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March 2016

Chamber ChowderVol. 17, No. 12

CHAMBER CHOWDER©www.keywestchamber.org510 Greene Street ~ 1st Floor, Key West


Message from President Nicki L. Will

O ne of the goals, actually Goal 1 of the Key West Chamber

of Commerce Vision 2020, addresses workforce housing. Goal 1 states: “We will have achieved a balance of workforce to housing availability and affordability achieving the goal of no more than one third of income necessary to fund housing costs of workers in our community.”

One of the greatest issues we continue to face in our community and by Chamber members is workforce housing. Many members of our workforce are struggling to live in Key West. These are the individuals that we all count on to provide vital community services. These are the individuals that allow our businesses to be successful and as well allow all of us to enjoy living in our paradise in the Keys.

There is a tremendous amount of employee turnover in many businesses related to housing challenges and the cost of housing in the Keys. Despite the exceptional intentions and hard work by many individuals, organizations and local companies, the reality of workforce housing is not

City Engineer Provides Truman Waterfront Update at Chamber Luncheon

A picnic in the park should be possible at the city’s Truman Waterfront by next fall, according to the update that Key West’s Engineering Director Jim Bouquet provided to members of the Key West Chamber

of Commerce during their February 24th luncheon.Bouquet reviewed the Truman Waterfront timeline, reminding the audience

that the city received the parcel from the Navy in 2002, and then hosted several series of workshops and meetings to gather input from the public about their vision and priorities for the park.

A master plan that originally included green space, water features, ballfields and an upscale marina and amphitheater to generate revenue was approved by the city’s advisory boards and elected officials in 2012.

“The goal now is to give the people a park,” Bouquet emphasized during his update, adding that “observable construction should begin this month at the waterfront property.”

Bouquet also said, in answer to a question by City Commissioner Sam Kaufman about when the public would be able to use any part of the new park, that by November 2017, first-phase construction should be largely complete.

That phase will include a green space area being called Central Park, the Merili McCoy Community Gardens, landscaping additions, an interactive water feature, a decorative, new promenade along the East Quay Wall, where the historic Coast Guard Cutter Ingham is docked, playground equipment with shade structures and an exercise course, Bouquet said.

The engineer explained that Phase One of the park plan had been divided into two parts, as “we realized it wouldn’t be financially feasible to do the whole thing at once,” Bouquet said, adding that the city received the first detailed cost estimates in September 2014.

“Funding is in place for the construction,” Bouquet said, adding that the money will come from a variety of sources, including state grants and $2 million from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, which collects “bed taxes”

continued on page 34

continued on page 3 4

Key West Chamber of Commerce President Nicki Will thanks the city’s Engineering Director Jim Bouquet for his update on Truman Waterfront during the Chamber’s February membership luncheon.

Table of ContentsBusiness Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2“Tiger in the Woods” Golf Tournament . . . . . . . . . 4New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5City Employee of the Year Honored . . . . . . . . . 5Business Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7-8Business After Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Billy Appelrouth Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Community Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Visitor Brochure and Map Information . . . . . . . . 11Cruise Ship Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Chamber Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . 12

March 2016Chamber ChowderVol. 19, No. 3

Ernest HemingwayHouse Museum

907 Whitehead StreetKey West, FL 33040

305-294-1136

La ConchaCrowne Plaza

430 Duval StreetKey West, FL 33040

305-296-2991

YP.com9850 NW 41st St.Doral, FL 33178305-482-2601

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

It’s 4:50 a.m. in Key West. The last of the Duval Street revelers are still finding their way back to homes and hotel rooms when

Greg Sullivan starts his work day as a senior district manager for Waste Management.

The company collects trash and recycling from all homes and businesses between Key West and the 7-Mile Bridge.

“I’m probably the longest-standing garbage man in Key West,” Sullivan said, adding that he manages Waste Management’s negotiations and contracts with the City of Key West and with Monroe County.

“Plus, we operate the transfer stations throughout the Florida Keys in Rockland Key, Cudjoe Key, Long Key and Key Largo,” he said.

The county owns the transfer stations, where the collected garbage is consolidated, sorted and trucked up the mainland to be discarded, recycled or used to produce energy.

Sullivan, a Long Island native, was born in Hampton Bays, New York; the third child of six. And early mornings come naturally to him.

“I was born in 1958, and in the 1960s, my dad and my uncle were both milkmen,” he recalled recently.

But as refrigeration techniques improved, and grocery and convenience stores proliferated throughout the country, their occupation became obsolete.

“My dad went into the heating and air-conditioning business, but my uncle went into the garbage business and I used to love riding on the truck with him,” Sullivan said.

Once old enough, he started working for a family-owned waste disposal company in New York. He later got a job with BFI, a national waste company, which took him first to Annapolis, Maryland and later to the Florida Keys.

Waste Management bought BFI in 2000 and took over its contracts in the Keys, so Sullivan stayed on with the new parent company and continued his work in the island chain that he immediately loved.

Sullivan has been a longtime board member and past president of the Key West

Chamber of Commerce. He co-chairs the Chamber’s golf tournament and is on the Military Affairs Committee. Sullivan also holds board positions with Sunrise Rotary, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum and Keys Federal Credit Union.

The popular and outgoing “garbage man” is also the most recent inductee into the Key West Chamber’s prestigious Hall of Fame. The honor was announced during the Chamber’s January awards banquet, where the audience was treated to a video tribute to Sullivan, produced by filmmaker Kim Romano and coordinated by his wife, Michelle Maxwell.

“The video brought tears to my eyes,” Sullivan said, calling it “one of the most humbling experiences of his life.”

“I’ve always said that people either love Key West or they hate it,” he said.

There’s no question which group Greg Sullivan is in.

For more information about Waste Management, or to contact Greg Sullivan, call 305-296-8297 or visit www.wm.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 Greg Sullivan, Waste Management.

Spotlight Shines on ... Greg Sullivan, Waste Management


from local lodging establishments that host Keys visitors. Bed tax money may only be spent on items that highlight or improve tourism, so the $2 million in TDC money has been earmarked for a revenue-generating amphitheater for concerts and other events at Truman Waterfront.

Bouquet told the Chamber crowd on Wednesday that there were still some outstanding questions about the size and seating capacity of the amphitheater.

Another unknown surrounding the waterfront project pertains to a small cut of water, about the size of a boat slip, known as Admiral’s Cut.

The cut separates Truman Waterfront from the Westin Pier and is owned by the Westin. Despite requests by the city, Westin owners and officials have not previously been enthusiastic about sharing Admiral’s Cut, selling it to the city or granting pedestrian access across it.

“The City Commission has issued a resolution directing the city manager and the city attorney to negotiate with the Westin regarding the use of Admiral’s Cut,” Bouquet said Wednesday, unsure what would come from those discussions.

Members of the city’s Truman Waterfront Advisory Board were scheduled to hear an update on those negotiations during their February 29th meeting.

Bouquet said the Truman Waterfront Advisory Board also would hear a presentation at their meeting about a new proposal for a combination of retail space, residential housing and hotel units on a 6.6-acre portion of the waterfront parcel.

When it comes to finances, Bouquet said, funding is in place for park construction, but not necessarily for ongoing and long-term park maintenance.

Virginia Panico, executive vice president of the Key West Chamber of Commerce, asked specifically during the recent luncheon about how the city intended to pay for the park’s upkeep and maintenance. Panico emphasized that the burden should not fall to the city taxpayers now that the initial plans for a revenue-generating marina on the property had been scrapped.

“The easy answer would be that it’s my job to build the park,” Bouquet said. “But obviously, there will have to be a designated funding mechanism in place for its maintenance.”

Other unknowns as of now include the access roads into the park and increased traffic concerns from neighboring residents in Bahama Village and the gated Truman Annex community.

“We obviously will need to identify alternate entrances to the park,” Bouquet said, adding that the current Southard Street entrance, which passes through Truman Annex and leads to both Truman Waterfront and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, will not be sufficient.

And finally, Bouquet told Chamber members that naming rights for the park in exchange for sponsorship money are still being discussed.

“We have stayed in touch with Jimmy Buffett’s folks and are hoping something may come from that, although we don’t know any more about it at this point,” Bouquet said in reply to a question from Chamber member Randy Detrick before wrapping up his presentation.

Additional information about the city’s Truman Waterfront plans is available online at www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov with specific links to the park master plans, economic conveyance documents from the Navy and agendas and minutes for the Truman Waterfront Advisory Board.

