CHAMBER CHOWDER© 510 Greene Street ~ 1st Floor, www.keywestchamber.org Wal-Mart Executive Answers Message from President Nicki L. Will Questions, Addresses Concerns his time of year the Chamber’s TEconomic Devel- opment Committee is gearing up for a variety of meetings with govern- mental entities such as the City of Key West, the Monroe County BOCC, the Monroe County Key West Chamber of Commerce President Nicki Will, second from right, thanked representatives Sheriff’s Department, of Wal-Mart and the new shopping center proposed for for their presentation during the Mosquito Control, Keys Energy System, Monroe chamber’s July membership luncheon. Pictured left to right are: Peter Rysman, attorney; shopping center developer David Garfunkel; Wal-Mart Public Affairs Director Glen Wilkins; Chamber President County School Board, and the Keys Aque- Nicki Will and land planner Owen Trepanier. duct Authority. The reason for these annual meetings is to review and discuss their proposed budgets for he dialogue between the local business community and Wal-Mart fiscal year 2015-2016. For many years the Economic representatives continued July 22nd when a Wal-Mart public affairs specialist Development Committee has met with local govern- T met with members of the Key West Chamber of Commerce to address some of their most pressing concerns. ment officials, reviewed proposed budgets, and asked Greg Wilkins, director of public affairs and governmental relations for Wal-Mart probing questions. Stores, Inc., presented an overview of the Wal-Mart Super Center that would occupy The mission of the Key West Chamber’s roughly one-third of a new shopping center being planned on Rockland Key. Wilkins then Economic Development Committee has been to answered questions submitted by chamber members during the lunchtime discussion. work with Chamber staff to obtain and analyze Wilkins acknowledged the community’s concerns and mixed emotions toward the retail giant, but vowed to maintain an open dialogue and a transparent planning process. data to understand current and future economic “If there are skeletons in the closet, if there are concerns, then let’s have the dialogue,” conditions and trends, which may affect the he said. “Whether we agree or not, let’s talk.” general business climate in Key West. At this time Traffic impacts, employment issues and local economic impacts emerged as some of the year there seems to be nothing more central of the top concerns, which Wilkins addressed following an introduction of the project to the business climate than the proposed tax proposed near Mile Marker 9. structure and assumptions that are the foundation Chamber Chowder The 135,000-square-foot Wal-Mart Super Center would be a 24-hour, full-service Wal-Mart featuring general merchandise, a full supermarket, fresh food, a vision center, a of these budgets. Vol. 17, No. 12 continued on page 34 hair salon and pharmacy offering Wal-Mart’s $4 prescription medication. “We decided people shouldn’t have to choose between their prescription medication and their food, so we started offering more than 400 medications for just $4,” Wilkins Table of Contents said, adding that other retailers like Target and Publix have since followed suit, which helps more consumers get more affordable medicine. Business Spotlight ...... 2 When asked whether the Rockland Key store would be open 24 hours, Wilkins said Chamber to Elect 5 Directors of the Board . . . . . 4 it is the norm for the chain’s Super Centers, and would be a convenience likely utilized by July 1st and 15th Elisa Levy Seminar ...... 5 this area’s hospitality workers and bartenders who often work until the early morning hours. Tom Sawyer 5 Star Program ...... 5 . “But each store manager has the authority to decide whether to keep their store open Business Trends ...... 6-7 24 hours a day,” Wilkins said. 27th Annual Trade Show Information ...... 8 He told chamber members that an average Super Center employs about 300 people Business After Hours ...... 9 working a combination of full-time and part-time jobs, but that figure varies widely New Members ...... 10 . . among different stores. Cruise Ship Calendar ...... 10 One other financial figure that interested chamber members was the starting hourly Community Calendar ...... 10 wages for Wal-Mart employees, who will have to be able to afford rents. “We understand we have to pay competitive wages,” Wilkins told the chamber audience. Dog Daze Promotion Program ...... 11. . Chamber Calendar of Events ...... 12 . continued on page 3 4 Page 1 Chamber Chowder August 2015 Vol. 18, No. 8 Spotlight Shines on ... Mike Petro, RE/MAX Keys Connection make all the puzzle pieces fit to facilitate a deal also has spent time in recent years lobbying for his and get the highest and best value.” profession in Tallahassee and Washington, DC. He used the example of a recent As incoming president of the Key West commercial property that had been on the Association of Realtors and a former board market for six years when he got the listing. member, Petro has represented local Realtors on “The property was appraised at $2.6 flood insurance issues and in their efforts to preserve million, but I ended up getting $4.6 million the federal mortgage interest tax deduction. for it,” Petro said. “It was a matter of getting “Without that tax deduction, why buy a the proper licenses and permits in place to home?” said Petro, who acknowledges that 2007 ensure the best possible use of the property. probably wasn’t the best time for him to enter the “The seller hadn’t originally owned their full-time real estate fray. “In 2007, properties were bay bottom, and didn’t have the license for a still selling and the banks were still lending money marina. With everything in place, the property without any support until things finally fell off.” had a much bigger potential for the buyer.” But Petro’s problem-solving skills with Each month, the Chamber of Commerce spotlights Key West’s outstanding tourism statistics have tough transaction kept him afloat. a business or professional person whose business card is made the island a destination market, Petro said, “We made it through the downturn, and now drawn at the Business After Hours. This month’s winner is Mike Petro, RE/MAX Keys Connection. adding that the island’s high average daily rates obviously the market is again doing very well.” for hotel rooms and impressive occupancy figures Petro is happy to meet with potential buyers rom cell phones to second homes, are attracting a host of international investors and sellers, and enjoys the location of the RE/ Mike Petro has spent his career in interested in owning Key West hotels and resorts. MAX Keys Connection office in the historic F some form of sales. “We’ve done business with Swedes, Russians Heritage House Museum at 410 Caroline St. Stop “I’ve always been in sales and sales and Italians, to name just a few,” said Petro, who by to see him there, or call 305-296-1400. management of some sort,” said the Key West Realtor who joined broker Curtis Skomp at RE/MAX Keys Connection in March. “One of the reasons I joined RE/MAX was to expand my commercial real estate experience.” Petro moved to the Keys in 2000 after selling a chain of cellular stores he had owned in the Boca Raton area. He obtained his real estate license in 2005, and at one time was both an active Realtor and the director of real estate advertising sales for the Key West Citizen newspaper. He left The Citizen in 2007 to focus solely on real estate transactions. “I’ve done both residential and commercial properties,” he said, adding that problem- solving is one of his stand-out skills. “I’m a good negotiator, and can solve problems to

