In This Issue - September 2018 Newsletter
A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT / CEO

A Note from the President/CEO

Before you start reading, have you voted yet? The primaries are upon us, early voting has been ongoing, and the primary season ends on August 28th, and most local races will be decided in the primary. School Board members and judges, it doesn't get any more local than that. These elected offices have a direct impact on our day to day lives, and while maybe not as exciting as a Governor or Senate race, it's important that we participate in the process and use our hard fought for right to vote! Make no excuses!

September is almost here, and it will be a month filled with Chamber activities! We have our Annual Awards Luncheon and the Installation of our Board members and Officers at Captain Hiram's. This is the luncheon when we recognize and honor the Chamber members who have contributed to the good of the organization, or stand out in some special way for their commitment to the community. Chamber Member of the Year, Renovations and Beautification, Volunteer of the Year, and other categories will showcase all of the talent in our community. We also usher in the new board and officers for the coming year, and this year's lineup is a robust group of volunteers, standing ready to serve the business community. We strongly encourage a reservation for the lunch!    

It's hard to believe that the 25th Annual Media Auction is coming up in September as well. This event, a long standing favorite provides an evening of fun and opportunities! The Auction creates a chance to purchase media packages at a very reduced rate, which benefits the businesses who are searching for new ways to market and advertise their products and services. The media partners, who have contributed their products and services have a chance to meet new customers and clients, and introduce themselves to the attendees. And the proceeds help to underwrite expenses at the chamber, keeping our dues rate manageable for small business. This year's event is being held at Pareidolia Brewery, so we will also have a chance to taste fresh brewski's and get to know the new brewery in town!

We end the month of September with a more serious effort, the Opioid Crisis Summit, presented by the Chamber's Health and Wellness Committee. This Summit has been planned to increase the general public awareness and to provide the public with resources to aid in the prevention and treatment of opioid/prescription drug addiction and abuse. Everybody knows someone who has been affected by this crisis. It may seem as though the Sebastian River Area has escaped the horrors experienced by other communities, but sadly that is not the case. And as a business owner, you may have employees who have been impacted in some way, and your business may also have been impacted. It is our desire to educate the public with this event and bring information and resources to the attendees.

Our Chamber breakfast will be at Florida Eye Institute in September and our lunch sponsor is Keep Indian River Beautiful. We appreciate all the support from our members, if you are interested in hosting a Chamber event, contact our Membership Director, 2019 slots are filling up fast!

We hope you have a great Labor Day weekend, enjoy the last of the summer, and have a profitable month!  

 


Beth Mitchell
President/CEO


SEPTEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS



Chamber Breakfast


Chamber Luncheon

  Date:  September 7, 2018
Time:  8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Sponsor:  Cindi Green - Florida Eye Institute
Location: 
13397 US-1,  
Sebastian, FL 32958






Date:  September 11, 2018
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Sponsor: KIRB - Daisy Packer
Speaker: Awards Luncheon and Board Installation
Location: Capt Hiram's Resort 
1606 Indian River Dr.
Sebastian, FL  32958

 
  
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, September 6, 2018
8:00 AM
Sebastian Chamber
700 Main St., Sebastian
FULL BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, September 12,  2018
8:00 AM
Sebastian Chamber
700 Main St., Sebastian
LGA COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, September 13, 2018
4:00 PM
Sebastian Chamber
700 Main St., Sebastian
HEALTH AND WELLNESS MEETING
Friday, September 14, 2018
9:00 AM
Sebastian Chamber
700 Main St., Sebastian
RIBBON CUTTINGS
 
 
 
 
PARADISE FLORIST
Date: Thursday September 27, 2018
Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
1116 US Hwy 1
Sebastian, FL  32958




Community Event Calendar


HURRICANE INFORMATION

Hurricane Season is here and as always we want to make sure that you have access to all of the information available to us.  Click here to be directed to our Hurricane Preparedness section of the website that will be continually updated as information for BEFORE, DURING 
and AFTER a storm becomes available. As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to call the Chamber offices at  
772-589-5969

SEPTEMBER MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Joel Tyson, City of Fellsmere Mayor

If you've spent any amount of time in Fellsmere, chances are you've run in to Mr. Tyson at City Hall or perhaps seen him grabbing a bite to eat at Marsh Landing Restaurant.  He was born in Kissimmee, Florida and while he isn't from  Fellsmere, his heart and soul sure seem to be. 

