January 2013
Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance to Benefit from 5K, 10K & Half Marathon A portion of the proceeds
Half Marathon courses. This means
On race day, the registration fee is
99Rock, Buffalo Rock Pepsi, Carter
from the Jan. 26 Destin’s Bayou,
the course distances have been
$35 for the 10K and 5K and $70 for
& Company CPA, LLC, City of
Bay & Back 5K Run/Walk, 10K
certified for accuracy, and runners
the Half Marathon, and registration
Destin, Coast 93.3, Ecco Motors,
& Half Marathon sponsored by
may compare their performance
may be completed at Clement Taylor
Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill,
Shoreline Church will benefit the
times with other certified courses
Park, located at 131 Calhoun Avenue,
NewsTalk 1260, and Z96; and bronze
Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance,
and may use their times for national
in Destin, from 6 - 7 a.m. T-shirts
sponsors Bubba Gump Shrimp
an organization committed to
rankings.
are guaranteed to the first 600
Company, Coastal Skin Surgery and
participants.
Dermatology, and Eglin Federal
sustaining and providing optimum utilization of the Choctawhatchee Basin watershed. To find out more
Until Jan. 25, the registration fee is $30 for the 10K and 5K and $60
Thank you to all event sponsors,
Credit Union.
for the Half Marathon. Registration
including title sponsor Shoreline
may be completed by downloading
Church; accommodations sponsor
participating, volunteering,
and completing the race registration
ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation
or sponsoring, please contact
form found on www.DestinChamber.
Rentals; gold sponsors Miller’s
Suzy Nicholson Hunt at
its third year, will feature USA Track
com. Registration is also available
Ale House and Whataburger;
(850) 837-2711 x2 or
& Field (USATF) certified 10K and
on www.Active.com until Jan. 23.
silver sponsors 105.5 the Wolf,
suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com.
about the organization, visit www.basinalliance.org. For the first time, this event, now
Sun rises over Choctawhatchee Bay on Race Day 2012.
Runners pass start line at Clement Taylor Park.
For more information on
Winners called to stage during Post-Race Party.
City of Destin Business Survey Coming January 2013
Chamber Honors Members, Installs Board
The City of Destin is continually looking for ways to improve and better serve its businesses. In early January 2013, Destin businesses will receive a letter from the city requesting participation in an anonymous online survey. Your participation will be greatly appreciated.
Join us on Friday, Jan. 18, for our Annual Awards & Installation Banquet, at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. We will honor our most outstanding members and install the 2013 Board of Directors. Awards include the Business Person of the Year Award, the James D. Neilson, Sr., Chairman’s Award for Volunteer Service, the Paul Woolman Ambassador of the Year Award, and the Ann Gibson Community Service Award.
This survey will provide valuable information to city staff, elected officials, and organizations, like the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce. The responses will ultimately drive future planning and provide goals for improvement. Stay tuned for more information!
Cost is $79 per person, and corporate tables of 10 are available for $740. Please call (850) 837-6241 to register.
Find more information and register for upcoming events at www.DestinChamber.com!
Advertising our World-Class Community In our mission to support Destin as a world-class community, our Welcome Center recorded the following numbers in November 2012: Phone Calls/Emails — 623 Incoming Mail — 166 Lobby/Welcome Center Visitors — 291 Directories Mailed — 44
Putting the Truth into the Sunshine A good friend of mine and I have often had the conversation about what would America be like if we ridded ourselves of the 24-hour news channels. While we are on opposite sides (but center-leaning) of the political spectrum, we both agree that it would make America a better place. Networks don’t report the news anymore; they attempt to become it. They play a clip or video of someone, then put their own spin, twist, and analysis on what that person said. They don’t really give many facts. It’s the way it has become with our national news. But what happens when something like this happens with local news coverage? If you’ve been reading The Destin Log the past few weeks, you’ve seen stories about the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to be more active in economic development. This is something your Board has been discussing for several years now. It has been driven by our interest and our involvement at the state level and the Six Pillars of Florida’s Future Economy, as created by the Florida Chamber Foundation. In fact, you’ve seen multiple columns from me and our 2012 Chairman Bill Lindsley about this very thing this past year. At a city council meeting in November, I stood before the Mayor and Council and told them the Chamber opposed a Blue Ribbon Panel related to economic development. There were several reasons we opposed it, and one was the Sunshine Law. Our concerns over the panel and the Sunshine Law were that any two people on that panel would not be able to talk to each other outside of those panel meetings, i.e. if I and Kay Rasmussen from the Economic Development Council (EDC) were on this panel, then we would not be able to discuss economic development outside of panel meetings. How could the Destin Area Chamber and the EDC partner and work together to better our community and county if we were prohibited from talking about economic development outside of those panel meetings? It wouldn’t be efficient or productive.
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, P.A. Bill Lindsley, Immediate Past Chairman
SimpleHR
Shaun Eubanks, Treasurer Community Bank, Destin 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
On Nov. 30, the Northwest Florida Daily News published an editorial about the meeting and our opposition to the Blue Ribbon Panel. A quote from that editorial: “Shane Moody, Chamber President and CEO, said Destin’s movers and shakers might have to meet behind closed doors to get the job done.” This quote could not be further from the truth.
Rebecca Jones, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center
At no time have I or anyone from the Destin Area Chamber used the term “behind closed doors.” In fact, the Log ran a story after the council meeting and quoted me as saying our meetings would be open to anyone who wanted to attend. So how could the Daily News print that I said “behind closed doors” when those words were never spoken? Because they took it upon themselves to spin and twist what I said to write what they wanted. Interestingly, I’ve never spoken to anyone from the Daily News editorial staff about our position, nor was anyone from the Daily News at the council meeting that night. Journalistic integrity?
Jonathan Ochs, Trustmark National Bank
To add to the matter, they also allow commenters to post whatever comments they desire online after a story without checking any facts shouted by the commenter. One commenter on the story posted many incorrect and unproven comments about the Chamber. How can that be allowed? My issue with this is not what’s said about me as the President and CEO of your Chamber. My issue is that they call into question the integrity and credibility of this organization and your Board of Directors. I meet with the Board formally once a month, committees of the Board multiple times per month, and have hundreds of other conversations with multiple Board members throughout each month. They NEVER make any decisions or set any direction that would ever damage the credibility of your Destin Area Chamber of Commerce. They insist and demand that I and our team operate with the highest regard for the organization. And yet a newspaper can call that into question by printing an inaccurate and incorrect quote in an editorial? Where’s the integrity in that? Continued on page 3
Andi Mahoney, White-Wilson Medical Center Pam Martin, Gulf Power Dave Morrow, Allstate Insurance - Ryland/Morrow Agency Cyndy Thomas, ResortQuest By Wyndham Vacation Rentals Carey Trotter, Trotter’s General Contractors, Inc. Chairman’s Appointee Charles Morgan, Harbor Docks Restaurant Special Appointees Jim Breitenfeld, Breitenfeld Development Services, LLC Tim Edwards, Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill Kim Wintner, Alliance Association Management Co. Inc. Management Team Shane A. Moody, CCE, FCCP, President and CEO
ceo@DestinChamber.com
Elizabeth Spies, Vice President of Communications espies@DestinChamber.com Suzy Nicholson Hunt, Events Coordinator suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com Sarah Sholtis, Membership Consultant sarah@DestinChamber.com
THE CHAMBER MONTH AHEAD Join us for our Leaders In Business Lunch Sponsored by Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel at Destin United Methodist Church from 11:30 a.m. - 1 pm. Find out the Effects of the National Healthcare Program on Small Businesses. All registrations are due by Friday, Jan. 4, at 3 p.m. JANUARY
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Join us as the Chamber honors its most outstanding members and installs the 2013 Board of Directors, during its Annual Awards & Installation Banquet at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. Seats and tables are available. JANUARY
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The 3rd Annual Destin’s Bayou, Bay & Back 5K Run/Walk, 10K & Half Marathon Sponsored by Shoreline Church will lead racers along Destin’s beautiful waterways and across Okaloosa Island. Details and registration is now available on Active. com and on the Chamber’s website. JANUARY
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JANUARY
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The Board of Directors Meeting will be held in the Chamber conference room at 11:30 a.m.
On Member Appreciation Day, Board members, Ambassadors, and staff will personally visit every member in the Destin area to thank them for their support. 2013 membership packages will also be delivered.
Heading Towards 2013 I am humbled and honored to be your incoming Chairman for 2013. You don’t get the opportunity to become Chairman without the encouragement, support, and understanding of extraordinary people along the way. I’m especially blessed by the people who surround me, and thank you just doesn’t seem adequate enough to express my deep and humble appreciation for your investment in me. My plan is to give all that you’ve given me and more back to the Chamber in 2013. I’m looking forward to a great year! Getting ready for the New Year, the entire Destin Area Chamber Boards from 2012 and 2013 met at the Northwest Florida College in November for our yearly Strategic Planning. My goal is simple...to improve our community by increasing the quality of life in Destin for businesses and residents to work and live and play. It’s a simple philosophy derived from the concept of the more you give, the more you get back. Now, I would agree with those of you who are thinking, “well, how can you improve on Destin?” I know, right! But, we’re going to try. Already, we’re not happy about those pesky helicopters, cool as they are, buzzing all over our clean open air space. So, that’s on the list. Would you like to see Norriego Point stabilized? We would too, and we’re making it a priority, on behalf of the more than 900 members we represent, to make that happen. What else, you ask? Well, we’ve already sent a Resolution to Destin City Hall reminding them that Code Enforcement and Zoning are important in a small community. We’ve asked that they “beef up their security” a bit and keep a level playing field for cleaner neighborhoods and business areas. After all, rules are designed to help everyone, and they’re created to protect the public. We can’t have some people following the law while others get away with havoc - that’s chaos we aren’t willing to accept any longer. Have you ever tried to find an address on Highway 98 East...I mean Harbor Boulevard.... well, actually it might be Emerald Coast Parkway? It’s so confusing, and we live here. Imagine if you are from out of town...what the heck! So, we’re planning to figure out a way to get mile markers, maybe even every half mile, from the Destin Bridge to the eastern city limits. That way, businesses can advertise their location by the mile markers, and everyone who is looking for them can find them sooooo much more easily. These are just a few of the exciting things we’ve got coming up next year. Of course, we’ll continue offering you opportunities to network, to socialize, to drink, to dine, and to advertise...but if you know someone who isn’t a member of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, let them know that they are welcome to be part of the great things happening at the Chamber. We’re forming more committees this year and looking for ideas from the membership. If you’d like to get more involved, please contact Elizabeth Spies at (850) 837-2711 x5.
JANUARY
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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
Celebrating Ambassador Successes Congratulations to our top Ambassadors for November 2012! 145 points — Paul Woolman, Copy Systems Business Center, Inc. 130 points — Richard Barrington, Holiday Isle Properties, Inc. 125 points - Trisha Chason, SimpleHR and SimpleHIRE
Setting the Stage, A Final Message from our 2012 Chairman Withoutt a d doubt, has b been a successful the D Destin Area Ch Chamber Commerce and With bt 2012 h f l year ffor th ti A b off C d for our great city. This year, after almost a 20-year adventure, the first phase of the Destin Harbor Boardwalk was completed. This happened only through the efforts of our Harbor Association Vice Chairman Carey Trotter and your incoming Chairman Mary Anne Windes. The Boardwalk provides our community with a festive marketplace atmosphere that’s unrivaled on the Gulf Coast. The opportunities this new attraction will bring to the harbor and the greater Destin area are immeasurable. The Boardwalk now will provide an additional incentive for visitors and locals alike to make a right turn at Highway 98 after they come across Mid-Bay Bridge. It will bring them back to the Harbor! Another victory for the Chamber was the delay, and hopefully permanent defeat, of destination casino gambling in Florida. Your Chamber, through its Board of Directors, spoke clearly on this issue to our legislators and those in the media. The Board was concerned about the many negative impacts that casino gaming would have, not only on our reputation, but the long–term economic effects it would have on our area. Research clearly shows that after a casino opens in an established tourist economy, 40 percent of small businesses end up going out of business. That’s a number we are just not comfortable with. We were united with the Florida Chamber on this issue during the last legislative session and will continue to keep a watchful eye on the gaming industry as it continue its efforts to legalize. The Chamber team did an excellent job with events this year. In January, we had a record number of participants in the Destin Bayou, Bay, and Back run. The event was so successful that we were able to get it sanctioned for 2013, which should set the stage for another record-breaking year. Capitalizing on the fact that Destin is the birthplace of stand-up paddle boarding, we developed a new event called Paddle at the Porch. Last August, we had 93 participants for this fun and unique event. The team is confident that this event will become one of our signature events, especially as the popularity of the sport grows. One of my major initiatives this year was to enhance the economic development opportunities for Destin and Okaloosa County by becoming a Florida Chamber Foundation-certified Six-Pillar Community by the end of the year. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans with Hurricane Isaac pushing back the community kick-off by six weeks. That delay forced us to push back the strategic planning until March, with certification planned for the second quarter of next year. My genuine thanks go out to Kevin Bowyer with Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel for his skillful work in spearheading this effort. Serving as Chairman this year has been an honor and privilege and is absolutely one of the highlights of my professional career. I have been truly blessed with an incredible Board of Directors and remarkable Chamber team, led by Shane. We were all able to work together to make sure that Destin Area Chamber of Commerce was the absolute best it could be. Additionally, along with the outstanding staff at SimpleHR, I am truly blessed with my incredibly supportive wife, Langley, and children, who have sacrificed much to allow me to serve. I am delighted to pass the gavel to Mary Anne Windes. She is an incredibly talented person who will take what momentum we have achieved this year and run with it. She will be tenacious in her effort to make the Chamber all that it can be and more. I can wholeheartedly assure you that your Chamber and its Board of Directors are in great hands. With that, I bid farewell. It has been a pleasure serving as your Chairman this year, and I am looking forward to a brilliant future for the Chamber.
Bill Lindsley 2012 Destin Area Chamber Chairman SimpleHR
President’s Message (continued from page 1) Thank you all for your support. I’ve heard from many of you who agree with our position that we must work to diversify our economy. Your Board overwhelmingly rated economic diversity and economic development as its number one concern. And all of this combined is why we will continue to work and build this world-class community one business at a time. I hope your holidays were fantastic! With wishes for continued success and a great 2013,
Shane A. Moody, CCE, FCCP President and CEO January 2013 Network Newsletter
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FWB Medical Center Names New CEO Fort Walton Beach Medical Center’s new chief executive officer is Mitch Mongell, FACHE. Mongell brings more than 30 years of hospital administration experience to the role, having served as CEO at Colleton Medical Center in Walterboro, S.C., for the past five years. His prior experience includes serving in administrative roles in several Florida-based hospitals, including chief operating officer at Atlantic Medical Center in Ormond Beach, Lawnwood Regional Medical Center in Fort Pierce, and Memorial Hospital Jacksonville, as well as CEO at Specialty Hospital in Jacksonville.
SimpleHR Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary SimpleHR marked a major milestone on Dec. 11, when the company celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Headquartered in Destin, SimpleHR provides human resource outsourcing and manages employee relations for more than 300 clients across six states.
Foundation Helps Children in Crisis
(CIC) to help sustain operations of the Children’s Neighborhood. Chris Sehman (left), president of the foundation, presented the donation to CIC’s president and CEO Ken Hair, during the October Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce First Friday Coffee.
Legendary Marine Wins Coveted Award Legendary Marine was named “Dealer of the Year” by Boating Industry Magazine as part of its annual TOP 100 awards program held in Orlando, Fla., on Nov. 14. The Dealer of the Year award is the most prestigious and most highly coveted recognition in North America for marine retailers and is presented annually to only one dealer at an exclusive gathering of the marine industry elite.
Okaloosa Gas Donates $11K to United Way
Jose Lozano , CEO of Okaloosa Gas, and some Okaloosa Gas employees presented a check of more than $11,000 to Jack Azzaretto, the chairman of the board for the United Way of Okaloosa & Walton Counties. The money was raised through employees’ participation in the annual United Way campaign.
Realtors® in Westford, Mass., since 1998. She earned the Realtor® Certified Executive (RCE) designation, as well as the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Professional Standards Administrator certification and the NAR certificate in Administration for Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) program.
Car Show Benefits Children in Crisis
The Grand and Exotic Car Show and Rally, held at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin, raised $800 to benefit Children in Crisis, Inc. (CIC). Seen here, CIC president and CEO Ken Hair and CIC volunteer and events director Natalie Rodriguez accept a check from event coordinator and editor-in-chief of Motorfest Magazine Frank Berte (center). Additionally, Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant hosted a “VIP” dinner to kick off the event.
Faith Appreciation Day Brings Happy Tears
ECAR Selects New CEO
The Emerald Coast Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to Children in Crisis, Inc., Page 4
The Emerald Coast Association of Realtors® (ECAR) selected Anne C. Rendle as its new chief executive officer. Rendle has served as CEO for the Northeast Association of
On Friday, Oct. 19, the Children’s Neighborhood at Children in Crisis, Inc., (CIC) held its 4th Annual Faith Appreciation Day. Members
of local churches experienced the life of a child in the CIC program, by sharing a meal in a family foster home, selecting a “chore” from the chore jar, and participating in a concert with local music ministers. A family of four former foster children, with their adopted parents Tami and Jeff Ehlers (photo above), sang several songs.
Boat Parade Winners Announced The Destin History and Fishing Museum hosted the 26th Annual Holiday on the Harbor Destin Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 9, and 25 boats participated. Winners were as follows: Folly II in the Private 30 foot and under category; Team Galati in the Private 31 foot and over category; Honoring the Primrose in the Charter/Commercial 30 foot and under category; Swoop II in the Charter/Commercial 31 foot and over category; Emerald Grande Shuttle in the Tour Boat/Motorized category; Miami Merger in the Sailboat 30 foot and under; Daniel Webster Clements in the Sailboat 31 foot and over; Power Packer as the Overall Best Entry; and Daniel Webster Clements as the City of Destin Award.
Cutler Named General Manager of Year Dustin Cutler, ARAMARK general manager at the Emerald Coast Convention Center, was named General Manager of the Year at the most recent ARAMARK National Conference held in Las Vegas, Nev. Cutler was selected as the top General Manager among four nominees, with more than 200 General Managers within the ARAMKARK www.DestinChamber.com
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Sports and Entertainment Division. This prestigious award is given to the GM who has shown the best safety and operational excellence throughout the year.
November’s Top Producers
ERA Opens 6th Location ERA American Realty of NW Florida, Inc., opened its sixth location serving the tri-county area of Walton, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties. It is located in Grayton Corners on Scenic Highway 30A. New agents include Mary Rosenheim and Sharlyn Thomas to the South Walton/Destin Team and its newest Destin agent is Hana Hawkins.
more than 35 years and served as the first female president of a large regional bank in the Florida Panhandle. In 2007, she formed Carlan Consulting LLC, a leadership development company.
Angels “Give A Birthday” to Children in Crisis
Fisher House Wins Festival of Trees John Paulsen
Wanda Duke
Suzanne Sweatt
Randy Morris
Crye-Leike Coastal Realty announced the Top Producer in Closed Sales for the month Elke Tremmel Redmond of November was the John Paulsen Group, and the Top Listing Agent was the Wanda Duke Team. John Paulsen and Suzanne Sweatt formed the John Paulsen Group in 2005. Both hold professional memberships in Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, Florida Association of Realtors, and National Association of Realtors. The Wanda Duke Team is made up of Wanda Duke, Randy Morris, and Elke Tremmel-Redmond. Duke is a partner in Crye-Leike Coastal Realty, which is a franchise of Crye-Leike Realtors, Inc.
January 2013 Network Newsletter
Fisher House on the Emerald Coast won its second consecutive “Best of Show” award at the 2012 Festival of Trees in Grand Boulevard. The award came with a $2,000 check. Second place, also for the second year in a row, was Shelter House, with an elaborate display about its mission to stop domestic abuse and help survivors. The second place award came with a $1,000 check.
For his 7th birthday last year, Landon Baugh asked family and friends to donate money to help “give a birthday” to other children who have never had the joy of celebrating their own birthday with a party. Ten more children have followed his lead and these parties have raised
more than $1,000 for the birthday boys and girls of Children in Crisis, Inc. (CIC). Baugh is seen here giving the proceeds of his 8th birthday party to CIC president and CEO Ken Hair.
Zampieri is Employee of Quarter SimpleHR announced its Employee of the Quarter is staffing coordinator Tessa Zampieri, who has handled all recruiting needs for SimpleHIRE’s clients since April 2010.
Continued on page 12
Sacred Heart Foundation Selects Carlan Carol Carlan, a successful Pensacola business executive and long-time community leader, has been selected as the next president of the Sacred Heart Foundation. Carlan worked in the financial services industry for Page 5
Thank you to SimpleHR for hosting our Nov.13 Leaders In Business Lunch and Veteran’s Day Celebration! Col. Gwyn Armfield (seen in the photo below), commander of the 24th Special Operations Wing, shared personal and inspiring stories from the 24th SOW. SimpleHR is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) headquartered in Destin. A PEO provides cost-effective human resource outsourcing and manages employee risks for client businesses. SimpleHR delivers comprehensive human resource solutions and administrative relief for busy business owners who wish to spend more time on their core business and less time on employer obligations. SimpleHR provides human resources, benefits, payroll administration, workers’ compensation, safety consultation, talent acquisition, payroll taxes, and corporate filings for its clients, always keeping in mind its mission to maintain the highest standards in all it does SimpleHR takes away your stress and risk and gives back your time and peace of mind! For more information, please call (850) 650-9935 or visit www.simplehr.com.
Thank You for the Door Prizes! • Alliance Association Management Co. Inc. • Coastal Reflections
• Life’s A Beach • Miller’s Ale House
• Eglin Federal Credit Union
• Monograms By Me And Mom, Inc.
• Emerald Coast Chiropractic
• SimpleHR / SimpleHIRE
• End Zone Apparel
Thank you to the Aegean Restaurant in Miramar Beach for hosting our Nov. 15 Business After Hours. The Aegean Restaurant is a family owned friendly neighborhood Greek restaurant located in the heart of Shalimar and by the shore in Miramar Beach. Its menus offer a variety of authentic Greek and American dishes to please any palate. Come and experience the food and hospitality of the Aegean Restaurant and let yourself be transported to the sunny lands of Greece. Call (850) 460-2728 or visit www.aegeanfl.com for more information.
Thank You for the Door Prizes! • Aegean Restaurant
• Destin Land & Title, Inc.
• Aqua Medical Spa
• Popcorn Jungle
November Ribbon Cuttings
Apricot Lane Boutique
Destin Guns Inc.
Destin Snowbirds Inc.
Debra and Jerry Johnson 4339 Legendary Dr. (D112) Destin, FL 32541 (850) 424-3915 www.apricotlanedestin.com Women’s Clothing
Kurtis Kinsey 981 U.S. Hwy. 98 E. Ste. 2 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 502-6105 Guns & Ammo
Timbra Millar Destin Community Center 101 Stahlman Ave. Destin, FL 32541 www.destinsnowbirds.org Non-Profits
Fat Clemenza’s Brick Oven Pizzeria
Melissa Forte, ACN Independent Business Owner
Pepito’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
Joy Robison 12273 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste. 101 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 650-5980 www.fatclemenzas.com Restaurants – Italian
Melissa Forte 1015 Pineview Blvd. Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547 (850) 496-7444 www.melissaforte.acndirect.com Telecommunications
Eliseo Gutierrez 757 Harbor Blvd. #100 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 650-7734 www.mypepitos.com Restaurants – Mexican
Risa’s Interiors
Sew What!
Skinny’s Nutrition Destin, LLC
Risa Priestley 13370 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Miramar Beach, FL 3255 (850) 654-7472 www.risasinteriors.com Furniture & Accessories
Nancy Skinner 127 Harbor Blvd. 6B Destin, FL 32541 (850) 460-4232 www.sewwhatdestin.com Embroidery
John H. Wambough, Jr. 981 U.S. Hwy. 98 E. Ste. 4 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 650-5522 www.skinnysnutritiondestin.com Nutrition Clubs
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www.DestinChamber.com
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January 1 New Year’s Day Brunch
January 18 Cooking Class
January 6, 13, 20, & 27 Winter Guests Concert Series
January 19 The Century of Women Traveling Exhibit
January 27 Night of Methodist Singing
Location: Mattie Kelly Arts Center www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
Location: Mattie Kelly Arts Center www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
January 25 Sinfonia, Siblius, and the 7th (of Beethoven)
January 30 Tony-Award Winning Production of HAIR
Location: Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa www.sandestinbeachhilton.com
Location: HarborWalk Village www.harborwalkdestin.com
January 10, 17, & 24 Be a Guest Chef
Location: Fisher House of the Emerald Coast www.fisherhouseemeraldcoast.org
January 10 Jerry Seinfeld Performing
Location: Mattie Kelly Arts Center www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
January 12 The New York Tenors Performing
Benefiting Shelter House Location: Carrabba’s Italian Grill www.shelterhousenwfl.org
Location: Destin Worship Center www.sinfoniagulfcoast.org
January 26 3rd Annual Destin’s Bayou, Bay & Back 5K Run/Walk, 10K & Half Marathon
Location: Mattie Kelly Arts Center www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
Location: Clement Taylor Park in Destin www.destinchamber.com
January 13 Wine & Hors ‘doeuvres Reception
January 26 Destin History & Fishing Museum Annual Gumbo Contest
Benefitting the Okaloosa Arts Alliance Location: The Magnolia Grill www.okaloosaarts.org
Location: Destin Community Center www.destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org
Oder Named 2012 Retired Military Person of the Year
Location: Mattie Kelly Arts Center www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
To submit your events, please log into the Members Only section of our website at www.DestinChamber.com or email your event information to mail@DestinChamber. com. For your login information, please call (850) 837-6241. To ensure your event is included, please submit it by the first of the month prior to the month when the event will be held.
Chamber Donates $300 to Destin Schools
To honor a local veteran active in the Destin community, the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Council (MAC) created the Destin Area Retired Military Person of the Year Award. During the Chamber’s Nov. 13 lunch, Joe Oder, former president of the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast board of directors, was named the 2012 winner.
During the Chamber’s Nov. 13 lunch, Chairman Bill Lindsley presented checks, totaling $300, to Destin Elementary School principal Marti Gardner and Destin Middle School principal Dr. Diane Kelley. The money was raised during the Chamber’s $100K Shoot Out for Education, held in conjunction with its Oct. 17 Golf & Dine Networking Tournament.
“During these times of multiple deployments, family separations, and caring for so many military returning from war with injuries both internally and externally, it is critical that we as a community give them the utmost in support,” said Oder. “I will continue to support the Fisher House as my primary charitable activity. I have seen the benefits provided to our military families in need and want to insure we don’t lose that capability.”
The $100K Shoot Out final shot was a 170-yard drive toward the 18th hole on the Emerald Bay Golf Course. Four golfers, including Jim Wood, Terry Clements, Chase Hurt, and Eric Sass, qualified for the final shot by being the closest to a set marker on Emerald Bay’s driving range, during a set qualifying period. Unfortunately, none of the four finalists made the final shot, and the $100K was not awarded..
As part of the award presentation, Helen Rigdon of Rep. Jeff Miller’s Office delivered a letter from the Congressman recognizing Oder’s achievements. January 2013 Network Newsletter
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Bayside Surveying Company, Inc.
Galati Yacht Sales
Pizza Hut
Breitenfeld Development Services, LLC
Good Time Tours
Precious Ones Nanny Care (Bonded, Insured, Degreed & Certified)
Scott Rosenheim (850) 835-2950
Jim Breitenfeld (850) 598-1197
Joseph Galati (850) 654-1575 Vicki Stevison (850) 476-0046
Capt. Dave’s On The Gulf
Gulf Coast Podiatry Foot & Ankle Surgery Center
Carter Beach Properties
Gulfarium
Jane Marler Vayda (850) 837-2627 Craig Carter (850) 269-1275
Chick-fil-A
Morris Loveland (850) 654-5534
Clearview Rentals
Sean Hodson (850) 622-1607 Patrick Berry (850) 243-9046
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Gary Brielmayer - General Manager (850) 267-9500
John Foy (850) 837-9493
Islander Condominium
Coastal Bank and Trust
(850) 837-1000
Jennifer Lovell (850) 650-5011
Designer Consigners Sharon Griffith (850) 654-7227
Destin Holiday Beach Resort Rick Henderson (850) 837-6112
Destin Snowbirds Inc. Timbra Millar (850) 424-3817
Destin Woman’s Club Maggie Grogan (850) 267-2975
Dewey Destin’s Harborside Kevin Lephart (850) 837-7525
Dr. Dennis Lichorwic, DMD, PA Tammy Barber (850) 654-8665
ERA American Realty Of NW Florida, Inc. Mia Ford (850) 837-2181
Fantasea Scooter Rentals Steve/Donna Fontana (850) 654-7772
First City Bank Vicki Chance (850) 244-5151 Page 10
Stephen Parrish
Jenny Craig
Glen and Jean Wiggins (850) 654-5366
Jetty East
Terry Remol (850) 837-2141
Legacy Boating Club Fletcher Shackelford (850) 337-8388
Libertarian Party of Okaloosa County (LPOC) Sky Monteith (850) 582-8077
Micro Systems, Inc. A Kratos Company Wayne Armstrong (850) 244-2332
Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc. Jeanne Dailey (850) 837-1071
Northwest Florida State College Julie Cotton (850) 729-5212
Okaloosa Regional Home Health Services Debra Roberts (850) 682-9244
Sherry Wolkow (850) 269-2555
Emily Carvallo (850) 376-7704
Regions Bank - Main Jason Wilbur (850) 833-8422
Resorts Realty Group, Inc. Debra Williams (850) 837-3521
Sugar Beach Interiors, Inc. Karen Waterfield (850) 837-5157
Today’s Fashion Boutiques Jim & Kim Dettle (850) 837-5565
Troy University Fort Walton Beach Site Director (850) 301-2146
Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel Kevin Bowyer (850) 837-0398
Wendy’s/Wendco Corp. Roger Webb (850) 837-9199
Westwood Retirement Resort Billie Chappell (850) 863-5174
William (Bill) Head (850) 496-3430
Want to join the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce? Please contact Chamber Membership Consultant Sarah Sholtis at (850) 837-2711 x3 or
sarah@DestinChamber.com. www.DestinChamber.com
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The Beachcomber
N.U.W. Graphics, LLC
Scott Social PR, LLC
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc.
Olive Oil Balsamic Tastings, LLC
The Spine Institute on the Emerald Coast
Propane Media, LLC
To see all of our new members from the last 60 days, please visit the Business Directory on www.DestinChamber.com and click on the list of new members.
Chris Manson PO Box 5707 Destin, FL 32540-5707 (850) 650-9940 www.beachcomberdestin.com Category: Publications Mary Ann Troiano 1096 Scenic Gulf Dr. Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 865-6111 www.mtroiano.nwfloridabeachproperties. com Category: Real Estate
Emerald Coast Jewelers and Loan Dany Robertson 14071-F Emerald Coast Pkwy. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 650-7998 www.emeraldcoastjewelersandloan.com Category: Jewelers
Granger, Thagard & Associates, Inc. G.W. Thagard 1806 Oxmoor Dr. Birmingham, AL 32509 (205) 326-0833 www.gtauctions.com Category: Real Estate Auction Marketing
Amy Kirkland 200 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 333-3097 www.nuwgraphics.com Category: Sporting Goods
Gina Seton 34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy. #187 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 460-2210 www.oliveoilexcellence.com Category: Retail Specialty Michael Morris Niceville, FL 32578 (850) 483-1337 www.propanemedia.com Category: Advertising
Royal Limousine
Wayne Burnette 170 Baywinds Dr. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 803-5466 Category: Limousine Service
DLT - Destin Land & Title, Inc.
courier services, and free educational classes taught by attorneys,” explained Mary Lurk, sales and marketing. Lurk is picture in the photo on the left with licensed title agent Darlene Barrett (center) and closing officer Marilyn Fletcher (right).
“We offer project coordination and management, in house legal support, remote closings at no additional cost, complimentary January 2013 Network Newsletter
Lori Poelstra 155 Crystal Beach Dr. #200 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 460-2350 Category: Physicians
NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE COSTA LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE JANUARY SCHEDULE
January 18 Microsoft PowerPoint 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
January 18 Board Effectiveness Training 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Member Spotlight
This month’s Member in the Spotlight is DLT – Destin Land & Title, Inc., a full service title company for all real estate closings. It offers title insurance, closings, escrow, and notary services. DLT has been assisting real estate purchasers, developers, and sellers in Northwest Florida since 1999.
Nicole Scott PO Box 9181 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 978-0154 www.scottsocialpr.com Category: Public Relations
“We also immerse ourselves in the community by contributing funds and volunteering our time to various charities, schools and community projects,” said Lurk.
January 24 Team Building for the Health Care Provider 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
January 29 Leadership Development… From the Inside Out 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
January 31 Sales
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.
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER JANUARY WORKSHOPS
For more information, call (850) 654-4358, visit the office at 4475 Legendary Drive in Destin, or visit www.destinlandandtitle.com.
January 11 Starting a Business
Attend our Jan. 8 Leaders In Business Lunch at Destin United Methodist Church for your chance to win this spotlight.
To register or for information, please contact UWF’s Small Business Development Center at (850) 833-9400 or www.sbdc.uwf.edu.
UWF/NWFSC Campus – Fort Walton Beach 1 – 4 p.m.
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Business Briefs (continued from page 5) Holden is Employee of the Year SimpleHR announced its Employee of the Year is director of first impressions Micaela Holden, who has assisted clients and employees since January 2011.
to educate Realtors on how best to work with military service members for their housing needs. The Emerald Coast Association of Realtors® (ECAR) is the first Realtor Association in the panhandle to offer this course.
to feed the children. Seen here, lead pastor Shaun Ellis presents a check to CIC president and CEO Ken Hair. Included in photo are Ashley Harkins, Lynnlee Stanford, and Chris Allen.
Church Donates Time, Goods, and Money to Children in Crisis
The City of Destin awarded human resource coordinator Karen Jankowski the 2012 Employee of the Year Award and city clerk Rey Bailey the 2012 Leader of the Year Award. The two awards are the city’s top staff honors. The Destin City Council recognized Jankowski and Bailey at the Dec. 17 council meeting, and Helen Rigdon from Rep. Jeff Miller’s office also presented the two with Community Service Awards on behalf of the Congressman.
Mayor Appointed to Governor’s Commission City of Destin Mayor Sam Seevers has been appointed by Gov. Rick Scott to the Governor’s Commission on Community Service, also known as Volunteer Florida. The commission’s focus is to develop, promote, and implement volunteerism and service throughout the state.
Realtors Receive Military Specialist Training More than a dozen Realtors have completed their training towards the Florida Military Specialist Certification designed
The Beachside Community Church participated in the BE RICH campaign and presented a check to Children in Crisis, Inc., (CIC) for $9, 500. More than 100 church members have made a monetary donation, volunteered to cook hot meals, and cleaned up the homes and the grounds at CIC. Also, the church donated more than 2, 000 pounds of food
City Names Employee and Leader of Year
Shelter House Luminaria Run Results Released Shelter House presented its 2nd Annual Luminaria Run to End Domestic Violence in December at Sandestin Golf
and Beach Resort. More than 400 ran the course, which was illuminated by more than 2,000 luminarias. It raised more than $13,000. The fastest male in the 9k race was Chris Knerl with a time of 38:20:00. The top female on the 9k course was Cynthia Blendermann, clocking in at 40:44:00. The 5k was led by Justin Bronder, who came in at 25:50:00. The fastest female in the 5k was Karen Emmanuel, finishing the run in 27:09:00.
Boulevard 10 Cinema Opening Scheduled Construction of Carmike’s Boulevard 10 Cinema is on schedule for a Spring Break 2013 grand opening. This is Walton County’s first movie theatre and is a state-of-the-art 10 screen movie theatre that will seat a total of 1,800 people. Please send your news releases to Elizabeth Spies at espies@ DestinChamber.com to see your company highlights featured here.
www.DestinChamber.com Page 12
www.DestinChamber.com
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DESTIN BUSINESS FORUM In partnership with Cox Communications, the Chamber’s monthly TV program will host the following organizations in January 2013: - City of Destin - Dr. Dennis Lichorwic, DMD, PA - Jenny Craig 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, P.A.
January 2013 Network Newsletter
Thank you to Cox Communications for its support of this program.
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Destin Area Chamber of Commerce 4484 Legendary Drive, Suite A Destin, FL 32541 Return Service Requested
• • • • • • • • • •
Thank you to host Poppy’s Time Out Sports Bar & Grill and to those donating door prizes! Apricot Lane Boutique • Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q Chartwell Hospitality • Party Boats: Destin Princess and Destiny Destin Business Brokers • Popcorn Jungle Destin Charter Service • Rockstar Marketing Destin Commons • Revive Media Services Destin Pools • Think Loves to Print Emerald Bay Golf Club Emerald Coast Rehabilitation • Today’s Fashion Boutique • Trove, Inc. Harbor Docks Harry and David
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID DESTIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE