APRIL 2012
VOL. XX NO. IV
2012 DESTIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP
Opportunity… Relationship… Access
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BILL LINDSLEY Chairman of the Board Simple HR MARY ANNE WINDES Chairman Elect Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc. Destin Fishing Fleet Marina MIKE FREEMAN Immediate Past Chair Acentria, Inc. AMY PERRY Treasurer Pleat & Perry, P.A. KAREN MCCARTHY Vice Chairman/Communications & Marketing Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union SHAUN EUBANKS Vice Chairman/Community & Economic Development Community Bank, Destin STEVE JAY Vice Chairman/Membership Development Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel CAREY TROTTER Vice Chairman/Harbor Association Trotter’s General Contractors, Inc. BRIAN HAUGEN Most Immediate Past Chair/Ex-Officio Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James & Associates DIRECTORS JULIE COTTON Northwest Florida State College TIM EDWARDS Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill REBECCA JONES Fort Walton Beach Medical Center ANDI MAHONEY White-Wilson Medical Center DAVE MORROW Allstate Insurance - Ryland/Morrow Agency LES PORTERFIELD CYNDY THOMAS ResortQuest Vacation Rentals KATHY WHIDDEN Emerald Coast Chiropractic CHAIRMAN’S APPOINTEES HAYWARD DYKES Conerly, Bowman & Dykes, LLP KEN WAMPLER Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc. SPECIAL APPOINTEES JIM BREITENFELD Breitenfeld Development Services, LLC KIM WINTNER Alliance Association Management Co., Inc. MANAGEMENT TEAM SHANE MOODY, CCE, IOM President and CEO ceo@DestinChamber.com ELIZABETH SPIES Vice President of Communications espies@DestinChamber.com WENDY SCHAEFER Information Specialist mail@DestinChamber.com SUZY HUNT NICHOLSON Events Coordinator suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com
850.837.6241 WWW.DESTINCHAMBER.COM PAGE 2
Shane A. Moody, CCE, IOM As we negotiate our way to work, to lunch, and to home in the evenings, the traffic, no doubt, lets us know it’s spring break. They have flocked to our beaches once again. And once again, what we all know is true – we live in paradise. A couple of weeks ago Chairman Bill Lindsley and I attended an Emerald Coast TDC/CVB luncheon where we were given an overview of the marketing plans and strategies being utilized by the TDC. After all the pictures and videos we saw that day, it confirmed to us why people love vacationing here. On the way back to Destin, Bill and I discussed how lucky we are to call this place home.
Last month, in this column I discussed networking and some effective techniques to help you next time you attend a chamber lunch or business after hours. Networking is one of the most popular benefits members receive when joining a chamber. To add to that discussion, let me share with you another way to gain maximum benefit from the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce. To do that, I want you to look at the chamber in a different way than many of you currently do. If I told you that the chamber was only three things, and all we provided were these three things, what would you think? You’d think to yourself that you could count 8 – 10 different things that we do, right off the top of your head. Then you’d tell me we were much more than three things. Well, as I said, I’d like to get you thinking a little differently and let me explain the three things we are. First, we are opportunity.
We are opportunity for you, for local businesses, for residents, and for visitors. All we provide for you are opportunities. Now don’t get lost in this term and think “oh my gosh, I need to get to an event soon,” because many of the opportunities require no time from you. In fact, I’d be willing to bet that we provide more opportunities that don’t take time than do take time. Networking. Targeted advertising. Sponsorships. Participation. Inclusion. Economic development. Community development. Tourism development. Education. And I could write many more, but I’d run out of space. These opportunities provide you your second big benefit: relationships. Through the chamber, you can build relationships with residents, business owners, visitors, elected officials, board members, etc. This list goes on and on. These relationships, built from opportunities provided by the chamber, lead you to build business, build community, and build economy. As
these relationships build, so do more opportunities, and this builds us into the third leg of our chamber stool. That third leg is access. Taking advantage of the opportunities to build relationships provides you access to information, people, places, and things. This access allows you to take advantage of opportunities, and you build more relationships, and gain more access, and the process repeats itself over and over and over . . . . So the next time you’re wondering how to use the chamber, think first of the access you need, second of the relationships you need to build, and third of the opportunities to begin the building process. That’s why we’re here, and that’s how we’ll build this worldclass community one business at a time. With wishes for continued success, and until next month,
Chamber Statistics:
Advertising our World-Class Community In our mission to support Destin as a world-class community, the Chamber’s Welcome Center recorded the following numbers: Our website at www.DestinChamber.com recorded 6,770 unique visitors for February 2012.
February 2012 Phone Calls/E-mails – 904 Incoming Mail – 187 Visitors to Welcome Center Lobby – 403 Visitor’s Guides & Membership Directories Mailed - 931 Relocation Packages – 13
Network, a supplement to The Destin Log, is published and printed monthly for the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce. 4484 Legendary Drive, Suite A, Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-6241 - www.DestinChamber.com www.DestinChamber.com
NETWORK APRIL 2012
A Message from the Chairman of the Board
I Love Traffic
Throughout my 10 years living in Destin, I have often heard people complain about our trafďŹ c issues. Up until about six years ago, I would join in the chorus. Then the real estate crash occurred, which quickly solved our trafďŹ c problem. For about two years, which seemed like an eternity, we were caught in the tourism doldrums. During Bill Lindsley those lean couple of years, I quickly realized that I missed and loved our trafďŹ c. You see, trafďŹ c means cash registers are ringing. When cash registers ring, businesses generate revenue. When businesses generate revenue, they hire. This is why as of the day I’m writing this, the unemployment rate for Okaloosa County is 6.9 percent. All of this, because of trafďŹ c. About four years ago I pulled out onto Highway 98 and started to head east. To my great surprise, the cars were backed up bumper to bumper. Immediately, I called Shane Moody at the Chamber to enthusiastically comment on how happy I was to see the trafďŹ c back! More recently, I was reminded of the importance of trafďŹ c when
a staff member of mine commented about how the trafďŹ c was absolutely terrible. My immediate response was to remind her, without sounding like a condescending old man, about conditions a few years ago and that that trafďŹ c was responsible for my ability to employ her. Hopefully, her perception of this issue changed. Stating the obvious, trafďŹ c is an easy indicator of how the tourism segment of our economy is doing. Based on this barometer, my observation is that our tourism economy is thriving. The resurgence of tourism in Destin is due to several factors. One main source is the Okaloosa Tourism Development Council. Mark Bellinger and his amazingly talented staff at the TDC have been executing a strategy to grow tourism along the Emerald Coast with near awless precision. According to bed tax collections for last year, we have broken all-time records for visitors. Breaking records in a normal economy is tough. Not only was this accomplished during a recession, it was also a time during which resorts offered deeply discounted room nights. This month, I had the absolute pleasure to attend the TDC’s quarterly marketing committee presentation. When I see its efforts, it makes me so proud of the place that I get to work, the place I have chosen to raise my children, and the place I call home. My hat’s off to the TDC staff for the impressive work. Another key component that enhances our tourism is our attitude of southern hospitality. A few years ago I was enjoying
some oysters down at the Boathouse restaurant on the harbor. I happened to be sharing a table with some folks from Ohio. It was during the time when we were deep in the recession. Upon hearing where they were from, I immediately responded with a sincere “Thank you for choosing Destin; we’re happy you’re here.â€? In an instant, I thought about the sacriďŹ ce they had made to come here to our paradise to enjoy their vacation and the fact that they could have chosen anywhere to spend their money. But they didn’t, they chose us! Out of this experience, I proposed the Destin Area Chamber Thank You campaign at our next Board retreat. The intent of the Thank You Campaign is to provide a simple means of consistent delivery of genuine southern hospitality by our local employees. Employees are given a button that says “Thank Youâ€? and are asked to ďŹ t “Thank you for choosing Destin; we’re happy you’re hereâ€? somewhere into their interaction with a visitor. Again, tourists can choose to spend their money anywhere, so something as simple as a consistent and genuine thank you can go a long way. Until next month, here’s to a successful season and lots of trafďŹ c! Bill Lindsley 2012 Chairman of the Board Simple HR
The Area’s Only Accredited Chest Pain Center. Betty Carswell, RN Director of Acute Care Services
Fort Walton Beach Medical Center is the only hospital in the area to earn Chest Pain Center accreditation by the prestigious Society of Chest Pain Centers, an international professional organization focused on improving care for patients with acute coronary symptoms and other related conditions. The accreditation followed a stringent and comprehensive review of the expertise of our operating systems and the compassionate care we provide our chest pain patients. The Chest Pain Center at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center is one of our many programs that has been recognized by, and adheres to the standards of, the most respected agencies in healthcare quality.
s WWW FWBMC COM s -AR 7ALT $RIVE &T 7ALTON "EACH 2075241
NETWORK APRIL 2012
www.DestinChamber.com
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THE CHAMBER MONTH AHEAD Join us for our Leaders In Business Lunch, sponsored by Affordable Home Insurance, Inc., Gulf Power, Landrum Human Resources, and Okaloosa Gas, at Destin United Methodist Church. Our Leaders In Business Lunches incorporate networking and educational components to benefit all members. Everyone is encouraged to attend. The cost for the lunch is $15 for those members who pre-register, $20 for members at the door, and $30 for non-members. Please remember that reservations are required, and no shows will be billed. All registrations are due by Friday, April 6, at noon. Check-in begins at 11:15 a.m., and the lunch begins promptly at 11:30 a.m.
Chairman’s Club Spotlight LoBoy – Magna Manufacturing, Inc.
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Chamber Board of Directors Meeting will be held in the Chamber conference room at 11:30 a.m.
The Destin Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to our April Business After Hours sponsored by Boathouse Oyster Bar, located at 288-B Harbor Blvd., Destin. Event hours are 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Please do not forget to bring your business card for networking and our door prize drawing. All businesses are invited to bring a door prize, which offers one more way for you to gain exposure. There is no fee for members to attend this event. The non-member fee is $20. Please visit the Events Calendar at www.DestinChamber.com to RSVP. APRIL
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APRIL
Join us for our 4th Annual Sunset on the Harbor celebration. This year’s event kicks off with a ‘Fishing for Business’ Corporate Fishing Challenge, where 4-person teams, 2- person teams, and individuals will board party boats Destiny and the Destin Princess at noon and compete for the largest fish award. The boats will dock at the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina, behind Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant, at 6 p.m., where a full blown fish fry, music, and activities will be underway. Tournament and fish fry sponsorships are available for area businesses.
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For information about all Chamber events, please visit the Events Calendar at
www.DestinChamber.com. PAGE 4
FEBRUARY 2012
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Magna Manufacturing, Inc., creator of the legendary LoBoy Foam Cooler, has been helping its customers keep it cool (or hot) for four decades. Located in Fort Walton Beach on Florida’s picturesque, laid-back Panhandle, Magna has grown from selling a few dozen of its amazingly durable foam coolers in local bait and surf shops to selling more than a million foam coolers and insulated shipping boxes (Cold Chain Shippers) in 2008. That makes Magna one of the fastest growing Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) product companies in the U.S. Magna Manufacturing got its start in Destin in 1967 as a result of one man’s desire to create an EPS Foam Cooler that would actually last more than a day at the beach or while fishing. The result was the beginning of the legendary LoBoy “Thick Wall Foam Cooler.” Magna Manufacturing has been making the best foam coolers, shipping coolers, custom foam packaging, and other EPS foam products. It is a producer and wholesaler to department stores, restaurants, food shippers, fishing industry, and medical suppliers. In addition, it supplies to fragile and temperature-sensitive goods shippers, outdoor sportsman store chains, and sporting goods retailers. Its brands include the legendary LoBoy Foam Cooler and Insul-Pak Insulated Foam Shipping Cooler lines, as well as Cypress Wood Tailgating Coolers, Foam Pool Noodles, The Amazing Flying Coozie (drink huggies that fly), and Foam Corner Protectors for RVs. LoBoy provides Officially Licensed College Logo
versions of most of its products. It also brands its products with business and organization logos for use as promotional packaging and marketing items. LoBoy also offers a smaller, retail purchase option at online store http:// shop.loboy.com, where free shipping is standard. Magna has repeatedly garnered awards and recognition for leading-edge efforts to ensure quality production, environmental protection, and giving back to the community. As part of its business practices, it works to continually lessen its own environmental footprint while setting the example for industry peers. It manufactures a product that is likewise friendly to the environment and helps others save energy by reducing the need for energy consumption (such as when having to waste water and electricity refilling cheap, flimsy coolers that can’t keep ice or food or drinks cold for days). Magna is a multi-year recipient of the Saving Energy Now award presented by the US Department of Energy for demonstrating “Exceptional Leadership in Industrial Energy Efficiency.” Contact the LoBoy Client Solutions Team at (888) 243-1112 or visit www.loboy.com. This article is part of our series profiling our Trustees and Chairman’s Club members. For more information on this series or about the Trustees and Chairman’s Club membership levels, please call (850) 837-6241.
Celebrating Ambassador Successes Congratulations to our top Ambassadors for February 2012: 55 points – Richard Barrington, Holiday Isle Properties, Inc. 55 points – Paul Woolman, Copy Systems Business Center, Inc. 50 points – Dr. L.A. Strickland www.DestinChamber.com
NETWORK APRIL 2012
Member Spotlight This month’s Member Spotlight focuses on the co-owners and partners of Coastal Accounting of NW Florida, PA, Edward S. Cowen, CPA, MBA, and Douglas T. Ingram, CPA, MBA, who have more than 20 years of combined experience. Coastal Accounting of NW Florida, PA, is a full service accounting firm, offering a full spectrum of services, including audit, taxes, bookkeeping, payroll,
estate/retirement planning, and more. It’s a “locally owned firm that offers a hometown feel at an affordable price” said Cowen and Ingram, who enjoy knowing their clients by first name when they walk in the door. For more information, please call (850) 654-9235 or visit www.CoastalAccounting.net. Coastal Accounting of NW Florida, PA, has locations in both Destin and Niceville.
SMALL BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS The following workshops will be offered by the University of West Florida’s Small Business Development Center during April 2012. For more information, please call (850) 833-9400. May 3 Starting a Business
1 – 4 p.m.
May 16 QuickBooks Basics
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
The following classes will be offered by the Costa Leadership Institute at Northwest Florida State College during April 2012. For details, visit www.nwfsc.edu/LI/ or call (850) 729-6880. April 4 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. Microsoft Excel 2010: Intermediate/ Advanced April 6 Time Management
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
April 11, 18, & 25 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Entrepreneurial Course
HoneyBaked Ham Company & Café
Hot Nails & Spa
34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste. 116 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 650-2636 www.HoneybakedHam.com Category: Restaurants - Deli & Catering Chamber Rep: Don Bryan
827 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 424-7171 Category: Nail Salons Chamber Rep: Jennifer Pho
Northwest Florida State College Student Services Center & Costa Leadership Institute 100 College Blvd. Niceville, FL 32578 (850) 729-5212 Category: Schools Chamber Rep: Julie Cotton NETWORK APRIL 2012
May 18 1 – 3:30 p.m. Creative Capital for Small Business – Roundtable
April 17 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Getting the Best Out of Your People April 20 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Dealing with Difficult People April 25 Change Management
1 – 5 p.m.
April 12 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Servant Leadership
April 26 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Communicating Effectively With Your Target Audiences to Improve the Bottom Line
April 13 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The W.O.W. (Women on Wellness) Symposium
April 27 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Website SEO and How to Monetize Your Website
April 13 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Business Writing
April 30 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Blogs
Destin Chamber of Commerce Membership For information on joining the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, please call (850) 837-6241 or email mail@DestinChamber.com.
www.DestinChamber.com
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Business Briefs On your way to the ER? There’s an App for That
Seering Concert Raises $13K for At-Risk Children
Fort Walton Beach Medical Center is the first hospital in the panhandle to offer the use of a smart phone application to allow people to notify the ER staff that they are en route to the hospital. The iTriage application, accessible from www. iTriageHealth.com, allows smart phone users to quickly access a variety of healthcare information about symptoms, diseases, medications, procedures, and nearby facilities.
