Page 1 September 2016

Chamber ChowderVol. 17, No. 12

Chamber Chowder©www.keywestchamber.org510 Greene Street ~ 1st Floor, Key West

Chamber ChowderVol. 19, No. 9

Message from President Kim Works

Another value from the Key

West Chamber, events for

you and your business!

Being a member of the Key West Chamber of Commerce has lots of benefits including our great events. Not only do we offer many seminars to help you and your staff build your business but we also offer two annual events. One that help students with college and another event for local businesses the Trade Show.

“Ready, Set, College” is coming up Wednesday, September 7th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. This free event for high school students and their parents is designed to help them understand and negotiate the application for scholarships and admission forms for college. Also they can register their enrollment for FAFSA a federal aid assistance program. The program will be held at the Florida Keys Community College.

The next event on our agenda is the Trade Show Expo. This year’s expo will be held at the Marriott Beachside, Wednesday, September 21st. It’s free for all to attend from 3:00pm to 5:00pm and it’s a perfect time to see what our local business members have to offer and receive free swag. If you are interesting in participating in the show at this writing there were only a couple of booth spaces available, call the chamber office for details. This will also be the month’s business after hours from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm and it’s always LOTS of fun and a great way to network.

Chamber Hears from State Representative Candidates

The Key West Chamber of Commerce hosted its second 2016 political candidate forum during the organization’s Aug. 23rd luncheon at the Marriott Beachside Hotel, where candidates for

the Florida House of Representatives, District 120 seat in Tallahassee took to the dais to field questions.

Chamber members heard from Republican incumbent, State Rep. Holly Raschein, and her Democrat challengers Kevin Diaz and Daniel Horton — the latter two are set to square off in the Aug. 30th Democratic primary. Raschein has no Republican opponent in the primary and will face the Democratic winner in the Nov. 8th general election.

Key West City Commission District 6 incumbent Clayton Lopez had been set to square off at the luncheon with former challenger Air Force Master Sgt. Nathan Brock, but Brock exited the race, so the afternoon forum was left to the State House candidates.

Forum moderator and Key West Chamber of Commerce President Kim Works asked each candidate questions submitted by chamber members that touched on myriad issues facing the Florida Keys and the Southernmost City.Topics included the candidates’ understanding of the Lower Keys Medical Center situation, sin taxes, genetically modified mosquitoes and affordable housing.

The first question out of the gate was about the hospital. Complaints regarding over-billing, patient care and the use of costly air transport helicopters have made headlines in recent months and led to the formation of the watchdog group, the Committee to Rescue Our Hospital.

“There has been a severe lack of communication between the hospital and hospital staff, the parent corporation and the community,” Raschein said, who added that the issues with the hospital have been bubbling under the surface for many years and are just now coming to the surface.

continued on page 34

continued on page 3 4

The Key West Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate forum during its August luncheon for those seeking to represent the Florida Keys in Tallahassee. Pictured left to right: Kevin Diaz, Daniel Horton, and incumbent State Rep. Holly Raschein.

Table of ContentsBusiness Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Annual Tradeshow Information . . . . . . . . . . . 4Tom Sawyer 5 Star Program . . . . . . . . . . . 5Ready, Set, College! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Business Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7-8Business After Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Cruise Ship Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Community Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Donations to Tom Sawyer 5 Star Program . . . . . . 11Chamber Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Page 2 September 2016Chamber ChowderVol. 19, No. 9

Ernest HemingwayHouse Museum

907 Whitehead StreetKey West, FL 33040

305-294-1136

La ConchaCrowne Plaza

430 Duval StreetKey West, FL 33040

305-296-2991

Horan, Wallace, & Higgins, L.L.P.

608 Whitehead StreetKey West, FL 33040

(305)294-4585

The Chamber Chowder Heartily Thanks These Businesses for Their Generous Support of this Issue of the Newsletter

Porter AllenInsurance Company513 Southard StreetKey West, FL 33040

305-294-2542

Old Town Key West Development

201 Front Street, Suite 301Key West, FL 33040

305-294-3225

C laire Murray had been planning her move to Key West for 30 years.

She was thrilled to put the plan into action 12 years ago and has never looked back – to Dallas, Los Angeles, or anywhere else she lived during her career in advertising, print and television production.

As sales and marketing manager for Barrett Printing, Murray provides small business owners with marketing strategies and promotional products that range from rack cards to key chains and t-shirts to tape measures.

“People can go online all day and order shirts from Custom Ink, but our customer service is what stands out,” Murray said. “I’m old school. We’re not just selling promotional products; we’re really marketing consultants for local small businesses.”

One of the best compliments Murray ever received was when one of her clients in

the Florida Keys introduced Murray to her general manager.

“My client told her general manager, ‘No one will ever work harder for us than Claire,’ and it’s true, because I truly care about people and their businesses,” Murray said.

New businesses that open in the Florida Keys are in good hands, she added.

“We’re a one-stop shop for all business and marketing needs,” Murray said. “When someone opens a business in town, we can get them started with business cards, rack cards, brochures, pens, embroidered apparel, everything they need, along with local knowledge and expertise to help them succeed.”

Local Enterprises and Barrett Printing can also help a new business design a specific look and logo for their company.

“We have extremely talented in-house designers who can create the perfect look for a new business brand,” Murray said, complimenting her bosses, Steve and Deirdre Robbins, who own Local Enterprises and Barrett Printing. “They know the Keys. They

know what businesses here truly need and they know how to provide it.”

Murray calls herself a “Florida Keys road warrior with the best sales territory in the world.”

“I’m up and down U.S. 1 from Key West to Key Largo, and loving every minute of it,” she said, adding that she’s “happily single with a Mr. Right,” and thrilled with her role as “Crazy Aunt Claire” to 26 nieces and nephews, most of whom live in or near Dallas.

Murray is originally from Louisiana, though her earlier career took her to New Orleans, Los Angeles, Dallas and New York.

“Twenty-five years in advertising, print and television production all over the country, but right now, I’m right where I want to be,” she said, adding that she also loves sailing and golfing in the Florida Keys. “People should call or come see me. I know I can help them.”

Contact Claire Murray and Barrett Printing for all sales and marketing products, promotions and printing needs at 305-293-4501 or sales@barrettprinting.com. Shop a complete line of their products with your logo at barrettprinting.com.

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 Claire Murray, Barrett Printing.

Spotlight Shines on ... Claire Murray, Barrett Printing

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Page 3 September 2016Chamber ChowderVol. 19, No. 9

The incumbent said she would like to continue to hear from the community about how to best resolve the situation.

“The bottom line is that it’s all about patient care,” Raschein said.

Horton didn’t mince words. “Basically, you have a mess,” Horton

said, adding that the lack of transparency has negatively impacted the hospital’s relationship with the community.

Horton also said he would like to see more competition in Key West when it comes to health care, a point that his challenger, Diaz also touched upon.

Diaz said he favors anti-trust legislation in order to break up health service providers, which he believes will reduce costs in the long term.

“The single provider in Key West is a major issue, but it’s solvable with legislation in Tallahassee,” he said.

When it came to questions about their qualifications, Raschein was quick to point out her decade of experience prior to winning the seat in 2012 when she worked as a legislative aide for both Republicans and Democrats who represented the Florida Keys.

Raschein was a former legislative aide for State Reps. Ken Sorensen and Ron Saunders.

“Experience is paramount in getting things done in Tallahassee,” Raschein said, adding that her experience in working both sides of the aisle in the House has been paramount.

Horton referenced the hotel staff serving lunch as he spoke working as a server himself while coming from modest roots, a point that he often brings up in public appearances.

Horton also brought up his work in Leadership Miami.

“I have interacted with a lot of people and I really know how to talk and bond with people,” he said.

Diaz mentioned his degree in economics from Florida State University and his law degree from St. Thomas University.

“Most importantly, I have a platform with the skill sets required and I see myself exceeding expectations in Tallahassee,” Diaz said.

Works then asked each candidate separate questions about a wide array of issues facing Key West.

Raschein was first off with her take on the controversy surrounding the bio-tech company Oxitec and its proposal to release genetically modified mosquitoes in the Key Haven neighborhood. Some residents in the neighborhood strongly oppose the release of such mosquitoes. Raschein said those neighbors’ concerns should not be ignored, but she also went back to a point she made earlier about the hospital — communication is key.

“I think the concerns in Key Haven are valid,” Raschein said. “I think Oxitec wants to do the right thing, but I do think the concerns of the community are extremely valid. Communication is key.”

She said that whatever is done must be done with a clear understanding of the science involved and that leaders should look to “our neighbors to the south in the Caribbean” for more information on how genetically modified mosquitoes worked or didn’t work in their communities.

