In This Issue
V.I.P Fireworks Viewing PAGE 3
Overtime Rule in Effect PAGE 4
Celebrating Freedom in Style PAGE 5
Members in Motion PAGES 6 & 7
Are You Ready for Slow Season Tips? PAGE 8
Upcoming Events PAGES 10 & 11
Luncheon Happenings PAGES 14 & 15
Meet New Chamber Team Member Manuela Mobley
We are thrilled to welcome Manuela Mobley to our team. Manuela will lead the Chamber's membership and marketing activities. Her extensive marketing background, invaluable expertise, and strong organizational skills are a significant asset to our team. She is eager to collaborate with each of you and offer her support and guidance whenever needed.
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
Key Largo Chamber of Commerce
Legacy Members
Manuela's expertise lies in guiding businesses, empowering individuals, and formulating impactful marketing strategies. Her exceptional problemsolving skills, whether working independently or collaboratively, will greatly benefit our members. Her commitment to fostering robust partnerships is a cornerstone of her work, creating an environment that promotes productivity and enjoyable work experience.
With a solid 15 years of experience in sales and marketing, Manuela brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Her previous ownership of the T-Mobile store at the Pink Plaza has given her a deep understanding of the industry. In addition to her business experience, she further honed her skills by attending virtual classes with the University of Miami in 2020 and
completing their Digital Marketing Bootcamp program in 2021. Manuela finds joy in the little things in life. The beach is her haven, where she savors each moment under the sun. She also enjoys camping, hiking, and family time during the holidays. Her love for the Florida Keys enriches and deepens her ability to connect with our members and visitors in Key Largo, fostering personal connections with our team and stakeholders.
Her availability reflects our dedication to open communication and inclusivity within our team and the community. We aim for everyone to feel supported and included in our collaborative efforts.
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
4th of July V.I.P. Fireworks Viewing Ticket On Sale Now – Hurry Limited Number Available!
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the 4th of July Celebrating Freedom Fireworks Festival brought to you by the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce! Join us in our exclusive VIP Chalet for prime seating, private tables, and a delectable selection of snacks and drinks.
Get ready to be dazzled by an array of entertainment, from electrifying live music to exciting activities for the little ones. Don't miss out on savoring the delicious offerings from our amazing local vendors!
We've organized offsite parking at Key Largo School with a convenient shuttle service to ensure all our guests can attend, as our onsite spaces are limited. Grab a limited onsite parking pass to secure your spot.
As we celebrate, we kindly ask that only adults 21 and older take advantage of the VIP Tent since alcohol will be available. Your cooperation in presenting your ID for
age verification is greatly appreciated, and we're certain you'll have a blast at this incredible event.
Don't wait, seating is filling up fast! Reserve your spot today!
New Overtime Rule Took Effect on July 1
BY NATHAN RIEDEL
In April, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued its final rule that alters overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The rule includes twotiered increases to the minimum salary threshold and a threshold for highly compensated employees (HCE).
The first increases will go into effect on July 1, 2024, and will be updated again on Jan. 1, 2025. The final rule also implements automatic updates to both the minimum salary threshold and the HCE threshold every three years.
The Big “I" has created a threepage primer to help educate Big “I" state associations and agency owners about the new requirements. It is important for every member agency, as well as state associations, to evaluate current employees to
determine if they are eligible for overtime pay and to work with local counsel to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws.
According to the rule, the minimum salary threshold will be increased to $43,888 on July 1, 2024, and then to $58,656 on Jan. 1, 2025. This represents over a 60% increase over the current threshold of $35,568.
The DOL clarified that the first increase to the minimum salary threshold was determined by using the DOL's current methodology, which was used in the 2019 overtime rulemaking to set the current standard. The second increase then implements the DOL's new preferred methodology, which sets the minimum salary threshold to the 35th percentile of weekly earnings of full-time salaried
workers in the lowest wage census region.
The HCE threshold will be raised to $132,964 on July 1, 2024, and then to $151,164 on Jan. 1, 2025—a 41% increase from the current threshold of $107,432. The first threshold is based on the DOL's current methodology, while the second threshold is set to the 85th percentile for full-time salaried workers nationally.
The DOL estimates that this rule will expand overtime eligibility to 4 million “white collar" workers once fully implemented in January 2025. An additional 292,900 HCE employees are estimated to become eligible for overtime pay.
Running a tour or activity business during the off-tourist season comes with its own set of challenges.
Celebrate Freedom in Style
Experience the unparalleled 48th Key Largo 4th of July parade, a celebration of 'Freedom'! This year's parade is set to be a spectacular event, inviting participants to unleash their creativity and patriotism in unique ways. The parade will kick off at 10:00 a.m. at mile marker 98.2 in front of Anthony's Clothing Store.
After the parade, join us at Rowell's Waterfront Park at mile marker 104.5 at 5:00 p.m. for an evening brimming with live music, delicious food, refreshing beverages, and thrilling activities for all ages.
There is no onsite parking at Rowell's. Parking for the event is located at Key Largo School. There will be a shuttle service from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Additionally, no coolers are permitted in the park. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, but please bring cash because there is no ATM at the park.
The Annual Bayfront Blackwater Sound Fireworks show, generously sponsored by Key West International Airport, will light up the sky at 9:15 p.m. For a prime view of the fireworks, consider our VIP Chalet Experience at Rowell's Waterfront Park or make a reservation at Jimmy
Johnson's Big Chill. If you have guests from out of town, the ReefHouse Resort and Marina offers stunning accommodations and great restaurants with private views of the fireworks.
Also, we have volunteer opportunities if you or someone you know is looking for community
service hours. Also, we still have room for parade entrants. To participate in the parade or volunteer, please register online at www.keylargochamber.org or call 305-451-1414.
Thank you for considering being a part of this exciting event!
April Members in Motion!
Thank you Florida Bay Outfitters and Regan Roth Insurance for co-hosting our April networking event.
Everyone enjoying shopping.
Gretchen Holland with Dave DeBrule and Neal Steen.
Adam and Jill Foley Upper Keys Marine Construction.
Tempting desserts.
John of Cusano Air and Rick of Blue Seas Lawn Care.
David Kay and Elizabeth of Regan Roth Insurance.
Co-hosts Holly and Sara Regan Roth Insurance.
Host Bobby Stoky Florida Bay Outfitters.
Oliver Allison from Keys Weekly.
PHOTOS BY DAVID KAY (AKA VIDEO DAVE)
Sherry from First Horizon with Suzi from Wahoo Inspections.
May Members in Motion!
Thank you Keys Deep Apparel for hosting our May networking event.
Meeting of the Minds! Thank you to Ron Saunders for stopping by.
Board Director Berta with Chris of Duval Street Media. Great store!
Board Director Spenser Bryan with Keys Deep Apparel Owner Belkis Lorenzo and Chairman Henry Menendez.
Keys Deep Apparel Ribbon Cutting!
PHOTOS BY DAVID KAY (AKA VIDEO DAVE)
Taylor and Henry leave a Message.
The food was wonderful
Chairman Elect Michael Rojewski with Suzi.
David Hartman photo bombing wonderful ladies Julie, Time Out Magazine; Lisa, History of Diving; and Suzi, Key Largo Chamber.
Are You Ready for the Slow Season?
Ways to Help Boost Your Business
As we reach the halfway point of summer, it's crucial to start preparing for the upcoming low season. Here are some strategies to keep your tour or activity business relevant and boost bookings during the slow times:
Prepare for the Off-Peak Season
Take advantage of the current peak season to proactively prepare for the off-peak season. By gathering valuable information when visitors interact with your website, make tour bookings, and refer your business to friends, you can stay ahead of the game. Collecting customer data, such as emails and contact details, allows you to personalize your marketing efforts and enhance their experience. Use this data to send customers emails, surveys, updates, and special offers during the off-peak season, keeping them engaged and interested in your business.
Utilize Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons
CTAs prompt customers to take action. Incorporate CTAs across your website, blog, social media profiles, product/
service pages, and resource centers to encourage engagement and bookings.
Gather Customer Feedback
Customer feedback is essential for your business. It helps establish strong customer relationships and shows that their opinions are valued. Collecting testimonials, especially during low and shoulder seasons, can significantly impact your online reviews and enhance your business's reputation. Encourage customers to provide feedback following their recent experiences to ensure the information is current. Consider requesting photos and videos from past customers to visually represent their experiences for potential customers. Ask previous customers to write reviews on Rezgo, Viator, Google, and other sites.
Publish Dynamic Content
Keep customers engaged by publishing dynamic content, even if they do not book tours. Writing well-researched and meaningful content can establish you as an expert. Start a blog for your tour or activity business to share valuable insights and tips. Potential topics for your blog could include:
• "10 Fun Things To Do At A Resort In The Summer"
• "R ainy Season in the Florida Keys:
How to Look for Sunshine in the Rain"
• "How to Prepare for Your Vacation (Even When It's Still Cold Outside)"
Stay Active on Social Media
Social media is a valuable tool for maintaining relationships with past customers and building new ones. Utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and others to keep your business visible among your target audience for the upcoming peak season. Share information about promotional activities during the off-peak season to engage potential customers and build excitement. Examples of promotional activities include:
• Photo Contest: Invite customers to share their favorite trip photos or videos on Instagram using your company's hashtag for a chance to win a prize.
• Events: Host a destination-themed event to generate interest in travel among potential customers.
• Twitter Updates: Share daily updates on the diverse travel experiences offered by your business.
• Influencers: Collaborate with
influencers to promote the offpeak activities provided by your business.
