2 nd ANNUAL CONCHTOBERFEST A SUCCESS

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1 CHAMBER CONNECTION Our Mission Statement: The mission of the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce is to promote and inform the business community. The Official Monthly Publication of the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce October 2011 Business After Hours Hosted by Sparky s Landing Wednesday, Oct 12, :30 to 7:30 PM (Sadowski Causeway KCB) Networking 50/50 Raffle ~ Food/Fun ~ Membership Luncheon Hosted by Castaways Restaurant Tuesday, Oct 18, Oceanview Ave 12 noon Please RSVP Featuring the Newly Elected Chairman of the Board Food/Fun 50/50 Raffle ~ Networking RSVP NOW Installation of Officers & Awards Banquet Hawk s Cay Resort Friday October 14 th, 2011 Last months Business After Hours was hosted by Keys Insurance Services in the Gulfside Village Plaza. Many members of the community came out to enjoy the event, which was catered by several restaurants throughout Marathon and had live music by John Bartus. The luncheon was hosted by Lazy Days South. Everyone enjoyed the delicious buffet (especially the chicken!) Guest speaker Wynn Merryman of Hawks Cay Resort discussed the 2 nd Annual Conchtoberfest. The event will take place Sept. 30-Oct. 2. (see inside for details) Important October 2011 Chamber Functions Business After Hours This month s event is hosted by Sparky s Landing (Sadowski Causeway, Key Colony Beach Marina) on October 12 th from 5:30-7:30. As always, the Business After Hours events offer a great opportunity for networking and socializing with the community. Chamber Luncheon The luncheon will be held at Castaways Restaurant on October Member Bits n Pieces 18 th from noon-1:00pm. Please RSVP as space is limited. Call or jeanine@floridakeysmarathon.com Our Events include fun with: Fifty/Fifty Scholarship Raffles, Gift Baskets and Gift Certificates as well as Business Card Drawings along with food, fun & networking! Tickets for the Chamber of Commerce s First Annual BIG Raffle are also being sold at the events and at the Chamber. Don t miss out on your chance to win 1 of 5 luxury vacations, or a 2 nd place prize full day fishing charter. Other prizes also to be awarded. Drawing to be held at the Awards Banquet on Oct. 14 th (need not be present to win) Chamber Ambassadors: Anne O Bannon, Cathy Cone, David Grego, Julie Johnson, Laura Goodman, Mike Kiraly, Mike Puto, Tara Morris, Shannon Vasko and Lori Bailey. Continued Page 3

2 Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce 2011 / 2012 Board of Directors Lupe Marzoa - Director - Capital Bank PO Box 50399, Marathon, FL / Cell Fax: gmarzoa@tibbank.com Kate Koler - Director The Weekly Newspaper, Inc Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL / Cell: Fax: kate@keysweekly.com CEO s Letter 2 nd ANNUAL CONCHTOBERFEST A SUCCESS 2 Ben Daniels - Director - Exit Realty 39 Treasure Road, Marathon, FL / Cell Fax: bendanielspa@aol.com Tricia Baker - Director Marathon Lumber, st Avenue - Gulf Fax: / Cell: tricia@marathonlumber.com Byron Biff Goss - Director Big Time Bait & Tackle Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL Cell: / Fax: bigtimetackle@comcast.net Paul Lebo - Director Paul Lebo Enterprise th street, Marathon, FL Cell: deetrate@aol.com John Mirabella - Director Castaway Restaurant 1406 Oceanview Avenue, Marathon, FL / Cell Fax: john@jonesn4sushi.com Sheldon Suga - Director Hawk s Cay Resort 61 Hawks Cay Blvd, Duck Key, FL / Fax: Sheldon.suga@hawkscay.com April Tracy - Director - Cabana Breezes 401 Ocean Dr. East, Key Colony Beach, FL / / Fax: atpcabanaclub@aol.com Laura Hutt - Director - Exit Realty 5800 Overseas Hwy #17 Marathon, FL Fax Laura@LauraHutt.com Ben Daughtry - Director Dynasty Marine Assoc Inc th Ave Gulf Marathon, FL Fax Ben@DynastyMarine.net John Bartus Director John Bartus Productions PO Box 2523 Marathon Shores, FL Fax jebartus@bellsouth.net Stan Haines - Director - Collector s Corner Overseas Hwy Marathon, FL Fax keystrophy@yahoo.com *Daniel Samess, CEO* Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce Overseas Hwy. Ph: Fax: Cell: ceo@floridakeysmarathon.com What a wild week, five nights of themed parties (Conchtoberfest Nights) at five great Marathon restaurants, and then the amazing main event all weekend at Hawks Cay Resort (Conchtoberfest)! This event was exactly what Marathon and the Middle Keys needed during our off-season. Conchtoberfest provided the perfect platform to showcase what our amazing islands are all about; great food, great people, and great entertainment. The entire event was able to benefit our local restaurants as well as put heads-in-beds during a time of year where occupancy is much needed. Conchtoberfest also was proud to benefit two local programs; The Marathon High School Culinary Academy program which provides real-world education, training, and experiences to local students; as well as Take Stock in Children which helps local Keys students not only get into college/university but also pay for their full tuition fees! The Marathon Chamber and Board are proud to have worked together with the good people and staff at Hawks Cay Resort to put on this annual event. The work, risk, and effort are certainly worth the reward for our community, businesses, and students! THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS, SUPPORTERS, and VOLUNTEERS as you all helped to make this event possible! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWLY ELECTED CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Paul Lebo Byron Biff Goss John Bartus Ben Daughtry Stan Haines Laura Hutt CHAMBER AWARDS & INSTALLATION BANQUET Oct. 14 th at 6:00 PM Grand Ballroom Hawks Cay Resort The Awards Banquet will take place in the resort s Grand Ballroom (same room as last year) and will encompass an entertaining presentation by our Emcee s Britt Myers and Jason Koler. Awards for outgoing Board members and businesses, as well as a few high-end raffle prize give-a-ways! This years banquet is sure to impress so be sure to RSVP ASAP to secure your seat. Hawks Cay Resort ( ) is also offering rooms (while rooms last, limited availability) at a low special rate of only $99.00 should you want to make a staycation out of the evening. We hope to see you there; once again call or Leah at the Chamber to RSVP: (305) / Leah@floridakeysmarathon.com Most Respectfully, CEO Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce (305) ceo@floridakeysmarathon.com

