Thank you Business After Hours for another Chamber After Hours successful April 10th 5:30-Sunset (Rain or Shine) Marathon Seafood Festival!!!!

Chamber Luncheon - April 16

Guest Speaker: Marc Dubin, Esq., ADA Expertise Consulting, LLC Topic: What you can do to protect your business/website from ADA lawsuits RSVP Required. Space is limited. Chamber of Commerce Continuing Education Scholarship is back! See application on page 16 Please welcome our new members! US FOODS NATIVE TAXI KEYS LAWN & ORNAMENTAL CARE KMART Keys, FL Keys Wide, FL 92329 Overseas Hwy 5561 Overseas Hwy Tel: 704-467-5131 Tel: 305-304-9932 Tavernier, FL 33070, Tel: 305-901-8950 Marathon, FL 33050, Tel: 305-743-9434 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Chamber Ambassadors: Anne O’Bannon, Mike Puto, Sandra Bradshaw, Kristen Livengood, Trish Hintze, Jill Bell, Simone Stanton and Christina McIntyre Chamber Email/Internet Member Referral Program Member Meetings Marketing Program Please email or call for more information on our Anytime a current member of the Chamber suc- BPW/Marathon meets the 1st Thursday of each month. newest marketing program! We will be sending out cessfully refers another business to join, they will 5:30pm at the Hyatt/Faro Blanco Lighthouse Grill monthly email blasts to a growing list of visitors receive $25 in “Chamber Bucks!” Chamber Bucks Zonta Club meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month at (14,000+) and travel writers (300+). The email blast can be used to attend monthly luncheon meetings 5:30pm at the Country Club will consist of up to 20 business listings (includes or for advertising opportunities through our web- Habitat for Humanity meets the 3rd Monday picture/logo, contact info and website link) as well as site or newsletter. of every month at 6pm at new office 8055 O/S Hwy a calendar of events. This blast is a great way to get noticed by travel writers and potential visitors. Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at 12:00pm at Marathon Lions Club meets the 4th Monday of every month at the Elks Lodge The cost is only $35/month to participate. the Florida Keys Country Club (305) 743-5417 or [email protected] Keys AHEC Senior Fitness Classes (ages 55+) at Key Colony City Hall Every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday Chamber Member Recap Monthly Stats at 8am Call 305-743-7111 ext 204 New Members This Month: 4 February 2019 Keys AHEC Free Quit Smoking Help Tues 10:30am & Total Members: 550 Total Visitors 2731(daily ave. 97) Thurs 5:00pm in Gulfside Village Visitor Center Recap Without Reservations 58% Check our “Where to Play” section of the Total Members: 104 Top State FL Chamber’s website for yoga, paint classes, Top Country Canada live music, local themed nights and more! Check out the "Where to Play" section of the Chamber's website for yoga, dance, paint classes and more! In Other News... Please call/email and let us know about upcoming events or community news for our newsletter, social media pages and online calendar. Or take advantage of our advertising opportunities with a flyer or ad space! 305-743-5417 or [email protected]. Or Submit Your Own Event! Now YOU can submit your own events to our online calendar. Visit www.floridakeysmarathon.com and Click to Submit Your Event or call the Chamber for details.

Executive Membership Circle Starfish Level The Art Studio Angelfish Level Iberia Bank • First State Bank • Hawks Cay • Florida Keys Media • Mt. Sinai Cardiology of the Keys Isla Bella Beach Resort • Florida Keys Electric Co-op Marathon Marina & Boatyard Seahorse Level Centennial Bank • BB&T Bank Keys Federal Credit Union • D’Asign Source Fishermen’s Community Hospital Weekly Newspaper • Marlin Bay Yacht Club Chamber Luncheon Hosted by Angler & Ale

Trish Worthington and Becky King of Iberia Bank Darrell Birkhimer and Steve Horne Colin Chapman of Native of Florida Keys Electric Co-op Irrigation and Tyler Gautier of Plantation Tree Landscape

Mr. & Mrs. Sandra Bradshaw Guest speaker Leah Stockton of United Way, Josh enjoying the delicious cuisine Mothner of Coldwell Banker Schmitt, Margie Smith with Florida SBDC at FIU MARATHON EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

