Small businesses are the driving force for any small community. And in Brevard, we have so many amazing stores, restaurants, museums, and more to explore. The person who helps keep our Melbourne small businesses together and informs the owners of city counsel issues is the President of the Melbourne Chamber, Michael Ayers.
I was introduced to Michael by a mutual friend and former podcast episode guest, Kyle Graham, who owns a small business in Downtown Melbourne. Michael Ayers has been the President of the Melbourne Regional Chamber for a year and a half. And during that time Downtown Melbourne has done successful street parties. Has worked towards bringing cultural murals and art Downtown. And now we're seeing the construction of a high-rise apartment complex and soon a state-of-the-art hotel soon to be constructed as well.
But Downtown Melbourne isn't the only superstar area Michael represents. Melbourne as a whole, from Downtown to Rockledge is booming. With industries like Northrup Grumman and Thales bringing in new workers and projects to the airport. To the new Expressway and I-95 entrance connecting the airport to the highway, Michael Ayers and Kim Agee of the Melbourne Regional Chamber sat down with me to discuss our growth, our future, and how the Chamber helps our community and the businesses in it.
For a while now, we've had a special menu that Todd and Christina over at Ole helped create. And soon, they will be rolling out their new menu at Ole Fire Grill. So keep your eyes and stomachs ready for that. But Scott, Todd's brother, and I came up with something on our own for this episode. We created a Pineapple Habanero margarita, a spin off their house-made salsa. And holy cow was it great! Just the right amount of heat to a sweet drink. It had also been a while since I had the churro's and well, you know you gotta have a sweet tooth from time to time right?
A special thanks to Michael and Kim for taking time to talk about the growth of Melbourne with me. And if you wanna stop by and see them the Chamber headquarters is right on 192 in Downtown Melbourne. If you're thinking about starting a small business here in Melbourne, or anywhere in Brevard these are the people who would love to help you out!