CHMER CHWDER© · Page 1 December 2016 Chamber Chowder Vol. 17, No. 12 CHMER CHWDER© F Chamber...

December 2016

Chamber ChowderVol. 17, No. 12

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


Message from President Kim Works

The Holidays are here again!

N ow that we’re in full swing of the holidays, I’m

reminded that this time of the year also signals a new year for the Key West Chamber of Commerce. Not only does that mean a new president which will be Greg Sullivan and a new board of directors but it also means it’s the time for the current sitting board

to award the yearly accolades to our outstanding businesses and volunteers. Please plan on attending the General Membership meeting on Wednesday, December 21st to congratulate those folks who are presented with the Venture, Historic Preservation, Business for Beauty, the Key West Stars, and the Piece of the Rock Awards.

There are a lot of meetings for the directors of the board and the executive board but one of my favorites is the annual judging of the holiday decorations. Can’t tell you the exact date but I can tell you that it’s open to ALL businesses regardless of membership status AND the judges take bribes!!!

Our annual holiday business after hours, hosted by Mark Rossi is always a fabulous event.

FIRM President Discusses Windstorm Rate Hikes

F lorida insurance regulators didn’t give Monroe County much to be thankful for this holiday season, but instead are proceeding with a rate hike of 9 to 12 percent for windstorm insurance in

the Florida Keys.Mel Montagne, president of FIRM (Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe),

shared the bad news — along with FIRM’s planned response — with members of the Key West Chamber of Commerce during their November 16th luncheon at the Marriott Beachside Hotel.

“Since 2006, the grassroots community group known as FIRM has prevented windstorm rate increases that would have effectively doubled our rates back then and going forward,” Montagne reminded the lunchtime audience. “To date, FIRM has saved Monroe County residents more than half a billion dollars in insurance premiums.”

The group was formed in 2006 to combat “excessive, discriminatory and unaffordable property insurance rates,” according to the FIRM website, particularly the increases levied by Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, the state’s windstorm insurer of last resort.

The Florida Keys enforce the state’s strictest and strongest building codes, and have suffered less property damage than other coastal areas, yet the island chain pays some of the highest premiums for windstorm insurance, which is required for any property that is mortgaged and not owned outright.

And those premiums keep going up, despite FIRM’s ongoing efforts to point out and remedy unfairness and inequity in insurance costs.

Earlier this year, Citizens Property Insurance announced a planned premium increase of 8.9 percent for the Florida Keys, which FIRM immediately opposed.

continued on page 34

continued on page 3 4

Key West Chamber of Commerce President Kim Works thanked Mel Montagne, board president of Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe (FIRM), for keeping chamber members updated on the group’s battle against ever-increasing windstorm insurance rates in the Florida Keys.

Table of ContentsBusiness Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Fantasy Fest Float Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Community Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Athena Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Committees of Your Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . 5Business Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8Business After Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Cruise Ship Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Golf Ball Drop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Chamber Board and Officers . . . . . . . . . . . 11Chamber Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . 12

December 2016Chamber ChowderVol. 19, No. 12

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

M ark Todaro discovered Key West in 1974, when he was in high school and his family vacationed

annually in Miami Beach.“Finally, in my junior year, my parents let

a friend and I do a side trip by ourselves to the Keys,” Todaro recalled recently from his office at Centennial Bank, where he’s a vice president and a commercial loan officer. “We stayed on a sailboat for a night or two, and I fell in love with this place. I’ve been here at least once a year since then. I only missed one year when one of my kids was born, and then they sort of grew up down here, coming down every year as a family.”

The promise of warmth and sunshine was enough to keep the Michigan native coming back until he finally bought a home in Key West in 1998.

“In Michigan, I was in sales for a national

company,” Todaro said. “My father-in-law and I sold chemicals, sort of like Key West Chemical does down here.”

When Todaro lost his wife to cancer, he sold the business and moved to Chicago, where he continued to work for the company as a consultant, but found himself spending more and more time at his house in Key West.

Finally, in 2005, Todaro had had enough of northern winters.

“I sold my homes in Michigan and Chicago, pulled the plug and moved down here full time,” he said. “Because of my business degree from Michigan State and my background of owning my own business, Dick Buckheim from Centennial Bank, took a chance on me.”

Todaro attributes his success as a commercial loan officer to his outgoing personality and a genuine desire to see his clients succeed.

“I treat my customers how I’d want to be treated,” he said, adding that his client list includes bed-and-breakfasts, bars, restaurants and other businesses that lease their space, and might need a business loan to bridge the slower times.”

Todaro commended the Centennial Bank team for its due diligence and thorough research.

“We try to find out everything we can and learn as much as possible about our clients and their business,” he said. “Our job is not to do a loan and have the customer fail. Our job is to do a loan and help them succeed.”

Todaro has been doing just that for nearly a dozen years. But the current chapter of his life is not all about banking.

“I’m also very busy with two nonprofits in town that are near and dear to my heart, Samuel’s House and Kids Come First.”

Todaro has been the board president of Samuel’s House shelter for women and families for the past seven years. And since

2010 he’s served on the board of Kids Come First, which discreetly fills the needs of local students when their families can’t afford things like backpacks, school supplies, prom dresses, suits and Christmas gifts.

“We just started our annual toy drive, and are hoping to surpass last year, when we supplied 1,800 to 2,000 Christmas gifts to local kids,” said Todaro. “I also met my wife, Sunny Booker, when we were both in Class 17 of Leadership Monroe,” he said, adding that the pair, who celebrated their first anniversary in November, is the first married couple to have met in Leadership Monroe.

With each passing year, Todaro said, he becomes more and more convinced he’s living and working right where he belongs: In warm weather while doing good for his clients and his community.

The community clearly agrees, as Todaro has been honored with the Samuel’s House Men of Valor award, as well as the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys’ Be the Change award.

Much has changed since Todaro’s first visit to the Keys in 1974, but his passion for this place hasn’t diminished.

To contact Mark Todaro at Centennial Bank, call 305-676-3145.

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 Mark Todaro, Centennial Bank.

Spotlight Shines on ... Mark Todaro, Centennial Bank


“My board and I determined that these increases cannot continue,” Montagne said to the chamber audience. “In October, we sent a letter [to Citizens and to the state’s Office of Insurance Regulation] asking for relief and a pause to these increases. That letter is the first formal step we needed to take before seeking redress in the courts.”

But the letter didn’t work.“Citizens responded last week and

said they were pushing forward with the increase and basically not going to help us, so in all likelihood, the issue will end up in an administrative hearing in Tallahassee,” Montagne explained, adding that the hearing is expected to cost FIRM $125,000 to $150,000.

“So we’re asking all municipalities, and perhaps the Chamber of Commerce, which has been so supportive of our efforts in the past, for their financial support in our time of need, and by ‘our,’ I mean collectively, everyone’s time of need,” Montagne said.

The night before the Key West Chamber of Commerce luncheon, the Key West City Commission had approved a financial donation to FIRM for the administrative hearing and the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners will also be asked for its support, along with the city of Marathon, the Village of Islands in Islamorada, Layton and any other incorporated areas of Monroe County.

Montagne pointed out that local business owners are also facing a 15 percent increase in worker’s compensation insurance, which would come in addition to the windstorm hike.

In addition to the skyrocketing costs of owning homes and businesses in the Florida Keys, Montagne said, the Office of Insurance Regulation is preparing new flood-zone maps that will be released in 2019 and may not bode well for the low-lying Florida Keys.

“I just wanted all of you to know what’s going on, because we cannot do this alone,” Montagne said before reviewing some figures that

are maddening for Monroe County property owners.

“We’ve seen compounded windstorm rate increases in Monroe County of 221 percent when our median household income has only grown by 32 percent,” he said.

And it gets worse.“Between 2004 and 2015, Monroe

County property owners have suffered $83 million in windstorm losses — but we’ve paid $380 million in premiums,” he said to groans from the audience.

“Monroe County has a 22 percent loss ratio, compared to the statewide average of 64 percent,” he said. “And in spite of all this, the Office of Insurance Regulation approved an 8.9 percent increase for Monroe County, which, once we take into account the taxes and fees will amount to about a 12 percent hike.”

If the increase goes through, Montagne predicted, “We will once again face a mass exodus from Monroe County.”

Amidst shaking heads and frustrated sighs, Montagne took questions from the audience.

Chamber member Mike Morawski, who owns the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, asked whether FIRM had looked into self-insuring in the Florida Keys to alleviate the dependency on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.

Montagne said FIRM plans to evaluate that possibility, which would mean obtaining a policy that is jointly owned by all property owners in the county.

“That’s absolutely something I’d like to pursue, but for now, we have to focus our efforts on fighting this latest increase,” said Montagne.

He wrapped up his presentation by encouraging the audience to visit FIRM’s comprehensive website at firmkeys.org for statistics and figures.

The website also allows visitors to donate to the legal fund for the administrative hearing while providing more insurance information than anyone could want.

“FIRM” continued from page 1 4

We thank Mark and his staff at Rick’s and Durty Harrys for all the work they have put into our past holiday events to make them so festive and we look forward to the Holiday event on Tuesday, December 6th.

As a matter of fact, thanks to all of the businesses who donated their time, cocktails, hors D’oeuvres and their locations that made for some really fun business after hours. If you’ve never hosted a “BAH”, then you might consider it because it’s a great way to showcase your business but they do sell out so contact the Chamber office for available dates.

As we look toward a new year, I’d like to especially thank you, our members, because, without your support, we wouldn’t be able to offer all the services that you expect from us.

A special shout out to the Chamber staff who go above and beyond making our members and visitors feel welcome and provide information on a daily basis.

Happy Holidays and may 2017 be a prosperous one for you and your business!

President’s Message cont. from page 1 4

The Key West Chamber of Commerce welcomed some of the cast members from this year’s production of “The Nutcracker Key West” to its November 16th luncheon at the Marriott Beachside Hotel. Director and producer Joyce Stahl introduced the Keys version of the play, which features 60 local children and a handful of local adults. The show opens December 10th through December 18th at the Tennessee Williams Theater at Florida Keys Community College.

The Nutcracker Key West


2-17 Hot Pink Holidays, KWBG, 305-294-46033 TRI Key West Triathlon, Higgs Beach, 954-

213-66993 Key West Christmas Parade, 7pm, 305-809-

38817 Key West Lighted Bike Ride; 7pm, Claire.

[email protected], 305-809-50009 Pet Pictures with Santa, allanimalclinic@

gmail.com, 305-294-52559 &16 Key West Historic Inn Holiday Tour 6-8pm,

305-296-495910 Parade of Paws & Holiday Bazaar 10am-

2pm at Higgs Beach, 305-294-485710 Lighted Boat Parade, 8pm Schooner Wharf

Bar & Historic Seaport, 305-292-330210 Annual Holiday Artisan Fair 9am-2pm,

[email protected], 305-296-045811 ChristmasontheSheriff’sAnimalFarm,

305-293-730010-11 & 14-18 Nutcracker Key West 2016, Ten. Williams

Theatre, www.keystix.com 13-1/07WaterfrontPlayhousepresents:It’sOnlyA

Play, 305-294-501516-1/14 Red Barn Theatre presents: Picasso at the

Lapin Agile, 305-296-991117 Discovery Saturday at Eco Discovery

Center, 10-11am, 305-809-475021 Holiday Concert & Bazaar at Custom House

Museum, 305-295-661623-25 Free Bus Transportation (23 and 24) and

FreeMeteredparkinginOldTownKeyWest(23-25)

27-28 57th Annual Key West House Tours, 305-294-9501

31 Key West Dachshund Walk, [email protected]

31 KeyWestNewYear’sEveCelebrations• Conch Shell Drop at Sloppy Joes

Contact 305-296-2388• Red High Heel with Drag Queen

DropatBourbonSt. 305-293-9800

• Pirate Wench Drop on America 2.0 at Historic Seaport 305-292-3302

Community CalendarDecember 2016

The Key West Chamber of Commerce awarded its $7,500 cash prize to the Lower Keys Fluffers for their Fantasy Fest float design, “Weekend at Bernie’s.” This was the second year in a row that the Lower Keys group won the chamber’s top prize and the second year that the chamber offered $10,000 in cash prizes to help encourage community participation and creativity in the annual festival. The Key West Yacht Club took second place for its float entry, which came with a $2,500 prize. The Lower Keys Fluffers will have their group’s name engraved on the championship trophy that is on display in the chamber offices. The chamber selected three of its own members, Robin Lockwood, Suzanne Moore and Greg Sullivan, to judge the locally designed floats in this year’s parade. Pictured seated are: Float winners Alecheia Anderson and Christine Godlewski along with Judge Suzanne Moore. Standing are Judge Robin Lockwood, and float winners Mike Hopkins, Steve Godlewski and Cindy Williams.

The Key West Yacht Club’s Fantasy Fest parade float won second prize this year in the Key West Chamber of Commerce competition that awards $10,000 in prize money to the top two locally designed floats. The yacht club team won the chamber’s $2,500 second prize and collected their winnings during a recent ceremony at the chamber offices. Pictured, left to right, standing are chamber float judge Suzanne Moore, Key West Yacht Club winner Paul Gallagher, Key West Yacht Club Commodore Bob Harvey and Key West Chamber of Commerce President Kim Works. Seated left to right Key West Yacht Club winner Sugar Kirk, float judge Robin Lockwood and Key West Yacht Club winner Linda Aselin.


T he Key West Chamber of Commerce is ac-cepting applications to

honor a woman who exemplifies leadership in her profession and industry by presenting her with the much-coveted ATHENA™ award, sponsored by Niles, Sales and Service.

The ATHENA™ award is a high honor given to a

professional woman who demonstrates excellence in business or profession and provides valuable service to the community. The recipient will have exhibited initiative and creativity enhancing the efficacy of her business or profession and the stability and improvement of the community. Lastly, the recipient will have demonstrated support of the goals of professional women and have provided unselfish assistance on their behalf.

In 1980, the ATHENA™ awards program originated in Lansing, Michigan when Martha Mayhood Mertz, owner of her own real estate company, was asked to join the Lansing Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Mertz realized she was the only woman on the board and that the Lansing Chamber had recognized only one woman it its 75 years. This realization was the driving force in establishing the ATHENA™ foundation. Thus the first ATHENA™ award was given in 1982 to recognize an outstanding businesswoman and celebrate her achievements in community service and profession. Since its inception, the ATHENA™ award has grown into a national and international tradition with thousands of recipients in cities all over the country as well as in Moscow, Russia, and Canada, China and The United Aram Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

The ATHENA™ Foundation is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing leadership opportunities for women and recognizing those individuals who have given outstanding service to their profession and community. The foundation has been underwritten nationally by Oldsmobile Division of General Motors since 1985. National City Bank and Pontiac GMC, GM, and Buick are underwriters as well.

Each year, the ATHENA™ recipient receives a beautiful statue designed by sculptor Linda Ackley of Tampa, Florida. The statue represents Athena, the wise daughter of Zeus, in bronze. The head of the statue is a multi-faceted crystal ball and each statue has a protective acrylic coating and walnut base. Ackley has uniquely made each and every one of the ATHENA™ awards since 1982.

The 2015 Key West Chamber ATHENA™ award recipient was Piper Smith. Past recipients include Rita Irwin (2014), Diane Schmidt (2013), Joy Smatt (2012), Sandra Higgs (2011), Diane Gibson (2007), the late Merili McCoy (2005), Melissa Kendrick (2004), Elmira Leto (2003), Phyllis Allen (2002), the late Sharon Moore (2001), Amy Culver-Aversa (2000), the late Connie Rice (1999), Kim Works (1997), Sandra Taylor (1995), CeCe Roycraft (1992), the late Wilhemina Harvey (1991), Linda O’Brien (1990), Dee Von Quirolo (1989), the late Terry Horton (1988), Sue Barroso (1987), and Virginia Panico (1986).

The community is highly encouraged to nominate local individuals for the ATHENA™ award or to receive a nomination form, contact Kerry Baker at the Key West Chamber at 294-2587 or via email to [email protected]. The Deadline to submit an application is December 9, 2016.

ATHENA Award Recognizes an Outstanding

Professional WomanSponsored by:

Dear Chamber Members, You can be a vital force in the creation of a

successful business community that will surely benefit your own business. Each of us is an important part of the Key West Chamber of Commerce. What we do to make our Chamber an active and productive force in our city is dependent on each of us supporting the goals we consider important.

You can make a difference. Below is a list of some of the functioning committees of your Chamber. If you or someone in your organization are interested in serving and/or would like additional information, contact our offices at: 305-294-2587 or email [email protected].

We need your input! You will make your Chamber dynamic and effective. Thank you.

4 Economic Affairs - Chair: Mike Morawski, Co-Chair: Jim Wilson Meeting Details: Held the fourth Tuesday of each month at 8:30am at The Lower Keys Medical Center.Objective: The committee works with chamber staff to obtain and analyze data to understand current and future economic conditions and trends, which may affect the general business climate in Key West.

4 Education Committee – Co-Chairs: Billy Spottswood and Suzanne MooreMeeting Details: Held the third Wednesday of each month at Noon at various locationsObjective: The committee works closely with school officials to establish scholarships, teacher fellowships, internships, etc. The committee has designed a Five Star program to recognize members who donate to the programs for teachers and students which includes the Honor Roll of 100, Teacher Enrichment, Teacher Recognition, Mentoring, and sponsoring classrooms.

4 Golf Tournament – Co-Chairs: John Anderson and Greg SullivanMeeting Details: (Seasonal) Held on Thursday’s at 5:00pm at Key West Yacht ClubObjective: This committee will help in the planning of the event such as recruitment of sponsors, prizes & volunteers.

4 Image Committee – Chairs: Lynne Tejeda and Co-Chair: Catherine SmileyMeeting Details: Held the second Tuesday of each month at 4:30pm at the Doubletree Grand Key Resort.Objective: The Image Committee meets to

discuss image and the media in relationship to the chamber as well as evaluating and improving the marketing of the Chamber to both members and the general public.

4 Membership Services Committee – Co-Chairs: Kim Works and Britt MyersMeeting Details: Held the fourth Tuesday of each month at Noon at various locations.Objective: The committee brainstorms to recruit members, as well as to improve the services the chamber provides to existing members, through scheduled call sessions to potential members, as well as doing follow up to retain existing memberships.

4 Tourism Committee - Chair: Melissa Kendrick Meeting Details: Held every other month on the fourth Tuesday at 4:30pm at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. For 2017, we will meet in February, April, June, August, October and DecemberObjective: The Committee reviews the trends for the previous month, i.e. cruise ship, bed taxes, etc. The Committee also addresses hot-button items of the moment.


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 ArrivalsJanuary2011- October2016

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


Bed

Tax

Col

lect

ions

in D

olla

rs

Source: Monroe County Tax Collector

Key West Bed Tax CollectionsJanuary2011- September2016

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 October 2016 totaled 26,988. This is an increase of 3.1% when compared to October 2015.

Total passenger arrivals for the ten months of 2016 were 300,411. That is a 4.2% increase over the same period in 2015.

With this year's airport arrivals producing marked highs and marked lows, September's deplanements marked a fourth 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 52,206 cruise ship passengers disembarked in Key West during October 2016. This was 39% higher than October 2015, which saw 37,570 passengers disembark.

For the ten months of 2016, cruise ship arrivals saw 552,024 passengers disembark from 250 port calls. While port calls are up 5.5% so far for 2016, passenger counts are still down 2.8% over the same period in 2015.

The cruise ship schedule for December to February compared to the same three months in 2015 & 2016 is shown below:

Number of Ships 2015/16 2016/17

December 40 48January 43 51February 35 40

Source: Key West International Airport

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000


Pass

enge

rs

Source:CityofKeyWestPortOperations

Key West Cruise Ship Passengers January2011- October2016

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 $1,034,656.49 for September 2016, 3.8% higher than September 2015.

According to Smith Travel, September 2016 occupancy was 69.6%, a 0.8 percentage point decrease from the September 2015 occupancy rate of 70.4%.

The Average Daily Rate (ADR) was reported at $218.00 for September 2016, a decrease of 0.8% from the ADR of $219.68 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.


Local Schools in Review81

.2 84.2

78.1

78.2

77.1

69.4 71

.7 75.2 79

.9

84

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Dolla

rs in

Mill

ions

Monroe County School District Property Tax

December 2007 ‐ June 2009Great Recession

April 20, 2010BP Oil Spill

$84 million in Property Taxes

$18 million in Sales Taxes

$33 million in Federal & State funds

$3 million in Charges for Services

per Student

This data includes enrollment from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade for all Monroe County public schools as well as other schools such as the charter schools that are not under the direct purview of the school district.

From its zenith in 2003 of 9,169 students, enrollment is 6.2% lower in the county at 8,604 for 2016; while the low of 8,282 was seen in 2008. However, Key West did not see as large of a loss as the county, with only a 7.5% loss at the lowest. From a high point of 4,038 students in 2003, Key West enrollment has now set a new high of 4,103 for 2016. Population statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau would tell us that both the county and the city lost substantial portions of their populations between the 2000 and 2011 censuses (7% County; 2% City).

For 2016 enrollment, the county's largest schools are Key West High School with 1,193 students, and Horace O'Bryant with 1,159 students. The largest Ethnicity groups in the county are White, Hispanic, and Black comprising 47.5%, 37.6%, and 10.2%, respectively. The largest gender group in the county is Male with 51.5% and Female follows up with 49.5%, however Sigsbee has a 44.8% to 55.2% male/female ratio this year.

For Key West, the comparison between the peak year in 2003/04 and 2016/17 shows increases among the Pre-K & K grouping (42%) and 1st through 4th grade (9%), but shows declines among the 5th through 8th grade (8%). The situation for 9th through 12th grade is similar with enrollment numbers having a net decline of 8% from 2003/04 to 2016/17, even though it did see an increase in 2008. The largest enrollment county wide for 2016/17 was in third and fourth grades with 684 and 685 students, respectively. Margins narrowed from last year, with more even distribution between grades, and only 24 and 25 students higher than the next highest, which was kindergarten with 660 students.

Sigsbee added grades as a charter, with 6th, 7th, and 8th grades added in 2011, 2012, and 2013, respectively. This may have contributed to the stabilization of middle school enrollment.

MCScho

ol Distric

t Finan

cial Statistics

Source: keysschools.com, Annual Budget 2016‐2017*Internal transfers, fund balances and non‐revenue sources disregarded

Source: FL DOR; Monroe County Tax Collector

8712 8661 8421 8382 8282 8315 8369 8468 8367 8397 8459 8547 8604

3817 3831 3739 3767 3791 3792 3848 3951 3908 4033 4015 4013 4103

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Num

ber o

f Stu

dent

s

Key West Schools versus District

Monroe County School District

Key West Schools

315 432 404 435 436 463 487 518 554 571 553 527 557

1,017 981 980 964 995 1,004 1,043 1,117 1,141 1,194 1,203 1,212 1,231

1,135 1,023 979 1,001 951 937 959997 953 994 994 1,016 1,043

1,350 1,395 1,376 1,367 1,409 1,388 1,359 1,319 1,260

1,274 1,265 1,258 1,272

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

4,000

4,500

2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17

Num

ber o

f Stu

dent

s

Source: Monroe County School District as of 11/10/2016

Key West Schools Enrollment by Grade Level

9th - 12th

5th - 8th

1st - 4th

Pre-K & K

2016/17 School Year Sources of Revenue

2016

/17

$11,520 General Services$1,663 Special Services$277 Debt Service$13,189 Capital Projects


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

Hemingway's Paradise Key West Business Outlook

● National survey sees average growth to be 2% for the next four quarters● Floridian's confidence in the U.S. economy fell 3 pts in Q3 to 84.4

● With 44% of Key West businesses reporting increased revenues, this was similar to national results of 43%● Floridian's Consumer Sentiment fell in Q3 to 90.0 in October, down 3.7 points from July 2016's reading

Compensation & Wages

● With 18% of Key West businesses reporting increasing wages during the third quarter 2016, this is lower than national survey results of 45% (National results are up 2 points from the second quarter, while Key West results are down from 28% last quarter)● U.S. Personal disposable income adjusted for taxes and inflation rose 2.2% compared with 2.1% in the second quarter● U.S. Personal savings as a percentage of disposable personal income was 5.7% compared with 5.7% in the second quarter● U.S. Prices of goods and services increased 1.6% in the third quarter, after increasing 2.1% in the second quarter (Excluding energy and food, prices increased 1.8% in the third quarter and 2.0% in the second 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 Florida anticipates the winter season and while the support industries showed contraction. The increase in port calls continued strong with an 8.3% increase in disembarkments; leaving cruise ship visitors still 5.8% lower for the year.* Air passenger numbers rebounded from their second quarter declines, increasing 6.9% and leaving passenger arrivals at a 4.3% increase for the year.* Occupancy rates which have shown signs of adjusting, remained historically high, supporting Average Daily Rates near last year's rates.* And while headwinds for the upcoming tourism season have been predicted, the effects of a Trump presidency on Florida are still being evaluated.

Global trade volumes began falling in the second quarter, having been stagnant starting in 2015, and foreign direct investment which began decelerating after the 2008/2009 financial crisis started contracting after two decades of expansion. The World Trade Organization has been reporting concerning levels of new trade restrictions being implemented by nations. Both the World Bank and the IMF, in defending the role of free trade in goods and services, foresees the possibility of a slowing of the global economy.

www.KeyWestChamber.org

Key West expectations lower, as uncertainty increases.While Florida's tourism headwinds continue to mount, Key West is still miles away. Tourists spent the summer months on the water by day and in the restaurants & bars by night, just as Hemingway would have had it.

Expansion in capital spending continues to decelerate nationwide, even though a pick up in spending is expected in the fourth quarter. While the transportation, utilities, information, communications (TUIC) sector still reports spending increases, the goods‐producing and service sectors show weakening investments.

Down

The Global Economic Conditions Survey Report: Q3, 2016 provides regional analysis from 1500 businesses in 180 countries*

Responses from KWCC BEO conducted September 28‐October 14, 2016; NABE BCS conducted Sept 20‐Oct 4, 2016*

12 ptsto +16%

Third Quarter Wages balance

13 ptsto +8%

Third Quarter Sales balance

7 ptsto +56%

Twelve month Expectation balance

74% nationally report that an increase in the minimum wage would have little or no impacton their firms; while 6% believe an increase would have a positive impact.

Fed rates are expected to increase a quarter of a percent by the end of 2016and another one‐half of a percent in 2017.

Protectio

nism

Capital

Down

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

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2016

Hosted by: Croissants de France, 816 Duval Street


New Location: 5320 McDonald Avenue


Cruise Ship ScheduleDecember 2016

12/1 Enchantment 9:30a.m.-6:00p.m.12/2 CarnivalSensation 7:30a.m.-1:30p.m.12/2 Azamara Quest 8:00a.m.-6:30p.m.12/2 Empress 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.12/3 N. Amsterdam 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.12/4 Brillance 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.12/4 Crystal Serenity 10:00a.m.-6:00p.m.12/5 DisneyMagic 7:00a.m.-5:00p.m.12/6 CarnivalBreeze 11:00a.m.-7:00p.m.12/7 NoShips12/8 Enchantment 9:30a.m.-6:00p.m.12/9 Eurodam 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.12/10 Oosterdam 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.12/11 Eurodam 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.12/11 Silver Wind 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.12/11 DisneyWonder 11:30a.m.-5:00p.m.12/12 Insigna 7:30a.m.-2:00p.m.12/12 CelebritySilhouette8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.12/13 CarnivalVictory 7:30a.m.-1:30p.m.12/14 NoShips12/15 Enchantment 9:30a.m.-6:00p.m.12/16 CarnivalSensation7:30a.m.-1:30p.m.12/16 Empress 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.12/17 N.Amsterdam 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.12/17 Oosterdam 11:00a.m.-6:00p.m.12/18 Brilliance 11:30a.m.-5:30p.m.12/19 DisneyMagic 7:00a.m.-6:00p.m.12/20 CarnivalVictory 7:30a.m.-1:30p.m.12/20 Empress 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.12/21 AidaVita 7:30a.m.-4:00p.m.12/21 Riviera 7:30a.m.-5:00p.m.12/22 SSMariner 7:30a.m.-2:00p.m.12/22 Silver Wind 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.12/22 Enchantment 9:30a.m.-6:00p.m.12/23 Regatta 8:00a.m.-3:00p.m.12/24 AidaVita 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.12/25 NoShips12/26 Azura 8:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.12/27 CarnivalVictory 7:30a.m.-1:30p.m.12/28 Empress 7:00a.m.-4:00p.m.12/28 DisneyWonder 7:30a.m.-6:00p.m.12/29 SevenSeasExplorer 7:30a.m.-4:00p.m.12/29 Enchantment 9:30a.m.-6:00p.m.12/30 CarnivalSensation7:30a.m.-1:30p.m.12/30 Eurodam 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.12/31 Oosterdam 11:00a.m.-6:00p.m

Visit Dan for FINANCING made easy! Centennial Bank’s local loan expert DAN understands the uniqueness of the islands, and he’s dedicated to finding the perfect loan for you. We offer FNMA, FHLMC, FHA, VA and non-traditional loans. Conventional, Jumbo, FNMA, FHLMC, FHA and VA Financing Available.

Dan Blagriff, LOAN ORIGINATOR • NMLS 675375

305-676-3146 • [email protected]

MY100BANK.COM A Home BancShares Company (Nasdaq:HOMB)


1937 - 2017You 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, 2017

at 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: [email protected] Special Appreciation to our Cocktail Hour Sponsors:

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

JOHN ANDERSON Director

Anderson Outdoor Advertising

JOHN BARTELMO Director Operations Management

International

JED DODDS Director

The Studios of Key West

SCOTT DUSZYNSKI Director

Keys Federal Credit Union

CLAUDE GARDNER 2nd Vice PresidentBHHS Knight & Gardner Realty

CARA HIGGINS Executive Committee Member

Horan & Higgins, LLP

SAM HOLLANDExecutive Committee Member

The Conch House

DARREN HORAN Director

Key West Treasure Chest

MELISSA KENDRICK Director

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum

SUZANNE MOORE Secretary Truman and Co. Real Estate

MICHAEL MORAWSKI Director

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

MONICA MUNOZ Director

Historic Tours of America

BRITT MYERSDirector

The Weekly Newspaper

MARK ROSSIExecutive Committee Member

Rick’s/Durty Harry’s Entertainment Complex

KAREN SHARPDirector

First State Bank of the Florida Keys

CATHERINE SMILEYDirector

DoubleTree Grand Key Resort

BILLY SPOTTSWOOD 1st Vice President

Spottswood, Spottswood, Spottswood

GREG SULLIVAN President

Waste Management

LYNNE TEJEDADirector

Keys Energy Services

DANIEL P. TOPPINO Director Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc.

JOHN TOPPINOTreasurer

Monroe Concrete Products

ESTHER TUPINODirector

Centennial Bank

JOSEPH WALSHDirector

Jack Flats

JIM WILSONDirector

Appraisal Company of Key West

KIM WORKSPast PresidentPirate Radio

2017 Chamber Board & Officers

December 2016


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


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 Charlotte SavolainenOffice Assistants/Tourist Information Operators

Gladys ClarksTourist Information Receptionist

Virginia A. PanicoNewsletter Editor

Cindy JeffersonArt Director

December 2016Holiday Business After Hours

Tuesday, December 6, 2016 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by: Ricks/Durty Harry’sLocation: 202 Duval Street, Downstairs

Members Only Networking Event

General Membership Meeting*Change of Date due to Holiday!*

Wednesday, December 21, 2016Noon

Program: Holiday Awards LuncheonLocation: Waldorf Astoria

Casa Marina Resort1500 Reynolds Street

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

Email: [email protected]

January 2017Business After Hours

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

Sponsored by: RE/MAC 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: TBA

Location: Doubletree Grand Key ResortPlease RSVP to the Chamber

at 305-294-2587 or Email: [email protected]

Key West Chamber Calendar of Events

Share You’re Event Information

The Key West Chamber of Commerce strives for comprehensive coverage and promotion of Key West events that benefit our local organizations, businesses, citizens and visitors; however, we can only do this with your help!

We’d like to remind everyone that we do have an online calendar of

events that we are happy to add your organization events to. In addition, your event would be listed in our weekly newsletter, The Chamber Chatter, and our monthly newsletter, The Chamber Chowder, for all fellow members to see. Best of all—your event listing is free! To submit an event, please contact Emily at [email protected] with your event details.

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