Thank you to First Horizon Bank and Florida Keys Electric Co-op for co-hosting our July networking event, which benefited the United Way of Collier and the Keys’ Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. This book-gifting initiative mails free books to children from birth until they start school in participating areas. See more Member in Motion photos on page 6.
Ways Employers Can Support
Working Parents PAGE 4
Preparing Your Business for a Recession PAGE 5
Members in Motion PAGES 6 & 7
Energy Consumption PAGE 7
Upcoming Events PAGES 10 & 11
Pickle Ball in Key Largo PAGES 9
Luncheon Happenings PAGES 12 & 13
Before the Power Goes Out PAGES 14
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 Key Largo Chamber of Commerce (KLCOC) 2025-2027 Board elections are on the horizon, and the election committee is gearing up to seek potential candidates.
The Board plays a pivotal role in guiding the mission and progress of the KLCOC. As stewards of the organization, board members ensure that the KLCOC fulfills its fiduciary responsibilities to its members while remaining steadfast in its commitment to serving them. Acting as a unified body, the Board of Directors holds legal and ethical accountability for all organizational activities. Individual board members are expected to maintain high standards of conduct, contributing significantly to our collective growth and success.
Board members must attend monthly meetings, serve on at least one committee, and support the organization in various capacities. They serve as ambassadors of the KLCOC for a minimum of two years and are expected to participate in chamber events such as luncheons,
Members in Motion, ribbon cuttings, the Gala, fundraisers, and holiday tree assemblies.
We will unveil the candidates nominated for the upcoming Board elections in October. The luncheon will provide an excellent opportunity for members to get to know the candidates. We also encourage business members interested in selfnomination to consider using this occasion to declare their intentions publicly. Those considering selfnomination should be prepared to address the attendees at the luncheon. This is a critical moment to step up, seize the opportunity, and make a positive impact on the organization. If you have any inquiries regarding the election process or are interested in serving on the Board, we are here to support you. Your questions are important to us, and we are committed to providing you with the necessary information. You can contact Suzi via email at vicepresident@ keylargochamber.org or by phone at 305-451-1414.
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
Get ready for an unforgettable evening! The Key Largo Chamber is thrilled to announce the return of the Board Installation and Gala at the ReefHouse Resort and Marina on the evening of December 7. We’re working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this the most glamorous and exciting event of the year.
Mark your calendars because this isn’t just any event—it’s a celebration of our incredible community achievements. Picture a night filled with camaraderie, delectable cuisine, and top-notch entertainment. And yes, it’s the perfect excuse to don your most dazzling attire! This will be a semi-formal affair, so start planning your show-stopping outfit now.
We’ll be seeking sponsors to help bring this grand vision to life. Your support is vital to the success of the Chamber, and we can’t wait for you to be part of it once the theme is finalized. Get ready for an evening to remember!
Join us on August 22 at 5:30 PM at the Key Largo Fisheries for a ribbon cutting celebrating their new bar!
Next month's Social Networking Lunch Meeting will feature "Recycling in Monroe County" presented by Melody Tusche at the Pilot House.
Reservation cut off on September 9.
Working parents navigate the transition from summer schedules to the backto-school season, often experiencing a great deal of stress as they strive to balance their professional obligations with their children's school activities.
Employers need to understand the unique challenges that working parents face during the back-to-school period and throughout the year. By offering support, employers can cultivate a happier and more productive workforce. This investment in their employees can lead to increased loyalty, higher retention rates, and a positive employer brand, ensuring a bright future for the company. Conversely, failing to acknowledge these challenges can increase stress, burnout, and turnover rates, which can hinder the company's growth.
There are several ways employers can show support
for working parents during the back-to-school season and beyond:
1. Flexibility in the workplace is precious for all employees, but it can be especially vital for working parents as they adapt to new academic routines. Adjusting work hours, allowing longer breaks, or enabling remote work options can help ease the stress of managing personal and professional responsibilities, ultimately enhancing focus and productivity.
2. Assisting with backto-school expenses is a significant relief for working parents. The financial burden of school-related spending can be overwhelming, and employers can help alleviate this stress by offering support in this area.
3. Burnout is a common concern in the
workplace, especially among working parents who must juggle multiple demands. Providing wellness benefits such as mental health support and increasing paid time off can help improve the well-being of working parents and all employees.
4. Employers must listen to the unique needs of working parents. Creating a platform to express their challenges fosters a deeper understanding and respect between employees and employers.
5. Employers should encourage managers to schedule one-on-one time with working parents to understand how best to support them as the school year approaches.