Diaz was asked if he generally supported the idea of using county and city taxes to support non-profits.

He said he would like to review the budget and if money could be saved or pulled from elsewhere, then he would not favor doling money to nonprofits. But he added if there was wide support in the community for such a move, he would not oppose it.

When asked about Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe (FIRM), Horton said the organization was taking part in “very important work.”

FIRM was formed in 2006 by homeowners and residents looking to keep property insurance rates low.

Horton called for using coastal city-based models and bringing those communities together to ease cost burdens on residents, but he didn’t have time to expound further on how that would work.

Raschein was asked about sin taxes as the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners decided to not put out a referendum in November to determine if residents support a local tax on tobacco and alcohol products with proceeds being used

to fund area social service agencies. She said sin taxes have gone far in

funding education and mentioned the dollar tax on cigarettes that has helped cancer research.

“They do have a purpose,” Raschein said.

Toward the end of the luncheon, the candidates were asked to state the three biggest issues facing Monroe County.

Each mentioned the environment as the primary issue. Poor water quality affects nearly every facet of life in the Florida Keys, they said.

“Access to clean water is the biggest driver of our economy,” Horton said.

The others echoed the sentiment. “First is water quality,” Diaz said, adding

that the environmental issues surrounding Turkey Point nuclear power plant as well as Lake Okeechobee.

He added that renewable energy and homeowner insurance rates round out his list.

Raschein highlighted her role in securing funding for the Keys’ central wastewater projects and the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, which could bring down $25 million a year for water quality efforts and acquisition of lands for conservation purposes.

Affordable housing and windstorm insurance rates were also priorities that emerged during the forum. The Key West Chamber of Commerce will continue to present candidate forums throughout the upcoming election season. For more information about Florida Keys elections, visit the Supervisor of Elections online at www.keys-elections.org.

“Candidates” continued from page 1 4

And finally, another benefit is our General Membership meetings. The next General Membership meeting will be on Tuesday, September 20th and will feature yet another political forum. Next meeting we will be focusing on the Senate Race for District 39 candidates. Be thinking of good questions for them and remember to send them in when we request them!

So I hope to see you at one or all of the events coming up in September after all, its all about the value of being a member!

President’s Message cont. from page 1 4

Page 4 September 2016Chamber ChowderVol. 19, No. 9

The Key West Chamber of Commerce & Waste Management present the 28th Annual “Showcase of Key West Businesses” Trade Show

Wednesday, September 21, 2016The Public is invited as our guest from 3:00p.m. to 5:00p.m.

Our Members Only Business After Hours is from 5:30p.m. to 7:30p.m.at the Key West Marriott Beachside – 3841 No. Roosevelt Blvd.

Presented by: LIMITED BOOTH SPACE AVAILABLE!

Co-Sponsored by:

2016 ExhibitorsAdvanced Urgent Care

BroadwaveDebon Air

Edward Jones InvestmentsFirst State Bank of the Florida KeysFlorida Keys Aqueduct AuthorityFlorida Keys Community College

Florida Keys Media Florida Keys Mosquito Control District

Florida Keys SPCAFlorida Restaurant and Lodging Association

Gary’s Plumbing & Fire Gourmet Nibbles & BasketsHeartland Payroll & Human

Resources Solutions Horan, Wallace & Higgins LLP

JSA Promos & PrintKey West Chamber of Commerce Education

Committee Sponsored by OMIKey West Chamber of Commerce Golf

Tournament Committee Sponsored by Waste Management, Inc.

Keys Federal Credit UnionKeys Imaging

Konk LifeLabor Finders

Local EnterprisesLower Keys Medical Center

Marcial De Gomar’s Emeralds Int’l, LLCNAS Key West MWR (Morale,

Welfare & Recreation)Ocean ATM

Ocean Walk/West Isle ApartmentsOur Keys

Saint Leo UniversitySuburban Propane

Take Stock in ChildrenThe Weekly

Vacation Homes of Key WestVisiting Nurses Association & Hospice of the Florida Keys

Waste Management, Inc.

For more information contact Kerry Baker at 305-294-2587 or visit www.keywestchamber.org

More than 40 Vendors on Display — Great Samples and Give-a-Ways

Page 5 September 2016Chamber ChowderVol. 19, No. 9

for high school students, parents, and teachersWednesday, September 7

5:30 - 7:30p.m.FKCC Key West Campus

Library-Building A5901 College Rd.