3 Continued From Page 1 Chamber /Internet Marketing Program: Please or call Daniel directly for more information on our newest marketing program! We will be sending out monthly blasts to a growing list of visitors (8000+) and travel writers (300+). The 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) or ceo@floridakeysmarathon.com October Meetings 5 - DAC III Meeting 9:00am Marathon Community Theatre 6 - Community Image Advisory Board Mtg 5:15pm Mthn Fire Station 6 - Nearshore Waters Committee Mtg 6:00pm Mthn Fire Station 10 - City Hall Offices Closed (Columbus Day) 11 - City Council-Staff Agenda Briefing Workshop 10:00am Mthn Fire Station 11 - City Council Meeting 5:30pm Mthn Govt Center 12 - Business After Hours (see inside) 13 - Parks and Recreation Committee 6:00pm Mthn Fire Station 17 - Planning Commission Meeting 5:30 pm Mthn Fire Station 18 - Chamber Luncheon (see inside) 19 - BOCC Meeting 9:00am Harvey Govt Center Key West 25 - City Council/Staff Agenda Briefing Workshop 10:00am Mthn Fire Station 25 - City Council Meeting 5:30pm Mthn Govt Center 26 - Code Board Hearing 6:00pm Mthn Fire Station 3

4 In Other News... Monroe County School District October 10-*No School-Non Work/Non Paid Day *(Hurricane Makeup) October 21-End of 1 st Grading Period October 24-No Students-Professional Day For your upcoming events please contact Jeanine at the Chamber. Please call/ details of your upcoming affairs so we can help to promote them for you 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 and Click to Submit Your Event or call the Chamber for details. Marathon In the News EdgeWater Power Boats recently did a major photo shoot in the Middle Keys! Edgewater Power Boat s top marketing and sales force was here with their transport crew and professional photographer Robert Holland. (Some are still here on an extended vacation!) Marathon Boat Yard Marine Center hosted the event, offloading and launching all of the boats and providing storage for them between takes. Numerous locals were hired for action shots and videos, including local helicopter pilot Dave Odom from Island Hoppers for the aerial shots. With Chamber of Commerce weather all week, it was the perfect backdrop to shoot some pictures showing off the impressive design and performance of the EdgeWater Power Boats. Locations ranged from the Sombrero Lighthouse, Bayside off the Seven Mile Bridge, offshore Bahia Honda and Duck Key. This was a great economic boost for the community! During beautiful boats in the Keys. With EdgeWater s international network of dealers, these photos will be viewed worldwide! Chamber Members Need Your Help! Gulfside Village is starting to prepare for our annual Halloween Trick-Or-Treat Event. We are looking for other business who would like to set up tables and pass out candy from 5:30-7:30 on the 31st of Oct. If your business is interested in having fun with the kids and parents in the community or donating candy for this event please contact Danielle Lebo, Flowers By J & J or at Danielle@Keysflowers.com If you would like to donate candy we will be more than happy to pick it up when we are delivering flowers around town. Marathon Wild Bird Center is looking for anyone who regularly commutes throughout the Upper, Middle & Lower Keys. Volunteers needed to help transport injured birds to and/or from the Wild Bird Centers throughout the Keys. There are centers located in Tavernier, Marathon, and Key West. If you are able to help, please call Kelly Grinter at Events September 30-Oct 2 Second Annual Conchtoberfest the slowest time of the year, hotel rooms were booked, locals were hired and the weather was cooperative, providing the perfect scenery for photos and videos featuring these 4 You don't have to be a native conch to celebrate Conchtoberfest. Just kayak, cruise, walk, bike or drive over to Hawks Cay Resort September 30th through October 2nd and earn your conch status by helping us celebrate the sights, sounds, flavors and laid- Continued Page 5

