From Chambers of Commerce to Cane Garden Bay

NOVEMBER 20, 2009 SHOW RECAP

Talkin' Tourism's "Radio Man" and "History Lady" enjoyed another information filled Friday morning in the Captain's Lounge at Harborage Yacht Club on a beautiful November day. Joe Catrambone, president and CEO of the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce, was this week's guest.

Historically, Martin County’s Chambers of Commerce (all five of them) had been the primary organizations that promoted Martin County as a visitor destination. The effort was “under-funded” due to the fact that tourism promotion is not typically a Chamber’s primary function unless it is under contract by a Tourist Development Council (TDC) as is the case with Indian River County. Now that Martin County’s destination promotion entity is officially the Martin County Convention and Visitors bureau (formed in 2002), Gary and Robin explored with Joe what role will/can the Chambers of Commerce play in this important effort.

The rest of the show was packed with interesting and fun facts, information and laughs, including rumors from afar. Is Quito Rhymer selling his famed Quito’s Gazebo in Cane Garden Bay? The British Virgin Island's table setting competition and the reason for it was also discussed.

Robin's This Week in Martin County History segment continues to educate listeners on the early pioneer days of Martin County. If you missed it, download the show HERE.

Keep sending in your Treasure Coast vacation photos to be eligible to win this month’s Getaway Giveaway compliments of Caribbean Shores Resort in quaint Jensen Beach, Florida. Send your photos to talkintourism@gmail.com.

Next week's show on Black Friday will bring a few special "in-the-field" reports from shopper Robin. Tune in for the fun on Friday at 10 a.m..

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving!

What role do Chambers of Commerces play in tourism?

In Martin County there are five Chambers of Commerce. Over the years, each one primarily focused on the businesses within their community and neighborhood such as Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, Palm City, and Indiantown. Additionally, the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce traditionally embraced the entire county. Before the establishment of the Martin County Tourist Development Council (TDC), tourism and destination marketing was essentially done by local chambers. In those years, the tourism effort was essentially “under-funded” and the effort was implemented by spirited and committed volunteers.

Now that there is a TDC, as well as a Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), do chambers still have a role in tourism? If so, is there a way for the chambers to work tegether in a coordinated manner that keeps tourism branding consistent? Does tourism promotion benefit chamber members? If so, to what degree?

Joseph Catrambone, president of the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce, is in the studio tomorrow (Friday, November 20) to give his insights from his organization's perspective.

What else may be in store for listeners? How about a table setting competition established in 1998 that still exists to train youth in the basics of the hospitality industry? And, a VNA Air Show event wrap.

If you're in town for the weekend, don't forget to check out the FREE MusicFest in Downtown Stuart tomorrow evening in Gazebo Park from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Jukebox Band headlines the entertainment this month.

Last, don’t forget to send in your “Treasure Coast Vacation” photos to qualify for this month's Getaway Giveaway, compliments of Caribbean Shores Hotel and Resort.

Join us tomorrow at 10 a.m. for another hour of Talkin' Tourism on the Treasure Coast. Tune your radio dial to WPSL 1590 AM or listen to the show live on your computer at http://www.wpsl.com/!