Northwest Florida's Business Climate February 2015

FEBRUARY 2015

+ Pensacon 2: The Sequel Women in Leadership The Business of Gay Marriage The Moods That Make Us

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from the publisher’s pen

More than many cities in this country, Pensacola has prospered, at least in the last several years, due to the hard work and dedication of people who yearn to make a difference in this community. Their efforts inspire countless others to pursue their dreams in business, art, real estate, education and more, and effect real, long-lasting change. In this issue, we salute those who have bravely ventured into new territory, who stand apart as leaders in their field and who influence the present while ensuring a bright future for us all. But as Levar

just how much ingenuity and fun can pay off in a place like Northwest Florida. This year, the team that brought you the inaugural event last year is back, and it promises to be even bigger than ever. Take a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to put on a convention of this magnitude, starting on page 8.

There seems to be a theme running throughout this issue, and that theme is brave, fearless thinkers. One conference that is shaping our future thinkers is UWF’s Women in Leadership conference, which returns for a second year this month. The

TO SUBSCRIBE: contact (850) 433-1166 ext. 30 or info@ballingerpublishing.com

Burton used to say, don’t take my word for it. Starting on page 22, you’ll hear about these wonderful people via close friends and colleagues who helped make them what they are today.

Quint Studer writes about Justin Beck, John Peacock writes about Stacey Kostevicki, and so on, much in the spirit of Time’s annual list of influential people. I am proud of this issue and even more proud of the 10 community influencers we gladly feature this month.

Speaking of bravely venturing into new territory, at this time last year many were wondering how a little comic book fan-based convention would fare in our town. Now, there is little doubt that Pensacon was a roaring success and embodies

4 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com

event features renowned women from a variety of industries in the area and promises to promote excellence in leadership, communication, human resources and more. Guests this year include Judy Bense, Debbie Ritchie, Andrea Krieger, Susan Davis and more. Read all about what you can expect, as well as the challenges women face in today’s workforce, starting on page 14.

To continue our theme, perhaps no one among us is more brave than when they dare to be themselves in a world that is pressuring them to be anything but. I am speaking about the gay and lesbian individuals among us, who finally have the right to wed the loves of their lives. In January, the ban on same-sex marriage in Florida was overturned and Clerk’s Offices across the state were flooded with happy couples wishing to publicly and legally profess their love for one another. All this means big business for Florida’s already booming wedding industry.

We take a look at the legality and the money behind it all on page 18.

Finally this month, we examine how emotional events at work can affect employee job satisfaction and job performance, and take a peek at other notable news happening around the region. Thank you as always for reading.

nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 5

contents

22

Influence: Pensacola

8

Pensacon 2

14 Women in Leadership

18 The Business of Gay Marriage

In Every Issue

Reader Services Letters We welcome your letters and comments.

Send letters to Ballinger Publishing PO Box 12665 Pensacola, FL 32591 or contact specific staff members under the Contact Us: Staff Info link on ballingerpublishing.com

20 The Moods That Make Us

Writing Opportunities We are always willing to consider article ideas. Please send queries to Josh Newby, business editor, at josh@ballingerpublishing.com, or care of Josh to the postal address.

Around the Region

People on the Move 29 Business Scene

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30

FEBRUARY 2015

Publisher Malcolm Ballinger malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com Executive Editor Kelly Oden kelly@ballingerpublishing.com BC Editor/Design & Layout Josh Newby josh@ballingerpublishing.com Art Director Rita Laymon rita@ballingerpublishing.com Graphic Designer & Ad Coordinator Guy Stevens guy@ballingerpublishing.com Editor Emily Echevarria emily@ballingerpublishing.com Editorial Intern Dawn Gresko Sales & Marketing Amanda Tomlinson, Account Executive amanda@ballingerpublishing.com Becky Hildebrand, Account Executive becky@ballingerpublishing.com

Owners Malcolm & Glenys Ballinger Publisher Malcolm Ballinger · malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com Executive Editor Kelly Oden · kelly@ballingerpublishing.com Art Director Rita Laymon · rita@ballingerpublishing.com Graphic Designer & Ad Coordinator Guy Stevens · guy@ballingerpublishing.com Editor Emily Echevarria · emily@ballingerpublishing.com Business Editor Josh Newby · josh@ballingerpublishing.com Sales & Marketing Amanda Tomlinson, Account Executive, ext. 28 amanda@ballingerpublishing.com Becky Hildebrand, Account Executive, ext. 31 becky@ballingerpublishing.com Simone Sands, Account Executive, ext. 21 simone@ballingerpublishing.com Website: ballingerpublishing.com Editorial Offices 41 North Jefferson St., Ste. 402 Pensacola, FL, 32502 850-433-1166 · Fax 850-435-9174

Published by Ballinger Publishing: Member of:

NW Florida’s Business Climate and Pensacola Magazine is locally owned and operated. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction or use of the contents herein is prohibited without written permission from the publisher.

Comments and opinions expressed in this magazine represent the personal views of the individuals to whom they are attributed and/or the person identified as the author of the article, and they are not necessarily those of the publisher. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher reserves the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser.

Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services by Ballinger Publishing. © 2014

nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 7

PENSA CON 2 PENSA

THE SEQUEL

BY JOSH NEWBY | PHOTOS BY GUY STEVENS Anyone in or around Pensacola at this time last year likely heard about Pensacon, the sci-fi, horror and comic convention that promised to bring thousands of people and millions of dollars to our region. A year later, as the team that brought you the inaugural con gears up for round two, it seems that the excitement for the second installment has reached feverish levels. This year, chairman Mike Ensley has guaranteed an even bigger and better convention, and if Pensacola has learned anything over the past year, it is that the Pensacon crew knows how to make a great event even better.

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ast year, Northwest Florida’s Business Climate reported that the event staff were expecting between 5,000 and 10,000 guests.

On Saturday of the convention, 17,000 visitors were welcomed through the doors of Pensacola Bay Center, where the celebration will again take place this year Feb. 27 through March 1. One million dollars worth of economic development and heads in beds were promised, and $1.4 million worth was delivered. Ninety-eight percent of guests from last year said they would absolutely come back, a population base that averaged 39 years old with an annual income exceeding $60,000. As many as 40 percent of visitors to Pensacon 2014 were tourists who were here to experience the convention and Pensacola, and of course, spend money.

Fans were delighted with the guests, who ranged from actors and actresses in movies like Friday the 13th and Star Wars and TV shows like Game of Thrones and

The Walking Dead to comic book artists and authors. This year, some of last year’s favorites are returning, along with big-name newcomers like Lita Ford, Michael Biehn (Terminator, The Abyss), Mira Furlan (Lost, Babylon 5), and Naomi Grossman (American Horror Story). More than 70 guests in all are expected.

“Basically, we discovered that Pensacola has a huge market for Pensacon type of people,” said Ensley. “There were people who were skeptical in our first year if we could get a response, but now that we have, we have guests contacting us and wanting to be a part of things. The first year, we had to kind of pull some strings to get some guests to come. Now because we have name recognition and a reputation, they want to come.”

Since then, Ensley and team have been working hard to make sure the convention and all the related fun stays on people’s minds, with events like November’s zombie run and Pop Expo, which was

a sort of mini-Pensacon in front of Seville Quarter, and a comic book giveaway on New Year’s Eve. Ensley said that while the first year was a great success, there were some learning opportunities for the event’s sophomore year.

This year, the staff plans to make better use of space and spread some events out into partnering downtown businesses, such as the Saenger Theatre and the Fish House. This year, they will also cap attendance at 15,000. Weekend ticket sales are double what they were a month out, so getting advance tickets is more important than ever. He has also been working to spread the word about what he calls “convention culture.”

“Our focus has always been to be all-inclusive and have something for everybody,” said Ensley.

“This year we’re making sure we have room for everybody. I feel like last year, a lot of people didn’t realize that Friday is a full day for the convention, not just the weekend. People aren’t used to taking time off for that, but it’s definitely worth a visit.”

Manda Manning, Pensacon’s marketing and communications director, echoed that sentiment.

“We went all out this year,” said Manning. “We want to create an environment where people want to come back. We proved in the first year that we are professional, hospitable, and can keep the talent and the agents happy.”

Much like last year, downtown is getting in on the action. Places like Hopjacks, Tin Cow, Fish House, Play, Atlas, Beef O’Brady’s, O’Rileys and more are all hosting official parties with eight different themes, from Star Wars to American Horror Story: Freak Show. Other downtown events that will be facilitated in partnership with Pensacon include speed dating, comedy shows, trivia nwflbusinessclimate.com Business Climate | 9 9 | BUSINESS CLIMATE ||NWFLBUSINESSCLIMATE.COM

competitions, fan panels, cosplay competitions and more.

On Jan. 29, Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward announced a partnership between Pensacola International Airport and Pensacon that promised to market the event in exciting ways. In honor of the convention, Hayward issued a proclamation to temporarily rename the airport “Pensacola Intergalactic Airport” and unveiled signage throughout the terminal highlighting iconic characters and welcome messages.

“There’s a huge market for this,” said Hayward. “Look at conventions in California and Atlanta. To have that kind of market embark on our town is a huge deal. The impact is huge. Thousands of people were exposed to Pensacola through Pensacon, and I knew right away that we needed to be involved at a greater level.”

Hayward showed off the terminal gates that were renamed “Stargates” and the restrooms that featured Stormtrooper symbols for the men’s rooms and Princess Leia symbols for the 10||BUSINESS Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com 10 CLIMATE | NWFLBUSINESSCLIMATE.COM

women’s rooms.

The airport serves more than 1.5 million passengers a year and is the first impression of Pensacola to the public traveling by air. The goal of the campaign is to create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for Pensacon guests, celebrities and the public to increase awareness about the airport as a gateway to the city.

“This is a port of entry for a lot of guests, from all over the country and even all over the world,” said Ben Galecki, co-founder of the convention.

“For them to be greeted by this type of thing is amazing. It’s really great to see Pensacola embrace this event.”

“We’re super excited about this, because it shows that the city is as serious about this as we are, and it’s just such a natural fit,” said Manning. “They actually approached us about that.”

For the true Pensacon experience, however, the Bay Center is the place to be. That is where the vendor floor, the artists alley and many of the panels will be taking place. The Crowne Plaza will

not only serve as the hotel for Pensacon guests, but also the location of a Rocky Horror Picture Show screening Friday night and 24-hour gaming rooms.

The marketing and advertising for Pensacon’s second year is very similar to the first, with billboards and social media to thank for a majority of the community’s awareness. Just like last year, guerilla marketing was also huge.

“We went to Comic-Con, Dragon-Con and more,” said Manning. “Our focus

“The first year, we had to kind of pull some strings to get some guests to come.

Now because we have name recognition and a reputation, they want to come.” nwflbusinessclimate.com Climate | 11 11 | BUSINESS CLIMATE ||Business NWFLBUSINESSCLIMATE.COM

has been the Southeast, obviously, in places like Atlanta, Orlando and Montgomery, but people from places as far away as Washington State have come to the convention.”

Just as last year, Pensacon will sponsor a Gallery Night in downtown, but this year, since Gallery Night falls the Friday previous to the convention, the evening will be branded as a “locals only” shindig where attendees are encouraged to get their geek on.

Next year, the team plans to make it even bigger and better and explore further partnerships with the city and county government.

“We expect next year to have a huge Star Wars focus with Episode VII coming out,” said Ensley. “This year, we’re especially excited about a 10-actor Power Rangers reunion and four individuals from Game of Thrones. That’s huge, but every year is just a stepping stone to the next one.

The event is 1 to 7 pm Feb. 27, and 10 am to 6 pm Feb. 28 and March 1.

Photo courtesy: eMagination

Photo courtesy: eMagination

Photo courtesy: eMagination

Photo courtesy: eMagination 12|| BUSINESS Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com 12 CLIMATE | NWFLBUSINESSCLIMATE.COM

Independence for the Blind of West Florida Presents:

The 13Th AnnuAl eye BAll Dancing with “Our” Stars Alumni Reunion

March 7, 2015 6 PM to 11 PM

Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front Honorary Chairs Captain Bill and Donna Clark ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢

The Peoples’ Choice Award Dance to the music of Mass Kunfusion Delicious gourmet dinner by Chef Dan Dunn Great Live and Silent Auction Items

eye Ball Alumni left to Right Top Row: Cate Merrill, Thom Newcomb, Dawn Westbury, Victor Luna, Mary Gamble, Jennifer Cole, Mary Riesberg, Stacy Williams, Kathy Terrell, Debbie Ritchie and Malcolm Ballinger. Second Row Bottom left to Right: John Peacock, Marty Stanovich, Caleb Manchac, Donna Clark, Sheriff David Morgan, Julian MacQueen Alumni not Pictured: Mollye Barrows, Susan Clark, Bill Dagnall, Kate Deblander, Dana Cervantes, Evon Emerson, Ashley Hodge, Kim MacQueen, Kyle Marrero, Shelia Martin, Sandy Sansing, Greg Scjij, Rodney Scott, Quint Studer, Antonio Terry, David Tuyo, Mark Wibbs, Jay Windham, Patricia Windham, Marie Young.

Proceeds from this event helps support life changing training and hope to teens, adults and the elderly who are blind, becoming blind or visually impaired in the 10 county area of Northwest Florida.

Tickets can be obtained on the Independence for the Blind Web Site www.ibwest.org or by calling Sally McConnell @850.477.2663 for more information. nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 13

The annual conference attracts 400 of the area’s students and top business people to an afternoon filled with dynamic speakers all focused on human resources, career development, communication, and most of all...

Women in Leadership Pam Bilbrey

Judy Bense

Brian Baumgardner

Allison Hill

Debbie Ritchie

Andrea Krieger

Denise McLeod

Martha Saunders

Jennifer Grove

Maureen Padden

Timothy O’Keefe

Michelle Scaglione

I

n its inaugural year, the University of West Florida’s Women in Leadership conference showcased some of the most prominent and successful women in the area

and gave them an opportunity to reveal the secrets to their achievements and dialogue with students and other aspiring professionals in the area. In its second year, the conference coordinators promise more of the same with a whole new batch of amazing women.

The conference is the brainchild of Sherry Hartnett, director of the UWF College of Business Executive Mentor program. According to Hartnett, the program matches students from the University with influential community business leaders who share their personal and professional experience, knowledge and skills. The one-on-one mentor

Susan Davis

Ed Ranelli

Kia Painter-Holland

relationship allows for individual attention to the student mentees’ career aspirations, professional development and networking needs. The access to local business leaders provides students with an inside track for full-time, post-graduate employment.

As part of the program, Hartnett envisioned a series of events that would facilitate a dialogue between business leaders in the community and students. Originally, the idea for a segment focusing on women in leadership was intended to be just a panel at one of these events; however, as interest grew and those wanting to participate increased, Hartnett quickly realized that she could fill an entire afternoon with the topic.

By Josh Newby 14 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com

“We are so lucky that in this area we have such a large number of women who are accomplished, engaging and can provide great mentorship,” said Hartnett. “And we’re lucky that so many want to learn from them to improve themselves professionally.”

Last year, the conference featured dynamic speakers like Judy Bense, Pam Childers, Carol Carlan, Bentina Terry and more.

“It was important to us to have women who were at the top of their field, wellrespected and diverse,” said Hartnett. “It is held on the UWF campus so that it is convenient and easily accessible for students.”

Originally, the conference was intended to just take place for one year, but once the Conference Center’s seating capacity was quickly reached, Hartnett realized that she had tapped into something special.

“We got so much support after the conference,” said Hartnett. “We realized we had to keep doing this. So this year is our second year and we anticipate growing even more.”

This year, the conference takes place at the UWF Conference Center and Auditorium on Friday, Feb. 13 from 11:45 am to 5 pm.

The day will feature speakers like Judy Bense, Pam Bilbrey, Susan Davis, Andrea Krieger, Debbie Ritchie and Martha Saunders, among others.

“This conference is quickly becoming the place to be in our community,” said Saunders. “It provides a networking opportunity for women in leadership and a good place to learn best practices. I’m honored to have been invited to speak to the group and look forward to sharing my experiences with others.”

Hartnett echoed those sentiments.

“We are so lucky that in this area we have such a large number of women who are accomplished, engaging and can provide great mentorship. And we’re lucky that so many want to learn from them to improve themselves professionally.”

“It is an exciting time for Pensacola as we continue to develop women into leaders through empowerment, support, and connections,” said Hartnett. “We have packed the day with inspiring speeches, thought-provoking panels, and a chance to meet remarkable women from all over the area.”

These types of conferences are perhaps more important than ever. While women continue to become more essential and viable members of community leadership and executive management, and many initiatives have been to taken to promote workplace equality for women—including the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act— there are still many engrained biases and systemic problems that work against them. Over the past 50 years, women’s labor force participation is up by 53 percent, according to the Department of Labor. Women’s educational attainment has also increased significantly.

While only 6 percent of women 50 years ago had completed college, more than 30 percent

are college graduates today.

Nevertheless, according to a study completed in January of 2014, women nationally still earn just over 80 percent of what men do—85 percent in Florida. This problem is exacerbated amongst women of racial minority.

Much of the problem lies in occupational and time-based differences among men and women. As a general rule, the greatest wage gap lies within the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) disciplines, which carry higher wages and tend to attract more men anyway.

The highest average wage premium among women is represented by jobs in therapy, where women make about 6 percent more than men in the same field. Women also tend to work less than men—about 35 minutes less per day— though much of this time is spent on family caregiving.

Most of these facts, however, pale in comparison to the effect structural barriers and enduring social attitudes about women’s place in the workplace have on women’s lower pay, according to the

nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 15

nation’s leading economists.

In general, women are less likely to assert themselves in the workplace, less likely to ask for a raise, and more likely to take time off if a child or family member becomes ill. Before even entering the labor force, women are less likely to engage in academic disciplines that result in high wages, most likely because up until a few years ago, the STEM studies were marketed as a man’s game.

Combating these social issues and giving women the confidence they need to fully enjoy the fruits of their labor are among the purposes of the Women in Leadership conference.

“We tackle a wide range of issues—health care, career development, communication—from the perspective of stepping up as a female and excelling,” said Hartnett.

Given the success of the first conference and the tangible impact it reportedly had on students and professionals in the area, Hartnett is happy to report that many women in the region now approach 16 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com

her to participate.

“Even women outside the region proactively ask me to join the conference,” said Hartnett. “People are realizing the importance of professionally developing women who are getting ready to graduate or are early in their career. We offer them tangible ideas and takeaways.”

Other organizations in the community are taking notice, too. Pensacola Young Professionals facilitates the day’s roundtable discussions, Wal-Mart underwrites the pre-conference luncheon, and UWF’s Student Government Association and student ambassadors volunteer to help coordinate activities leading up to and throughout the day.

“Our role was to plan the program, but it is truly your conference, and it is your participation that makes it worthwhile,” said Hartnett is a statement to the day’s speakers and guests. “You have the vision, the knowledge, the ability and the experience to help us pave our way into the future.

Throughout this conference, I ask you to stay engaged and help us shape the future of Pensacola.”

“We’re thrilled to host this conference and to have the opportunity to collaborate with some of the true thought-leaders within our community,” said Bense.

“Women in Leadership is a great avenue for us to continue to develop our current and future women leaders “We tackle a wide range in Northwest of issues—health care, Florida” While the career development, event is free for communication—from the all, men and women, registra- perspective of stepping tion is required, up as a female and as the Conference Center’s capac- excelling.” ity is 400 people, and as of mid-January, 250 individuals had already registered. Those interested can register at uwf.edu.

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The Business of Gay Marriage How a federal ruling overturning Florida’s ban on gay marriage will mean happiness for all— couples, vendors and local governments alike.

BY JOSH NEWBY

O

n Jan. 6, 2015, Florida became the 36th state to legally recognize gay marriage. The past two years have seen great advances in the search for marriage equality in the United States, and as Florida joins the growing majority of states that accept same-sex unions, the federal ruling is expected to have an equally positive impact on the lives of gay couples, the bottom lines of wedding vendors, and the value of local economies.

It all started in February of 2014, when civil rights attorneys filed a lawsuit on behalf of a Florida same-sex couple that was actually married in Canada. The case, Brenner v.

Scott, would become synonymous with Florida’s fight for gay rights over the next several months. Simultaneous to these proceedings, American Civil Liberties Union attorneys filed a similar case, Grimsley v. Scott, on behalf of eight couples that had been married in other states and wished for Florida courts

18 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com

to recognize the union. These cases were soon combined so that their ruling would have implications for the entire state.

“Our federal lawsuit in Tallahassee was consolidated with the sole other federal lawsuit,” said Benjamin Stevenson, a local ACLU attorney.

After they were consolidated, Judge Robert Hinkle ruled that Florida’s statutory and constitutional bans (approved via amendment in 2008) were not constitutional. The order was stayed temporarily, and after the US Supreme Court denied a request to extend the stay on Dec. 19, 2014, the stay expired and gay marriage became legal in Florida on Jan. 6, 2015.

On Jan. 6, it was clear to the Clerk’s offices that demand was high. The Escambia County Clerk issued about 90 licenses to wed that first day, compared to the usual five or so.

“These requests are no

different than those for any marriage license for two people who love each other,” said Stevenson.

While some administrative changes still have to take place, Stevenson reported that there are no remaining legal differences in Florida between married straight and gay couples.

“We are still waiting for the Social Security Administration to update their internal guidance so that Florida marriages of same-sex couples are fully recognized for all purposes,” said Stevenson.

As various administrative agencies in the state sort out the changes on their end, the state as a whole and wedding vendors are already benefitting from news of the nowrecognized marriages. One vendor in particular is enjoying both sides of this ruling, as he has been the only openly gay wedding planner on the coast for some time.

Darrin Land of Legacy Event Design has been designing

“Opponents of justice for the LGBT community will continue to attempt to impede the LGBT community from obtaining formal legal equality. However, ‘The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.’” and coordinating same-sex weddings for years and looks forward to the greater meaning these ceremonies now have for him and his clients.

After the news finally broke that gay marriage would soon be legal, Land’s phone rang off the hook with business requests from enthusiastic couples who just couldn’t wait to profess their love.

“I answered 20 to 25 calls in the first 48 hours,” said Land. “Being openly gay, I am glad to see Florida on the right side of history.

We are the 36th state to

legalize marriage for everyone. Florida has joined the new reality.”

Weddings merchants can expect an increase in business of up to 30 percent, which translates to big money for all of Florida, but especially for the wedding-friendly shores of Northwest Florida’s gulf coast. According to a 2014 study by the Williams Institute at UCLA’s School of Law, the state’s economic boost will come not only from same-sex couples planning their nuptials, but also from out-of-state guests who purchase goods and services in Florida. Each wedding is expected to draw about 16 out-of-state guests, slightly less than the guests expected at heterosexual unions because of the still-present stigma.

There are currently about 50,000 homosexual couples living in Florida. It is estimated that more than 24,000 same-sex couples will choose to marry by 2018 (based on statistics following Massachusetts’s similar ruling), resulting in a $182 million boost to the state’s local economies, with $116 million in the first year alone.

All of this means $12 million in sales tax revenue for local governments, based on the 6.6 percent state average, and between 900 and 2,600 jobs in the tourism and recreation sectors, according to the Williams Institute study.

Out-of-state couples will

Photo courtesy: City of St. Pete

likely come to Florida to wed, as well. Approximately 17 percent of all same-sex weddings performed in Florida are expected to be made up of those outside our region.

When Washington State ruled that gay marriage was legal, couples traveled from as far away as Texas to receive their licenses. We can likely expect couples from Georgia and Texas—the two states that boast Florida’s greatest number of visitors that also do not currently allow same-sex marriage. Those two states have an estimated 50,000 homosexual couples.

These numbers may change slightly, however, depending on the Supreme Court’s decision on national same-sex unions later this year. If gay marriage were made legal throughout the

SPENDING

US, consumer spending on same-sex weddings could total $2.5 billion—or an increase of 5 percent over the current wedding industry value—with Florida still being among the top ten states with the most to gain from the decision. According to the Congressional Budget Office, federal tax revenue would increase by about 0.1 percent if gay marriage were legalized nationwide.

Locally, even vendors who usually provide services to straight couples are excited for the development and have no plans to create a policy against helping homosexual individuals.

“We are thrilled about the ruling in favor of gay marriage,” said Beth McLean, of Barret McLean Photography.

“It’s been a long time coming.

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

There is no bias whatsoever on our end, and from purely business and financial standpoints, this is of course a great thing for wedding vendors.”

Despite these economic gains, what is most important is the validation and ratified commitment that can now be shared amongst gay and straight couples all over the state. But the fight is not over.

“Opponents of justice for the LGBT community will continue to attempt to impede the LGBT community from obtaining formal legal equality,” said Stevenson.

“However, ‘The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.’”

YEAR 3

TOTAL

15,519

5,092

3,637

24,248

$89,575,668

$29,391,024

$20,992,764

$139,959,456

Out-of-State Wedding Guests

248,304

81,472

58,192

387,968

Out-of-State Guest Spending

$27,065,136

$8,880,448

$6,342,928

$42,288,512

$116,640,804

$38,271,472

$27,335,692

$182,247,968

# of Marriages by Same-Sex Couples Wedding Spending

TOTAL COMBINED SPENDING

nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 19

The

Moods That Make Us It’s tempting to think of job satisfaction and job performance as products of external factors, like compensation, work environment, and the actual work. But more often than not, the employees’ internal influences, like their emotions and mental states, affect those outcomes too. Emotional incidents weigh heavily on employees, for good and bad, and have a far more longlasting effect than many tangible job characteristics. So what’s a boss to do?

By Josh Newby

Photo courtesy: Carlos Varela

Work is something we all do. We

kinds of emotions in the work-

joy. Both of these are examples of

can either be happy about it—grin

place: anger, fear, joy, surprise,

positive affective event outcomes.

and bear it—or we can be upset

love and sadness. Specific events at

Alternatively, finding out that you

about it. But at the end of the day,

a job, called affective events, create

have to move from an office with

we have to get it done, so we might

within people a different combina-

a window to a cubicle may create

as well have a good attitude, right?

tion of these emotions—emotions

within you anger, sadness or even

In a broad sense, yes, but how that

that in turn lead to a behavioral

fear. You may be snippy the rest of

work gets done and to what quality

response that benefits or impedes

the day or not volunteer for upcom-

it is accomplished depends a great

work progress and quality. The

ing projects. If too many negative

deal on how the employee feels

external

affective events happen, employees

about the job they are doing. These

which controls the external.

dictates

the

internal,

will begin to experience burnout

internal characteristics of a job—

For example, if a coworker brings

and fatigue, and their long-term

the emotions an employee feels as

in donuts one morning, chances

satisfaction and performance will

a result of the work—have great

are you will be quite happy. If your

suffer.

power over the employees’ morale

boss brings in a similar treat, you

Less tangible factors can count

and wellbeing, and therefore over

will likely be even happier, because

as affective events as well. Work

the job outcome itself.

of the validation it represents. You

that is challenging and rewarding

There is a connection between

may find yourself more willing to

tends to increase job satisfaction,

emotions, attitudes and behaviors

help a coworker with a report or

while work that is mundane and

at work. Why? Well, because we are

put a little extra effort into a cli-

boring tends to produce the oppo-

human and our behavior is guided

ent presentation, boosted by your

site effect. Everyone is different,

by emotion. There are six major

unexpected early morning boost of

however,

20 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com

employees’

individual

characteristics can play a big

that are inconsistent with personal

Research indicates that per-

role in how little or how much

feelings, and really anything that

formance feedback can also help

affective

them.

produces stress produces the oppo-

mitigate negative affective events

Conscientiousness, considered the

site. If an employee perceives that

and help employees respond in

best predictor of job performance,

an event will somehow threaten

a healthy and productive way

concerns the degree to which an

the attainment of a personal goal,

to

individual is thorough or careful.

a negative affective event has

Being recognized for good work

Agreeableness, which boasts a

occurred.

is important, but if the employee

events

impact

unforeseen

circumstances.