5 In Other News... Continued From Page 4 back lifestyle of the Florida Keys. Live island tunes will echo the shoreline each day; fresh, regional dishes and ice cold drinks will be served by talented local chefs; exciting games and contests will keep the kids entertained; lots of vendors featuring unique items, and it will all take place at the beautiful Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key, in the center of the Florida Keys. Event is open to the public. Admission $5 Kids Under 4 Free! Hours of operation: Friday 9/30 5:00pm-10:00pm Saturday 10/1 11:00am-10:00pm Sunday 10/2 11:00am-5:00pm Oct 1 st 31 st Cancer Awareness Month Seminars Month long celebration of cancer survivors and valuable information for those interested in diagnostic and treatment choices. Special events each week to raise awareness and donations for the Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys. All events are held at Angelika Clothing Boutique in Islamorada. There will special savings, raffles, auctions and more all to benefit the Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys. Oct. 6 Pink Fire Truck Tours :00-7:00pm at Hawks Cay Resort Driving for Cancer. Driving Awareness. Driving Across America. Event to bring awareness and support for Breast Cancer month. Everyone will be able to sign the pink trucks and speak with real firemen dressed in pink. Come out and support this incredible event! For more info contact: Charlotte Quinn Or check out the website Oct 8 th Marathon Florida Triathlon Team 8:00am at Sombrero Beach Have some fun with family and friends at the beach! Join us for the MaraTri MiniTri No. 3 Registration is $20 (individual) $40 (relay team) Race distances:.25 mile swim, 6.8 mile bike, and 1.5 mile run. for all the details! Continued Page 6 5

6 In Other News... Continued From Page 5 Oct 15 (through May 15 th ) STONE CRAB SEASON OPENS Oct 18 CHAMBER LUNCHEON Luncheon will be held at Castaways Restaurant (1406 Oceanview Ave) on October 18th from Noon until 1pm. This luncheon will feature our New Chairman of the Board so be sure to attend and RSVP! To RSVP call or Jeanine at or jeanine@floridakeysmarathon.com Oct 22 Oct 12 CHAMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Hosted by Sparky's Landing (589 6th St, KCB) 5:30pm - 7:30pm Come out and support everyone s favorite restaurant! Voted #1 for Best Happy Hour! Refreshments, food, raffle and as always, great networking opportunities at the Marathon Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Oct. 14 Awards & Installation Banquet Presented by the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce 6:00pm $60/person Hawks Cay Resort Celebrating Havana Nights in the Keys (Cuban attire encouraged) RSVP by Oct. 5th Limited Seating Available The Pigeon Key Foundation is proud to sponsor "The History of the Florida East Coast Railway" For more than 100 years, America's Speedway to Sunshine presented by Prof. Seth H. Bramson Company Historian Florida East Coast Railway. Donation $5 8:00pm at the Marathon Community Theater MM Please RSVP to guarantee your spot Continued Page 7 6

7 In Other News... Continued From Page 6 Oct 22 Stone Crab Eating Contest! The much-anticipated opening of Florida's stone crab season takes place Oct. 15 each year, but the season opening is going to be followed by this tasty test of crab-consuming capacity. Starts at 1 p.m., visit website for registration and rules. The entry fee is $25 per contestant, and individuals must be at least 18 years old to enter. The inaugural contest is limited to 50 participants; therefore interested eaters are encouraged to register early. Contact: keys.fisheries@comcast.net Oct 29 Haunted Hammock Crane Point Museum and Nature Center Annual Haunted Hammock features a haunted house and trails, hayrides, music, costume contest, ghosts and goblins. Food and soft drinks available. The Crane Point GOOD WITCHES, Charlotte Quinn, Stacie Kidwell, and Loretta Geotis will once again be serving the devilishly delicious graveyard cake prepared by Crane Point's very own Wicked Witch from the East. Spooky fun starts at 6:00 PM and ends at 9:00 PM. Fun for kids of all ages! Call for more details. Oct 31 5:30-7:30pm Annual Halloween Trick-Or-Treat Event at Gulfside Village Plaza. If your business is interested In having fun with the kids and parents in the community or donating candy for this event please contact Danielle Lebo Flowers By J & J or at Danielle@Keysflowers.com Photo taken by Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau. Sara was released from the beach at Veteran s Memorial Park, at the southwest end of the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. She was quite the celebrity, and even received a Sheriff s Department escort to the park for traffic control. Sara swam away quickly after her release and was seen coming up for air several times as she headed in a southwest direction. Sara s story has received national attention and her release, in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of The Turtle Hospital, was covered by long-time FL Keys public relations firm NewmanPR. Sara was rescued on August 3, with a 4-foot spear sticking out of her head. Hospital staff, Dr. Doug Mader of Marathon Veterinary Clinic, and Monroe County Fire Rescue responded to help Sara after Charlie and Nicholas Borg found and rescued Sara while they were out fishing in Big Pine Key. Community support and outrage over the spearing of this turtle resulted in a reward of over $16,000 for the arrest and conviction of the person responsible. Although we have received tips, no arrests have been made so far. Please call (305) if you have information. You may remain anonymous. Continued Page 9 7

8 The Hurricane Grille 4650 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL Ph: Fax: Website: Contact: Mike or Mari Catch 53 Oceanside Bar & Grille Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL Tel: x109 Fax: Tarpon Creek Marina Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL Tel: x103 Fax: The Hulse Law Office, P.A./Jennifer L. Hulse 531 Whitehead St., Key West, FL Tel: Web: Contact: Jennifer Hulse John Bartus Productions PO Box 2523, Marathon Shores, FL Tel: , Fax: Web: Contact: John Bartus Lee Lapid Housekeeping PO Box , Marathon Shores, FL Ph: , Fax: Web: Contact: Lee Lapid Florida Electrical Group, Inc th St Ocean, Marathon, FL Ph: , Fax: Website: Visitor Center Members! The Hurricane Grille 4650 Overseas Hwy Marathon, FL Ph: Fax: Website: Contact: Mike or Mari Welcome New Members Catch 53 Oceanside Bar & Grille Overseas Hwy Marathon, FL Tel: x109 Fax: CHAMBER MEMBER RECAP New members this month: 7 Total members: 422 VISITOR CENTER RECAP New members this month: 2 Total Members: 90 VISITORS CENTER STATISTICS For August 2011 Total Number of Visitors: 3062 Daily Average: 99 Arriving W/O Reservations: 35% Top State: Florida Top Country: Canada 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! Executive Membership Circle Starfish Level Fishermen s Hospital Angelfish Level Centennial Bank Capital Bank Iberia Bank First State Bank NuRelm Hawks Cay Seahorse Level BB&T Bank 8

9 In Other News... Continued From Page 7 SAVE THE DATE BubbaFest-Florida Keys November 5 th -12 th This multi-day bicycling event is in its ninth year and continues to grow. The 2011 event will attract 200 people from all over the United States as well as Canada and Germany. Bubba, of BubbaFest, has promised to spread the word of any and all Marathon Chamber business members that wish to a promotion or special offers/deals to attract these 200 visitors, all of whom come on this event for a fun vacation and are willing to stop and shop. If interested please contact Bubba at: BIKERBUBBA@aol.com The tour will arrive in Marathon on Sunday November 6 after bicycling from Key Largo. Monday, November 7 will be a non-riding day, allowing the participants the opportunity to discover all Marathon has to offer. Tuesday, November 8, the tour heads to Key West, however, will return to Marathon on Friday, November 11, before heading back to Key Largo on Saturday. Continued Page 13 9

10 Business After Hours at Keys Insurance Chairman elect Lupe Marzoa, Chamber CEO Daniel Samess, and Chairman of the Board Kate Koler Keys Insurance Welcomes the Chamber Members 10 Fitness Enthusiasts Laura Bass & Peter Vanicky with son Richard and Keys Insurance s Grimi Betancourt

