Chamber Resolution Supports Half-Cent Sales Tax During its May 24 meeting, the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors passed a resolution in support of the half-cent sales tax for the Okaloosa County School District, with funds generated to be used for technology equipment, bandwidth and retrofit, HVAC projects, and capital improvement projects. “I don’t look at this as a tax; I look at it as in investment in our future,” explained Chamber Chairman Brian Haugen, Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James & Associates, about the Board’s decision to support the increase. “Okaloosa County has always prided itself on its excellent academic record, and now we lack the broadband to power our computers. Combined with severely deteriorated infrastructure, this leaves us with either a property rate tax hike, which we don’t support; a millage rate hike, which we don’t support; or sales tax increase, which only partially affects our residents. Every county in the state either has an increase in tax or has it up for vote at this time due to the decrease in state and local funding.” The Board encourages residents in Okaloosa County to vote “yes” to approve this sales tax increase during the August primary.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE JULY 2010
June Breakfast Page 8
Leads Lunch Pages 8-9
Sunset on the Harbor Page 9
Business Briefs Pages 6, 7, 13, 14
Seafood Festival Pages 12, 15
VOL. XVIII NO. VII
2010 DESTIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP
From the President’s Desk... A Tough But Needed Position
Executive Committee Chairman of the Board BRIAN HAUGEN Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James & Associates Chairman Elect MIKE FREEMAN Whitney National Bank Immediate Past Chairman KAREN MCCARTHY Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union Treasurer BILL LINDSLEY Simple HR Vice Chairman/Communications & Marketing TIM EDWARDS Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill Vice Chairman/Community & Economic Development LES PORTERFIELD Porterfield Engineering, Inc. Vice Chairman/Membership Development JIM BREITENFELD Emerald Consulting and Management Group Harbor Advisory Board SHANE CANNON Ballard Cannon Development Directors ED ADAMS GCS Building Solutions, Inc. CARMELA BELL ResortQuest Real Estate KEVIN BOWYER O’Sullivan Creel, LLP SHAUN EUBANKS Community Bank, Destin BILL HEAD Fort Walton Beach Medical Center ED MCMULLEN, JR. Legendary, Inc. AMY PERRY Pleat & Perry, P.A. KATHY WHIDDEN Emerald Coast Chiropractic MARY ANNE WINDES Real Estate Professionals of Destin Destin Fishing Fleet Marina Ex Officio MYRA WILLIAMS Howard Group Chairman’s Appointees CAREY TROTTER Trotter’s General Contractors, Inc. TONYA HOLMAN Coastal Bank & Trust Special Appointee KIM WINTNER Alliance Association Management Co., Inc.
Management Team SHANE MOODY, CCE, IOM President & CEO ceo@DestinChamber.com ELIZABETH SPIES Vice President of Communications espies@DestinChamber.com RISA GARNER Director of Events rgarner@DestinChamber.com WENDY SCHAEFER Information Specialist mail@DestinChamber.com SANDI MCCLANAHAN Membership Consultant sandi@DestinChamber.com
(850) 837-6241
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Shane A. Moody, CCE, 1OM There are times that call for easy decisions and positions. There are times that call for tough decisions and positions. There are times that call for necessary decisions and positions that are also tough positions. You’ve heard me say many times before that it is a fundamental responsibility of a chamber of commerce to take those tough positions when it’s the best for the business community. And that’s just what your Chamber Board has done with its position on the half-cent sales tax for the Okaloosa County School District. At its regularly
scheduled May meeting, your Board unanimously voted to pass a resolution supporting the half-cent sales tax for the school district. I was not surprised by the unanimous vote or by the overwhelming support of the resolution. The Board understands its role in supporting the improvement of education and educational facilities to ensure that we have a well-trained and wellequipped population entering the workforce. A quality workforce is vital to a strong jobcreating economy. A quality education system is vital to a quality workforce. When you realize the need for quality technology and facilities to educate our children and keep Okaloosa County and the Destin area competitive in our rapidly-changing world, supporting the half-cent sales tax is easy. Okaloosa County has one of the very best school districts, if not the best, in the state. The continued recognition of the A+ designation is
proof of that. We must be sure that technology is current and updated. We must be sure our facilities provide an environment that allows and encourages learning. We must send our children out into the world prepared to conquer the challenges that lie ahead. That’s exactly what this funding will do. At our Board Retreat last November, the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors joined a handful of other chambers across the state and adopted the six drivers of Florida’s future economy as determined by the Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation. We did so because it’s the first time in recent memory that so many statewide organizations and major employers are on the same page in creating a competitive economy. One of those six drivers is Talent. We need to provide education to meet the needs of Florida’s employees, including Pre-K through 12, higher education, and workforce develop-
ment. Global competition doesn’t mean the other side of the world; it’s just around the corner. We want our students to be the best; therefore, we need to create the best. For those of you in Okaloosa County, the Chamber’s Board of Directors encourages you to vote YES on the half-cent sales tax for technology equipment, bandwidth and retrofit, HVAC projects, and capital improvements with a 3:1 ratio of infrastructure: technology. With a 17.87% decline in capital outlay dollars generated for and collected by the school district, the funds from the half-cent sales tax are a must. After all, that’s how we’ll continue to build this world-class community one business, and one student, 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: May 2010 Phone Calls/E-mails – 1,600 Incoming Mail – 194 Visitors to Welcome Center Lobby – 335 Visitors’ Guide & Membership Directories Mailed – 479 Relocation Packages – 21 The Chamber’s website recorded 53,564 unique visitors for May 2010 and 531,154 unique visitors for June 1, 2009 – May 31, 2010.
Celebrating Ambassador Successes Congratulations to our top Ambassadors for May 2010: 65 points – Paul Woolman, Copy Systems Business Center, Inc. 45 points – Richard Barrington, Holiday Isle Properties, Inc. 45 points – Sherry Schneider, ASP of Northwest Florida 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 JULY 2010
A Message from the Chairman of the Board Lessons from our Fathers
Brian Haugen I’m regularly taken aback by folks who use statistical numbers in order to emphasize their points. I wonder how many of those statistics are actually correct. My CPA mentioned just yesterday that 48.2% of all statistics are made up on
the spot. Funny, I thought it was a higher number than that, but I guess he’s right. Many Gulf oil drilling supporters spoke of the statistical safety of oil drilling in the Gulf. Well, at least they did up till a couple months ago. I wondered how factual those statistics were then, as I do now. Couple that with the recently discovered knowledge of ethical and legal violations at offshore oil rigs, and it makes me question the credibility and reliability of those who produce facts and figures. I mean, who are we to trust for credible news and information? Perhaps the answer is that we shouldn’t
rely on any one source of news and information. Perhaps we’ll have to spend a little time on our own research, study, and fact finding. I’m finishing a great book entitled, “Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout,” by Rick Rigsby, PhD. He’s writing about his father and his father’s generation of post-depression and post-WWII era Americans. I find the book inspiring and enlightening, as he speaks to the difference in generations of our country – particularly their ethics and morals. Dr. Rigsby points out that his father’s generation believed that: • Talk is cheap. • Actions speak louder
than words. • Your word is your bond. • Don’t say it if you don’t mean it. Contrast these words with the language that consumes our culture today: • Learn to talk a good game. • All things are negotiable and subject to change. • Well, I showed up, didn’t I? • Just do the best you can. • Oh well, you tried, didn’t you? As we face the continuing devastative side effects of this oil spill tragedy, I wonder how many of the former versus later
cultural bullets applied in the lead up to this disaster. I wonder how many statistical “facts” were proven inaccurate. And, perhaps most importantly, I wonder if our business, social, and political classes will gain an ethical and moral lesson from this experience. If everyone read and prescribed to the “Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout,” could this oil spill been prevented? I don’t know, but it might help us to avoid the next manmade disaster. Your Destin Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors signed two separate resolutions in June and September of 2009 opposing off-
shore oil drilling in state and federal waters because we feared it could negatively impact the two main livelihoods of our area: tourism and our military mission. I think we did the right thing based on the independent research we did – not simply relying on the “statistical analysis” provided by others. Brian Haugen 2010 Destin Area Chamber Chairman of the Board Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James & Associates
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THE CHAMBER MONTH AHEAD Please join us for our Business to Business Breakfast at Destin Middle School. Check-in begins at 7:15 a.m. Cost is $15 for members who RSVP, $20 for members that attend without registering, and $30 for non-members. Please visit the Events Calendar at www.Destin Chamber.com to register. All registrations are due by July 1. Always the second Friday of each month, these events are attended by approximately 150 area business professionals. With speakers, such as industry experts, economists, and area officials, and ample networking opportunities, these events are packed with value. JULY
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Join us for the July Leads Lunch. Enjoy networking activities to meet potential clients and reconnect with old friends! All members are encouraged to attend. The cost to attend is $20 for members and $40 for non-members. One lucky attendee will receive a free membership renewal worth up to $315! Please visit the Events Calendar at www.DestinChamber.com to register. All registrations are due by July 19. Always held the third Wednesday of each month, these events are open to all members and are attended by approximately 100 area business professionals. JULY
Member Spotlight This month’s member in the spotlight is Jason Wilbur, vice president and manager of Region Bank’s Destin Main location. “My primary role is as a relationship manager to consumers and small businesses,” said Wilbur. “It is my professional goal to provide excellent service, advice, and products to all of my customers in order to help them develop a stronger financial position.” Regions Bank, which
has 16 locations in Okaloosa and Walton counties, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., but it stays grounded by its involvement in the communities it serves. Regions Financial Corp, with $142 Billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 100 Index and one of the nation’s largest fullservice providers of consumer and commercial banking, trust, securities brokerage, mortgage and insurance products, and services.
Jason Wilbur, Regions Bank “I have worked with some great local organizations, like the Destin Area Chamber, United Way, Mattie Kelly Foundation, and the Destin Fishing Rodeo. All of these great organizations are dedicated to the community that I have been part of for so long, and they have provided me with great contacts both professionally and personally. I would like to thank Regions, my customers, family, and friends for everything they have done
for me and look forward to returning the favor,” said Wilbur. Wilbur grew up locally, attending Fort Walton Beach High School and graduating from the University of West Florida in Pensacola. He has worked in the consumer and small business financial industry for 13 years. For more information, please contact Wilbur at (850) 833-8426 or visit the Destin Main location at 100 Main Street.
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Business After Hours sponsored by Avantgarde Salon, Inc., will be held from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Our Business After Hours events offer an end-of-the-day networking opportunity to help you meet new clients, gain exposure for your business, and expand your network. Beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be served. 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. JULY
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Chamber Board of Directors Meeting will be held in the Chamber conference room at 11:30 a.m.
For information about all Chamber events, please visit the Events Calendar at www.DestinChamber.com. PAGE 4
Non-Profits Strengthening Our Community Sandestin Lions Club - Providing Eye Sight Assistance for Those in Need Do you know someone having difficulty seeing, maybe to drive, read their school work, follow directions to complete a simple task, or other impacts on their home, school, or work life? Lions can assist in getting exams and glasses for those who cannot afford them. Lions Clubs International is the largest international service club in the world with more than 1.3 million members in 44,000 clubs in 205 countries and geographical areas. The closest Lions Club to our readership area is the Sandestin Lions Club. It has been in the business of assisting those with eyesight issues for more than 32 years. In an attempt to increase its impact in our local community, the Sandestin Lions Club is looking for those in our community that may have difficulty with their
eyesight. If you qualify for assistance, you can receive an eye exam and a pair of glasses through the Lions Club. Dr. Houston Sparks of the Destin Wal-Mart Vision Center, a member of the Sandestin Lions Club, has been actively supporting the club’s eye glass exam and glasses needs for a number of years. The Sandestin Lions Club mainly serves south Walton County and southeastern portion of Okaloosa County. According to recently inducted president Jim Wood of Destin, “our mission is to serve our community. We do that by assisting those with eyesight needs. Eye exams and glasses do not cost that much, and it is amazing how something so simple can make such a large difference in an individual’s quality of life.” If you need assistance with an eye exam and glasses and cannot
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afford them, please contact the Sandestin Lions Club. It can be reached at P.O. Box 1295, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, or you may contact Wood at (home) 2690196, (cell) 502-9468, or armyguyindestin@embarqmail.com. In 2007, the Sandestin Lions Club formed a non-profit foundation 501-C-3, the Sandestin Lions Foundation. It raises funds for eye exams and glasses, for local scholarships, and to make donations to other state and national organizations that further the work of the Lions Club. Fundraisers include poinsettia sales, a tennis tournament, and a golf tournament. The Club has actively supported educational scholarships through Northwest Florida State College, South Walton High School, and Freeport High School. The Sandestin Lions Club meets the third
Monday of each month at noon at the Sandestin Bayside Conference Center. Speakers are always needed, if you have a topic of interest. The Club will host its annual golf tournament on Nov. 2, at Sharks Tooth Golf Club, one of the premier golf clubs on the Emerald Coast. For more information on Lions Clubs in general or the Sandestin Club specifically, contact Wood or visit www.lionsclubs.org or http://e-clubhouse.org/ sites/sandestinfl. The above article is part of our series spotlighting our non-profit organizations. Their efforts strengthen the Destin community, and we are proud of their dedication and hard work. If you would like your non-profit organization spotlighted here, please contact Elizabeth Spies at (850) 837-6241 or espies@ DestinChamber.com. NETWORK JULY 2010
Destin Business Forum In partnership with Cox Communications, the Chamber’s monthly TV program will host the following organizations beginning in July: Beaches ‘N Dreams 70 Pompano St. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 368-3951 Category: Accommodations-Gulf View Houses Chamber Rep: Thomas Callen
Moore Consulting Group 2011 Delta Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32303 (850) 224-0174 www.moore-pr.com Category: Public Relations Chamber Rep: Amy Martin
David’s Foods/Quarter Limit Inc. PO Box 5376 Winter Park, FL 32793 (407) 399-5242 www.davidsfestivalfoods.com Category: Catering Sales & Service Chamber Rep: David Poling
Sugar Beach Catering 302 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 225-5962 www.sugarbeachcatering.com Category: Catering Sales & Service Chamber Rep: Juan Palerm
Florida Rep. Matthew Gaetz 99 Eglin Pkwy. N.E. Ste. 18 Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548 (850) 833-9328 Category: State and Federal Legislators Chamber Rep: Matthew Gaetz Havens & Miller, P.L.L.C 4481 Legendary Dr. Ste. 204 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 424-6442 www.trustestatelaw.net Category: Attorneys Chamber Rep: Jason E. Havens, L.L.M., P.L.L.C. Johnny O’Quigley’s 34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste. 101 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-1015 www.johnnyoquigleys.com Category: Restaurants - American Chamber Rep: Johnny Fuller
Cooling Services LLC Le Grand Cirque
Synergy 1301-A Eglin Pkwy. Shalimar, FL 32579 (850) 376-4447 www.synergygrafx.com Category: Business Services Chamber Rep: Rex & Cheryl McKee
Destin Seafood Festival
Host Amy Perry Pleat & Perry, P.A. Destin Business Forum airs on Cox Channel 6. The schedule is available online underneath the Channel 6 heading: ww2.cox.com/myconnection/gulfcoast/watch.cox
The Village Inn 215 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 32541-2313 (850) 837-7413 Category: Accommodations-Motels Chamber Rep: Ms. Becky Dayaram Wind Creek Casino Hotel 303 Poarch Rd. Atmore, AL 32502 (251) 446-4200 www.windcreekcasino.com Category: Casinos Chamber Rep: Brent Pinkston
Chamber ‘Buy Destin’ Coupon Book Offers Big Savings From cooling services and appliance repair to discounts on daiquiris, shutters, and gator food, you can find a little bit of everything and big savings in the Chamber’s Buy Destin coupon book! It is available for purchase for $5 in our lobby. Stop by and
pick up one today. These books are printed in house, so it’s not too late to add your discount. Please contact Elizabeth Spies at (850) 837-2711 x5 or es pies@DestinChamber.com for details. It is free to our members to run a discount.
