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Chamber Chowder
510 Greene Street ~ 1st Floor, Key West
TDC Offers a Closer Look
at Today’s Travelers
K
now your audience.
The county’s Tourist
Development Council
takes those words to heart when
it comes to marketing the Florida
Keys, and tailoring its messages
to the travelers most likely to
make reservations here in the
island chain.
As market research director
for the Monroe County TDC,
Key West Chamber of Commerce President Dr. Jessica Bennett knows our
Robin Lockwood thanks Jessica Bennett, market audience better than most, as she
research director for the Tourist Development spends countless hours poring
Council, for her presentation about travel trends
through reams of research and
and traveler interest in Cuba during the Chamber’s
October membership luncheon at the Westin Key visitor surveys.
Bennett shared some of
West Resort & Marina.
the TDC’s latest research with
members of the Key West Chamber of Commerce during the organization’s
October luncheon at the Westin Key West Resort & Marina.
She first reviewed the results of the TDC’s latest surveys, which analyzed
travelers who were in the process of deciding where to vacation, and then
discussed U.S. travelers’ perceptions about travel to Cuba.
“We wanted to find people in the decision-making stage,” Bennett said,
pointing out that the Key West Chamber of Commerce also acts as a call
center where potential visitors are surveyed.
“We wanted to determine what makes the phone ring?” Bennett said.
“What types of advertising make people pick up the phone and start planning
a Florida Keys vacation?”
The answer: Television advertising.
“Television advertising continues to be the avenue that most often makes
people pick up the phone,” Bennett said, adding that the TDC is able to track
when a Keys commercial airs on various networks in various regions, and the
resulting phone inquiries.
Word-of-mouth advertising is the next most effective means of making
the phone ring at Keys visitor centers, said Bennett. She also highlighted the
rising influence of social media.
Although it’s still a small factor, responsible for only 7.5 percent of phone
calls from potential visitors, Bennett pointed out that its prevalence has
increased exponentially in just four years, jumping from 1.2 percent in 2009.
Once the TDC determined that television ads are most likely to influence
decision-makers, the officials needed to know what images in the ads
influenced their travel decisions.
Images of warm, sunny weather, sunsets and beaches and open blue water
consistently rank at the top for most influential images, Bennett said. But it’s
not all about alluring images of sun-drenched islands, she said.
continued on page 3 4
Page 1
Chamber Chowder
Vol. 17, No. 11
www.keywestchamber.org
Message from the President
A
t a recent meeting,
the
Chamber’s
Board of Directors
unanimously voted to
endorse Mote Marine’s
Coral Reef Science and
Monitoring Program. The
vote was an affirmation
of the Chamber’s long
held commitment to the
protection, preservation,
and restoration of the coral
reefs within the Florida Keys.
Our reefs are one of the foundations and engines of
our tourism economy. A healthy reef system creates jobs
and local revenue by attracting visitors from all over the
world to fish, dive, and snorkel our waters. We support
not only Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s
(“Mote Marine’s”) Reef Restoration Program, but also
its affiliation with the Coral Reef Restoration Initiative
of EarthEcho International in establishing a world
Coral Gene Bank and future experimental farms to
produce specimens for replanting damaged reefs. We are
encouraged with the resiliency of our corals and the pace
of growth that Mote Marine has been able to realize in
its restoration and reestablishment efforts. We have faith
in the continued research for a deeper understanding
of our reefs that Mote Marine’s Coral Reef Science and
Monitoring program provides. Additional and prolonged
scientific support is needed in order to change current
trends that influence coral reef health.
Mote Marine has had a long and mutually beneficial
partnership with the communities of the Florida Keys. The
Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce fully supports
continued on page 34
Table of Contents
Business Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chamber Salutes Outstanding Teachers . . . . . . . . 4
Customer Service Seminar . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Business Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Ready, Set, COLLEGE! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Business After Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Cruise Ship Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Community Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
“Island of Lights” Holiday Decorating Contest . . . . . 11
Chamber Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . 12
November 2014
Spotlight Shines on ... Dan Blagriff, Centennial Bank
Each month, the Chamber of Commerce spotlights a
business or professional person whose business card is
drawn at the Business After Hours. This month’s
winner is Dan Blagriff, Centennial Bank.
ome ownership can be a daunting
process for even the most seasoned
real estate veterans, and for firsttimers, it can seem an overwhelming labyrinth
of dead ends and closed doors.
But Dan Blagriff holds the keys and has spent
the past six years unlocking doors for Key West
real estate buyers.
As a mortgage loan officer with Centennial
Bank, Blagriff believes banking should be both
professional and personal.
“I make people’s dreams come true,”
Blagriff said of his job. And he does it without
overwhelming his clients. “There is so much
emotion involved in my profession. Buying a
house is an extremely stressful thing for anyone,”
he said, adding that his secret to success is
“taking on that stress so the customers can enjoy
their experience and the Realtor can move onto
the next sale.”
The thank-you notes and referrals Blagriff
receives regularly are proof of the personal
connections he forms in a professional industry.
H
Most of Blagriff ’s mortgage customers
come from referrals from local Realtors, who
have seen his demonstrated commitment to
the American dream.
“They know the passion I have for success,”
said Blagriff. “When I receive a referral, there are
many people depending on me: The buyer, seller,
two Realtors and others. Many people’s livelihoods
depend on me doing my job very well.”