The Chamber Chowder Heartily Thanks These Businesses for Their Generous Support of this Issue of the Newsletter Ernest Hemingway La Concha YP.com House Museum Crowne Plaza 9850 NW 41st St. 907 Whitehead Street 430 Duval Street Doral, FL 33178 Key West, FL 33040 Key West, FL 33040 305-482-2601 305-294-1136 305-296-2991 Porter Allen Old Town Key West Insurance Company Development 513 Southard Street 201 Front Street, Suite 301 Key West, FL 33040 Key West, FL 33040 305-294-2542 305-294-3225

Page 2 Chamber Chowder © August 2015 Vol. 18, No. 8 “Wal-Mart ...” continued from page 1 4 President’s Message continued from page 1 4 In a recent headline-making move, Wal- “That’s all up to FDOT, and it’s been my This seems like an especially critical Mart upped its starting salaries across the experience to ‘trust them, they’re here to help,’” year with numerous governmental country to ensure that every Wal-Mart associate Trepanier said wryly, remaining at the podium earns at least $9 per hour. The Arkansas-based to address some submitted questions about entities planning to increase various company has announced plans to further employee housing, another factor that the forms of revenue through taxes, fees, increase that to $10 per hour in the coming year. developers cannot entirely control. user fees and other forms of revenue One audience member asked Wilkins to Trepanier explained that the shopping center generation that generally falls to the address salary levels in a place — like the Keys property includes 33 residential building rights, businesses and individuals living within — where unemployment is unusually low. “But the county won’t let us build residential the Keys. The Economic Development Wilkins told chamber members about a housing on the site, so we’re working with Habitat store in an area of North Dakota that is home to for Humanity to put those building rights to use Committee intends to ask pointed oil rig workers and other skilled workers. in a Habitat community on .” questions, probe changes in revenue “There’s an area up there with almost When talk turned to retail pricing in the and expenses, and obtain information no unemployment, where our starting wages Keys, Wilkins returned to the podium, and said, that can be presented to the chamber as were something like $19 per hour,” Wilkins “We look at the area where our competition is. a whole in order to educate and inform said. “We know we have to pay better than My store has to have the lowest price. I want our members. the competition to get the best employees and to compete. I welcome competition. It makes we have to offer them a better package to get me run a cleaner, cheaper store with better It is also with heavy heart that them to stay.” customer service, so we’ll look at the prices of our I inform the membership that the The retailer also has to offer convenient competitors and will probably set prices in line chamber has recently lost one of access to its Super Center for both workers and with the Homestead/Florida City Wal-Mart.” its long time Board members, past shoppers, Wilkins said, addressing concerns He also got a few chuckles from the audience president and longtime supporter, about traffic impacts on U.S. 1. during a discussion about competition and Wal- Sharon Moore. A light dimmed much “We understand there’s only one way Mart’s impacts on locally owned shops. Wilkins in and out of the Keys,” he assured chamber assured the audience that Wal-Mart officials too early in life. As a businesswoman members, adding that the retailers are well aware know their store’s strengths and weaknesses. Sharon was a part of the Keys Business of the Keys’ commuter and tourist populations “Obviously, fashion isn’t one of our strengths,” Community for many years. As a who depend on U.S. 1 every day. “We also he said laughing. “So we’re not going to compete member of the chamber, Sharon will understand that people won’t want to come to with or affect a women’s clothing boutique.” always be remembered for her years our store if they have to sit in a line of cars for 10 One chamber member asked whether Wal- of leadership and support of chamber minutes to enter the shopping center. We know Mart had conducted any studies of local retailers we have to get this right.” that had closed after a Wal-Mart opened nearby. activities, most recently with a relentless And they’ll do everything in their power Wilkins said he did not know of or have any passion for the Education Committee to get it right, but local land planner Owen studies at hand, but said, “In my 11 years with Wal- and support for teachers and the youth Trepanier told the chamber audience that they Mart, we’ve seen that other businesses can thrive.” of our community. As a human being have no authority to install traffic signals or He reminded the audience that Wal-Mart we will never forget her beautiful smile change the timing of existing lights. does not carry the array of specialized items that “Those decisions are made by the Florida are available in smaller electronics shops and and the unique laugh. Department of Transportation, explained other niche retail outlets. Through Sharon’s leadership the Trepanier, who is working with shopping center Wilkins also emphasized his willingness to Education Committee continued to developer David Garfunkel to get the project work with local product manufacturers to get their work closely with school officials to permitted and approved by local, state and items on the local Wal-Mart shelves provided their maintain our scholarships, teacher federal government officials. production can keep up with the demand. fellowships, internships, and seminars. “We did a maximum-level traffic study “If we can make it work, I want to do it,” from the Triangle at the entrance to Key West, he said, acknowledging the new faces of Wal- The committee had designed the Tom to Big Pine Key,” Trepanier said. “We’re hoping Mart who were in Key West for this meeting, Sawyer Five Star Program to recognize to have a light at the driveway into the center, compared to the original trio of speakers who chamber members who donate with two lanes heading toward the mainland offered similar reassurances to the Keys business to the programs for teachers and that are unaffected by the light and continue community a few months ago. northbound. Then we’d like two left turn lanes students which includes the Honor Wilkins told the audience there would not be Roll of 100, Teacher Enrichment, into the shopping center.” a “revolving door of representatives” down here. He added that they would like to have the “I hope to be the continuing face for you Teacher Recognition, Mentoring, and traffic light blinking during non-peak hours, sponsoring classrooms. similar to the signal near Sugarloaf School, guys down here, and I hope to see you again which blinks yellow when the school is empty. soon,” he said, wrapping up his presentation and Thank you for your continued “But,” he reminded the audience, “We have promising to stick around after the luncheon to support of the chamber. Please let me no control over whether we get a light, or what address any additional concerns from individual know how we may better serve you. that light does. chamber members. Page 3 Chamber Chowder © August 2015 Vol. 18, No. 8 Key West Chamber Members to Elect Five Directors of the Board hirteen community-minded people are Association for Community Colleges, and he and he received the prestigious Hall of Fame vying for five seats on the board of the chairs the Commission for Academic Student Award in 2009. Danny is presently a trustee T Key West Chamber of Commerce. Some and Community Development. Gueverra and former chairman of the Historic Florida are up for re-election, while others are hoping to has consulted for colleges and businesses in Keys Foundation and is a long time member serve their first three-year term that will begin areas related to planned change, program of the Key West Military Affairs