R e a d y, S e t , COLLEGE!

Co-Chair: Michael Morawski, Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

Co- Chair: Billy Spottswood, Spottswood Spottswood & SpottswoodJennifer Barrios, Monroe County School District

Kate Bauer-Jones, United Way of the Florida Keys

Dr. Teri Beers-Rossi, Teri Beers-Rossi, MD, PA

Julie Cuneo, American Cancer SocietyScott Dusynski, Keys Federal Credit Union

Chuck Licis, Take Stock In ChildrenKay Miller, First State Bank

of the Florida KeysEdward Perez, City of Key West

Brittany Snyder, Florida Keys Community College

Angie Walterson, First State Bank of Florida Keys

Don Whitehead, Wicker HouseVirginia Panico, KW

Chamber of Commerce

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS THROUGH THE TOM SAWYER FIVE STAR PROGRAM

HOW MANY STARS WILL YOU EARN FOR THE2016/2017 SCHOOL YEAR?

Earn your First Star by donating to the Teacher Recognition Program. How to earn your Star: 4 A donation of 22 gifts from your company with a minimum value of $25.00 each (for

a total value of $550.00), or a cash donation of $550.00. These are combined into gift bags and are awarded three times within the school year to a total of 22 outstanding Key West teachers.

Gifts or cash donations should be made to the chamber before our October 26, 2016 General Membership Meeting.

For more information on how you can donate to the Teacher Recognition Program contact any member of our Education Committee:

Page 6 September 2016Chamber ChowderVol. 19, No. 9

 

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

40,000

45,000

50,000

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Deplanem

ents

Source: Key West International Airport

Key West International Airport ArrivalsJanuary 2011 - July 2016

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Southwest acquired AirTran 11/2012

0

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

3,000,000

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Bed

Tax

Col

lect

ions

in D

olla

rs

Source: Monroe County Tax Collector

Key West Bed Tax CollectionsJanuary 2011 - June 2016

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Triangle Properties offline for renovation 6/16/13 (519 Beds)Progressively reopen - 3/2015, 5/2015, 11/2015, 3/2016

Passenger arrivals to Key West International Airport in July 2016 totaled 28,276. This is an increase of 8.8% when compared to July 2015.

Total passenger arrivals for the seven months of 2016 were 227,067. That is a 4% increase over the same period in 2015.

While arrivals were decelerating off their record breaking February & March numbers and hit a five year low in June, having reached a decrease of 6.7%, July's bounce gives it a bronze medal for the month and may indicate that airlines are competing successfully against low gas prices.

A total of 47,747 cruise ship passengers disembarked in Key West during July 2016. This was 14.2% higher than July 2015, which saw 41,821 passengers disembark.

For the seven months of 2016, cruise ship arrivals saw 426,425 passengers disembark from 190 port calls. While port calls are down 3.6% so far for 2016, passenger counts are down 7.4% over the same period in 2015.

The cruise ship schedule for September to November 2016 compared to the same three months in 2015 is shown below:

Number of Ships 2015 2016

September 13 16October 16 20November 29 25

Reported Bed Tax Collections for Key West were $1,372,680 for June 2016, an increase of 4.1% compared to June 2015.

While monthly Smith Travel numbers are not yet available for June 2016, earlier reports showed June occupancy dropping and Average Daily Rates (ADR) flirting with dropping below last year's prices.

February broke the six year trend in which the monthly ADR had been higher than the previous year. With the number of hotel rooms available returning to normal, increasing by about 7% over the past year, occupied room nights have begun the climb back to historical levels.

Source: Key West International Airport

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Pass

enge

rs

Source: City of Key West Port Operations

Key West Cruise Ship Passengers January 2011 - July 2016

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Southwest service ends 06/07/14 and Silver Airways assumes limited routes

Page 7 September 2016Chamber ChowderVol. 19, No. 9

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

September

3

4 5 75 @M - FKMCD

9 10

2

86 @W - KWCity1st Hearing5 @M - MC2nd Hearing

1

65 @L - MC1st Hearing

18 19 20 21 226 @W - KWCityFinal Hearing

11 125 @W - MCFinal Hearing

136 @W - MCSDFinal Hearing

145 @M - FKMCDFinal Hearing

15

25 26 27 29 3028

23 24

16 17

Chowder Trends Special Focus: Key West Property Tax (Part I I)

