We kicked off January’s Members in Motion at the beautiful Upper Keys Sailing Club, and Mother Nature showed up just in time. After a day of gloomy weather, the sun emerged right before the event, treating us to a stunning sunset. The ceremonial blowing of the sunset conch shell made the moment even more special. Guests enjoyed delicious bites from The Catch Restaurant, along with great conversation, new connections, and plenty of laughter. It was the perfect way to start the year together.
See more photos on page 8.
In This Issue
President's Corner PAGE 3
Board Retreat PAGE 4
Move Visitors to Your Site PAGE 6
Members in Motion PAGES 8 & 9
Upcoming Events PAGE 10
Why Become a Trustee PAGE 12
Chairman's Ball PAGES 14-17
2026 Board of Directors PAGE 20
Choosing a Tax Preparer PAGE 22
Julia Child's Beef Stew PAGE 23
Paws in Paradise PAGE 26
Key Largo Chamber Guide PAGE 28
Thank You Trustees PAGE 32
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
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
President's Corner: A New Year, A Better Balance
The start of a new year always invites reflection. We think about goals, growth, and what we want to do better both in our businesses and in our lives. But if there’s one lesson many of us learned over the past few years, it’s that success doesn’t come from simply doing more. It comes from doing what matters, with intention and balance.
Ever feel like your brain is sprinting while your body is stuck in traffic? Or maybe your calendar is jammed with meetings, but you haven’t had a full meal since Monday? The disconnect between what we do and what we actually need has never been wider. This year, perhaps the goal isn’t to add more to our plates, but to create steadier footing with everything we do.
Slowing Down
Balance isn’t about perfection or strict routines. It’s not measured by how much you squeeze into a day. It’s found in how you respond when something falls out of place. When you stop feeling constantly behind, decision making becomes clearer. Stress softens. You sleep better. You think better. Balance isn’t a luxury. It’s a baseline that allows us to lead, serve, and grow sustainably.
Finding Fun at Work
Fun and play aren’t just for kids. Joy in the workplace is essential for creativity, collaboration, and productivity. Studies show that people in a playful mindset are significantly more likely to solve problems creatively. When work feels heavy all the time, innovation shuts down. Don’t be afraid to laugh and even be silly with your staff and co-workers even when the work is serious.
A playful mindset often begins with curiosity. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with this?” try asking, “What could this become?” Replacing judgment with curiosity opens doors. When people feel safe to explore ideas without fear of being wrong, connection and momentum follow.
When your work becomes something you genuinely enjoy, it creates a different kind of success. Not every day will be easy but finding moments of fun and joy in your work can change everything.
Moving Your Body for Mental Health
The connection between body and mind is often underestimated. If you’ve ever felt foggy after sitting too long or noticed your mood dip after days of nonstop meetings, your body is sending a message. Movement is not just a physical habit, it’s a mental health strategy.
You don’t need an intense workout plan or a fitness tracker celebrating every step. Walking outside, stretching between meetings, taking the long way back to your desk all count. Movement helps reduce the cognitive load your body places on your mind. When your body feels better, your brain has more capacity to focus, solve problems, and stay calm.
Productivity culture often rewards ignoring physical needs. I am guilty of skipping breaks, working through lunch, and sitting for hours. But eventually focus drops and fatigue takes over. The solution isn’t more caffeine or a better chair. It’s movement. Small, consistent reminders to your body that it’s not stuck go a long way in keeping anxiety and burnout at bay.
Suzi Youngberg
President of Key Largo Chamber of Commerce
Getting Your Digital Life Under Control
We can’t talk about balance without talking about screens. Phones, laptops, watches, and constant notifications are now part of daily life. Balance doesn’t mean abandoning technology; it means using it with purpose.
Notifications aren’t neutral. Every alert demands attention and decisionmaking. Turning off unnecessary notifications, setting true “do not disturb” hours, and removing apps you no longer need are small changes that make a big difference. When your devices serve you, instead of the other way around, you regain mental space and clarity.
Digital hygiene may not be exciting,
President's Corner, Con't
but it’s powerful. Your phone shouldn’t feel like your boss. A quick audit can help you reclaim focus and freedom.
Balance Is a Practice, Not a Finish Line
Balance isn’t something you achieve once and keep forever. It’s flexible. You find it, lose it, adjust it, and return to it again and again. Life will always throw curveballs like deadlines, unexpected challenges, busy seasons. That’s not failure; that’s reality.
