INSIDE THIS ISSUE MARCH 2011
Business Briefs Page 6-7
Leaders In Business Lunch Annual Banquet Page 8 Page 9
Bayou, Bay & Back 5K/10K Member Spotlight Page 12 Page 9
VOL. XVIV NO. III
2011 DESTIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MIKE FREEMAN Chairman of the Board Whitney National Bank
From the President’s Desk... The View From Our Office
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 REBECCA JONES Fort Walton Beach Medical Center 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 I’m not sure if it’s just me, but seems we are flying at break-neck speed. I guess there are several ways to look at that. We, in the Chamber office, think it’s all positive. Reports on the economy are very good right now. Rick Harper of the Haas Center at University of West Florida reported that, with the influx of new residents to our area due to BRAC and the nearly 6,000 new seats coming into VPS via Vision Airlines, we could expect to see a 10% bump in our economy. That’s right, 10%. That’s great news for every business in Okaloosa County. How exciting it is to have a discount carrier coming to VPS. Vision Airlines is making it much easier and much more affordable to fly from cities across the southeast to our community. With direct flights to 19 cities, most of which are within our drive-
circle, coming to the beaches of the Destin area has never been easier. And for those of us who live here, it provides us a great opportunity to go some places we’d like to visit. I don’t know about you, but I’m already planning a couple of trips on Vision. It’s especially nice that they fly to Greenville, S.C., my hometown. Of course, that probably means my house will be full of visitors. As we continue to make this the year of opportunity, as our chairman Mike Freeman has said, we’ll continue to monitor and evaluate what we’re doing. You’ll see more changes coming your way as we move through 2011. The first Leaders in Business Lunch was hugely successful and very well attended. We’ll work to bring you more value with more outstanding speakers. Mark your calendars for April 4, the date of the Chamber’s golf tournament. This year, we’ll have a 1:30 shotgun start at Kelly Plantation. As always, it’s sure to be a great day for networking and advertising on a beautiful golf course. Sunset on the Harbor is scheduled for May 13. This year, it will be more than just a couple of hours on the
harbor in the evening. We’re making this an event full of fishing, networking, eating, and enjoying a great family night on the harbor. Stay tuned for the details. A first for the Destin Area Chamber is our inaugural networking trip to San Francisco and wine country. One of the most popular events sweeping chambers across the country is bringing members together, hopping on a plane, and going on a trip together. It builds stronger relationships among our members, resulting in more business being done together. We’ll be heading cross-country on Oct. 10, returning Oct. 14. We’ll tour San Francisco, wine country, Monterrey, and more. I hope you’ll join us. Let us know if you’re interested, and we’ll send you the registration information. I just returned from a couple of days in Tallahassee, attending the Florida Chamber Capitol Days. While there, we heard from many of our elected officials. Gov. Scott is a very strong leader and is very confident in his plans to turn the economy of Florida around, creating jobs, and making this a much friendlier state in which to do business. His message is loud and clear: people want to live
in Florida, we have to make this a place people want to do business. I think we are in for a very intriguing upcoming legislative session. I also spoke with Sen. Gaetz and Rep. Gaetz while I was there. The Senator is working diligently on his Northwest Florida economic recovery legislation. It’s exciting to see so much attention being paid to moving this economy in the right direction. Here’s to building on events like the Vision Airlines announcement. To you our members, please keep up the great work you are doing. The Destin community has always been strong, especially when we work together. Let’s choose to make a difference. Let’s choose to be positive. Let’s continue to buy local and support each other. That’s how we’ll continue to build this world-class community one business at a time. With wishes for continued success, and until next month,
Shane Moody, CCE, IOM President and CEO Destin Area Chamber of Commerce
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:
• Visitors to Welcome Center Lobby – 374 • Visitors’ Guide & Buyer’s Directories Mailed – 411 • Relocation Packages – 10
January 2011 • Phone Calls/E-mails – 883 • Incoming Mail – 203
The Chamber’s website recorded 42,786 unique visitors for January 2011 and 607,839 unique visitors for Feb. 1, 2010 – Jan. 31, 2011.
