By ELIZABETH BEHRMAN | Tribune staff Published: February 28, 2013 Updated: February 28, 2013 - 12:00 AM

When Kim Fatica moved to Davis Islands from Ohio in 2009, he was eager to build up his independently owned marketing business.

He immediately sought to take advantage of resources available through the Davis Islands Chamber of Commerce. He wanted the networking, support and government representation offered by the chamber.

But when he reached out to the chamber, he didn't get the help he needed. He said he couldn't get in touch with anyone, and the chamber's website and social media pages were inadequate.

"I was frustrated," Fatica said. "I wanted to register my business with the chamber and get some of those benefits. So when I couldn't find those, I decided to strike out on my own."

Fatica planned to start his own organization dedicated to helping Davis Islands businesses. Then he learned two other local businesspeople restaurant owner Mark Newkirk and real estate broker Cary Collier were doing the same thing.

They recently combined efforts, and the Davis Islands Alliance was born.

The group's first meeting was held Monday at Fountain Square, Newkirk's restaurant on Davis Boulevard. More than 50 people came, Fatica said, though fliers announcing the get-together went out only three days earlier.

The new group aims to help neighborhood businesses connect with each other and to promote their services beyond the island community south of downtown Tampa. Alliance members want to take on beautification projects and take steps to attract more visitors to the island's shops and restaurants.

"We knew it was time to take action and do it ourselves," Newkirk said.

Original post:

Alliance forms to promote Davis Islands' offerings