Joel has served the city of Fellsmere since 1998. When asked what he feels is his greatest accomplishment in the time he has been elected, he'll tell you about how proud he is to have had a role in preserving the historic Fellsmere schoolhouse which  underwent a nearly $3 million restoration. The building is now Fellsmere City Hall and a home to the Boys and Girls Club.  (If you haven't seen the building for yourself, it is worth the trip out west. The woodwork and the auditorium are just beautiful!) 

He has served on the Sebastian Chamber's Board of Directors, was named an Honorary Member of the Sebastian River Area Chamber in 2003, and still attends networking luncheons regularly. Mayor Tyson, who will be 86 in September, is also the oldest serving elected official in 4 counties.

Mayor Tyson has seen Fellsmere change, grow and prosper. The city is now a whopping 57 square miles, making it the largest by land area in the County. It's a community that has steadily maintained a forward momentum from its incorporation in 1911 as a 1 square mile area of farmland, to becoming the birthplace for Equal Suffrage for Women in Florida in 1916, to present day 2018 boasting a Guinness World Record-holding festival. It's a place rich with history, unbeatable southern charm and, according to Mayor Tyson,  "...is a force to be reckoned with."  

HEALTH AND WELLNESS SPOTLIGHT








CHAMBER PROJECTS

Cheers to Great Advertising!
Join us for the 25th Annual Lifestyle & Media Auction
Friday, September 14th, 2018  |   6:00 - 9:00 PM

Shop a Variety of Media & Purchase Advertising at a Reduced Cost
Increase Your Exposure in the Marketplace
Build Relationships with Marketing and Advertising Professionals
Get Great Deals on Adventure Packages, Hotel Stays, Dining and More!

$10 Chamber Members | $20 General Admission

This year's auction will be held at:

712 Cleveland Street, Sebastian, FL 32958


Attendees will Enjoy a Free Beer Compliments of our Beverage Sponsor
This year's event is sponsored by:



 

 


Become an Event Sponsor and reap the benefits!


Become a Media Partner or Lifestyle Partner

By donating and exhibiting at the Auction, you will have the opportunity to:
  • Interact face-to-face with business decision makers;
  • Raise your profile in a competitive market;
  • Collect high quality leads and generate sales;
  • Launch new products or services direct to prospective purchasers and gain feedback from them;
  • Network with your customers and other exhibitors;
  • Have business information displayed in event program.



SNEAK PEEK AT WHAT'S UP FOR BID



(2) TICKETS TO
ARLO GUTHRIE "ALICE'S RESTAURANT" BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND TOUR

Friday, January 18, 2019 at 8:00 PM
at the King Center, Melbourne

___________________________________



(2) TICKETS TO
iLUMINATE SHOW
(Voted the best new act in America during their run on America's Got Talent in 2011)

Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 8:00 PM
at the Sunrise Theater, Ft Pierce

Over $12,000 (and growing) in Media & Lifestyle Packages from:
  • Adams Media Group
  • Capt Christy's Casual Cruisin'
  • Christian FM
  • C.O.P.S Radio
  • Hometown News
  • Idea Garden
  • The King Center
  • M N Worldwide
  • Main Street Vero Beach
  • McKee Botanical Garden
  • Mulligan's Beach House
  • The Navy Seal Museum
  • Oasis Creative Resources - City Guide
  • ShrimpFest & Craft Brew Hullaballoo
  • SpringHill Suites Vero Beach
  • The Sunrise Theater
  • TC Palm
  • Vero Beach Email Marketing
  • Vero Beach Museum of Art
  • WQCS - NPR for the Treasure Coast







AUGUST NETWORKING EVENT PICTURES

Chamber Breakfast - August 3, 2018 at the Chamber Office
was Sponsored by Kim Piston and Inside Track Almanac








RIBBON CUTTING AUGUST 8, 2018
PAPA'S BBQ

Grill Out Night August 10, 2018 








 
     
 
 
                                                      
    
 
 
 
         
 
   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAMBER LUNCHEON - AUGUST 14, 2018 HELD AT MARSH LANDING
Our Sponsor was Stephen Gould from Orc and our Speaker was Fran Adams!

                                                     






For those of you who would like to view the power point presentation by Fran Adams, click here!








Check out our Facebook Page to view all pictures from past networking events.
MEMBERSHIP MEMO BY VICKI WILD

This year has flown by and it is that time to make our
Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce
2019 Business Directory.

This is the "Go To" book!  It tells all about the area!  Visitors, Locals, and New Residents use this as a tool to learn about the area.

