Page 1 January 2017

Chamber ChowderVol. 17, No. 12

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

Chamber ChowderVol. 20, No. 1

Message from President Greg Sullivan

H appy New Year, 2017, how time flies. I am once

again honored to be your President along with a great board. That includes John Anderson also my co-chair for Golf Committee. John Bartelmo, Jed Dodds, Scott Duszynski, Cara Higgins, Sam Holland, Darren Horan, Melissa Kendrick Tourism

Committee Chair, Suzanne Moore Co-chair Education Committee, Michael Morawski Economic Affairs Committee Chair, Monica Munoz, Britt Meyers Co-Chair Membership Committee, Mark Rossi FDOT Chair, Karen Sharp, Billy Spottswood Education Committee Co-Chair, Lynne Tejeda Image Committee Chair, Danny Toppino, John Toppino Finance & Budget Committee Chair, Esther Tupino, Joe Walsh, Jim Wilson Economic Affairs Committee Co-Chair, Kim Works Membership Committee Chair. Additionally, the Chamber Staff headed up by Virginia Panico who does a tremendous job. I would like to thank Mark Rossi at Rick’s and Durty Harry’s for hosting once again a great Business After Hours for us last month.

From our annual retreat, we discussed many topics and came up with what we considered to be the top five that we would concentrate on this

Key West Chamber Ends the Year with Honors

T he Key West Chamber of Commerce ended the year by celebrating new beginnings and honoring the people, programs and properties that represent positive contributions to the Key West community.

The chamber’s December 21st membership luncheon at the Waldorf Astoria Casa Marina Resort celebrated the winter holidays and a year’s worth of accomplishments.

The business organization presented 13 awards in five categories, celebrating new businesses, renewed buildings and dedicated residents who work year round to make things better for the people around them.

Tom Callahan is one such individual.Callahan received the chamber’s Piece of the Rock award, which honors

individuals who have “clearly gone above and beyond the scope of their normal responsibilities to help make Key West a better place over the years.”

Callahan exemplifies those qualities by making sure more than 9,000 Florida Keys residents are fed every day. Callahan is a founding board member and volunteer executive director of the Star of the Sea Outreach Mission.

“The mission has gone from a small food pantry distributing 8,000 pounds of food per month from one location to a countywide organization serving 9,000 individuals at more than 30 locations, distributing more than 175,000 pounds of food per month,” said Chamber President Kim Works. “His efforts have delivered monetary support in excess of $3 million over the past 10 years…as well as food with a USDA established economic value well in excess of $10 million.”

And while Callahan has kept the county’s neediest residents fed, George Fernandez has helped keep the island chain’s tourism industry alive and thriving while serving on countless community nonprofit boards that make Key West a better place to live, work and vacation.

As co-owner of the Key West Butterfly Conservatory, Fernandez helped to implement the Duval Street holiday wreath project, lining the town’s commercial thoroughfare with festively lit holiday wreaths.

continued on page 34

continued on page 3 4

Key West Chamber of Commerce President Kim Works, right, presented Tom Callahan with a Piece of the Rock award for his work with the St. Mary Star of the Sea Outreach Mission.

Table of ContentsBusiness Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22016 Award Recipients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Community Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Business Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7“Island of Lights” Contest Winners . . . . . . . . . 8Police Officer of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Business After Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Cruise Ship Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Golf Ball Drop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Firefighter of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11City Employee of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Chamber Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Page 2 January 2017Chamber ChowderVol. 20, No. 1

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 & 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

B art Smith’s Key West connection started long before his father bought the Key West Golf Club in 1996.

“We actually started coming to the Keys when I was only six or so,” Smith recalled recently. “My earliest memories of the Keys

are from when my parents would rent a trawler in Miami Beach and we’d bring it down to the Keys and stay at A&B Marina. I was the youngest of three and our parents would go out at night, so my older brother and sister and I would stay on the boat and fish off the back. My folks would get back from dinner and we’d have half the ocean on board, wanting to keep everything.”

Originally from Riverside, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, Smith moved to Key West full time in 2000. His father had bought the golf club four years prior, so in high school Bart would work in the pro shop during the summers. After high school he moved to the Keys full time.

“Then I went to University of Miami for undergrad and law school,” he said. “My goal was to be able to live and work in Key West.”

Mission accomplished.After passing the bar, Smith went to work for

the public defender’s office in 2005, and eventually opened his own law firm in August of 2008.

“It was just me, no assistant, answering my own phone, in an office with less than 100 square feet,” he said, recalling the nation’s tough economic times in 2008. “Lehman Brothers was

a month from going under.”“It’s not like there were a bunch of

economic crises going on at the time or anything,” he said laughing.

Nowadays, the firm includes three partners – Smith, Greg Oropeza and Bryan Hawks – and six total attorneys, including Nick Batty, Christopher Deem and Ashley Sybesma.

“Land-use, real estate and litigation,” Smith said, ticking off the firm’s three top specialties, although they do some of everything for various clients. “And as for what sets our firm apart from any others in town, it’s the people I work with. My success is 100 percent attributable to them.”

When not in the office, Smith still enjoys everything he’s always loved about the Keys: fishing, boating and hanging with my family and friends at Snipes Point and Boca Grande Key, he said, although free time is at a premium with a 21/2–year–old toddler and a 6-month-old infant at home.

Smith, Oropeza, Hawks is located at 138 Simonton St. in the Divers Direct building. Call the firm at 305-296-7227 or visit them online at smithoropeza.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 Bart Smith, Smith, Oropeza, Hawks Law Firm.

Spotlight Shines on ... Bart Smith, Smith, Oropeza, Hawks Law Firm

Page 3 January 2017Chamber ChowderVol. 20, No. 1

Fernandez received a Piece of the Rock award at the chamber luncheon, which honored his efforts on behalf of the Cuban-American Heritage Festival, the San Carlos Institute, the Key West Art & Historical Society, Tourist Development Council, Key West Attractions Association and a host of other arts, culture and musical organizations.

Music, arts and culture take center stage at Key West Theater, the renovation of which garnered Michael Marrero the chamber’s Venture Award, honoring a bold, new enterprise that embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of the Keys.

The renewed theater hosts theatrical stage productions, musical concerts, comedic performances and now houses a school for the performing arts for young performers.

“The Key West Theater philosophy is based on the belief that the arts, be they musical, theatrical, physical or philosophical; are all essential and critical to the cultural life and wellbeing of Key West,” Works said.

“Amongst ourselves, The Studios of Key West, Tropic Cinema and the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, we hope to create a cultural corridor on Eaton Street in Old Town,” Marrero wrote. “Key West Theater and Community Stage will be an incubator for fresh perspectives, a builder of confidence and a catalyst towards success for those with talent and passion.”

Just a few blocks away from that catalyst, the father-son team of Dan and Jack Dingeman breathed new life into Mangoes Restaurant, earning a Business for Beauty award that recognizes major capital projects and extensive renovations.

The two renewed hotels on North Roosevelt Boulevard, 24 North and the Hilton Garden Inn, also received Business for Beauty honors. Both properties have improved the aesthetics at the entrance to the island and helped return Key West’s inventory of hotel rooms to its usual number.

From new properties to renewed properties, the Key West Chamber of Commerce also presented three historic preservation awards for preservation of local historic resources.

The chamber honored the City of Key West for preserving a historic school and carefully converting it to the Josephine Parker City Hall at Historic Glynn Archer School.

Keys Energy Services also received a preservation award for renovating its James Street headquarters with a $6.2 million redo that was completed a year early and on budget. “The renovation returned the mid-century aesthetic of the exterior of KEYS’ service

building to the 1950s style, when the building was originally constructed,” utility spokesman Julio Torrado wrote about the project. “The project blends the renovated historic façade with a reconfigured interior that better serves the needs of a 21st century utility.”

The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea also received a preservation award for the renovation of the Convent/Renewal Center into the Klaus Murphy Center.

It was renamed, “not just because the Klaus Murphy Foundation provided the substantial lead gift in the capital campaign, but because their mission statement aligns with the mission for use of this building and this parish for the past 170 years: To serve the poor and the needy in our community,” the nomination form states.

Serving the poor, needy – and the island’s youngest residents – formed the basis for this year’s Key West Star awards, which honor individuals whose volunteer efforts go above and beyond the call of duty.

Key West’s First Lady Cheryl Cates was honored with a Key West Star for her volunteer efforts with Samuel’s House, Kids Come First, Wesley House, the Key West Woman’s Club and the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter.

The chamber also honored local restaurateur Melanie Wilson for her commitment to youth soccer and for bringing the sport of lacrosse to local kids.

James Hamilton was also honored as a Key West Star for his commitment to coaching youth soccer and ultimately leading the whole American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), which is the largest local athletic league for Key West kids.

The commitment to youth sports continued with Tilly Lariz being named a Key West Star for her tireless efforts in the concession stand of the local baseball fields for more than 20 years. She sells hot dogs, hamburgers, snacks, sodas, popcorn, candy and everything in between to raise money for the teams.

“The funds raised pay for all the equipment, uniforms, hats, buses for travel and anything else that’s needed,” the nomination form states. “Tilly’s children are now in their 30s and 40s, but you can still find Tilly in the concession stands during baseball season.”

The awards were presented over a holiday luncheon at the Casa Marina, where the Key West Chamber of Commerce paused to reflect on another successful year while honoring the efforts of individuals to make their island community better.

“Awards” continued from page 1 4

coming year. The subject of affordable housing should be no surprise as it has been an issue longer than some of our board members have been alive. We want to work with all our of elected officials to get this moving forward. We need to look at all options and have the attitude on getting resolution for our elected leaders to say yes as opposed to the simple NO. For example, if Meridian West Apartments could have gone two feet higher we would have had close to 100 additional units. The second topic is to give value to our membership with various program i.e.; employee training, working with our government to make sure there is a strong balance between business and community. Support FIRM who has provided millions of dollars in relief to our residential and business community taking insurance companies to task, as well as the Insurance Commission in Tallahassee. Another topic for discussion is parking in the downtown area. The chamber will continue to work with the city leaders to help both businesses and residents with long term, affordable cost solutions for parking. We need central parking garages in the downtown area which will help elevate congestion. The last of our top five issues are keeping our events that support our tourism market. We have seen positive impact the last two years with the chamber giving cash prizes for our local Fantasy Fest floats. The chamber will work with our city leaders to maintain our events, and the cost associated with them, to keep them viable for years to come.

Our committees will continue their work in Economic Affairs, Education and Youth, Image, Membership, Tourism, Golf Tournament, and FDOT to insure positive outcomes. The staff works extremely hard putting information together be it stats, calendar of events, general information and education. Please feel free to contact myself or Virginia this coming year for any assistance the chamber can assist you with, remember it takes two, the CHAMBER & YOU.

President’s Message cont. from page 1 4

Page 4 January 2017Chamber ChowderVol. 20, No. 1

Key West Chamber of Commerce 2016 Awards Luncheon

The renovation of the Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea’s Convent/Renewal Center into the Klaus Murphy Center was honored with a Historic Preservation Award from the Key West Chamber of Commerce. Pictured accepting the award for the church are (L to R): Erik DeBoer, Tom Callahan, Tom Pope, Father John Baker, Deacon Peter Batty, Jack Wetzel, and Key West Chamber of Commerce President Kim Works.

Key West Chamber of Commerce President Kim Works, right, presented Melanie Wilson with a Key West Star Award.

Key West Chamber of Commerce President Kim Works, right, presented Annie Cerbone and the Hilton Garden Inn with a Business for Beauty award.

Key West Chamber of Commerce President Kim Works, right, presented James Hamilton with a Key West Star award.

Key West Chamber of Commerce President Kim Works, right, presented Eugenia Simons and Chelsea Vendette with a Business for Beauty Award on behalf of 24 North Hotel on North Roosevelt Boulevard

Key West Chamber of Commerce President Kim Works, right, presented Cheryl Cates with a Key West Star award.

Key West Chamber of Commerce President Kim Works, right, presented Jack and Dan Dingeman of Mangoes Restaurant with a Business for Beauty award.

Key West Chamber of Commerce President Kim Works, right, presented Michael Marrero and Key West Theater with the chamber’s Venture Award.

Key West Chamber of Commerce President Kim Works, right, presented Mayor Craig Cates and the new City Hall project with a Historic Preservation Award.

Key West Chamber of Commerce President Kim Works, right, presented George Fernandez with a Piece of the Rock award.

