Sunday, February 3, 2013

LOWER KEYS

Lower Keys Chamber installs board, gives awards

The Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce Installation and Awards Banquet took place Jan. 26 at ZaZa Pizzeria Napoletana on Sugarloaf Key. Monroe County Mayor George Neugent installed the officers and new board of directors: Steve Miller, president; Kim Trice, 1st vice president; Cathy Talcott, 2nd vice president; Susan Miller, membership vice president; Sheila Cantler, treasurer; Leslie Valant, parliamentarian; Carole Stevens, secretary and Directors Marie Boyett and Debbie Novak. Directors Judy Rowley, Kelly Kline, Josh Eitel and Gary Andelin were not present.

The following Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce received awards:

Volunteers of the Year: Florida SeaBase Brinton Environmental Center

Business Beautification Award: ZaZa Pizzeria Napoletana

Outstanding Community Spirit: News-Barometer

Business of the Year: Centennial Bank

Helping Hands Awards: Cappy Kauffman & Cheryl Eger, LKCC Staff

Special Appreciation: Lynne Hankins-Fielder, Chamber Attorney

President's Award: Jean Bell, Ecurie Vitesse Sports Club

OCEAN REEF CLUB

Gunster opens Ocean Reef location

The Florida business law firm of Gunster recently celebrated the opening of its Florida Keys office at the Ocean Reef Club. On Jan. 10, clients, attorneys and friends of the firm gathered at The Carysfort Grille for a cocktail reception. They were welcomed by Tim Thomes, shareholder and an anchor attorney within the Key Largo office.

Gunster's Florida Keys office focuses on business litigation, trusts and estates planning, and real estate law. Premiere Title Company, Gunster's title insurance affiliate company, also resides in the office. Tim Thomes is a litigator and real estate attorney as well as a Florida Certified Arbitrator.

Gunster, which was established in 1925, has 10 offices throughout the state and has grown over the past three years in contrast to the widespread trend of downsizing in the legal services market, according to a company press release.