6. Support for working parents shouldn't end when school starts.
Throughout the year, employers can offer parent support groups, provide resources for childcare or tutoring, and maintain flexible policies for school events or sick children. This longterm commitment to employee well-being can foster a sense of security and trust, leading to a happier and more productive workforce. Employers can ensure that their workforce feels supported by creating a culture where employees feel valued as whole people, not just for their work output. It's also important to remember that all employees, not just parents, benefit from a supportive workplace that acknowledges their personal needs. This inclusive approach can foster a sense of belonging and loyalty among all employees, leading to a happier and more productive workforce.
Preparing your small business for a recession is crucial to ensure its resilience and long-term success. Here are some strategies that can help:
Manage Cash Flow: Keep a close eye on your cash flow. Create detailed cash flow forecasts for different scenarios (best-case, worst-case) to anticipate potential challenges.
Reduce Costs: Evaluate your expenses and identify areas where you can cut costs without compromising the quality of your products or services.
Diversify Revenue Streams: Explore
new revenue streams to reduce dependency on a single source of income. This could include offering new products or services or targeting different customer segments.
Strengthen Customer Relationships: Focus on maintaining strong relationships with your existing customers. Provide excellent customer service and consider loyalty programs to keep them engaged.
Renegotiate Contracts: Talk to your suppliers and vendors to renegotiate terms that could be more favorable
during tough economic times. Invest in Technology: Utilize technology to streamline operations and reduce costs. Automation and digital tools can help improve efficiency and productivity.
Build a Financial Cushion: Save a portion of your profits to create a financial buffer that can help you weather economic downturns.
By implementing these strategies, you can better prepare your small business to navigate and thrive during a recession.
Thank you First Horizon Bank and Florida Keys Electric Co-op for co-hosting our July networking event benefiting United Way of Collier and the Keys
Story courtesy of Florida Keys Electric Cooperative
No one wants to spend more money on electricity, especially now when increased summer temperatures are resulting in higher electric bills. However, if you did want to, here are a few easy ways to go about it:
X Keep hardly used, or never used refrigerators and freezers running all the time. Depending on their age and location, each appliance can use up to $20 A MONTH in extra energy. That’s a small price to pay to keep a couple of cold drinks conveniently located on your porch.
X Have a contest with your friends to see how much dust your refrigerator and freezer coils can accumulate. Your appliances will be less efficient, and you’ll earn bragging rights with your friends and a higher electric bill.
X Leave the lights in your home on day and night, and replace all energy-efficient bulbs, such as CFLs and LEDs, with traditional incandescent light bulbs. Using these energy suckers, you can waste energy and money by just flipping a switch.
X Make sure your home is poorly insulated and the doors and windows have torn weather stripping and cracked caulking. Poor insulation can increase your cooling costs by 5% to 25%. Plus, you won’t have to go outside to see what temperature it is.
X Set the air conditioner thermostat to 68 degrees. You’ll be physically conditioned for winter and your wallet will be lighter.
X Do not use a programmable or smart thermostat to more
efficiently control your air conditioning. more when you avoid using your cooling system wisely.
X Don’t change your cooling system’s indoor filter. Your AC will work harder and less efficiently, most likely leading you to “contribute” a hearty sum to your AC repair person’s bonus.
X Do a lot of cooking, baking, and other heat-producing activities like drying laundry during the hottest time of day. This habit is a great way to work up a sweat and increase your cooling costs.
X Leave curtains and blinds open on sun-exposed windows during the heat of the day and remove any window tinting. The increase in heat exchange is a great way to burn through the money in your wallet.
X Don’t make any home energy improvements or take advantage of FKEC’s Residential Rebates. Do not read about how you can earn up to $500 in home improvement rebates on page 6. n
Don’t throw money out the window.
Avoid these tips to save energy and money!
Learn more ways to decrease your energy consumption and reduce your electric bill at www.FKEC.com/resources or call 305-852-2431.
Tuesday, August 13
Saturday, August 17
Wednesday, August 21
Thursday, August 22
Sunday, September 1
Tuesday, September 3
Thursday, September 12
Wednesday, September 18
For event details visit wwww.web.keylargochamber.org/events
Meet the Candidates Mixer 6:00 PM
Saturday, September 21
REEF Fish & FriendsThe Spiky Spectacle: Long-Spined Sea Urchin's Comeback @ 6:15 PM
Guided Tours at the History of Diving Museum 11:00 AM
Immerse Yourself! Shark Research and Conservation Biology 7:00 PM
Members in Motion with Key Largo Fisheries 5:30 PM
Guided Tours at the History of Diving Museum 11:00 AM
Marketing 101 Webinar 6:00 PM
Social Networking Lunch Meeting
"Recycling in Monroe County" presented by Melody Tuschel 11:30 AM
Immerse Yourself! Alligator Lighthouse Restoration 7:00 PM
Wesley House Pickleball Tournament 9:00 AM
Monroe County Commissioners and staff are ready to celebrate the grand opening of 10 new pickleball courts at Key Largo Community Park, 305 St. Croix Place. The celebration will occur on Thursday, Aug. 22, at 8:30 a.m. The public is invited to join in for the inaugural dinks on the courts, followed by open play.
“This is a major upgrade for our pickleball players, years in the making,” said Parks and Beaches Director John Allen. “Previously, players had to convert basketball courts for pickleball. Now, they have dedicated courts. We thank the community and county staff for making this a reality
for many enthusiasts.”
The courts are open daily from 7:30 a.m. until sunset.
“This state-of-the-art complex will provide more community members with the opportunity to engage in pickleball and may pave the way for inter-league competitions throughout Monroe County,” Allen said. “The commissioners have been a driving force behind this growing sport for years. We recently renovated and added multi-use courts at Higgs Beach and will be adding additional courts at Blue Heron Park on Big Pine.”
A pickleball tournament is scheduled at Key Largo Community Park on Saturday, Sept. 21,
from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., benefiting Wesley House Family Services. For more information, visit
www.wesleyhouse.org/ pickleball.
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 (2023-2025)
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Captain
Kevin Donlan (2024-2026)
Publix Supermarkets, Inc District Director
Melissa Fernandez (2023-2025)
All Keys Concrete Communications & Sales
Cathy Gahagen (2024-2026)
The Catch Proprietor
Henry Quintana (2024 -2026)
Henry Quintana Realty, Inc Owner/Operator
Michael Rojewski – Chaiman Elect (2023–2025) Rojewski & Rebl Group Realtor
Stephanie A. Russo (2023 - 2025)
Russo Law and Mediation Attorney
Cari Sanders (2024-2026)
Vital Signs Proprietor
Ruth Schrader-Grace (2024 - 2026)
Keys Core Fitness Owner/Operator
Blaine Vernicek (2023 - 2025)
The Structure Group Manager
Southernmost Leadership Network Sandi Bisceglia with Capt. Ed, School Board member from 2012 to 2016.
X Key Lime Products
X RR Island Boutique
X Tailored Arms
X The Knotty Dawg
X HomeTeam Inspection Service
X Waterview Towers Condominium
X Advanced Aesthetic Care of the Florida Keys and Advanced Primary Care of the Florida Keys
X Zaika Key Largo Indian Cuisine
X Purple Isles Mobile Bartender
X Florida Keys AHEC Health Center
X Crooked Palm Cabana
X Terra Flowers, DBA Sole Farms
X Sullivan Construction Company
X Flamingo Adventures at Everglades National Park
X Vasconcello Cohen, MD PA
X Paragon Medical Consultants
X Brightview Landscaping
Make sure FKEC has your current phone numbers.
When you call FKEC, the phone system automatically matches your phone number to your electrical equipment. For faster restoration, make sure the number(s) you are most likely to call from to report an outage are registered to your account. Update at www.FKEC.com, via SmartHub, or call 305-852-2431.
Stay in the know! Make sure FKEC has your accurate email address.
The cooperative uses email to communicate important timely information during storms and throughout the year. Update at www.FKEC.com, via SmartHub, or call 305-852-2431.
Make sure FKEC can access your meter.
To make repairs co-op crews must have 24-hour access to your meter.
If your power goes out, check your breakers first.
Approximately 33% of all power outages are caused by breaker issues, which is the member’s responsibility to resolve.
Report the outage by calling or texting.
Call 305-852-2431 or text “outage” to 45183 to report your outage. Note, your mobile number must be pre-registered with FKEC to report via text and receive status updates. Learn more at www.FKEC.com/outage-center/.
Safety first!
Stay clear of all downed power lines or electrical equipment. Call 911 to report a downed power line if you feel the situation presents a clear and imminent danger. Then report the wire down to FKEC by calling 305-852-2431.
Understand the order of restoration.
In the event of a major storm with widespread outages, work is organized to restore power to the greatest number of members in the least amount of time. FKEC also prioritizes restoring power to life and safety situations and essential community services. Following this, crews work to restore power to individual members with isolated issues.