Zota Beach Resort sets the scene for local business connections

By Dana Kampa
| 12:35 p.m. June 2, 2025

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Local business people connected at the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce's first land-based networking session of the year on Thursday, May 29, at Zota Beach Resort.

The chamber invited members and potential members to an "Off the Clock" reception at the beachside resort. Last month, the chamber held its first networking event of the season aboard LeBarge Tropical Cruises.

Andrew Vac, realtor and master of ceremonies for the evening, welcomed attendees and thanked the resort for being a longtime partner to the chamber and the Key as a whole.

Jaime Limoges, the new membership coordinator at the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, took a moment to introduce herself to the crowd.

She formerly worked as the marketing director of the Humane Society of Sarasota County.

"This was always my favorite chamber to visit when coming to events," she said. "I left to pursue my own business opportunity, and when I saw they needed part-time help here, I thought that was perfect because then I would get to come hang out with all of you."

Zota Beach Resort hosted this month's "Off the Clock" networking event by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce.

Attendees also participated in a raffle benefiting Manatee Children's Services.

Malia Price, who is opening a new store on St. Armands Circle, said she appreciated having the chance to chat with fellow business owners on the Key.

The next "Networking at Noon" takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on June 18 at Café on St. Armands. The restaurant, formerly known as Café L'Europe, held its grand reopening on St. Armands Circle in January.

Visit LongboatKeyChamber.com for tickets.

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Brandy Britton of Bringman Roofing and Monica Carruth snap a photo during the Longboat Chamber of Commerce's latest "Off the Clock" networking event at Zota Beach Resort.

Guests including Amy Fehr from ABC7 converse at the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce's latest "Off the Clock" networking event.

Ernie Vanderwalt, Scott Kuykendall, Kellie Spring and Michael Fletcher chat at the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce's latest "Off the Clock" networking event.

Diane Lopez, Felicia McDermott and Debbie Shaffer

Rhonda Daniels, Windy Schrag, Amy Fehr and Lyndie Parks

Andrew Sweetnich of Tweeds custom suits dons a measuring tape while meeting with fellow businesspeople.

Andrew Sweetnich, Michael Jaspan and Jason Diaz

Elizabeth Williams, a broker associate with Coldwell Banker Realty, takes in the view at Zota Beach Resort.

Malia Price, Kellie Spring, Diane Lopez and Deedee Mesghali

Andrew Vac thanks Zota Beach Resort for hosting the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce's "Off the Clock" networking event.

Jaime Limoges, the new membership coordinator at the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, updates attendees on upcoming activities.

Debbie Shaffer, Monica Carruth and Kim Verreault

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.