Committee. January 1, 2016. All candidates have expressed a development, evaluation and assessment. Through the Charley P. & Orsolina Toppino commitment to the business community and act as  Cara Higgins is an attorney and partner at Memorial Scholarship, he is a major sponsor the community’s eyes and ears. Horan, Wallace & Higgins who is dedicated of the Chamber’s Honor Roll of 100 TheThe Chamber of Commerce depends on to protecting her clients, their businesses, and scholarship program. them to help the organization serve local businesses. the Key West business community. She was  Linda Hamlin Russin has been a member of The Chamber Board consists of 15 elected directors elected to the Chamber Board in 2007 and to the Chamber since 2006 and has volunteered and 10 others who are appointed by the Nominating the Executive Committee in 2009 and 2010. with its Membership Committee since Committee. Ballots will be mailed to all Key West Cara was Chamber President in 2011 and 2007, bringing several members into the Chamber of Commerce members on August 1st and serves on the Image Committee. Cara is also organization, “Because I believe if you must be returned to the Chamber offices by 5:00 on the board of directors for the Florida Keys would like to market your company in Key p.m., August 18th. All members will be asked to vote Aqueduct Authority and the Lower Florida West, you should always market through the for five of the following 13 candidates introduced Keys Hospital District. She has also served Chamber.” Russin, whose background is in below in alphabetical order. as a past president of the Monroe County public relations, is now seeking a seat on the Bar Association, and was on the board of the Chamber board. She and her husband have  Joyce W. Benavides has owned Cayo Hueso Montessori Children’s School and Key West owned a residence in Key West and Island Cottages for more than two decades. She has Montessori Charter School. Cara is a Take 107.1 radio station since 1995. She is also been a proud member of the Chamber for Stock in Children mentor and a Key West active with the Rotary Club of Key West, more than 24 years and has served on the Rotary member. which named her Rotarian of the Year in board for the past six years. Joyce serves on  Mark Rossi has been active in the business 2015, and with the Key West Business Guild the Golf Tournament Committee, and co- community since 1984 when he opened the and the Key West Attractions Association. chairs the Membership Committee. She also Rick’s/ Durty Harry’s Entertainment Complex  Damian Vantriglia was born and raised donates her time and talents to several other on Duval Street. He has been the District 2 city in Key West. In 2001 he became a partner community-minded organizations, including commissioner since 2005 and currently serves with National Campaign Supply and for the the Silverliners, Sunset Rotary, Key West as vice mayor. Mark also is the representative past 14 years has provided strategic services Woman’s Club, Salvation Army, Navy League, for the city as the cruise ship and Fantasy Fest to public interest campaigns, such as tax Catholic Daughters of St. Mary’s Church, Old liaison. Mark has been an active chamber referenda and constitutional amendments. Firehouse Museum and the Gator Club. member since 1985 and is a current board He is a founding member of Hometown! PAC  Raquel Crummitt is a district manager for member. He serves on the Military Affairs and looks forward to serving the Chamber of JSA Promos & Print, a division of Brown Committee, and is involved in the Key West Commerce and the local business community. & Bigelow that specializes in promotional Rotary Club, Navy League, Sons of Italy, Elks As a partner and account executive with products, embroidery and screen printing. The Club and the Historic Military Memorial. Computer Doctor, Damian executes promotion to district manager allowed her  Catherine Smiley is the director of sales at the marketing & technology initiatives. His to expand her sales experience and expertise Doubletree by Hilton Grand Key Resort. She community involvement includes a number into South Florida and Key West, where her has served on the Chamber’s board for the past of organizations, including the advisory board grandmother and uncle have lived for 38 years. 11 years and is active within the organization’s of Monroe Computes, MARC, Hospice/VNA She has served on the Chamber board for the Image Committee and Candidate Forum picnic committee, Bahama Village Music past two years and is involved in several other Committee. “I value my Board membership, Program and Reef Relief. local organizations, including the Rotary Club as it allows me to actively participate in the  Joseph Walsh is a local restaurateur who of Key West, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging important contributions the Chamber makes to owns Caroline’s, Fogarty’s, Jack Flats, Redfish Association, Key West Attractions Association, our community,” Smiley said when announcing Bluefish, Mangoes and TGI Friday’s. As Key West Business Guild and the Lodging her candidacy for another three-year term. owner of Hayes Robertson Properties, Walsh Association of the Florida Keys & Key West.  Lynne Tejeda has been general manager and develops, owns, leases and manages residential  Ron Day took the helm as general manager CEO of Keys Energy Services since 2005, and real estate in Key West. He is currently of the Casa Marina and The Reach, both has worked for the utility since 1989. She is developing an affordable housing project on Waldorf Astoria resorts, in December 2014. active in the Florida Municipal Power Agency Big Coppitt Key and is a managing partner Ron has 25 years of leadership experience in (FMPA), where she currently serves as secretary of Waterfront Brewery at the Key West Bight. hotel management in the United States and of the board, and is vice chair of the Executive He has been a Chamber board member since Caribbean. He has managed resorts in Arizona, Committee. She is also a past president of 2013, serving on its Homeless Committee and Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Philadelphia and New the Florida Municipal Electric Association FIRM Committee. Joe is an avid fisherman York. He has a bachelor’s degree from Florida (FMEA). Tejeda has served on the Chamber and diver who is concerned about affordable State University’s College of Business; School board since 2006. She chairs the Image and workforce housing, as well as recruitment of Hotel & Restaurant Administration. He is Committee and is a member of the Chamber’s and retention of talented people for the Key an avid college football fan who also collects the Economic Development Committee. West community. works of artist and musician Ronnie Wood.  Daniel P. Toppino is currently the assistant  Kim Works has been involved in Key West  Dr. Jonathan Gueverra is president and CEO secretary/office manager of Charley Toppino media and advertising sales since her arrival in of Florida Keys Community College who has & Sons, Inc., and has previously served in the Florida Keys in 1985. She is currently an been a member of the Key West Chamber of several managerial capacities for Toppino’s, on-air announcer and sales director for Pirate Commerce for the past three years, serving on Inc. in both Key West and Naples. He Radio. Works has been a Chamber board its Economic Development Committee. He has served on the Key West Chamber of member since 1989 and was president of the holds an MBA and a doctorate in Education Commerce board since 1993, was treasurer Chamber in 1996. She has also been involved from University of Massachusetts and has in 1994 and 1995, and second vice-president with the TDC District Advisory Council, received numerous leadership awards. He in 1996. Toppino has either chaired or been a Leadership Monroe, Key West Sunrise Rotary also serves on the board of the American member of numerous Chamber committees, and the Red Barn Theatre.