Those who stop chasing extremes and instead build steady movement habits, digital boundaries, moments of joy, and real rest tend to last longer, lead better, and feel more like themselves.
As we begin a new year together, my hope is that we focus not just on growth, but on balance that allows us to show up fully for our businesses, our community, and ourselves. Here’s to a year of intention, curiosity, steady success and fun.
Chamber Board Retreat
The newly installed 2026 Board of Directors gathered for their Board Retreat on Saturday, January 17, at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center. The day began with an informative tour of the beautiful facility, where staff shared insights into REEF’s mission and important work.
Following the tour, the Board engaged in a full day of strategic planning and vision-setting for the year ahead, led by Chairman Michael Rojewski.
Proven Ways to Bring More Visitors to Your Site
Every online business needs to attract visitors to a website. Whether you run a blog, have an e-commerce shop, or host a portfolio, traffic plays a crucial role in determining the success of your endeavor. There are several strategies you can employ to increase website traffic. This guide explores the most effective approaches to enhance your online presence and attract more potential customers.
Optimize for Search Engines
SEO or search engine optimization is the most definitive answer to the question, “How to drive more traffic to your website?” A higher amount of content visibility in search engines increases the possibility of it appearing in search engine results. It involves relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and a mobile-friendly design, among other elements like optimizing for AI. Moreover, expert content that responds to user questions can rank higher. Periodic updates make the content current and ensure continued relevance.
SEO for AI involves using AI tools to enhance traditional SEO and optimizing content for AI-powered search experiences by focusing on helpful, high-quality content, strong technical SEO, semantic structure, and entity authority, ensuring your site is discoverable, citable, and trusted by AI systems.
Utilize Social Media Platforms
Utilizing social media will help you expand your outreach. Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can attract more visitors to a site through shared content. Responding to comments and messages ultimately fosters a sense of community around the brand. Having users share your content can also expand your reach and gain new visitors.
Invest in Paid Advertising
Paid advertising (such as pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns) can drive additional traffic more quickly. You can target specific audiences and interests with Google Ads and similar platforms. This approach helps deliver ads to
individuals who are more likely to interact with them. It is an investment, yes, but the return can be too good to pass up. Good ad copy and visuals also help you achieve better results.
Create Engaging Content
Audiences are more likely to share and discuss content that engages them. Content that offers value to readers, such as articles, videos, and infographics, can attract more traffic. Uniqueness in engaging content provides a reason for the audience to return. Your site can also tap new audiences via influencer or guest blog collaborations.
Leverage Email Marketing
Email marketing remains a powerful channel for generating traffic. Having an email list allows you to reach out directly to prospective visitors. Newsletters about updates, promotions, or exclusive content can entice recipients to visit your site. Email personalization based on the audience’s interests can enhance engagement rates.
Enhance User Experience
You need to ensure that your visitors stay with you, as this provides a positive
user experience. Fast loading times, smooth navigation, and a clean design ensure users stick around. Having clear calls to action directs visitors toward desired actions, such as newsletter sign-ups or purchases. Regularly testing and making improvements to site functionality can prevent on-site disasters.
Participate in Online Communities
Participating in online communities related to your site’s niche can expose it to visitors who might be interested. Being a part of forums, social media groups, or discussion boards helps to share insights and build authority. Informational sites have the potential to gain traffic because they provide valuable information without overtly promoting or selling the site, which builds trust with visitors.
Utilize Analytics Tools
Analyzing visitor behavior is an ideal way to boost site performance.
Analytics tools provide insights into what is working and where improvements are needed. Monitoring bounce rates, time on site, and conversions can inform future marketing efforts. The degrees of change based on data-driven trajectories maintain growth.
Collaborate with Other Brands
Joining a brand or website will increase reach. Event co-hosting, collaborative content creation, or reciprocal promotional activity exposes the site to a new audience. Partners who share the same values and target the exact audience are always guaranteed a win-win partnership.
Encourage User-Generated Content
User-generated content can help build community. Encouraging visitors to share their story, post a review, or share a part of their creation related
to the site may generate even more interest; showcase this content on your site. Media channels can increase engagement and traffic.