Use Your Email List:
Utilize your email list to keep your subscribers informed and engaged. Examples of weekly email ideas include:
• Coupons: Send loyal customers a coupon for the peak season (e.g., $10 off their next booking).
• Newsletters: Send weekly newsletters with dynamic content to keep your audience engaged.
• Dream About Vacation: Create buzz around the peak season by sharing photos and videos from past trips and activities to excite your audience about upcoming vacations.
Offer Promotions to Locals & Loyalists
Entice locals to become tourists in
their city by offering promotional deals. This is a great way to make extra profit during the low season and tap into a new market. Reward repeat customers with loyalty promotions. Examples of promotions include:
• 25% Off Coupon: Offer a 25% off coupon for repeat customers who book an activity during the low season.
• 2-for-1 Discounts: Provide 2-for-1 discounts for local tourist activities (e.g., discounts for seeing a temple in the city during the low season in Thailand).
Follow relevant people and businesses in your city on all social media platforms. Examples of what you should look for:
• The latest events.
• Hot new trends.
• New restaurants in your area.
We are stronger to gether!
Thursday, July 4
Saturday, July 6
Tuesday, July 9
Thursday, July 11
Saturday, July 13
Thursday, July 18
Saturday July 20
Thursday, July 25
Upcoming Events
For event details visit wwww.web.keylargochamber.org/events
9:45 AM: 48th Annual 4th of July Parade
5:00 PM: Fireworks VIP Chalet Experience Rowell's Waterfront Park
Saturday, July 27
Watch the Key Largo Fireworks with Mote Marine Laboratory!
Volunteer at the Gardenia Project 9:00 AM
REEF Fish & FriendsRock Harbor, Pineapple Farming, & the Connection to REEF 6:15 PM
Social Networking Lunch Meeting "Future of ROGO/BPAS" Presented by Monroe County 11:30 AM
Volunteer at the Gardenia Project 9:00 AM
Start Up, Start Right New Business Webinar 6:00 PM
Volunteer at the Gardenia Project 9:00 AM
Guided Tours at the History of Diving Museum 11:00 AM
Members in Motion with First Horizon Bank & Florida Keys Electric Co-op 5:30 PM
Volunteer at the Gardenia Project 9:00 AM
Aquanauts to Astronauts Featured Exhibit
Thursday, July 25: Members in Motion
History of Dive Museum Now through December 31, 2023
Benefiting United Way of Collier & The Keys
Board of Directors Installation & Awards
December 14th—11:30 AM Reefhouse
We are excited to invite you to Members in Motion on July 25th at First Horizon Bank in Tavernier. This event will support the United Way of Collier & The Keys "Fuel the Future" program with all proceeds staying in the Keys to benefit the children in our county.
How to Participate:
Next Luncheon on July 11: "Future of ROGO/BPAS" Presented by Monroe
The Flamingo Who Stole Christmas
County
Join us for our July Luncheon at Baker's Cay Resort for a presentation by Monroe County to discuss future of ROGO/BPAS.
December 16th—1:oo PM Keys Chocolate & Ice Cream
Full Moon Kayak Tour
Register Online: www.keylargochamber.org Call Us: Chamber at 305-451-1414
December 18th—4:00 PM Big Pine
Thank you to our hosts First Horizon Bank and the Florida Keys Electric Co-op. Special thanks to Maria Jones for organizing this event.
The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is facing an important decision in December concerning the potential for future growth in the Florida Keys. The BOCC is committed to a robust public participation process before this decision.
Members in Motion
December 21st—5:30 PM MarrVelous Pet Rescue
Merry Christmas
Come join us for a great cause and support our local community. Your participation and generosity will make a difference in the lives of the children of Key Largo. We look forward to seeing you there!
Chamber/Visitor Center Closed to celebrate the holiday
Presented by Kimberly Matthews, Senior Director of Strategic Planning & Director of Libraries, the interactive public presentations will provide foundation information on the topic, including overviews of ROGO, hurricane evacuation, regulatory takings liability for Monroe County taxpayers, the status of ROGO permits remaining within the unincorporated County, Monroe County's land acquisition efforts, and consideration such as disbursement timing, infrastructure impacts and more for the future of ROGO allocations.
New YearsEve
Support Chamber Member Restaurants
An interactive conversation (using participants' mobile devices) to gather raw data and feedback for the BOCC decision-making process will follow the presentation.
New YearsDay
Chamber/Visitor Center closed to celebrate the Holiday
Members
Sign up soon! Due to hotel policy, the cutoff is July 3rd. There are no refunds after the reservation system closes, and we cannot allow late reservations or walkins at the event.
Networking Luncheon
January 11—11:30 Pilot House
Members in Motion
Key Largo Chamber of Commerce Trustees
January 25th —5:30 PM Italian Food Company
K ey Largo Chamber of Comm erce Trustees
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 (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
HenryQuintana (2024-2026)
HenryQuintanaRealty,Inc Owner/Operator
MichaelRojewski–ChaimanElect (2023–2025) Rojewski&ReblGroup Realtor
StephanieA.Russo (2023-2025)
RussoLawandMediation Attorney
CariSanders (2024-2026)
VitalSigns Proprietor
RuthSchrader-Grace (2024-2026)
KeysCoreFitness Owner/Operator
BlaineVernicek (2023-2025)
TheStructureGroup Manager
Monroe Business Community: Investing in the Future
As members of the Monroe County business community, you have the opportunity to positively impact the stability of your workforce by supporting their need for reliable childcare while they work. The Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Untapped Potential report identified a lack of affordable childcare as one of the main drivers behind employee absenteeism, costing Florida’s employers $3.47 billion per year, and the state nearly $5.4 billion per year in economic value. Investing in early care and education will not only yield a benefit to your business, but to the future workforce of Florida as well.
BACKGROUND
The Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe serves as the local administrator of the School Readiness program, as designated under Chapter 1002, Florida Statutes. This program provides assistance to low incomeworking families to ensure that children have access to high-quality early care and education, while allowing parents to remain in the workforce. Many working parents across Monroe County — in retail, hospitality, restaurants, and “essential” jobs — are beneficiaries of child care services through Florida’s School Readiness Program.
In order to qualify for the School Readiness program, parents must be working and/or enrolled in an educational institution, with a household income that does not exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Level ($45,000 for a family of 4: 2 children & 2 adults). Currently, the income eligibility threshold does not align with Monroe County’s high cost-of-living, creating fiscal cliffs for families who have to decide between accepting a small wage increase and potentially losing critical subsidies, or leaving the workforce altogether, moving further away from self-sufficiency.
YOU can make an impact on the future of Monroe County’s economy. Here’s how:
Employers
Help improve your bottom line and employee recruitment, retention and attendance:
•Provide a child care stipend directly to your employees.
•Reimburse a local early care and education program for a percentage of the cost of child care for your employees’ children. Contributions made on behalf of your employees are eligible for tax credits authorized by the Florida Legislature in 2024.
Municipalities
•Provide a grant to the Early Learning Coalition to support child care for low-income working families that do not qualify for the School Readiness Program.
•Local municipalities can include in their legislative priorities the need to increase the income eligibility threshold of the School Readiness program above the current threshold of 150% Federal Poverty Level ($45,000 for a family of 4).
Individual Donors
•Contribute to the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys Child Care Scholarship Fund, an early education tuition assistance program.
Childcare access and affordability is the #1 barrier for parents returning to the workforce.
Recent Luncheon Happenings
Chairman Emeritus Caltagirone presenting a check from him and Lee for the 100K Club.
Board Director Angie with Giovinna from Centennial Bank.
Doctor and Mrs. Boilini presenting a check for the 100K Club.
New Member Gordon's Foods.
Chairman-elect Michael Rojewski with Director Cathy Gahagan, her daughter Molly to the left, and Sabine from the TDC to the right.
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate presents a check for the 100K Club.
New Member Mani of Specialty Center.
May luncheon guest speaker Stephanie Russ from Russ Law and Mediation.
New Member Ready Remotely Computer Service and Repair.
Jill from Keys Weekly with the Chamber's Manuela and Nicole and Lori from First State Bank.
New member G&S Landscaping.
Chairman-elect Michael
Welcome New Chamber Members
X Viscount Group dba Creative Displays
X JNL Plumbing Corp.
X ID & Design International
X Keys Lake Villas, LLC
X The Room Nail Bar
X Island Ventures
X Mani Specialty Center
X G&S Landscaping Inc.
X Ready Remotely
X Pool King of the Keys X Fischer and Sons Jewelers
X Boca Highland Beach Club & Marina Inc
X Compac USA, Inc.
X Falcon Aerospace Inc.
X Florida Keys AHEC Health Center (AHEC)
X Mrs. Mac's Kitchen I & II
X The Photo Studio Group, LLC
Chuck Butler of Ready Remotely with Board Director Cari Sanders .
Rojewski with Lourdes and June luncheon guest speaker Mel Montagne.
Christoper Massicotte, Sue Woltanski and Ron Saunders.
New Member Christopher Massicotte of Duval Street Media with Claire Montang and Michael Rojewski.
Lori Bailey from First State Bank with Andrew Burr of Keys Realty.
The KLCOC team Suzi and Manuela.
Board Director Ruth Schrader-Grace; Frank, Florida Solar Partners; Maria Jones of FKEC, and Director Henry Quintana.
Dewey Jackson with Board Director Berta Barvo, her husband Enrique, and Chairman Emeritus Roberto Alonso and his wife Ana.
Before the Power Goes Out
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.