Page 4 Chamber Chowder © August 2015 Vol. 18, No. 8 Support Our Local Educators and Students Through the Tom Sawyer 5 Star Program

HOW MANY STARS WILL YOU EARN FOR THE 2015/2016 Attendees at the July 1st and July 15th Elisa Levy’s Seminar on “Leadership, Management and Inspiring Others” were taught how to communicate assertively, hold staff accountable for doing SCHOOL YEAR? their work, correct inappropriate behaviors, and to engage and inspire your people to do their best. If you missed out, don’t worry we will have more seminars coming up in the future. We Earn your First Star by donating to would like to hear from you also, let us know the topics you would like to have presented. Stay up to date with our daily Facebook status, our weekly newsletter- the Chamber Chatter and the Teacher Recognition Program. our monthly newsletter- the Chamber Chowder. We are here to serve you. How to earn your Star: Share You’re Event Information A donation of 22 gifts from your company with a minimum value of $25.00 he Key West Chamber of Commerce strives for comprehensive each (for a total value of $550.00), or coverage and promotion of Key West events that benefit our local a cash donation of $550.00. These are Torganizations, businesses, citizens and visitors; however, we can combined into gift bags and are awarded only do this with your help! three times within the school year to a total We’d like to remind everyone that we do have an online calendar of of 22 outstanding Key West teachers. events that we are happy to add your organization events to. In addition, your Gifts or cash donations should be made event would be listed in our weekly newsletter, The Chamber Chatter, and to the Chamber before our October 28, our monthly newsletter, The Chamber Chowder, for all fellow members to see. Best of all—your event listing is free! To submit an event, please contact 2015 General Membership Meeting. Emily at [email protected] with your event details. For more information on how you can donate to the Teacher Recognition Program contact any member of our Education Visit Dan for Committee: FINANCING made easy! Teresa Axford, Monroe County School District Ms. Kate Bauer-Jones, United Centennial Bank’s local loan expert DAN understands Way of the Florida Keys the uniqueness of the islands, and he’s dedicated to Dr. Teri Beers-Rossi, Teri Beers-Rossi, MD, PA finding the perfect loan for you. Jennifer Barrios, Monroe County Schools We offer FNMA, FHLMC, FHA, VA and non-traditional Shannon Burgess, Mel Fisher Maritime Museum loans. Conventional, Jumbo, FNMA, FHLMC, FHA and VA Kay Miller, First State Bank of the Florida Keys Financing Available. Edward Perez, City of Key West Brittany Snyder, Florida Keys Community College Allison White, Monroe County Dan Blagriff, LOAN ORIGINATOR • NMLS 675375 Teachers Federal Credit Union 305-676-3146 • [email protected] Nicki L. Will, Ph.D., Lower Keys Medical Center Virginia Panico, KW Chamber of Commerce MY100BANK.COM A Home BancShares Company (Nasdaq:HOMB) or Contact the Chamber offices at 305-294-2587