moderately positive relationship

Bad things happen, though, and

demonstrates areas in need of

with workplace performance, has

one of the keys to good leadership

improvement, the review should be

to do with pro-social behaviors.

is making sure that employees can

presented as a learning opportu-

Neuroticism, a trait that has a

stay the course and get the job done

nity with the focus on the employee

negative relationship with perfor-

even in the tough times. Therefore,

as a whole.

mance, means that employees will

organizations should try to retain

As part of the job performance

find the evil in everything and dis-

employees both physically and

and satisfaction diagram, work

play irritability and self-conscious-

emotionally

salient

events, the personality traits that

ness regardless. Finally, openness

rewards, advancement, benefits

define their effect, and employ-

to experience is all about creativity

and so on. This creates organi-

ees’ reactions to them make up a

and intellectual curiosity, whereas

zational commitment within the

majority of the equation whose

extraversion is the opposite of neu-

employees and encourages them to

outcome is what leaders the world

roticism.

perceive the workplace as one that

over desire. By knowing about the

From these relationships, we

values them as a person and not just

power of affective events, and how

can ascertain the workers will

a worker. Employees see their job

to mitigate their negative effects

react to negative affective events

as part of who they are; the degree

and leverage their positive effects,

differently. Thus, learning about

to which they self-identify explains

the workplace can be much more

your employees is paramount to

the degree to which the worker will

happier and productive.

increasing job satisfaction and

act in the organization’s best inter-

performance. As a general rule,

est. Positive affective events, and

however, autonomy and salient

healthy reactions to negative affec-

rewards can represent positive

tive events are among the most

affective events whereas setbacks,

important predictors of organiza-

unexpected trauma, acting in ways

tional commitment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT • Job characteristics • Job demands • Emotional labor requirements

through

AFFECTIVE REACTIONS • Positive • Negative

JOB SATISFACTION

JOB PERFORMANCE

WORK EVENTS • Daily hassles • Daily uplifts

PERSONALITY TRAITS • Personality • Mood nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 21

Influence: Pensacola

Our editorial staff culled through dozens of names representing various industries in Pensacola and

the surrounding area to decide on 10 influential people who not only stand for something important, but also use their considerable influence for good, facilitating economic development, helping the less fortunate, creating beauty, educating the masses, developing our area and more. Then we asked other influential individuals to write about them.

By Josh Newby

Brendan Kelly VICE PRESIDENT, UWF ADVANCEMENT

By Jerry Maygarden EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PENSACOLA CHAMBER FOUNDATION Dr. Brendan Kelly is doing an exceptional job of transforming Pensacola’s historic downtown into a city campus that is attractive to scholars and tourists alike. You can experience his handy work at the TT Wentworth Museum, the Museum of Commerce and our new multi-cultural center—the Voices of Pensacola. Dr. Kelly has become a great partner in redeveloping our community. I consider him to be a great friend and colleague.

22 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com

Stacey Kostevicki EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GULF COAST KID’S HOUSE

By John Peacock

EDWARD JONES FINANCIAL ADVISOR Stacey Kostevicki epitomizes everything you want in a leader. She is hard working, energetic, extremely dynamic, passionate and extremely empathetic when dealing with the clients of Gulf Coast Kid’s House. This combination of qualities is very rare. Stacey embraces her role as a community leader and the executive director of an agency playing the invaluable role of trying to protect our children. Stacey leads by example donating her time, talents, and treasure in order to help the mission of Gulf Coast Kid’s House and other non-profits.

Her leadership and abilities have given the community the confidence to invest in an expansion of the Gulf Coast Community House to serve additional children. She is a rock star and an amazing asset to this community!

Photo by Guy Stevens nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 23

Bentina Terry VICE PRESIDENT, GULF POWER CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SALES

By Stan Connally

It has been a pleasure to watch Bentina represent Gulf Power and the Pensacola community on various stages since I came to the area. Her passion for making our community better, and her commitment to not just talk about issues but to identify solutions as well, are evident in all she does.

PRESIDENT AND CEO, GULF POWER

Judy Bense PRESIDENT, UWF

By Ed Meadows PRESIDENT, PSC The thought that most comes to mind about Judy Bense is that of an immediate impact leader. Dr. Bense has made great strides in changing the University of West Florida for the better. As president, she is entrepreneurial in her approach to developing the university and yet realistic about the opportunities she and the university should consider. Well thought of, and outspoken in her belief that the University can and should do more for West Florida, Dr. Bense seeks out the most talented leadership team she can find to help her achieve her goal of making the university more visible and more an active player in the economic development of Northwest Florida. No other president could have achieved what Dr. Bense has under such hard economic times as we have experienced these past six years.

24 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com

Rick Harper EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UWF OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGEMENT

By Kenneth Ford

FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN AND MACHINE COGNITION Rick Harper and I grew up together at UWF, coming to Pensacola in the late 1980s as young faculty members and Rick was part of the strong entrepreneurial climate that existed as institutes and centers began to develop. He was instrumental in developing and growing the Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development and putting Northwest Florida on the map through his interactions with businesses and government leaders on research and economic development issues. His commitment to Florida is further evidenced by his recent two-year service as senior policy adviser for economic affairs to the Florida Senate. I admire Rick’s continued dedication to measuring, evaluating and improving the quality of life for our Northwest Florida region.

Pat Regan ARTIST, PAT REGAN FINE ART

By Kristen Regan PHOTOGRAPHER, KRISTEN REGAN PHOTOGRAPHY Pat Regan is an artist that has called Pensacola home for more than 40 years and she has always been committed to serving our community. The PMA Guild gave her a life membership and she has served on numerous boards and committees of other organizations to help improve the community while donating hundreds of her paintings to raise money for the arts and charitable organizations. Pat Regan and her husband Bob are charter members of Pensacola State College’s Visual Art Department’s Anna Society and she was instrumental in establishing the First City Art Center in the Long Hollow neighborhood. Her most recent show at the Pensacola Museum of Art, Roots and Remembrance, paid tribute to the people and places that have influenced her life and career. Pat has always been passionate about mentoring young artists and she has always been a source of inspiration for me. My mother not only nurtured my creative development; she has taught my sister and I that it is important to give back to the community as well. nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 25

Justin Beck PRESIDENT, BECK PROPERTY COMPANY

By Quint Studer FOUNDER, STUDER GROUP Justin Beck embodies the past, present, and future of Pensacola. Coming from a family-owned small business background, he understands the importance of relationships and service. But Justin has also blazed his own trail by taking that family business and expanding it to include new service lines and new markets. I have always appreciated Justin’s conscientious, deliberate attitude, and that thoughtful approach to business will serve him well as he continues to lead his industry into the future.

Joe Abston OWNER, HOPJACKS & THE TIN COW

By Collier Merrill

OWNER, GREAT SOUTHERN RESTAURANT GROUP A few things come into mind when I think about Joe Abston besides restaurateur - I think of someone that doesn’t let “no” get in his way.

There is one key element he possesses which has made him successful at each of these - his incredible sense of ambition. Joe is never reluctant to try new things. In 2006 Abston was one of the few who took a chance on Palafox Street long before downtown was the vibrant, go-to place in Pensacola. I admire him for that. As a restaurant owner, you have to earn the trust and support by not only your staff, but also your customers and local clientele. Joe does a fine job at that and serves as a terrific example of young talent thriving in our community.

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Photo by Guy Stevens

Sue Straughn NEWS ANCHOR, WEAR-ABC 3

By Brent Lane HOST, CAT COUNTRY’S CAT PAK MORNING SHOW Sue Straughn has long been the epitome of service in the Pensacola Community. Not only is Sue a doer, but she is a storyteller. She has the unique ability to calmly describe in vivid detail what the human experience is, and why someone else should care about it. She helps people understand why their concern is necessary. Sue makes you want to help. I consider her a friend and a mentor. She has been kind enough to share her time and insight with me over the years and because of it I am a better broadcaster and a more compassionate person.

Krist Lien DEPARTMENT HEAD, PSC ART DEPARTMENT

By Vivian Spencer DIRECTOR, PSC’S ANNA LAMAR SWITZER CENTER Smart, witty, good natured and big hearted, are some of the traits I most admire in Krist Lien.

We have worked together in the Visual Arts Department at Pensacola State College for over eight years, he as Department Head and I as Gallery Director. Krist has seamlessly integrated in to the Pensacola community by sitting on several boards such as Manna Food Pantry, Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival and is Board President for First City Art Center. Krist’s enthusiasm for the arts is contagious and his leadership style makes it possible for all to contribute and shine.

Pensacola is fortunate to have this Alabama native as one of her own.

Photo by Guy Stevens

nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 27

around the region

UWF faculty members receive Academic Partnerships grant to research online learning Two faculty members in the University of West Florida Department of Teacher Education and Educational Leadership were recently awarded a grant through Academic Partnerships to study the impact and effectiveness of online learning. A total of nine grants were awarded to researchers from seven universities throughout the U.S. Dr. Julie Gray, assistant professor, and Dr. Melanie DiLoreto, instructor, received $5,000 to develop a study that allows students in select online courses to complete a questionnaire that provides data in order for the researchers to explore relationships between course structure and organization, learner interaction, student engagement and instructor presence. They launched the pilot phase of their study, titled, “Student Satisfaction and Perceived Learning in Online Environments: The Mediating Effects of Student Engagement,” during the Fall 2014 semester, with an official start date of January 2015.

Pensacola Chamber Foundation accepting nominations for LeaP class of 2016 Beginning Monday, Feb. 2, through Friday, Feb 27, 2015, nominations will be accepted for the Leadership Pensacola (LeaP) Class of 2016. Self-nominations will also be accepted.

LeaP, a program of the Pensacola Chamber Foundation, aims to develop community-minded leaders during its 10-monthlong program, which is designed to help participants acquire an understanding of the issues facing the Pensacola area and to gain the leadership skills necessary to resolve them. Candidates sought come from a cross-section of the community – men and women from different political, career, educational, social and cultural backgrounds.

PSC Dental Hygiene Clinic offers low cost services at Warrington Campus The Dental Hygiene Clinic at Pensacola State College’s Warrington campus offers low cost preventive dental hygiene services to the public.

Oral cancer screening, teeth cleaning, x-rays, fluoride treatments and sealants are some of the services offered.

The clinic does not provide fillings, oral surgery, braces or dentures.

All dental care is performed by student dental hygienists who are carefully supervised by licensed dental hygiene faculty.

Fees range from $5 to $20 for the general public. Services are free for those with Medicaid cards, Food Stamp cards, or VA cards, as well as PSC full-time students and faculty.

Huron Consulting Group to acquire Studer Group At a cost of $325 million, Chicago-based Huron Consulting recently purchased the Studer Group. The transaction creates a firm with a 1,500 member workforce and $904 million in annual revenues.

28 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com

Sales tax data reflect seasonal ebb, flow of tourist traffic

By Rick Harper

The Christmas holiday shopping season is behind us, and retailers across North Florida are in the midst of the winter doldrums.

From Pensacola to Fort Walton Beach to Panama City to Jacksonville, retail sales will be at a low ebb until spring breakers brighten up stores in March. Even the government and education metros of Tallahassee and Gainesville register their low points in the first two months of the year. But down south, warm weather means that things are hopping.

For years, Florida has reported out taxable sales generated by various types of retail establishments in our 67 counties every month. Those sales are sometimes summed up across types of retailers or across counties in order to provide insight into the economic performance of local areas. These data can be used to paint a picture of some of the drivers of economic activity.