Accomplished musician David Seering and the Van Deusen Quartet, Ken Hair (left), CIC president/ with opCEO, and David Seering era singer Katie Saunders performed in concert, raising more than $13,000 for Children in Crisis (CIC).
Destin Water Taxi Running in Destin Harbor
6th Annual Children’s Neighborhood Charity Golf Tournament
Destin Water Taxi is now running from 11 a.m. until late night in the Destin Harbor. The taxi will pick up and drop off anywhere on the Harbor, or passengers may take a harbor cruise.
Sandestin Tennis Offers QuickStart Tennis Program The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort QuickStart Tennis program, to be held Monday-Thursday from 4-5 p.m., introduces children ages 12 and under to the game of tennis using smaller court and racquet sizes, foam and decompressed balls, a simplified scoring system, and lowered net height.
Sandestin Announces Gumbo Contest Winners On Feb. 17-18, the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort held its annual Gumbo Festival at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Winners include people’s choice award for Pompano Joe’s and first place veteran; second place veteran Buster’s; third place veteran Harry T’s Lighthouse; first place 5 under Tops’l Beach and Racquet Resort; second place 5 under Graffiti Restaurant; third place 5 under Sago Restaurant at the Palms; first place first year Bubba Gump; second place first year YP at the Beach; and third place first year Beach Club of Sandestin. Best display was Dockside Oyster Bar & Café. PAGE 6
The 6th Annual Children’s Neighborhood Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, March 16, at the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club. Sam’s Club, the tournament’s major sponsor, presented a check to Children In Crisis, Inc., for $5,000. Other sponsors include Community Bank, Destin; Northwest Florida Daily News; Destin Commons; Eglin Federal Credit Union; and more.
foot Student Services Center on the Niceville campus, on Feb. 10. NWFSC Foundation board of directors’ president Wayne Campbell reported that foundation net assets totaled $35,473,346 for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2011, allowing the Foundation to provide more than $1.6 million in resource support to the college during the year.
Noble Muscadine Wins Double Gold Metal Chautauqua Vineyards & Winery and Emerald Coast Wine Cellars announced that the Noble Muscadine won double gold during the 2011 Florida State Fair International Wine Competition. There were 1,031 entries from 33 states and nine foreign countries.
Destin Woman’s Club Meets Aboard Solaris The Destin Woman’s Club enjoyed a beautiful day on SunQuest Cruises’ Solaris cruising around the bay during its February meeting. Many members remarked on the delicious food and attentive staff.
Coldwell Banker United Realtors Honors January’s Top Agents
John Cook and Team
Crye-Leike Welcomes New Realtor Elliot Marcus, broker for Crye-Leike Coastal Realty, announced Elke Redmond as a new Realtor on his team. Elke Redmond Born and raised in Stuttgart, Germany, Redmond joined the Wanda Duke Team at Crye-Leike, as a buyer’s agent. She has been licensed in Florida since 1999.
NWFSC Foundation Celebrated at Annual Meeting The Northwest Florida State College Foundation hosted more than 200 college supporters at its recent annual meeting and dinner held at Northwest Florida State College’s newest gem, the 75,000-square-
Liz McMaster
Vicki Matthews
Coldwell Banker United, Realtors, named John Cook and Team with John Cook, Cynthia Roberson, Alice Duncan, Joel Joe Oder Cook, and John Johnson as the “Top Listing Team,” Vicki Matthews and Team with Vicki Matthews, Jim Matthews, Michelle King, and Jon Lyons as the “Top Selling Team,” Joe Oder as the “Top Listing Agent,” and Liz McMaster as the “Top Selling Agent” for January 2012. www.DestinChamber.com
Cook’s team brought in almost $2 million in new listings, Oder brought in over $2 million in new listings, McMaster had $1 million in closed sales, and Matthews’ team closed $2.6 million.
care management, and supervision.
Beach Community Bank Employees Help Children in Crisis
Destin Commons Welcomes More Retailers in 2012 Destin Commons continues to diversify and enhance its customer offerings by adding new-to-the market retailers to its tenant mix. Over the past year, Destin Commons has welcomed Sephora, Forever 21, Earthbound Trading, and Original Penguin. In addition, Rooms To Go and Lowe’s Home Improvement opened on outparcels adjacent to the center. In the first quarter of 2012, Destin Commons will welcome Pandora, Kay Jewelers, and Steve Madden.
Columbia Sportswear Coming to Silver Sands Factory Stores Silver Sands Factory Stores is pleased to announce the addition of another designer name to its already impressive list of stores. Columbia Sportswear is opening the first of 10 new outlet locations in April.
Hotel Equities Adds Management of Cayo Grande Suites Hotel in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida Atlanta-based Hotel Equities recently assumed management of the 79-room Cayo Grande Suites hotel at 214 Racetrack Rd., N.W., in Fort Walton Beach. Hotel Equities also manages the Hampton Inn & Suites in Navarre and adding the Cayo Grande Suites continues the firm’s expansion on the gulf coast.
Northwest Florida State College Approves Potential Bachelor’s Programs The Board of Trustees of Northwest Florida State College has approved the first step toward the potential addition of two new bachelor’s degree programs at the college. At the board’s Feb. 21 meeting, trustees approved a college staff request to submit proposals to the Florida Department of Education (DOE) for a bachelor’s degree program in Early Childhood Education, with an emphasis on ages birth to five, and a bachelor’s degree in Supervision and Management, with areas of emphasis in public safety management, health-
Pictured in photo: Ken Hair, CIC President & CEO is presented a check of $443 from the employees of Beach Community Bank
The employees of Beach Community Bank recently presented Children in Crisis, Inc., a check for $443 to help provide a home and care to the abused, neglected, and abandoned children of our community. The donation funds were collected by the BCB Team during its “Jeans Friday” fundraisers.
Share the Shelter Poster Design Wins Gold ADDY Award Rebecca Wagley of Wagley Creative earned a coveted Gold ADDY Award for her poster designed to promote the inaugural Share the Shelter benefit concert. The 2012 ADDY Awards Gala, presented by AAF Emerald Coast, was held earlier this month at Embassy Suites Hotel Destin-Miramar Beach and recognized creative excellence in all forms of advertising. Share the Shelter is produced by and benefits Shelter House, Inc., the domestic violence center serving Okaloosa and Walton counties, and Alaqua Animal Refuge, a no-kill animal shelter in Freeport.
