July 2013
First Lunch “Mini-Expo” is a Sell Out Our June 11 Leaders In Business Lunch
In the light of the event’s success, booth
& Non-Profit Appreciation Expo was a sell
registration is now open for BusinessPalooza!,
out! In total, 20 non-profit organizations
our Sept. 10 Leaders In Business Lunch and
exhibited, and more than 150 people
Mini-Business Expo. Only 20 booths are
attended the event.
available, and the event will take place at Destin United Methodist Church. Those
A special thank you to our non-profit
who have already secured booths include
participants, including Air Force Enlisted
Chartwell Hospitality, Cumulus Broadcasting,
Village, American Cancer Society/Making
Eglin Federal Credit Union, The Mosquito
Strides Against Breast Cancer, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, Children in Crisis, Feline Friends of Destin, First Baptist Church, Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, Hope Medical Clinic, Horizons, Junior League of
Authority, Narconon Gulf Coast, Inc., SETCO SERVICES, LLC, SimpleHR/SimpleHire, Southern Bullion, Coin & Jewelry, and Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. The remaining booths will not last long. To
the Emerald Coast, Kiwanis Club of Destin, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, North Gulf
reserve your company’s booth, please call
Coast Chapter of Community Associations,
Suzy Nicholson Hunt at (850) 837-2711 x2 or
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Opportunity
suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com.
Inc. - Okaloosa Walton Homeless Continuum of Care, Shelter House, Inc., Sinfonia Gulf Coast, Taylor Haugen Foundation, and the United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties.
Also, mark your calendars for the year’s final “mini-expo,” our Nov. 12 Shop & Dine. Enjoy lunchtime networking and holiday shopping at one fantastic event.
Check out page 8 for local business coupons!
Reserve Your Space in Destin’s Exclusive Vacation, Relocation, & Business Guide Whether your target market is local businesses and residents or those who visit us on an annual basis, the Chamber’s Destin Area Visitor’s Guide & Membership Directory is a great value for your advertising dollars. As the only advertising publication of the Destin Area Chamber, 17,000 copies are printed and distributed each year to members, visitors, and residents. It is your number 1 choice for business directory advertising. For details, please give us a call at (850) 837-6241.
Find more information and register for upcoming events at www.DestinChamber.com.
Want to see your company highlighted here? Contact Suzy Nicholson Hunt at (850) 837-2711 x2 or suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com or Jen Skillman at (850) 837-2711 x3 or jskillman@DestinChamber.com.
Annexation or Secession: Do You Have an Opinion? There’s been a lot of talk lately about annexation. It’s a controversial issue, to be sure, but it’s a discussion that needs to take place. Residents and businesses inside the city limits like the idea because it expands the tax base, generating more money for infrastructure improvements and city services. Destin is unique in the way its city limits are drawn, and there are roads and “pieces of land” that are surrounded by city limits that aren’t in the city limits. For example, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Publix, and Destin Commons are not in the city limits. Neither are Kelly Plantation, Regatta Bay, Emerald Lakes, nor the Okaloosa part of Emerald Bay. These residents and businesses put stress on Destin’s infrastructure daily, but don’t pay city taxes for the upkeep on that same city infrastructure. Residents and businesses outside the city limits are opposed to annexation because they see increased taxes. They also ask what they will receive for the annexation and the taxes they would then pay to the city. I’ve always said it’s not about what you gain when you annex, it’s about what the city can give after you annex – first the money, then the benefits. Again, it’s an issue with two very distinct sides to it, and an issue that needs to be discussed.
4484 Legendary Drive, Suite A Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-6241 • (850) 654-5612 fax www.DestinChamber.com mail@DestinChamber.com Building a World-Class Community One Business at a Time
Executive Committee Mary Anne Windes, Chairman of the Board
Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc. Destin Fishing Fleet Marina
Amy Perry, Chair-Elect Pleat, Perry & Ritchie, P.A. Bill Lindsley, Immediate Past Chairman SimpleHR
Shaun Eubanks, Treasurer Julie Cotton, Vice Chairman/ Communications & Marketing Northwest Florida State College Karen McCarthy, Vice Chairman/ Community & Economic Development Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union Ken Wampler, Vice Chairman/Membership Development Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc.
As this topic rises to the surface more and more, especially recently, another topic that rises is just as interesting. What if Destin seceded from Okaloosa County? Or what if everything south of the Intercoastal Waterway that’s east of the Destin Bridge all the way to the Walton County line seceded and formed its own county? There have even been those who have said to bring in everything out to 30A, if they want to be included.
Jami Jones, Vice Chairman/Harbor Association
This would probably become one of the wealthiest counties per capita in the state of Florida. Destin generates well more than a majority of the tax revenue in Okaloosa County. If you were to bring in the parts of Destin that aren’t Destin (listed above), how more does Destin actually contribute?
Hayward Dykes, Conerly, Bowman & Dykes, LLP
It’s been an interesting debate among those having the discussions. No one is really sure how to move forward with creating a new county, so you can see it’s just been discussions.
