Chamber members mingle lunch and networking at Lazy Lobster

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce held its monthly Networking At Noon luncheon on Aug. 24 at the Lazy Lobster.

Andrew Vac, real estate consultant and broker, hosted the event, along with Gail Loefgren, Chamber president. Vac said it was a great turnout for a month that is usually slow around the Key.

This month, the Chamber welcomed to the group one new member and got to know a few prospective members. 

Isabelle Segal Roges, who has a window treatment business in Bradenton, joined this week after attending the last Networking At Noon. Leslie Johnson of Teasdale Fenton Restoration and Spencer Ohleyer of Community Cable Consultants are prospective members. Liz Yerkers, longtime member of the Chamber, brought Maritza Rocha, who will be buying her business, Longboat Massage.

This luncheon was Loefgren’s first Chamber event in a couple months. The retiring president has been coordinating Chamber business from home since she has been recovering from back and knee replacement surgery. 

Her first day back in the Chamber office was this Tuesday. She said interviews for her replacement had begun this week. Once the board has narrowed down the options, Loefgren will share her input on who would best fit the position. 

The Lazy Lobster offered a choice of fried chicken salad, Atlantic cod or a salmon BLT.  Michael Garey, co-owner of the Lazy Lobster, brought everyone in attendance a scoop of black raspberry ice cream from Tyler’s Ice Cream next door.  

After mingling and introductions, Kelly Spring, sales and marketing representative for ServPro, led the traditional raffle with drop-by gifts Chamber members donate from their businesses. 

With its 50/50 draw, the Chamber raised $180 with contributions from members in attendance. Becky Smith won $90 in the draw and the rest will be donated to Manatee Children’s Services.