TRIM Notice: Florida's Oxymoron

Taxable property values in Key West increased by about 5% this year, while the inflation index has held Homesteadedproperty increases to less than a percent at 0.7%. With about only 17% of Key West's taxable value Homesteaded, themajority of property owners could see noticeable increases in their valuations. Yet because of the complexity in ourproperty taxes, generalities will rarely give an accurate expectation of what your individual bill will be and how all themunicipal budget processes will hit home for you. That is why the TRIM notices go out this time of the year, so thatyou can see what your specific bottom line is and choose to get involved before it is too late. Remember, you canlower your property tax bill if you show up and participate in the hearing process over the next few weeks.

Understanding Your TRIM NoticeThe TRIM Notice will list both your property's Taxable Value as well as the respective Tax Rates for each of thetaxing authorities that collect taxes on your property. The TRIM Notice provides three sets of numbers: the amountof tax levied last year, how much your taxes would (or could) be at a rolled back rate, and what they will be if thebudgets of each taxing authority are approved as proposed. The Property Appraiser provides a tax estimator tool ontheir website (www.mcpafl.org) that can be helpful in considering what affects your tax bill, including where theproperty is located, the property value and all the possible exemptions including the Portability amendment that allowsyou to carry your “Save our Homes” benefit when buying a new home. If you have questions about your TaxableValue, contact the Monroe County Property Appraiser. If you have questions about the proposed tax rates, contact therespective taxing authority and plan to attend their Public Hearings to make your voice heard.

While an increase in the Tax Rate (also called "millage") increases your tax bill, the same is true of your property’sTaxable Value. Your tax bill equals (Millage Rate/1000) x (Taxable Value). Taxable Value is not meant to equalwhat your property could be sold for; and two identical homes with the same market value could have very differentTaxable Values and therefore significantly different tax bills. While all property owners are taxed at the same rate,Taxable Values will always be lower than market values depending on exemptions owners receive and when theybegan receiving the particular exemptions. This is true not only because exemptions reflect the exclusion of a certaindollar amount of your property’s value from being taxed, but also since those properties with Homestead exemptionsand now certain commercial properties are afforded protections under State law (“Save Our Homes”) which slow or“cap” the rate of increase in value. So even though market values may rise based upon market forces, the PropertyAppraiser can only raise your Homesteaded property value by the lesser of 3% or CPI, and your qualified commercialproperty by 10%. This creates what is called Assessed Value, from which the exemption amounts are subtracted toarrive at a value that is subject to taxation (Taxable Value).

LegislativeCalendar

Post, Tweet, Tag, Follow, Like, Poke, Pin, Blog, Reply,or simplyCheck in !

KWCity| CityofKeyWest‐FL.govfind budget information under Finance Department

MC|MonroeCounty‐FL.govfind budget information under Budget & Finance Department

MCSD| KeysSchools.comfind budget information under Finance Department 

FKMCD| KeysMosquito.orgcall for budget information

FKAA| FKAA.comfind budget information under Reports

KES| KeysEnergy.comfind budget information under Financial Informationfrom the About KEYS menu

it's Millage and not Mileage...but don't worry, it really doesn't matter, because they will tell you how much to

take out of your pockets come November...

Locations: L‐Key Largo, M‐Marathon, T‐Tavernier, W‐Key West

Page 8 September 2016Chamber ChowderVol. 19, No. 9

Key West Business Environment vs. Florida & the U.S.

Still paradise, despite Florida's woes Key West Business Outlook

●  National survey sees average growth to be 1.8% for 2016●  Floridian's confidence in the U.S. economy rose 1.2 pts in Q2 to 87.4

●  With 49% of Key West businesses reporting increased revenues, this was better than Florida results of 47%●  Floridian's Consumer Sentiment rose in Q2 to 93.7 in July, up 3.1 points from April 2016's reading

Compensation & Wages

●  With 28% of Key West businesses reporting increasing wages during the second quarter 2016, this is lower than national survey results of 43%         (National results are unchanged from the first quarter, while Key West results are down from 35% last quarter)●  U.S. Personal disposable income adjusted for taxes and inflation rose 1.2% compared with 2.2% in the first quarter●  U.S. Personal savings as a percentage of disposable personal income was 5.5% compared with 6.1% in the first quarter●  U.S. Prices of goods and services increased 2.0% in the second quarter, after increasing 0.2% in the first quarter        (Excluding energy and food, prices increased 1.9% in the second quarter and 1.4% in the first quarter)

Macro‐Economic Impacts

World Economy

Quarterly Economic Environment & OutlookThe Key West Chamber of Commerce continuously monitors, compiles, and analyzes economic data;

generating local economic data through surveys of its over 500 members.