Page 5 Chamber Chowder © August 2015 Vol. 18, No. 8 Key West International Airport Arrivals Passenger arrivals to Key West January 2010 - June 2015 International Airport in June 2015 totaled 25,284. This is an increase of 1.7% when compared to June of 2014. AirTran service began 12/2009 50,000 45,000 Southwest service ends 06/07/14 and Total pasenger arrivals for the first six Silver Airways assumes limited routes 40,000 Southwest acquired months of 2015 were 192,357. That is a AirTran 11/2012 13.2% decrease over the same period in 35,000 2014. However, this is similar to the 30,000 arrivals seen before Southwest began 25,000 service. Our monthly arrivals closely

Deplanements 20,000 mirrored 2012 coming into June, and we 15,000 are only 2.9% behind the arrivals to date 10,000 in 2012. 5,000 Losses from Air Tran & Cape Air have 0 largely been picked up by American & Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Silver, with Delta & US Air contributing. Source: Key West International Airport

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 A total of 35,358 cruise ship passengers disembarked in Key West during June Key West Cruise Ship Passengers 2015. This was 27.8% lower than June January 2010 - June 2015 2014, which saw 48,950 passengers 120,000 disembark.

100,000 For the six months of 2015, cruise ship arrivals saw 418,672 passengers disembark from 184 port calls. While port 80,000 calls are down 4.7% so far for 2015, passenger counts are down 8.6% over the 60,000 same period in 2014. Passengers 40,000 The cruise ship schedule for August to October 2015 compared to the same three 20,000 months in 2014 is shown below:

0 Number of Ships Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2014 2015 August 13 11 Source: City of Key West Port Operations September 15 14 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 October 20 16 Source: Key West International Airport

Key West Bed Tax Collections Reported Bed Tax Collections for Key January 2010 - May 2015 West were $1,564,583 for May 2015, an 2,500,000 increase of 4.3% compared to May 2014. Triangle Properties offline BP Oil Spill 4/20/10 2,000,000 for renovation 6/16/13 According to Smith Travel, May 2015 (519 Beds) 4th Penny Tax occupancy was 86.6%, a 1.9 percentage Implemented 6/1/09 point decrease from the May 2014 1,500,000 occupancy rate of 88.5%.

The Average Daily Rate (ADR) was 1,000,000 reported at $274.49 for May 2015, an

Bed Tax Collections in Dollars in Collections Tax Bed increase of 1.8% from the ADR of

500,000 $269.57 posted for May 2014. This ADR of $274.49 is the highest recorded for the month of May. This continues the record 0 of 64 months where the ADR has been Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec higher than the previous year. In fact, the Source: Monroe County Tax Collector last 50 months are all-time records for each month. 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Page 6 Chamber Chowder © August 2015 Vol. 18, No. 8 Chowder Trends Special Focus: Key West Property Tax (Part I ) Municipal Budget process is Underway with a 10.3177 Millage Proposal*

Homestead Values Increase Mosquito Control % Total Property District 0.5019 Taxes 5% Down City of Key West 2.9354

0.8 Monroe County $2.67 2.9753 28% to $4,746.14 29% On a $460,000 Homestead valuation in Key West* Water Mgt Districts Property values in Key West increased citywide by 7.5% 0.3551, 4% this year. A “Roll-Back” in property tax rates will be Public Schools necessary this year to avoid a tax increase on property 3.5500 owners whose increases have not been capped. 34%

In next month's Chamber Chowder we will discuss how to review your "TRIM Notice" and provide more information to help you participate in the public hearing process. Public input is critical to the budget process. Proposed Millage Rates for Key West* Your local officials are elected to serve you; for them to properly do that you must let your voice be The chart above shows the composition mix of your heard. Remember that it's your money they’re property tax, as currently proposed. spending and the tax rates can be changed. The chart on the right, has a blue line connecting the City of Key West millage rates for the City of Key West's General Fund for Property Values, Millage Rates, & Ad Valorem Taxes the Tax Roll Years of 2002 through 2015, compared with Tax Roll Years 2002 through 2015* property values for the same period. Declines in property

20.0 3.5000 values does not automatically mean lower taxes, as the 18.0 3.0000 red line shows connecting the amount of Ad Valorem 16.0 taxes levied during the period. Note that the tax bills 14.0 2.5000 levied bear little relationship to property values. Ad 12.0 2.0000 10.0 Valorem taxes are assessed based on what a government 8.0 1.5000 thinks will be required to provide services that it believes 6.0 1.0000 4.0 the residents want. 0.5000 2.0 Property Value in Billions of Dollars in Billions Value Property

Ad Valorem taxes Ad Valorem of Dollars in Millions 0.0 0.0000 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Value of Taxable $1,000 per Rate Millage One should be mindful that the millage rate is not the

Property Value Ad valorem Millage Rate final objective. The focus should be on how government *2015 millage rates are proposed numbers, subject to change. is spending your tax dollars, by attending budget meetings and speaking out. Your Chamber of Commerce will be at these meetings, keeping you informed. Didn't fill out a Citizen Survey? call or email your Commissioner.... or tell them face to face

VOTE ! August

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 KWCity| CityofKeyWest‐FL.gov Calendar Legislative find budget information under Finance Department 2345678 MC| MonroeCounty‐FL.gov find budget information under Budget & Finance Department MCSD| KeysSchools.com 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 find budget information under Finance Department FKMCD| KeysMosquito.org 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 5:30p - FKMCD call for budget information Workshop FKAA| FKAA.com 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 find budget information under Reports 6:00p - MCSD 10:00a - FKAA Workshop Final Hearing

KES| KeysEnergy.com 30 31 5:00p - KES find budget information under Financial Information Workshop from the About KEYS menu

Page 7 Chamber Chowder © August 2015 Vol. 18, No. 8

The Key West Chamber of Commerce and Waste Management Present the 27th Annual “Showcase of Key West Businesses” Trade Show at the Key West Marriott Beachside Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Open from 3:00p.m. to 5:00p.m., for the General Public, and the members only Business After Hours continuing from 5:30p.m. to 7:30p.m.