“Truman Waterfront” continued from page 1 4

much different from when the goal of assuring adequate workforce housing was drafted in 1998 as part of the Chamber’s Vision 2020. Perhaps this will be the year when plans and dreams become realities.

There may be a window of opportunity at this point in time for forces to converge and action to be taken to address workforce housing. Any successful processes to address workforce housing will be a culmination of forces including private and public partnerships. It is very promising to see the City of Key West and Monroe County begin to work together to address workforce housing. Furthermore, local enterprises have in the past and continue to step forward to present proposals for workforce housing that need consideration. Over time there have been many attempts to address workforce housing, all with good intentions by many individuals and organizations, however results have been limited.

Do we have the political will and the political capital available through the governmental entities? Are the residents of the community ready to commit to support workforce housing? Can we overcome the NIMBY (not in my backyard) forces? Are the businesses ready to come forward as well?

We live in a capitalist society and the economy is ruled by laws of supply and demand with the price of housing set by market forces. The market in Key West is very different than most areas of the United States and furthermore we are geographically challenged for our workforce to commute to Key West from an area of lower housing costs.

I ask that we all continue to work together to address the workforce housing crisis. All proposals need to be considered, all of us need to be educated and deliberate proposals put forth. Taskforces and roundtables are necessary to the overall process, but the processes have been going on and it is time for action before the window of opportunity closes. Our businesses, our visitors, our residents and our part-time residents cannot survive and thrive in our community without a stable workforce.

President’s Message continued from page 1 4


510 Greene Street, 1st Floor - Key West, FL 33040 Phone: 305.294.2587 Fax: 305.294-7806

CALLING ALL AMATEURS, PROS & FUN LOVERSA TIGER IN THE WOODS

GOLF TOURNAMENT

Prizes to include: PAR 3 Closest to the Pin Contest$500 Prize on holes #5, #8 , #13 & #16PRIZES ON EVERY HOLE

Enter individually or choose your own team of four players.To register to play please call (305) 294-2587. Advance payment is required.Proceeds support our Member Events andmultiple Community Programs

Enjoy a day on the greens and compete for over $18,000 of prizes:

KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GOLF TOURNAMENT

APRIL 242016

APRIL

201624

The Cat’s Out of the Bag...And he’ll be prowling around in the woods and on the greens during Key West’s most enjoyablegolf tournament with tons of raffle prizes. Sponsored by the Key West Chamber of Commerce.

To be held: Sunday, April 24, 2016at the Key West Golf Club on College Road

Tee Time: 7:30 AM Registration begins at 7:00 AM

305-294-2587

Interested inSponsorship?

- 1st, 2nd & 3rd place in each flight- PRIZES on every hole - Closest to the Hole Prizes - Longest Putt

GOLF TOURNAMENT COMMITTEEGreg Sullivan & John Anderson - Co-Chairmen www.keywestchamber.org


Welcome New Members!

The Key West Chamber of Commerce welcomed eight new members to the ranks during its February luncheon. Pictured left to right: Membership Committee Co-Chair Joyce Benavides; new members Will Langley of Old Town Villas Key West; Frank Nobile of Aventura Mattress & Patio in the Keys; Dennis Beaver of the Tennessee Williams Key West Exhibit; Membership Committee Co-Chair Kim Works and Key West Chamber of Commerce President Nicki Will. (Additional new members not pictured include: Dr. Kal Blumberg of Florida Spine Specialists; Kelli Martin of Fresh Produce; Pediatrician Dr. Jose Texidor; attorney Richard Klitenick and Dr. True Lansden of True Plastic Surgery of the Florida Keys.)

Aventura Mattress & Patio in the Keys

2770 North Roosevelt Blvd.Key West, FL 33040

305-780-7273www.aventuramattress.com

Contact: Frank NobileMattress & Patio Furniture

Florida Spine Specialists1111 12th Street, Suite 108

Key West, FL 33040305-294-9680

www.floridaspinespecialists.comContact: Dr. Kal Blumberg

Medical Practice- Spine SpecialistsSponsored by: Randy Detrick, LKMC

Fresh Produce400A Duval Street

Key West, FL 33040305-293-1970

www.freshproduceclothes.com Contact: Kelli Martin

Retail Clothing

Jose Texidor, MD1111 12th Street, Suite 311

Key West, FL 33040305-295-6700

Contact: Dr. Jose TexidorMedical Practice – Pediatrics

Sponsored by: Randy Detrick, LKMC

Old Town Villas Key West336 Duval Street

Key West, FL 33040305-394-9020

www.oldtownvillaskeywest.comContact: Will Langley

Real Estate Development

Richard Klitenick, PA1009 Simonton StreetKey West, FL 33040

305-292-4101www.rmkpa.com

Contact: Richard KlitenickAttorney – Business and Real Estate

Tennessee Williams Key West Exhibit, Inc.