He said he is grateful to Centennial Bank for
bringing him to Key West, where he has watched
the bank’s mortgage division grow “from a
handful of people to well over 75 employees in
three states, closing more than $350 million in
mortgages annually.
“Our products and services are unmatched,”
he said with genuine pride in his employer.
Blagriff is originally from upstate New
York, but made the move south in 1992, after
Hurricane Andrew destroyed his parents’ home
in Homestead, Fla.
“I came down to help and ended up staying,”
he said, recalling his early stint in West Palm
Beach before heading to the Florida Keys with
Centennial Bank.
Blagriff and his parents carved new lives
from the devastation of Hurricane Andrew, but
Blagriff will never forget the early days of fear
and frustration.
The storm put things into perspective for
Blagriff, who knows firsthand what home
ownership means to people – and who has seen
what happens when it’s blown apart. But from
the wreckage came a renewed appreciation for
just about everything.
Blagriff’s parents remain in South Florida.
“They’ll never leave,” he said. “This is
their home. And I just moved down the road
to Key West.”
Soon after arriving in the Southernmost
City, Blagriff embarked upon an underwater
adventure that he had long wanted to pursue –
scuba diving.
“If I’m not at work, I can usually be found
100 feet down, on the Vandenberg wreck,” he
said, adding that he is currently studying for his
Master Diver certification.
When he surfaces for work, Dan Blagriff
can be reached at 305-676-3146 or dblagriff@
my100bank.com.
Wow!
Strategist Debbie Mason astounded the Chamber
members with her motivating seminar titled
“Marketing Your Business on a ‘Shoestring’ Budget”
Attendees at the October 1st event were introduced to new ways of branding,
public relations, differentiation, eternal and external communication, outreach
tools, purpose of planning and much more.
If you missed out, don’t worry we will have more seminars coming up in the
future. We 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 our monthly newsletter the
Chamber Chowder. We are here to serve you.
The Chamber Chowder Heartily Thanks These Businesses for Their Generous Support of this Issue of the Newsletter
Ernest Hemingway
House Museum
907 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-1136
Page 2
Porter Allen
Insurance Company
513 Southard Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-2542
La Concha
Crowne Plaza
430 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-296-2991
Chamber Chowder
Vol. 17, No. 11
AT&T
Advertising Solutions
9850 NW 41st St.
Doral, FL 33178
305-482-2601
Old Town Key West
Development
201 Front Street, Suite 301
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-3225
November 2014
“Today’s Travelers” continued from page 1 4
Travelers must feel like they’re getting
good value for the money they pay to
vacation in the Florida Keys.
“Even among affluent travelers, value,
not price, is what counts,” Bennett said,
before turning the audience’s attention to
Key West’s island neighbor – Cuba.
The Florida Keys have been on
standby for decades, waiting to see how
an open-door policy with the Communist
nation will affect travel in the Florida Keys.
Bennett reviewed the county’s efforts to
anticipate and prepare for the change that
some view as inevitable.
The TDC established its Opening of
the Cuba Committee in 2000 to create a
strategic marketing plan that would prevent
travelers from skipping over the Florida
Keys and flying straight from Miami or
other metropolitan airports to Cuba.
Policy changes in 2009 increased travel
opportunities, and allowed for more Americans
to visit Cuba. The TDC’s marketing plan for
Cuba was finalized the same year. Since then
Cuba’s tourism has increased by 17 percent
and is still on the rise, Bennett said.
“My role in developing the plan was to
talk about how U.S. travelers would react
to an open Cuba,” Bennett said. “There
were so many questions, but really no good
research telling us who would actually
want to go to Cuba.”
So the TDC created its own survey to
get the answers it needed.
Cuba’s lodging occupancy hovers
around 60 percent, which is significantly
lower than the Florida Keys’ average
occupancy, Bennett said.
“They market their traditional Cuban
experience, and one of their strengths is that
it is perceived as a safe destination for visitors
outside the United States,” Bennett said.
But their weaknesses include an aging
infrastructure, particularly with regard to
its hotels and customer service, which leads
to fewer repeat visitors, Bennett explained,
before introducing the results of the TDC’s
survey of “U.S. Travelers’ Intentions and
Perceptions toward Cuba Travel.”
More than 2,500 surveys were collected
and evaluated from active U.S. travelers
with an annual income of $50,000 or more.
Page 3
“We wanted to know what they’d heard
about Cuba, and what would make them
want to go there,” she said.
The results were somewhat surprising.
“In reality, only eight percent of
households, or 2 of 5 active travelers, are
interested in Cuba as a travel destination,”
Bennett said, adding that “most U.S.
travelers — three out of four — haven’t
heard anything about Cuba, and only two of
five active travelers are interested in Cuba.”
Aside from Florida, the states with
the most interest were California, Georgia
and New York.
“The longevity of the embargo has
affected the American psyche when it comes
to travel planning,” Bennett said.
“So the next question was ‘why,’ and
that’s what was most interesting to me,”
she said, pointing out that the answers
were about the same for all U.S. travelers,
regardless of their income, age or gender.
Nearly all travelers surveyed said they would
go to Cuba for the history and culture; “just
to see it,” and for the beaches.
The impact of these survey results
on Keys tourism will come down to
transportation between the islands, Bennett
said, emphasizing that the Keys need to
focus their attention and efforts on the first
three years of an open Cuba.
Eighty-one percent of travelers said
they would consider a “Florida Keys + Cuba
trip,” Bennett said, adding that the Keys’
proximity to Cuba is a key advantage over
other Florida cities that would offer similar
options, such as Tampa + Cuba.