ListenListe forn f ouror t hfuturee pro promotionsmotions of ofth ethe sh showow o onn t hthee r radioadio aandnd iinn print!print!

The Key West Chamber of Commerce offers you an opportunity to showcase your business during the Business Trade Show at the Key West Marriott Beachside. Last year as in previous years this highly successful show was sold out, with more than 400 people attending making it a fun day for all. This year’s trade show hours will be 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with a ½ hour break at 5:00 p.m. to prepare for the members only Business After Hours sponsored by the Key West Marriott Beachside.

We encourage you to participate in this year’s trade show to display the products and information your business offers. As an exhibitor you will receive maximum exposure from residents and members of the business community who look forward to this show yearly. Don’t forget to provide giveaways as an added attraction resulting in a greater marketing exposure for your business.

BOOTH SIZES AVAILABLE Presented by: Oversized Corner Booths: Located in the four corners of the room, Extended Wall Booths: A limited ideal for oversized displays. The booth number of wall spaces with extended space includes a six foot draped table. space on both sides are available. $600.00 *Please contact Chamber for details and pricing. Standard Wall Booths: Located along the perimeter of the room, Center Room Booths: located in the ideal for back drops and free standing inside of the room and ideal for table top displays. The booth space includes a six displays. $375.00. foot draped table, all displays cannot be Co-Sponsored by: wider than six feet, and not to extend OMI/CH2M beyond one foot from the wall. $475.00 For more information or to reserve your booth contact:

Kerry Baker 305-294-2587 [email protected] 510 Greene Street, 1st Floor Key West, FL 33040

Page 8 Chamber Chowder © August 2015 Vol. 18, No. 8 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS | CHRISTMAS IN JULY “TOYS FOR TOTS” | WEDNESDAY, JULY 15TH, 2015

Co-Sponsored by: The Key West Chamber of Commerce,The Hard Rock Café, and Winn Dixie

Page 9 Chamber Chowder © August 2015 Vol. 18, No. 8 Cruise Ship Schedule Welcome New Members! August 2015 08/01 NO SHIPS 08/02 NO SHIPS 08/03 Carnival Freedom 10:00am-6:00pm 08/04 Ecstasy 7:30am-1:30pm 08/05 NO SHIPS 08/06 Majesty of the Seas 9:30am-6:00pm 08/07 NO SHIPS 08/08 NO SHIPS 08/09 NO SHIPS 08/10 Carnival Freedom 10:00am-6:00pm 08/11 Ecstasy 7:30am-1:30pm 08/12 NO SHIPS 08/13 Majesty of the Seas 9:30am-6:00pm 08/14 Carnival Victory 7:00am-2:00pm The Key West Chamber of Commerce welcomed seven new members during its July 08/15 NO SHIPS luncheon at the Marriott Beachside Hotel. From left, New member Julie Crane of 08/16 NO SHIPS U.S. Health Advisors; Membership Co-Chair Joyce Benavides; new members Robert 08/17 NO SHIPS Lockwood; Eugenia Simons of The Gates Hotel; Kristina Welburn of 211 Helpline 08/18 Ecstasy 7:30am-1:30pm of the Keys; Tom Whitney of the Fairfield Inn & Suites; Zachary Branum of Florida 08/19 NO SHIPS Keys Pressure Washing; Key West Chamber of Commerce President Nicki Will and 08/20 Majesty of the Seas 9:30am-6:00pm Membership Co-Chair Kim Works. Seacamp/New Harbor Marine Institute (not 08/21 NO SHIPS pictured) also recently joined the chamber. 08/22 NO SHIPS 08/23 NO SHIPS 2-1-1 Helpline of the Keys 08/24 NO SHIPS P.O. Box 2186 08/25 NO SHIPS Key West, FL 33045 08/26 Majesty of the Seas 9:30am-6:00pm 305-295-0136 Robert Lockwood www.switchboardmiami.org 18 Allamanda Terrace 08/28 Carnival Victory 7:00am-2:00pm Key West, FL 33040 08/29 NO SHIPS Contact: Kristina Welburn Non Profit Association 305-791-0021 08/30 NO SHIPS www.robertlockwood.org Fairfield Inn & Suites Contact: Robert Lockwood The Keys Collection Associate Member Community Calendar 3852 No. Roosevelt Blvd. Sponsored by: Robin Lockwood, MD Key West, FL 33040 305-320-0910 Seacamp/New Harbor August 2015 Contact: Thomas Whitney Marine Institute Hotel 1300 Big Pine Avenue 8/2 Big Pine Key, FL 33043 22nd Annual Battle Florida Keys Pressure Washing 305-872-2331 1216 B Gilmore Drive of the Bars, www.seacamp.org Key West, FL 33040 Contact: Grace Upshaw www.schoonerwharf. 305-407-5666 Not for Profit – Marine Science Camp com 305-292-3302 www.keyspressurewashing.com 8/6-9 Key West LobsterFest, Contact: Zachary Branum US Health Advisors www.keywestlobsterfest.com Cleaning Exterior – Pressure Washing 412 Caroline Street 305-296-7170 Key West, FL 33040 The Gates 305-797-6361 The Keys Collection 8/13-16 Tropical Heat 305-292-3223 www.ushagent.com/JulieCrane 3824 No. Roosevelt Blvd. Contact: Julie Crane 8/14-16 2nd Annual Mystery Key West, FL 33040 Health Insurance Brokerage Writer’s Key West 305-320-0930 Fest michaelhaskins@ www.gateshotelkeywest.com bellsouth.net & www. Contact: Eugenia Simons Hotel mysterywriterskeywestfest.com

