September 2012
Welcome to the NEW Network Newsletter Our monthly printed newsletter has
Along with the new format, we have created
undergone big changes! We hope you
special advertising pricing with discounts for
enjoy the new format featured in this issue.
three and six month contracts and for some
Notice the change in size, which makes the
membership levels.
issue more manageable for those wishing to read it on the go; the upgrade in paper type, which makes photos and advertisements pop; and the change in distribution, offering greater potential for advertisers to reach their intended audience. Approximately 6,000 issues will be printed; 4,000 will be inserted into The Destin Log, and more than 1,600 copies will be mailed to members and their representatives. The newsletter will also be published in the News
To secure your advertising space, please contact Suzy Nicholson Hunt or Sarah Sholtis at (850) 837-6241, suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com or sarah@DestinChamber.com. To get your Business Briefs and calendar items published in upcoming issues, please send your press releases to Elizabeth Spies at espies@DestinChamber.com. If you have a few moments, let us know
& Media section of www.DestinChamber.
your thoughts on the NEW Network. Please
com and linked from the Chamber’s weekly
be sure to share it with others in your office.
email newsletter.
Happy reading!
Update Your Contact Information for the 2013 Visitors Guide & Member Directory On Sept. 28, we will pull our database for the 2013 Visitors Guide & Membership Directory. Now is the time to ensure the information we have listed for you is upto-date! Please call us at (850) 837-6241 or visit the Business Directory at www.DestinChamber.com. The Visitors Guide & Membership Directory is the only advertising piece the Chamber publishes about our area, and it is mailed to all those who request vacation or relocation information. It is also distributed to area businesses and in our Chamber’s Welcome Center. Advertising is available. Please call (850) 837-6241 for details or to request a rate sheet.
Golf October 17
@ Emerald Dine Bay Golf Club On Thursday, Sept. 20, putt your way through 18 holes of miniature
The Chamber’s Annual Networking Golf Tournament is given a
golf with beer sampling stations set up all along the way! Then, enjoy
new twist, as it moves to the fall and allows golfers to enjoy tastings
a cookout featuring traditional German foods. PUTToberfest is a
from area restaurants along the course. This event was created for
great way to close the summer season and celebrate the beginning
golfers and non-golfers alike, and all skill levels are encouraged
of fall. Playing spots and sponsorships are available. The event, to be
to play. Enjoy a beautiful day on the links, while networking and
held at The Golf Garden at 5 p.m., offers excellent networking and
marketing your business. Space is now available for players,
marketing potential for your company.
sponsors, and restaurants. Shotgun start is at 11:30 a.m.
Find more information and register for upcoming events at www.DestinChamber.com!
Want to see your advertisement here? Please call us at (850) 837-6241!
Welcome to the New Network Welcome to the first edition of the new Network newsletter! We hope you enjoy the new format. Some of the changes we’ve made will hopefully serve you, our members, better than in the past. We’ve brought the production of Network completely in-house. We’re now designing and writing all the content. We are now also selling all the advertising you’ll see in the new publication. This will allow us to do a few things differently. You can see that the format has changed to a smaller, easier to handle publication. Upon the recommendation of a few folks, we’ve also changed the paper type, which should make it easier for you to read and make the pictures a brighter, higher quality. And, in the “what’s old is new again” category, we’ve begun mailing the newsletter to our members – again.
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 Bill Lindsley, Chairman of the Board
Simple HR
Mary Anne Windes, Chairman-Elect
Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc. Destin Fishing Fleet Marina
Mike Freeman, Immediate Past Chairman Acentria, Inc.
Amy Perry, Treasurer Pleat & Perry, P.A.
We’ve also been able to continue the great relationship we’ve had with The Destin Log, still distributing the Chamber newsletter in its paper. That brings greater value to our advertisers and more exposure for our members. We hope you enjoy! If you’re interested in advertising in Network, call Suzy or Sarah at the Chamber, and they’ll be glad to take care of you. And continue to send press releases and announcements from your businesses to Elizabeth. She’ll do a fantastic job as editor!
Communications & Marketing Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union
Other Chamber News Mark your calendars for these upcoming events. Paddle at the Porch, the Destin SUP Cup, is scheduled for August 18 behind The Back Porch. We thank our title sponsor, Northwest Florida Regional Airport FlyVPS.com. Also credit is due to BOTE Boards and The Back Porch, our event partners. Sponsorships are still available; just call Suzy. You can register to paddle in the races at Active.com.