Balance figures represent the percentage reporting increases minus the percentage reporting decreases ( + reflects expansion and ‐ reflects contraction, and change is from prior quarter)

Tourism remained buoyant as the support industries began to slide with the waning season.  The decline in port calls seen in the first quarter was reversed with a 10.6% increase in disembarkments; leaving cruise ship visitors 9.6% lower for year.*  As air passenger numbers started dropping toward the end of the quarter, cheap gas prices were expected to increase in‐state summer vacation plans.  Occupancy rates which have adjusted are seeing a settling of around 3 points lower compared to last year, while Average Daily Rates flattened out.*  And hurdles are rising for what is hoped to be a sixth consecutive year of record tourism, as the Governor seeks to mitigate water quality, disease, and terrorism impacts to Florida.

Global confidence uptick occurring in Q2, before the unexpected Brexit vote, was not matched by recovery of capital or staffing plans; as half of businesses were still cutting or freezing employment.  While it could take up to two years to figure out exactly what an exit for Britain will ultimately look like, their economy has already been hurt.  However the long‐term impact may end up being neutral and preserve the benefits of the single market; yet the drop in value of the sterling is likely to impact tourism from the UK.  

www.KeyWestChamber.org

Key West expectations slide, as pessimism increases.While Florida drew attention on multiple fronts, Key West celebrated the Conch Republic and remained an enduring paradise for travelers.  Members from restaurants & bars to attractions & water activities reported increases in sales.

Profit margins nationwide remained flat over the second quarter, improving from the negative trend seen in the first quarter; the surveys taken in January, April, and July have been the lowest readings since 2009.  Expectations for profit margins are evenly balanced as 17% of panelists expect profit margin increases during the third quarter and 17% expect decreases.

Down

The Global Economic Conditions Survey Report: Q2, 2016 provides regional analysis from 1250 businesses in 180 countries*

Responses from KWCC BEO conducted June 29‐July 14, 2016; NABE BCS conducted June 20‐29, 2016; FL Chamber FSBI conducted June 1‐17, 2016* 

Up 

7 ptsto +28%

Second Quarter Wages balance

7 ptsto +21%

Second Quarter Sales balance

14 ptsto +63%

Twelve month Expectation balance

6% nationally report that their firms have reduced overseas travel due to concernsabout the Zika virus.

While about 64% nationally are concerned that more‐protectionist trade policies wouldnegatively impact their businesses, only three percent indicate that such policies wouldhave a positive impact.

Brexit

Lowest '09

Down

Sources: NABE, Outlook/Business Conditions survey; UF BEBR, Consumer Sentiment Index; City of Key West; MC TDC; IMA/ACCA, Global Economic Conditions Survey; Bureau of Economic Analysis; Florida Chamber, Florida Small Business Index

Page 9

Business After Hours | WednesdAy August 17, 2016

Hosted by: Hilton Garden Inn, 3850 N. Roosevelt Blvd.

september 2016Chamber ChowderVol. 19, No. 9

Page 10 September 2016Chamber ChowderVol. 19, No. 9

Welcome July 2016 New Members!

The Key West Chamber of Commerce welcomed eleven new members to its ranks during the August membership luncheon. Attending pictured left to right: Brad Weiser of SIMV Hotel1, LLV; Membership Committee Co-Chair Joyce Benavides; Attorney Kader Scull of Kader Scull IV, P.A.; Karen Vaught of Edward Jones Investments; Michael Jensen of Haunted Key West and Key West Chamber of Commerce President Kim Works. Not pictured are: Eugenia Simons of 24 North Hotel; Alex MacDougall and Kim MacDougall of BodyZone Fitness Center; Trent Owens of Heron House and Heron House Court; Annie Cerbone of Hilton Garden Inn; Michael Trader of Key West Closets and Wayne Black of Wayne Black Associates, Inc.

24º North Hotel3820 No. Roosevelt Blvd.