11 Luncheon at Lazy Days President of United Way, Margie Smith, presents Mike Puto with a Lifetime Service Award Cabana Breezes April Tracy won the 50/50 raffle, which she is generously donating to S.H.A.R.K (Safe Harbor Animal Rescue of the Keys) Don t forget your tickets for the Chamber s First Annual BIG Raffle! Tickets $25/each (only 500 tickets being sold) 1 st Prize Luxury Vacation ~ 2 nd Prize Full Day Fishing Charter Tickets available at the Chamber and at all Chamber Events Drawing to be held at Awards Banquet Oct. 14 th (Winner need not be present to win) 11

12 Member Spotlight WHALTON S PET SHOP Est Whalton s Pet Shop is as much a tourist attraction, with a steady supply of rare and exotic birds on display, as it is a landmark local business where area pet owners can purchase any supplies for their furry and feathered friends. Opened in 1963 by Joe and Sally Whalton following successful careers as dog trainers and groomers, the family sold the business in some 20 years later to Ed Kilheffer who maintains the nearly dozen employees across two locations in Marathon and Big Pine Key. The friendly and energetic staff is always willing to help find premier food, treats, accessories, toys and supplies for your dog, cat, fish, bird or reptile Overseas Highway (305) Open seven days a week from 10 am to 6 pm Josh Mothner Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate The more things change the more they stay the same. I started working at Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate back in 1998 prior to my years at Marine Bank of the Florida Keys. I m very excited to be working again at the Top Ranked Real Estate company in the Florida Keys. The market is active, the inventory of properties for sale is shrinking, and mortgage rates are at their lowest in recent history. I ve lived in the Florida Keys for 15 years. In my time as a Commercial Lender, and Residential Lending Manager at Marine Bank, my ownership of Haven Funding, and as President of the Middle Keys Community Land Trust I ve either sold, listed, bought, developed, or financed over $125 million in Real Estate transactions. I truly love helping people achieve their goals and fulfill their dreams. The Real Estate business is essentially about passion and numbers: Passion for the perfect home, the perfect view, the perfect investment. But even the most passionate clients want to know the numbers; to know they re getting a good deal. My experience combines both components. I m passionate about the Keys, I know the market, and most importantly, I know the numbers Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida (305) josh@fundinthesun.com Pelican Motel and RV Resort Originally built in 1952, The Pelican Motel and RV Resort has recently undergone serious renovations of their motel rooms with the vision that clean and modern accommodations can be affordable. Manager Rita Fernandez and the staff are dedicated to making your stay enjoyable and relaxing. Although the Keys are known for their outdoor activities and water sports, when it is time to retire for the night, they know their guests are as comfortable in their rooms as they would be sleeping in their own home. There is also a beautiful pool for all guests to enjoy and relax on almost five acres of waterfront real estate. Shuffleboard courts, a tiki hut and marina with 16 boat slips and a boat ramp compliment any vacation Overseas Hwy Marathon, FL (305) pelicanrv@carefreervresorts.com 12

13 In Other News... Continued From Page 9 2nd ANNUAL FLORIDA KEYS MASTERS AND WARDENS 36TH MASONIC DISTRICT GOLF TOURNAMENT BB&T s transformation to beautify their business Before November 19th 9:00am - Registration 7:00am-8:30am KEY COLONY BEACH GOLF COURSE - $50.00 PER PERSON INCLUDES: GREENS FEES, BBQ, PRIZES AND REFRESHMENTS. PLEASE CONTACT GARY BRINK AT OR GARY@3RDGENERATIONPLUMBING.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION Sponsorship Opportunities Available (Deadline Nov.1 st ) During Pigeon Keys Centennial Fishing Tournament November 25 & 26 Angler Reef Tournament $150 per angler -(2 angler minimum) Cash Prizes of $2,500, $,1500, and $1,000 Additional prizes include stays in our guest house and charter trips Events will be going on all day Friday and Saturday. On island weigh in and after party on Saturday After Food and drinks will be available on the island during the event, along with music, educational programs, and historical tours, etc. For more info: pigeonkey@aol.com Check out The Marathon Chamber page/account on FaceBook! This is a great communication tool so please look up the "Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce" on and become a fan of our page so you can follow our events, happenings, updates! SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS To have your business spotlighted FREE in this Publication, Chamber Connection, Contact: Jeanine at x203 jeanine@floridakeysmarathon.com 13

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16 MARATHON 5701 O/S Hwy. Suite BIG PINE O/S Hwy KEY WEST 2407 N. Roosevelt Blvd Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce Boating & Family Destination of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida STD. RATE U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 10 Marathon, FL Ph: Fax: Toll Free: