November 2011 Network by Destin Area Chamber of Commerce

Half Marathon Added to Destin’s Bayou, Bay & Back | Racing to the finish line with sugary white, sandy beaches gracing the view is just one of the perks of participating in the first half-marathon during the Destin’s Bayou, Bay & Back 5K/10K Run/Walk & Half Marathon in January. The second annual run/walk, set to take place on Jan. 28, 2012, will include the more intense half marathon, which runs approximately 13.1 miles along the Emerald Coast. Although all of the courses offer water views, the first-ever half marathon will deliver stunning views of the Choctawhatchee Bay, Destin Harbor, and East Pass as it leads through Destin, along a 4-mile undeveloped stretch of Okaloosa Island, and back. “The half-marathon is the type of event that draws runners from out of town, so we get them here to spend money over a weekend,” said Shane Moody, president and CEO

NOVEMBER 2011

By Kristy Davies, Communications Intern

of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce. “It will serve as an economic booster during the off-season, which is one of the goals of the sports commission. And with the route being across Okaloosa Island and back, there probably isn’t a more attractive half-marathon anywhere else.” The Bayou, Bay & Back 5K/10K Run/Walk & Half Marathon will begin at Clement Taylor Park in Destin at 7:30 a.m., rain or shine. Awards will be presented to the overall winners, both runners and walkers, male and female, as well as to winners in multiple age categories. “It’s good to see the community rally around an event like this,” said David Smith, owner of In the Moment Pet Care, an active chamber member and avid runner. “The addition of a half marathon is a great option because it offers three distances to the entire community. It will provide a good chal-

lenge for some people and is something to work toward.” More than 300 runners, and walkers are expected to hit the pavement this January. The Destin Area Sports Commission is still seeking sponsors for this event. Prior to Jan. 28, the race registration fee is $25 for the 5K/10K and $50 for the Half Marathon. Registration may be completed on www.Active.com, before Jan. 25, or by downloading the race brochure at www.DestinChamber.com. On race day, the registration fee will be $30 for the 5K/10K and $65 for the Half Marathon. Registration may be completed on site. Please note that no bikes or pets will be allowed on the race course. Additional details may be found at www. DestinChamber.com. For more information, please call the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce at (850) 837-6241.

VOL. XVIV NO. XI

2011 DESTIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP

Building Our World-Class Community

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MIKE FREEMAN Chairman of the Board Acentria, Inc. 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 SHAUN EUBANKS Vice Chairman/Community & Economic Development Community Bank, Destin 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 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. LES PORTERFIELD TEA, Inc. CHAIRMAN’S APPOINTEES JOHN COMER Southern Restaurant Group, LLC KEN WAMPLER Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc. 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 NATHAN WILSON Membership Consultant nwilson@DestinChamber.com

850.837.6241 WWW.DESTINCHAMBER.COM PAGE 2

Shane A. Moody, CCE, IOM Congratulations to Mike Eller and Melissa Steffen and EVERYONE along the Destin Harbor for putting together an unbelievable Destin Seafood Festival. The event was everything anyone in Destin would have wanted for this community. I’m not going to say too much because of Mike’s column (opposite page), but I did want to express my thanks and gratitude to the efforts put into the festival. For me, two words sum it up: BEST EVER! I’d also like to say that

one of the things that the festival proved was the need for the boardwalk to be constructed along the harbor front. Again, I’ll ask you to see Mike’s column because he talks about this, too. The Chamber has been in favor of this boardwalk since I came to Destin nearly 8 years ago. We’ve never been this close to seeing actual construction take place. Kudos to all involved in getting us to this point. Now, let’s get it done and make our waterfront the festive marketplace and gathering venue we want it to be. Welcome to Destin, Maryann Ustick, Destin’s new City Manager. You’ll learn that this is one of the most welcoming, friendly communities you could have chosen. Please know that the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce is here to work with you to continue to

make this community the very best it can be. Congratulations to new board members Julie Cotton of Northwest Florida State College and Dave Morrow of Allstate Insurance - Ryland/ Morrow Agency. Also congratulations to board members who were reelected to another threeyear term: Mary Anne Windes of Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Shaun Eubanks of Community Bank, Destin, and Rebecca Jones of Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. I look forward to working with you to secure Destin’s future. It’s the time of year when your board of directors begins its planning for the next year. While several discussions and meetings have taken place over the last few weeks to discuss what our direction should be, many more will take place over the next couple of months.

Our board retreat is scheduled for mid-November, with Dale Brill of the Florida Chamber Foundation coming over from Tallahassee to facilitate. We’ll maintain our focus on our mission, on quality growth, and the advancement of our business community. Our goal is to create a strong economy so our members thrive, so our businesses can provide jobs, and our residents can feel pride and security in our community. We’ll work to set a plan that creates the best community possible. After all, that’s how we’ll 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:

September 2011 Phone Calls/E-mails – 977 Incoming Mail – 153 Visitors to Welcome Center Lobby – 244

Our website at www.DestinChamber.com recorded 23,740 visits and 19,453 unique visitors for September 2011.

Visitors’ Guide & Buyer’s Directories Mailed – 220 Relocation Packages – 18

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 NOVEMBER 2011

A Message from the Chairman of the Board All I could think of was the word “outstanding” when describing this year’s Seafood Festival along the harbor. I have to Mike Freeman start by tipping my hat to the Destin Charter Boat Association, Mike Eller’s leadership, and Melissa Steffen’s execution. Melissa invested countless hours planning, promoting, and executing the game plan. Obviously, there were many others on her team from the community who gave of their time and talent for the beneﬁt of Destin’s signature festival event, and we are grateful. It makes me

Outstanding!

proud to be associated with Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, which had the guts to make the decision to convey the festival over to the DCBA after managing it for more than 30 years. Trust me when I say, the decision was not an easy one; however, it was the right one. The success of this year’s festival proves it. The festival hit a high mark with me on several fronts. First of all, the atmosphere along the harbor was electric with enthusiasm and excitement by those attending the event and others involved in its production. The decision to create a linear route along the harbor was an out of the park home run. Everyone I spoke to absolutely loved the ambience of being able of traverse the harbor front, while enjoying all that was offered by the festival. You could tell there was a lot of thought placed into the logistics and placement of venues from start to ﬁnish. I liked the fact there was something new and different at every turn to make your experience memorable.

By the way, who ordered the fantastic Chamber of Commerce weather? OK, I will take credit for that one. Free admission was certainly a big hit with everyone. Free always works in my budget from the expense side. Also, I was very impressed with the array of local and regional entertainment that was showcased throughout the weekend at various locations along the route. I think that really added to the festival atmosphere and feel as folks walked the route. I understand the food, arts, and crafts vendors were ecstatic with the ﬁnancial results of the weekend too. I could go on with more praise; however, if you attended the festival, you already know what I am trying to convey. Finally, if you didn’t attend, you missed out, and you should circle the date for 2012. I am sure a date will be released in the next few months. Another Chamber goal for Destin is inching closer to reality. As you may have learned, the Destin Harbor CRA commit-

tee and City Council recently approved the easement language regarding the construction of the harbor boardwalk. There is no doubt a lot of heavy lifting has been done behind the scenes by several, including both owners along the harbor and the City of Destin. We at the Chamber continue to marvel at the leadership Mary Anne Windes continues to exhibit in her support of the boardwalk and her role as Chair of the Chamber’s Harbor Committee. I must admit with every passing day, I feel more and more conﬁdent the Destin Harbor Boardwalk will become a reality. As great as this year’s Destin Seafood Festival was, what if it could have been staged on a newly built boardwalk? Perhaps next year that can happen.

Mike Freeman 2011 Chairman of the Board Acentria, Inc.

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NETWORK NOVEMBER 2011

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THE CHAMBER MONTH AHEAD Join us for our Leaders In Business Lunch sponsored by Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc., on Tuesday, Nov. 8. It will be held at the Palms of Destin Resort & Conference Center. 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, Nov. 4, at noon. Checkin begins at 11:15 a.m., and the lunch begins promptly at 11:30 a.m.

Chairman’s Club Spotlight Sterling Resorts

NOVEMBER

Join us for our 15th Annual Business Expo and After Hours on Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Network with your fellow Chamber members, show off your products and services, see exciting displays of new products, and purchase or order your favorite items. There is no charge to attend this event, and it will be open to the public. Thank you to Business After Hours sponsor Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa and Expo Sponsors AT&T Advertising Solutions and Simple HR. To reserve your booth, please contact the Chamber at (850) 837-6241 or mail@DestinChamber.com. NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER

Chamber Board of Directors Meeting will be held in the Chamber conference room at 11:30 a.m.

Last year is still a clear memory, as I am sure it is for all of you. Last year occupancy was in the mid 30 percent range and ADR was under $130. We realize everyone felt the strain of the economy, oil, and unemployment, just as we did at Sterling Resorts. As bad as it was, Sterling still invested $1,384,064 to promote the units on our rental program. Marketing and sales is clearly a strength in numbers game, as one advertisement in a sought after publication, like Southern Living, can run in excess of $8,000. This is great exposure, but you will agree as a single unit owner, or even a multiple unit owner, this kind of presence would be out of reach, let alone spending $1.3M to capture every opportunity in revenue. We are seeing a few new and even some existing rental management companies offering 10 percent management fees. We look at this and then looked at our marketing spending. Knowing we spend more than 15 percent on marketing, we ﬁnd it easy to see what they cut out to offer a 10 percent fee structure. Our marketing spending is up this year compared to the prior year as well, and we are seeing beneﬁts

SEPETEMBER 2011

For information about all Chamber events, please visit the Events Calendar at www.DestinChamber.com.

An Uplifting Year!

PAGE 4

of this in our rental unit owners’ pockets. Occupancy has climbed almost 10 percent over the prior year, and the ADR increase is greater than 20 percent over the prior year. We have already surpassed last year’s whole year revenue by $2.6M, and it is only the end of August. I am happy to say I have seen our rental owners’ payouts to be close to double what we had last year. This has been an exciting year so far, and we are happy to be able to share the results of our efforts by more dollars in our owners’ bank accounts. Additionally, we were thrilled to being recognized by the Florida Commission on Tourism as a recipient of the prestigious Flagler Award. Sterling’s “Happy Hour Sale” promotional email campaign garnered top honors for creativity, innovation, vision, and commitment – hallmarks of this annual competition, presented at the Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism this September. Jayna Leach was in attendance to receive the award and

is the creative leader for our group. The economic weight is not gone, but certainly got a little lighter this year. We are working hard on the fall and know positive trends do not just happen. Our staff is still busy representing Sterling Resorts everywhere we can. We want 2011 to be the ﬁrst good year leading to many great years ahead. Sterling Resorts is one of the Southeast United States’ leading vacation rental management companies in Northwest Florida. Founded in the early eighties, Sterling’s current portfolio includes spacious vacation homes, cottages, and luxury condominium resorts, with more than 1,000 units in popular destinations along the Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida. Sterling Resorts provides a complete solution for condominium owners participating in its rental management programs, including branding, sales, property management, and on-site check-in and check-out services for guests. 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 (850) 837-6241.

Celebrating Ambassador Successes Congratulations to our top Ambassadors for September 2011: 70 points – Richard Barrington, Holiday Isle Properties, Inc. 70 points – Debbie Woolman, Copy Systems Business Center, Inc. 70 points – Paul Woolman, Copy Systems Business Center, Inc. www.DestinChamber.com

NETWORK NOVEMBER 2011

Non-Profit Spotlight

Chamber President and CEO Completes Term as Association Chairman

During Oct. 4 – 6, almost 100 state chamber professionals gathered at The Palms of Destin Resort & Conference Center for Raising Awareness During Hospice the Florida Association of Chamber Profesand Palliative Care Month sionals (FACP) annual conference. During Covenant Hospice is sharing this spiritual aspects with medical care and may the event, Destin Area Chamber President important message with the community incorporate life prolonging treatment and and CEO Shane Moody (left) completed his this November during National Hospice procedures into the plan of care. term as FACP chairman and passed the gavel and Palliative Care Month: Hospice and Hospice care is that which is provided to Jaye Baillie, the Ocala-Marion County palliative care providers will take the time to individuals who have been diagnosed Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. to make sure you understand your illness with a terminal illness, and the patient The Destin Area Chamber would like and what care options might be available. and/or family understands that this illness to thank area partners who helped make Hospice caregivers make your wishes a is life-limiting. Hospice care provides this event a success, including Emerald priority and make sure you get the care expert pain management, symptom conCoast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.; you want and deserve. trol, psycho-social support, and spiritual The Palms of Destin Resort & Conference “We work hard all year to make sure care when a cure is not possible. All the Donald’s, Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Center; Sago Restaurant at The Palms; 790 people know that support, comfort, and necessary medicines and equipment can be Village, Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill, on the Gulf; and Bayside Airport Shuttle. respect are available at a time when hope brought right to the home, which is where Henderson Park Inn, Little Nemo, Party Thank you also to those donating to the seems out of reach,” said Dale Knee, most Americans would like to be if at all Boats Destin Princess or Destiny, Private silent auction, including Avantgarde Salon, Covenant Hospice President & CEO. “Yet possible. Inc., Bass Pro Shops World Wide Sportsman, Gallery, Reeds Jewelers, and Ruth’s Chris during November, we ramp up our efforts More than 1.5 million people with a Steak House. Beach Walk Henderson Park, Costa Mcto raise awareness of the high-quality care life-limiting illness get help from the nathat is available during one of life’s most tion’s hospice and palliative care providers challenging times.” every single year. Covenant Hospice is a Hospice care began in Europe durnationally known and respected organizaing the 17th century, and the first hospice tion that specializes in the expertise of facility in the United States opened in hospice and palliative care. Connecticut in 1974. More than 5,000 “It’s about quality of life. With the hospice programs are currently operating help of hospice and palliative care, paVoice in the United States. Hospice and Palliative tients and families can focus on what’s Cox Business VoiceManager allows you to manage your Medicine was recognized in 2006 by the most important, living as fully as possible business phones from any Internet connection. As your business grows, we offer larger solutions like PRIs. American Board of Medical Specialties. in spite of illness,” Knee said. We have amazing ways to diagnose For additional information, please conspecific illnesses and even more astonishtact Covenant Hospice at (850) 729-1800. Data ing treatment options once these diagnoSAVE THE DATE: A World Affair is Cox Business Internet covers all your broadband needs ses are made. However, as we all know, an afternoon of international dance and with speeds up to 50Mbps and offers even faster solutions not all diseases can be cured. Therefore cuisine to benefit Covenant Hospice. This with Cox Optical Internet or Cox Metro Ethernet. a large majority of us will eventually be global adventure will be held Sunday, Dec. faced with symptoms of a specific disease 4, at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. process that the finest physicians cannot Visit www.eventsatcovenant.org/aworldafTV cure. It is at times like these that hospice fair or call Jenni Perkins (850) 598-5003 Cox Business TV provides crowd-pleasing programming and palliative care are so important. for details. and commercial-free music. Palliative care is the active total care of The above article is part of our series spotlightpatients whose disease is not responsive ing our non-profit organizations. Their efforts to curative treatment. This type of care strengthen the Destin community, and we are proud Let’s get down to business! focuses on the relief of symptoms, such of their dedication and hard work. If you would 877-404-2504 Ř coxbusiness.com as pain, and enhances the quality of life like your non-profit organization spotlighted here, Available to business customers in Cox areas. Service provided by Cox Business Services, a division of CoxCom, Inc. Cox cannot through comfort measures. Palliative care please contact Elizabeth Spies at (850) 837-6241 guarantee uninterrupted or error-free Internet service or the speed of your service. Rates and bandwidth options vary and are subject to change. Other restrictions apply. Telephone services are provided by an affiliated entity. ©2011 CoxCom, Inc. All rights reserved. also integrates psychological, social, and or espies@DestinChamber.com.

Covenant Hospice

Give Your Business the Right Foundation

NETWORK NOVEMBER 2011

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Business Briefs Compiled by Kristy Davies, Communications Intern Children in Crisis Receives Donation

Children in Crisis (CIC) received a donation from Health Source of Fort Walton Beach, which held a food drive at its business location to provide supplies for birthday cakes.

Boeing Donates to Okaloosa Arts Alliance

The Boeing Company is donating $3,000 to the Okaloosa Arts Alliance for its 5th annual Family Fun Arts Fest. The grant will be used to cover the costs associated with the Family Fun Arts Fest, which will be held on May 12, 2012, at Henderson Beach State Park from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Silver Sands Recognizes September Employee of the Month

The Silver Sands Factory Stores Employee of the Month for September is Tugba Tapper of Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH. She has been with Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH for seven months. She recently won the monthly top performer in the store and does an excellent job of opening new credit cards for customers. Silver Sands Employee of the Month winners receive a $25 gift card to Silver Sands and a $25 gift certificate to Carrabba’s Italian Grill.

Mary Kay Consultant Donates to Operation Soldier Care

Mary Kay Independent Consultant Team Leader Sheri McDonald, right, and Sales Director Vickie Green, left, donated 104 Soldier Care Bags to Operation Soldier Care on Sept. 21, 2011. Master Sgt. Chris Baucom accepted the donations, which were for the Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard. Retail value of the donation was $4,160. Mary Kay’s mission is to enrich women’s lives and provide an opportunity that encourages building a successful independent business, while living a balanced life.

Coldwell Banker Adds New Agents The Coldwell Banker United, Realtors – Destin Office announced that Mike Anderson, PAGE 6

Mike Cole, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Susan Edeker, Cecil Little, Kathleen O’Dell, and Jan Walding all joined Cecil Little its team in July, August, and September. O’Dell and Edeker closed their local brokerage to join Coldwell Banker United Jan Walding and The Tina Starling Team. Anderson is a new agent with extensive sales experience. Cole is a new agent and previously ran a building Kevin Fitzpatrick business in St. Louis, Mo. Little moved from East Pass Realty to this office and has 20 years of real estate development experiKathleen O’Dell ence. Walding is a licensed broker with extensive experience in new construction real estate sales. Fitzpatrick recently separated from the United States Air Force. He came to Coldwell Banker United through the military member and spouse recruiting program.

coordinated the volunteers and worked right beside them to finish the construction project. This garage provides a place to house the garbage bins for the two foster homes.

Hurlburt Field Red Horse Builds Outdoor Garbage Bins for CIC

Evening of Art Raises Money for Sacred Heart

Caption: Left to right: Ken Hair, CIC president & CEO; MSgt Danny Frey; and other volunteers from the 823rd Red Horse Unit

Caption: Left to right: Leonard Olson, Sacred Heart Foundation; Melinda Tanner, Geana’s Art Gallery; Geana Wilkerson, Geana’s Art Gallery; Dorothy Robinson, Sacred Heart Foundation Development Board; Guglielmo Ianni, Guglielmo’s Restaurants; and Randy Neal, Geana’s Art Gallery

Volunteers from the Hurlburt Field 823rd Red Horse Unit poured concrete and built three outdoor garbage bins for Children in Crisis (CIC). Master Sgt. Danny Frey

Realtors and Builders Paint Their Heart Out

the art sold throughout the weekend and a fantastic silent auction raised money to help fight cancer. Featured artist, Kathryn Joseph, whose work adorns the walls of the Ritz Carlton and J.W. Marriott Hotels around the world, provided a live painting demonstration.

Burke Blue Law Firm Continues Success with New Ofﬁce Space

Realtors from the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (ECAR) and members of the Building Industry Association (BIA) of Okaloosa and Walton Counties came together Sept. 16, for the Emerald Coast AMI Kids in a project called Paint Your Heart Out. Volunteers from ECAR, the BIA, and AMI Kids painted the interior rooms of the AMI Kids facility located in Fort Walton Beach.

Sacred Heart Named Among Top 100 Hospitals for Patient Satisfaction Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast was recognized as a Top 100 Hospitals for Patient Satisfaction by WomenCertified®. WomenCertified is the collective voice of the female consumer and a trusted referral source for top businesses and brands identified with women. As a Top 100 Hospital and because of its high consumer satisfaction scores, WomenCertified further honored Sacred Heart with the Women’s Choice Award.

An Evening of Art at Geana’s Art Gallery raised $4,500 for the Sacred Heart Cancer Services. Proceeds from www.DestinChamber.com

Caption: Clockwise, Laurie Molina, Administrative Assistant to Destin Ofﬁce, upper left; M. Todd Burke, Partner; Elizabeth Henry, Real Estate Closer; and Judy Miles, Real Estate Closer

Burke Blue Hutchison Walters & Smith, a law firm serving Northwest Florida with over 300 years of combined experience, recently moved to a new office within Grand Boulevard’s Suburban Office Park. With expertise at three local offices, Burke Blue provides clients with specialized knowledge, experienced counsel and advocacy in over 25 areas of law, including real estate law, general civil litigation, closing services and estate planning. Burke Blue’s new office is located directly across from Regions Bank in Grand Boulevard.

Twin Cities Hospital Auxiliary Installs New Ofﬁcers

Twin Cities Hospital Auxiliary installed its 2011-12 officers Sept. 27, during its monthly luncheon. (Left to right): Bobbie Humphrey, First Vice President; Regina Joyce, Recording Secretary; Wanda Stapleton, Assistant Treasurer; Carolyn Van Pelt, President; and Pat Willoz, Treasurer. Not pictured are: Mary Lou Catron, Second Vice President, and Bonnie McKinney, Corresponding Secretary.

Sacred Heart Now Offering Expanded Heart and Vascular Services Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast opened a major expansion of its heart and vascular services. Along with the current cardiac diagnostic procedures, the hospital is now providing life-saving interventional procedures, such as angioplasty and stent implantation to open blocked coronary arteries. In addition to elective interventional procedures, Sacred Heart’s Emergency Department is now equipped to respond immediately to cardiac emergencies 24-hours-aday, 365-days-a-year. Sacred Heart is the first hospital in Walton County to provide this level of care.

Hilton Sandestin Earns a Silver Flagler Award from Visit Florida The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa was one of a select group of Florida tourism-oriented businesses and organizations to be awarded with a Visit Florida Flagler Award for outstanding tourism marketing at the 44th Annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Hollywood, Fla., last month. The Hilton Sandestin Beach received the second-highest award – a Silver Flagler Award – in the “Creativity in Public Relations” category. The Hilton Sandestin Beach’s entry – a series of YouTube “Beachside Reports with the H-Team” – was the second highest scoring entry.

Sinfonia Receives Increased Grant Support from The Boeing Company Sinfonia Gulf Coast announced its continued partnership with The Boeing Company in recognition of the non-profit symphony orchestra’s mission of inspiring, entertaining, and educating the community with innovative and imaginative performances. The grant of $10,000 will assist the organization during the upcoming 2011-12 season.

Emerald Coast Foundation Helps Children in Crisis The Emerald Coast Foundation recently showed its support to Children in Crisis (CIC) by awarding a grant to help sustain operations of the CIC Children’s Neighborhood. Chris Sehman, left, president of the foundation, presented the donation See BRIEFS on page 7 NETWORK NOVEMBER 2011

BRIEFS continued from page 6 to Ken Hair, president & CEO of CIC, at the October Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce First Friday Coffee.

Coldwell Banker Announces Top Sales Associates for August

King Joins Pleat & Perry Patrick S. King has joined the law firm of Pleat & Perry, P.A. King, a graduate of Cumberland Patrick King School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, recently practiced law as an Assistant State Attorney for the 1st Judicial Circuit in Shalimar, where he was a felony and misdemeanor prosecutor. King will be practicing in the areas of criminal law, D.U.I. defense, and general civil litigation.

Eric Hanson

Vicki Matthews

Top Producers for Crye-Leike for September The top producer for Crye-Leike Coastal Realty in closed sales for the month of September was Ken Koger Gayla Spence and the Top Listing Agents were Ken Koger and Sherry Edmundson. Spence has been a realtor for 15 Gayla Spence years and an associate broker licensed in Mississippi as well as Florida. Koger, an Air Force veteran, has more Sherry Edmundson than 17 years of project management experience and 13 years of sales, construction, and community development experience. Edmunson has been a Tennessee Realtor since 1987 before moving to Destin. NETWORK NOVEMBER 2011

Tracy Sweetland

At Coldwell Bank United, Realtors, John Cook and his team, Coldwell Banker previews specialists in residential real estate, including Cynthia Roberson, Alice Duncan, and Joel Cook, were named Top Listing Team. Tracy Sweetland and her team, which includes Shaina Hershey, were named the Top Selling Team. Vicki Matthews was named the Top Listing Agent, and Eric Hanson was named the Top Selling Agent for the month.

Shelter House Golf Tourney Helps Raise Money Caption: Left to Right: Mike & Diane Carpenter, Regatta Bay members; Michelle Sperzel, Shelter House executive director; and Larry Hines, Regatta Bay member.

the event going to Shelter House – Domestic Violence Center. This year’s event, held at Regatta Bay Golf & Country Club, raised more than $9,500 for the fight against domestic violence, which will be directed toward sustaining Shelter House’s emergency shelter services.

with a multi-chamber ribbon cutting. The new office will provide support for Landrum clients in Okaloosa and Walton counties and extend its service offerings to area businesses, as well as provide employment opportunities for residents.

Bit-Wizards Releases New Kentico Windows Phone 7 App

O’Sullivan Creel Named Top 100 Best Accounting Firm to Work For

Bit-Wizards announced the publication of its latest Windows Phone 7 application, the Kentico Reader, an RSS reader allowing instant access to the latest Kentico CMS news and bug tracking reports. The Kentico Reader app is the third Windows Phone application developed by Bit-Wizards. Other apps include the Kentico Mobile Manager and the Gulf Coast .NET User Group Meeting application.

United Way 18th Annual Day of Caring Sets New Record

Caption: Volunteers from Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field helped clean up Clement Taylor Park.

The 18th Annual United Way Day of Caring, an increasingly successful event for the United Way agencies and the growing number of company volunteers, is a vehicle for advancing philanthropy in the workplace. This year, the Day of Caring teams brought together almost 900 volunteers, who donated over 3,391 hours of service and completed 67 projects in the communities during the five days of the 2011 Day of Caring, contributing to record breaking numbers and a huge success.

O’Sullivan Creel, LLP, has been named one of the nation’s “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” by Accounting Today and Best Companies Group. The survey and award program identifies, recognizes, and honors the best places of employment in the accounting industry. The “Best Accounting Firms” list will appear in the December issue of Accounting Today and on BestAccountingFirmstoWorkfor.com.

Newman-Dailey Names Top Sales Producers for Third Quarter

Colin Kirkwood

Jerry Bielawski

Colin Kirkwood and Jerry Bielawski have been named NewmanDailey Resort Properties’ top producers for the third quarter of 2011. Kirkwood was named top sales agent, and Bielawski was named top listing agent.

Pinktober Celebrity Server Week at Hard Rock Brings in Donations

David Pleat Testiﬁes at Senate Committee on Reapportionment David B. Pleat, senior partner at Pleat & Perry, P.A., was recently invited by Sen. Don Gaetz to provide David Pleat testimony before the senate committee on reapportionment. The committee is charged with establishing new districts for House, Senate, and Congress based on recent Constitutional Amendments 5 and 6.

As part of Hard Rock Café’s Pinktober events, during the first week in October, local celebrities waited tables and donated their tips to the Pinktober fund to help bring awareness to breast cancer. Together, the local celebrities raised more than $400 for the local Pinktober fund.

Tommy Bahama’s Café Supports Children in Crisis

Wells Fargo Foundation Donates to Children in Crisis

Landrum Opens Ofﬁce in Fort Walton Beach Caption: Left to Right: Ken Hair, CIC president & CEO; Lauren Von Bergen, CIC development director; and Jamie Crouch, Wells Fargo

Caption: Left to Right: Tournament winners Steve Johnson and Loretta Maurer.

The Ninth Annual Regatta Bay Shelter House Golf Tournament was held on Sept. 18, with proceeds from

Landrum Human Resource Companies Inc. opened its Fort Walton Beach office in September www.DestinChamber.com

The Wells Fargo Foundation presented a donation check to Children in Crisis (CIC) during a ceremony at The Palms of Destin recently. This is the third year the foundation has donated to CIC.

Caption: Left to Right: Ken Hair, CIC president & CEO, and Mario Mardones, Tommy Bahama’s Café general manager.

For the fourth year, Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Café & Emporium hosted the White Sands Golf Classic Charity Golf Tournament benefiting Children in Crisis (CIC). All proceeds will help feed and clothe the abused, neglected and abandoned children of the community. PAGE 7

Business After Hours Sponsored by: GulfSouth Private Bank

Thank You for the Door Prizes! • Beverly Hills Day Spa • Cartridge World • The LA Lounge • Mary Kay Beauty Consultant Sondra Pace • Mary Kay Independent Consultant Team Leader - Sheri McDonald • Silver Plus The staff of GulfSouth Private Bank, which hosted and sponsored the Business After Hours on Sept. 22, 2011 is seen here.

Shane Moody, president and CEO of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, and Tony Atkins, right, president and CEO of GulfSouth Private Bank, who sponsored event, read off door prize winners at the Business After Hours on Sept. 22, 2011. Door prize donation offers a great way for members to promote their business and services. Members are encouraged to bring one to any Chamber event.

PAGE 8

www.DestinChamber.com

NETWORK NOVEMBER 2011

Leaders In Business Lunch Sponsored by: Hancock Bank/Whitney Bank

Capt. Mike Eller, Destin Charter Boat Association, talks about the Destin Seafood Festival and its success. He also recognized some of the biggest contributors and dedicated volunteers.

Thank you to October Leaders In Business Lunch sponsor Hancock Bank/Whitney Bank. Meg Russell, of Hancock Bank/Whitney Bank, talks about the progress of the bank merger and invites everyone to utilize the bank’s local services.

Jean Dutton, left, Emerald Ladies’ Journal sales representative, receives a door prize from Debby McKinney, Blab TV. Door prize donation offers a great way for members to promote their business and services. Members are encouraged to bring one to any Chamber event.

Mike Freeman, Acentria chief ﬁnancial ofﬁcer and chairman of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, gives Donald Slappey, of Whitney Bank, an opportunity to talk about his company during a networking exercise during last month’s lunch.

Thank You for the Door Prizes!

Okaloosa County Sheriff Larry Ashley talks about the dangers of texting while driving and a new program to encourage parents and teens to cease texting while driving. The Sheriff’s Ofﬁce has partnered with the Okaloosa County School District for this campaign.

NETWORK NOVEMBER 2011

• • • • • • •

Blab TV Coastal Accounting of NW Florida, PA Hancock Bank/Whitney Bank Eglin Federal Credit Union Emerald Coast Chiropractic Gulf Power Mary Kay Independent Consultant Team Leader - Sheri McDonald

www.DestinChamber.com

• • • • •

O’Sullivan Creel, LLP Party Boats: Destin Princess and Destiny Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Florida Simple HR The UPS Store/Miramar Beach

PAGE 9

850 Realty & Beach Rentals, LLC 4042 Drifiting Sand Trail Destin, FL 32541 (850) 499-4487 www.850realty.com Category: Real Estate Chamber Rep: Tim Dever Audibel Hearing Centers 1209 Airport Rd. Ste. 5 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-3247 www.audibelflorida.com Category: Hearing Aid Sales and Service Chamber Rep: Karen Caban Coastline Calvary Chapel 310 Mountain Dr. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 932-8197 www.coastlinelife.com Category: Churches Chamber Rep: Neil Spencer Disaster Relief Supply, LLC 4010 Commons Dr. W. Ste. 110 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 424-7278 www.drsupply.net Category: Emergency Preparedness Chamber Rep: Rick Fisher Emerald Coast Aviation 1001 Airport Rd. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 398-6749 www.emeraldcoastaviation.com Category: Airports Chamber Rep: Jonathan Dunn Florida Quick Stick Lacrosse 4710 Seastar Vista Destin, FL 32541 (850) 685-3679 Category: Non-Profits Chamber Rep: Michael “Gene” Speni PAGE 10

Narconon Gulf Coast, Inc. 3391 Scenic Hwy. 98 E. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-2799 www.narconongulfcoast.com Category: Non-Proﬁts Chamber Rep: Deborah Ross Nobles Consulting Group, Inc. 312 Government Ave. #1 Niceville, FL 32578 (850) 678-9932 www.ncginc.com Category: Land Surveying & Civil Engineering Chamber Rep: Lisa Marie Trevino Planet Beach Contempo Spa Niceville, FL 32578 (205) 531-3554 Category: Spa Chamber Rep: Amanda McConky Rentals Redone 80 Heron Pointe Ct. Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 585-2110 www.rentalsredone.com Category: Condo Renovation Chamber Rep: Paige Whitten S.E.A. Chase Watesports, LLC 314 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 607-0071 www.seachasewatersports.com Category: Boats-Pontoon Rentals Chamber Rep: Sheri Andrews

SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOPS The following workshops will be offered by the University of West Florida’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) during November 2011. For more information, please call the Fort Walton Beach SBDC at (850) 833-9400.

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 you may register and pay by credit card online at www.sbdc.uwf.edu or call the SBDC at 833-9400. Nov. 3 • 1 – 4 p.m. 1170 Martin Luther King Blvd., Bldg. 1, Room 156, FWB QuickBooks Basics – See how QuickBooks financial software helps you take control of your business finances. Find out which QuickBooks product is right for you before you buy. See an overview of how QuickBooks simplifies tasks such as payroll, sales tax, job estimating, and job costing. The fee is $50. To reserve your seat you may register and pay by credit card online at www.sbdc.uwf.edu or call the SBDC at 833-9400. Nov. 9 • 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce, 1447 Commerce Dr., Crestview QuickBooks Basics – See how QuickBooks financial software helps you take control of your business finances. Find out which QuickBooks product is right for you before you buy. See an overview of how QuickBooks simplifies tasks such as payroll, sales tax, job estimating, and job costing. The fee is $50. To reserve your seat you may register and pay by credit card online at www.sbdc.uwf.edu or call the SBDC at 833-9400. Nov. 10 • 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 1170 Martin Luther King Blvd., Bldg. 1, Room 156, FWB Financial Statements You Can Read – This workshop will help you through the process of understanding and managing by financial statements. Learn critical indicators of downturns or additional profit potential in your company’s income statements, balance sheet, and cash flow statements in order to more effectively run your business. The fee is $15. To reserve your seat you may register and pay by credit card online at www.sbdc.uwf.edu or call the SBDC at 833-9400. Nov. 17 • 1 – 2:30 p.m. 1170 Martin Luther King Blvd., Bldg. 1, Room 156, FWB Business Taxes – Figuring & Filing – Learn about small business tax responsibilities including self-employment, payroll, unemployment, and sales tax. The fee is $15. To reserve your seat you may register and pay by credit card online at www.sbdc.uwf.edu or call the SBDC at 833-9400. Nov. 17 • 3 – 4:30 p.m. 1170 Martin Luther King Blvd., Bldg. 1, Room 156, FWB

www.DestinChamber.com

NETWORK NOVEMBER 2011

4 Seasons Nails & Spa (850) 654-4100 Chamber Rep: Khai Nguyen

Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (850) 622-5970 Chamber Rep: Lee Greene

Homes & Land Of The Emerald Coast (850) 650-1014 Chamber Rep: Joe Nacchia

ResortQuest Vacation Rentals (850) 275-5000 Chamber Rep: Phyllis Cullenbine

98 Palms Wine & Spirits (850) 650-9444 Chamber Rep: Todd Arnold

Destin Gulfgate (850) 837-3556 Chamber Rep: Philip Lofe

Jetty East (850) 837-2141 Chamber Rep: Jerry Stalnaker

Resorts Realty Group, Inc. (850) 837-3521 Chamber Rep: Debra Williams

A 2 Z Specialty Advertising (850) 654-3080 Chamber Rep: Gabby Bruce

Destin Home Depot #6377 (850) 650-4175 Chamber Rep: Polo Cutts

Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q (850) 424-5895 Chamber Rep: John Dupuis

Rhodes Auto Repair (850) 837-2368 Chamber Rep: Scott Rhodes

A Plus Pressure Washing Services, Inc. (850) 685-3348 Chamber Rep: Doyle Mullins

Destin Premier Carpet Cleaning (850) 650-1860 Chamber Rep: David Rounsaville

Jim Liufau Ins. Agency, Inc., State Farm Ins. (850) 837-1329 Chamber Rep: Mr. Jim Liufau

Ruth’s Chris Steak House (850) 337-5108 Chamber Rep: Mike Sable

Acme Oyster House (850) 622-1900 Chamber Rep: Mac Carroll

Dolphin Cruise/Southern Star Glass Bottom Boat (850) 837-7741 Chamber Rep: Ms. Wendy Wilson

LocalEdge Online Advertising (850) 243-0129 Chamber Rep: Linda Bruce

S & R Sprinkler Systems & Landscaping, Inc. (850) 837-8347 Chamber Rep: Richard Kersten

Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc. (850) 651-3766 Chamber Rep: Scarlett Bauman

Douglass Chiropractic, Inc. (850) 650-6789 Chamber Rep: Dr. Timothy Douglass

Allstate Insurance - Mike Cheney (850) 862-0131 Chamber Rep: Mike Cheney

Dune Allen Realty Vacation Rentals (850) 267-2121 Chamber Rep: Beth Godwin

Allstate Insurance - Ryland/Morrow Agency (850) 650-0600 Chamber Rep: Dave Morrow

Early Learning Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton Counties (850) 833-3627 Chamber Rep: Gloria Mayo

American Cancer Society (850) 244-3813 Chamber Rep: Aileen Koon Barefoot By The Sea Vacations (850) 543-9239 Chamber Rep: Jeanne LeMoine

Edgewater Beach Condominiums (850) 837-1550 Chamber Rep: Suzanne Harris Emerald Coast Vacation Rentals (850) 837-6100 Chamber Rep: John Butler

The Manor at Bluewater Bay (850) 897-5592 Chamber Rep: Teresa Halverson Mary Kay Independent Consultant Team Leader - Sheri McDonald (850) 240-1758 Chamber Rep: Sheri McDonald Matthews Jones & Hawkins, LLP (850) 837-3662 Chamber Rep: Stephen R. Sametz Mellow Mushroom (850) 650-6420 Chamber Rep: Hallie Gibbs Narconon Gulf Coast, Inc. (850) 837-2799 Chamber Rep: Deborah Ross

Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund (850) 243-6713 Chamber Rep: Glenn Scharf Sandpiper Cove (850) 837-9121 Chamber Rep: Tammy Turner ScubaTech of NW Florida, Inc. (850) 837-2822 Chamber Rep: Carla Moore SEE Magazine (850) 399-0123 Chamber Rep: Patti Ellis Setco Services LLC (850) 650-6161 Chamber Rep: George Brannon, Jr. Shake’s Frozen Custard (850) 269-1111 Chamber Rep: Dee Chernicky

Bay Cafe (850) 244-3550 Chamber Rep: Julien Lorant

Emerald Lady Jewelry (850) 424-3823 Chamber Rep: Priscilla Davis

Bistro Bijoux (850) 622-0760 Chamber Rep: Robert Bulgarella

Enterprise Rent A Car (850) 654-5991 Chamber Rep: Robert James

Bluewater Plastic Surgery, Dr. Steven Clark (850) 267-4582 Chamber Rep: Jennifer Buzzelli

First National Bank of Florida (850) 654-1477 Chamber Rep: Les Hahn

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast (850) 862-1616 Chamber Rep: Crawford “Bear” Henley

FNBT.Com Bank (850) 837-9171 Chamber Rep: Peggy Threadgill

Bryan Pest Control, Inc. (850) 862-3955 Chamber Rep: Darryl Warren

Greg Goodson and Associates, Inc. (850) 650-1070 Chamber Rep: Greg Goodson

Buffalo Rock Company, Inc. (850) 471-4147 Chamber Rep: Tim Shuman

Gulf Coast Electric (850) 837-8474 Chamber Rep: Jeff Linn

Chef On The Go (850) 729-3377 Chamber Rep: Mary Churillo

Gulf Terrace Condominiums (850) 837-4720 Chamber Rep: Dave Cachero

Compass Solar Energy (850) 439-0035 Chamber Rep: Karen Hepworth

Harvest House, Inc. (850) 837-2277 Chamber Rep: Lori Joyner

Precious Ones Nanny Care (Bonded, Insured, Degreed & Certiﬁed) (850) 376-7704 Chamber Rep: Emily Carvallo

Conerly, Bowman & Dykes, LLP (850) 837-5118 Chamber Rep: J. Bruce Bowman

Bruce A. Haught, P.A. (850) 837-7021 Chamber Rep: Bruce Haught

Realty Advisors, Inc. (850) 650-2877 Chamber Rep: Jerry Bishop

Vision Bank (850) 269-1709 Chamber Rep: Leslie Welsch

Covenant Hospice (850) 729-1800 Chamber Rep: Beth Tritschler

Holiday Inn Express (850) 654-9383 Chamber Rep: Allison Mellinger

Regional Self Storage (850) 837-8717 Chamber Rep: Chip Carter

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC (850) 837-5366 Chamber Rep: Nick Barlotta

NETWORK NOVEMBER 2011

New School Selling (850) 710-3215 Chamber Rep: Steve Clark Northwest Florida Symphony Guild (NFSG) Chamber Rep: Jerry Sullivan Northwestern Mutual - The Vaughn FinancialGroup (850) 244-8613 Chamber Rep: Thomas R. Vaughn Ocean Reef Resorts (850) 837-3935 Chamber Rep: Mike Taylor O’Sullivan Creel, LLP (850) 837-0398 Chamber Rep: Kevin Bowyer Papa John’s (850) 650-3636 Chamber Rep: Didi Collins

www.DestinChamber.com

Showtime Events (850) 622-4087 Chamber Rep: Rebecca Scozzafave Silver Plus (850) 665-2669 Chamber Rep: Bill Cimbalo Sinfonia Gulf Coast (850) 269-7229 Chamber Rep: Demetrius Fuller South Walton Utility Co., Inc. (850) 837-2988 Chamber Rep: Mary Locke Telly’s Auto Repair Towing & Service (850) 244-7444 Chamber Rep: Sandra Telemacque Twin Cities Transmission & General Repair (850) 729-6629 Chamber Rep: Brandy Pirc United Way Of Okaloosa Walton County (850) 243-0315 Chamber Rep: Bill Robinson

PAGE 11

Destin Business Forum

Member Spotlight

In partnership with Cox Communications, the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s monthly TV program will host the following organizations beginning in November:

Janice Gaultney, Drape 98 Express, LLC

Affinity K9, LLC Caring Transitions

By Kristy Davies, Communications Intern Meeting the needs of her customers, Janice Gaultney, sales representative at Drape 98 Express, LLC, helps match them with the perfect drapes, whether theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re pinch pleat, Euro pleat, grommet, ripple fold, or ďŹ&#x201A;at panel. Drape 98 also offers wood and faux blinds, shades, and plantation shutters, in addition to the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new VerticalMateâ&#x201E;˘ that is designed to ďŹ t onto old vertical blind tracks. Gaultney, along with her colleagues at Drape 98, measure, fabricate, deliver, and install their products. But it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always a world of drapes for Gaultney. Her background is in education with multiple degrees in English, school psychometry, and school administration and supervision. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over my career, I have been an English teacher, a school psychometrist, and a director of special education,â&#x20AC;? said Gaultney, who is also involved with Destin Business Builders BNI and the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and is on the board of

Col. Jim Slife, New Wing Commander at Hurlburt Field

directors for the Cypress Dunes Homeowners Association. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My interest in draperies goes back to the years I followed a good army ofďŹ cer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; my husband â&#x20AC;&#x201C; around the globe and made my own window treatments at every stop as I sought to make each new home our own. When my husband and I moved to Cypress Dunes on 30-A, it was a great opportunity for me to work with my daughter, Drape 98 owner Amy Hunley of Atlanta, and her business partner and owner, Chris Harrelson of Destin.â&#x20AC;? Gaultney said what she enjoys most is working with the owners of Drape 98. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What these two women have accomplished since beginning this business in 2007, just when the market was experiencing its downturn, is truly amazing,â&#x20AC;? said Gaultney. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a pleasure to be part of their team and know that we are all always doing our best.â&#x20AC;? For more information, visit Drape 98 at www.drape98.com, email janicegaultney@ comcast.net, or call (256) 214-2221.

The Recognized Leader in Heart Attack Care. Jesse Aguilar Cardiac Cath Tech

4HE TIME BETWEEN ARRIVAL IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AND THE INmATION OF A BALLOON IN THE CORONARY ARTERY OF THE HEART IS REFERRED TO AS hDOOR TO BALLOON TIME v )NDUSTRY STANDARDS SUGGEST THAT THIS TIME SPAN SHOULD NOT EXCEED MINUTES !T &ORT 7ALTON "EACH -EDICAL #ENTER THE DOOR TO BALLOON TIMES AVERAGE MINUTES !ND OUR BEST TIME IS MINUTES 7E HAVE ONE OF THE FASTEST TIMES IN .ORTHWEST &LORIDA 4HAT S GOOD NEWS FOR OUR HEART ATTACK PATIENTS 4HE #HEST 0AIN #ENTER AT &ORT 7ALTON "EACH -EDICAL #ENTER IS ONE OF OUR MANY PROGRAMS THAT HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED BY AND ADHERES TO THE STANDARDS OF THE MOST RESPECTED AGENCIES IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY

s WWW FWBMC COM s -AR 7ALT $RIVE &T 7ALTON "EACH 2041669

PAGE 12

www.DestinChamber.com

NETWORK NOVEMBER 2011

Celebration Hall Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology

61 Topsail Village Dr. Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 499-2652 www.thecelebrationhall.com Categories: Convention & Meeting Services; Wedding Consultants; Wedding Suppliers and Services Chamber Rep: Alice Pauls

12469 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste. 101 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 654-3376 www.coastalskinsurgery.com Category: Physicians - Dermatology & Skin Surgery Chamber Rep: Laura Burgess

Firehouse Subs

Harry Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Veranda Banquet Hall

34737 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Destin, FL 32550 (850) 424-7331 www.ďŹ rehousesubs.com Category: Restaurants-Deli & Catering Chamber Rep: Kenneth Stange

46 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 654-4800 www.harryts.com Category: Restaurants-American Chamber Rep: Dan Empson

NETWORK NOVEMBER 2011

www.DestinChamber.com

PAGE 13

November Calendar of Events Compiled by Kristy Davies, Communications Intern

November 2 Taylor Haugen Foundation’s Community Event Location: Alys Beach Caliza Pool Time: 6 p.m. The Taylor Haugen Foundation will hold its second annual event, “Savor the Season: A Culinary and Wine Tasting Affair,” which will feature nine local celebrity chefs and their signature dishes. There will also be an auction of celebrity chef dinners, wines, and sports memorabilia. Visit www. taylorhaugen.org or email thfdirector@emailfamily.com. November 3 Southern Specialties from the Movie, “The Help” Location: The Viking Store Time: 6 – 9 p.m. The Viking Store will be hosting a southern cooking class based on culinary delights from the Deep South, as featured on the movie, “The Help.” Call (850) 650-9092. November 3 Frog’s Leap Wine Dinner Location: SunQuest Cruises at Baytown Marina Time: 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. Fine wines will be paired with gourmet dishes aboard the SunQuest Cruises Solaris. Goat cheese, crab, duck, and short ribs are just some of what will be served. Cost is $80 per person. Visit www.SunQuestCruises.com or call (850) 650-2519. November 5 Taste of the Beach After Dark Location: Finz Restaurant Time: 7 – 10 p.m. Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort will be holding a nighttime poolside party under the stars on PAGE 14

the beachside pool deck at Finz Restaurant. There will be food, signature cocktails, and wine. Visit http://tasteofthebeachﬂ.com/events/. November 5 13th Annual Pin Fish Classic Location: Pier behind AJ’s Restaurant Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 p.m. The City of Destin is holding its annual Pin Fish Classic. The event is free to all youth under the age of 14. The ﬁrst 50 will receive a T-shirt. Call (850) 650-1241. November 5 Walk to End Alzheimers Location: Baytowne Marina at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort Time: 8 a.m. A Walk to End Alzheimer’s is being hosted by Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and Crystal Bay Senior Living Community and will feature two route options: one mile or three miles. Email Kimberly.brammer@alz.org or call Jennifer Smith at (850) 267-1600

November 11 Fundraising Friday for Habitat Okaloosa Location: Howl at the Moon Time: 7 – 11 p.m. A fundraising night will be held to help raise money for Habitat Okaloosa and will include an evening of a rock and roll dueling piano show. Tickets are $10 per person with 100 percent of all pre-sold tickets going directly to Habitat Okaloosa. Visit www.habitatfwb. org or call (850) 315-0025. November 12 48th Annual Camellia Show Location: Westwood Retirement Resort Time: 1 – 4 p.m. The 48th Annual Camellia Show, presented by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Camellia Society, will be feature hundreds of lovely camellia blossoms. The show is free and open to the public. Call (850) 477-3625 or email camelliafwb@cox.net.

November 6 Turkey Workshop Location: The Viking Store Time: 1 – 6 p.m. Learn how to brine, truss, season, and roast the ultimate holiday turkey and receive coaching on what type and size of turkey to select. Call (850) 650-9092.

November 12 Holiday Pies Workshop Location: The Viking Store A workshop is being held at The Viking Store to teach how to bake the perfect pie. Participants will make a chocolate pecan pie and Kahlua pumpkin pie. Class is limited to 10 students. Call (850) 650-9092.

November 11 Homemade Sauces Workshop Location: The Viking Store Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Viking Store will host a cooking workshop to learn how to prepare ﬁve different sauces, both classical and contemporary. Call (850) 650-9092.

November 12 Blues, Brews, & BBQ Location: HarborWalk Village Time: 12 – 4 p.m. Local restaurants will be ﬁring up the grills for a good time and to beneﬁt the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Northwest Florida chapter, which will host

www.DestinChamber.com

a craft beer tasting and creative barbecue competition. All proceeds benefit FRLA Educational Foundation. Call (850) 424-0600. November 12 Pioneer Day Location: Rocky Bayou State Park Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Pioneer Day 2011, a free, family-oriented event, will feature demonstrations of pioneer skills, stores, and music. This event is sponsored by Friends of Emerald Coast State Parks in partnership with the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida. Visit http:// www.ecspfriends.org or call (850) 833-9144. November 17 Georges DuBoeuf Beaujolais Nouveau Goes Graffiti Location: Grand Boulevard Time: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Teams of artists will vie for prizes while patrons watch them work. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at all Wine World locations. Proceeds will benefit the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation. Call (850) 837-3099. November 18 San Gelato Café Wine Tasting Event Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf Time: 7 p.m. Enjoy a variety of wines and accompanying aperitifs. The cost is $25 per person. Call (850) 243-5455. November 19 Holiday Sweets Workshop Location: The Viking Store Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. This class will teach participants NETWORK NOVEMBER 2011

November Calendar of Events Compiled by Kristy Davies, Communications Intern

how to make holiday favorites and each student will take home an assortment of holiday sweets. Call (850) 650-9092. November 20 Silver Sands Sixth Annual Evening of Giving Location: Silver Sands Factory Stores Time: 3 p.m. Participating charities and nonprofit organizations will benefit from the purchase of tickets that allow shoppers to receive exclusive discounts on this day. The tickets cost $5 each. Visit www.silversandsoutlet.com or call (850) 654-9771. November 20 – January 1 Silver Sands Holiday Lights in Concert Location: Silver Sands Factory Stores Time: 5 – 9 p.m. The Holiday Lights in Concert spectacular is the Christmas production of lights and will feature a display of colorful lights synchronized to favorite Christmas songs. Visit www.silversandsoutlet.com or call (850) 654-9771. November 22 – December 25 Festival of Trees Location: Grand Park in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin Time: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. More than a dozen decorated Christmas trees will be on display for the annual decorating contest as area non-profit organizations vie to win cash prizes for prizes and awards. The event is free and open to the public. Call (850) 837-3099. NETWORK NOVEMBER 2011

November 24 SunQuest Cruises Thanksgiving Buffet Feast Aboard Solaris Location: Baytowne Marina at Sandestin Time: 1 – 3 p.m. SunQuest Cruises will be having a lavish Thanksgiving buffet feast with brown sugar brined roasted turkey, ham, delectable desserts, and more. Tickets are $55 for ages 11 and up, $35 for ages 3 – 10, and $15 for 0-2. Visit www.sunquestcruises.com or call (850) 650-2519.

November 25 Holiday Cocktail Party Location: The Viking Store Time: 6 – 9 p.m. This cooking class will teach participants how to create unique and fabulous ﬁnger foods with vibrant ﬂavors, cheerful colors, and varied textures. Call (850) 650-9092. November 26 – December 24 Free Photos with Santa Location: Grand Boulevard Time: 2 – 4 p.m. Santa will be available for free photos each Saturday through

Christmas Eve. Visit www.grandboulevard.com or call (850) 654-5929. November 29 “My Fair Lady” at NWFSC Location: Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College Time: 7:30 p.m. One of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center’s nationally touring Broadway shows, “My Fair Lady,” is coming for one night only. Tickets are $45. Call (850) 729-6000 or visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

November 24 Thanksgiving Brunch at Baytowne Location: Baytowne Conference Center Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Thanksgiving Brunch will include made-to-order omelet and Belgian wafﬂe stations, fresh fruit, Artisan cheeses, and grilled and roasted vegetables. Seafood and salads will accompany oven-roasted turkey, roasted lemon thyme chicken, and toasted orzo pasta and spinach salad. Email ThanksgivingBrunch@Sandestin.com or call (850) 267-6398. November 25 – 26 Silver Sands Midnight Madness Location: Silver Sands Factory Stores Time: 12 a.m. – 9 p.m. All 100 stores will open at midnight, and there will be door buster sales and promotions, as well as giveaways and incentives from Silver Sands. Visit www. silversandsoutlet.com or call (850) 654-9771. www.DestinChamber.com

PAGE 15

Law Offices ROBERT E. MCGILL, III, P.A.

ROBERT E. MCGILL, III 3019502

ATTORNEY AT LAW 36008 Emerald Coast Pkwy. • Suite C Destin, Florida 32541

850-837-1386 Fax 850-837-1574

Making your list? Checking it twice? BBB knows who’s been naughty or nice!

Start With bbb.org | Start With Trust®

3026462

2041670

¾ Get free BBB Business Reviews on both BBB Accredited and non-accredited businesses ¾ Get a free list of BBB Accredited Businesses by industry ¾ Use the free Request a Quote system to get information, estimates and more from BBB Accredited Businesses businesses you can trust! 3026568

Burke Blue Law Firm Sustains Decade Long Relationship and Success in Grand Boulevard with New Ofﬁce Space After over a decade, why did Burke Blue Law Firm decide to remain in Grand Boulevard’s Suburban Oﬃce Park? “Burke Blue’s central location in Northwest Florida has been important to our continued

Les Burke, Senior Partner M. Todd Burke, Partner Rob Blue, Senior Partner

success. Our close proximity to the Sandestin Resort and Grand Boulevard’s growing business community has also enabled us to cultivate relationships that have resulted in numerous, quality referrals,” stated Todd Burke, one of Burke Blue’s partners.

For Leasing Information: Merlin Allan, Vice President of Real Estate 850.837.1886 ext. 209 or oﬃceleasing@grandboulevard.com GRANDBOULEVARD.COM

3528324

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www.DestinChamber.com

NETWORK NOVEMBER 2011