GOOD RIDDANCE 2017
I hope you all had a great Holiday and New Year’s, here is to 2018! Usually in my January letter I discuss how great the previous year was, our accomplishments,
etc. After Irma, it’s (admittedly so) difficult to do this. However, now that we are passed the worst of it; we can focus on the finish
line, and yes I can see the light ahead! Finish line meaning getting the rest of the debris picked up and hauled away, getting locals back into
their homes, and seeing businesses and resorts that are still down due to damages back up and running. Our focus has to be a strong finish
so we can push forward and step into the light. It will take discipline, patience, and persistence.
Discipline, patience, and persistence:
• Discipline: understanding that this high-season and summer will not yield revenues like years past. So we must budget accordingly; please know this doesn’t mean making cuts that will hurt your business, productivity, and quality. Think “efficiency” rather than just reductions. Think of lean, smart, and innovative ways to keep things afloat and running. On a personal level it may mean postponing that big vacation or addition to your home till next year; or the purchase of luxury items that are “wants” and not “needs.”
• Patience: things will improve and get better. “The new normal” as locals refer to post Irma will eventually revert back to just normal. Once our islands are back and looking great, all businesses up and running, and all services available for visitors and locals; we will get back to “normal.” But have patience, don’t rush the process in ways that may cause unintended consequences. Remain persistent, tenacious and what not, but have patience.
• Persistence: speaking of, be persistent and tenacious. Work hard, don’t give up or give in. We are a tight-knit community so please reach out for assistance or help. Your Marathon Chamber is here for you no matter what! Contact me anytime, please! There are other great and free resources out there for you as well and we/I am happy to connect you to any of them (financial, and/or business guidance, counseling, marketing/advertising/PR, etc.). One of my favorite attributes Keys business owners have is stubbornness. Use this in an effective, efficient, and positive manner to get through the home stretch of Irma’s recovery.
2018 begins:
As 2018 begins we again have high goals and standards to ensure that we are best serving you and our other 575+ business members. We have again budgeted to award $10,000 in continuing education scholarships to Marathon Chamber members as well as to host a number of educational seminars to help further expand your knowledge, skills, and abilities. We will also award our Business Beautification Grants again in 2018 so please keep a watchful eye out for this and other programs so you can take full advantage of your membership with us.
Thank you again for being a member of The Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce in 2017, we look forward to again serving you in 2018. If you have any questions about your membership renewal invoice please call us anytime. Want to know more about what the Marathon Chamber can do for you and your business? Please call us to set up an orientation/member benefits meeting; we will travel to your place of business if need be. Our mission is to serve you; and also I look forward to doing just that yet again in 2018.
Hears to a healthy, safe, and fruitful 2018!
Daniel Samess
Daniel Samess, M.S. • Chief Executive Officer • Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce • 12222 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 • W: (305) 743-5417 / F: (305) 289-0183
email: ceo@floridakeysmarathon.com • Marathon Chamber • www.RelocateToTheFloridaKeys.com • www.MarathonSeafoodFestival.com