August 2013
2nd Paddle at the Porch is Aug. 17 On Aug. 17, the second
sponsors Sterling Resorts and
Paddle at the Porch - The Destin
Trustmark National Bank; gold
SUP Cup will be held in the
sponsor Destin Commons;
emerald green waters behind
accommodations sponsors
one of Destin’s most loved
Destin Getaways Vacation
restaurants, The Back Porch
Rentals, ResortQuest by
Seafood & Oyster House. The
Wyndham Vacation Rentals,
event features one and three
Southern Vacation Rentals, and
mile recreational races and a
Sterling Resorts; silver sponsors
six mile elite race, followed by
The Destin Center for Cosmetic
awards (including $1,500 in cash
Dentistry and Robust Energy
prizes), food, and fun!
Drink; bronze sponsors Coastal
Thank you to race partners BOTE and The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House, in conjunction with 99 Rock (WKSM), The Beachcomber,
Bank and Trust, D.I.T. S.U.P., and S.E.A. Chase Watersports, LLC; awards sponsor Infinite Lasers LLC; and beverage sponsor Buffalo Rock.
www.DestinWebPages.com,
For race details, please visit
and Gameday Sports Media
PaddleAtThePorch.com or call
& Marketing, and to purse
(850) 837-6241.
Check out page 8 for local business coupons! Find more information and register for upcoming events at www.DestinChamber.com.
Want to see your company highlighted here? Contact Suzy Nicholson Hunt at (850) 837-2711 x2 or suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com or Jen Skillman at (850) 837-2711 x3 or jskillman@DestinChamber.com.
Where We Stand One of the more common questions we receive is where we stand on certain issues. “What’s the Chamber position on XYZ issue?” “Is the Chamber going to make a statement about ABC happening?” “Has your Board discussed the latest topics on...?” These questions have been asked more and more now that Okaloosa County has formed its RESTORE Act Committee. We’ll be monitoring the committee and its actions carefully, and we’ll push for projects that benefit our community. So, where do we stand on certain issues? Recently, Chairman Mary Anne Windes, Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc., wrote a letter to the editor stating the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce’s position of support for the Marketplace Fairness Act. This act would put the onus on online retailers to collect the state sales tax at the point of purchase and report and pay it just like you, our members, have to do. In Florida, as it stands now, it is on the purchaser to report the sales tax from online purchases on their tax return each year, something that seldom occurs. We feel that online retailers should collect and pay the tax. This creates a more even playing field for our brick and mortar businesses, our Chamber members, and your neighbors. Local businesses create jobs, provide products and services, and volunteer and give back to a community. Online retailers do not. We absolutely think online retailers should pay this tax. This letter was also sent to Reps. Miller and Southerland in Washington, DC. Another major issue for us is pedestrian safety in the harbor district. During the past 60 days or so, as I’ve driven through the harbor district on Highway 98, I’ve held my breath as I watched pedestrians trying to cross the road. They’ll be in a crosswalk, yet the drivers aren’t stopping to allow them to cross. I actually saw someone pushing a wheelchair almost get flattened. The fluorescent pedestrian signs installed by the DOT are certainly bright, but they haven’t made it safer. Many, including the Chamber, feel there is not enough parking in the harbor district. In our opinion, you can put all the parking spaces you want north of 98, but if people can’t safely and efficiently cross the highway, who’s going to put their family’s safety at risk trying to cross? There needs to be a more aggressive/progressive approach to this issue, as well as many others. Stay tuned, as in the near future, we’ll release our transportation thoughts for the harbor district.
4484 Legendary Drive, Suite A Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-6241 • (850) 654-5612 fax www.DestinChamber.com mail@DestinChamber.com Building a World-Class Community One Business at a Time
Executive Committee Mary Anne Windes, Chairman of the Board
Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc. Destin Fishing Fleet Marina
Amy Perry, Chair-Elect Pleat, Perry & Ritchie, P.A. Bill Lindsley, Immediate Past Chairman SimpleHR
Shaun Eubanks, Treasurer Julie Cotton, Vice Chairman/ Communications & Marketing Northwest Florida State College Karen McCarthy, Vice Chairman/ Community & Economic Development Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union Ken Wampler, Vice Chairman/Membership Development Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc. Jami Jones, Vice Chairman/Harbor Association Destin Charter Service
Mike Freeman, Most Immediate Past Chairman/Ex-officio Acentria, Inc.
Directors Hayward Dykes, Conerly, Bowman & Dykes, LLP Steve Jay, Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel Rebecca Jones, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Andi Mahoney, White-Wilson Medical Center Pam Martin, Gulf Power
Finally, you’ve all heard us on the code enforcement issue. Many have confused our position of enforcing the codes that exist with creating new codes. The Chamber has never said that new codes needed to be written. We’ve simply asked that the codes that are on the books now be enforced. If we want to show-off and brag on our community, then we need to have something to brag about and show-off.
Dave Morrow, Allstate Insurance - Ryland/Morrow Agency
Thanks for asking us what we think. Thanks for asking if we’ve discussed issues. Thank you for bringing your thoughts to the Chamber. If it’s good for business, it’s good for your Chamber, and it’s good for us all. By taking positions on business-related and community development issues, we’ll continue to build this world-class community one business at a time.
Chairman’s Appointee Charles Morgan, Harbor Docks Restaurant
With wishes for continued success, and until next month,
Kim Wintner, Alliance Association Management Co. Inc.
Jonathan Ochs, Trustmark National Bank Cyndy Thomas, ResortQuest By Wyndham Vacation Rentals Carey Trotter, Trotter’s General Contractors, Inc.
Special Appointees Jim Breitenfeld, Breitenfeld Development Services, LLC Management Team Shane A. Moody, CCE, FCCP, President and CEO
ceo@DestinChamber.com
Shane A. Moody, CCE, FCCP President and CEO
Advertising our World-Class Community In our mission to support Destin as a world-class community, our Welcome Center recorded the following numbers in June 2013: Phone Calls/Emails — 873 Incoming Mail — 227 Relocation Packages - 12 Lobby/Welcome Center Visitors — 271 Directories Mailed — 546
Elizabeth Spies, Vice President of Communications espies@DestinChamber.com
Suzy Nicholson Hunt, Events Coordinator suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com Jen Skillman, Membership Consultant jskillman@DestinChamber.com
Ashley Johnston, Information Specialist mail@DestinChamber.com
THE CHAMBER MONTH AHEAD Our Military Affairs Council (MAC) will meet in the Chamber’s conference room at noon. Keep up-to-date on happenings at local bases and enjoy hearing military members share their stories. AUGUST
7
Join us for our first Tailgate Kickoff Party & Celebrity Board Waiter Lunch at Bonefish Grill from 11:30 a.m. - 1 pm. All registrations are due by Friday, Aug. 9, at 3 p.m. AUGUST
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The second Paddle at the Porch will take place in the beautiful emerald green waters behind The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster Hourse at 10 a.m. Find full details and registration information at PaddleAtThePorch.com. AUGUST
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Our Business After Hours sponsored by the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida will be held at 115 Westview Avenue in Valparaiso. Event hours are 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Please do not forget to bring your business card for networking and our door prizes. No charge for members. AUGUST
22
AUGUST
26
The Board of Directors Meeting will be held in the Chamber conference room at 11:30 a.m.
Business, Business, & More Business Got business? I bet you do! They’re back in droves this year, and we’re glad to see them. I’m thankful for every last one of them and that of all the places in the world they could have gone, they chose Destin. Whether you cater to the tourism industry or the locals, we all benefit when everyone has plenty of business. Doing the right things to make that happen and offering support to our business members are primary goals of a chamber of commerce. Keeping that in mind, the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce is working with the Tourist Development Council (TDC) on the first part to do things right to make that happen. The TDC is funded by taxes from short-term rentals. They call it a “bed tax” because, like a sales tax, the percentage is multiplied by the rental rate for short term occupancy, collected by the property manager, and paid to Tax Collector Ben Anderson on behalf of the TDC. Locals do NOT pay this tax, unless you’re renting a beachfront condominium for the weekend or something like that. The bed tax is then used to promote the area where the bed tax is collected - primarily Destin and Okaloosa Island. In fact, 70% of the bed tax is originated in Destin, and the TDC is acutely aware of this fact. The TDC does a great job and has a Board of very smart, highly motivated business people who suggest where the funds should be spent. They makes recommendations to the Okaloosa County Commissioners, who have the final word. The rules for spending these funds are very specific. The Chamber, representing all the business interests, works closely with the TDC director and his Board because promoting our area and keeping everyone busy is in the best interest of all of our members. The Chamber also promotes and hosts various events aimed at bringing additional venues to the area that would attract visitors who might not come here otherwise, and the TDC in turn helps us promote our events. It’s a win-win relationship as we help each other accomplish our goals. As our summer season is coming back pretty strong again, our most recent objective is to promote more business during the winter season and to attract the right kind of clientele - the ones who are willing to pay for and appreciate the nicer amenities that Destin offers. In the upcoming months, we hope to have some tangible plans and ideas to offer to the TDC board, and there may be things that we can do to help the TDC and ourselves to make our area more attractive. In addition to the TDC, the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce is also seeking to have a more favorable working relationship with the Economic Development Council (EDC). The EDC also promotes the area to attract diversified businesses and often offers tax incentives to seal the deal. Unlike the TDC, the EDC does not come under the direct supervision of county or even city government although they look to those entities for approval (funding) of their deals. In the past, Destin has seen little, if any, results from the EDC, so it’s a pretty big deal that the City of Destin and the Chamber now have its ear. Because of the confidential nature of so many of the EDC deals, you don’t hear as much about its successes...or failures...but be assured that it is out there hopefully working on our behalf, and the Destin Area Chamber and the City of Destin are appreciative of its support. Oddly enough, both the TDC director and the EDC director are new this year to their respective positions. Dan O’Byrne is the new leader at the TDC, and Nathan Sparks is the new leader at the EDC. We’ve already met and made plans with both men and look forward to working with them. The Destin Area Chamber of Commerce offers the warmest possible welcome to these two fine gentlemen, as well as our arm of friendship and support. Our Football Tailgate Kickoff & Celebrity Board Waiter Lunch will be held at Bonefish Grill from 11:30 to 1 p.m., on Tuesday, Aug. 13. Wear your favorite football jersey (or cheerleading outfit) and join us for great food and networking! Our BIG event of the summer is the 2nd Paddle at the Porch on Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Back Porch Restaurant. This is a HUGE event, and boards are available by local merchants for rent or for sale, if you don’t already have one. We also need volunteers, if you’re so inclined. If there is anything that you feel we could be doing to help your business, please share your suggestions with me at (850) 837-2211 or with our CEO Shane Moody at 837-2711 x4.
For information about all Chamber Events, please visit the Events Calendar at DestinChamber.com or call (850) 837-6241!
Mary Anne Windes 2013 Destin Area Chamber Chairman Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc. Destin Fishing Fleet Marina
June Ribbon Cuttings
Beachy Beach Real Estate
Cherie Anderson, Metlife
Denise Fountain 200 Calusa Blvd. #100 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 598-0780 www.beachybeach.com Real Estate
Cherie Anderson 4300 Legendary Dr. #226 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-5566 www.cherieanderson.metlife.com Financial Services; Insurance
Destin Bay House
Destin Bike Tours
El Paso
Erin Shoults 127 Calhoun Ave. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 259-3490 www.destinbayhouse.com Event Venues
Erin Shoults 127 Calhoun Ave. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 499-6553 www.destinbiketours.com Charters & Tours
Rogelio Chavez 529 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 685-1693 www.larumba.promilitary.net Restaurants – Mexican
GM Appliance
Sassy Lady Apparel
Surroundings on the Harbor & Café
Kathie O’Brien 10859 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste. 203 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 650-9092 www.gmappliance.com Kitchen Appliances August 2013 Network Newsletter
Donna Pace 981 Hwy. 98 E. Ste. 5 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-1661 Women’s Clothing
Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance Native Plant & Trail Exhibit Julie Terrell 109 Greenway Trail Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 267-1888 www.basinalliance.org Non-Profits
Bridget Carnely 385 Harbor Blvd. Ste. 102 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 502-1529 www.surroundingsdestin.com Furniture & Accessories; Restaurants – Deli & Catering
Page 3
FWBMC Opens Vein Center Fort Walton Beach Medical Center (FWBMC) opened The Vein Center at FWBMC, an outpatient service dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of Venous Disease and other vascular disorders. It offers a wide range of venous treatment options in an outpatient setting.
Fields Earns Doolittle Raider Crest The Doolittle Raiders honored Wes Fields, leader of the Security Department at the Emerald Coast Convention Center, with the sacred Doolittle Raider’s Crest. He was instrumental in bringing the final Doolittle Raider Reunion “home” to Eglin Air Force Base this year, and he has contributed years of voluntary service to the Raiders.
Top Sales Producers for Second Quarter 2013
Sales associates Diane Green and Mark DeSalvo were awarded the Top Producers for NewmanDailey Resort Properties’ Real Estate Division for second quarter 2013. Green has held an active license for 30 years in Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. She holds a GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) and a CRS (Certified Residential Specialist Designation). DeSalvo, who has Page 4
been with Newman-Dailey for more than 11 years, is a licensed broker associate in Florida and his credentials include being a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), a Graduate of REALTOR Institute (GRI), and an Internet Professional (e-PRO).
Doulamis Joins Newman-Dailey’s Real Estate Division Real estate sales agent George Doulamis joined the team at Newman– Dailey Resort Properties. Before joining Newman-Dailey as a licensed realtor and community association manager, Doulamis spent seven years working for the Ritz Carlton in South Florida. He is a member of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.
Wine Festival Donates More Than $50K
Welniak Joins Real Estate Professionals Joann Welniak, a licensed Florida Realtor since 1995, recently joined Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc. A native of Birmingham, Welniak moved to Destin in 1987. She is active in her local church and loves her hobbies of boating, scalloping, and college football.
Bank Employees Help Children in Crisis
Seen here, Beach Community Bank employees present Ken Hair, Children in Crisis president and CEO, with a check for $172.50. The donation funds were collected by the BCB Team during its “Jeans Friday” fundraisers.
performed in the recent Dancing with Desire Event, benefiting Children In Crisis. More than 1,000 spectators attended the event, held at the Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College.
JDAM Holds Wingman Day at Children in Crisis
Ken Hair (center), Children in Crisis president and CEO, receives a card and $210 donation from Sheron Pedersen and the JDAM International Team, during a “Wingman Day” workday at the Children’s Neighborhood. JDAM is located on Eglin Air Force Base.
Parisot Earns Advanced Designation
ASI Expands to Orlando
The Sandestin Wine Festival donated than $50,000 to local charities. Seen here (second from right), the Village of Baytowne Wharf special event manager Lanier Motes presented a $33,000 check to Kim Henderson (right), executive director for Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, and a $21,000 check to Sara Becnel (left), Sandestin Foundation for Kids board member.
Amenity Services, Inc. (ASI), expanded its services to Orlando with Rent A Villa/Eagle Management. This partnership allows Rent A Villa to offer its guests free admissions to popular attractions in the area every day of their stay.
Dance Stars Perform The hit TV show Dancing with the Stars standouts Tony Dovolani, Maks Chmerkovskiy, Val Chmerkowskiy, Oksana Dmytrenko, Karina Smirnoff, Mikhail Zharinov, and Galina Detkina, along with Fred Astaire Dance Studio world champions,
The Florida Association of Counties (FAC) presented Okaloosa County Commissioner Dave Parisot with the Advanced County Commissioner (ACC) designation, following his completion of a comprehensive study program developed by the association. Parisot is the first commissioner of Okaloosa County to complete the program since its inception in 2006.
www.DestinChamber.com
Dennis Joins Blue Marlin Realty Los Angeles native and active Marine Jordan Dennis joined Blue Marlin Realty Group as a realtor. He has three years of real estate experience in the California area and nine months in Florida. He has more than 16 years of military duty in the Air Force and in the Marine Corps.
Bowen Joins SimpleHR SimpleHR announced Rob Bowen as its new information technology support assistant. He will provide technical support to SimpleHR and SimpleHIRE staff, maintain corporate websites, and assist the director of information technology. Bowen most recently worked at Brooks and Shorey Resorts for almost five years.
New Associates Join ResortQuest Real Estate ResortQuest Real Estate welcomed new sales associates to the Okaloosa Island, Destin, Santa Rosa, Seagrove, and High Pointe real estate offices. Mike Anderson, Andrew Bridges, Hana Hawkins, Cheryl McKenzie Lee, Mary Rosenheim, Kelly Webb, and Chris Wickline joined the ResortQuest team of more than 100 sales associates.
ResortQuest Real Estate Recognizes Associates ResortQuest Real Estate recognized associates from Perdido Key to Panama City August 2013 Network Newsletter
Beach for April and May. Janette Klein achieved top closed listings for the months of April and May, Eddie Krasauskas achieved top closed sales for the month of April, and the Nathan Abbott Team achieved top closed sales for the month of May. ResortQuest Real Estate has ranked #1 in annual condominium sales and in the top 5 percent of all residential sales volume during the past 17 years, according to the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors’ MLS records.
RE/MAX Coastal Agents Receive Recognition RE/MAX Coastal Properties recognized Jane Araguel and Team, consisting of Jane Araguel, Joan Russo, Carly St. Peter, Kathy Taylor, and Stacey Harris, for achieving Top Sales Award and Top Listing Award for the month of May. It also received the RE/MAX 100% Club Award. The Karen Martineau Team, consisting of Karen Martineau, Scott Martineau, Glenda Weatherbee, and Shannon Clark, was recognized for achieving the RE/MAX 100% Club Award. Chris Carter was recognized for receiving the Executive Club Award and Lyndon Clifton and Kay Hutcheson with the President’s Club Award.
RE/MAX International Recognizes Smiths Broker/owners Ed and Terri Smith of RE/MAX Coastal Properties were recognized by RE/MAX LLC for their current Year-To-Date ranking as #17 in the state of Florida. Ed and Terri are both recipients of the RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award, a level of accomplishment
attained by less than 1 percent of the worldwide system’s more than 90,000 members.
honor were selected from a total of more than 3,500 qualifying properties.
Fischer Joins ERA American Realty
WSRE Wins National Telly Award
Laura Fischer joined ERA American Realty. She has seven years of real estate experience and will be serving Okaloosa and Walton counties.
WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast, won a Bronze Telly Award for the historical documentary “Baseball in Pensacola.” This honor marks the ninth National Telly Award WSRE has won for original programming since 2008.
Destin Rotary Installs New Board The Rotary Club of Destin recently held its annual banquet and awards ceremony at Rutherfords 465. Outgoing president Robert McGill presented awards to Jerry Miller for “Rotarian of the Year” and Steve and Lynn Dugas of the Dugas Family Foundation for the “Service Above Self” award. Incoming president Kevin Bowyer installed the 2013-14 Board, including Bill Lindsley, secretary; Jason Belcher, treasurer; Sean O’Shea, sergeant-at-arms; Bob McGill, past president; Peter Mohylsky, club service; Justin Woodward, community service; Gail Pelto, membership; Todd Wilkinson, international service; Shane Moody, program director; and Marcia Hull, public relations.
Hilton Sandestin Makes List of 100 Most Popular Meeting Resorts Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa was revealed as one of Cvent’s 100 most popular resorts in North America and the Caribbean, according to meeting and event booking activity in the Cvent Supplier Network. Properties chosen to receive this
Legendary Marine Names Two to Sales Legendary Marine recently announced two realignments to the company’s sales management team. Traci Polk, a nine-year employee, most recently sales manager of the Fort Walton Beach dealership location, was appointed to the newly created position of consignment and inventory manager at the Destin location. She assumes responsibility for customer consignment boats, as well as managing boat inventory for all four Gulf Coast locations. Former Legendary Marine Destin sales consultant and consignment manager Jeff Henley assumes sales management duties at the Fort Walton Beach dealership.
BBB Announces Torch Award Winners Your BBB Foundation serving Northwest Florida announced the recipients of the 8th annual Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics program from its District II area: Okaloosa and Walton counties. L&L Auto Service won in the 1-20 employees category and Transaction One, LLC, won in the 11-59 employees category. continued page 12 Page 5
Our July 9 Leaders In Business Lunch was held at Destin Middle School. Attendees were greeted by school principal Dr. Diane Kelley, and they enjoyed a performance by the Destin Dazzlers. During the event, we played our first ever game of Networking Bingo. The winner received a $50 gift card to Miller’s Ale House of Destin. Congratulations to Dr. Ken Whidden of Emerald Coast Chiropractic for winning. Congratulations also to Kristin Taylor of Cox Communications and to Karen McCarthy of Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union for winning free advertising in Network and on DestinChamber.com, respectively.
Thank You for the Door Prizes! • Beachy Beach Real Estate
• Gulf Power
• Design Avenue
• Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida
• Destin Water Users • Eglin Federal Credit Union
• PML International LegalShield
• Emerald Coast Chiropractic
• Regional Self Storage
• Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.
• SimpleHR/SimpleHIRE
Many thanks to The Premier Property Group for hosting our June 27 Business After Hours in its beautiful Grand Boulevard office. For details about buying or selling commercial or residential properties along the Gulf Coast, please visit www.thepremierpropertygroup.com or call (850) 337-1555.
Thank You for the Door Prizes! • Centennial Bank • Coastal Reflections • Destin Water Users
• The Premier Property Group • Spiker International Corporation
• Heritage g Museum of Nort No N rthw hwes estt Fl Flor orid ida a Northwest Florida
May 2013 Network Newsletter
Page 7
Destin Bike Tours
Emerald Bay Golf Club
$10 off bike tour or paddle board lesson - Not valid with other promotions. - Expires 8/31/2013 127 Calhoun Ave., Destin (850) 499-6553 www.DestinBikeTours.com
Play 18 holes for $45 + tax. Includes green fee, range balls, and GPS. - Not for use between 9 - 11 a.m. - Not valid with other promotions. - Call (850) 837-5197 for tee times. - Expires 12/19/2013 4781 Clubhouse Dr., Destin www.EmeraldBayGolfClub.com
Geronimo’s Outpost
Sassy Lady Apparel
10% off purchase
20% off total purchase
- Not valid with other promotions. - Expires 8/31/2013 960 Hwy. 98 #102, Destin (850) 837-2031 www.GeronimosOutpost.com
- Regular priced merchandise only. - Not valid with other promotions. - Expires 8/31/2013 981 Hwy. 98 E. Ste. 5 (850) 837-1661
Destin Area Chamber of Commerce Receive a one month complimentary Lobby TV ad when purchasing a three month Network ad. - Expires 8/31/2013 4484 Legendary Dr. Ste. A, Destin (850) 837-6241 www.DestinChamber.com
Let us put your coupon into the hands of almost 6,000 locals and visitors. Call (850) 837-6241 for details.
Reserve Your Space in Destin’s Exclusive Vacation, Relocation, & Business Guide Whether your target market is local businesses and residents or visitors, the Chamber’s Destin Area Visitor’s Guide & Membership Directory is a great value for your advertising dollars. As the only advertising publication of the Destin Area Chamber, 17,000 copies are printed and distributed each year to members, visitors, and residents. It is your number 1 choice for business directory advertising. For details, call (850) 837-6241.
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www.DestinChamber.com
AUG
UST
August 1 Back-to-School & Fall Preview Sale Location: Silver Sands Premium Outlets www.premiumoutlets.com/silversands
August 1 Live Entertainment: Kyle Lamonica 6:30 p.m. Location: Harbor Docks www.facebook.com/harbordocks
August 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 Red, White, and Blue Celebration 6 p.m. Location: HarborWalk Village www.harborwalkdestin.com
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Location: Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida (850) 678-2615
6:30 p.m. Location: Harbor Docks www.facebook.com/harbordocks
August 17 2nd Paddle at the Porch The Destin SUP Cup
6 p.m. Location: HarborWalk Village www.harborwalkdestin.com
August 7, 14, 21, and 28 Wednesday Night Concert Series 7 - 9 p.m. Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf www.baytownewharf.com
August 3 Scurvy Dog’s Adult Only Cruise
August 8 - 9 The Global Leadership Summit: Colin Powell, Mark Burnett, & More to Speak
August 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 Rock the Docks
August 9 Education Series for Healthcare Professionals
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Location: Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club www.eventsatcovenant.org/paddle
7 p.m. Location: HarborWalk Village www.harborwalkdestin.com
8:30 a.m. Location: Vue on 30A/Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club (850) 650-0990
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Location: HarborWalk Village www.harborwalkdestin.com
August 3 Paddle for the Promise
TS
August 14 Wealth & Wisdom Series: The Pre-Development History In and Around South Walton
August 5 and 12 SummerWILD Children’s Summer Camp
August 6, 13, 20, and 27 Pardi Gras Parade
August 3 Live Entertainment: Free Monica
9 – 10:30 p.m. Location: Buccaneer Pirate Cruise (850) 269-0896
EVEN
August 5 - 9 History Rocks! Summer Camp
10 a.m. Location: The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House www.PaddleAtThePorch.com
August 24 - 25 5th Annual Kitty Hawk Kite Festival 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Location: Kitty Hawk Kite Store in HarborWalk Village www.harborwalkdestin.com
Location: Destin United Methodist Church (224) 512-1980
August 30 Labor Day Sale
Location: Silver Sands Premium Outlets www.premiumoutlets.com/silversands
August 30 - September 1 Baytowne Art Walk
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Location: Costa Leadership Institute www.covenanthospice.org
5 - 10 p.m. Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf www.baytownewharf.com
To submit your events to our community calendar, please log into the Members Only section of DestinChamber.com. or email your event information to mail@DestinChamber.com. For your login information, please call (850) 837-6241.
NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA
COSTA LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AUGUST SCHEDULE
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER AUGUST WORKSHOPS
August 10, 17, and 24, and Sept. 7 Certified Coding Exam Preparation
August 23 Negotiation Techniques
August 8 Starting a Business
August 21 QuickBooks: Basic
August 22 Creating a Web Site: How to Design and Develop Your Company Website
August 29 Servant Leadership 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
August 15 How to Write a Business Plan
August 23 Creative Capital for Small Business – Roundtable
August 16 Brown Bag Lunch: Building Wealth in Your Business Part 1
To register or for information, please contact UWF’s Small Business Development Center at www.sbdc.uwf.edu or (850) 833-9400.
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
August 22, Sept. 5 and 19 Supervision I
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
To register or get details, please contact the Costa Leadership Institute at (850) 729-6880 or visit www.nwfsc.edu/LI.
1 – 4 p.m.
1 – 4 p.m.
12 p.m.
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
1 – 4 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
August 2013 Network Newsletter
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A 2 Z Specialty Advertising Gabby Bruce (850) 654-3080
A.J.’s Seafood & Oyster Bar Alan Laird (850) 837-0404
AAA Destin Charter Boat Service Michael Eller (850) 837-9401
American Business Center, Inc. Robbie Yeats (888) 334-5806
Ben Anderson, Okaloosa County Tax Collector Ben Anderson (850) 651-7300
Four Points by Sheraton Destin Ft. Walton Beach
Precious Ones Nanny Care (Bonded, Insured, Degreed & Certified)
Gold’s Gym
Professional Records Imaging Mgmt., Inc.
Scott Petrine (850) 243-8116 Ann Harris (850) 837-7071
Gulf Coast Trade Exchange Inc. Fran Crumpton (850) 434-5278
Gulf World Marine Park Pam George (850) 234-5271
Hank’s Fine Furniture Cathy Browne (850) 837-6618
Blalock Seafood & Specialty Market
Harry T’s Lighthouse
BOTE
Homes & Land Of The Emerald Coast
Mac Blalock (850) 460-2933
Magda Cooper (850) 424-5010
Bruster’s Ice Cream Wayne Vincent (850) 269-2920
Cantina Laredo Clint Viehman (850) 654-5649
Chef On The Go Mary Churillo (850) 729-3377
Children’s Advocacy Center Julie Hurst (850) 833-9237
Coastal Cooling & Heating, LLC Bob Biel (850) 424-6339
Destin Cleaners Dawn Dean (850) 654-9450
Destin Getaways Vacation Rentals John Paulsen (850) 654-7700
Destin West Resort Management Joe Guidry (850) 243-3630
Dr. Nathan Hall DMD Nathan Hall (850) 460-2801
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Dan Empson (850) 654-4800
Joe Nacchia (850) 650-1014
Horizons
Tracey Williams (850) 240-6234
Hurlburt Field Force Support Marketing 1 SOFSS / FSK (850) 884-2189
Johnny on the Spot Toilet Rentals, Inc. Jason Echols (850) 682-4877
Junior League of the Emerald Coast Mary Ann Love (850) 862-2665
Landshark’s Pizza Company Brian Hassman (850) 424-6743
McDonald’s
David Costa (850) 269-2081
Old Bay Steamer C.J. Jensen (850) 664-2795
Olive Garden Paula Hogan (850) 650-2307
Emily Carvallo (850) 376-7704
Deborah Carloni (850) 864-1303
PT Solutions
Cameron Moss (850) 622-0842
Realty House Commercial Properties, Inc. Basil Bethea, Jr. (850) 244-9117
The Red Door Saloon Ric Clarke (850) 424-5974
Regatta Chiropractic & Laser Center Shawna Hogan (850) 424-7856
Sandcastle Escapes Audrey Price (888) 650-2753
Sea Dunes Realty Suzy Spence (850) 837-3325
Seaspray Condominiums Sue Walden (850) 244-1108
Shoreline Towers Condo Association Judy Williams (850) 837-7411
Silver King Charters
Mike & Marguerite Parker (850) 837-2028
Southern Bullion, Coin & Jewelry Rachel Bennington (850) 424-7627
Southern Vacation Rentals Patricia Hardiman (866) 934-4251
Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant, Bar & Store Mario Mardones (850) 654-1743
Trotter’s General Contractors, Inc. Sue Shumaker (850) 699-8505
www.DestinChamber.com
Association Management Newman-Dailey Resort Properties Ken Wampler 12815 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste. 100 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 837-1071 www.destinmanagement.com Property Management Companies
Design Avenue
Ashley Harkins 34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Unit 114 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 424-5155 www.design-avenue.com Gift Shop
Destin Vacation Rentals Newman-Dailey Resort Properties Ken Wampler 12815 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W. Ste. 100 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 837-1071 www.destinvacation.com Property Management Companies
Gameday Sports Media & Marketing Scott McKinney 225 Main St. Ste. F Destin, FL 32541 (850) 240-0693 destinholidayclassic.com Event Planners
Goochie Poochie Doggie Resort & Spa
The Mosquito Authority Bradford Kindergan 3331 Bayou Blvd. Pensacola, FL 32503 (850) 533-0331 www.bugsbite.com Pest Control
Newman-Dailey Resort Properties at Crystal Beach Ken Wampler Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-1071 www.destinvacation.com Property Management; Real Estate
Newman-Dailey Resort Properties at Destiny by the Sea Ken Wampler 4811 Ocean Blvd. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-1071 www.destinvacation.com Property Management; Real Estate
Newman-Dailey Resort Properties at Jade East Towers Ken Wampler 1018 Hwy 98 E. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-1071 www.destinvacation.com Property Management; Real Estate
Newman-Dailey Resort Properties at San Remo Condominiums
Yuko Barcus 4601 Opa-Locka Ln. Destin, FL 32541 goochiepoochiesparesort.com Pet Care
Ken Wampler 4045 Hwy. 30-A W. Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 837-1071 www.destinvacation.com Property Management; Real Estate
Home Appliance Service of Destin, LLC
Newman-Dailey Resort Properties at Sanctuary at Redfish
Cindy Vohs 36058 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 654-4349 www.hasdestin.com Appliance Service & Repair
Ken Wampler 1653 Highway 30-A W. Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32540 (850) 837-7071 www.destinvacation.com Property Management; Real Estate
Newman-Dailey Resort Properties at Silver Shells Ken Wampler 15000 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-1071 www.destinvacation.com Property Management; Real Estate
Q Castle Energy LLC Distributor of Robust Energy Drinks R. Anthony Quinones 4725 Serendipity Pt. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 420-0795 qcastleenergy.com Beverage Vendors
Real Estate Sales - NewmanDailey Resort Properties
Ken Wampler 12815 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W. Ste. 100 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 837-1071 www.destinsales.com Property Management; Real Estate
Spiker International Corporation Johnny Butler 495 Grand Blvd. Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 284-8357 spikercompany.com Manufacturing, Wholesale & Retail
Travinia Italian Kitchen Jason Justak 435 Grand Blvd. Ste. Q-104 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 654-4442 traviniaitaliankitchen.com Restaurants - Italian
Want to join the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce? Contact Jen Skillman, Membership Consultant, at (850) 837-2711 x3 or jskillman@DestinChamber.com.
Celebrating Ambassador Successes Congratulations to top Ambassadors for June 2013! 65 points — Trisha Chason, SimpleHR and SimpleHIRE 65 points — Bill Head 60 points — Fred Fenn, St. Andrews by the Sea Episcopal Church 50 points — Linda Kuykendall, A 2 Z Specialty Advertising August 2013 Network Newsletter
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Business Briefs (continued from page 5) Freeman Joins Community Bank Board Edward Michael Freeman, Jr., joined the board of directors for Community Bank. Freeman currently serves as chief financial officer for Acentria, Inc. His past banking experience included serving as area president for Whitney National Bank, as SVP of Commercial Lending for Destin Bank, and as a management associate with Barnett Bank.
Hilton Sandestin Receives Pinnacle Award Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa received the prestigious Pinnacle Award as one of the 2012 Best Hotels and Resorts from Successful Meetings magazine for the 10th time.
Hilton Sandestin Donates $3K to Those in Need Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa donated $3,000 worth of blue crab, grouper, ribs, chicken, hotdogs, and hamburgers to Destin Harvest, a non-profit in the Florida Panhandle. Uncertain weather conditions over the Fourth of July week caused many travelers to change vacation plans, leaving Hilton Sandestin Beach with an overabundance of food product. The resort partnered with Destin Harvest to pick up and distribute excess food from the resort to more than 25 organizations that help feed the hungry through soup kitchens, food pantries, and homeless shelters.
2nd Walk Her Way Draws Crowd The 2nd Walk Her Way, which is a one-mile walk in high heels to benefit Shelter House, Inc., and the Rosemary Beach Foundation educational and Page 12
community programs, drew 173 men, women, children, and dogs in high heels and costumes. More than $30,000 was raised.
Charter Boat Association Donates to Museum
The Destin Charter Boat Association (DCBA) presented a check for $3,000 to the Destin History and Fishing Museum. The Destin Charter Boat Association has long been a supporter of the Museum, helping to fund new exhibits, such as the display unit for the “Destin Captains’ Wall of Fame,” lend volunteer help whenever needed, and promote the museum’s mission statement. With this donation, the DCBA became a “Benefactor” Life Member.
Museum Honored by Sam Lombardo The Destin History and Fishing Museum was recently honored by Destin resident Sam Lombardo, World War II Veteran and author of O’er the Land of the Free. Lombardo donated a case of his books to the museum to sell. His book depicts some of his experiences from his first 10 years in Italy, through his developing years in Pennsylvania, and, finally, to his combat experiences, during World War II.
Boys & Girls Clubs Receive $10,031 The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast received a check from $10,031, from Proffitt PR’s May Girls’ Night Out event. The money will help fund programming costs at the South Walton Club’s new facility, currently under construction and due to open in the fall.
Local PR Professional Receives Award Marcia Hull, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation executive director, won Communicator of the Year in the Non-Profit Category from the Northwest Florida Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relation Association. With 35 years of communications and marketing experience, Hull has distinguished herself, not only as an exemplary communications professional, but also as a community leader.
ERA American Realty Celebrates Independence Week ERA American Realty of Northwest Florida celebrated Independence Week from June 29 through July 4, at its Niceville, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Navarre branches. Each branch offered such things as pie tastings, pet and bicycle parades,
Niceville Fire Department fire engine and rescue boat display, face painting, bouncy houses, food, games, and more.
Parrot Heads Donate to Fisher House On June 14, the Emerald Coast Parrot Head Club (ECPHC) presented a $500 check to the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast.
Gulfarium Releases Sea Turtles In July, three loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings were released off the Destin coast, following months of rehabilitation at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
Local Bank Supports Historic Preservation Coastal Bank and Trust donated $1,000 to the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida in support of its July 20 Night at the Museum event.
Habitat for Humanity Dedicates 50th Home After more than 20 years of helping local people obtain decent, affordable housing, Habitat for Humanity of Okaloosa County presented the keys to its 50th home on July 3, thanks to a grant from Gulf Power.
To see your company news highlighted here, please send your press releases to espies@DestinChamber.com.
Woman’s Club Donates to Shelter House The Destin Woman’s Club (DWC) presented a check to Shelter House, Inc., for $12,000, from proceeds of its “Hats for Hope” spring fashion show. Event sponsors included Coastal Skin Surgery and Dermatology, Dr. Bawa & Associates; Trustmark National Bank; and Today’s Fashion Boutiques. www.DestinChamber.com
Look for fun changes to our Leaders In Business Lunches! August 13 Tailgate Kick Off Party & Celebrity Waiter Lunch September 10 BusinessPalooza! – A Mini-Business Expo November 12 Holiday Shop & Dine Details are available at www.DestinChamber.com. To participate, please contact Events Coordinator Suzy Nicholson Hunt at (850) 837-2711 x2 or suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com.
DESTIN BUSINESS FORUM In partnership with Cox Communications, the Chamber’s monthly TV program hosts the following in August 2013: - All Clear Restoration & Remediation, LLC - The Beachcomber - The Reach Institute of N.W. FL Weekly Schedule on Cox Channel 6 is as follows: - Sundays, at 8:30 p.m. - Mondays, at 7:30 p.m. - Wednesdays, at 9:30 a.m. - Thursdays, at 7:30 p.m. Shows are also available on Cox InDemand and the Chamber’s YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/destinchamber. Contact Suzy Nicholson Hunt at (850) 837-2711 x2 or suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com to have your business featured here. This is a free benefit of Chamber membership!
Host Amy Perry Pleat, Perry & Ritchie, P.A.
August 2013 Network Newsletter
Thank you to Cox Communications for its support of this program.
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID DESTIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Destin Area Chamber of Commerce 4484 Legendary Drive, Suite A Destin, FL 32541
2013 Leadership Okaloosa Graduates 36 Community Leaders The Costa Leadership Institute
InDyne, Inc; Mark Chambers,
at Northwest Florida State
CCB Community Bank; Jessica
College, in partnership with
Davenport, Raymond James/
the Crestview, Destin, Niceville
Morgan Keegan; Bree Durham,
Valparaiso, and the Greater
Northwest Florida State College;
Fort Walton Beach Chambers of
Katerina Eckert, Carr, Riggs
Commerce, honored 36 Okaloosa
& Ingram, LLC; Tara Hagan,
County business professionals
Chesser & Barr, P.A.; Lauren
during a graduation celebration
Haggett, White-Wilson Medical
on May 21 to celebrate their
Center; Eric Halter, Raymond
completion of the 2012-2013
James Financial Services; Jim
Leadership Okaloosa program.
Harkins, Okaloosa County Tax
The 2013 Leadership Okaloosa graduates include Paula Andrews, Community Volunteer; Ashley Bailey, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office; Stacia Berryman, Emerald Coast Autism Center; Marilyn Bilby, Rocky Bayou Christian School; Wendy Borcyk, Twin Cities Hospital; Loren Boyer, Spence Brothers Properties; Kyle Bremer, North Okaloosa Medical Center; Beverly Britton,
Collector; Billy Hemphill, InDyne, Inc; Robert Hruby, MD; Erin Igram, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast; Armand Izzo, TASC, Inc; Leo King, Gulf Power Company; Bill Kuhn, Edible Arrangements; Richard Lamar, Southern Vacation Rentals; Brooke Lord, Choctawhatchee High School; Rose Marie Martin, Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce; Grant Meyer, Niceville High School; Joan
O’Dowd, Laura Roesch, CPA,
of West Florida; Luke Tatum,
PLLC; Steven Pepper, Advanced
Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC; Kristin
Concepts Enterprises, Inc.; Dee
Taylor, Cox Communications;
Reynolds, Rocky Bayou Christian
and Matt Turpin, Carr, Riggs &
School; Missy Rogers, Horizons
Ingram, LLC.
of Okaloosa County, Inc; Andrea Rymer, University of West Florida Emerald Coast; Jon David Simpson, Simpson Law Firm; Karyn Soltis-Habeck, University
For details on Leadership Okaloosa, call (850) 729-6880 or visit www.nwfsc.edu/li/traininglo.cfm.