Page 10 Chamber Chowder © August 2015 Vol. 18, No. 8 Key West Tropical Forest El Meson De Pepe – 410 residents, from 5:30pm-7:30pm & Botanical Garden - 5210 Wall Street, Mallory Square daily, enjoy one of our delicious College Rd., 10% off for locals dinner entrees for only $24.95 Buy One, Get One Free Hard Rock Café – LODGING Admission. Children under 12 free. 313 Duval St. Avalon Bed & Breakfast Ripley’s Believe It or Buy One Drink. Get One Free. * Of equal or lesser value – 1317 Duval St. Sponsored Not – 108 Duval St. Book a two or more night ($6.75 value). One coupon $2.00 off Admission to Ripley’s stay Sun.-Thurs. receive a by: per person per visit. Believe It or Not! Odditorium or complimentary bottle of wine. Kelly’s Caribbean Bar & Promotion dates: Aug. 1-31, 2015 Ripley’s Haunted Lock-Down. Best Western Key Grill – 301 Whitehead St. Ambassador – 3755 ACTIVITIES BOATING 10% off food and liquor. Excludes happy hour and other promotions S. Roosevelt Blvd. Audubon House & Afternoon Delight – Stay 3 nights get 4th night Tropical Gardens – 230 Margaret St. Margaritaville Cafe 50% off rack price. Not valid 205 Whitehead St. Mention this ad and get $75.00 – 500 Duval St. with any other discounts. 2 for 1 Adult Admission discount! 305-296-0600 10% off food, beverage, or retail. Dolphin Research Center – Must present local ID for discount. Cayo Hueso Resort – MM59, Overseas Hwy, Grassy Charterboat Ramerezi 509-515 United St. Key $3.00 off general admission – 1801 N. Roosevelt Blvd. Marriott Beachside 10% off nightly rack rate $50.00 discount from Tavern-N-Town – 3841 Ernest Hemingway website published rates N. Roosevelt Blvd. Crowne Plaza La Concha Home & Museum – Danger Charters – Westin For locals only, be seated by 6:30 – 430 Duval St. 907 Whitehead St. $4.50 Appetizers and Drinks Marina, 305-304-7999 pm and every entrée on the menu 10% off of any $25 or is $19.95; good seven days a week. during Happy Hour 20% off when you book 2 more purchase at the Ernest Wine-O: 10% Off with Local separate excursions, 10% off Hemingway Home & Museum Pier House Resort ID, Complimentary 2oz. when you book one excursion. Bookstore/Giftshop – 1 Duval St. tastings from 12pm-4pm, Wedding Service: 20% off 15% off dinner (excludes alcohol) get your 12th Bottle Free the trip and the ceremony Dolphin Research Center and a complimentary piece of Key – MM59, Overseas Fury Water Adventures Lime pie with the purchase of Duval Gardens – Hwy, – 237 Front St. two entrees. Local ID required. 1012 Duval St. $3.00 off general admission 10% off any Fury Tour Stay two or more nights Sun. – Pinchers Crab Shack Thurs. or three nights over any Key West Butterfly and Sea-Clusion Charter – 712 Duval St. weekend and save 10% per night Nature Conservatory Sport Fishing – 5950 Free Drink or Dessert – 1316 Duval St. Hyatt Key West- Peninsula Ave., Slip 650 Rusty Anchor Seafood – ½ price admission and 10% 601 Front St. $50.00 off any charter when 5501 5th Ave., Stock Island off merchandise for locals. you mention the Chamber Locals receive 20% discount at Must have Local ID. 10% off your order. Offer excludes Shor Restaurant, Blue Mojito Sunset Watersports – alcohol and cannot be used Bar and Jala Spa with Valid ID. Key West Golf Club – Book: 855-9SUNSET with any other promotions. 6450 W. College Rd. 10% off any Sunset Southernmost Point Free Bucket of Range Balls Subway- 422 Eaton St. Watersports Tour Any Cold Cut Combo or Ham Guesthouse – 1327 Key West Premier Foot long Sub for $5.00 Duval St. Helicopters DINING 10% off nightly rack rate The Reach Resort – 3491 S. Roosevelt Blvd. Croissants De France, Le Spencer’s By The Sea – Vacasa – www.vacasa. Take 15% off ANY Helicopter Bistro – 816 Duval St. 1435 Simonton St. com/usa/florida or Tour and receive FREE Shuttle Free Key Lime Crepe or Mimosa For our valued Monroe County 850-583-2899 Service TO and FROM Airport! with purchase of entrée. Page 11 Chamber Chowder © August 2015 Vol. 18, No. 8 Book your stay within seven days Hog’s Breath Saloon SERVICES JRM Bookkeeping and of arrival and save 25% off the – 400 Front St. Accounting Services nightly rate on most properties. 15% off in-store purchases. A Simple Wedding – – 3706 N. Roosevelt Some restrictions apply. RETAIL 1125 Angela St. Blvd., Suite I-208 Islamorada Beer Company Receive a free DVD 15% off all accounting and Abaco Gold – 418 Front St. slideshow with your wedding booking services; and bookkeeping – 82229 Overseas Hwy package. A $75.00 value package starting at $99 a month 15% off any purchase except Rolex 10% off Your Visit Alan S. Maltz Gallery Key West Aloe Boulevard Business Center Just Shoot Me Photoz – – 1210 Duval St. – 416 Greene St. – 3706 N. Roosevelt 1107 Key Plaza, #328 Free $50 poster as well as 15% and 1075 Duval St. Blvd. Suite i-208 15% Discount Photo’s Same Day off all limited edition prints Buy One Salt Scrub, Get Key West Premier Virtual Keys Federal Credit Union another Salt Scrub ½ off! Diamonds International Office Solution – 3022 N. Roosevelt $69/Month ($95 Value) – 129 Duval St. Key West Handbags & Blvd. – Key Plaza Free Heart Necklace with More – 531 Southard St. Choice Storage Centers 0.25% off new auto, any purchase or/and Free 10% off anything in the store – 2600 N. Roosevelt Blvd boat or personal loan rate Tanzanite Slide & Omega three months for the price of (restrictions may apply) Necklace with any Tanzanite Kutchey’s Flowers two! 3rd month is FREE. Pirate Radio – 951 Purchase. (Valued at $100.00) in Key West – 1223 Firma IT Solutions Caroline St. Diva Designs White St., Suite 101 – www.firmaitss.com Summer Menu Guide - – 218 Whitehead St., #3 Monday’s 3pm-5:30pm 50% off all $300 per month and they’ll & 305-302-4617 spotlight your restaurant on 10% off any purchase fresh cut flowers. Cash & Carry. 35% off on-site computer air and online every day! La Naturelle – 604 services including retainers. Emeralds International T.E.M. Environmental A Duval St. Regular Price $ 165/hr – 104 Duval St. & Mechanical Services 10% locals discount on Store Wide 30% Off – 3210 Flagler Ave. purchase. Free cleaning and – 3015 Overseas Hwy. 10% Discount for Chamber inspection of your jewelry. Naples Soap Company Buy one get one free print retail Members on Duet Cleaning Service $25.00 off one ring sizing. – 128 Duval St. advertising or digital ad (on 20% off entire purchase at time keysinfo.net) on regular rate card. TRANSPORTATION Fairvilla Mega Store of sale. Code: KWCH2015 – 25% off regular rated/priced – 524 Front St. classified display ad or line ad. Key West Express – 15% off a purchase (does Ron Jon Surf Shop not include sale items). – 503 Front St. Florida Keys Pressure 100 Grinnell St. 15% off purchase of $30 or Washing – 1216 B $50.00 off roundtrip full fare Fishbusterz more, exclusions may apply Gilmore Dr. for travel originating from Key West. Must present valid – 6406 Maloney Dr. 10% off all services Key West driver’s license. 10% off all of Our fresh seafood Small Dog Electronics Cannot be combined with Hog, Black & Red – 1001 Truman Ave. Flow Spa – 508 other offers or online providers. Grouper, Yellow, etc. Buy a new iPad with Applecare+ Southard St., #105 and get a free car charger 10% off all spa services Reservations required. Florida Keys SPCA – and lightning cable. Island Safari – 424 Four Star Rentals – 5216 5230 College Rd. Greene St. US 1, MM 4.5, Stock Island “Name Your Own Price” on all Tervis – 431 Front 10% off Any Rental adoptions/fee for every animal for the St., Unit 3 10% off all rentals Sunshine Scooters – entire month of August. For locals Select Tumblers for $5.00 Island 107 – 1075 only, must show local id for discount. when you spend $50.00 1910 N. Roosevelt Blvd. Duval St. #C17, 10% off Bicycle, Scooter, Buy one commercial, get two free, and Electric Car Rentals must purchase from rate sheet.

