Longboat Key Chamber networking event hits record numbers

Networking at Noon hit record numbers for a summer networking event with the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, according to Chamber President Kim Verreault.

Fifty-five people attended the monthly event on July 31 at the Lazy Lobster to meet with local businesses and spread the word about their companies’ mission. There were eight new members and guests who attended the event including Chris Morton with the Coastal Concierge, Amy Fehr with ABC 7 and several Realtors from Michael Saunders and Co. 

Morton said that he was amazed at the number of testimonials he heard throughout the event and is considering joining the Chamber. 

Lazy Lobster co-owner Michael Garey welcomed back his longtime friend, Brad Marner. Garey surprised everyone with ice cream samples from Tyler’s Gourmet Ice Cream next door.

With a Chamber membership of around seven years, Marner used to work at the Fidelity and Ameris Bank in the Centre Shops of Longboat Key. He became well-acquainted with other business owners and employees in the area. Along with being a part of the Chamber, he also joined the Longboat Key Rotary Club. 

In 2019, he moved with his branch to work in its Bradenton office after the bank at Centre Shops closed. Even after moving, Marner stayed involved in the Longboat community through the Chamber and Rotary Club. 

While attending the Chamber's Savor the Sounds concert series this year, Marner met employees from Bank of America, which was the event's presenting sponsor. After hearing he could come back to work on Longboat, he leaped at the opportunity to become the financial manager at Bank of America on the Key.

Marner’s fellow Rotarians surprised him on his first day on the job on July 29. Everyone has been ecstatic to welcome their good friend Marner back on the island. 

Marner said it was the relationships he formed through the Chamber and Rotary Club that brought him back. He is excited to be back on the island surrounded by the strong community he built through these organizations.