Silver Sands Recognizes February Employee of the Month
Ana Kelleher
Silver Sands Factory Stores named its February Employee of the Month Ana Kelleher of Hart-
See BRIEFS on page 11 NETWORK APRIL 2012
DESTIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Building a World-Class Community One Business at a Time
2011 ANNUAL REPORT A Successful Year
S
imply put, your Destin Area Chamber of Commerce had a successful year in 2011. It was certainly not without its challenges; however, many of our objectives and goals were achieved or advanced. As you may recall, I began the year by mentioning some of our major initiatives, and some were lofty and perhaps others a little unpopular. Fortunately, many of our decisions turned out to be right for the Chamber and its members, both short and long term. Our most impactful change was the decision to relinquish the Destin Seafood Festival and allow another organization to own and run it. I remember distinctly our first round of meetings with festival stakeholders and the shock and uncertainty of such an idea. Remember, the Destin Area Chamber had been involved in leading the festival for more than 30 years. Let’s just say I was contacted on more than one occasion questioning my sanity. Mike Eller and the Destin Char2011 ANNUAL REPORT
ter Boat Association (DCBA) emerged from the maze of discussions and offered to take it over, and the rest is history. The correctness of our decision was confirmed during the first week of October when the DCBA put on a wonderful Seafood Festival that was fresh, inviting, and intimately Destin, and your Chamber was able to redirect resources allowing it to be more focused and attentive to the business needs of our membership. The next decision made was to move our monthly Chamber breakfast to a lunch format. Again, there were those who questioned our thought process despite the declining attendance at the breakfast venue. It was time for a change. We knew the membership’s needs and preferences had evolved and the heightened demand for a lunch time scenario was prompting our decision. Needless to say, the decision has been a big hit with many of our members and our attendance is up significantly. Also, we promised greater emphasis and commitment to the Chamber’s harbor committee. Of course, my first order of business was to name a chairperson with a passion and drive to lead the committee. I knew just the person. Mary Anne Windes stepped up and agreed to assume the role and has done a fabulous job. If you have been following the progress of the Destin Harbor Boardwalk project, you know that Mary Anne’s and the Harbor Committee’s voice has been heard loud and clear. Although it seems like a lifetime that we have been contemplating a boardwalk along the harbor, it appears to be nearing the finish line and becoming a reality. Finally, I am proud of our Board of Directors for tackling the tough and sometimes unpopular initiatives and having the guts to make decisions that
ultimately make us a better Chamber and business community. That’s leadership. Also, Shane Moody and staff elevated their game this year by working harder and achieving more with less support and resources enjoyed in years past. I was particularly proud of the Chamber’s relevance and participation in 2011 with a variety of issues affecting our members. It was not uncommon to see Shane Moody at City Council meetings voicing and supporting our member’s interest or actively participating on local and state committees championing the needs of our business community and Destin as a whole. You want your Chamber out front leading the cause for its members. As they say, it’s better to be making the dust than eating it. In closing, it has been an extreme pleasure and honor for me to lead your 2011 Destin Area Chamber of Commerce as its Chairman of the Board. Without a doubt, the most rewarding part to me has been the people I have met and the relationships I have developed and deepened that hopefully will last well beyond my tenure as chairman. I can’t tell you how excited I am for the future as Bill Lindsley, with Simple HR, arrives in 2012 as your Chairman of the Board. He is one of the smartest guys I know with a real talent for leadership and consensus building. Trust me, we are in good hands with Bill. I will simply close by saying Thank You for the opportunity to lead your Chamber in 2011!
Sincerely, Mike Freeman Acentria, Inc. 2011 Destin Area Chamber Chairman WWW.DESTINCHAMBER.COM
2011 Destin Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Chairman of the Board Mike Freeman Acentria, Inc. Chairman Elect Bill Lindsley Simple HR Immediate Past Chair Brian Haugen Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James & Associates Treasurer Amy Perry Pleat & Perry, P.A. Vice Chairman/Communications & Marketing Tim Edwards Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill Vice Chairman/Community & Economic Development Shaun Eubanks Community Bank, Destin Vice Chairman/Membership Development Kathy Whidden Emerald Coast Chiropractic Vice Chairman/Harbor Association Mary Anne Windes Real Estate Professionals of Destin Destin Fishing Fleet Marina
Directors Jim Breitenfeld Breitenfeld Development Services, LLC Rebecca Jones Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Steve Jay Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel, LLP Andi Mahoney White-Wilson Medical Center Karen McCarthy Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union Les Porterfield Cyndy Thomas ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals Carey Trotter Trotter’s General Contractors, Inc. Chairman’s Appointees John Comer Southern Restaurant Group, LLC Ken Wampler Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc. Special Appointee Kim Wintner Alliance Association Management Co., Inc. PAGE 1
DESTIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE : BUILDING A WORLD-CLASS COMMUNITY ONE BUSINESS AT A TIME
2011 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
CREATING A WORLD-CLASS DESTINATION • Promoting Destin • Celebrating Destin • Protecting our Resources
PROMOTING DESTIN • To many visitors, the Chamber is the first impression of the Destin business community. In 2011, our Welcome Center responded directly to more than 22,400 of those visitors: Hosted 4,152 walk-in visitors Answered 6,454 phone calls Responded to 2,100 pieces of correspondence and 4,369 emails Mailed 5,236 visitor’s guides and 169 relocation packages • More than 15,000 copies of our 96-page Visitor’s Guide & Buyer’s Directory, featuring our membership, were mailed or given out in our Welcome Center. • The Chamber held two Destin Area Restaurant Weeks, one during January and another in October, to encourage locals to get out into area restaurants during typically slower months. • The Chamber held its sixth annual Destin Area Summer Photo Contest on its website. More than 135 photos were entered and four winners were chosen. • The Chamber continued development of its Destin Area Sports Commission to draw large sporting events and the eco-
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nomic impact they create to the world-class facilities Destin has to offer. The Sports Commission held the first Bayou, Bay & Back 5K/10K Run Walk, with more than 300 racers, and its second annual PUTToberfest, featuring a miniature golf tournament and beer tastings.
CELEBRATING DESTIN • The Chamber returned the 33rd Annual Destin Seafood Festival to the Destin Charter Boat Association, which ran a successful event the first weekend in October. For the first time, the festival stretched linear along the Harbor. The Chamber assisted in promotions and ran a dunk tank and kid’s duck pond game from its booth, during the event. • The Chamber participated in traditional Week of Blessings events. • The Chamber once again held its ‘Sunset on the Harbor’ event to promote businesses along the Destin harbor. New this year, Sunset on the Harbor began with a Corporate Fishing Tournament, followed by a fish fry and silent auction. PROTECTING OUR RESOURCES • The Chamber continued its work with city and community groups to promote and secure funding for the current beach restoration project. • The Chamber’s Vice Chair/ Harbor Association championed
the city’s efforts in building a Destin Harbor Boardwalk. She served as vocal advocate for the project, a liaison between the Chamber and city leaders, and a liaison between city leaders and harborfront property owners.
PRESERVING & GROWING QUALITY OF LIFE AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY • Growing Leadership • Fostering Advocacy • Sponsoring Education • Sustaining Military Relations GROWING LEADERSHIP • The Community & Economic Development Committee continued its Destin Forward program, a community education and leadership program designed to create future city, county, and business leaders. Nine area professionals began the class in August 2011 and will graduate in May 2012. The class focused on different issues, such as tourism, waterways, and development, important to those in the Destin area. • The Chamber continued its participation in the Chamber Coalition, working to maintain relationships valuable to the success of Okaloosa County. • The Chamber President and CEO attended regional Northwest Florida Chamber Executives meetings, maintaining contact with other chambers across the Panhandle. WWW.DESTINCHAMBER.COM
• The Chamber President and CEO served on the Board of Directors for the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP) and completed his term as its Chairman in October 2011, when FACP held its annual conference in the Destin area. He also served on the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Federation Advisory Board and Board of Governors. • The Chamber President and CEO continued his work with the Florida Chamber Foundation Six Pillar Caucus System, serving on the Quality of Life/Quality of Life Caucus. • The Chamber maintained its FACP Certified Chamber of Commerce designation. The Certified Chamber of Commerce designation is voluntary, and a Chamber must complete a thorough application process, where it must prove it adheres to FACP’s highest standards. Chambers must complete the process every five years to continue to hold the designation. • For the fourth year, the Chamber hosted a Past President and Chairmen Reception, re-introducing past Chamber leadership into the Chamber in hopes of building on that leadership and experience. • The Chamber provided monthly advertising support for the University of West Florida’s Small Business Workshops.
FOSTERING ADVOCACY • A Chamber representative attended most Destin City Council meetings and lent support to the Council when needed. • The Chamber continued building its relationship with the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council, periodically inviting a representative to its Board meeting to provide an update on its current issues. • The Chamber’s Board of Directors issued resolutions supporting 2011 Legislative Initiative put forth by the Okaloosa County Economic Development Council Defense Support Initiative; opposing tax loopholes for online travel companies in general and SB 376 and HB 493 in particular; opposing the loss of local control of the Mid Bay Bridge Authority, and supporting the continuation of the Mid Bay Bridge Authority as the managing body of the Mid Bay Bridge; supporting the Emerald Coast Tourist Development Council’s “Emerald Coast” brand; and opposing the expansion of gambling in Florida, specifically “destination casinos” in Florida, and supporting legislative efforts to close the loophole allowing internet gambling cafes to exist throughout the state. SPONSORING EDUCATION • The Chamber provided funding for the Destin Fishing Rodeo’s Miss Destin scholarship.
