Kerry Baker, executive director of the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the city.
The Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce is helping local businesses prepare for the slower summer season with a customer service seminar, while also offering networking opportunities, city collaboration and community events in the weeks ahead.
One of the chamber’s featured events is a customer service seminar titled “Grace Under Pressure: Delivering Exceptional Service When It Matters Most,” scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree Resort.
The seminar is designed to help businesses maintain positive customer experiences during the traditionally slower tourism season by providing tools to motivate frontline employees and veteran staff.
“We’re adding a little bit of a twist this year,” Baker said. “It’s about keeping your staff motivated during the slower months and helping businesses continue delivering exceptional service.”
The chamber is also partnering with the City of Key West to host an Open Business Table Forum on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at City Hall.
The event is open to all business owners and leaders, regardless of chamber membership, and will feature city department heads from planning, engineering, code enforcement and business licensing. A complimentary lunch will be provided, although reservations are requested through the chamber website.
Baker said the forum is intended to encourage direct communication between city officials and the business community.
“It’s part of the city’s collaboration of trying to work not only with residents, but with the business community and the various industries in town,” she said.
The chamber’s annual Christmas in July Business After Hours networking event will be held July 20 at the Key West Cooking School in the Shops at Mallory Square. Attendees are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to kick off the community’s holiday donation drive for local children.
The monthly General Membership Luncheon is scheduled for July 29 and will feature Capt. Josh Empen, commander of Coast Guard Sector Key West, as the guest speaker.
Baker also highlighted the chamber’s Keep Key West Beautiful recognition program, which honors businesses that maintain attractive storefronts and employees who demonstrate outstanding hospitality. Community members can nominate businesses or individuals through the chamber’s website.
Looking ahead, preparations are already underway for the Seventh Annual BBQ Rib Battle, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 6, during Labor Day weekend on Ann Street. The fundraiser features barbecue, live entertainment, beverages and community sponsors, with proceeds supporting local education initiatives, holiday events and other chamber programs.
Baker noted that fundraising events allow the chamber to continue supporting organizations and community projects throughout the year, including education initiatives, holiday celebrations and local nonprofit partnerships.
More information about chamber events, membership and registration is available at the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce website here: https://www.keywestchamber.org/.