Gail Loefgren reflects on 25 years of service as chamber president

When Gail Loefgren became president of the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, there was only one networking event. 

Twenty-five years later, the chamber provides many growth and community opportunities for everyone on Longboat Key. 

Originally from St Louis, Loefgren was heavily involved in every community she lived in. She was the mayor of Rochelle, Illinois, from 1987 to 1991 after being the president of the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce. After Loefgren moved to Florida in 1989, she became the Sunrise Chamber president for two years.

Having fallen in love with Longboat on vacations to the island, she decided to take her current position as Longboat Key Chamber president.

After many years at the chamber, Loefgren announced her retirement to the public on July 28. She spoke with the Observer to reflect on her years serving the Longboat community.

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What was your first impression of Longboat Key?

I first discovered Longboat in the late '70s, early '80s. I came here with friends during the winter and then with my kids during spring break. First time I saw it, I thought it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen. During one of my vacations here, I turned to my friend and said, "Wouldn’t it be great if you could actually work here?" This was probably 10 years before I applied for the position and became the president of the chamber.

How did you become chamber president?

In 1989, after my term as mayor ended and I decided not to run for reelection, I moved from Illinois to Florida. My parents retired to Bradenton, so this was always my second home. I became the president of the Sunrise Chamber of Commerce on the east coast. I was there for two years when I learned that the Longboat Key Chamber was looking for a president. Because I was familiar with the area and the island, I just felt that this was the job I was destined to fill. So, I applied, interviewed and was hired that same day in May of 1993.

How have you seen the chamber grow since you started?

We have more committees and more members participating on those committees. We have grown in the number of members who recognize the value of sponsoring events and seminars. Without our volunteers and financial supporters, we would not be able to provide the events and services that are essential to our success.

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What are some of the chamber's accomplishments from the past 25 years?

We established Freedom Fest, created the 9/11 memorial of putting flags down Longboat Key, renovated the chamber office. We also created a disaster preparedness seminar with the town, the Savor the Sounds Concert series and the annual Small Business Persons of the Year awards. 

I am most proud of the leadership role we had in passing the tourism referendum in 2006. This gave the island an additional 250 tourism units to replace the units lost when the Holiday Inn was sold in 2003. The loss of the Holiday Inn resulted in the loss of many businesses on the island. The Town Commission asked us to lead the referendum. Chamber members and three of the Planning and Zoning Board members were there when the results were announced at our watch party at the chamber office. We had spent countless hours on it. We were all overjoyed and exhausted.

What are some challenges you faced with the chamber?

In the early 1990s, it was really challenging to grow the membership, to prove we were a valuable resource to Longboaters and also to provide a wide variety of programs which benefited the membership. But, this meant that I got to know and work with incredible human beings, a group of diverse board of directors and town leaders who made my work life so much richer and made me smarter.

What impact does the chamber have on the Longboat community?

My hope is that we are able to provide a stable business community and a reliable resource for referrals and information about Longboat and the surrounding area. I think we have created fun useful activities and events that have brought the residents and businesses together. 

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What is a stand-out memory from over the years?

One of my favorite memories is coming on the island on 9/11 in 2003 and seeing for the first time the chamber's idea of having the flags stretched down Longboat Key. We worked so hard to make this memorial happen and the sight was breathtaking. 

What's your favorite part of being chamber president?

My favorite part of being the chamber president is recognizing the achievements of our members. That is why I love the annual meeting and the Small Business Persons of the Year Awards luncheon. I also love helping businesses grow or solve problems. I have made so many relationships and friendships with so many creative, interesting, strong and innovative people.

What does the Longboat Key Chamber mean to you?

This is the third chamber that I have been privileged to lead. The Longboat Key Chamber has been my most favorite. I have an emotional tie to it and to the island. To see the chamber become well-respected over 25 years has been an experience that I will never forget. I hope it means that I have made a small contribution to a community I love.