Page 12 Chamber Chowder © August 2015 Vol. 18, No. 8 CHAMBER CHOWDER© 510 Greene Street ~ 1st Floor, Key West www.keywestchamber.org Key West Chamber Calendar of Events EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE August 2015 September 2015 Nicki Will, President Business After Hours Lower Keys Medical Center/294-9200 Date: Wednesday, August 5th 26th Annual Key West Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm Chamber of Commerce Greg Sullivan, Vice President Hosted by: Key West Woman’s “Showcase of Key West Businesses” Waste Management/434-9140 Club - Hellings House Museum Community and Business Location: 319 Duval Street Exposition Trade Show Randy Moore, Treasurer Wednesday, September 16th Members Only Networking Event First State Bank/296-6231 Location: Marriott Beachside 3841 North Roosevelt Blvd Sam Holland/Secretary Presented by: The Key West The Conch House/293-0020 Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting Sponsored by: Waste Management, Inc. Robin Lockwood MD, Past President Date: Wednesday, August 26th Co-sponsored by: OMI/CH2M Robin Lockwood, MD/296-2212 Noon 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Open to the Public Candidates Forum for Melissa Kendrick, Appointee Key West City Commission Business After Hours Mel Fisher Maritime Museum/294-2633x24 Moderator: Mr. Wayne Markham, “Showcase of Key West Businesses” former publisher of The Keynoter Community and Business Cara Higgins, Appointee Exposition Trade Show Location: Key West Marriott Beachside Wednesday, September 16th Horan, Wallace & Higgins, LLP/294-4585 Please RSVP to the Chamber Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Virginia A. Panico, Executive Vice President at 305-294-2587 or email: Sponsored by: Marriott Beachside [email protected] Members Only Networking Event Key West Chamber of Commerce/294-2587 General Membership Meeting

Business After Hours Date: Wednesday, September 28th Noon Date: Thursday, August 27th Speaker: TBA CHAMBER STAFF Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm Topic: TBA Hosted by: Spencer’s By The Location: Key West Marriott Beachside Virginia A. Panico Sea, The Reach Resort Please RSVP to the Chamber Executive Vice President Location: 1435 Simonton Street at 305-294-2587 or Members Only Networking Event Via email: committees@ Steven Weed keywestchamber.org Director of Research Chamber Chowder Vol. 17, No. 12 Lesley Cuttler Executive Assistant Kerry Baker Membership Director/Special Events Coordinator Gladys Clarks Tourist Information Receptionist Emily Brogdon, Nancy Caruthers Office Assistants/Tourist Information Operators Virginia A. Panico Newsletter Editor Cindy Jefferson Art Director

Page 13 Chamber Chowder August 2015 Vol. 18, No. 8