Every Friday Light It Up Blue April 17 10am-2pm Appliance & furniture sale Autism Awareness Charity Event History of Diving Museum presents Immerse Yourself to benefit Habitat for Humanity 5:30pm – 9:00pm $50/person ($25 under 12) Free presentation series: Citizen Science & You! 1700 Overseas Hwy For info: 305-743-9828 ext.3 Hilton Hampton Inn, Marathon 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7pm 13351 Call 305-664-9737 or www.divingmuseum.org Thru April 6 All proceeds benefit the Autism Society of the Keys Florida Keys Watercolor Society presents: (a 501c3 Non-Profit) April 19 37th Annual Judged Exhibition Caribbean Style Dinner catered by Irie Island Eats 7th Annual Call-a-Thon to Feed the Felines The exhibit can be viewed from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entertainment by Reel Ting Steel Drums 8am-7pm fundraiser for Forgotten Felines each Thursday, Friday and Saturday thru April 6, Silent Auction The first $5,000 will be matched and during evenings before the curtain and during Tickets & Info: Jill Campbell 305-942-5172 by Richie Moretti of the Turtle Hospital! intermission of the Marathon Community Theatre’s A donation of any amount is appreciated Performance of “La Cage aux Folles.” Take a chance Drive-In Movie at Marathon Community Park and 100% tax deductible on winning one of two original framed watercolors presents Grease PLEASE CALL donated by acclaimed artists. Tickets are 6 tickets 6pm (Gates open at 5pm) 305-743-2520 or 305-942-1553 for $5- 13 tickets for $10- and 30 tickets for $20 $20 per vehicle Or drop a check to Brutus Restaurant Advance Registration Needed – Space is Limited Or donate via paypal keysforgottenfelines.org April 2 (Registration Closes March 29th) Food For Thought – Whole Food Cooking Class For applications: April 20 6PM – 8PM $60/person www.ci.marathon.fl.us/government/parks Easter Egg Hunt at Aquarium Encounters With Holistic Health Coach Summer Delaine 10am – FREE with General Admission Summer will teach participants whole food, April 10 Children 0 – 12 with adult supervision plant-based vegan recipes. You will get to eat Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce After Hours www.Floridakeysaquariumencounters.com a full meal during the class and take home the Hosted by the Turtle Hospital and First State Bank recipes. 5:30pm – Sunset (rain or shine) April 20 MENU: Appetizers catered by Lighthouse Grill Adult Easter Egg Hunt Starter: Rustic Sundried Tomato and Olive Tapenade Beer, Wine, Soda and Water 6:30-7:30pm at Overseas Pub & Grill Main: Creamy Polenta Pie with Roasted Spring Music by John Bartus Find the GOLDEN eggs and win prizes! Vegetables and Kale Salad Drink & Food Specials Dessert: Almond Milk Hot Cocoa April 13 Space is Limited. CALL 305-743-3297 Marathon Pentathlon 2019 April 21 to reserve a spot The Conch Shell blowing at 8 am starts the events Happy Easter! hosted by Banana Bay Resort. The movie Check your local newspapers for Keys Fishing Seminar "The Marathon Pentathlon, 2019" will Premier Easter services keyswide Presented by Captain Chris Johnson at The Marathon Cinema later in the springtime. of SeaSquared Charters Ten partnering local non-profits equally share in April 28 Topic: Dolphin 100% of all registration fees. Foot Race, Swim Race, United Way’s Pre-Kentucky Derby Brunch Hyatt Place Conference Center at Kayak Race, Stand Up Paddle Board Race, a series 11:30am-2:00pm at Lobster Crawl Bar & Grill Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club of coordination tasks. Each of the 5 events are on For details: 305-743-5305 capped at 45 registrants Join us and help us kick off Derby week Keys style www.SeaSquaredCharters.com www.TheMarathonGames.com with delicious food and drink, music, costume contests, raffles and lots of Derby fun! April 4-6 Easter Egg Hunt - 10am at Martin Luther Chapel Marathon Community Theater presents: & Martin Luther School April 28-May 2 La Cage aux Folles 325 122nd Gulf, Marathon Faro Blanco Invitational Tarpon Tournament La Cage… is a bevy of sight, gags, wildly drawn Ages 0-10 This team tournament, with 2-4 anglers per team/ characters, and rompery, truly the fabric of a farce. Egg hunt, games, crafts, snacks & more! boat, allows anglers to fish three nights with three Here amidst the age-old triangle of mother, father For details: 305-289-0700 different Captains at three different bridges: Bahia and child we find a real family. Honda, and the world-famous Seven Mile Art exhibit viewing available before curtains April 13-14 Bridge(s) in the heart of tarpon season. A charity and during intermission 5th Annual Pops Stiglitz Co-Ed Softball Tournament tournament, the event’s proceeds benefit Ronald www.marathontheater.org for tickets Marathon Community Park McDonald House charities. and showtimes All proceeds benefit Marathon High School students For details: Donna Vankirk 305-393-0699 furthering their education April 6 For more info: 305-731-3800 38th Annual 7 Mile Bridge Run Bridge closes 6:45am-9:00am April 16 Race starts at 7:20am Chamber Luncheon Packet pick up and limited parking at Switlik. Key Colony Inn Busses available to drop off at starting line Noon – 1pm Awards ceremony at the shore of 33rd Street Ocean $16.00 per person https://www.7mbrun.com/race-day-details/ RSVP: [email protected]

