to be donated to local schools. United Way of the Florida Keys will be distributing supplies to schools.
August 6 (through March 31st) Lobster Season!!!
August 8 Chamber Business After Hours Holiday Inn Express wants to thank the community of Marathon for their con-tinuous support with this one of kind event! This Shrimp Boil will feature great food, live music, 50/50 raffle for cash & prizes! Featuring S.H.A.R.K, Captain Hooks, Sweet Savannah’s & more! August 9 United Way of the Florida Keys Annual Meeting and Campaign Kick Off Our Annual Meeting and Campaign Kick off will take place in Duck Key at Hawk's Cay from 4:00pm-6:00pm. We'll be celebrating our successes, recognizing our supporters and kicking off the 2012 Campaign. This was a very well attended community event last year, convening leaders and supporters from around the county, and we hope you will plan to join us. Appetizers and cash bar ($10 suggested donation) August 11
How to Raise a Money-Smart Child Seminar Join us for a FREE Seminar on "How to Raise a Money Smart Child". You'll learn how to start teaching your child or grandchild about
financial goal-setting, self-discipline and the basics of making wise money choices. Where: Edward Jones at Town Square Mall When: 8/11/12 at 10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. RSVP: By August 10th to Janine M. Mothner 305-743-6121 Refreshments and light snacks will be served August 21 Chamber Luncheon Luncheon will be held at Marathon Yacht Club (825 33rd Street) noon until 1:00pm. Guest Speaker Hilary Badoian of the Mid-dle-Upper Keys Toastmasters. RSVP now as space is limited. To RSVP call 743-5417 or email [email protected] August 23 Marathon Community Theater Presents: Summer Reading: The Dixie Swim Club
The Dixie Swim Club is the story of five Southern women, friends since their days on a college swim team, who gather every year for a long weekend - no husbands, no kids, no work involvement-- in a beach cottage on North Carolina's Outer Banks.
Here they laugh, catch up and meddle in each other's lives. The women, whose lives have taken them in vastly different directions since they left college, help each other get through the challenges of life: motherhood, men, divorce, marriage, jobs, aging, with hilarious and touching repartee. As their lives unfold, we learn that true friendships last forever. Contact the Marathon Community Theater for more info and tickets! Box office: 305-743-0994 Email: [email protected] August 24 American Cancer Society Fundraiser for the Florida Keys Unit Join us at the Marathon Cinema for an afternoon of fun! (Adult event) All proceeds support American Cancer Society ($50/person suggested donation) 1pm Live Celtic Music (by Kay Janetka & Lynda Lee Byars) 1-2pm Wine, beer, hors d’oeuvres & sweets 3-5pm Featured film “Step Mom” Please RSVP by August 14 For more info: Call Deborah Joseph 305-743-2791 or email [email protected]
In Other News ...
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VISITORS CENTER STATISTICS For June 2012
Total Number of Visitors: 2893
Daily Average:
106
Arriving W/O Reservations: 31%
Top State:
Florida
Top Country: Germany
Executive Membership
Circle
Starfish Level
Fishermen’s Community Hospital
Angelfish Level
Centennial Bank Iberia Bank
First State Bank NuRelm
Hawks Cay BB&T Bank
Seahorse Level
Capital Bank
Follow us on
Facebook & Twitter!
Member Referral Program
Anytime a current
member of the Chamber
successfully refers another business
to join they will receive
$25 dollars in “Chamber Bucks!”
Chamber Bucks can be used to
purchase advertising on our website,
newsletter insert, or to attend
monthly luncheon meetings!
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Save the Date!!
September 22, 2012 6pm
Hawks Cay Resort,
Duck Key
For Tickets call Jan Burch - 251-978-6267
Or Centennial Bank, Marathon Main Office
Cash Bar, Appetizers,
Dinner
Donation of $100 per person
All proceeds benefit Grace Jones Community Center,
Marathon
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Luncheon at Castaway’s
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Business After Hours
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Sunset Grille & Raw Bar
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Member Spotlight
Advertise in the Keynoter
At a discounted rate through your Chamber!
$230 + tax (color ad includes free ad creation)
for a savings of 25% off original price!
Collector’s Corner
What began as a small outfit for printing baseball cards and trophies has grown into the Middle Keys one-stop shop for company apparel, awards and promotional
products. Proprietor Stan Haines has always been an avid collector of sports memorabilia and saw the children of Marathon through both the Beanie Babies and Pogs craze, recalling frequent tournaments on the floor of his shop. In the
company’s current location in Town Square Mall, custom embroidery, silkscreen printing and every possible printable surface – cups, mugs, bags, hats, coolies,
lip balm, frisbees, key chains, magnets and pens - are available to help promote your business or cause. Collector’s Corner will celebrate their 18th anniversary in
business Aug. 1 and has repeatedly been recognized by nationwide manufacturers for high volume sales and outstanding customer service.
11400 Overseas Hwy. Suite 216 in Marathon • (305) 743-4456 • [email protected]
The Keys To Pleasure Est. 2012
Marathon native Doris and Capt. Joey Roussel have joined forces to breathe life back into a
long vacated Old Town building with the recent opening of their adult boutique. From modern furniture to stylish lamps, shoes, handbags, costumes and adult toys,
the couple also has local art on display. “We want this to be a place for creative expression,” Doris explained. Besides welcoming local artists a place to showcase their work,
The Keys To Pleasure also aims to help residents spend their money locally. “Ours are some of the best prices around, and you do not have to leave Marathon to find
what you desire. If you’re looking for something we don’t have in the showroom, we can order it for you!”
Clearly Unique Charters Est. 2010 Capt. Matt Hungerford and his team at Clearly Unique Charters offer yet another truly unique way to explore the tropical waters surrounding Key West. Their 33-foot Beach Cat catamaran can comfortably and quickly transport 16 guests and crystal clear kayaks to view some of the best water and wildlife above and below the surface. “Our tours are manageable for everyone regardless of skill,” Hungerford said. Complimentary snorkel gear is also available for guests to explore the clear, shallow waters of the backcountry. Clearly Unique’s kayaking charters are 3-hour excursions with drinks and snacks provided. Designed for guests to “create their own adventure,” snorkeling, kayaking, bird-watching and wildlife sightseeing are available all in one trip!
631 Greene St. Key West • (305) 747-8651 • [email protected] • www.clearlyuniquecharters.com
Conch Republic Air Force
Biplane Rides Est. 1987
The Conch Republic Air Force has recently expanded its commercial territory to include an outpost at the Florida Keys Marathon Airport. The Keys are undoubtedly breathtaking from the land and sea, but the view from above in a WACO Biplane, J-3 Cub or wild aerobatic ride in the Pitts S-2c is truly unforgettable. Operated under strict FAA safety regulations, safety is always the primary focus. “Our pristine 1940 and 1942 aircraft were used for primary flight training in WWII and also for barnstorming in the early days,” said owner Fred Cabanas. With three full time pilots across two locations in Key West and Marathon, the Conch Republic Air Force Biplane team is made of experienced, friendly crew eager to share their love of aviation with the general public. Take a Biplane Ride with General Fred Cabanas or one of the Colonels of the Conch Republic Air Force! See Marathon in a Conch Republic Air Force 1942 WACO UPF-7 that is equipped with DUAL CAMERAS for a one of a kind capture of an amazing Marathon Adventure. DVD of your Biplane Ride available. Your narrated biplane ride will show you historic points of Marathon, such as the 7 Mile Bridge and Sombrero Lighthouse and Reef. As you fly 500 feet overhead, you may see sharks, rays, dolphins and an occasional manatee.