Key West Chamber of Commerce President Kim Works, right, presented a historic preservation award to Keys Energy Services. Peter Batty, who chairs the Key West Utility Board, accepted the award.

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1-7 Waterfront Theatre presents “It’s Only a Play”, 305-294-5015

1-14 Red Barn Theatre presents: Picasso at the Lapin Agile 8pm, 305-296-9911

1/5 Orchids in the Keys w/ KW Garden Club1:30-3:30pm, 305-923-3820

7 Soldier Ride 10:30am-12:45pm Boca Chica NASto Veterans Memorial at Bayview Park, 305-600-8441

9-11 The Red Barn Theatre Presents: And I Wrote a Song about It! 8pm, 305-296-9911

9-15 FloridaKeysPaddleChallengebill@paddleflorida.org, 352-377-8342

11 Conch Revival Picnic at East Martello 5:30 – 8:30pm,Shawn305.295.6616x111

12-15 35th Annual Key West Literary Seminar, keywestliteraryseminar.org,888-293-9291

13-15 Key West Wahoo Shootout Waterfront Brewery, 305-896-4244

13-14 57thAnnualHouseTours(2of4),oirf.org,4pm-8pm, 305-294-9501

14 15th Annual Mayors Ball 6pm at Casa Marina jwawerna@fkcs.org,305-731-4741

14-15 Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival, 11:00am–8pm, Bayview Park, 813-362-955515 Key West Half Marathon Run & 5K, 305-240-072715 Key West Impromptu Concerts presents:

CanadianBrass,St.Paul’s4pm15-20 Quantum Key West Sailboat Race 2016

keywestraceweek.com,340-626-023919-22 KeyWestKingfishMayhemFishingTournament

Stock Island Marina Village, 305-296-036420-2/11 Red Barn Theatre presents: Murder for Two, 305-296-991121 Discovery Saturday – 10am-11pm at the Eco-

Discovery Center, 305-809-475021 Key West Botanical Speaker Series 1:30pm, 305-296-150421 Key West Chamber of Commerce Annual

Installation & Awards Banquet, 305-294-258722-2/3 Key West to Cuba – Conch Republic Cup info@conchrepubliccup.org,05-731-621923-30 Kelly McGillis Classic International Female Flag

Football Championship; 305-896-867824-2/11 Waterfront Playhouse presents: the Trip to

Bountiful, 305-294-501525-29 Key West Food & Wine ; 800-474-4319 Festivalkeywestfoodandwinefestival.com27 TheHemingwayExperienceAdeleWilliams, 3052956616Ext11527 2017 Unsung Heroes/Volunteer of the Year

Luncheon, 305-292-150228 American Red Cross Florence Spottswood

Humanitarian of the Year Gala, 305-296-403328 Key West Historic Cemetery Stroll 9:30am,

9:50am, 10:00am, 305-304-145328-29 32nd Annual Key West Craft Show, 10am-5pm

www.keywestartcenter.com,305-294-124329 Key West Impromptu Classical Concerts presents:

Ashu,St.Paul’s4pm29 Annual Key West Master Chefs Classic, 305-294-9526ext.25

Community CalendarJanuary 2017

Welcome December 2016 New Members!

The Key West Chamber of Commerce welcomed five new members to its ranks in December. Pictured are Membership Committee member Raquel Crummitt, new member Jack Dingeman of Mangoes Restaurant; new member Herbert Ramirez of Information Technology Solutions, LLC; and Key West Chamber of Commerce President Kim Works. (Additional new members, not shown, include Easy Day Charters, Made in Key West, LLC and Merrill Lynch Key West.)

Easy Day Charters711 Palm Avenue- Garrison Bight Marina

Key West, FL 33040305-294-3095

www.easydaycharters.comPrivate Boat Charter

Contact: Tom Halford

Information Technology Solutions, LLC

D/B/A: ITS Key WestP.O. Box 4193

Key West, FL 33041305-897-6512

www.itskeywestfl.com Computer Services

Contact: Herbert Ramirez

Made in Key West, LLCD/B/A: Key West Food Tours

1331 White StreetKey West, FL 33040

305-396-2224www.keywestfoodtours.com

Food TourContact: Analise Smith

Mangoes Restaurant, LLC D/B/A: Mangoes Restaurant

700 Duval StreetKey West, FL 33040

305-294-8002www.mangoeskeywest.com

RestaurantContact: Jack Dingeman

Merrill Lynch Key WestD/B/A: J.W. Parks & Associates

3200 Flagler Avenue, 2nd FloorKey West, FL 33040

305-295-2359Finance

Contact: J.W. ParksSponsored by: Greg Sullivan, Waste Management, Inc.

