October 2013
Last Year’s Paddle at the Porch Champs Repeat Victories
Bernadette Leach and Matthew
6-mile races also received $300. For a
McDonald were once again overall
list of winners, race times, and photos,
winners of Paddle at the Porch. On
visit PaddleAtThePorch.com.
Sept. 15, Leach and McDonald repeated their 2012 victories of the male and female divisions of the 6-mile 12’6” Elite race. In addition to their name being added to the official Destin SUP Cup, each received $300, compliments of purse sponsors Sterling Resorts and Trustmark National Bank. Almost 70 racers joined Leach
Thank you to race partners BOTE and The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House, in conjunction with 99 Rock (WKSM), The Beachcomber, www.DestinWebPages.com, and Gameday Sports Media & Marketing, and gold sponsor Destin Commons; accommodations sponsors Destin Getaways Vacation Rentals,
and McDonald in the Gulf waters
ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation
behind The Back Porch Seafood &
Rentals, Southern Vacation Rentals, and
Oyster House. The race was originally
Sterling Resorts; silver sponsors The
scheduled for Aug. 17, but was
Destin Center for Cosmetic Dentistry
postponed to Sept. 15 due to weather.
and Robust Energy Drink; bronze
Paddle at the Porch featured a 1-mile recreational race, as well as 3- and 6-mile races. Winners of three other
sponsors Coastal Bank and Trust, D.I.T. S.U.P., and S.E.A. Chase Watersports, LLC; awards sponsor Infinite Lasers LLC; and beverage sponsor Buffalo Rock.
Find more information and register for upcoming events at www.DestinChamber.com.
Want to see your company highlighted here? Contact Suzy Nicholson Hunt at (850) 837-2711 x2 or suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com or Jen Skillman at (850) 837-2711 x3 or jskillman@DestinChamber.com.
More on Economic Development You’ve read and heard for months now about your Chamber’s efforts to diversify Destin’s economy and create a “desired location” for smaller businesses, not related to retail or tourism, to locate. We’ve worked hard on developing and cultivating relationships that can help us achieve that. Because economic development is a process of time, more of an investment rather than an immediate gratification, the results do not usually come as quickly as we’d like. We’ll keep pushing forward and working on those partnerships and relationships because, ultimately, that’s the key. The city of Destin continues to include us in conversations about our future. The EDC of Okaloosa County also is working with us and the city on various activities. As the city continues to include economic development as part of the comprehensive plan, we’ll work together to determine the targeted industries we’d like to see here and work to create incentive programs and packages that may help us close the deal for a targeted industry interested in Destin. We’ll continue our participation in the Six Pillar process for Okaloosa County. I’m pleased to say that all of our work is paying off, thanks to the lead of the executive committee for Six Pillars. That executive committee includes representation from the Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville Valparaiso, and Destin chambers, as well as the EDC. I’m also very excited that several of the pillar caucuses have met several times, and they are very close to finalizing their portions of the strategic plan for Okaloosa County. We’re moving toward becoming recognized at the state level as a Six Pillars Community. Over the past few years, economic development has become more competitive than I’ve ever seen or experienced in my 20-year chamber career. Communities, cities, counties, and states across the country realize now, more than ever, that job creation, or the opportunity for job creation, is the basis for positive, quality growth. They’re realizing that quality jobs and quality growth, created through public-private partnerships and cooperation among many organizations, help lift an economy and that, in turn, creates a vibrant quality of place and quality of life. I’m proud of the work the Destin Area Chamber has done in creating a positive vibe and desire for organizations in Okaloosa County to come together, for the first time, and attempt to create a plan that improves our well-being as a community. Will we accomplish everything we desire? Will we be able to see it through? We don’t yet have those answers, but we’re sure putting forth the effort – and we’ll continue to do so. The positive sign is we’re playing in the game, for the first time anyone can remember. After all, it’s playing in the game and making these efforts that brings us all together to build this world-class community one business at a time. With wishes for continued success, and until next month,
4484 Legendary Drive, Suite A Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-6241 • (850) 654-5612 fax www.DestinChamber.com mail@DestinChamber.com Building a World-Class Community One Business at a Time
Executive Committee Mary Anne Windes, Chairman of the Board
Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc. Destin Fishing Fleet Marina
Amy Perry, Chair-Elect Pleat, Perry & Ritchie, P.A. Bill Lindsley, Immediate Past Chairman SimpleHR
Shaun Eubanks, Treasurer
Barton, Fenstermaker, Tondello & Associates, LLC
Julie Cotton, Vice Chairman/ Communications & Marketing Northwest Florida State College Karen McCarthy, Vice Chairman/ Community & Economic Development Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union Ken Wampler, Vice Chairman/Membership Development Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc. Jami Jones, Vice Chairman/Harbor Association Destin Charter Service
Mike Freeman, Most Immediate Past Chairman/Ex-officio Acentria, Inc.
Directors Hayward Dykes, Conerly, Bowman & Dykes, LLP Steve Jay, Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel Rebecca Jones, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Andi Mahoney, White-Wilson Medical Center Pam Martin, Gulf Power Dave Morrow, Allstate Insurance - Ryland/Morrow Agency Jonathan Ochs, Trustmark National Bank Cyndy Thomas, ResortQuest By Wyndham Vacation Rentals Carey Trotter, Trotter’s General Contractors, Inc. Chairman’s Appointee Charles Morgan, Harbor Docks Restaurant Special Appointees Jim Breitenfeld, Breitenfeld Development Services, LLC Kim Wintner, Alliance Association Management Co. Inc. Management Team Shane A. Moody, CCE, FCCP, President and CEO
Shane A. Moody, CCE, FCCP President and CEO
ceo@DestinChamber.com
Advertising our World-Class Community
Suzy Nicholson Hunt, Events Coordinator
Elizabeth Spies, Vice President of Communications espies@DestinChamber.com
In our mission to support Destin as a world-class community, our Welcome Center recorded the following numbers in August 2013: Phone Calls/Emails — 646 Incoming Mail — 177 Relocation Packages - 8 Lobby/Welcome Center Visitors — 365 Directories Mailed — 241
suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com
Jen Skillman, Membership Consultant jskillman@DestinChamber.com
THE CHAMBER MONTH AHEAD Our Military Affairs Council (MAC) will meet in the Chamber’s conference room at noon. Keep up-to-date on happenings at local bases and enjoy hearing military members share their stories. OCTOBER
2
Join us for our Leaders In Business Lunch sponsored by Trustmark National Bank at The Palms of Destin Resort & Conference Center from 11:30 a.m. - 1 pm. All registrations are due by Friday, Oct. 4, at 3 p.m. OCTOBER
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The fourth PUTToberfest sponsored by Miller’s Ale House of Destin will take place at The Golf Garden, from 4 - 8 p.m. Play miniature golf & enjoy beer tastings, a German cookout, and more. OCTOBER
10
OCTOBER
24
The Board of Directors Meeting will be held in the Chamber conference room at 11:30 a.m.
Destin Area Chamber is a Destin Stakeholder The Destin Area Chamber of Commerce is stepping a little out of its comfort zone this year. With the market coming back, the roads have been full with visitors, and other things have cropped up that we had ALMOST forgotten during those pesky “recession” years. The Chamber’s primary roles for its members are access, opportunities, and relationships; but this year, our Executive Committee met with some citizens in Destin who had concerns about various things. We still have to prioritize and come up with solutions or even which side of the solution we’re on, but we’ve opened up the lines of communication and have a group of stakeholders who are willing to try to make a difference in our awesome city. I have confidence in these stakeholders, in the leadership at the Chamber, and in the leadership in the City of Destin, so we’re going to work at making the best city in the world even better. Our topics are varied, but plentiful. Do we think we have a grasp on all of them? No, there’s probably some concerns that you can think of that aren’t mentioned here. Do we think we can fix them all? Well, if not us, then who, because what other organizations exist in Destin who will carry the torch? Perhaps some organizations will be formed in the future, but until then, it’s up to us to do what we can, as much as we can, and the best we can. It’s a huge undertaking, but our hearts are in the right place, and we have what’s best for Destin in mind. We’ve already addressed some of the topics, but I’m going to list everything - not as a criticism against anyone or anything - but for you to consider, and if you have a solution, we’d like to hear from you. Also, keep in mind, some of these things are already being addressed by the City of Destin, Okaloosa County, the TDC, the EDC, the DOT, and other high ranking governmental officials, and, for that, we are thankful. Nonetheless, here’s our list of things to be considered in no particular order: stabilize Norriego Point, pedestrian safety on Harbor Boulevard, parking in Harbor District, Harbor Boardwalk extension, parking requirements for open air seating, Destin Harbor capacity study, helicopter in the Harbor, regulation of any type of vending in the local waters, increased security on the boardwalk, water taxi insurance, charter boat medallions, unskilled boat operators, Tier III standards, ease of permitting, RESTORE Act funds, storm water, Air Force appreciation, traffic congestion, annexation of East Destin, spending tax dollars raised in Destin in Destin, code enforcement, identifying qualified candidates for upcoming city council positions, identifying Destin’s target market, additional landscaping, creating the Emerald Coast Winter Season, and ramping up business during the slower summer month of August. In my mind, these are concerns about our successes, rather than failures. These are the people who are spending their valuable time to make a difference in our community (alphabetically): Darrell Blanton, Jim Breitenfeld, Mike Buckingham, Julie Cotton, Pam Dana, Tim Edwards, Shaun Eubanks, Keith Howard, Shannon Howell, Jami Jones, Bill Lindsley, Dana Mathews, Karen McCarthy, Shane Moody, Charles Morgan, Amy Perry, Dale Peterson, Maryann Ustick, Ken Wampler, and myself. The Chairman of the Okaloosa County Commission, Don Amunds, also attended our first meeting. The property owners along the north shore of the Destin Harbor will be contacted within the next few weeks to bring their thoughts and vision, and other city and county employees will be asked to assist as their input will be invaluable. In my opinion (and you can ask anyone who really knows me), Destin is the very best place in the whole world to work, live, and play. I am one of Destin’s biggest cheerleaders, and, in total irony, most of these things actually represent some of the best things about Destin. We’re on target, and we’re seeking positive input. In other news, we’re looking forward to the Destin Seafood Festival the first weekend of October and the Destin Fishing Rodeo the entire month of October. We used to be slow during the month of October, but the old timers (LOL) figured out two revenue streams that work. These two events represent the types of solutions that have made Destin a little bit better. Let’s keep paying it forward. Thank you for your membership in the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce. We appreciate your businesses!
For information about all Chamber Events, please visit the Events Calendar at DestinChamber.com or call (850) 837-6241!
Mary Anne Windes 2013 Destin Area Chamber Chairman Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc. / Destin Fishing Fleet Marina
August Ribbon Cuttings
Advanced Dermatology & Skin Care Centre Gaye Butler 7720 US Hwy. 98 W. Ste. 340 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 502-5989 www.advanceddermclinic.com Skin Care
Capriccio Café
Chicken Salad Chick Destin
Marco Sironi 810 Hwy. 98 E. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 460-7050 www.capricciocafedestin.com Restaurants – Coffee Shop
D. Mark Singletary 36150 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste. 111 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 460-2888 Restaurants – Deli & Catering
Deep South Sno Treats
Display Tracks
MeDeux
Lori Moore 230 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 466-8515 www.deepsouthsnotreats.com Ice Cream, Yogurt, Shaved Ice, & Chocolate
Tommy R. Williams 602 Harbor Blvd. #102 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 585-0574 www.displaytracks.com GPS Tracking
Wanda Bruner 805 Harbor Blvd. #33 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 460-2217 www.medeux.com Retail Specialty
2013 Destin Area Summer Photo Contest Winners
October 2013 Network Newsletter
Overall Winner This is 5-year-old Everett, from Ohio, about to experience the beach for the first time. - Adrienne Gathy
Family/Friends Winner Our Destin Vacation in 2013, cousins from Ohio and Tennessee were reunited with the beautiful beach and the great city of Destin. - Cathy Krupa, Butler, OH
Beach Winner I love this photo because you can truly see the emerald color of the Gulf matches the green in the chairs. It’s beautiful. - Jim Laird, Wright City, MO
Harbor/Bay Winner There is no place better to see a spectacular sunset than in Destin! - Diane McAndrew, Houston, TX Page 3
RE/MAX Coastal Agents Recognized
during his daily deliveries to area clients and will provide additional support to the overall HR operations of the company. Moody served in safety security and law enforcement during the past 12 years and has served in the Marine Corps Reserves.
Jane Araguel
Hospital Leadership Receives Patriot Awards
Randy Taylor
Chris Carter Kay Hutcheson For July 2013, RE/MAX Coastal Properties recognized the Jane Araguel Team for achieving Top Sales Award with more than $2 million in sales and Randy Taylor for achieving Top Listing Award. Chris Carter was recognized for achieving membership in the RE/MAX International 100% Club, and Kay Hutcheson was recognized for achieving membership in the RE/MAX Executive Club.
Loaned Executive Volunteers Trained The United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties held a two-day training for more than 50 volunteers serving as loaned executives for the annual United Way Campaign. The loaned executive program allows area businesses to loan to the United Way employees who then act as account managers working with United Way staff to implement the annual fundraising campaign from August to December.
Moody Joins SimpleHR Jason Moody joined SimpleHR as its new operations courier for the corporate office. He will be the face of SimpleHR Page 4
The Employer Support of Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Awards are nominated by military reservists who recognize employers with outstanding support of military duties. Twin Cities Hospital employees received two of these awards. David Whalen, CEO, and Danny Cain, emergency room director, were presented Patriot Awards by Chief Petty Officer Phyllis Evans of US Coast Guard Sector Mobile, Alabama, and Terry Dawkins, ESGR Volunteer.
Above, (from left to right) are Evans, Whalen, and Dawkins.
on Thursday, Oct.24, featuring internationally renowned soloist Su Chang. Identity: Zhongshang Zhuang was commissioned in 2009 by Hanyi Inc. and co-composed by American composer Michael Gordon Shapiro and Chinese producer/ composer Victor Cheng, in an effort to combine the musical traditions of Western and Chinese culture in a piece that would be accessible to international audiences.
Bell Receives Quarterly Award City of Destin Building Inspector Noell Bell was recognized as the City of Destin’s Employee of the 3rd Quarter, at the Aug. 19 city council meeting. Mayor Sam Seevers presented Bell with the award and proclamation, along with a special recognition for her accomplishments from Congressman Jeff Miller. Bell began service to the city in March of 2000 as a maintenance technician in the Public Services Department. She joined the Community Development Department in July of 2005, when she was promoted to the position of building inspector.
his life-long commitment to the military, specifically his volunteer service to the Doolittle Raiders, as its security manager for 12 years. Fields works as the Emerald Coast Convention Center security manager; however, he escorted Doolittle Raider MSgt Ed Horton, until he passed away, all over the country and often escorted Medal of Honor Recipient and Prisoner of War, Col. George “Bud” Day, until his passing.
Foundation Announces $1M Campaign At the College’s Board of Trustees meeting on Aug. 20, Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) Foundation President Fred Thomas announced the public-phase of a $1 million scholarship campaign. The scholarship initiative, titled “Continuing the Vision: A Scholarship Campaign for Student Success,” seeks to raise vital scholarship funds to assist some of the college’s more than 13,000 full and part-time NWFSC students.
Children in Crisis Opens New Foster Home
Fields Hailed as Hero
Above (from left to right) are Evans and Cain.
Sinfonia Receives Hanyi Grant Through a generous grant from Hanyi Inc., Sinfonia Gulf Coast will continue to redefine the symphony experience with the regional premier of Identity: Zhongshang Zhuang
Okaloosa County employee Wes Fields was recognized as a Red, White and Blue Hero by Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village, the City of Destin, Okaloosa County Commissioners, and Highway 98 Country, for
Children in Crisis (CIC) cut the ribbon on a new foster home named “Ya Ya’s” on Sept. 24. The new home is located at the CIC Children’s Neighborhood. The home is designed for large brother and sister sibling families of up to 12 children. During the event, CIC also celebrated its 10th anniversary. www.DestinChamber.com
Twin Cities Receives Top Marks Twin Cities Hospital was recently ranked near the top of the list of Florida hospitals for surgery performance in elderly patients, according to a national report from Consumer Reports. It received the rating of “better” — the highest of five categories ranging from “better” to “worse.” The report relied on Medicare billing information to examine the percentage of hospitals’ surgical patients who stayed longer than anticipated or passed away in the hospital.
Parrot Heads Present $1K to USO
On Aug. 9, the Emerald Coast Parrot Head Club (ECPHC) presented a check for $1,000 to the USO at Northwest Florida
Regional Airport. The USO maintains the Freedom Lounge at the airport. Shown here are Trish Kooman, ECPHC board member; Hank Bittmann, ECPHC president; Bobby Eddington, ECPHC board member; John Gardner, ECPHC board member; Buz Embry, ECPHC vice president; Jane Bittmann, ECPHC secretary; Jim Leffue, ECPHC treasurer; Diane Freeman, USO center manager; and Karen-Anne Bergeson, ECPHC member and USO volunteer.
Trammell Joins League of Cities Board The Florida League of Cities appointed Destin City Councilwoman Sandy Trammell to its board of directors. Trammell is in her second term on the Destin City Council and is an active leader in the Destin community. She is a member of the Okaloosa County League of Cities and Okaloosa County Library Cooperative and serves on the board of the Northwest Florida League of Cities and the
board of Destin Water Users, Inc.
Sacred Heart Launches Spine Center The newly established Spine Center at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast provides comprehensive care for patients receiving spine surgery. Dr. Kornelis Poelstra, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, serves as its medical director. His team of board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons, nurses, social workers, and physical and occupational therapists offers each patient a highly individualized treatment plan to help patients return to a higher quality of life.
Emerald Coast Foundation Helps CIC
The Emerald Coast Foundation selected Children in Crisis (CIC) again this year to be one of the benefiting charities of the ECF Boat Week and Poker Run, held on Aug. 12-18. Seen here, Chris Sehman, president of ECF and owner of Helen Back, Inc., recognizes Ken Hair, CIC president and CEO.
ResortQuest Real Estate Recognizes Top Sales Associates
ResortQuest Real Estate recognized Chip and Caroline Wasson for achieving top closed sales out of more than 100 ResortQuest Realtors, during the month of June.
Send your press releases to espies@DestinChamber.com.
Member Spotlight: Donald Slappey, Hancock Bank Donald Slappey,
to fit any small business owners’ financial
“I enjoy getting to know my customers
Assistant Vice
needs,” explained Slappey, who specializes in
and their businesses, helping them achieve
President/Business
small business relationships.
their financial goals, and providing them
Banker with Hancock Bank, is this month’s Member in the Spotlight. “Hancock Bank is a financial institution
Slappey is a graduate of Auburn University and has seven years of local banking
For more information, you may contact
experience with Hancock Bank on the
Slappey at (850) 269-6720, visit www.
