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Bay Biz Vol 8/ Issue 1 (January - March)

Page 1

TYNDALL AFB PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR

PREDATOR B MQ-9 REAPER CONNECTING STUDENTS TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES ALL ABOUT CHECKERED FLAG 18-1 EXERCISES


january - march 2018 departments 6

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

8

POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE FEMA Coastal Flood Maps

14 EDUCATION

Connecting Students to New Opportunities

16 HEALTH

Worksite Wellness: Employee Wellness Affects the Health of the Organization Too

20

DEFENSE INTEL All About Checkered Flag 18-1 Exercises

22

ECONOMIC PROFILE

28

WORKFORCE CONNECTION

30

BIZ LIST

32

NEW MEMBERS

33

MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

20 8 14

features 12

COVER STORY Tyndall AFB Preferred Alternative For Predator B MQ-9 Reaper

24 FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION LUNCHEON AWARD WINNERS

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PUBLISHER Carol Roberts EXECUTIVE EDITOR Taylor Smith CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kim Bodine Brandi DeRuiter Heather Kretzer Carol Roberts Elizabeth Smith Taylor Smith Garrett Wright ART DIRECTION, LAYOUT, AND DESIGN

getgorgeo.us | 850-888-8GRG COVER Tyndall AFB Preferred Alternative For Predator B MQ-9 Reaper CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Bay County Chamber, Florida State University - Panama City, Gardner Photography, United States Air Force BAY BIZ MAGAZINE c/o Bay County Chamber of Commerce 235 W. 5th Street Panama City, FL 32401 850.785.5206 information@baychamberfl.com www.panamacity.org facebook.com/baychamberfl twitter.com/baychamberfl instagram.com/baychamberfl

The Bay Biz is published quarterly by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, 235 W. 5th Street, Panama City, FL 32401 850.785.5206 POSTMASTER send address changes to: Bay County Chamber, 235 W. 5th Street, Panama City, FL 32401 or email taylor@baychamberfl.com.

The Bay Biz welcomes story ideas from its readers. To have your story added, please email taylor@baychamberfl.com. To request additional copies, contact 850.785.5206.

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ELECTRIC CO-OPS WERE CONSTRUCTED WITH LINES, POLES AND THE FOOLHARDY NOTION THAT WE ALL PROSPER BY HELPING EACH OTHER. Today, the spirit of community that co-ops were built upon continues to thrive. And as members we can all lend a hand to one another by saving energy. Learn how at TogetherWeSave.com.


NOW SERVICING PANAMA CITY!

423.677.8022 Jim Cash, Sales Jcash@dluxprinting.com 850.457.8494 Darrell Jensen, General Manager Darrell@dluxprinting.com BAY B I Z

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Claire Sherman, 2017 Chairman of the Board

Happy New Year to all! It’s hard to believe that 2017 has come and gone. We had yet another amazing year and hat’s off to our 2017 Chairman of the Board, Claire Sherman. As most Chairs, this lady attended hundreds of meetings and events. We appreciate her, our Board, committees and our membership at large for giving of their time for the betterment of our great community. I wanted to spend this issue’s message giving you some of our 2017 highlights. Claire started her year off with the news of the Federal Courthouse closure in 2018. During the first six months, hundreds of hours of work were spent on this project that we did not anticipate in our business plan. Our team came together, locating building options, meeting with district federal judges, responding to the Chief Judge’s decision to close the courthouse, discovering we have no representative on the Judicial Nominating Committee (JNC), meeting with Congressman Dunn, Senators Rubio and Nelson, finding candidates to apply for Federal Judgeship, and the list goes on. It was a perfect storm! However, there is light at the end of the tunnel – the Chief Judge has rescinded her decision and asked that the courts not close the Panama City courthouse. Bay County has stepped up to the plate and is offering the Juvenile Justice Courthouse as a turnkey alternative, and we have representatives from Bay County now on the JNC. Our own Steve Southerland is working the D.C. side of things for funding and we hope to have good news in the near future. As you know, we continue to support the Panama City Marina Redevelopment Project and succeeded in our campaign to encourage the Commission to move forward and conduct the feasibility study on the existing plan. Prior to our involvement, the Commission was only hearing from those opposed. Apparently, we were successful in getting not only the younger generation out to speak, but many others within our membership and the community as we alerted them via numerous communications. Also, on our radar was to support the Bay Defense Alliance (BDA) with the possible recruitment of the MQ-9 RPA (remotely piloted aircraft) Wing to Tyndall. Although we’ve simply played a supportive role to the BDA, we were successful in getting Tom Neubauer a one-on-one breakfast with Governor Scott to ask for his support, and to ask that he utilize his D.C. contacts to bring this wing to Tyndall. As

you’ve heard, the BDA has once again brought home a big win for our community with the announcement, on November 29th, that the program is coming to Tyndall. Kudos to Tom Neubauer, Glen McDonald and the entire BDA board for the two years worth of work on this project. This is BIG for our community! Our cover story of this issue is on the MQ-9 so be sure to read the article. We traveled to Tallahassee not only for the initial delivery of our legislative agenda for the 2017 session, but also for hearings on workers comp, Visit Florida and Enterprise Florida. In addition, staff also attended the swearing in of our own Jimmy Patronis as CFO. In November, we travelled back to deliver our 2018 agenda that was well received by our elected officials and agency heads. In addition, we were very fortunate to have Governor Scott in town on several occasions. Speaking of BIG WINS, your award winning Bay County Chamber of Commerce once again brought home, from the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP) Annual Conference, more awards. We were recognized with Communications Awards for our Infrastructure Surtax Campaign, Bay Biz Magazine and our Guide to Discovering Bay County. In addition, I was humbled to be recognized by my peers for hitting my 40 year milestone. This year, the Membership Development department and the Ambassadors conducted 55 grand openings. We had 150 new members brought on board and our membership now sits at 1055 members. The organization exceeded all sales goals for publications and events, ending the year in a positive financial position. In the meantime, your incoming Chairman of the Board, Doug Moore, is excited and ready to kick off 2018. Claire will officially pass the gavel to him at the January 19th Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony and you’ll see highlights of that event in our Spring issue. We thank you for helping us build a better Bay County and look forward to a prosperous year for our community.

Carol Roberts President/CEO

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political perspective FEMA Coastal Flood Maps by: Brandi DeRuiter, Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Bay County Chamber of Commerce

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or many of us, coastal counties are desirable places to live, and always have been. According to data from the 2010 U.S. Census, the percentage of the nation’s population living in a county with a coastline has stayed relatively popular since before 1800, when we heavily relied on trade with European markets. While the reasons for living in a coastal county may have changed throughout the ages, the risks have not. It is important to have updated and accurate flood map information reflective of community characteristics and improvements so we can better understand the risk and be better prepared. Unfortunately, knowing a risk of this magnitude often leads to costly and burdensome preparations. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has taken on the task of updating the nation’s flood maps with sights set on coastal areas. This multi-year coastal analysis and mapping effort aims at better identifying, quantifying, and communicating flood hazards and risks associated in coastal areas. FEMA is working with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD) to update hazard and risk information and produce new National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) maps. Coastal Hazard Flood Maps are currently in the works for Bay County and this has a lot of us asking- what does this

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mean for me? This article will attempt to shed some light and clarify this lengthy process while providing resources to help you stay informed and up to date as new coastal flood maps roll out for our community. Flood maps for Bay County were last completed using a combination of USGS Topographic Maps from the 1970’s, Aerial mapping from 1995, and a FEMA Surge model, dated 1982. This previous study used only 35 transects. As part of FEMA’s map modernization efforts, the current study uses 497 modeled transects incorporating flood map information from NWFWMD’s 2013 Surge Study, Limit of Moderate Wave Action, and a Countywide Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) acquisition. LiDAR uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges. This data, collected by air, generates three-dimensional information used to examine natural and manmade environments.

Timeline Because this is a lengthy and complex process involving numerous governmental agencies, many factors could stall the milestones set forth on the current published timeline. It is important to visit Northwest Water Management District’s website listed below for the most up to date information. Spring 2018: Once final map data is available, community officials will have a 30-day review period for them to ensure


the revised maps incorporate all community improvements and accurately reflect environmental characteristics. Once the review process is complete and issues are identified and addressed, officials will meet with the project mapping team to develop a flood map database and work on community coordination. Summer 2018: Bay County’s Flood Map Open House will allow citizens and businesses to inspect the preliminary flood maps. Fall/Winter 2018: A 90-day public comment/appeals period will allow citizens to appeal changes in flood zones, flood ways, and base flood elevations. Appeals must be based on scientific or technical issues. An example may be a parcel of land located on a high spot within the grid. Spring 2019: FEMA will issue a final letter of determination ending any further amendments to the maps. This letter starts the clock for a 6-month compliance period in which local government officials must adopt a floodplain management ordinance. These regulations are required for communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program. Fall 2019: Flood Insurance Rate Maps become effective at the close of the compliance period and lead to new building and new flood insurance requirements for those going into a flood zone.

Impacts

Changes in flood zones and base flood elevations can have a significant impact on building requirements and flood insurance costs. Efforts to reduce loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters is the basis for Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage regulations. According to FEMA, substantial improvements mean any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure where the cost would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the start of construction of the improvement. Substantial damage means any damage [of any origin] sustained to a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred. Those with homes, businesses, or other structures incorporated into new special flood hazard areas will have to adhere to 50 percent thresholds for residential and non-residential improvements or repairs. If improvements or repairs fall into the substantial improvement/substantial repair category then the entire structure must be brought into compliance with NFIP’s new construction requirements. This includes the requirement that lowest floors be elevated to or above the base flood elevation. Some communities adopt floodplain management ordinances that may exceed NFIP requirements. In these situations, FEMA/NFIP will require the communities to adopt more stringent regulations. Bay County requires new de-

Bay County - New Transects 497 Transects Source: Northwest Florida Water Management District

velopment in the floodplain to be elevated at least one foot above base flood elevation and has a 10-year cumulative substantial improvement/damage policy. This means they look back to a 10-year history of improvements for a structure to determine if it meets the definition of a SI/SD. Mortgage companies may require the purchase of a certain amount of flood insurance. Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program in 1968 to reduce future flood damage through floodplain management. However, this program’s $25 billion debt continues to rise. Frequent discussions in Congress point to rate imminent increases to help combat this deficit. To increase access to coverage for property owners, Florida passed legislation to authorize private insurance companies to offer flood policies in Florida. In order to keep the cost of flood insurance low, there are opportunities for policyholders and insurers to select various types of coverage for their homes.

According to FEMA, the term “100-year flood” has caused confusion and does not mean flooding will happen once every hundred years. This means that there is a 26% chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage. Resources

• • • • •

Visit the Flood Protection page on Northwest Florida Water Management District’s website to view project schedules and other documents www.nwfwater.com To go directly to NFWMD Flood Information Portal visit http://portal.nwfwmdfloodmaps.com/ To view Draft Bay County Flood maps visit baycountyfl. gov/499/FEMA-flood-zone-draft-revisions For state level information visit www.FloridaDisaster. com For federal information visit www.FloodSmart.gov

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Don’t be mislead by a line on the map, everyone is at risk for flooding. Even low-moderate flood risk areas experience 25% of all flood damage.

call your local flood experts

850.770.7047

visit our online quote center for a free quote 1002 w 23rd st, ste 130 panama city, fl 32405 www.pfinsurance.com

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Beachcomber

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Legacy

Beach Tower

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BY: Brandi DeRuiter, Vice President OF GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS Bay COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Bay County, FL, population 178,820, home to the world’s most beautiful beaches, Military Diver, the Raptor, and now possibly home to the Predator B. The U.S. Air Force recently announced that Tyndall Air Force Base is the preferred alternative for the Predator B, MQ-9 Reaper Wing. This means things for our community are about to change in a big way. This new wing will host a headquarters, mission control and a launch and recovery element complete with 24 assigned aircrafts. This will bring an influx of 1,603 Airmen, and their families, to our community. They will buy food, homes and cars. They will go shopping, get haircuts, enjoy going out—the list goes on. This will not strictly be local dollars changing hands. This will be an injection of millions of dollars into our community, on an annual basis, from salaries alone. Initial construction costs to prepare Tyndall for the wing are estimated at $250 12

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million. These millions of dollars coming from outside the community will be spent locally on products, goods and services. Air Combat Command’s Culture and Process Improvement Plan identified a need for an additional MQ-9 Wing location to help diversify assignment opportunities, provide increased opportunities for leadership, and enhance integration with other warfighter organizations and capabilities. This deliberate process, based on criteria, process improvement initiatives and military judgment, intends to meld combatant commanders and their missions to the most suitable installation. The Air Force seeks to identify challenges and stressors not only to increase mission effectiveness, but also to attract and retain talent during this time of pilot shortages. Adequate housing, land and air ranges, weather and lower costs also significantly contributed to Tyndall’s selection.


"We selected Tyndall Air Force base because it was the best location to meet the unique requirements of the MQ-9 Reaper," Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson said. “That includes fewer aircrafts competing for air space, nearby training ranges, great weather and lower up-front costs.” Although Tyndall is the preferred alternative, and the community, legislative and congressional delegation has pledged support, we are not out of the woods yet. The Secretary of the Air Force can only make a final decision once an environmental analysis is complete and further evaluation of airspace and mission de-confliction is studied. This can take anywhere from nine months to up to two years. Once assessments are complete, construction of facilities will take three to five years. Airman may begin arriving as early as 2020, with the first aircraft set to arrive in 2022. Final operating capability expected by 2023. Once final preparations are complete, this mission will increase the importance of Tyndall Air Force Base ensuring it remains viable and will help insulate Tyndall from base closure efforts when the next rounds of BRAC occur. "Remotely Piloted Aircraft and the intelligence capabilities supporting them remain vital to our national security and the security of our allies," said Gen. David L. Goldfein, Air Force Chief of Staff. Many of us have seen RPA’s in the movies or have been lucky enough to see one up close and in person, perhaps at the Gulf Coast Salute or other air show. But what exactly is the Predator B, and what are its functions? Made by General Atomics, the Predator B was introduced in 2007 and goes by various names depending on the agency. Designated the MQ-9 Reaper by the USAF, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency uses a maritime patrol variant called the MQ-9 Guardian. The “M” stands for multi-role, “Q” stands for unmanned aerial vehicle, and “9” is the series designation. It is fully portable and can break down in sections for airlifting in C-130’s or larger aircraft. At 36 feet long with a wingspan of 66 feet, it can cruise at 230 miles per hour at an altitude of 50,000 feet for about 1,150 miles. Its maximum endurance is 27 hours. The very core of the unmanned aerial vehicle program is to keep allied Airmen risk-free from any hostile action over contested territories. Characterized as a hunter/killer, the Reaper can perform strike, coordination and reconnaissance against high-value, fleeting, and time-sensitive targets. It is also used to gather intelligence, combat search and rescue, convoy/raid over watch, and target development to achieve combatant commander objectives. To help achieve its missions, the Reaper comes complete with a wide array of cameras, sensors, laser range finders/illuminators. It also has the capability to employ four laser guided air-to-ground Hellfire anti-tank missiles and precision laser guided bombs. Well known for precision, stealth and lethality, the Reaper’s secondary role provides homeland and humanitarian ef-

forts. It is adept at performing a wide range of operations including border surveillance, weapons tracking, embargo enforcement, disaster assistance, counter-narcotic operations and peacekeeping efforts. Past operations have involved providing aid (bottles of drinking water, meals, tents and lanterns) to Iraqi citizens threatened by the Islamic State of Iraq. Roles in the US have provided relief from floods, forest fires and hurricanes. Although the Air Force used a fair and thorough review process to determine the best base for the new MQ-9 Reaper Wing, the Bay Defense Alliance played a vital and critical role. The mission of the Bay Defense Alliance is to study every aspect of our military installations and work to preserve and enhance their missions and military value. Through their careful coordination, determination and continuous advocacy efforts, they helped guide this project through. Our community will see many economic and cultural benefits from their efforts for many years to come.

Estimated 1603 personnel include: • • • •

255 Officers 1221 Enlisted AirmEn 14 Civilians 113 additional positions for increased base operating supporT BAY B I Z

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education Connecting Students to New Opportunities by: Taylor Smith, Vice President of Communications, Bay County Chamber of Commerce

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acilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources—this is being described as the next advancement in education. Online education began in 1960 when the University of Illinois created an Intranet for its students. This system of linked computers allowed students to access course materials and listen to recorded lectures without being in the classroom. That technology later evolved into Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations, otherwise known as PLATO, which was expanded to other computers at other locations. As time progressed, so did the technology. In 1984, the Electronic University Network (EUN) was established to help colleges and universities offer online courses. EUN offered the first course in 1986 in which students used proprietary

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software and communicated using telephone lines. Ten years later, as the internet made its way into homes, what was formerly known as CALC (Computer Assisted Learning Center) evolved into CALCampus, which offered the first courses recognized as “online” with real-time instruction and interaction over the internet. Later, in 1999, North Central Accreditation was offered to Jones International University. This marked a turning point for the new educational opportunity and deemed it as a legitimate alternative to traditional, classroom-based instruction. In the ten years following, online learning began making more and more of an impact in the lives of students. The number of students taking online classes jumped 187%, with around 5.5 million students worldwide taking at least one class online.


set forth by the Florida Department of Education. Courses for kindergarten through twelfth grade are based on Florida Virtual School or Edgenuity curriculum, which helps the student take classes that best fit their learning style. Counselors assist students in picking core courses (regular, honors, advanced placement, or dual enrollment) in addition to electives such as test prep, physical education and more. “Taking a course online is no different than taking a course in the classroom,” said Rouse. “Our staff works hard to ensure the work is just as rigorous as coursework taken in a traditional setting. Taking them online simply adds flexibility for the student and their family.” The same can be said about courses offered in the college/ university level. However, Pelham says as students continue their education, they must have self-discipline to be successful. “Taking a course online is challenging, but it is possible to receive the same high quality education,” said Pelham. “Students have to pay attention to deadlines for their coursework. Yes there is more flexibility in their schedule, but they still must have the discipline to sit down, focus and get their assignments done.”

Today, online educational opportunities are continuing to become increasingly popular, even in Bay County. With classes being offered through Bay District School’s Bay Virtual School, to complete degree programs being offered at colleges and universities in the area, it is now even easier to complete coursework, which is positively impacting the futures of students. “Offering courses online is vital to the continuing education of students, especially in areas that serve non-traditional students, like Bay County,” said Banyon Pelham, Coordinator of Distance Learning at Florida State University, Panama City. “These courses help fulfill the needs of the students when life gets in the way so they can still get the education they deserve.” Education Professionals say students and parents turn to online education for a variety of reasons. While some students are unable to attend traditional classes because of jobs, Shelly Rouse, Principal of Bay Virtual Schools, says other students turn to online classes so they can learn at a speed that is comfortable for them. “The online classes we offer are not just for students who are behind in school and need to catch up. The classes are also a great way for students to accelerate their coursework, graduate sooner and begin college earlier,” said Rouse. Courses in Bay District Schools are tailored to the needs of each individual student while adhering to the standards

Another warning—students need to stay engaged in the world. One common critique of online education is that it robs students of social interactions vital to careers in the future. However, according to Pelham, “Online education is not meant to rob students of social opportunities. It is meant to afford those students who cannot attend traditional classes more opportunities.” To combat this, instructors at both primary and secondary educational levels incorporate group projects to get students talking. These assignments compliment required discussion boards, which provide a medium for students to collaborate on projects, and challenge the thoughts of students in an instructor-monitored environment. Video-chatting is also available between students and teachers to help with the understanding of topics individuals may be struggling with. For students and parents interested in online education, professionals such as Rouse and Pelham offer these tips: First, make sure you have a good support system. Because students are not in the classroom with instructors reminding them of assignment deadlines, it can be challenging to remember to turn things in on time. Students should have people at home to keep them focused and help them stay encouraged. However, this support system cannot exist solely at home; it must also exist at the educational institution. According to Pelham, “Distance Learning should not feel like a distance experience.” Therefore, make sure the institution offering the online course is offering the support needed to make the education process simple and enjoyable. BAY B I Z

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health Worksite Wellness: Employee Wellness Affects the Health of the Organization Too by: Heather Kretzer, Public Information Officer, Florida Department of Health in Bay County

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hether it is lower back pain, muscle tightness the CDC says on average, the American worker spends one-third of their day at work. Therefore, they encourage organizations to implement best practices for employees’ health. Small changes can mean big results for both the employer and employee. In our current climate, businesses are doing their best to do more with less. This would lead many to think they simply don’t have time to establish a worksite wellness program. On the contrary, this makes it the perfect time to invest in the health of your worksite. Healthy employees are happier, they work harder, and they miss less work. Not to mention their health care costs are significantly less than those who have health issues. Just ten modifiable health risks account for 20% of direct medical costs[1]. The table below gives some common preventable illnesses related to wellness and their costs. What may be even more surprising to some is the economic costs associated with these preventable diseases. It’s no doubt that chronic diseases are the most common and costly of all health problems accounting for 84-percent

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of health care costs.[2] Seventy-percent of chronic conditions are attributable to lifestyle practices.[3] Employers can help their employees adopt healthier lifestyles by building an environment that allows them to easily make healthy choices. Worksite wellness programs can help your organization achieve this with a return on your investment, ROI. The CDC cites a study that estimated the ROI for medical costs at $3.27 for every dollar spent. The ROI for absenteeism was $2.73 for every dollar spent. There is also a value on your investment with two drivers cost containment and culture and employee experience. CDC Definition of Workplace Wellness: Workplace health programs are a coordinated and comprehensive set of health promotion and protection strategies implemented at the worksite that includes programs, policies, benefits, environmental supports, and links to the surrounding community designed to encourage the health and safety of all employees. Two thirds of U.S. employees believe employers should play a role in helping them live healthier lifestyles.[4] Worksite wellness programs also increase the Presentism of your em-


ployees. This is the degree of lost productivity while on the job associated with work/life factors. Believe it or not, the savings are greatest when you keep your healthiest workers healthy. This can save your organization $350 per employee annually.[5] Targeting high-risk employees can save $153 yearly for each employee.[6]. CHRONIC DISEASES

EXPENSES

Obesity

$147 billion (2008)

Diabetes

$174 billion ($58 billion in indirect costs from disability, work loss, and premature death, 2007)

Tobacco Use

$192.8 billion ($96.8 billion in lost productivity, 2000-2004)

To get a worksite wellness program started, or enhance the one you already have, you will need to form a committee to focus on your organization’s health. These employees should represent all departments and levels of your workplace. Leadership from the top down should set the tone by example for employees. The members of your committee will also become champions for worksite wellness within your workplace. Your wellness committee can select activities and initiatives and deliver on those action plans. They can start by completing the CDC Worksite Health ScoreCard, HSC. The HSC helps employers assess whether they have evidence-based health promotions within their organization. The HSC is a free, online tool that helps identify program gaps and set priorities for health. The 122-question evaluation covers: Worksite Demographics, Organizational Supports, Tobacco Control, Nutrition, Lactation Support, Physical Activity, Weight Management, Stress Management, Depression, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Diabetes, Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack and Stroke, Emergency Response to Heart Attack and Stroke, Occupational Health and Safety, Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, and Community Resources. Another great way to select goals is by surveying your employees. Ask them about the health topics, incentives, and benefits they are interested in. Then you can compare the feedback of your employees with your ScoreCard for an optimal plan that is evidence-based and meets the needs of the employees. Health Risk Appraisals are often used by employers with their worksite wellness programming, although they are not required. These assessments give information on the health risks of your staff and help you know what potential health program elements would best suit their needs. From the employee standpoint, it offers free screenings for them to take charge of and know where their health stands. Often, they direct them to lifestyle programs and other services that improve their health. It also allows them to set health-related goals. You may be surprised at the resources already available to you and your employees. Many of these can be found through your insurance and employee assistance program

providers. Check their websites and share the wellness benefits already accessible to your staff members. You can do this through email, employee newsletters, and/or through internal Intranet sites. You will find that communication of what you already have is key. You will also want to account for these attributes when you submit your scorecard and write-up your annual wellness action plan. Another factor to consider when designing a worksite wellness program is its evaluation. To properly measure a program, evaluation must be thought through during the design stage. This could be done through a variety of methods including; surveys of employees measuring attitudes and behaviors before and after interventions, HRAs before and after program implementation, and how many participants there are in different activities. To help with this you will want to use SMART objectives. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time Bound. The most important thing you want to do when creating a program to benefit your employees is to make it fun! It all really comes down to three components as outlined in the 5210 Let’s Go Healthy Workplaces toolkit. Those goals are to; increase movement at work, increase healthy eating at work and support healthy families. You can find the link to the toolkit below as well as other resources that will assist you in your worksite wellness efforts. Here’s to creating a culture of workplace health in 2018. RESOURCES Centers for Disease Control Workplace Health Promotion

www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion

5210 Let’s Go

http://www.letsgo.org/toolkits/ healthy-workplaces

Florida Breastfeeding Friendly Employer Award

http://flbreastfeeding.org

Florida Tobacco Cessation Alliance Workplace Wellness Award

http://ftcalliance.com/worksite-wellness

Willie Pollard Ins Agcy Inc Willie Pollard, Agent

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Employers get registered! CareerSource Gulf Coast invites you to participate in the 14th Annual Career Expo at the Holley Center on the campus of FSU Panama City. It is an excellent opportunity for employers to meet skilled candidates, and for job seekers to visit with the area’s top employers at one event!

Wednesday, April 4 8 a.m.-Noon at FSU-PC

Act Today! Visit our Website: CareerSourceGC.com Email: CustomerService@CareerSourceGC.com Call: 850.872.4340, ext. 100

An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.


defense intel All About Checkered Flag 18-1 Exercises by: Brandi DeRuiter, Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Bay County Chamber of Commerce

A

irmen from U.S. Air Force installations across the United States converged on Tyndall in November to take part in Checkered Flag 18-1. This two week long, large-scale exercise combined the war-fighting power of both fourth- and fifth- generation aircraft with the concurrently running Weapon Systems Evaluation Program, Combat Archer. This allowed for a maximum amount of training and evaluation at a lessened cost to the U.S. Air Force and taxpayers. Checkered Flags are a variety of exercises that focus heavily on integrating the Total Force through training active-duty Airmen while capitalizing on the knowledge, experience, and proficiency of Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard Airmen. “F-16 [Fighting Falcons], F-22 [Raptors], F-35 [Lightning IIs] and F-15E [Strike Eagles] combine and work together

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for counter-air missions. These defensive and offensive counter-air measures deal with more advanced threats that fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft hope to handle together in the next big war if we have to,” Capt. Bradley Oatmen, 79th FS F-16 flight lead said. Although the Air Force trains some of the best pilots in the world, not all capabilities of an aircraft are able to be experienced overnight. Oatmen elaborated on some of the unique and first-time opportunities he experienced in Checkered Flag 18-1. “I’ve never shot an actual air-to-air missile,” he said. “We train to and we drop a lot of bombs when we are able to. Shooting a live missile is going to force me to know and study all of the intricacies of employing that weapon, and to actually see one come off the jet and work is one thing I am excited about.”


Tyndall is an ideal place for combat training exercises such as Checkered Flag 18-1 for a host of reasons, one such being location. “What we have in our Checkered Flag airspace is an overwater range that affords us the opportunity to be fully supersonic down to the ground,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Lee, 44th Fighter Group deputy commander and Checkered Flag 18-1 Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander. “This is not a capability we have on a large-scale at any other range within the United States.” Flying over land has more restrictions, but the Gulf provides a more open environment for effective and realistic training. “We have a long history of using WSEP to view weapon systems from cradle to grave. We see how a manufacturer says it will perform, look at every piece and evaluate it from the moment we bring up a missile out of the bomb dump, up until it fuses on a realistic simulated enemy aircraft. We are getting experiences of what a warfighter sees in a contested environment,” Lee added.

Team JSTARS out of Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, flew in an E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System. They provided joint airborne command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance over land and water. To accompany the wing’s mission, the E-8C JSTARS provided theater ground and air commanders with ground surveillance to support attack operations and targeting contributing to the delay, disruption and destruction of enemy forces. “The E-8C JSTARS is the world's only weapon system of its type,” said Senior Master Sgt. Roger Parsons, 116th ACW Public Affairs superintendent. “When combatant commanders need simultaneous wide-area surveillance and command and control, JSTARS is their first choice.” Readiness is a combination of properly trained Airmen with the necessary equipment. Exercises like Checkered Flag and aircraft like the E-8C give Airmen the ability to maintain readiness at all times. “If JSTARS didn't exist, combatant commanders would lose the wide area capability for the dual-sided intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and command and control that JSTARS offers,” Parsons said. “Essentially, it would take multiple aircraft to see the same area that one E-8C JSTARS can see alone.” Checkered Flag provides a platform for Airmen and aircraft, like JSTARS, to train in simulated real-world scenarios to continue honing their warfighting capabilities and Total Force

Checkered Flag 18-1 participating units: 525th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; 131st Fighter Squadron, Barnes Municipal Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts; 389th Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho; 79th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina; 552nd Air Control Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma; 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri; and 116th ACW, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, as well as KC-135 tankers from Air Force Reserve Command and F-35’s from Eglin Air Force Base.

Integration. JSTARS has provided joint Total Force Integrated operations across six combatant commands around the globe. As the exercise intensified, Tyndall and their partners trained and demonstrated Air Force competencies to maintain air superiority, both currently and in the future. This requires not only investment in technology, but training on that technology. Training for conflicts that exist in today’s environment plays an integral part in preparing Airmen to respond quickly during real-world operations. Air Combat Command’s goal is to improve squadron readiness through ready Airmen and ready weapons systems. Large-scale exercises such as Checkered Flag gives Airmen a feel for deployments in a safe and controlled environment. Each unit sends the necessary components needed to organize, equip, and execute exercise taskings. Although the number of aircraft varied with each unit, (between seven and 15), it takes about 200 personnel, including pilots, maintainers, life support and maintenance personnel to staff each unit. They also brought with them all the equipment they may have needed to fix anything on the spot. The Airmen who visited Tyndall and participated in these exercises are able to take their experiences back to their home stations with a better knowledge of Air Force capabilities. Checkered Flag has better prepared them to “Fly, Fight and Win” when their nation calls.

BAY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Sheriff Tommy Ford Professionalism — Service — Integrity 3421 N. Highway 77, Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 747-4700 Follow us on FaceBook @ Bay County Sheriff’s Office

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economic profile current labor statistics for Bay County

LABOR FORCE

EMPLOYED

UNEMPLOYED

UNEMPLOYED RATE

SEPT 17

91,075

88,046

3,029

3.3%

OCT 17

89,142

86,199

2,943

3.3%

NOV 17

87,416

84,091

3,325

3.8%

SEPT 16

88,787

84,469

4,318

4.9%

OCT 16

87,668

83,456

4,212

4.8%

NOV 16

86,576

82,313

4,263

4.9%

real estate sales EXISTING SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

REALTOR SALES

MEDIAN PRICE

REALTOR SALES

MEDIAN PRICE

SEPT 17

331

$194,000

18,030

$239,900

OCT 17

323

$192,000

20,543

$235,558

NOV 17

280

$193,338

19,990

$240,000

SEPT 16

324

$178,025

22,653

$223,000

OCT 16

316

$158,250

20,135

$220,000

NOV 16

274

$178,200

19,725

$220,000

CONDO - TOWNHOME SALES SEPT 17

136

$222,000

7,404

$173,000

OCT 17

120

$203,100

8,116

$170,000

NOV 17

122

$255,000

8,235

$176,000

SEPT 16

93

$215,000

8,800

$160,000

OCT 16

112

$205,000

7,941

$161,607

NOV 16

97

$235,000

7,780

$162,000

Bay County building permits

RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

JUN 17

42

1

JUL 17

41

7

AUG 17

38

0

JUN 16

44

1

JUL 16

31

0

AUG 16

47

1

22

TAXABLE SALES

TAX COLLECTIONS

JUL 17

$616,667,802

$443,255,287

$27,600,005

AUG 17

$757,425,315

$487,472,972

$29,081,080

SEPT 17

$772,218,659

$348,259,235

$21,063,995

JUL 16

$777,155,066

$447,157,039

$27,673,544

AUG 16

$721,256,235

$479,604,426

$28,577,762

SEPT 16

$617,356,098

$376,580,569

$22,710,348

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A few key highlights from 2017 are detailed further below: East Terminal Expansion Port Panama City broke ground on the expansion of the Panama City Port Authority. The first of two phases started construction in 2017 and will take 18 months to complete. Venture Crossings With a tight timeline, BayEDA and St. Joe Company worked closely with GKN Aerospace to ensure that project deadlines were met.

Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) ESG completed its Initial Critical Design milestone with the U.S. Coast Guard. This $10B, 1,000 job contract will be economic boom for the region.

GROSS SALES

BAY B I Z

2017 was a great year for Bay County and 2018 is shaping up to be a very strong year for economic development success within Bay County. With the many successes of 2017 and from years prior, Bay County is getting international attention from companies as a premier location for success in their business operation. In 2017, several economic development projects were announced including GKN Aerospace, Jellyfish Health, and Jenson. Additionally, Eastern Shipbuilding completed its initial critical design milestone with the U.S. Coast Guard. These projects represent 1,296 new jobs for Bay County. Finally, in November the U.S. Air Force selected Tyndall Air Force Base for a new MQ-9 Reaper Wing.

Higher Education Collaboration Working closely with our education partners, Bay County is set to establish the area as a hub for ad­ vanced manufacturing training and education.

Bay County sales tax collections

EDA UPDATE

Tyndall Air Force Base The U.S. Air Force announced Tyndall Air Force Base as the location of a new MQ-9 reaper wing. The project will bring along 24 aircraft and 1,600 airmen by 2020.


July - November 2017 Demographic Snapshot Bay County Population: 184,007 Median Age: 39 Labor Force: 91,120 Average Wage: $38,510

Households: 77,219 Household Income: $49,545 Per Capita Income: $39,717

Bay County bed tax collections

PANAMA CITY BEACH

MEXICO BEACH

PANAMA CITY

JUL 17

$4,947,031

$150,535

$262,982

JUL 16

$4,361,677

$154,794

$265,911

% CHANGE

13.42%

-2.75%

-1.10%

AUG 17

$1,900,445

$54,047

$123,488

AUG 16

$1,671,695

$48,838

$108,223

% CHANGE

13.68%

10.67%

14.11%

SEPT 17

$1,620,579

$48,694

$113,733

OCT 16

$1,421,958

$48,551

$99,494

% CHANGE

13.97%

0.29%

14.31%

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport passenger traffic

TOTAL PASSENGERS

COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS

SEPT 17

90,610

5,096

OCT 17

70,229

5,611

NOV 17

80,035

5,281

SEPT 16

78,629

6,262

OCT 16

73,080

4,899

NOV 16

82,078

5,949

National, state & local unemployment rate (Oct 2010 to Oct 2017) October Unemployment Rates 12.0 10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0

2010

2011

2012 Bay County

2013

2014 Florida

2015

2016

2017

United States

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On October 27th, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and Tyndall Federal Credit Union held the 7th Annual First Responders Appreciation Luncheon. Local Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, and Dispatch personnel were honored at Florida State University Panama City. Deputy Chief Eric Smith of the Orlando Police Department served as the Keynote Speaker for the event. Deputy Chief Smith acted as the High Risk Incident Commander during the Pulse nightclub shootings. He discussed the role of the first responders at the scene, coordination of responding agencies and how the community came together. Deputy Chief Smith was appointed to his current rank in September 2014. Among his duties, Smith oversees the Special Services Bureau, which includes Special Operations, Downtown Community Policing and the Airport divisions. Smith is also in charge of the department’s Special Team divisions of SWAT, Crisis Negotiations, Emergency Response, Emergency Services, Honor Guard and Crisis Intervention. Leading up to his appointment, Smith spent 19 years with the Orlando SWAT Team, eventually becoming Commander in 2012. Smith was first hired as an officer by Orlando Police in March 1994, serving in Patrol, and in both the Undercover Drug and K-9 units. In 2005, Smith was promoted to Sergeant and served as Patrol Supervisor. He also supervised the K-9 Unit. Four years later, he was promoted to Lieutenant, and worked as Watch Commander before taking over the Tactical Patrol Unit and later commanding the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigations, a multi-jurisdictional task force. In early 2013, Smith was promoted to Captain and assigned to run the Airport Division at the Orlando International Airport. Smith, who earned his Criminal Justice degree at the University of Central Florida, was the department’s first African American K-9 Sergeant and SWAT Team Commander. He is the ninth African American Deputy Chief in OPD history. 24

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Lt. Billy Mixon, First Responder of the Year Fire recipient Inv. Richard Gibbs, First Responder of the Year Law Enforcement recipient

Awards were given in the categories of First Responder of the Year for Fire, Law Enforcement, and EMS. Lt. Billy Mixon (City of Panama City Fire Department) received the First Responder of the Year for Fire. Investigator Richard Gibbs (Bay County Sheriff’s Office) received First Responder of the Year for Law Enforcement. Senior Airman and Medic Emily Gonzalez (Tyndall Air Force Base) received First Responder of the Year for EMS. Officer David Brady (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission) received the Extraordinary Service Award.

Congratulations to all the First Responders who were nominated for awards by their departments or family members. Also at the event, a tribute video sponsored by Greg Wilson Law was shown thanking First Responders for their commitment and sacrifice. A commemorative challenge coin was placed at each seat at the event and every First Responder in Bay County received the coin to thank them for their service. Thank you to Gulf Coast State College and Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center for sponsoring those coins.

Senior Airman and Medic Emily Gonzalez, First Responder of the Year - EMS recipient

Special thanks to our sponsors: Presenting Sponsor: Tyndall Federal Credit Union Keynote Speaker Sponsor: Bay Medical Sacred Heart Lasik For Heroes Sponsor: The Eye Center of North Florida Award Sponsor: Emerald Coast Hospice Coin Sponsors: Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center, Gulf Coast State College Video Sponsor: Greg Wilson Law Gold Sponsor: Bonefish Grill, Century Ambulance, Lifeguard Ambulance Service

Officer David Brady, Extraordinary Service Award recipient

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THINK A BATHROOM REMODEL IS MESSY AND TIME-CONSUMING?

Old Bathroom Today, New Bathroom Tonight! You can enjoy a brand new bathroom, custom manufactured for you and installed IN JUST ONE DAY.

We’ll give you a beautiful new shower, tub, or both, in your choice of colors and styles, at a price that’s much more affordable than a conventional bathroom Low-Rise Entry Safety Shower From remodel. We even offer Crystal Shores a variety of important safety features like a low-rise entry that eliminates tub walls and lets you “walk right in” to your shower… Safety Grab Bars or special non-slip Convenient Bench Seating flooring that provides stability and freedom from falls … plus a Non Slip Floor choice of sturdy grab Low-Rise Entry bars, lower, easy-toreach controls and a convenient bench seat.

26

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Fits Your Existing Shower Space

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Business

Lending

Together We Build Community

2718 MLK Jr. BLVD.

Panama City, FL / 873-4930 Equal Opportunity Lender

PEFCU.ORG

Bobby Landwehr Director of Business Lending

NMLS #1072803

Ty Johnson Business Lending OďŹƒcer

NMLS #1597521


workforce connection Community Involvement: Building Tomorrow’s Workforce by: Kim Bodine, Executive Director, CareerSource Gulf Coast

C

areerSource Gulf Coast brings a great deal of effort and determination to the table across the region. First and foremost, we take pride in developing career matches for job seekers and employers. In our last fiscal year, we assisted 1,296 employers recruit and hire workers, and placed a total of 3,176 job seekers in new positions across Bay, Gulf and Franklin Counties. You will also find us heavily involved in a number of regional initiatives because it is part of our mission to help make our communities stronger every day. That is why we are leading or are involved in great community partnerships.

In the spring of 2014, a small group of community leaders began working on an effort locally named Alignment Bay County or ABC. In just a few short months, the team was able to get the organization up and running. The mission of ABC is to “Align community organizations and resources so their coordinated support of Bay County's youth has a positive impact on public school success, children's health, and the success of our community as a whole.” We believe everyone can agree the success of our community over time is largely dependent upon the success of our youth, and we want to build support for this mission across our community. ABC operates under four primary guiding principles: support children’s health and well-being birth to career; improve student achievement for every student; increase career and college readiness; and increase civic-community-family involvement in all schools. This is not about re-creating the 28

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wheel. We are fortunate to have many community organizations supporting our youth in wonderful and creative ways. ABC simply aims to get all of those organizations working more closely with each other, with our schools, our families and with our community and business leaders. There are two initiatives now most prominent among ABC Alignment Team activities. Through “#SchoolMatters,” ABC members and friends are working to spread the word to parents, mentors and guardians that chronic absenteeism can lead to student failure. This digital and print advertising campaign gained more momentum in the fall with the development of a television/radio public service announcement. In addition, a new program called “Little Listeners” launched in September in partnership with Coastal OB/GYN. It is designed to educate parents about the importance of reading to their children – and begins with reading to the child in the womb. The program has been well-received, and ABC volunteers are collecting data with the aim of measuring outcomes and beliefs among families about the importance of reading. Both of these initiatives have been possible through generous donations of money and in-kind services from community businesses, foundations and individuals. Because ABC is a non-profit organization, board and team members are all volunteers – the value of their dedicated time is priceless. In addition, the organization has been fortunate to receive financial donations, both large and small, to fund programs and innovative solutions. However, more is needed as we work to bring on one paid staff member to move the work forward and manage the many volunteers upon which we rely. Learn more about the organization on Facebook by searching @AlignmentBay, or online at AlignmentBayCounty.org.


Bayside living with a dash of Southern charm.

Introducing SweetBay—a master-planned

neighborhood charter school), and to

community of new homes in Panama

the future Town Center. Located near

City, Florida, designed to celebrate the

the naval and air bases, SweetBay is all

great outdoors. It’s where miles of natural

about community and family. Won’t

coastline are your personal playground,

you join us? Visit our Welcome Center

and a scenic trail network connects

to tour the models and learn about

your new home to the waterfront, the

our new homes, priced from the mid

park, University Academy (our

$200s to the $500s.

SweetBayFl.com | 844.35.SWEET | SweetBay Welcome Center, 3204 Heartleaf Ave. East Panama City, Fl 32405 All information, plans, and pricing are subject to change without notice. Models do not reflect racial preference. BAY B I Z

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29


The Bay County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its 2018 Officers and Directors.

Board of Directors

Officers

John Meyer ReliantSouth Construction Group

Chair of the Board

Chairman Elect

Vice-Chairman

Term Expires Dec 2018 Garrett Anderson Anderson Construction Company Ross Clemons The Clemons Company

Joe Sorci Florida Architects Bryan Taylor United Way of NWF Greg Wilson Greg Wilson Law

Doug Moore The Panhandle Group

Treasurer

Will Cramer Bill Cramer Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC

MAC Chairman

Andrew Rowell GAC Contractors Vice Chairman of Communications

Board of Directors

Term Expires Dec 2019 Terry Cole WMBB-TV Jan Gainer Bay Lincoln Mercury Dodge Hyundai Amy Myers Harrison Sale McCloy Chris Moore General Dynamics Information Technology Elizabeth Moore Anchor CEI, Inc.

Sandy Sims Gulf Power Company

Claire Sherman Lamar Advertising Co.

Waylon Thompson Manuel & Thompson P.A.

Brad Thomas MidSouth Bank

Board of Directors Board of Directors

Term Expires Dec 2020

One Year Chair Appointments

Michael Archibald Deseret Cattle & Timber

Reggie Johns Portfolio Real Estate Management

Jean Capps Sheraton Bay Point Resort Steve Grubbs Bay Medical Sacred Heart

Mike Smith Jimmy Johns Waylon Thompson Manuel & Thompson P.A.

Ben Lee Hancock Bank Tommy Martin WestRock Harry Patel Sage Development Group

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Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC

On December 13, 2017, Hand Arendall LLC and Harrison Sale McCloy Attorneys at Law announced the two firms will merge January 1, 2018 to become Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC. This strategic combination will result in a southern, regional law firm that meets the goals of both firms’ growth strategies and will allow them to continue to provide a broader range of high quality legal services. Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC will have approximately 85 lawyers across the Gulf Coast, with staff in the Alabama offices of Mobile, Birmingham, Fairhope and Athens and Northwest Florida offices of Panama City, Destin and Santa Rosa Beach. Roger Bates, Hand Arendall LLC’s Managing Lawyer, has been named to serve as the Managing Lawyer of the new firm and Franklin Harrison, a founding partner of Harrison Sale McCloy, will join the firm’s executive committee and serve as the Florida office Managing Lawyer.

Hancock and Whitney Bank Hancock and Whitney Bank has promoted Ben Lee as a Senior Vice President of the century-old financial institution. Lee is also the bank's Bay County market president. With more than 15 years of experience, Lee guides local banking teams in providing an array of strategic banking and financial solutions complemented by a proven passion for helping the region’s businesses and non-profits succeed. His experience and exceptional service have quickly earned him a reputation as one of Panama City’s top bankers. Born and raised in Statesboro, Georgia, Lee holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a Master of Business Administration degree from Auburn University. Lee is active in a variety of organizations, including the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, Bay County Economic Development Council, Covenant Hospice, Florida’s

Great Northwest Board, Bay County Contractors Association, Haney Education Foundation, and the Holy

Nativity Episcopal School Board of Directors. He also serves on Bay County’s Half Cent Tax Oversight Committee.

Bay Point Sheraton Resort Sheraton Bay Point Resort officials announced in December Aimee Sloat has been hired as the new Director of Sales and Marketing. Sloat has been in the hospitality industry for 20 years. Prior to joining the Sheraton team, she held the position of Director of Sales at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. She has held management and leadership positions at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, Sheraton Suites Cypress Creek, Sheraton Suites Key West, and the Wyndham

Casa Marina and Reach Resorts. With experience in sales, reservations, revenue management, and convention services/catering, Aimee brings a well balanced approach to team management which supports overall hotel success and team productivity. She has served on the board and as the President of the Florida Keys Chapter of HSMAI, and supports local community partnerships and involvement. Aimee has relocated from Ft Lauderdale, Florida with her family.

Keith Carroll DHR & Associates Keith focuses on real estate law including residential and commercial real estate closings, title issues, contract disputes and landlord-tenant issues. Mr. Carroll received his undergraduate degree from the University of West Florida with a B.S. in Business Administration. Following his undergraduate studies, Mr. Carroll earned his J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville where he received the Governor’s Merit Scholarship and served as the president of the Sports Law Society. As a Panama City native, Keith made the decision to move back home, cutting his teeth in the title business by initially working for a national title insurance company. He joined DHR & Associates in July 2016. He is an active member of the Bay County Bar Association, Bay County Chamber of Commerce, Bay Young Professionals Steering Committee, St. Andrews Inn of Court, in addition to a volunteer mentor with Take Stock in Children Organization under the Bay Educational Foundation. He is also very involved with the Central Panhandle Association of Realtors, including service on the Communications Committee. Keith was recognized for his commitment to the Bay County Board of Realtors in 2015 as the 2015 Affiliate of the Year and nominated for a second time in 2016.


new members Aerie Lane 436 McKenzie Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 257-5866 Alia Adhal, PA 214 W. 5th St. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 215-2275 Bay Point Neighbors PO Box 2056 Panama City, FL 32402 (850) 615-5900 Boyd Specialites, Inc. 2405 E. 17th St. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 873-9929 Carillon Beach Inn 114 Carillon Market St. Carillon Beach, FL 32413 (850) 334-9100 Coastal Mobility Transportation 203 Forest Park Circle Panama City, FL 32405 (855) 507-3503

Emerald Coast Striping, LLC. 1901 N. East Ave. Panama City, FL 32405 Fusion 3203 Minnesota Ave. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 248-3800 iNaturallyMedSpa 645 Highway 231 Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 792-7000 KW Land Works 112 Boca Lagoon Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (352) 359-0398 Magic Broadcasting, LLC. 7106 Laird St., Ste 102 Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 230-5855 Magnum Engineering, Inc. 1026 Pierson Dr. Lynn Haven, FL 32444 (850) 258-0994

Concierge by Goss PO Box 736 Panama City, FL 32402 (850) 704-5516

Michael J. Hauversburk 475 Harrison Ave., Ste 202 B Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 215-1800

Coram's Steak & Egg 1031 W. 15th St. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 215-3447

Miracle Ear 624 W. 23rd St. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 784-0179

Crystal Shores Remodeling, LLC. 3355 Copter Rd., Ste. 23 Pensacola, FL 32459 (850) 261-2337

My Hometown Furniture 2808 Highway 77 Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 215-2238

DSI Security Services 400 W. 11th St., Suite C Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 740-3962 Emerald Coast Baths, Inc. 19201 PCB Parkway Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 588-8466 Emerald Coast Dental Spa 900 Thomas Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 249-9311

32

from September 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017

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Out of the Blue 3900 Marriott Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 629-9955 Panama City Beach Cabinets 8317 Front Beach Rd., Ste 42 Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 238-8886 Perennial Grace Financial, Inc. 236 Forest Park Circle Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 215-4070

JANUARY - MARCH 2018

ResortQuest @ Celadon 17757 Front Beach Rd. Panama CIty Beach, FL 32413 (850) 236-1965

The Garmon Law Firm 810 Grace Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 684-4000

ResortQuest @ Palazzo 17281 Front Beach Rd. Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 238-8000

The Legend 96.9 (The Radio People) 3245 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. 1 Dothan, AL 36303 (334) 712-9233

ResortQuest @ Seychelles 5115 Gulf Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 236-9550 ResortQuest @ Sunrise 14825 Front Beach Rd. Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 233-1330 ResortQuest @ Tidewater 16819 Front Beach Rd. Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 636-8000 RJ Gorman Marine Construction, LLC. 8317 Front Beach Rd., Ste 8C Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 769-7747 Sand Oak Divorce Solutions, LLC. 3104 Heartleaf Ave. East Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 252-6325 Sister Kate's 3900 Marriott Dr., Ste C Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 215-1740 Smoky Barrel BBQ 422 Magnolia Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 215-8435 Specialty Roofers, Inc. 102 N. Gulf Blvd., Unit C Panama City Beach, FL 32413 (850) 249-1832 Stamps Family Dentistry 330 W. 23rd St., Ste. J Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 769-3427

The Mellow Mermaid, LLC. 303 Willow Way Lynn Haven, FL 32444 (850) 303-1621 The NeuroMedical Institute 1931 MLK Jr. Blvd. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 215-7093 WPGX FOX 28 700 W. 23rd St., Ste 28 Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 215-6500


member anniversaries

from September 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017

5 years Badcock Furniture & More Bay Dental Center CGH Technologies Dr. William Warneck, OD Island Air Express Klever Media Works LLC Leitz Music Company FWB Ralph Stewart Ripley's Believe it or Not Ted Spangenberg, Jr. The Unlimited Path of Central Florida, Inc Williams Communications, Inc.

10 years

DON ALD GI LES

Gift Basket Designs & Lounge Holiday Golf Club Red Roof Inn Summit Bank Sunny Hills Golf Club

15 years

Maharaja's Fine Jewelry & Gifts Panama City Rescue Mission The Bagel Maker

20 years

Jensen USA, Inc. Landrum HR

25 years

Advanced Eye Care of Bay County, P.A. Cooper's Drugs

30 years

Coldwell Banker Carroll Realty Inc. First National Bank Northwest Fla Giles Appraisal Group Inc. Mayer Electric The Natural Light, Inc.

MAI, SRA Cert. Gen. RZ356

122 E 4th St Panama City, Fl, 32401 Phone: 850-769-6593 Fax: 850-872-9160 gilesappraisal@knology.net

Commercial and Residential Property Valuations

Position

C o m VOLUNTEER. pany Name GIVE. ADVOCATE.

United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability Employee Nam e Position Titleof every person in every community. Street Address Address 2 City, ST ZIP Code Phone: 555.555.0125 Fax: 555.555.0145 E-mail address

Emplo Position

Company Name

40 years

Street Address Address 2 City, ST ZIP Code Phone: 555.555.0125 Fax: 555.555.0145

Diver's Den

45 years

Emplo

Neil Graham

Employee Nam e

55 years

Position Title

UnitedWayNWFL.org

E-mail address

Emplo Position

Shipwreck Island Waterpark

Company Name

602 Harrison Ave Panama City, FL 850-785-7521 BAY B I Z

Employee Nam e

|

Street Address Address 2 City, ST ZIP Code Phone: 555.555.0125 JANUARY - MARCH 2018 Fax: 555.555.0145

33

Emplo


34

BAY B I Z

|

JANUARY - MARCH 2018


WORK TRIPS SEEM LIKE LESS WORK IN Atlanta. ECP offers nonstop and direct flights to:

ATLANTA, AUSTIN, BALTIMORE, CHICAGO, DALLAS, HOUSTON, NASHVILLE, ST. LOUIS and connections to the rest of the world.

escape.iflybeaches.com


2 3 5 W. 5 T H S T R E E T PA N A M A C I T Y, F L 3 2 4 0 1


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Bay Biz Vol 8/ Issue 1 (January - March) by Bay County Chamber of Commerce - Issuu