INSIDE THIS ISSUE FEBRUARY 2011
Business Briefs Page 6-7,10
January B2B Page 8
Leads Lunch Page 9
Ribbon Cuttings Page 12
Bayou, Bay & Back 5k/10k Page 16
VOL. XVIV NO. II
2011 DESTIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP
From the President’s Desk...
Congratulations!
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MIKE FREEMAN Chairman of the Board Whitney National Bank BILL LINDSLEY Chairman Elect Simple HR BRIAN HAUGEN Immediate Past Chair Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James & Associates AMY PERRY Treasurer Pleat & Perry, P.A. TIM EDWARDS Vice Chairman/Communications & Marketing Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill LES PORTERFIELD Vice Chairman/Community & Economic Development TEA, Inc. KATHY WHIDDEN Vice Chairman/Membership Development Emerald Coast Chiropractic MARY ANNE WINDES Vice Chairman/Harbor Association Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc. Destin Fishing Fleet Marina
DIRECTORS JIM BREITENFELD Breitenfeld Development Services, LLC SHAUN EUBANKS Community Bank, Destin STEVE JAY O’Sullivan Creel, LLP ANDI MAHONEY White-Wilson Medical Center KAREN MCCARTHY Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union CYNDY THOMAS ResortQuest Vacation Rentals CAREY TROTTER Trotter’s General Contractors, Inc. CHAIRMAN’S APPOINTEES JOHN COMER Southern Restaurant Group, LLC MATT LINDLEY Sandestin Golf And Beach Resort SPECIAL APPOINTEE KIM WINTNER Alliance Association Management Co., Inc. MANAGEMENT TEAM SHANE MOODY, CCE, IOM President and CEO ceo@DestinChamber.com ELIZABETH SPIES Vice President of Communications espies@DestinChamber.com WENDY SCHAEFER Information Specialist mail@DestinChamber.com SANDI MCCLANAHAN Membership Consultant sandi@DestinChamber.com
850.837.6241 WWW.DESTINCHAMBER.COM PAGE 2
Shane A. Moody, CCE, IOM We’re fresh off of our Annual Awards & Installation Banquet. As usual, it was a spectacular night. We thanked Brian Haugen, 2010 Chairman of the Board, for his hard work and leadership through some very difficult times. We welcomed Mike Freeman, 2011 Chairman of the Board, and look forward to his wisdom and guidance as the entire community looks to take a large step forward in turning around our economy. We enjoyed great entertainment from Northwest Florida State College’s Soundsations. These students are incredibly talented. I’ve been lucky enough to see them perform several times, and I’m always amazed at their shows. It was a little change from the ordinary, having a performance rather than a speaker, and it was still incredible. Most importantly, we recognized five people from the Chamber and the community with our awards. These people were awarded for their commitment and dedication to making the Chamber and the community
better. It is leaders, such as these, that keep our community strong. For the fourth consecutive year, Richard Barrington won the Paul Woolman Ambassador of the Year Award. Richard’s efforts are tireless. I’m not sure he’s missed a Chamber breakfast or after hours in the last two years. He’s at almost every ribbon cutting, assisting Chamber staff in organization and “making it happen.” Richard is the epitome of Ambassador. We simply could not accomplish programmatically what we do without his leadership of the Ambassadors. If he keeps it up, we may need to add his name to the award! Our Seafood Festival Volunteer of the Year winner was Carey Trotter. I cannot say enough about what he did before, during, and after the festival. Working the festival in the heat and the crowds makes for a very tough weekend. It takes a great person to give up that much personal time to work the way he did. He carried ice, loaded coolers, and transported volunteers and patrons in golf carts. He did electrical work, he laid out the festival. He did, well, everything, and he did everything well. We actually had to ‘fuss him down’ on Sunday to make him take a break. Even when you’re a great volunteer, exhaus-
tion sets in. The Ann Gibson Community Service Award winner, as voted by our Board of Directors, was Destin City Councilman Jim Wood. Jim has endless hours of volunteer service to more organizations than I can count. His name is synonymous with service. Whether it’s running a golf tournament for charity, working parking service at the Seafood Festival, attending Chamber events, or sitting and working on the council, you can count on Jim being there if needed. He is exactly what Ann would have wanted as the winner of the award. Our Business Person of the Year Award went to David Pleat. David has been a partner in his own law firm for years. He has been on the Chamber board and even served as Chairman. It takes a lot to be successful as a business owner – savvy, know-how, integrity, dignity, and care for the business and the people that work there. It also takes a concern for community. David balanced the stresses of running his very reputable law firm, while dealing with the stresses of running for public office. And he did it with integrity and dignity and care for people. For all of that work, I think our Board’s decision to choose him as Business Person of the Year was a wise one. Finally, our James D.
Neilson, Sr., Chairman’s Award for Volunteer Service winner was Mary Anne Windes. This award is exactly what it’s called – the Chairman chooses who he thinks went above and beyond the call of duty as a volunteer to add to the Chamber’s success. Mary Anne was instrumental in the successful transition of the Seafood Festival moving to a new site. She made sure the harbor stayed on the minds of the Chamber’s Board. She helped provide information to us when we were writing and passing important resolutions throughout the year. And she played a major role in our defeat of Amendment 4. All of this is just the surface and describes perfectly what the Chairman’s Award winner should represent. It was a pleasure seeing these great volunteers win. I give them my congratulations and thanks. I also ask them to keep up the work, for much lies ahead to make our Chamber and our community strong. After all, it’s work like this that helps us build this world-class community one business at a time! With wishes for continued success, and until next month,
Shane A. Moody CCE, IOM
Network, a supplement to The Destin Log, is published and printed monthly for the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce. 4484 Legendary Drive, Suite A, Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-6241 - www.DestinChamber.com www.DestinChamber.com
NETWORK FEBRUARY 2011
A Message from the Chairman of the Board
Mike Freeman There is no doubt in my mind, 2011 is going to be a better year, and, quite frankly, it has the potential to be a great year for our community on several different levels. The hospitality and tourism industries are anticipating a banner year, starting with
the arrival of our beloved snowbirds, followed by the spring breakers seeking the warmth of our sun, and finally the influx of families pursuing an overdue and much deserved summer vacation. How sweet it will be for our area businesses, which rely on tourism as their main source of revenue, to have a great year. However, we must remain diligent in our efforts to promote the Destin area as a clean and vibrant destination for a family vacation. You can do your part by telling all who will listen that Destin’s beaches are pristine and open for business. I promised you the Chamber would evaluate
Change is Good and Potentially Great all programs and events to ensure their viability and relevance. The number one event on the list was the Destin Seafood Festival. It was determined the festival had reached a level exceeding the Chamber’s financial and resource capacity. Once the decision was made to explore other options for the festival, the Destin Charter Boat Association (DCBA) stepped up with a proposition to return the festival to its roots. As many of you may know, the Seafood Festival originated with the DCBA more than 25 years ago. I was particularly impressed with DCBA’s genuine sincerity to preserve and protect the heritage of
the event. More impressive was their strong desire to keep it on the harbor and involve the businesses and owners with a linear festival for the community to enjoy. Another positive change happening in 2011 is the transformation of the B2B breakfast to a lunch venue. As you know, for years, the Chamber hosted a monthly breakfast, which provided a forum to inform, network, and promote Chamber members to each other. Unfortunately, over time, the event began to see its attendance decline prompting a re-evaluation. Therefore, based on our research and changing trends, we
made the decision to move to a luncheon venue. I know Shane and Chamber staff have worked hard to create a lunch format that will appeal to our membership while adding value in hopes of generating more attendance. We know this will be a work in progress and welcome your feedback. The first luncheon kicks off in February. If you were someone who couldn’t make the breakfast, we hope the lunch time event will be more accommodating. Please join us. Finally, I want to thank fellow Board member Mary Anne Windes, for taking the reins of our Harbor Committee. As you may
recall from my first letter, the Harbor Committee was a priority for our Chamber in 2011. If you know Mary Anne, she doesn’t let the grass grow under her feet. She is already off to the races with a focused and simple objective, which is to support and ensure the reality of the boardwalk along the harbor. We know a fully functioning board walk translates into more commerce for the businesses along the harbor, as well as a distinct destination reason for tourists to travel to our area. Mike Freeman 2011 Destin Area Chamber Chairman Whitney National Bank
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NETWORK FEBRUARY 2011
www.DestinChamber.com
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THE CHAMBER MONTH AHEAD Join us for the February Leaders in Business Lunch sponsored by Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, at the Palms of Destin Resort and Conference Center. Beginning in February 2011, the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce is combining its monthly Business to Business Breakfast and Leads Lunch to a single lunch event! To be held the second Tuesday of each month, this Leaders In Business Lunch will incorporate the breakfast’s educational component for small business owners with the strong networking component enjoyed during the lunches. All members are encouraged to attend. The cost for the lunch is $15 for those members who pre-registered, $20 for members at the door, and $30 for non-members. Please remember that reservations are required, and no shows will be billed. All registrations are due by Friday, Feb. 4. FEBRUARY
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Join us for our Business After Hours sponsored by Regus from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Our Business After Hours events offer an end-ofthe-day networking opportunity to help you meet new clients, gain exposure for your business, and expand your network. Beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Please do not forget to bring your business card for networking and our door prize drawing. All businesses are invited to bring a door prize, which offers one more way for you to gain exposure. There is no fee for members to attend this event. The non-member fee is $20. Please visit the Events Calendar at www.DestinChamber.com to RSVP.
Trustee Profile Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, with 257 licensed beds and a medical staff of more than 200 physicians, is the only full service acute care hospital in our Tri-County area. The Heart Center at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center is the region’s only Accredited Chest Pain Center and hospital providing life saving PCI (cardiac catheterization with coronary angioplasty and stents) and Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery. The Cancer Care Center, the area’s only comprehensive cancer care program certified by the Commission on Cancer, offers the latest in technology and treatment options, experienced oncology nurses, multidisciplinary support teams, education, and resources for the cancer patient. The Center for New Life at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center offers 24 private post partum suites, where mothers and family members can enjoy their newborn in a personal pri-
vate setting. It also includes the area’s only 10-bed, state-of-the-art Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for premature newborns and full term newborns with special care needs. In 2010, the Medical Center opened a separate Pediatric Emergency Room dedicated to treating the emergency health care needs of infants, children, and adolescents from birth to 15 years of age. HealthGrades, in 2010, ranked Fort Walton Beach Medical Center among the top 5 percent in the nation in Spine Surgery and General Surgery
and in the top 10 percent in the nation in Overall Orthopedics and Cardiac Surgery. For more information regarding Fort Walton Beach Medical Center’s services, visit www.fwbmc.com or call (850) 862-1111. This article is part of our series profiling our Trustees and Chairman’s Club members. For more information on this series or about the Trustees and Chairman’s Club membership levels, please call the Chamber’s membership consultant Sandi McClanahan at (850) 837-6241.
Galati Yacht Sales 126 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 654-1575 www.galatiyachts.com Category: Boats-Yacht Sales Chamber Rep: Joseph Galati
Okaloosa Regional Home Health Services 428 E. Pine Ave. Crestview, FL 32539 (850) 682-9244 Category: Healthcare Chamber Rep: Debra Roberts
Hidden Dunes Beach and Tennis Resort 9815 Hwy. 98 W. Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 837-1071 www.HiddenDunesDestin.com Category: Accommodations-Golf & Tennis Resorts; AccommodationsGulf Front Cottages Chamber Rep: Jeanne Dailey
Reel Talk Charters 127 Dolphin Pt. Rd. Niceville, FL 32578 (850) 855-0807 www.reeltalkcharters.com Category: Boats-Charter Fishing Chamber Rep: Josiah Ory
Lifeguard Real Estate, Inc. 1732 W. County Hwy. 30A #401 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 420-2480 www.kellykleinsoldmine.com Category: Real Estate Chamber Rep: Kelly Klein
Sephora 4236 Legendary Dr. Ste. E100 Destin, FL 32541 www.sephora.com Category: Cosmetics Chamber Rep: Natalie Gafford
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Chamber Board of Directors Meeting will be held in the Chamber conference room at 11:30 a.m.
For information about all Chamber events, please visit the Events Calendar at www.DestinChamber.com. PAGE 4
Bayview RV Campground 749 Beach Dr. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-5085 www.bayviewdestin.com Category: Campgrounds Chamber Rep: Kent Chamberlain Destin Orthopaedics, P.L. 36008 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Ste. A102 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 460-2667 Category: Orthopedic Surgery Chamber Rep: Herbert Allen, III, MD Emerald Coast Convention Center 1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy. SE Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548 www.emeraldcoastfl.com/ convention Category: Convention & Meeting Services Chamber Rep: Mark J. Bellinger www.DestinChamber.com
NETWORK FEBRUARY 2011
Buy Destin Program FREE for All Members
By far and regardless of the season, the most popular question in the Destin Area Chamber’s Welcome Center is “do you have any coupons?” Our Buy Destin
Program, created in 2009, was designed to answer this question, while providing new customers to Chamber member businesses. To increase the program’s effectiveness and add value to all Chamber memberships, the program is free for all members to participate. Chamber members are asked to provide incentives, discounts, and coupons in 50 words or less or provide a 3.5” x 1.5” coupon in a jpg or pdf. The Chamber will add these to our Buy Destin booklet, available in the Chamber lobby for $5. The target for this booklet is area visitors, businesses, and residents. For more information or to sign up to participate, please visit www.buydestinfl. com or contact Elizabeth Spies at (850) 837-2711 x5 or espies@DestinChamber.com.
Destin Business Forum In partnership with Cox Communications, the Chamber’s monthly TV program will host the following organizations beginning in February:
Elite Physique Personal Training Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. Verizon Wireless
Host Amy Perry Pleat & Perry, P.A. Destin Business Forum airs on Cox Channel 6. The schedule is available online underneath the Channel 6 heading: ww2.cox.com/myconnection/gulfcoast/watch.cox
Small Business Workshops The following workshops will be offered by the University of West Florida’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) during February 2011. For more information, please call the Fort Walton Beach SBDC at (850) 833-9400.
INSIGHTS FROM A BUSINESS OWNER Starting a Business – This workshop will review business planning areas, such as financing, selecting a business legal structure, identifying your market, recordkeeping, and identifying risks that can challenge success. The fee is $35. To reserve your seat, please call the SBDC at 833-9400 by Feb. 2.
“I’ve learned that technology is technology. But people? That’s where the difference is.”
Feb. 3 1 – 4 p.m 922 Mar Walt Dr., Ste. 203 Ft Walton Beach
Bundle Cox Business Phone and Internet for as low as $79.99 a month*
“Write The Ultimate Business Plan” - It is essential for both new and expanding businesses. Computer software now makes writing a business plan routine. Your instructor will lead you through a step-by-step process of developing financial projections and organizing your business plan. “Ultimate Business Planner” software is included in the registration fee. The fee for workshop and software is $99. To reserve your seat, please call the SBDC at 833-9400 by Feb. 9.
CALL TODAY 1-877-404-2504 or visit coxbusiness.com/offer *Offer valid until 3/31/11 to new commercial subscribers of Cox Business VoiceManagerSM and Cox Business InternetSM in Florida/Georgia serviceable locations. Minimum 3-year service agreement required. Offer includes one standard Cox Business Basic VoiceManager Package phone line and 5.0Mbps/1.0Mbps Internet. Additional charges for installation, construction, inside wiring, equipment and additional outlet service may apply. Offer excludes applicable taxes, usage, features, long distance charges, surcharges or fees. Discounts are not valid in combination with or in addition to other promotions, and cannot be applied to any other Cox account. Subscription to Cox for local, in-state and state-to-state calling required. Telephone modem equipment may be required. Modem uses electrical power to operate and has backup battery power provided by Cox if electricity is interrupted. Telephone service, including access to e911 service, will not be available during an extended power outage or if modem is moved or inoperable. Cox cannot guarantee uninterrupted or error-free Internet service or the speed of your service. Rates and bandwidth options vary and are subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Other restrictions apply. Telephone services are provided by an affiliated Cox entity. ©2011 Cox Communications. All rights reserved.
NETWORK FEBRUARY 2011
Feb. 10 1 – 4 p.m. NWF/UWF FWB Campus Bldg. 1, Room 126 Fort Walton Beach
www.DestinChamber.com
QuickBooks Basics - See how QuickBooks financial software helps you take control of your business finances. Find out which QuickBooks product is right for you before you buy. See an overview of how QuickBooks simplifies tasks such as payroll, sales tax, job estimating, and job costing. The fee is $50. To reserve your seat, please call the SBDC at 833-9400 by Feb. 16. Feb. 17 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. NWF/UWF FWB Campus Bldg. 1, Room 126 Fort Walton Beach QuickBooks and Federal Contracting Learn the basics to setup your company’s books using QuickBooks for DCAA compliance. Learn how to use QuickBooks to monitor your company’s financial position and the status of jobs. The fee is $50. To reserve your seat, please call the SBDC at 833-9400 by Feb. 23. Feb. 24 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. NWF/UWF FWB Campus Bldg. 1, Room 126 Fort Walton Beach
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Business Briefs O’Sullivan Creel Team Members Receive CPA License O’Sullivan Creel, LLP, announced that Christie Owens, CPA, has been promoted to audit supervisor and received her Certified Public Accountants (CPA) license from the state of Tennessee. Alexis Willis, CPA, received her CPA from the state of Florida. Owens has been with the firm’s Destin office for six years, and her primary responsibilities are conducting audits for condominium Christie Owens and homeowners’ associations, as well as utility companies. Willis has worked in the Foley office for two years, and her primary responsibilities are preparing corporate and individual tax returns and Alexis Willis compiling financial statements for businesses.
Newman-Dailey Names Top Sales Producers for Fourth Quarter 2010 Colin Kirkwood is the top sales agent and Kerry McNulty is the top listing agent for Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, during the fourth quarter 2010. Kirkwood started his Colin Kirkwood first company, Better Lawns & Garden, Inc., in 1995, and it grew it into one of central Florida’s most respected and well-known landscape contracting firms. In 2004, Kirkwood started his second company, BLG Environmental Services Inc., a
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disaster recovery firm. McNulty has built a great business as TheWiredAgent.com and is as dedicated to the long-term development of our community as he is to helping people achieve their real estate buying and selling goals. McNulty is a Destin Area Chamber AmKerry McNulty bassador, a part of the Destin Seafood Festival planning committee, and a graduate of the Destin Forward 2010 Leadership Class.
Hidden Dunes Director of Tennis Celebrates 26 Years with the Resort Hidden Dunes Beach and Tennis Resort announced that its director of tennis Myke Loomis is celebrating her 26th anniversary with the resort. Currently a member of the USPTA, Loomis played on the 2007 and 2008 USA Margaret Court Cup (Women’s 45) teams. In addition to winning a number of Florida championships and being inducted into the Arkansas Tennis Hall of Fame, she won the 2008 World Doubles Championships in Antalya, Turkey, and was a finalist in the 2009 World Doubles Championships in Mallorca, Spain.
Silver Sands Recognizes December Employee of the Month
ployee of the Month is Courtney Tandy of Motherhood Maternity. Tandy, who has been employed at Motherhood Maternity since April 2008, goes out of her way to please shoppers and has a keen eye for customer preferences and their personal style.
Hard Rock Café Rockers of the Month
Lisa Lyle
NWF State College Opens Community Services Complex
Zach Borleske
Hard Rock Café recognizes its November “Rockers of the Month.” Front of House Rocker is Lisa Lyle and Back of House Rocker is Zack Borleske.
It’s a Hard Rock Christmas
Hard Rock Café Ambassadors helped make Christmas for two families brighter this year. The team shares its Christmas spirit each year to help families in need.
Collegiate High Top in Florida Again
The grand opening of the Community Services Complex on the Niceville Campus of Northwest Florida State College was marked with a variety of festivities on Jan. 5, including an opening ceremony, a public open house, conference basketball games, and announcement of the naming of a wing in the classroom portion of the facility after Medal of Honor recipient Col. Bud Day.
Cold Stunned Turtles Arrive at Gulf World Marine Park Gulf World Marine Park received 46 sea turtles affected by the recent record cold weather. This is the first time that Gulf World has received turtles this early in the month of December. In January 2010, Gulf World received more than 1,800 coldstunned sea turtles.
ECAR Installs 2011 Board of Directors
Courtney Tandy with Motherhood Maternity’s manager, Sarah Hoffman
Silver Sands Factory Stores announced its December Em-
College is the top scoring “A” school in the state of Florida for the second time in the school’s 10-year history. The innovative charter school of the Okaloosa County School District received 1,536 of 1,600 possible points to place first in the state among 470 high schools graded by the Florida Department of Education.
The Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State
www.DestinChamber.com
On Saturday, Dec.11, the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (ECAR) ushered in the
2010 Realtors of the Year
new year by installing the 2011 Board of Directors, including Jean Floyd, president; Judi Rutland, president-elect; Jan Hooks, vice president; Penny Ericksen, treasurer; Dale Peterson, assistant treasurer; and directors Tom Miesen, Janice Busovne, Jan Huyser, Frank Brooks, Robbie Fenn, Jamie Huggins, Bob Hudgens, Lisa Norton, Donna Miller, Cathy Alley, Sally Merrifield, Scott Provow, Kelly Klein, Jeannie Wilson, and Mary Anne Windes. Also, during the event, 2010 president Mary Anne Windes of Real Estate Professionals of Destin received the 2010 Realtor of the Year Award. Other winners included Dino Sinopoli, Crestview; Gloria Frazier, Fort Walton Beach; Donna Miller, Navarre; Susan Rood, Niceville; Terry Pilcher, North Walton County; and Kitty Taylor, South Walton County.
Realtors® Attend Inauguration Ceremonies At the special invitation of Gov. Rick Scott’s political team, Realtor® leaders with the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors® (ECAR) attended Gov. Scott’s Inauguration in Tallahassee. Realtors® played an instrumental role in the orientation of Gov. Scott to the panhandle and were called on several times during the campaign to host meet-and-greet events throughout Okaloosa and Walton counties. See BRIEFS on page 7 NETWORK FEBRUARY 2011
BRIEFS Continued from page 6
Cocktails for a Cause McCaskill & Company hosted a David Yurman special event that benefited the Junior League of the Emerald Coast Child Clothing project on Dec. 10 – 11. It raised funds to clothe almost 50 children.
Harley Owners Group Donates Toys/Funds to Children in Crisis
The president of the Harley Owners Group Sam Smith (right) presented Ken Hair, executive director of Children in Crisis, Inc., with toys, gift cards, and a $7,500 donation to help feed, clothe, and care for the children living at the CIC Children’s
Cox Announces New Position Mike Coupe is now the media consultant with Cox Media in Okaloosa and Walton counties. He previously served as a partner and project manager with Intercoastal Corporation in Mary Esther. As a Media Mike Coupe Consultant for Cox Media, Coupe will work with local businesses providing advertising opportunities on 50+ cable networks.
Scharf Appointed to Executive Committee at Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund Glenn Scharf, CPA, at Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund, has been selected to serve on the executive committee effective Jan. 1. Scharf is a shareholder in Saltmarsh’s Fort Walton Glenn Scharf Beach office. He began his career in 1991 after
®
Your Better Business Bureau Foundation is accepting applications for its 6th annual Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics, Customer Service Excellence Award and Student Ethics Scholarship. Entry forms and guidelines available at www.nwfl.bbb.org/TorchAward ®
Start With Trust
NETWORK FEBRUARY 2011
Saltmarsh, Cleveland & Gund Announces Promotions Saltmarsh, Cleveland & Gund announced four recent promotions. James Schulte was promoted to senior in the Audit Services Department. His areas of concentraJames Schulte tion include manufacturing and transportation companies, nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, and employee benefit plans. Josh Jackson, CPA, was promoted to senior manager in the Financial Institution/Audit Services Department. He works extensively with financial institution clients in delivering accounting and auditing serJosh Jackson vices, directors’ examinations, and loan and credit quality reviews. Jackson also has experience in asset-liability management and business valuations. Andrew Kent was promoted
to senior manager in the Litigation and Valuations Consulting. He is a Certified Business Appraiser (CBA) and a Certified Machinery and Equipment Appraiser (CMEA) and holds Andrew Kent both a J.D. and M.B.A. from the University of Florida. Kendra Woods was promoted to senior in the Retirement and Medical Plans Department. She works exclusively with flexible spending account clients. Woods is currently working Kendra Woods on her M.B.A in the field of Healthcare Administration.
Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC, Installs Sign at New Offices in Grand Boulevard
Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC, recently installed its logo sign on the new office building located in
2060156
Add “award-winning” to your bio
graduating from the University of Florida with a Masters in Tax. Scharf brings to Saltmarsh expertise in a variety of fields, including taxation, accounting, process engineering, business consulting, and tax management solutions.
Ind. Executive Senior Sales Director
SERVING THE ENTIRE EMERALD COAST www.DestinChamber.com
Coldwell Banker United Realtors Announces Military Service Member Benefit Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS, the Emerald Coast’s top producing real estate company, has introduced a special benefit for military service members and/or their spouses who wish to get a real estate license. Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS will pay for real estate school and licensing fees for military service members and/or their spouses in 2011.
Coldwell Banker United Realtors Honors its Community Leaders The Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS, team honored the accomplishments of its outstanding community leaders in 2010. Judi Rutland was elected president-elect and Jamie Huggins was elected to the board of directors for the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (ECAR). See BRIEFS on page 10
Law Offices ROBERT E. MCGILL, III, P.A.
Faith A. Gladding 3035 The Oaks Miramar Beach, FL 32550 850-650-3882 800-726-9625 email: faithgladding@cox.net website: www.marykay.com/fgladding
Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Steve Riggs heads up the Destin location, which recently relocated to Grand Boulevard, bringing a staff of 50 CPAs to the Town Center. The firm now occupies an entire floor of 500 Grand Boulevard, with 13,500 square feet of state of the art, custom-designed offices.
ROBERT E. MCGILL, III ATTORNEY AT LAW 36008 Emerald Coast Pkwy. • Suite C Destin, Florida 32541
3020778
The Destin History and Fishing Museum hosted the 24th Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 18. It was sponsored by the Destin Charter Boat Association, Harry T’s Lighthouse, and meLasers. Twenty-four boats participated, and Dolphin Cruise/Southern Star & Glass Bottom Boat won the Tour Boat/Motorized category.
Neighborhood. The donation came from the recent toy drive that originated at the Fort Walton Beach Sam’s Club and ended at the Niceville Mullet Festival grounds.
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Museum Announces Boat Parade Winners
850-837-1386 Fax 850-837-1574 PAGE 7
BRIEFS Continued from page 7 Judy Sheridan was selected at the ECAR Women’s Council of Realtors “Member of the Year” at annual installation luncheon. She also will serve as the president in 2011.
Coldwell Banker United Realtors Honors 2010 Top Producers
of Northwest Florida, having attended Choctawhatchee High School and Florida State University. She is a Sandy Sharpe top producing agent with the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors.
ComF5 Selects Affiliate of the Year
From left to right, John Cook, Cynthia Roberson, Alice Duncan, and Joel Cook
The Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS, team would like to honor the accomplishments of this outstanding team and individual agent for 2010. John Cook and team were the top producing team for the Destin office, and the number one producing team by volume sales for all of Destin. They sold more than $30 million in real estate for the year. Jim Cole was the top producing individual agent for the Destin office, and he finished in the top 10 percent of all agents with the EmJim Cole erald Coast Association of Realtors.
Sandy Sharpe Joins Coldwell Banker United Realtors Sandy Sharpe joined Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS, as a full-time sales associates working out of the Destin office. Sharpe most recently worked with Pelican Real Estate, and she is a native
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ComF5, a publicly traded company offering E-Engine solutions to all your business needs, selected Drew Messina as affiliate of the year. Chosen from among 7,000 other affiliates, Messina is located in Destin and has been with the company for two years. He has more than 400 clients in three different countries.
Community Bank Welcomes Susan Robbins and Jill Cadenhead Community Bank, Destin, announced the hiring of Susan Robbins and Jill Cadenhead. Robbins joins the company as vice president and mortgage department manager. She has more Susan Robbins than 30 years experience in mortgage banking. Robbins will also serve as senior underwriter and holds designations with VA, FHA, and USDA. Cadenhead joins the company as vice president/ mortgage loan officer. She has more than 20 years of mortgage banking experience and is a graduate of Kings College in Briar Manor, New York. Active in the community, Cadenhead is on the board of directors of
the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce and the Northwest Florida YMCA and is a member of Jill Cadenhead the Crestview Rotary Club and the Military Affairs Committee.
TROY joins US Air Force GEM Partnership Troy University and the US Air Force have formed a partnership that paves the way for airmen to earn core college credit via the internet. The Air Force’s General Education Mobile program is a partnership between the Community College of the Air Force and selected civilian academic institutions to offer a 15-hour cluster of general education courses required for the College’s Associate of Applied Science Degree.
Verizon Opens New, Larger Destin Store Verizon Wireless has opened a new, larger communications store at 34737 Emerald Coast Pkwy., near the Home Depot in Destin. The location features the newest smartphones and many wireless highspeed internet devices, like Mobile Broadband cards, Netbooks with built in Mobile Broadband, MiFi Wi-Fi hotspots, and more.
Cardno Aquires US Environmental Firms International infrastructure services consultancy, Cardno Limited announced that it agreed to acquire two major US-based environmental firms, ENTRIX Holiday Company and Environmental Resolutions. The two acquisitions are expected to contribute around $150M in revenue and $17M in
www.DestinChamber.com
EBITDA in FY11 and add 770 staff to Cardno’s existing operations in the Americas.
Bit-Wizards Named to Inaugural Class of Companies to Watch Bit-Wizards, a leading provider of software solutions and consulting in the United States, has been selected as one of 50 “Florida Companies to Watch.” The accolade recognizes the state’s privately held businesses that employ up to 99 employees and have between $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue or capital.
Sacred Heart Launches Study to Improve Care for Mothers and Infants Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast has opened patient participation in a new study to evaluate best practices intended to ensure mothers and their newborns are safe during the delivery process. The project, Excellence in Obstetrics, will take place within the Family Birth Place at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast.
Matthews & Hawkins, P.A., Forms Matthews Jones & Hawkins, LLP For nearly 30 years, Matthews & Hawkins, P.A., and Jones & Flowers have shared the same values and professionalism in representing clients and friends in Northwest Florida. Now the formation of Matthews Jones & Hawkins, LLP, will continue to provide the local representation you have relied upon for insight, integrity, and innovation.
BBB® Reports Record-Breaking Year Your Better Business Bureau® serving Northwest
Florida had a record-breaking year in 2010. The BBB processed 2,954 complaints in an attempt to resolve disputes between businesses and consumers; responded to 317,314 inquiries, including requests for BBB Reliability Reports on specific businesses, requests for rosters of BBB-Accredited Businesses by industry, processing eQuote requests for consumers looking for information from BBB-Accredited Businesses, and more; drove traffic to BBB-Accredited Business’ websites an additional 10,162 times; opened 27 advertising review cases, where local advertising did not adhere to BBB’s Code of Advertising; and provided a total of 337,065 instances of service last year, an 84 percent increase in the number of services provided in 2009.
San Gelato Café Opens Store Saturday in the Village of Baytowne Wharf G.S. Gelato and San Gelato Café announced the opening of a new San Gelato Café in the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This is the third location for the company in the area.
Local Business Owner Featured in BP Commercial Owner of Easy Street Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals Rick Scali was featured in a BP commercial airing across the country. The commercial allowed Scali to clear up misinformation regarding area beaches through his testimony and images of he and his wife enjoying the area’s amenities. You may view the commercial here: http://www.floridagulfresponse. com/go/doc/3059/987007.
NETWORK FEBRUARY 2011
A 2 Z Specialty Advertising (850) 654-3080 Chamber Rep: Gabby Bruce
Covenant Hospice (850) 729-1800 Chamber Rep: Beth Tritschler
Henderson Park Inn (850) 269-8646 Chamber Rep: Charlotte Jeffreys
Office Depot #2328 (850) 650-0120 Chamber Rep: Rob Calbert
A.J.’s Seafood & Oyster Bar (850) 837-0404 Chamber Rep: Alan Laird
CRC Data Technologies (850) 654-7262 Chamber Rep: Cameron Rowe
Holiday Isle Improvement Association (850) 837-4753 Chamber Rep: Scott Roberts
Okaloosa County School District (850) 833-3110 Chamber Rep: Dr. Alexis Tibbetts
Allstate Insurance - Mike Cheney (850) 862-0131 Chamber Rep: Mike Cheney
CYber SYtes, Inc. (850) 233-5514 Chamber Rep: Darnell A. Jelks
Homes & Land Of The Emerald Coast (850) 650-1014 Chamber Rep: Joe Nacchia
Sea Oats Motel & Management Co. (850) 837-6655 Chamber Rep: Dieter Blasbichler
Arnett & Kerrigan, P.L. (850) 502-4373 Chamber Rep: Jane Kerrigan
Fantasea Scooter Rentals (850) 654-7772 Chamber Rep: Steve/Donna Fontana
IndyShark Consulting (850) 217-5526 Chamber Rep: Phillip Conner
Soundside Wellness Consultants (850) 226-8585 Chamber Rep: Garry Fabian
Ava’s Attic Consignment Boutique (850) 424-6767 Chamber Rep: Courtney Hood
Feline Friends of Destin Inc. (850) 837-3869 Chamber Rep: Anne E. Herriott
Jos. A. Bank (850) 650-6850 Chamber Rep: Craig Sanderson
St. Andrews By The Sea Episcopal Church (850) 650-2737 Chamber Rep: Claudia Nadeau
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast (850) 862-1616 Chamber Rep: Crawford “Bear” Henley
First Florida Bank (850) 269-1201 Chamber Rep: Jennifer Dugan
Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc., Dallas TX, Sondra Pace, Independent Beauty Consultant and Team Leader (850) 654-1353 Chamber Rep: Sondra Pace
Terminix International (850) 678-7840 Chamber Rep: Jeff Curtis
BRW Builders of Destin, Inc. (850) 837-4413 Chamber Rep: Ms. Karen Rose-Hefner
Friends of Emerald Coast State Parks (850) 650-5928 Chamber Rep: Myra Rhodes
Bud and Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant (850) 231-5900 Chamber Rep: Dave Rauschkolb
Galati Yacht Sales (850) 622-0600 Chamber Rep: Joseph Galati
Mary Kay Inc. Faith Gladding, Independent Exec. Senior Sales Director (850) 650-3882 Chamber Rep: Faith Gladding
Chateau La Mer II Owners Assoc. (850) 837-3622 Chamber Rep: Bruce Gibson
GCS Building Solutions, Inc. (850) 269-1066 Chamber Rep: Ed Adams
Morgan Stanley (850) 650-7300 Chamber Rep: Mark Kaltz
Verizon Wireless (850) 650-0195 Chamber Rep: Randall Moss
Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Inc. (850) 622-3200 Chamber Rep: Zach Billingsley
Gulf Coast Dermatology (850) 622-0600 Chamber Rep: Dr. Michael Stickler
Murphy’s Home Services, Inc. (850) 650-1699 Chamber Rep: Andy Murphy
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (850) 650-0341 Chamber Rep: Clint Sampson
Cooling Services LLC (850) 269-1964 Chamber Rep: Chad Hamilton
Gulf Coast Office Products (850) 244-6122 Chamber Rep: Pam Schweickert
Northwest Florida Daily News (850) 863-1111 Chamber Rep: Michelle MacLeod
Whitney National Bank (850) 269-3610 Chamber Rep: Mike Freeman
Tetra Tech, Inc. (850) 837-9278 Chamber Rep: Michael Bomar Trammell Holdings Inc. (850) 585-0013 Chamber Rep: Sandy & Karl Trammell
The Destin Area Visitor Information Relocation Information Business Directory Employment Events Calendar Chamber Information News & Media
www.DestinChamber.com Destin Area Chamber of Commerce | 4484 Legendary Drive, Suite A | Destin, FL 32541 Tel: (850) 837-6241 | Fax: (850) 654-5612 | Email: mail@DestinChamber.com NETWORK FEBRUARY 2011
www.DestinChamber.com
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All Clear Restoration & Remediation, LLC
In the Moment Pet Care
75 Commercial Pkwy., Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 499-5190 | www.allclear-restoration.com Categories: Water Damage Restoration; Mold Remediation Chamber Rep: Laura Wichern
PO Box 6548, Destin, FL 32550 (850) 269-0800 | www.inthemomentpetcare.com Category: Pet Sitting Chamber Rep: David M. Smith
BB&T
Zak’s
34990 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin, FL 32541 (850) 269-4200 | www.bbt.com Category: Banks Chamber Rep: Susan Bland
14091-C Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin, FL 32541 (850) 687-9389 Category: Restaurants – American Chamber Rep: Michelle D. Wilders www.DestinChamber.com
NETWORK FEBRUARY 2011
Chamber Promotes Membership Consultant “I am thrilled to live in this community and make it my home. I consider it an honor to represent the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce as a Sandi McClanahan full-time membership consultant,” said Sandi McClanahan, who was recently promoted from her part-time sales position. “Working for the Chamber for the past year and a half has been a very rewarding experience, as I have had the opportunity to meet many amaz-
ing people living in this area.” McClanahan received her B.S. in Communications and Public Relations from Appalachian State University in North Carolina and her M.A. in Counseling from Mid Western State University in Texas. She has done post-graduate work with Troy University in Florida and Richmont Graduate School in Georgia and has also done promotional work for Proctor and Gamble and public relations for Ford, Lincoln, Mercury. McClanahan has had two successful direct sales businesses and has exceeded sales records for each. After 10 military moves, McClanahan has made Florida her permanent home. She resides in Niceville, with
her son, Michael, 16, and daughter Callie, a freshman at Florida State University. She is active in the community as publicity chair for the Niceville High School Eagle Pride Band and has done internship work for the Children’s Advocacy Center, in Niceville and Children in Crisis, Inc., in Fort Walton Beach. She has been a member of the Destin Woman’s Club since 2007 and served as club President from 2009-2010. “I support the mission of our Chamber and have witnessed first hand the extraordinary benefits it provides the community, especially in times of crisis for our area,” said McClanahan.
Join Us for Lunch in 2011
Pre-pay for 2011 Events, Get Two Free
Beginning in February 2011, the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce is combining its monthly Business to Business Breakfast and Leads Lunch to a single lunch event! To be held the second Tuesday of each month, this Leaders In Business Lunch will incorporate the breakfast’s educational component for small business owners with the strong networking component enjoyed during the lunches. The first combined event will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 8, and it is sponsored by Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. Cost is $15 for lunch, and it will take place at the Palms of Destin Resort & Conference Center.
Would you like to receive two free lunches in 2011? If you pre-pay for all 2010 lunches, we will only charge you for 10. You will also be pre-registered for each lunch, saving you the time of registering yourself each month. If you cannot make it one month, you are welcome to send someone else from your company in your place. Just call us and let us know. *Note: This pre-pay option does apply for the January breakfast event, followed by the lunches in February through December. For more information or to take advantage of this opportunity, please call us at (850) 837-6241 by Feb. 8.
SIMPLE SAVINGS TIP
FEBRUARY
“When you are washing your hands, don’t let the water run while you lather.” A message from:
Tom Weidenhamer DWU Board President
Chamber Statistics: Advertising our World-Class Community In our mission to support Destin as a world-class community, the Chamber’s Welcome Center recorded the following numbers: December 2010 • Phone Calls/E-mails – 554 • Incoming Mail – 227 • Visitors to Welcome Center Lobby – 298 • Visitors’ Guide & Buyer’s Directories Mailed – 4 • Relocation Packages – 7 NETWORK FEBRUARY 2011
January through December 2010 • Phone Calls/E-mails – 12,598 • Incoming Mail – 2,525 • Visitors to Welcome Center Lobby – 5,162 • Visitors’ Guide & Buyer’s Directories Mailed – 4372 • Relocation Packages - 145 The Chamber’s website recorded 29,789 unique visitors for December 2010 and 603,695 unique visitors for Jan. 1, 2010 – Dec. 31, 2010. www.DestinChamber.com
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February Calendar of Events February 1, 8, 15, & 22 Destin Snowbirds General Meetings & Entertainment Location: Destin Community Center Time: 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m. For more information, visit www.destin snowbirds.org. February 1 -14 Baytowne on Ice Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf The seasonal ice skating rink has become a local holiday favorite. For $10, guests can skate for an hour and a half. Skate rental is available for $2. For hours of operation, visit www.sandestin.com/Portals/0/ includes/pdfs/2010IceRinkSchedule.pdf. February 2 Sinfonia’s Fifth Wine Dinner Location: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Time: 6 p.m. Savor the flavors of Chef Innocent Utomi as he orchestrates a culinary feast for this special wine dinner. Special guests Nick Kendall and Chris Brubeck will be in attendance to discuss their roles in Sinfonia’s Gala concert event on Feb. 4. For more information, visit www.SinfoniaGulftCoast.org.
February 2 Destin Snowbirds Registration Location: Destin Community Center Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. For more information, visit www.destinsnowbirds.org.
February 3 & 10 WAM! (Women & Money) Workshop Location: Northwest Florida State College Time: 5 – 7:30 p.m. Please RSVP to attend these classes. This workshop is FREE and open to any woman in the community.
February 3, 10, 17, & 24 Free AARP Income Tax Help Location: Destin Library Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Volunteers from AARP will provide free individual federal tax assistance on an appointment only basis at the Destin Library. Individuals seeking 2010 federal tax preparation help are required to telephone the library at 837-8572 and make an appointment. PAGE 14
February 4 Wild Game Feast Location: Baker Gum Creek Lodge Time: 5 p.m. Wild Game Feast to support NWF State College Raider Athletics. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Crestview. To be held at Baker Gum Creek Lodge. For more information, call (850) 729-5379. February 4 Coffee With the Conductor Location: The Cafe’ at Barnes & Nobles Destin Time: 10 a.m. Enjoy complimentary Starbucks Coffee and edibles, while Maestro Fuller discusses concerts and events of the season. For more information, visit www.SinfoniaGulf Coast.org. February 4 Celebrating Sinfonia’s 5th Location: Emerald Coast Conference Center Time: 7:30 p.m. Love is in the air as the Northwest Florida Ballet dances live to excerpts from Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo & Juliet. Violinist Nick Kendall takes center stage in the Southeast US premiere of Chris Brubeck’s Concerto for Violin Spontaneous Combustion. February 4 Madeline Bad Hat Day - Children’s Show Location: Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center Time: 9:45 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. National touring children’s show for school groups. Call Delores Merrill, Mattie Kelly Arts Center House Manager, at (850) 7296065. February 4 St. Olaf Band Location: Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center Time: 7:30 p.m. The St. Olaf Band, dubbed “one of America’s preeminent bands” by The New Yorker, will perform. The concert is free and open to the public. February 6, 13, 20, & 27 Snowbird’s Sunday Concert Series Location: HarborWalk Village Time: 2 – 4 p.m. Live musical performances from multiple of Destin’s favorite bands. These bands cover a wide range of musical entertainment. Free and open to the public!
February 7 Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble Location: Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center Time: 7:30 p.m. A leading dance institution of unparalleled global acclaim, the Dance Theatre of Harlem presents an ensemble of 16 dancers on national tour. $35 Adults/$25 Youth/ Student (ages 18 & under & NWFSC students w/ID). For additional information, visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org. February 8 CRI Hosts Second Annual Government Contracting Conference Location: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For a nominal fee of $35, contractors will be advised regarding the basics of federal contracting and FAR compliance, preparing for a DCAA audit, Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), benefits and uses of Deltek EVMS software, and the definition and implications of SBA 8(A). For more details, visit the events section at www.CRIcpa.com. February 11 “Talking Business” Forum Location: Northwest Florida State College Time: 1:30 p.m. The Business and Computer Technology Division will host its next “Talking Business” forum on the topic “Recession is in the House: The Housing Slump and our Current Economic Downturn.” The event is free and open to the public. February 11 Wild at Heart Valentine’s Celebration Location: Howl at the Moon Time: 7 p.m. 100% of ticket sales prior to the event will benefit the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy a festive evening with a Valentine’s Day theme and hourly door prizes sure to add some romance to your love life. For more information, call the refuge at (850)650-1880. February 12 A Valentine Interlude Location: Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa Time: 7 – 10 p.m. Enjoy romantic music and dancing, a complimentary 5 x 7 photograph, intimate tables for two, and a lavish grilled filet of beef and grouper Oscar-style dinner. Event cost is $159 per couple. For package details and reservations, call (850) 267-9500 or visit www.HiltonSandestinBeach.com.
www.DestinChamber.com
February 13 Show Choir Snowbirds Show Location: Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center Time: 2 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Paul Hewitt at pnatthebeach@ gmail.com. February 14 Local Chiropractor Offers Free Healthcare Location: Douglass Chiropractic, Inc. Time: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Dr. Timothy Douglass and his staff at Douglass Chiropractic Center will offer the following free of charge: consultation, initial examination, spinal manipulations, therapy, and x-rays. They are asking for a donation of non-perishable and canned food items to benefit the Harvest House of Destin. Call (850) 650-6789. February 15 “Buffalo Soldier: Sergeant George Jordan 1847-1904 Medal of Honor” Location: Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center Time: 1:30 & 7:30 p.m. The matinee performance only is free of charge for NWF State College students with ID or K- 12 students and their adult chaperones. Tickets for the evening performance are $10 each for adults or students. School groups should contact house manager Delores Merrill or Jeanette Shires at 729-6065 or 729-6004 for information or group seating. February 17 Florida: Then and Now Free Lecture Series Location: Niceville Community Center Time: 7 p.m. Dr. Rick Harper, Director of the Haas Center at the University of West Florida, will discuss the UWF Haas Center’s efforts to quantify the size and distribution of the oil spill effects and what the residual damage will be. February 18 & 19 The 22nd Sandestin Gumbo Festival Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf The weekend will kick-off with the first ever “Taste of the Village” on Friday where Village merchants offer a sampling of the region’s finest cuisine at 6 p.m. Saturday will host the festival’s main event, the Sandestin Gumbo Cook-off, where guests sample gumbo and Bloody Mary’s voting for their favorite as People’s Choice from 12 – 4 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Sandestin.com/ Gumbo. NETWORK FEBRUARY 2011
February Calendar of Events February 19 Puccini’s Turandot - Broadway Series Location: Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center Time: 7:30 p.m. Teatro Lirico D’ Europa, the stellar European touring company, which performs worldwide, presents Puccini’s final operatic masterpiece, Turandot, as part of the company’s 12th national tour of the USA! For additional information, visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.
February 25 Junior League of the Emerald Coast “Rock the Slots” Event Location: Hard Rock Café Time: 6:30 p.m. The event will feature musicians from three states, as well as gaming, all in the name of charity.
February 25 Fifth Grade Concert - Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra Location: Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center Time: 10 a.m. Free admission to area fifth graders. Limited seating for others may be available for others. Call Delores Merrill, Mattie Kelly Arts Center House Manager, at (850)729-6065. February 25 Stars of Tomorrow - Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra Location: Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center Time: 7:30 p.m. Part of the NFSO’s 24th season, the concert features the winners of the prestigious annual NFSO Regional Concerto Competition, as well as the playful classic by Russian composer Prokofiev, Peter and the Wolf, to delight and inspire children and adults of all ages. For more information, visit www.nfsymphony.org.
February 25 & 26 The City of Destin’s 4th Annual Spring Craft Show Location: Destin Community Center Time: Friday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Admission is free. There will be handcrafted jewelry, woodcarvings, watercolor paintings, and much, much more! For more information, call the Destin Community Center at (850) 654-5184.
February 26 3rd Annual WSRE Food and Wine Classic Location: HarborWalk Village Time: 6 p.m. Taste, Toast, and Tour the World at the WSRE Food and Wine Classic. For more information visit www.harbor walkdestin.com.
February 26 HarborWalk VIllage Mardi Gras Parade Location: HarborWalk Village Time: 2 p.m. Enjoy dazzling floats, colorful costumes, street performers, and float riders tossing handfuls of beads! Stay and enjoy live music on the HarborWalk Village stage after the parade. February 26 & 27 Children’s Advocacy 11th Annual Golf & Carnevale Weekend Location: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Time: 6 p.m. Cost is $50 per person. Cocktail attire and masks are encouraged. Enjoy a threecourse steak dinner included with live entertainment, champagne, and chocolate. Golf Classic will be held on Feb. 27, with a 9 a.m. registration at the Raven Golf Club at Sandestin. Call (850) 833-9237 for more details.
Take the Ultimate
VACATION for the
REST OF YOUR LIFE Call today to schedule your personal tour.
(850) 863-5174
2065293
Independent Living Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Exceptional Experiences Every DaySM 1001 Mar Walt Dr. Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 www.brookdaleliving.com
Exceptional Experiences Every Day is a Service Mark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, USA. ®Reg. U.S, Patent and TM Office 18090-RES01-0410
Celebrating Ambassador Successes NETWORK FEBRUARY 2011
Congratulations to our top Ambassadors for December 2010: 80 points – Richard Barrington, Holiday Isle Properties, Inc. 80 points – Paul Woolman, Copy Systems Business Center, Inc. 60 points – Mike Schneider, Compass Real Estate
www.DestinChamber.com
Paul also welcomed a new member into the Chamber during the month Destin Orthopaedics, P.L.
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www.DestinChamber.com
NETWORK FEBRUARY 2011