513 Truman AvenueKey West, FL 33040

305-294-3121www.twkw.org

Contact: Dennis BeaverPermanent Exhibit/Not for Profit

True Plastic Surgery of the Florida Keys605B United StreetKey West, FL 33040

305-942-3664www.trueplasticsurgery.comContact: Dr. True Lansden

Physician – Plastic & Reconstructive, Hand Surgery

City Finance Director Mark Finigan, left, and City Manager Jim Scholl presented Schavawn Yarber with the City Employee of the Year award at the Key West Chamber of Commerce December 16th awards luncheon at the Casa Marina Resort.

Key West Finance Director Mark Finigan was pleased to sing the praises and draw attention to the professional and meticulous work of Budget Analyst Schavawn Yarber.

“Find me that person within any organization that is so key to the daily financial operations, that in their absence there would a significant and immediate impact, and more than likely you will have identified an unassuming and unheralded employee who does nothing but better that organization on daily basis,” Finigan wrote in his glowing nomination of Yarber.

Her knowledge of city government and her contributions to it are immeasurable, Finigan said, describing her knowledge of complex software systems as well as the intricacies of the city’s $160 million annual budget.

“Her untiring willingness to learn what she does not know and impart that knowledge to her contemporaries is exemplary,” Finigan wrote. “In short, her services are impossible to place a value on, and yet go unnoticed – until now.”

Yarber’s ability and diligence allow the Key West City Commission to make fact-based, informed decisions for the good of the community.

“Overall, hard work, broad-based knowledge and teamwork are the trademarks of Schavawn,” wrote Finigan. “Her singular efforts for the city of Key West have delivered immeasurable dollar savings as well as the budgetary leadership any organization requires to be successful.”

The Key West Chamber of Commerce echoes Director Finigan’s enthusiasm and appreciation and is proud to honor Schavawn Yarber as the 2015 City Employee of the Year.

Key West Chamber of Commerce Honors

City Employee of the Year Schavawn Yarber


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 - January 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


Bed

Tax

Col

lect

ions

in D

olla

rs

Source: Monroe County Tax Collector

Key West Bed Tax CollectionsJanuary 2010 - December 2015

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

BP Oil Spill 4/20/10 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 January 2016 totaled 33,221. This is an increase of 0.9% when compared to January 2015.

Total Passenger arrivals for 2015 were 346,402 while departures were 358,919.

2015 Arrivals40% Delta 137,36032% American 110,49820% Silver 70,5428% US Airlines 28,002

Southwest flew from November 2012 to June 2014. Losses from Air Tran & Cape Air have largely been picked up by American & Silver, with Delta & US Air contributing.

A total of 83,391 cruise ship passengers disembarked in Key West during January 2016. This was 6.2% lower than January 2015, which saw 88,918 passengers disembark. The number of port calls were the same at 43 for January.

Ferry service for the year 2015 saw 96,247 passengers coming and going which was a 12% increase over the 89,760 in 2014. The passengers for 2015 were just below the high of 99,090 seen in 2008.

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

Number of Ships 2015 2016

March 48 41April 31 39May 11 19

Reported Bed Tax Collections for Key West were $1,797,856 for December 2015, an increase of 9.12% compared to December 2014.

According to Smith Travel, December 2015 occupancy was 79.0%, a 5.6 percentage point decrease from the December 2014 occupancy rate of 84.6%.

The Average Daily Rate (ADR) was reported at $327.39 for December 2015, an increase of 6.0% from the ADR of $308.88 posted for December 2014. This ADR of $327.39 is the highest recorded for the month of December. This continues the record of 71 months where the ADR has been higher than the previous year. In fact, the last 57 months are all-time records for each month.