LOOKING BACK WHILE MOVING FORWARD

Another successful Marathon Seafood Festival is in the books! Thank you to all our sponsors, supporters, volunteers, staff, organizers, etc. for coming together to ensure our community and visitors experienced another amazing seafood festival. I am so honored and proud of what our annual event does for our community! The economic impact (via visitor spending & circulation of monies) eclipsed $6 million; and proceeds from this event help to fund our annual Business Beautification Grants ($20,000), Continuing Education Grants for members ($10,000), as well as our MHS and Take Stock in Children Scholarships ($12,000). Of course our event partner, the Marathon Organized Fishermen of Florida (OFF) also use event proceeds to fund the tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships, youth sports, and other beneficial donations they make each year. Not to mention working with the state of Florida OFF that lobbies and works with state officials to ensure the viability of our commercial fishing industry. Lastly, via our tip jars at this year’s event we were able to donate over $2,800 towards the St. Columba Housing Program/Foundation which is building and rehabbing workforce housing here in Marathon (over 12 units will soon be available for rent).

You will also soon start hearing about our annual Business Beautification Program and Member Continuing Education Grants. Between these two programs your Chamber Board will award $30,000 to invest in improving the aesthetic/visual appeal of your business as well as furthering you and our members’ education, skills, and abilities. This is something your Chamber Board is very proud to do with the understanding that a better looking Marathon and better trained and educated workforce equals a better performing and more prosperous Islands of Marathon. We will also host our second Best Practices Business Breakfast in May so keep a lookout and sign up to attend. Our initial breakfast was a hit and we received high praise from members who attended.

I recently got back from another successful Florida Keys Day event in Tallahassee, our state capital. This is where we lobby and promote our legislative efforts to state leaders and policy makers. It’s an amazing example of Keys leaders working together for the greater good. Please know your Marathon Chamber will always lobby and advocate on what is best for our business community and your quality of life.

Have a great April everyone; please be sure to contact us for any business assistance, needs, referrals, and anything else you may need. After all we exist to serve you, our valued business-member!

Most Respectfully,

Daniel Samess, M.S. • CEO Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce • (305) 743-5417 [email protected] • www.FloridaKeysMarathon.com • www.RelocateToTheFloridaKeys.com • www.MarathonSeafoodFest.com

Chamber After Hours Hosted by Crane Point

Chamber Director Jeff Smith of First State Bank, Patrick Stevens Christina McIntyre of Food for Thought and Deputy City Manager George Garrett, of Wolfe Stevens PLLC, and Chamber CEO Daniel Samess Lori Gaukel of Shady Palm Photography Julie Johnson of Time Out Magazine and Jason Koler of the Weekly newspaper

Fisher and Joseph play pirates aboard the Ninos de los Cayos

Chamber Ambassador Sandra Bradshaw and her boyfriend Archie Tom, Hannah and Kaylee Cook, Cathy and Jeanette enjoying the hammocks new owners of Causeway Pizza at Crane Point Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce • 2018/2019 Board of Directors Steve Hurley-Chairman Yunior Rodriguez-Director DDAI/David Douglas Associates, Inc Hawks Cay Resort Patrick Stevens-Director 11400 Overseas Hwy 61 Hawks Cay Blvd Wolfe Stevens PLLC Marathon, FL 33050 • 239-220-0848 , FL 33050 • 305-394-0310 2955 Overseas Hwy [email protected] [email protected] Marathon, FL 33050 305-743-9858/305-393-2206 Mike Kiraly-Chairman Elect Jeff Smith-Director [email protected] Centennial Bank First State Bank of the Florida Keys 11290 Overseas Hwy 6900 Overseas Hwy Jamie Atkins-Director Marathon, FL 33050 • 305-676-3019 Marathon, FL 33050 • 305-289-4993 Miracle Ear of the Florida Keys [email protected] [email protected] 5701 Overseas Hwy #5 Marathon, FL 33050 Chris Todd-Young-Past Chairman Paul Lebo-Director 800-453-6332 Habitat for Humanity O.F.F./Organized Fishermen of Florida [email protected] 8055 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500723 Marathon, FL 33050 Marathon, FL 33050 Greg Konrath-Director 305-743-9828/cell 305-797-5779 305-743-6727 Marathon Garbage Service, Inc [email protected] 4290 Overseas Hwy Karen Thurman-Director Marathon, FL 33050 David Peck-Treasurer Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club 305-743-5165 Keys Federal Credit Union 1996 Overseas Hwy [email protected] 12790 Overseas Hwy Marathon, FL 33050 Marathon, FL 33050 • 305-393-2167 305-743-1234 Daniel Samess, CEO [email protected] [email protected] Marathon Chamber of Commerce