Conclusion
Increasing website traffic starts with a combination of various tactics. Search engine optimization, social media engagement, paid advertising, and high-quality content all contribute to directing site traffic. Other marketing strategies can further expand the reach, such as improving UX, email marketing, and partnerships or collaborations. Ensuring strategies are effective over the long term involves monitoring progress through analytics tools. As your content improves and you refine your approach, attracting a greater number of visitors is an attainable objective.
Source: Innovation & Tech Today
January Members in Motion!
January’s Members in Motion at the Upper Keys Sailing Club turned into a picture-perfect evening! The clouds cleared just in time for a breathtaking sunset over Florida Bay, complete with the iconic sunset conch shell. Guests enjoyed a fantastic spread from The Catch Restaurant while members and non-members alike connected, networked, and shared plenty of laughs. A beautiful venue, great food, and an even better crowd made this a truly memorable night.
Friday, February 6
Saturday, February 7
Sunday, February 8
Thursday, February 12
Friday, February 13
Saturday, February 14
Wednesday, February 18
Thursday, February 26
February Events
See all our up-to-date events on our website, www.web.keylargochamber.org/events
Dive into Art & Music by History of Diving Museum at Florida Keys Brewing Co.
PKS PTA Annual Color Run
Winter Festival at Coral Isles Church
Community Rummage Sale at Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve
Chamber Social Networking Luncheon at Snooks Bayside, “Financial Wellness with Steve Cooper from Centennial Bank”
Eat Pray Love: A Galentine's Day Event at Seminole Theatre
Wesley House Family Services Valentine's Gala
Free Immerse Yourself!
The Shipwreck, Secret War & Stolen Jade at History of Diving Museum
Ribbon Cutting at Advanced Health and Beauty Center
Chamber Members in Motion at REEF with Italian Food Co. & “Connections” Art Project
Friday, February 27 The College of the Florida Keys 2026 Seaside Soiree
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
We provide care in Private Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Hospitals,Nursing Homes, Rehabilitation Centers and Senior Citizen Facilities.
INSURANCES WE ACCEPT:
We have the ability to bill your Long Term Care Insurance on your behalf.
• AF&L/ American Fidelity & Liberty • AIG
• American Heritage
• American Pioneer
• American Travelers
• Bankers Life
• Blue Cross Blue Shield-long term care
• Conseco
• Colonial American
• CNA Insurance Company
• GE Life Assurance & Annuity Company
• Genworth
• GTL Insurance
• John Hancock
• Kanawha
• Lincoln Benefit
• Metlife
• Mutual of Omaha
• Old American
• Penn Treaty Insurance
• Senior Health Insurance Company of Pennsylvania/SHIPP
• Trans America
• Transport Life Insurance
• Union Labor
• Washington National
(WE DO NOT ACCEPT MEDICARE)
Aventura
Coconut Grove
• Miami Gardens
• Miami Lakes
• North Miami Beach
• Ocean Reef
• Perrine
• Pinecrest
• South Miami
• Village of Palmetto Bay
Chairman's Ball
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Chairman’s Ball: Hollywood Red Carpet. It was truly a night to remember! Guests arrived in their finest attire, walking the red carpet and “walk of fame” alongside Marilyn Monroe. The evening featured incredible food, outstanding entertainment, and a celebratory toast to the leadership of Chairman Michael Rojewski and the 2026 Board of Directors. And, of course, the dance floor stayed full all night long! More photos on page 16.
2026 Board!
Lee, Sandy, Rossana, Julie and Henry.
Board of Realtors Presenting Sponsors. Brittany, Marilyn and Claire.
Centennial Bank Sponsors.
Roberto, Ana, Berta, Enrique, Cedric and Marco.
A heartfelt thank-you to our generous sponsors, especially our Presenting Sponsor: Florida Keys Board of Realtors. Your support made this unforgettable evening possible.
Christopher and Michael with Marilyn.
Houston Insurance Agency Sponsors.
Chamber cheers!
Champagne with our logo. Lance with Marilyn
Michael and Berta.
Tami and Nicholas.
Yesenia, Suzi and Aleida with Marilyn.
David Feder with Marilyn.
Kanahou and Tiffany.
Mary Beth and Michael.
First State Bank Sponsors.
Tonya, Violet, Suzi and Andy.
Michael Rojewski with his Family.