Chamber Survey Facts… Should the City raise parking rates on Duval Street or raise property taxes?

Raise parking rates ........25Raise property taxes ......8Don’t Care ....................2

New poles for in the 4th Qtr survey currently in the field from 12/28-1/18:

Do you support allowing ride share operators (like Uber & Lyft) to operate in Key West without being regulated the same as Taxis?

Page 6 January 2017Chamber ChowderVol. 20, No. 1

 

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 - November 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 - October 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 November 2016 totaled 28,909. This is an increase of 9% when compared to November 2015.

Total passenger arrivals for the eleven months of 2016 were 329,320. That is a 4.6% increase over the same period in 2015.

With this year's airport arrivals producing marked highs and marked lows, November's deplanements marked a fifth straight month of steady year over year increases. And with the addition of flights by United, this season is set to see new records made.

A total of 56,599 cruise ship passengers disembarked in Key West during November 2016. This was 23.1% lower than November 2015, which saw 73,579 passengers disembark.

For the eleven months of 2016, cruise ship arrivals saw 608,623 passengers disembark from 277 port calls. While port calls are up 4.1% so far for 2016, passenger counts are still down 5.2% over the same period in 2015.

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

Number of Ships 2016 2017

January 43 51February 35 40March 33 41

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 - November 2016

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

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

Reported Bed Tax Collections for Key West were $1,361,403 for October 2016, 2.2% lower than October 2015.

According to Smith Travel, October 2016 occupancy was 72.2%, a 5.8 percentage point decrease from the October 2015 occupancy rate of 78.0%.

The Average Daily Rate (ADR) was reported at $261.59 for October 2016, a decrease of 1.3% from the ADR of $265.11 posted in 2015.

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.

Page 7 January 2017Chamber ChowderVol. 20, No. 1

Preparing for our 2017 Wage and Benefit Survey! Please fill out your Wage and Benefit Survey when it arrives in your inbox! We look forward to your responses and sharing the consolidated Wage & Benefit Survey information with you.

As an Employer in Key West, and the Florida Keys, you face many challenges in hiring and retaining qualified employees. You have the responsibility to balance viable compensation

packages to retain qualified employees along with the necessity of maintaining your budget. The Key West Chamber of Commerce developed our annual Wage and Benefit Survey to provide our members with a tool to view the Key West employment market in terms of average wage levels

by industry, specific job class, benefit standards and general turnover rate.

FAQsWhat information is collected? We collect information on standard work weeks, paid time off (holidays, sick, floating and vacation days), benefits (qualifications, covered persons, health, dental, vision, disability, life, AD&D, retirement plans, tuition assistance & development, memberships, and housing) and compensation (current, raises & bonuses). Base pay, commissions and tips are collected for each position. Information is gathered for all positions across an array of job categories, from controllers to waitresses to pilots. The Chamber wants to gather as much raw data as possible in order to aggregate the data into a useful tool for local businesses.

Is my shared information kept confidential? Absolutely! The only person in the Chamber that has access to your submitted information is the Director of Research. Your organization’s specific data will never be shared with anyone, at any time, for any reason.

Why is my participation important? The Chamber strives to have meaningful final numbers that participants can use to manage their workforces effectively. More participants lead to more accurate and meaningful results. All participants receive a complimentary copy of the completed Wage & Benefit Survey report. Reports are available to non-participating members for a charge.

What does the final report include? The final report is a 40 page, bound document that summarizes the area’s wages and benefits by business sector. It also includes a breakdown of hourly wages for every position reported; this breakdown includes the lowest, highest, mean, median, first quartile, third quartile and annualized mean amount for each position.

How will the final Wage and Benefit report benefit me? The final report will let you know how your organization measures up against other organizations, as a whole and by position. With this report you can compare where your organization’s wages are relative to similar positions locally. This is a useful management tool for hiring and retaining employees. Additionally if your organization is a corporate subsidiary, branch or franchise, you may use the survey results to relay and justify higher local labor costs to your company’s corporate office. If your corporate office will be responsible for filling out the survey, please let them know that it will be coming out shortly.

Page 8 January 2017Chamber ChowderVol. 20, No. 1

Two Oceans Digital brightened Simonton Street over the holidays with their Christmas display. The Internet technology company took first place in the small outdoor display category of the annual Island of Lights contest, sponsored and judged by the Key West Chamber of Commerce.

T he Key West Chamber of Commerce once again challenged local

businesses to deck their halls for the winter holidays and make the Southernmost City sparkle throughout December.

Chamber officials created the contest in 1985 as a way for local businesses, large and small, to show their holiday spirit while encouraging people to shop locally for all their Christmas treasures.

A panel of anonymous judges chose the three best-decked halls in each of two categories: Small business and large business outdoor displays.

Participation was open to all Key West businesses, both chamber members and nonmembers, and there was no entry fee. Entries are judged

according to theme, creativity, thoroughness, innovation and overall impression.

And the 2016 winners are:

Large outdoor display:• 1st Place: Westin Key West

Resort Marina, 245 Front St.

• 2nd Place: Historic Key West Seaport, Greene St. @ Elizabeth St.

• 3rd Place: Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, 1316 Duval St.

Small display:• 1st Place: Two Oceans

Digital, 701 Simonton Street

• 2nd Place: K.C. Styles, 1213 Truman Ave.

• 3rd Place: Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe, 200 Elizabeth St.

2016 “Island of Lights” © Holiday Decorating Contest Winners

Officer Nicholas Revoredo Honored as Police Officer of the Year

W hen Key West Police Officer Nicholas Revoredo doesn’t need a patrol car to “Protect Paradise,” as the department’s motto states. Revoredo is just as comfortable doing his job from the

helm of a police boat or the saddle of a police horse.Revoredo joined the department in 2005, immediately after he

graduated from the police academy as a department-sponsored cadet. He learned the ropes as part of the road patrol division, and then served as a mounted patrol officer on horseback. Revoredo is currently a member of the police department’s marine unit.

“He’s the point person for our port security operations and he works very well with the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies to ensure the safety of Key West’s busy port,” police spokeswoman Alyson Crean wrote in the department’s nomination of Revoredo for Officer of the Year.

She added that Revoredo is “dependable and reliable and he consistently and enthusiastically serves this community with dedication and professionalism.”

In his decade with the Key West Police Department, Revoredo has earned numerous letters of commendation from both the Chief of Police and the community he has helped.

“Officer Revoredo’s integrity reflects the highest standards of the Key West Police Department,” Crean wrote. “He is an asset to our department and community.”

The Key West Chamber of Commerce proudly joins the City of Key West in honoring Nicholas Revoredo as Police Officer of the Year.

City Manager Jim Scholl, far left, Key West Chamber of Commerce President Kim Works and Police Chief Donie Lee, far right, presented Officer Nicholas Revoredo with the Police Officer of the Year award.

Page 9

HOLIDAY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 Hosted by: Ricks/Durty Harry’s, 202 Duval Street

January 2017Chamber ChowderVol. 20, No. 1

Page 10 January 2017Chamber ChowderVol. 20, No. 1

Cruise Ship ScheduleJANUARY 2017

1/1 Eurodam 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.1/1 Disney Wonder 11:30a.m.-5:00p.m.1/2 Carnival Freedom 11:00a.m.-7:00p.m.1/3 Carnival Victory 7:30a.m.-1:30p.m.1/3 Enchantment 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.1/4 Silver Spirit 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.1/4 SS Navigator 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.1/4 Norwegian Jade 10:00a.m.-6:00p.m.1/5 N. Armsterdam 7:30a.m.-4:00p.m.1/6 No Ships 1/7 Koningsdam 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.1/8 Disney Wonder 11:30a.m.-5:00p.m.1/9 Crystal Serenity 7:00a.m.-6:00p.m.1/10 Carnival Victory 7:30a.m.-1:30p.m.1/10 Seven Seas Mar. 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.1/12 Disney Magic 7:00a.m.-3:15p.m.1/12 Enchantment 9:30a.m.-6:00p.m.1/13 CarnivalSensation 7:30a.m.-2:00p.m.1/13 Empress 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.1/14 Oosterdam 11:00a.m.-6:00p.m.1/15 Brilliance 11:00a.m.-5:30p.m.1/15 Disney Wonder 11:30a.m.-5:00p.m.1/16 CarnivalElation 7:30a.m.-3:00p.m.1/16 Seven Seas 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.1/16 Norwegian Jade 10:00a.m.-6:00p.m.1/17 Silver Spirit 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.1/17 Summit 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.1/18 Silver Wind 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.1/18 Oriana 9:30a.m. – 7:30p.m.1/19 Norwegian Pearl 7:00a.m.-4:00p.m.1/19 Enchantment 9:30a.m.-6:00p.m.1/20 Empress 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.1/20 Eurodam 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.1/20 Brilliance of the Seas 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m.1/21 Koningsdam 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.1/22 Empress 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.1/22 Eurodam 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.1/23 No Ships 1/24 Carnival Victory 7:30a.m.-1:30p.m.1/25 Oceana 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.1/26 Enchantment 9:30a.m.-6:00p.m.1/27 CarnivalSensation 7:30a.m.-2:00p.m.1/27 Empress 8:00a.m.-8:00p.m.1/28 Disney Magic 7:00a.m.-5:00p.m.1/28 Oosterdam 11:00a.m.-11:59p.m.1/29 Celebrity Summit 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.1/29 Brilliance 11:30a.m. – 5:30p.m.1/30 Carnival Conquest 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.1/30 Norwegian Pearl 8:00a.m.-10:00p.m.1/31 Carnival Victory 7:30a.m.-1:30p.m.1/31 Empress 8:00a.m.-8:00p.m.1/31 Marina 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.

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Page 11 January 2017Chamber ChowderVol. 20, No. 1

Jason Bogoeff Named Firefighter of the Year

W hen it comes to the Key West Fire Department, Jason Bogoeff does it all and he does it well. A graduate of the city’s first Fire Academy, Bogoeff joined the department in

January 2006 and proceeded to become certified in every type of response the department provides. In doing so, Bogoeff has made himself an integral part of the department that now includes both fire and rescue capabilities.

“In the last ten years, Jason has demonstrated an outstanding work ethic and an unwavering positive attitude toward both his fellow firefighters and citizens in the community,” wrote his supervisors in their nomination of Bogoeff for the honor of Firefighter of the Year.

In March 2015, Bogoeff was promoted from firefighter to rescue lieutenant, as he was involved in the initial start-up that brought Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in-house under the Key West Fire Department in April 2015.

“The lieutenants are vital to the success of the EMS division as they are constant providers of leadership and quality control.” Jason assisted in the development of the division, resulting in a successful transition from private ambulance service to the Key West Fire Department operation.”

Bogoeff helped ensure that the department was listed as a Class One fire department as a leader and lieutenant. But his job is far from administration, Bogoeff saved the life of a 27-year-old resident who was overdosing on heroin this past spring.

Bogoeff was the lead medic on Rescue One when dispatch received a call about a possible overdose in progress. Upon arrival, Bogoeff found that the patient had no pulse and was already blue in color. Without hesitating,

Bogoeff initiated lifesaving treatment on a patient who was already clinically dead. Once Bogoeff administered advanced life support treatment the patient regained a pulse in the ambulance while en route to the hospital.

Greatly defying the odds of survival the patient was discharged from the hospital days after the incident with no permanent disabilities.

“This is just one example of the great level of service and dedication that Lieutenant Jason Bogoeff provides both on and off duty as a rescue lieutenant for the Key West Fire Department,” the department said in its nomination of Bogoeff.

The Key West Chamber of Commerce is proud to join the City of Key West in naming Jason Bogoeff as the Firefighter of the Year.

City Manager Jim Scholl, far left, Key West Chamber of Commerce President Kim Works and Fire Chief Mike Davila, far right, presented Firefighter Jason Bogoeff with the Firefighter of the Year award.

Chamber Honors Terry Richardson, City Employee of the Year

T here isn’t enough of Terry Richardson to go around. The city’s chief building official, and Richardson’s boss, Ron Wampler, says he wishes his staff included six more workers like Richardson,

who has been the City of Key West’s Plans Examiner/Inspector since October 2015.

