Date: July 8, 2009
by: Jessica Luck | Managing Editor

Marnie Matarese

On Tuesday, July 7, Marnie Matarese, chairwoman of the Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce, announced changes that she proposed for the chamber’s board of directors.

“The responsibilities of the chairperson of the board were preventing me from having time necessary to devote to my passion, which is membership development and retention,” said Matarese in a press release.

“I asked the board to approve an increased volunteer responsibility for me in this area, and I proposed that David Miller, owner of Cannons Marina, the longest-continuing member of our chamber, accept the position of chairperson, and he agreed.”

Miller is the second generation of his family to be a leader at the chamber. Miller’s father, Paul, joined the chamber with his business, Cannons Marina, on Sept. 4, 1956 — the chamber became official May, 19, 1958, which makes Cannons the oldest chamber member.

Miller took over Cannons from his father in 1972.

Miller’s father served as chamber president in 1961, and Miller helped organize the chamber’s Longboat Key Fishing Tournament in 1985, as well as donated to the Sister Keys conservancy project. In addition, one of Cannons’ Grady Whites always anchors the chamber’s Longboat Key Freedom Festival, and Cannons Cottages by the Sea was the site of the chamber’s 50th anniversary celebration held in May 2008.

“I am pleased and excited to help,” Miller said. “Marnie was a fine chairperson and will be great in her new assignment. She takes this chamber to heart.”

In addition to new roles for Matarese and Miller, other changes are also taking place. Lisa Walsh, current chairwoman-elect, will take over as treasurer from Cheryl Whitten. Whitten has been elected as president of the St. Armands Circle Association.

“We are very pleased for Cheryl and are fortunate to have her continued support,” Matarese said. “She is a very important member of our chamber, and we appreciate all that she has done for us.”