Your 2026 Chamber Board of Directors
Michael Rojewski 2025 & 2026 Chairman of the Board of Directors
Michael Rojewski Group – Owner
Roberto Alonso (2025 & 2026)
Borland & Associates President
Manuel Alvarez (2026 & 2027)
Verdeja, De Armas & Trujillo CPA
Berta Bravo (2026 & 2027)
SBI Windows & Doors Owner
Spenser Bryan (2025 & 2026)
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Captain
Melissa Fernandez (2025 & 2026)
All Keys Concrete Communications & Sales
Cathy Gahagen (2026 & 2027)
The Catch Owner
Suzanne Holmquist (2025 & 2026)
Calypso Watersports & Charters Proprietor
Mary Houston (2025 & 2026)
Houston Insurance Agency Owner
Henry Menendez (2026 & 2027)
HNO Productions Owner/Operator
Yesenia Moreno (2026-2027)
New Edge Associates Managing Partner
Heather Turkay (2026 & 2027)
Playa Largo Resort & Spa Area Director of Sales & Marketing
Blaine Vernicek (2025-2026)
The Structure Group Manager
Violet Wahba (2026 & 2027)
Key Lime Products Owner
Choosing A Tax Preparer You Can Trust
With tax season around the corner, you may be looking for a tax preparer to help ease the burden that this time of year can bring. Choosing a tax preparer is about more than getting a good refund; it’s about protecting your identity, your finances, and your peace of mind. In a community like Key Largo, where many residents are smallbusiness owners, retirees, or hospitality professionals, partnering with a trustworthy local preparer makes a meaningful difference when it comes to long-term financial security.
While most tax professionals work hard to file accurate returns and protect client data, there is a small number that misuses personal information or manipulates returns for quick profit. When that happens, it’s the taxpayers that can face identity theft, unexpected tax bills, audits, and more financial stress.
As the taxpayer, you remain legally responsible for your tax return, even if someone else prepares it. This makes it absolutely essential to choose someone you can trust with your personal and business returns. Investing time and care into that choice today can prevent months or even years of financial and emotional fallout.
Must-have credentials and qualifications
When evaluating a tax preparer, start by confirming that they are properly registered and credentialed. Anyone paid to prepare federal tax returns must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), which should appear on every return they prepare.
Beyond that minimum, consider working with:
• Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), enrolled agents, or tax
attorneys who are licensed and can represent you before the IRS if questions arise.
• Firms that appear in the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications, which highlights preparers who meet defined professional standards.
• Professionals in good standing with state licensing boards, without a history of disciplinary actions or unresolved complaints.
For Key Largo residents, this might include checking Florida’s accountancy board listings and verifying that the firm’s professionals are licensed to practice in the state.
Red flags you should never ignore There are also signs to look for in order to identify neglectful or immoral preparers. Being aware of these warning signs can help you spot problems before your data, refund, or finances are at risk. Major red flags include:
• Preparers who refuse to sign the return as the paid preparer or will not include their PTIN (sometimes referred to as “ghost” preparers. This can signal an attempt to avoid accountability or hide fraud.
• Anyone who bases their fee on a percentage of your refund or promises “bigger refunds than other preparers,” which can create incentives to inflate income credits or claim improper deductions.
• Preparers who want your refund deposited into their own account first, or who suggest routing the funds through their business rather than directly to you.
Keep yourself and your neighbors safe by paying attention when these
red flags arise and spreading the word if you suspect a tax preparer of attempting to take advantage of their clients.
For individuals and businesses in Key Largo, working with a reputable local accounting firm means having someone who understands both federal requirements and the unique financial scenarios within our community. When you choose a tax preparer who is transparent, credentialed, security-minded, and available year-round, you can expect more than a completed return; you’ll gain a long-term partner and advisor that you can trust.
About H&R Block Key Largo
As the only H&R Block franchise in Key Largo, we are dedicated to supporting local businesses with personalized tax planning, bookkeeping, and strategic financial advice. We are proud Trustee members of the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce and deeply value the opportunity to contribute to the community’s success. For a consultation or to learn more about our services, contact us at 305-451-2562.
Julia Child's Best Beef Stew
Ingredients
X Ingredients
X 3 pounds trimmed boneless stewing beef, cut into 1 1/2inch chunks
X 1 tablespoon fine sea salt
X 1 teaspoon crushed black peppercorns
X 2 fresh thyme sprigs or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
X 3 cups thinly sliced onions
X 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced carrots
X 4 large garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
X 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
X 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
X 4 chopped fresh Italian plum tomatoes
X 2 bay leaves
X 1/4 cup water
X 1 cup strong beef stock or broth, plus more as needed
X Red wine, such as Chianti or Zinfandel
X All-purpose flour as needed (optional)
Instructions
1. Toss beef pieces in a large bowl with salt, crushed black peppercorns, and thyme. Add onions, carrots, garlic, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Toss thoroughly, then toss again with red wine vinegar. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
2. Dry beef pieces with paper towels and place on a plate. Transfer vegetables and any accumulated marinade to a large skillet over moderate heat and cook until onions are translucent, about 8 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large heavy frying pan over moderately high heat. Add beef
in batches and cook until well browned all over. Return meat to bowl and scatter cooked marinade vegetables on top, along with tomatoes and bay leaves.
4. Discard fat from pan used to brown meat. Deglaze pan with water and simmer for a moment. Using a wooden spoon, scrape flavorful brown bits from bottom of the pan into liquid and pour over beef. Pour in beef stock or broth and enough good young red wine to almost submerge ingredients. Cover and refrigerate stew overnight; the wine marinade will only improve its flavor.
5. Bring stew to a simmer on stove, then transfer to a 300°F oven; stew should just barely bubble. Cook until beef is fork-tender (take an occasional small bite to be sure); about 2 1/2 hours. You can stop the cooking at any point and continue it later if needed. Let the stew cool, then cover and refrigerate overnight.
6. Using a spoon, skim solidified fat from surface of stew. Reheat stew, then strain hot cooking liquid into a large nonreactive saucepan. Press on cooking vegetables, which will have disintegrated considerably by this point. Taste sauce for strength and seasoning, and boil down rapidly if it tastes weak; you should have about 2 1/2 cups.
7. If the sauce is too thin, thicken it with a slurry: for each cup of sauce, you'll need 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour blended in a bowl with 1 1/2 tablespoons cold beef stock. Whisk dribbles of hot sauce into slurry, then whisk slurry mixture into sauce. Simmer for several minutes, then pour warm sauce over warm stew and simmer for several minutes before serving.
Serve and enjoy!
SOURCE: Food & Wine
Struggling with Rising Healthcare Costs and Employee Retention?
Are your medical renewal costs increasing every year?
Finding it hard to attract and retain top talent due to a lack of group health bene ts?
Overwhelmed by the administrative workload of managing bene ts?
Looking for 100% tax-deductible health insurance options for your business?
Want to improve employee satisfaction and loyalty with comprehensive coverage?
We offer tailored solutions to address these challenges. Let’s find the perfect program for your business today!
ADMINISTRATION:
COMPLIANCE:
COMPANY
EMPLOYEE DEMOGRAPHICS:
ADMINISTRATIVE RESOURCES: Employers
Paws in Paradise
We’re excited to roll out Paws in Paradise at the Key Largo Chamber & Florida Keys Visitor Center! While we’ve always welcomed well-behaved, leashed pets, we’re making it official, and a little more fun. Stop by with your four-legged travel companion for a photo at our dedicated pet spot and a special treat, generously donated by Keys Kritters. Our staff will happily snap a picture, or you can share your own and tag us. Because in paradise, everyone’s welcome — two legs or four!
Welcome to the Keys Side of Care.
Baptist Health is here for you in Monroe County, providing the compassionate, quality care you deserve.
Our local network includes:
y Mariners Hospital (Tavernier) and Fishermen’s Community Hospital (Marathon)
y Specialty cancer, heart and vascular, and orthopedic care
y Imaging, surgery, and physician therapy and rehabilitation
From care in your neighborhood to the full Baptist Health network across South Florida, your health is our top priority, wherever you are.
Key Largo Chamber 2026 Guide
Center Spread – Two Full Pages
Two Full Page Spread
Full Page
1/2 Page
1/4 Page
1/8 Page (Business Card)
Page 3 & 51 – Full Page
Inside Front or Back Cover – Full Page
Enhanced Listing – 40 words or less
DEADLINES
Artwork Deadline is March 30, 2026
Estimated Distribution in May 2026
Publication dates & deadlines subject to change
AD DIMENSIONS
80,000 Distributed & Downloaded Nationally and throughout the Florida Keys
Make Life Easy with Online Account Access: Register for FKEC’s SmartHub Today
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
X Easily Access FKEC’s Live Power Outage Map
X Access energy usage data
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.
