The Keyholder committee team’s primary focus is recruiting new members and retaining current members through education and mentorship as well as volunteering to assist with Chamber hosted events.
Councils & Committees
Always Open
We believe in the power of great ideas and that these ideas can come from anyone, anywhere, at any time.
Listen, Act, Learn. Repeat.
We continually adapt through the shifting economic landscape. We use data and community feedback to guide our course.
KEYHOLDERS
Co-Chair: Curtis Cantrell, SouthTel
Co-Chair: Jim Beran, Gilmore Services
Meeting Time
Third Friday of every month @ Noon; Location varies each month
Primary Goals and Activities:
- Growing the core member base of our Chamber.
- Educate and share Member benefits by hosting membership drives and campaigns.
- Recruit and educate Current and new members about member benefits and business opportunities through onboarding mentorship/adopt a member.
- Participate in Member retention quarterly check-in campaigns.
- Attend and Assist chamber-hosted events such as ribbon cuttings and chamber-hosted events.
- Promote Chamber events through social media and other networking channels.
The Keyholders Committee met on February 18, 2022, at Hub Stacey’s at The Point.
Present: Curtis Cantrell, Sally Bowen, Dean Wood (and guest) and Chamber staff Lori Raisch
- The committee went over the new member list for February, 2022 – Committee members will reach out to welcome these member businesses before the next meeting.
- Upcoming events sheets were distributed. Curtis, Dean and Sally all volunteered to assist with the final Hootenanny.
- Lori asked if there is a Keyholder who would be willing to take photos at the Business After Hours events. Dean is going to reach out to an individual who might be willing.
- The Spring Craft Fair was discussed. It will be held at Innerarity Point Park on April 30th, with a rain out alternate date of May 14th. 12 past participants have already signed up.
- The Member of the Month for March 2022 was chosen and the award will be presented at the next Business After Hours on March 16th at Jaco’s Perdido.
- The location for the next Keyholder meeting will be the Deep Blue Food Truck the date is March 18th.
The next Keyholder meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 18th, 2022, at the Deep Blue Food Truck. Check the Events Calendar for more updated location details.
The Keyholders Committee meets on the third Friday of each month at noon, location varies.
BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Works in partnership with our local leadership, public entities, and nonprofits to support the community as a whole. Advocating for the vitality of the local business, preserving the quality of life, and campaigning for safety. All helping to achieve the goal of community development.
Chair: Wayne Garrison, Capital City Home Loans
Meeting Time
First Wednesday of every month @ 9:00 AM; Chamber of Commerce conference room
Primary Goals and Activities:
- Assisting and ensuring in the Perdido Key Master Plan Progression.
- Advocating for safety including better crosswalks and the development of the Multi-Use Path.
- Support the core member base of our Chamber.
- Provide educational benefits by hosting workforce training and networking opportunities.
- Develops and coordinates special events directly impacting local economy.
- Committee must provide one at-large Non-board member for Nominating committee to meet in October.
The Business and Community Advocacy Committee met on April 6, 2022, at 9:00 am.
In attendance: Wayne Garrison, Dee Marie Fisher, Connie Walker, Charles Krupnick, and PKACC staff Tammy Thurow, Jo Ann Slaydon & Lori Raisch
- After the introduction of our new President, Tammy Thurow, Wayne, and Jo Ann led the discussion of separating the committee into two areas of focus. The Business and Economic Development Committee will continue to meet on the first Wednesday of the month. Their main function will be to help with educational opportunities for our member businesses to learn best practices and methods to successfully grow and thrive.
- The Community Affairs Committee will move under the umbrella of the Perdido Area Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and focus on issues of habitat and beach conservation, environmental education, attending BOCC meetings as appropriate, and other issues of importance to local residents including the Multi-Use Path, the HCP, Master Plan, and managing impacts of the high volume of visitors that enjoy coming to Perdido Key.
- Charles shared that The Perdido Key Association and the Community Affairs Committee have many common interests and goals and they anticipate working hand in hand to create a positive synergy across the two organizations. Jo Ann will be the Chamber liaison to PKA for at least the remainder of the calendar year. The leadership of the Community Affairs committee is yet to be established. Once those roles are filled the meeting schedule will be determined.
- The Perdido Shop Hop was briefly discussed, but the subject was tabled until Tammy can become more familiar with the history of that event.
The next meeting of the Business and Economic Development Committee will take place on May 4th at 9:00 am in the Chamber Conference Room
The Business & Community Advocacy Committee meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 9:00 am at the Perdido Chamber: 15500 Perdido Key Dr. Pensacola, FL 32507.
MILITARY APPRECIATION COUNCIL
Being the Cradle of Naval Aviation since 1913, our economy relies heavily on military members and their families within our community. Our committee focuses on inclusion, appreciation, and giving back to those who have served and to make the Perdido Area a desirable community for military families to live, work, and play.
Chair: Erin Wilmer, Edward Jones Financial Advisor
Meeting Time
Last Tuesday of every month @ 4:30 PM; Edward Jones Office, Sorrento Road
Primary Goals and Activities:
- Bridge the Gap between military families and the local business community by providing resources to incoming families and assisting veteran entrepreneurs.
- Educate the community on the importance of the military history of the Perdido Area.
- Support, empower and appreciate the military veterans and their families through events.
Events:
- Wreaths Across America
- Rosamond Johnson Day
- Military Appreciation Month
- Veterans Day Memorial
The Military Appreciation Council met on April 26, 2022, at 4:30 pm.
In attendance: Erin Wilmer, Dayre Lias, Craig Mc Donnell, Karl Schwelm, John Griffin, Dorothy Tampary, Brandy O’Bryant, Al Giordano, Louise Treft, and Chamber Staff – Tammy Thurow, & Lori Raisch
Rosamond Johnson Beach Day celebration was the first thing on the Agenda. The ceremony begins at 10 AM at Johnson Beach in the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The program is confirmed and Erin obtained the official proclamation from the County Board of Commissioners.
Volunteers are welcome to help with set up and load out – set up will begin at 8:30 and the event will end at approximately noon. Entrance fees to the park will be waived that morning for participants in the ceremony.
The main item of discussion was the 2022 Military Appreciation Festival and Luau on May 21st at Bayou Grande Marina onboard NAS Pensacola.
Sponsors are being sought for both cash and in-kind donations. In addition to the cash sponsorship provided to MWR, we need to provide 25 prizes, each with a value of at least $50. Lori has contacted past sponsors and will be sending the sponsorship information to all Chamber members.
Approximately 50 volunteers will be needed. Steve Wilmer will lead the volunteers in 3 separate groups for setup, during the event, and for tear down. Kiwanis will be providing 10 volunteers for the kid’s games. No active-duty volunteers will be recruited as this should be their day to enjoy.
Non-DOD ID holders who want to volunteer will need to fill out a SECNAV 5512 form in advance. Erin will be sending that form out to all committee members.
Craig Mc Donnell offered to set up and run the shave ice booth if someone can provide the supplies needed.
The Chamber of Commerce will provide a selfie station for participants to take fun photos.
Bill Marvel has secured the Hurricane simulator booth.
Erin has a couple of carnival-type games that can be utilized.
Lori will contact Reno’s Reptiles, The Blue Wahoos, and OWA for prizes, activities, and mascot appearances.
Our next meeting will be on May 10, 2022, at 4:30 p.m.
The Military Appreciation Council meets on the last Tuesday of each month at 4:30 pm at the Edward Jones Investments Office: 12385 Sorrento Road, Suite D2 Pensacola, FL 32507.