Longboat Key Chamber focuses on home front

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce is going back to its roots.

Members are still welcome to join from the mainland if they want to do business on the island, but the chamber will be more focused on Longboat Key than it has been in recent years.

Events will take place mostly on the Key, and a new membership will be available to residents.

“We’re trying to do more with the community,” said Dawn Mims, executive vice president of the chamber.

Since the chamber moved into its new location at 595 Bay Isles Road, Suite 120F, in Mediterranean Plaza in March, it’s been getting down to business. It’s started new events, such as the “Muffins & Membership”
breakfasts on the fourth Tuesday of each month, and it also has a new tourism industry group so that hotel and restaurant businesses can work together.

The chamber is also managing the new informational kiosk at Longboat Key Publix, which is located to the right of the entrance, where shoppers will be able to find Key information, such as street maps and beach access locations. Additionally, community organizations that have upcoming events can contact the chamber to have information about their latest happenings displayed in the kiosk.

Also on the horizon for the chamber: a big birthday.

On May 19, the chamber turns 55. (Technically, the late Guy Paschal organized the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce in September 1956, but it wasn’t until May 19, 1958, that the chamber received its official charter.)

The celebration, however, will take place in October, most likely at the Longboat Key Club & Resort’s Harbourside facilities.
Its theme: “We’ve arrived at 55.”

Race to the finish line
The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce will hold its Sprint Triathlon & Duathlon at 7 a.m. Sunday, May 5, at the Longboat Key Club & Resort. The race includes a .25-mile swim, 12-mile bike ride and 3-mile run. For registration, visit lbktriseries.com. The chamber is also seeking volunteers. Call 383-2466.