Key West, Florida — The Key West Chamber of Commerce hosted its General Membership Meeting Luncheon and Community Awards Ceremony on December 10, 2025 at the DoubleTree Grand Key Resort, which also served as the event sponsor. Members, business leaders, and community partners gathered to welcome new members and celebrate outstanding service and achievement throughout the island.

Key West Mayor Danise D. Henriquez opened with the annual City of Key West employee awards. City Employee of the Year, sponsored by Keys Federal Credit Union, was presented to Dorian E. Patton III. Fire Department awards, sponsored by the Harry S. Truman Little White House, recognized Firefighter of the Year Jamie Boan, Fire Inspector of the Year Capt. Tim Anson, and Paramedic of the Year Daniel Morales. Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg presented the Police Officer of the Year, sponsored by the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, to Danyle Gray.

The Chamber Key West Star Award recognizes individuals whose outstanding volunteerism, compassion, and service make a significant positive impact on the Key West community. Key West Chamber President Amber Shaffer presented the awards to Roma Rispoli and Atavia Lopez-Dor, Natalia Green, Paul Menta, and the Board of the Key West Junior Football League.

The Chamber Venture Award honors businesses and organizations that demonstrate bold investment, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit in Key West. These awards celebrate projects that contribute to the island’s economic vitality, creativity, and long-term growth. This year, Key West Chamber President Amber Shaffer presented Venture Award to the Key West Cooking Show, MRI of Key West, and the Pasión Project.

The Chamber Danny Toppino “Business for Beauty” Award recognizes significant capital improvements and beautification projects that enhance the visual appeal, character, and overall experience of Key West. Presented in memory of longtime Chamber leader Danny Toppino, these awards honor businesses that invest in the island’s aesthetic and architectural vitality. This year, Key West Chamber President Amber Shaffer and John Toppino presented the Danny Toppino “Business for Beauty” Award to Key West International Airport, La Concha Key West, Square Grouper Key West, and The Lofts at Bahama Village.

The Chamber’s Piece of the Rock Award honor individuals whose leadership, dedication, and longstanding commitment strengthen the foundation of the Key West community. This award recognizes those who go above and beyond in service, advocacy, and positive impact on the island. This year, Key West Chamber President Amber Shaffer presented Piece of the Rock Award to Dorian E. Patton III and Dr. Jonathan Gueverra.
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The Key West Chamber of Commerce extends its appreciation to all honorees, attendees, presenters, and the DoubleTree Grand Key Resort for supporting this special celebration of community commitment and achievement.

Graduating seniors can apply for scholarships through the Key West Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Scholarship applications will be accepted until Friday, March 31, 2023.
 
The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, has taken on the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce’s yearly scholarship program. This program awards thousands of dollars in scholarships annually through partnerships with community members and organizations.
 
Available scholarships include the following:
 
Honor Roll 100/Charley P. and Orsolina Toppino Scholarship, established in 1993, is a $27,500 scholarship and is available annually to a student who attends a high school or lives in the City of Key West. The scholarship committee looks at financial need, personal need, and academic achievement. This scholarship is based on several aspects from the student’s high school career, including grades, community service, extracurricular activities, and a sincere financial need. The funds for this award are graciously donated by Charley Toppino and Sons, Inc., Monroe Concrete, Inc., and donations from our Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce members, most who donate annually. Charley Toppino and Sons, Inc. and Monroe Concrete, Inc. have created their yearly donation in loving memory of their parents and grandparents Charley and Orsolina Toppino.
 
The Gerald “Moe” & Marina Mosher Vocational Scholarship, established in 2016, is a $2,000 scholarship awarded annually to a graduating senior from Key West High School who has been accepted into a post-secondary vocational or technical education program at a regionally accredited institution. Mr. Stewart Appelrouth and Mr. Ed Swift have graciously offered this scholarship in honor of Gerald “Moe” and Marina Mosher who were very community minded.

The Appelrouth Scholarship was established in 1991. These $1,000 scholarships are presented annually to a deserving young man and woman graduating from Key West High School, who has demonstrated a strong background in community and volunteer service, carry a mid-range grade average and shows a sincere financial need. The family of Billy and Rachel Appelrouth has graciously offered this scholarship in honor of their parents who were very active within the community.
 
Applicants for these scholarships must include several items with their applications, such as a sealed high school transcript, letters of recommendations, and a personal essay.
Some scholarships may require other specific items, so students should find out the criteria of each award before applying. 

Students interested in applying for any of the mentioned scholarships can apply online at https://www.keywestchamber.org/scholarships.html. For any other questions, contact Robert Goltz, Executive Vice President at 305.294.2587. 
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About the Key West Chamber of Commerce Foundation:
Founded in 2020 the Key West Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, supports the work and mission of the chamber to improve our economy and quality of life. A highlighted program of the foundation is the Tom Sawyer Five Star Educational program that does everything from solicit scholarship donations to mentoring middle and high school kids.
 
About The Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce:
Founded in 1922, the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce works as a catalyst for business success, a convener of leaders, and a champion for a sustainable thriving community. The chamber represents businesses of all sizes from small family businesses to large corporations serving Key West and the surrounding communities. For more information on the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce, visit www.KeyWestChamber.org.