January Members in Motion
Thank you to the hosts Mote Marine Lab and Reefhouse Resort for a fantastic time and delicious food.
In This Issue
Greetings & Happy New Year PAGE 3 A New Year of Opportunity PAGE 4
Community Composting PAGES 6
Members in Motion PAGE 8
Upcoming Events PAGE 10
Thank You Trustees PAGE 11
Healthy Start PAGES 12
Luncheon Happenings PAGES 14 & 15
Ways to Add More Plants to Your Diet PAGE 16
Chamber Board Retreat PAGE 19
FKEC SmartHub PAGE 18
Credits:
Key Largo Chamber of Commerce Market Design Connect with Nikki Dunn Cullen
Key Largo Chamber of Commerce 106000 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037
305-451-1414 www.keylargochamber.org
The 2025 Board of Directors cordially invites you to join the exclusive 100K club, a group of 100 businesses and private citizens contributing to the chamber’s future that will be part of the chamber’s legacy for future generations to come.
This fundraiser aims to help pay off the mortgage and save funds for the reserves, investing in the chamber’s journey towards sustainability.
Once the required amount is collected, a plaque will be dedicated to the 100K Legacy Members to commemorate their contribution and will be on display at the chamber building.
Key Largo Chamber of Commerce Legacy Members
Join the Chamber's exclusive Legacy Member 100K Club to help raise $100,000 to pay off the chamber's mortgage and bolster reserves. The Key Largo Chamber is seeking 100 sponsorships of $1,000 per business or individual. Thank you to:
X Henry Quintana
X HNO Productions
X Michael Rojewski Realtor
X Gretchen Holland
X Coral Reef Title
X Arla Marr
X Borland & Associates, Roberto & Ana Alonso
X In Loving Memory of Stuart Marr
X Boilini Eye Care
X Dennis and Lee Caltagirone
X Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate
X Centennial Bank
X J.A. LaRocco Enterprise Inc. & All Keys Concrete, LLC
X SBI Window + Doors
Greetings and Happy New Year!
2025 is shaping up to be a big year for the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce. We have a new President (yours truly!) and a freshly installed Board of Directors, with many familiar faces and a few new ones joining the team.
With Henry Menendez as our Chairman of the Board, we’re ready to bring you even more benefits, exciting new programs, and memorable events. In addition to our monthly luncheons featuring engaging speakers, fun Members in Motion locations, and ribbon-cutting celebrations, we’re planning to make this year extra special. Get ready for a bigger and better July 4th celebration, the expansion of Taste the Keys, the possibility of a Business Expo, and of
course, a spectacular Chairman’s Ball to cap off the year. It’s going to be a big year, indeed!
I want to express my sincere thanks to all of our members. We are here for you, and we encourage you to take full advantage of your member benefits, join us at networking events, and let us know how we can best support you and your business.
Here’s to a wonderful and successful 2025!
Warm regards,
Suzi Youngberg
Suzi Youngberg President of Key Largo Chamber of Commerce
A New Year of Opportunity!
Happy New Year from the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce! As we step into 2025, it’s a great moment to look back and celebrate the incredible achievements of 2024, especially at our Annual Awards Ceremony. Congratulations again to our winners! your hard work, dedication, and contributions to the community are truly inspiring. Your success represents the heart and soul of what makes Key Largo such a special place to live and work.
Now, as we set our sights on the exciting opportunities ahead, let’s focus on how we can continue to grow, connect, and thrive as a business community.
This year, we encourage all of our members to get involved in new ways. Whether it’s hosting a Members in Motion after-hours event, sponsoring a luncheon, or actively participating in Chamber initiatives, remember that your involvement creates opportunities for growth and success! and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Do you have a referral to share? Need advice or connections? Don’t hesitate to reach out! The Chamber is a powerful network, and we all benefit from helping each other succeed.
We look forward to an exciting year of collaboration, growth, and new partnerships. Take a look below to celebrate the winners from our Chairman’s Ball Awards Ceremony – and let’s make 2025 the best year yet!
Beautification Award: Key Largo Fisheries
Volunteer of the Year: The Catch New
Business of the Year: Reefhouse Resort
—Mary Houston, President & Owner
Welcome to the Keys Side of Care.
Tavernier Church Launches Community Composting Project
Coral Isles Church on Plantation Key in Islamorada recently started a community composting project with an educational event and hands-on demonstration.
Melody Tuschel, Monroe County recycling coordinator, and Maria Quirico, University of Florida Extension office horticulture agent, began the event with presentations to a group of about 20 church and community members. They pointed out the problems created by food waste, including production of methane gas, and explained the benefits of composting.
According to the EPA, about a third of our nation’s food is wasted. Food waste in landfills accounts for some 58% of the methane gas created, and 61% of that gas is not captured for energy use. Composting food waste puts organic nutrients into the soil and keeps it out of landfills.
The event ended with a demonstration by Tuschel on how to fill the composting bin at the church. She layered paper, food waste and yard waste to create the right recipe for composting. These materials will
decompose and create a nutrient-dense soil product for gardens.
“We want to be known as the congregation in the community that is a leader on environmental issues and as the place where people go for creation care,” said Rev. Dr. Bruce Havens, of Coral Isles Church. “Climate change is a deeply spiritual issue we are facing, and that spiritual view is widely shared in the congregation.”
“Coral Isles Church cares deeply about protecting creation,” said Barbara Overton, mission chair for the church. “We are already
engaged in plastic reduction and environmental advocacy. It’s exciting to add this composting program and the opportunity to partner with the community to divert food waste from the landfill.”
The church invites the community to bring food waste to the bin every first Sunday of the month from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Information on the materials that can be composted can be found on the church’s Facebook page or by contacting the church office. Source: Upper Keys Weekly
The Legendary Key Largo Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
January Members in Motion!
Thank you to the hosts Mote Marine Lab and Reefhouse Resort for a fantastic time and delicious food!
Monday, February 3
Saturday, February 8
Tuesday, February 11
Wednesday, February 12
Thursday, February 13
Saturday February 15
Wednesday, February 19
Thursday, February 27
Upcoming Events
For event details, visit wwww.web.keylargochamber.org/events or Scan the QR Code
Photography Exhibition
Dive into Art & Music
Friday, February 28
Wesley House Family Services
"Share the Love Black Tie Affair"
Full Moon Kayak Adventure
Judged Art Show
Social Networking Lunch Meeting "Love Where We Live: A Conversation with the Community Foundation's New CEO"
9th Annual 5K Run/Walk with Deer
Botanical Show
February Guided Tours, History of Diving Museum
Immerse Yourself: Evolution of Diving Armor
"Going Wild in the Keys" Winter 2024-Spring 2025 Lecture Series
13th Annual Seaside Soiree, The College of the Florida Keys
Trusttee Members
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Trustee Members of the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce. Your support, through your dues, active participation in events, and commitment to fostering strong partnerships within our membership, is invaluable.
WESLEY HOUSE
Get a Healthy Start
Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition has programs for women, children, and families throughout the Florida Keys.
1) Healthy Start
The Healthy Start program is a free program providing moms, newborns, and their families with resources and support to have a healthy pregnancy through baby's first years.
Services they provide:
• Pregnancy support
• Childbirth education
• Breastfeeding education and support
• Nutritional guidance
• Family planning
• Flagship Program/Partnership with Monroe County & Florida Department of Health
2) Healthy Babies
Healthy Babies is a program providing prenatal care to uninsured and underinsured pregnant women, as well as providing individual and family counseling session.
Services they provide:
• Prenatal care
• Transportation services
• Nutrition support; Child Birth and Breastfeeding Education classes
• Mental health services (PMAD)
3)
Keys to Growing Kids
Keys to Growing Kids facilitates family health and education workshops, developmental playgroups, and breastfeeding support groups throughout the Florida Keys.
Programs they offer:
• Tot Time (0-5 years of age)
• Wiggles and Giggles (0-5 years of age)
4) Keys to Kids'
Safety
Keys to Kids Safety empowers parents and caregivers to raise children in a safe environment by providing education, support, and safety supplies.
Services they provide:
• Car seat inspection/installation
• Low-cost car seats
• Bicycle helmet fittings
• Home, pool, and water safety events
• Family education events
• Cribs and other safety equipment
4) Keys to Supporting Families
Keys to Supporting Families addresses client assistance and nutrition support with baby supplies such as diapers, strollers, formula, and baby food. Through the provision of items/supplies, they are able to teach families about their proper use and allow their finite resources to be used to cover other costs and needs. They are working to add Adopt A Grandparent (intergenerational mentorship) and Parent Coaching programs.
Because of our expertise, we know what families may need and can help them navigate all the “baby stuff” being marketed to them. Through our partnerships with WIC, local food pantries/distribution sites, and other agencies working on food security, FKHSC has become the “go-to” agency for food assistance for pregnant women and infants. The Coalition provides specialty formulas, breastfeeding support, and, asneeded, additional nutritional support.
January Networking Lunch at Playa Largo
Angie, Giovanna, Bonnie, and Gabriel.
Liz, Misha, Kim, and Cindy.
Nicole and Michael.
Jill and Erin.
Elizabeth and Ginette.
Michael and Diana.
Cathy and Della.
Agnes and Ariadna.
Spencer and Jim.
Beth and Vidhi.
Financial panelists and sponsors Edward Jones
Financial, Alma Wealth Management and H&R Block.
Holly, Nercy, Suzanne, and Lance.
Agnes, Sabine, Ariadna, David, and Stephanie.
Helens, Henry, Roberto, Ana, and Mel.
9 Ways to Add More Plants to Your Diet
Want to add color to your plate at breakfast, lunch and dinner? Use these easy tips from Dani Little MS RD, a registered dietitian at Whole Foods Market, to eat more plants throughout the day.
Add greens wherever you can. From spinach to kale to Swiss chard, greens can be part of every meal. Add spinach to scrambled eggs or a breakfast burrito, stir kale into your favorite hot soup, tuck arugula into sandwiches and add sautéed Swiss chard to quesadillas and pasta dishes.
Upgrade your oatmeal.
Oatmeal is a blank canvas for just about anything. Try cooking your oats with milk, water or nondairy beverage made from almonds, cashews, oats or coconut. Then, top with chopped nuts, fresh fruit, nut butter and more.
Sneak plants into smoothies.
Jump-start your day with a plantpowered smoothie. Start building from your veggie drawer — veggies like beets, avocados, collards and even fresh herb are fair game.
Build a brighter sandwich.
Time to brighten your usual turkey sandwich? Tuck in whatever vegetables
you have in the refrigerator, from bright bell peppers to greens. The more color, the better. Instead of mayo, try pesto or a spreadable vegan cheese.
A better-for-you snack.
Fresh fruit, nondairy yogurt alternatives and snack mixes are easy choices for afternoon snack cravings. Have fun assembling bright fruit plates and mixing and matching dried fruits and nuts until you've found the perfect trail mix combo.
Swap pasta for veggie noodles. From zoodles to swoodles, veggie noodles are a delicious way to get an extra dose of plants. All you need is a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler. Top zucchini noodles with marinara or pesto sauce, stir carrot noodles into soups or make a sweet potato noodle bowl.
Dress up your eggs.
Like oatmeal, eggs are the ultimate
blank canvas. If you’re making a scramble for breakfast or a frittata for dinner, why not toss in a handful of veggies? Try mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, bell peppers — whatever is in your fridge.
Revamp pizza night.
You know that pizza is a perfect carrier for veggie toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, squash, arugula and more. Take it one step further by swapping traditional flour-based pizza crust for plant-based crust.
Make a frozen banana treat. Craving ice cream? Instead of picking up your favorite pint, whip up a frosty treat with frozen bananas and a nondairy milk alternative. It takes minutes to make and has a smooth and creamy texture like soft serve.
Source: Whole Foods Market Online.
Experts in what we do, bound by a code of ethics
Florida Keys Board of Realtors®
Board of Directors:
Claire Johnson
Karen Williams deCastro
Corie MaGraw-Abel
Michael Rojewski
Kathe Kaile
Erin Kiel
Amy Bruggeman
Christine GGarcia-Castellanos
Lindsey Davis
David Lazcos
Michaela Walters
Your Chamber Board of Directors
Henry Menendez 2024 - 2026 Chairman of the Board of Directors
HNO Productions – Owner/Operator
Angie Alvarez (2024 -2026)
Centennial Bank Branch Manager
Manuel Alvarez (2024-2026)
Verdeja, De Armas & Trujill CPA
Berta Bravo (2024 – 2026)
SBI Windows & Doors Proprietor
Spencer Bryan (2025-2027)
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Captain
Kevin Donlan (2024-2026)
Publix Supermarkets, Inc District Director
Melissa Fernandez (2025-2027)
All Keys Concrete Communications & Sales
Cathy Gahagen (2024-2026)
The Catch Proprietor
Suzanne Holmquist (2025-2027)
Calypso Watersports & Charters Proprietor
Mary Houston (2025-2027)
Houston Insurance Agency Proprietor
Michelle Kane (2025-2027)
Vernis & Bowling of the Florida Keys, PA Attorney
Michael Rojewski – Chaiman Elect (2023–2025)
Rojewski & Rebl Group Realtor
Ruth Schrader-Grace (2025 - 2026)
Keys Core Fitness Owner/Operator
Blaine Vernicek (2025 - 2027)
The Structure Group Manager
Shaping 2025-2026: A Look Inside Our Board Retreat
We recently gathered for our Chamber Board Retreat, where meaningful conversations and fresh ideas took center stage. The day was all about exploring ways to strengthen our community, support local families and businesses, and ensure the Chamber continues to thrive. From brainstorming exciting annual events to discussing strategies for sustainable growth and employee support, the retreat was filled with inspiring dialogue.
A special thank you to Bradley Rowland and Flamingo Everglades for hosting us in such a beautiful setting, complete with delicious food and great accommodations.
To our incredible Board of Directors, your hard work and dedication to the Chamber and our community make all the difference. We are so grateful for everything you do and can’t wait to see these ideas come to life!
Flamingo Everglades offers a stunning, serene escape in the heart of nature. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and tranquil atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to relax, explore, and reconnect with the natural beauty of the Florida Everglades. Visit their website and plan your visit for an unforgettable experience!
Make Life Easy with Online Account Access: Register
Go to Bill & Pay to pay your bill or setup auto-pay.
Track your energy usage
Go to Settings to select Paperless Billing and ensure your contact info is current.
Take FKEC on-the-go with the SmartHub Mobile App.
Why Use SmartHub?
FKEC strongly encourages all members to sign up and use SmartHub, our secure online account management tool. Once you complete the easy one-time registration, you can access your FKEC account anytime from anywhere via your web browser or mobile device. SmartHub benefits and advantages include:
X Pay your bill online to prevent mail delays and late fees
Once you register your account, you will be notified as soon as your monthly electric bill is available, and you can easily make payments from your computer or smart device 24/7.
X Increase payment security Check your account balance 24/7 to prevent being scammed. Prevent mail fraud by not sending a paper check.
X Sign up for auto-pay, set your secure payment method, or go paperless
X Contact Us
Report an issue and submit a general inquiry from your computer or mobile device.
X Access your account anytime from anywhere 24/7
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Track your power usage trends daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly, create budgets, and more to use energy wisely. Reviewing your power consumption also helps you understand increases and decreases in your electric bills.
