FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                              May 7, 2009

New Leadership at Tropic Cinema

¶ Following the departure of its managing director two weeks ago, the Tropic Cinema today announced significant changes in its management and board leadership.

¶ “We all miss Mark,” said outgoing board chairman, Matthew Helmerich of Mark Slater, former Managing Director of the Tropic since 2007, “but our board of directors wanted to look at his departure as an opportunity to strengthen our development and artistic work.”

¶ Helmerich has stepped down as Tropic chairman to assume the newly-created post of Executive Director/CEO of the Tropic.  Lori Reid, Tropic lobby supervisor and volunteer coordinator since February, 2006 was promoted to Theater Manager, in charge of all theater operations except projection.

¶ A native of San Diego, Reid has lived in Key West for a decade.  She has a background in social work and management.

¶ “Lori is such a beloved presence at the Tropic,” said Helmerich.  “No one is better liked or better suited to run the theater.”

¶ As Executive Director, Helmerich will head the popular downtown cinema – South Florida’s only permanent, independent art multiplex.  He will direct development, marketing and creative programs for the nonprofit organization.
¶ Helmerich has lived full-time in Key West for 15 years.  He worked in advertising in New York and as a director of communications for a U. S. Senator in Washington.  He most recently worked as Public Information Officer for former State Attorney Mark Kohl in Key West.

¶ “When we considered this major restructure, we were happy to be able to turn to Matthew,” said Wayne Kruer who will succeed Helmerich as the Tropic’s board chairman.  “He not only has solid communications and development skills, but he is a valued member of the Tropic family.  This hire is going to help move the Tropic forward on many levels.”  Helmerich was volunteer chairman of the Tropic board of directors for two years.

¶ A Jacksonville native and a founding board member of the Tropic Cinema and Key West Film Society, Kruer will chair the board. He has practiced law in Key West since 1992.

¶ Corky Irick, a South Florida real estate investor and senior board member will serve as Vice Chairman.

¶ The Tropic Cinema is a nonprofit community theater located at 416 Eaton Street in Old Town Key West.  Operating out of a 10,000 square foot renovated warehouse, the three-screen, 250-seat cinema is opening a fourth theater expected to be operational in July.  In its five year history, the Tropic has presented more than 15,000 movie screenings, concerts, civic and cultural programs to over 290,000 customers.