Once survey respondents learned of
how far Tampa is from Cuba, their interest
was more geared toward Key West.
Following her presentation, Chamber
member Mike Morawski asked Bennett
whether the Keys stood to lose their
weekend visitors from Miami and the
mainland if Cuba becomes an option.
Bennett reported that people in South
Florida weren’t necessarily more interested
in traveling to Cuba, but are interested in
going there sooner.
“The rest of the country will wait to
make sure it’s safe,” she predicted.
When the question of cruise ships
Chamber Chowder
Vol. 17, No. 11
going to Cuba instead of Key West came
up, Bennett had some reassuring news.
“We found that interest in Cuba via cruise
ship was significantly lower than interest in
a Florida + Cuba trip,” she said, reminding
the audience of Cuba’s resources and
infrastructure, which are currently inadequate
to handle the pressures of a cruise port.
Only time will tell how an open-door
policy will affect tourism in the Florida
Keys, but the TDC is now armed with more
information and is in a better position to
respond in a way that ensures continued
success for the Florida Keys.
Complete copies of Bennett’s reports
are available by emailing her at research@
fla-keys.com.
President’s Message continued from page 1 4
and greatly appreciates Mote Marine’s efforts
to find improved strategies for preservation
and restoration of our reefs. The Chamber
looks forward to working closely with Mote
Marine to preserve, restore, and protect this
unique and precious resource.
During a recent Chamber Director’s
meeting, a call was place to the Florida
Department of Transportation and current
problems related to Roosevelt Boulevard were
discussed. The Florida DOT’s opinion is that
there are currently 46 signs on North Roosevelt
Boulevard. As a result of complaints, they are
planning to remove 19 of the signs on North
Roosevelt Blvd. They were unable to detail
which 19 signs were going to be removed.
They also stated that they plan to move the left
turn signal light that is currently obstructed by
trees when approaching the triangle from the
East. Retiming the light at Overseas Market
so that more cars could exit with each light
change was discussed and the FDOT stated
they will look into the problem. They will also
evaluate making the right hand lane of south
bound South Roosevelt Blvd. a “right turn
only” lane at Flagler Avenue. Another problem
relates to getting onto South Roosevelt
Boulevard. During construction, two lanes of
traffic were allowed to turn left from Flagler
Avenue onto South Roosevelt Blvd. DOT
representatives said that DOT rules do not
allow the continuation of two lanes turning left
from Flagler Ave. onto South Roosevelt Blvd.
on a permanent basis, due to lack of width at
the intersection. We appreciate their willingness
to address these traffic problems.
November 2014
Key West Chamber of Commerce Salutes Outstanding Teachers
Jennifer Falconer, eighth grade math teacher, Horace O’Bryant School
• Much can happen in one year, and Jennifer Falconer has certainly made
the most of her first year at Horace O’Bryant School. “Her dedication,
leadership and teaching have been instrumental in improving the
academic culture of our school,” said Principal Mike Henriquez. “Jennifer
maximizes every minute in the classroom, and students work from bell to
bell as they move throughout different learning centers within the class.”
Principal Henriquez also emphasized Jennifer’s high expectations, and her
additional areas of expertise, including the school’s IT Academy, which
focuses on computer skills and information technology. “Ms. Falconer is
a model teacher and we are blessed to have her at HOB working with our
youth,” Henriquez said.
The Key West Chamber of Commerce honored several local teachers during
its October membership luncheon. Left to right: Education Committee Co-Chair
Sharon Moore; Teacher Melissa Jones, Teacher Tim Phillips; Education Committee
Member Kay Miller; Teacher Rob Eggers; Teacher Jennifer Falconer, Teacher Lynly
Hill, Teacher Laura Blythe-Wright; Education Committee Co-Chair Jennifer
Hulse; Teacher Ashley Henriquez and Superintendent Mark Porter.
A
s part of its ongoing commitment to education and the future of the
community, the Key West of Chamber of Commerce regularly honors
the area’s best and brightest teachers.
These individuals, nominated by their peers and school principals, leave a
legacy in each of the students they teach and contribute to a brighter outlook
for everyone.
Each honoree receives a commemorative plaque, an apple pin and a
gift bag of appreciation from Chamber members who show their support of
teachers through hundreds of dollars in gift certificates, merchandise or cash
donations. They join the business community at the luncheon to be honored
individually.
The Key West Chamber of Commerce, as always, is proud to honor the following
Key West teachers for their tireless dedication to the island’s youngest residents:
Ashley Henriquez, kindergarten, Gerald Adams Elementary
• Ashley Henriquez makes things happen, both in and out of the classroom
at Gerald Adams Elementary. Principal Fran Herrin commended Ashley
for her flexibility and willingness to chip in and help with whatever is
needed. She regularly organizes healthy activities before, during and after
school, such as the Morning Mile and the Munch Mile at lunchtime.
“In addition to keeping everything running smoothly, she frequently goes
above and beyond the call of duty,” Principal Herrin said, adding that she
constantly gives 110 percent of her time to ensure successful events.
Tim Phillips, Exceptional Student Education, Horace O’Bryant School
• Tim Phillips has been an outstanding addition to the staff of Horace
O’Bryant, where he teaches some of the most challenging, exceptional
students and all of them have excelled both behaviorally and academically,
said Principal Mike Henriquez. Phillips arrived last year from Virginia,
where he had been teaching for 10 years, and quickly made himself an
essential and popular part of the HOB faculty. He led the charge as a trainer
with the school’s new WEB transition program, “Where Everyone Belongs.”