This Business Directory
Talks about the Chamber of Commerce
Welcomes you to the community
Talks about the different communities in our area
Commercial Fishing, Working Waterfront
Eco-Tourism, Scenic Byway
Recreation, Sebastian Inlet, Museums & More
Annual Events, Destination Weddings, Newcomer Information, Demographics, Doing Business, Medical Care, Helpful Phone Numbers, Elected Officials, Education
Business Listings and Advertising Index.

                                                                                 
The Business Directory is delivered to Our Members and distributed to our Residents and Visitors from all over the world!
 
We distribute 6,000 Business Directories every year. You can find them here in the Sebastian Chamber, hospitals, airports, Dr. offices, hotels, restaurants, festivals, and many other locations. It is a wonderful tool and showcases all of our wonderful members in alphabetical order and in categories. It also features many of our businesses who have purchased advertising of their business. This is a member only Business Directory and only features business members of the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce.
 
The public uses the Business Directory as a personal phonebook. This is why the Business Directory is such a great marketing tool, it gives the public your contact information and place of business so they can find you. Please check your listing in the Business Directory so that we can make sure that we have all of your information up to date. Visit our website to make sure your business information is correct prior to us going to print at www.sebastianchamber.com . If you see anything that needs to be updated, please email changes to membership@sebastianchamber.com , call the office at 772-589-5969, contact us from our website under The Chamber tab.

The Sebastian River Area Chamber is working hard to promote our members and appreciates every one of you. If you have any questions, or would like to know about all the benefits your membership offers, please reach out to me, Vicki Wild, Membership Director as I am happy to help.  

          
                                                                                    
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST

 Adams Homes of N.W. Florida
Kristi Worley
3840 W. Eau Gallie Blvd.
Melbourne, FL  32934
321-751-1530 
Comfort Chiropractic
Sandra Potthoff
750 SE Indian Street
Stuart, FL  34957
772-219-4488
www.comfort-chiropractic.com 
Atlantic Building Company
Darin Clark (Josh)
Treasure Coast
772-999-4066
www.Atlantic-bc.com 


DOWNTOWN CROSSING RESTAURANT
1103 US Hwy 1 Suite B
Village Square
Sebastian, FL  
32958
772-696-60658
You don't have to be from the Boston area (although it helps) to enjoy the menu at Downtown Crossing of Sebastian.  Named after the popular shopping and eating destination of the same name in Boston, we are located at 1103 US Hwy 1 in the Village Shops (Village Square).  

The  Lobster Roll is the signature item on the menu and is very popular with both the New Englander's and the Local's.  Other seafood options include  Haddock, Cod  homemade Clam  Chowder and we recently added  Whole
Belly Clams
 d Shrimp.   American classic choices such as  Burgers, Wings, Homemade Chicken Tenders, Mozzarella Sticks, Potato Skins and Macaroni & C heese Bites .  Our sandwiches include  Steak & Cheese, Sausage, Pepper & Onion, Grilled Chicken, Tuna Melt and the Reuben.

There is definitley something for all taste buds, including a  Kid's Menu that features a New England classic the  "Fluffernutter".  Downtown Crossing offers Sam Adams products as well as the other mainstays such as Bud, Miller, Coors and Corona.  Lastly a wide variety of Ice Cream, Frappes and of course Boston Cream Pie for your deserts!

Downtown Crossing is a full-service Florida lottery retailer and hosts 2 Las Vegas style nights - Texas Hold-em poker on Tuesday's and Blackjack on Wednesdays.  They are fun filled nights with great prizes!!

Daily specials can be found on our Facebook page
  www.facebook.com/DowntownCrossingof Sebastian/ and our menu is online at 
www.sebastianchamber.com (under the things to do tab.)

Stop in and enjoy some  great food,   deserts  and  FUN!


                                                                     



MEMBER NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Email your news to pwilliams@sebastianchamber.com

TOURISM TIDBITS BY NICOLE CAPP HOLBROOK

  Pelican Porch Featured in the Certified Visitor Information Center Newsletter
 

VISIT FLORIDA Tweets Our New Destination Video

 


VISIT FLORIDA Targeted Marketing Assistance Program
VISIT FLORIDA is now accepting applications for the 2018-19 Targeted Marketing Assistance Program. The Targeted Marketing Assistance Program offers exclusive benefits to small, minority, rural and agri-tourism businesses with annual gross revenues of $1,250,000 or less. The program is designed to help small businesses improve their marketing efforts through a variety of benefits that can be activated during the term of the program. The deadline to submit your application is Friday, August 31, 2018. Applications are reviewed on a first-come basis and space is limited, so  apply today
   
  
Upcoming Events 
  • Media Auction- Friday, September 14th at 6 p.m. at Pareidolia Brewing Company
  • Mural Meeting- Thursday, September 13th & 27th at 10 a.m. at the Chamber
  • Next Tourism Committee Meeting- Tuesday, October 16th at 4 p.m. at the Chamber
  

SEPTEMBER TOURISM SPOTLIGHT

Holiday Inn Oceanside 
3384 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
Phone (772) 231-2300
www.verobeachholidayinn.com 

 
What makes Great Hotels Guests Love? Amazing staff, and we are so excited to prop them up and give a big shout out to everyone making this year a great one here at the Holiday Inn Oceanside. IHG Hotels know that happy teams make for happy guests and every year we celebrate service making each day a fun fare. Capt. Christy Cruisin' Tours took a couple groups out to see the wonders of the lagoon. We always learn something new even as a resident and they truly enjoyed being a tourist for the day. Super hero day is always a favorite, who doesn't like to wear a cape! LaDonna and Marlene are a dynamic duo at the front desk receiving guest compliments, being named in survey's and always greeting you with a smile. Ralph, our Chief Engineer has an awesome team working on projects and being creative with new ideas. Agnes, our Executive housekeeper, heads our heart of the house housekeeping team ensuring the welcome in our guest rooms are a home away from home. We all have that person who glues us all together right? Elisa Sielinski, our Front Office Manager along with many other hats truly gives the power of hospitality to our team to strive for excellence with training programs, employee engagements and an ear to listen. Thank you all for the hard work and dedication you give each and every day delivering what our guests love. We welcome you for a stay-cation under our Florida Resident rate. Dine a Mulligan's Beach House Bar and Grill or order room service. Launch a paddle board from our backyard with Paddles by the Sea then lounge under the umbrella. Hope to see you soon!

We are a proud adoption site for the  great duck derby. The proceeds will go to Treasure Coast Community Health Foundation serving Indian River County Residents. The ducks will be launched into the Indian River Lagoon at Capt Hiram's on Sunday, October 14th.  

 

COMMUNICATION CORNER BY BRITNEY MELCHIORI
Member Facebook Group

One of the great perks of being a part of the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce is your access to other members!

We encourage you to utilize this group as another way to share business tips and best practices, offer B2B discounts, and to engage in meaningful and professional conversations with one another on ways help increase your revenue and decrease your expenses.

This group is for active members of the Sebastian River Area Chamber only and is just one more way for you to engage with other members! You're welcome to invite your coworkers to the group, too-just be sure to let us know so they can be approved.
Business to Business Member Discounts
Shop Chamber Members First!

Be sure to take advantage of great savings and discounts from your fellow Chamber members. 
Here are this weeks highlighted discounts.

Uncle Louie G Treasure Coast Concessions
15% off party sale & buy 1 get 1 free at events
772-918-4709
Brian Coffey Construction & Roofing
free estimates $500 off new roof & $50 off repair
9588 Gator Dr. Unit 2
Sebastian, FL  32958
772-473-7153

Orchid Island Dog Spa
10% off first visit
6590 Old Dixie Hwy
Vero Beach, FL  32967
772-217-8257
 
Capt. Hirams Resort - The Inn
25% off any room type/anytime during the year. Use promo code "CHAM"(based on availability)
1606 Indian River Dr.
Sebastian, FL  32958
772-589-4345

See all of our member discounts  here 
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 
Have you worked with SCORE?
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.



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


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
Linda Kinchen, Vice Mayor, City of Sebastian
Jason Nunemaker, City Manager, City of Fellsmere
 

Chamber Staff
Kimberlee Armstrong, Accounting
Nicole Capp Holbrook, Tourism Director
Beth L. Mitchell, President/CEO
Britney Melchiori, Marketing & Communications Dir
Vicki Wild, Membership Director
Patti Williams, Information Specialist
 
Chamber Ambassadors
Opey Angelone, Action Realty            772-633-8617
Terry Gardner, Seacoast Bank            772-581-1341
Nancy Johnson, Plan B Laughing       772-713-6030
Lady
Sandi Gehrke, TD Bank                      772-581-1490
Cindi Green, Florida Eye Institute       772-569-9500
Jackie Hart, Hart Escapes                   772-646-4828
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
Brittany A. Beatty, VanDeVoorde          772-589-4353
          Hall Law, P.L. 
Anna Valencia Tillery, White Glove       772-232-7843
          Moving, Storage & Delivery
Jason Snellenberger, Captn Hirams     517-944-8152
Georgia Irish, Marine Bank & Trust       772-646-7242