MAY 2012
VOL. XX NO. V
2012 DESTIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP
Building for the Future
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BILL LINDSLEY Chairman of the Board Simple HR MARY ANNE WINDES Chairman Elect Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc. Destin Fishing Fleet Marina MIKE FREEMAN Immediate Past Chair Acentria, Inc. AMY PERRY Treasurer Pleat & Perry, P.A. KAREN MCCARTHY Vice Chairman/Communications & Marketing Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union SHAUN EUBANKS Vice Chairman/Community & Economic Development Community Bank, Destin STEVE JAY Vice Chairman/Membership Development Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel CAREY TROTTER Vice Chairman/Harbor Association Trotter’s General Contractors, Inc. BRIAN HAUGEN Most Immediate Past Chair/Ex-Officio Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James & Associates DIRECTORS JULIE COTTON Northwest Florida State College TIM EDWARDS Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill REBECCA JONES Fort Walton Beach Medical Center ANDI MAHONEY White-Wilson Medical Center DAVE MORROW Allstate Insurance - Ryland/Morrow Agency LES PORTERFIELD CYNDY THOMAS ResortQuest Vacation Rentals KATHY WHIDDEN Emerald Coast Chiropractic CHAIRMAN’S APPOINTEES HAYWARD DYKES Conerly, Bowman & Dykes, LLP KEN WAMPLER Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc. SPECIAL APPOINTEES JIM BREITENFELD Breitenfeld Development Services, LLC 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 SUZY HUNT NICHOLSON Events Coordinator suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com
850.837.6241 WWW.DESTINCHAMBER.COM PAGE 2
Shane A. Moody, CCE, IOM As we move further into the year and closer to the summer, I continue to hear great things about the tourism industry. It seems every month another record for bed nights is broken in our area. I’ve only been here for 8 ½ years, but tourism seems stronger to me now than ever before. More encouraging than the bed nights, though, is what I’m hearing from so many people who tell me they are busier than ever. There have been several articles and stories in the media about the money being spent by tourists when they come to visit. I hope this is a trend that continues.
Visitors and tourists coming to town are great. But we need them spending in our stores, in our restaurants, and on other “things” besides their accommodations. We want the visitors with the disposable income coming here. That’s good for all businesses and great for our economy. But as the outlook for tourism continues to be bright, we must strengthen our efforts to diversify our economy. We need to continue to think differently about our business community than we have in the past. We mustn’t sit on our laurels and depend solely on those from out of town coming and spending money. That doesn’t mean we don’t continue to draw them here, it simply means we must add to our business base. In the past, you’ve heard us discuss the state’s new strategic and economic development plan called the Six Pillars. The plan is built around six key
components of Florida’s future: talent supply and education, innovation and economic development, infrastructure and growth leadership, business climate and competitiveness, civic and governance systems, and quality of life/quality of places. By creating a plan around these six pillars we can set a direction for the next 30 years. So now we are bringing it local. Partnering with the Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville chambers and the EDC of Okaloosa County, we will be organizing a countywide initiative based on this formula. We will keep you updated. We want you to be a part of setting our future. By bringing together the public and private sectors, we should be able to build a plan for which we can all be proud. I’ve just returned from the most recent statewide meeting of the caucuses – I serve on the Quality of Life/Quality of Place
Caucus. When I see what’s happening at the state level, I’m thrilled to know that we, too, soon will be on board. We’ll be able to draw more attention from the state agencies that handle economic development at that level. We’ll be able to forge partnerships and create plans to recruit the type of strong and innovative businesses to grow our economy. It will be a plan unlike any the Destin area has ever seen. So in the near future, if we call on you for assistance, we hope you’ll come aboard and be a part. After all, it’s initiatives, such as these, that will help us build this world-class community one business at a time. With wishes for continued success, and until next month,
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: Our website at www.DestinChamber.com recorded 7,329 unique visitors for March 2012.
March 2012 Phone Calls/E-mails – 1,094 Incoming Mail – 171 Visitors to Welcome Center Lobby – 302 Visitor’s Guides & Membership Directories Mailed - 491 Relocation Packages – 19
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 MAY 2012
A Message from the Chairman of the Board
Thank You To and From Our Troops Recently, I had the opportunity to accompany the Destin Forward class on its tour of Eglin Air Force Base. This remarkable experience cannot be recounted without expressing my appreciation to our Military Affairs Council Chairman, Retired Col. Kim Wintner, for organizing and facilitatBill Lindsley ing a memorable tour of the base. Being accompanied by Col. Wintner provided a unique insight into each stop on our tour. It’s not very often that a former Vice Wing Commander can provide such an exclusive account. It was an honor to experience the nation’s largest military base with his experienced guidance. While on the tour, we were able to glean some knowledge about why our military has the best equipment and is the best trained of any country, in the world, in history. To support this assertion, the resounding theme of the tour was testing, testing, and more testing. The attention to detail and the commitment to absolute excellence resound throughout the base. We were briefed about the painstaking radar and electromagnetic electronics testing that happens on every piece of equipment that is placed into military service. This testing ensures that radar signatures are kept to a minimum, helping to evade enemy detection devices. Additionally, the testing ensures electromagnetic stability, which allows complex electronic components to work together in symphony. This provides yet another advantage over our enemies and additional safety for our fighting men and women. We were able to tour the McKinley Climatic Laboratory. If you ever have an opportunity to tour this facility, do so. At the Climatic Lab, they not only test aircraft, but just about every piece of equipment in the military arsenal. Every item must meet the demands of this extreme testing. In the lab, they are able to lower the temperature to -65 degrees Fahrenheit and able to raise the temperature to +165 degrees Fahrenheit all in an effort to determine the effects of temperature on the equipment the military uses. The size of the hangar enables testing for all but the
biggest two aircraft in the world (Airbus A-380 and the Russian AN-225). From there, we moved onto the Fisher House. Guided by Kim Henderson, we toured this exceptional facility. When Air Force men and women are being medically treated, the Fisher House provides welcoming living quarters for their families. Much like the Ronald McDonald model, this privately administrated facility provides a home away from home for our extended military families when their loved one is undergoing care. Every official who accompanied and guided us during our visit echoed a common sentiment. Eglin has the significant distinction of having a business community that offers continuous and genuine support. I felt honored to be a part of a community that bolsters its mission in whatever way we can. Throughout the day, the prevailing theme was excellence. This excellence proves itself through the trials and assessment that our military equipment and procedures undergo. It is further confirmed in the staff and facilities that care for our men and women when they are in need. In turn, this spirit of distinction permeates throughout our region. We are grateful to our military for the bravery they demonstrate, the selflessness they offer on behalf of our country, and also for the first-class excellence that they bring to our world-class community.
Bill Lindsley 2012 Chairman of the Board Simple HR
Destin Forward Class of 2012
Class tours static F-16 display. NETWORK MAY 2012
www.DestinChamber.com
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THE CHAMBER MONTH AHEAD Join us for our Leaders In Business Lunch, sponsored by Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. at The Palms of Destin Resort and Conference Center. Its President and CEO Mark Bellinger will share the Tourism Perspective for Okaloosa County. 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, May 4, at noon. Check-in begins at 11:15 a.m., and the lunch begins promptly at 11:30 a.m.
Chairman’s Club Spotlight Ken Wampler, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc.
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North Light Marina is hosting the Crestview Area, Destin Area, Greater Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville Valparaiso chambers of commerce for a May 24 Business After Hours! 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. MAY
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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
in maintenance, communication, accounting, legal, and insurance, Newman-Dailey offers a specialized approach to association management using a team of licensed community association managers (CAM) both on-and off-site. “We offer all the employee benefits of a large company without incurring undue costs, enabling us to hire extremely qualified personnel,” said Wampler. “We also excel in sound fiscal management and accurate budgeting. Our Association Accounting Division has a pool of experts to ensure we provide the most sound recommendations for our clients.” Newman-Dailey consults with CPA firms to ensure all Florida Statute requirements are met, as well as with qualified attorneys, specializing in community association law to ensure all legal concerns are addressed. Overseeing integrated sales and marketing campaigns, strategic planning and forecasting, budgeting and financial accounting, management information systems, and recreational programming, Wampler understands all facets of the business. He has been a licensed Community Association Manager since 2004. For more information, please visit www.DestinManagement.com, email kwampler@ndrp.com, or call (850) 837-1071.
Celebrating Ambassador Successes
MARCH 2012
Join us for a Creating an Amazing Customer Experience Seminar hosted by Destin Area Chamber of Commerce and Costa Leadership Institute of NWF State College. A customer-driven company requires commitment, time, patience, and effort on the part of the customer service team members. This workshop, instructed by Susan Young, MSA, includes highly motivational elements and drives home to participants the positive difference they can make in the lives of their customers. Cost is $70 per person for chamber members. Register online at www.nwfsc.edu/LI or by phone at (850) 729-6880. MAY
With a focus on service and impressive resume of experience, Ken Wampler was recently appointed president of the Association Management Division for NewmanDailey Resort Properties. In his expanded role, Wampler will oversee the Association Management Division day-to-day operations and staff, as well as business development for all Newman-Dailey Resort Properties divisions. “We’re delighted to grow Ken’s position with Newman-Dailey,” said Jeanne Dailey, owner of NewmanDailey Resort Properties. “He has proven to be a great asset over the last two years. We are incredibly lucky to have his knowledge and industry experience in making the best decisions for our clients.” Newman-Dailey represents 29 associations within Destin and South Walton. From large properties of approximately 450 to smaller communities of eight units, Newman-Dailey employs a team-oriented
and action-focused approach. “It is great to work for a locallyowned, family-operated company,” said Wampler. “This allows us to act quickly on behalf of our clients, providing immediate service and sound decisions.” Wampler joined the NewmanDailey team in 2009 to head business development, as well as assist with the Association Management Division. Bringing 25 years of experience, including eight years on the Emerald Coast, Wampler specializes in luxury resort vacation management and multiple owner associations. A licensed CAM, he’s worked with master associations, private and semi-private golf and tennis clubs, full service hotels, boutique lodging, and 5-Bell marina operations. “Our goal is to provide the highest quality service and provide associations value for each dollar invested,” continued Wampler. “We respect the fact that we manage our clients’ investments and want to add value by ensuring our developments are clean and well-maintained, and focus on the amenities and services that are most important to owners and guests.” Newman-Dailey’s Association Management services are customized to each owner group’s needs and property details. With experts
Congratulations to our top Ambassadors for March 2012: 70 points – Paul Woolman, Copy Systems Business Center, Inc. 40 points – Richard Barrington, Holiday Isle Properties, Inc. 40 points – Ann Kief, BeachOasis.com and Qivana 40 points – Rick Seevers, Life’s A Beach Thank you to Rick Seevers and Paul Woolman for welcoming the following businesses into the Chamber: • Rick Seevers: Ansley & West, P.A. • Paul Woolman: Surf & Cycles LLC and Wells Printing Company www.DestinChamber.com
NETWORK MAY 2012
Member Spotlight Steve Jay, Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel
Destin Visitor Welcome Center HarborWalk Village Destin, FL 32541 (850) 651-7131 www.emeraldcoastfl.com Category: Tourism Development Chamber Rep: Mark Bellinger
Coastal Lifestyle Properties, Inc. 36008 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste. 201 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 424-7310 www.lifestylepropertiesinc.com Category: Real Estate Chamber Rep: Sonya O’Bannon
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER WORKSHOPS The following workshops will be offered by the University of West Florida’s Small Business Development Center during April 2012. For more information, please call (850) 833-9400. May 3 Starting a Business
1 – 4 p.m.
May 16 QuickBooks Basics
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
May 18 1 – 3:30 p.m. Creative Capital for Small Business – Roundtable
May’s Member in the Spotlight is Steve Jay, CPA, partner at Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel, which provides an almost limitless scope of personal services to individuals and businesses literally around the globe. Jay began working in the Fort Walton Beach office of the early firm in 1971, after graduating from the University of West Florida. In 1982, he accepted the opportunity to begin the office in Destin and never looked back. “Destin has always been a success story for us” said Jay, who is currently serving his second year on the Destin Area Chamber’s Board of Directors and his first term as Vice Chair of Membership Development. “We have been involved in some capacity with the Destin Area Chamber since becoming a member in 1980, with partner Kevin Bowyer serving as a recent past Chairman of the Board.” Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel currently invests in the Destin Area Chamber at the Trustee level, the highest membership level the Chamber offers. As a result of its recent combination of three of the Southeast’s oldest and most respected
CPA firms, the firm now has the ability to serve clients anywhere and at every level of business, large and small. While the focus continues to be in serving clients’ needs in the more traditional areas of tax planning and preparation, audit and accounting services, and small business consulting, Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel now has a menu of service options that allows it to work with any type of business client and deliver services at the highest level. “If there is a need, we believe we can answer the call,” said Jay of the firm whose Florida locations include Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Crestview and Pensacola, and Alabama locations include Foley, Fairhope, Montgomery, Birmingham, Anniston, Cullman, and Huntsville. A quick visit to www.warrenaverett. com will show a lengthy listing of client industries the firm currently serves. They range from almost every type of small business to very large corporations and manufacturers, banks, hospitals, medical groups, family offices, insurance companies, hotels, restaurants, and many more. Locally, it is accounting, auditing, income tax services and estate, and financial planning for the most part, but the firm has always been able to deliver solutions to meet clients’ needs regardless of the issues involved. With more than 330 professionals and more than 550 employees, Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel can fill any need and looks forward to every challenge. For more information, please contact Jay at (850) 837-0398.
COSTA LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AT NORTHWEST FLOIRDA STATE COLLEGE TRAINING COURSES Costa Leadership Institute at Northwest Florida State College Training Courses The following class will be offered by the Costa Leadership Institute at Northwest Florida State College during May 2012. For details, visit www.nwfsc.edu/LI/ or call (850) 729-6880.
Destin Chamber of Commerce Membership For information on joining the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, please call (850) 837-6241 or email mail@DestinChamber.com.
May 3 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Creating an Amazing Customer Experience
NETWORK MAY 2012
www.DestinChamber.com
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Business Briefs Trent Clark joins NewmanDailey Resort Properties
Legendary Marine’s Jeff Hopper Named Boat Guru
Trent Clark joined NewmanDailey Resort Properties, Inc.’s team of real estate sales agents. A Florida Realtor and member of the National Association of Realtors, Clark has been involved in design, construction, and sales, which benefits both buyer and seller. Roots in Virginia and an interest in why and where people live and what they do, led to a degree in Geography and Geology. She has lived and worked in many resort areas from the Florida Keys to Aspen, Colorado and is thrilled to have the fortune to now be in the Destin area along the Emerald Coast.
Legendary Marine announced Jeff Hopper was named to the top five performance boat gurus, by Poker Runs America magazine. Hopper has been with Legendary Marine’s Destin service department for one year and works in the newly organized Legendary Performance division, where he has established a drive repair shop. Prior to joining Legendary Marine, Hopper spent 25 years with Mercury Marine.
Golfers Help Raise Critical Funds for Children in Crisis Thanks to great community support, the 6th Annual Children in Crisis (CIC) Children’s Neighborhood Charity Golf Tournament raised an estimated $40,000 in contributions and in-kind donations of prizes, food, services, signs, and support. The tournament was held at the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club, and Sam’s Club was the major sponsor.
Shown here, Ken Hair, CIC president and CEO, presents the 1st place trophy to the winning team of CCB Community Bank, including Alan Wood and Derek Lott.
Destin West RV Resort Opens A local hotelier and developer has opened a 6.2-acre RV resort on the north side of U.S. Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island. Destin West RV Resort, which features 54 separate RV sites with extensive amenities and lush landscaping, was developed by Tripp Tolbert, who owns the Ramada Plaza Beach Resort. PAGE 6
Heritage Wins Local Round of Hard Rock Rising 12,000+ bands entered Hard Rock Café’s Hard Rock Rising worldwide, and Destin’s own Heritage won the local round. After battling it out with several of the area’s top bands at Hard Rock Café Destin, Heritage is one step closer to winning the chance of a lifetime – a spot on the bill at the 2012 Hard Rock Calling music festival in London’s Hyde Park, featuring headlining performances by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Paul Simon, and more to be announced.
Ramada Plaza Beach Resort Names New Director of Sales Ramada Plaza Beach Resort announced Jackie Blue as its new director of sales, overseeing the Jackie Blue sales department for Ramada Plaza Beach Resort, Destin West Vacations, and Destin West RV Resort. Blue began her hospitality career at Ramada Plaza Beach Resort
23 years ago and since has worked with independent properties, as well as branded hotels. She brings with her over 10 years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing.
Silver Sands Names March Employee of the Month
Andrea Farrell was the Top Producing Individual Agent for the entire Gulf Coast with Coldwell Banker United, Realtors, in 2011. John Cook & Team sold $27,933,735 in real estate and received Coldwell Banker’s International President’s Elite Team award. Andrea Farrell sold $18,237,500 in real estate and received Coldwell Banker’s International President’s Elite Individual award. This places these agents in the top 3% of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide.
CBA Celebrates 17 Years Silver Sands Factory Stores March Employee of the Month is Jonathan Helms of Samsonite. He has been with Samsonite for 9 months and is the assistant manager. He excels in sales goals and made Gold Star Sales, achieving 10 percent over plan for the last two months.
Pleat & Perry Expands Pleat & Perry, P.A., announced the opening of its new Rosemary Beach office, inside the Town Offices Building near the Town Center. The Rosemary Beach office, along with the Destin and Navarre locations, offers the firm’s full complement of legal services, mediations, and arbitrations, including real estate closings.
Coldwell Banker Honors 2011’s Top Agents
The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) of Northwest Florida State College recently celebrated 17 years of protecting and restoring the Choctawhatchee watershed at its annual meeting. During its annual meeting, the 2012 CBA Advisory Committee members were installed, including Mark Shaeffer of Baskerville-Donovan, Inc. (Chair), Mitch Shank (Vice-Chair), Ross Hamilton of Collegiate High School of NWFSC (Treasure), Tim Norris of Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. (Secretary), Dennis Peters of Gulf South Research Corporations, James Ward of Fort Walton Beach Glass, Bill Schultz of Schultz and Associated, Ltd., Monica Autry of Destin Water Users, Inc., Alicia Keeter of South Walton Utilities, Inc., Dawn Pack of Okaloosa County Schools, Taylor (Chips) Kirschenfeld of Escambia County (Ex-Officio), Mike Flynt (Ex-Officio), and Dan Robeen of Eglin AFB (Ex-Officio).
Coldwell Banker Honors 2011 Award Winners John Cook and Team
Andrea Farrell
John Cook & Team with John Cook, Cynthia Roberson, Alice Duncan, and Joel Cook was the Top Producing Team and
www.DestinChamber.com
The Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS, Gulf Coast’s leader-
ship team honored the accomplishments of 2011’s top producers at an awards luncheon held at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Winners included the following: Presidential Elite Team – John Cook & Team; President’s Circle Teams – Robert Ellis Team and Tracy Sweetland Team; International President’s Elite Sales Associate – Andrea Farrell; International Diamond Society Sales Associates – Meghan Hall and Judy Catrett-Sheridan; and the International Sterling Awards – Jim Cole, Grady Elder, Scott Provow; and Liz Sumrall.
Crye-Leike Top Producers for March Crye-Leike Coastal Realty announced the Top Producer in closed sales volume for the month of March was the Wanda Duke Team and Wanda Duke the Top Listing Agent for the month of March was Sherry Edmundson. The Wanda Duke Team is made Randy Morris up of Wanda Duke and Randy Morris. Duke is a partner in CryeLeike Coastal Realty, which Sherry Edmundson is a franchise of Crye-Leike Realtors, Inc. She joined Crye-Leike in May of 2000 and brings more than 25 years of sales and marketing experience to the Destin market. Morris joined the Crye-Leike Coastal Realty family in April 2011. His education includes a B.S. in Accounting and an M.B.A. in Business Management, both from Troy See BRIEFS on page 7 NETWORK MAY 2012
BRIEFS continued from page 6 University. After 7+ years in the accounting profession, both public and private sector, Randy decided to pursue the dream of a real estate career Edmundson obtained her license in 2003. Effective communication skills, derived from community volunteer work and strategic planning for non-profit organizations for more than 20 years, Edmundson states, has prepared her to work with people from all walks of life.
WSRE Announces PBS and Member Stations Are Named #1 in Public Trust WSRE announced that once again a national research has confirmed that PBS and PBS stations are the most trusted institution and considered an “excellent” use of tax dollars – for the ninth consecutive year. PBS and PBS stations were was also called the most fair network for news and public affairs. In addition, PBS KIDS was named the most educational TV/media brand, the safest destination for children to watch television or visit online, and the top provider of content that helps children build reading and math skills. The research was conducted in January and February 2012 by the independent, non-partisan research companies Harris Interactive and ORC Online Caravan.
This year’s awards were presented to Kristine Sams, FWBMC Auxiliary member; Agnes Dubose, FWBMC Oncology patient care coordinator; and Dr. Michael Hennessey, an OB/ GYN physician.
Two New Gold Competencies Added to Achievements for Bit-Wizards
ing Shelter House. Held at Silver Sands Factory Stores on March 30 and 31, the purse sale and auction raised more than $5,200 to support programs and services, such as a 24hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, child therapist, group counseling, and violence prevention classes.
G.S. Gelato, parent company of San Gelato Café, received accreditation as an SQF 2000 Level 3 supplier from the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Institute Program. G.S. Gelato is currently the only gelato manufacturer in the United States to have an SQF 2000 Level 3 certification and one of only 40 US manufacturers in the ice cream and frozen yogurt industry to receive the certification.
Mother and daughter shopping team Lori Smith, Florida’s Great Northwest, and Shaye Smith, Silver Sands Factory Stores.
Military Members of TACP Helps Children in Crisis Members of the Hurlburt Field Tactical Airlift Control Party (TACP) Detachment 3, 342nd Training Squadron, supported the at-risk children placed at Children In Crisis, Inc.’s Children’s Neighborhood by volunteering during the recent Golf Tournament.
Middle School Golf Team Wins First Matches The Destin Middle School Girls Golf Team won its first two matches against Shoal River and Davidson.
Medical Center Announces Frist Award Winners
Pictured here are those who volunteered.
Life’s A Beach Welcomes Jessica Hathorn
Shown here during the first match with Shoal River are Savvy Bartleson, Alex Page, Sabrina Locht, Kristin Allen, Shelby Maxwell, and Kaide Farne. Not pictured is Kalanne Krause.
Three members of the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center (FWBMC) family were recently awarded the Frist Humanitarian Award, the highest honor an individual can receive at HCA, the Medical Center’s parent company. NETWORK MAY 2012
Purses with a Purpose Raises More than $5,200 More than 350 women from across the Emerald Coast turned out last weekend for Purses with a Purpose, a unique event benefit-
Hurlburt Field chefs won the “Best in the Air Force” Food Service Hennessy Award from the National Restaurant Association for the second year in a row.
Newman-Dailey Names Top Sales Producers for First Quarter
Bit-Wizards Custom Software Solutions earned the Microsoft Partner Gold Competencies in both Digital Marketing and Mobility, bringing the total number of competencies for the software firm to six gold and three silver.
Local Manufacturer Receives Global-Accredited Certification
Hurlburt Field Chefs are Best in Air Force
Life’s A Beach announced the hiring of Jessica Hathorn as account executive. An Emerald Coast native, Hathorn has Jessica Hathorn recently spent some time living in Alabama; however, her love of Northwest Florida brought her home. www.DestinChamber.com
HarborWalk Village as the event and marketing manager. She earned her Master’s Degree in integrated marketing comWhitney Lee munications at Florida State University (FSU) and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Mark DeSalvo was recently honored as the Top Sales Agent and Jerry Bielawski as Top Listing Agent for NewmanMark DeSalvo Dailey Resort Properties, Inc.’s Real Estate Division for the first quarter of 2012. A Little Rock, Ark., native, DeSalvo earned Jerry Bielawski a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Arkansas. He has been with Newman-Daily for 10 years. Bielawski earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Central Michigan University and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Michigan State University. Following a career with Dow Chemical in sales and marketing, he moved to Destin. Bielawski is among the top 10 percent of all agents on the Emerald Coast, according to the 2011 ECAR Closed Sales Summary Report.
Hilton Sandestin Beach Hires New Director of Marketing The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa hired Whitney Lee as its new director of marketing. In this position, Lee will oversee all advertising, public relations, and social media marketing for Hilton Sandestin Beach. Previously, Lee worked for Emerald Grande at PAGE 7
Business After Hours Sponsored by: Galati Yacht Sales
Thank You for the Door Prizes! • • • •
Chamber President and CEO Shane Moody presents a check for $1,180 to Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) Advisory Committee Member Dennis Peters. The money was raised during Destin’s Bayou, Bay & Back 5K Run/Walk, 10K & Half Marathon, held in January, which ran along the shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay, across Okaloosa Island, and back.
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Coastal Reflections Emerald Coast Rehabilitation, P.A. Galati Yacht Sales Regional Self Storage
Thank you to Galati Yacht Sales for sponsoring the March Business After Hours right along the new Harbor Boardwalk. Pat Ritchie (seen here) invites attendees to tour a few of the yachts docked nearby. To take a tour or learn more about Galati, please visit it on the harbor at 126 Harbor Blvd., call (850) 654-1575, or visit www.GalatiYachts.com.
www.DestinChamber.com
NETWORK MAY 2012
Leaders In Business Lunch Sponsored by: Affordable Home Insurance, Inc.; Gulf Power; Landrum Staffing Services; and Gulf Power
Affordable Home Insurance
Affordable Home Insurance, Inc. – Dennis Gagnon, Jr., and Clinton Durst
Landrum Staffing Services After being a “Captive Agent” for a couple of years and noticing what an impact I had made on people’s lives helping them save money, I decided to branch out and become an “Independent Agent” in hopes of providing people more choices. At the beginning of 2006, I opened my own agency - Affordable Home Insurance, Inc. A few people have laughed at the name and give me a “yeah right....no insurance is affordable,” and then I ask them to just give me a chance. We have grown, over the last five years, to employ 12
people from our humble beginning of just me. Now we are appointed with many different carriers that cover virtually 90 percent of the available homeowner’s markets in Destin and surrounding cities. With these options, we are able to help keep our insured’s cost as low as possible year after year. We all enjoy getting up and coming to the office every day and helping as many people as we can. Now that I have been able to locate similar minded team members, Affordable Home Insurance is poised to help even more people reduce their ever increasing insurance costs. I would like to personally thank those clients who believed in me and my concept. I trust that my efforts have saved you much money over the years and hope that you give me the opportunity to continue to earn your business for many years to come. Call (850) 654-1567 or visit www.ahifl.com.
Gulf Power Whenever a tropical storm or hurricane threatens Northwest Florida, Gulf Power’s primary concern is safety —for the public and its employees — followed by the efficient restoration of power. The company begins monitoring storms as they enter the Gulf of Mexico, and we activate our Emergency Management Center when it’s determined we may be impacted. Gulf Power crews are ready to respond and are recognized nationally for their storm restoration efforts. The company’s Emergency Management Center is a sophisticated command center coordinating the actions of the company’s 1,400 employees — not to mention thousands from Gulf Power – Pam Martin other utilities who come to help. As soon as the storm passes, we begin a comprehensive assessment of the electrical system. This way we’ll know where to begin deploying workers. However, the key to surviving storms, whether tropical or not, is preparation. Gulf Power employees work hard to prepare the electric system before a major storm strikes the area. Please, visit gulfpower.com/storm to make your own preparations, so you’ll be ready when the next storm strikes. On the website, you’ll find tips like how to prepare for a power outage, how to stay safe in the aftermath of widespread damage, and how to safely use a generator. Our Storm Center site will be featured prominently on our home page during the entire Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 each year.
Thank You for the Door Prizes! • • • • • •
Chartwell Hospitality Coastal Reflections Eglin Federal Credit Union Emerald Coast Chiropractic Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Gulf Power
NETWORK MAY 2012
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LoBoy – Magna Manufacturing, Inc. Party Boats Destin Princess and Destiny Professional Records Imaging Mgmt., Inc. Regional Self Storage Telly’s Auto Repair & Towing Service White-Wilson Medical Center
Landrum Human Resource Companies, Inc., gives employers and organizations the ability to focus on growing their business, while knowing their employment and human resources needs are protected. Landrum is a full-service human resource management company providing expert services in Staffing, Human Resources, Payroll, Health and Retirement Benefits Landrum Staffing Services - Andrew Sowell, Julie Orr, and Sandra Smith Administration, Risk Management/Workers’ Compensation Administration, and HR Consulting. Landrum is fully accredited by the Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC), which provides financial assurance for over $30 billion dollars in annual employee wages. H. Britt Landrum, Jr., President and CEO, opened his first job placement office in 1970. His goal then was to help people and companies with their employment challenges. After 40 years, Britt Landrum’s dream has led to extraordinary success for hundreds of companies and thousands of employees. We have expanded our services, but our business is still your people. Today, the Landrum Companies has grown to serving more than 1,000 clients and more than 12,000 employees. We pride ourselves on our long-lasting relationships we maintain with our customers and would love the opportunity to share with you how our clients have been more successful by working with Landrum. Landrum is located in Pensacola, at 6723 Plantation Road, ( 850) 476-5100; and in Fort Walton Beach, at 73 Eglin Pkwy NE, Ste. 110, (850) 244-0026. For more information about Landrum, visit www.LandrumHR.com. Keep the social conversation going by “liking us” on Facebook; following us on Twitter, @LandrumHR; or visiting our blog at www.LandrumHRBlog.com.
Okaloosa Gas Did you know? Households with natural gas heating, cooking and drying appliances on average spend almost 30 percent less on utility bills than households with all-electric appliances. Over 70 percent of US homes appreciate the benefits of gas heating; relying on their natural gas units to stay warm. Natural gas tankless water heaters Okaloosa Gas – Cindy Boissenin and Eddie Springle can provide your family an endless supply of hot water, while saving you up to 70 percent on your hot water energy costs. Additionally, a natural gas tank water heater will save you more than 50 percent to operate while providing you hot water while your power is out. Prepare that perfect meal with precision control, instant on, instant off, with natural gas cooking and save time, money, and energy with a natural gas dryer. More natural gas appliances for your consideration are gas logs, grilling, outdoor lighting, natural gas vehicles, pool heating, and a natural gas generator! Consider these natural gas appliances when building, remodeling, or replacing your current appliance. You will be glad you did! To purchase natural gas appliances, Okaloosa Gas recommends that you visit one of our Appliance Alliance Members. They will assist you by selecting the right appliance that best suit your needs. Visit OkaloosaGas.com to review alliance members. Okaloosa Gas offers incentives to convert your electric heat pump or water heater to a natural gas furnace and/or natural gas tank or tankless water heater. Call Okaloosa Gas at (850) 729-4700 for more information or visit OkaloosaGas.com.
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PAGE 9
Chamber Welcomes New Members During Reception
On Feb. 28, new members were introduced to the Chamber, its Board Members, and staff at a new member reception held in the Chamber conference room. We would like to thank all new members who attended, including the following: 850 Realty & Beach Rentals, LLC; Artistic Catering; Ballista Storm Systems; Coastal Lifestyle Properties, Inc.; Destin’s Total Laundry Services; Disaster Relief Supply, LLC; Family Visitation Centers; Flamingo’s Tropical Wine and Gifts; Fudpucker’s Alligator Beach; Billboard at Fudpucker’s c/o Signlab Associates, LLC; Goodwill Industries - Big Bend, Inc.; Harry and David; Lewis Construction, Inc.; LoBoy - Magna Manufacturing, Inc.; Marinella Monk, MD; Merlins Pizza; Rockstar Marketing; Rodan and Fields Dermatologists; S.E.A. Chase Watersports, LLC; Shred-It; University of West Florida Emerald Coast; and Wells Vision and Laser Eye Center. Read further to learn more about some of the Chamber’s newest members: 850 Realty and Beach Rentals, LLC, is a full service real estate and vacation rental company. We specialize in listing/sales of real estate and short/long term vacations rentals from Panama City to Pensacola. Tim Dever, PAGE 10
owner and broker, has more than 15 years of experience in real estate sales. He began in Atlanta working for a custom home builder, sold condo development projects in Orlando and Jacksonville, and then relocated to Destin to work with a local condo/home development company. 850 Realty and Beach Rentals, LLC, is located in the heart of Destin at 225 Main Street H. Please contact Dever at (850) 499-4487 or 850@cox.net or visit www.850Realty.com Ballista Storm Systems, LLC, has developed a new class of commercial storm protection based on aerospace technology. The patent-pending Ballista StormShear® simplifies hurricane protection, while improving performance by utilizing lightweight aluminum honeycomb composites from spacecraft and military vessel designs. The incredible strength and weight advances allow Ballista to eliminate the complicated mechanics at the core of existing designs. The ultralight weight of the StormShear allows it to store out of sight above the protected opening. Alternatively, it serves as an awning when not deployed, allowing for custom signage, paint, and fabrics. Deployed in minutes, the StormShear system provides unparalleled protection in severe storms. This system
is approved by the Florida Building Commission (#14223) as Large-Missile Impact Rated for use in the most demanding storm environment in the world – Florida’s High Velocity Hurricane Zone of Miami-Dade and Broward counties. There are no maintenance concerns or contracts, just the comfort of a 15-year transferrable structural warranty. Call (504) 733-1441 or visit www.BallistaStorm.com. Coastal LifeStyle Properties, or “LifeStyle Properties” as we call it, is the new residential division to NBI Properties. Its mission is to build a team of professionals who really care about what their clients’ needs are and will put them above all else. It was a natural progression for NBI Properties, one of the fastest growing commercial real estate companies in our region, to branch out into the residential real estate market. The company has a history and has worked hard to create a reputation of excellence, and that’s what LifeStyle Properties intends to do, as well. NBI is a name that people know they can trust, and the agents at LifeStyle Properties want to create that reputation too. Call (850) 424-7310 or visit www.LifestylePropertiesInc.com. Disaster Relief Supply, LLC, was
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founded in 2010 by owner Rick Fisher. With the large-scale natural disasters of the prior decade, Fisher wanted to create a business that could benefit his local community and beyond. After the struggles of cities both large and small with such tragedies as hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, floods, and oil spills, Fisher had the idea to start a company that not only saved property and valuables, but lives. Disaster Relief Supply provides an assortment of products dealing in emergency preparedness, safety, survival, and disaster recovery. DRS also carries power equipment, including pumps, generators, and chainsaws (for sale or rent). Along with the Destin location, DRS also offers online sales nationally. To find out more about Disaster Relief Supply, visit www.DRSupply.net. Magna Manufacturing, Inc., creator of the legendary LoBoy Foam Cooler, has been helping its customers keep it cool (or hot) for four decades. Located in Fort Walton Beach, Magna has grown from selling a few dozen of its amazingly durable foam coolers in local bait and surf shops to selling more than a million foam coolers and insulated shipping boxes (Cold Chain Shippers) in See RECEPTION on page 11 NETWORK MAY 2012
RECEPTION continued from page 10 2008. That makes Magna one of the fastest growing Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) product companies in the U.S. Magna has repeatedly garnered awards and recognition for leading-edge efforts to ensure quality production, environmental protection, and giving back to the community. It manufactures a product that is likewise friendly to the environment and helps others save energy by reducing the need for energy consumption. Contact the LoBoy Client Solutions Team at (888) 243-1112 or visit www.loboy.com. Dr. Marinella Monk is a rehabilitation and pain management physician and practices on campus of the Sacred Heart Hospital in Destin/Miramar Beach. Monk acquired her medical training and experience in France, where she first studied and practiced sports medicine and pain management. Before coming to the United States, she fully recertified and trained in her new specialties. Monk has practiced for almost 20 years in this country, treating acute and chronic back and joints pains. She provides the best possible results, according to the patient’s condition, using the least invasive treatments, all performed in her office. Call (850) 622-9120 for an appointment. The Judge Ben Gordon, Jr., Family Visitation Centers provide the communities of Okaloosa and Walton counties with a secure environment and a well-trained staff to conduct court-ordered supervised visits and monitored exchanges. It is our purpose to provide safety for children and their parents, in cases of child abuse, neglect, and domestic violence. The philosophy of the Visitation Center is that a safe surrounding and a nurturing home-like environment will provide these victims an element of emotional security, as well as the necessary physical safety. It is our hope that families will come to realize their importance to their children and make changes that will enhance the well being of their children. For more information, call (850) 609-1850 or visit www.FamilyVisitationCenters.org. Flamingo’s Tropical Wines & Gifts, LLC, offers unique award-winning Florida wines, made from the finest, freshest, handselected fruit, berries, and citrus. These wines are non-traditional because we do not use any grapes to produce them, which results in a remarkable assortment of wines that are full-bodied, very flavorful, with wonderfully surprising bouquets. These are not fusion or blended grape wines, but 100 percent pure tropical fruit wines. NETWORK MAY 2012
Our wines have won more than 235 various awards and medals from state fairs and wine competitions over the past 13 years. We offer a large selection of wines for all occasions. Don’t miss the daily free wine tasting, during all hours of operation. Call (850) 424-7035 or visit www.FlamingosWineAndGifts.com. Locally owned and operated since 1982, Fudpucker’s has become famous for its great food, live music, world famous T-shirts, and a fun atmosphere that appeals to young and old alike. The name “Fudpucker’s” comes from a nickname that local deckhands used when referring to the Triggerfish. From the very beginning, the name has attracted a lot of attention, and, although it has now just about become a household word, it can still inspire a smile or a laugh. Between the graffiti-filled walls, the unique decorations, the pelican tracks, our very own newspaper, and everything else, you’re in for a very memorable experience. Fudpucker’s is committed to making your visit a good one, so that you’ll want to tell your friends about it and you’ll want to come back again and again. So come, relax, enjoy yourself and have a good time. That’s what it’s all about! Call (850) 654-1544 or visit www.Fudpucker.com. For more than 75 years, Harry & David has been providing fresh fruit and food gifts for life’s most important celebrations. Our motto is “Happiness Delivered” and that means for both you and the important people who receive our gifts from you. We are dedicated to creating moments that are fun, flavorful, and, above all, memorable. In this competitive business environment, Harry & David’s dedication to quality and personal service can give you the edge you need to succeed. We can create business gifts at a variety of price points to fit your budget. Everything has the gourmet taste-and exceptional presentation-that has made Harry & David famous. Best of all, you can select from all of our everyday favorites, like rich chocolates, chips & salsa, or our exclusive Moose Munch Snacks. Take advantage of our experience, we can help your company reach out to establish better client or employee relationships with appetizing custom gifts and incentives. Call (850) 650-4566 or visit www.HarryAndDavid.com. Merlins Pizza is 100 percent local. It was founded and started by the Johnson family in Destin in 1999. Merlins Pizza is not a chain. Merlins Pizza is not a “corporate” pizza restaurant. There is only one Merlins Pizza, and it’s located on the corner of
Highway 98 and Airport Road. Please stop in today and see what a difference a truly 100 percent local restaurant will provide you in terms of service and great food. We don’t believe in “corporate” food. Our dough and sauce are made daily. We use only Grande brand cheese, the best pizza cheese money can buy. Grande is 100 percent pure, never frozen, and contains no cellulose powder, like the cheese used by our corporate competitors. Our meat toppings are pure meat with no soy fillers, unlike what those corporate guys use. So please, support the LOCAL pizza shop and experience what 100 percent real pizza tastes like. Call (850) 650-3000 or visit www.MerlinsPizza.com. Rockstar Marketing specializes in search engine optimization, advanced social media campaigns, and web design. For the past eight years, our clients have been NFL and NBA players, UFC fighters, Playboy Playmates, and country and rock stars. We recently refocused our efforts to incorporate local businesses. Our services consist of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, DIGG, Search Engine Optimization, and Pay-PerClick strategies, along with Web design. The low cost of entry to social media makes it particularly useful to small businesses who often find the costs associated with traditional media prohibitive. Unlike traditional media, with social media and search engine optimization, we can provide analytics of web traffic. We can not only track the traffic on your websites and blogs, but your Facebook Fan sites too. We build HTML and Flash Facebook Fan sites that can incorporate ecommerce, Twitter feeds, Email lead capturing, contests, advanced scripts, and much more. Call (850) 499-8600 or visit www.Rockstar-Marketing.com. Rodan + Fields® Dermatologists is changing skin and changing lives by partnering with independent business owners across the United States to bring innovations in anti-aging skincare to everyone. Founded by world-renowned dermatologists Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, the creators of Proactiv® Solution, Rodan + Fields’ patentpending AMP MD™ System makes real results possible at home without injections or other invasive procedures. Rodan and Fields is also addressing sun-damaged skin, as well as an amped up regiment for ache UNBLEMISHED. Call (850) 598-0780 or visit https://fountainteam.myrandf.com. Shred-it specializes in providing a tailored document destruction service that allows businesses to comply with legislation and
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ensure that the client, employee, and confidential business information is kept secure at all times. Through our strict chain-ofcustody processes, reliable on-time service, and a global network of local service centers, Shred-it provides the most secure and efficient confidential information destruction service in the industry. Call (850) 309-1996 or visit www.ShredIt.com/Tallahassee. Total Laundry Services has been locally owned and operated since 2006. We are Destin’s “One-Stop-Shop” for any and all laundry and dry cleaning needs! Besides being Destin’s only coin-operated laundromat, Total Laundry Services also offers dry cleaning, comforter cleaning, and a convenient wash-dry-fold service. Total Laundry Services is located on Commons Drive, behind Walmart. Our superior service, cleanliness, and value pricing have made us a favorite among locals for 6+ years....please give us a try today! Call (850) 837-7583 or visit www. DestinLaundry.com. Dr. Kevin W. Wells, OD, FAAO, opened Wells Vision and Laser Eye Center at 4012 Commons Dr. W., Ste. 110, in Destin, in the fall of 2011. The office features the latest in diagnostic equipment to provide high definition eye exams. LASIK procedures are also performed on site. Digital quality lenses are manufactured in the office providing 24-hour turn around in most cases. Wells is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, and he was recently published in the Journal of the American Optometric Association. Call (850) 424-6677. Ranked by Forbes as one of America’s top colleges for 2011, the University of West Florida (UWF) is a smart choice. Paving the way to success, UWF offers many degree programs right here on the Emerald Coast— engineering, business, hospitality, education, criminal justice, social work, and interdisciplinary information technology. These programs, along with advising services, are offered across a unique group of Emerald Coast campus locations, including on nearby Air Force bases. At UWF, small classes allow students to have direct access to professors who know them by name. With an increased number of program offerings and a community of nurturing faculty and staff dedicated to providing both traditional and non-traditional students with personalized attention, the possibilities are endless at UWF. For more information please call (850) 865-6565 or visit www.UWF.edu/EmeraldCoast.
PAGE 11
May Calendar of Events May 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 Wednesday Night Concert Series Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf Time: 7 – 9 p.m. www.baytownewharf.com May 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 16th Annual Concerts in the Park Location: Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village Time: 7 – 9 p.m. www.mattiekellyartsfoundation.org May 4 Dental Clinic Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Celebration Location: Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Inc. Dental Clinic Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. www.cvhnkids.org May 5 Waves for Wildlife Dolphin Cruise Location: Southern Star Glass Bottom Boat Time: 2:30 p.m. www.ecwildliferefuge.com May 5 Cantina Laredo Celebrates Cinco de Mayo Location: Grand Park in Grand Boulevard Time: 2 – 11 p.m. www.cantinalaredo.com May 5 Cinco de Mayo Spring Fest Location: HarborWalk Village Time: 4 – 9 p.m. www.harborwalkdestin.com
May 11 Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Songs on the Lawn Location: Ruskin Place Park Time: 7 – 10 p.m. www.artsquestflorida.com May 12 Letter Carriers Food Drive www.united-way.org May 12 Shelter House Princess and Pirate Ball Location: Sandestin’s Linkside Conference Center Time: 5 – 8 p.m. www.shelterhousenwfl.org May 13 Annika and Friends Concert Location: Grand Boulevard North Park Lawn Time: 7 p.m. www.AnnikaandFriends.com May 15 The Premiere Golf Tournament Location: Shark’s Tooth Golf Club Time: 9 a.m. www.cvhngolf.com
May 25 Star Gazing By The Shore Location: Henderson Beach State Park Time: 7 – 10 p.m. www.floridastateparks.org May 26 & 27 Memorial Day Concert Celebration Location: HarborWalk Village www.harborwalkdestin.com May 26 – 28 Memorial Day Weekend Festivities Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf www.baytownewharf.com May 31 Red, White and Blue Celebration – Hero Reunion on the Harbor Location: HarborWalk Village Time: 6 – 9 p.m. www.harborwalkdestin.com
Leaders In Business Lunch
May 17 & 24 Red, White, and Blue Celebration Location: HarborWalk Village Time: 6 – 9 p.m. www.harborwalkdestin.com
May 6 WSRE’s Southern & Sassy Annual Tea Party Location: Pensacola Yacht Club Time: 3 – 5 p.m. www.wsre.org/Tea
May 18 & 19 9th Annual Bob Hope Memorial Charity Golf Classic Location: Fort Walton Beach Golf Club www.afev.us
May 8 Pleat & Perry Attorney to Speak at Seminar Location: Employment Law Beyond the Basics Seminar www.pleatperry.com
May 19 3rd Annual Little Black Dress Party Location: Emerald Coast Convention Center Time: 6 – 10 p.m. www.fwblittleblackdressparty.com/event
May 10 Young Frankenstein Location: Mattie Kelly Arts Center Time: 7:30 a.m. www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
May 23 JobsPlus Mobile Unit Location: Silver Sands Factory Stores Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. www.silversandsoutlet.com
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May 23 2012 Veterans Expo Location: Northwest Florida Fair Grounds Time: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. jeffmiller.house.gov
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Major J.D. Peacock, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Okaloosa County’s Emergency Management Chief Randy McDaniel, and Destin’s Public Service Director Steve Schmidt sat on a panel and took questions from the audience regarding the best way to stay informed during and to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.
Audience members were encouraged to ask questions during the event.
NETWORK MAY 2012
Trustees Profile: Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. lodging tax paid by visitors staying overnight in the cities of Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Mary Esther, and Cinco Bayou.
MISSION The Tourist Development Council’s (referred to as the “TDC� and known as the Convention & Visitors Bureau, or “CVB,� outside the local area) primary responsibility is to promote tourism and increase overall visitation via sales, marketing, and advertising of our beautiful Emerald Coast to the outside world. The TDC is also responsible for the promotion and operation of the Emerald Coast Convention Center, operation of the Visitors’ Welcome Centers, funding of beach cleaning, beach restoration improvements, a certified mandated State of Florida beach turtle watch program, water testing throughout Choctawatchee Bay and the Gulf, promotion and operation of the Emerald Coast Film Commission, funding of the Beach Safety Life Saving Program (funding of beach lifeguards), funding of public beach County access parks, funding of the artificial reef program, and overseeing the environmental council. The TDC is solely-funded by the
VISION Over the next couple years, the TDC will be in the forefront of the electronic society, investing most specifically in social media marketing. There are online communities that have already and are continually emerging to provide ways for people to connect socially. The TDC recognizes the value and power of these online communities and will place itself within them to strategically target new and returning Emerald Coast visitors. To date, Florida’s Emerald Coast Facebook page has more than 355,000 “fans� (as of March 27, 2012) – consumers who like and show continued interest in our area. The TDC began with only about 19,000 Facebook fans in the summer of 2010. The battle for visitors and their money is being fought more and more across the Internet. Our marketing mediums include: television, radio, print, billboards, viral, Internet, digital, social, special promotions and sweepstakes, cooperative, and more. Today’s economic environment reinforces the need to plan with flexibility, keeping economic shocks and unexpected catastrophic contingencies in mind. The Emerald Coast has
seen acts of nature, business, and human activity directly and dramatically affect travel and impact our local economy, and the TDC has learned to be proactive in addressing such situations. All plans moving forward are thought out with flexibility in mind, contingency plans, and the clear goal of increasing the overall occupancy of the County’s southern lodging industry. The 2012 marketing and advertising plan is designed to improve the following tourism-related numbers: 7.9 million annual visitors to our area, $794.1 million in tourism taxable sales for the FWB MSA, $1.43 billion in total visitor annual spending, and more than 18,000 jobs supported by tourist spending. OPERATIONS PHILOSOPHY We are in the service, hospitality, and tourism industry. Our team graciously works with visiting guests, local tourism-related businesses, and Okaloosa County residents. We strive to proactively bring together individuals and businesses that rely on tourism meetings for revenue and encourage public participation. As an unbiased resource, the TDC team serves as a knowledgeable broker and official point of contact for convention and meeting planners, tour operators, and visitors. We assist planners with meeting preparation and proudly encourage business travelers and visitors alike
to visit Emerald Coast historic sites, take part in our cultural events, shop in our stores, enjoy our restaurants, visit our attractions, enjoy our recreational sites, and relax on our awardwinning sugar-white sand. We enthusiastically maintain and protect our number one County asset, the beaches. We always maintain a “can-do� attitude and strive to accomplish the little things that make a big difference. We are on call 24/7 and treat our organization as a private-sector business motivated to achieve the greatest return-on-investment. The TDC fosters a work environment that values and encourages communication and openness, diversity, individual contribution, and positive attitudes. We maintain an environment of creativity, innovation, and teamwork. We value our stakeholders. 2012 TDC Overall Macro GOALS (not all inclusive) Goal 1: Improve the local economy by helping to
increase lodging occupancy percentages in the TDC’s taxing district, especially during the shoulder and off-seasons of the year. This in turn will increase private-sector, tourismrelated business revenue. Goal 2: Maintain the cleanest, most uniquely beautiful and pristine beaches in America Goal 3: Improve and enlarge the size and scope of conventions and meetings at the Emerald Coast Convention Center
The Recognized Leader in Heart Attack Care. Jesse Aguilar Cardiac Cath Tech
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Ansley & West, P.A. 151 Regions Way Ste. 1-C Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-3777 www.awlawdestin.com Category: Attorneys Chamber Rep: Andrea Ansley
Ronald McDonald House Charities Northwest Florida 5200 Bayou Blvd. Pensacola, FL 32503 (850) 499-1398 www.rmhc-nw.org Category: Non-ProďŹ ts Chamber Rep: Shelley A. Poirrier
Coastal States Contractors, Inc. 12671 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste. 212 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 502-4252 www.coastalstatescontractors.com Category: General Contractors Chamber Rep: Kelly S. Taylor
Rotolo’s 985 Hwy. 98 E. Ste. F Destin, FL 32541 (850) 269-5200 www.rotolos.com Category: Restaurants - Pizza Chamber Rep: Devon Williams
The Logo Place 225 Main St. Ste. 9 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 650-3393 www.thelogoplace.com Promotional Products Category: Chip Wasson Chamber Rep: Promotional Products Men’s Warehouse #3342 4424 Commons Dr. #551 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-7447 Category: Men’s Clothing Chamber Rep: Pete Hahn PKP Sail Destin, LLC 1740 Old Scenic Hwy. 98 Destin, FL 32541 (251) 979-5013 www.perdidokeyparasail.net Category: Water Sports Chamber Rep: Steve Vrondran Restylers Aftermarket Specialist 316 Racetrack Rd. N.W Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547 (850) 796-7274 www.restylersinc.com Category: Automobile-Parts & Accessories Chamber Rep: Josh Ulrich PAGE 14
Salty’s Seafood Rolls & Gumbo 4232 Legendary Dr. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 461-7190 www.saltysfamousgumbo.com Category: Restaurants - Seafood Chamber Rep: John Sallman Sexton’s Seafood Inc. 601 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-3040 www.sextonsseafoodmarket.com Category: Seafood Markets Chamber Rep: Mary Ann Sexton Surf & Cycles LLC 816 Hwy. 98 E. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 424-3815 www.surfandcycles.com Category: Beach Gear & Supplies Chamber Rep: Lisa Hurt ValleyCrest Landscaping Maintenance, Inc. 148 Shannon Ln. Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 267-9988 www.valleycrest.com Category: Landscaping Services Chamber Rep: Jason Connor Wells Printing Company 6030 Perimeter Pkwy. Montgomery, AL 36116 (334) 281-3449 www.wellsprinting.com Category: Printing Chamber Rep: Kevin Bell
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1-877-984-0196 coxbusiness.com
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NETWORK MAY 2012
A Condo by the Gulf (850) 502-0804 Chamber Rep: Becki Downs
Bubba Gump (850) 650-1881 Chamber Rep: Matt Stensrude
Emerald Shores Services, Inc. (850) 622-2131 Chamber Rep: Dan Buckner
Panama City Weddings (850) 248-2933 Chamber Rep: Susan Long
Acentria, Inc. (850) 650-1950 Chamber Rep: Libby Martin
Children’s Advocacy Center (850) 833-9237 Chamber Rep: Julie Hurst
Ft. Walton Beach High School (850) 833-3300 Chamber Rep: Charlene Couvillon
Pelican Real Estate (850) 650-2494 Chamber Rep: Susan Gashaw
Adams Homes (850) 939-3676 Chamber Rep: Millie Carpenter
Clements Antiques Of Florida (850) 837-1374 Chamber Rep: Debbie Krutz
Gilligan’s Restaurant & Water Sports (850) 650-4400 Chamber Rep: Mike Abadie
Publix Super Markets, Inc. (850) 837-9094 Chamber Rep: Dwaine Stevens The Roane School (850) 650-0137 Chamber Rep: Nicole Union
Alaqua Animal Refuge, Inc. (850) 880-6399 Chamber Rep: Laurie Hood
Coastal Publications (850) 376-4799 Chamber Rep: Debbie Fraser
Gulf Coast Immediate Care Center, Inc. (850) 244-3211 Chamber Rep: Mary Jane Swanson
Alexan Henderson Beach (850) 650-3676 Chamber Rep: Robert Maley
Coastal Realty of Destin, Inc (850) 650-3480 Chamber Rep: Stephanie Dickerson
Homes & Land Of The Emerald Coast (850) 650-1014 Chamber Rep: Joe Nacchia
Alliance Association Management Co. Inc. (850) 650-2320 Chamber Rep: Kim Wintner
Cracker Barrel (850) 269-3344 Chamber Rep: Teresa Begley
Howard Group (850) 837-1886 Chamber Rep: Myra Williams
American Red Cross of N.W. Florida (850) 432-7601 Chamber Rep: Jerry Kindle
Destin Inn & Suites (850) 650-2236 Chamber Rep: Anil Bhakta
Inlet Reef Club Condominium Assoc (850) 837-2303 Chamber Rep: Virginia Purser
America’s Swimming Pool Co. (850) 603-0879 Chamber Rep: Ryan Eiland
Destin Jewelers (850) 837-8822 Chamber Rep: Merrill McManus
LaFlorida Coastal Properties L.L.C. (850) 231-7896 Chamber Rep: Jeff Landreth
Arnett & Kerrigan, P.L. (850) 502-4373 Chamber Rep: Jane Kerrigan
DestinDirect.com (850) 217-3880 Chamber Rep: Deronda Redden
Landrum Human Resources (850) 244-0026 Chamber Rep: Joni Humphreys
Best Western Ft. Walton Beachfront (850) 243-9444 Chamber Rep: Ellen Bragg
DIXIELECTRICAR OF DESTIN (850) 269-0011 Chamber Rep: Cindy Launch
Masino Therapy Services, LLC (850) 424-5210 Chamber Rep: Theodore Masino II
Better Business Bureau (800) 729-9226 Chamber Rep: Pres. CEO Norman Wright
Elite Physique Personal Training (850) 598-7263 Chamber Rep: Colleen Riddle
McMahon Hadder Insurance, Inc. (850) 650-7404 Chamber Rep: Donnie McMahon
Taylor Haugen Foundation (850) 830-2178 Chamber Rep: Kathy Haugen
Breakers East Condominium (850) 837-1010 Chamber Rep: Jon Hufstedler
Emerald Coast Magazine (850) 654-7881 Chamber Rep: Mr. Brian Rowland
George Novak, M.D., F.A.C.S. (850) 837-7777 Chamber Rep: George Novak, M.D.
Track Recreation Center (850) 654-4668 Chamber Rep: Annette Manuel
Rum Runners (850) 351-1817 Chamber Rep: Dale Martin Sam Taylor Buick Cadillac (850) 244-5165 Chamber Rep: Karen Taylor Hutson Sandestin Lions Club (850) 269-0196 Chamber Rep: James (Jim) T. Wood Jr. Seacove Condominium & Townhomes (850) 837-7810 Chamber Rep: Dwight Pierce Sound Associates Inc. (251) 443-5001 Chamber Rep: Ron Johnson Sugarloaf Luxury Apartments Leasing Office (850) 837-3131 Chamber Rep: Tricia Lingad Taco Bell (850) 837-4422 Chamber Rep: Ashley Siner
w w w. D e s t i n C h a m b e r . c o m NETWORK MAY 2012
www.DestinChamber.com
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DESTIN BUSINESS FORUM
Great Value. Great Price.
In partnership with Cox Communications, the Chamber’s monthly TV program will host the following organizations beginning in May:
Destin Forward Class Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc. Planet Beach Contempo Spa
The exceptional lifestyle waiting for you at Westwood Retirement Resort has never been more affordable. A limited number of 1-Bedroom apartments are available at the same price as a studio apartment. Best of all, you can lock-in your low rate for a Lifetime! But the time to act is now! At prices this low, these apartments will move quickly.
Call (850) 863-5174 for more details and to schedule a personal visit.
2074204
Your story continues here‌
Independent Living Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing 1001 Mar Walt Drive Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32547 www.brookdaleliving.com
Law Offices ROBERT E. MCGILL, III, P.A.
ROBERT E. MCGILL, III 36008 Emerald Coast Pkwy. • Suite C Destin, Florida 32541
3019502
ATTORNEY AT LAW
850-837-1386 Fax 850-837-1574
Celebrate ethics with your Better Business Bureau Torch Award Luncheon Thursday, May 10 SunDestin 1040 Hwy. 98 East Destin, FL 32541
ÂŽ
Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics Customer Service Excellence Award Student Ethics Scholarship 3028269
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RSVP at 800.729.9226 info@nw.bbb.org nw.bbb.org/TorchAward
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2074207
www.DestinChamber.com
NETWORK MAY 2012