Phillips and his colleagues trained 50 eighth graders to mentor incoming
sixth graders, Henriquez said, adding that, “Mr. Phillips is an outstanding
educator and HOB is so fortunate he is working with our youth.”
Page 4
Laura Blythe Wright, Science teacher, Key West High School
• Some of the most challenging subjects become the most engaging in
Laura Blythe Wright’s science classes, which include Biology, Physics and
AP Environmental Science. “She is an outstanding educator who brings
learning to life through hands-on, engaging lessons that not only help the
students master the content, but truly enjoy science,” said Principal Amber
Archer Bosco. “She teachers with a passion, using a wide variety of strategies
that meet the needs of all students.” Principal Bosco also commended Laura’s
attendance at trainings that brings new and innovative teaching methods to
Key West High School. “She is a leader not only in the science department,
but in the school as she leads a professional learning community for new
and beginning teachers,” Bosco said. “She is an excellent role model for
these new educators and is an asset to Key West.”
Robert Eggers, Social Studies teacher, Key West High School
• Rob Eggers is an energetic teacher who engages his students and makes
history come alive at Key West High School, said Principal Amber Archer
Bosco. Eggers teaches freshmen World Cultural Geography and uses a
wide range of instructional strategies to meet the various needs of his
students, Bosco said. “As part of the Ninth Grade Success Center, he is
also dedicated to helping the freshmen students have a smooth transition
to high school by providing guidance and organizational skills that
build successful learners,” she said. “In addition to his great classroom
contributions, he is always willing to help with extra events and activities
on campus. Key West is fortunate to have a teacher like Mr. Eggers.”
Lynly Hill, kindergarten teacher, Poinciana Elementary
• Mrs. Hill leads by example, and her calm, confident demeanor is exactly
what Poinciana’s kindergartners need as they adjust to life at the “big
school,” said Principal Christina McPherson. “Her patience and sense
of calm throughout this adjustment period makes us, her colleagues,
marvel at her success,” McPherson said. “She really makes the magic
happen.” In addition to her classroom duties, Hill also leads the school’s
problem-solving process that helps teachers implement strategies to help
students learn or relearn difficult areas. “Her knowledge and experience
are invaluable to both our teachers and our students,” McPherson said.
Melissa Jones, speech therapist, Sugarloaf School
• Melissa Jones has been a speech therapist for more than two decades, but
recently stepped in at Sugarloaf School, where she volunteered to teach
in a profound special education classroom for several weeks, providing
support for the school’s neediest children until the teacher vacancy could
be permanently filled. “Her dedicated service and commitment to these
children in a time of need was a clear act of unselfishness and clearly
demonstrated her advocacy for children,” Principal Russell said.
Chamber Chowder
Vol. 17, No. 11
November 2014
Key West Chamber of Commerce
2015 Committees
Volunteer Today!
Dear Chamber Members:
ou can be a vital force in the creation of a successful business community that will surely
benefit your own business. Each of us is an important part of the Key West Chamber of
Commerce. What we do to make our Chamber an active and productive force in our city is
dependent on each of us supporting the goals we consider important.
You can make a difference. Attached is a list of the functioning committees of your Chamber. If
you are interested in serving, please choose the areas where you have specific interests. The Chamber
will contact you concerning your involvement. It is important that each committee represents a cross
section of our membership, and that the size of the committees does not limit progress.
If you have managers or other employees that would like to be involved in the Chamber
committees and program of work, please list their names as well.
We need your input. You will make your Chamber dynamic and effective? For more
information on Chamber committees please contact our offices at 305-294-2587 or email
[email protected]. Thank you.
Y
Committee List
•
•
•
•
•
•
Economic Development - Chair: Robin Lockwood, Co-Chair: Jim Wilson
Meeting Details: Held the fourth Tuesday of each month at 8:30am at Keys Energy Board Room for November 2014, no meeting in December. Location TBA for 2015.
Objective: The mission of the KW Chamber’s economic development committee should be to
work with Chamber Staff to obtain and analyze data to understand current and future economic
conditions and trends, which may affect the general business climate in Key West.
Education Committee - Chair: Sharon Moore, Co-Chair: Jennifer Hulse
Meeting Details: Held the third Tuesday of each month at 4:30pm at the School Board Admin. Bldg.
Objective: The committee works closely with school officials to establish scholarships, teacher
fellowships, internships, etc. The committee has designed a Five Star program to recognize
members who donate to the programs for teachers and students which includes the Honor Roll
of 100, Teacher Enrichment, Teacher Recognition, Mentoring, and sponsoring classrooms.
Golf Tournament - Chair: John Anderson/Greg Sullivan
Meeting Details: Held on Wednesdays at 5:00pm at the home of Greg Sullivan.
Objective: This committee will help in the planning of the event such as recruitment of sponsors,
prizes, and volunteers.
Image Committee - Chair: Catherine Smiley
Meeting Details: Held the second Tuesday of each month at 4:30pm at the Courtyard Marriott
Waterfront.
Objective: The Image Committee meets to discuss image and the media in relationship to the
Chamber as well as evaluating and improving the marketing of the Chamber to both members
and the general public.