Andi Mahoney, White-Wilson Medical Center
The Destin Area Chamber of Commerce does not have an official position on this, so this is just a ramble on my part. But again, the discussions have been so intriguing I think it’s worth mentioning. Who knows what will happen in the future. Annexation? A new Destin County? Which would be easier? Those answers are the ones that need to be found. Pay attention and listen out there. You may find yourself in one of these very discussions.
Jonathan Ochs, Trustmark National Bank
Thanks for all you do in our community. Remember to buy local. Remember to support the local economy. Take care of our visitors. Enjoy yourselves. After all, that’s what makes Destin a world-class community that gets better and stronger one business at a time. With wishes for continued success, and until next month,
Destin Charter Service
Mike Freeman, Most Immediate Past Chairman/Ex-officio Acentria, Inc.
Directors Steve Jay, Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel Rebecca Jones, Fort Walton Beach 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 Kim Wintner, Alliance Association Management Co. Inc. Management Team Shane A. Moody, CCE, FCCP, President and CEO
ceo@DestinChamber.com
Shane A. Moody, CCE, FCCP President and CEO
Advertising our World-Class Community In our mission to support Destin as a world-class community, our Welcome Center recorded the following numbers in May 2013: Phone Calls/Emails — 717 Incoming Mail — 194 Relocation Packages - 6 Lobby/Welcome Center Visitors — 295 Directories Mailed — 286
Elizabeth Spies, Vice President of Communications espies@DestinChamber.com
Suzy Nicholson Hunt, Events Coordinator suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com Jen Skillman, Membership Consultant jskillman@DestinChamber.com
Ashley Johnston, Information Specialist mail@DestinChamber.com
THE CHAMBER MONTH AHEAD Join us for our Leaders In Business Lunch at Destin Middle School from 11:30 a.m. - 1 pm. All registrations are due by Friday, July 5, at 3 p.m., for a chance to win free advertising in this publication and on DestinChamber.com. JULY
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JULY
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The Board of Directors Meeting will be held in the Chamber conference room at 11:30 a.m.
Our Business After Hours sponsored by TerraMar Apartment Homes will be held at 93 Dune Lakes Circle in Santa Rosa Beach. Event hours are 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Please do not forget to bring your business card for networking and our door prizes. No charge for members. JULY
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Join us for our first Tailgate Kickoff Party & Celebrity Board Waiter Lunch at Bonefish Grill from 11:30 a.m. - 1 pm. All registrations are due by Friday, Aug. 9, at 3 p.m. AUGUST
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The second Paddle at the Porch will take place in the beautiful emerald green waters behind The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster Hourse at 10 a.m. Find full details and registration information at PaddleAtThePorch.com. AUGUST
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The Destin Area Chamber of Commerce is Bringing It! Happy Fourth of July! It’s already crazy this year - crazy, wonderfully busy! If you can stand some additional business, come talk to Jen about some inexpensive opportunities only available to members. One of the things that I love about organizations, like the Chamber, is the opportunity to influence changes to enrich our community. So far this year, the Chamber has already made a positive difference right here in Destin. Chamber decisions are made by the elected 22 members who serve on the Board of Directors. Now, I can’t brag enough about the quality of the people who comprise our Board of Directors. Suffice it to say, they’re the best! If you know anything about Shane Moody, you know his ability to assemble the right people for the right job...as he’s done with the incredible Chamber staff. When significant problems arise that affect the quality of business or the quality of life in our area, the Chamber Board first decides whether or not the Chamber should get involved...because the power of the Chamber is to NOT get involved in everything. But, if the Executive Committee deems that the answer is yes, then healthy discussion comes from the Board of Directors, a solution/decision is reached, and a Resolution is written and presented to the “powers that be.” So far this year, the Chamber has “won” every issue that it has engaged. If the Chamber wins, the fine business people and citizens win, too. For example, we spoke to the City of Destin about beefing up its enforcement because, frankly, there were a few areas where the city had looked the other way for too long. We weren’t looking for picky, we were looking for practical, and that was made clear to the city, who enthusiastically incorporated our vision into its strategic planning. Not everyone agrees. The Daily News has repeatedly bashed our suggestion and still hasn’t, in my humble opinion, managed a firm grasp of the obvious. They disagree with us about making Destin better for locals and tourists alike, but, fortunately, the city and the Chamber make great partners and are on the same page. Another Resolution was passed to support the need for a trauma center in Okaloosa County. When our population in Destin shoots from 12,000 to 100,000 in the summer and it rains, our roadways can quickly deteriorate to parking lot status. And with bigger numbers comes additional emergencies. I have a sign posted prominently in my office that says, “Never underestimate the power of stupid people in a large group.” If you think about it, you’ll see the humorous truth in it. Well, when Miller Time and playtime coincide or when people overestimate their own abilities, timing for emergency treatment can mean the difference between life and death. Trauma centers are located in Panama City and Pensacola, and, because of their “close” proximity, a trauma center has not been allowed in Okaloosa County. Although this seems like an obvious one, I can tell you that this wasn’t a unanimous vote at the Chamber, and there are rational arguments against it. The Destin Area Chamber supported this issue in 2010 and again in 2013, and, this time, we’ve prevailed. The way has been paved so now we see who develops our trauma center and where - I hope it’s in Destin! When the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority was threatened with regionalization, the Chamber supported keeping the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority as a separate and local entity. The MBBA is comprised of five members of Okaloosa County, who are appointed by the Governor. It runs under the artful direction of Jim Vest. Its actions are overseen by one of the Chamber’s past chairmen and one of the smartest legal minds in Destin, the always impressive Mary Kraemer The MBBA is building reserves to finance a second span, and it would be a shame to see the money that was created right here in Okaloosa County go elsewhere. This takeover has been defeated twice now - hopefully for the last time - but we’ll continue to monitor the situation. If fun is what you seek, I look forward to seeing you at the following events: Tuesday, Aug. 13, is our Football Tailgate & Celebrity Board Waiter Lunch at Bonefish Grill from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Sept. 10 is our BusinessPalooza!, a mini expo luncheon for businesses at DUMC; and our BIG event of the summer is the 2nd Paddle at the Porch on Aug. 17, at the Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House. Thanks for allowing me to serve you as Chairman. It’s an honor and a privilege...and so much fun!