Source: Key West International Airport

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000


Pass

enge

rs

Source: City of Key West Port Operations

Key West Cruise Ship Passengers January 2011 - January 2016

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

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


Workforce Labor Market in Review58.6%

0.0%

1.0%

2.0%

3.0%

4.0%

5.0%

6.0%

7.0%

8.0%

9.0%

10.0%


Key West Monthly Unemployment RateJanuary 2008 - December 2015 Monthly Rates

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Source: U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Not Seasonally Adjusted)

Key West unemployment rates have been slowly settling over the past eighteen months, having first dipped below 4% in December 2013 and been tracking at rates seen back in 2008, 2002 and 1994.

Employment in Key West has remained remarkably consistent for the past twenty-five years. While the population hit a peak of 29,312 in 1970, the city's modern numbers have floated between 24,500 to 25,500. Even with the City dipping below 24,000 in 2005, it hit 25,704 in 2014. Key West's workforce is capped along with its population, as an Area of Critical State Concern. Key West is also continuing to see an aging demographic shift. While the nation is drifting to 1 in 5 ratio of senior citizens, Florida is drifting to 1 in 4, with certain areas drifting to 1 in 3. This impacts not only the workforce but also housing availability for them. So while Key West's participation rate is about 60%, the nation as a whole hit over 67% in the late 1990's and had been above 66% for two decades before 2009. This historical participation rate is four points higher than it is right now at 62.7%.

While Key West consistently reflects a seasonal unemployment trend seen in monthly rates, the City continues to see rates favorable to those of other Florida destinations as can be seen compared with selected high-tourism cities in the lower chart. Key West's unemployment rate has historically been lower than these other destinations, so while all are currently higher than their average jobless rate, Key West did not experience as severe of a shock in 2009. The gap between unemployment rates that widened in 2009 has continued to remain with Key West being lower than Miami Beach by 1.2 points, Orlando by 1.3 points, Ft. Lauderdale by 1.5 points, Panama City by 2.7 points, and Daytona Beach by 3.4 points. Though not shown on this chart, Key West is also below the State of Florida and the nation as a whole which are 5.4% and 5.3%, respectively, for 2015.

Remember, that while all these tourist destinations experienced a gradual decline from the high in 2010, the nation as a whole saw rates remain high during the first years of the recovery. This perhaps evidences the unique transient nature of these areas' workforce.

0.0%

1.0%

2.0%

3.0%

4.0%

5.0%

6.0%

7.0%

8.0%

9.0%

-4

1

6

11

16

21

26

in T

hous

ands


Key West Unemployment Rates 1990 - 2015

Employment Annual Unemployment within range of Monthly Rates

December 2007 ‐ June 2009Great Recession April 20, 2010

BP Oil Spill

October 2005Hurricane Wilma

August 2005Hurricane Katrina

as of July 1, 2014City of Key West Population was 25,704Monroe County Population was 77,136

September 1998Hurricane George

October 1999Hurricane Irene

August 1992Hurricane Andrew

March 2001 ‐ November 2001RecessionJuly 1990 ‐March 1991

Recession

0.0%

2.0%

4.0%

6.0%

8.0%

10.0%

12.0%

14.0%

Key West Unemployment vs. Selected High-Tourism Cities2001-2015 Annual Rates

Daytona Beach

Ft. Lauderdale

Miami Beach

Orlando

Panama City

Key West


- that's 15,078 of its 25,704 residents employed

+ Supporting 2,662,500 visitors+ with some 6,000 transient rooms+ and a seasonal resident swell,

some say doubles the population

Participation rate while the nation's as a whole is 62.7%

= 4%, meaning1,028 less peoplecontributing


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

Floats and Boats Key West Business Outlook

● National survey sees average growth to be between 2.1 to 3.0% for 2016● Floridian's confidence in the U.S. economy rose 0.9 pts in Q4 to 84.1

● With 60% of Key West businesses reporting increased revenues, this was worse than Florida results of 65% and better than national results of 47%● Floridian's Consumer Sentiment rose in Q4 to 91.5 in January, down 1.8 points from January 2015's reading

Compensation & Wages

● With 36% of Key West businesses reporting increasing wages during the fourth quarter 2015, this is lower than national survey results of 49% (National results are up from 28% in October, while Key West results are up from 27% in October)● U.S. Personal disposable income adjusted for taxes and inflation rose 3.2% compared with 3.8% in the third quarter● U.S. Personal savings as a percentage of disposable personal income was 5.4% compared with 5.2% in the third quarter● U.S. Consumer spending increased 1.1% compared with 2.2% in the third quarter● U.S. Prices of goods and services increased 0.2% in the fourth quarter, after increasing 1.3% in the third quarter (Excluding energy and food, prices increased 0.9% in the fourth quarter and 1.3% in the third quarter)

Macro‐Economic Impacts

World Economy

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

The holidays glittered in the midst of a fourth quarter that weakened as it progressed, feeling the nation's deceleration to a near stop by year's end. Port calls were down in October, up in November, and down in December; leaving the quarter and year‐to‐date cruise ship passengers 8.8% lower than last year.* Occupancy rates which had been easing down, adjusted an average of 6 points compared to last year, while Average Daily Rates continued to rise (although slower than other south Florida destinations).* And while the strong dollar and continued weak Canadian economy may affect the tourism volume this season, cheap gas prices surely holds some of the blame for the number of cars on US1 and the streets of Key West.

Confidence by Canadian businesses hit a record low in Q4, with 49% reporting they had become less confident in the outlook for 2016; as Fifty‐five percent reported decreasing profitability. As a large net energy exporter, the falling oil prices contribute to the pressure of their weak economy while the weak Loonie has done little to boost non‐commodity exports yet has put upward pressure on imports and the cost of US dollar debt. With the rebound in Florida real estate, repatriation of second homes is looking favorable.

www.KeyWestChamber.org

Key West expectations weaken, as uncertainty rises.While Fantasy Fest sales saw a contraction, the Super Boats produced an expansion with 67% of businesses seeing increased sales and reporting an average rise of 6%; making November the strongest month of the quarter.

The Federal Reserve finally raised rates in December, signaling its willingness to move towards a 1.4% target during 2016. The world economies and China's stock market continue to make warnings, as two of the world's three largest central banks deepen their experiment with negative rates and making predictions difficult.

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.

The Global Economic Conditions Survey Report: Q4, 2015 provides regional analysis from 950 businesses in 180 countries*

Responses from KWCC BEO conducted Dec 30‐Jan 13, 2016; NABE BCS conducted Dec 17‐Jan 5, 2016; FL Chamber FSBI conducted Dec 2‐Jan 12, 2016*

Up

10 ptsto +34%

Fourth Quarter Wages balance

1 ptsto +39%

Fourth Quarter Sales balance

9 ptsto +78%

Twelve month Expectation balance

34% nationally say that the lower commodity metal & energy prices have not had a materialimpact on their businesses, while 36% have been negatively impacted.

62% nationally say that the Fed's hike in short‐term rates will have no material impact on their businesses, while 16% expect a negative effect.

55%

Decrease

Greetin

gs

Down

Up

Sources: NABE, 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; Sun Sentinel

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD, 2016

Co-Sponsored by: Centennial Bank and Ibis Bay Resort - 3101 N Roosevelt Blvd



For Robert Spottswood, the Billy Appelrouth Award represents more than a plaque.

Appelrouth was a real person, an island icon and a mentor to Spottswood, who was growing up in Key West when Appelrouth operated a shoe store on Duval Street and dedicated himself to creating a better community, serving an unprecedented three terms as Chamber President.

The Key West Chamber of Commerce presented Spottswood with its prestigious Appelrouth Award during its January 23rd awards banquet, honoring Spottswood for his tireless work for the chamber and Key West.

Stewart Appelrouth, son of the award’s namesake, introduced the award and its recipient during the banquet at the Marriott Beachside Hotel.

“Born in 1957, Robert Spottswood’s roots go back a long ways,” Stewart Appelrouth said. “I could be up here a long

time if I were to mention everything he’s been involved with.”

Appelrouth reminded the chamber audience that Spottswood graduated from University of Florida and University of Miami’s Law School. Not only is Spottswood a practicing attorney, but he’s also a certified public accountant and a licensed real estate broker. All three qualifications serve him well in his leadership role in The Spottswood Companies, a successful real estate development, property management and hospitality business that since 1992 has developed 12 hotels and resorts throughout the Keys. The company is also one of the largest private employers in the Florida Keys.

“He’s president of the Spottswood Companies, vice chair of Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc. and a director of First State Bank,” Appelrouth said of his friend and colleague.

“He’s also on the judicial nominating committee for the Third District Court of Appeal. Although, Robert, did the governor know when he appointed you that you once set the land speed record in a Corvette on Duval Street?” Appelrouth joked.

“But seriously, we were once involved in a legal mediation together, and Robert went up against three more experienced attorneys. That’s when I knew he was destined for a great future,” Appelrouth said, adding that Robert Spottswood shows the forethought of his father, John, “and epitomizes what my father stood for in his love of Key West. I know my father is up there watching tonight with John and Mary Spottswood, and I know they’re very proud of him.”

Robert Spottswood accepted the award with the humility that has long defined his family.

“It doesn’t seem fair to be able to do what I love, in the town that I love, and then be honored in the name of a man who was an icon to me growing up,” Spottswood said, thanking the Appelrouth and Farr families for the honor.

“You guys have meant so much to this community for so long,” Spottswood said, also thanking the hard-working Key West Chamber of Commerce board members and everyone who works tirelessly for the success of Key West.

Robert Spottswood, left, humbly thanked Stewart Appelrouth and the Key West Chamber of Commerce for honoring him with the Billy Appelrouth Award that was named in honor of Stewart’s father. The award was presented at the Chamber’s January 23rd awards banquet at the Marriott Beachside Hotel.

Key West Chamber of Commerce Honors Robert Spottswood with Billy Appelrouth Award

3/1 Waterfront Playhouse presents: The Producers 8pm; 305-294-5015

3/4 Key West Orchid Society 2016 Show 10am-4pm at KW Garden Club; 305-509-7744

3/5 16th Annual Schooner Wharf Open Air Art & Music Affair 9:30am-midnight; 305-292-3302

3/5 54th Annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest, www.oirf.org/conch.htm 322 Duval Street Noon-2pm; 305-294-9501

3/11 Florida Keys SPCA Spring Social at Key West Golf Club 6:30pm; 305-294-4857

3/11-12 56th Annual House Tours (3 of 3), www.oirf.org 10am-4pm; 305-294-9501

3/14-17 March Merkin Tournament Key West Harbour [email protected]

3/19 38th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Bar Stroll, www.stpatricksdaybarstroll.com; 305-766-0239

3/19 Key West Historic Cemetery Stroll 9:30am, 9:50am-12:00pm; 305-340-1453

3/22-4/16 Red Barn Theatre presents: Out of the City 8pm; 305-296-9911

3/23-4/8 Fringe Theater presents: The Apple Falls at the KW Garden Club; 305-707-4053

Community CalendarMarch 2016


Cruise Ship ScheduleMarch 2016

03/01 Fantasy 7:30am-1:30pm03/02 NO SHIPS 03/03 Majesty 9:30am-6:00pm03/04 Constellation 8:00am-5:00pm03/04 Crystal Symphony 11:00am-7:00pm03/05 DisneyWonder 10:45am-6:00pm03/06 Constellation 8:00am-5:00pm03/07 Veendam 12:00pm-6:00pm03/08 Fantasy 7:30am-1:30pm03/08 CaribbeanPrincess 1:00am-7:00pm03/09 NO SHIPS 03/10 Majesty 9:30am-6:00pm03/11 CarnivalSensation 7:30am-2:00pm03/11 Constellation 8:00am-5:00pm03/12 Riviera 7:30am-5:00pm03/12 N.Amsterdam 8:00am-5:00pm03/13 Brilliance 11:30am-5:30pm03/14 Riviera 7:30am-5:00pm03/14 Veendam 12:00pm-6:00pm03/15 Fantasy 7:30am-1:30pm03/16 AIDAVita 7:30am-4:00pm03/16 SSNavigator 8:00am-5:00pm03/17 GrandeuroftheSeas 7:00am-5:00pm03/17 Majesty 9:30am-6:00pm03/17 SSNavigator 11:00am-5:00pm03/18 Constellation 8:00am-5:00pm03/19 Eurodam 8:00am-5:00pm03/19 DisneyWonder 11:00am-6:00pm03/20 Constellation 8:00am-5:00pm03/20 SilverSpirit 8:00am-5:30pm03/20 NorwegianSpirit 11:00am-6:00pm03/21 LegendoftheSeas 11:00am-5:00pm03/21 Veendam 12:00pm-6:00pm03/22 Fantasy 7:30am-1:30pm03/23 NO SHIPS 03/24 Majesty 7:00am-5:00pm03/25 CarnivalSensation 7:30am-2:00pm03/25 Constellation 8:00am-5:00pm03/26 N.Amsterdam 8:00am-5:00pm03/27 Brilliance 11:30am-5:30pm03/28 NOSHIPS03/29 Fantasy 7:30am-1:30pm03/30 SilverSpirit 8:00am-5:00pm03/31 Empress 8:00am-5:00pm03/31 Majesty 9:30am-6:00pm

Don’ t miss this exciting opportunity to reach the Key West Visitor!

The 2016-2017 Key West Chamber of Commerce Visitor Brochure and Map will be the fulfillment piece used by the Key West Chamber of Commerce to promote Key West

as a premier destination to prospective visitors. The brochure and map is full color and will showcase the character and activities that make Key West unique. The brochure allows Key West businesses the opportunity to feature information on your accommodations, attractions, restaurants, museums, shopping, entertainment and professional services to visitors and will be a valuable resource referred to over and over by visitors before and during their stay.

150,000 Copies Distribution beginning September, 2016

Extremely Targeted The Brochure and Map is the exclusive fulfillment piece for the Key West Chamber of Commerce and also for all visitor and newcomer inquires received via telephone and email requests from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. The visitor brochure is distributed along the information plazas on the Florida Turnpike, with an expected distribution of 70,000 copies this coming year, as well as handed out at numerous travel and trade shows promoting Key West. The brochure is available in the lobby of our official visitor information center located at 510 Greene Street, 1st Floor which is open seven days a week, as well at the Lower Keys, Marathon, Islamorada and Key Largo Chamber of Commerce Visitor Centers, as well as distributed to the passengers of Key West Express.

Publication Specs The map/brochure is 24” wide x 18” tall, full color both sides, folding to 4” x 9” to

fit in envelopes and rack card holders. 150,000 copies printed and distributed annually!

For More Information on which spaces are available contact:

Nancy D’Amato • 305-304-1026• [email protected]

Did You Know… From the NOAA Study “Linking the Environment and Economy of the Florida Keys and Key West,” a question was asked to help gauge the influence of the Key West Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center with the following outcome. “Almost 23% of overnight visitors to the Keys reported having used at least one of the five visitor’s 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 59% of all the business in the Florida Keys and Key West which would equate to approximately $25 million more dollars spent by visitors after visiting our Visitor Information Center when in Key West.”

March 2016


CHAMBER CHOWDER©www.keywestchamber.org510 Greene Street ~ 1st Floor, Key West


EXECUTIVE COMMITTEENicki Will, President

Lower Keys Medical Center/294-9200

Kim Works, Vice 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, AppointeeFirst State Bank/296-6231

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 PresidentSteven Weed

Director of ResearchClaudia Wilson

BookkeeperLisa Eubank

Administrative Assistant Kerry Baker

Membership Director/Special Events Coordinator

Gladys ClarksTourist Information Receptionist

Emily Brogdon & Nancy CaruthersOffice Assistants/Tourist Information Operators

Virginia A. PanicoNewsletter EditorCindy Jefferson

Art Director

March 2016Business After Hours

Date: Tuesday, March 8, 2016Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Sponsored By: Key West Local LuxuriesLocation: 515 Fleming Street

Members Only Networking Event

General Membership MeetingDate: Wednesday, March 23, 2016

NoonSpeaker: The Honorable Holly Raschein, State Representative

Topic: Update on 2016 Legislative Session

Location: Key West Marriott Beachside

Please RSVP to the Chamber at 305-294-2587 or

Email: [email protected]

Business After HoursDate: Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.Sponsored By: Kai & Co. Salon

Location: 807 Peacock PlazaMembers Only Networking Event

April 2016

Business After HoursDate: Thursday, April 14, 2016

Time: 5:30p.m. – 7:30p.m.Co-sponsored By: Key West Golf

Club and Waste ManagmentLocation: 6450 College Road

Members Only Networking Event

General Membership MeetingDate: Wednesday, April 27, 2016

NoonSpeaker: TBATopic: TBA

Location: Key West Marriott Beachside

Please RSVP to the Chamber at 305-294-2587 or

Email: [email protected]

Key West Chamber Calendar of Events

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