In This Issue - January 2018 Newsletter

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT / CEO
January 2018
Beth L. Mitchell, President & CEO

There is plenty to be merry about this year, and the promise of next year is also highly anticipated!  The business community is hopping these days and the buzz of visitors in the area has stepped up as well.  New hoteliers, several new drinking establishments, new owners in old places, there's plenty of changes going on!
We have seen an up tick in new membership, and our existing members are as loyal as ever.  The Business Directory, due for delivery in early January, has been tremendously supported by our members and will be chock full of information for you and the community.

Everybody reflects on their goals for the new year about this time, and traditionally Chamber participation ticks upward in the first couple of months!  We look forward to seeing everybody at the Chamber events coming up!  Concerts in the Park starts up in January, and the food festival frenzy begins as well!  January starts the 2018 year with the Frog Leg Festival and the Sebastian Fine Arts and Music Festival, both guaranteed to draw people to our area, and highlight the special and unique place that we are so lucky to live in. 

We will start the year with a Chamber breakfast at the Pelican Porch Visitor Center, sponsored by DoTerra, it's a great time of year to have breakfast on the porch.  Our luncheon program for January brings the non for profit Alzheimer's and Parkinson Association as the sponsor at Capt. Hiram's, and we will hear from Marc Gingras, a local Realtor and one of the organizers of the Shrimpfest.  This newer food festival has exciting changes coming up for its third year, and we look forward to learning about the new offerings!  Our Business and Pleasure in January is always at the Frog Leg Festival in the Chamber booth, while we support the Fellsmere community and taste frogs and gator at the same time.

The coming year will also provide opportunities for Chamber members to get more involved.  The Legislative/Government Affairs Committee will start meeting in January.  Two forums for 2018 and a legislative list of Chamber and Businesses will be created.  The Health and Wellness Committee is looking to bring forward an initiative about the opioid crises that is impacting communities and more information will be forthcoming.  The Ambassador program has a very steady and hard working group of members who dedicate their efforts to insuring that you stay connected to the Chamber, and the Tourism Committee is launching another FAM tour in January.  If you are interested in any of these committees we can always use some help.
The Chamber has had a productive year, and our business community is thriving.  It helps that our local economy is humming along!

On behalf of the Chamber Board, staff and all of its members, Merry Christmas to all, a very Happy Holiday and a very Happy New Year!  



JANUARY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT



White Glove Moving, Storage & Delivery
 2175 45th St, Vero Beach, FL 32967
http://www.whitegloveusa.com/ |  866-456-8310
 


Anna Valencia Tillery
White Glove Moving, Storage & Delivery




White Glove Moving, Storage & Delivery is proud to be a trusted mover throughout the Treasure, Space and Gold Coasts.

The team of 50 full time employees and 15 trucks, makes moving easy and affordable providing free estimates and unbeatable customer service.
Other services White Glove offers includes:
  • single deliveries of furniture and other big items from local stores to one's home
  • assembly services (like when folks purchase items from Ikea)
  • and interior furniture rearranging during times of renovations or holidays

Anna Valencia Tillery, VP of Marketing, believes in the power of giving back to others and gets involved in a number of organizations such as serving on the board for the Sebastian Chamber, Keep Indian River Beautiful and is very active with the Realtor's Associations.
White Glove also plays an active role in the community hosting annual food drives in the summer and holiday months and doing a number of in-kind services for charities throughout the year including being the exclusive delivery partner for Indian River County Habitat for Humanity Re-Store.
When it comes to moving, locally or out of state, please think of the White Glove team and remember "we love stairs and elevators so you don't have to."




JANUARY CHAMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS


Chamber Breakfast

Chamber Luncheon

Concert in the Park

Special Event
Date:  Friday, Jan 5th

Time: 8AM - 9AM

Location:  Chamber Office
700 Main Street, Sebastian

Sponsored by: DoTerra


Date:    Tuesday, Jan 9th

Time:  Noon - 1:00PM

Location:  Capt Hiram's Tiffany Room
1606 Indian River Drive

Sponsored by: Alzheimer& Parkinson Association

Guest Speaker:
Marc Gingras will speak about Shrimpfest

Reservations requested, $15.00 with reservation, 
$20 at the door

Date:  Friday, Jan 12th

Time:   5:30 - 8PM

Band: Penny Creek Band
(Traditional Bluegrass, Vintage Country, fresh original material)

-----------------------------

Date: Friday, Jan 26th

Time: 5:30 - 8PM

Band: 20th Street Jazz Band (Swing/Jazz)

Location:
Riverview Park, Sebastian

Business N' Pleasure

Date:  Thursday, Jan 18th

Time:  5pm - 7PM

Location: 
Fellsmere Frogleg Festival
COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Board Meeting
Wednesday, January 10th
From: 8AM-9AM
Chamber Office
700 Main St., Sebastian

Tourism Committee Familiarization Tour
Tuesday, January 16th
Time:  9:45AM - 4:30PM
Meet at the Chamber Office
700 Main St., Sebastian



Ribbon Cuttings
Davis House Ribbon Cutting

Date:  January 23rd
Time:  12 noon
Come and enjoy lunch with us.
Pictures from past Networking Events can be found on our Facebook page!
Contact us at 772-589-5969 if you would like to host or sponsor a Networking Event!
Wondering where to start when it comes to marketing your small business? We've brought together experts from the community to talk about the basics of small business marketing, and to share what's worked for them...and what can work for your business.
Community Event Calendar


Chamber Projects
SAVE THE DATE

The Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival
January 18-21, 2018

A LOCAL FAVORITE FOR ALMOST 25 YEARS

The Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival has something for every member of your family!

Join us for famous mouth-watering frog leg and gator tail dinners. Browse hundreds of booths for unique gifts. Hear some great music and enjoy the fun rides. Discover why this festival is a January tradition for so many.

FOOD SCHEDULE
Thursday & Friday   4 pm - 9 pm
Saturday    11 am - 9 pm
Sunday    11 am - 6 pm
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Thursday & Friday    4 pm - 11 pm
Saturday    10 am - 11 pm
Sunday    11 am - 6 pm

Chamber members who are interested in promoting their business at the Chamber booth
please contact the Chamber at 772-589-5969

__________________________________________________





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It's ShrimpFest time again!  New Location! New Format! 

Same great Florida shrimp and Florida craft beer.   This year the festival will be a three-day event and will be held at Riverview Park in Sebastian on March 16, 17 and 18.  Join us for a Florida style St. Patty's Day weekend!


Friday,  March 16 - 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Saturday, March 17 - 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sunday, March 18 - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

ShrimpFest & Craft Brew Hullabaloo features FREE entry and parking, live music, exciting kids' activities, loads of vendors and more.  Festival goers can sample a variety of locally brewed craft beer on Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00.  Pareidolia Brewing Company of Sebastian has joined forces with other  local brewers who will be bringing their best brews.  Entry to the festival is free but the Craft Brew Tasting is $35 at the door, presales are $30 at eventbrite.com. Summer Crush Vineyard & Winery of Ft. Pierce will delight you with their selection of wine during the entire weekend.

For more information contact us or check out our website.  Info@ShrimpFestFL.com   or   www.ShrimpFestFL.com
 


TOURISM TIDBITS
By Nicole Capp Holbrook - Tourism Director
Tourism Tidbits
By Nicole Capp Holbrook  
 
Visitor's Guides  
Season is here! Please let us know if you need any Visitor's Guides to distribute to your guests! This is a great resource, along with the concierge books, for visitors to use to find out about all of the wonderful things to see and do while vacationing in the Sebastian River Area! We are happy to deliver boxes! Just let us know- 772-589-5969.  
 
January Tourism Committee Familiarization Tour #2
Please join us for the 2nd Tourism Committee Familiarization Tour scheduled for Tuesday, January 16th from 9:45 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (this will replace our regular Tourism Committee meeting). This tour in intended to educate and familiarize our tourism partners with various hotels and attractions in the West Sebastian, Fellsmere & West Vero areas so they are able to see the facilities and attractions first hand which will be helpful when making recommendations or referrals to visitors when necessary. Here is the draft itinerary:   
 
9:45 a.m. Meet at Chamber
10:00 a.m. Davis House Inn
10:20 a.m. Best Western Sebastian
10:40 a.m. LaPorte Farms
11:00 a.m. Sebastian Canoe Launch
11:10 a.m. North County Aquatic Center
11:25 a.m. St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park- South Entrance
11:45 a.m. Indian River County Shooting Range
12:10 Fellsmere Trailhead Preserve
12:30 p.m. Lunch at Marsh Landing Restaurant
1:30 p.m. Ditch 13 & Birding with David Simpson
1:50 p.m. C-54 Canal & St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park Welcome Center
2:30 p.m. Blue Cypress Lake Recreation Area (drive through)
2:50 p.m. Country Inn & Suites
3:00 p.m. Hampton Inn
3:15 p.m. Vero Beach Outlets (drive through)
3:30 p.m. Vero Beach Inn
4:00 p.m. Encore/Sunshine Travel RV Park
4:30 p.m. Return to Chamber
Chamber Booth at the Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival
We will be setting up a booth at the Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival January 18th-21st to promote the Sebastian River Area. This is a great opportunity to promote your business to thousands of festival attendees. If you are interested in reserving a free space at our booth to help promote the area and your business, we have several time slots available over the 4 days. Please call the office to sign up- 772-589-5969. 
**Please note, due to limited space, we ask that only one business representative sign up & attend per time slot. Thank you! 
Free VISIT FLORIDA Opportunities
VISIT FLORIDA wants to make sure your business receives additional support in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. The following programs are available immediately to core tourism businesses:
 
Complimentary Brochure Distribution at all 5 Official Florida Welcome Centers
Available through March 31, 2018, businesses may ship a maximum of 2,000 brochures per Welcome Center for distribution. Please ship your brochures directly to the center(s) of your choice. For more information on shipping and to secure your brochure placement, please contact the Visitor Services Department at welcomecenter@VISITFLORIDA.org.
 
Complimentary Lobby Booth Program at 4 Highway Welcome Centers
Available through March 31, 2018, businesses may schedule a time to participate in the Lobby Booth Display program. Please contact the Welcome Center(s) of your choice to schedule a time.
 
Complimentary VISIT FLORIDA Marketing Partnership
Core tourism businesses located within Florida have the opportunity to get a Small Business Marketing Partnership free of charge through March 31, 2018. With the Marketing Partnership, businesses receive an Enhanced Web Listing on www.VISITFLORIDA.com, the ability to submit social media posts, the ability to promote Partner-to-Partner specials and more.
 
Exposure on VISIT FLORIDA's Media Website
Businesses are encouraged to submit news releases to be posted on our media website. Press releases should provide newsworthy updates for consumer travel media and offer a story idea that is unique and compelling to your local Florida area. All news releases are subject to review and approval. Please email your information and photos to pr@VISITFLORIDA.org
 
For more information on any of these programs, visit https://www.visitflorida.org/work-together/hurricane-recovery-support/

 
Social Media
We are actively posting on Facebook & Instagram and building a great following. If you aren't already following us, please do:
 


Wishing everyone a very Happy Holiday season, a Merry Christmas and Happy & Healthy New Year!
2017 has been a great year for tourism! We are thankful for all of our wonderful tourism partners and look forward to a very successful 2018!
 
 
         
January Tourism Spotlight
   
Capt Christy Lenz "Casual Cruisin" 
772-633-0987

   
 
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
 
Welcome Aboard. I am Capt. Christy Lenz and it has been almost 12 yrs. since I opened the doors to Capt. Christy's Casual Cruisin. Where has the time gone?
 
A lot has happened in these years and I just want to thank The Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce and their Staff for all their support and everything they do to help our Business Community. What a great Chamber to belong to and I am humbled and honored to sit on the Board of Directors for another term. I also want to thank all my customers and my Facebook Fans from a far and near as you are what keeps my boat "a float."
 
Now, have you ever jogged, walked or biked down Indian River Dr. in Sebastian and glanced out over the Indian River Lagoon and wished you could be out there? Well you can. Instead of wishing you were out there, come join me on a Private Narrated Tour of the Indian River Lagoon and surrounding waterways, aboard my 24ft pontoon boat. I have 6 fabulous wildlife tours so there is something for everyone. I can accommodate up to 6 passengers and unlike most tour operators, I plan my tours around what you want to see and do.
 
My boat is docked at Mulligan's Beach House Bar & Grill located at 806 Indian River Drive, on Sebastian's Working Waterfront. My tours range from 1.5 hours to 3 hours depending on which tour you choose. We can visit our Nation's First Wildlife Refuge, Pelican Island, "Up Close and Personal" by boat or kayak and the birds are amazing during this time of the year as we are in the beginning of birding season. Or maybe take a cruise and explore our Spoil Islands where you can stop and explore, swim or have lunch. Don't forget to see my most popular tour, the famous Sebastian Inlet/Long Point area where we often find manatees, dolphins, an array of birds just to name a few. You might even get lucky and see some magnificent frigate birds or a Bald Eagle.
 
If you are interested in "Old Florida Style Jungle Cruise", then you definitely want to explore the St Sebastian River. This pristine, untouched fresh water river is a great place to find alligators, manatees and turtles. It is also very scenic, peaceful and quite. We also have a scenic trip, south of Wabasso, to the tip of John's Island where we will see the beautiful multi-million dollar homes on the Intracoastal Waterway. Oh, by the way, we have many nesting Ospreys and during the spring we are blessed to see the babies up close and personal.
 
Or better yet, join me on a Sunset Cruise and enjoy the peace and serenity while sipping on a glass of wine, champagne or other beverages. And yes, on all of our trips we will be accompanied by dolphins, great blue herons, brown pelicans, cormorants, osprey and other wildlife. We may discover manatees, turtles, stingrays, roseate spoonbills, white pelicans and an alligator or two depending on the time of year and the tour you choose. Rest assured though, you will have a great time.
 
For those of you who are more adventurous and want to kayak or try stand up paddle boarding (SUP), I have guided tours and rentals. Our Kayak/SUP tours include the Indian River Lagoon, Pelican Island, St Sebastian River, Wabasso area and other locations. If you want to get out on your own, then rent a kayak (single/tandem) or a fishing kayak for 3hrs, a half day or a full day and explore the spoil islands in the Indian River Lagoon or other locations. I will deliver and pick up "FREE" in the local area.
 
Some of the other services I provide are Custom Boat Tours, Island Picnics, Birthday Parties, Family Reunions, Shuttles to the Spoil Islands and more.
 
Oh by the way, I have been called "the Dolphin Whisperer." My motto is "If you can think of it, we can do it." A day with your family and or friends... MEMORABLE! What are you waiting for... call me 772-633-0987. Check us out on Facebook and our website ( www.captchristylenz.com) and enjoy all the pictures/albums. Reservations Required. Anchors Away and I look forward to seeing you on the water. From my family to yours, have a blessed Holiday and a Safe and Prosperous New Year!
 
 
MEMBERSHIP MEMO
By Vicki Wild - Membership Director

Happy 2018!  Let's make it a success!
 
Here are some reminders to help you make the most of your membership with our Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce.
  • Place your membership decal in prominent location at your business
  • Put our logo on your website
  • Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/SebastianChamber/
  • Join our Facebook membership group  www.facebook.com/groups/sraccmemberconnect/ 
  • Mark your calendar for Sebastian Chamber events 1st Friday of the month is Breakfast, 2nd Tuesday of the month is Lunch, 3rd Thursday is B&P
  • Have your pamphlets and business cards available in our Chamber
  • Make the Chamber part of your media outreach & continue to send business updates
  • Send us your events/seminars/job postings or any economic news for the Chamber to promote your events
  • Review the annual Membership Directory for potential business connections and referrals
  • Add promotional information and certificates to giveaway at Chamber events such as concerts in the park, 50/50 drawings, golf tournament
  • Track your referrals from the Chamber
If you have any questions or are not sure how to get involved, please reach out to me, Vicki Wild, at membership@sebastianchamber.com or call me at 772-589-5969.  Wishing you and your business a wonderful, successful 2018 year.  




Welcome New Members!
Adams Media Group
Carrie Adams/Jordan Wassell
2801 Ocean Dr. #204
Vero Beach FL 32963
772-492-6570
www.adamsmediagroup.com
Advertising Agency

Eric Ponce State Farm
Jasmine Nacrur
1301 US Hwy 1
Sebastian FL 32958
772-581-0330
jasmine.nacrur.es7g@statefarm.com
Insurance


Jake Witt State Farm
Jake Witt
9360 90th Ave, Ste 110
Sebastian FL 32958
772-500-5253
jake@calljakefromsf.com
Insurance/Financial Service
K-12 Tax Services Inc
Laurel Matthews
9432 N US Hwy 1
Sebastian FL 32958
772-646-0037
info@k12tax.com
Tax Service
Lather & Company
Julie Nash
760 8th Ct, Suite 1-F
Vero Beach FL 32962
772-494-5127
latherandcompany@gmail.com
latherandcompany.com
Beauty Products & Skin Care


Liberty Tax Service
Elizabeth "Liz" Villeneuve
14050 US Hwy 1 (Bay St Square)
Sebastian FL 32958
772-228-9103
lizvill99@yahoo.com
Certified Public Accountants
Paradise Ice Cream
Richard Reppa
482 US Hwy 1
Sebastian FL 32958
772-228-8126
LReppa@comcast.net
Ice Cream Shop
Pareidolia Brewing Co
Pete Anderson
712 Cleveland St
Sebastian FL 32958
772-584-0331
pareidoliabrewing@gmail.com
www.pareidoliabeer.com
Brewery/Restaurant


Sandbar Sunday Outfitters
Aimee Hill
235 Stony Point Drive
Sebastian FL 32958
772-321-7468
aimeehill416@gmail.com
Tee Shirts & Hats
Sherri's Floral Shoppe
Phil Kispert & Amy Moll-Kispert
11626 US Hwy 1
Sebastian FL 32958
772-589-5990
sherrifloral@att.net
Flowers & Gifts
Josephine Short Britches
Jody Wade
341 Papaya Circle
Barefoot Bay FL 32976
772-205-9174
laughwithjsb@gmail.com
Entertainment
Coastal & Marine Insurance
Dara Collison
1116 US Hwy 1 #1
Sebastian FL 32958
772-581-8110
Collison.insurance@gmail.com
Insurance
Are you Hiring?
Whether your business is growing, hiring for season, or filling an empty position, we are here to help you get the word out. 
 
Submit your employment opportunity to us and we'll post it on our 
The Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce has an opening for a full time Information Specialist position:  

The primary focus for this position is on the implementation of a comprehensive plan to promote, market, and stimulate the tourism industry in the Sebastian River Area.  Additionally, front office administrative duties will be handled on a daily basis.  See full job description.

Resumes may be submitted by email to info@sebastianchamber.com , by fax to 772-589-5993, or by mail to
700 Main Street, Sebastian, FL 32958. Accepting resumes through January 12th, 2018.
Networking Events


The December breakfast at Kashi Ashram was fantastic! The folks who gathered there made for awesome networking and the food (as always!) was phenomenal.  Thank you for a wonderful time and thank you to all for attenting.








Our December Chamber Luncheon is always extra special as it is the time we set aside to honor and say Thank You to the special people who volunteer their time to help others in our community. This year's honorees are:
  • Brian Hartman of IRCMS Foundation nominated by Shelly Stuven
  • Ashima Wild of Keep Indian River Beautiful nominated by Daisy Packer
  • Donna Keys of Shrimpfest nominated by Marc Gingras 
  • Susie Giacchina of HALO nominated by Jan Howington
  • Richard Peters of Habitat for Humanity nominated by Matt Beam
  • Andrew Rich of Rotary Club of Sebastian nominated by Kim Jones
  • Carol Tromba of Senior Activity Center nominated by Andrea Coy 
  • Alice Arrington, for the Love of Paws nominated byTed Pankiewics 
  • Frank Aquino nominated by the American Red Cross
  • Elaine Welsh of St Elizabeth Episcopal Church nominated by Sandy Van der Meulen
Congratulations to all of the honorees. We greatly appreciate all you do.


From left to right:  Ashima Wild, Susie Giacchina, Andrew Rich, Donna Keys, Richard Peters, Carol Tromba, Alice Arrington, Brian Hartman and Frank Aquino. Not pictured, Elaine Welsh.
      
See all of our events and photos on  Facebook

Member News and Announcements

Tell us your good news and
we'll share it with the business community! 


Email your news to  gcavallo@sebastianchamber.com

Have you worked with SCORE?



SCORE offers FREE confidential one-on-one business mentoring and advice for existing and start-up businesses.  

For over 50 years, SCORE has served as America's premier source of free business mentoring and education.

To make an appointment or sign-up for a workshop visit www.treasurecoast.score.org

Download Treasure Coast SCORE Client Engagement Results


COMMUNICATION CORNER
By Britney Melchiori - Communications & Marketing Director
Advertising that's Music to Your Ears

The 2018 Concerts in the Park Series is just around the corner; how are you taking advantage? With an average crowd of over 700 people per concert, it's the perfect opportunity to get your name out to the community by way of a nominal donation. 

Gift certificates/cards in $10 denominations are most common. We take all the wonderful items you donate, make awesome packages, and raffle them off during the concert intermission. Time is taken at each concert to announce every business who's donated and to give a quick shout out about what that business does and where they're located. It's great name recognition at an economical price point! Now that's something to sing about!


There's still time to donate - our opening concert is Friday, January 12th! A full concert schedule can be found in this newsletter, and online at www.SebastianChamber.com

We appreciate your participation and so does the community! If you have questions, please contact us at (772) 589-5969.

Thank you for another successful Light Up Night!

Thousands of people strolled the streets of the Sebastian area on Friday, December 1st for what proved to be another AMAZING Light Up Night event. 49 businesses from Wabasso to Roseland and 512 stayed open late for this 29th annual community holiday tradition - a record year for participation!  A BIG THANKS to all involved!!! This is the one of the longest running chamber events and has grown to be one of the most highly anticipated community happenings in December. What a great way to kick off the holiday shopping season and show customer appreciation! Here's a few pictures from that evening. More can be found on our Facebook page








BOARD OF DIRECTORS / STAFF / AMBASSADORS
Executive Team
Dawn Biehl, The Tiki Bar and Grill  -  Chair
Michelle Napier, Napier & Rollins - Vice Chair
Bob Morgan, Marine Bank and Trust  - Treasurer
Kim Ellis, Vintage to Vogue - Immediate Past Chair
 
Elected Directors
Capt. Christy Lenz, "Casual Cruisin"
Theresa Tolle, Bay Street Pharmacy
Sue Skirvin, Tupperware
Joel Stout, Sandpiper Pest Control
Anna V. Tillery, White Glove Moving & Storage
 
Appointed Directors
Nancy Flickinger, Florida Power & Light
Ben Maffett, Oculina Bank
Robin Raiff, Robin Raiff Real Estate Team
Dana Ryder, Pelican's Landing of Sebastian

 
Ex Officio
Susan Adams, Indian River County Commissioner
Jason Nunemaker, City Manager, City of Fellsmere
 

Chamber Staff
Kimberlee Armstrong, Accounting
Gail Cavallo, Administrative Assistant
Nicole Capp Holbrook, Tourism Director
Beth L. Mitchell, President/CEO
Britney Melchiori, Marketing & Communications Dir
Vicki Wild, Membership Director
 
Chamber Ambassadors
Opey Angelone, Action Realty            772-633-8617
Terry Gardner, Seacoast Bank            772-581-1341
Sandi Gehrke, TD Bank                      772-581-1490
Cindi Green, Florida Eye Institute       772-569-9500
Jackie Hart, Hart Escapes                   772-646-4828
Gina Melton, LF Staffing                      772-564-8777
Isabel Marron, Oculina Bank               772-571-1400
Michael Natale, MN Worldwide, Inc.    772-664-0525
Sue Skirvin, Tupperware                      772-913-2010
Cynthia Williams, Primerica                 772-713-1991
Kristie Woodward, Oculina Bank         772-581-3199
Mori Serpa, KE Insurance Agency       772-589-1800
Brittany A. Beatty, VanDeVoorde          772-589-4353
          Hall Law, P.L. 
Anna Valencia Tillery, White Glove      772-232-7843
          Moving, Storage & Delivery