Key West, FL 33040305-320-0940

Contact: Ms. Eugenia Simonswww.24northhotel.com

Hotel

Body Zone Fitness Center

2740 No. Roosevelt Blvd.Key West, FL 33040

305-292-2930Contact: Kim and Alex MacDougall

www.bodyzonekeywest.com Fitness Center, Gym &

Personal Training

Edward Jones Investments of Key West, FL

1010 Kennedy Drive, Suite 204Key West, FL 33040

305-294-4561Contact: Ms. Karen Vaught

Financial Planning Consultants

Haunted Key West, Inc.P.O. Box 13

Key West, FL 33041305-395-1435

Contact: Mr. Michael Jensenwww.hauntedkeywest.com

Walking Tours

Heron House512 Simonton StreetKey West, FL 33040

305-294-8477Contact: Mr. Trent Owens

www.heronhouse.com Guest House

Sponsored by: Headlines Hair Design & Nails

Heron House Court412 Frances Street

Key West, FL 33040305-296-4719

Contact: Mr. Trent Owenswww.heronhouse.com

Guest House Sponsored by: Headlines

Hair Design & Nails

Hilton Garden Inn Key West

3850 No. Roosevelt Blvd.Key West, FL 33040

305-320-0920Contact: Ms. Annie Cerbone

Hotel

Kader B. Scull IV, P.A.302 Southard Street, Suite 105

Key West, FL 33040305-407-6897

Contact: Mr. Kader Scullwww.scullpa.com

Law Firm

Key West Closets, Inc.31 7th Avenue

Key West, FL 33040305-394-2593

Contact: Mr. Michael Traderwww.keywestclosets.com

General Contractor

SIMV Hotel 1, LLCStock Island Marina Village/Shrimp Road

Key West, FL 33040847-517-9100

Contact: Mr. Brad Weiser Hotel Development

Wayne Black & Associates, Inc.302 Southard Street, Suite 105

Key West, FL 33040305-372-3748

Contact: Mr. Wayne Blackwww.wayneblack.com Licensed Investigators

Cruise Ship ScheduleSeptember 2016

09/01 Enchantment 9:30am-6:00pm09/02 NO SHIPS 09/03 NO SHIPS 09/04 Empress 8:00am-5:00pm09/05 NO SHIPS 09/06 NO SHIPS 09/07 NO SHIPS 09/08 Enchantment 9:30am-6:00pm09/09 CarnivalSensation 7:30am-1:30pm09/09 Empress 8:00am-5:00pm09/10 NO SHIPS 09/11 NO SHIPS 09/12 NO SHIPS 09/13 Fantasy 7:30am-1:30pm09/13 Empress 8:00am-5:00pm09/14 NO SHIPS 09/15 Enchantment 9:30am-6:00pm09/16 NO SHIPS 09/17 NO SHIPS 09/18 Empress 8:00am-5:00pm09/19 NO SHIPS 09/20 NO SHIPS 09/21 NO SHIPS 09/22 Enchantment 9:30am-6:00pm09/23 CarnivalSensation 7:30am-1:30pm09/23 Empress 8:00am-5:00pm09/24 NO SHIPS 09/25 NO SHIPS 09/26 NO SHIPS 09/27 Fantasy 7:30am-1:30pm09/27 Empress 8:00am-5:00pm09/28 NO SHIPS 09/29 Enchantment 9:30am-6:00pm09/30 Insignia 7:30am-5:00pm

September 20169/1-5 Seventh Annual Key West Brewfest; 800-354-44559/8-11 Key West WomanFest, www.womenfest.com; 305-294-46039/9-11 Southernmost Light-Tackle

Anglers Masters (SLAM) Celebrity Tournament; 305-664-2002; Contact Gary Ellis www.redbone.org

9/15-18 Poker Run, petersonskeywestpokerrun.com

305-294-70509/21 28th Annual “Showcase of

Key West Businesses” Trade Show 305-294-2587

Community Calendar

Page 11 September 2016Chamber ChowderVol. 19, No. 9

The Key West Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the following

businesses for their donations in 2015 to our Tom Sawyer Five Star Program for

Teacher Recognition. � Royal Furniture and Design

Donation of Teacher Lunches � Local Awards & Engraving

Donation of Recognition PlaquesGifts:

4 Alan S. Maltz Gallery, $25 Gift Certificates 4 BB & T, $25 Debit Card 4 Baby’s Coffee, One pound of Coffee 4 Blue Heaven, $25 Gift Certificates to Salute’s 4 Danger Charters, 22 Gift Certificates for Morning Half Day Sail 4 Dion’s Mart LLC, $25 Gift Certificates & shopping bag 4 Fausto’s Food Place, $25 Gift Certificates 4 First State Bank, Mini Bank Bag with $25 in Coins 4 Florida Keys Community College, Play Hooky Passes 4 Fury Water Adventures, Excursion Certificates for 2 4 Historic Tours of America, Free Admission for: Little

White House, VIP Tour for one at Key West Aquarium and Shipwreck Treasures Museum

4 Ernest Hemingway House, Book “To Have and Have Not” and Free Admission for 2

4 Key West Express, $25 Gift Certificate 4 Key West Handbags LLC, $25 Gift Certificate 4 Keys Energy Services, Energy Saver items 4 Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum, (4) Free Admission tickets 4 Niles Sales & Service, Complimentary Oil Change & Car Wash 4 Old Town Trolley Tours, Free Admission for one 4 Rick’s Durty Harry’s, $25 Gift Certificates for Bar Tab 4 Sebago Watersports, Champagne Sunset Sail or Snorkel 4 Sunset Watersports, Rise and Reef Snorkel trip for one 4 The Studios of Key West, $25 Certificates toward a class. 4 The Westin Hotels and Resorts, Gift Certificates for

Brunch for Two at Bistro 245

Monies ($550.00 each) donated from the following businesses:• Horan, Wallace, & Higgins • Keys Federal Credit Union• Lower Keys Medical Center• Wicker House

For more information on how you can donate to the Teacher Recognition program contact the chamber offices at

305-294-2587 or email committees@keywestchamber.org.

Page 12 September 2016

Chamber ChowderVol. 17, No. 12

Chamber Chowder©www.keywestchamber.org510 Greene Street ~ 1st Floor, Key West

Chamber ChowderVol. 19, No. 9

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEKim Works, PresidentPirate Radio/294-1017

Cara Higgins/SecretaryHoran, Wallace & Higgins, LLP/294-4585

Greg Sullivan, TreasurerWaste Management/434-9140

Robin Lockwood MD, Past PresidentRobin Lockwood, MD/304-7777

Melissa Kendrick, AppointeeMel Fisher Maritime Museum/294-2633x24

Randy Moore, AppointeeSpottswood Companies, 294-6100

Sam Holland, AppointeeThe Conch House/293-0020

Virginia A. Panico, Executive Vice PresidentKey West Chamber of Commerce/294-2587

CHAMBER STAFFVirginia A. Panico

Executive Vice President

Steven WeedDirector of Research

Claudia WilsonExecutive Assistant/Bookkeeper

Kerry BakerMembership Director

Special Events Coordinator

Dorothy SchmidaAdministrative Assistant

Nancy Carruthers and Krista HodgesOffice Assistants/Tourist Information Operators

Gladys ClarksTourist Information Receptionist

Virginia A. PanicoNewsletter Editor

Cindy JeffersonArt Director

September 2016General Membership Meeting

Co-Sponsored by: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association

Date: Tuesday, September 20, 2016Noon

Senate Race for District 39Candidates Forum

Location: Key West Marriott BeachsidePlease RSVP to the Chamber

at 305-294-2587 or Email: info@keywestchamber.org

Business After Hours “Showcase of Key West Businesses”

Community and Business Exposition Trade Show

Wednesday, September 21stTime: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by: Key West Marriott BeachsideLocation: 3841 North Roosevelt Blvd.

Members Only Networking Event

October 2016Business After Hours

Wednesday, October 13, 2016 Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by: The Studios of Key WestLocation: 533 Eaton Street

Members Only Networking Event

General Membership MeetingDate: Wednesday, October 26, 2016

NoonFlorida’s 26th Congressional District

Candidates Forum Location: The Westin Key

West Resort & MarinaPlease RSVP to the Chamber

at 305-294-2587 or Email: info@keywestchamber.org

Key West Chamber Calendar of Events

28th Annual Key West Chamber of Commerce“Showcase of Key West Businesses”

Community and Business Exposition Trade Show Wednesday, September 21st

Location: Key West Marriott Beachside 3841 North Roosevelt Blvd

Presented by: The Key West Chamber of CommerceSponsored by: Waste Management, Inc.

Co-sponsored by: OMI/CH2M3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Open to the Public