2011 ANNUAL REPORT
SUSTAINING MILITARY RELATIONS • Several Chamber members participated in the Honorary Commanders Program. • In November, the Chamber’s MAC honored Ken Hair, Children In Crisis, Inc., as its Retired Military Person of the Year. • A Chamber representative was a member of the Defense Support Initiative Committee and assisted in its efforts for reception of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Wing and the Army 7th Special Operations Group. • The Chamber’s November Lunch was a Veteran’s Day Celebration. MAC invited a Master Sergeant with the 10th Combat Weather Squadron at Hurlburt Field to speak. MAXIMIZING BUSINESS SUCCESS • Advancing Chamber Successes • Furthering Member Benefits • Building a World-Class Community One Business at a Time ADVANCING CHAMBER SUCCESSES • At year’s end, the Chamber boasted five members at the highest level, Trustee; nine members at the Chairman’s Club level; 17 members at the Business Platinum level; approximately 50 members at the Business Gold level; and more than 600 at the
2011 ANNUAL REPORT
Business level. In addition, more than 100 non-profits and individuals were Chamber members, and more than 100 businesses received memberships through a related business already joined at an upper level tier. • During 2011, the Chamber recruited 159 new members. • In April, the Chamber’s Annual Spring Golf Tournament included 92 golfers, with 22 hole, hole-in-one, and leader board sponsors. • Three staff member attended the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals Annual Conference. • During a Board Retreat in November, an ambitious agenda was set for the Chamber to follow through the coming years, focusing on the state’s Six Pillar System. Those six pillars include: talent supply and education; innovation and economic development; infrastructure and growth leadership; business climate and competitiveness; civic and governance systems; quality of life and quality of places. • The Ambassador Program continued with more than 50 participants this year. • During the Annual Awards & Installation Banquet, four Chamber members received awards for their service and dedication throughout 2010. Paul Woolman Ambassador of the Year – Richard Barrington, Holiday Isle
Properties, Inc. The James D. Neilson Sr. Chairman’s Award for Volunteer Service – Amy Perry, Pleat & Perry, P.A. Business Person of the Year – Kevin Bowyer, Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel Ann Gibson Community Service Award – Karen McCarthy, Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union
FURTHERING MEMBER BENEFITS • The Chamber held its fifth Member Appreciation Day. On Jan. 25, Ambassadors, Board members, volunteers, and staff visited every business in the Destin area to thank them for their support and deliver the 2011 Visitor’s Guide & Buyer’s Directory, a 2011 member door decal, and a list of upcoming events. The Destin City Council issued a Proclamation declaring the day ‘Destin Area Chamber of Commerce Member Appreciation Day.’ • The Chamber hosted a Business Expo & After Hours in November with 16 exhibitors and two sponsors. • The Chamber hosted the Multi-Chamber Business Expo & Taste of Okaloosa County. More than 500 attended to see 94 exhibitors. • The Chamber hosted two new member receptions designed to introduce our new members WWW.DESTINCHAMBER.COM
to the Chamber programs and to each other. • During 2011, the Chamber held 39 ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings, sending out related press releases and publishing all photos in the Network newsletter. • The monthly Chamber television show “Destin Today, A Business Forum” featured more than 30 members promoting their businesses or upcoming events. • A link to the monthly Network newsletter was sent via email to all members with email addresses. Each issue highlighted Chamber events, members, city news, and a member spotlight. • The Chamber also sent Tuesday Talking Points, a weekly email designed to inform members in a more timely fashion of Chamber news and upcoming events. • In April, the Chamber hosted a Hurricane Preparedness speakers and sponsors during its regularly scheduled lunch. • After much input from members, the Chamber made a switch from monthly breakfast meetings to lunches. The Chamber held its last Business to Business Breakfast meeting in January, followed by 11 Leaders In Business Lunch meetings during the remaining months, with a combined total of more than 2,000 attendees. The 10 Business After Hours hosted a combined
total of more than 1,600 business professionals. • A very successful Chamber Holiday Party at Ruth’s Chris Steak House with almost 200 members in attendance brought 2011 to a close.
MISSION STATEMENT: To create a dynamic alliance of the business community and government through member-driven initiatives and services that enable responsible growth and economic prosperity. 2011 TRUSTEE MEMBERS: Acentria, Inc. Emerald Coast Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Inc. Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Trustmark National Bank Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel 2010 CHAIRMAN’S CLUB MEMBERS: Destin Realty, Inc. Micro Systems, Inc. - A Kratos Company Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc. Northwest Florida Regional Airport Poppy’s Restaurant Group ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals Sandestin Golf And Beach Resort Sterling Resorts White-Wilson Medical Center PAGE 3
IN RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION LEADERS IN BUSINESS LUNCH SPONSORS Acentria, Inc. Destin Charter Boat Association/ Destin Seafood Festival Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Pleat & Perry, P.A. Trustmark National Bank Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel White-Wilson Medical Center BUSINESS AFTER HOURS SPONSORS Boathouse Oyster Bar J. Miller’s Consign & Design The LA Lounge The Love Shack North Light Yacht Club Regus Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Southern Vacation Rentals, Residential Leasing, Real Estate, & Association Management DESTIN’S BAYOU, BAY & BACK 5K/10K RUN/WALK Title Sponsor Shoreline Church Accommodations Sponsor ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals Silver Sponsors City of Destin, Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. Bronze Sponsors Buffalo Rock Pepsi Carter & Company, CPA, LLC Ecco Motors Jenny Craig Johnny on the Spot Toilet Rentals, Inc. MULTI-CHAMBER BUSINESS EXPO & TASTE OF OKALOOSA COUNTY SPONSORS AT&T Advertising Solutions Center Line Associates Edward Jones Investments Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Gulf Coast Shutter PAGE 4
Northwest Florida Daily News Simple HR Twin Cities Hospital Waste Management of Northwest Florida SUNSET ON THE HARBOR SPONSORS Acentria, Inc. Buffalo Rock Pepsi Destin Charter Boat Association Johnny on the Spot Toilet Rentals, Inc. Northwest Florida Daily News NOVEMBER BUSINESS EXPO SPONSORS AT&T Advertising Solutions Simple HR PUTTOBERFEST Title Sponsor Hard Rock Café Food Sponsor Yummy Jerky Putting Contest Sponsor ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals
Sam Taylor Buick Cadillac Hole Sponsors Early Learning Coalition of Okaloosa & Walton County Emerald Coast Chiropractic Matthews Jones & Hawkins, LLP Pleat & Perry, P.A. Team Sponsors Acentria, Inc. Affordable Home Insurance, Inc. Coastal Business Products, Inc. Community Bank, Destin Destin Commons Embassy Suites Hotel Destin-Miramar Beach Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James & Associates Fisher-Brown, Inc. Fort Walton Beach Medical Center GulfSouth Private Bank Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc. Merrill Lynch – Brett S. Chipser Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc.
Chipping Contest Sponsor Simple HR Beer Table Sponsors Destin Commons Destin Land & Title, Inc. ERA American Realty of NW Florida
Simple HR Trustmark National Bank Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel White-Wilson Medical Center HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS LUNCH SEMINAR Gulf Coast Shutter COMMITTEE CHAIRS Ambassadors: Richard Barrington Holiday Isle Properties, Inc. Community & Economic Development: Shaun Eubanks Community Bank, Destin Marketing Committee: Tim Edwards Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill Military Affairs Committee: Kim Wintner Alliance Association Management Co., Inc.