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
May Ribbon Cuttings
Destin Beach Restoration Project Destin, FL 32541 (850) 651-7105 www.co.okaloosa.fl.us
Harbor Launch Heath Owens Destin Harbor Destin, FL (850) 426-0900 Water Sports
Brannon & Brannon
Janice Porter 975 Mar Walt Dr. Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32549 (850) 863-5297 www.brannoncanhelp.com Attorneys
Harry T’s Lighthouse Dan Empson 46 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 654-4800 www.harryts.com Restaurants - American
Geronimo’s Outpost
Angelika Unzens 960 Hwy. 98 #102 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-2031 www.geronimosoutpost.com Retail Speciality
Marler Parking Lot
Highway 98 and Marler Street Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-4242 www.cityofdestin.com
TerraMar Apartment Homes
Jilenna Parmeley 93 Dune Lakes Circle Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 622-9111 www.terramarwest30a.com Apartments Thank You to Ambassador Paul Woolman, Copy Systems Business Center, Inc., for welcoming new members Blue Crab Water Sports of Destin and Go Destin LLC!
Celebrating Ambassador Successes Congratulations to top Ambassadors for May 2013! 75 points — Bill Head 65 points — Fred Fenn, St. Andrews by the Sea Episcopal Church 65 points — Paul Woolman, Copy Systems Business Center, Inc. 60 points — Trisha Chason, SimpleHR and SimpleHIRE
Hands-On Community Education & Leadership Training in Destin Forward Meet with and ask questions of city, county, and state leaders; tour area developments, parks, and a military installation; enjoy panel discussions of community and business leaders; spend an afternoon cruising the Destin harbor and taking behind-the-scenes tours of Destin landmarks; and make connections with up to 25 other like-minded participants. Designed to provide a hands-on learning experience into the issues facing the Destin community on a day-to-day basis, Destin Forward, the Chamber’s community education and leadership program, is now accepting up to 25 business professionals for the class of 2014. Call (850) 837-6241 for details.
July 2013 Network Newsletter
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Hospitals Receive A for Patient Safety Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and Twin Cities Hospital have been honored with an “A” Hospital Safety ScoreSM by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits. The score was calculated using publicly available data on patient injuries, medical and medication errors, and infections. US hospitals were assigned an A, B, C, D or F for their safety.
Black Dress Party Raises More Than $37,000
White-Wilson Medical Center’s 4th Annual Little Black Dress Party, with its roaring 20s theme, garnered more than 350 men and women in attendance to help promote preventive healthcare and raise money for local charities. Held May 18, the event raised more than $37,000 for Shelter House, Inc., Opportunity Place, the local chapters of The American Cancer Society and The American Heart Association, and the new White-Wilson Community Foundation.
maximize opportunities and exceed revenue goals; managing public relations and advertising initiatives of the resort; and overseeing the performance management, coaching, recruiting, and selection of the sales team. Most recently Ross was vice president and director of sales and marketing for Remington Hotels, based at Hilton Fort Worth, where he was nominated for Sales Leader of the Year 2010, 2011, and 2012.
Hilton Appoints New Marketing Manager Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa appointed Megan Harrison as its new marketing manager. Harrison will oversee all advertising, public relations, and social media marketing. Most recently, she worked as community relations/ public relations coordinator for the Walton County Tourist Development Council, where she managed its social media account deployment, was in charge of Visit South Walton Artist of the Year program, and wrote newsletters and releases.
Page 4
Hilton Receives ‘Award of Excellence’ Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa received the prestigious ‘Award of Excellence’ from Corporate & Incentive Travel magazine. Properties chosen to receive this honor were selected by magazine subscribers who voted for those that best served their corporate meetings and/or incentive travel programs during the past year.
Exchange Club Helps Children in Crisis
OCCSW Honors Local Women
New VP Joins Hilton Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa appointed Richard Ross as its new vice president of sales and marketing. Ross’ responsibilities include shaping and executing all sales and marketing strategies for group and leisure markets; developing new programs to
contributed to the well-being of children, families, and the citizens of our community. This year’s honorees are Michelle Anchors, Mary Burnette (deceased), Mary Florence, Martha Gorecki, Mary Hahn (deceased), Valene Harris, Deborah Hewitt, Agnes V. “Ginger” Maddox, Tammy McDaniel, Louise Meyers, Rachel Morrison, LuAnn Pulliam, Gwendolyn Slife, and Gail Walker. The honorees’ names are placed on a plaque located in the library at the Fort Walton Beach campus of the University of West Florida with a nearby book containing a biographical page for each woman.
On May 7, the Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women (OCCSW) held a ceremony to recognize the 2012 Women’s Wall of Honor. These special women have
The Emerald Coast Exchange Club of Fort Walton Beach continued its support to Children in Crisis, Inc., through a donation to the Children’s Neighborhood. In this photo, Karen Helms, Exchange Club president, presents a $500 donation to Dr. Judy Manning, CIC director of operations, as
other Exchange Club members show their support.
Hilton Receives ‘Gold Tee Award’ Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa received the 2013 Meetings & Conventions Gold Tee Award. Selected by readers of the meeting trade magazine, the annual Gold Tee Award is presented to properties that set themselves apart for outstanding golf facilities for meetings and conventions. This is the ninth time the resort has won this award.
School District Raises Fund for CIC
More than 20 schools from Okaloosa County participated in the annual Change for Children Campaign during the 20122013 year. The schools raised more than $23,000 in change to benefit Children In Crisis, Inc. In this photo, Carla Musgrove, CIC development director, and Ken Hair, CIC president and CEO, present a trophy to the Antioch Elementary faculty and students for raising more than $4,000, which was the most of any school.
Attorney Moniz Recognized Dion J. Moniz, attorney and shareholder with Harrison Sale McCloy, earned the AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, which is Martindale-Hubbell’s highest possible rating for both ethical standards and legal ability. This rating represents the pinnacle www.DestinChamber.com
of professional excellence and is achieved only after an attorney has been reviewed and recommended by his or her peers, members of the bar, and the judiciary.
Red Horse Unit Helps Children
More than 20 volunteers from the Hurlburt Field 823rd Red Horse Unit rolled up their sleeves to form and pour the concrete driveway for a family foster home located in the Children in Crisis Children’s Neighborhood. TSgt Dan Hall coordinated the training days for the work group that worked well into the dark hours for three days to get the job done on time. In this photo, Red Horse volunteers work on the driveway of the CIC Ya Ya’s House family foster home.
asked the team to select another team in need. In total, 25 players were outfitted with the Evoshield specialty shirts.
Sumblin Selected as EDC Committee Chairman The Economic Development Council (EDC) of Okaloosa County announced that Linda Sumblin has been selected as Chairman for its Enterprise Zone Advisory Committee. Sumblin brings a wealth of workforce and management experience to the position. Her career in workforce development began in January 1989, when she joined the Private Industry Council, the predecessor governing board for job training. Having served the Workforce Development Board since 1996, Sumblin was named its executive director in 2011.
Foundation Donates to Children in Crisis
Foundation Protects Two Youth Teams
The Taylor Haugen Foundation, through its Youth Equipment for Sports Safety (YESS) Program, issued safety equipment to two Birmingham, Ala., U13 baseball teams, the SLAM Rebels 13U and the Wenonah Young Dragons 13U. The SLAM Rebels raised $1,500, which was matched by the foundation. This was more than enough to cover costs for one team, and the foundation July 2013 Network Newsletter
The Wells Fargo Foundation presented a donation check to Children in Crisis, Inc. In this photo (left to right), Nick Remarklus and Kyle Teune of Wells Fargo present a check from its foundation for $1,000 to Ken Hair, CIC president and CEO, accompanied by Hunner Smith, Doug White, and Carmen Mette, also from Wells Fargo.
County Maintains Community Rating System Classification The Insurance Services Office, a private risk assessment firm that the Federal Emergency Management Agency uses to
review the effectiveness of local floodplain management programs under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), has informed Okaloosa County it will maintain its Community Rating System (CRS) score of 5. This results in a 25 percent reduction of citizens flood insurance rates.
SETCO Welcomes Team Member & Opens Office
SETCO Services, LLC, announced the addition of a new team member and the opening of a new downtown Pensacola office. The new SETCO office is located at 121 Palafox Place, Suite C. Valerie A. Watson, Esq. will be the executive counsel and closer for the office. Mary Riddle will be her counterpart and is also a closing agent. SETCO also welcomed Sherry Crawford, who is working in order entry and processing in the Destin office.
raised more than $20,000 for Take-A-Kid Fishing Day, which treats underprivileged children to a fun day of fishing on some of Destin’s finest luxury charter boats.
Mayo Joins Blue Marlin Realty Group Blue Marlin Realty Group welcomed realtor Cindy Mayo. With more than 12 years of real estate experience in Birmingham, Ala., Mayo specializes in residential, commercial, and new construction. Mayo, co-owner of Sugar Baby’s Candy & Ice Cream Shop, LLC, has earned more than $13.8 million in sales and has many prestigious awards to her name from the Birmingham Association of Realtors.
Ruth’s Chris Donates $5,000
Cobia Championships Raises $20K
Harbor Docks recently hosted its largest Cobia World Championships tournament to date with 87 boats entered. With more than $66,000 paid out to 14 different boats, the Cobia World Championships, combined with the Crab Cruncher Classic,
Ruth’s Chris Steak House unveiled its new East Bar on Friday, May 10, with an exclusive cocktail party. In just two hours, the event hosted more than 250 guests and raised $5,000 for the Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. Pictured (left to right) are Mike Sable, Ruth’s Chris general manager; Michael J. Thomas, Ruth’s Chris entertainer and sales & marketing directory; Ruston Johnson, Ruth’s Chris executive chef; and Roger Hall, Sacred Heart Hospital president. continued page 12 Page 5
Our June 11 Leaders In Business Lunch & Non-Profit Appreciation Expo was held at Destin United Methodist Church. Please check out more details on the cover, and visit the Chamber’s Facebook or Flickr account for more photos.
Thank You for the Door Prizes! • American Cancer Society • Chartwell Hospitality • DestinWebPages.com • Eglin Federal Credit Union • Emerald Coast Chiropractic • Emerald Coast Convention Center • Gulf Power • Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida • Hope Medical Clinic • Horizons
• Junior League of the Emerald Coast • Kiwanis Club of Destin • Massage Envy Spa Destin • Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation • PML International LegalShield • Regional Self Storage • ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals • SimpleHR/SimpleHIRE • Surroundings on the Harbor & Café • United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties
Thank you to May 23 Business After Hours sponsor BOTE! BOTE stand up paddle boards serve fishermen, surfers, and paddle enthusiasts, alike. Founded in 2009 by Magda and Corey Cooper, BOTE is headquartered in Destin. Visit the local store at 383 Harbor Blvd., visit www.boteboard.com online, or call (850) 460-2250. During the event, BOTE gave away a 14’ paddle board to one lucky attendee. The winner, Wayne Chernicky of Shake’s Frozen Custard, was able to choose his board from any in stock. With the blessing of both Magda and Corey, Wayne sold the board and donated the proceeds to the victims of the Moore, Okla., tornado disaster. Wayne is seen below with Magda (left) and Chamber Chairman Mary Anne Windes.
Thank You for the Door Prizes! • Harry and David • Coastal Reflections • Mary Kay Independent Consultant Team Leader Sheri McDonald
• Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc., Dallas TX, Sondra Pace, Independent Beauty Consultant and Team Leader
• Gulf Coast Office Products
• Sleep Inn
• ERA American Realty
• Miller’s Ale House of Destin
• PT Solutions • Destin Water Users
May 2013 Network Newsletter
• Jester’s Mardi Gras Daiquiris and Pizza
• Gold’s Gym Destin • Shake’s Frozen Custard
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Destin Bike Tours
Emerald Bay Golf Club
$10 off bike tour or paddle board lesson - Not valid with other promotions. - Expires 8/31/2013 127 Calhoun Ave., Destin (850) 499-6553 www.DestinBikeTours.com
Play 18 holes for $45 + tax. Includes green fee, range balls, and GPS. - Not for use between 9 - 11 a.m. - Not valid with other promotions. - Call (850) 837-5197 for tee times. - Expires 12/19/2013 4781 Clubhouse Dr., Destin www.EmeraldBayGolfClub.com
Geronimo’s Outpost
Sassy Lady Apparel
10% off purchase
20% off total purchase
- Not valid with other promotions. - Expires 8/31/2013 960 Hwy. 98 #102, Destin (850) 837-2031 www.GeronimosOutpost.com
- Regular priced merchandise only. - Not valid with other promotions. - Expires 8/31/2013 981 Hwy. 98 E. Ste. 5 (850) 837-1661
Destin Area Chamber of Commerce Receive a one month complimentary Lobby TV ad when purchasing a three month Network ad. - Expires 8/31/2013 4484 Legendary Dr. Ste. A, Destin (850) 837-6241 www.DestinChamber.com
Let us put your coupon into the hands of almost 6,000 locals and visitors. Call (850) 837-6241 for details.
Member Spotlight: SimpleHIRE After 10 years of delivering comprehensive human resource solutions and administrative relief for small to mid-sized business owners, SimpleHR has decided to offer an additional service to its existing and potential clients. SimpleHIRE is a unique, full-service staffing firm designed to assist businesses with their employment needs by providing recruiting services for a wide range of areas, such as administrative, accounting, finance/mortgage, information technology, engineering, professional, technical, and light industrial opportunities. Hiring exceptional talent is key to the success of a business. The recruiting process is time consuming and complex. SimpleHIRE’s staff can quickly find the top performing talent that a business needs. SimpleHIRE provides the expertise of a dedicated Page 8
in interviewing and, most importantly, know your candidate has the skills to make your business successful.
recruiting consultant who knows the business and culture, as well as leading-edge tools to optimize all aspects of the recruiting process. SimpleHIRE views its clients as partners. We take the time to get to know you, your business, and your challenges. So when SimpleHIRE looks for candidates, you know you’ll be getting candidates from a company who is invested in your long-term success, not just filling a position. SimpleHIRE leverages an industry leading best-practice model to dig deeper into each candidate before scheduling interviews. By knowing more about each candidate up front, you save time
SimpleHIRE offers our partners choices for premium talent acquisition, like Temporary Staff: Just in time staffing for your business during peak seasons or critical project ramp up (allowing you to complete projects without adding full time employees); Temporary to Hire: When you don’t want to invest in a full time employee without assessing his or her skills first; and Direct Placement: Using our non-traditional recruiting methods, we work endlessly to find you the right fit for your organization. For more information, please contact Trisha Chason, tchason@mysimplehire.com, or call (850) 714-8015. www.DestinChamber.com
JULY
July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 SummerWILD Children’s Summer Camp
July 4 4th of July Extravaganza on the Harbor
July 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 Pardi Gras Parade
July 6 Ronald McDonald Firecracker 5K
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Location: HarborWalk Village www.HarborWalkDestin.com
12 p.m. Location: HarborWalk Village www.HarborWalkDestin.com
6 p.m. Location: HarborWalk Village www.HarborWalkDestin.com
7:30 a.m. Location: Seville Quarter werunwild.com/events/event/firecracker-5k
July 3 Concerts in the Park: An American Patriotic Tribute by David Seering 7 p.m. Location: Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village www.MattieKellyArtsFoundation.org
July 4 Free Museum Admission
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Location: Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida www.heritage-museum.org
July 4 SunQuest Cruises Dolphin, Sunset & Fireworks Cruise 7 – 9:30 p.m. Location: Baytowne Marina www.sunventurecruises.com
July 4, 11, and 18 Red, White and Blue Celebration 6 p.m. Location: HarborWalk Village www.HarborWalkDestin.com
EVEN
July 6, 13, 20, and 27 Cram the Van
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Location: Destin/Fort Walton Beach www.united-way.org
July 6, 13, 20, and 27 Rock the Docks
7 p.m. Location: HarborWalk Village www.HarborWalkDestin.com
July 10 Wealth & Wisdom Series: Maintaining Your Fiscal and Physical Health 8:30 a.m. Location: Vue on 30A/Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club (850) 650-0990
July 11 Free Edward Jones Workshop: 20/20 Vision – A Case for Equity
12 p.m. Location: Rutherfords 465 at Regatta Bay (850) 650-2616
TS
July 11 Destin Girls Night Out
6 - 8 p.m. Location: Designer Consigners (850) 654-7227
July 12 Your Heritage Ladder
12 p.m. Location: Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida (850) 678-2615
July 17 – 20 and 25 – 27 Les Miserables
7:30 p.m. Location: Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
July 21 – 27 Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp Location: Destin Elementary School www.mattiekellyartsfoundation.org
To submit your events, please log into the Members Only section of DestinChamber. com. or email your event information to mail@DestinChamber.com. For your login information, please call (850) 837-6241.
Look for fun changes to our Leaders In Business Lunch schedule! August 13 Tailgate Kick Off Party & Celebrity Board Waiter Lunch September 10 BusinessPalooza! – A Mini-Business Expo November 12 Holiday Shop & Dine Details are available at www.DestinChamber.com. If you would like more information on the possibility of your company participating, please contact Events Coordinator Suzy Nicholson Hunt at (850) 837-2711 x2 or suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com. July 2013 Network Newsletter
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4 Seasons Nails & Spa Khai Nguyen (850) 654-4100
A & A Properties of Destin, Inc. Bill Abbott (850) 654-4437
Ace Hardware Of South Walton Mike Richardson (850) 654-8848
Adams Homes Millie Carpenter (850) 939-3676
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar Tammy Bailey (850) 267-3055
Crystal Bay Senior Living at the Sandestin Resort
Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical
Destin Business Brokers LLC
The Resorts of Pelican Beach
Destin History & Fishing Museum
Save Our Cats & Kittens (SOCKS)
Destin Luxury Rentals
Adventures Aboard Sea Blaster Destin’s Original
Merry DiSalvo (850) 267-1600 Debra Perkins (850) 269-1047 Jean Melvin (850) 837-6611
Kathryn Maples (850) 837-4191
Destin Water Taxi Jimmy Crawford (850) 499-6679
Best Destin Beach House Rental LLC
Dockside Watersports & Parasailing
Blackwater Canoe Rental
The Donut Hole
Jan Hansen (850) 461-2568 Randy Polk (850) 623-0235
Boogies Watersports Ray Watson (850) 654-7787
Candlewood Suites Boyd Harrison (850) 337-3770
Club Destin Resort Gary Gasper (850) 654-4700
Coastal Accounting of NW Florida, PA Eddie Cowen (850) 654-9235
Coastal Business Products, Inc. Bruce Irvine (850) 863-2515
Coldwell Banker Premier Group Barry Gernstetter Barry Gernstetter (314) 650-8927
Complete Signs Justin Holland (334) 797-1201
Country Inn & Suites Rod Johnson (850) 650-9191
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Brittany Zenz (850) 428-3313 Nicole Ingle (850) 837-8824
Glass Bottom Boat Tina Watson (850) 654-7787
