Northwest Florida Business Climate

Florida’s

B u s i n e s s

C l i m a t e

December 2013/January 2014

Northwest

PENSACOLA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: REACHING NEW HORIZONS

Ordinary PHILANTHROPY Makes EXTRAORDINARY DIFFERENCE Advertising Federation Increases Search and Rescue Awareness

from the

publisher’ s pen

One of the great pleasures of being a small business owner in this town and taking part in community interactions is seeing first hand how this city continues to grow at a pleasantly surprising rate. Who would have guessed five or ten years ago that we would have an award-winning downtown, a mutlicollege education incubator, or an international airport? And yet, because of the efforts of business and government officials, as well as the commitment from everyday citizens to invest locally, we see those things and more coming to pass.

In this great issue of Business Climate, we give back to those who have given so much by spotlighting the Philanthropy Awards, hosted annually by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. These awards recognize individuals and organizations that have given selflessly, without desire for fame, to the betterment of the area and the area's neediest. Learn about this year's awardwinners on page 47.

Of course, this city would not be where it is today without the outstanding educational institutions that have made Pensacola their home. I'm speaking of course of the colleges and universities, and even the grade schools, that commit to guiding our young people toward fulfilling, profitable careers. The University of West Florida is taking that a step further by opening the Innovation Institute downtown, an education incubator where problems facing the city and state can be solved from an academic, research-led perspective, with collaboration from local business and state legislators. Find out more on page 53.

Reaching outward is a key to success for any area, and now Pensacola has another option for doing so. World-renowned airline Southwest Airlines has added Pensacola to its list of host cities. Every year, thousands of regions compete to do business with Southwest, and after more than a decade of steady courtship, our airport is among those the company deems viable. This equates to a huge boost for tourism, business and travel for our region. Southwest's loyal customers will surely check out this new destination on the company's roster, and the airline's signature low prices and friendly service mean that families and business individuals alike can more easily experience this great city face-to-face. Learn about the business of Southwest, as well as other initiatives the airport has planned, on page 57.

The American Advertising Federation is a professional organization for advertisers, marketers, and the like. This brain trust of creativity has decided to give pro-bono work to a deserving organization in our area. Find out who the organization is and how the AAF plans to help on page 50.

Malcolm Ballinger Publisher

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FEATURES

53.

53. Innovation Institute 57. PENSACOLA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: REACHING NEW HORIZONS

57.

DEPARTMENTS 47. NON-PROFIT Ordinary PHILANTHROPY Makes EXTRAORDINARY DIFFERENCE

50.

50. COMMUNITY Advertising Federation Increases Search and Rescue Awareness in every issue 60. AROUND THE REGION 61. PEOPLE ON THE MOVE 62. BUSINESS SEEN

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Dec.2013/Jan.2014

> Inside this issue

Northwest Florida’s

Business Climate

December 2013/January 2014 PUBLISHER

MALCOLM BALLINGER malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com BC EDITOR

KELLY ODEN kelly@ballingerpublishing.com ART DIRECTOR

RITA LAYMON rita@ballingerpublishing.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

GUY STEVENS II guy@ballingerpublishing.com EDITOR

EMILY LULLO emily@ballingerpublishing.com BUSINESS EDITOR

JOSH NEWBY josh@ballingerpublishing.com SALES & MARKETING

SHARYON MILLER, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 28 sharyon@ballingerpublishing.com BECKY HILDEBRAND, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, EXT. 31 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 & ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

GUY STEVENS II • guy@ballingerpublishing.com EDITOR

EMILY LULLO •emily@ballingerpublishing.com BUSINESS EDITOR

JOSH NEWBY •josh@ballingerpublishing.com SALES & MARKETING SHARYON MILLER, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 28 sharyon@ballingerpublishing.com

BECKY HILDEBRAND, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, becky@ballingerpublishing.com

EXT.

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SIMONE SANDS, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE EXT. 21 simone@ballingerpublishing.com WEBSITE:

WWW.BALLINGERPUBLISHING.COM

EDITORIAL OFFICES 41 NORTH JEFFERSON STREET, SUITE 402 PENSACOLA, FLORIDA 32502 850-433-1166 • FAX 850-435-9174

PUBLISHED BY BALLINGER PUBLISHING:

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NW Florida’s Business Climate Magazine 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. © 2013

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NON-PROFIT<

By Josh Newby

Ordinary PHILANTHROPY Makes EXTRAORDINARY DIFFERENCE They are not always the most charismatic or the most visible, but they always inspire countless others. They do not come from an extraordinary background, but they create exceptional, foundational change. And they may not always have a lot to give, but they always give their all.

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Winners Jim Green and Pamela Schwartz.

Those are the types of ordinary individuals and groups that were honored on National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 15.

The West Florida chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals honored the best among them at this unique forum for non-profit organizations and individuals. The theme of the day was “ordinary philanthropy,” a virtue keynote speaker Steve Williams, supply chain manager of Gulf Power, spoke about.

“We are here today to honor ordinary, hard-working people who are committed to an extraordinary cause,” said Williams. “They don’t consider themselves philanthropists, and that is what is so remarkable about them.”

Williams went on to say that the gift of time is just as important as money and resources, and that many philanthropists go unrecognized because they do not seek out glamour or recognition.

“Today we honor those of you who give to charities, thankful that you don’t need their help, or perhaps thankful because those organizations were there when you did need their help,” said Williams.

The DNA of giving, Williams said, stems from desire, need and appeal. The day’s recipients have an abundance of desire to give, they see the need in their community, and they certainly answer the appeals for their assistance.

Two awards were given, one to an everyday individual who exemplified extraordinary selflessness, and one to an organization or foundation.

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The individual winner was Pamela Schwartz, who has become a fixture in Pensacola’s non-profit community over the years. Her gifts to the Gulf Coast Kid’s House and University of West Florida have been valuable for both protecting and educating area children and young adults.

Schwartz was also a president of the Escambia Education Association. In that role, her supervisors praised her for moving around comfortably in the community and always serving as a consummate teacher, often working late and always available to assist children in need.

Ten years ago, Schwartz famously contributed the single largest gift to Gulf Coast Kid’s House at that time, to help jumpstart the child-centered non-profit organization.

After retiring, Schwartz continued giving to the community by serving on community boards, participating in service activities, and contributing her teaching wisdom and experience to others. She continues to advocate for those in the most need and is well known for her complete dedication to all she does.

Recently, she worked with UWF to support teachers and furthering education for students. Her gifts to Pensacola and its citizens live on in perpetuity in the people she has reached and the programs she has sponsored or represented.

“Ever since I was a little girl, I was taught the importance of generosity,” said Schwartz as she tearfully accepted her award. “I have learned that it is important to

Jim Green accepts the award from last year’s winner, John Peacock.

give from the heart. I feel grateful for the life I have and the opportunity to make others’ lives better. I am following what I have come to appreciate from my upbringing. Always remember to love others as you love yourself.”

Schwartz went on to recount the moments from her life that shaped who she is as an ordinary philanthropist who makes an extraordinary impact.

The organizational winner was the Pensacola Heritage Foundation, responsible for much of the historic downtown revitalization over the past several years, as well as the preservation of Gulf Islands National Seashore, the revival of the North Hill Historic District, and perhaps most notably, the return of the Evenings in Olde Seville concert series.

Originally founded in 1964, the Foundation is affiliated with the National and Florida Trusts for Historic Preservation. The Foundation is also the oldest historic preservation organization in the area, and its loyal members continue to pursue the mission of preserving and protecting Pensacola’s rich history through restoration work, educational programs, and community activities.

The Foundation’s first project was to restore the Dorr House, located on Seville Square. Afterwards, the group focused on restoring Seville Square itself. The Foundation also undertook the restoration of the Barkley House.

The Pensacola Heritage Foundation continued the long tradition of making Seville Square the center of the community by reviving the Evenings in Olde Seville Square

concert series in 1988. Although the Foundation recently turned the event over to Events Pensacola, thousands of people still attend the concerts every Thursday during the summer.

It is estimated that members of the Foundation have given more than a million dollars to the restoration and preservation of downtown.

For more than 10 years, the Foundation has hosted the ReDiscovery Lecture featuring John Appleyard, noted local historian and storyteller. All topics cover Pensacola’s past, present and future.

Board member Jim Green accepted the award from last year’s winner John Peacock.

“This award is for everyone who has contributed their time and money so that we can restore downtown,” said Green. “The people of Pensacola enjoy the area, and it’s a great place for the family. In the coming years, we are going to start focusing more on educating people and fostering historic tourism.”

The day’s winners, though not expecting recognition, were proof that good deeds are appreciated and put to good use in Pensacola. Schwartz and Green both concluded their acceptance speeches by encouraging others to set a little time or money aside for worthy causes and to give in ordinary ways that achieve extraordinary results.

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>COMMUNITY

By Josh Newby

Advertising Federation Increases Search and Rescue Awareness

Not many people know about Escambia Search and Rescue (ESAR)—save for the countless lost hikers, distressed boaters, wandering children and confused Alzheimer’s and Down’s Syndrome patients they help—but that is about to change.

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Each year, the collective brain trust of Pensacola’s advertisers, graphic designers, marketers and communicators come together to create a campaign directed at a non-profit organization’s needs. During the month of August, the American Advertising Federation (AAF) of Pensacola received more than 90 applications for their public service campaign. After extensively reviewing all submissions, the AAF board of directors selected ESAR to receive this year’s creative treatment.

The ESAR has operated in Pensacola without government funding for more than 50 years. It is the oldest SAR group in the state and the second oldest in the

organization is poised to continue serving the county’s lost.

Over the next few months, the AAF Pensacola Public Service committee will work with the organization’s leaders to determine which advertising and marketing services are needed and will begin the development of a plan that will raise awareness for ESAR within our community.

“The most effective way of informing the public of an important social problem or need is through a complete, well-planned and well-executed strategic marketing communications campaign,” said Megan Gonzalez, president of AAF Pensacola. “Our professional and student

“The organization has the opportunity to take advantage of various professional skill sets for no charge, added exposure through AAF Pensacola’s member network and public relations, further growing awareness of the organization to the business community and general public,” said Gonzalez. “The Pensacola community benefits through the increase in exposure of the organization and also has the opportunity to learn more about non-profits in the area.”

The complimentary public service campaign for ESAR is expected to be complete by July of 2014, at which time the AAF will begin accepting applications for the next year’s recipient.

country. The organization consists of about 60 highly trained and experienced volunteers who are dedicated to finding the lost and restoring them to safety.

They do this with marine operations, K9 search and rescue, family services and support, and more.

ESAR is a member of the National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR) and provides Search, Rescue, and Recovery services to local, state, and federal law enforcement, and fire/rescue agencies.

ESAR receives most resources from annual door-to-door fundraising and some corporate donations. Two years ago, ESAR received their first Impact 100 grant. Now, with a pledge from the AAF to increase awareness, volunteerism and gratitude for all the ESAR does, the

members devote countless hours of volunteer time and top-level resources to better the local community.”

In the past, the AAF has increased awareness for local organizations such as Autism Pensacola and Gulf Coast Kids’ House. In order to be selected, the entity must be a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, directly impact Escambia or Santa Rosa county, and clearly demonstrate the need for advertising, marketing or public relations services— needs including but not limited to brand awareness, media buying, social media, design and event planning.

The partnership that grows from this service project benefits the AAF and the organization, obviously, but also the larger advertising community and even Pensacola as a whole.

“AAF Pensacola is committed to progressing advertising as a positive force in the area’s economy and culture,” said Gonzalez. “One key way in which we fulfill this commitment is through our community service efforts. Our members have the ability to participate in making our area thrive through supporting organizations such as Escambia Search and Rescue. In addition, we have the opportunity to showcase the excellent creative work from the talented advertising community and come together as a united team to execute incredible campaigns.”

Those interested in becoming members of AAF Pensacola and participating in this campaign should email Riannon Boven, Public Service Chair, at riannon@appleyardagency.com.

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S

By Josh Newby

Sometimes the best answers for the biggest challenges are found in the most unexpected places. Case in point: the University of West Florida’s Innovation Institute. It will be located in the Belmont-DeVilliers area of Downtown, an often overlooked corner of Pensacola’s thriving heart, and it will bring together usual people to solve some of the state’s most unusual academic issues.

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In January, various teams from across the state will come together to review ideas and begin implementing them for a full Complete Florida launch in fall 2014.

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It may not look like much on the outside, located across the street from Five Sisters Blues Café and housed within a Studer property, but inside is an initiative that the Florida Legislature and universities and colleges across the state have partnered together for: the Innovation Institute. The Institute’s mandate is to work collaboratively with community and state allies on various projects to solve pressing educational problems.

“This city has business incubators and has benefitted greatly from those, but we’re more of an education incubator,” said Pam Northrup, executive director of the institute. “There are pockets of excellence located all over the UWF campus and the Pensacola community, and the Innovation Institute’s purpose is to bring them all together under one roof in a coordinated effort to work on challenges.”

What originally started as UWF Provost Martha Saunder’s idea has evolved into a concept that various educational establishments in the state want to be a part of and that the Florida Legislature supports. Now, with a dedicated eight-person staff moving to the Downtown location in early 2014, the team will begin research-based product development aimed at everything from bringing adults back to college to initiating a cyber security program for Northwest Florida.

The Institute differs from other problem-solving, brainstorming think tanks by bringing in end-users to collaborate on every step of the process. This goes beyond focus groups and surveys and taps into unexpected resources of knowledge, said Northrup. The people who are impacted by these challenges and by their subsequent resolutions will be brought in to help brainstorm topics every step of the way.

Using an IDEA design process—which stands for innovate, design, experience, act—the team will ensure transformational experiences for each focus area.

System as a whole to inspire and engage students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) disciplines. As a nation, the United States underperforms in math and science and is falling further and further behind international peers.

Many jobs go unfilled in critical STEM fields and many of the international students currently in STEM disciplines will complete and return to their home countries outside of America.

The National Flight Academy, which Northrup also helped coordinate, is one such method for getting middle- and highschool students interested in this

This information One of the first projects the Institute is working on is called Complete Florida, a program designed to recruit, recover and retain adults who dropped out of college for whatever reason, and help them complete an associates or bachelor’s degree.

Many of these individuals left college as seniors with almost all credits necessary for graduation and now have years of work experience in their field. There are 2.2 million of them across the state, and as the Board of Governors was already interested in increasing degree production, the Legislature awarded funding to UWF, charging the Innovation Institute to bring this population back to college.

In order to resolve the problem, Northrup and her team will bring in actual adults who dropped out of college to learn why they discontinued their education and what would bring them back.

“We know what the academic research says,” said Northrup.

“However, this is a student-centered process and we want to hear what these people have to say so that we can tailor-fit a product for them.”

Through fully online, competency-based learning, accelerated courses and prior learning assessment, all areas of this program will be customized to workforce related degrees. Using a concierge-based approach to student services, Complete Florida will facilitate retention and degrees earned.

In January, various teams from across the state will come together to review ideas and begin implementing them for a full Complete Florida launch in fall 2014.

Another immediate project is the construction of a cybersecurity and information technology hub for Northwest Florida.

By partnering with local entities like Global Business Solutions, Inc., the Pensacola Chamber, and even the Navy, this program will guarantee undergraduate and graduate education opportunities for this high-demand field. The program will also offer industry certifications and internship opportunities. By utilizing this Information Technology Performance Initiative, students will have a pipeline between their degrees and the industries that need them.

This information technology program is part of a larger push by the Innovation Institute, UWF and the Florida University

technology program is part of a larger push by the Innovation, UWF and the Florida University System as a whole to inspire and engage students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) disciplines.

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high-demand, high-wage educational and career field. Other partners include school districts from around the country, Aviation Classroom Experience (ACE), museums, science centers, and TEQ Games at Universal Studios, along with the College of Professional Studies at UWF. “I am talking with TEQ designers at Universal Studios that will help design educational experiences that motivate and immerse students in these fields,” said Northrup. “We want to interest them while they’re young, so our Institute will look at fun ways to attract young people to these sectors.”

Although nothing is final yet, Northrup said she envisions workshops not unlike those offered at IHMC’s (Institute for Human and Machine Cognition) Science Saturdays, as well as hands-on science activities like those available at the local MESS Hall museum.

“We will find our own educational niche,” said Northrup.

“We don’t want to compete with anybody; our goal is to collaborate.”

Finally, in order to evolve educational methods with today’s changing technological landscape, the Institute’s think-tank will focus on accelerating and facilitating enhanced online learning options aligned to bridge the gap between higher education and workforce needs.

“We hope to be able to offer working adults and longdistance learners with more options to get their education and reach their full potential,” said Northrup. “We want to extend workforce education to those who may feel unable to participate.”

The Innovation Institute will work with the campus’s online campus, Academic Technology Center, Division of Continuing Education and even the Military and Veterans Resource Center.

Northrup also said that she envisions TED Talk-type lecture

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series for adults who are interested in emerging research and topics important to the Pensacola area. The building will also feature expansive meeting and collaboration rooms that Northrup wants to make available to local businesses when not in use. Northrup hopes the Institute could one day host events like the recent StartUp Weekend as well.

As the Innovation Institute is all about bringing product beneficiaries to the creative process as early as possible, the space will feature modern design and contemporary technology to complement the problem-solving and brainstorming that will occur on a daily basis.

Downtown was important as a location for the Institute as well, said Northrup.

“We want to be where everything is happening, and feed off of and contribute to the whole vibe,” said Northrup. “We are open to the Downtown community.”

The Innovation Institute will be located on the third floor of the Eddie Todd- and Studer-owned building. Studer Properties is expected to invest an additional $1.25 million into the building, attracting businesses to the private office space located on the second floor and office and retail tenants to the mixed-use first floor. The renovation should go a long way to restoring this previously ignored segment of the area.

From humble beginnings and using everyday research resources, the Innovation Institute is still in its infancy, but Northrup predicts successful problem resolutions and expanded academic options for the Northwest Florida region and the state.

“In the next several years, I’d like to see the Institute grow as a valuable resource for businesses and educational institutions here and beyond,” said Northrup.

Photos courtesy of Pensacola International Airport and Southwest Airlines

By Josh Newby

PENSACOLA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: REACHING NEW HORIZONS

Pensacolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Airport has experienced rampant growth over the past several years, becoming a major capital engine while serving as a conduit for area growth. A rebranding campaign, extended flight offerings and several self-sustaining business ventures have all contributed to the airportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vitality and the health of the local economy. Now, leadership in the city and the airport look to build on those successes with several new and exciting developments that will broaden travel options, increase tourism and further enrich the regional economic landscape.

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The most notable recent development is without a doubt Southwest Airlines’ service launch at Pensacola International Airport. The addition creates more options for Northwest Florida and Southeast Alabama air travelers and indicates that Pensacola is increasingly able to attract big-name businesses and services.

Southwest offers twice daily nonstop service between Pensacola and Nashville, as well as daily nonstop service to and from Houston Hobby, with additional same-plane or connecting service to nearly 70 total destinations served by the company’s all-Boeing 737 fleet. This evolution solidifies the airport as the largest between Jacksonville and New Orleans.

“We’re increasing by nearly half the number of places that our Pensacola customers may travel to and from with the Southwest network,” said Bob Montgomery, Southwest’s vice president of Airport Affairs.

The nearly two-decade long process to attract Southwest service to Pensacola has been described by many as a delicate courtship, in which the city’s values and future were touted as proof it could sustain the carrier.

“Pensacola International Airport is one of the City’s greatest economic development engines,” said Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward. “Southwest’s presence expands Pensacola International Airport’s routes through Houston and Nashville, making Pensacola more accessible to businesses and tourists across the nation. Together, we are competing and winning.”

For years, city and business officials, including former Airport Director Frank Miller, met with Southwest’s top brass to sell the Northwest Florida region. Hundreds of communities proposition Southwest each year, and the airline’s business model makes them very selective of which cities to do business with.

Ultimately it was the city’s current leadership that made the difference, according to Airport Director Greg Donovan.

“Mayor Hayward and his staff really built on the foundational relationship that had been cultivated for years, ultimately securing the partnership,” said Donovan.

The airport, a self-sustaining $565 million economic engine, can now serve as a greater conduit for tourism and commerce with Southwest’s low prices, expanded service routes, and customer loyalty.

As the summer is Pensacola’s tourism busy season, many visitors to the area would only visit the city once a year or once

Southwest’s inaugural flight arrives in Pensacola

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every couple of years, primarily because of the expense. Now, with lower prices, families can travel to the area more frequently or for shorter trips during the winter months.

Expanded routes help Pensacola citizens travel to more places, to be sure, but it also means that people from more places can now travel here, opening up a variety of previously inconvenient locations. Similarly, business people who are considering expansion in Pensacola may have previously just looked at website information and discussed the prospect over the phone, in order to avoid costly and time-consuming airline flights to actually visit. Now, however, they can jet down to Northwest Florida for little cost and see for themselves all that Pensacola has to offer.

“Company leaders are more likely to consider locations they can easily see face-to-face,” said Donovan. “Convenience is essential when it comes to both tourism and business investment. Now, they can easily visit and further understand this city.”

For more than 40 years, Southwest has built their reputation by putting fun and service back into the otherwise bothersome airline industry. With over 100 million customers annually, the company has built a loyal and dedicated following, many of whom travel solely to locations serviced by Southwest. These customers can now add Pensacola’s white sandy beaches and expansive history to that list.

The daily Southwest flights ensure 6,000 additional people are coming to and going from Pensacola per week, and have already increased airport traffic by 22 percent.

Non-stop flights to and from Pensacola International Airport now include Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Nashville, Orlando, Tampa, and Washington, DC. Upon Southwest’s initiation at Pensacola International Airport, Montgomery presented the Pensacola Ronald McDonald House with nearly $90,000 raised during the most recent Southwest charity golf tournament. Southwest is well known for its culture of love; the company’s New York Stock Exchange abbreviation is even “LUV.” This love extends to its employees, customers, and host cities. The relationship that Pensacola now has with the airline promises to be mutually beneficial.

While exciting and a definite game-changer, the addition of Southwest is only one of many exciting continuing developments at Pensacola International Airport.

For the most recent fiscal year, 1,516,316 passengers passed

A Southwest Airline’s plane arriving in Pensacola

through the airport’s gates, each of them natives of the area or visiting. That number is an increase from the previous year and indicates a growing interest in the region. As a self-sustaining entity of the city, the airport requires about $27 million a year to operate. With airline and ticket prices constantly in flux, city and airport leadership are looking for other creative, non-airline sources of revenue to sustain this economic engine.

The past year, Donovan and leadership trimmed about $1.8 million from the operating budget in order to keep the costs to airlines and tenants low, which translates to better prices for consumers and a greater volume of travelers.

Currently, the airport sits on 350 acres of available property that is not already utilized by the airfield, airfield support, passenger facilities and so on. This land is in a great location, two miles from the interstate, five miles from the port, three miles from a railroad, and just one hour from the future A320 Family jetliner Airbus final assembly line in Mobile, Ala. Donovan wants to put this land to smart use and make it work harder to generate additional revenue and opportunities for the airline and the city.

“We have such enormous untapped potential, and I’m not just talking about the airport,” said Donovan. “City officials and schools are working harder to make sure we have a skilled workforce in the future, and the heavy military presence in this region helps ensure a talented, ethically strong workforce today.”

In the coming years, Donovan envisions maintenance and development facilities for the property, so that airlines have a reason to bring larger planes to the market. Intricate work such as rewiring and renovations could be done on-site, which of course leads to more jobs for a skilled workforce and greater options for large aviation companies.

“We hope to market to aviation industries in the future,” said Donovan.

In the future, the airport would also host additional cargo carriers, beyond just UPS. An expanded cargo carrier area on airport property is already under construction, and expected to be complete in 2015.

Additionally, the recent merger been American and US Airways was met with approval by Pensacola’s airport staff, as the combination will provide customers with more choices and better service throughout the world.

In the industry as a whole, consolidation and airport health have been the conversation topics, and it is no different at Pensacola’s airport. The airport has recently expanded its hotel and retail options on campus for two reasons: first, to generate additional non-airline revenue, and second, to increase convenience for those who must travel to the airport in order to travel elsewhere.

“A third of our customers come from Alabama, and if they have an early morning flight, it might be troublesome for them to drive an hour to get here that early,” said Donovan. “With the Hyatt Place Hotel, customers can spend the previous night here, leave their car parked, and have a much better experience overall. We are conscious, however, of the many residential zones that surround our airport, so every effort will be made to provide buffer zones so that our advancements are not an aggravation to local families and communities.”

Revenue percentages are another item on the airport’s to-do list. Currently, rental cars are the airport’s second most profitable source of revenue, while food and beverage sales account for just about 1 percent. Donovan hopes to increase that number to between 3 and 5 percent, the industry standard.

There are also other standards found in Pensacola’s peer and aspirant airports that the leadership is working toward.

Pensacola has long been an area with enormous potential.

Three local colleges, nine major defense installations, 22,000 local active-duty military members, as well as major business and healthcare destinations make the city ripe for explosive development. With some of these advancements, Pensacola International Airport is helping the city reach that potential and discover previously unrealized horizons of opportunity.

“We want to market the airport and the city beyond just our zip code,” said Donovan. “There is huge potential here, and much of that potential will be realized soon.”

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business news bits you should know

>AROUND THE REGION Gulf Winds donates $15,000 to MANNA during Fill the Mayflower Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union made a $15,000 donation to MANNA Food Pantries during the annual Fill the Mayflower event.

Gulf Winds committed to help MANNA fulfill its mission of feeding the hungry in our local communities. The donation was presented to MANNA Executive Director DeDe Flounlacker and MANNA board President Jay Bradshaw by Gulf Winds President and CEO Chris Rutledge and Gulf Winds board members. MANNA is a non-profit organization that has been serving Northwest Florida since 1982. They do not charge for their services and rely on contributions to complete their mission. Food is distributed through six pantries in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. MANNA has helped more than 44,208 people in the last 12 months.

Council votes Jewel Cannada-Wynn as president and Megan B. Pratt as vice president During the Special City Council Meeting on Nov. 26, the Pensacola City Council voted on the president and vice president. Jewel Cannada-Wynn, District 7, was elected City Council president and Megan B. Pratt, Atlarge, was elected City Council vice president.

Show Them What You Stand For BBB® Accreditation is a commitment to fairness and honesty that lets consumers know you’re a business they can trust. Give your customers the confidence they deserve.

Start With Trust® To learn more about becoming a more visible, trustworthy business in our community, contact your BBB at 800.729.9226 or start with bbb.org.

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Mayflower recognizes achievements of Coastal Moving and Storage Coastal Moving and Storage of Pensacola, Fla., an agent of the nationwide household goods carrier Mayflower, was honored recently by the van line for exceptional professional performance. The recognition was conferred during Mayflower’s 2013 convention and awards program, held in Boca Raton, Fla., with more than 400 Mayflower representatives in attendance.

Announcement of the recognition was made

by Mayflower CEO Richard H. McClure.

Coastal Moving and Storage received the following honors for achievement during calendar year 2012: Million Dollar Club Award at the $2 million level – recognizing top Mayflower revenue producers.

City of Pensacola awarded $2.1 million from NFWF for Government Street Regional Stormwater Pond at Corrine Jones Park The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced the funding of $15.7 million for six Florida projects that address high priority conservation needs. The projects, developed in consultation with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and federal resource agencies, are designed to remedy harm or reduce the risk of future harm to natural resources that were affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The City of Pensacola was awarded $2.1 million from NFWF for the Government Street Regional Stormwater Pond at Corrine Jones Park. This project will improve water quality in Pensacola Bay in the vicinity of previously restored wetlands by using an innovative stormwater treatment pond similar to the one at Admiral Mason Park.

Destin Legendary Marine named best boat dealership in the country For the second year in a row, Legendary Marine in Destin has been named the best boat dealership in North America by the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and Boating Industry magazine. Legendary Marine was judged on aspects such as sales, service, marketing, finance, customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, training, and more.

Visit Pensacola expected to separate from Chamber Escambia County commissioners are expected to give a new entity called Visit Pensacola, Inc. control of the area’s bed tax revenue for purposes of promoting tourism in the region. Visit Pensacola and the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce will part ways in order for the new organization to focus more solely on tourism, marketing and research.

UWF students selected to participate in immersive study abroad experience in Japan

December 2013/January 2014

The University of West Florida College of Professional Studies Emerge Program recently selected 15 students to participate in a college-wide, interdisciplinary study abroad opportunity in Japan in May 2014. The Japan Study Abroad Program is hosted in collaboration with the Jikei Group of Colleges and led by Paula Rappe, assistant professor of social work, and Dr. Kimberly Tatum, associate dean of the College of Professional Studies and associate professor of legal studies. It emphasizes the development of 21st century skills related to career development, such as global awareness, initiative and self-direction, flexibility and adaptability, social and crosscultural skills, critical thinking and problem solving. The unique program counts as a three-credit-hour elective course that spans the 2014 spring and summer semesters, consisting of pre-departure learning activities, the study abroad experience and post-trip reflections. During the trip, students will participate in cultural and educational excursions, interact with Japanese students and take part in a community service project. Once they return, they will collaborate to compile a multimedia presentation that can be presented to various audiences, including the annual U.S.-Japan Social Welfare Symposium that is held each fall.

Florida’s Great Northwest announces 2014 officers and marketing plan On Nov. 18, Florida’s Great Northwest, the regional economic development organization for the 16-county Florida Panhandle region, announced its officers and executive committee members for 2014. In other business, elements of the Florida’s Great Northwest’s Marketing Plan were revealed.

Some of the key areas of focus will be Site Consultant, Enterprise Florida, and Industry Outreach. While the Industry Outreach will be allocated across several target industries including manufacturing, construction services, logistics, and technology, most of the emphasis will be focused on the aerospace and defense target.

Cordova Rotary’s Fourth Annual “Pancakes with Santa” raises funds for child abuse prevention and advocacy Children of all ages are invited to enjoy a morning of holiday fun with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Santa’s elves, Saturday, Dec. 14 from 8 to 10:30 am at Gulf Coast Kid’s House, 3401 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola. The fourth annual “Pancakes with Santa” is hosted by the Cordova Rotary Club with support from many area businesses. Proceeds from the event will benefit Gulf Coast Kid’s House, a nonprofit organization that facilitates the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse and neglect and promotes child abuse prevention awareness through community education.

UWF signs first international licensing agreement for researcher’s invention The University of West Florida has signed its first international licensing agreement for faculty researcher Joseph Moss’ invention. This invention, called a spin concentrator, aids in detecting harmful, disease-producing organisms in water through a filter device and method of sampling. The spin concentrator includes interchangeable filters, which detects targeted species, making it stand out from similar products on the market. The University signed the agreement with international company, GenIUL, which is based out of Spain. The agreement allows for the sale and distribution of the device, while protecting Moss’ intellectual property.

Blue Wahoos win Southern League community service recognition, compete for national Minor League community award Once again, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos are leading the Southern League—this time, in community outreach and philanthropy. In September, the Blue Wahoos were recognized as the best team in the Southern League for community involvement. As part of that recognition, the Blue Wahoos were nominated for the John Henry Moss Community Service Award, a national recognition given to one Minor League ball club each year at the Baseball Winter Meetings in December.

UWF President honored with FSU alumni award University of West Florida President Judy Bense has been recognized by Florida State University as a “Grad Made Good,” the highest award given to alumni by the Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa and the FSU Alumni Association. She was recently presented with the award during the annual FSU Alumni Breakfast. Each year, the FSU Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa and Alumni Association honor three alumni who have made a significant difference through outstanding success in their chosen fields. Since the program’s creation in 1974, 111 FSU graduates have been recognized as Grads Made Good, including Pensacola native Reubin O’D. Askew, former Florida Governor, who was among the first class of recipients.

Leadership Pensacola to renovate children’s playroom at Sacred Heart Hospital The Greater Pensacola Chamber’s Leadership Pensacola (LeaP) Class of 2014 announces the selection of its class project, LeaPplay, a renovation of the playroom at the Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart. Anticipated renovations to the space include a complete redesign and reinstallation of all of the playroom’s major components, from ceilings, floors and finishes to lighting and play structures. New wiring will be installed to support audio-visual equipment and creative lighting solutions. Walls will be reconfigured to create separate spaces for different age groups but also to allow for opening the space up for group functions and play experiences. Finish colors will be bright and energetic, and natural daylight will continue to be integral to the children’s play experience. There will also be new play furniture for children and seating for their visitors. Scheduled completion for the project is May of 2014.

New Gander Mountain store coming to Pensacola Outdoors enthusiasts throughout the Florida Panhandle will soon have a new opportunity to find great prices, selection and service when shopping for the best in gear and apparel. Gander Mountain is expanding the nation’s largest network of outdoor specialty stores with a new location in Pensacola, set to open in the spring of 2014. The Pensacola store will be located in an existing 42,900-square-foot space at 1220 Airport Blvd., just east of I-110.

Blue Marlin Realty Group’s first charity golf tournament raises over $12,000 for the Mary Lynne Burnett Foundation Blue Marlin Realty Group hosted their first annual charity golf tournament at Regatta Bay Golf and Country Club on Friday, Nov. 15, benefitting the Mary Lynne Burnett Memorial Foundation. In total, Blue Marlin Realty Group raised a total of $12,002.32 for the foundation, which provides scholarships to Okaloosa and/or Walton county high school students that have shown dedication to their education in spite of challenging circumstances such as the loss of a parent, major illness, etc. Blue Marlin Realty Group Realtor Doug Burnett created the foundation in honor of his late wife that passed away in 2008 from breast cancer.

UWF researchers are Cade prize finalists UWF researchers will be taking their latest invention international: a handheld reusable device that tests for the presence of parasites in water in a fraction of the time of traditional lab tests. UWF’s Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation was a recent Cade Museum Prize finalist, and is now teaching classes at the Creativity Lab at the Cade Museum. The Cade Museum Prize is the only award for Florida innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs and applications for the 2014 award have opened. The Cade Museum Prize rewards $50,000 to academics, entrepreneurs and proof-of-concept or early-stage companies for advancing creative ideas into the marketplace. The award application is open until Jan. 31.

>PEOPLE ON THE

MOVE

Julie Cardwell promoted to vice president of Operations, Baptist Hospital Baptist Health Care is excited to announce that former Baptist Medical Park administrator Julie Cardwell has been promoted to vice president of operations at Baptist Hospital.

Cardwell has more than 20 years of experience in health care management. She came to Baptist Health Care in 1993 and has led the FirstRehab Physical Medicine and Sports Medicine divisions. Cardwell has also served as director of the orthopedic service line and director of the bariatric service line.

Cardwell holds an undergraduate degree in occupational therapy from St. Andrews in Northampton, England and a Master of Science in health care management from Troy University.

Richardson Selected as Director of Emergency Trauma Center at Baptist Hospital Baptist Health Care (BHC) is pleased to announce Burleigh Richardson, R.N., as the director of the Emergency Trauma Center of Baptist Hospital. Richardson comes to Baptist Health Care with more than 20 years of nursing experience. He received his nursing degree at the University of Alaska. Clinically, he has worked in both emergency and cardiovascular care. Prior to joining BHC, Richardson was the director of an emergency and critical care center in Central Florida.

Richardson is passionate about his work and has been very successful in implementing emergency services strategies and critical care initiatives.

Andrews Institute Rehabilitation announces Matt Stone as facility manager of Gulf Breeze Hospital location Matt Stone, MS, CCC-SLP has been selected as facility manager for the inpatient physical therapy department at the Andrews Institute Rehabilitation Gulf Breeze Hospital location.

Previously, Stone served as a speech-language pathologist at the facility with clinical interests in disorders of language, speech, voice, oral motor and swallowing in adult patients. In his new role, Stone will oversee all operational responsibilities of the facility as well as manage the quality of patient care, while also continuing to function as a speechlanguage pathologist. Stone is a graduate of Florida State University with a Master of Science in communication sciences and disorders.

To be included in Around the Region or People on the Move, email your news releases and business announcements to josh@ballingerpublishing.com.

December 2013/January 2014

nwflbusinessclimate.com

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