The Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce is committed to our businesses and community!  As a chamber we are dedicated to not only promoting our great destination to visitors and tourists but also to those who would like to become residents, open and/or relocate businesses; as well as engage in initiatives and programs that will support, benefit, and empower our businesses & community.

The Marathon Chamber of Commerce currently operates two groups that are charged with economic development initiatives:

Both groups are committed to taking action(s) to improve the economics and development of business and tourism in Marathon, both present and future. 

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Current Projects, Programs & Initiatives:

2) Economic Development Grants:  The MEDC is working with a professional grant-writer and are in the continual process of sending out grant applications to numeruos public & private grant foundations.  Monies awarded will be used by this committee for the betterment of our community (ie: beautification projects, marketing campaigns, etc.).

3) Monthly Email Blasts: The MEDC started a monthly email blast earlier in the Spring of 2009.  These email blasts go to over 250 travel writers as well as over 9,000 recent Marathon visitors!  Our database continuously grows and business members have the opportunity to place ads in these emails every month.  The emails are designed to inform and attract visitors to our destination and include an events calendar.

4) Chamber-Chamber Marketing Program: This program will begin during the summer of 2010 and involves communicating with other chambers around the world and offering them special discounts to their members should they vacation here in the Middle Keys. 

5) Marathon Identity & Marketing: MEDC has conducted research and interfaced with various professionals in the industry to help redefine Marathon's identity to better position ourselves for the future and to potential visitors.  New slogan developed is: The Islands of Marathon, the Boating Destination of the FL Keys.  Have also successfully made recommendations to our district marketing committee to advertise in more publications in-line with our desired demographics and identity such as boating & yachting as well as general aviation publications.

6) City Recommendations: The MEDC has successfully made recommendations and worked with our City to allow for a smoother, quicker, and more efficient building permit allocation/attainment process as well as reducing the amount it costs to transfer building rights.  Both initiatives serve to increase the amount of building projects which results in job creation, increased population and the exchanging of professional and commercial services/prducts.  

7) Customs & Immigration services: working with the City and County on attaining customs & immigration services at Marathon Airport & Boot Key Harbor.  Will result in more general & commercial air service/traffic as well as increasing the number of visitors that can visit our destination.  Will also have Marathon and the middle keys poised and ready for when Cuba does open up for travel.

8) Business Recruitment Initiative: Formed the Marathon Red Carpet Tours Program which will actively market and recruit new business, venture, and investment into Marathon and the Middle Keys.  Visit this program's new website for additional info: www.marathonredcarpet.com