HoneyBaked Ham Company & Cafe Don Bryan (850) 650-2636
Keefe, Anchors & Gordon, P.A. Michelle Anchors (850) 863-1974
Lady Anderson Dining Yacht Suzie Cox (850) 234-5940
Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc., Dallas TX, Sondra Pace, Independent Beauty Consultant and Team Leader Sondra Pace (850) 654-1353
Miracle Strip Aviation Neyra Van Atta (850) 837-6135
Northwest Florida Blood Services Betty Roberts (850) 862-4216
Northwest Florida Regional Airport Mike Stenson (850) 651-7160
Jonathan Green (850) 362-6646 Dan Martin (850) 654-1425
Nancy Shimmer (850) 863-5756
Larry Goodson (850) 654-6888
Shoreline Towers Assoc. Realty Sharon Dillon (850) 269-0796
Sterling Resorts Jayna Leach (850) 563-0463
Dr. L. A. Strickland Taylor Haugen Foundation Kathy Haugen (850) 830-2178
The UPS Store/Miramar Beach Kevin Dooney (850) 837-6011
ValleyCrest Landscaping Maintenance, Inc. Jason Connor (850) 267-9988
The Village Inn Becky Dayaram (850) 837-7413
Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel Kevin Bowyer (850) 837-0398
Wells Printing Company Kevin Bell (334) 281-3449
White Sand Vacation Rentals Trevor Ladner (850) 654-5799
Want to join the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce? Contact Jen Skillman, Membership Consultant, at (850) 837-2711 x3 or jskillman@DestinChamber.com. www.DestinChamber.com
Advanced Dermatology & Skin Care Centre
Gaye Butler 7720 US Hwy. 98 W. Ste. 340 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 502-5989 www.advanceddermclinic.com Skin Care
GM Appliance
Kathie O’Brien 10859 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste. 203 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 650-9092 www.gmappliance.com Kitchen Appliances
Go Destin LLC
Sarah Renzell-Tran 1014 Hwy. 98 E. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 654-6100 Banks
Phil Jackson 2701 Scenic Hwy. 98 #7A Destin, FL 32541 (850) 650-7755 www.go-destin.net Real Estate
Blue Crab Watersports of Destin
GVS Glass & Glazing, LLC
Bank of America - Destin Location
David Ruffel 404 Hwy. 98 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 218-5504 www.bluecrabwatersports.com Water Sports
Bob Ellison 327 Cedar Ave. S. #2 Niceville, FL 32588 (850) 678-7080 www.gvsfl.com Glass & Glazing
Commons Drive Family Medicine, LLC
Holiday Inn Resort Destin West
Cotton Land Title
North Gulf Coast Chapter of Community Associations Institute
Destin Bay House
ResortQuest Real Estate at Crystal Sands
Andre Abelly 4012 Commons Dr. W. Ste. 112 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 650-2600 www.commonsdrivefamilymedicine.com Healthcare Joan Jones 495 Grand Blvd. Ste. 206 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 865-6000 www.cottonlandtitle.com Title Companies Erin Shoults 127 Calhoun Ave. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 259-3490 www.destinbayhouse.com Event Venues
Destin Bike Tours
Erin Shoults 127 Calhoun Ave. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 499-6553 www.destinbiketours.com Charters & Tours
Emerald Coast Title Services, Inc. Ashley Bowen 543 Harbor Blvd. Ste. 103 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 650-0077 www.ectdestin.com Title Companies
July 2013 Network Newsletter
Katie Kehue 1299 Miracle Strip Pkwy. S.E. Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548 www.holidayinnresortdestinwest.com Accommodations-Hotels
Kathy Townsend PO Box 6952 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 www.mycai.org Non-Profits
Carmela Bell 3290 Scenic Hwy. 98 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-3700 resortquestgulfcoast.com/community/ crystal_sands Real Estate
ResortQuest Real Estate at Destin Pointe
Carmela Bell 480 Gulf Shore Dr. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 460-2762 www.wyndhamvacationrentals.comvacation-rentals/florida/northwest/florida/ destination/destin-pointe-resort Real Estate
ResortQuest Real Estate at Harbor Lights
Carmela Bell 211 Durango Rd. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-3700 www.harborlightsdestinflorida.com Real Estate
ResortQuest Real Estate at Leeward Key
Carmela Bell 2936 Scenic Gulf Dr. Miramar Beach, FL 32541 (850) 654-7785 resortquestgulfcoast.com/community/ leeward_key Real Estate
ResortQuest Real Estate at SunDestin
Carmela Bell 1040 U.S. Hwy. 98 E. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-7093 www.resortquestgulfcoast.com/community/ sundestin Real Estate
ResortQuest Real Estate at Waterscape
Carmela Bell 1110 Santa Rosa Blvd. Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548 (850) 226-8701 www.resortquestgulfcoast.com/community/ waterscape Real Estate
Sassy Lady Apparel Donna Pace 981 Hwy. 98 E. Ste. 5 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-1661 Women’s Clothing
Southern Airways Express
Keith Sisson One Commerce Square Ste. 2190 Memphis, TN 38103 (901) 672-7820 www.iflysouthern.com Airlines
VIP Destin LLC
Jeff Watson 80-A Ridgecrest Rd. Jackson, TN 38305 (731) 660-6477 www.vipmag.com Advertising
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Business Briefs (continued from page 5) United Way Selects New President Ken Hinrichs is the new president and CEO of the United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Hinrichs, a 30year United Way employee, has served most recently as interim executive director for the Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families in Baton Rouge, following his service as the interim president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. As a resident of Niceville, he has been involved in with the Okaloosa County Emergency Operations Center and the Institute of Senior Professionals at Northwest Florida State College.
Landrum III is New Executive Vice President Britt Landrum, Jr., president and CEO of Landrum Human Resource Companies, Inc., recently announced the promotion of his son, Britt Landrum, III, to the position of executive vice president of the company. Landrum III has been with the company for more than 20 years and has been a member of the senior leadership team since 2006. He has broad experience with the company, including sales, technology, operations, and management.
Ondrejkova Joins Merrill Lynch Simona Ondrejkova joined the Krueger, Fosdyck & Associates Group in the Merrill Lynch Destin office as a financial advisor. Ondrejkova, Page 12
a resident of Santa Rosa Beach, joined Merrill Lynch in 2012 and received a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University.
RE/MAX Coastal Agents Recognized
Kay Hutcheson
Jane Araguel
RE/MAX Coastal Properties recognized Realtor Kay Hutcheson for Chris Carter achieving Top Sales Award with $2.5 million for April and Jane Araguel and Team and Chris Carter for achieving Top Listing Awards for the month of April. Chris Carter and Karen Martineau were also recognized for achieving the RE/MAX President’s Club Award.
RE/MAX Southern Welcomes Agents
Brenda Mclean
Veronica Garcia
Rebecca Miller
Shannon Williams
Ecuador, where she worked with clients from the United States, France, and Germany. Miller is a lifetime Destin resident, who started her real estate career nine years ago with Sandestin Real Estate as an assistant. Williams grew up in North Florida, and, most recently, she was responsible for growing her family’s small, residential landscaping company into a commercial landscaping business that realized sales of more than $1.5 million per year.
Dale E. Peterson Vacations Launches New Website Dale E. Peterson Vacations announced its newly redesigned website at www.DestinResorts. com. The site includes enhanced search features, professional photos of each unit, Google location mapping, live chats with vacation specialists, and the viewing of a detailed online quote prior to booking.
Southern Announces Three New GMs Southern Vacation Rentals announced three new area general managers. Dawn Robinson and Richard Lamar, long term Southern employees, have been promoted to these new roles, while Jim Meeker has been hired to join the Southern team. Robinson is the new general manager for Fort Walton Beach condo rentals on Okaloosa Island and Destin vacation rentals from downtown Destin through Tops’l Beach & Racquet Resort in Miramar Beach. Lamar will represent Pensacola Beach vacation rentals and Perdido Key condo rentals through Pointe South, a Southern company. Meeker is responsible for Southern’s Panama City Beach vacation rentals and 30A vacation rentals.
To see your company news highlighted here, please send your press releases to VP of Communications Elizabeth Spies at espies@DestinChamber.com.
RE/MAX Southern Realty welcomed four new agents to the team. Brenda Mclean, Veronica Garcia, Rebecca Miller, and Shannon Williams bring more than 40 combined years of experience. Mclean has been in real estate in Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama for more than 10 years. Garcia most recently sold property in www.DestinChamber.com
New Members (continued from page 11) Visiting Angels
Brian Mack 3999 Commons Dr. W. Ste. P Destin, FL 32541 (850) 807-7800 www.visitingangels.com Home Healthcare
Windswept Dunes Golf Club
Eric Farrior 11 Club House Dr. Freeport, FL 32439 (850) 835-1847 www.windsweptdunes.com Golf Courses
DESTIN BUSINESS FORUM In partnership with Cox Communications, the Chamber’s monthly TV program hosts the following in July 2013: - Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union - PML International - LegalShield - Regatta Chiropractic & Laser Center Weekly Schedule on Cox Channel 6 is as follows: - Sundays, at 8:30 p.m. - Mondays, at 7:30 p.m. - Wednesdays, at 9:30 a.m. - Thursdays, at 7:30 p.m. Shows are also available on Cox InDemand and the Chamber’s YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/destinchamber. Contact Suzy Nicholson Hunt at (850) 837-2711 x2 or suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com to have your business featured here. This is a free benefit of Chamber membership!
Host Amy Perry Pleat, Perry & Ritchie, P.A.
July 2013 Network Newsletter
Thank you to Cox Communications for its support of this program.
Page 13
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID DESTIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Destin Area Chamber of Commerce 4484 Legendary Drive, Suite A Destin, FL 32541
2013 Paddle at the Porch Offers $1,500 in Cash Prizes On Aug. 17, the second Paddle at the Porch - The Destin SUP Cup will be held in the beautiful emerald green waters behind one of Destin's most loved restaurants, The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House. The event features one mile and three mile recreational races and a six mile elite race, to be followed by awards (including $1,500 in cash prizes!), food, and fun! Thank you to partners BOTE and The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House, in conjunction with 99 Rock (WKSM), and to purse sponsors Sterling Resorts and Trustmark National Bank, gold sponsor Destin Commons, accommodations sponsors ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals, Southern Vacation Rentals, and Sterling Resorts, and silver sponsor The Destin Center for Cosmetic Dentistry. Prior to Aug. 17, the fee is $60. On race day, the fee is $75. T-shirts are guaranteed to the first 150 to register. Race sponsorships are available. Please contact Suzy Nicholson Hunt at (850) 837-2711 x2 or suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com for details.