Membership Services Committee - Chair: Kim Works, Co-Chair: Joyce Benavides
Meeting Details: Held the third Wednesday of each month at Noon at various locations.
Objective: The committee brainstorms to recruit members, as well as to improve the services the
Chamber provides to existing members, through scheduled call sessions to potential members,
as well as doing follow up to retain existing memberships.
Tourism Committee - Chair: Melissa Kendrick
Meeting Details: Held the fourth Tuesday of each month at 4:30pm at the Mel Fisher
Maritime Museum.
Objective: The Committee reviews the trends for the previous month, i.e., cruise ship, bed
taxes, etc. The Committee also addresses hot-button items of the moment.
Page 5
Chamber Chowder
Vol. 17, No. 11
The Key West
Chamber of
Commerce
Presents a Seminar On:
Creating a Culture
of Customer Service
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Double Tree Grand Key Resort
8:30am to 11:30am
65% of business comes from
repeat customers, or 72% of the
reason people stay loyal to a
business is due to service.
Learn easy-to-use tools to:
• Establish a system for coaching
employees who aren’t up to par
with your customers.
• Ensure that customer service
is constantly on the minds of
employees.
• Learn how to use customer
feedback to make real and
meaningful change.
• Gain
more
recognition
through social media.
Customer service is imperative
because a dissatisfied customer
will tell between 9-15 people
about their experience. Around
18% of dissatisfied customers tell
more than 20 people.
For more information, call the
Key West Chamber at (305) 2942587. Enrollment forms and
payment must be returned to the
Chamber by noon, November 26,
2014, to guarantee seating. E-mail
[email protected].
Both Chamber members and nonmembers are urged to attend.
Cost- $68.00 per person,
Non-members- $89.00 per person.
(*Price includes continental breakfast)
Limited Seating!
Reserve your seat today!
November 2014
Passenger arrivals to Key West
International Airport in September 2014
totaled 18,298. This is a decrease of
18.8% when compared to September
of 2013.
Key West International Airport Arrivals
January 2009 - September 2014
50,000
Southwest service ends 06/07/14 and
Silver Airways assumes limited routes
45,000
Deplanements
40,000
AirTran service began 12/2009
Southwest acquired
Airtran 11/2012
35,000
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
Total passenger arrivals for the first nine
months of 2014 is at 285,120. That is a
1.7% decrease over the same period in
2013. With US Airlines and Southwest
not flying, year to date increases
experienced in the first half of 2014 have
been erased as monthly arrivals have
fallen to 18-25% below 2013 levels.
10,000
5,000
0
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Source: Key West International Airport
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
For the first nine months of 2014, cruise
ship arrivals saw 581,624 passengers
disembark. Despite the monthly drop,
Disembarkments increased 6.5%
compared with the same period in 2013.
Key West Cruise Ship Passengers
January 2009 - September 2014
120,000
Swine Flu Diversions
Passengers
100,000
A total of 38,599 cruise ship passengers
disembarked in Key West during
September 2014. This was 2.2% lower
than September of 2013, which saw
39,458 passengers disembark.
The cruise ship schedule for November
2014 thru January 2015 compared with the
same three months in 2013-2014 is shown
below:
80,000
60,000
Number of Ships
2013/14 2014/15
40,000
20,000
0
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
November
December
January
30
43
38
32
51
46
Source: City of Key West Port Operations
2009
2010
2011
2012
Source: Key West International Airport
2013
Reported Bed Tax Collections for Key
West were $1,95,016 for August 2014, an
increase of 3.9% compared to August
2013.
2014
Key West Bed Tax Collections
January 2009 - August 2014
According to Smith Travel, August 2014
occupancy was 85.3%, a 2.4 percentage
point increase from the August 2013
occupancy rate of 83.5%.
Bed Tax Collections in Dollars
2,500,000
Lexington Properties
offline for renovation
6/16/13 (519 Beds)
BP Oil Spill 4/20/10
2,000,000
4th Penny Tax
Implemented 6/1/09
1,500,000
1,000,000
500,000
0
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
The Average Daily Rate (ADR) was
reported at $231.06 for August 2014, an
increase of 6.8% from the ADR of
$216.38 posted for August 2013. This
ADR of $231.06 is the highest recorded
for the month of August. This continues
the record of 55 months where the ADR
has been higher than the previous year. In
fact, the last 41 months are all-time
records for each month.
Source: Monroe County Tax Collector
2009
Page 6
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Chamber Chowder
Vol. 17, No. 11
November 2014
Southeast Florida Industry Structure, circa 2009
Based on % GDP, with color indicating intensity of Monroe County job loss or gain from 2009‐2012
Forestry, fishing, and related activities, 0.20%
Other services, except public administration, 8.60%
Mining, 0.10%
Utilities, 0.20%
Construction, 5.00%
Manufacturing, 3.00%
Accommodation and food services, 7.30%
Wholesale trade, 5.10%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, 2%
Retail trade, 10.40%
Health care and
social assistance, 10%
Transportation and warehousing, 4.50%
Information, 1.90%
Educational services, 2.60%
Finance and insurance, 5.80%
Administrative and waste management services, 7.80%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics &
CEDS produced by South Florida Regional Planning Council
Management of companies and enterprises, 0.70%
Professional, scientific, and technical services, 7.00%
Real estate and rental and leasing, 5.50%
2012 NAICS classifications
(excluding Public Administration)
Key West has existed because of its resources, whether it has been because of wrecking, sponging, fishing, or trading given its unique location in respect
to trade between the colonies and the old world, the US and Cuba, or the new trade routes provisioned by the Panama Canal. Our unemployment rate
evidences that if families can't make a living here, they do not stay here. While the isolation and weather have drawn and enabled people to live very
meager existences in the Keys for generations, this culture of frugality has been challenged (if not forever changed) by the rise in land value. Part of the
increased value of land is due to the increase of residents and property owners that no longer make a living from the resources provided within the Keys.
Consider that, while unemployment and income has not equalized with the rest of the nation, housing has gotten tighter and the population has declined.
Growth in trade imports out paced exports for Monroe county by 2/3rds, increasing 18% compared to 11%, respectively for 2001-2010. For the same
period, Monroe County saw an 11.9% growth in Gross Domestic Production (GDP) compared to 12.8% and 9.6% for Boward and Miami-Dade,
respectively, while Florida in total saw 23.6%.
The graph above shows the distribution of Boward, Miami-Dade, & Monroe county GDP by industry back in 2009 and the decline or growth of each of
the industries for Monroe county over the 4 year period 2009-2012. The darker or more intense the color the greater the decline or growth in employment
the industry saw during this time period within the Florida Keys. While this time period was one of economic uncertainty, these are perhaps the more
significant times to understand for Key West since the viability of an economic (working) Key West is critically dependent on a sustainable economic
strategy. But while we have unique factors, we are also not immune to the national and global movements.
Key West Chamber Membership Count 2014
Other Services
16%
Utilities
1%
Construction
4%
Wholesale Trade
2%
Retail Trade
12%
Water Activities ‐ 4%
Attractions ‐ 3%
Accommodations,
Food Services
21%
Transportation, Warehousing
3%
Information
3%
Lodging ‐ 13%
Restaurant/bar ‐ 7%
Finance, Insurance
3%
Real Estate
6%
Arts, Enter, Rec
4%
Health Care
6% Educational Services
1%
Page 7
Admin,
Waste Services
5%
Professional Services
15%
2012 NAICS classifications
Monroe County's major employers account for 20% of the area's
employment, yet represent only two net producing industries (military
& tourism). From largest to smallest, the employers are:
1. US Armed Services
2. Monroe County Schools
3. Ocean Reef Club
4. Monroe County Sheriff's Office
5. Monroe County Government
6. Community Health Care Center & Lower Keys Medical Center
7. Publix
8. City of Key West
9. Hawk's Cay Resort
10. Casa Marina/Reach Resort
11. Historic Tours of America
12. Westin Resort & Marina/Sunset Key
13. Spottswood Properties
14. Cheeca Lodge
15. Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority
16. Southernmost House collection
17. First State Bank of the Keys
18. Remington Properties
19. Keys Energy Service
20. The Islander
Chamber Chowder
Vol. 17, No. 11
November 2014
Key West Chamber of Commerce
and FKCC Help High School
Students Apply for College
EXPOSE YOURSELF
in the Key West Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center,
and watch your business revenues increase.
Here’s how:
• Tourists visit or call our office each month seeking
information about things to do, places to stay, and
places to eat in Key West! These include walk-ins,
cruise ship vacationers, sunset celebration attendees,
train & trolley riders and telephone and email inquiries.
• In addition to receiving visitor inquiries directly to the
Chamber, we also answer all telephone inquiries from
the Tourist Development Council advertising on our
800-lines.
• Our Visitors Center is OPEN SEVEN DAYS PER
WEEK until 6:00pm to offer one-on-one assistance!
• We also offer assistance to visitors via Live Chats online
and emails.
T
he Key West Chamber of Commerce and Florida
Keys Community College joined forces on
Wednesday, October 1st to help local high school
students, their families, and guidance counselors navigate
the unfamiliar sea of college decisions and deadlines. The
free workshop, entitled “Ready, Set, COLLEGE!,” was
held in the library on the College’s Key West Campus.
FKCC English professor Hilary Parmentier provided
students with tips for writing effective essays for both
college admissions and scholarship applications. The
session also helped parents and guidance counselors
learn how to better evaluate student essays and suggest
improvements. Students went home with jump drives
loaded with additional resources for later reference.
The Chamber and College will host another “Ready,
Set, COLLEGE!” on Wednesday, February 25, 2015. The
second workshop will focus on financial aid and scholarship
opportunities and will include hands-on guidance through
completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA).
Page 8
From the NOAA Study “Linking the Environment and
Economy of the Florida Keys and Key West,” Almost 23%
of overnight visitors to the Keys reported having used at
least one of the five Visitor Information Centers with 47.8%
of those visiting The Key West Chamber of Commerce
Visitor Center, resulting in visitors extending the length of
their stay on an average of three days. This translates into
overnight visitor spending averages of $42.6 Million.
Key West generates 58% of all business in the Florida
Keys and Key West which equates to approximately $25
Million more dollars spent by visitors after visiting our
Visitor Information Center when in Key West.
For a nominal fee you can display your businesses
brochure, business card, or promotional piece in the Visitors
Center Lobby. See below for current rates:
• Business Card (3.5 x 2)
$5.00 per month ($60 per year) + tax
• Standard Rack Card (4 x 9)
$10.00 per month ($120 per year) + tax
• Odd Size (takes two slots in rack)
$20.00 per month ($240 per year) + tax
• Magazine/Newspaper (to be placed on shelves)
$25.00 per month ($300 per year) + tax
For more information on the Key West Chamber of
Commerce Visitor Center Rack Card program contact the
Chamber at 305-294-2587 or email [email protected].
Chamber Chowder
Vol. 17, No. 11
November 2014
Business After Hours | Wednesday, october 15th, 2014
Sponsored by: Little Switzerland | 271 Front Street
Page 9
Chamber Chowder
Vol. 17, No. 11
November 2014
Cruise Ship Schedule
Welcome New Members!
November 2014
11/1Eurodam
11/2 Vision of the Sea
11/3 Disney Magic
11/4Ecstasy
11/5 Race – Port Closed
11/6 Majesty of the Seas
11/7 Race – Port Closed
11/8 Disney Wonder
11/8Eurodam
11/9 Race – Port Closed
11/10Insignia
11/11Ecstasy
11/12 Seven Seas Navigator
11/13 Majesty of the Seas
11/14 NO SHIPS
11/15Eurodam
11/16 NO SHIPS
11/17 Carnival Breeze
11/17 Norwegian Pearl
11/17Ryndam
11/18Ecstasy
11/18 Carnival Dream
11/19 NO SHIPS
11/20 Crystal Serenity
11/20 Majesty of the Seas
11/21 Carnival Victory
11/22 N. Amsterdam
11/22 Disney Wonder
11/23Brilliance
11/24 Carnival Freedom 11/24 Disney Magic
11/25Ecstasy
11/25 Silver Spirit
11/25 Carnival Magic
11/26Grandeur
11/27 Majesty of the Seas
11/28 Constellation
11/29Eurodam
11/30 NO SHIPS
8:00am-5:00pm
8:00am-5:00pm
11:30am-7:45pm
7:30am-1:30pm
10:00am-6:00pm
6:00am-5:00pm
8:30am-4:30pm
8:00am-4:00pm
7:00am-1:30pm
8:00am-4:45pm
10:00am-6:00pm
8:00am-5:00pm
8:00am-4:00pm
8:00am-4:00pm
12:30pm-6:00pm
7:30am-1:30pm
7:00am-3:00pm
9:00am-5:00pm
10:00am-6:00pm
7:30am-2:00pm
8:00am-5:00pm
11:30am-6:30pm
11:30am-5:30pm
8:00am-4:00pm
11:30am-7:45pm
8:00am-4:00pm
8:00am-2:00pm
10:00am-7:00pm
9:00am-5:00pm
10:00am-6:00pm
8:00am-5:00pm
8:00am-5:00pm
HappyThanksgiving!
The Key West Chamber of Commerce welcomed new members during its October
membership luncheon. Left to right: Key West Chamber of Commerce President Dr. Robin
Lockwood; New Member Pam Kutchey of Kutchey’s Flowers; Membership Committee
Co-Chair Kim Works; Carly Lyons of Grace Lutheran School; New Member Tammy
Fox of the Florida Keys SPCA; New Member Ed Russo of Environmental Remedy
& Recovery and New Member Dr. Jennifer Charity. Additional new members not
pictured are: Pampered Pet, KeyWestVacation.com and Ocean Vue Adventures.
Jennifer Charity, MD
1111 12th Street, Suite 210
Key West, FL 33040
305-295-3535
Contact: Dr. Jennifer Charity
Medical Practice – Internal Medicine
Sponsored by: Randy Detrick,
Lower Keys Medical Center
Environmental Remedy
& Recovery
162 Gulf Club Drive
Key West, FL 33040
908-966-4824
Contact: Ed Russo
Environmental Consultant
The Florida Keys SPCA
5230 College Road
Key West, FL 33040
305-294-4857
www.fkspca.org
Contact: Tammy Fox-Royer
Animal Shelter & Welfare
Sponsored by: Debbie Mason, Strategist Inc.
Grace Lutheran School
2713 Flagler Avenue
Key West, FL 33040
305-296-8262
www.glskw.org
Contact: Carly Lyons
Private School & Church
Page 10
Chamber Chowder
Vol. 17, No. 11
KeyWestVacation.com
866-945-7917
www.keywestvacation.com
Contact: Beth Bovie
Reservation Service
Kutchey’s Flowers in Key West
1223 White Street, Suite 101
Key West, FL 33040
305-292-8181
www.flowersinkeywest.com
Contact: Pam Kutchey
Flower Shop/Florist
Ocean Vue Adventures
201 William Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-851-5788
www.oceanvueadventures.com
Contact: Beth Bovie
Snorkeling Tour
The Pampered Pet
2508-102 North Roosevelt Blvd.
Key West, FL 33040
305-296-6912
www.pamperedpetkeywest.com
Contact: Jennifer Wolf
Pet Store, Kennels & Grooming Services
November 2014
Community Calendar
Share You’re Event Information
November 2014
The Key West Chamber of Commerce strives for comprehensive coverage and
promotion of Key West events that benefit our local organizations, businesses, citizens
and visitors; however, we can only do this with your help!
We’d like to remind everyone that we do have an online calendar of events that we
are happy to add your organization events to. In addition, your event would be listed in
our weekly newsletter, The Chamber Chatter, and 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 Emily at [email protected] with your event details.