Refer potential members to the Chamber and receive a $25 credit toward your next membership renewal for each prospect that joins! There is no limit to the number of referral rewards you may receive. NETWORK JULY 2010
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Business Briefs Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Receives Chest Pain Center Accreditation Fort Walton Beach Medical Center received full Cycle III Chest Pain Center accreditation with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) from the Society of Chest Pain Center’s Accreditation Review Committee. The Society of Chest Pain Centers is a non-profit international organization devoted to improving the care of patients presenting with chest pain, heart attacks, and other heart-related health problems. Fort Walton Beach Medical Center is the only hospital in the Tri-County area of Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties to achieve this honor. O’Sullivan Creel CPA Certified as Financial Forensic Expert
exam and meeting other Silver Sands and its Partners Win Several Image academic and professional Awards requirements. She graduSilver Sands Factory ated from the Ohio State University with a bachelor’s Stores’ marketing team, in collaboration with area degree in accounting. business partners JobsPlus Silver Sands and Brooks and graphic designer Kate Kelley, recently received Brothers Participate in four Northwest Florida ImKaps for Kids age Awards at the local Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) ceremony in Pensacola. The teams received recognition for their 2010 Annual Report and 2009 Shop for a Holiday Job Festival. Silver Sands Factory Stores and Brooks Brothers Factory Store designated May 7, as Kaps for Kids Day. Team members purchased and wore shirts designed by Destin Middle School Student Savannah Bartleson to show their support for the Ronald McDonald House. The money raised from the annual fundraiser will help the local Ronald McDonald House organization move into its new 26-bedroom Pensacola house this summer. Community Celebrates Cinco de Mayo Cantina-Style
Tammy McGaughy, a CPA financial forensics expert with O’Sullivan Creel, LLP, has been awarded the Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) Credential by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). McGaughy, CPA, CFE, CFF, has 15 years of experience in the field of public accounting, specializing in compliance and internal audits and employee pension plans audits, as well as serving several of the firm’s for-profit, not-forprofit, and governmental entities. She is also a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), a designation administered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) attained by passing the CFE PAGE 6
From left to right are Rebecca Pazik, JobsPlus Center manager; Trisha King, JobsPlus business services representative; Ashley Watkins, Silver Sands’ assistant marketing director; Angela Triplett, Howard Group’s public relations manager; Traci Stokes, Silver Sands’ marketing director; and Kate Kelly, local graphic designer. Silver Sands Recognizes Employee of the Month Winners
he cares about all aspects left to right are Oliver Rouet, of the job: the company, the director of operations for Le store, and his coworkers. Grand Cirque; Simon Painter, creative director of Le Grand Cirque; Keith Howard, president and CEO of Howard Group; David King, executive producer of Le Grand Cirque; Merlin Allan, vice president of real estate for Howard Group; and John Heiser, executive The Silver Sands April vice president of developEmployee of the Month ment services for Howard was Karin Harrison of Wil- Group . sons Leather. Harrison has been employed with the Kilwin’s Expands in company since 2008. She Grand Boulevard is always searching for new ways to drive sales and encourages others every day with her motivation, love for the merchandise, and eagerness to learn.
Silver Sands’ May Employee of the Month was Susan Jackson of Zales. Jackson has been with the company for 15 months. She recently volunteered to work above and beyond her normal hours and has also won the most contests based on highest sales for the day. Opening Week of Le Grand Cirque Plays to Sold Out Crowds
The local community celebrated Cinco de Mayo Cantina-style in Grand Boulevard. Children enjoyed visiting and dancing with Dora the Explorer, courtesy of Learning Express Toys, as well as facepainting, crafts, and more. Family and friends enjoyed live music by Tropisound, a six-piece salsa band, and danced the night away. Cantina Laredo hosted the event, which also included delicious food and a special margarita cocktail.
Silver Sands Factory Stores’ March Employee of the Month was James McGarity of Waterford Wedgwood. McGarity, who has been employed with the company for 16 months, has been recognized for going beyond the call of duty by working at home to set up an informational website for the store. He is very good at increasing the organization of stockroom product, and
A second Kilwin’s Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream location is now open in Grand Boulevard. Paul and Kirsten Nykamp opened their first location three years ago and have expanded into a second location directly across from the Le Grand Cirque performance venue. The new Kilwin’s kiosk carries 10 different flavors of ice cream – all super premium and especially made just for Kilwin’s. Paying homage to everything “Grand,” the kiosk serves five specialty sundaes and one really special sundae, called the Grand Sundae. Hilton Sandestin Hires Rich as its Executive Meetings Manager
Le Grand Cirque producers and Howard Group executives attended opening week of the new major entertainment attraction in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin®. The world-class high energy spectacle will run all summer in Grand Boulevard. Pictured from
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Lauren Rich has joined the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa as executive meetings manager. In this role, Rich will be responsible for booking and coordinating events for small groups (25 room nights or less) and serving the event needs of those clients hands-on, from beginning to end. Rich will work directly under Rick Thompson, director of sales, and Matthew Price, director of event planning. Prior to joining the Hilton Sandestin Beach, Rich served as general manager and director of sales for Magnolia Hospitality Group in Auburn, Ala., overseeing sales, operations, and profitability of two Holiday Inn Express & Suites properties. In early 2009, Rich was the Special Events Coordinator at Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood, the Hilton Sandestin Beach’s AAA 4-Diamond restaurant. Children in Crisis Opens New Foster Home
Children in Crisis, Inc. (CIC), recently cut the ribbon on a new foster home, “Sue Sue’s Cottage” located in the CIC Children’s Neighborhood. More than 100 community leaders were in attendance to witness yet another significant milestone in CIC’s development. The new facility provides a home to eight foster children and keeps sibling families of brothers and sisters together. Construction of the home was made possible through a donation from Dr. Doug Porter and family and a grant from the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.
See BRIEFS on page 7 NETWORK JULY 2010
BRIEFS Continued from page 6 CIC Named Residential Group Care Provider of the Year Families First Network and the Florida Department of Children and Families named Children in Crisis, Inc. (CIC), the Circuit 1 Residential/Group Care Provider of the Year. “The founders, board of directors, staff, volunteers, donors, and our entire community can take great pride in this significant recognition. From day-one this has been a team effort, and I am very impressed with the great progress we’ve made together in a relatively short period of time,” said Ken Hair, CIC executive director. Kiwanis of Fort Walton Beach help Children in Crisis The Kiwanis Club of Fort Walton Beach recently presented Children in Crisis, Inc. (CIC), a donation to helps feed, clothe, and care for the children living at the CIC Children’s Neighborhood. “We have been blessed with great support from the community to build the Children’s Neighborhood. However, it’s a struggle to find the necessary funding to feed and clothe the kids and sustain operations into the future. Support from the Fort Walton Beach Kiwanis is a tremendous help in our efforts to provide a safe haven to the abused, neglected, and abandoned children that may not have a home,” said Ken Hair, CIC executive director.