Sara Matthis-Secretary Brandi Card-Director The Weekly Newspaper Island Pilates and Massage 9709 Overseas Hwy 11400 Overseas Hwy #114 Marathon, FL 33050 • 305-743-0844 Marathon, FL 33050 [email protected] 305-942-6921 [email protected] Capital Bank, a division of First Tennessee Bank National Association, has the largest deposit market share in Tennessee and operates more than 250 branches across the Southeast. Capital Bank, First Tennessee Bank, FTB Advisors, and FTN Financial are part of First Horizon National Corp. (NYSE:FHN). The company’s banking subsidiary was founded in 1864 and has the 14th oldest national bank charter in the country. FTB Advisors wealth management group has more than 300 financial professionals and about $4.8 billion in assets under management. FTN Financial is a capital markets industry leader in fixed income sales, trading and strategies for institutional customers in the U.S. and abroad. The company has been ranked by American Banker magazine among the Top 10 Most Reputable U.S. banks and as one of the nation’s best employers by the National Association for Female Executives and Fortune magazine. “We know that each customer experience is an opportunity to begin a relationship or grow an existing one. Our biggest complement comes from customers who refer business to us,” said Tammy Elwell, financial center manager. “We work hard to earn every customer choosing to bank with us. Our customers have access to 55,000 atms across the United States and banking is always available online. We are committed to the communities we serve. By example, we’re the presenting sponsor of the Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball to raise money for Fishermen’s Hospital. We invest in entities that make a difference in our community and we are excited to support the hospital and their continued efforts in rebuilding.” For more information, visit www.capitalbank-us.com

Up The Keys operates sightseeing adventures in the Florida Keys from Marathon and . They operate special event door-to-door van service throughout the Keys.

“We have a passion for sharing the ecology, history, and culture of the Florida Keys,” said owner Kim Stamps. “It is unique, informative, and fun.” Up The Keys, established in 2016, is an active members of the non-profit Marine Army and they offer volun-tours as a way for visitors to help the local community and the environment.

Up The Keys offers free pickups in Key West and Marathon. Up The Keys is currently adding the following tours from Marathon. • Key West including free-time and the world famous Key West sunset. • including private dolphin swims and stops along the way, such as Robbie’s Marina to feed the tarpon. • to visit famous places as featured in popular TV shows and movies. 6810 Front Street, #149 Key West 305-587-5575 www.upthekeys.com [email protected]

Integrity Payroll is a full-service professional employer organization (PEO) specializing in offering superior customer service to small, medium and large businesses. It provides “Pay‐as‐you‐go” Workers’ Comp Insurance with payroll services including Employee Assistance Programs, a full support staff to work with you through Human Resource Issues, Unemployment Claims and Workers’ Comp Claims. Health Insurance and supplemental benefits also available. It customizes services to specific needs allowing business owners to handle more of the day to day operations of their business.

“The key to our success is remaining a customer committed team of the best people dedicated to providing quality service with passion and integrity,” said Denise Dull, director of marketing. “We stand behind our name; Integrity. Our services come with personalized attention and guarantees for your satisfaction. We are here to help you so you can focus on what matters most to you, your business. We handle the things that business owners shouldn’t have to, so that they can do what they do best, grow their business.”

Integrity Payroll was named “One of the Best Places to Work” by Florida Trend in 2017, and Charlotte County Chambers Business of the Year in 2012. It has four locations and employs 50.

Location: 7999 Overseas Hwy., Marathon Phone: 305-307-8750 Web: www.integrityel.com Email: [email protected] Nov 21