11/2-9 34th Annual Super Powerboat
Races www.superboat.com
Contact Larry Bliel 305-296-6166
11/4-22Red Barn Theatre presents: The
Signature of Fear 319 Duval
at 8:00pm 305-296-9911
11/6 Historic Seaport District Art Walk at
5:00pm-8:00pm at Historic Seaport/
Caroline Street 305-295-9595
11/7 The Beach Boys at
Tennessee Williams Theatre
8:00pm 305-295-7676
11/7 Upper Duval Art Stroll at 6:00pm9:00pm on Duval Street from
Truman-United 305-295-4369
11/7-10Third Annual Key West International
Latin Arts Festival San Carlos
Institute 305-394-0808
11/9 Community Day at the FKCC
10am-2pm contact Carrie
Groomes 305-809-3128
11/11 VETERANS DAY PARADE Contact:
Adam N. Van Natta 305-293-5782
11/12-16Third Annual Key West
Film Festival 941-5279385 or 305-295-9112
11/14 First Annual Casino Night
Gala 6pm-10pm at Marriott
Beachside Contact Elizabeth
Adams 217-781-1300
11/15 5th Annual Key West Model
Railroad Show & Sale 10am-5pm
at Moose Lodge 700 Eisenhower
Drive [email protected]
11/20 Walk on White 6:00pm-9:00pm
on White St. from SouthardTruman 305-295-4369
11/23 Parade of Paws! At Higgs
Beach Dog Park 9:00am1:00pm 305-294-4857
11/26 International Sand Art Competition
at the Casa Marina 305-296-3535
11/28-30ART! KEY WEST!
luckstreetgalley@gmail.
com 305-619-2275
11/28-12/20
MARC House
Christmas Tree Sale 9:00am7:00pm 1401 Seminary Street
www.marchouse.org
11/29-30Red Barn Theatre presents:
Frank & Dean: We’re Back,
Baby! 319 Duval Street
8pm305-296-9911
11/30 Key West Bight Christmas Holiday
Celebration 305-304-2633
Page 11
Show Your festive Spirit - and Win
“Island of Lights”
Holiday Decorating
Attention all businesses in Key West
re you starting to feel the stirrings of the Holiday spirit with the approach
of winter season? Are you convinced that this year’s Holiday decorations
or window displays will be your best ever?
“This is a wonderful way for businesses to highlight their business to the
community and encourage residents and visitors to do their holiday shopping
locally”, says Executive Vice President Virginia Panico.
Awards will be presented for first, second, and third place displays in two
categories: small businesses outdoor or single window display, large businesses
outdoor or multiple window display and an additional category for small and large
outdoor business display at the Key West Bight. The deadline for entering is 5:00
p.m., on Wednesday, December 10th and there is no entrance fee.
The holiday decorating contest offers ALL businesses the perfect opportunity to
demonstrate their holiday cheer and enhance our island with “Greetings of the Season”
for the citizens and visitors of Key West. For more information, call the Chamber at
294-2587 and ask for Nancy or email: [email protected].
A
Awards sponsored by:
Key West Awards
Visit Dan for
FINANCING made easy!
Centennial Bank’s local loan expert DAN understands
the uniqueness of the islands, and he’s dedicated to
finding the perfect loan for you.
We offer FNMA, FHLMC, FHA,VA and non-traditional
loans. Conventional, Jumbo, FNMA, FHLMC, FHA and VA
Financing Available.
Dan Blagriff, LOAN ORIGINATOR • NMLS 675375
305-676-3146 • [email protected]
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A Home BancShares Company (Nasdaq:HOMB)
Chamber Chowder
Vol. 17, No. 11
November 2014
Chamber Chowder
510 Greene Street ~ 1st Floor, Key West
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
www.keywestchamber.org
Key West Chamber Calendar of Events
Robin Lockwood, President
Robin Lockwood, MD/296-2212
November 2014
December 2014
Nicki Will, President Elect
Lower Keys Medical Center/294-5535
General Membership Meeting
Date: Wednesday, November 19th
Noon
Speaker: Peter Horton,
Director of Airports
Topic: Key West International Airport
Location: Waldorf Astoria
Casa Marina Resort
Please RSVP to the Chamber
at 305-294-2587 or email:
[email protected]
Business After Hours
Date: Thursday, December 4th
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Hosted By: Rick’s Bar
Location: 202 Duval Street
Members Only Networking Event
Greg Sullivan, Vice President
Waste Management/434-9140
Jennifer Hulse/Treasurer
The Hulse Law Office, P.A./292-7771
Cara Higgins/Secretary
Horan, Wallace & Higgins, LLP/294-4585
Esther Tupino, Past President
Centennial Bank/676-3142
Sam Holland, Appointee
The Conch House/293-0020
Melissa Kendrick, Appointee
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum/294-2633
Randy Moore, Appointee
Moore & Spottswood, CPAs/294-5234
Virginia A. Panico, Executive Vice President
Key West Chamber of Commerce/294-2587
CHAMBER STAFF
General Membership Meeting
Date: Wednesday, December 17th
Noon
Annual Awards Luncheon
Location: Waldorf Astoria
Casa Marina Resort
Please RSVP to the Chamber
at 305-294-2587
or email:
[email protected]
The Key West Chamber of Commerce presents a seminar on:
Creating Culture of Customer Service
Speaker: Elisa Levy
Date: Wednesday, December 3rd
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Double Tree Grand Key Resort
Please RSVP to the Chamber at 305-294-2587
Via email: [email protected]
Virginia A. Panico
Executive Vice President
Steven Weed
Director of Research
Mari-Lynn Boerma
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 12
Chamber Chowder
Vol. 17, No. 11
November 2014