Richardson joined the city’s building department in September 2013 as a Florida Licensed Electrical Inspector, but Wampler has known him since 2004, when he worked with Richardson as a contract inspector.

Once Richardson joined the city of Key West, he quickly took it upon himself to add to his resume and take the requisite training and exams to become a Mechanical Inspector and Mechanical Plans Examiner.

“Customer service is a top priority with the city’s Building Department and Terry’s demeanor has always been calm and respectful with his associates and with the public,” said Wampler, who nominated Richardson for the honor of City Employee of the Year.

Richardson generously shares his expertise and experience with the countless contractors and citizens who visit the building department every day.

“He’s one of the first employees to arrive in the morning and always put in a full shift, often picking up Saturday and off-hours inspections,” Wampler said, adding that Richardson’s ability to multi-task often finds him doing three things at once, while on the phone and working on his computer.

“Terry screens issues and updates me if my involvement is necessary, and when after-hours emergencies arise such as calls from Keys Energy or the fire marshal, we can always count on Terry,” Wampler said. “He is a quiet person who never seeks praise or recognition for his accomplishments. He is my idea of an excellent city employee and I wish I had six more staff just like him.”

The Key West Chamber of Commerce proudly joins the City of Key West in honoring Terry Richardson as City Employee of the Year.

City Manager Jim Scholl, far left, Key West Chamber of Commerce President Kim Works and Chief Building Official Ron Wampler, far right, presented Terry Richardson with the City Employee of the Year award during the chamber’s December 21st luncheon.

Page 12 January 2017

Chamber ChowderVol. 17, No. 12

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

Chamber ChowderVol. 20, No. 1

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEGreg Sullivan, President

Waste Management/305-434-9140

Billy Spottswood, First Vice PresidentSpottswood, Spottswood & Spottswood/305-294-9556

Suzanne Moore/SecretaryTruman and Company Real

Estate/305-292-2244

John Toppino, TreasurerMonroe Concrete/305- 296-5606

Kim Works, Past PresidentPirate Radio/294-1017

Cara Higgins, AppointeeHoran & Higgins, LLP/294-4585

Sam Holland, AppointeeThe Conch House/305-293-0020

Mark Rossi, AppointeeRicks/Durty Harrys/305-296-5513

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

CHAMBER STAFFVirginia A. Panico

Executive Vice PresidentSteven Weed

Director of ResearchClaudia Wilson

Executive Assistant/BookkeeperKerry Baker

Membership DirectorSpecial Events Coordinator

Dorothy SchmidaAdministrative Assistant

Nancy CarruthersOffice Assistant/Tourist Information Operator

Gladys ClarksTourist Information Receptionist

Virginia A. PanicoNewsletter EditorCindy Jefferson

Newsletter Art Director

January 2017Business After Hours

Wednesday, January 18, 20175:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by: RE/MAX Keys ConnectionLocation: 410 Caroline St.

Key West, FL 33040 Co-Sponsored and catered by: Kelly’s Caribbean Bar and Grill Members Only Networking Event

General Membership MeetingWednesday, January 25, 2017

Time: NoonSpeaker: CAPT Bobby Baker,

Commanding Officer, NAS Key WestLocation: Doubletree Grand Key Resort

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

Email: info@keywestchamber.org

February 2017Business After Hours

Date: TBA5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by: Key West Local Luxe Location: 515 Fleming Street

Members Only Networking Event

General Membership MeetingWednesday, February 22, 2017

Time: NoonSpeaker: TBA

Location: Key West Marriott BeachsidePlease RSVP to the Chamber

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

Key West Chamber Calendar of Events

1937 - 2017

You are cordially invited to join us at the Installation of the Officers and

Directors of the Boardat the Annual Awards Dinner of the

Greater Key WestChamber of Commerce on Saturday,

January 21, 2017at the Marriott Beachside Resort

$85 per personBlack Tie Invited

Complimentary Cocktail Hour 6:00 p.m.Dinner

7:00 p.m.Please RSVP by Friday, January 13, 2017

Following dinner, please join usfor music and dancing.

For more information or to make reservations contact the chamber at

305-294-2587 or email: membership@

keywestchamber.org Special Appreciation to our Cocktail Hour Sponsors:

Appelrouth & Farr FamilyAppelrouth, Farah & Co. P.A.