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 MARCH 2011
A Message from the Chairman of the Board
Mike Freeman Well, as of the annual dinner in Jan., I am officially installed as your 2011 Chairman, and there’s no backing out, according to Chamber CEO Shane Moody. All kidding aside, I truly believe this is the year of opportunity for Destin and northwest Florida, and the good
news is already rolling out. According to Metro Trends, January real estate sales were up significantly over 2010 in both Okaloosa and Walton counties. Local rental management companies are experiencing bookings well ahead of the past two years, which is extremely promising. Vision Airlines is enjoying very solid bookings for its much anticipated and expanded non-stop airline flights, which only bolsters the strong tourist projections for spring and summer. If you haven’t seen the new non-stop destination routes, please visit www.visionairlines.com for a preview. Finally, the influx of approximately 10,000 new residents to the area
The Year of Opportunity is currently happening as a result of the two BRAC directed missions, the US Army’s 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and the Joint Strike Fighter Group (F-35). Let me repeat, that’s 10,000 additional residents, who will eventually visit Destin for its fun and sun. Your Destin Area Chamber has been busy too. We kicked off our very first Leaders in Business Lunch in February at The Palms sponsored by Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, a highly respected Trustee member of the Chamber. Rebecca Jones, with FWB Medical Center, announced the new rehabilitation facility scheduled to open June 1,
at the Destin Urgent Care facility on Airport Road in Destin. Also, during the meeting, we received valuable sales tips and advice from renowned sales consultant Steve Clark. I think everyone left with a little more sales knowledge than when they arrived. We filled in the agenda with a number of small networking opportunities for members to interact and showcase their business or profession. Needless to say, the luncheon was very successful with nearly 150 Chamber members attending. The Palms did a great job with the banquet room and food. I hope you will consider The Palms for your next special event.
Also, the Sports Commission started the year out with a bang by organizing the first Bayou, Bay, and Back 5K/10K Run/Walk. There were almost 300 runners who participated on a day that could easily be described as a chamber of commerce day with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures. By all accounts, it was a huge success and planning has begun for the 2012 2nd annual Bayou, Bay, and Back 5K/10K Run/Walk. The Harbor Committee is hard at work planning its 3rd annual Sunset on the Harbor event scheduled for May. I understand from its organizers the event will expand upon the past to possibly include some
offshore fishing, while incorporating some great networking opportunities for Chamber members. Stay tuned for more details. Finally, be on the lookout for the Chamber’s annual golf tournament scheduled for early April. This is another great networking event for members to show off their golfing skills, while developing and deepening business relationships. As you can see, the opportunities are all around us, and it’s up to us to recognize and capitalize on them, so seize the moment. Mike Freeman 2011 Destin Area Chamber Chairman Whitney National Bank
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Visit www.FWBMC.com or call 850-864-0213 for more information. 2071013
NETWORK MARCH 2011
www.DestinChamber.com
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THE CHAMBER MONTH AHEAD On Thursday, March 3, the Crestview Area, Destin Area, Greater Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville Valparaiso Chambers of Commerce are partnering to bring their members the biggest marketing and networking opportunity around – the Multi-Chamber Business Expo & Taste of Okaloosa County! More than 500 attended last year’s event. The expo, which will be open to the public to attend at no charge, is set to take place at the Emerald Coast Convention Center from 4 – 7 p.m. MARCH
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Join us for the March Leaders in Business Lunch at Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Clay Meek, Vision Airlines Sales & Marketing Director, presents An Airline with Vision. Our Leaders In Business Lunches incorporate networking and educational components to benefit all members. Everyone is encouraged to attend. The cost for the lunch is $15 for those members who pre-register, $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, March 4. Check-in begins at 11:15 a.m., and the lunch begins promptly at 11:30 a.m. MARCH
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Join us for our Business After Hours sponsored by J. Miller’s Consign & Design from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Our Business After Hours events offer an end-of-the-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. MARCH
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MARCH
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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
Chairman’s Club Spotlight Kerry McNulty, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc. “My job is to provide you with all of the data you need to make the most informed real estate decision possible,” explained Kerry McNulty, The Wired Kerry McNulty Agent, also known as a “Web Guy with a License.” As a web developer for many years creating hundreds of websites, including many real estate-related sites, it seemed a natural marriage to combine web prowess with real estate sales. And it is working. McNulty achieved Newman-Dailey Resort Properties’ Top Sales Producer for 2010. “One of my goals for 2010 was to be the top sales producer for our company. 2010 was extremely challenging with obstacles never before encountered,” said McNulty. “I was encouraged by my broker to find a market niche, perfect a strategy, and run with it. Thus TheWiredAgent. com was born, and I developed a method to offer current information to the public online that is easily accessible (one click) with no registration required.” McNulty offers the following: 1. Brand new Destin listings- the
HOTSHEET 2. Price reductions vs. increasesthe DSS or Destin Seller’s Sentiment 3. Destin foreclosures- broken down by single family home, condo, or townhome All products are updated by 7 a.m. every business day. The daily updates have developed a cult following of buyers from all over the world. The real estate market is constantly evolving. To be an effective agent one must stay on top of the lending industry, government regulations, technology, and the global economy. That is why “flexibility” is also included in McNulty’s business plan and goals. Destin presents a grand opportunity for the investor seeking rental income. By joining Newman-Dailey’s team, McNulty has the advantage of working with an established rental business of 25 years, along with an extensive association management team. “I am very bullish on Destin as not only providing a fabulous quality of place, but also recognize the many happy visitors who have learned that Destin has become a global vacation destination that ranks among the greatest in the world,” said McNulty A true Floridian from Miami, McNulty and his wife have lived all
over the state and eventually settled in Destin in 2001. The climate, water sports, and many great golf courses make this area utopian for the McNulty household, who found the community to be extremely warm and welcoming. McNulty has been very involved with the Destin Area Chamber over the years as an Ambassador to new businesses, and he worked on the planning committee for the Destin Seafood Festival. He is currently on the Destin Forward Leadership Class board and has worked with the Emerald Coast Parrothead Club, benefiting local charities, as well as the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life, the Make a Wish Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and Hospice. McNulty was awarded NewmanDailey Resort Properties Top Sales Agent for 2010, Top Sales Agent for the first and second quarter of 2010, and Top Listing Agent for the fourth quarter of 2010. You may find him at TheWiredAgent.com. 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.
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. www.DestinChamber.com
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. NETWORK MARCH 2011
Destin Business Forum In partnership with Cox Communications, the Chamber’s monthly TV program will host the following organizations beginning in March: Adams Homes 7552 Navarre Pkwy. Ste. 24 Navarre, FL 32566 (850) 622-1804 www.adamshomes.com Category: Building Contractors Chamber Rep: Millie Carpenter Cardno ENTRIX 983 Airport Rd. Destin, FL 32540-0069 (850) 837-8004 www.cardnoentrix.com Category: Environmental Consulting Chamber Rep: Debbie Milonski Destin Jewelers 50 S. Holiday Rd. #700 Miramar Beach, FL 32550-3350 (850) 837-8822 www.destinjewelers.com Category: Jewelers Chamber Rep: Jane Strassel William (Bill) Head Niceville, FL 32578 (850) 496-3430 Category: Individual Members Health Care Exchange 4 Pahokee Ln. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 368-5332 www.myhealthcareexchange.com Category: Insurance Chamber Rep: Brad Cobble Gary P. Leer Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (704) 949-2049 Category: Individual Members
Masino Therapy Services, LLC 1008 Airport Rd. Ste. D. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 424-5210 www.masinotherapy.com Category: Mental Health Counseling Chamber Rep: Theodore Masino II meLasers 127 Harbor Blvd. Ste. 3A Destin, FL 32541 (850) 424-3759 www.meLasers.com Category: Trophies & Signcrafters Chamber Rep: Philip Carroll Shoreline Church 1219 Airport Rd. #315 Destin, FL 32540 (850) 650-8658 www.shorelinechurch.net Category: Churches Chamber Rep: Kim Peters
ResortQuest Ruth’s Chris Steak House Whitney Insurance Agency
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
WHAT DO THE COMPANIES
of these three CEOs have in common?
Vandy Vela-Schneidt Destin, FL 32541 (850) 502-6592 Category: Individual Members Chamber Rep: Vandy Vela-Schneidt
The Viking Store 10859 Emerald Coast Parkway W. Suite 203 Destin, FL 32550 (850) 650-9092 www.vikingcookingschool.com Category: Retail Specialty Chamber Rep: Shueh-Mei Pong
Bill Wein, IMS ExpertServices; Holly Smith, H2Performance Consulting; Vincent Mayfield, Bit-Wizards Custom Software Solutions
They made the Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest Growing Companies and are Vistage Florida member companies
Celebrating Ambassador Successes Congratulations to our top Ambassadors for January 2011: 665 points – Jim Wood, Sandestin Lions Club, Destin City Council 540 points – Brad Cobble, Health Care Exchange 400 points – Paul Woolman, Copy Systems Business Center, Inc.
Ambassador Tim Kersanac, New York Life, welcomed the following new member into the Chamber: Health Care Exchange
Learn what these CEOs have discovered by contacting local Vistage Chair, Kathy Anthony, at (850) 444-7265 or kanthony@osullivancreel.com Learn more at vistageflorida.com 2065570
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Business Briefs McNulty and Bielawski Take Top 2010 Honors Kerry McNulty and Jerry Bielawski were awarded top producers for 2010 in NewmanDailey Resort Properties Real Estate Division. McNulty, awarded the top sales agent, has built a business as TheWiredAgent.com and is a Destin Area Kerry McNulty Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, an annual contributing member of the Destin Seafood Festival Planning Committee, and a graduate of the Destin Forward 2010 Leadership Class. He was also the top sales agent for the first and second quarters of 2010 and the top listing agent for the fourth quarter of 2010. Bielawski, awarded the top listing agent, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Central Michigan University and a Master of Business Administration in Jerry Bielawski Marketing from Michigan State University. Following a rewarding career in sales for Dow Chemical, he moved to Destin and started in the real estate business. He was the top listing agent for the first, second, and third quarters of 2010.
Brielmayer Appointed GM of the Hilton Sandestin The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa appointed Gary Brielmayer to general manager from his role as manager of hotel operations. In his new role,
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he will oversee all areas of the distinguished 598-room property, including its award-winning spa, SerenGary Brielmayer ity by the sea, and AAA FourDiamond restaurant, Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood, as well as manage approximately 500 employees and 60 directors and managers. Brielmayer joined the hotel as its director of restaurants in 1998, was promoted to assistant director of food and beverage, and was later promoted to director of food and beverage, prior to becoming the manager of hotel operations in 2006.