Dr. Joyce Gillie Gossom of UWF Emerald Coast; Sherry Harlow and Marie Harrison of Valparaiso; Marnie Tate, Aimee Shaffer, Laura Hussey, Eddie Mae Owens, Joanna Musser, and Linda P. Evanchyk of Fort Walton Beach; Rosanna G. McCurry and Patricia Moran of Mary Esther; Carol Koch of Cinco Bayou; Judith Boudreaux of Niceville; and Karen Lauer and Jean Davis Downing of Shalimar. Emerald Coast Hospice Social Worker Receives LCSW Emerald Coast Hospice, the area’s leading non-profit hospice organization, is proud to announce Andrea Bard, MSW, social worker for the Fort Walton Beach office, has become a licensed clinical social worker. Bard holds a Master of Social Work from University of Nevada Las Vegas and has been a social worker for Emerald Coast Hospice for three years.
New Manager of Clinical Practice at Emerald Coast Hospice Emerald Coast Hospice, the area’s leading non-profit hospice organization, announced the appointment of Alishia Gonzales, BSN, as manager of clinical practice of its Fort Walton Beach office. Gonzales brings to the community more than six years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has been an area resident for the past year and previously served as a nurse case manager. Gonzales holds a Bachelor OCCSW Honors of Science in nursing from 15 Women Oklahoma The Okaloosa County Southwestern Commission on the Status State University with a miof Women (OCCSW) hon- nor in business. ored 15 special women in Sunshine Shuttle & the county who have conLimousine Teams Up tributed to the well being of with Airlines children, women, families, Sunshine Shuttle & and citizens of our community in the Women’s Wall of Limousine is now officially Honor ceremony held at the the employee and crew University of West Florida transportation service for Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Southwest Airlines at the Beach Campus, on Tues- new Northwest Florida day, May 4. Beaches International AirThe honorees included port. NETWORK JULY 2010
to patient care, leadership skills, community involvement, and educational development. “Lisa is a talented and dedicated individual who displays a true passion for the nursing profession and continually inspires oth14 Designers Volunteer to ers to excel,” said Nina “Warm Up” New Ronald Jeffords, vice president of patient care/chief nurse ofMcDonald House Ronald McDonald ficer. House Charities of NorthSacred Heart Health west Florida is less than three months away from System Names New Chief Operating Officer opening the new Ronald McDonald House. Area interior designers Connie Crosby and Erica Hayes are co-chairing a committee of volunteers whose design skills will make the house a warm and welcoming environment for the 26-families who will be served on a nightly basis. Allan Benton, Bit-Wizards Hires Alyce Flournoy-Jones, Ann Kelly Pearson as Senior Cramer, Diana Schneider, Web Designer Sacred Heart Health John Griffin, Kelly Reynolds, Kathryn Cowles, Les- System has selected Carol lie Reeves, Lucy McLen- L. Schmidt as its new chief don, Megan Whitaker, operating officer. She joins Nancy Greenfield, Richard Sacred Heart after serving Perkins, Sarah Gillette, and with Ascension Health and Tip McAlpin are all working the Daughters of Charity hard to recruit donations National Health System for of art, bath and bed sets, 12 years. Since 2000, she area rugs, and accessories served as vice president to make the home a relax- of operational excellence ing and comforting environ- for Ascension Health. In Bit-Wizards, a leading ment for families and their ill this capacity, she led an internal consulting division provider of custom soft- and injured children. that assisted health faciliware solutions and website ties throughout Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital design in the Southeast, announced the hiring of Kelly Announces Outstanding Health to improve quality and operational and finanNurse of the Year Pearson. Pearson brings cial performance. considerable experience and talent to the Bit-WizFundraiser Raises More ards team. She has an exThan $7,000 for Destin tensive background in copy Fishermen writing, illustration, graphic, The Fighting for Fisherand web design, as well as men event, organized by a wealth of knowledge and the Boathouse Oyster Bar, experience in IT and busiraised more than $7,000 ness consulting. Pearson for the Destin Fishermen’s will now lend her expertise Fund. Donations are still to Bit-Wizards as senior coming in, and t-shirts are web designer, where she Sacred Heart Hospital available. will play an integral role in on the Emerald Coast redesign and marketing. North Light Announces cently presented Lisa GonOpening of Restaurant zalez, registered nurse in the Fundraiser is in the Bag North Light Marina for Two Local Nonprofits Intensive Care Unit, with the Ronald McDonald hospital’s 2010 Nurse Ex- announced the opening of House Charities of North- cellence Award. Each year, Malibu Jack’s Marina Grill, west Florida and Shelter fellow employees nominate a waterfront café accesHouse Inc. recently joined nurses for this prestigious sible by both land and waforces to raise funds for the honor, which is based on ter and open to the public. two local nonprofit organiza- the nurse’s commitment Open during lunch and dinMajors Home Improvement Wins REMODELING’s Big50 Award Majors Home Improvement has been selected by REMODELING magazine to join the REMODELING Big50. The winners were featured in the May issue of REMODELING, a national trade publication read by more than 80,000 professional remodeling contractors. Each year since 1986, the REMODELING Big50 inducts the owners of 50 remodeling companies that have set exceptionally high standards for professionalism and integrity through exemplary business practices, craftsmanship, and impact in their community or the industry at large
tions with Purses for a Purpose. The one-day event, held at Destin Commons on May 6, raised more than $4,000 through the auction and sale of donated new and “gently used” designer bags.
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ner hours from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, the new grill overlooks Boggy Bayou and features weekly poolside entertainment. BBB® Foundation Recognizes Ethics and Integrity in the Marketplace Your Better Business Bureau® Foundation Serving Northwest Florida announced the winners of the 5th annual Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics and Customer Service Excellence Awards from its District II area, which covers Okaloosa and Walton counties. Gulf Coast Electric, the Torch Award winner in the larger business category, stood out in a number of ways: many of its longterm employees have been with the company for 10-15 years; it has a wall of letters from satisfied customers in the lobby; and employees consistently live the business’ motto: “show up on time, do the job right, and charge a fair price.” Alaqua Animal Refuge received the Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics in the charity category. Up to 250 animals at a time find safety and care at the unique, full-service, nokill shelter. Alaqua Animal Refuge has created several community assistance programs, including Walton County’s only spay/neuter program, special protection programs for abused animals, providing companion animals to senior citizens and those with disabilities, and educational programs for children. BBB’s Customer Service Excellence Award honors individuals who go above and beyond in their customer service activities. The winners were Blake Budding with Action Restoration of the Panhandle and Larry Stewart at the Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Welcome Center.
See BUSINESS on page 13 PAGE 7
Leadership Okaloosa 2010-2011 Applications Available The Northwest Florida State College Leadership Institute is now accepting applications for the 2010-2011 Leadership Okaloosa program. The 10-month leadership development and community awareness program is presented by Northwest Florida State College Leadership Institute in partnership with the Crestview Area, Destin Area, the Greater Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville Valparaiso chambers of commerce. Program participants meet one day a month from September to June and receive classroom leadership development training by a certified instructor. Topics covered during the training sessions include vision, time management, conflict management, team building, ethics, crisis management, and more.
Participants are also given opportunities to interact with various key community leaders thought the process. Tours of area businesses in Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville Valparaiso, as well as Eglin Air Force Base, provide participants with an understanding of the community. A highlight of the program is the two-day trip to Tallahassee for Legislative Days with other area Leadership classes. Another important aspect of Leadership Okaloosa is the networking relationships forged that lead to long lasting personal and professional relationships. Tuition is $800. Applications are due by July 16, and may be obtained online at www.nwfsc.edu/LI or by calling (850) 729-6880.
Small Business Workshops The following workshops will be offered by the University of West Florida’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) during July 2010. For more information, please call the Fort Walton Beach SBDC at (850) 833-9400. Starting a Business – This workshop will review business planning areas, such as financing, selecting a business legal structure, identifying your market, recordkeeping, and identifying risks that can challenge success. The fee is $35. To reserve your seat, please call the SBDC at 833-9400 by July 6. July 7 • 3 – 6 p.m.
Anchor Clinic LLC (850) 650-0555 Chamber Rep: Carla Polk Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar (850) 267-3055 Chamber Rep: Tammy Bailey Barbara J. Mizell DMD, Inc. (850) 424-6996 Chamber Rep: Barbara Mizell Best Destin Beach House Rental (850) 269-0890 Chamber Rep: Jan Hansen Blackwater Canoe Rental (850) 623-0235 Chamber Rep: Randy Polk Club Destin Resort (850) 654-4700 Chamber Rep: Mr. Gary Gasper
NWF/UWF, Bldg. 1, Room 126 Fort Walton Beach Campus
Write The Ultimate Business Plan – This workshop is divided into two separate sessions. It is essential for both new and expanding businesses. Computer software now makes writing a business plan routine. Your instructor will lead you through a step-by-step process of developing financial projections and organizing your business plan. “Ultimate Business Planner” software is included in the registration fee. The fee for workshop and software is $99. To reserve your seat, please call the SBDC at 833-9400 by July 14. July 15 and 22 • 3 – 5 p.m.
Bill Abbott (850) 654-4437 Chamber Rep: Bill Abbott
NWF/UWF, Bldg.1, Room 126 Fort Walton Beach Campus
Coastal Ventures Management, LLC (850) 650-8439 Chamber Rep: David A. Beach Community Bank, Destin (850) 650-4231 Chamber Rep: Kristen Brannon
Brown Bag: Buy and Selling a Business – Visit www.sbdc.uwf.edu for description. Presented by David Charitat. Course is FREE, but pre-registration required. To reserve your seat, please call the SBDC at 833-9400 by July 8.
Complete Signs (850) 685-5441 Chamber Rep: Justin Holland
July 9 • 12 – 1 p.m.
Country Inn & Suites (850) 650-9191 Chamber Rep: Rod Johnson
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FWB SBDC, 922 Mar Walt Dr., Ste. 203 Fort Walton Beach
www.DestinChamber.com
Devcon Security Services (800) 426-9818 Chamber Rep: David Phillips
The Resorts of Pelican Beach (850) 654-1425 Chamber Rep: Dan Martin
Glass Bottom Boat (850) 654-7787 Chamber Rep: Tina Watson
Rocky Bayou Christian School (850) 678-7784 Chamber Rep: Toby Williams
Hog’s Breath Cafe (850) 837-5991 Chamber Rep: David Harris Howl @ The Moon (850) 301-0111 Chamber Rep: Steven LeBlanc Inn on Destin Harbor (850) 837-7326 Chamber Rep: Chad Noonan Keefe, Anchors, Gordon & Moyle, P.A. (850) 863-1974 Chamber Rep: Michelle Anchors Lady Anderson Dining Yacht (850) 234-5940 Chamber Rep: Suzie Cox Miracle Strip Aviation, Avitat Destin (850) 837-6135 Chamber Rep: Neyra Van Atta Motel 6 (850) 837-0007 Chamber Rep: Stephanie Pittman New York Life (850) 650-3029 Chamber Rep: Tim Kersanac Porterfield Engineering, Inc. (850) 654-0645 Chamber Rep: Les Porterfield
Ronnie McGee Properties, LLC (850) 217-0808 Chamber Rep: Ronnie McGee Shelter House, Inc. (850) 243-1201 Chamber Rep: Michelle Sperzel Steve Burke Painting (850) 502-7726 Chamber Rep: Steve Burke Dr. L. A. Strickland Chamber Rep: Dr. L. A. Strickland Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine (850) 650-6333 Chamber Rep: John Finch Trotter’s General Contractors, Inc. (850) 654-1747 Chamber Rep: Rebecca Forcier Vacation Homes Destin, LLC (850) 502-7725 Chamber Rep: Carol Burke White Sand Vacation Rentals (850) 654-5799 Chamber Rep: Trevor Ladner Whitney National Bank (850) 269-3610 Chamber Rep: Mike Freeman NETWORK JULY 2010
On May 20, Chamber and area leaders met with Adam Babington, Vice President of Governmental Affairs at the Florida Chamber, and Marco Rubio, candidate for US Senate, during a lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf.
SIMPLE SAVINGS TIP
JULY
Marco Rubio
Adam Babington (second from left)
Help Us Thank Our Visitors The premise of the Thank You Campaign is simple – offer a sincere thank you to those who choose to spend their vacation and dollars in Destin. The Chamber will be distributing 250 posters and 500 buttons to Chamber member businesses
to help promote the campaign. Participating businesses are asked to put up the posters where they are visible to the public and for frontline employees to wear the buttons. The most important element of the campaign is for all
businesses to train their employees to say, “Thank you for visiting Destin. We’re glad you’re here!” For more information, posters, or buttons, please contact Elizabeth Spies at (850) 837-2711 x5 or espies@DestinChamber.com.
Florida Chamber Recognizes Pro-Business Legislators Submitted by the Florida Chamber of Commerce The Florida Chamber of Commerce has released the 2010 Legislative Report Card, an online tool that grades legislators based on their support of pro-job and pro-business issues during the legislative session. Calculated annually based on legislators’ voting records on the issues outlined in
the Florida Chamber’s 2010 Florida Business Agenda, the Legislative Report Card also honors legislators from your area for their support on initiatives that will help move the state forward. “Particularly in an election year, it is so important for business leaders to know which legislators are working to protect their interests,” said Allan Bense,
“Low-flow showerheads deliver 2.5 gallons of water per minute or less and are inexpensive. Regular showerheads use 5 to 7 gallons per minute.”
A message from:
Judd Mooso
3017322
Lead Water Operator / Safety Coordinator
former Speaker of the House and chair-elect of the Florida Chamber Board of Directors. “The Florida Chamber’s Legislative Report Card is one of the best tools out there to help the business community make informed decisions during elections when campaign rhetoric tries to cast a candidate as pro-business when their voting record says otherwise.”
The Florida Chamber applauds the following lawmakers for making pro-business decisions and pro-job legislation their top priorities:
Legislator
Sen. Don Gaetz Rep. Clay Ford Rep. Matt Gaetz Rep. Dave Murzin Rep. Greg Evers Sen. Durrell Peaden
R E P O R T C A R DVoting Percentage 2010 Grade A A A A A A
100 100 100 100 97 97
To view the Florida Chamber’s complete online Legislative Report Card with all legislators’ grades, please visit www.floridachamber.com/2010ReportCard.asp.
Visit us on the Web at www.DestinChamber.com NETWORK JULY 2010
www.DestinChamber.com
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Shillingburg Wins Festival Poster Contest for Seventh Consecutive Year “This year’s poster displays a beautiful geographical view of Destin’s amazing coastline and intercostal waterways. A compass rose is also proudly displayed within the poster, with a heart in the middle. This symbolizes no matter where you are, home is always at the center of the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Beaches’ and within the Destin Harbor,” explained Judy Shillingburg, watercolor artist and owner of Special Touch Gallery. “This year’s poster also features award-winning sport fish, shrimp boats, and seasonal anglers, which have become synonymous with our reputation as ‘the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.’” The theme of the contest for the official poster of the 32nd Annual Destin Seafood Festival was ‘Heart of the Harbor,’ in a nod to the festival’s new location right on Destin’s docks at the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina, City of Destin Royal Melvin Heritage
Park, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Shillingburg’s entry was chosen from three entries in a vote by the Destin Area Chamber membership at the June 11 Business to Business Breakfast. This is her seventh consecutive win, eighth overall. The 32nd Annual Destin Seafood Festival will take place Sept. 17-19. It will feature live entertainment, including nationally known headliners Starship Starring Mickey Thomas and Loverboy; some of the area’s favorite seafood restaurants; arts & crafts; a kids’ play area; and more. For more information, please visit www.DestinSeafood Festival.org or call the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce at (850) 837-6241. For information about Shillingburg or her work, please visit www.DestinArt.com; call (850) 424-3212; or visit the Special Touch Gallery in HarborWalk Village.
Commons Drive Roundabout - City of Destin 4200 Indian Bayou Trail Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-4242 • www.cityofdestin.com Category: City and County Services Chamber Rep: Greg Kisela
Geana’s Art Gallery 36150 Emerald Coast Pkwy. #106 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 650-0779 • www.geanasartgallery.com Category: Art Galleries & Artists Chamber Rep: Geana Wilkerson PAGE 12
Ribbon Cuttings
Mainsail Resort 114 Mainsail Dr., Destin, FL 32550 (850) 837-7894 • www.mainsail-destin.com Category: Accommodations-Gulf Front Condominiums; Accommodations-Resorts Chamber Rep: Greg S. Smith www.DestinChamber.com
GCS Building Solutions, Inc. 1 12889 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W. Ste. 111A Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 269-1066 • www.gcsbsi.com Category: Hurricane Shutters Chamber Rep: Ed Adams
Destin Forward Memorial to Leonard Destin Destin Forward Leadership Class
NETWORK JULY 2010
BUSINESS Continued from page 7 Fisher House Receives Donations
Stephen Alford, coowner of Gulf Coast Bingo, presents Julie Thompson, executive director of the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, Inc., with a donation check. The Fisher House on Eglin AFB provides free, temporary lodging for military families facing medical crises. DRS Defense Solutions Supports UWF Unmanned Teams DRS Training & Control Systems, LLC, a division of DRS Defense Solutions, LLC, has established a new endowment in the University of West Florida School of Science and Engineering that will provide ongoing support to the university’s Unmanned Systems Program. The UWF Unmanned Systems Program provides students with a unique learning opportunity that increases their knowledge of engineering through handson projects. In addition to the endowment, DRS has provided in-kind donations, internships, and employment opportunities for UWF students. UWF Receives Grant from PBSJ Foundation The University of West Florida received $10,000 from the PBSJ Foundation on June 7, to support the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Youth program. This grant was allocated to UWF at PBSJ’s April 2010 board meeting. An employee-owned incorporation associated with numerous subsidiaries, the PBSJ Foundation distributes grants, such as the one administered to UWF, to public and private institutes of learning in order to support community educaNETWORK JULY 2010
tion.
(Left to right) Karen Rasmussen, UWF interim associate dean of Engineering and Computer Technology; Jeff Helms, PBS&J; Pam Northrup, UWF interim dean of the College of Professional Studies; Greg Allen, PBS&J; Dr. Judith Bense, UWF president; Dave Miller, Peter Brown Construction; and Glenda Mayo, UWF Building Construction program coordinator UWF Names New VP of Student Affairs
The University of West Florida has named Kevin Bailey as vice president of Student Affairs, effective Aug. 1. Bailey has significant student affairs experience and most recently served as associate vice president of Student Affairs at Tulane University. His experience spans to Millersville University, where he served as assistant vice president of Student Affairs, and Bowling Green State University, where he served as associate dean of Students. Bailey holds a doctorate in higher education administration from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree of student affairs and a bachelor’s degree in management information systems/accounting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He also completed a management development program at Harvard University.
UWF Foundation Announces 2010-2011 Board of Directors The University of West Florida Foundation announced the Board of Directors for 2010-2011. The new directors beginning their terms are Caroline Hartnett, credit administrator at Beach Community Bank; Gordon Sprague, retired financial services expert and local entrepreneur; and Savannah Lewis, vice president of UWF Student Government Association. The 2010-2011 officers are Pat Denkler, president; C. Ray Jones, vice president; Casey Rodgers, secretary; Brett Shaw, treasurer; and Dave Cleveland, immediate past president. Returning members of the board are Michelle Anchors, Laverne Baker, Judith Bense, Susan Cruz, Jim Donatelli, Rick Fountain, Marny Gilluly, Tim Haag, Brian Haugen, John Hutchinson, Dennis Larry, John McGee, Richard Peterson, Nick Power, Steve Riggs, Judy Byrne Riley, Debbie Ritchie, Richard Sanfilippo, Wayne Williams and Brian Wyer. Retiring director is Josh Finley.
stallations along the Emerald Coast and the arrival of the F35 Joint Strike Fighter and the 7th Special Forces. Speakers from Escambia County to Walton County shared information with more than 200 Realtors about the military on the Emerald Coast. Realtors® from ECAR Urge Lawmakers to Help Reshape Real Estate The Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (ECAR) brought local real estate issues from across the Emerald Coast to Washington when Realtors® from the area met with Rep. Jeff Miller and Sens. Bill Nelson and George Lemieux. They were in the nation’s capital as part of the National Association of Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo on May 10-15. Locally Owned Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q Featured at the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party This year, 14 of the nation’s most respected barbecue restaurants have been invited to showcase their talents and traditions on a world stage in New York City at the Snapple Big Apple Barbecue Block Party. Featured in this very select group is locally owned Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q, which has been selected to participate for the second year in a row. Jim ‘N Nick’s will showcase its smoked pork hot links paired with another icon of the Southern picnic, fresh-made pimento cheese.
Local Realtors Raise More Than $1,800 for Charities The Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (ECAR) Realtor Outreach Committee conducted the 3rd annual Dessert Auction on May 21, and raised more than $1,800 for two local charities. Desserts of every kind were auctioned, from cheesecakes to dog treats. The proceeds of the auction Family Fun Arts Fest this year were split evenly between Shelter House Recap & Okaloosa School Poster Winners and the Muscogee Indian The 3rd annual Family Tribe, located in Bruce, FL. Fun Arts Fest on Saturday, May 22, was a success. The Realtors from Five Counties Come Together Okaloosa Arts Alliance (OAA) would like to thank for Education Summit Realtors from across everyone who participated five counties, including the in the Fest. The Fest would Emerald Coast Associa- not be possible without the tion of Realtors (ECAR), support of the local busicame together on Tuesday, nesses, schools, and comMay 18, for the annual Dis- munity. Although the OAA was trict 9 Educational Summit. This year’s Summit focused not able to make everyone on the current military in- a 1st place winner, all 92 www.DestinChamber.com
Okaloosa County School poster contest entries were on display in the Silent Auction Tent at the Family Fun Arts Fest. The winners were as follows: Elementary School (K-5) 1st Place Winner Marisa Maiden - Plew Elementary 2nd Place Winner - Emily Bondi - Antioch Elementary 3rd Place Winner Moriah Hastings - Antioch Elementary Middle School (6-8 Grade)1st Place - Maia Raa Ruckel Middle School 2nd Place - Kemi Gottschalk - Ruckel Middle School 3rd Place - Taylor Reynolds - Liza Jackson Prep School High School (9-12 Grade)1st Place - Danyelle Cuellar - Crestview HS 2nd Place - Morgan Ory - Crestview HS 3rd Place -Maci Hampton - Crestview HS WSRE Wins a 2010 People’s Telly Award WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast, has won a People’s Telly Award for its video entry “Gulf Islands National Seashore: The Treasure of the Gulf Coast,” a WSRE original documentary that premiered in fall 2009. Narrated by Ken Burns, “Gulf Islands” showcased the beauty of the national seashore and told the story of how it came to be preserved. Kiwanis Offers Builders Club Builders Club of Destin Middle School is a character building club sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Destin. This year, the Builders Club has had a very busy and rewarding year. It completed many service projects and three fundraising projects, including holiday cards to military soldiers and to the residents at Destin Healthcare and Rehab; sponsorship of an Angel Tree Child for Christmas; and ringing of
bells for the Salvation Army. The club has also cleaned desk tops for teachers and collected pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House, as well as box tops and soup labels for the school. The last service project of the year was rain barrel donations. Landrum Ranks #59 on Florida Trend Top 200 Private Companies Landrum Human Resource Companies, Inc., an industry leader in staffing and human resources, ranked number 59 on the 2010 Florida Trend Top 200 Private Companies list, moving up 11 places from 2009. This is Landrum’s 10th consecutive year to be recognized and the only Pensacola-based company to earn a spot on the 2010 list. Customers Likely to Recommend GCOP
From left to right, Scott Albin, HON central region VP; Mark Wright, GCOP president; Lane Harper, GCOP VP; Mike Johnson, GCOP branch sales & operations; and Chuck LeBlanc, HON business development manager Gulf Coast Office Products (GCOP), a local office furniture dealer, recently earned an exclusive invitation to a business conference sponsored by the HON Company. The conference was held at the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman. Not only did GCOP rise to the top of its competition by earning the invitation, it was presented with one of the highest awards during the event. It was the recipient of the HON Company’s award for the dealership who has the highest percentage of
See BRIEFS on page 14 PAGE 13
BRIEFS Continued from page 13 customers who have said they are very likely to recommend this dealership to a friend. Destin Woman’s Club Presents Check to CIC and Installs New Officers The Destin Woman’s Club held its final meeting of the year at the Sandestin Beach Club, where it presented a check for $10,000 to Children In Crisis, Inc. This was the second year that DWC has held a fundraiser to support Children In Crisis, Inc. The club also installed its new Executive Board for the 20102011 year. President Kate Callicotte took the helm to lead the club in its many charitable and fun-filled activities. This year the club raised funds for not only Children In Crisis, but also the Family Fund, Fisher House, St. Jude, Lexi and Marley Foundation, Hosanna House, and the Destin Fisherman Fund. Cottle Receives Prestigious Civil Trial Law Board Certification
Becker & Poliakoff, a diversified commercial law firm with 125 attorneys in 13 Florida offices, New York City, New Jersey, Nassau (Bahamas), and Prague, announced that the Florida Bar has awarded board certification in the area of civil trial law to attorney John Cottle, who practices in the firm’s Fort Walton Beach office. Board certification recognizes Cottle’s special knowledge, skills, and proficiency in this area of law, as well as his professionalism and ethics. Cottle has been practicing law in Florida and Alabama for more than 30 years, concentrating in the area of disputes involving real estate, business, and other matters. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama Law School (J.D.) and Birmingham Southern College (B.S.). Destin Charity Wine Auction PAGE 14
Foundation Presents Check to Shelter House Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s Wine and Dine in Paradise 2010 was a huge success, raising more than $1.5 million for local charities. Shelter House was among the receiving charities. It was presented with a check for $40, 787. NWF State College Trustees Approve New Budget and New Student Tuition/Fees, and Elect Chairman The Northwest Florida State College Board of Trustees has approved a $33,254,944 million college general operating budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year, which begins July 1. This is a $2.5 million increase over the previous year. The increase reflects more than $1.4 million in non-recurring federal stabilization funds, a state authorized 8 percent increase in tuition, and additional state funding. Total NWFSC student tuition and fees will increase from $75.73 per credit hour to $84.62 per credit hour for most associate degree courses and from the current $89.94 per credit hour for baccalaureate programs to $98.34 per credit hour for upper division coursework.
July Calendar of Events July 1, 8, 13, 22, and 29 Sunset Cinema Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf Time: 8 p.m. Come and watch your favorite family movies under the stars! July 1, 8, 15, 19, and 26 Red, White & Blue Celebration on the Harbor Location: HarborWalk Village Time: 7 – 9 p.m. Each week at 7 p.m., join the celebration to highlight the efforts of people who represent the best of all of us. Local entertainment and a WWII replica flyover begin at 7:20 p.m. A spectacular fireworks display over the Destin Harbor at 8:30 p.m. Time and date are subject to change. July 1 – August 15 Le Grand Cirque Location: Grand Boulevard This spellbinding, visual feast incorporates 40 acrobats, gymnasts, and artists performing spectacular balancing acts and feats. A thrilling theatrical performance promising fun for the entire family. Tickets range from $29.50 to $75. Visit the discount box office at Silver Sands Factory Stores. You can also book online at www.cirquedestin.com and order tickets at (866) 973-9610. Event dates and times are subject to change. July 1 – 31 Silver Sands Backpack 2 School Location: Silver Sands Factory Stores The seventh consecutive year to provide school supplies to children in need. Drop off school supplies, shoes, and monetary donations to Shopper Services, located between Lacoste and Michael Kors. Visit www.silversandsoutlet.com or call (850) 654-9771 for more information.
The Board also elected Sandy Sims of Niceville to serve as chairman of the trustee board
and Brian Pennington of Shalimar to as vice-chair.
July 2 Permanent Hammerhead Shark Tank Exhibit Grand Opening Location: Destin History and Fishing Museum The Hammerhead Shark Tank Exhibit will bring home an 8 -foot hammerhead shark mount, which will be housed in a “shark tank” visible from the road. July 3 Independence Day Fireworks & Festival Location: Destin Commons Time: 9 p.m. Bring the entire family out for a spectacular fireworks show at Destin Commons to see this annual extravaganza. The 49head Pop Fountains will also be shooting water up and down for the kids to frolic in, as they listen to America’s favorite patriotic songs and watch the sky light up. www.DestinChamber.com
July 3, 10, 17, and 24 House Band Coconut Radio Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf Time: 7 – 9 p.m. Coconut Radio is a three-piece acoustic group that relishes the task of taking music (great music) from whatever source and making it their own. Fast rock becomes slow funk, folk becomes reggae, bluegrass becomes the blues.....all in good taste, and of course, good fun. July 3 - 4 July Fourth Extravaganza at HarborWalk Village Location: HarborWalk Village Join us on the Harbor for our Fourth of July Extravaganza, featuring live entertainment, family activities, children’s crafts, face painting, inflatables, games, and prizes. A mini air show and a spectacular fireworks display over the Destin Harbor. July 5, 12, 19 and 26 Magical Mondays Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf Time: 7 – 9 p.m. Join Magician Rick Moore on the Events Plaza stage for an evening full of laughs and illusions. After the show, visit his shop to create your own magic! Shows begin at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. July 6, 15, 20, and 27 Mini Gras Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf Time: 7 – 10 p.m. An evening of fun and merriment with special children’s activities sprinkled throughout the events plaza. Each week, the village will crown a king and queen to throw moonpies and candy to the crowd. Then, as a special treat, our king and queen will begin the fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. over the lagoon. July 9 – 11 Battle at the Beach Location: Morgan Sports Center Time: 8 a.m. The Battle at the Beach, Global Sports Authority (GSA) Fast Pitch Tournament, is a three-game guaranteed tournament (weather permitting) for age groups U8 through U16. Teams can register for the tournament on www.globalfastpitch. com. For more information, contact Nick Coleman at (850) 650-1241. July 7, 14, 21, and 28 Wednesday Night Concert Series Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf Time: 7 – 9 p.m. We’ll be tantalizing your musical taste buds with musicians to entertain all of our homeowners, locals, and guests!
July 7, 14, 21, and 28 Abrakadoodle Wednesdays Weekly Classes Location: Destin Commons Time: 2 – 3 p.m. $20 per student. Ages 5 - 12 years. To register, call 424-5058 or register online at www.abrakadoodle.com/FL07. Class descriptions are available online. July 8 - 12 Destin Swordfish Shootout Location: HarborWalk Village For more information, contact Erik Anderson at (850) 974-5600 or visit www. destinswordfishshootout.com. July 12 – 15 Abrakadoodle Summer Camps and Workshops Location: Destin Commons Time: 9 a.m – 12 p.m. $125 per student. Ages 6-12 years. To register, call 424-5058 or register online at www.abrakadoodle.com/FL07. July 12 - 16 Kamp Kellywamba Location: Destin Middle School Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 1-week children’s art camp, includes four classes, supplies, and t-shirt. Classes on visual arts, cooking, dance, and drama. Registration fee is $100 per child. Presented by Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation. July 12 - 16 Challenger Soccer Camp Location: Morgan Sports Center Time: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. The City of Destin will be hosting the Challenger Soccer Camp at the Morgan Sports Center. Ages for participants are 3-16. Registration can be done online at www.challengersports.com. July 23 Abrakadoodle Workshop Location: Destin Commons Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m. $30 per student. Ages 5-8 years. To register, call 424-5058 or register online at www.abrakadoodle.com/FL07. Class descriptions are available online. July 26 – 30 Abrakadoodle Summer Camps - Good Enough to Eat! Location: Destin Community Center Time: 9 – 11 a.m. Cost: $110 per student. For preschoolers 3-5 years old. To register, call 424-5058 or register online at www. abrakadoodle.com/FL07. NETWORK JULY 2010
Golfers Invited to Enjoy NW Florida Gulf Coast’s Premier Amateur Tournament; Portion of the Proceeds to Benefit Destin Fisherman’s Fund The premier tournament for the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, the Seafood Festival Golf Classic, returns to the Indian Bayou Golf Course on Sept. 1011. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Destin Fisherman’s Fund. The Seafood Festival
Golf Classic is designed to draw competitive players from across our region for two days of play. The format will be two-man teams, best ball. The tournament will be flighted at the completion of the first round. The Destin Fisherman’s Fund helps the mates from
Chamber Offers In-Depth Study of Destin
Destin’s charter boat fleet and their families during a time when the fleet is being hit with elevated fuel prices, fishing restrictions, and, now, the oil spill. “Destin was founded by hard-working fishing families. They are the ones who created the history and heritage that we cel-
ebrate here. Anything we can do as a chamber and as a community to help them when there is a need, it’s just something we should do,” said Chamber President and CEO Shane Moody, CCE, IOM. For more information or to reserve your playing spot or sponsorship,
please contact the Chamber’s Director of Events Risa Garner at (850) 8372711 x2 or rgarner@DestinChamber.com. For more information on the Destin Fisherman’s Fund, please visit www.DestinFishermen ForChrist.com.
Chamber Presents More Than $2,800 to Fishermen’s Fund
Designed to provide a hands-on learning experience into the issues facing the Destin community on a day-to-day basis, Destin Forward is now accepting up to 25 business professionals for the class of 2011. Participants will learn from experts in many different fields, including the environment, boat safety, tourism promotion, and government affairs. Please call the Chamber at (850) 837-6241 for more information or to receive an application.
Introduce Your Company to 31,000 Prospects Through a Seafood Festival Sponsorship Sponsorship packages of the 32nd Annual Destin Seafood Festival enable you to enjoy community recognition, market your products and services to 31,000 festival-goers, and get your employees out into and involved in our community. Thank you to our official site sponsor Destin Fishing Fleet, Inc.; official accommodations sponsor ResortQuest; premier charter sponsors Cox Communications and Ecco Motors & Street Legal Carts; cobia catch sponsor Payne Chiropractic Wellness Center; and associate angler sponsors Chartwell Hospitality and Pleat & Perry, P.A. For details on all available sponsorship levels, please contact Chamber Director of Events Risa Garner at (850) 837-2711 x2 or rgarner@DestinChamber.com.
Post your Job Openings Free on DestinChamber.com! NETWORK JULY 2010
During its May 21 Sunset on the Harbor event, the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce presented a check for $2,868.36 to the Destin Fishermen’s Fund. “The fishermen have been hit from every direction from astronomical fuel prices to fishery closures and now the oil spill, which has the potential to put them out of business indefinitely. The Chamber received these funds when it took over the Destin Harbor Association, and the Harbor Association and the Chamber want to show their support of the local fishermen by making this donation,” explained Chamber Board Member Mary Anne Windes, Real Estate Professionals of Destin and Destin Fishing Fleet Marina. The check will be used to help any of the mates that may need assistance during this time. For more information about the Destin Fishermen’s Fund, visit www.DestinFishermenForChrist.com.
www.DestinChamber.com
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Chamber Members QUick Hits 2060156
Faith A. Gladding
SERVING THE ENTIRE EMERALD COAST
3526474
Beach Bums
Law Offices ROBERT E. MCGILL, III, P.A.
VACATION RENTALS
ROBERT E. MCGILL, III
www.beachbumsdestin.com
3526479
8 5 0 - 6 5 4 - 7 17 7
850-837-1386 Fax 850-837-1574
3526472
We are here to make your vacation experience a positive one and in hopes that you will return year after year. Let us know what we can do for you.
3017990
ATTORNEY AT LAW 36008 Emerald Coast Pkwy. • Suite C Destin, Florida 32541
3035 The Oaks Miramar Beach, FL 32550 850-650-3882 800-726-9625 email: faithgladding@cox.net website: www.marykay.com/fgladding
3017991
3018031
Ind. Executive Senior Sales Director
For All Your Real Estate Needs Call
Jim or Hannah Stanley
Barefoot By The Sea Vacations Jeanne LeMoine Destin, Florida
(Jim) 850-830-9774 (Hannah) 850-830-9764 destin commons
baytowne wharf 850.267.GIFT
850.460.2700
www.hannahstanley.com email: hstanley@cox.net
Dine • Dance • Cruise • Celebrate • Save
Present this coupon for 10% off a SunQuest Cruise aboard Solaris!
Independent Distributor
www.sunquestcruises.com • 850.650.2519
Irene C. Haliday
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Sales Leader
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1427 Baytowne Circle East • Miramar Beach, Fl 32550 Home: 850.267.3302 • Cell: 850.974.7444 • Toll-Free: 800.884.4080 ich@cox.net • www.irenehaliday.myshaklee.com PAGE 16
Not valid on specialty cruises. Some restrictions apply. Offer valid through December 30th, 2010 Destin Chamber
www.DestinChamber.com
Phone: 850.543.9239 Website: www.barefootbytheseaindestin.com Blog: Http://destinflorida barefootbythesea.blogspot.com Fan us on Facebook: Barefoot By The Sea
3017727
Proudly announces the opening of their new Salon at 981 Hwy 98 E., Suite 12 in the Palms Center (Next to Kirklands)
Stop by and see our new location and join our customer rewards program Call Today for an appointment!!
850.650.2667
3018033
NETWORK JULY 2010