In the colder northern tier counties, tourist visitation patterns mean local hotel revenue is much lower in January and February than it is in June and July. In Panama City, the seasonal peaks and troughs are quite large. There, the sales tax collected by hotels during June and July run at about double the average monthly collections for the year. In January and February, collections run at about half the average monthly collections for the year.

The same pattern holds for Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties. The more mature and diversified economy of Escambia sees summer hotel revenues that spike sharply, but the peak in July is at just under double the annual average.

This summer spike is reversed in Florida’s more southerly metro areas. In Collier County, home to snowbird destination Naples, hotel sales in the January-to-March period run from 40 to 90 percent higher than the average month, while June and July run about a third less than the monthly average, and are among the four lowest months of the year.

While this might have been just what you expected, the differences are large, and they spill over into other sectors. Our visitors, and the chefs who cook their meals, evidently shop at our grocery stores. Taxable sales at grocery stores are 37 percent higher than the average month in July in Panama City, and 15 percent lower in January. A similar pattern, albeit not as pronounced, holds in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties. In contrast, December through April show taxable grocery store sales in Collier County ranging from 13 to 24 percent higher than the monthly average.

Northern tier metros Panama City and Fort Walton Beach are among the most seasonal of Florida’s 22 metro areas. Places like Naples, Cape Coral and Punta Gorda also show strong seasonality, but their high seasons occur when it’s cold in the northern states and warm in South Florida.

Employment in Florida’s tourism and retiree sectors has been growing over time relative to the rest of the Florida economy, helped by both growth in visitor numbers and by the graying of the baby boomers. While job growth is a big positive, the increasing importance of jobs serving these demographic segments poses challenges for our wage structure and job quality in future years. Many of these positions will pay less than the average job in the U.S. economy, yet they are Florida’s highgrowth occupations. The answer lies in providing our youngsters, and our existing workforce, with the training and education opportunities to be well qualified for the jobs they aspire to hold.

Pensacola Bay Center ranked in top 200 arena venues for 2014 The Pensacola Bay Center, managed by SMG is starting their 30th anniversary on a high note!

With over 73,800 tickets sold in 2014, Pensacola Bay Center reached number 86th in the United States and 152nd in the world for tickets sales, by Pollstar Magazine’s 2014 Top 200 Arena Rankings.

“We are extremely grateful and excited to be in the top 200 this year,” said General Manager, Cyndee Pennington. “Each year is different in the entertainment industry, there’s no predictability.

It’s an accomplishment to be ranked among the best arenas in the world.” Pensacola Bay Center has hosted seven of Pollstar’s top 100 tours in 2014 including World Wrestling Entertainment, The Harlem Globetrotters, Cirque du Soleil – Varekai, Elton John, Miranda Lambert, Jeff Dunham and Casting Crowns.

Aerosync Support to open in Santa Rosa Industrial Park Santa Rosa County is proud to welcome Aerosync Support, Inc., a leader in helicopter repairs, modifications and upgrades, to the Santa Rosa Industrial Park in Milton. Aerosync has purchased the former West Coat Metal Roofing building and is making a capital investment of over $1.75 million to the facility. With the anticipated creation of 25 jobs at an average rate of $60,000, Aerosync qualified for a performance-based incentive program aimed at increasing high-skilled, high-wage jobs in Florida.

people on the move

Palliative care physician joins Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola Dr. Jennifer Dulin has joined Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola as the medical director of Palliative Care Services. She is boardcertified in internal medicine and hospice and palliative care medicine. Dr. Dulin graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Kentucky. She completed internal medicine and psychiatry residency training at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. She worked as a hospitalist prior to completing a hospice and palliative medicine fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Va. Dr. Dulin’s clinical interests include aggressive symptom management, and, particularly, end-of-life issues including palliative sedation, pain control, hyperalgesia, psychosis and delirium. She is involved in various quality improvement projects involving the medical trainees’ perception of palliative care, as well as community understanding and perception of palliative care. She is an active member of the American Academy of Hospice & Palliative Medicine (AAHPM).

Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union promotes Michael English Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce that Michael English has been promoted to Marketing Analyst II. In this new role, English will work within all areas of the organization, taking on special projects and initiatives. English will have a greater responsibility for providing data insights, recommendations and assessments that will help guide Gulf Winds in the future. English has 17 years of experience in marketing and analytics and has worked in various roles that include data analysis, market research and product marketing.

Ideaworks team members Google IQ certified Brittany Miller and Stephan Vance, of Pensacola digital marketing and public relations firm Ideaworks, have passed their Google Analytics Individual Qualification test. The certification, obtained through Google, demonstrates proficiency in data analysis and search engine optimization concepts.

Miller and Vance are both graduates of the University of West Florida. Miller, an account executive, has worked with Ideaworks since 2004, during which time she has pioneered the use of digital products and strategies and contributed significantly to the office’s eclectic collection of coffee mugs.

Vance cut his marketing teeth during a decade of touring as an independent musician and later studied the trade in Hong Kong. He brings a rock-and-roll attitude and DIY-ingenuity to every account on which he works. Vance joined the Ideaworks team as an intern while still a student in 2014 and became a full-time project manager later that year.

nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 29

business scene At the Pensacola Chamber’s Clay Ingram meet-and-greet

Jerry Maygarden and Fred Donovan

Sharyon Miller and Carol Carlan

Lance Cook and Jim Fletcher

Malcolm Ballinger and Clay Ingram

At the Irish Politicians’ Club induction ceremony Angela & Pete Moore, Lauren Cutter

Danny Zimmern, Pam & Jim Homyak, and Jim Reeves

At Bear Foundation press conference

Farewell party for Charles Brewer

The Bear Family

Missy Rogers and Charles Brewer

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nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 31

32 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com