March 2015 Vol 24, No 3

In This IssueMeetings This Month

Visitor Stats

Board of Directors

New Members

Sponsors

Meetings

Monthly BusinessLuncheon

March 4th 2015Family Coastal

Resturaunt on the Bay500 Hwy 98 Eastpoint

Noon

Business After Hours March 12th, 2015

Hosted by Up The Stairs

76 Market St. Suite FApalachicola, FL 5:30­7:00 pm

Apalachicola Art & Wine Walk

Apalachicola Art & Wine WalkMarch 21, 2015 11:00­6:00 pm

Art, Wine and Great Food

Art 11:00am­6:00 pm ­ Fine art in allforms will be woven in and aroundpicturesque downtown Apalachicolawhere artists will be showing, selling

Sponsors

Events

March Monthly Business

Luncheon April 1st, 2015

Hong Kong Bistro238 US­98Apalachicola

Noon

Visitor Statistics January

January 2001 1,204 January 2002 917 January 2003 868 January 2004 890 January 2005 1,268 January 2006 1,325 January 2007 1,863 January 2008 2,318 January 2009 1,286 January 2010 1,920 January 2011 1,352 January 2012 1,732 January 2013 1,276 January 2014 1,539 January 2015 1,746

Website stats January 2015

Sessions20,912

Users16,809

Pageviews64,807

Pages / Session3.10

Avg. Session Duration00:02:57

Bounce Rate53.82%

% New Sessions74.92%

and demonstrating their talents from11:00­6:00 pm. Progressive Wine Tasting 3:00­6:00pm ­ Festivities continue into theafternoon with a progressive winetasting and hors d' oeuvre from 3:00­6:00 pm at area restaurants. Wines willbe sampled at several locations. Aspecial ArtWalk glass your "ticket" andcan be purchased at each tasting stationfor $25.00. Culinary 6:00­9:00 pm Participatingrestaurants will prepare at least onespecial menu item that highlights ourwonderful local food­ oysters, shrimp,crabs, fish, tupelo honey­ for theirspecial for the evening, and pair a winewith the special. A culinary guide willbe prepared to participates know aboutthe specials and encourage them to stayin town for dinner Performance Earl David Reed­ DixieTheatre. The Secret of my Unsucess Weare so lucky to have this fabulouscomedian bring his tour to the Theatreand it's a first for stand­up comedy onthe Dixie stage. For more information contact theApalachicola Bay Chamber ofCommerce @ (850) 653­9419 or

info@apalachicolabay.org

New Members

Black Marlin's Bar & Grill St. George Island's only Bayfrontrestaurant & full bar! From a largevariety of seafood not found anywhereelse in the area, top grade USDA steaksand home­made pastas to burgers andchicken strips for the kids, BlackMarlins Bar & Grill has something foreveryone! Join us in the Ballyhoo BearGarden overlooking Apalachicola Bay

Elvis & Friends do the Dixie­Dixie TheatreFebruary 28, 2015 3:00 PM & 8:00PM (ET)Dixie Theatre ­ 21 Market StreetApalachicolaTodd Allen Herendeen returningwith his Follow That Dream Band,audience favorite Todd is back forhis 6th Season­yea!www.toddallenherendeen.com

Full Moon ClimbMarch 3, 2015 6:00 AM ­ 7:00AM (ET) St. George Island Light HouseThe February Full Moon Climb atthe Cape St. George Lighthouse onSt. George Island will be held onTuesday, February 3, 2015. TheSunset/Full Moon Climb will takeplace from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.and will include light horsd'oeuvres and a sparkling cidertoast to the full moon. Cost is$15.00 for the general public and$10.00 for members of the St.George Lighthouse Association.

33nd Annual SGI RegionalChili Cook­Off & AuctionMarch 7, 2015 St. George Island, FloridaThe St George IslandRegional Chili Cook off will takeplace Saturday, March 7. Friday,the Auction Art Preview is in theevening from 5 ­ 7 at the island'sfirehouse (324 E. Pine Ave.). Saturday includes the 5K RedPepper Run at 8:00 am, Crock PotJudging 10­11:00 am, the Auctionbegins at 11:00, boothshowmanship judging is at 11:30 ­12:15pm Miss Chili Pepper andMiss Hot Sauce judging at12:15pm, taste awards3:30pm. Head to the center of theisland for all of Saturday's events. There is a $5 entry fee. Proceedsbenefit the St. George IslandVolunteer Fire Department andFirst Responders (850) 927­2753. Bigger Than Life...­ DixieTheatre

Board of Directors PRESIDENTDonna Duncan 653­8976VICE­PRESIDENTBud Hayes 927­3305TREASURERJerry Hall 653­9510SECRETARYKristin Anderson 653­2249Brenda Ash 653­8805Bonnie Fulmer 509­5009Craig Gibson 653­8853Ginny Griner 653­8853Beverly Hewitt 653­9510Mike Koun 653­2191Karen Rudder 927­2312Michael Shuler 653­1757Jean Ulrich 653­2900Optional Link

Executive Director

John C. Solomonexecdirector@apalachicolabay.org850­370­6602

Got Ideas? Suggestions?

How can the Apalachicola BayChamber better serve you? Is there something that we can dobetter to help your business? Is there something you would liketo see us add or change on thewebsite, at the visitor's center or inthe visitors' guide? If you would like to be a volunteerwith the Apalachicola BayChamber of Commerce.Ideas are always welcome. Feelfree to call or email us with yourideas at info@apalachicolabay.org.

Business Luncheons andBusiness After Hours

If you or your business is interestedin hosting a Business Luncheon ora Business After Hours in 2015,please feel free to call theApalachicola Bay Chamber ofCommerce at 850­653­9419 oremail John C. Solomon atexecdirector@apalachicolabay.org

offering incredible sunsets and duringthe spring and summer months weprovide live entertainment! We alsooffer catering services for those specialevents you may have planned!

Lanark Market Owned and operated by Carson Ulrichlocated at 2348 Hwy 98 East Carrabelle,Fl. They sell nonethanol gas for boatsand small engines. They have fishingtackle, ice and snacks. They also haveoutside seating with great views andoutdoor showers. Clayton Enterprises Inc.

Owned and operated by MichaelClayton. saltlifecrusin@gmail.com. Anynew or remodel construction. They canbuild or remodel Residential orCommercial spaces

J. Patrick Floyd LawOffices

Owned and operated by J. Patrick Floydwho is a life time resident of the area.Located at 408 Long Ave. in Port St.Joe Florida. (850) 227­7413.

Apalach Inshore Owned by Brett Martina, ApalachInshore specializes in sight fishing thearea's waters with fly and light tackle.Redfish and trout can be caught year­round in the bays and rivers, and thesummer months witness a spectacularmigration of tarpon that draws anglersfrom all over the world. We pursuethese species from shallow water skiffs,which allow us to remain stealthy andwatch the whole act unfold beforeus...producing a thrill unknown to manyother types of fishing.

March 7, 2015 8:00 PM ­ 10:00PM (ET) Dixie Theatre ­ 21 Market StreetApalachicolaA Tribute to Jim Croce

Oyster City BrewingCompany presents the 1stAnnual DowntownHoedown in Apalachicola Florida. FridayMarch 13th at 5:30. at the corner ofAvenue D & Commerce St. Wewill Have live music in the Streetand crawfish boil. Musicentertainment by Rick Carter &John K from Rollin' in the HayandOld' Bull Young Band

ESSENTIAL OILSWORKSHOPwith Denise Williams 500 hourcertified Aroma Therapist, Degreein complimentary alternativemedicine with a dual major inAroma therapy and Herbology.WHERE: Spirit of the River Studioand Retail Store @29 AVE. F,Suite B Apalachicola, FLWHEN: SATURDAY MARCH14, 2015 10am­2pm *includes alight lunch with non­alcoholicbeveragesHOW MUCH: $80 per couple, $45per person* get a $5 discount ifyou bring a friend20% off on all purchases of ourhigh quality and potency VeriditasBotanicals line of essential oils onthe day of event.

Authors in ApalachMarch 14, 2015 10:00 AM ­ 5:00PM (ET)The Apalachicola MunicipalLibrary will host the 2015 Authorsin Apalach event on Saturday,March 14, at the ApalachicolaCenter for History, Culture andArt. This year's event theme is"Contemporary Women Writers ofthe South" and will featurecelebrated authors Janis Owens,author of classic Southern Fictionand the "Cracker Kitchen," andRiver Jordan, playwright,memoirist and radio personality.Also featured will be: Joyce

Chip Sanders Gallery Owned and operated by Chip Sanders.He is a local photographer with someoutstanding photos. Most of his photosare from some of the most unique placesphotos can be taken. The Chip SandersGallery is located at 139 East GorrieDrive, St. George Island.

Bay City Lodge Bay City Lodge is a full service fishinglodge on the banks of the ApalachicolaRiver. Owned and operated by JimmyMosconis for almost 40 years, Bay CityLodge is a small business with 25employees that offers you a touch ofhome and the fishing vacation of yourdreams. We know you by name beforeyou arrive and treat you like family. Once you arrive, there is no need toventure away. We have fully furnishedcabins and motel units, a restaurant, abait, tackle & clothing store, dry boatstorage, fish cleaning services and boatmotor sales, repair and maintenanceservices

Power Country 106.5 Owned by Dockins Broadcast Group,Fred Dockins, Power 106.5 is runlocally by Mike Bewley. Plays currenttop country music and some red dirtband music. Franklin County TouristDevelopment Council

The Franklin County TDC Curt Blair,Administrator, Laura Graham, Assistantinfo@saltyflorida.com ,850­ 670­FISH(3474). They are located at theEastpoint Visitor Center 731 Highway

LaFray, cookbook and food author,Susan Cerulean, environmentalwriter from Tallahassee; FaithEidse, Tallahassee teacher, authorof "Voices of the Apalachicola,"Mary Jane Ryals, Poet Laureate ofthe Big Bend (2009­2012); Kimberly Cross Teter, first­timeauthor of "Isabella's Libretto,"Elizabeth Stuckey­French, FSUassociate professor and author of"The Revenge of the RadioactiveLady," Prissy Elrod, Tallahasseefirst­time author of "Far Outsidethe Ordinary," and AdrianFogelin, Tallahassee Pied Piperextraordinaire of Junior Fiction andYoung Adult authors, who will bejoined by the many youth authorswho were such a hit last year. Herbook "Crossing Jordan" was madeinto a play which was firstperformed here in Apalach. Don'tmiss a presentation by Jane BegosRichardson, whose specialty is thereading and interpretation ofwomen's diaries. She is a greataddition to Apalachicola's literarycommunity.The event will be from 10AM to5PM, with authors signing andselling books, and forums ondifferent topics throughout the day.There will be an afternoon forumon cookbook and food writingwhich should be tasty. Please joinus! Bowery Station ItalianCelebration of St. Patrickin Apalachicola March 14.From the folks that brought you the1st Annual Apalach Oktoberfest,and the now infamousApalachicola SPAM Cook­Off thatgenerated 30 entrants,BoweryStation, the best little beer and winejoint on the Gulf Coast, is pleasedto announce that it is ramping upfor their 2nd Annual ItalianCelebration of St. Patrick! That'sright, while the Irish may havekidnapped St. Patrick back in theday and made a Holiday out of it,the Paisanos are taking back theirrightful honor of this fine Saint.Feature the music of MelissaBowman (12:30­3:30pm), and MattLaw (4­8pm), along with Italian

98 in Eastpoint, Fl

Ribbon Cutting

Apalach Outfitters

Member News

Butler Agency, LLC Denise Dosal Butler, owner of ButlerAgency, LLC, and James H. Miller, Jr.of Paradise Coast Insurance inEastpoint, have announced that theButler Agency signed an agreementFeb. 17 to purchase Paradise CoastInsurance's book of business."This transfer of business assuresParadise Coast customers a smoothtransition to another local agent whoknows the market," said Butler. "Wehave a fully­staffed office with fourcustomer service representatives toserve you during normal business hours,and we are available outside of normalbusiness hours for appointments."Butler, who has lived in Eastpoint since1977, has been an insurance agent since2002 and has owned the Butler Agencysince 2011. The office is located at 135US Hwy 98 in Eastpoint. For moreinformation, Paradise Coast customerscan call 670­1200.

food specialties and Peroni Beerspecials.Put on your red...white andyes... "green" ...and enjoy some ofthe best live music on the gulfcoast. Tip back a toast to fine St.Patrick (born of Italian heritage) onSaturday, March 14 from Noon till8pm at Bowery Station inApalach! Because...after all...St.Patrick was Italian!Micks are welcome as well!

Sligo Line ~ Irish­ DixieTheatreMarch 14, 2015 8:00 PM ­ 10:00PM (ET) Dixie Theatre ­ 21 Market StreetApalachicolaFormerly The Ned Devines, thistalented group had the audiencecheering during the 2014 Season17, don't missthem. www.facebook.com/sligoline

APALACHICOLARESERVE OFFERSFRESHWATERTURTLE LECTURE Wednesday, March 18 2:00­3:00pm at the ApalachicolaResearch Reserve Nature Center~Learn about freshwater turtles ofthe Florida Panhandle at ReserveWednesday lecture~ Apalachicola National ResearchReserve is offering an hour­longlecture about freshwater turtlespecies in the FloridaPanhandle on Wednesday, March18 2:00­3:00pm at theApalachicola Research ReserveNature Center in Eastpoint. Thisis the third in a series of monthlynatural history lectures known as"Reserve Wednesday."Chris Lechowicz, director ofWildlife Habitat Management andHerpetologist with the Sanibel­Captiva Conservation Foundation,will talk about the wide diversity ofriverine turtle species in the FloridaPanhandle. This lecture is free and registrationis not required. For moreinformation contact Gibby Conrad,850­670­7702 or emailGibby.Conrad@dep.state.fl.us.

Chamber News

2015 Forgotten Coast Chef Sampler

The 2015 Forgotten Coast Chef Samplerwas a huge success thanks to the manyparticipants in the event. TheApalachicola Bay Chamber ofCommerce Staff and Board of Directorswould like to say a big thank you to allthat participated.

Resturaunts:Apalachicola Seafood GrillBlue Parrot Oceanfront CafeCafe Con LecheCaroline's River Dining Eddy Teach's Raw BarGormley's at the GibsonRed Pirate Family Bar & GrillTamara's Cafe FloriditaOwl CafeOyster City Brewing CompanyUp The Stairs13 Mile Seafood MarketApalachicola Riverwalk CafeBig Top CateringTamara's Tapas BarUp The Creek Raw Bar

Beverages:Lewis Bear CompanyChildress VineyardsRepublic National DistributingCompanyHoney Hole Liquors

Table Decorators:Apalachicola Municipal Library­ CatyGreeneEnjoy Apalachicola­ Judi StokowskiBayside Gallery ­ Amy PriceCentennial Bank ­ BJ KentFlorida Seafood Festival ­ Board ofDirectorsJan & Wes Houser Dot & Bob WilcoxonPanache Tent & Event

Apalachicola Art Walk &Wine FestivalMarch 21, 2015 11:00 AM ­ 6:00PM (ET) downtown ApalachicolaArt in all forms will be woven inand around picturesque downtownApalachicola where artists andmusicians will be showing, sellingand demonstrating their talents.Thefestivities continue into the eveningwith a wine tasting at 3:00pm.Afterwards, area chefs will preparedishes at their restaurants pairedwith special wines.

Earl David Reed­ DixieTheatreMarch 21, 2015 8:00 PM ­ 10:00PM (ET) Dixie Theatre ­ 21 Market StreetApalachicolaThe Secret of my Unsucess We areso lucky to have this fabulouscomedian bring his tour to theTheatre and it's a first for stand­upcomedy on the Dixie stage, howexciting!www.imearldavidreed.com 14th Annual EastpointFire Dept Charity RibCookoff March 21, 2015

Eastpoint Fire HouseThe 14th Annual EastpointVolunteer Fire Department CharityRib Cookoff. Saturday March 21stat the fire house in Eastpoint,Florida. The event is located at thecorner of 6th St and CC Land Rd inEastpoint, one block north of USHwy 98. This years event promisesto be the biggest ever with ourcompetitors cooking more ribs thanever.In addition to the cookingcompetition we will have a CarShow, Silent auction and liveentertainment and back by populardemand, the Liars Contest. Ridesand face painting for the kids. Freeadmission and the gates open at9:00 am. BBQ dinners will beserved from 11:00 am till it's allgone. For more information or toenter the cookoff or be a sponsorcontact George Pruett at 850­670­9000 or by E­mail atpru911@gtcom.net

Party Rental Company­ Shelley JamesDixie Theatre FoundationUp The Stairs ­ Judi StokowskiIsland Girl Gifts ­ Deb KirschenbaumSouther Bells Hair Salon ­ Dona Harrell& Brittney TurnerSea Oats Gellery ­ Joyce EstesArtist of Apalachicola AreaH'COLA"Southern Lady" in memory of JeanGander ­ J.V. Gander DistributorsAndrea DuvalPam Mahr & Beverly CoxwellFireplace Room Decorated by BonnieFulmer & Karen Andrews

Silent AuctionDonations:

Artemis GalleryBlinging Up DaisiesApalach Ace HardwareApalachicola Bay Animal ClinicApalach OutfittersThe Buccaneer InnCastaway LiquorsThe Gibson InnFlorida Seafood FestivalMainstay SuitesThe Tin ShedSusan RichardsonRetsyo Inc.Dixie TheatreAlle Cat ChartersRiverlilyArtist of Apalachicola AreaJoyce EstesSpirit of the River Lanark MarketOyster RadioPanaprintHoney Hole LiquorsWater Street HotelKristin AndersonEnjoy ApalachicolaBest Western Apalach InnClarice PowellSportsman LodgeBowery StationTiffin FurnitureTaylors Building Supply

Sarah Mac Band­ DixieTheatreMarch 28, 2015 8:00 PM ­ 10:00PM (ET) Dixie Theatre ­ 21 Market StreetApalachicolaThe House Band, back for their 5thSeason, need we say more...welove them so best and feel fortunatethey are still withus. www.sarahmacband.com

Island Girl GiftsSt. James Bay Golf CourseCrooked River Grill

Sound & Video: Wayne ThomasRoyce RolstadChip Sanders

Apalachicola Bay Chamber | execdirector@apalachicolabay.org | http://www.apalachicolabay.org122 Commerce StreetApalachicola, FL 32320

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