Steve Jay, Vice Chairman/Membership Development
PUTToberfest is set for Sept. 20, at The Golf Garden. We’ll again pair German food and beers with mini-golf and contests for prizes, not to mention the great networking that night. This has become one of the more popular events for our members. The Chamber networking golf outing is Oct. 17, at Emerald Bay Golf Club. We’re working to make this a “dine as you golf” event. In addition, a hole-in-one shootout is being planned. Some lucky person could win $100,000 or more. Proceeds from the shootout will go to the PTOs of Destin Elementary and Destin Middle Schools. And please note that you do NOT have to play in the tournament to try to win the big bucks in the hole-in-one shootout. These are just a few of the special events we have lined up for you over the next few months. As always, these are in addition to the monthly lunches and Business After Hours. Please contact Suzy at (850) 837-6241 if you have any questions about any upcoming events. Again, we hope you enjoy this new format for Network. We thank you for your membership in the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce. By working with you, our members, we will build this world-class community one business at a time. The Chamber and the community lost a great ambassador late July when Frank Glunn passed away. Frank represented our community, our Chamber, and our Country with pride and class. He attended almost every networking event we held, whether it was breakfast, lunch, or dinner,. He always brought a smile with him. As a very active member of our Military Affairs Council, he won the Retired Military Person of the Year Award a couple of years ago. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. He was a class act. He will be missed. With wishes for continued success, and until next month,
Karen McCarthy, Vice Chairman/
Shaun Eubanks, Vice Chairman/ Community & Economic Development Community Bank, Destin Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel
Carey Trotter, Vice Chairman/Harbor Association Trotter’s General Contractors, Inc. Brian Haugen, Most Immediate Past Chair/Ex-Officio Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James & Associates
Directors Julie Cotton, Northwest Florida State College Tim Edwards, Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill Rebecca Jones, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Andi Mahoney, White-Wilson Medical Center Dave Morrow, Allstate Insurance - Ryland/Morrow Agency Les Porterfield Cyndy Thomas, ResortQuest By Wyndham Vacation Rentals Kathy Whidden, Emerald Coast Chiropractic Chairman’s Appointees Hayward Dykes, Conerly, Bowman & Dykes, LLP Ken Wampler, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc. Special Appointees Jim Breitenfeld, Breitenfeld Development Services, LLC Kim Wintner, Alliance Association Management Co. Inc.
Shane A. Moody, CCE, IOM President and CEO
Management Team Shane A. Moody, CCE, IOM, President and CEO
Advertising our World-Class Community
ceo@DestinChamber.com
In our mission to support Destin as a world-class community, the Chamber’s Welcome Center recorded the following numbers in July 2012:
Elizabeth Spies, Vice President of Communications espies@DestinChamber.com
Our website at www.DestinChamber.com recorded 6,841 unique visitors.
Wendy Schaefer, Information Specialist
Phone Calls/Emails — 797 Visitors to the Welcome Center Lobby — 348 Visitor’s Guides & Membership Directories Mailed — 214
Suzy Nicholson Hunt, Events Coordinator
Incoming Mail — 195 Relocation Packages — 6
mail@DestinChamber.com
suzyhunt@DestinChamber.com
Sarah Sholtis, Membership Consultant sarah@DestinChamber.com
THE CHAMBER MONTH AHEAD
Our Civic Duty With a contentious election season upon us, the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce’s staff is preparing for our Candidates Forum. The Candidates Forum is designed to allow candidates for political office the opportunity to speak about their positions, specifically about Destin, and tell you why they should be your choice for the position they are running for. The intent is to give the audience a small glimpse of who each candidate really is and whether he or she might be the correct choice. My thanks go out to our host, Destin United Methodist Church, for allowing us to utilize its facilities. Our appreciation also goes to our sponsor The Destin Log and its editor William Hatfield for moderating the event and to all of the candidates for their participation.
SEPTEMBER Join us for our Leaders In Business Lunch
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sponsored by Trustmark
National Bank, to be held at The Palms of Destin Resort and Conference Center. Lunch is $15 for those members who pre-register, $20 for members at the door, and $30 for non-members. All registrations are due by Friday, Sept. 8, at noon. Check-in begins at 11:15 a.m., and the lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. SEPTEMBER Putt your way through 18 holes of miniature
20
golf with beer sampling
stations set up all along the way! Then, enjoy a cookout featuring traditional German foods. PUTToberfest begins at 5 p.m. at The Golf Garden. SEPTEMBER The Chamber Board of Directors Meeting will
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be held in the Chamber
conference room at 11:30 a.m.
The Forum highlights the Destin Area Chamber’s dedication to being heavily engaged in the political process and our dedication to promoting pro-business legislation that is beneficial to our members. Encouraging pro-business legislation doesn’t necessarily mean that we are promoting a specific political party. There are members from both sides of the “aisle” who support pro-business agendas. My personal opinion of our goal is to encourage legislators, commissioners, and councilmen and women from both political parties to pass legislation and ordinances that promote business fairness, competitiveness, efficiency, and diversity. Without these qualities, business in the Destin area cannot flourish. Without these qualities, jobs will not be created. It is a duty of your Chamber Board and its staff to promote these qualities. It is your duty to seek out candidates that embody those principles. It is your civic duty to engage in the political process. But being engaged doesn’t mean just showing up at the polling place on Aug. 14 or Nov. 6. It means being truly informed about the candidates - their values, beliefs, and backgrounds. Being informed doesn’t mean trusting what you see in a 30-second television commercial or believing what a talking head says on any one of the cable networks. It means going to a candidate’s website, researching his or her positions, fact checking his or her claims, and asking meaningful questions at events like the Candidates Forum. While it might seem like a significant amount of work to get it right, it is our duty to not only vote, but to be an informed voter. Cynically, candidates don’t spend the lion share of their money on informing the voter; they spend it on influencing them. Don’t be influenced. It is often said that every election is a critical one. From a business perspective, I believe this one is extremely critical. With the looming effects of the Affordable Healthcare Act upon us, our Country cannot afford to get this wrong. I know of one small business restaurant owner that is deeply concerned about its impacts and estimates that implementing the legislation will cause his business to incur an additional $600,000 to $700,000 penalty. As business owners, we cannot afford to accept this lying down. Now is THE time to rally our troops and send a message to our lawmakers that we are united and that we will not accept this onerous tax on our businesses. We need to focus our efforts on having business friendly people in office. Anything else would be counter to our mission.
Destin Commons. Event hours are
Speaking of civic duty, I wanted to take a moment to remember our good friend General Frank Glunn. As many of you know, Frank passed away in late July. Frank was a retired US Army Brigadier General and a long-time Destin Area Chamber Ambassador. Frank won the 2010 Destin Area Chamber Retired Military Person of the Year award. I last spoke with Frank at our Leaders in Business Lunch, and the subject of age came up. He was 84. My response simply was that if I looked half as good as he did at 84, I would be a happy man! Here’s to you, Frank. Thank you for your service to your Country, your family, and our Chamber of Commerce.
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Please do not forget to
Until next month,
SEPTEMBER Join us for a MultiChamber Business After
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Hours sponsored by
bring your business card for networking and our door prize drawing. There is no fee for members to attend this event. The non-member fee is $20.
Bill Lindsley 2012 Destin Area Chamber Chairman Simple HR
Celebrating Ambassador Successes For information about all Chamber Events, please visit the Events Calendar at
DestinChamber.com or call (850) 837-6241!
Congratulations to our top Ambassadors for July 2012! 35 points — Tim Kersanac, New York Life
25 points — Paul Woolman, Copy Systems Business Center, Inc. 20 points — Emily Carvallo, Precious Ones Nanny Care 20 points — Mary Lurk, Destin Land & Title, Inc. 20 points — Dr. L.A. Strickland
Thank you to Tim Kersanac for welcoming new member HealthCare Exchange NW Florida and to Mary Lurk for welcoming Coastal Insurance!
June & July Ribbon Cuttings
Buccaneer Pirate Cruise
Destin Harbor Boardwalk
LeCiel - Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
PKP Sail Destin, LLC
HarborWalk Village 100 Harbor Blvd. Unit A Destin, FL 32541 (850) 269-0896 www.destinpirateship.com Boats-Sightseeing Contact: Wendy L. Wilson
9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W. Destin, FL 32550 (800) 277-0800 www.sandestin.com Accommodations-Resorts Contact: Scott Russell
Southern Bullion, Coin & Jewelry
16055 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste. 105 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 424-7627 www.sbcoin.com Gold & Silver Dealer Contact: Rachel Bennington September 2012 Network Newsletter
Royal Melvin Heritage Park 204 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 32541
Gulf Coast Dermatology
82 Mack Bayou Loop Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 622-0600 www.gulfcoastderm.com Physicians - Dermatology & Skin Surgery Contact: Dr. Michael Stickler
PT Solutions
1740 Old Scenic Hwy. 98 (Behind Back Porch Restaurant) Destin, FL 32541 (251) 979-5013 www.perdidokeyparasail.net Water Sports Contact: Steve Vrondran
249 Mack Bayou Loop #101 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 622-0842 www.pt-solutions.us Physical Therapy Contact: Cameron Moss
Sugar Baby’s Candy & Ice Cream Shop, LLC
Think Loves to Print
802 Hwy. 98 E. Destin, FL 32541 (205) 368-6933 Ice Cream, Yogurt, Shaved Ice, & Chocolate Contact: Julie J. Stone
401 Mountain Dr. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-3352 www.WeLoveToThink.com Printing Contact: Douglas Hite
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Joint Venture for Silver Sands Factory Stores
Howard Group and Simon Property Group, the world’s leading retail real estate company, announced a new 50/50 joint venture for Silver Sands Factory Stores. Howard Group, the Center’s developer, will remain 50% owner of the upscale outlet center and continue its role as managing partner. Simon will assume primary responsibility of leasing and management duties.
Surrealist Trunk Show at Today’s Boutique
California-based designer Mary Larsen brought her Surrealist line of apparel to Destin for a Trunk Show at Today’s Fashion Boutique. Larsen’s 13-year-old daughter and aspiring musician, Madison Mary performed original songs throughout the day. Seen here are Today’s coowner Kim Dettle, Mary Larsen, Meredith Larsen, and Today’s co-owner Jim Dettle. Photo is by Jessica Proffitt of Proffitt PR.
Silver Sands June Employee of the Month
Silver Sands Factory Stores’ June Employee of the Month is Norma Parker of Socks Galore. Parker, seen on the right, is the assistant manager and has been with the store for 16 years. According to store manager, Page 4
she is a wealth of product knowledge and a team player. Parker is seen here with Ashley Watkins, Silver Sands’ marketing director.
Silver Sands 20 Weeks of Giveaways Winner
Band Supports Covenant Hospice
The Emerald Coast Community Band gave $1,476 to Covenant Hospice from proceeds raised during its “Evening in the Wild West” concert held on May 18. Pictured is band director Nancy Thiele presenting a check to Jenni Perkins, development manager for Covenant Hospice, surrounded by members of the band with their instruments.
Erika Sanchez, a local from Destin, won the week eight prize during Silver Sands Factory Stores 20 Weeks of Giveaways. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Silver Sands rewarded its most loyal shoppers with 20 Weeks of Giveaways, from April 20 – Aug. 31. Sanchez, seen on right, won a $200 gift card to Talbots.
Walk Raises Awareness of Domestic Violence
FWB Medical Center Accredited by College of Surgeons
The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) has granted Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation to the Cancer Care Center at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. The accreditation was based on the on-site evaluation by a physician surveyor during which the facility demonstrated a Commendation level of compliance with one or more standards that represent the full scope of the cancer program (cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services, research, community outreach, and quality improvement).
Men, women, children, and even a few dogs turned out in Rosemary Beach for Walk Her Way, a one-mile walk in high heels to bring awareness to domestic violence in our community. A portion of the more than $25,000 raised will benefit Shelter House, Inc.
Cox Communications Helps Children in Crisis
in-kind support to Children in Crisis, Inc. (CIC), to help with the “Dancing with Desire” event. The event was the best to-date, and there were about 1,700 in attendance. Seen here is CIC president and CEO Ken Hair, as he receives a check for $1,000, plus $1,500 of in-kind support from Kristin Taylor of Cox Communications.
Change Club donates to Children in Crisis
The Choctawhatchee High School Change Club donated several new bikes to teens at Children in Crisis, Inc. (CIC). Seen here is CIC president and CEO Ken Hair as he receives the donations from Kristin McDonald of the Change Club, accompanied by teens from CIC Teen Opportunity Home.
Landrum Ranks #65 on Florida Trend List Landrum Human Resource Companies, Inc., ranked number 65 on the 2012 Florida Trend Top 200 Private Companies list, moving up two places from 2011. This is Landrum’s 12th consecutive year to be recognized and the only Pensacola-based company to earn a spot on the 2012 list.
Gazebo Donated to Fisher House
Cox Communications recently donated $2,500 in funds and
The Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, located on Eglin AFB, received a beautiful gazebo, dedicthe service of www.DestinChamber.com
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Col. and Mrs. ated to honor Bill Mann, Jr. (USAF Ret.). This gift was designed and commissioned by Col. and Mrs. Mann’s children, Karen and Bubba Burch of Lafayette, La., and Cindy and Jack Hogan of Atlanta, Ga., to recognize the service of their parents in the US Air Force.
Construction Begins for Movie Theatre Construction has officially begun on the state-of-theart Montecito 10, a Carmike Cinemas entertainment complex located in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. The $10 million, 40,000-square foot movie theatre will have a total of 1,800 seats and is expected to open around Spring Break 2013.
Sacred Heart, Sinfonia Partner for Arts Program Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast is partnering with Sinfonia Gulf Coast on its new Arts in Medicine program, which will allow Sinfonia to provide musical and cultural offerings to enhance the health care setting for patients, visitors, and caregivers.
Parisot Receives Triple Accolades Okaloosa County Commissioner Dave Parisot was recognized at the Florida Association of Counties’ (FAC) June conference. He was awarded the 2012 Presidential Advocate Award, received his Certified County Commissioner (CCC) certificate, and was elected to the FAC Board of Directors for Senate District 2.
Okaloosa County Employees Rewarded with HERO Award
September 2012 Network Newsletter
Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners awarded HERO awards (Humanitarian Efforts Recognized by Okaloosa County), in June and July. Lt. April McQueen, Corrections Deptartment, was recognized with the June HERO Award and Adam Odom, Water and Sewer Department, with the July. The HERO Award recognizes a deed, act, or event in which an employee goes beyond the scope of what his or her job entails and does something of a humanitarian or heroic nature.
Association World Competition in Little Rock, Ark. Bairos placed first in Traditional Forms and second in Creative Forms and Sparring. She also tested for her 5th degree black belt, a very coveted goal.
CIC Breaks Ground on Next Foster Home
Crye-Leike Coastal Realty announced its June Top Producer for Suzanne Sweatt Closed Sales was Sherry Edmundson and the Top Listing Agent was the John Paulsen Group. Edmundson, who was a Tennessee Realtor before coming to Destin,
Children in Crisis, Inc. (CIC), held a groundbreaking ceremony this week at the Children’s Neighborhood for the next family foster home, Ya Ya’s House. The first two family foster homes opened in 2008 and 2010 and have been at maximum capacity since opening. In this photo, CIC board of directors, staff, donors, volunteers, and community supporters help celebrate the groundbreaking.
Top Producers for June
received her license in 2003. The John Paulsen Group, comprised of John Paulsen and Suzanne Sweatt, have been frequent top producers for Crye-Leike. Both hold professional memberships in Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, Florida Association of Realtors, and National Association of Realtors.
Ross Named NWFSC Athletics Director Sherry Edmundson
John Paulsen
Ramsey Ross has been named as the athletic director of Northwest Florida State College. Ross has been serving since March as interim athletic director and was selected from among 35 applicants to lead the Raider Athletics program Continued on Page 8
ATA Martial Arts School Owner Places First in World Competition ATA Martial Arts School owner Chay Bairos placed first at the 22nd Annual American Taekwondo Page 5
Thank you to Apex Broadcasting, home of Wave 102.1, Highway 98.1 Country, Q92.1, and 103.1 The Blaze, for hosting our June 28 Business After Hours at its HarborWalk Village location, overlooking the beautiful Destin Harbor! Visit www.apexbroadcasting.com or call (850) 654-1000 for information on advertising on any of the stations.
Thank You for the Door Prizes! • Emerald Coast Chiropractic
• The Menu Mag/ Think Loves To Print
• End Zone Apparel
• PT Solutions
Thank you to St. Andrew’s By The Sea Epsicopal Church for hosting our July 26 Business After Hours! We were treated to delicious food and drink and to the sounds of the Beach Boogie Band. The Church also shared the work it is doing for the homeless in Destin. For details, please call (850) 650-2737 or visit www.standrewsbtsepiscopal.org.
Thank You for the Door Prizes!
• Coastal Reflections
• Pleat & Perry, P.A.
• Destin Charter Boat Association
• St. Andrews By The Sea Episcopal Church
• Destin Seafood Festival
• Simple HR
• Massage Envy Spa Destin
Member Spotlight
Jonathan Tallman, The Tallman Group, LLC This month’s Member in the Spotlight is Jonathan Tallman, owner and financial advisor of The Tallman Group, LLC. The Tallman Group, LLC, which is located in Bluewater Bay, offers insurance and investment services, including health, life, disability, and longterm care insurance; employee benefits; retirement and education planning; and 401(K) rollovers. “Educating individuals and businesses on how to plan for their future and leave a legacy for future generations” is what
and Financial Advisors, and the Niceville Rotary Club. He is also a Niceville United Methodist Church Administration board member, and he travels to a Guatemalan orphanage a few times per year, where he serves on the board of directors. Tallman enjoys most about his career. Tallman, who graduated from Flagler College in St. Augustine, began his career in 2006. He is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, the Florida Association of Insurance
Business Briefs continued from Page 5
In partnership with Cox Communications, the Chamber’s monthly TV program will host the following organizations in September 2012:
Today’s Fashion Boutique celebrated 31 years of fashion and fun in July. It has been named the best women’s clothing store for more than 10 years and has been dressing the women of the Emerald Coast in the latest styles since 1981.
The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation continued its support to Children in Crisis, Inc. (CIC), and other children’s charities again this year. On behalf of Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, Bob Gelardi and Demetrius Fuller presented a check for $149,000 to CIC president and CEO Ken Hair, CIC board chairman Kitty Johnson, CIC cofounder Sharilyn Darnell, and other CIC board members and staff.
Attend our September Lunch for your chance to win this spotlight!
DESTIN BUSINESS FORUM
Boutique Celebrates 31 Years
Charity Wine Auction Donates $149,000 to Children in Crisis
Visit The Tallman Group, LLC, at 4591 E. Hwy. 20, Unit #201, in Niceville, or www.TheTallmanGroup.com online. Please call (850) 279-6964 for more information.
- Bluewater Plastic Surgery, Dr. Steven Clark - Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation - Trustmark National Bank Host Amy Perry Pleat & Perry, P.A.
Weekly Schedule on Cox Channel 6: Sundays, at 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, at 9:30 a.m.
Mondays, at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, at 7:30 p.m.
Shows also available on Cox InDemand and the Chamber’s YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/destinchamber! Thank you to Cox Communications for its support of this program.
Kersanac Celebrates 10 Years with New York Life Tim Kersanac, an agent with New York Life Insurance Company, recently celebrated his 10 year anniversary as a New York Life agent. He is a member of NAIFA, the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Emerald Coast Knights of Columbus and has resided in Destin for more than 15 years.
New General Manager at Gulfgate Sandy Andrews joined the team at Destin Gulfgate as its new general manager. Andrews worked in Destin from 1984 to 1995, before moving to Cocoa Beach, where he spent 14 years managing three condominiums. He returned to Destin in 2009. Page 8
Continued on Page 10
www.DestinChamber.com
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SEPT
EMB
September 2 Labor Day Weekend Concert
Location: The Village Green of the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village Time: 7 p.m. www.mattiekellyartsfoundation.org
September 5, 12, 19, & 26 Wednesday Night Concert Series Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf Time: 6 – 8 p.m. www.baytownewharf.com
September 7 & 8 4th Annual Fall Flair Festival
Location: Destin United Methodist Church & Destin Life Center Time: Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sept 8 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. www.destinumc.org
September 13 & 14 5th Annual “Fairways for the Fisher House” Golf Tournament and Gala Location: Kelly Plantation & Eglin AFB Bay View Club www.fisherhouseemeraldcoast.org
September 16 AJ’s 30th Annual Tin Cup Classic
Location: Emerald Bay Golf Course Time: 11 a.m. registration; Noon shotgun start www.ajs-destin.com
September 26 JobsPlus Mobile Unit
Location: Silver Sands Factory Stores Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. www.silversandsoutlet.com
EVEN
ER
TS
September 28 - 30 Emerald Coast Boat Show – 2012
Location: Emerald Coast Convention Center www.emeraldcoastboatshow.com To submit your events, please log into the Members Only section of our website at www.DestinChamber.com or email your event information to mail@DestinChamber. com. For your login information, please call (850) 837-6241.
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER WORKSHOPS
Sept. 6, 1 – 4 p.m.
Sept. 19, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Sept.19, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
To register or to get details, please contact the SBDC at (850) 833-9400 or visit www.sbdc.uwf.edu.
Starting a Business
Financial Statements You Can Read
Business Taxes - Figuring & Filing
NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE COSTA LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Sept. 7 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 20 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Sept. 11 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Sept. 26 1 – 5 p.m.
Microsoft Access
Leading in a Changing Environment
Sept. 14 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Facebook: How to Make it Work for Your Business
Sept. 18 2:30 – 6:30 p.m
Microsoft Word, 2010 – Advanced September 2012 Network Newsletter
Generational Diversity
Public Speaking
Sept. 28 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Grammar for the Business Professional To register or to get details, please contact the Costa Leadership Institute at (850) 729-6880 or visit www.nwfsc.edu/LI/.
Seafood Festival Dates, Location Set The 2012 Destin Seafood Festival will take place Oct. 5-7, along the Destin Harbor. Once again spearheaded by the Destin Charter Boat Association, the festival will be stretched along the docks and the new Destin Harbor Boardwalk. For event information, including sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.DestinSeafoodFestival.org. Page 9
Class6 Medias LLC
141 Indian Bayou Trail Destin, FL 32541 (850) 502-4644 www.class6medias.com Category: Web Designers Contact: David Weas
Coastal Insurance
5365 E. County Hwy. 30A Ste. 101 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 837-4653 www.coastalcoverage.com Category: Insurance Contact: David Williamson
Destin Cleaners
981 Hwy. 98 E. Ste. 1 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 654-9450 www.destinsbestdrycleaner.com Category: Dry Cleaners & Laundry Services Contact: Dawn Dean
Brian Hayden
Health Care Exchange NW Florida
225 Main St. Ste. 12 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 376-3459 www.myhealthcareexchange.com Category: Insurance Contact: R. Joseph Smith
(580) 478-3046 Category: Individual Members
To join the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, please contact Chamber Membership Consultant Sarah Sholtis at (850) 837-2711 x3 or sarah@DestinChamber.com.
Business Briefs continued from Page 8 Rotary Installs New Officers and Directors Dave Morrow, outgoing president of the Destin Rotary Club, recently installed the following new officers and directors: president Robert E. McGill, III, who also served as president in 1997; vice president Steve Jay; secretary Kevin Bower; sergeant-at-arms Jason Belcher; treasurer Alan Jowers; past president Jim Brechin; club service director Jeanne Dailey; community service director Diane Kelley; international service director Joe Rector; program director Jerry Miller; public relations director Marcia Hull; and scholarship fund president Hayward Dykes. Awards were presented to Jim Spivey for Rotarian of the Year, Jerry Simpson for Service Above Self, and Marcia Hull for Community Service.
Newman-Dailey Names Top Sales Producers for Second Quarter 2012
Jerry Bielawski
Colin Kirkwood
Sales associates Jerry Bielawski and Colin Kirkwood were recently awarded as the Top Producers
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for Newman-Dailey’s Real Estate Division for the second quarter of 2012. Bielawski earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Central Michigan University and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Michigan State University. Following a rewarding career with Dow Chemical in sales and marketing, he moved to Destin. Kirkwood started his first company, Better Lawns & Garden, Inc., in 1995, and it grew it into one of Central Florida’s most respected and wellknown landscape contracting firms. In 2004 Kirkwood started his second company, BLG Environmental Services, Inc., a disaster recovery firm. Kirkwood settled in Destin to pursue his passions in real estate and fishing.
Fernandez Named Samsung Blogger
Julio Fernandez of DestinWebPages.com was chosen for Samsung’s Global Blogger program, which selected bloggers from 20 countries to cover the
2012 Olympic Games. He flew to London on July 24, met Samsung ambassadors David Beckham and Jamie Oliver, attended Olympic games, and blogged about his experience.
Legendary Marine Exclusive Hurricane Dealer Legendary Marine has been named the exclusive Hurricane dealer for the entire Emerald Coast, effective July 2012. Legendary Marine will now sell the entire line of versatile Hurricane deck boats, offering the ultimate SUV-style comfort, style, and performance package on the water today, in a variety of attractive layout and seating options.
Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel Makes Top 100 Best Companies List Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel has been named one of Florida’s Best Companies To Work For by Florida Trend magazine for the fourth consecutive year. Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel is ranked #34 of the medium-sized companies in Florida, is the only accounting firm to receive this designation in the entire panhandle of Florida, and is one of only six companies to be recognized in Northwest Florida.
Crye-Leike Announces Top 25 Producers The Top 25 Producers for all of CryeLeike Franchises for mid-year 2012 were announced. Among those honored from Crye-Leike Coastal Realty include co-owner Wanda Duke, #4; Sherry Edmundson, #16; Colleen Regan, #20; Kim Kirby, #21; and co-owner John Paulsen, #23.
Children in Crisis benefits from Dancing with Desire Event Fred Astaire Studios presented a check to Children in Crisis, Inc., for $11, 023.18, from the proceeds of the Dancing with Desire event, held on June 14. The performance was hosted by Fred Astaire Studios, who brought Dancing with the Stars celebrity guests Tony Dovolani, Kym Johnson, Karina Smirnoff, Tristan MacManus, Peta Murgatroyd, Maksim, and Valentin Chmerkovskiy.
Submit your press releases and news items to Elizabeth Spies at espies@DestinChamber. com to have your business spotlighted in the Business Briefs section, a monthly feature of the Network newsletter. www.DestinChamber.com
S
A 2 Z Specialty Advertising
Destin Commons
Jamison L. Plantz, DMD, PA
AAA Destin Charter Boat Service
Destin Middle School
Preston Hood Chevrolet, Inc.
Affordable Home Insurance, Inc.
Drape 98 Express, LLC
Realty Advisors, Inc.
Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union
Emerald Coast Funeral Home
Realty House Commercial Properties, Inc.
(850) 654-3080 Contact: Gabby Bruce (850) 837-9401 Contact: Michael Eller
(850) 654-1567 Contact: Dennis Gagnon, Jr.
(850) 267-2163 Contact: Karen McCarthy
BeachOasis.com
(850) 622-2385 Contact: Duaine & Ann Kief
Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park (850) 837-8319 Contact: Greg Able
(850) 337-8700 Contact: Kristina Trujillo (850) 833-7655 Contact: Dwana Neyendorf (850) 225-8861 Contact: Chris Harrelson (850) 864-3361 Contact: James Bass
Faith Assembly Christian Church (850) 502-7050 Contact: David J. Butler
Fisher House of the Emerald Coast (850) 259-4956 Contact: Kim Henderson
(850) 837-6824 Contact: Marlene Burke (850) 664-7000 Contact: Taylor Hood (850) 650-2877 Contact: Jerry Bishop
(850) 244-9117 Contact: Basil Bethea, Jr.
The Red Door Saloon (850) 424-5974 Contact: Ric Clarke
Revive Media Services (850) 362-0001 Contact: Lynn Dominique
Broad and Cassel
Fort Walton Beach Medical Center
Brooks Brothers Country Club
Gulf World Marine Park
Sacred Heart Medical Group At Destin
Camp Gulf
GulfSouth Private Bank
Sea Dunes Realty
Caring Transitions
Hampton Inn & Suites Sandestin
Silver King Charters
Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance of NWFSC
Harbor Cigars
Simple HR
Homes & Land Of The Emerald Coast
Sundestin Condominiums
(850) 269-0148 Contact: Ginger B. Boyd (850) 269-1255 Contact: Midge Cramer (850) 837-6334 Contact: Mr. Pat O’Neill (850) 428-9826 Contact: Cindy Johnson
(850) 267-1888 Contact: Julie Terrell
Clark Partington Hart Larry Bond & Stackhouse (850) 650-3304 Contact: Kirby H. Williams
Columbine Concessions (214) 704-7260 Contact: Peggy Lee
Compass Resorts
(850) 269-1005 Contact: Michael McDaniel
Destin Business Brokers LLC (850) 269-1047 Contact: Debra Perkins
September 2012 Network Newsletter
(850) 862-1111 Contact: Vicki Story
(850) 234-5271 Contact: Pam George
(850) 269-0871 Contact: Katherine Mitchell (850) 837-7889 Contact: Keith Smith
(850) 650-3111 Contact: Marvin Holthouser
(850) 650-1014 Contact: Joe Nacchia
Okaloosa Arts Alliance (850) 499-8335 Contact: Amy M Baty
Okaloosa County School District (850) 833-3110 Contact: Dr. Alexis Tibbetts
Payroll Management Inc. dba PMI Employee Leasing (850) 243-5604 Contact: Dan Robertson
Deborah Roberts
(850) 243-8871 Contact: Deborah Roberts
(850) 837-0032 Contact: Patricia Johnston (850) 837-3325 Contact: Suzy Spence
(850) 837-2028 Contact: Mike & Marguerite Parker (850) 650-9935 Contact: Bill Lindsley (850) 837-7093 Contact: Scott Hamblin
Trinity Air Services, Inc. (850) 244-0747 Contact: Melissa Leonardi
Twin Cities Hospital (850) 678-4131 Contact: Jenni Harrison
Did you know you may now renew your membership online? Check out the new features on our redesigned www.DestinChamber.com! Page 11
Join the Chamber! As a member of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, you will enjoy the following benefits and services: Networking Opportunities - Access to more than 25 events per year providing contact with business leaders; events to include: Business After Hours, Leaders in Business Lunch, Golf Tournament, Business Expo, Annual Banquet, New Member Luncheon, PUTToberfest, and more Listing in Business Directory at www.DestinChamber.com, including a link to your website, and in annual Visitors Guide & Membership Directory Members-only pricing Access to leading business information, including weekly Chamber email, monthly newsletter, and special, as needed, notifications Member recognition - Membership decal, use of logo (with written permission), and listing in Network newsletter Access to training/meeting facility (Chamber conference room) Educational opportunities Job postings on www.DestinChamber.com Access to appearance on Destin Business Forum, the Chamber’s TV show Access to Chamber database and mailing labels Free distribution of company marketing material in Chamber visitor center Access to advertising in Network Access to online marketing tools Opportunity for 50-word business description List of events on Chamber’s online community calendar Unlimited business representatives receive emails Volunteer opportunities Ribbon Cutting services Access to weekly inquiry list For information on any of the benefits and services listed above or about membership in the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, please contact Membership Consultant Sarah Sholtis at (850) 837-2711 x3 or sarah@DestinChamber.com. Please note there are five levels of membership within the Chamber, with the upper levels offering opportunities for multiple business listings, as well as advertising and sponsorship incentives.
Want to join the Chamber? Contact Membership Consultant Sarah Sholtis! (850) 837-2711 x3 sarah@DestinChamber.com Page 12
www.DestinChamber.com
Thank you to CenturyLink for sponsoring our July 10 Leaders In Business Lunch and to our host Destin Middle School. CenturyLink is the third largest telecommunications company in the United States. The company provides broadband, voice, wireless, and managed services to consumers and businesses across the country. It also offers advanced entertainment services under the CenturyLinkTM PrismTM TV and DIRECTV brands. In addition, the company provides data, voice, and managed services to enterprise, government, and wholesale customers in local, national, and select international markets through its high-quality advanced fiber optic network and multiple data centers. CenturyLink is recognized as a leader in the network services market by key technology industry analyst firms and is a global leader in cloud infrastructure and hosted IT solutions for enterprises through Savvis, a CenturyLink company. CenturyLink is an S&P 500 company and is included among the Fortune 500 list of America’s largest corporations. For more information, visit www.centurylink.com.
Thank You for the Door Prizes! • Capt. Nemo Kid Cruises • Chartwell Hospitality • Eglin Federal Credit Union • Emerald Coast Chiropractic
• Party Boats Destin Princess and Destiny • Pleat & Perry, P.A. • Simple HR
• Gold’s Gym
• Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel
• Life’s A Beach, LLC
• White-Wilson Medical Center
• Melissa Forte, ACN Independent Business Owner
We welcome your door prizes at all lunches and after hours!
Destin Area Chamber of Commerce 4484 Legendary Drive, Suite A Destin, FL 32541 Return Service Requested
Florida Governor Visits With Destin Leaders
On July 6, Florida Gov. Rick Scott visited with Destin business and community leaders at Another Broken Egg. Included in this group and pictured with the Governor are Mayor Sam Seevers, Chamber Chairman Bill Lindsley, Chamber Chairman Elect Mary Anne Windes, past Chairman Kevin Bowyer, and Chamber President and CEO Shane Moody.