With a fireworks show on the horizon and a business guide for Siesta Key underway, Ann Frescura has had plenty to do since coming on as executive director of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. Frescrua, who previously spent eight years as promotion and events director for Downtown Springfield, Illinois, is still learning about the most pressing issues for this tourism-based economy but excited to take on tasks big and small. 

“In the last couple months, my main focus has just been on getting acclimated within the office,” she said. Excited about the values of the organization, she has worked since January on filling some key posts and looks to expand the membership of the chamber. 

On the immediate horizon, the Chamber, a partner with the Siesta Key Village Association, is preparing for the 15th Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Games scheduled for March 26. A golf outing on May 2 already eats time as well. But the biggest event on the horizon will be the Independence Day fireworks display, which has been hosted by the Siesta Key chamber for more than 25 years. 

While events are a strong part of Frescura’s resume, she also has been learning about the regular issues such as the shortage of parking spaces. And she wants the Siesta Chamber to expand membership beyond just tourism-based industries.

A top priority for Frescura is also the creation of a business guide for the community, something she sees as a chance to raise the success of all businesses and to coordinate with Visit Sarasota County to boost the island's economy overall.