2011 IN REVIEW
Hole Sponsors Blab TV Buffalo Rock Pepsi Fisher House of the Emerald Coast Board Member John Bernhart Pleat & Perry, P.A. Publix Super Markets, Inc. SPRING GOLF TOURNAMENT SPONSORS Leaderboard Sponsor ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals Hole-In-One Sponsors McCaskill & Company Quality Imports – Mercedes Benz – BMW – Toyota – Mazda WWW.DESTINCHAMBER.COM
2011 ANNUAL REPORT
BRIEFS continued from page 6 mann. She has been with Hartmann for 3 years and is a key holder. “Ana has great customer service skills,” commented Lina Scurtu, store manager at Hartmann. “In the past two weeks she has called over 100 customers and generated thousands of dollars in phone orders. Ana had the highest sales in the store last month and the highest units per transaction.”
Twin Cities Hospital Nurse Obtains Orthopaedic Nursing Certificate Twin Cities Hospital and the Orthopaedic Nursing Certification Board (ONCB) are proud to announce Darlene Martin, RN, BSN, CDE, passed the orthopaedic nursing certification exam. She has earned the credential ONC, which identifies to the public she has a substantial knowledge base in the area of orthopaedic nursing.
BBB® Record Numbers in 2011 Consumers continue to be careful with not only what they spend their money on, but also where they spend it in a down economy. In response, your Better Business Bureau of Northwest Florida continues to improve current programs and offer new services to consumers and businesses. The combination of consumers becoming cautious and improvements to services lead to a record 416,515 inquires at your BBB last year.
The Peabody Hotel Group and the Hilton Corporation, and The Park Hotel in Charlotte, NC.
Legendary Marine Launches New Boat Service Center Legendary Marine, the Gulf Coast’s largest boat dealership and multi-year winner of top boat dealer sales and service awards, has recently opened a new full-service boat repair facility in Fort Walton Beach, at the foot of the Brooks Bridge. Besides this new addition, Legendary Marine has also recently expanded its mobile service operation, with multiple vans now available to accommodate specific customer boat service needs throughout the Panhandle.
NETWORK APRIL 2012
HealthGrades, the nation’s most trusted source for researching and selecting doctors and hospitals, recently named Twin Cities Hospital a recipient of the 2011 Outstanding Patient Experience Award™. This distinction ranks Twin Cities Hospital among the top 10 percent of hospitals nationwide, based on an analysis of patient satisfaction data for 3,797 US Hospitals.
Bryan Pest Control Employees Donate to Children in Crisis
Interim CEO Named at Sacred Heart Health System Susan L. Davis, RN, Ed.D, the president and CEO of St. Vincent’s Health Services in Bridgeport, Conn., and AsSusan L. Davis cension Health’s Ministry Market Leader for its healthcare services in New York and Connecticut, has been named the interim CEO of Sacred Heart Health System, of which Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast is a part.
Crye-Leike Names Top Producers
Howard Group Appoints VP of New Hospitality Management Services Division Howard Group, a Northwest Florida portfolio real estate development company specializing in premier comKaren McNevin mercial developments and upscale resort residential properties, announced Karen McNevin as the vice president of hospitality and human resources for the company’s new Hospitality Management Services division. McNevin will be responsible for the property management and operations of all current and future hospitality projects for Howard Group, including the two Marriott hotels in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. McNevin has over 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry across major and independent hotels to include the Marriott Corporation,
10% Nationally for Patient Experience
Collen Regan
Kim Kirby
John Paulsen
Suzanne Sweatt
Twin Cities Hospital in Top
At the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners meeting Tuesday, March 6, Military Order of Purple Heart members, as well as Blue Star and Gold Star Mothers, were on hand to read a proclamation establishing Okaloosa County as the First Purple Heart County in Florida. Okaloosa County, having secured this honor, will now pursue Florida Department of Transportation to erect a sign that says: “Welcome to Okaloosa County, the First Purple Heart County in Florida and home of two Medal of Honor Recipients.”
Carrabba’s Cooking Class Raises Funds for Shelter House
Bryan Pest Control employees collectively donated over $1,000 to help sponsor the 6th Annual Children in Crisis Charity Golf Tournament. The annual golf tournament will be held on March 16, at the Fort Walton Beach Golf Course, and all funds will benefit the children living at the CIC Children’s Neighborhood.
sales and service awards, is opening a brand new Value Center outlet on Highway 98 in the heart of Destin, at 331 Harbor Blvd. The soft opening is scheduled for late March, with a future grand opening planned for early summer. In addition to selling premium pre-owned boats and select new boat models on site including Sea Hunt, Four Winns, Skeeter, and Hydra-Sports, Legendary Marine will also launch Xcursion Pontoon Boats. A division of Forest River, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Company owned by Warren Buffet, Xcursion Pontoons are available in 19’ to 25’ models with choice of Mercury or Yamaha power, and are noted for their extreme spaciousness and luxurious appointments at affordable prices.
More than 40 foodies braved a torrential downpour recently to attend a cooking class at Carrabba’s Italian Grill at Silver Sands Factory Stores. The popular eatery shared secrets from its kitchen in a cooking class that benefited Shelter House, the domestic violence center serving Okaloosa and Walton counties.
Crye-Leike Coastal Realty Awards
Pleat & Perry Opens New Office Pleat & Perry, P.A., announces the opening of its new Navarre office, located at 6921 Navarre Parkway, just across from Holley-by-the-Sea community entrance. Along with the firm’s full compliment of legal services, mediations, and arbitrations, the Navarre office will offer real estate closings with Cheryl Fike, closing agent, formerly with First American Title Insurance Company.
Hard Rock Café Announces January Rockers
Elliot Marcus, broker for CryeLeike Coastal Realty, announced that The Regan/Kirby Team was the Top Producer for the month of February in closed sales, and The John Paulsen Group was the Top Listing agents for the month of February. The Regan/Kirby Team consist of Colleen Regan and Kim Kirby. The John Paulsen Group consists of John Paulsen and Suzanne Sweatt.
County Commissioners Proclaimed Okaloosa First Purple Heart County in Florida
Hard Rock Café announced January Employees of the Month, including Back of House Back of House Employee Karrie EmployShelton and Front of House ee Karrie Employee “Red” Shepherd Shelton and Front of House Employee “Red” Shepherd.
www.DestinChamber.com
On Friday, March 9, Rob Hatchett, president of Crye-Leike Franchises Inc., presented Elliot Marcus, broker for Crye-Leike Coastal Realty, and John Paulsen and Wanda Duke, owners of Crye-Leike Coastal Realty, a plaque for being the #1 franchise in sales volume and #4 in units sold among the 26 Crye-Leike Franchises in 2011. Hatchett also presented Wanda Duke, owner/agent, a plaque for being #9 in sales volume among all Crye-Leike Franchise Agents. He presented John Paulsen, owner/agent, a plaque for being #10, and Colleen Regan, agent, a plaque for being #23 in sales volume among all Crye-Leike Franchise Agents.
Legendary Marine Opens New “Value Center”, Launches New Xcursion Pontoon Sales Legendary Marine, the Gulf Coast’s largest boat dealership and multi-year winner of top boat dealer PAGE 11
April Calendar of Events April 2 – April 6 Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Springwild Children’s Camp Location: HarborWalk Village Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. A fun and educational camp for grades 1-6. For more information or to register, email sleveille@ecwildliferefuge.com or call (850) 650-1880. April 3 Pink Martini Returns for Sinfonia Gala Event Location: Emerald Coast Convention Center Time: 7:30 p.m. International big band sensation Pink Martini joins Sinfonia Gulf Coast for an explosive evening of amazing music. Purchase tickets at www.SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or (850) 269-7129. April 4 Destin Library Annual Easter Egg Hunt Location: Destin Library Time: 9:30 – 10:30 p.m. The traditional Easter Egg Hunt program will include door prizes, a visit by the Easter Bunny, free balloons, and more. Visit Destin Library or call (850) 837-8572. April 4 -6 Coastline Calvary Chapel Easter Services Enjoy Good Friday service at 7 p.m.; Easter Sunrise Baptism Sunday at 6:30 a.m. at foot of Destin Bridge; and Easter Service Sunday at 10 a.m. Visit www.CoastlineEaster.com or contact the church office at 932-8197. April 4, 11, 18, & 25 Wednesday Night Concert Series Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf Time: 6 – 8 p.m. Put on your boogie shoes and come dance the night away to some of your favorite hits from the past. Visit www.baytownewharf.com. April 6 The Destin Cross Walk Location: Main Street Time: 12 – 3 p.m. Various pastors in Destin will be walking down Main Street with the cross on their back. The community is invited to walk with them. PAGE 12
April 7 Easter Explosion Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Start your day with an Easter Sing-A-Long with David Seering from 10-11 a.m. Enjoy kid’s activities, and most importantly, don’t forget to visit the Easter Bunny.
April 8 Visit the Easter Bunny Location: HaborWalk Village Time: 2 – 4 p.m. Hop down to HarborWalk Village for free face painting and crafts. Have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny on the Village Stage.
April 8 Destin United Methodist Church Easter Services Enjoy Sunrise Service at Henderson Beach State Park at 6:30 a.m.; Traditional Service in Sanctuary at 7:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.; and Contemporary Services in Destin Life Center at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Call (850) 837-2021 or visit www.destinumc.org.
April 12 The Blackwater Review Reading Location: Northwest Florida State College Time: 6 p.m. Dr. Vickie Hunt, NWFSC Professor of English, will host a reading, featuring student writers published in this year’s Blackwater Review, NWFSC’s annual literary and arts magazine. Visit www.NWFSC.edu/NWFSCReads.
April 8 Shoreline Church Easter Services Enjoy services at Rave Theater in Destin Commons at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and Uptown Station in Fort Walton Beach at 10 a.m. Call (850) 650-8658 or visit www.shorelinechurch.net. April 8 Easter Sunday Brunch Location: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Time: 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy an elegant three-course sit-down menu with a focus on deliciously traditional dishes or choose from a la carte menu. Call (850) 269-0830. April 8 Easter Lunch Cruise Location: SunQuest Cruises The “Solaris” will cruise the Choctawhatchee Bay from 1- 3 p.m. Call (850) 650-2519 or visit www.sunquestcruises.com. April 8 Easter Sunday Dining Location: Beach Walk Henderson Park Time: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Enjoy this wonderful dining experience at Destin’s only fine dining located directly on the emerald waters of the Gulf Coast. Visit www.beachwalkhendersonpark.com or call (850) 650-7100. www.DestinChamber.com
April 13 Amy Riddell’s Reading and Book Signing Location: Northwest Florida State College Time: 7 p.m. Come hear Amy Riddell as she reads from her first full-length collection of poetry, “Bullets in the Jewelry Box.” Visit www.NWFSC.edu/NWFSCReads. April 13 Friends of the Destin Library Host Free Couponing Class Location: Destin Library Time: 10 a.m. The free Coupon Class is designed to educate people on the tremendous savings we all have right at our fingertips. Email info@gotcouponsusa.com to register, as seating is limited. April 14 40th Annual Cox Cablethon Fundraiser to Benefit Covenant Hospice Location: Cox Channel 6 Time: 6 p.m. The broadcast will be hosted by Sue Straughn from WEAR TV-3 and “Diamond” Dan Kuhn from Cumulus station 105.5 The Wolf. The auction will be hosted online, allowing bidders to view and bid on items for 40 days, at www.eventsatcovenanthospice.org/cablethon. NETWORK APRIL 2012
April Calendar of Events April 14 2nd Annual “Run 4 Science” Family Festival Location: Ft. Walton Beach Landing Time: 8:30 a.m. This family event will have races for all ages, starting with a pre-school race of 100m leading up to the adult 5k Fun Run. After the race, enjoy activities and information booths provided by local business. Visit www.run4science.com. April 14 – 15 NWFSC Flute Ensemble in Concert Time: Noon on Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday The ensemble “Flutes Furioso” of Northwest Florida State College will perform on Saturday at the Tyler Recital Hall, in the Mattie Kelly Arts Center on the college’s Niceville campus, and again on Sunday in the atrium of Westwood Retirement. Both concerts are free of charge and open to the public. April 16 African American Student Association Poetry Slam Location: Northwest Florida State College Time: 3 p.m. Join Professor Patrice Williams, NWFSC Professor of English, and the college’s African American Student Association (AASA) at this competitive spoken-word poetry event. Visit www.NWFSC.edu/NWFSCReads. April 16 – 22 Community Earth Week Clean Up The Okaloosa County Environmental Council (OCEC), the Tourist Development Council, and the County Commissioners will cosponsor this event in conjunction with the annual observance of Earth Day. Visit www. co.okaloosa.fl.us/environmental.html or www.facebook.com/pages/OkaloosaEnvironmental-Council/30036842975. April 17 Blackwater Review Unveiling and Poetry Reading by Taylor Mali Location: Northwest Florida State College Time: 6 p.m. The college’s prestigious literary and arts NETWORK APRIL 2012
journal will be unveiled and available for purchase. Student contributors will be honored at the unveiling and reception, which is held immediately prior to the 7 p.m. poetry reading by featured guest poet Taylor Mali. Visit www.NWFSC.edu/NWFSCReads. April 17 Independent Film Series – “Welcome” Location: Destin Library Time: 7 p.m. The Friends Guild of the Destin Library sponsor this monthly movie night, featuring an award-winning independent and foreign film. The program is free and open to the public, and the films are unrated. Call 837-8572. April 18 Destin Woman’s Club Fundraiser Location: Solaris at Baytowne Wharf Time: 6:15 – 9 p.m. Please join us for an evening of music and prizes to benefit Caring and Sharing of South Walton. Visit www.destinwomansclub.org. April 18 The Craft of Writing with Taylor Mali Location: Northwest Florida State College Time: 10:30 a.m. Meet the visiting poet Taylor Mali and hear him discuss the art and work of writing. Visit www.NWFSC.edu/NWFSCReads. April 19 Celebrity Server Luncheon Location: Bonefish Grill Time: 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. seatings Newman-Dailey Resort Properties will once again partner with Bonefish Grill to host the luncheon benefit for United Way of Okaloosa/ Walton County and the American Cancer Society. Contact Lisa Morgan or Landra Sanders at (850) 837-1071 for tickets. April 20 - 21 Dance Facets 2012 Location: Northwest Florida State College Time: 7:30 p.m. An evening of beauty and grace with 34 dancwww.DestinChamber.com
ers who will perform seven original dance presentations featuring: contemporary ballet, modern, jazz, and tap. Call (850) 729-6000. April 21 Kid’s Fest Location: HarborWalk Village Time: 1 - 6 p.m. Enjoy hands on activities, face painting, and entertainment including fish painting, kite making, sidewalk murals, inflatables, jewelry making, demonstrations from local artisans, kids’ karaoke contest, and more. April 21 Destin’s Spring Cleanup Day Location: City of Destin area This is hosted by the City of Destin and Waste Management. For a list of items that can be picked up on this date, visit www.CityofDestin.com. April 23 Sacred Heart Charity Golf Classic Location: Burnt Pine Golf Club The Sacred Heart Charity Golf Classic has become the signature fundraising event for Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. Visit www.sacredheartemerald.org, email shf-emeraldcoast@shhpens.org or call (850) 278-3700. April 25 JobsPlus Mobile Unit Location: Silver Sands Factory Stores Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The JobsPlus 40-foot Mobile One-Stop vehicle will be stationed at Silver Sands, and job seekers will have access to hundreds of positions available at Silver Sands Factory Stores and be able to register in the Employ Florida Marketplace database. Call (850) 654-9771 x1 or visit www.SilverSandsOutlet.com. April 26 - 29 26th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf A picture perfect event complete with white tents, flowing wine, gourmet food, and live music. Visit www.sandestinwinefestival.com. PAGE 13
Brilliant Minds 4010 Commons Dr. Ste. 100 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-1200 www.brilliantminds.org Category: Non-Profits Chamber Rep: Gloria Scaife
Flamingo’s Tropical Wines & Gifts, LLC 34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste. #140 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 424-7035 www.flamingoswineandgifts.com Category: Retail Wine Chamber Rep: Tracey Alexander
The Menu Mag 401 Mountain Dr. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-3352 www.thinkmenumag.com Category: Restaurant Guide Chamber Rep: Douglas Hite
Campanella Media & Public Affiars, LLC 495 Grand Blvd. Ste. 206 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (202) 276-1303 www.andrewcampanella.com Category: Public Relations Chamber Rep: Andrew Campanella
Fred Astaire Dance Studio 11 Yacht Club Dr. N.E Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548 (850) 244-4480 www.floridafredastaire.com Category: Dance Studios Chamber Rep: Angie Schultz
Miracle Strip Body Shop, Inc. 318 Racetrack Rd. N.W Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547 (850) 862-8212 Category: Automobile-Repair Chamber Rep: James De Staven III
Ciao Bella - Destin 529 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 32541-2327 (850) 259-4811 www.guglielmositaliangrill.com Category: Restaurants - Italian Chamber Rep: Sandra Fallon Ciao Bella - Silver Sands Factory Stores 10676 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste. 146 Destin, FL 32550 (850) 654-3040 www.guglielmositaliangrill.com Category: Restaurants - Italian Chamber Rep: Sandra Lavigne
Jets Pizza of Destin 4418 Commons Dr. E. Ste. B-2 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 654-5387 www.jetspizza.com Category: Restaurants - Pizza Chamber Rep: Nick Borst Johnny Rockets Destin Commons 4348 Legendary Dr. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-0005 www.johnnyrockets.com Category: Restaurants - American Chamber Rep: Debra J. Moore
Coastal Core Pilates & Wellness 11275 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W. Unit 7 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 650-0201 www.coastalcorepilates.com Category: Fitness Centers Chamber Rep: Perri Panella
Landshark’s Pizza Company 763 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 424-6743 www.landsharkspizzacompany.com Category: Restaurants - Pizza Chamber Rep: Brian Hassman
The Doggy Bag 34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste. 126 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-9833 www.thedoggybag.com Category: Pet Boutique & Bakery Chamber Rep: Carol Gentemann
Massage Envy Spa Destin 34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste. 132 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 650-8500 www.massageenvy.com Category: Spa Chamber Rep: Rosemary Martinek
Plan Ahead Events 981 Hwy. 98 E. Ste. 3 #239 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 396-8820 www.pae-ec.com Category: Event Planners Chamber Rep: Chuck Highers Synergy Home Care 495 Grand Blvd. Ste. 206 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 687-3965 www.synergyhomecare.com/emeraldcoast Category: Healthcare Chamber Rep: Dale Dalbey Tuscany Italian Bistro 36178 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 650-2451 www.tuscanybistrodestin.com Categories: Restaurants - Italian; Wedding Suppliers & Services Chamber Rep: Michelle Hershkowitz
To join the Chamber, please call or email
(850) 837-6241 or mail@DestinChamber.com.
www.DestinChamber.com PAGE 14
www.DestinChamber.com
NETWORK APRIL 2012
MULTI-CHAMBER EXPO PACKS CONFERENCE CENTER
A & A Transfer & Storage, Inc. (850) 244-7661 Chamber Rep: Glenn Shelley
Emerald Coast Kennel, Inc. (850) 267-1679 Chamber Rep: Lynda Peters
Abec Resorts (850) 351-0516 Chamber Rep: Sandra Brown
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (850) 269-0830 Chamber Rep: Dan Scesnewicz
Boathouse Oyster Bar (850) 837-3645 Chamber Rep: Kelly Pfirrman Boyd Brothers (800) 677-2693 Chamber Rep: Jody Detrick Burke, Blue, Hutchison Walters & Smith, P.A. (850) 267-9498 Chamber Rep: M. Todd Burke, Esq. Cafe Thirty-A & Fishbone Room (850) 231-2166 Chamber Rep: Ms. Harriet Crommelin Charter Boat Sure Lure (850) 376-8399 Chamber Rep: Pamella Dana Destin Animal Clinic (850) 837-2931 Chamber Rep: Jim Brechin, DVM Destin Collision, Inc. (850) 654-5827 Chamber Rep: Steve VanAtta Destin United Methodist Church & Destin Life Center (850) 837-2021 Chamber Rep: Anita Sharron Downtown Destin Shopping Center (251) 342-8600 Chamber Rep: Cheryl Smith Eglin Federal Credit Union (850) 862-0111 Chamber Rep: Sherry Harlow
Jane Araguel and Team Remax Coastal Properties (850) 650-0300 Chamber Rep: Ms. Jane Araguel
On Thursday, March 2, the Crestview Area, Destin Area, Greater Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville Valparaiso chambers of commerce partnered to bring their members the Multi-Chamber Business Expo & Taste of Okaloosa County. Approximately 500 attended the event. Event sponsors included BrightStar Emerald Coast; CenturyLink; Fort Walton Beach Medical Center; Landrum Human Resources; Northwest Florida Daily News; Northwest Florida Regional Airport; Simple HR; and Twin Cities Hospital.
Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc., Dallas TX, Sondra Pace, Independent Beauty Consultant and Team Leader (850) 654-1353 Chamber Rep: Sondra Pace Morgan Stanley (850) 650-7300 Chamber Rep: Mark Kaltz Office Depot #2328 (850) 650-0120 Chamber Rep: Rob Calbert Payne Chiropractic Wellness Center (850) 654-8770 Chamber Rep: Dr. Alan Payne Regions Bank - Main (850) 833-8422 Chamber Rep: Jason Wilbur Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise (850) 234-7400 Chamber Rep: Philip Adams Shelter House, Inc. (850) 243-1201 Chamber Rep: Michelle Sperzel StorageMax (850) 269-2411 Chamber Rep: Bill Burrelle
Embassy Suites Hotel Destin-Miramar Beach (850) 337-7000 Chamber Rep: Bobby Clark NETWORK APRIL 2012
www.DestinChamber.com
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DESTIN BUSINESS FORUM In partnership with Cox Communications, the Chamber’s monthly TV program will host the following organizations beginning in April:
We consider pets to be important caregivers. That’s why cats, dogs and birds are welcome! Older adults receive many benefits from pets, including comfort, companionship and relief from boredom and loneliness. They can enhance quality of life and good health by reducing blood pressure, stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that the ability to care for a pet enhances self-esteem and provides a sense of purpose. Animals bring out our nurturing instinct, make us feel safe and unconditionally accepted.
Chuck Lawson – Tropical Island Music
Move in with your...
Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau
best friend.
Our staff is devoted to helping all of our residents with their daily needs. Even the ones with wet noses.
SunQuest Cruises
Please call us to discover all that Westwood Retirement Resort has to offer.
Independent Living • Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Exceptional Experiences Every DaySM 1001 Mar Walt Drive, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 (850) 863-5174 www.brookdaleliving.com 523 *% ([FHSWLRQDO ([SHULHQFHV (YHU\ 'D\ LV D 6HUYLFH 0DUN RI %URRNGDOH 6HQLRU /LYLQJ ,QF 1DVKYLOOH 71 86$
2075240
Law Offices ROBERT E. MCGILL, III, P.A.
ROBERT E. MCGILL, III 36008 Emerald Coast Pkwy. • Suite C Destin, Florida 32541
3019502
ATTORNEY AT LAW
850-837-1386 Fax 850-837-1574
Celebrate ethics with your Better Business Bureau Torch Award Luncheon Thursday, May 10 SunDestin 1040 Hwy. 98 East Destin, FL 32541
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Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics Customer Service Excellence Award Student Ethics Scholarship 3027776
PAGE 16
RSVP at 800.729.9226 info@nw.bbb.org nw.bbb.org/TorchAward
3027784
www.DestinChamber.com
2075242
NETWORK APRIL 2012