Gulf Breeze Magazine Summer 2013

GulfBreeze Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce Magazine

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Issue 16/Summer 2013

2012 Gulf Breeze Chamber Award Winners Gulf Breeze Zoo is Always a New Experience P lu s Gulf Breeze Community Center Tyler and Jill Teston AA Young Young Gulf Gulf Breeze Breeze Couple Couple Thinks Thinks Outside Outside The The Box Box

www.gulfbreezechamber.com • www.gulfbreezemag.com

Your City Your Magazine 4

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contents inside Gulf Breeze Magazine Cover photo: By Tyler Teston

feature 19) 2012 Gulf Breeze Chamber Award Winners 23) Gulf Breeze Zoo is Always a New Experience

slices 26)

8) commentary 10) businessofthemonth 11) who’snewtothechamber 11) businessbriefs 12) chambernews 12) ambassadorofthequarter 14) inthebreeze Gulf Breeze Community Center 26) peopleprofile Tyler and Jill Teston 28) calendar 30) partingshots

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GulfBreeze

Don’t be the last to find out

Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce Magazine

GBACOC EXECUTIVE BOARD

What’s Happening in Gulf Breeze

DAVE M UNGAI , C HAIRMAN C HOICE V IDEO S ERVICES DAVE A LVERSON , C HAIR -E LECT G ULF S TATES I NSURANCE G ROUP C ATHY B URLEIGH , PAST-C HAIR G ULF C OAST C OMMUNITY B ANK R ICK C ANTIN , T REASURER R ICHARD H. C ANTIN , CPA/B REEZE PAYROLL J ILL T ESTON , S ECRETARY B OARD OF D IRECTORS D ON A BRAMS , G ULF B REEZE C INEMA 8 D REW D ENNIS , O MEGA C ONSTRUCTION & D ESIGN , I NC .

L INDSAY G IBSON , P EN A IR F EDERAL C REDIT U NION J AN H RUSKA , B REEZY B OAT C ITY K ATHY K UEHL , M AIL’ S A B REEZE S TEVE M C N ALLY, AVS S YSTEMS I NC .

T OM N AILE , S T. A NN C ATHOLIC C HURCH S HARON P ITTS , L OFTIS M ARINE D IVISION , I NC .

D ON R ICHARDS , U NITED P ENINSULA A SSOCIATION J IM R OBERT, P LASTIC E NGRAVING S COTT S HANKS , CFP, E DWARD J ONES T ODD S T. O RES , G ULF C OAST A IR C ARE DAVE S ZYMANSKI , C ITY OF G ULF B REEZE - L IAISON S HANNON W ESTMORELAND , B AYSIDE C OLLISION C ENTER T IM W ISE , P RUDENTIAL F INANCIAL S TAFF J OSIE C OTTI , P RESIDENT /CEO S HARON W EST, B OOKKEEPER L ORAINE C ERNA , M EMBER A DMINISTRATOR

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GULF BREEZE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 409 GULF BREEZE PARKWAY, GULF BREEZE, FL 32561 (850) 932-7888 • www.gulfbreezechamber.com • www.gulfbreezemag.com Gulf Breeze Magazine is a joint venture of Ballinger Publishing and the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce.

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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 Ballinger Publishing and Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.

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commentary It’s hard to believe that summer is already knocking on our door! As I reflect back on all of the activity, changes, and growth in our area over the last few months it gets easier to see how the time has flown by.

In November of last year, the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors met and formulated a plan for 2013 that focused on increasing value for our members through better communication and creating or enhancing programs and activities that help improve membership engagement. Bottom line: the strength of our chamber comes from the active involvement of our members and I’m happy to see that we are making progress!

Our three major committees (Government Affairs, Education, and Business Development) have been extremely active and are enjoying the fresh perspective of many new members. They have extended their reach and impact by partnering with other local chambers and organizations to represent our area and provide a platform to ensure our issues are being heard. From representing Gulf Breeze at the Santa Rosa County Business Development Coalition, to co-hosting legislative forums, to supporting our local school district’s legislative agenda in Tallahassee, our committees are working hard on behalf of our community businesses.

Our Ambassador program is stronger than ever, allowing both new and current members easy access to the information they need to maximize their chamber memberships. We continue to focus resources on our website. We’ve seen an increase in traffic of over 67 percent and are excited that more and more online shoppers are being connected with local businesses through our site.

We are so fortunate to live in an area with such a supportive city government, numerous actively engaged civic organizations, and a Chamber of Commerce that works hard every day to promote our businesses and enhance the standard of living for the entire Gulf Breeze area. I am excited about the prospects for 2013 and am honored to be serving as Chairman of the Board for this outstanding organization!

Have a blessed and productive day.

Dave Mungai Chairman of the Board

Dear Reader, There truly is an electricity in the air in Gulf Breeze by June. School is behind us—Yay! The sun is shining, the air is warm, the humidity is just kicking in, and the breezes are blowing. It is a great time to be out and about.

In this issue of the Gulf Breeze Magazine, we are showcasing some of the great businesses and people that make Gulf Breeze such an amazing place to live, work, and play. I hope that the beautiful weather will draw you outside to the activities at the new Gulf Breeze Community Center and to the wild fun at the Gulf Breeze Zoo. If you are passing through our town on your way to fun in the sun on a local beach, I hope you will patronize the many great stores and restaurants in Gulf Breeze.

If you live and work here, thank you for helping to make this community such a wonderful place to live.

Serving you, Josie Cotti President/CEO Gulf Breeze Area Chamber (850) 932-7888

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Place a classified ad in the Gosport and over 25,000 people will see it every week.

Call 433-1166 ext. 24 and thin out that garage.

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businessofthemonth December 2012

January 2013

February 2013

Bayside Collision Center

Andrews Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

Gulf Coast Community Bank – Gulf Breeze

Dr. James Andrews is world renown for his ability to mend the breaks and tears of professional athletes. But his practice is well known locally for excellent care and compassion for patients of all ages, whether athletes, weekend warriors, or non-athletes. The medical team at Andrews Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is equipped to handle orthopedic care for patients from all walks of life. They utilize the most advanced techniques and treatments to get you back to your active lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible.

We also recognize them for their support of many area sporting and theatrical events as well. Lastly, we honor them for their compassion to our military men and woman whom they serve through the Wounded Warrior program. Contact Andrews Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine at (850 ) 916-3700 or visit them at 1040 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Suite 200 in The Andrews Institute.

Gulf Coast Community Bank is a locally owned and operated bank that was established in Pensacola in July of 2003.

It has five locations in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. The Gulf Breeze team truly puts the “community” in local banking. Whether they are baking up cookies for their customers or hosting little get-togethers to promote their small business clients, Cathy Burleigh and her staff work to care for their clients in a personal way. They also actively support the local schools and many large nonprofit agencies and events like the Relay for Life. Visit Cathy and her team at 2871 Gulf Breeze Parkway. Or give them a call at (850) 208-7161.

Bayside Collision Center is locally owned

by Ron and Shannon Westmoreland. It has served the Gulf Breeze area for over 20 years. They are a state-of-the-art collision center with a neighborhood feel.

Their satisfaction comes from not only repairing vehicles to their pre-accident condition, but earning a customer for life.

Whether it’s hosting their famous Business After Hours event, sponsoring the JROTC program or sports teams as well as Shannon’s leadership with the Gulf Breeze Relay for Life, they know what it means to give back to their community. With an average of over 10 years of tenure, their employees are experts at fixing all of your dents and scrapes. You can reach Bayside Collision at 202 McClure Dr. in the City of Gulf Breeze or call (850) 932-2525.

March 2013 Wade Scott Salon & Spa Wade Scott Salon & Spa is owned and operated by Brian Tucker and Tommy O’Brien. They have pulled together a team of highly professional technicians that can take care of clients from head to toe, literally. The salon has been described as “a haven from the world,” “your escape from the day,” and “a social hub”. They are all these and more to their clients. Using the most luxurious industry services available, they are your one-stop shop for total, head-to-toe beauty. Visit their warm, welcoming location at 1329 College Parkway in eastern Gulf Breeze. Or call (850 ) 9348180 to setup an appointment today. GB

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businessbriefs

who’snewtothe chamber?

Pensacola Beach Air Show The Pensacola Beach Air Show will be July 12 and 13 from 1 – 3 pm. The Santa Rosa Island Authority has arranged for some dynamic flight teams to take to the skies to thrill audiences while the Blue Angels endure sequestration. Spectators will enjoy the aerodynamics of Kevin Coleman, Skip Stuart, Lima Lima – 24 aircraft in all, including two warbird jets.

There will also be a special concert by The Tams on Saturday night. If you would like to support this weekend, call the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce about being a vendor or a sponsor. ontact Nicole Stacey at (850) 932-1500 or at penbeach@visitpensacolabeach.com.

First, the class is kicking off a "Share the Love Santa Rosa" Campaign. The goal is to demonstrate that Santa Rosa is one of the friendliest places to live in or to visit.

The "Share the Love" plan is a "pay-itforward" initiative that hopes to inspire everyone to do random acts of kindness for residents and visitors alike. Class #27 will be spreading "Share the Love Santa Rosa" cards and information through all five county Chambers of Commerce as well as on a website, so watch for more information in the near future. Second, the Class is planning a golf tournament to raise money for the Santa Rosa County Sheriff Department to have another K-9 dog. Please support these two great projects as you hear about them.

Covenant Hospice – A 2013 Hospice Honors Recipient Covenant Hospice was named a 2013 Hospice Honors recipient, a prestigious award recognizing hospice agencies providing the best patient care as rated by the patient’s caregiver. The not-for-profit hospice organization earned the recognition for care delivered at the Joyce Goldenberg Inpatient Residence and at the Inpatient and Palliative Care Center at West Florida Hospital.

Established by Deyta, this prestigious annual honor recognizes the top 100 agencies that continuously provide the highest level of satisfaction through their care as measured from the caregiver’s point of view. “Hospice Honors defines a new standard of excellence in the patient/family experience for hospice agencies,” says Dale O. Knee, Covenant Hospice President and CEO. Covenant Hospice is celebrating its 30th anniversary of providing comprehensive, compassionate services to patients and loved ones during times of life-limiting illnesses. For more information, contact the local branch office at 850-202-0840 or visit www.covenanthospice.org.

Troy University Offering New Program Troy University is now offering a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management. This degree will provide students with knowledge and skills to engage in the practice of management in a variety of settings. The goal of the program is to create an integrated academic learning environment for analyzing and resolving the challenges in the deliverance and business of related industries. The program’s comprehensive curriculum prepares students to: provide and direct effective and quality-driven services and programs; analyze data to make decisions and develop strategies; apply critical thinking skills and effectively communicate in both oral and written formats. If you are in the hospitality, sports, and/or tourism industry and are looking for potential employees or would like to consider internships with this program, please contact Gamble Kersey at (850) 458-4728 or gkersey@troy.edu.

Leadership Santa Rosa Class #27 Community Projects "The Leadership Santa Rosa program encourages greater community involvement by identifying and developing effective leaders who will help create a spirit of cooperation for the resolution of community challenges."

Each year the current "class" plans a project to help Santa Rosa County. Class #27 has two projects on their agenda.

A & R Custom Tinting Air Tech Filters Bayview Memorial Park/Fisher - Pou Callis Communications Chick-fil-A Gulf Breeze Computers & More Essary Law Firm Euphoria Day Spa & Design Fairhope Connection First City Art Center, Inc. Flowerama/S & J Flowers Hampton Inn & Suites Gulf Breeze Heather Marie's Closet I.C.E. Home Inventory, LLC Ideal Weight Loss, LLC Mattress Depot Monument to Women Veterans Patterson Plastic Surgery ProClinic RejuvaTrim Senator Greg Evers Supercuts

Ocean Hour Clearly we live in a region where keeping our beaches clean is a top priority.

Sharon Gincauskas, a long-time resident of Gulf Breeze, has taken that need to heart by establishing the Ocean Hour.

She coordinates weekly beach cleanup projects at sections of local beaches every Saturday. She is joined by many residents including Jackie Price, a retired Park Ranger from the Gulf National Seashore.

If you would like to help clean up our beaches, you can receive the weekly emails by contacting Sharon at smgincauskas@gmail.com. GB

The Bodacious Olive/The Bodacious Brew The Reserve Apartments Total Employee Leasing Vitamin Sea Fishing Charters Walmart Neighborhood Market GB

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chambernews

ambassadorofthequarter

European Businessman Visits Gulf Breeze Area Chamber On Monday, April 29th Chamber staff met with Mario Moure from Lisbon, Portugal. Mr. Moure was visiting under the auspices of Rotary International. He is an entrepreneur who owns three small companies; one is technology centered while the others are in business support. Mr. Moure shared that many businesses in Portugal face the same type of safety and quality control standards as in America, especially restaurants and grocery stores. He showed his European Union Identity Card with its microchip technology that makes it very easy for anyone to move through the red tape of starting a business in Europe from any computer. As an entrepreneur, though, Mr. Moure wished that his type of adventurous business spirit was encouraged. Portuguese college graduates are more often advised to work for existing companies and the government rather than risking starting something new. He felt if this attitude would change it might help them move away from high unemployment, near 50 percent, among college graduates. With the tough economy still having a strangle hold on much of Europe while Brazil’s economy is soaring, Brazilian immigrants to Portugal are returning home and are taking many young Portuguese with them. He did wish that European business owners were more open to the cooperative spirit of Chambers of Commerce but they tend to be too competitive. He liked the role chambers play in encouraging and supporting businesses.

Online Enhanced Listings Available The Gulf Breeze Area Chamber’s new website has seen a dramatic increase in visitors since its creation in 2012. Visits have risen 67 percent with 71 percent of that coming from first-time visitors. To better serve its members, the Chamber staff has designed an Online Enhanced Listings Program that will draw more attention to member information. These listing enhancements will allow members to place more creative information about their company on the chamber’s website like video and pictures, as well as improve where their listing appears within their category for a very reasonable investment. If you are interested in taking advantage of the Online Enhanced Listing Program, please contact Josie Cotti at (850) 932-7888 or josie@gulfbreezechamber.com.

2013 Gulf Breeze Expo and Taste of Expo The 2013 Gulf Breeze Expo and Taste of Expo are ready to explode onto the fall calendar on September 20th - 21st. The wonderful new facilities at the Gulf Breeze Community Center will allow this annual event to expand its offerings and hours. Businesses will be showcased in the new larger gymnasium and in the wider hallway in an updated format. Entertainment will be provided on a stage in the main exhibition hall. Seminars and workshops will take place in the conference room and fitness classes will be offered in the new exercise rooms with low impact flooring. The covered porch will be filled with fun activities for children. New ideas are being explored to expand the always exciting Taste of Expo as well. If you are interested in exhibiting at the 2013 Gulf Breeze Expo – Taste of Expo or would like to help plan it, please contact Josie at the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber, (850) 932-7888 or josie@gulfbreezechamber.com.

Coupons and Discounts Gulf Breeze Area Chamber businesses offer many great discounts and complimentary services through coupons on its website. Some are just for Chamber members, but others are for everyone. Members wishing to offer a coupon or discount can add them through the Member Only portal. Members can contact chamber staff to learn their username and password for the Member Only portal. Call (850) 932-7888 for more information or visit www.gulfbreezechamber.com.

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The Gulf Breeze Area Chamber recognizes Sharon Pitts as the Ambassador of the Quarter for the First Quarter of 2013. Sharon goes above and beyond in every role that she fulfills for the chamber. She readily contacts chamber members on behalf of the Ambassadors and the Board of Directors to learn how the Chamber can better serve its members. She willingly volunteers for so many needs.

Sharon Pitts

Ambassador of the Quarter - First Quarter What company do you work for?

Loftis Marine Division.

What is your job title and main responsibilities for your company?

Business Development Manager. I work on new business development and client relations. This responsibility includes working with five area chambers of commerce including serving as a Board Member for the Gulf Breeze Chamber. I also serve as a Gulf Breeze Ambassador, a member of the Business Development Committee, a member of the Education Committee, a member of the Expo Committee, and work with one of the leads groups all for Gulf Breeze. I also serve on several other committees for other area chambers. One of the goals for participation in these groups is, of course, to build community awareness of Loftis Marine Division products and services.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering with the Gulf Breeze Chamber?

The best part about working with the Gulf Breeze Chamber is its family atmosphere. Not only have I been able to cultivate business relationships, I have really enjoyed becoming involved in various chamber events and activities, and I have developed true friendships along the way.

What do you like to do in your “off ” time?

In my spare time, I am a mother of two grown children and a Senior Member for our Local Civil Air Patrol Cadets. My youngest son has been a member of the Civil Air Patrol (US. Air Force Auxiliary) group for five years and I have been involved every step of the way. I am active in our church children’s ministry so I am seldom worried about finding things to do!GB

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inthebreeze

By Josie Cotti

Gulf Breeze Community Center

W

Walking into the new Gulf Breeze Community Center is a multi-sensory experience. Light and shade striates the sidewalk under the fresh modern architecture of the entrance. The smell of fresh paint and flooring floats on the air as the sliding doors glide closed behind you with a click.

Earth tones warmed by the sun pouring in through the high windows of the gabled ceiling of the lobby set the theme of this new space. A large screen TV and comfy chairs invite talkative teens to group together in a spacious anteroom to the right. To the left, the Community Center staff waits to answer your questions behind a gracefully curved reception desk loaded with all the latest signup sheets and pamphlets about camps and programs. The simple but attractive design of the new Center embodies the new multiuse vision of a community center over the utilitarian look of a recreation center.

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The Gulf Breeze Community Center is the signature property of the Parks and Recreation Department in the City of Gulf Breeze. The original building was built in 1987 through funding from both the County and City on land donated in 1956 and was named the South Santa Rosa Recreation Center.

The Center is the focal point of the 155 acres of Shoreline Park North and South which brackets Shoreline Drive, a major artery into the Gulf Breeze neighborhoods south of Gulf Breeze Parkway/Highway 98. The Department oversees almost 517 acres of park lands within the City as well as Tiger Point Golf Club located on Highway 98 east of the City limits.

A well lit hallway creates a T-bone between the renovated old Recreation Center and the new additions to the facility. At the center of this junction is Ron Pulley’s new office with windows overlooking a wide, shaded porch and the lighted tennis courts. Ron has served as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Gulf Breeze since 2003. Denise Biggs, Facilities Coordinator, and her team do an excellent job of keeping the high energy of youth programming in balance with the multiple needs of the adult community. Ron and Denise are excited that the name of the facility is more appropriate to the services it has been providing for a long time. The refurbished wing still houses a smaller gymnasium and a conference room. The auditorium remains, as well, but the tiered flooring has been leveled. All of these rooms have housed many meetings, exhibitions, children’s camps, and performing arts events alongside the athletic programming for the last ten years.

The new facility complements the Center’s older wing. The larger, brightly lit, state-of-the-art gym can be divided by a drop down curtain to accommodate two volleyball games at a time. A larger conference room with audiovisual equipment is an excellent location for banquets, conferences, meetings, and workshops. There are two large exercise rooms with low impact flooring perfectly designed for indoor aerobic/cardio workouts. The Center also includes a large functional kitchen for use as a refreshment stand during tournaments or exhibitions as well as a work space for event caterers.

The Gulf Breeze Community Center serves as the control central for all the activities that take place throughout Shoreline Park. The North end of the park includes tennis courts, softball/baseball fields, and a multisport utility field used for soccer, lacrosse and football. It also has a skateboard park and disc golf course as well as the Sunset Kid’s Park with two playgrounds. Across Shoreline Drive is Shoreline Park South with its waterfront pavilions, boat ramp, and dog park.

With all of these amazing resources, what types of programs are available? Of course, it is the perfect place for a pick-up game of basketball, family fun on the tennis courts or in the playground, a romp with your dog, and sunset on the pier, but

the Center does also have a regularly scheduled calendar of events. The tennis courts are home to Shoreline Tennis directed

by James Kober, and Whitney Man provides lessons for all ages and oversees the local tennis league. 4-Shore-Fit, Jazzercise, Qi Gong Therapy, Fitness for the Golden Years, Zumba Gold and Pilates are already on the schedule in the exercise rooms. During the summer the Parks and Recreation Department hosts a daily summer camp for school age children. The Center is also used for middle school dances sponsored by various organizations.

The gyms and outdoor ball fields are home to many recreational and traveling teams for practice, games, and tournaments, including basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, baseball, tee ball, softball, lacrosse, soccer, and football. The Gulf Breeze Sports Association works year round with Community Center staff to host recreational teams for local youth. The disc golf course hosts regular practice play and local tournaments. Residents can also regularly attend AARP Driving Classes, a monthly Seniors Luncheon and Bingo, events/classes in the dog park and Unlimited Horizons—a forum for open-minded seekers of truth to share knowledge and promote further enlightenment in search of universal truths.

The Center is also home to Life Church on Sunday mornings. If you are interested in renting any of the Center’s facilities or in participating in scheduled camps, sports for all ages, or exercise classes, contact the staff at (850) 934-5140 or stop in between 7:30 am and 9 pm, Monday – Saturday and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday. You can also keep up with Community Center activities at www.facebook.com/GBParksnRec. So what is ahead for the Gulf Breeze Community Center?

“Lots,” says Denise. The Dog Park now has lighting for afterdark play time for local canines. The City has begun work on a three-mile lighted walking trail around the facility. A beautiful piece of art by Peter King is being installed across the street from the Center’s main entrance. And they hope to add a splash pad to the Sunset Kids’ Park. When asked whether the Center would provide more activities for senior citizens eventually, Denise said if anyone wants to start leading them like the parents have done with the Gulf Breeze Sports Association that it would be a welcome addition to the Center’s programming. The Gulf Breeze Community Center is ready to become all that the residents want it to become.

While many forces in the Pensacola Bay area are striving to boost the area’s economy, Gulf Breeze continues to focus on its vision to “preserve and enhance its hometown character and natural environment to foster a high quality of family life.”

While designing a strategic plan for economic growth for the peninsula, the new Gulf Breeze Community Center demonstrates that Gulf Breeze’s emphasis on how we live will continue to make it “home” to many of today’s and tomorrow’s visionaries and entrepreneurs. GB Summer/2013/Gulf Breeze Magazine

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2012 Gulf Breeze Chamber Award Winners

By Emily Lullo and Josh Newby

Each year, the Gulf Breeze Chamber recognizes five outstanding individuals or businesses that continually contribute to the chamber and the community as a whole. These hardworking honorees are the reason the Gulf Breeze business community continues to grow and part of what makes this a great community. The winners were nominated by their peers and selected by the chamber Board of Directors. The award presentation took place at the Annual Awards Gala: A Hawaiian Celebration at the Hilton Pensacola Beach.

Gulf Breeze Magazine took time to interview each of the 2012 winners about their business and work with the chamber, as well as what they see for the future of the community they’ve worked to make great.

Ambassador of the Year Award – Dave Alverson Dave Alverson joined the Chamber in 2010. On the first anniversary of his membership, he became an Ambassador. Dave is truly committed to attending every function he can and strives to help the Chamber’s members through his Ambassadorship and other positions within the Chamber. The staff can attest that their favorite words from Dave are, “Sure, I can do that.” He is an invaluable resource for the Chamber’s Ambassadors, Business Development Committee, Board of Directors and staff.

GB: Tell us a bit about your involvement with the chamber and the Gulf Breeze business community.

DA: In 2012 I was asked to sit on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. For 2013 I was privileged to be chosen as the Chairman Elect and will be the chairman for 2014. I also chair the Business Development Committee with a great group of chamber members. Our major project this year is to plan the annual Gulf Breeze Business and Family Expo that will take place in September. Additionally, the five chambers in Santa Rosa County have created the Santa Rosa Business Coalition and I am honored to serve as the chairman. We are a new organization that will be very involved with economic development activities in the area.

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GB: Tell us about some of the projects you’ve worked on as an ambassador this year that have been particularly rewarding.

DA: Steve McNally has done a great job of organizing and improving the chamber’s Ambassador program. We have some great folks that are very involved with the Chamber and are dedicated to helping our new members get involved and feel like they are part of the chamber family. A big part of being an Ambassador is showing up at the various chamber functions such as our monthly breakfast and business after hours. Steve and I are developing a new member mentoring program that will help new members really take advantage of their chamber membership.

GB: What do you hope to see for the future of the Gulf Breeze community, both in business and in general?

DA: The Gulf Breeze/Tiger Point area has so much going for it. We have great schools, responsive local government and a skilled workforce. Companies like AppRiver and Avalex have proven that high tech companies can succeed in this area and I really think those are the kinds of companies we should be looking to attract. I’d love to see us develop a high tech business park in this area.

GB: Tell us about some of the projects you’ve spearheaded this year that have been particularly rewarding.

CB: I am New Generations Director for Gulf Breeze High School Interact Club. We have done a few fundraising projects this year that will allow the club to sponsor a child to the Camp Happy Sands. In October 2012 I organized a 5K tailgate which raised over $6,000 to go towards scholarships for Gulf Breeze High School Students.

GB: What do you hope to see for the future of the Gulf Breeze community, both in business and in general?

CB: I hope Gulf Breeze continues to grow but keeps its personality.

Emerging Business of the Year Award – Kevin and April Cook For the Emerging Business of the Year Award, the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber honors the entrepreneurial courage of Coastal Paddle Board’s owners, Kevin and April Cook, for taking a leap during a difficult economy to open a second location and expand their business offerings. While maintaining their emphasis on YOLO paddle board sales and experiences they began selling lines of sporting attire at their new location in the Gulf Breeze Shopping Center.

GB: Tell us a bit about your business and your involvement with the chamber.

Cook: Coastal Paddle Company was founded in fall of 2010 as the area’s first dedicated stand-up paddleboard shop. We are an exclusive authorized YOLO Board dealer for this area, offering sales, lessons, excursions, PaddleFit and YOLO Board rentals. The business has been a Gulf Breeze Chamber member since it was founded. Our membership in the chamber has contributed to the company’s growth over the past few years. The chamber has from the beginning been very supportive and continues to be a part of our recipe for success.

Emerging Leader of the Year Award – Cathy Burleigh Cathy Burleigh’s rise to leadership in Gulf Breeze began when she became branch manager of Gulf Coast Community Bank. Being involved in the community was a win-win for her company but it was also a passion for her. She began attending Chamber Governmental Affairs Committee meetings and eventually became the driving force of that committee. Her leadership gained momentum when, as Chairman of the Board in 2012 she helped to propel the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber into a stronger role in the county and region.

GB: Tell us a bit about your involvement with the chamber and the Gulf Breeze business community.

CB: I have been active with the GB Chamber for around five years. I started on the Governmental Affairs Committee and soon became the chairman for that committee. I served on the Board of Directors and was the chairman of the board in 2012.

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GB: Tell us about the growth or progress your company has made over the last year, and since its inception.

Cook: Coastal Paddle Company has grown to have three locations. There are two water locations and the retail shop which started as a dedicated stand-up paddleboard shop and is now also an outdoor outfitter. The outdoor outfitter side is comprised of genuine apparel and shoe brands such as Patagonia, PrAna, tasc, Horny Toad, Southern Tide, JohnnieO, Carve, KAVU, OluKai, Kaenon, TOMS and more.

GB: What do you hope to see for the future of the Gulf Breeze community, both in business and in general?

Cook: I hope to see the City of Gulf Breeze and the surrounding Pensacola area continue to thrive. What an amazing place for everyone to live, work and play!

body shop, but we have those customers and have done a good job keeping them for life. We are very involved in all areas of the community. I am in Sertoma and Shannon has been chairman for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life two years in a row. We said to each other in the beginning that we would give back, and we have been blessed to give time and funds to so many deserving causes.

Nancy Keyes Spirit Award – Don Richards

Business of the Year Award – Ronnie and Shannon Westmoreland received the chamber’s prestigious Business of the Year award on behalf of Bayside Collision Center, which has been serving the Gulf Breeze community for more than 20 years.

GB: Tell us a bit about your business/work with the chamber.

RW: Shannon and I have owned the business for about five years and when we purchased it, it came with a membership to the chamber. The first year or so we just renewed the membership and attended functions and had very little real involvement. A few years ago, however, we had an opportunity to host a monthly Business After Hours and I decided this was going to be our “coming out” to folks that had not been exposed to Bayside or the industry, from the inside. We did a giant fish fry and let folks behind the scenes to not only see the workings of our shop and what we do, but understand the great lengths we go to in order to complete this in the most environmentally friendly way we can. I think we opened with “this is not what you may expect a collision shop is.”

GB: What do you hope to see for the future of the Gulf Breeze community, both in business and in general?

RW: With this opportunity came a buzz when we went to future events, not only for the fish fry (which has become an annual tradition), but also for the brand that we are proud to carry. This made us feel not only pleased with exposure, but even more obligated to our community. Shannon and I both graduated from Gulf Breeze High, and have children who are graduates or currently in school here. Our roots are deep, with no intention of changing. Both Shannon and I have lived other places and found ourselves wanting to raise our children in the place we are passionate about. She became a member of the board of the chamber last year and we feel this is one of the best ways we can keep our finger on the pulse of our fellow Breezers.

GB: Tell us about your business’ philosophy and why community involvement has been so important.

RW: Winning the Business of the Year award was one of our greatest accomplishments and was never a goal, but it is amazing recognition for what we want to achieve. Most (if not all) of the votes came from folks that have used our services. To me, that says volumes; no one wants to be on a first-name basis with a

Each year, the Board of Directors can honor an individual who demonstrates exceptional volunteerism and continued commitment to the betterment of the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber and the community. This year it was a “no brainer,” as one Board member said to honor Don Richards. Don serves as the president of United Peninsula Association, a local citizens/business group whose mission is to improve the quality of life in the greater Gulf Breeze area.

GB: Tell us a bit about your business/work with the chamber DR: The United Peninsula Association (UPA) is a group of home owner associations, businesses and individuals from the Fairpoint Peninsula (from Gulf Breeze to Navarre) that work together to make this a better place to live, work and play. We work with all levels of our government, from the local levels to the national levels, to make them aware of our priorities and where we want their efforts to go in our area. The Chamber is certainly involved in many projects that overlap with UPA and we work very closely together on all of those efforts, especially Government Affairs and the Legislative Coalition of Santa Rosa County. The more unity we can create, the more powerful our voices become.

GB: Tell us a bit about some of the volunteer projects you’ve worked on this year that you found particularly rewarding.

DR: Some of the projects that I have helped drive as the president of UPA include the acquisition of our initial beautification grant for Hwy. 98 from the FDOT. Working closely with Commissioner Lynchard and the FDOT, as well as their lead engineering firm, Atkins Global, we were able to navigate the grant process and begin steering state funds to areas for improvements along the Hwy. 98 corridor. This has now become a ten-phase $1 million project that will span Hwy. 98 from the eastern end of Naval Live Oak to the Santa Rosa/Okaloosa county line.

Next, we helped obtain much-needed pedestrian and traffic signals along Hwy. 98 and with the help of Commissioner Lynchard and Florida Representative Doug Broxson, some of which were installed in record time. Resurfacing on the corridor will begin later this year.

Again, working hand in hand with Commissioner Lynchard to approve the design and get the funds allocated, south Santa Rosa County will have their own multi-purpose building where commission meetings or hearings on large projects directly affecting the south end can be held without requiring our citizens to drive to Milton to be heard. This is probably UPA’s single largest accomplishment and it will be enjoyed for many years to come.

Summer/2013/Gulf Breeze Magazine

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Lastly, Restore Act monies will be coming this way in the near future and one of our most pressing projects that UPA is absolutely pushing locally, as well as at the state level, is attention to our precious waterways. SRS has begun a model project for their canal system and it should be replicated all along the northern shore of the intercoastal waterway. The project places signage that warns boaters of shallow sea grass beds and improves the markings of the navigable waterways leading into and out of various canal systems, launches and other waterways. One of the mitigation aspects of doing this project is reduction of run-off of storm water directly into our natural rivers creeks, bays and the waterway. This project alone could be viewed ten or 20 years from now as the single most important undertaking the area has implemented.

GB: What do you hope to see for the future of the Gulf Breeze community, both in business and in general?

DR: I can honestly say that our communities are getting cleaner and looking better. We are becoming more vibrant and people are starting to come back, wanting to live in our communities that were so devastated by two very powerful hurricanes in back to back seasons just a few short years ago. UPA’s number one priority is to improve the area’s looks and appeal and we are doing just that.

Over the years people have felt that the City of Gulf Breeze was only looking out for those who lived within the city limits. Recently, UPA has worked closely with the city manager, Buz Eddy, in their acquisition of the Tiger Point Golf Club. This is a project that will keep our water and sewer rates significantly lower than if South Santa Rosa Utility System (SSRUS) had built a new facility down the road. Santa Rosa Shores (SRS) and the many Tiger Point communities adjacent to the golf course are already seeing the benefits of this acquisition and will reap the benefits, along with SSRUS, for years to come. This is good for businesses and our homeowners. GB

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Summer/2013/Gulf Breeze Magazine

Gulf Breeze Zoo is Always a New Experience

By Emily Lullo

Natives to the area likely have many memories of the Gulf Breeze Zoo— both new and old. Formerly known as the Zoo Northwest Florida, the establishment saw troublesome times following Hurricane Ivan, forcing closure in 2009 and reopening in early 2010 after it was purchased. These days, the Gulf Breeze Zoo is shedding its tumultuous past. After three years of successful progress, and with new events and amenities being added all the time, there’s more than ever to love about the zoo.

Summer/2013/Gulf Breeze Magazine

23

For the last two years, Kayte Wanko has been at the helm of the Gulf Breeze Zoo, rising to director after a year as the animal curator. Her passion for the animals and creating a unique guest experience is the driving force behind the zoo’s recent upgrades.

“Being curator for a year, I was able to really understand all the improvements I thought needed to happen so when the position of director became open, I stepped into that position so that I could actually head the effort to make the zoo what it really can be,” Wanko says.

The Gulf Breeze Zoo sits on 50 acres and boasts hundreds of animals including big cats, giraffes, a variety of monkeys and primates, birds, reptiles and more. A raised broadwalk overlooks a preserve with free roaming animals like deer, antelope, rhinoceros, wildebeest, emus and gorillas and chimpanzees on “Chimp Island.” Guests can also climb aboard the Safari Line Limited for a 15 minute ride through the preserve to see the free range animals like huge Nile hippos and even a friendly llama that often approaches the train to say hello.

Improvements are ongoing as the zoo adds amenities to their stellar animal collection and continually builds on the foundation that was started decades ago.

“The biggest challenges were, and are still, bringing the facility to current standards,” she says. “It’s a 30-year-old facility so there are always things that are going to have to be redone or touched up.”

Recent progress has included painting and renovating the restaurant and surrounding buildings, and the front entrance will also soon get a facelift. The zoo restaurant reopened in February and now offers fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs, 24

Summer/2013/Gulf Breeze Magazine

chicken strips, salads and more in the air-conditioned comfort of the Giraffeteria.

One of the first new exhibits spearheaded by Wanko when she took over as director is the Australian Free-Flight Budgiery, which is the most popular exhibit at the zoo. The screened-in budgiery holds roughly 500 parakeets from the typical green and yellow shades, to blues and white, to unique turquoise-hued birds, all flying around, perching on branches, and trotting along the ground.

Guests can purchase budgie treat sticks for $1 each in the zoo’s gift shop, and entice the birds to fly over and perch on the stick for a snack. The budgies aren’t shy about getting up close and personal with guests who delight in the candy-colored birds’ affection.

“Kids are usually a little nervous when they first walk in because they’re not used to a full-on interaction, but once they’ve been in there for a minute or so, they love it,” Wanko says. “Most of our season pass holders come in and buy 10 or 20 budgie sticks at a time.”

There are also many opportunities to feed animals throughout the zoo. Food cups are available for $3-$5 in the gift shop as well, and bison, llama, goats and sheep will gladly trot to the edge of their enclosures to munch from guests’ hands.

You can also feed animals at another popular zoo exhibit: the giraffes. Known as Gabby, Kenya and Geronimo, the three giraffes will lean down to lap up feed from guests’ hands.

Wanko says she and other zookeepers are hoping for a possible giraffe pregnancy in coming months, although there are never guarantees in this department.

“We really encourage our animals to reproduce,” Wanko says. “There are certain things animals do in the wild—they eat, they find shelter, they reproduce—and our thoughts are that by allowing them to do all of those things here, we’re giving them the most natural experience they can possibly have, but it is very controlled.”

Baby animals are born all the time at the zoo. Right now, you can see a bevy of baby goats and lambs, and some kangaroo joeys, and on the preserve deer and antelope offspring can be viewed. A macaw also laid eggs recently. The zoo recently started allowing the community to get involved with animal pregnancies by allowing the public to submit names and vote on the most popular ones. People first voted to name a newborn baby gorilla Kigali, who was born in January 2012.

Kigali can be seen playing with his mother Rwanda on their island at the zoo.

The summer will bring an uptick in activity at the zoo.

There will be the regular daily and weekly programs like hourly zookeeper talks, and animal encounters in the farmhouse area, but there will also be Zoo Camp. The daytime camps for children run from 9 am to 3 pm and allow campers to get fully involved with animal care and feeding, and lots of behind-thescenes interactions that normal guests don’t experience. There’s also crafts, games, and everyone gets a souvenir T-shirt and water bottle to take home.

Additionally, the zoo plays host to monthly events like Zootograpahy classes, which teachs elements of photography and offers a chance to photograph animals at the zoo, and “ZooTots,” a children’s story and activity time for infants to fiveyear-olds that also has interactive time with animals. New and unique activities are constantly being added to the calendar.

Come out on Saturdays at 2 pm to see the otters make works of art at otter painting demonstrations (then purchase the masterpieces in the gift shop!), or visit the zoo after hours on Wednesday nights at 7 pm to get in touch with nature during a zoo yoga session.

“My vision for the zoo and my drive behind everything that I do is to be creating an experience that people can come back to several times a year and always be new, always be fun and always be different,” says Wanko.

With so much going on at the Gulf Breeze Zoo, there’s plenty of reason to come back over and over again, and the best way to get all you can from the zoo’s offerings is with a membership package. Regular memberships are $40 for adults or $30 for children ages 2-12 and a season membership pays for itself in just two visits. Passes include discounts on nonfood items and events, reciprocal membership at other zoos and they support the programs at the local zoo. Guests can also add on packages for train rides or a bring-a-friend option for passes.

Improved amenities and added programs have bolstered the longstanding foundation of the Gulf Breeze Zoo’s facilities and animal collection, giving something new to guests every time they visit. Wanko says her passion is creating a fun and unique guest experience that also teaches about the animals and the struggles of these animals in the wild.

“We want people to go away not just having a good time but actually having learned something and being affected by what they’ve seen,” she says. “That’s really the only way that people are going to be involved in conservation, which is what we’re here for.”

For more information about the zoo, visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/GulfBreezeZoo.GB

Summer/2013/Gulf Breeze Magazine

25

peopleprofile

Tyler and Jill Teston A Young Gulf Breeze Couple Thinks Outside The Box

Tyler and Jill Teston keep themselves busy in the Gulf Breeze community, each hard at work locally to improve their lives and the city they are proud to call home. The Testons represent a new wave of young, forwardthinking, successful professionals in Gulf Breeze. As they can attest, the city is ripe with opportunity and advancement for those willing to think outside the box.

The couple recently welcomed their first son, five-month-old Liam, into the world and are excited about the prospects of raising him in the town they both grew up in and have learned to adore.

Tyler works as an air traffic controller and is happy helping to maintain the safe flow of all military and civilian air traffic in the area. He also dabbles in photography with his business, Teston Photography, and when he is not busy monitoring the skies above or taking pictures on the ground below, he can be found at the beach kite-surfing or repping Coreban paddleboards.

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Summer/2013/Gulf Breeze Magazine

Photo by Josh Newby

By Josh Newby

Jill is the daughter of Florida State Representative Doug Broxson, and admits a lot of her community and political interest stems from her father. As secretary of the board and governmental affairs chair for the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber, Jill keeps abreast of all local developments in her city. She also manages a bit of property on the beach, works for a medical sales company, and owns a small Jewelry Company, Jill-J Jewelry, whose products she sells online and to local vendors such as The Grand Marlin gift shop, Pizzaz and Indigeaux Denim Bar & Boutique.

The couple says they have thrived socially and professionally in the region because of their love for the city and their willingness to think outside of any preconceived notions or expectations, all while truly appreciating the eclectic business and entertainment options that are just waiting to be discovered by those who are eager and adventurous enough.

“Gulf Breeze has everything,” said Jill. “It is everything for us because our friends and family live here, and it is everything for

Photos by Tyler Teston

its citizens because of the incredible amenities and opportunities available.”

Tyler said that, as an air traffic controller, he could move almost anywhere in the US and do the job he loves, including such dreamy tropical locales as Hawaii, but he is perfectly content in Gulf Breeze. The Testons have dubbed the town their own personal Hawaii.

“We have our roots here,” said Tyler. “Gulf Breeze is growing and we want to be a part of that. We take so much pride in its growth that we never want to live anywhere else. In other cities, you’d have to travel many hours to experience all the benefits that are within 30 minutes of Gulf Breeze.”

From the emerald beaches and evolving cultural life, to the famous zoo and numerous expansive nature preserves, Gulf Breeze offers citizens vastly different worlds and experiences in exchange for just a few minutes of drive time.

The Testons consider Gulf Breeze a sort of welcoming center for one of the area’s most substantial tourist-grabs: the beach. The only road to Pensacola Beach winds through the heart of the city, and en route, visitors experience the mix of local and big-name businesses, quality schools, worldrenowned medical facilities, and of course, a perfect climate.

On the beach itself, high-rise hotels and tourist attractions such as the beach ball water tower help ensure the future of a stable and positive economy for residents and professionals alike.

In order to capitalize on the greatness of the region, the Teston’s advise residents to think outside of the box and view their city with a freshly positive perspective. In a recent study of Pensacola college-age students and professionals, it was discovered that many young people, after attaining degrees, look to start their professional lives elsewhere. Tyler said he understands the appeal of larger cities, but argues that big-town opportunities, as well as small-town standards of safety and family, can be found on our own white sandy shores.

“We are an ever-growing community,” said Tyler. “I think that people who say there isn’t room for growth or opportunity locally aren’t looking hard enough.”

Jill shared that, as their new family begins to grow, she wouldn’t think about moving from Gulf Breeze’s sense of safety and security.

“It’s a well-known fact that you don’t speed in our city,” said Jill. “We have standards of safety and I’ve never felt unsafe here or had to wonder if this was an appropriate place to raise my family.”

While the close-knit nature of many small cities is exactly what many residents wish to escape, it is that very quality that ensures a high quality of life and generosity from Gulf Breeze’s citizens.

“The culture here is very giving, from the faith-based organizations to the people themselves,” said Jill.

Jill and Tyler went away to college in their formative years, and both said that the experience made them realize just how great they have it in their own hometown.

“You have to be willing to open your eyes to all you have here and be willing to take advantage of the opportunities,” said Tyler. “If you do that, you’ll see what a great city we have and what wonderful people live here.” GB

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theCalendar 2013

June TUESDAY

MONDAY

SUNDAY

WEDNESDAY

1

Community Events: 1 Fiesta Boat Parade & DeLuna Landing, Pensacola Beach, www.fiestaoffive flags.org

2

6 Fiesta Day Parade, downtown Pensacola, www.fiestaoffive flags.org 22-23 Pensacola Fishing 9 Rodeo, Pensacola Beach, www.pensacolafishing rodeo.com Tuesday nights (through October 29), 7 pm, Bands on 16Beach, Pensacola the Beach, www.pensacolabeach chamber.com Thursday nights (May 23 – August 1), 7 23 pm, Evenings in Old Seville, downtown Pensacola, eveningsinoldesevilles quare.com

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

6:30 pm, City 4 12 pm, 5 12 pm, Gulf LEADS Group Council Breeze 1, Meets in Various ToastMasters, Meeting, Gulf Storypoint Church Locations Breeze City Hall 4 pm, Governmental Affairs, Chamber Conference Room pm, Chamber 11 3Connection 12 12 pm, Gulf 10 & Breeze Ribbon Cutting, Chamber Conference ToastMasters, Room Storypoint Church 7 pm, Midway Fire District Meeting, Midway Fire Station

3

6 9 am, Business 7

14 12 pm, LEADS 15 Group 2, Chamber Monthly Breakfast, Chamber Andrews Conference Room Performance & Research Pavilion 13 7 am,

Council Meeting, Gulf Breeze City Hall

18 12 pm,

LEADS Group Breeze Leadership 1, Meets at Various ToastMasters, Santa Rosa Locations Storypoint Church

19 12 pm, Gulf

20 8 am,

24

25

am, Blue 26 8:30 Ribbon Networking Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 12:00 PM, Gulf Breeze Toastmasters, Storypoint Church

27 5:30 pm,

17 6:30 pm, City

30

8

Development Committee, Chamber Conference Room

Chamber Monthly Business After Hours, Gulf Coast Community Bank

21 11:30 am,

Women’s Business Luncheon, First Baptist Church

22

28 12 pm, LEADS 29 Group 2, Chamber Conference Room

July MONDAY

SUNDAY Community Events: 4 4th of July Fireworks over Pensacola Bay, downtown Pensacola, www.pensacolafire works.com

7

1 6:30 pm, City

Council Meeting, Gulf Breeze City Hall

8

4 Independence Day Fireworks, Pensacola Beach, www.visitpensacola beach.com 12-13 14 Pensacola Beach Air Show, www.pensacolabeach chamber.com 19 Gallery Night, downtown Pensacola Tuesday 21 nights (through October 29), 7 pm, Bands on the Beach, Pensacola Beach, www.pensacolabeach chamber.com Thursday nights (May 28 23-August 1), 7 pm, Evenings in Old Seville, downtown Pensacola, eveningsinoldeseville square.com

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15 4 pm,

TUESDAY

3 4 pm, Governmental Group 1, Meets at Various Locations Affairs, Chamber Conference Room 2 12 pm, LEADS

3 pm, Chamber Connection & Ribbon Cutting, Chamber Conference Room 7 pm, Midway Fire District Meeting, Midway Fire Station

9

Group 1, Meets at Various Locations

22

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Summer/2013/Gulf Breeze Magazine

30

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

4 Chamber

Office Closed for 4th of July

5

SATURDAY

6

8:30 am, Blue

12 12 pm, LEADS 13 11 7 am, Group 2, Chamber Networking Meeting, Chamber Monthly Breakfast, Chamber Conference Room Conference Room St.Ann Catholic 12:00 PM, Gulf Breeze ToastMasters, Church Parish Hall Storypoint Church 10 Ribbon

16 12 pm, LEADS 17 12 pm, Gulf

Executive Committee Meeting, Chamber Conference Room

29

WEDNESDAY

Breeze ToastMasters, Storypoint Church

8:30 am, Blue Ribbon Networking Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 11:30 am, Chamber Board of Director’s Meeting, Chamber Conference Room

24

31 12 pm, Gulf Breeze Toastmasters, Storypoint Church

18 8 am,

19 11:30 am,

20

Leadership Santa Rosa

Women’s Business Luncheon, First Baptist Church

25 5:30 pm,

26 12 pm, LEADS 27

Chamber Monthly Business After Hours, St. Francis Episcopal Church

Group 2, Chamber Conference Room

August MONDAY

SUNDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Community Events: 2-4 Bushwacker Festival and 5K, Pensacola Beach, www.pensacolabeach chamber.com 4 30 Jamaican Festival, Pensacola Beach, www.pensacolabeach chamber.com Tuesday nights 11 (through October 29), 7 pm, Bands on the Beach, Pensacola Beach, www.pensacolabeach chamber.com

18

25

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

1 9 am, Business 2

SATURDAY

3

Development Committee, Chamber Conference Room Council Meeting, Gulf Breeze City Hall

pm, LEADS 6 12 Group 1, Meets 7

at Various Locations 3 pm, Chamber Connection & Ribbon 4 pm, Governmental Affairs, Chamber Cutting, Chamber Conference Room Conference Room

7 am, 9 12 pm, LEADS 10 Chamber Group 2, Monthly Breakfast, Chamber Andrews Conference Room Performance & Research Pavilion

12

am, Blue 13 7 pm, Midway 14 8:30 Ribbon

15 8 am,

Leadership Santa Rosa

Women’s Business Luncheon, First Baptist Church

20 12 pm, LEADS 21 12 pm, Gulf

22 5:30 pm,

23 12 pm, LEADS 24

5 6:30 pm, City

12 pm, Gulf Breeze ToastMasters, Storypoint Church

Fire District Meeting, Midway Fire Station

19 6:30 pm, City

Networking Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 9 am, Santa Rosa Legislative Coalition, Pace

Council Meeting, Gulf Breeze City Hall

Group 1, Meets at Various Locations

Breeze ToastMasters, Storypoint Church

26

27

28 8:30 am, Blue

Ribbon Networking Meeting, Chamber Conference Room

8

16 11:30 am,

Chamber Monthly Business After Hours

Group 2, Chamber Conference Room

29

30

17

31

P3 Tiger Point Park in Gulf Breeze Summer/2013/Gulf Breeze Magazine

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Parting Shots

Ann Thompson, West Navarre Intermediate, is congratulated by Superintendent Tim Wyrosdick as Santa Rosa Teacher of the Year.

Chamber members enjoy hanging out in the Blue Wahoo’s locker room during the February Business After Hours at the Blue Wahoo’s stadium.

Mario Moura of Portugal visits with Josie Cotti at the Chamber. Mr. Moura was visiting the area through an international exchange program with Rotary International.

Lori and Jim Robert (Plastic Engraving) are all smiles at the Chamber’s Annual Gala: A Hawaiian Celebration.

Lizbeth Ervin (Center for Total Women’s Health) and Hamamuras (American Cancer Society) look like one happy family at the Chamber’s Annual Gala.

Mike (Hampton Inn & Suites – Navarre) and Kristen Loera (United Way of Santa Rosa County)stopped by to get their picture taken in front of the “roasting” pig at the Annual Gala.

Emily Simon, West Navarre Primary School, is recognized as the Rookie Teacher of the Year

by Superintendent Tim Wyrosdick and Josie Cotti, Gulf Breeze Area Chamber President/CEO. Ms Simons received a $1000 scholarship that was funded through a generous donation by Mrs. Jo Nutt in memory of her children, Terry and Melody Mix.

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Summer/2013/Gulf Breeze Magazine

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