Peter Bos named 2011 Florida Hotelier of the Year
Carol Dover, CEO and president of Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, and Dave Reid (left), 2011 FRLA chairman with Peter Bos (center), CEO of Legendary, Inc.
The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) named Legendary, Inc., CEO Peter Bos, developer of Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village, the Hotelier of the Year, during its Annual Awards and Installation of Officers in January. He was chosen based on his personal record of industry achievements over a period of 20 years.
Museum Announces Gumbo Contest Winners The Destin History and Fishing Museum held its annual Gumbo Contest and Silent Auction Saturday, Jan. 22, at the Des-
tin Community Center. Ticket holders enjoyed a Silent Auction of 51 packages, live music by Seminole Wind with Denis Milonas & Jim Downum, and gumbo from local contestants, including restaurant and individual divisions. Winners included the following: Individual Category First Place – Keith Najarian; Individual Category Second Place – Alvin Clayborne; Restaurant Category First Place – The Back Porch; Restaurant Category Second Place – Pompano Joe’s Restaurant; and People’s Choice Award – Poppy’s Crazy Lobster.
Hilton Sandestin Earns “Best Social Media Engagement” Brand Award The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa is the 2010 recipient of Hilton’s “Best Social Media Engagement” brand award in the Americas region. The award, which was announced at Hilton’s Annual General Manager’s Conference, recognized the hotel’s strategic and creative use of social media to engage with existing and potential guests, industry peers and partners, media, and other such stakeholders.
Hilton Unveils $6.5M Renovation Project With more than 26 years as the largest full-service beachfront resort hotel along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast and one of Frommer’s “Top 12 Destinations for 2010,” the 598-room Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa recently revealed a $6.5 million renovation project, to be completed in the spring, which will propel it through 2011 with state-of-theart upgrades and new amenities aimed at providing its guests with an unforgettable experience.
www.DestinChamber.com
Local Law Firm Relocates to Larger Offices at Grand Boulevard A local law firm chose to relocate its firm to larger offices in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin®. Porath & Associates, P.A., a law firm and title company, opened in 2004 and initially moved its firm to Grand Boulevard in 2008. Its new, larger accommodations include more office and meeting space, as well as a larger conference room.
NWF State College Names New Academic Vice President Dr. Sasha Jarrell has been named as the new vice president of academic affairs at Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC). Chosen from a field of more than 80 nationDr. Sasha Jarrell wide candidates, Jarrell is currently chair of the Department of Mathematics at the college. She previously served as an assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics at Coastal Carolina University. Jarrell earned a Ph.D. in Applied Discrete Mathematics from Auburn University, an M.S. in Applied Discrete Mathematics from Auburn University, and a B.A.S. in Secondary Math Education from Auburn University.
Pleat Joins Shelter House Board of Directors, Wins Chamber Award David B. Pleat, Esq., a founding partner of Pleat & Perry,
P.A., has been named to the Shelter House, Inc., board of directors for 2011-12. He also received the Business Person of the Year Award during the Chamber’s Annual Awards & Installation Banquet on Jan. 20.
Perry Joins Chamber Board, Miller Joins Arts Foundation Board Amy A. Perry, Esq., a partner, certified mediator, and qualified arbitrator with Pleat & Perry, P.A., was named treasurer of the executive committee of the board of directors, during the Chamber’s Annual Awards & Installation Banquet on Jan. 20. J. Jerome Miller, Esq., has been named to the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation board of directors. Miller’s primary practice areas are estate planning, guardianship, wills/trusts, elder law, and land use.
LaFountain Named Sales Service Coordinator with Cox Media Miki LaFountain is the new sales service coordinator with Cox Media in Okaloosa and Walton counties. She previously served as human resources coordinator for Newell Rubbermaid, Inc., in Atlanta, and executive assistant for Calphalon Corporation in Miki LaFountain Toledo, Ohio. In her new role, she will provide sales and administrative support to Cox Media’s Gulf Coast sales team.
See BRIEFS on page 7
NETWORK MARCH 2011
BRIEFS Continued from page 6
Working a Better Way Grant Winners Announced Landrum Consulting Services, a division of Landrum Human Resource Companies, announced the winners of the Inaugural 2011 Working a Better Way grants. Horizons of Okaloosa County received the strategic planning grant; the Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County received the leadership training grant; and the Pensacola Museum of Art received the Landrum oncall grant.
Bit-Wizards Launches New Website for the Emerald Coast Autism Center Bit-Wizards announced the launch of the new website for the
Emerald Coast Autism Center. The new website (www.ecautism center.org) has a more userfriendly layout, an updated look, and provides more functionality through the feature rich content management system. The site represents a significant amount of design and development time.
Watch is an awards program that celebrates privately held secondstage companies headquartered in the state. Awardees are selected for demonstrating the intent and capacity to grow based on employee or sales growth, exceptional entrepreneurial leadership, sustainable competitive advantage, or other notable strengths.
Compass Solar Energy Receives 2011 Florida Companies to Watch Award
Realtors Thank Snowbirds for Returning
Compass Solar Energy has been recognized as a recipient of the 2011 Florida Companies to WatchSM award, an honor presented by GrowFL, the Florida Economic Gardening Institute at the University of Central Florida, and ACG Florida, in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation. Florida Companies to
Members of the Destin Snowbird Club were treated to a welcome reception from the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (ECAR), on Tuesday, Jan. 11. Members of the Global Real Estate & Business Council of ECAR greeted Snowbirds with free information and goodies. Realtors thanked the visitors for coming back to the Emerald Coast, despite all the negative
publicity from the oil spill.
Dooley Mack Sponsors Children in Crisis Golf Tournament
Neighborhood Charity Golf Tournament. The tournament was established in 2007 to raise vital funds to help feed, clothe and care for the Kids of the Children’s Neighborhood.
BBB® Welcomes New Board Member
Ken Hair, CIC executive director, and Neil Freshour, Dooley Mack Constructor president
For the third year, Dooley Mack Constructors of Northwest Florida presented a check for $10,000 to Children in Crisis, Inc., to sponsor the 5th Annual CIC Children’s
Your Better Business Bureau Serving Northwest Florida welcomed Dr. Carol Law to its board of directors. Law is the president of Drug Free Workplaces, Inc., a BBB Accredited Business for nearly 15 years. She is a naDr. Carol Law tionally certified substance abuse program administrator with more than 30 years’ experience in the mental health and substance abuse fields.
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2011 in a two-hour interactive cooking show, consumer expo showcasing over 50 vendors with the latest in cooking materials to kitchen design and more!
TWO GRAND PRIZE
GIVE-AWAYS each valued at over $2,000!
March 10th, 2011 at the Baytowne Conference Center Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Expo starts at 3:00pm - open to the public Cooking Show starts at 7 :00pm - ticket holders only VIP Reception - 5:30pm – 6:30pm – VIP Ticket holders only
Presented by: Sponsored by:
Get Your Tickets Today! Available at the Northwest Florida Daily News office online at www.nwfdailynews.com or call 850.315.4371 PAGE 10
www.DestinChamber.com
NETWORK MARCH 2011
Abec Resorts (850) 351-0515 Chamber Rep: Sandra Brown
Copy Products Co. (850) 243-2679 Chamber Rep: Kevin Cagle
Mid-Bay Bridge Authority (850) 897-1428 Chamber Rep: Jim Vest
ScubaTech of NW Florida, Inc. (850) 837-2822 Chamber Rep: Carla Moore
All Over Enterprises (850) 651-5384 Chamber Rep: Forrest Oliver
Copy Systems Business Center, Inc.-SRB (850) 267-4552 Chamber Rep: Russ Tommey
Moore Bass Consulting of Destin (850) 269-2800 Chamber Rep: Tracy Gregg
Seascape Resort & Conference Center (850) 837-9181 Chamber Rep: Jay Nettles
Cox Pools (850) 650-9138 Chamber Rep: Stephen Schreifer
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. (850) 650-4900 Chamber Rep: Vincent Fritz BancorpSouth Bank (850) 269-5460 Chamber Rep: Ron A. Moliterno Bayside Airport Shuttle (850) 581-1505 Chamber Rep: Lynn Dominique
Not Just Bagels (850) 650-0465 Chamber Rep: Pauline Sotiri
Setco Services LLC (850) 650-6161 Chamber Rep: George Brannon, Jr.
Destin United Methodist Church & Destin Life Center (850) 837-2021 Chamber Rep: Anita Sharron
George Novak, M.D., F.A.C.S. (850) 837-7777 Chamber Rep: George Novak, M.D.
DestinDirect.com (850) 217-3880 Chamber Rep: Deronda Redden
Peaden Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing (850) 362-6646 Chamber Rep: Jonathan Green
SummerPlace Inn (850) 650-8003 Chamber Rep: Mistelle Langen
Pelican Real Estate (850) 650-2494 Chamber Rep: Susan Gashaw
SunQuest Cruises (850) 650-2519 Chamber Rep: Gwen Hall
Silver Plus (850) 665-2669 Chamber Rep: Bill Cimbalo
BeachOasis.com (850) 622-2385 Chamber Rep: Duaine/Ann Kief
The Donut Hole (850) 837-8824 Chamber Rep: Nicole Ingle
Ben Hall Turf and Irrigation (850) 585-9430 Chamber Rep: Ben Hall
Embassy Suites Hotel Destin Miramar Beach (850) 337-7000 Chamber Rep: Bobby Clark
Claude Perry (850) 837-6376 Chamber Rep: Claude Perry
The Destin Log (850) 837-2828 Chamber Rep: Billy Kirk
Bit-Wizards Custom Software Solutions (850) 226-4200 Chamber Rep: Jonathan Clark
Emerald Coast Convention Center Catering (850) 609-3908 Chamber Rep: Effie Bradford
RE/MAX Coastal Properties (850) 837-6116 Chamber Rep: Ed & Terri Smith
Trustmark National Bank (850) 337-9100 Chamber Rep: John Sumrall
Charter Boat Sure Lure (850) 376-8399 Chamber Rep: Pamella Dana
Kitty Hawk Kites of Florida (850) 796-0102 Chamber Rep: Kathy Johnson
Realty House Commercial Properties, Inc. (850) 244-9117 Chamber Rep: Basil Bethea, Jr.
UPS Store #1229 (850) 654-5774 Chamber Rep: Kelly Smartt
Chef On The Go (850) 729-3377 Chamber Rep: Mary Churillo
Legacy On The Bay (850) 650-7446 Chamber Rep: Elizabeth Edwards
Regus (850) 269-6802 Chamber Rep: Michael Mendelssohn
Whitney National Bank (850) 269-3610 Chamber Rep: Mike Freeman
Coastal Bank and Trust (850) 650-5011 Chamber Rep: Jennifer M. Lovell
Louisiana Lagniappe (850) 837-0881 Chamber Rep: John Comer
Sandestin Golf And Beach Resort (800) 277-0800 Chamber Rep: Scott Russell
WJHG NBC 7 Panama City (850) 234-7777 Chamber Rep: Curt Molander
Add “award-winning” to your bio
Law Offices ROBERT E. MCGILL, III, P.A.
ATTORNEY AT LAW 36008 Emerald Coast Pkwy. • Suite C Destin, Florida 32541
NETWORK MARCH 2011
3020855
ROBERT E. MCGILL, III ®
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 ®
850-837-1386 Fax 850-837-1574
Start With Trust
www.DestinChamber.com
PAGE 11
Member Spotlight Holiday Surf & Racquet Club Are you looking for the perfect place for your business meeting or party? The Surf Room at the Holiday Surf & Racquet Club is perfect for business meetings, wedding receptions, family reunions, birthday parties, and showers. At close to 2,200 square feet, it can accommodate up to 130 persons, depending on set up. The Surf Room has a full kitchen, including two stoves, microwave, refrigerator, ice maker, dishwasher, and private bathroom. It has a great view of the Gulf of Mexico, swimming pool, and tennis courts. Have guests coming into town? Holiday Surf also has one and two bedroom short term rental condos overlooking the beach. Holiday Surf & Racquet Club is located on beautiful Holiday Isle. For more information, you may contact rental manager Jenny Matz at (850) 837-6108 or email to jenny@holidaysurf.com. You may also visit www.holidaysurf.com.
INSIGHTS FROM A BUSINESS OWNER “I’ve learned that technology is technology. But people? That’s where the difference is.”
Bundle Cox Business Phone and Internet for as low as $79.99 a month* 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.
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www.DestinChamber.com
NETWORK MARCH 2011
Chamber Shows Appreciation for Member Support On Jan. 25, officially named Destin Area Chamber of Commerce Member Appreciation Day by a Proclamation issued by the Destin City Council, Chamber Board members, Ambassadors, volunteers, and staff visited every Chamber business in the Destin area to thank them for their support throughout the year. More than 650 appreciation packages, which included the 2011 Visitor’s Guide & Membership Directory, 2011 member door decals, a thank you letter, member benefits brochure, and a list of upcoming events, were delivered to businesses in the Destin area. Packages were also mailed to those businesses operating out of their homes or those
operating out of the Destin area. Additional copies of the 2011 Visitor’s Guide & Membership Directory are available to be picked up in the Chamber’s office at 4484 Legendary Drive, Suite A. Call (850) 837-6241 for more information. Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped deliver packages, including the following: Vandy Vela, AT&T; Tammy Bracewell, BancorpSouth Bank; Bart Swan, Bank of America Home Loans; Kent Chamberlain, Bayview RV Campground; Amanda Armacost, Chartwell Hospitality; Laura Gerard, Coldwell Banker United Realtors; Shaun Eubanks, Community Bank, Destin; Paul Woolman,
SIMPLE SAVINGS TIP
MARCH
Copy Systems Business Center, Inc.; Tracey Marsh, Cox Business; Barbara Gudgel, Cox Pools; Jim Wood, Destin City Council and Sandestin Lions Club; Mary Lurk, Destin Land & Title, Inc.; John Tanner, Hampton Inn; Brad Cobble, HealthCare Exchange; Richard Barrington, Holiday Isle Properties, Inc.; LA Woodall, Horizons; Sheri McDonald, Mary Kay Independent Consultant Team Leader; Tim Kersenac, New York Life; Bonnie Manthey, Prime Lending; Bill Lindsley, Simple HR; Serita Lindsey, SunTrust Mortgage; Leslie Rudder, The Destin Log; Andi Mahoney, White-Wilson Medical Center; and Karen Franzel, Wingate by Wyndham Destin.
“Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low water use plant for year-round color and save up to 550 gallons each year.”
A message from:
John Medina DWU Board Member
Cardno ENTRIX 983 Airport Rd., Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-8004 | www.cardnoentrix.com Category: Environmental Consulting Chamber Rep: Debbie Milonski NETWORK MARCH 2011
www.DestinChamber.com
2071015
PAGE 13
March Calendar of Events March 1 Adult Spring Flag Football League Captain’s Meeting Location: Morgan Sports Center Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. This is a mandatory team captain’s meeting. Team fees are $300 and must be paid before teams are placed on the schedule.
March 1, 8 Destin Snowbirds General Meetings & Entertainment Location: Destin Community Center Time: 10 a.m. For additional information, visit www.destinsnowbirds.org.
March 3 Dinner to Benefit Children’s Volunteer Health Network Location: Borago Restaurant Time: 6 p.m. Come out to Borago for dinner and drink benefitting CVHN. Call (850) 231-9167 for reservations.
March 5 NWSA “Florida Waterways Dance Project” Location: Lake Defuniak Time: 3 p.m. This is a collaborative initiative, which celebrates Arts in Education by uniting Florida’s arts institutions in simultaneous performances inspired by Florida’s unique waterways. Northwest Florida State College will have 20 dance students and the NWFSC Madrigal Singers participating in the local event. The free performance is expected to last 45 minutes and will take place near the Chautauqua Building.
March 5 6th Annual Old Fashion Destin Fish Fry Fundraiser Location: Destin History & Fishing Museum Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Advanced tickets are $10 and are available at the Destin History & Fishing Museum. On the day of the event, tickets are $12 for adults. Menu is fried grouper, hush puppies, cole slaw, baked beans, beverages, and fun. Enjoy live music and a raffle.
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March 6 Mardi Gras Dog Parade Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf Time: 2 p.m. The 2011 parade is themed “Waggin’ Tails & Yappy Trails.” The streets will be filled with costumed dogs, in their boots and cowboys hats, and their humans throwing a myriad of throws, beads, and parade favors. Proceeds from this event will benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge.
March 6 – April 17 Art Exhibitions at Mattie Kelly Arts Center Galleries Location: Northwest Florida State College Time: Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday 1 – 4 p.m.; and prior to performances 6 – 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an Arnie Hart Student Exhibition and Faculty Exhibitions in the McInroy and Holzhauer Galleries. Exhibitions are free and open to the public.
March 7 Lundi Gras Location: HarborWalk Village Time: 5 – 8 p.m. Come enjoy king cakes and cocktails with Village merchants. Wear your beads, boas, and masks!
March 7 Destin Snowbirds Registration Location: Destin Community Center Time: 1 - 3 p.m. For additional information, visit www.destinsnowbirds.org.
March 8 Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash Parade Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf Time: 5 p.m. “Laissez les bon temps rouler” (let the good times roll) with the 9th annual Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash Parade rolling through Sandestin. March 8 Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Bash Location: HarborWalk Village Time: 5 – 8 p.m. Enjoy free red beans and rice, street performers, and live music by the Dent Brothers Band.
March 11 Gulf Coast Women’s Business Conference Location: Pensacola Civic Center Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Conference is presented by the Small Business Development Center at the University of West Florida. For more information, visit www.sbdc.uwf.edu. March 11 Emerald Coast Parrot Head Membership Meeting Location: Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill Time: 5:30 – 9 p.m. Monthly meeting at Fudpucker’s in Destin. Live entertainment, door prizes, drink specials, and light appetizers for members. Event supports Relay for Life. March 11 5th Annual Children’s Neighborhood Charity Golf Classic Location: Fort Walton Beach Golf Club (Pines Course) Time: 11 a.m. Call (850) 864-4242 for more information. March 11 Rhythm of the Dance Location: Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center Time: 7:30 p.m. The national tour of this internationally acclaimed Irish step dance production showcases a tale deep from Irish lore. March 12 “Ruth’s Secrets Revealed” Cooking Class Location: Ruth’s Chris Steak House Time: 12 – 2 p.m. Chef Ruston Johnson and Sous Chef Scott Miller are hosting our Annual Cooking Classes again this year. Seating is limited to the first 25 guests. Reservations are required at (850) 337-5108. Price is $50 per person and $40 for Black Diamond members. March 12 Shelter House Princess & Pirate Ball Location: Linkside Center, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Time: 5 – 9 p.m. This year’s event will cater to families as we welcome the princesses and pirates to join us for an evening of fun, food, and family! Visit www.shelterhousenwfl.org.
www.DestinChamber.com
March 12 Grogg Games & Irish Street Festival Location: HarborWalk Village Time: 12 – 4 p.m. The ultimate Irish street festival, bag pipe band, exciting live music, Irish dancing, feasting, and drinking! March 13 Snowbird Appreciation Sock Hop Locals Welcome! Location: Emerald Coast Convention Center Time: 6 p.m. Don your poodle skirts, cool cats and dolls, and rock around the clock at the Sock Hop! Dance to music by the Tip Tops! Pre-sale tickets are $7.50 each ($10 at the door) and can be purchased at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. March 15 Independent Film Series Sponsored by Friends of Destin Library: Storm Location: Destin Library Time: 7 p.m. This monthly movie night features an award-winning independent and foreign film. The program is free and open to the public. Films are unrated and directed toward mature audiences. Seating will be limited to 60 on a first-come, first-served basis. March 16-19 “As You Like It” Location: Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center Time: 7:30 p.m. Enjoy the Northwest Florida State College production of As You Like It, presented in the college’s Sprint Theater. March 17 St. Paddy’s Day Delight Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf Time: 6 – 9 p.m. Henri’s Notions will provide traditional Celtic music in the Events Plaza. March 17 Get Lucky on St. Patrick’s Day Location: HarborWalk Village Time: 5 p.m. The Grogg March will “Sham-Rock” throughout HarborWalk Village, where each venue will entertain with live music and drinking games. After dark, hot leprechauns will compete for the sexiest “Lucky” brand jeans this side of Dublin.
NETWORK MARCH 2011
March Calendar of Events March 17 Sinfonia’s Coffee With the Conductor Location: The Cafe’ at Barnes & Noble in Destin Time: 10 a.m. Enjoy complimentary Starbucks Coffee and edibles, while Maestro Fuller discusses concerts and events of the season. March 17 Florida: Then and Now Free Lecture Series Location: Niceville Community Center Time: 7 p.m. Dr. Fritz Davis, Professor of History at Florida State University, will discuss, “Archie
Carr: The Man Who Saved Sea Turtles,” which tells the story of Archie Carr (19091987), who was the world’s authority on the ecology, migrations, and conservation of sea turtles. March 17 Sinfonia St. Paddy’s Pops Location: Emerald Coast Conference Center Time: 7:30 p.m. Irish instrumental ensemble Mithril returns to the Sinfonia stage to perform its exciting arrangements with orchestra. The concert will also include the musical suite from the epic film series The Lord of the Rings
and Far and Away. Visit www.SinfoniaGulf Coast.org.
City of Destin website at www.cityofdestin.com to print out a registration form.
March 19 11th Annual Run with the Dogs 5k Location: Indian Bayou Trail Time: 10 a.m. The City of Destin Recreation Department will host the 11th Annual 5K Run/Walk. This run is open to individual runners/ walkers. Participants may bring their dog, big or small, to run or walk the race. There will be a 100 dog maximum. Registration forms can be picked up at the Destin Community Center, Morgan Sports Center, and Hooter’s Restaurant, or you can go to the
March 26 Reeling for Destin Fashion Show and Luncheon Location: Linkside Grand Ballroom, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Destin Woman’s Club is hosting a Spring Fashion Show called Reeling for Destin to benefit the following charities: the Fisherman Fund, Family Fund, and Fisher House of the Emerald Coast. Visit www.destinwomansclub.org for more information.
Take the Ultimate
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2071012
(850) 863-5174
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Small Business Workshop The following workshop will be offered by the University of West Florida’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) during March 2011. For more information, please call the Fort Walton Beach SBDC at (850) 833-9400.
NETWORK MARCH 2011
www.DestinChamber.com
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.
PAGE 15
Pictured (left to right): Steve Riggs, CRI PartnerIn-Charge Destin/South Walton office; Dana Hahn, Leasing Administrator Howard Group; Tracy Conerly and Tim Fulmer, CRI Partners; Merlin Allan Vice President of Real Estate Howard Group.
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town center
Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC opens new expanded offices in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin® Why choose Grand Boulevard for your new office?
Why did Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC, choose Grand Boulevard for their new professional office?
• Vibrant and creative work environment with inspiring views • Flexible Class “A” office work space with state-of-the-art business amenities, including conference rooms, teleconferencing and wi fi • Close proximity to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport opening in 2010 • Numerous casual and fine dining options for associates and clients; first-class shopping • Two Marriott hotels offering 300 combined rooms for out-of-town clients • Adjacent to Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast Medical Campus
“Grand Boulevard offers our firm an easily accessible, high profile location with a multitude of convenient on-site amenities, including two Marriott hotels and a variety of restaurants that can serve as alternative meeting spaces,” stated Steve Riggs, partner of CRI. “When we meet clients, we can walk to a number of great restaurants while continuing the business discussion and not lose momentum.”
What makes Grand Boulevard a premium location? Grand Boulevard at Sandestin® is the shop, work, play and stay Town Center located in South Walton County at the entrance of Sandestin® Golf & Beach Resort. The vibrant Town Center offers convenient access to everything you need on a daily basis, from the grocery store to professional offices and even the hospital and doctors offices. Grand Boulevard is located within the heart of Walton County’s business hub of financial, banking, medical and other professional businesses.
For leasing information, contact: Merlin Allan, Vice President of Real Estate --- or officeleasing@grandboulevard.com
GRANDBOULEVARD.COM PAGE 16
www.DestinChamber.com
NETWORK MARCH 2011