The Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kerry Baker joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on at the Chamber.
The Chamber’s education committee recently met to finalize plans for the 2026-27 school year, including its annual teacher recognition program.
Through the Chamber’s Five Star program, 25 teachers from throughout the local community will be recognized. The program includes educators from Monroe County School District schools, charter schools, private schools, Basilica School and the College of the Florida Keys.
Baker said the program is funded through donations from Chamber members and other businesses.
Businesses can donate 25 gift certificates with a minimum value of $25 each, provide products or services or make a monetary contribution that can be distributed to teachers.
Last year, the gift packages presented to the teachers were valued at approximately $2,000 each, with each teacher also receiving a check for about $225.
“They get everything from restaurant gift certificates, sunset sales, gift certificates for retail entities,” Baker said. “So it really is just a great opportunity to say thank you.”
The program recognizes educators who frequently spend their own money on classroom supplies and other materials.
The Chamber will also continue its sponsorship program for first-year teachers in Key West. Once the final number of new teachers is provided by the school district, each first-year teacher will receive a $250 classroom sponsorship.
The money can help new teachers purchase classroom supplies, books, decorations and student reward items.
The Chamber is also considering another fundraiser to continue its support of the Key West High School Fashion Show.
Meanwhile, the Chamber is preparing for its seventh annual Barbecue Rib Battle on Sunday, Sept. 6, on Ann Street.
First State Bank is serving as the premier sponsor, with Ocean Blue and Stanley Shaw Construction also supporting the event.
Baker said approximately 13 participants are currently registered, with room for several more grill masters.
The event will feature barbecue competition along with side dishes donated by local restaurants and businesses.
The event begins at noon and will also include a silent auction and entertainment.
Businesses interested in competing can still register through the Key West Chamber of Commerce website.
The Chamber’s annual Business Showcase is also returning in October after being moved from its traditional location.
The event will take place Oct. 15 at the Casa Marina. The showcase originally began at the Casa Marina, and Baker said the Chamber appreciates the Beachside’s support in hosting the event for the past 14 to 15 years.
Exhibitor space remains available.
The event will be open to the public from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by a Business After Hours networking event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Baker said the showcase typically draws between 300 and 350 people and gives businesses an opportunity to introduce their products and services to other businesses, residents and potential customers.
She also encouraged nonprofits to participate, saying the event provides them with an opportunity to explain their services to the community.
As the Florida Keys enter the traditional slower season, Baker said local businesses are preparing for a decline in activity following the busy summer events.
The Tourism Development Council’s weekly performance reports provide valuable information about the local economy and future trends.
While occupancy has remained relatively steady, Baker said sales tax collections are down, suggesting visitors are spending less while in the community.
“Our downtown business community is definitely facing some slow weeks coming up,” Baker said.
Some restaurants and retail businesses are returning to summer hours, while others may close temporarily during September because of reduced demand.
Despite the slowdown, future bookings remain strong and the community will have several important events to help bring visitors back, including Fantasy Fest, the boat races and the holiday season.
Baker credited the Tourism Development Council with continuing to promote the Florida Keys and Key West as a tourism destination.
She also pointed out that tourism dollars benefit the local community in ways beyond advertising.
Tourism Development Tax revenues help fund events, capital projects and nonprofit initiatives, while also supporting services such as beach cleaning in Key West.
“It’s all a trickle-down effect,” Baker said. “It’s all what makes every mechanism work because the livelihood of our businesses and their success, that’s how they’re able to be generous to our community.”
Baker encouraged local businesses to take advantage of the statistical and tourism information available through the TDC website, saying the data can help business owners understand current conditions and plan for the future.
The Chamber also provides information and assistance to its members and maintains an open-door policy for businesses seeking help.
Baker also encouraged residents to remember that they are ambassadors for the Florida Keys when interacting with visitors – simple acts of kindness can leave a lasting impression and encourage tourists to return.
“I think we’re all ambassadors,” Baker said. “If we’re happy and we’re friendly, that is what we’re known for, and that’s what put us on the map.”
The Chamber’s next general meeting is scheduled for Aug. 26 and will feature the FBI discussing cybersecurity.
Baker encouraged businesses and residents to visit the Key West Chamber of Commerce website for information about upcoming events, networking opportunities, business resources and ways to participate in the Chamber’s education initiatives.
For more information, click here: https://www.keywestchamber.org/