November 2013
4th Annual PUTToberfest Draws Crowd Almost 100 people turned out
Commons; and hole sponsors Air
for the 4th Annual PUTToberfest
Force Enlisted Village, Affordable
sponsored by Miller’s Ale
Home Insurance, Bubba Gump
House of Destin, where they
Shrimp Company, Buffalo Rock
enjoyed beautiful weather,
Pepsi, Pleat, Perry & Ritchie, P.A.,
mini-golf, beer, and brats at the
and Warren Averett.
Golf Garden. Prizes included four rounds of golf at Emerald Bay Golf Club and Seascape Golf Club; gift certificates to Silver Sands Premium Outlets, Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill, and Miller’s Ale House of Destin, and a gift basket from Bubba Gump Shrimp Company! Thank you to title sponsor Miller’s Ale House of Destin; food sponsor Cox Communications; putting contest sponsor SimpleHR / SimpleHire; beer table sponsors Destin Land and Title and Destin
Dennis Gagnon, Jr., and Dawn Gagnon, both of Affordable Home Insurance, Inc., won the tournament for lowest men’s and women’s scores, respectively. Winner of the chipping contest was John Jacob of San Gelato Cafe, and winner of the putting contest was Bob Perry of Destin Commons. Many thanks to Affordable Home Insurance, Inc., and Destin Commons who make this an annual teambuilding event for their employees.
Find more information and register for upcoming events at www.DestinChamber.com.
Want to see your company highlighted here? Contact Suzy Nicholson Hunt at (850) 837-2711 x2 or suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com or Jen Skillman at (850) 837-2711 x3 or jskillman@DestinChamber.com.
Holiday Shop & Dine
Holiday Party
Leaders In Business Lunch & Mini-Retail Expo
Chamber’s Annual Holiday Celebration
November 12 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
December 3 6 p.m. until...
Destin United Methodist Church
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Mix Chamber networking and holiday
Celebrate the holidays, enjoy delicous
shopping at this fun event! Register
treats, and meet with others! Register
by Nov. 8, at DestinChamber.com
by Dec. 2, at DestinChamber.com
or call (850) 837-6241
or call (850) 837-6241
4484 Legendary Drive, Suite A Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-6241 • (850) 654-5612 fax www.DestinChamber.com mail@DestinChamber.com Building a World-Class Community One Business at a Time
Executive Committee Mary Anne Windes, Chairman of the Board
Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc. Destin Fishing Fleet Marina
Amy Perry, Chair-Elect Pleat, Perry & Ritchie, P.A. Bill Lindsley, Immediate Past Chairman SimpleHR
Shaun Eubanks, Treasurer
Barton, Fenstermaker, Tondello & Associates, LLC
Julie Cotton, Vice Chairman/ Communications & Marketing Northwest Florida State College Karen McCarthy, Vice Chairman/ Community & Economic Development Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union Ken Wampler, Vice Chairman/Membership Development Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc. Jami Jones, Vice Chairman/Harbor Association Destin Charter Service
Destin Forward Class Explores Tourism & Waterways On Sept. 11, Destin Forward members
On Oct. 9, the class toured the Destin
Mike Freeman, Most Immediate Past Chairman/Ex-officio Acentria, Inc.
Directors
explored Destin’s waterways with a tour of
Airport, the Destin History Fishing Museum,
Hayward Dykes, Conerly, Bowman & Dykes, LLP
the Coast Guard station; conversations with
and Henderson Beach State Park; heard from
Steve Jay, Warren Averett
local historians, including Dewey Destin and
several panels of tourism experts and industry
Rebecca Jones, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center
Capt. Kelly Windes; a discussion with the
leaders; and ended the day at weigh-ins for
Andi Mahoney, White-Wilson Medical Center
Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance; and a harbor
the Destin Fishing Rodeo, as part of its annual
Pam Martin, Gulf Power
tour aboard the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise.
Tourism Day.
Dave Morrow, Allstate Insurance - Ryland/Morrow Agency Jonathan Ochs, Trustmark National Bank Cyndy Thomas, ResortQuest By Wyndham Vacation Rentals Carey Trotter, Trotter’s General Contractors, Inc. Chairman’s Appointee Charles Morgan, Harbor Docks Restaurant Special Appointees Jim Breitenfeld, Breitenfeld Development Services, LLC Kim Wintner, Alliance Association Management Co. Inc. Management Team Shane A. Moody, CCE, FCCP, President and CEO
ceo@DestinChamber.com
Elizabeth Spies, Vice President of Communications espies@DestinChamber.com
Advertising our World-Class Community In our mission to support Destin as a world-class community, our Welcome Center recorded the following numbers in September 2013: Phone Calls/Emails — 569 Incoming Mail — 144 Relocation Packages - 13 Lobby/Welcome Center Visitors — 322 Directories Mailed — 211
Suzy Nicholson Hunt, Events Coordinator
suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com
Jen Skillman, Membership Consultant jskillman@DestinChamber.com
Dena Critch, Information Specialist mail@DestinChamber.com
THE CHAMBER MONTH AHEAD NOVEMBER Our Military Affairs Council (MAC) will meet in the Chamber’s conference room at noon. Keep up-to-date on happenings at local bases and enjoy hearing military members share their stories.
Destin Chamber Makes Progress What a great year! Chamber members rock! You guys have been so supportive and so positive that I feel like we can do anything when we work together. The Destin Area Chamber of Commerce has made a lot of progress in a short amount of time. Last month, I gave you a huge list of projects that were pending. Well, our stakeholders helped us achieve our goals, and our Board of Directors approved the recommendations that were broken down into three committees.
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NOVEMBER Join us for our Holiday Shop & Dine: Leaders In Business Lunch & MiniRetail Expo at Destin United Methodist Church from 11 a.m. - 1 pm. Enjoy holiday shopping and Chamber networking! All registrations are due by Friday, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m.
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NOVEMBER The Board of Directors Meeting will be held in the Chamber conference room at 11:30 a.m.
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DECEMBER The Chamber’s Annual Holiday Party will take place at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, from 6 p.m. until.... Registration is due by Dec. 2.
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DECEMBER Join us for our Bowling for Business: Leaders In Business Lunch & Bowling Tournament at Hurricane Lanes from 11 a.m. 1 pm. Prizes will be awarded for highest individual and highest team scores! All registrations are due by Friday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m.
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The Marketing Committee, led by Vice Chairman Julie Cotton, pushed a little harder on the Mile Marker Program. We are promoting markers every half mile from the county line to the Marler Bridge because business addresses are almost impractical on Highway 98/Emerald Coast Parkway/Harbor Blvd. For example, where is 15017 Emerald Coast Parkway? I bet you know exactly where it is, but just don’t recognize the address. If you’re confused as a local, just imagine what the tourists are going through. By the way, it’s Wal-Mart! Our second priority is landscaping. We’re asking everyone to beautify your business. In the last few years, we’ve all gotten a little complacent. We’re asking everyone to pick up, clean up, and green up, so that when the tourists come back, they’ll go home and tell everyone, “Wow, have you seen Destin lately?!” It will also make Destin a nicer place to live. The final initiative involves Christmas lights. The TDC is scheduled to advertise the “Emerald Coast Christmas.” The City of Destin has agreed to participate, and we’re asking the business community to get involved to make Destin a city of lights. Let’s work together to make our beautiful village a real showstopper. Our thanks go out to Jim Breitenfeld, Karen McCarthy, Cyndy Thomas, and Pam Martin. On the Harbor Committee, led by Vice Chairman Jami Jones, the stakeholders asked, and the Board of Directors approved six items. We’ve asked Mayor Sam Seevers to put our Marler Street traffic light letter of support on the agenda and asked the Council for a positive Resolution. We’ve asked the Sheriff’s Office and the City to run some public service announcements regarding pedestrians’ right of way and crosswalks. We’re supporting keeping the open air feel of the Harbor by retaining the current building codes for open deck seating, so they do not count against parking. The rationale is that decks are not available for use 24/7. If the businesses have to pay to park them, they may AC the space to use yearround because of the high cost. The result will be the loss of the open air venues along the Harbor. The Chamber wants the vending laws changed so that rogue businesses evolving in the local waters can be regulated and held to the same accountable standards as other businesses operating legally on the shore. We plan to request a hearing from the Corp of Engineers regarding the safety and compliance of helicopters operating in the Harbor. Finally, the Chamber supports beefing up security along the boardwalk, especially after dark. Special thanks goes out to Merlin Allan, Peter Bos, David Campbell, Bruce Craul, Dewey Destin, Mike Eller, Joe Galati, Camilo Giraldo, Dana Mathews, DC Mathews, Tracy McGraw, Charles Morgan, Amy Perry, Claude Perry, Steve Schmidt, Kathy Trotter, Kathy Whidden, and Myra Williams for their time and support. On the Community & Economic Development Committee, led by Vice Chairman Karen McCarthy, the Chamber supports the cross-town connector, a pedestrian/community friendly Harbor Blvd., rerouting and disallowing large trucks through Destin, and adding additional parking in Harbor District via oneway North/South connectors and using excess lanes. These items are to improve traffic congestion throughout Destin. We also plan to make a soft request for the City to get a legal opinion of an effective and expeditious avenue to annex the unincorporated areas of Destin. Thanks again to Mike Buckingham, David Campbell, Julie Cotton, Tim Edwards, Ken Gallander, Keith Howard, Jami Jones, Bill Lindsley, Dana Mathews, Charles Morgan, Jonathan Ochs, Steve Schmidt, and Ken Wampler. We missed the Seafood Festival last month due to Tropical Storm Karen. The storm fizzled out, but we remember all too well when Opal grew so fast into a monstrous, dangerous Category 4 hurricane. I want to congratulate the Seafood Festival organizers for their wise and gut-wrenching decision to protect the vendors and visitors by cancelling the event in advance over the could-be profits. It was the right call! Happy Thanksgiving!
For information about all Chamber Events, please visit the Events Calendar at DestinChamber.com or call (850) 837-6241!
Mary Anne Windes 2013 Destin Area Chamber Chairman Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc. / Destin Fishing Fleet Marina
September Ribbon Cuttings
Children In Crisis, Inc.
Coco’s Mexican Restaurant
Dunkin Donuts
Ken Hair 1000 Luke’s Way Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547 (850) 864-4242 www.childrenincrisisfl.org Non-Profits
Cesar Reyes 14091 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Unit C Destin, FL 32541 (850) 424-7944 Restaurants – Mexican
Gerrod Nicola 10859 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste. 201 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 424-7297 www.dunkingulfcoast.com Restaurants – Fast Food
Groovy Grouper Grill
Harbor Village Townhomes & Retail
Venue at Crystal Beach
Iony Taege 4304 Destin Commons Blvd. Bdg. C110 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 543-1507 Restaurants – American
Matt Elder 220-238 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 32541 (205) 222-9489 www.harborvillagedestin.com Real Estate – Commercial & Retail Space
Celebrating Ambassador Successes
Toni Ouellette 2716 Scenic Hwy. 98 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 424-7811 www.bestdestinwedding.com Event Venues
Chamber’s 2013 Visitor’s Guide & Membership Directory Wins Award
Congratulations to top Ambassadors for September 2013! 70 points — Bill Head 65 points — Fred Fenn, St. Andrews By The Sea Episcopal Church 55 points - Linda Kuykendall, A 2 Z Specialty Advertising & Destin Life, Inc. Thank you to Paul Woolman of Copy Systems Business Center, Inc., for welcoming new member Wingstop! November 2013 Network Newsletter
Life’s a Beach Publications won three American Inhouse Design Awards from more than 4,000 entries for 2013. Awards were presented for the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce’s Destin Area Visitor’s Guide & Membership Directory, the Okaloosa County Tourist Development & Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau Official Vacation Guide, and the Life’s A Beach Collection Beach Calendar. Seen here are City of Destin Mayor and Life’s A Beach Editor/Owner Sam Seevers; Chamber President & CEO Shane Moody, Life’s A Beach Publisher/Owner Rick Seevers; Life’s A Beach Art Director Melissa Wride-Auer; Chamber 2013 Chairman Mary Anne Windes; and Chamber Vice President of Communications Elizabeth Spies. Page 3
ECWR Welcomes New Zookeeper Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Zoological Park welcomed Mayo Krabbe as the zookeeper of the Crestview facility. Krabbe received his Bachelor of Arts from Loyola University and was recently employed by the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans.
Boys & Girls Clubs Names New CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast announced Shervin Rassa as its new CEO to oversee the organization’s seven sites that serve youth across Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties. Rassa began his involvement with the organization in 2012, as vice president of operations. He has been with the Boys & Girls Clubs Movement for 10 years, beginning his career as an area director in Tampa.
Golf Tournament & Auction Raise $58K On Aug. 23-24, Harbor Docks hosted its 28th Annual Caddyshack Classic Golf Tournament and Annual Auction, which was the most successful event to date raising $59,805. Proceeds from both events benefited two local charities, including $49,805 benefiting Harbor Docks’ Take A Kid Fishing Day and $10,000 benefiting Destin Harvest.
ECAR Takes Wounded Soldiers Fishing Thirty-nine wounded military members, both active-duty Page 4
and retired, participated in the inaugural “Solders on the Water” on Saturday, Aug. 24. The Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (ECAR) offered the day as a way to allow local injured service members to spend a day fishing free of charge. The project was developed as part of the 2013 ECAR Leadership Development Program.
RE/MAX Coastal Agents Recognized
Coast with a $3,000 donation to help support the organization’s work with ill or wounded service members and their families.
Air Force Enlisted Village’s Hawthorn House.
New Trail Opens at Air Force Enlisted Village
Members of Gulf Power supported Children in Crisis (CIC) for the fourth year through the United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties Day of Caring program. The group helped CIC get ready for the Open House and Ribbon Cutting of Ya Ya’s family foster home.
Residents of the Air Force Enlisted Village’s Hawthorn House have an outdoor walking trail thanks to Hurlburt Field’s 823rd RED HORSE Squadron. More than 50 RED HORSE members constructed a walking trail that winds through trees, flowers, and benches in a park setting.
Jennings Joins Opportunity Inc. Jane Araguel
Karen Martineau
Lyndon Clifton
Betty Cope
During August, RE/MAX Coastal Properties recognized the Jane Araguel Team for achieving the Top Sales Award with more than $2 million in sales and recognized Karen Martineau for achieving the Top Listing Award. The Jane Araguel Team was also recognized for achieving membership in the RE/MAX International Platinum Club, Lyndon Clifton was recognized for achieving membership in the RE/MAX Executive Club, and Betty Cope was recognized for achieving membership in the RE/MAX President’s Club.
Fisher House Gets $3K In September, the Qualis Corporation presented the Fisher House of the Emerald
Lill Jennings joined the staff of Opportunity Inc., a local nonprofit organization, as support services manager. Her duties will include volunteer training, community awareness, public relations, human resources, and finance.
Debri is Local Hero Dan Debri, beach attendant at the Best Western Ft. Walton Beachfront, has saved 35 lives from rip currents during this past summer. He has also received high praise from hotel guests through reviews on TripAdvisor and Medallia and is known as the “concierge of the beach.”
Winter Crowned Mrs. Southern Belle Sixteen beauty queens representing Okaloosa County’s assisted living communities competed recently during the 3rd Annual Mrs. Southern Belle Pageant. Representing Superior Residences, Beatrice Winter, 103 years young, was crowned the 2013 Mrs. Southern Belle. The pageant was hosted by the
United Way Helps Children in Crisis
Sinfonia Receives Boeing Grant Sinfonia Gulf Coast announced its continued partnership with the Boeing Company in recognition of the non-profit symphony orchestra’s mission. The grant of $5,000 will assist the organization and its music education outreach initiatives during the upcoming 2013-2014 season.
Parrot Heads Donate to Sharing & Caring
In September, the Emerald Coast Parrot Head Club (ECPHC) donated $1,000 to the Emerald Coast Hospice (ECH) to buy approximately 1,600 pounds of food for Sharing and Caring of Okaloosa County. Pictured are Nancy Underall, ECH staff nurse; Darla Eddington, ECH patient care secretary; Krista Schueler, ECH specialist; Hank Bittmann, ECPHC President; and Anthony Sawyer, Sharing and Caring president. www.DestinChamber.com
Southern Onsite at Breakers East Southern Vacation Rentals assumed the vacation rental management of Breakers East Condominium and opened a regional office at the property. On behalf of Southern, the Breakers East staff will continue to serve as on-site coordinators for both owners and guests.
Parrot Heads Honor Harry T’s
SunQuest Cruises Appoints New Director SunQuest Cruises announced Kris Wambach as its new food and beverage director. Wambach has worked in the hospitality industry through his career, including as the general manager of Shalimar Pointe Country Club, Harry T’s Lighthouse, and Rutherfords 465.
Hilton Wins Gold Key Award The Emerald Coast Parrot Head Club (ECPHC) presented Harry T’s Lighthouse owner Dan Empson with a plaque of appreciation for his support. He provides a monthly meeting place and is supportive of the club’s charity work, including the chili cook-off, which raised $6,000 for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Pictured are Jim Leffue, ECPHC treasurer; Bobby Eddington; ECPHC board member; Hank Bittmann, ECPHC president; Empson; Jane Bittmann, ECPHC secretary; Buz Embry, ECPHC vice president; and Trish Koomen, ECPHC board member.
November 2013 Network Newsletter
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa was chosen by the readers of Meetings & Conventions magazine as a 2013 Gold Key award winner, marking the 15th year the resort has earned the prestigious honor. All winners are listed in the magazine’s ‘Gold Awards’ November issue.
was made possible through a donation from Jim and Peggy Adams, Frank and Brenda Flautt, and the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.
Out of more than 100 Realtors, ResortQuest Real Estate recognized the Nathan Abbott Team for top closed sales in August.
ResortQuest Welcomes New Associates
Two Foundations Work to Ensure Youth Safety
ResortQuest Real Estate welcomed new sales associates to the Navarre, Destin, TOPS’L, and Santa Rosa real estate offices. Liz Davis, Cheryl Allen, Laura Rich, Alan Grice, Cheryl McKenzie Lee, and Liz Jarrell joined the ResortQuest team of more than 100 qualified and experienced sales associates.
ResortQuest Recognizes Top Sales Associates
The St. Joe Community Foundation, Inc., donated $5,000 to the South Walton Youth Football League to purchase new helmets. The Taylor Haugen Foundation, who received a $5K donation from the foundation last year, was instrumental in helping the league obtain the safer, better fitting helmets. Continued on page 12
Children in Crisis Opens New Foster Home In September, Children in Crisis (CIC) cut the ribbon on a new foster home, “Ya Ya’s House.” The facility provides a home to 12 foster children and keeps sibling families of brothers and sisters together. Construction of the home
Page 5
Thank you to our Oct. 8 Leaders In Business Lunch sponsor Trustmark National Bank. Trustmark Corporation, with $11.9 billion in assets, is a diversified financial services company. Founded in 1889, it provides banking, wealth management, and insurance solutions through its subsidiaries, including Trustmark National Bank, TRMK Risk Management, Inc., Trustmark Investment Advisors, Inc., and the Fisher Brown-Bottrell Insurance Agency, Inc. With locations in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas, it has more than 3,100 associates working to achieve outstanding customer satisfaction by understanding customers’ businesses and needs and providing appropriate financial solutions. For details, visit www.trustmark.com or call (850) 337-9100. Also during the event, City of Destin Community Development Directory Ken Gallander provided an update of Destin’s Capital Improvement Projects.
Thank You for the Door Prizes! • Beach Community Bank
• Life’s A Beach, LLC
• Design Avenue
• Northwest Florida State College
• Eglin Federal Credit Union • Emerald Coast Chiropractic • Gold’s Gym • Gulf Power • Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida • Junior League of the Emerald Coast
• Regional Self Storage • ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals • S.E.A. Chase Watersports, LLC • SimpleHR / SimpleHIRE
Thank you to Miller’s Ale House of Destin for hosting our Sept. 26 Business After Hours. Guests enjoyed cocktails and appetizers on its beautiful patio. One lucky attendee received two passes to Miller’s “off-the-chain” Superbowl Party. Visit Miller’s Ale House at 34906 Emerald Coast Pkwy., in Destin; visit www.millersalehouse.com online; or call (850) 837-0694.
Thank You for the Door Prizes! • Cotton Land Title • Glass Doctor Miller s Ale House of Destin • Miller’s
May 2013 Network Newsletter
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Member Spotlight: Sales & Marketing Team, Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard This month’s Member in the Spotlight is
including a spacious ergonomic-desk,
the Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand
flat-screen TV, luxurious bedding, and
Boulevard and its Sales & Marketing Team.
complimentary Wi-Fi.
This dynamic team consists of Ron Couget,
As Destin’s small meetings experts,
Director of Sales & Marketing; Lynn Holland,
Courtyard Sandestin’s focus is to establish
Sales Manager; Oris Rintala, Conference
a guest experience to deliver and create
Services & Communications Manager; and
flawless meetings and events for small to
Jessica Hathorn, Sales Manager.
midsize groups. Its newly refreshed meeting
Team members have attended the
rooms, innovative catering, event technology,
renowned Marriott Global University and
or colleagues, and private media booths
and experienced staff will assure a flawless
have mastered courses in sales, eCommerce,
to accommodate impromptu meetings or
event. Small meetings. No small matter.
and negotiations. Certifications held by
solitary work.
team include CHME and Marriott Certified Meeting & Wedding Planner. It has affiliations with Destin Area and Walton Area chambers of commerce, Florida Public Relations Association, AAF Emerald Coast,
The Bistro offers healthy options for
in November. Those that come in for a
serves” Starbucks beverages 24/7.
visit will be entered for a drawing to win a
“We invite the public to visit the new spaces in the lobby to work, meet, or just be
Marriott Hotels under the Howard Hospitality
on your own,” said Couget. Another exciting refresh currently
Last November, Courtyard Sandestin had
tours of the newly refreshed meeting spaces
breakfast, lunch, and dinner and “proudly
and TSAE. Courtyard Sandestin is one of two Flagship.
The Sales & Marketing team will offer
underway includes guest rooms and meeting
a refresh of the lobby area and introduced
rooms. The hotel’s Destin accommodations
its new restaurant, The Bistro. The bright,
will offer beautiful newly refreshed guest
inviting lobby offers complimentary Wi-Fi,
rooms with lovely views of the area, and
lounge-like seating to connect with friends
comfortable contemporary furnishings,
complimentary meeting space, continental breakfast, and AV for up to 30 persons. “It’s a great opportunity to see what’s new and possibly win a complete package to showcase your next meeting in a terrific venue,” said Rintala. Contact her at oris.rintala@marriott.com Attend our Nov. 12 Leaders In Business Lunch for your chance to win a spotlight here.
NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE COSTA LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE NOVEMBER SCHEDULE November 1 Public Speaking
November 8 QuickBooks, Introduction
November 15 Stress Management
November 7 Understanding Group Dynamics
November 14 Microsoft Access 2010
Visit www.nwfsc.edu/LI or call (850) 729-6880.
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER NOVEMBER WORKSHOPS November 1 How to Explode Your Business Using Social Media 12 – 1 p.m.
November 1 How to Write a Business Plan 1 – 4 p.m.
November 7 Starting a Business
November 15 Creative Capital for Small Business
November 13 QuickBooks Basic
November 15 Building Wealth in Your Business II
1 – 4 p.m.
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
1 – 4 p.m.
12 – 1 p.m.
Visit www.sbdc.uwf.edu or call (850) 833-9400.
www.DestinChamber.com Page 8
www.DestinChamber.com
NOV
EMB
November 1 How Does Healthcare Reform AFFECT You or Your Company? 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and, 4 p.m. Location: Destin Area Chamber (850) 243-2602
November 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 & 23 Beach Bonfires Dusk to 9:30 p.m. Location: Baytowne Marina www.sandestin.com/events November 1 - 30 Baytowne on Ice Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf www.sandestin.com/events November 2 5th Annual Pinfish Classic 8:30 - 10 a.m. Location: Destin Harbor Boardwalk behind A.J.’s Seafood & Oyster House (850) 650-1241 November 2 On the Bayou Wine Tasting 2 - 4 p.m. Location: Compass Rose, Valparaiso www.heritage-museum.org November 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 “SailGate” Parties at the Marina SEC Saturdays Location: Baytowne Marina www.sandestin.com/events November 2 - 3 AAA Member Appreciation Weekend Location: Silver Sands Premium Outlet www.premiumoutlets.com/silversands November 3, 10, 17 & 24 “SailGate” Parties at the Marina NFL Sundays Location: Baytowne Marina www.sandestin.com/events November 4, 11, 18 & 25 “SailGate” Parties at the Marina NFL Mondays Location: Baytowne Marina www.sandestin.com/events November 5 Teacher from the Black Lagoon National Tour Children’s Series 9:45 a.m. & 11: 30 a.m. Location: Mattie Kelly Arts Center (850) 729-6065 November 5 & 12 Heritage Alive! Craft Class Pine Needle Basketry 5 - 7 p.m. Location: Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida (850) 678-2615
November 2013 Network Newsletter
November 6 Savor the Season to Benefit the Taylor Haugen Foundation 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Location: Caliza Pool, Alys Beach www.savortheseason2013.org November 6 Hook & Ladder Winery Autumn Harvest Cruise 6:15 – 10 p.m. Location: Solaris at the Baytowne Marina www.sunquestcruises.com November 6 Little Black Dress Night 8 p.m. Location: Miller’s Ale House of Destin (850) 837-0694 November 7, 14, 21 & 28 “SailGate” Parties at the Marina Thursday Ladies Nights Location: Baytowne Marina www.sandestin.com/events November 8 - 11 Veteran’s Day Sales Location: Silver Sands Premium Outlet www.premiumoutlets.com/silversands November 9 2013 Blues Brews and BBQ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Location: HarborWalk Village (850) 974-4801 November 9 Belk Charity Sale 6 - 10 a.m. Location: Belk in Destin Commons (850) 650-4091 November 12 The Addams Family National Tour Broadway Series 7:30 p.m. Location: Mattie Kelly Arts Center www.mattiekellyartscenter.org November 13 Wealth & Wisdom Series: Retirement Income Solutions 8:30 a.m. Location: Vue on 30A (850) 650-0990 November 16 Pioneer Day 2013 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Location: Rocky Bayou State Park (850) 833-9144 November 16 Sparkling Wines & Holiday Lights 4 – 7 p.m. Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf www.sandestinwinefestival.com
EVEN
ER
TS
November 16 Dinner & Auction to Benefit Building Homes for Heroes 6 - 9 p.m. Location: Emerald Grande www.BuildingHomesForHeroes.org November 16 “American Impressions” Concert 7:30 p.m. Location: Mattie Kelly Arts Center www.mattiekellyartscenter.org November 18 Destin Snowbirds Roost Opening 2 p.m. Location: Destin Community Center www.destinsnowbirds.org November 19 Habitrot for Humanity Half Marathon and 5K 6 a.m. – 12 p.m. Location: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort www.sandestin.com/events November 25 Hello Dolly! Starring Sally Struthers 7:30 p.m. Location: Mattie Kelly Arts Center www.mattiekellyartscenter.org November 28 19th Annual Thanksgiving Feast Location: Harbor Docks Restaurant www.harbordocks.com November 28 Thanksgiving Brunch on the Bay 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Location: Linkside Center, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort www.sandestin.com/thanksgiving November 29 After Thanksgiving Weekend Sale featuring Midnight Madness Location: Silver Sands Premium Outlet www.premiumoutlets.com/silversands November 29 – 30 Here Comes Santa Claus Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf www.sandestin.com/events November 29 – December 1 Black Friday Sidewalk Sale Location: Island Clothiers, Barefoot Princess, Sandestin Clothing Company, Coconut Kids and Toys & Treasures in The Village of Baytowne Wharf www.sandestin.com/events Post your event in Members Only section of DestinChamber.com to see it here. Page 9
A 2 Z Specialty Advertising
Cox Pools
Holiday Isle Properties, Inc.
Acme Oyster House
Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County
Homes & Land Of The Emerald Coast
Cumulus Broadcasting
Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q
Designer Consigners
The Manor at Bluewater Bay
Destin Locksmithing, Inc.
Matthews Jones & Hawkins, LLP
Destin RV Beach Resort
Mellow Mushroom
Destin West RV Resort
Monograms By Me And Mom, Inc.
Early Learning Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton Counties
Narconon Gulf Coast, Inc.
Gabby Bruce (850) 654-3080 Mac Carroll (850) 622-1900
Allstate Insurance Ryland/Morrow Agency Dave Morrow (850) 650-0600
Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union Karen McCarthy (850) 267-2163
Bay Club Of Sandestin Tina Leger, CAM (850) 837-8866
Boathouse Oyster Bar Kelly Pfirrman (850) 837-3645
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast Shervin Rassa (850) 862-1616
Buffalo Rock Company, Inc. Tim Shuman (850) 471-4147
Centennial Bank Cindy Stephens (850) 269-6341
Chartwell Hospitality Richard Butler (850) 654-8611
Chuck Lawson Wedding & Event Music Chuck Lawson (850) 496-7230
Coastal Insurance David Williamson (850) 837-4653
Conerly, Bowman & Dykes, LLP J. Bowman (850) 837-5118
Cooling Services LLC Chad Hamilton (850) 269-1964
Covenant Hospice Kappy Smith (850) 729-1800
Cathy Snow (850) 650-9138
Lee Greene (850) 622-5970
Cathy Kaufman (850) 243-7676 Sharon Griffith (850) 654-7227
Nicholas Reimer (850) 654-9910 Dick Forsberg (850) 837-3529 Joe Guidry (850) 502-1234
Gloria Mayo (850) 833-3627
Edgewater Beach Condominiums Suzanne Harris (850) 837-1550
End Zone Apparel Kristal Roberts (850) 424-3309
Joe Nacchia (850) 650-1014 John Dupuis (850) 424-5895
Teresa Halverson (850) 897-5592 Stephen Sametz (850) 837-3662 Hallie Gibbs (850) 650-6420 Kitty Ammons (850) 424-6916 Deborah Ross (850) 837-2799
New Leaf Marketing Greg Kernion (866) 835-5922
North Light Marina Therese van Gogh (850) 678-2350
Fat Clemenza’s Brick Oven Pizzeria
Osaka Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar
Gulf Coast Electric
The Premier Property Group
Harbor Cigars
Outback Steakhouse
Hard Rock Cafe
Quality Imports - Mercedes Benz BMW - Toyota - Mazda
Joy Robison (850) 650-5980 Jeff Linn (850) 837-8474
Marvin Holthouser (850) 650-3111 Christie Hunt (850) 654-3310
Harvest House, Inc. Lori Joyner (850) 837-2277
Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida Gina Marini (850) 678-2615
Page 10
Pat Denny (850) 837-0010
Linda Williams (850) 650-4688 Kim Hall (850) 337-1555 Laura Mason (850) 269-1936
Robert Neuman (850) 863-2161
Resorts Realty Group, Inc. Debra Williams (850) 837-3521
Rocky Bayou Christian School Toby Williams (850) 678-7784
www.DestinChamber.com
Barefoot Princess
Sara Becnel 9100 Baytowne Wharf Blvd. Ste. B-3 Destin, FL 32550 (850) 351-1806 www.sandestin.com/exploresandestin/ shopping/ladiesapparel.aspx Women’s Clothing
Blue Heron Watersports, LLC
Wendy Krieg 200 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 737-0607 www.blueheronpontoonrentals.com Boats-Pontoon Rentals
Coconut Kids
Sara Becnel 131 Fisherman’s Cove Destin, FL 32550 (850) 351-1800 www.sandestin.com/exploresandestin/ shopping/childrensapparel.aspx Children’s Clothing & Accessories
Fresh Start for Children & Families Maryann Helfrich 8 Bobolink St. N.E. Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548 (850) 243-5648 www.freshstartforchildrenandfamilies.com Non-Profits
Harbor Village Townhomes & Retail
Matt Elder 220-238 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 32541 (205) 222-9489 www.harborvillagedestin.com Accommodations-Rentals; Real Estate Commercial & Retail Space
Island Clothiers
Sara Becnel 9100 Baytowne Wharf Blvd. Ste. B Destin, FL 32550 (850) 351-1806 www.sandestin.com/exploresandestin/ shopping/ladiesapparel.aspx Women’s Clothing
J. Miller’s Furniture
Justin Miller 9705 U.S. Hwy. 98 W. Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 654-8009 www.j-millers.com Furniture & Accessories
Lighthouse Restaurant
Reuben Shackelford 757 Harbor Blvd. Unit 16 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 654-2828 www.destinlighthouserestaurant.com Restaurants - Steaks & Seafood
The Marigny
Jason Jaume 306 Bald Eagle Dr. Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 622-9101 www.themarignysrb.com Restaurants - New Orleans & Creole
Mary Kay Cosmetics Senior Director
Julie Erikson 3695 Scenic Hwy. 98 Unit 901 Destin, FL 32541 (340) 690-7306 www.marykay.com/julieerikson Cosmetics
REEDS Jewelers
Toys & Treasures
Sara Becnel 110 Cannery Ln. Destin, FL 32550 (850) 267-6550 www.sandestin.com/exploresandestin/ shopping/specialtygifts.aspx Retail Specialty
White Sand Beach Weddings and Events
Maegan Minton 19 Highpoint Dr. Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 (256) 490-5796 www.whitesandbeachweddings.com Wedding Consultants
Wingstop
Ortie Messenger 16055 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste. 111 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-5333 www.wingstop.com Restaurants - American
Zoe’s Kitchen
Kelby Schweickert 4357 Legendary Dr. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 650-6525 www.zoeskitchen.com Restaurants - Deli & Catering
Tim Williams 4240 Legendary Dr. Ste. 246 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 269-0133 www.reeds.com Jewelers
Sandestin Clothing Company
Sara Becnel 104 Cannery Ln. Destin, FL 32550 (850) 267-8700 www.sandestingear.com Retail Specialty
Dane Straub
(740) 253-6746 Individual Member
Want to join the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce? Please contact Membership Consultant Jen Skillman at (850) 837-2711 x3 or jskillman@DestinChamber.com. November 2013 Network Newsletter
Page 11
Business Briefs (continued from page 5) Two Agents Join ERA American Realty
Sally Maurer
Stephanie Hawkins
Sally Maurer and Stephanie Hawkins joined ERA American Realty of Northwest Florida’s Destin office and will also serve the 30A location in Grayton Corners.
Hurlburt Announces Honorary Commanders Hurlburt Field announced its new Honorary Commanders, including these Chamber members: 1st Special Operations Wing (1 SOW) Ernie Padgett, Okaloosa County; 1st Special Operations Medical Group (1 SOMDG) Gene Barker, Warren Averett; 24th Special Operations Wing (24 SOW) Ron Raybourne, Apex Broadcasting; and 24th Special Operations Wing Command Chief (24 SOW/CCC) Hayward Dykes, Jr., Conerly, Bowman & Dykes, LLP.
Hilton Celebrates $12.5M Transformation A new $12.5 million dollar capital improvement project is underway at Hilton Sandestin
Beach Golf Resort & Spa. The five-month project includes a complete refurbishing of all 200 Spa Tower rooms, a redesigned indoor pool, a dramatically enhanced main lobby experience, and upgraded designs for the Sandcastles Restaurant and Lounge, Hadashi Sushi Bar, and Serenity by the sea Spa.
Kiwanis Club Donates to Museum The Kiwanis Club of Niceville Valparaiso presented $1,000 to Gina Marini of the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida. The donation will be used to replace obsolete computers at the museum and “Keep History Alive!”
EAFB Commander Visits Museum
Glenn Scharf (850) 243-6713
Santa Rosa Mall Management Office David Macdonald (850) 244-2172
ScubaTech of NW Florida, Inc. Carla Moore (850) 837-2822
Setco Services LLC George Brannon (850) 650-6161 Page 12
ResortQuest Voted Best of the Emerald Coast ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals was named the “Best Vacation Rental Service Firm” on the Emerald Coast for the fifth year in a row.
Rehabilitated Turtles Released Gulf World Marine Institute (GWMI) has successfully rehabilitated a sub adult loggerhead sea turtle and an endangered juvenile green sea turtle. Both animals were released on Oct. 3. Both of these sea turtles were brought to GWMI for rehabilitation due to monofilament (fishing gear) entanglement.
Baptist Church Helps Children in Crisis
Brigadier General David Harris, Commander, 96th Test Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, recently toured the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida and presented Gina Marini, 2013 Honorary Commander of the 96th Maintenance Group and museum manager, an EAFB
Renewals (continued from page 10) Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund
Challenge Coin to be placed in the Okaloosa County Time Capsule for the next 100 years.
Shoppes at Paradise Key Tina Roberson (850) 650-5005
The Tallman Group, LLC
Carla Musgrove, Children In Crisis development director, received a check for $1,158.22 from Navarre First Baptist Church members to help feed, clothe, care, and give a home to about 100 children in need.
Shelter Opens Kennel On Oct. 7, Shelter House opened the Kind Heart Kennel, an on-site kennel at its confidential emergency shelter that will allow abuse victims to bring their pets with them when leaving a violent home. With the opening of the Kind Heart Kennel, Shelter House becomes the only center in Northwest
Florida to provide this service.
ERA American Realty Recognizes Agents
Florina Cuiche
Venita Brannon
Florina Cuiche joined ERA American Realty of Northwest Florida and will be serving both Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Originally from Romania, Cuiche has a strong background in interior design and engineering. Realtor Venita Brannon earned her Military Specialist designation to complement her GRI and Accredited Staging Professional designations.
Legendary Marine Expands Department Legendary Marine launched its expanded, in-house canvas and upholstery department designed to offer custom services to boaters and the general public alike. It is housed in its 1400-square-foot Destin headquarters and is operated by Angel Smith, a 25-year marine upholstery veteran, and Chad Price, who has eight years experience.
Henderson Park Inn Chosen by Magazine Henderson Park Inn has been chosen by Southern Living travel writers and editors to join its Southern Living Hotel Continued on page 13
Jonathan Tallman (850) 830-4110
Twin Cities Transmission & General Repair Brandy Pirc (850) 729-6629
For details on your membership benefits or to join, please call us at (850) 837-6241.
www.DestinChamber.com
Business Briefs (continued from page 12) Collection, which is a carefully selected collection of four and five star level independent resorts, hotels, and inns devoted to offering the best in authentic Southern travel, hospitality, and experience.
Sandcastle Escapes Donates Towels
Sandcastle Escapes Vacation Rentals contributed more than 1,000 gently used towels to the athletic and band departments of Freeport and South Walton high schools.
Chiropractor Hires PA Regatta Chiropractic & Laser Center announced Carla Johnson as a certified
November 2013 Network Newsletter
chiropractic physician’s assistant (CCPA). Originally from Starkville, Miss., Johnson has worked in chiropractic care for more than 20 years and attended Parker College’s certified chiropractic physician’s assistant program.
Poker Run Raises $4K The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida held its Biker’s Blast for the Past Motorcycle Poker Run in September, raising more than $4,000. Seen here, museum manager Gina Marina presents Helen Back Again owner Chris Sehman with a plaque and tip bell for hosting the event.
DESTIN BUSINESS FORUM In partnership with Cox Communications, the Chamber’s monthly TV program hosts the following in November 2013: - Beaches, Resorts & Parks - Display Tracks LLC - Groovy Grouper Grill Weekly Schedule on Cox Channel 6 is as follows: - Sundays, at 8:30 p.m. - Mondays, at 7:30 p.m. - Wednesdays, at 9:30 a.m. - Thursdays, at 7:30 p.m. Shows are also available on Cox InDemand and the Chamber’s YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/destinchamber. Contact Suzy Nicholson Hunt at (850) 837-2711 x2 or suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com to have your business featured here. This is a free benefit of Chamber membership!
SOLARIS Receives Best Wedding Venue Award For the third consecutive year, SunQuest Cruises’ SOLARIS luxury yacht was voted the 2013 Best Wedding Venue by readers of Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast Magazine.
Host Amy Perry Pleat, Perry & Ritchie, P.A.
Thank you to Cox Communications for its support of this program.
Page 13
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID DESTIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Destin Area Chamber of Commerce 4484 Legendary Drive, Suite A Destin, FL 32541
Business Briefs Hilton Adds Regional Sales Manager
RE/MAX Recognizes Top Agents
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa appointed Elyse Graver as the resort’s newest regional sales manager. Based in Plano, Texas, Graver will direct the resort’s sales efforts into the Texas and the West Coast territories. A 20-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Graver has worked as an independent hotel contractor representing resorts and all major hotel brands.
RE/MAX Coastal Properties recognized Lyndon Clifton for achieving Top Sales for September. Also recognized was Karen Martineau for achieving Top Listing Award with a nearly $2M volume.
Children’s Advocacy Center Receives $22,500 The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center was recently awarded a $22,500 grant from the St. Joe Foundation. The grant will provide mental health counseling sessions to children recovering from the trauma of abuse and will provide family services to help keep families together.
Smiths Among Top Florida Realtors According to the latest reporting by RE/MAX LLC, RE/MAX Coastal Properties brokers/owners Ed and Terri Smith are ranked as the #29 YTD residential team in the state of Florida. This ranking establishes them as the top ranked RE/MAX team from Destin to Bay County. The Smiths opened the first RE/MAX office in Destin in 1990.
Newman-Dailey Names Top Sales Producer Colin Kirkwood has been awarded Newman-Dailey Resort Properties’ Top Producer
See also inside pages 4 - 5 and 12 - 13.
for the third quarter of 2013. Kirkwood was also awarded Second Place for Sales with Newman-Dailey in 2012, Top Sales for the fourth quarter of 2012, and Top Listing Agent for the first quarter of 2013.
Gulfarium Attains IMATA Accreditation Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park received accreditation for its Trainer’s Development Program from the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association (IMATA). The training includes a 98page training manual, detailed lectures, and comprehensive testing.
Pryor Retires from DEP Vacations Dale E. Peterson Vacations announced the retirement of Patricia Pryor after six and a half years of service. Pryor had been the company’s guest service provider for the central Destin
office since May 2007, when it merged with Anchors Resort Realty’s vacation rental division.
Destin Woman’s Club Helps Local Charities In September, Destin Woman’s Club (DWC) presented a check for $500 to the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast. Additionally, the DWC Carol and Bob Winsett Scholarship Fund presented a check in the amount of $2,800 to Northwest Florida State College.
CBA Offers Grasses in Classes The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) of Northwest Florida State College, in partnership with the AmeriCorps program, is implementing 18 Grasses in Classes Programs throughout Okaloosa and Walton counties. On Oct. 1, the CBA kicked off the program by establishing saltmarsh nurseries with 3rd and 5th graders.