Emerald Coast. His experience includes
HancockBank.com online, or visit the branch
serving as branch manager, as division
located at 14075 Emerald Coast Pkwy., in
operations manager, and now as a business
Destin.
committed to fulfilling our clients’ financial
banker for Okaloosa and Walton counties.
hopes and dreams. We have a great new
Slappey also serves as an Okaloosa County
owner occupied small business product,
United Way Funds Distribution board
along with a full line of products and services
member.
October 2013 Network Newsletter
exceptional customer service,” said Slappey.
For the opportunity to see you and your company spotlighted here, please attend our Oct. 8 Leaders In Business Lunch. Page 5
We had a great turnout and response to our Sept. 10
BusinessPalooza! - Leaders In Business Lunch & Mini-Business Expo. Thank you to our participants, including Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union; Beaches, Resorts & Parks; Bubba Gump Shrimp Company; Chartwell Hospitality; Chicken Salad Chick; Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard; Cumulus Broadcasting; Display Tracks LLC; Eglin Federal Credit Union; Emerald Coast Chiropractic; MeDeux; Merrill Lynch; Regatta Bay Golf & Country Club; SETCO Services, LLC; SimpleHR/SimpleHIRE; Southern Bullion, Coin & Jewelry; Surroundings on the Harbor & Cafe; The Mosquito Authority; Transaction One; and Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. Look out for our next lunch “mini-expo,” which will be our Nov. 12 Shop & Dine, where we will feature retail partners. For details, call Suzy Nicholson Hunt at (850) 837-2711 x2 or suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com.
Thank You for the Door Prizes! • Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union • Chicken Salad Chick • Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard • Design Avenue • Display Tracks LLC • Eglin Federal Credit Union
• Merrill Lynch • Regional Self Storage • S.E.A. Chase Watersports, LLC • San Gelato Café • SETCO Services LLC • SimpleHR/SimpleHIRE
• Emerald Coast Chiropractic
• Surroundings on the Harbor & Café
• Gulf Power
• Transaction One L.L.C.
• Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida
Thank you to the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida for sponsoring our Aug. 22 Business After Hours, held with the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce. Guests enjoyed museum tours and food prepared by Cracker Barrel. For those who would like to visit the museum, it is located at 115 Westview Avenue in Valparaiso. For details, visit www.heritage-museum.org or call (850) 678-2615.
Thank You for the Door Prizes! • Cracker Barrel • Destin Land & Title, Inc. • Mosci Boutique
May 2013 Network Newsletter
• S.E.A. Chase Watersports, LLC • SimpleHR and SimpleHIRE
Page 7
OCT
OBE
October 1, 8 & 15 Women and Money: Unique Issues Educational Series 5:30 p.m. Location: Area UF/IFAS Extension Offices (850) 683-8431
October 1 - 31 Destin Fishing Rodeo
www.destinfishingrodeo.org
October 1 - 30 Pink Event
Location: Silver Sands Premium Outlets www.premiumoutlets.com/silversands
October 2 Little Black Dress Night
8 p.m. Location: Miller’s Ale House of Destin (850) 837-0694
October 4 Second Dogwood Gala
Location: Grand Sandestin Hotel www.ccnwfl.org
October 4 - 6 Destin Seafood Festival
Location: Destin Harbor www.destinseafoodfestival.org
October 5 Exotic Pet Amnesty Day
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Location: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park www.gulfarium.com
October 9 Wealth & Wisdom Series: Estate Planning 8:30 a.m. Location: Vue on 30A (850) 650-0990
October 10 Broadway’s Morgan James
5:30 p.m. Location: Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood www.sinfoniagulfcoast.org
Location: Grand Boulevard at Sandestin www.swfw.org
October 11 - 14 Columbus Day Sale
October 12 Third Annual Emerald Coast Duck Regatta Benefiting the Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast Guild 11 a.m. Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf www.emeraldcoastduckregatta.com
7:30 p.m. Location: Mattie Kelly Arts Center at NWFSC www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
October 25 - December 4 ART EXHIBITS – SideShow!
10 a.m. Location: Mattie Kelly Arts Center at NWFSC www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
October 12 THIS IS THE 60’s - National Touring Concert Event & NWFSC 50th Anniversary Gala!
October 26 - 27 & 31 GulfScarium’s Splash or Treat Spooktacular
7:30 p.m. Location: Mattie Kelly Arts Center at NWFSC www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
October 15 MAMMA MIA! – National Touring Broadway Series
7:30 p.m. Location: Mattie Kelly Arts Center at NWFSC www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
October 19 WSRE’s 25th Annual Wine & Food Classic
9 a.m. Location: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park www.gulfarium.com
October 26 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 8 a.m. Location: Village Baptist Church www.makingstrideswalk.org/emeraldcoast
October 28 BEYOND GLORY - National Touring Artist Series
7:30 p.m. Location: Mattie Kelly Arts Center at NWFSC www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
5 p.m. Location: Throughout Pensacola (850) 484-1211
October 31 Trick-or-Treat off the Street
October 19 Best of the Emerald Coast
6 - 9:30 p.m. Location: Grand Boulevard at Sandestin www.facebook.com/BestoftheEmeraldCoast
October 22 Knitting & Crochet Class 6 p.m. Location: Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida (850) 678-2615
We appreciate the community partners who help us promote our beautiful area. Thank you to those donating to our Destin Area Summer Photo Contest prize packages, including Apricot Lane Boutique, Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, Dale E. Peterson Vacations, Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill, Harmony Beach Vacations, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Poppy’s Restaurant Group, and The Resorts of Pelican Beach. Turn to page 3 to see this year’s winning photos or visit the Events section of DestinChamber.com to see all entries.
TS
October 23 JAKE’S WOMEN- Fall Theatrical Production of Neil Simon Comedy
Location: Silver Sands Premium Outlets www.premiumoutlets.com/silversands
Thank You to our Photo Contest Prize Package Contributors!
October 2013 Network Newsletter
EVEN
October 11 - 13 South Walton Fashion Week
R
10 a.m. Location: Silver Sands Premium Outlets www.premiumoutlets.com/silversands
To submit your event, please log into the Members Only section of DestinChamber. com or email your event information to mail@DestinChamber.com. For your login information, call (850) 837-6241.
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER OCTOBER WORKSHOPS October 10 Starting a Business 1 – 4 p.m.
October 25 Brown Bag Lunch: Building Wealth in Your Business 1 12 – 1 p.m.
To register or for information, please contact UWF’s Small Business Development Center at www.sbdc.uwf.edu or (850) 833-9400. Page 9
790 on the Gulf
Emerald Coast Eye Institute, LLC
McGuire’s Irish Pub Of Destin
American Cancer Society
Emerald Coast Scuba
Okaloosa County School District
Big Lots! #5169
Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village
PML International - LegalShield
Ed Ward (850) 650-4853
Michelle Wright (850) 244-3813
Michael Kinkopf (850) 650-0708
Boshamp’s Oyster House Miller Phillips (850) 461-4745
Boulevard 10
Samuel Poppell, MD (850) 862-4001 Lori Schmitz (850) 837-0955
Jamie Hall (850) 337-8100
First Baptist Church Farren Roper (850) 837-6515
Bill Martin (850) 650-0000
Mary Beth Jackson (850) 833-3110 Linda Kedy (770) 318-1282
Preston Hood Chevrolet, Inc. Taylor Hood (850) 664-7000
Fisher House of the Emerald Coast
Raymond James Financial Services
Fort Walton Beach Flea Market
Regatta Bay Golf & Country Club
Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill
Revive Media Services, Inc.
Coastline Calvary Chapel
HarborWalk Village
Simply Charming Photos
Coldwell Banker United Realtors
Health Care Exchange NW Florida
Sound Associates Inc.
Complete Cleaning Solutions LLC
Henderson Park Inn
South Walton Utility Co., Inc.
Deborah L. Roberts, SRA
Holiday Inn Express
Surge Suppression Incorporated
Destin Ice & Seafood
Legendary Marine
The Golf Garden
Dewey Destin’s Harborside
Life’s A Beach
Vacation Homes Destin, LLC
Dolphin Cruise/Southern Star Glass Bottom Boat
LocalEdge Online Advertising
Warren Averett
Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc., Dallas TX, Independent Beauty Consultant and Team Leader
WaterColor Inn & Resort
Alyssa Harvey (706) 576-3460
Bruce A. Haught, P.A. Bruce Haught (850) 837-7021
Clark Partington Hart Larry Bond & Stackhouse Kirby H. Williams (850) 650-3304 Neil Spencer (850) 932-8197 Mary Skinner (850) 650-4563
Gabriele Heffron (850) 865-0582
Deborah L. Roberts, SRA (850) 243-8871 Jim Bass (850) 837-8333 Kevin Lephart (850) 837-7525
Wendy Wilson (850) 837-7741
Dr. Dennis Lichorwic, DMD, PA Tammy Barber (850) 654-8665
Ecco Motors Scott Lightsey (850) 837-2600 Page 10
Kim Henderson (850) 259-4956 Roger Knight (850) 301-3729 David Smith (850) 654-1544 Gayle Vann (850) 337-8100
R. Joseph Smith (850) 376-3459
Charlotte Jeffreys (850) 269-8646 Allison Mellinger (850) 654-9383 Wanda Kenton (850) 337-8300 Sam Seevers (850) 650-2780 Bob Pinard (850) 243-0129
Sondra Pace (850) 654-1353
McCaskill & Company
Mike Farne (850) 424-3135
Michelle Auter (850) 337-8080
Lynn Dominique (850) 362-0001 Charm Hess (850) 368-5801 Ron Johnson (251) 443-5001
Nancy Kennedy (850) 837-2988 Diane Kertz (850) 654-5559 Jodie Lang (850) 837-7422 Carol Burke (850) 502-7725 Kevin Bowyer (850) 837-0398
Jennifer Williams (850) 534-5000
Wilson CPA & Consulting LLC Beverly L. Wilson, CPA (850) 460-7000
Bill & Elizabeth Campbell (850) 650-2262
www.DestinChamber.com
Batiste and Iarossi Catering Service
Capriccio Cafe
Deliver My Wine
Bay Paddlesports LLC
Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida
Destin Life, Inc.
Clifton Batiste 608 Pinecone Cove Niceville, FL 32578 (850) 865-2468 Catering Sales & Service Brian Anderson 4301 Hidden Lakes Dr. Niceville, FL 32578 (850) 420-4847 www.baypaddlesports.com Water Sports
Beaches, Resorts & Parks Will Estell 2705 Scenic Hwy. 98, Unit C-A Destin, FL 32541 (256) 310-0653 www.beachesresortsparks.com Publications
Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. Nicholas Barlotta 2000 98 Palms Blvd. Ste. 200 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-2451 www.benjaminfedwards.com Financial Services
Marco Sironi 810 Hwy. 98 E. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 460-7050 www.capricciocafedestin.com Restaurants - Coffee Shop
Kelly Humphrey 11 1st St. SE Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548 (850) 244-2825 www.ccnwfl.org Non-Profits
Jeff Blair 12273 Emerald Coast Pkwy. #208 Destin, FL 32550 (850) 376-3519 www.delivermywine.com Wine Delivery Gabby Bruce 5 Calhoun Ave. Unit 205 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 654-3080 www.destinlife.com Advertising
FlipKey
Cindy Cole 36008 Emerald Coast Pkwy #B101 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 797-1471 www.cindycolefinehomes.com Real Estate
Danielle Carroll 179 Lincoln St. #405 Boston, MA 02111 (617) 849-8883 www.flipkey.com/destin-vacation-rentals/ g34182 Accommodations - Rentals
CoCo’s Mexican Restaurant
The Venue at Crystal Beach
Cindy Cole Fine Homes
Cesar Reyes 14091 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Unit C Destin, FL 32541 (850) 424-7944 www.cocosmexicanrestaurant.com Restaurants - Mexican
Toni Ouellette 2716 Scenic Hwy. 98 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 424-7811 www.bestdestinwedding.com Event Venues
Want to join the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce? Contact Jen at (850) 837-2711 x3 or jskillman@DestinChamber.com.
October 2013 Network Newsletter
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Chamber Welcomes New Members On Aug. 27, new members were introduced to the Chamber, its Board Members, and staff at a new member reception held at the Chamber. Keep reading to learn more about their businesses. Cherie Anderson, Metlife, said it has been her goal for the past 23 years to help clients invest with confidence and protect themselves from the whatifs in life. She does this by taking the complicated and sometimes confusing issues of insurance/ investments and makes them easier to understand. This educational approach helps clients make those important decisions that will provide them financial security. Her products and services include retirement planning; estate conservation strategies; education funding strategies; mortgage protection strategies; pension maximization strategies; IRA and 401K consolidation/rollovers; 401K, SEP and Simple IRAs; variable annuities; personal life insurance; long-term care insurance; disability income insurance; Roth and traditional IRAs; group benefits; and executive bonus and key man policies. For details, call (850) 837-5566 or visit www.cherieanderson.metlife.com. Situated directly on Choctawhatchee Bay in Destin, the Destin Bay House provides a unique waterfront venue for weddings, rehearsal dinners, reunions, parties, and other events. The Destin Bay House has
the space to accommodate events both large and small. With a 4,000-square-foot, bayfront lawn and white sand beach overlooking the crystal clear waters of Choctawhatchee Bay, it can accommodate outdoor bayside events of up to 200 guests. It also features an indoor dining area offering exquisite bay views with more than 2,000 feet of space. For details, call (850) 259-3490 or visit www.destinbayhouse.com. Come enjoy a guided bike tour in and around “old, west” Destin with Destin Bike Tours. See firsthand where its founding families lived and worked. The tour originates at the Destin Bay House and takes you on a leisurely 4.5-mile track along Choctawhatchee Bay, past Marler Lake, Joe’s Bayou, and Wildcat Mountain. Enjoy planned stops where your guide will share great information about the special place called Destin. See where the first school and post office were located. Visit scenic locations that are perfect photo opportunities. The tour lasts approximately two hours and culminates with a visit to the Destin History and Fishing Museum. For details, call (850) 4996553 or visit www. destinbiketours.com. If you have a mobile workforce, Display Tracks LLC is all about savings, service, and safety. It can save your company on fuel and labor cost by more
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effective routing and reduction of unauthorized side trips. Service to your customers will improve by having the right person at the right location at the right time. Safety of employees will be realized by detection of excess speeding and aggressive driving. Its Safe Driver Mode can also detect talking or texting while driving. The internet coupled with GPS technology is for business and families too. See www.displaytracks.com or contact Tommy R. Williams at (850) 585-0574. The Reach Institute of N.W. FL is an outreach to the community to respond to a need to incorporate all aspects of healing into personal healthcare. It educates clients on the benefits of muscular and soft tissue health and compassionately attends to each client’s needs. Ann Rector is a licensed massage therapist and medical massage practitioner. She is certified in oncology massage, compassionate touch, pregnancy massage, labor support, and post-partum massage. For details, please call (850) 622-2273 or visit www.thereachinstitute.com. Visiting Angels of the Emerald Coast provides seniors and adults with the needed assistance to continue living at home. Its mission is to maintain the independence and familiar surroundings for those in need of care. Services provided by Visiting Angels include assistance with the activities of daily living, dressing and hygiene assistance, meal preparation, light housekeeping, shopping, companionship, and a respite for family caregivers. With Visiting Angels, you’ll have the opportunity to interview and make the final decision on any caregiver referred to you, before care begins. All of its caregivers are experienced and go through an extensive background check for your peace of mind. For details, call (850) 424-3363 or visit www.visitingangels.com/destin. www.DestinChamber.com
NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE COSTA LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE OCTOBER SCHEDULE
October 3 Customer Service
October 18 Ethical Issues in Workplace
October 3 Microsoft Excel 2010 1:30 – 6:30 p.m.
October 18 Rising Stars: A Workshop for Emerging Managers
October 10 John Maxwell – How to Be a Real Success
October 24 Communications
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
October 11 Website SEO & How to Monetize Your Website
October 25 Non-Profit Board Effectiveness Training
October 11 Hire & Fire Correctly
October 31 Conflict Resolution
October 17 Lead Today’s Generations
Call (850) 729-6880 or visit www.nwfsc.edu/LI for information.
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Celebrating Ambassador Successes Congratulations to top Ambassadors for August 2013!
DESTIN BUSINESS FORUM In partnership with Cox Communications, the Chamber’s monthly TV program hosts the following in October 2013: - Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q - Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation - Special Chamber Segment from PUTToberfest Weekly Schedule on Cox Channel 6 is as follows: - Sundays, at 8:30 p.m. - Mondays, at 7:30 p.m. - Wednesdays, at 9:30 a.m. - Thursdays, at 7:30 p.m. Shows are also available on Cox InDemand and the Chamber’s YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/destinchamber. Contact Suzy Nicholson Hunt at (850) 837-2711 x2 or suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com to have your business featured here. This is a free benefit of Chamber membership!
Host Amy Perry Pleat, Perry & Ritchie, P.A.
Thank you to Cox Communications for its support of this program.
55 points — Bill Head 50 points — Trisha Chason, SimpleHR/SimpleHIRE 50 points — Fred Fenn, St. Andrews By The Sea Episcopal Church Thank you to Paul Woolman of Copy Systems Business Center, Inc., for welcoming new member Coco’s Mexican Restaurant. If you are interested in becoming an Ambassador, contact Suzy Nicholson Hunt at (850) 837-2711 x2 or suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com for details.
October 2013 Network Newsletter
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID DESTIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Destin Area Chamber of Commerce 4484 Legendary Drive, Suite A Destin, FL 32541
Chamber Announces Destin Forward Class of 2014 On Aug. 21-22, the Chamber welcomed 13 into its Destin Forward program with a retreat and a reception. During the retreat, class members participated in personality and teambuilding exercises and discussions to explore the issues and challenges each feel that Destin now faces. Chamber Board members greeted them during a reception to thank them for their willingess to learn more about the city and the leadership it needs moving forward.
heritage, hear from community leaders and industry experts about current issues, and participate in discussions about resolutions for its future. Activities include field trips to explore Destin’s harbor area, its utility services, and city resources; panel discussions with business leaders in tourism, development, arts and philanthropy, and more; and
presentations from area transportation, economic, and tourism experts. Class members will also visit state legislators in Tallahassee and see the Senate and House in action. The class will graduate in May with a better knowledge of Destin and the leadership skills needed to continue building this world-class community.
The class will meet once per month for the next nine months to build leadership skills through hands-on training. It will explore Destin’s history and
Monica Albarello, Esq Conerly, Bowman & Dykes, LLP
Zach Cobble Coastal Accounting of NW Florida, PA
Nicholas Coleman City of Destin
Jennifer Garner Southern Management Group
Ashley Harkins Design Avenue
William Hatfield The Destin Log
Alison McDowell Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance/NWFSC
Kandi Reeves Alliance Association Management Co. Inc.
Jen Skillman Destin Area Chamber of Commerce
Luke Smith Warren Averett
Moana Tucker Merrill Lynch
Laura Wehe ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals
Vanessa Wolny ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals