INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Business Briefs Pages 6-7
SEPTEMBER 2010
July Breakfast Page 8
Leads Lunch Page 8-9
Business After Hours Page 9
PUTToberfest Page 14
VOL. XVIII NO. IX
2010 DESTIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP
From the President’s Desk...
Executive Committee Chairman of the Board BRIAN HAUGEN Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James & Associates Chairman Elect MIKE FREEMAN Whitney National Bank Immediate Past Chairman KAREN MCCARTHY Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union Treasurer BILL LINDSLEY Simple HR Vice Chairman/Communications & Marketing TIM EDWARDS Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill Vice Chairman/Community & Economic Development LES PORTERFIELD Porterfield Engineering, Inc. Vice Chairman/Membership Development JIM BREITENFELD Emerald Consulting and Management Group Harbor Advisory Board SHANE CANNON Ballard Cannon Development Directors ED ADAMS GCS Building Solutions, Inc. CARMELA BELL ResortQuest Real Estate KEVIN BOWYER O’Sullivan Creel, LLP SHAUN EUBANKS Community Bank, Destin BILL HEAD Fort Walton Beach Medical Center ED MCMULLEN, JR. Legendary, Inc. AMY PERRY Pleat & Perry, P.A. KATHY WHIDDEN Emerald Coast Chiropractic MARY ANNE WINDES Real Estate Professionals of Destin Destin Fishing Fleet Marina Ex Officio MYRA WILLIAMS Howard Group Chairman’s Appointees CAREY TROTTER Trotter’s General Contractors, Inc. TONYA HOLMAN Special Appointee KIM WINTNER Alliance Association Management Co., Inc.
Management Team SHANE MOODY, IOM, CCE President & CEO ceo@DestinChamber.com ELIZABETH SPIES Vice President of Communications espies@DestinChamber.com RISA GARNER Director of Events rgarner@DestinChamber.com WENDY SCHAEFER Information Specialist mail@DestinChamber.com SANDI MCCLANAHAN Membership Consultant sandi@DestinChamber.com
(850) 837-6241 www.DestinChamber.com PAGE 2
Shane A. Moody, CCE, 1OM The summer of 2010 has come and gone, and what a summer it was. As our community dealt with the severe blow of an oil leak and blown well in the Gulf, our thinking and planning completely changed as June, July, and August came and went. As we were all looking forward to a bounce-back summer, we had to deal with the harsh reality of a media frenzy full of bad information. At the Chamber, we dealt with every imaginable phone call. We were called many things, most of them not very nice. People accused us spreading false information, of not being truthful, of just saying whatever it took to bring people to town. I’ll say now what I said then – we didn’t have an oil leak crisis, we had a media crisis. I felt as if I were doing more newspaper, radio, and television interviews just in those few months than I had done the previous year. Every day, it seemed, there was another newspaper from the Southeast or Midwest in one of our drive-markets calling to find out what it was really like here. Television stations were showing up unannounced to do interviews. Radio stations
were calling wanting live interviews. I even did a couple of recorded interviews for television, while driving in the car. At least these media outlets had the good sense to report accurate information. At one point, we even began telling callers to stop watching the national news. Their gross generalizations of the Gulf Coast were not reflecting the true situation here. I’m not sure if it was just in my mind, because of what we were going through, but I’m not sure I’ve ever seen our waters and beaches as beautiful as they were this summer. It’s too bad that those who bought into the rhetoric from the national news outlets missed what they missed. Near the end of the summer, we had visitors in our office telling us that had it not been for friends of theirs who had been here and told them what it was really like here, they would have never come. They pointed out to us what an injustice the media had done to our area. I am always impressed with how this community comes together after a tragedy. While I’ve only been here seven years, I’ve admired the way everyone worked together to bring this community back after hurricanes. This summer, things were different. During this media crisis, I found it disappointing that there seemed to be some splintering in the community. There was the perception that some companies and organizations wanted to be “the ones” with all the answers. There were many private meetings with only a few community people
Okay, So What’s Next?
invited, a selected group of people, if you will. There were closed door meetings, where even the local media was locked out. And these meetings were billed as meetings to find solutions, to create plans, to bring us out of the despair that had been created. If this is what those meetings were about, it seems to me that everyone should have been included. That’s how you bring communities back. That’s how Destin has prospered in the past. We had politicians playing politics, while accusing others of playing politics, unable to see that they were doing exactly what they were accusing the other side of doing. While our elected officials had a chance to be heroes and speak up and stand up for their constituents, they botched a called special session. It was sad to see bits of Washington, D.C, seeping into Tallahassee. So what’s next? It’s time to regroup. It’s time to come together again as a community and bring Destin back. It’s time to make this, once again, the number two drive-to destination in Florida – what the hell, let’s make it the number one drive-to destination! It’s time to reach out and support your local Chamber members and purchase your goods and services from fellow members. It’s time to play tourist in our hometown – go out and play, eat, shop, and enjoy this great community we call home. That’s how we’ll all build this world-class community one business at a time! On the Horizon
On Sept. 9 and 10, Rivals Radio will be broadcasting live from Destin. Rivals Radio is a national college sports talk show on satellite radio, Sirius 122 and XM 143. It is based in Nashville, Tenn., and all three of its employees vacation on the Emerald Coast. I made contact with them back in May to see if there was an interest in coming here to broadcast. After some conversation, we’ve worked out a live broadcast from Destin. The exposure we will gain from this is tremendous. We’ll broadcast from Fisherman’s Wharf on Thursday morning and Indian Bayou on Friday morning, during the Chamber B2B Breakfast (Reps. Marti Coley and Matt Gaetz have agreed to be our speakers that morning) and before the tee time of our Seafood Festival Golf Classic. While this is a national radio show, the meat of their market is the Southeast, which is our drive-to market. I’ve already heard the hosts talking about this on-air and heard some of their callers say they were coming to Destin for the show. Hopefully, more people will be drawn to Destin because of this. This would not be possible without the Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, ResortQuest, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Indian Bayou Golf Club. My sincerest thank you for assisting us on this!
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 SEPTEMBER 2010
A Message from the Chairman of the Board Of Politics and Line Dancing
Brian Haugen I recently attended a party where I noticed just how much people like to line dance to certain songs played by the DJ. This near frenzy is rather startling to see because within the first few notes of a particular song, people will practically jump
out of their skin to get out to the dance floor. First time I saw it, I feared someone fell or got hurt the way they all jumped up so quickly. But then, the dancers swiftly join up with others and like seasoned troops called by their platoon sergeant for formation, they’ll immediately begin to move together like birds of a feather. They step, hop, swing, and slide with synchronization till the end of the song when all is better in the world, apparently. I have respect for people who can memorize and learn those steps so quickly and easily. It doesn’t look easy. This is where politics
step in (no pun intended). It seems to me that more and more politicians like to line dance. It’s like they hear a certain song and with a Pavlovian reaction, they’ll hop up to dance along in synchronicity - based on party lines, of course. Like line dancing, this political reaction seems methodically impressive at first, but then you have to wonder … can these politicians dance to any other dance other than the line dance? Or, do they only dance when the DJ spins a line dance song? Because it seems like most politicians these days simply dance along party lines. I’m sure the
“especially interested” observers are impressed with their synchronized and memorized steps (it makes it easier for them to follow and keep an eye on, of course), but I’m not so sure they are dancing to the beat of the drum of their constituents. I wonder, do people go to clubs to dance only to line dances? Whatever happened to slow songs or just dancing with your sweetheart? I mean, what happens when a line dancer gets tired of a certain song after awhile? Do you still have to dance to it when it is played? I wonder if line dancing aficionados eventually begin to feel
like they MUST dance to certain line dance songs – because they know the dance moves – even if they may not want to dance at that particular time. Maybe they feel a loyalty to the party’s other line dancers, instead of a responsibility to the friends/family they came with. Here at the local line dance levels, it seems peculiar that our state politicians seem to be line dancing with their party vs. the songs of the constituency. It’s an oily situation, but it seems to me that the constituents no longer think solely along policy lines of dancing anymore, at least not en-
tirely. Maybe it’s time our politicians reflect on the song, its lyrics, and beat, to determine if the song justifies dancing to. Who knows, they might find that dancing with their sweetheart might actually be more fun than line dancing! Here’s a thought for our politicians, as they decide which song to dance to,… instead of line dancing, “dance with the one that brung ya.”
Brian Haugen 2010 Destin Area Chamber Chairman Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James & Associates
2072458
NETWORK SEPTEMBER 2010
www.DestinChamber.com
PAGE 3
THE CHAMBER MONTH AHEAD
Member Spotlight
Please join us for our Business to Business Breakfast sponsored by Trustmark National Bank at Indian Bayou Golf Club. Reps. Marti Coley and Matt Gaetz will provide a Legislative Update. Check-in begins at 7:15 a.m. Cost is $15 for members who RSVP, $20 for members that attend without registering, and $30 for non-members. Please visit the Events Calendar at www.DestinChamber.com to register. All registrations are due by Sept. 7. Always the second Friday of each month, these events are attended by approximately 150 area business professionals. With speakers, such as industry experts, economists, and area officials, and ample networking opportunities, these events are packed with value.
SEPTEMBER
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The premier tournament for Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, the Seafood Festival Golf Classic, returns to Indian Bayou Golf Course on Sept. 10-11. It is designed to draw competitive players from across our region for two days of play. The format will be two-man teams, best ball. The tournament will be flighted at the completion of the first round. The event will also include product demonstrations and a clinic led by a PGA Professional. A portion of the team fees will be donated to the Destin Fishermen’s Fund.
SEPTEMBER
10-11
SEPTEMBER
14
Northwest Florida Regional Airport is sponsoring and hosting a Business After Hours event for the Crestview Area, Destin Area, Greater Fort Walton Beach Area, and Niceville Valparaiso Chambers of Commerce. Join us from 5 – 6:30 p.m., as we network with our neighbors, and enjoy food, drink, and door prizes!
Join us for the September Leads Lunch. Enjoy networking activities to meet potential clients and reconnect with old friends! All members are encouraged to attend. The cost to attend is $20 for members and $40 for non-members. One lucky attendee will receive a free membership renewal worth $315! Please visit the Events Calendar at www.DestinChamber.com to register. All registrations are due by Sept. 13. Always held the third Wednesday of each month, these events are open to all members and are attended by approximately 100 area business professionals.
SEPTEMBER
15
The 32nd Annual Destin Seafood Festival will set up alongside the Destin Harbor in the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina, City of Destin Royal Melvin Heritage Park, and Fisherman’s Wharf! The festival offers fresh local seafood and specialties from some of the area’s favorite restaurants, arts and crafts, as well as live entertainment, including Starship Starring Mickey Thomas, LOVERBOY, and more! For up-to-date festival information, please visit www.DestinSeafoodFestival.org.
SEPTEMBER
17-19
Join us for our Business After Hours sponsored by Emerald Coast Conference Center from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Our Business After Hours events offer an end-ofthe-day networking opportunity to help you meet new clients, gain exposure for your business, and expand your network. Beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Please do not forget to bring your business card for networking and our door prize drawing. All businesses are invited to bring a door prize, which offers one more way for you to gain exposure. There is no fee for members to attend this event. The non-member fee is $20. Please visit the Events Calendar at www.DestinChamber.com to RSVP.
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23
SEPTEMBER
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Chamber Board of Directors Meeting will be held in the Chamber conference room at 11:30 a.m.
For information about all Chamber events, please visit the Events Calendar at www.DestinChamber.com. PAGE 4
September’s Member in the Spotlight is Debbie Bodenstine, director of membership, business retention, and expansion for the Economic Development Council (EDC) of Okaloosa County. The EDC is a non-profit private/public partnership serving as Okaloosa County’s primary economic development organization.
“We are committed to the continual growth and diversification of Okaloosa’s economy. We help create jobs and assist industries to grow and relocate to our county,” explained Bodenstine, who has served the EDC for six years. The EDC, which is located on Fort Walton Beach’s joint Northwest Florida State College / University of West Florida campus, concentrates its efforts in three areas: business retention and expansion, workforce development, and targeted industry recruiting. • In the area of business retention and expansion, the EDC is conducting business surveys to assess target industry
Debbie Bodenstine Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County sectors, where they are in their life cycle, their attitudes towards our community as a place to do business, and their needs, especially physical plant and workforce, for successful expansion and sustainability. • In workforce development, it has teamed up with Workforce Development Board and educational partners to procure incumbent worker training grants to address the needs identified through high skill/high wage industry sectors to advance their workforce. • For targeted industry recruiting, it is continuously pursuing leads of potential companies in primary target areas that can benefit from the re-
sources it has to offer. Bodenstine has a degree in education from Florida State University and is currently working on her Certified Economic Developer accreditation. Her career experiences include a variety of program development, training, marketing, and sales successes. “The favorite part of my role with the EDC is meeting with the local businesses, identifying needs they have, and finding solutions to assist them in growing to that next level,” said Bodenstine. For more information, you may reach Bodenstine and the EDC at (850) 362-6467 or www.florida-edc.org.
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: July 2010 Phone Calls/E-mails – 999 Incoming Mail – 218 Visitors to Welcome Center Lobby – 434 Visitors’ Guide & Buyer’s Directories Mailed – 292 Relocation Packages – 16 The Chamber’s website recorded 64,618 unique visitors for July 2010 and 618,430 unique visitors for Aug. 1, 2009 – July 31, 2010.
Chamber ‘Buy Destin’ Coupon Book Offers Big Savings From cooling services and appliance repair to discounts on daiquiris, shutters, and gator food, you can find a little bit of everything and big savings in the Chamber’s Buy Destin coupon book! It is available for purchase for $5 in our lobby. Stop by and pick up one today. www.DestinChamber.com
These books are printed in house, so it’s not too late to add your discount. Please contact Elizabeth Spies at (850) 837-2711 x5 or espies@DestinChamber.com for details. It is free to our members to run a discount. NETWORK SEPTEMBER 2010
Destin Business Forum In partnership with Cox Communications, the Chamber’s monthly TV program will host the following organizations beginning in September: Fat Daddy’s Arcade 20009 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 424-6021 www.fatdaddysarcadedestin.com Category: Attractions Chamber Rep: Christy Kearney
The Petermann Agency 924 Mar Walt Dr. Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32549 (850) 243-5315 www.petermann.com Category: Advertising Chamber Rep: Mike Kerrigan
Foundation Financial Services, Inc. 12671 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Fountain Plaza Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 650-0304 www.foundationfinancial.com Category: Mortgage Services Chamber Rep: Dianne Fields
South Beach Grill 10232 SW Rookery Way Palm City, FL 34990 (305) 467-2588 Category: Catering Sales & Service Chamber Rep: Chalor Cross
Johnny on the Spot Toilet Rentals, Inc. 1702 E. James Lee. Blvd. Crestview, FL 32536 (850) 682-4877 Category: Portable Toilet Rentals and Service Chamber Rep: Jason Echols
Cal’s Appliances DestinNation Vacation Rentals, Inc. Gotcha Shuttered
Twirl Frozen Yogurt 34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy. #181 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 269-0439 www.twirl-yogurt.com Category: Ice Cream, Yogurt, Shaved Ice, & Chocolate Chamber Rep: Delaine Syster-Bomparola
Host Amy Perry Pleat & Perry, P.A. Destin Business Forum airs on Cox Channel 6. The schedule is available online underneath the Channel 6 heading: ww2.cox.com/myconnection/gulfcoast/watch.cox
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NETWORK SEPTEMBER 2010
www.DestinChamber.com
PAGE 5
Business Briefs Award of Excellence” this year. The restaurant currently features 3,700 bottles of wine on site, with an estimated 5,000 bottles of wine being poured each year.
Gowing Promoted to Events Supervisor The Emerald Coast Conference Center announces the promotion of Lindsay Gowing to the position of events supervisor. Gowing began her career at the conference center in March 2003. Prior to her promotion, she served as event coordinator, coordinating more than 675 successful events, including conferences, tradeshows, sporting events, concerts, weddings, and military functions. Gowing received her Bachelor’s Degree of Science and Business Administration at the University of West Florida. She is a member of Meeting Planners International and is currently working on her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation. O’Sullivan Creel, LLP Named to Top 100 Best Companies To Work For in Florida O’Sullivan Creel, LLP, has been named one of Florida’s Best Companies To Work For by Florida Trend magazine. One hundred companies were recognized in small, medium, and large company categories. The rankings – the second annual statewide Best Companies list – appear in the August issue Florida Trend and on FloridaTrend.com. Silver Sands Names Employee of the Month Silver Sands Factory Stores’ July Employee of the Month is Tracy Cotton of SAS Shoes. Cotton, who has been employed with the company for six months, takes pleasure in working with customers. PAGE 6
They have continually mentioned how much they enjoy being assisted by her. “Whenever Tracy sees a customer needing assistance getting into our store, she’s always ready to help them to and from their car,” says John Houser, SAS Shoes store manager. HarborWalk Village Honors Military Hero The Red, White and Blue Celebrations at HarborWalk Village honor the efforts of people who go above and beyond, demonstrating heroism and loyalty. The July 15 celebration honored Staff Sgt. David White. While on his second deployment to Operation Enduring Freedom, White and three Special Forces soldiers were injured by an improvised explosive device that detonated beneath their vehicle. His military decorations and awards include the following: Purple Heart, Air Force Commendation Medal with Valor, Air Force Combat Action Medal, and Air Force Achievement Medal. Seagar’s Earns Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award Excellence” Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood – Northwest Florida’s first AAA Four-Diamond restaurant – earned Wine Spectator magazine’s “Best of Award of Excellence” for the seventh consecutive year. This recognition is granted to wine lists that generally offer at least 400 selections, with modest depth or superior breadth in at least one classic region. Boasting a wine list of more than 600 labels, Seagar’s is one of 788 restaurants to earn the “Best of
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation Donates $265,000 to Children in Crisis The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) donated $265,000 to Children in Crisis, Inc., (CIC) as a result of its 2010 Charity Wine Auction Event. The donation will be applied to the construction of a teen transition home for foster children that age out of the foster care system, but are still in high school. Shown in this photo are (left to right) Dr. Alexis Tibbetts, CIC; Dr. Catherine Michas, CIC; Loyal Weaver, president of CIC board; Ken Hair, CIC executive director; Jim Adams, DCWAF; John Frierson, CIC; Betty Hefner, CIC; Sharilyn Darnell, past president of CIC board; and Debbie Buchanan, CIC development director.
CIC Recognized by Department of Children and Families At a strategic planning meeting this week, the Department of Children and Families recognized Children in Crisis, Inc., for its outstanding contributions to Circuit 1 foster children. This is the second award in as many months www.DestinChamber.com
lauding the grassroots movement that cares for the foster children of our community. Last month Families First Network and the Florida Department of Children and Families named Children in Crisis, Inc., the Circuit 1 Residential/Group Care Provider of the Year. Shown in this photo are (left to right) Mack Gay, CIC past president; Ken Hair, CIC executive director; Janice Thomas, DCF Circuit 1 administrator; Dr. Judy Manning, CIC operations director; and Debbie Buchanan, CIC development director
Army Aviation Center FCU Wins Regional Award for Social Responsibility Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union (AACFCU) earned regional recognition for its community service at the 2010 Annual Convention of the League of Southeastern Credit Unions. AACFCU won second place among credit unions throughout Alabama and Florida for the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award. Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union board treasurer Cracker Waldrop accepted the award on behalf of the Credit Union. Shown in this picture are (left to right) Patrick LaPine, president of Southeastern League of Credit Unions; Cracker Waldrop, treasurer of AACFCU board of directors; and Rich Helber, CEO of Tropical Financial CU. Sacred Heart Welcomes New Obstetrician and Gynecologist Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast is pleased to announce that Dr. Julianne
Kenton, an obstetrician and gynecologist, recently joined Sacred Heart Medical Group. Kenton completed medical school at the Jagiellonian University College of Medicine, followed by residency training in Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins University and additional residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Johns Hopkins University and Louisiana State University. Kenton has special medical interests in women’s health and prevention, general and surgical gynecology, minimally invasive procedures, and endometrial ablation.
Pain Management Physician Joins Sacred Heart Medical Group Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast is pleased to announce that Dr. Chip Chipman, a Board-certified pain management physician, recently joined Sacred Heart Medical Group. Chipman practiced medicine in Jacksonville, Fla., prior to relocating to the Emerald Coast. He completed medical school at See BRIEFS on page 7 NETWORK SEPTEMBER 2010
BRIEFS Continued from page 6 the University of Alabama School of Medicine, followed by residency training in Anesthesiology at the University of Florida and fellowship training in Pain Medicine at the University of South Carolina. Chipman is experienced in common and invasive pain procedures, including spinal cord stimulator implantations, diagnostic lumbar injections, and medication pumps.
Rheumatologist Joins Sacred Heart Medical Group Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast is pleased to announce that Dr. Michele Lawson, a rheumatologist, recently joined Sacred Heart Medical Group. Lawson is Boardcertified in Internal Medicine and practiced medicine for five years before pursuing a Fellowship in Rheumatology at Plaza Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas. She completed medical school at Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine, followed by residency training at Sun Coast Hospital in Largo, Fla. A local, Dr. Lawson was raised in Fort Walton Beach and attended college in Pensacola. NWFSC Fall 2010 Credit and Personal Enrichment Classes at South Walton Center A series of college credit and non-credit NETWORK SEPTEMBER 2010
personal enrichment courses will be offered by Northwest Florida State College this fall through the college’s South Walton Center, located off Highway 331 south. The center also offers free courses for adults who do not have a high school diploma, including adult basic education, preparation for the GED high school equivalency test, and English-As-A-Second Language. A complete course listing is available from the center on the college’s website at www.nwfsc.edu/SWC. NWFSC State Board Approves Changes to Nursing & Radiography Admissions More registered nurses will be trained at Northwest Florida State College this coming year, thanks to changes in the RN program admissions process approved by the college’s Board of Trustees, during its July 20 meeting. Trustees also approved an agreement to modify the live firing range on the Niceville campus, a five-year campus capital improvement plan, and other items. Creehan Serves Up Third Cookbook Fresh off the grand opening of his latest restaurant Cuvee Bistro, executive chef Tim Creehan released “Exceptional Taste, Tales & Recipes,” the third cookbook of his career. The coffee table hardcover is packed with pictures, recipes, and recollections culled from years of culinary ventures along Destin’s beaches. Cheerleaders Attend UCA Camp Destin Middle School Cheerleaders recently
Adopt-A-Classroom Assists Teachers with Classroom Needs Submitted by Destin Middle School
attended UCA Camp in Panama City and competed against many other middle school teams from across the nation. The squad was awarded 1st place for Camp Cheer; Extreme Routine 1st place Champions; Home Routine 1st place champions; and the banana spirit award. The 8th graders were chosen All-Americans and invited to attend the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. WSRE Installs New Board Officers & Members WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast, announces new foundation board of director officer appointments and members: Gordon Sprague, chair; Susan O’Connor, vice chair; and Ashton Hayward, secretary. New board members include Dick Ihns and Demetria McNeese of McNeese Title, LLC. THF Youth Corps Lends a Hand in Wright Elementary Makeover The Taylor Haugen Foundation Youth Corps spent Saturday, July 24, beautifying Wright Elementary School in Fort Walton Beach. The project’s scope involved painting, weeding, trimming, and performing various other tasks designed to spruce up the school in time for the elementary students’ return Aug. 5.
The Taylor Haugen Foundation Youth Corps is a non-profit group of student volunteers who want to make a positive difference in their communities and give all the glory to Jesus Christ. Lee Automotive Group Swings a Hammer at Affordable Housing Lee Automotive Group takes a hand in the field of construction with a partnership in Habitat for Humanity Okaloosa County’s program. Robert Lee, owner of Lee Automotive Group, offered a generous home sponsorship of $50,000, at the completion of the agencies 44th home in the county. Simple HR Named to Top 100 Best Companies To Work For in Florida Destin-based company Simple HR was recently named one of Florida’s Best Companies To Work For. One-hundred companies were recognized in small, medium, and large company categories. The rankings – the second annual statewide Best Companies list – appear in the August issue Florida Trend and on FloridaTrend. com. It ranked number 16 in its category. Only seven companies from Northwest Florida appear in the issue.
www.DestinChamber.com
The Adopt-A-Classroom program is a schoolbased program designed to provide additional monetary support to the teachers for the educational needs of our middle school students. Local area businesses, community-minded individuals, and interested family members are invited to sponsor a single teacher or a teacher in a particular grade level. A charitable monetary contribution of $250 is requested. Teachers use the funding for special projects, additional materials, equipment, and student incentives. Classroom sponsors are highlighted in the bi-monthly newsletter, listed on the marquis and on a banner displayed at the front of the school, and business web links are included on our school website. Sponsors are invited to all special projects in the adoptive classroom, as well as to events at the school. We welcome questions about the program and thank you for your consideration in adopting a classroom at Destin Middle School. This year we would like to thank Dawn Campbell for being the first to adopt a teacher at DMS for the 2010-2011 school year!
If you are interested in membership in the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, please contact Membership Consultant Sandi McClanahan at 850.837.2711 ext. 3 or sandi@DestinChamber.com. PAGE 7
790 on the Gulf (850) 650-4853 Chamber Rep: Ed Ward A 2 Z Specialty Advertising (850) 654-3080 Chamber Rep: Gabby Bruce Advanced Fire Protection Services, Inc. (850) 244-2026 Chamber Rep: Paul Sherwood
Columbine Concessions (214) 704-7260 Chamber Rep: Peggy Lee
Emerald Coast Funeral Home (850) 864-3361 Chamber Rep: Pamela Reynolds
Jenkins Transfer & Storage, Inc. (850) 243-6111 Chamber Rep: Bill Jenkins
Professional Records Imaging Mgmt., Inc. (850) 864-1303 Chamber Rep: Deborah Carloni
Save Our Cats & Kittens (SOCKS) (850) 368-3682 Chamber Rep: Cecil Demonbrun
Compass Resorts (850) 269-1005 Chamber Rep: Marie Hill
Faith Assembly Christian Church (850) 502-7050 Chamber Rep: David J. Butler
Jersey Mike’s (850) 269-2925 Chamber Rep: Kathy Masters
Realty House Commercial Properties, Inc. (850) 244-9117 Chamber Rep: Basil Bethea, Jr.
Seaspray Condominiums (850) 244-1108 Chamber Rep: Sue Walden
Kevin Roberts Entertainment (850) 654-5732 Chamber Rep: Kevin Roberts
The Red Door Saloon (850) 424-5974 Chamber Rep: Ric Clarke
SEE Magazine (850) 399-0123 Chamber Rep: Patti Ellis
Crab Trap Restaurant (850) 654-2722 Chamber Rep: Clint Rogers Crystal Bay Senior Living Sandestin (850) 267-1600 Chamber Rep: Kathy Romero
Foundation Financial Services, Inc. (850) 650-0304 Chamber Rep: Dianne Fields Gecko Ad Specialties (850) 585-7833 Chamber Rep: Brent Mercer
Lucky Snapper Grill & Bar (850) 654-0900 Chamber Rep: Mr. Tom Rice
Destin Commons (850) 337-8700 Chamber Rep: Kristina Trujillo
Harbor Cigars (850) 650-3111 Chamber Rep: Marvin Holthouser
Margaritaville (850) 235-7870 Chamber Rep: Mike Whitmer
Destin Days, LLC (850) 650-0809 Chamber Rep: Donna Ryan
Hard Rock Cafe (850) 654-3310 Chamber Rep: Christie Hunt
Destin Luxury Rentals (850) 837-4191 Chamber Rep: Wanda Lavender Nutt
Harrison Contracting Co., Inc. (850) 729-1188 Chamber Rep: Tom Little
Destin Middle School (850) 833-7655 Chamber Rep: Dwana Neyendorf
Larry W. Hines (850) 654-6078 Chamber Rep: Larry W. Hines
Payroll Management Inc. dba PMI Employee Leasing (850) 243-5604 Chamber Rep: Dan Robertson
Chef On The Go (850) 729-3377 Chamber Rep: Mary Churillo
Dex One - Publisher Century Link Yellow Pages (850) 269-4810 Chamber Rep: Andy Anderson
Homes & Land Of The Emerald Coast (850) 650-1014 Chamber Rep: Joe Nacchia
Jamison L. Plantz, DMD, PA (850) 837-6824 Chamber Rep: Marlene Burke
Coastal Reflections (850) 650-7676 Chamber Rep: Andrea Benson Richard
Ecco Motors (850) 837-2600 Chamber Rep: Debbie Bodenstine
HoneyBaked Ham Company & Cafe (850) 650-2636 Chamber Rep: Kathy Browe
Preston Hood Chevrolet, Inc. (850) 664-7000 Chamber Rep: Taylor Hood
Affordable Home Insurance, Inc. (850) 654-1567 Chamber Rep: Dennis Gagnon, Jr. Allstates Employer Services, Inc. (850) 477-4449 Chamber Rep: Addie Taylor Broad and Cassel (850) 269-0148 Chamber Rep: Ginger L. Barry Burger King (Goldco, Inc.) (850) 837-5060 Chamber Rep: Bob Davis Cantina Laredo (850) 654-5649 Chamber Rep: Clint Viehman
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MC Photo (850) 231-6715 Chamber Rep: Manuel Chavez McCaskill & Company (850) 650-2262 Chamber Rep: Bill & Elizabeth Campbell
www.DestinChamber.com
Robert Patrick, CPA (850) 654-3030 Chamber Rep: Robert Patrick Deborah Roberts (850) 243-8871 Chamber Rep: Deborah Roberts Bernie Robin (850) 654-9305 Chamber Rep: Bernie Robin Char Rohrer (850) 796-3325 Chamber Rep: Char Rohrer
Southern Restaurant Group, LLC (850) 837-1637 Chamber Rep: John Comer Sundestin Condominiums (850) 837-7093 Chamber Rep: Danielle Waltman Tents of N.W. Florida, Inc. (850) 830-3608 Chamber Rep: Ashleigh Madden
Ruben’s Concession (850) 944-4187 Chamber Rep: Ruben Mendoza
Trinity Air Services, Inc. (850) 244-0747 Chamber Rep: Samantha Brazie
Sam Taylor Buick Cadillac (850) 244-5165 Chamber Rep: Karen Taylor Hutson
Twin Cities Hospital (850) 678-4131 Chamber Rep: Jenni Brunson
Sam’s Club (850) 862-5330 Chamber Rep: Kim Shilling
Westwood Retirement Resort (850) 863-5174 Chamber Rep: Billie Chappell
Santa Rosa Golf And Beach Club, Inc. (850) 267-1240 Chamber Rep: Nick Watson
Yellow Book USA (850) 469-3100 Chamber Rep: Melanie Buckner NETWORK SEPTEMBER 2010
3 Graces Taverna
Children in Crisis
M & M Photography
9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy. #9 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 424-6004 www.the3gracestaverna.com Category: Restaurants – Mediterranean Chamber Rep: Nora Bosnake
1000 Luke’s Way Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547 (850) 864-4242 www.childrenincrisisfl.org Category: Non-Profits Chamber Rep: Ken Hair
2434 Duncan Dr. Niceville, FL 32578 (850) 279-4229 www.mandmphoto.com Category: Photographers Chamber Rep: Marianne Provazrik
bbb.org
Faith A. Gladding Ind. Executive Senior Sales Director
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ROBERT E. MCGILL, III ATTORNEY AT LAW 36008 Emerald Coast Pkwy. • Suite C Destin, Florida 32541
3018255
3035 The Oaks Miramar Beach, FL 32550 850-650-3882 800-726-9625 email: faithgladding@cox.net website: www.marykay.com/fgladding
SERVING THE ENTIRE EMERALD COAST NETWORK SEPTEMBER 2010
Law Offices ROBERT E. MCGILL, III, P.A.
3018249
Start With Trust®
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®
contractor painter mechanic Looking for a pool dealer electrician roofer plumber you can trust?
850-837-1386 Fax 850-837-1574 PAGE 11
The County Line – Okaloosa County FY2011 Performance Based Budget This year will be the first year in which the Board of County Commissioners presents the new format of Performance Based Budgets (PBB), in its entirety for each of its 16 departments. PBB provides in-depth information about how each department is funded, number of staff, and key objectives, as well as accomplishments, goals, and measurements. I think you will find it informative and easy to follow. Please let us know how you like it. Budgets may be accessed online at your convenience, including the PBB, as well as the line item, detailed budget. Additionally, the budget meetings may be viewed online, as well. For a schedule of budget meetings, budget access, or to view a meeting, visit www.okaloosafl.com. At the July 27 budget meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved the current millage of 3.2899, which is the same as last year. We also decided to pull money from reserves, rather than furlough our employees. There are still tough decisions
ahead as we go through the budget process. We will continue to try to provide the needed level of services in Public Safety, Essential Services, and Quality of Life for all of our citizens, at the lowest possible costs. We also realize that residents and businesses are going through tough times, as well. The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill is impacting our local economy, just as we prepare to welcome the 7th Special Forces Group. View our updates on our website. There are opportunities for grants, claims, and overall assistance for those impacted by the oil spill. We will weather these tough times together and still live in the best part of the world. Okaloosa County has been lucky, although challenged, with the events of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. We have not been impacted as badly as our neighbors to the west, and we can be thankful for that. We have much good news as we move forward, to include the decision just announced for 59 Joint
Strike Fighter aircraft definitely coming to Eglin in the near future. We have a new USO at our hometown airport, Northwest Florida Regional, and will honor a historic past in August when, we dedicate the Doolittle Raiders Highway on State Road 285, to these heroic pilots who trained at Eglin Field. Connect with us – online, watch our meetings on Cox Channel 6, and enjoy the new informational format on “Focus on Okaloosa,” the county television program. If you have questions or need more information, then give us a call on our 311 Citizens Information Line, or visit our website www.okaloosafl. com. Remember it is hurricane season and the “first 72 are on you.” Register for Code Red and Ready Okaloosa online. Okaloosa County Commission Chairman Wayne Harris 850-689-5030, wharris@co.okaloosa.fl.us
The Destin Area Visitor Information Relocation Information Business Directory Employment Events Calendar Chamber Information News & Media
www.DestinChamber.com Destin Area Chamber of Commerce | 4484 Legendary Drive, Suite A | Destin, FL 32541 Tel: (850) 837-6241 | Fax: (850) 654-5612 | Email: mail@DestinChamber.com
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NETWORK SEPTEMBER 2010
Buy Destin Program FREE for All Members in 2010 By far and regardless of the season, the most popular question in the Destin Area Chamber’s Welcome Center is “do you have any coupons?” Our Buy Destin Program, created in 2009, was designed to answer this question, while providing new customers to Chamber member businesses. To increase the program’s effectiveness and add value to all Chamber memberships, the program will be free for all members to participate in 2010. Chamber members are asked to provide incentives, discounts, and coupons in 50 words or less or provide a 3.5” x 1.5” coupon in a jpg or pdf. The Chamber will add these to our Buy Destin booklet, available in the Chamber lobby for $5. The target for this booklet is area visitors, businesses, and residents. Current Buy Destin participants include 3 Graces Taverna; Abrakadoodle; All Clear Restoration & Remediation, LLC; Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar; Architectural Gutter Systems LLC; ASP of Northwest Florida; Avantgarde Salon, Inc.; BeachOasis.com; The Beef Jerky Outlet; Bico Australia; Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park; Brooks Brothers; Cal’s Appliances; Candlewood Suites; Coastal Accounting of NW Florida, PA; Coastal Reflections; Comfort Inn; Companion Animal Hospital of Destin; Compass Resorts; Conerly, Bowman & Dykes, LLP; Cooling Services LLC; DAC Fitness; Destin History & Fishing Museum; DESTIN Maga-
zine; Destin Trophy; Dolphin Cruise/Southern Star; Dune Allen Realty Vacation Rentals; Ecco Motors & Street Legal Carts; Emerald Coast Chiropractic; Emerald Coast Science Center; Express Oil Change and Service Center; Fort Walton Beach Flea Market; Gator Beach at Fudpucker’s; GCS Building Solutions, Inc.; Gilligan’s Restaurant & Water Sports; The Golf Garden; Great American Cookie; Gulf Reflections Studio, Inc.; Gulfarium; Hampton Inn; Holiday Surf & Racquet Club; Islander Condominium; Jester’s Mardi Gras Daiquiris and Pizza; La Renaissance; Little Nemo; Marble Slab Creamery; MC Photo; Mother Fud’s Ice Cream; Party Boats: Destin Princess and Destiny; Pavlic’s Unique Florist, Inc.; Pleat & Perry, P.A.; Precious Ones Nanny Care; PretzelMaker; ResortQuest Group Sales; ResortQuest Vacation Rentals; Rick’s Crab Trap; San Gelato Café; Sandcastle Escapes; Silver Sands Factory Stores; Slumber Parties by Nichole Sage; Spread the Word Publicity; Sterling Sands; Sterling Shores; SunQuest Cruises; TCBY; Trinity Air Services, Inc.; Tropical Island Music - Chuck Lawson; UPS Store #1229; and Wingate by Wyndham Destin. For more information or to sign up to participate, please visit www.buydestinfl.com or contact the Chamber’s Vice President of Communications Elizabeth Spies at (850) 837-2711 x5 or espies@ DestinChamber.com.
SIMPLE SAVINGS TIP
AUGUST
Small Business Workshops The following workshops will be offered by the University of West Florida’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) during June 2010. For more information, please call the Fort Walton Beach SBDC at (850) 833-9400.
Sept. 1 3 – 6 p.m.
922 Mar Walt Dr., Ste. 203 Fort Walton Beach
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 estimat-
ing, and job costing. The fee is $50. To reserve your seat, please call the SBDC at 833-9400 by Sept 14. Sept. 15 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
NWF/UWF Campus Bldg. 1, Room 126 Fort Walton Beach
QuickBooks and Federal Contracting - Learn the basics to setup your company’s books using QuickBooks for DCAA compliance. Learn how to use QuickBooks to monitor your company’s financial position and the status of jobs. The fee is $50. To reserve your seat, please call the SBDC at 833-9400 by Sept 21. Sept. 22 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
NWF/UWF Campus Bldg. 1, Room 126 Fort Walton Beach
“Get a dye tablet from DWU to put in your toilet tank. If the dye color seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.”
A message from: 3018251
Starting a Business – This workshop will review business planning areas, such as financing, selecting a business legal structure, identifying your market, recordkeeping, and identifying risks that can challenge success. The fee is $35. To reserve your seat, please call the SBDC at 833-9400 by Aug. 31.
Monica Autrey Engineering Manager
NETWORK SEPTEMBER 2010
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September Calendar of Events
Destin Area Sports Commission Presents PUTToberfest Putt your way through 18 holes and a beer tasting during the area’s first ever PUTToberfest! Beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 30, players will enjoy a round of miniature golf at the Golf Garden with beer sampling stations set up all along the way. The event also includes additional con-
tests, such as a longest drive contest on the driving range, and prizes will be awarded. Playing spots begin at $25. Sponsorships are also available. For more information, please visit the Chamber’s website or contact Risa Garner at (850) 837-2711 x2 or rgarner@DestinChamber.com.
Golfers Invited to Enjoy Seafood Festival Golf Classic The premier tournament for the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, the Seafood Festival Golf Classic, returns to the Indian Bayou Golf Course on Sept. 10-11. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Destin Fisherman’s Fund. The Seafood Festival Golf Classic is designed to draw competitive players from across our region for two days of play. The format will be twoman teams, best ball. The tournament will be flighted at the completion of the first round. The event will also include product demos and a golf clinic
by a PGA professional. Thank you to Practice Tee Sponsor Simple HR; Hole Sponsors with Teams O’Sullivan Creel, LLP, and Regions Bank; Team Sponsor Community Bank, Destin; and Hole Sponsors The Destin Log and Northwest Florida Daily News. For more information or to reserve your playing spot or sponsorship, please contact the Chamber’s Director of Events Risa Garner at (850) 837-2711 x2 or rgarner@DestinChamber.com. For more information on the Destin Fisherman’s Fund, please visit www.DestinFishermenForChrist.com.
If you are interested in membership in the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, please contact Membership Consultant Sandi McClanahan at (850) 837-2711 x3 or sandi@DestinChamber.com. PAGE 14
September 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 Wednesday Night Concert Series Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf Time: 7 – 9 p.m. Enjoy the continuation of the Wednesday Night Concert Series through the month of September. We’ll be tantalizing your musical taste buds with musicians to entertain all of our guests! September 3 – 5 Art Expo Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf Time: 5 – 10 p.m. Welcome the fresh fall season under the moonlight with a weekend good for the art and soul with world-class art and live music. Exceptional artists featured in the area’s leading galleries from across the southeast will gather for this 3-day festival, featuring the best of the best in the world of art. September 5 “A Musical Farewell to Summer” Concert Location: Grand Boulevard Time: 7 p.m. The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation presents “A Musical Farewell to Summer” Labor Day Weekend Concert at Grand Park. Enjoy an evening of live music with David Seering, featuring The Joe Occhipinti Orchestra. Food and beverages will be available for purchase by Cantina Laredo. Admission is $10; kids under 12 are free. Visit www.mattiekellyartsfoundation.com or call (850) 650-2226 for more information. September 5 – October 10 Art Exhibitions – Mattie Kelly Arts Center Galleries Location: Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center
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Amy Vigilante will present a new portfolio of works called “Crazy Eights,” quilts created of found materials, including swimsuits and Marimekko fabrics (among other fiber materials) in the McIlroy Gallery. Showing concurrently in the Holzhauer Gallery is a Bette Kauffman exhibition, “Waterline,” an installation that features photos taken throughout Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina’s floodwaters receded. September 11 Fifth Annual Charity Car Show Location: Grand Boulevard Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Destin Porsche Club will host the show organized by the North Florida Region of the Porsche Club of America. More than 100 of the finest cars around, including Porsches, Lamborghinis, Lotus, Ferraris, and BMWs; will line the Town Center. Admission is free and will include live music from Cheryl Jones. For more information about the event, call (850) 654-5929. To register your car, contact Scott Roberts at (850) 974-6060 or scottandjan@ cox.net. September 17 – 24 United Way Day of Caring 2010 Location: Sept. 17, in Fort Walton Beach; Sept. 21 in DeFuniak Springs; Sept. 22, in Niceville; Sept. 23, in Destin; and Sept. 24, in Crestview. An opportunity for volunteers to make a lasting impact in Okaloosa and Walton counties by coming together over a 5-day period and choosing one or more days to better the lives of those in our community through hands on caring. Be part of this fun day of community service by volunteering to improve non-profits, schools,
and parks in our community. For more information, e-mail events@united-way.org. September 18 Via Colori Street Painting Art Festival Location: Grand Boulevard Time: 10 a.m – 6 p.m. This community favorite brings together artists, volunteer, and businesses in a unique community project to support Seaside Neighborhood School. Most of Grand Boulevard’s main street will be closed for this pedestrian-friendly event, which is free and open to the public. For more information, call (850) 654-5929. September 25 Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra – German Masterpieces Location: Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center Time: 7:30 p.m. Guest artist Tobias Steymans, Concertmaster of the prestigious Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra in Germany, joins the orchestra to showcase his interpretive genius with a performance of the Brahms Violin Concerto in D major. The NFSO will also perform the Mendelssohn Symphony No. 3 in A minor “Scottish.” September 25 Emerald Coast Car Show Location: Destin Commons Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. More than 20 antique, vintage, and classic cars from the members of the Northwest Florida Model A and T Ford Club and the Playground Antique and Classic Car Club will be on display down the Main Street of Destin Commons.
NETWORK SEPTEMBER 2010
Non-Profits Strengthening Our Community
Celebrating Ambassador Successes
Fisher House of the Emerald Coast Imagine your loved one comes down with an illness or sustains an injury, which requires an extended hospital stay far from home. Naturally, you want to be with your loved one, to visit and provide comfort. According to a recent study conducted by Hotel Price Index (HPI), the average cost for a hotel stay is $115 per night. If you were to visit your loved one for say 10 days, your hotel bill would be well over $1,000!! Thanks to the gracious contributions of the Fisher family, your stay at a Fisher House is free of charge. The long-awaited and much anticipated grand opening of the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast on Eglin Air Force Base is near at hand. After four years of developing, planning, and soliciting for support and donations, the hard work and tireless efforts of many will become a reality! At this point you may be asking yourself, “What is a Fisher House?” A Fisher House is a “home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Both active duty and veterans’ families are eligible to utilize the Fisher House services. The homes are normally located within walking distance of the medical treatment facility. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one during a very stressful time – during hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury. There are 45 Fisher Houses located on 18 military installations and 15 VA medical centers. Twelve more houses are currently under construction or in the design phase. Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, successful real estate developers from New York City, built the first Fisher House at Bethesda, Md., 20 years ago. Since then, 45 more Fisher Houses have been built at major military installations and VA medical centers. The Fishers always had a passion and respect for the men and NETWORK SEPTEMBER 2010
women who service in the U.S. Armed Forces and wanted to give something back to the military and their families. On June 4, 1999, Zachary Fisher passed away. His wife, Elizabeth, passed away on January 15, 2004. Together, they left a generous legacy and a compassionate tribute to the men and women of America’s Armed Force, one which continues to live today through the Fisher family. Eglin’s Fisher House is located across the street from the Eglin Hospital. It has 12 suites, a library, a shared kitchen, a dining room, a family room, and laundry facilities. Construction was complete in the beginning of July, and the anticipated opening is scheduled for early September, with a ribbon cutting ceremony slated for Friday, Sept. 10, at 9 a.m. “We’re very excited to see construction complete and finally be able to see the fruits of many supporters’ labor come to fruition,” said Major Ann McManis, Fisher House executive director. The Fisher House also provides a great avenue of opportunity for those who wish to volunteer their time or talents. “There will be numerous volunteer opportunities once the facility is up and running,” according to Ron Gribble, Fisher House manager. “It provides a great opportunity to show your support and help those who sacrifice so much.” If interested in volunteering, contact Gribble at (850) 685-7039. The above article is part of our series spotlighting our non-profit organizations. Their efforts strengthen the Destin community, and we are proud of their dedication and hard work. If you would like your non-profit organization spotlighted here, please contact Elizabeth Spies at (850) 837-6241 or espies@DestinChamber.com.
Congratulations to our top Ambassadors for July 2010: 65 points – Richard Barrington, Holiday Isle Properties, Inc. 55 points – Paul Woolman, Copy Systems Business Center, Inc. 40 points – Ann Kief, BeachOasis.com and Qivana
Military Affairs Committee
During the Military Affairs Committee (MAC) Aug. 4 meeting, Mike Spaits, Eglin AFB Public Affairs, provided a briefing on the Air Force’s impact from and actions taken with the Deepwater Horizons oil spill.
MAC Chair Kim Wintner (right), Alliance Association Management Co. Inc., presents Mike Spaits with a Destin MAC coin. Seated is Dennis Mattson, Chief of Staff of the 96th Air Base Wing at Eglin AFB.
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NETWORK SEPTEMBER 2010