2014 February–March Issue of 850 Business Magazine

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850 Magazine February – March 2014

IN THIS ISSUE 850 FEATURES 2014 28 Legislature Florida’s Legislature is known for its business-friendly leaning — and nothing should be any different in the annual 60-day legislative session set to begin on March 4. Jobs and the economy are on the minds of Florida voters, and state lawmakers are expected to focus on ways to boost both as they head into the 2014 election cycle. Other key issues will be pension reform, expansion of gambling, insurance reform and “e-fairness” — making sure Florida’s sales tax is collected on all Internet purchases, which could add up to $1 billion to the state treasury each year.

By Linda Kleindienst

W ho Are the Animals in Your Zoo? 38 No longer does the roar of the lion represent the leader of the business jungle. The best leaders today combine the most enviable traits of the zebra (boasting a distinctive appearance that others easily recognize) and the cheetah (possessing great speed and quick acceleration). Each is known to excel at adapting to its environment.

The Zebra and Cheetah Leader must, in turn, learn to identify all the species in his/her business environment and take steps to help each one — from the ostrich to the alligator — work together toward a collectively prized outcome.

By Michael J. Burt and Colby B. Jubenville

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The Business of Saying “I Do” Today’s bride has envisioned and planned her perfect wedding with the help of the Internet, Facebook and, perhaps most importantly, Pinterest. She knows what she wants — and there is a massive $47.2 billion industry waiting to help her get it.

Getting married in Northwest Florida is a big business that employs thousands of workers across the region, from the coast to the city to the country. The size of an average wedding these days ranges from 120 to 150 guests. The average cost in Northwest Florida goes from $25,000 to $30,000.

By Linda Kleindienst

Ready To Decorate Event planner John Gandy gets ready for another wedding by searching through his warehouse of décor items from chandeliers to silver candlesticks.

PHOTO BY Scott Holstein

Special Report: Okaloosa and Walton Counties 142 Although recovery from the recent recession has been sluggish, realtors in Okaloosa and Walton counties soon might be able to breathe a collective sigh of relief. In terms of home sales, distressed property sales, improved values and a bustling commercial market, the Emerald Coast is beginning to bust out of the “Great Recession.” By Jason Dehart and Linda Kleindienst

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850 Magazine February – March 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

152

PHOTOs BY scott holstein

15

Departments

162 EMERALD COAST 152 Chris Sehman went from broke to successful entrepreneur in a decade. He owns two “Helen Back” restaurants, franchised three more, runs Stinky’s Fish Camp in Navarre and was honored by the U.S. Air Force for his work with veterans. A long cry from his debtor days.

154 Julio Fermandez speaks the gospel of social media and the big guys are carefully listening.

FORGOTTEN COAST 156 Oyster Radio is a small independent radio station on the coast of Northwest Florida, a homegrown pearl headquartered in an unassuming building in Eastpoint.

On air for 25 years, it is “the” voice of the Forgotten Coast. Longtime employee Michael Allen is the new owner — and he plans to keep the station’s local focus.

I-10 158 Sod-based rotation, conservation tillage, biofuel, more efficient cows — they’re all part of a push to make U.S. farming more cost efficient, and the impetus is coming from labs in Quincy and Marianna that are run by the University of Florida’s North Florida Research and Education Center.

CAPITAL 162 The Talon Shooting Range in Gadsden County near Midway is expected to play host to a variety of high-profile shooting competitions that are sure to pull in shooters and families from all over the Southeast — and bring some needed cash flow into the local economy.

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HUMAN ELEMENT

15 Tallahassee lobbyist Marc Dunbar grew up in the political process and championed his first legislative issue as a 21-year-old law school student. He talks politics, pari-mutuels and baseball.

24 Keeping your employees safe can get complicated, especially when you consider the hidden dangers that could be lurking in your office.

Mercury and mold contamination present some of the biggest concerns for employers, workers and customers.

WI–FILES

Corridors

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THE (850) LIFE

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18 When you die, what happens to your online presence and that ever-growing list of passwords that give you access to your bank and retirement accounts and your credit cards? Learn what to do about it now.

MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES 20 With 2014 still in its infancy, two experts give some advice to business leaders on how to make accountability stick — and seven steps for installing an accountability-based culture in the workplace.

In This Issue 10 From the Publisher 13 Letters to the Editor 16 News and Numbers 165 Sound Bytes 172 The Last Word From the Editor

IT’S THE LAW 26 Thanks to a new rule from the Securities and Exchange Commission, entrepreneurs have a new legal way to raise capital — namely through general advertising. Learn how these new private offerings can work.

GUEST COLUMN 30 Drew Breakspear, commissioner of the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, urges businesses to be wary of taxrefund fraud at this time of year.

Sponsored Report

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Special Section

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139 Deal Estate

O UTREACH 850 News from The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship at Florida State University.

What’s trending, what’s selling and what’s hot to buy in Northwest Florida?

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February – March 2014

850 THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA

Vol. 6, No. 3

President/Publisher Brian E. Rowland EDITORIAL Director of Editorial Services Linda Kleindienst Staff Writer Jason Dehart Editorial Coordinator Chay D. Baxley Contributing Writers Chay D. Baxley, Drew Breakspear, Michael J. Burt, Domonique Davis, Jason Dehart, Fred F. Harris Jr., Colby B. Jubenville, Sarah Kelley, Martha J. LaGuardia-Kotite, Bruce C. Rosetto, Zandra Wolfgram, Kimberley K. Yablonski Proofreader Melinda Lanigan CREATIVE Creative Director Lawrence Davidson Production Manager/Network Administrator Daniel Vitter Assistant Creative Director Saige Roberts Senior Graphic Designer Jennifer Ekrut Graphic Designers Lizzie Moore, Shruti Shah Advertising Designers Jillian Fry, Monica Perez Staff Photographer Scott Holstein SALES, MARKETING & EVENTS Marketing and Sales Manager McKenzie Burleigh Director of New Business Daniel Parisi Traffic Coordinator Lisa Sostre Account Executives Rhonda Chaloupka, Darla Harrison, Tim Hughes, Lori Magee, Tracy Mulligan, Linda Powell, Paula Sconiers, Chuck Simpson, Chris St. John, Drew Gregg Westling Marketing and Sales Assistant Derika Crowley OPERATIONS Administrative Services Manager Melissa Tease Special Projects and events coordinators Lynda Belcher, Kerri Bryan Accounting Specialists Tabby Hamilton, Josh Faulds Receptionist Tristin Kroening WEB Social Media/Systems Management Specialist Carlin Trammel 850 Business Magazine 850businessmagazine.com, facebook.com/850bizmag, twitter.com/850bizmag Rowland Publishing rowlandpublishing.com SUBSCRIPTIONS A one-year (6 issues) subscription is $30. To purchase, call (850) 878-0554 or go online to 850businessmagazine.com. Single copies are $4.95 and may be purchased at Barnes & Noble in Tallahassee, Destin and Pensacola and in Books-A-Million in Tallahassee, Destin, Ft. Walton Beach, Pensacola and Panama City and at our Tallahassee office.

850 Magazine is published bi-monthly by Rowland Publishing, Inc. 1932 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. 850/878-0554. 850 Magazine and Rowland Publishing, Inc. are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. Editorial contributions are welcomed and encouraged but will not be returned.

850 Magazine reserves the right to publish any letters to the editor. Copyright February 2014 850 Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Member of three Chambers of Commerce throughout the region.

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The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is the single largest change to the U.S. health care system in our lifetimes. Details regarding implementation of the ACA and how it impacts businesses are constantly shifting. That is why RGVI created the WellU ACAdemy — to bring together experts in health care, business and insurance to help individuals and businesses navigate the changing health care landscape by offering participants information in a health academy format.

Schedule your free WellU session today at WellU@rgvi.com or call 850-386-1111.

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850 Business Magazine

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@RGVI

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From the Publisher

It’s Time to Promote Weddings and Women A point of concern and disappointment, however, is that in Florida and nationally women continue to earn less than their male counterparts for comparable work. The Equal Pay Act was signed into law by President John F. Kennedy in 1963. But today, nationally, while women are outpacing men in getting college degrees they still on average make 77 percent of what men earn. Florida women have it somewhat better, earning 83 cents to every dollar earned by a male. But that still amounts to an average $7,128 annual gap. And the numbers are far worse for African American and Hispanic women.

At Rowland Publishing, more than half of my staffers are women who market, write, design and administer the many moving parts of this publishing company. Their talent and focus are instrumental in bringing you this and the many quality publications that we deliver each year.

Many women in history helped pave the road that allows the women of today to take their rightful place as an integral part of our cultural and business landscape. Personally and corporately, I am very supportive of their continued growth and success. Someday in the nottoo-distant future I see women leading our state and our nation. Let’s face it, the male-dominated Congress has not done a very good job in building relationships and consensus — or making decisions in the best interest of the nation as a whole. (A record number of women ran for public office in 2012 — and there are a record number of women serving in Congress, comprising 18 percent.)

Remember that it was a bipartisan group of women in the U.S. Senate in October who helped end the Congressional stalemate over the government shutdown. I look forward to that welcome change when women take their rightful place in our nation’s political bodies and corporate hierarchies.

Brian Rowland browland@rowlandpublishing.com

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Photo by SCOTT HOLSTEIN

About eight months ago I began surveying the media landscape of Northwest Florida to see if there were any empty print media niches in need of being filled and came up with the wedding market. I was reminded of a conversation I had several months earlier with a realtor from Marianna who was planning her daughter’s wedding, an event for 500 people, which she was going to host at her farm. There were no vendors in Jackson County that could handle her many needs, and she couldn’t locate a resource that provided information about businesses capable of handling a large-scale wedding.

So, my personal research continued through a series of desk-side chats with wedding specialists and destination venues in the region. All I spoke with agreed that their marketing opportunities are limited, and there was a need for a publication with a verifiable circulation model.

As a result, we are now debuting Northwest Florida Weddings Magazine — From Coast to City to Country. You will see it in this issue of 850, and it is also appearing in Tallahassee and Emerald Coast magazines. That means close to 60,000 copies will be direct-mailed to homes and businesses across the region. Another 7,000 copies will be printed on boutique stock and distributed at bridal shows we plan to attend in Birmingham and Atlanta during the first quarter of the year. This publication will also remain alive as a digital flipbook on our three magazine websites and be marketed through our social media outlets during 2014. We now feel that we have more than adequately filled the void in the regional marketplace.

There is no question that weddings — and honeymoons — are big business in our region, and my goal is to drive more of that business here. I hope you will enjoy what the RPI team has created, and you’ll pass along to any brides-to-be, or their moms, to review.

This is a perfect place to segue into a salute to women as we approach Women’s History Month. In 1969, women comprised about one-third of the workforce. Today, their numbers make up close to half the paid workforce in this country.

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Please join us for a combination of presentations and breakout sessions on How Women Lead. We will explore the qualities, characteristics and values that support women in reaching their full potential in both their personal and professional lives. At the end of the day, we will prioritize these essential ingredients to develop a potential model for the delivery of women’s programs and services through the TCC Leadership Institute.

February 18, 2014

Mission San Luis

Keynote Speaker Nancy Carter, PhD Sr. Vice President Catalyst, Inc.

8:30am–4pm

Lunch Included

KEYNOTE SPEAKER SPONSORED BY

Devoe and Shirley Moore Tallahassee Automobile Museum

Registration Fee $75.00

To reserve your seat, call TCC Leadership Institute at 850-201-8760 850 Business Magazine

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Š2013 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of all traffic laws at all times.

Born to compete. Even with ourselves.

The form varies. But the racing bloodlines, the undying dedication to pure sports car performance, the marriage of power and efficiency embodied in the Porsche principles, do not. And that truth is revealed in that moment you turn the key. Discover it for yourself with a test drive. Porsche. There is no substitute.

Experience every form of Porsche performance.

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Porsche recommends 12

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FROM THE MAI LBAG Northwest Florida is competing in a global economy for high-quality companies and jobs, and as the aerospace industry continues to grow it provides tremendous opportunities for our region.

That forward-thinking spirit is what recently led a group of 35 leaders from Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton and Bay counties to travel 4,800 miles to Hamburg, Germany, to meet with Airbus and other European aviation officials. Airbus is building a final assembly line in Mobile, Ala., and the delegation represented the five Florida counties with the closest proximity to the planned facility.

There is good reason for optimism when it comes to aerospace jobs. Experts predict the trend of air traffic doubling every 15 years will continue, if not surpassing it. In fact, as reported by Airbus’ Global Market Forecast 2013–2032, passengers will more than double from today’s 2.9 billion to 6.7 billion in 2032. Over 29,200 new passenger and freight aircraft valued at nearly $4.4 trillion will be required to meet the industry’s demands.

Northwest Florida leaders want to leverage the opportunities for growth in this sector and attract high-quality jobs and investment to the region.

The economic development professionals hosted the two-day forum, which introduced a number of new ideas and concepts regarding German business culture and the aerospace supplier network. Leaders from the German aerospace community explained the clustering concept dedicated to advancing the city as an aviation location. They shared how they stimulate interest in the industry to the next generation with exciting lectures, camps and school labs. Apprenticeship programs are offered for aircraft mechanics and aeronautical technicians. Together, industry-related businesses, universities, colleges and vocational training programs provide immediate interaction between teaching, research and practice to always be attuned to current and future needs of the industry.

By the end of the trip, signs of stronger partnerships and new collaborations were evident. The aerospace industry is seeing great growth, and Northwest Florida has an opportunity to be a viable contender for new investment opportunities by Europeanbased suppliers to Southeastern U.S. original equipment manufacturers in the aerospace industry.

Jennifer Connelly Gulf Power

Committed to Tallahassee.

Committed to you.

EMORY L. MAYFIELD, JR. Tallahassee Market President

Hancock Bank is proud to name Emory L. Mayfield, Jr. as our new Tallahassee Market President. Emory combines 10 years as a senior banker in Tallahassee’s financial services arena with strategic leadership expertise in Florida and U.S. governmental affairs. He will direct Hancock Bank’s business development, client services, and community partnerships. Backed by one of the strongest, safest banks in the nation, Emory will add his strengths to ours as we continue to create new opportunities across the Big Bend region.

Call 850-325-6595 Click hancockbank.com Come in to one of our convenient locations

From our friends on Facebook What a MARVELOUS, beautiful cover and story about this fantastic facility (Gulf Coast State College Advanced Technology Center, December 2013/January 2014) and its innovative programs! Congratulations to 850, GCSC and Dr. Steve Dunnivant!

Pamela Sconiers Whitelock New Albany, Ohio

Member FDIC 850 Business Magazine

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AL H I RE A LI CENSED PROFESSION

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DER N I EM

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License efciently. Regulate fairly.

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• Licensed professionals are required to have proper insurance and liability coverage that protects you! Ask your contractor about it!

Executive Mindset

) Life The (850

s urvive and thrive

Pari-Mutuel Powerhouse Marc Dunbar, Tallahassee Lawyer, Lobbyist Partner, Jones Walker

First legislative success I was still playing baseball, and I got attorneys and law school students exempted from having to register as agents so I could represent my brother … and that fall the Footlocker scandal broke.

That led to statewide news the Legislature had softened athlete/agent laws. It got repealed the next year.

If I were governor I’d create a strong gaming commission.

And I’d make sure we’d get Florida Forever back in place and start getting after buying environmentally sensitive lands like we used to.

Favorite app The app I use daily is a daily devotional app, actually.

I have an app, Life 360, that tracks my children.

I don’t use apps as much

Photo by SCOTT HOLSTEIN

as you might think. My phone is more a means of communication, for calls and texts.

Pet peeve I don’t like being late. I don’t like people being late.

Hobby Sitting on a tractor on my farm in Havana.

I’d like to meet Abraham Lincoln. Just to understand what it was like and how he was able to go through what he went through. And I’d love to meet the Commissioner of Baseball (Bud Selig), and have a conversation with him about what’s going on. Not just to say “Hi,” but to sit down with him and say, “Seriously, there are big things about the game that matter. Let’s see if we can resolve them.”

Best trait From a work standpoint, I think I have the ability to see

the multi-dimensional chessboard. Because of how I was brought up, I think one of my strengths is seeing the big picture.

Relaxing If I can get away with my wife and be on a beach somewhere reading a book, that’s it.

Or, if I can be out in the woods with my boys, my dog, that’s relaxation for me. I have a farm where we hunt deer, turkey and quail.

Ultimate life goal I hope my three boys grow up to be better than me, aspire to something beyond me, beyond what I do. I hope they do good and wonderful things.

I’d quit everything …

To be general counsel of Major League Baseball.

I would love to do that.

With his dad a state legislator and then lobbyist, Marc Dunbar naturally grew up in the political process. He ran his first campaign at the age of 18 and championed his first legislative issue as a 21-yearold law school student.

Today, at the age of 43, he is considered one of the pre-eminent pari-mutuel experts in the state. A longtime lobbyist for Gulfstream Park in Broward County, when there is a gaming issue pending before the Florida Legislature — and there is every year — you can bet Dunbar is in the thick of it.

As an FSU undergraduate, he started out as a computer science major. But those classes were in the afternoon and competed with his time playing catcher for the FSU baseball team, so he switched to political science and graduated in three years.

He thought he would end up in telecommunications law. “I thought it was very sexy … but gambling followed me everywhere.”

He recently joined Jones Walker, the largest gaming practice in the Southeast. He is also a minority owner in Creek Entertainment Gretna in Gadsden County.

— Linda Kleindienst

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Executive Mindset

Business Arena

n ews + numbers statewide

2013

Small Business Survey

Small businesses are the cornerstone of Florida’s economy, contributing about 75 percent — or $583 billion — to the state’s total GDP. The state is currently home to more than 2 billion small businesses.

With an improving economy, a recent statewide survey of nearly 1,100 small business owners (most with fewer than 50 employees) revealed that nearly 9 out of 10 plan to grow in 2014 by making capital investments and hiring additional employees.

Still, there are widespread concerns about the ability to get financing.

The survey was requested by Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and was conducted by the Florida Small Business Development Center Network and Florida Chamber Foundation.

How? Hire new employees – 30% New capital expenditures – 27% Expand product lines – 19% Add a new location – 11% Expand marketing & outreach – 9% Acquire another business – 4%

Do you plan to grow your business in the next 12 months?

Yes – 87% No – 13%

Of those who sought financing during the last six months, were you able to get it?

Yes 20% No 80%

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Thinking of the current environment, do you think your business would be successful in obtaining a bank or credit union loan?

Of those seeking capital, how do you think your ability to obtain financing will change during the next six months?

Yes 44% No 56%

Easier 19% Harder 83%

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Executive Mindset

Wi-Files

passwords and assets

Your Online Life What happens when you’re gone

By Domonique Davis

K

eeping online account information protected is a must in a technological era where personal and confidential information can be easily accessed virtually. However, you can’t take those eight-character, clever passwords with you when you go.

Estate planning can be a difficult task, especially when determining what is actually considered an asset. In today’s cyber-oriented society, online or digital assets may be just as important to a person’s estate as a stock portfolio or homestead.

Digital assets include social media accounts, digital photos, email and online banking accounts and records. Many online companies have been known to honor contracts with users even after death. They will not release account information to a deceased person’s friends or family in an effort to maintain the terms and agreements established when the account was created.

Automatic bill pay, for example, can theoretically keep tapping your bank account long after you’re gone or, at least, until your money is.

“It’s important to make sure your online bank and shopping accounts, even your social media, can be closed out, or that your loved ones are authorized to access them,” said Hillel Presser, author of “Financial Self-Defense.” “You may ask, ‘Why would I care if I’m gone?’ I can tell you from experience: because it can create real headaches, and more heartache, for your family.”

According to Terrance Dariotis, a Tallahasseebased wills, trusts and estate attorney, some

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online accounts such as bank accounts and investment accounts are treated as probate assets. To determine the rightful heirs to these assets, the deceased person’s estate will be subject to a probate court proceeding.

“If it is an online bank account or online investment account, that account would most likely become a probate asset unless the account was a joint account or allowed a ‘pay on death’ beneficiary,” Dariotis explained.

He added that though it is possible for the state to be given access to your accounts during probate proceedings, it is highly unlikely. Often, family members gain access to a deceased relative’s online bank accounts and investment accounts.

“If you have an online banking account it is very rare that the state will get it during probate.

Depending on your situation — whether you’re married or have children — your assets will probably go to someone in your family,” Dariotis said.

Recovering other digital assets, however, may be a more challenging ordeal for living relatives. If a person’s passwords were not made readily available to others before they die, recovering his or her account information could be impossible.

In some cases, a court order may be granted that allows a family the rights to a deceased family member’s possessions, which would include all of the person’s assets and records.

Things get complicated, however, when trying to determine if the deceased person wanted their online accounts to be accessed.

How to Manage your Digital Afterlife » Understand the

procedures that the various online accounts you use will implement after you die. » Take advantage

of features on your accounts that allow you to specify what happens to accounts. » Discuss with

loved ones what you’d like to be done with your online accounts beforehand. » Name a beneficia-

ry to your online accounts in a will.

For that reason, various companies implement different policies for dealing with a deceased user’s account.

Hotmail will provide relatives with a CD of all the messages in their loved one’s account given they provide a death certificate and proof of power of attorney.

Google launched a product called Inactive Account Manager that allows users to specify what happens to their data — which includes email from Gmail accounts, videos in YouTube, pictures in Picasa and documents on Google Drive — after they have been inactive for various lengths of time. After three, six or 12 months of inactivity, users can request that their data be deleted.

However, with social networking accounts things work a little differently. Facebook, for example, will follow a family’s wishes to take down a deceased user’s profile or “memorialize” it by removing features like status updates and letting only confirmed friends view the profile and post comments. Twitter will deactivate the account of a user who has died if a confirmed immediate relative can provide proof of death.

Most of the headaches that may arise from trying to access a loved one’s account after they’ve died can be prevented by discussing their wishes beforehand. Legal experts now encourage people to specify in their wills what they would like to happen to their online accounts after they’re gone.

Presser suggests that perhaps the simplest way to ensure your online life is taken care of is to appoint a digital executor — a tech-savvy person who will be willing and able to carry out your wishes. Authorize the person to access your inventory of

log-in information and spell out what you want done with each account, whether it’s providing access to loved ones or business partners, or deleting it.

As an estate attorney, Dariotis advises people of all ages to specify in their wills whom they would want their assets to go to, even if the asset is simply a password.

“If you die without a will and you’re single and your assets go to your parents it might not be a big deal,” Dariotis said. “However, when you’re married and you want someone other than your spouse to receive assets it’s important to have a will because you can name the beneficiary.”

He added that when creating a will people can be as specific or general as they’d like. Using generic terms that will entrust a person with your accounts would suffice in most situations.

“You don’t have to be really specific. You can use generic terms in your will that name someone a beneficiary of various assets, including online accounts,” Dariotis explained. “A young or unmarried person may or may not need to have a will, depending on different factors. But it never hurts to have one.”

The digital world has grown and transformed so rapidly, the law hasn’t kept up, which makes managing your digital afterlife challenging, Presser added.

“Until there are more consistent laws and procedures governing this area, it’s best to plan ahead, leave clear instructions and be sure you have a list of accounts where your estate lawyer or a loved one can find it and access it,” he said. “It will make a world of difference to your survivors.”

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Executive Mindset

Management Ops

S ticking to core values

Accountability:

Glue or Teflon?

Seven ways to make sure accountability sticks in 2014 If you know you and your employees have been lax about keeping to your company’s core values and you’re afraid of the lasting effects it could have on your company, Julie Miller and Brian Bedford, authors of “Culture Without Accountability — WTF? What’s the fix?,” explain how you can make accountability stick in 2014.

As a leader at your organization, you like to think that you run a pretty tight ship.

But if you’re being honest with yourself, you know that you let a few things slide in 2013. A missed deadline here and there. A few tiny white lies to clients. The fact that Mike in marketing often over-commits and under-delivers. Your own tendency to talk over others in meetings. In other words, people (you included) haven’t always done what they know they’re supposed to do or behaved like they know they’re supposed to behave — and they’ve gotten away with it.

None of these transgressions have been deal-breakers. Yet you know if you don’t start holding yourself and your employees accountable for these little things, they’ll eventually lead to bigger, more damaging

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sins. That’s why, according to Julie Miller and Brian Bedford, one of the best New Year’s resolutions you can make is around the A-word. Accountability.

“Accountability is a tricky business, because it has different meanings for different people,” says Miller. “In our book, we present a definition we learned that we like very much: ‘a personal willingness, after the fact, to answer for the results of your behaviors and actions.’ ” Adds Bedford, “With that in mind, think about where you and your people dropped the ball in 2013 in terms of client relations, personal integrity and interactions with coworkers. More important, did any of you answer for these lapses? You can post core values on the company website and remind

your employees about them via the company newsletter until you’re blue in the face.

But if none of you are ever held accountable to these behaviors, you’ll just repeat 2013’s transgressions over and over again.”

The book is full of real-life stories of what accountability looks like and what can go wrong in its absence. It offers a process for installing an accountability-based culture, a platform for success in business and in everyday life.

“Of course, you might be thinking, We’ve tried making accountability stick before, and all those initiatives just melted away over time. That’s what will happen this time,” says Bedford. “You can’t create an accountable organization in passing. Buy-in must come from everyone. Accountability must be woven into the fabric of your organization.

It has to become a part of every aspect of your business.”

Here’s how a “make it stick” approach to this problem might look:

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Executive Mindset

management strategies

1.

Conduct a 2013 accountability post-mortem.

Here’s a revelation for you: Despite the accountability failures of 2013, it’s very possible that no one at your organization thinks they’re doing anything wrong.

Maybe they’ve never actually been told that they need to change how they do things. Kick off 2014 with a meeting of the minds.

“Call your team together for an open discussion of the company’s core values and required behaviors and where you’ve dropped the ball,” Miller advises.

“Explain that no one will get in trouble for acknowledging their own shortcomings or even pointing out those of others.

Ask people to share the negative effects they believe these behaviors had on the business and explain that those negatives will only get worse with time.”

Adds Bedford, “Set the stage by taking responsibility for your own transgressions. This will encourage others to be honest in turn. Finally, explain that things are going to be done differently in the upcoming year. Use this meeting to get consensus on what the core values and behaviors need to be to support the company’s strategies and goals for 2014, and emphasize that everyone, starting with the key leaders, will be held accountable for demonstrating them.”

2.

Hold an accountability boot camp early in the year.

However you go about making accountability stick at your organization, one thing is for sure: You and the other leaders at your company can’t simply decree an accountability mandate and then expect everyone to fall in line. You’ll need to implement a training and development plan to help employees understand why accountability is important and what accountable behavior looks like.

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“A boot camp-style training session is a great way to achieve this,” says Bedford.

“In these sessions you should also establish how their accountability mindset and behaviors will affect their pay and progression in the organization. Teach employees how to provide feedback to one another, since this is essential to developing a culture of accountability.

For leaders, you’ll need specialized training and development programs that explain what accountability looks like for them and what they can do to be effective accountability role models.”

3.

Start with a behavior statement.

Everyone needs to understand that they will be held responsible not only for the results of their work but also for how they go about their work, and their rewards will depend on both. If your most experienced salesperson has great sales numbers but bullies the shipping department every time he/she needs an order rushed, or if you have an employee who clients love but who often misses internal targets, those transgressions must have consequences despite these employees’ successes in other areas.

One useful way to communicate this is to develop behavior statements that make it clear what you’re looking for. The statements will answer the fundamental question of what, precisely, you’re trying to fix, implement or eliminate. This is especially helpful in international companies, because accountability might mean different things in different countries, languages and cultures. So, for example, you might establish accountability behavior statements, such as: » Always do what you say you’ll do. » Always tell the truth. » Bring issues up as you discover them.

And then make those even more clear through Dos and Don’ts. For example:

» DO be open, honest and truthful. » DON’T make excuses.

“Once you’ve established accountability behavior statements and provided Dos and Don’ts, you can revisit them during performance reviews,” notes Miller.

“They’ll help drive discussions with employees on how they are doing when it comes to meeting your company’s accountability standards.”

4.

Regularly meet up and talk it out.

Do you hold regular communications meetings with your team or organization? Bedford and Miller recommend it, because meetings provide an opportunity for management to highlight people who have demonstrated good accountability, as well as to show where things went wrong and what could have been done better.

“This should be done in a way that instructs rather than punishes,” says Bedford. “Use every available communication tool to emphasize why accountability is important: electronic signs, business reviews, one-on-one meetings, emails, posters and more. If, by way of regular communication, you reinforce the changes you want to see, you will drive the value deep into the organization.”

5.

Don’t promote accountability shirkers.

A sure way to express the importance of accountability at your organization is to connect it to advancement. Promotions and salary increases should be considered only for people who demonstrate accountability as defined by the organization, says Miller.

“When your employees do well, reward and promote them,” she says. “If they don’t do well, apply consequences and make sure they understand that their

performance will limit their success and possible progression. Do not promote employees with problems with accountability, especially if they’ll be moving into a leadership position. If you do, rest assured that an employee’s problems with accountability will become other employees’ problems with accountability.”

6.

Hire accountable people.

Spice up your interviews and weed out the unaccountable by asking key questions during the interview process. Instead of asking a job candidate about her strengths and weaknesses, ask, “If I asked your boss how you demonstrated accountability, what example would he or she give?” Or say, “Share with me a time where you made a big mistake and how you handled it.” If you’re interviewing a candidate for a leadership position, you might say, “Summarize a difficult conversation you had with an employee who

had failed to meet a commitment.” Or, “Describe a situation in which you very clearly held others accountable for their performance and it paid off. How did you do it and what was the outcome?”

“More and more companies are using skill assessment tools and personality tests to screen potential candidates, so why not add behavior-based questions to screen for accountability,” says Bedford.

“Of course, hiring an employee and then training him to be accountable is possible. But hiring people who are already accountable is a better, less costly option.”

7.

Monitor your success and make adjustments as needed.

Goals and metrics should be used to guide the business on an ongoing basis, not just at the beginning and end of the year. “Use regular business meetings to establish an accountability drumbeat to keep goals and metrics on track so there is a better chance to achieve success,” says

Miller. “Reviewing goals at the end of the year and hoping for success will likely end in tears.”

Adds Bedford, “When left unattended, the negative results that come from a lack of accountability will spread. Will your organization be able to survive that kind of plague? Maybe. Certainly, not all companies meet the fate of the Enrons and Lehman Brothers of the world. But in the end, what will your company look like? Will it be a place where great people want to work? Will it be able to provide great services or products to customers?

When you commit to making accountability stick, you improve your chances of becoming a great company. Make 2014 the year you and your employees dedicate yourselves to accountability.”

Drawing on their respective years of experience in senior global leadership at Motorola, Julie Miller and Brian Bedford joined forces in 2001 to establish MillerBedford Executive Solutions. They have written “Culture Without Accountability — WTF? What’s the fix?”

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Executive Mindset

Human Element

p roviding a safe workplace

Not Everything Hidden is a Treasure How best to protect your workers and customers from hidden dangers

By Sarah Kelley

T

here are concealed dangers that may be surrounding you every day at work. And, if you’re a business owner, you need to pay especially close attention to two hazards that could put your employees and customers in harm’s way: mold and mercury.

Mold is not only the fungus that grows on the food you left in the fridge for too long; it can grow in any natural environment that has nutrients and moisture. Imagine an office with carpeted floors, striped wallpaper, ceiling tiles and a wooden desk with papers stacked on it. Mold can grow on, under or behind every single one of those surfaces if moisture is present.

“Mold certainly is everywhere; we do have it here in Florida with our warm, humid and sometimes rainy climate — crucial elements for the growth of mold,” said Alex Mahon, environmental manager at the Florida Department of Health. But don’t let the facts scare you. There are ways to

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uncover hidden mold and clean your office to guarantee the safety of everyone inside.

The top three common causes of mold growth in businesses involve control issues with the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system, the level of the building being even with the dirt and grass outside, and roof leaks that cause storm water to leak in. Steve Irving, a licensed mold remediation contractor from ServPro Tallahassee, says that, “A lack of climate control, such as turning the A/C off or having the system fail for multiple days, has been a common cause of mold growth this year; we saw more cases this year than in the last three years combined.”

If you think you may have mold growing in your building, you can do a self-examination by checking for moisture stains, a pipe or roof leak, or discoloration in the floor or wallpaper. It must be determined if the mold has affected a small enough area that it can be removed by scrubbing it off with

mold detergent, or if a mold assessor needs to be called for a second opinion.

“I went to a law office that was in a duplex-type business complex, and the elevation outside was too high; (the mold) worked its way inside through the brick.

The lawyers noticed that the wood floors were popping up, and when you got down close you could smell it,” said John Hassler, a licensed mold assessor from Indoor Environmental Management. “Employees hadn’t complained; they preemptively called to have me come look at it. You have to keep an eye out. If you walk outside and the ground is eye level with the base of the building, you’ll get water in the building from rising storm water.”

It’s important to take action immediately after a mold discovery to avoid health problems that can include allergic reactions, nasal or sinus irritation, infection, rashes or toxic effects. However, Irving insists that, “It’s best when mold is discovered that it

Mold Tips:

not be disturbed by someone without the proper equipment and training. Cross contamination can be a serious problem.”

While mercury cannot be found in as many places as mold, it can still be very dangerous for your employees and customers. The most common places mercury can be found are in fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, thermometers and thermostats. Because of its detrimental health effects and legal mandates, manufacturers have decreased the amount of mercury in fluorescent bulbs since the 1980s. But while mercury content has decreased dramatically and new energyefficient LED (light emitting diode) technology is becoming more prevalent, fluorescent lighting is still widely used today.

The real danger is mercury’s invisibility factor; mercury is often thought of as an odorless, shiny, silver-white liquid, but it can also be an odorless, colorless gas.

Unfortunately, Florida’s heat can add to business owners’ concern about the safety of their workers. In temperatures over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the amount of liquid mercury in the air increases. If a fluorescent light bulb breaks, it’s very important that the liquid mercury is not vacuumed. If it is vacuumed, it turns into a vapor, a more dangerous form that can be inhaled and damage the nervous system. It needs to be determined whether the mercury spill is considered a large or small spill. A good rule of thumb: If more

than one thermometer spills or leaks, it is a large spill and business owners should contact the local county health department to find the nearest hazardous waste disposal.

At a dentist’s office, mercury can be found in more than just light bulbs and temperature controls, which makes those in the dental profession more susceptible to mercury poisonings. Dentists use amalgam in dental fillings, a substance which is about half liquid mercury. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has ruled dental amalgams safe for use on adults and children ages six and up, but women who are pregnant or nursing should keep away. Any time amalgam is used, it’s extremely important for a mask to be worn to guard the lungs from inhaling mercury dust generated from the high speed drilling of fillings.

The easiest way to keep employees and customers safe from mercury poisoning in your office building is to replace all fluorescent light bulbs with LED (light emitting diode) light bulbs, and switch all thermometers and thermostats to newer electric versions.

It’s natural to feel worried about the possibility of hidden dangers in your business. Even though exposure to mercury and mold can be dangerous, there are many ways to avoid these hazards to workers and customers. Check out the following tips to make sure that you and your employees are educated about mold, mercury and what to do when either is found.

The local county health department can help you identify mold and advise you on clean-up methods.

The best way to regulate mold growth is by controlling indoor moisture.

Once a leak occurs, fix the source of the water problem immediately to avoid mold growth. Any wet materials should be cleaned and/or dried within 24-48 hours.

Don’t install carpet in areas where there is high moisture, such as near water fountains or sinks.

If your business has gutters, be sure they are cleaned and repaired regularly.

Scrub mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent and dry the surface completely. Absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles, may need to be replaced instead of cleaned.

A small mold clean-up, a moldy area less than 10 square feet, does not require professional service; however, a large mold clean-up, any area larger than 10 square feet, should be examined by a professional or contact the local health department.

Cosmetic damages may occur during any mold removal.

Mercury Tips:

Discard products that contain mercury and replace with versions without mercury, for example, thermometers with alcohol instead of mercury or electric thermometers and LED light bulbs instead of fluorescent.

Carefully store any items containing mercury to prevent breakage.

Dispose of materials containing mercury carefully, see if there is a place to discard hazardous waste locally or consult your local county health department.

Large mercury spills require professional assistance.

Do not vacuum spilled mercury, it will turn into a vapor and inhaling liquid mercury is most dangerous.

Proper breathing masks at dentist offices should always be worn when amalgam fillings are being used.

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Executive Mindset

It’s the Law

F unding Your Business

Dialing for

Dollars

New SEC rule helps entrepreneurs raise capital, imposes stricter protections for investors

By Fred F. Harris Jr. and Bruce C. Rosetto

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he Internet is already a great source for finding everything from jobs to dates. Now entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses can use it as an easier means to raise money.

New rules created by the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of the 2012 JOBS (Jumpstart Our Business Startups) Act authorize open advertising to raise capital in private offerings through general public solicitation. It’s a model that initially gained popularity under Kickstarter.com and other community fundraising websites.

The new Rule 506(c) gives startups and small companies access to wider audiences through solicitation and advertising methods previously unavailable. Entrepreneurs can now venture into previously forbidden territory, including advertising on the Internet, in newspapers or magazines and on social media. In addition to reaching broader audiences, this process avoids many of the costs and challenges that come with the traditional registration process.

But at the same time that the SEC opened the gates, the agency also imposed stricter requirements to protect investors.

That means companies need to understand the fine print and be sure to comply.

A key cost of this new level of public access is the obligation of fundraisers to take “reasonable steps” to verify the status of “accredited investors,” rather than just accepting the representations of the investors, as had been previously allowed.

According to the SEC, an “accredited investor” includes a natural person who:

earned income exceeding $200,000 (or $300,000 together with a spouse) in each of the prior two years, and reasonably expects the same for the current year; or has a net worth over $1 million, either alone or together with a spouse (excluding the value of the person’s primary residence). It may also be an entity such as a bank, partnership, corporation, nonprofit or trust that meets certain criteria.

While the number of “accredited investors” permitted to invest in a publically advertised private placement is unlimited, the total number of allowable non-accredited investors continues to be 35.

The challenge is that the definition of “reasonable steps” to verify an “accredited investor” status is not clear under the new rule. Until this requirement gains clarity over time, lawyers and other practitioners will want issuers to document that companies did more than just take the investors’ word. It is generally understood that tax returns, certifications from tax accountants, bank account statements and other forms of independent confirmation about potential investors will suffice to meet the “reasonable steps” standard.

Another change imposed by the new rules: a “bad actor” disqualification. This means issuers and other market participants must verify that investors are not felons or otherwise considered “bad actors.” If an investor is a bad actor, then the issuer is disqualified from relying on the new SEC rules.

As part of the adoption of these new rules, the SEC also issued new companion rules containing stronger investor

protections. These include requiring entrepreneurs who take advantage of the new general solicitation rules to: (1) provide additional information about their capital raising offerings; (2) provide more information about the investors who are participating in the offerings; and (3) require companies to file Form D with the SEC at least 15 calendar days before engaging in general solicitation and within 30 days of completing the offerings to update the information contained in the Form D and indicate that the offerings have ended.

For business owners, remaining compliant with these complex new rules will require advice from qualified securities lawyers and investment bankers who can help them raise capital safely.

Among other things, they will also have to ensure that the business owners qualify for the traditional exemption or are in the “safe harbor” of the new rule.

Although this process involves cost and time commitments, the new avenues for fund-raising are significantly less complex and expensive than traditional registered offerings. If handled properly, entrepreneurs should have a powerful new vehicle at their disposal to support the establishment, development and growth of their companies.

Fred F. Harris Jr. is chairman of the Corporate Securities group in the Greenberg Traurig Tallahassee office. Bruce C. Rosetto, is co-managing shareholder of the Greenberg Traurig Boca Raton office.

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Executive Mindset

Legislative Preview 2014

Taking Care of Business Recovering economy expected to boost business agenda

By Linda Kleindienst

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Photo by SCOTT HOLSTEIN

A

s the national economy continues to show signs of improvement, state business leaders want the Legislature to use the momentum to help create new jobs and lure new companies to the Sunshine State.

The Florida Legislature convenes its annual 60-day spring session on March 4, and lawmakers will be greeted with a $1.2 billion budget surplus, concrete evidence of the state’s economic recovery.

And while all 120 House seats and half of the Senate’s 40 seats are up for election this fall, representatives of the state’s leading business lobbies are optimistic their legislative agendas will be heard.

“For the most part, we have a pro-business House, Senate, governor and Cabinet,” said David Hart, executive vice president and chief lobbyist for the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “I expect jobs and the economy will be the top issues on the minds of voters, and

Communications Services Tax Businesses are looking for clarification that pre-paid calling cards are exempt from this state tax and hoping for a reduction for all others who pay it. This is a large business expense.

Competitive Workforce Some of Florida’s big economic powerhouses have formed the “Florida Business Coalition for a Competitive Workplace” to support legislation that supplements the Civil Rights Act by protecting citizens from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

The coalition includes Walt Disney World, CSX, Florida Blue, The Haskell Company and Darden.

Gambling The Chamber of Commerce and AIF don’t see eye-to-eye on this issue. The Chamber has a 20-year policy opposing the expansion of gambling while AIF favors creation of up to three destination casino resorts in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, viewing it as an economic driver that could create thousands of new jobs.

Health Care Providing more opportunities for telemedicine and giving nurses more responsibilities in caring for patients are viewed as a way to improve care, especially in rural areas, and help reduce costs.

Insurance Reform The push is on to reduce insurance policy assessments paid by all Floridians to help fund the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe

I think we’ll continue to see the business community treated well by this Legislature.”

Businesses are interested in many of the same issues as the state’s voters, from tax cuts and the dilemma of gambling expansion to improvements in education and protecting worker pensions.

“Election years tend to be a little different, but when it comes to issues that help the state, those are what you want to run on in an election,” said Brewster Bevis, senior vice president for state and federal affairs for Associated Industries of Florida.

AIF and the Florida Chamber are the state’s strong business lobbies, along with the Florida Retail Federation and the National Federation of Independent Business. Here is a brief rundown of some key issues they’ll be watching:

(CAT) Fund, which is still paying off bonds related to claims payments from the 2005 hurricane season.

Internet Sales Tax Calling for “e-fairness,” Florida business interests want the state to enforce a law that requires online companies to collect the state sales tax and then remit it to the Department of Revenue. Most online retailers ignore the requirement, putting locally owned businesses — and Florida-based online retailers — who are collecting the tax at a disadvantage. Enforcement of the law could bring up to a billion new dollars into the state’s coffers.

Motor Vehicle Fees Gov. Rick Scott has proposed a $401 million rollback in auto registration fees, which would save most car owners $25 a year. The biggest relief would be felt by car rental companies.

Pension Reform While the state’s pension fund for public employees is healthy, expect another push from the House leadership to move new state workers and other public employees to a 401(k)-like plan, taking financial pressure off the state budget.

Sales Tax, Commercial Leases Florida residents who lease a home don’t have to pay a sales tax on that lease. But businesses that have a commercial lease do have to pay the tax. It generates about $1.4 billion a year for the state, but some say it puts Florida at a disadvantage when trying to attract new business. Florida is the only

state in the country that charges this tax.

Sales Tax Holidays During Back to School, Hurricane Preparedness, and Energy Starr and Water Sense tax holidays, shoppers don’t have to pay the state sales tax on certain items.

These holidays are highly sought by retailers, who say shoppers tend to spend more money when they’re getting a tax break, boosting the stores’ bottom lines.

Tourism Promotion Visit Florida is hoping for a nearly $37 million spending boost, to $100 million, to promote tourism. The extra money would fund a national advertising campaign. In 2012, the state welcomed 91.5 million visitors, but the state appeared ready to bust that record in 2013.

Trade Expansion of the Panama Canal is expected to be completed in 2015 and, because of its geography, Florida is poised to become a global hub for trade and logistics, creating thousands of jobs in the process.

A key budget issue is ensuring that recurring funds are allocated to keep Enterprise Florida offices open in China and Japan.

Worker Compensation Legislation is pending that would give companies more time to address charges that they are not carrying enough workers’ compensation insurance. The state now issues as many as 2,500 stop work orders a year, and companies are asking for more time to supply necessary paperwork before the order is issued.

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Executive Mindset

Business Speak

Regional Economic Development in Northwest Florida

Tax-refund fraud is a growing epidemic in our country and our state, becoming the third largest theft of federal dollars after Medicare/Medicaid fraud and unemployment compensation fraud. A report from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration cites that in calendar year 2010, there were 440,581 reported incidents of tax-refund fraud. In calendar year 2011, that number grew to 1,125,634 — a 115 percent increase.

As Floridians prepare to file their tax returns, many may unfortunately find that someone has stolen their identity and already filed a fraudulent return under their name. According to the Internal Revenue Service, Tampa currently has the highest concentration of tax-refund fraud in the country, with Miami coming in second. But it is happening throughout Florida, including the Panhandle.

In recent years, the Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) has seen an uptick in the number of check cashers being presented tax-refund checks resulting from a fraudulent tax return filing.

Fraudsters are using stolen Social Security numbers to file fraudulent tax returns and then cashing the refund check. In these scams, the person presenting the check is not the true taxpayer. Check cashing services are more frequently used to cash the fraudulent refund check, in part because the criminals might believe the transaction will be more closely examined at a financial institution and a checking account is not required. Many of our citizens use check cashers to cash checks, including tax-refund checks.

Licensed check cashers provide useful and needed services to our citizens. The OFR has alerted check cashers throughout the state to be aware of these potential scams. In the 16 counties of Northwest Florida, there are 111 registered check casher locations. We continue to encourage these businesses to be on the lookout for

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Commissioner Drew Breakspear brings more than 40 years of experience to the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, having worked in the international banking industry and management consulting. He most recently served as executive vice president and general auditor at State Street Corporation in Boston, joining the company in 1995. Previously, he worked at First Nationwide Bank FSB in San Francisco, Citicorp/Citibank N.A. in New York and as a management consultant at Touche Ross & Company in New York. persons cashing checks with addresses that are not in close proximity to their business.

One of our top priorities is to work with our partners at the IRS, FBI and other law enforcement agencies to put together cases against those who perpetrate this fraud in Florida, thus harming the citizens of our state. New legislation was passed last year that requires check cashers to log any checks cashed in excess of $1,000. In addition to the check amount, each business is required to submit traceable information such as payor, payee, fee charged and the type of identification presented.

The law also provides that multiple

checks accepted from any one person in one day totalling $1,000 or more must be aggregated and reported. This allows us to work with our state and federal partners to prevent and fight fraud.

Many Floridians plan to use their tax refunds for vacations, major purchases and to pay bills. Citizens whose identities have been stolen and have had a fraudulent return filed under their name often have to wait longer to receive their tax-refund, putting additional financial pressure on the Florida economy and citizens. These waits to resolve such a fraud can be six months.

We understand it is critically important for our citizens and for the financial health of our communities that Floridians practice good financial fitness and prevention. As a part of our mission, the OFR is committed to educating Floridians on best practices for their financial services activities as well as alerting them to fraudulent activity occurring in the state. Floridians can avoid becoming a victim of tax-refund fraud by following some of these simple, but important, steps to secure their identity.

File your tax returns early. Begin collecting the necessary information and file your return as soon as possible.

Shred any paperwork that comes to your home or office that contains sensitive information, including your name, address, social security number and/or account information. Do not throw it in the trash or recycle bin.

Never give out sensitive information to anyone over the phone that you have not verified as a legitimate source.

If you have reason to believe that you have been a victim of tax-refund fraud, you should contact the IRS. Federal dollars are our hard earned dollars paid as taxes over the course of the year. It is important that citizens and businesses alike do their part to prevent fraudsters from impacting themselves, as well as our economy.

A NEW DAY IS COMING FEBRUARY 2014 THE GULF COAST WORKFORCE BOARD & THE WORKFORCE CENTER WILL BECOME

Brand New Name.

Same Great Service.

Our mission is to connect employers with qualied, skilled talent and Gulf Coast Florida residents with employment and career development opportunities.

Contact an employment representative: 625 Hwy 231 Panama City, FL 32405 850-872-4340 www.workforcecenter.org The Workforce Center is an equal opportunity employer/program. All services are free of charge. Auxiliary Aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabiliƟes. TTY/TTD 1-800-955-8771 or Florida Relay Service 711.

MIKE OLIVELLA

MEET YOUR MATCH

Alex Kuznetsov Winner of the 2013 French Open Wild Card

Attend the final tournament of the Har-Tru USTA Pro Circuit Wild Card Challenge and see the greatest tennis stars face off for a chance to earn a Main Draw Wild Card into the French Open. Bring your family, and watch the action.

April 26–May 3, 2014 at Forestmeadows Tennis Center in Tallahassee, FL. For more information about tickets, sponsorships or volunteer opportunities, visit our website or call the TMH Foundation at 431-5389.

TALLAHASSEECHALLENGER.COM

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EXPERIENCE THE EXCITEMENT

March 6-9

ELINOR KLAPP PHIPPS PARK, TALLAHASSEE LEARN MORE AT RHHT.ORG 32

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SPONSORED REPORT

OUTREACH 850 a program of the jim moran institute for global entrepreneurship

A 1995 contribution from Jim and Jan Moran and JM Family Enterprises Inc., established The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship at the Florida State University College of Business. Beginning in 1998, additional contributions from Jim and Jan Moran, JM Family Enterprises Inc., and The Jim Moran Foundation, Inc. have enabled The Jim Moran Institute to enhance its programs and services.

Tallahassee community can be part of the legacy of Legacy Hall Florida State’s new College of Business building

By Caryn Beck-Dudley, Dean, Florida State College of Business

T

his past November, the Florida State University College of Business launched its $65-million plus campaign for a new building, Legacy Hall.

Alumni and friends from across the country and from the Tallahassee area, as well as faculty and staff, have responded generously to our call for financial support of this endeavor.

Overwhelmingly, they say they are giving because they want to leave a lasting legacy not only for the college but for the students who will benefit. They also understand that a new state-of-the-art building will help us better compete with other top-tier business schools for world-class faculty and the best students from around the globe.

Beyond that, many of these contributors also recognize this beautiful building will be a landmark of which they and the Tallahassee/Leon County community can be proud.

In fact, Legacy Hall is designed to be the hub of business collaboration at FSU, in Tallahassee and the Big Bend region.

The building will be located near the Leon County Civic Center, which is soon to become the new gateway to the Florida State campus and the start of Madison Mile, the heart of the new arena district. The new building will provide a 67 percent increase in instructional space, along with the technology and collaborative spaces needed to provide tomorrow’s business education. It is anticipated that the arena district will be revamped with new retail stores, restaurants, a hotel, the Dedman School of Hospitality, a renovated arena and academic spaces.

Doug Dunlap (B.S. ’72) and David Oglesby (B.S. ’73) are wonderful examples of local alumni who have invested in the new building — and their community. Their $500,000

gift, which officially kicked off our campaign in the fall, will support construction of the Syn-Tech Systems Student Business Incubator inside the building and is named for their Tallahassee-based company. Others in the community have also supported the various naming opportunities of rooms and areas in the new building. There still are numerous opportunities available, including the permanent naming of the building, and I am hopeful that you’ll consider being part of this important legacy. I want to assure you that all gift amounts are appreciated.

If you would like to learn more about our plans or to give toward the building, please visit business.fsu.edu/give. Or email me at cbeck-dudley@business.fsu.edu or Mark Pankey, associate dean for development, at mpankey@business.fsu.edu.

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SPONSORED REPORT

OUTREACH 850

a program of the jim moran institute for global entrepreneurship

Q&A

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

photo by scott holstein

The Jim Moran Institute’s experts answer your business questions What do your peers do?

D

on and Dorothy Vodicka conduct their business, The Gem Collection, at 3501 Thomasville Rd., Tallahassee, in a building that literally is a vault. After all, it houses a fantastic array of precious stones and fine jewelry. The Gem Collection is the official jeweler for FSU Athletics.

Q: As our business has grown over the last 10 years, finding a strong and skilled manager has been most challenging for us. How do we find the right person?

A: Finding the right employees is always a challenge. One way is to ask your network, both personal and business, if they can recommend anyone. This includes your current employees. Be prepared to provide a detailed job description that accurately describes the position’s requirements. Include the potential for advancement along with specific management responsibilities. If your business has a specific niche that you need covered, you may also want to contact a recruiter. Try to find one who specializes in your industry or in the skill set you are seeking. Most recruiters can be found through the Internet or professional associations, and the detailed job description will help them with your employee search. Be sure to convey the longevity of the company and the benefits of being a team member of a small business.

Q: It is easy to compensate sales associates through commissions for what they sell, but how do you motivate and compensate non-selling staff for the great job they do?

A: One way is to find out what they enjoy outside of the job, and do something that relates to that. For example, if employees enjoy going to sporting events, give them tickets and maybe an overnight stay at one of their favorite events. Showing you know what they like outside of work will validate their importance to you and within the company. This should also help with loyalty.

T

he Jim Moran Institute’s CEO Peer2Peer Groups have been helping businesses share insights about challenging situations, solutions and/or validation to problems since March 2013. I am excited to announce that beginning in February, the Business Innovation Center at Florida State University’s Panama City campus will work with The Jim Moran Institute to offer the program to businesses with three or more employees in Bay County and the surrounding areas. The expansion of the program will extend The Jim Moran Institute’s North Florida Outreach mission throughout the Panhandle.

The current groups meet monthly and are limited to 12 businesses each, with the president or business owner attending each meeting. So far, the Tallahassee groups have covered more than 60 issues where participants were able to share advice with colleagues on how to deal successfully with similar situations. We are excited about this collaboration and look forward to working with the center and the businesses in Bay County and surrounding areas.

Mike Campbell Director, North Florida Outreach

UPDATE — NORTH FLORIDA SMALL BUSINESS EXECUTIVE PROGRAM Designed for nonprofit and for-profit business presidents and owners, this intense, fast-paced program currently has 23 participants in Class I, and these leaders are gaining a better understanding of where they want to go with their business and how to get there. Topics covered include marketing strategies, social media, strategic planning, managing a sales force, perfecting the sales pitch and

protecting intellectual property. One requirement of the program is that participants must implement, where relevant, what they learned from class speakers and be prepared to give an update on the effectiveness and outcomes at the next class. Class II applications will be accepted beginning in March. For more information on the next class, visit nfl.jmi.fsu.edu.

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SPONSORED REPORT

OUTREACH 850 UPCOMING EVENTS March 5, 19

Chamber One-on-One Program

The Jim Moran Institute’s director of North Florida Outreach through the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce

March 10-14

Florida State University Spring Break

March 10

Small Business Executive Program

Online applications accepted from established business with three or more employees for Class II. Twenty-five businesses will be selected for the fivemonth program.

March 21-23

Florida State University 3-Day Startup in Tallahassee

The mission of 3-Day Startup is to build entrepreneurial capabilities and cultures on university campuses. This is accomplished by assisting university teams around the globe organize events that help develop students into entrepreneurs and connect them with a powerful network of mentors, investors and talent.

Education Entrepreneurial Ecosystems.”

Features include the following: industry-leading keynote speakers, entrepreneurship education and ecosystem tracks, published proceedings and publication opportunities, and an inside look at the Tampa entrepreneurship ecosystem.

April 11

Florida State University InNOLEvation Challenge in Tallahassee Shark Tank Finale: student business plan presentations, Q&A, and announcement of winners

Florida State Entrepreneurship Major Applications Due

The entrepreneurship major at Florida State accepts 40 students each year. Majors gain a unique experience by progressing through the program with the same cohort, which enables them to foster relationships and develop networks that last beyond graduation.

April 15

Small Business Executive Program Class II Announcement

March 28-29

Selection of the 25 participants accepted for Class II, which begins in May, will be announced.

The focus of this conference is “University Roles in

Visit jmi.fsu.edu for more information.

Entrepreneurship Education Project in Tampa

Ongoing EVENTS CEO Peer2Peer Groups

a program of the jim moran institute for global entrepreneurship

The Jim Moran Institute facilitates structured groups for local business owners. Exclusive to presidents and owners of established businesses with at least three employees, the groups provide an avenue for sharing insights about challenging situations, topical issues and solutions to problems with peers. Each group consists of like-type, non-competing businesses, and new groups are formed year-round.

Visit nfl.jmi.fsu.edu to find out how to be a part of a group.

The Jim Moran Institute advising next generation of entrepreneurs

F

or 28 years, Tim Kinney’s work life revolved around the IBM Corporation.

After starting as an engineer, he moved into sales, enjoying a great career with a great company. But whenever the IBM role, the travel schedule and a young family allowed, Kinney pursued his true passion: teaching and working with eager college students, helping them on their road to success.

Life after IBM has allowed Kinney to devote his energies to that passion. Two years ago, he joined the Florida State University College of Business as a full-time instructor of management and entrepreneurship classes, while assisting with programs in The Jim Moran

Institute. Recently, he accepted an additional role with The Jim Moran Institute as director of student engagement. “I had the opportunity to teach at the university level 25 years ago and loved it,” he said.

“The excitement of working with young people and the enthusiasm they bring is addictive. From that moment on, I knew when I had the opportunity that helping young people to work toward their goals was what I wanted to do!”

In his new role, Kinney will work to develop the structure, programs and events that will enhance the student entrepreneurial mission of The Jim Moran Institute by attracting top students and facilitating their success as entrepreneurs.

The Jim Moran Institute supporters include:

TM

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Wild Kingdom: Seven Creatures of the Concrete Jungle Identifying those who might have difficulty adapting to the new global economy

By Micheal J. Burt and Colby B. Jubenville

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This place is a jungle.

As a leader, you might never utter those words aloud … but chances are you’ve thought them. And no wonder: In every office, cubicle and conference space, there’s a frenzy of activity. Meetings are happening. Questions are being asked. Inboxes are blowing up with urgent emails. Phones are ringing off their hooks. Texts are lighting up smartphones.

So why, with all this nonstop activity, isn’t your company moving forward at the pace you’d like it to? And why, despite all of the tasks they perform, do your employees seem more like a herd of unfocused, fractious and very noisy animals rather than the unified team you’d like them to be?

Your employees are so caught up in the chaos of the concrete jungle — the rough, brutal business world where everyone is scraping and clawing to get what’s theirs — that true growth and innovation are being impeded. But don’t give in to the call of the wild just yet. Yes, the inhabitants of your corner of the concrete jungle might be confusing activity with productivity — but the good news is, you can help them adapt.

The concrete jungle simply doesn’t yield to the roar of the lion (in other words, a command-and-control leadership model) anymore. Instead, a new breed is evolving: the Zebra and Cheetah (or Z&C) Leader.

Zebra and Cheetah Leaders are so called because they exhibit qualities of both breeds. Like zebras, they boast a distinctive appearance that others can easily recognize. Like cheetahs, they possess great speed and are particularly quick accelerators. And

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like both, they have an ability to utilize their senses so well that they excel in adapting to their environments.

In other words, these are leaders who are able to adapt to the fast-paced, always changing and highly competitive business world, and who are capable of leading diverse tribes within it.

Zebra and Cheetah Leaders recognize that the corporate terrain is filled with those who, unlike themselves, have refused to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of reality.

These folks have laid claim to their territories and will fight to defend their way of thinking. They prevent best-practice ideas from getting to decision makers, and they rarely align performances with expectations. They pass blame from one person to the next, to circumstances, or to sheer bad luck. And, of course, these behaviors prevent their organizations from being agile, accountable and innovative enough to compete in the global economy.

The good news is that once you have identified all of the species in your environment, you can take steps to help each one adapt to reality, and you can motivate all of them to work together toward a collectively prized outcome.

Here, we share a field guide that will help you to identify seven species that may have trouble adapting to the flat, fast environment of the concrete jungle … as well as tips to help you “tame” them: Ostriches. Much like ostriches in the wild, the

type you’re likely to find in your office are known for burying their heads in the sand, because they don’t want to acknowledge reality and the challenges they face. You may hear these people say things like, “I choose not to participate in this recession.” And if you listen from around the corner as they chat at the water cooler, you may catch your resident ostriches griping about the negative aspects of the business.

Ostriches talk the most at meetings in order to give the appearance that they are doing things, but they rarely add value to the work that must get done or try to advance the organization. What they don’t realize is that simply burying their heads in the sand and waiting for things to blow over won’t change the reality. Ignoring circumstances won’t make them change or go away.

How to Tame This Beast: Go first. The fact is, change and challenges — the things that ostriches like to pretend don’t exist — are the only constant in today’s global economy. As a Z&C Leader, you can encourage your ostriches to take their heads out of the sand by courageously implementing changes yourself and looking obstacles squarely in the face.

Never ask your people to do something you aren’t willing to tackle yourself! When ostriches see you forging ahead and thriving, they’ll soon forget how opposed to forward progress they used to be.

Turtles. Their shells might not be physical, but

the hallmark of a concrete jungle turtle is a desire for comfort without any risk. Problem is, this way of thinking leads people to believe that preserving their own comfort outweighs any risk. And as a result, their motivation has dissipated into thin air.

Turtles covet an existence that’s comfortable — not bad, not fantastic, but okay. If circumstances get too uncomfortable for them, they’ll slide back into

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the comforts of their shells and not engage anyone or anything for any reason. And if you threaten them, they’ll snap at you. In your office, these are the people who accomplish tasks at a painfully slow pace, all the while looking like the weight of the world is on their backs.

How to Tame This Beast: Use a lot of carrot (and a little stick). Turtles are perfectly happy with the status quo. But instead of forcibly changing that status quo, Z&C Leaders coax turtles to change it themselves. Use rewards (for example, bonuses or time off), recognition and praise to convince turtles that going out on a limb is worth it. And to convince particularly stubborn turtles to enter the race, put penalties in place for lack of progress. Suddenly, the status quo won’t be so comfortable anymore.

Elephants. In the wild, elephants are known for

having strong family ties and living in tight family groups called herds. In the concrete jungle, you may think of them as “the old guard.” Though they were once esteemed for the glamour of their prized ivory tusks (i.e., their skills, their expertise, their connections, etc.), culture and time have made their oncevaluable resource(s) dated … or even toxic.

Embitterment that they’re no longer living in “the good old days” has caused elephants to develop a thick, calloused hide that makes them impervious to the environment around them. They don’t take too kindly to outsiders. They have long memories and will always side with their herd over people with new ideas. Anger them and they’ll stampede, bringing the entire herd with them against you.

How to Tame This Beast: Make them your values guardian. Elephants are known for their great memories. You have to show your elephants that the institutional knowledge they possess is and will always be valuable. It’s likely that your herd of elephants know your organization’s values and mission better than anyone. In fact, the reason they

may be reluctant to go along with ongoing change is because they think the organization is moving away from the values they hold so dear. Instead of letting your elephants stand around flicking their tails as they try to guard the old way of doing things, help them buy in to change by picking their brains on how to ensure upcoming innovations and growth don’t move the company away from its (and their) established values.

Monkeys. Cheerful and carefree (some might say

careless!), the monkeys in your office swing from tree to tree looking for the next best idea or opportunity without taking the time to really understand how the opportunity will impact them … or the other animals around them.

As the old saying “monkey see, monkey do” implies, they’re pretty good at imitating what they see. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that monkeys have no actual original thoughts, and if you’re not careful, they’ll gladly steal yours and run away with them. Monkeys appear to smile a great deal and seem pretty harmless, but they’re quite ferocious when cornered and threatened.

How to Tame This Beast: Start keeping score.

Create a scoreboard system that allows individuals to clearly determine their progress in relation to performance levels set for or with them (note that monkeys — and other animals — shouldn’t be aggressively competing against each other; only themselves). As was the case with turtles, set up a reward-and-penalty system. Soon, monkeys will find that rash decisions and copycat behaviors don’t propel them high enough to reach the “bananas” they want … and they’ll tap into a hitherto ignored source of motivation.

Alligators. At first, you may feel sorry for alliga-

tors, because they are threatened by the loss of their habitat. But don’t let those feelings make you any

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less cautious around them. Alligators are primitive creatures who didn’t develop large brain capacities and who possess few instincts other than sheer aggression, the use of force, really big mouths and sharp teeth to sink into anyone who invades their turf.

We wanted to include the problem of not having a toothbrush for all those teeth, but you probably already learned that from the movie “The Waterboy.” All lightheartedness aside, though, gators are territorial and don’t like to interact with outsiders. Their bad attitudes make those around them defensive and aggressive, too.

How to Tame This Beast: Get them to move up or move them out.

Alligators are essentially low performers. In the past, they were carried along by the momentum of the organization. But Z&C Leaders recognize that there’s no longer any room for dead weight in the corporate jungle.

Try to help your low performers by providing them with any training and resources they may be lacking. But if these alligators are unable or unwilling to adapt, it’s your responsibility to make sure they don’t drag your entire organization down to the muddy bottom.

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Lions. Finally, we come to the former king of the jungle. These are people (and even entire organizations) who have been incredibly strong and dominant for very long periods of time. In their heyday, their strength and power allowed them to devour the weak — they were the “poster children” for the command-and-control leadership model. However, evolution has left them behind.

In the concrete jungle, the strong no longer take from the weak — the smart take from the strong. But while they may no longer be the royalty of the animal kingdom, lions haven’t moved out of the jungle yet. They are still powerful, and they still roar (think noisy marketing campaigns).

How to Tame This Beast: Don’t let him intimidate you. Lions’ roars still frighten not-so-smart animals and tribes, but Z&C Leaders, who have more evolved characteristics, don’t let snarls and bellows faze them.

Instead, they listen carefully to the lion’s roar, then use it to analyze that particular competitor’s strengths and weaknesses. Try to exploit the lion’s roar in a way that leads to your organization’s expansion and growth. There’s a reason why Z&C Leaders’ tribes operate with the

lowest cost, with the best service, with the most agile management practices and so on. … And don’t forget the gorilla. Specifically, the 10,000-pound

gorilla. He’s known as culture, and he will destroy anything in his path, including all of the great ideas that you and your tribe have. You may not notice your organization’s culture until it becomes negative and begins to emit a stale odor (much like an animal’s nest).

When the gorilla takes over, you’ll find that progress has come to a stalemate, employees don’t want to leave the comfort of familiar surroundings and they certainly don’t want to share their space with anyone. To make matters worse, they actively resist the efforts of those change-brokers who invade the nests (often young and/or progressive-minded employees with positive outlooks and plenty of motivation) and reject their insights. Instead of actively forging ahead to new territories, employees in the grip of the gorilla simply spend all their time telling each other how wonderful they are and heaping empty praise on others, who heap it back upon them in return.

How to Tame This Beast: Don’t feed the animal. Z&C Leaders who need to tame the culture gorilla must first acknowledge that they’ve been feeding and nourishing it — otherwise, it would never have reached the 10,000-pound mark. You can turn your harmful gorilla-feeding behaviors around by identifying and creating culture cultivators; in other words, individuals who are willing to embrace the challenge of capturing and taming the gorilla by retraining it. Culture cultivators must confront the question of who we are and how we do things and put processes and procedures into place that allow the tribe to do its daily business effectively, even when managers are not around.

After reading this field guide to the concrete jungle, you may be wondering how, exactly, you’re supposed to take such a motley crew of creatures and turn them into a unified, agile tribe that works toward a dominant aspiration. Fortunately, all things in the jungle gravitate toward leadership. And once you’re able to identify the residents of your own particular animal kingdom as well as the challenges each one represents, you’ll be well on your way to creating order out of chaos so that your business can move forward.

Micheal Burt and Colby B. Jubenville, PhD, are coauthors of “Zebras & Cheetahs: Look Different and Stay Agile to Survive the Business Jungle.”

Burt represents the new age leader: the Zebra and the Cheetah. Part coach, part entrepreneur and all leader, Burt is the go-to guy for entrepreneurs who want to become people of interest, salespeople who want to be superstars and managers who want to be coaches. He is a former championship coach and the author of eight books. His radio show, Change Your Life Radio, can be heard globally on iheart. com (WLAC). Follow Coach Burt at www.coachburt.com.

Jubenville holds an academic appointment at Middle Tennessee State University and is principal of Red Herring Innovation and Design (www.redherringinc. com), an agency specializing in teaching people and organizations how to compete on unique perspective, education and experience in order to create unique value. He regularly speaks on his philosophy, Collective Passion, a model that illustrates how to meaningfully connect organizations, customers and employees.

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o Wedding Bells

Ring Cash Registers

o

Saying “I do” drives a big business in Northwest Florida, from the coast to the city to the country

Photo by Terri Smith Photography

By Linda Kleindienst

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P

lanning a wedding is not for the faint of heart, whether you’re the bride, the father of the bride or the vendor responsible for the three-tiered wedding cake, the shrimp and grits done to perfec-

tion or the bouquets of peonies.

For most brides, the concept of the simple wedding in the church followed by a punch and cake reception in the fellowship hall is ancient history. Today’s bride has envisioned and planned her perfect wedding with the help of the Internet, Facebook and, perhaps most importantly, Pinterest. She knows what she wants — and there is a massive $47.2 billion industry waiting to help her get it.

Weddings are big business for the 850 region, whether they’re planned for the hometown bride who has always wanted to marry under one of the area’s majestic live oaks or the out-of-state bride determined to take her vows on an exotic beach against the backdrop of a spectacular sunset.

There are more than 2 million weddings a year in the U.S. In 2012, the average wedding cost $28,427, according to a survey of nearly 20,000 brides taken by The Knot magazine and WeddingChannel.com. And that total doesn’t even count the cost of the honeymoon. The cheapest cost of the day (or weekend, or week) is usually the groom’s tuxedo. From there, the sky’s the limit. The only thing Americans spend more on each year is Christmas.

Cost-wise, the average Northwest Florida wedding isn’t too different from those held in the rest of the country — although the price tag comes in far cheaper than New York, where an average Manhattan wedding budget is a tad over $76,000.

The size of an average wedding these days ranges from 120 to 150 guests.

The average cost in Northwest Florida goes from $25,000 to $30,000. Weddings along the coast will generally be a little pricier than Tallahassee or the region’s inland communities. But it all depends on what you really want — and what you’re willing to pay for it.

Whatever the cost, the dollars spent on weddings in this region have a far reach into the local business community, helping to employ hundreds of people, from the catering staff to the cake bakers to the bartenders to the limo drivers to the monogram shops to the photographers.

Even in recessions, couples get married and brides want to have their day to remember.

“A wedding is such a special event in an individual’s life,” said Amy Wise-Coble, acting general manager of Homeowner’s Collection in Seaside. “If it’s their daughter’s dream, parents will spend.”

And indeed they did over the past several years. While some brides became a bit more cost Like Planning a Spectacular conscious during the recession years, the falloff In his nearly 20 years in the business, event planner John in business was slight to nil in Northwest Florida.

Gandy has amassed enough That was as true in places like Tallahassee as it wedding accoutrements to fill a 13,000-square-foot warehouse was in communities along the Gulf Coast. and give a bride nearly any look “We had brides that were a little more budget she wants for her special day.

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Photo by Scott Holstein

Recession Proof?

Average Length of Engagement

14 months Most Popular Month to Get Married June

17%

Popular Wedding Colors Blue

33% Purple 26% Green 23% Metallics 23% Percentage of Destination Weddings

24%

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Say Cheese!

Terri Smith started her career taking shots of her girlfriend’s wedding in St. George and fell in love with the idea of recording the special day for clients — no matter what she has to do to get the picture.

Bride

29 Groom 31 Average Number of Guests

139

Average Number of Bridesmaids & Groomsmen

4 to 5

Most Popular Month to Get Engaged December

16%

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“In some ways, the timing of the economy helped to bring girls here,” said Tammy D’Agostina of The Eventful Planner in Destin. “When the economy took a turn, brides couldn’t go to places like Mexico and the Bahamas, and they decided to stay in the U.S. It was cheaper to come to Florida.”

Planning a Wedding

In the 2001 movie “The Wedding Planner,” Jennifer Lopez pulls all the pieces and parts together to make her clients’ wedding days come off without a visible hitch.

From set-up to cake delivery to vows to getting rid of the garbage left behind after the reception, today’s wedding planners can — and do — do it all.

Local planners warn that if the bride wants to save money, especially by having family help with some of the major aspects of the event — perhaps a cousin will be the deejay and an aunt will bake the cake — think again. Disaster can often result.

“You’re dealing with people who have no clue what they’re doing,” said the Golden Eagle’s Griggs, who is involved with coordinating on the day of the wedding. “When you hire a professional, it makes things work.”

Tallahassee-based John Gandy has been handling weddings for 19 years. Over that time he has seen the average wedding balloon into an elaborate event that can stretch over days or even encompass a season of activities.

“Twenty years ago you could do a small scale reception, but now it’s a lot more detail oriented. It’s almost like a commercial event,” he explained. “In the past you could do butter mints at the church hall. Now it’s more spectacular.”

Simply put, Gandy said, it takes a village to have a wedding.

“It’s not just coming in and throwing linens on the table and calling it a day. It’s working with flowers, caterers, lighting, sound, making sure there are

“Twenty years ago you could do a small scale reception, but now it’s a lot more detail oriented. It’s almost like a commercial event. In the past you could do butter mints at the church hall.

Now it’s more spectacular.”

John Gandy

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Photo by Terri Smith Photography

Average Marrying Age

friendly, but our business stayed pretty steady during the recession,” said Michelle Griggs, vice president of marketing, membership and events for Golden Eagle Golf and Country Club in Tallahassee.

“I think during the time of the recession, brides were willing to book places that they knew to be solid in the community.”

James Murray II, owner and general manager of Sunquest Cruises in Sandestin, said wedding-related events represent about 50 percent of Sunquest Cruises’ business on its boat, Solaris. And about three out of four are destination weddings. The business experienced a slight slowdown in 2010, but that reversed after the Deep Water Horizon Gulf oil spill as BP poured millions of dollars into promoting the Gulf Coast.

Florida’s Emerald Coast, with its miles of sugar sand beaches snuggled against the clear emerald-tinged waters, has always been a wedding destination attractive to brides from North Florida and throughout the Southeastern U.S. But there are suddenly more inquiries from faraway places like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Los Angeles, New York, Europe and even Asia.

“BP threw so much money into the economy that we saw weddings spike tremendously,” Murray said. “The economy was bad, but our wedding business skyrocketed, breaking records.

And BP gave us international exposure. Our international markets are still on the rise.

We’re doing a big rehearsal dinner for a gentleman from Ireland who learned about us from the oil spill.”

While summers are popular for weddings up north, April and October are becoming the most wedding-populated months in Northwest Florida, especially in the coastal areas. The air is clearer, it’s not as humid, traffic is nowhere near as bad as during the summer months — and, to help with the cost, hotel room prices are far more reasonable.

generators for backup and that someone is taking the trash out,” he said.

Over the years Gandy has gathered a large collection of wedding-related items so that he can provide nearly any look a bride wants. He’s keeps it all in a 13,000-square-foot storehouse.

Most importantly, planners say they and the bride need to have a good rapport as they work together to plan the wedding, from concept to completion.

Planners usually demure when asked if they have ever had a problem client. But, over the years, Gandy concedes he’s had “some doozies,” including a mother of the groom who wanted the rehearsal dinner to be more elaborate than the wedding reception. Still, he counts himself lucky that he’s only had three “bridezillas.”

Destin’s D’Agostina has been in the event planning business on the Emerald Coast for eight years. About 90 percent of her business comes from brides, and she has to keep reminding herself that it isn’t her wedding — she’s there to guide the bride along the way.

“It’s a lot of detail and organization and to-do lists, but that’s the way my brain works, so it’s easy for me.

You need to multi-task and organize,” she said. “The weather sometimes gets tricky, but as long as you have a Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, you should be covered. When you hire a planner, there shouldn’t be any issues that haven’t been thought out.”

Hold that Pose

Probably the fastest growing segment of the wedding business is photography. And that’s likely a direct result of the growing popularity of websites like Pinterest (dubbed a “mecca of wedding planning”), Facebook and other photo-sharing programs — not to mention blogs that will cover every aspect of what a bride needs to plan for.

“In this Instagram culture, there are so many people who are going to have pictures on a phone, online, on Facebook. People getting married know it’s important to have real pictures of their day,” said Kay Meyer, a Tallahassee-based photographer and president of the Tallahassee Association of Wedding Professionals.

“Even grooms have Pinterest pages. There are wedding blogs. It has helped the business.”

Terri Smith of Tallahassee never intended to be a wedding photographer. But then one of her girlfriends got married at the beach and asked her to take the photos.

“It was scary. It was someone’s big day, and I didn’t want to mess that up,” she says. “She got married on St. George. There was one image I got of her walking

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Flower Girl Missy Gunnels has been in the flower business for 20 years, putting together arrangements in her home studio. “It’s kind of impeding on our living space,” she jokes.

Photo by Scott Holstein

down the pier with her mom, where they were looking at each other. When I saw that image, I woke my husband up and told him I’m shooting weddings.

Next year I did 30 weddings.”

Wedding photographers may have one of the most difficult jobs at a wedding. After all, most of the candid shots will only happen once and they want to be there to capture the moment, a job they’re being paid thousands of dollars for. If they miss the first kiss of Mr. and Mrs., well, they missed it and everyone will know. And while some brides will pose like they’re Cindy Crawford, others need to be coaxed and put at ease to get the best shots.

The professional’s competition, of course, is almost every wedding guest vying to be the first to put a photo of the newly-married couple up on some social website. Then, of course, there is the favorite uncle or friend who is there trying to take every photo that the professional is trying to capture.

“There’s a person that photographers like to call ‘Uncle Bob,’ ” said Meyer. “It’s usually a hobbyist or someone doing the couple a favor by following them around as much as possible, shooting the wedding and everything else. I talk to my brides about that ahead of time.”

The important thing to remember, said Meyer, is that “it’s their wedding, not a photo shoot. I’m not in control of the day. I let it take its natural course so it doesn’t look strained or posed.”

The business has become intensely competitive, with photographers relying on the work they put on their own websites — and often word of mouth — to sell their services.

There are a lot of wedding photographers along the coast, but Lindsey Bray, who shoots for Pure 7 Studios in Miramar Beach, said there is enough work for everyone to have a full calendar and for every bride to find someone who meshes with her personality.

“Photography is so personal, so specific, your work and personality have to mesh with the client,” she explained. “We get to know these people and their families. We get to be a part of their lives, and that is really an honor.”

Feast for Eyes and Tummies

Two aspects of a wedding that guests love to chat about after the big day are the food and the flowers.

They’re a must for every wedding. Flowers are usually selected based on the bride’s preference. The food is more apt to be based on current trends.

Missy Gunnels has been in the flower business in Tallahassee for 20 years. She puts together her floral creations at her home studio/workshop. She only provides flowers for events and weddings, but still she jokes that “it’s kind of impeding on our living space!”

Flowers have become a big — and worldwide — business. Gunnels gets most of her flowers from Amsterdam, which can FedEx the product to her overnight.

“The world of flowers is shrinking. If I can’t get from California or Amsterdam or Peru … New Zealand is coming on strong because their seasons are the opposite of ours. Or I can get orchids from Hawaii or Indonesia. It’s fun to find the product,” she said.

Tulips are now available year-round as is the hugely popular peony. But Gunnels warns brides that they might not always get the exact shade of purple or blue or red or pink that they desire.

“I emphasize with clients that it is a fresh product,” she said. “Climate, rain, fertilizer and temperature can change coloration, and the size of the product will vary based on the time of the year. I try to prepare people for that. In our consumer world, people expect to have it their way, but it’s not a silk product. When you get your product, you’re not exactly sure of the shade you’ll get that week.”

She does about 120 events a year, with 100 being weddings, and admits she is a micromanager about the flowers, often being at the airport at midnight to make sure the right flower came in. Sometimes she’ll be putting arrangements together in the back of the van driving to the event.

“People love flowers. Even if they are bridezilla, they smile when you hand them that bouquet,” Gunnels said.

While flowers are food for the eyes, one of the most anticipated events during a wedding is the reception — snacks or dinner plus the highly anticipated cake.

The current trend in wedding reception food is action stations, where guests can stroll around, filling small plates with local delicacies, comfort food, new twists on old favorites. It’s cheaper than the traditional sit-down dinner and gets guests mixing and mingling.

Townsend Catering in Santa Rosa Beach won the Wedding Wire Bride’s Choice award in 2013 for its fare. Owned by Donna and David Townsend, the company is going on its 11th year on the Emerald Coast, providing food for weddings from Panama City to Destin. A good 75 percent of their

850 Business Magazine

Average Wedding Budget

$28,427 (excludes honeymoon)

Most Expensive Place to Get Married Manhattan

$76,678 average spend

Least Expensive Place to Get Married Alaska

$15,504 average spend

Average Spent on a Wedding Dress

$1,211

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“Photography is so personal, so specific, your work and personality have to mesh with the client.

We get to know these people and their families.

We get to be a part of their lives, and that is really an honor.”

Lindsey Bray

business is weddings — and 75 percent of them are destination weddings.

“We’re an on-site cooking company,” explained Donna Townsend. “We set up our own kitchens wherever we go. We have a kitchen tent with stoves, fryers, whatever we need.”

Their No. 1 problem? Weather. Most brides want to get married on the beach, so they at times have to battle rain, wind, heat or cold. If there is high wind or blowing rain, “we have to tighten the tent up,” she said. “Knock on wood we haven’t had any dangerous weather. No one wants it to rain on their wedding day, but you have to go through with it.”

Like the main course, the dessert also follows trends.

Popular now are cupcakes, which are perceived to be cheaper than the big cake, although they’re not. More brides are also choosing pie and dessert bars, which are more cost effective for the person paying the bill.

“People are being so cautious now, following a budget,” said Megan Pietrodangelo, general manager for sales and marketing at Tallahassee’s The Cake Shop.

“We are constantly watching our price points, making sure we are competitive. The problem is that product prices go up, gas goes up.”

To give customers consistency, The Cake Shop reviews its price list every other year instead of annually.

The store has only one pastry chef, Steve Newman, who often arrives between 2 and 4 a.m. to begin his work. He can make up to five wedding cakes in a weekend, and he personally delivers each one.

“For weddings, The Cake Shop has a name, a brand that people know,” Pietrodangelo. “We’re been in business for 35 years. We have couples in their 60s that we did the wedding cake for, and now we’re doing it for their grandchildren.”

Planning Ahead

Putting together a wedding with all the bells and whistles not only takes money but time. Event planners and venues are often booked a year or more in advance.

Meetings with florists and caterers can come six months out or longer. As for planning the event itself, that can start years ahead of time, long before there’s even a groom in the picture. Thank social media for that — but also thank social media for providing more information (and reviews) than ever about what will make that perfect day … perfect.

Of course, not everything will always go completely according to plan.

Photographer Terri Smith well remembers a wedding she was contracted to shoot at the beginning of her career.

The wedding cake was up against a wall and the event planner wanted it moved. The bride agreed and then the event planner asked Smith to help.

“The cake had tall columns between the layers and as we started to move it, it began to topple. The event planner caught the top but the rest was messed up. I was mortified, but the bride was okay with it,” she remembered.

Now, if anyone decides to do anything with the cake, Smith makes haste in the opposite direction.

“I don’t care if it’s the mom, the bride or the event planner,” she said.

“If they ask, I run the other way.”

On the whole, wedding professionals are there to sweat the small stuff so that the bride doesn’t have to. That’s why they can charge what they do.

“When I see brides that obsess about details, I tell them it’s going to be wonderful, be in the moment and enjoy,” said Gandy. “When I see them after they’ve had the first child, they’ve had time to put things more in perspective.”

Wedding Statistics 2012

Florida and NW Florida Metropolitan Areas

Florida

Tallahassee

Panama City*

Pensacola**

Number of Weddings

140,467

2,501

2,079

2,891

Average Wedding Cost

$23,191

$20,936

$22,371

$23,032

Market Value

$3.3 billion

$52 million

$47 million

$90 million

Average number of guests

119–129

124–134

118–128

120–130

*Panama City-Lynn Haven-Panama City Beach **Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent

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Source: The Wedding Report

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NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS

contents

issue 1

17

coastal weddings

18 Wyndham Vacation Rentals Gulf Place

20 Wyndham Vacation Rentals Tops’l

22 Wyndham Vacation Rentals SunDestin 23 Sunquest Cruises/ Solaris 28 Hilton Sandestin

33

city weddings

34 FSU Alumni Center 36 Aloft Hotel 38 Four Points by Sheraton

41

country weddings

42 Maclay Gardens 44 Golden Eagle 46 Honey Lake Plantation

TERRI SMITH PHOTO (top) and MARI DARR~WELCH (bottom)

On the Cover

For our inaugural issue, we fell in love with this bride’s sultry style. The attractive couple gracing our cover had a vintageinspired dream wedding at Eden Gardens State Park, located in sunny Santa Rosa Beach. This image was captured by the talented folks at Pure 7 Studios.

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making it happen

52 Dream Gowns 56 John Gandy Events

60 Bistro Bijoux 64 Nicholas Air 66 Maharaja’s 68 Sunset Lifestyles 70 Andrew’s Catering/ Andrew’s 228 NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS 2014

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from the editor

Falling in Love in (and with) Northwest Florida

scott holstein photography

I was beyond thrilled when my publisher, Brian Rowland, approached me and asked me to work on the inaugural issue of Northwest Florida Weddings. For me, this region, with its rolling hills, majestic oaks and pure white, sugar-sand beaches, will always symbolize love. I count it among my many blessings that I now get to share that love with all of you.

There’s something I should come clean about, however. I am not actually from Northwest Florida. I found my home in Tallahassee much by accident — or maybe grand design, if you’re so inclined to believe — in the summer of 2011 when I relocated to Florida’s capital city to finish up my bachelor’s degree, and (most undeniably) to follow a boy.

As it turns out, it may have been the best decision I have ever made.

Over the past several years, I have repeatedly been moved by the genuine goodwill of this area’s friendly inhabitants and the deep-rooted devotion they hold to the land. If you stick around for a while, you’ll see that their loyalty comes as no real surprise; it’s easy to fall in love with the natural wonders seen throughout this region. Our diverse topography effortlessly lends itself to a variety of backdrops, from coast to city to country. And each has its own immense allure when it comes to matters of the heart.

To help you navigate through the magazine, take note of the different areas of interest we’ve laid out. For this issue, we wanted to represent three of Northwest Florida’s iconic settings — the coast, city and country. Toward the back of the book, we assembled the most talented vendors and service providers in the region in our “Making it Happen” section. Sprinkled throughout, you’ll also find bits of inspiration.

Having your wedding here would be the experience of a lifetime. Trust me. As a girl of a certain age, with certain (sparkling) things on her mind, I wouldn’t steer you wrong.

Speaking of which, I did mention something about a boy, didn’t I? And this is a wedding magazine. Sean and I frequent many of the locales featured in this issue. Whether it’s been a romantic stroll, an afternoon picnic with our pups or a candlelit dinner for two, we’ve delighted in every delicious second of our lives together in this enchanting region of the American South.

As you flip through these carefully coordinated pages, try to envision yourself in each shot. It shouldn’t be too difficult. For this publication, we’ve teamed up with the best and brightest photographers in the region to bring you real photos of real weddings. To learn more about each of the artists, please check out our contributors’ section, located on page 14.

If you’re a local, I hope you too feel the same admiration I do for this spectacular area. If you aren’t, I hope one day you’re fortunate enough to experience all the light and love Northwest Florida has to offer.

Happy wedding planning! We’ll be seeing you.

Yours,

Chay D. Baxley 12 2014

NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS

President/Publisher

Brian E. Rowland

EDITORIAL Director of Editorial Services Linda Kleindienst Editor Chay D. Baxley Prepress Specialist Melinda Lanigan CREATIVE Creative Director Lawrence Davidson Production Manager/ Network Administrator Daniel Vitter Designer Jennifer Ekrut Advertising Designers Jillian Fry, Monica Perez SALES AND MARKETING Marketing and Sales Manager Mckenzie Burleigh Director of New Business Daniel Parisi Traffic Coordinator Lisa Sostre Account Executives Drew Gregg Westling, Darla Harrison Tim Hughes, Lori Magee, Tracy Mulligan Rhonda Lynn Murray, Linda Powell Paula Sconiers, Chuck Simpson, Chris St. John Marketing and Sales Assistant Derika Crowley Special Projects and Events Special Projects and Events Coordinator Lynda Belcher OPERATIONS Administrative Services Manager Melissa Tease Accounting Specialists Josh Faulds, Tabby Hamilton WEB Social Media/ Systems Management Specialist Carlin Trammel Northwest Florida Weddings Magazine is published annually by Rowland Publishing, Inc. 1932 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. 850/8780554. Northwest Florida Weddings Magazine and Rowland Publishing, Inc. are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. Editorial contributions are welcomed and encouraged but will not be returned. Northwest Florida Weddings Magazine reserves the right to publish any letters to the editor. Copyright January 2014 Northwest Florida Weddings Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Partners of Visit Tallahassee and Member, Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and Florida Magazine Association.

NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS 2014

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contributing photographers

ALENA BAKUTIS PHOTOGRAPHY “As a professional wedding photographer serving Florida’s Panhandle and a member of Professional Photographers of America, my passion is to capture the most important moments of your life. I would love to shoot your love story with the person of your dreams — everything from the magical first kiss to the intimacy of the first dance at your wedding.”

ALLIE HINE Allie Hine is a 19-yearold photographer from Panama City Beach.

She currently resides in Atlanta where she is studying photography.

At the age of 13, Allie developed a passion for capturing the world around her and has channeled that love into her engagement, lifestyle and fashion photography.

BLACK & HUE PHOTOGRAPHY Bryan and Kelly Honhart are a husband and wife wedding photography team that launched in 2011 and quickly attracted national attention. With a modern 14 2014

photojournalistic approach, Bryan tries to pull creativity from his past as a professional touring musician. Incorporating a laid-back approach, their brides and grooms always become their great friends by the end of the wedding day.

BRITTNAY THERESE PHOTOGRAPHY Brittnay Dawson, owner of Brittnay Therese Photography, is a young and ambitious photographer and makeup artist with a unique way of capturing raw emotion in dynamic, powerful images. Specializing in bridal and model portfolios, she combines her love for people, beauty and fashion into a very personal and distinct style.

DEAR WESLEYANN For a girl who craves creativity, lives for laughter, is a lover of light and believes in all things beautiful … the hearts and smiles of each couple radiate through Wesleyann’s captivating imagery. Dear Wesleyann is a destination wedding photographer who calls the Florida Panhandle “home.”

ETHERIDGE IMAGES Logan and Kristen Etheridge are a husband and wife duo with a passion for light, love and laughter. “We strive to capture photos that radiate the joy in each of our clients and tell their beautiful story. Please visit our website at etheridgeimages.com for more information.”

NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS

JAcqueline Ward ImAges With a background and education in the fine arts, acclaimed photographer Jacqueline Ward captures the everyday moment.

She resides in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. with her husband and three young children.

HELLo MISS LOVELY “I’m Autumn, a wedding and portrait photographer in Northwest Florida. I am not your ordinary wedding photographer; my concept of shooting is about capturing the relationship between two people … the laughter, the tears, the emotions. I believe that even closed eyes can speak to the soul, which is why I focus on creating stunning imagery that moves you.”

JAN ETHRIDGE PHOTOGRAPHY “Being a Florida Panhandle native, I have a little white beach sand and emerald green Gulf water in my veins. I never take for granted the breathtaking backdrop of these gorgeous beaches and moss-draped trees that result in the most spectacular wedding shots. My philosophy is to translate the joy and love of a wedding day into stunning photography.”

J&J Weddings

CALLIE GARDINER PHOTOGRAPHY “Amazing photos.”

“Adapted to our style.”

“Very calming.” “Our family LOVED her.” “Photo booth was a BLAST.” These are client quotes from renowned Florida Panhandle photographer Callie Gardiner. See the quality for yourself at CallieGardiner.com.

beach and glamour/ boudoir portraits as well as commercial photography. A unique combination of vintage flair with modern fashion makes these two stand out in a local market saturated with hundreds of photographers.

Check them out at gwynemarkphotography. com.

GWYNEMARK PHOTOGRAPHY Gwyne and Mark are a husband and wife wedding and portrait photography team based in Santa Rosa Beach. With 14 years of professional experience, GwyneMark Photography offers wedding, family

This dazzling duo shares a passion for expansion and the talent to make it happen. Combining Jennifer Powell Photography and Jenna Reichert Photography to make j&j weddings proved that not only are they talented in capturing wondrous wedding moments, but that they were gifted with the power to bring life to the moments as well.

JUBILEE PHOTOGRAPHY A Louisiana native, Amanda Eubank relocated to the Emerald Coast six years ago and is now the owner of Jubilee Photography. Amanda is a proud member of the Northwest section of Florida Professional Photographers and

provides volunteer photographic services to many in the community.

See jubileephotography. com for more details.

fleeting moments in a style she calls modern photojournalism. Her work has appeared in books and magazines around the world, and she is available for worldwide travel. Mari is the owner of Mari Darr~Welch: Modern Photojournalist.

Florida through his lens on assignments as staff photographer for EC, Tallahassee and 850 magazines.

VIZULIZ photography RED STONE PHOTOGRAPHY

KAY MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY With a passion for life and a talent for photography, Kay Meyer of Tallahassee creates collections of images that capture the story of life’s most significant moments. Her vocation, she says, is a “blessing” that allows her to share special days with clients throughout the Southeast.

KELLY HARDEE PHOTOGRAPHY Kelly Hardee Photography is vintage-inspired storytelling through the art of photography. “I love capturing the beauty and love of life through photography, both film and digital. I’m based out of Nashville but love to travel.” Check kellyhardeephotography. blogspot.com for pricing or other inquiries.

MARI DARR~WELCH Mari is a fun-loving photographer who documents real emotions while creating stunning art from your candid,

OLIMB PHOTOGRAPHY Olimb Photography is based in the Florida Panhandle with the belief that photography should be firmly rooted in Christ-centered, heart-filling love. “I strive to bring a modern feel to a classic image. Like all photographers, I want my photos to stand the test of time, for them to hang on walls or sit in books on coffee tables and shelves for future generations to see.”

Alexis Rubenstein of Red Stone Photography currently lives and works on the Emerald Coast in Navarre, Fla. She photographs weddings and portraits and has seen her work published in many magazines, blogs, advertising campaigns and books. She loves to mentor new photographers and has been fortunate to photograph beautiful weddings all over the U.S., as well as in Japan, Thailand and Greece.

Scott Holstein Photography PURE 7 studios Pure 7 Studios specializes in nostalgic, sentimental wedding photography. Their work has been described as vintage-inspired, joyful and timeless.

Using a combination of film and digital cameras, their goal is to create images that will evoke an emotional reaction.

They invest their spirit, creativity and skill into every wedding, desiring to give their clients images worthy of passing on to future generations.

Holstein graduated from Gardner-Webb University in N.C. and began his career as assistant to famed National Geographic photographer Joe McNally, working in NYC and other high-profile locations. His portfolio at scottholsteinphoto. com includes work for nationally acclaimed publications such as the New York Times, National Geographic Adventure, Delta Sky and Golf World.

An avid outdoorsman from Central Florida, Holstein enjoys getting to know Northwest

SONJA REVELLs PHOTOGRAPHY “When I was 21 years old, I began working as a news photographer for a small daily paper, and over the years I developed my talent as a photojournalist, covering any type of assignment imaginable.

As a photojournalist, I learned how to capture a story from start to end through photographs, without posing my subjects — a skill I use while photographing weddings.”

TERRI SMITH PHOTO Terri Smith, photographer, graduated with two degrees from Florida State University’s College of Business.

While pursuing these degrees, she also enrolled in photography classes to keep her sanity. After graduation, she went on to work for a software company but continued her love of capturing a great image. She realized photography was her calling and went full time shortly thereafter.

“We are friends in Tallahassee who share a passion for photography, so we formed Vizuliz in March 2012 in order to share that passion. We enjoy working closely with our clients so that our creativity, combined with their inspiration, results in personalized treasured moments. We don’t just take pictures, we capture feelings.”

WOODLAND FIELDS PHOTOGRAPHY Catherine Taylor’s inspirations come from so many different places. She blends photojournalism and portrait photography, calling it portraitjournalism. She chooses locations carefully, and during your portraits she strives to find romantic lighting and incredible backgrounds — never posing situations that are already magical.

For contact information, please see page 82.

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from coast to city to country

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NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS

The Coast is Calling.

The glowing sunset. The glistening water. The crisp, salt-kissed air.

If you’re looking for a memorable start to your life together, you might just find it on the shores of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Life and love here are about more than just having the freedom to feel the sand between your toes as you say “I do,” it’s about enjoying all the natural beauty that surrounds you while being in the company of those who you truly treasure most.

OLIMB PHOTOGRAPHY

As you inch closer and closer to the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll start to feel the stress of the rest of the world disappear. Don’t be alarmed — it happens all the time. For a destination wedding, nothing can compare to the eclectic ambiance of the Emerald Coast.

from coast to city to country NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS 2014

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from coast to city to country

Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast is known for its eclectic personality, Southern charm and vibrant local flavors. As a signature Wyndham Vacation Rentals destination, Gulf Place offers all this and more. An all-inclusive resort-style venue, Gulf Place is brimming with upscale amenities, impressive accommodations and natural beauty. Situated in an ideal locale on the elegant Santa Rosa Beach, this property offers an abundance of gorgeous backdrops to choose from. Celebrate life and love under twinkling lights in a grassy enclave or by the sheen of a glowing sun, surrounded by the wide-open views of emerald waters. Photos by Pure 7 studios

Wyndham Vacation Rentals – gulf place

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WYNDHAM VACATION RENTALS Red Stone PHOTOgraphy

Red Stone PHOTOgraphy

Red Stone PHOTOgraphy

from coast to city to country

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NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS

Red Stone PHOTOgraphy

Callie Gardiner photoraphy

Sometimes the road less traveled is the most alluring. If coastal tranquility sounds enticing, Tops’l’s secluded location is well suited for a laidback soirée. Feel the sand between your toes as you cozy up to family, friends and, of course, your betrothed. Guests will have the luxury of staying onsite and the pleasure of experiencing this unique region in its natural state. Life is simpler — sweeter — when you let the experts of this award-winning venue take the reins. Photos by Red Stone PHOTOgraphy and Callie Gardiner Photography

Wyndham Vacation Rentals – Tops'l

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WYNDHAM VACATION RENTALS

from coast to city to country

There’s something to be said for the couple that wants to be in the center of it all. If a prestigious address and pleasing vistas are at the top of your must-have list, SunDestin’s breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and proximity to the hustle and bustle of downtown Destin are sure to inspire an enchanting affair. Here, attendees will have limitless possibilities when it comes to leisurely exploration, while the bridal party experiences the finest of pre-nuptial amenities. Photos by Jan Ethridge photography

Wyndham Vacation Rentals – sundestin

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from coast to city to country

The natural beauty of the Emerald Coast in Destin is like no other. Imagine cruising into the sunset as you say “I do” on the SOLARIS sky deck. Your guests will enjoy the forever-changing, unobstructed views and the warm, coastal breezes. Now that you are husband and wife, look out and toast your guests under the moon and stars. This is where amazing is unforgettable. Photos by Jacqueline Ward Images

sunquest cruises

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from coast to city to country

Your SunQuest wedding experience starts at the time of booking. You will work closely with your in-house wedding planner to pick the right colors, décor and unique touches to make your day the way you dreamed it would be. Your planner will guide you through incredible menus featuring the Gulf Coast’s freshest ingredients that our award-winning culinary team uses to create “art for the palate.” When the big day arrives you will not be alone. Your planner will be there to ensure all the details come together to make your day perfect. Photos by Pure 7 studios

sunquest cruises

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from coast to city to country

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The yacht SOLARIS is 125 feet of elegance, featuring rich mahoganies and granite throughout the 5,300 sqare feet of passenger space. Accommodating up to 150 guests, the yacht is the perfect canvas for traditional and modern themes. The SOLARIS was designed with weddings in mind. The private bridal dressing suite on the second deck is where you relax, dress and sip champagne while preparing for the moment you’ve both been waiting for all your lives. Photos by Alena Bakutis photography

sunquest cruises

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OLIMB PHOTOGRAPHY OLIMB PHOTOGRAPHY

MARI DARR~WELCH

OLIMB PHOTOGRAPHY

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SONJA REVELLS PHOTOGRAPHY

SONJA REVELLS PHOTOGRAPHY

Set against sugar-white beaches, emerald-green waters and breathtaking vistas sits the Hilton Sandestin.

In addition to the pristine beaches, this venue also features two spacious, recently renovated indoor ballrooms along with multiple smaller rooms and a perfectly situated sundeck. Possibilities are endless as receptions, ceremonies, private meals or farewell brunches of all shapes and sizes will find an ideal setting within the many venues offered by the resort. Whether your dream wedding embodies a true destination experience or a more traditional approach, there is no desire too intimate, no request too grand, for the skilled professionals of Hilton Sandestin to bring to life. Photos by Mari Darr~Welch, Olimb Photography and Sonja Revells Photography

hilton sandestin

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from coast to city to country

While the gentlemen take in a round at the resort’s award-winning onsite golf courses, the ladies can unwind by pampering themselves at Serenity by the sea Spa — voted the Best of the Emerald Coast for a 10th consecutive year. Your family and guests can enjoy nearby shopping, take shuttles to resort activities or enroll the children in a day of fun with the resort’s “Kids Krew.” With so much to do all in one place, everyone can enjoy their own preferred indulgences while you and your betrothed sneak away to enjoy your own private sunset. Photos by Olimb Photography

hilton sandestin

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ALENA BAKUTIS PHOTOGRAPHY CALLIE GARDINER PHOTOGRAPHY

Family Matters Our families make us who we are.

Incorporating yours into your wedding day is the perfect way to say “I love you” when words simply aren’t enough.

Whether you want to coordinate a tribute to loved ones who have passed or plan to bring in carefully thought out design elements that tell the tale of your family’s heritage, don’t be afraid to ask for a little help. It takes a village.

Photos by MARI DARR~WELCH, Alena Bakutis photography & Callie Gardiner photography

getting inspired

MARI~DARR WELCH

family

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+

elegant creative unique d istinctive info@klassickatering.com | klassic-katering.com 850.894.0423 | 850.509.5005 (mobile) 32 2014

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Sophistication at its Finest.

Culture.

Charisma. And a little neFinest. sais quoi.”

Sophistication at “je its Modern romance the“je heart andquoi.” soul of Culture.

Charisma.

Andisa at little ne sais every city-based wedding in Northwest Florida.

Modern romance is at the heart and soul of every citySee your love story unfold as the brusque, based wedding in Northwest Florida. See your love sharp lines of the city scene are immediately story unfold as the brusque, sharp lines of the city softened by the smooth, twinkling glow of a scene are immediately softened by the smooth, candlelit celebration. Upscale amenities and twinkling glow of a candlelit celebration. Upscale adventures abound in this diverse melting amenities and adventures abound in this diverse pot. Bordering an alluring blend of museums, melting pot. Bordering an alluring blend of world-class restaurants, exciting nightlife and museums, world-class restaurants, exciting an array of entertainment options, this sleek, nightlife and an array of entertainment urban backdrop is impossibly intertwined options, this sleek, urban backdrop is with its southern heritage. Here, there’s no intertwined with its Southern heritage. Here, need to forfeit your appreciation of grace there’s no need to forfeit your appreciation to your devotion to clean, crisp style and of grace to your devotion to clean, crisp style avant-garde architecture. and avant-garde architecture.

The city vista is polished, cultured and The city vista is polished, cultured and vivacious — just like the couples that choose vivacious — just like the couples that to call it theirs. choose to call it their own.

KAY MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY

This photograph was taken at the Florida State University Alumni Center. For more details, see pages 34 and 35.

from coast to city to country from coast to city to country NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS 2014

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KAY MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY

J&J WEDDINGS

J&J WEDDINGS

KAY MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY

KAY MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY

from coast to city to country

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KAY MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY

KAY MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY

FSU ALUMNI CENTER J&J WEDDINGS

Adjacent to Florida State’s campus, under a lush, fragrant canopy of blooming magnolias and live oaks, sits the Alumni Center. Teeming with charm, this property presents the perfect opportunity to have a fresh, outdoor-inspired wedding in the heart of Tallahassee. A beautiful backdrop for rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies and receptions, the Alumni Center’s classic design blends well with any wedding motif. For indoor events, the ballroom’s light and airy ambiance is unparalleled.

As an affiliate of Andrew’s Catering, one of Tallahassee’s premier catering services, dining patrons will be treated to the highest quality in artistic cuisine. In other words, it’s the total package. Photos by J&J WEDDINGS and KAY MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY

fsu alumni center

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from coast to city to country

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Sustaining a sleek, modern vibe throughout your wedding weekend can create a cohesive atmosphere for you and your guests, seamlessly intertwining one festive event into the next. If you’re planning a city-based soirée, Aloft Hotel is located in the heart of Tallahassee, nestled between many of the most desirable Downtown and Midtown locales. Its convenient setting, combined with this fresh and exciting hotel’s 160-plus rooms, makes it the ideal spot for out-of-town guests to rest their heads. Aloft’s expansive property also presents the opportunity to host a completely personalized rehearsal dinner or welcome reception, held in the ultraposh W XYZ Lounge, just steps away from the hotel’s impeccable overnight accommodations. Photos COURTESY ALOFT HOTEL

aloft hotel

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lewis JOHNSON photography

lewis JOHNSON photography

from coast to city to country

Located in the city center, just steps from downtown Tallahassee and Florida State University, sits this brilliant sapphire landmark. As Tallahassee’s newest luxury hotel, Four Points by Sheraton has made every effort to make Florida’s capital city a more eco-friendly destination. Here, you and your guests will enjoy the delicious convenience of onsite catering in the resort’s ballroom by night and then be able to dive into the cool, crisp pool by day. With more than 150 rooms that are the finest in accommodations, your entire guest list is welcome to join in on the fun. Photos by lewis johnson photography and COURTESY FOUR

four points by sheraton

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Where Dreams Take Flight WEDDING CEREMONIES & RECEPTIONS

| REHEARSAL DINNERS | BRIDESMAIDS LUNCHEONS

3700 G OLDEN E AGLE D RIVE , T ALLAHASSEE , F LORIDA | 850.893.7700 | 40 2014

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GOLDENEAGLECC . ORG

A Country Escape.

Elegant estates lined with giant oaks.

Vibrant, fragrant gardens. Lush, rolling hills.

Pure 7 studios

Wandering through the countryside of Northwest Florida is like taking a trip back in time. The land itself exudes Old World romance at every turn. Awe-inspiring venues emerge from the deep, jeweltoned hues of nature. Here, you’ll have the luxury of deciding between an intimate, secret garden-inspired ceremony and an impressive, plantation-style soirée. Modern styles derived from rustic charm, Frenchcountry heritage and vintage designs are perfectly aligned with these breathtaking backdrops. Embracing a strong allegiance to natural beauty and understated elegance, Northwest Florida’s spectacular country landscapes offer couples a timeless scene to fit with the most enchanting of love affairs.

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VIZULIZ PHOTOGRAPHY

TERRI SMITH PHOTO

FAIRYTALES WEDDING & SPECIAL EVENT SERVICES

from coast to city to country

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TERRI SMITH PHOTO

TERRI SMITH PHOTO TERRI SMITH PHOTO

These lush and elegantly manicured grounds are as rich in history as they are in the jeweled hues of the hundreds of azaleas that burst into color each spring. With its pristine natural backdrop, crystal-clear reflection pools and charming cottages, intimacy and relaxation are the true foundation of this venue. Guests have room to roam and plenty to discover. For evening events, the grounds are highlighted with landscape lighting, offering a dramatic effect. For rental reservations, Fairytales Wedding & Special Event Services can arrange all the details. Photos by TERRI SMITH PHOTO and VIZULIZ PHOTOGRAPHY

MACLAY GARDENS

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from coast to city to country

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Golden Eagle’s impressive country club venue is the perfect setting for a classically inspired celebration. After exchanging vows lakefront in the open air or under the shade of majestic pines, relax inside with family and friends as the staff of this all-inclusive venue serves up culinary delights. Located in the northern corridor of Tallahassee, these manicured grounds combined with the club’s traditional architecture create an easily personalized, elegant scene worthy of the entire day’s activities. Photos by Michelle Griggs

golden eagle country club

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from coast to city to country

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The old saying has it right; beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. If the natural quality of untouched, Southern countryside is what defines beauty to you, then Honey Lake Plantation Resort & Spa, located in small-town Greenville, is something you simply can’t afford to miss. Surrounded by 4,700 acres of lush land, including an 80-acre spring-fed private lake, the resort at Honey Lake represents tranquility at its finest. The romantic, rustic atmosphere that characterizes this unique property has been delicately incorporated in all its finishing touches, including the enchanting antique stained-glass windows illuminating the chapels walls. Photos COURTESY HONEY LAKE PLANTATION

honey lake planatation

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from coast to city to country

At Honey Lake, skilled professionals expertly coordinate everything from the rehearsal dinner to Sunday’s brunch. Guests can reserve any of the 34 onsite overnight accommodations, including many cottages with multiple bedrooms, making this venue the ideal location for a destination wedding. With its succulent, Southern onsite catering and plenty of outdoor activities for the fellows, it’s hard to believe this classic country retreat is less than 45 minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown Tallahassee. Photos by J&J WEDDINGS

honey lake planatation

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HONEY LAKE PLANTATION PURE 7 STUDIOS

Back to Nature Fresh is always alluring. If you’re feeling a tad uninspired, take a cue from nature by streamlining your ceremony to the bare essentials. Combine newly cut flowers with a lush yet simple color palette to help blend the scene seamlessly. If an outdoor ceremony is out of the question, consider bringing nature inside. For an earthy, coastal celebration, try filling mason jars with sand and flickering candlelight for a relaxed glow.

Photos by Jan Ethridge photography, Pure 7 Studios and COURTESY HONEY LAKE PLANTATION

JAN ETHRIDGE PHOTOGRAPHY

getting inspired

nature

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It’s All in the Details.

A carefree, whirlwind romance may have led you to this moment, but if you’re in search of the perfect wedding, the pace of your life is about to pick up. There are the invitations to think of, venue choices, floral arrangements and bridal gifts.

Not to mention finding the most delicious caterer, a rocking band, and, of course, the dress.

In this land of perpetual wedding planning, research is key. Finding trustworthy vendors will make this process soar by.

Truth is, your wedding is more than just the sum of its parts.

When fate brings you vendors who understand that, and are as eager about the big day as you, then the stars have truly aligned.

MARI DARR~WELCH

In Northwest Florida, we know who’s who. Let us point you in the right direction.

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DeAR WESLEYANN HELLO MISS LOVELY

HELLO MISS LOVELY DeAR WESLEYANN

making it happen

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HELLO MISS LOVELY

ETHERIDGE IMAGES

After the vows are exchanged and the cake is sliced, there are only three tangible and enduring objects you’ll be able to take with you as a memento of your special day — the photographs, the rings and your dress. In years to come, these items will become tokens of love to you and your family. At Dream Gowns, located in sunny Panama City, they’re skilled in selecting timeless silhouettes for brides and bridesmaids that complement the individual, instead of blindly adhering to fleeting trends. With a blend of lace and grace, Dream Gowns has put at ease the minds of beautiful brides everywhere, one gleaming frock at a time. Photos by Dear Wesleyann,

dream gowns

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HELLO MISS LOVELY

ETHERIDGE IMAGES

DeAR WESLEYANN

ETHERIDGE IMAGES

HELLO MISS LOVELY

DeAR WESLEYANN

making it happen

DeAR WESLEYANN

Across Florida’s colorful Panhandle, Dream Gowns has become the stuff of local legend for fusing the beloved, personal touch found in petite shops with the versatility of big city vendors. Whilst there, indulge in designers like Mori Lee, Maggie Sottero, Allure and innumerable others. The staff’s eye for fit and flair and the vastness of their collection — with over 1,500 gowns to choose from — lands Dream Gowns in a league that is very much all its own. Photos by Dear Wesleyann, Etheridge Images and

dream gowns

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making it happen

Attention to detail is what makes an already special wedding day truly magical. With an undeniable flair for bringing romance to life, John Gandy Events is perfectly poised to coordinate all of your matrimonial activities — leaving you free to delight in the day’s loving festivities completely worry free. Whether you’re aiming for rustic chic, Southern elegance or coastal charm, Gandy’s dedication to authentic style is unprecedented and his knowledge of a constantly evolving industry is utterly unmatched. Photos bY WOODLAND FIELDS PHOTOGRAPHY

john gandy events

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From lighting to seating and signage to silverware, every aspect of your wedding day warrants thought and care. Lucky for you, there’s already someone out there who has all the answers — John Gandy Events. Gandy’s team has curated thousands of hand-picked design elements from which to choose. With their eye for style and on-trend mindset, you’ll be sure to find exactly what you’re searching for, ensuring a beautiful, memorable day for not only you, but for your guests, too.

john gandy events

Photos by Black & Hue Photography

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making it happen

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MARI DARR~WELCH MARI DARR~WELCH

GWYNEMARKL PHOTOGRAPHY

JUBILEE PHOTOGRAPHY

BRITTNAY THERESE PHOTOGRAPHY (OPPOSITE PAGE)

GWYNEMARK PHOTOGRAPHY

MARI DARR~WELCH

making it happen

In the heart of Sandestin sits Bistro Bijoux, a deliciously upscale dining and catering option. Bite after succulent bite, this coastal haven has garnered the ringing endorsement of local gourmets by pairing Southern hospitality with fine French cuisine in a tasteful setting. Now, Bistro Bijoux is bringing an extensive knowledge and a dedication to fresh, coastal cuisine off-site for receptions and events. Couples can seamlessly merge the mouthwatering aromatics of diligently crafted platters, artisan hors d’oeuvres and entrées with their special day. Photos by Brittnay Therese Photography, GWYNEMARK PHOTOGRAPHY, JUBILEE PHOTOGRAPHY

bistro bijoux

and MARI DARR~WELCH NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS 2014

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A highly versatile venue, this restaurant is a perfect setting for a private reception or a buzzing rehearsal dinner.

Flush with both indoor and outdoor seating, Bistro Bijoux can accommodate up to 150 guests comfortably and is also well suited for a more intimate guest list. Cozied within the restaurant’s private yet elegant walls, friends can indulge in decadent seafood flavors, like the unique combination of oysters and brie or crawfish and corn beignets, and savor the Bistro’s assortment of exceptional French wine.

bistro bijoux

Photos by kelly hardee photography and brittnay therese photography

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BRITTNAY THERESE PHOTOGRAPHY

kelly hardee photography

kelly hardee photography

kelly hardee photography

making it happen

MARI~DARR WELCH BRITTNAY THERESE PHOTOGRAPHY

A Flair for Vintage Nostalgia is a powerful thing.

Incorporating hints of historical touches [think Gatsby-esque] into a ceremony can lend a rich yet effortless ambiance to the festivities. Vibrant red lipstick, a delicate lace veil, muted dusty hues, softly pinned curls, smooth twinkling lights — subtle and enduring, these vintage inspired designs add a touch of luxury and elegance to an already memorable affair.

Photos by Pure 7 Studios, MARI DARR~WELCH and Brittnay Therese Photography

getting inspired

PURE 7 STUDIOS

history

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making it happen

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Imagine the exhilaration of slicing through a cobalt sky in pure, polished luxury. When time is of the essence, Nicholas Air’s services are a reliable alternative to the bustling atmosphere at big city airports and the sometimes unpredictable schedules of commercial airlines. With Nicholas Air, you will have access to a fleet that is five years or newer and the ability to use three different aircraft types. Whether they’re whisking away newlyweds to a romantic location or ensuring guests arrive on time, Nicholas Air’s elite jet service is renowned for providing quality transportation in a relaxed setting. Photos COURTESY NICHOLAS AIR

nicholas air

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COURTESY KRISTIE MCLANE

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COURTESY KRISTIE MCLANE

ALLIE HINE PHOTOGRAPHY

COURTESY KRISTIE MCLANE

making it happen

Maharaja's has been dazzling brides since 1977 with romantic, classical-inspired jewelry. Your life together officially starts when you slip on those two bands — so make sure they're the right ones. Equipped with expert advice and a vast selection, including designers like Henri Daussi, Hearts on Fire and Forevermark to name a few, this versatile jeweler is the suitable choice for any anxious groom-to-be. Photos BY ALLIE HINE photography AND COURTESY KRISTIE MCLANE

maharaja's

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SCOTT HOLSTEIN photography

SCOTT HOLSTEIN photography

making it happen

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SCOTT HOLSTEIN photography

The modern couple isn’t bound by tradition. It’s important to remember that your wedding day is your special day. Let your personality shine through by selecting tasteful items that represent something special to you and your fiancé. Sunset Shoes offers an array of footwear and clothing that can help you enjoy this fun, once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Looking forward to a laidback picturesque ceremony on the beach? Feel the sand between your toes in glistening flip-flops. Is a grassroots, countryside soirée more your scene? Cowboy boots it is, then. And don’t forget about the honeymoon, where you’ll need plenty of comfortable, yet stylish, options to choose from. Photos by scott holstein photography and COURTESY SUNSET LIFESTYLES

sunset Lifestyles

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ANDREW'S CATERING

Restaurateur Andy Reiss’ mouthwatering menus have been a hallmark in downtown Tallahassee for over 40 years. Bringing decades of culinary experience to Andrew’s Catering, Andy and his professional staff are constantly developing new and exciting menus that seamlessly fuse the richness of flavor and texture to complement the overall spirit of any event.

With a fulltime event planner and catering director on staff, the Andrew’s team will make sure every detail of the big day is planned and executed to perfection. As a full-service caterer serving North Florida, Andrew’s Catering is well versed in handling any size group and menu style, from fun, casual finger fare to gourmet plated dinners served with élan. Photos by J&J WEDDINGS and courtesy andrew's catering

andrew’s catering

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ANDREW'S CATERING

ANDREW'S CATERING

ANDREW'S CATERING

J & J WEDDINGS

ANDREW'S CATERING

making it happen

Nestled in the shadows of Florida’s Capitol sits Andrew’s 228, an avant-garde dining option with a tasteful, metro vibe. Perfect for rehearsal dinners and small receptions — and, when you need to sneak away, a romantic dinner for two — this venue specializes in Modern Southern Cuisine. Designed to accentuate intimate conversation, Andrew’s 228 offers several dining areas that allow private events to enjoy the celebration at hand. Cheers. Photos COURTESY ANDREW’S 228

andrew’s 228

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“Before my experience with Dr. Rainey and his team, I didn’t have the confidence to smile. I am thrilled that I gave a real genuine smile on my wedding day.”

–Annette Broome Papp

221 E. 7th Avenue • Tallahassee, Florida 32303 850.385.3700 • www.DrRainey.com 72 2014

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making it happen

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Our atmosphere of tranquility and relaxation will help you to de-stress, re-energize and create balance in your life.

2709 Killarney Way | Tallahassee, Florida 850.893.9944 | sagespatallahassee.com License# MM10684

Bridal Registry • Gifts Wine • Furniture • Table Top Linens • Lamps • Fine Art Design Consultation • Shipping Available

Create your own oasis and surround yyourself with what you

Love

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Distinctive, Timeless, Coastal Elegance for the Home 542 Harrison Avenue | Historic Downtown Panama City, FL 850.215.7542 | AvenueSea.com | avenueseapc@knology.net

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BEST ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

THE SOUTHWOOD HOUSE AN EXTRAORDINARY SETTING FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY! Offering expansive amenities without sacrificing intimacy. We would love to share with you how our facilities, caring attitude and attention to detail align with your dreams.

3750 Grove Park Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32311 • 850.942. GOLF (4653) • southwoodgolf.com

Tallahassee’s Gathering Place for…

Beautiful Weddings & Great Events!

9002 Bradley Rd • Tallahassee, FL 32309 850-561-6328 • Fax: 850-224-0993

www.BradleysPond.com 76 2014

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The GFWC Woman’s Club of Tallahassee has hosted memorable events for over 100 years.

Receive a discount when booking both a Friday night rehearsal dinner and Saturday wedding.

1513 Cristobal Drive · 850-224-0825 · gfwcwomanscluboftallahassee.org

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making it happen

The newest wedding & event venue on Scenic 30A 61 Topsail Village Drive | Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 850.499.2652 | thecelebrationhall@gmail.com | thecelebrationhall.com

Built on the 1911 foundation of historic Goodwood Plantation’s original carriage house and stables, this new building — surrounded by brick terraces and walkways — is the perfect venue for your picturesque Tallahassee wedding.

1600 Miccosukee Road · 850-877-4202 · goodwoodmuseum.org 78 2014

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Fairytale Wedding FOR THE FRUGAL BRIDE

Fairytales

Wedding & Special Event Services

WEDDING & EVENT PLANNING • COORDINATING C E R E M O N Y D I R E C T O R S • PA R T Y R E N TA L S & S U P P L I E S White Marquee Tents | Round & Cocktail Tables | White Resin Chairs | Dance Floors Patio Heaters | White Grecian Columns | White Wedding Arches | Linens & Dishware Glassware & Barware | Champagne Fountains

(850) 524-1661 • Fair ytaleServices.com NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS 2014

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pure7films.com | info@pure7films.com | 850.654.6523

Dreaming of the perfect venue?

S

t. George Island is the perfect atmosphere for a beachside wedding.

Quiet and uncrowded, you’ll fall in love with all the island has to offer.

At Collins Vacation Rentals, we have been helping our guests enjoy amazing vacations and fabulous events for 40 years.

Romantic Destination

BEACH OR GARDEN WEDDING PACKAGE $999 23 Luxurious Suites • 6 Romantic Jacuzzi Suites Beach House • Complimentary Wedding Planner, Breakfast, Champagne-Wine, Beach Chairs, Bicycles

Visit us online at www.collinsvacationrentals.com/w2014 or call 877-271-2438

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St. George Island • Apalachicola 850.653.9199 • coombshouseinn.com

We don’t follow the trends, we create them!

Fresh Floral Creations · Event Design · Decor + Rentals At L a st F l o ra l s . c o m · 8 5 0. 51 9. 23 0 5

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resource guide Advertiser Index Aloft Tallahassee Downtown �������������������������������p.77 200 N. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32301 alofttallahassee.com, (850) 513-0313 Andrew’s Catering ����������������������������������������������������p. 8, 9 228 S. Adams St., Tallahassee, FL 32301 andrewsdowntown.com, (850) 222-3444 At Last Florals ������������������������������������������������������������������p. 81 51 Yellow Jacket Ave., Sopchoppy, FL 32358 atlastflorals.com, (850) 519-2305 Avenue Sea ������������������������������������������������������������������������� p. 74 542 Harrison Ave., Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 215-7542

John Gandy Events ������������������������������������������������������p. 13 3463 Garber Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32303 johngandyevents.com, (850) 570-5999 Klassic Katering �������������������������������������������������������������p. 32 2207 Bannerman Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312 klassickatering.com, (850) 894-0423 Maharaja’s �������������������������������������������������������������������������� p. 50 105 W 23rd St., Panama City, FL 32405 shopmaharajas.com, (850) 763-4224 Nicholas Air ����������������������������������������������������������������������� p. 16 P O Box 8889, Columbus, MS 39705 nicholasair.com, (866) 935-7771

B-Boy Productions �������������������������������������������������������p. 73 bboyproductions.com, (888) 825-0655

Palms of Destin, The ���������������������������������������������������p. 81 4201 Indian Bayou Trail, Destin, FL 32541 palmsofdestin.com, (850) 351-0500

Bistro Bijoux �������������������������������������������������������������������������p. 2 9100 Baytowne Blvd., Miramar Beach, FL 32550 bistrobijouxdestin.com, (850) 622-0760

Pure 7 Films ����������������������������������������������������������������������p. 80 pure7films.com, (877) 865-PURE (7873)

Celebration Hall ������������������������������������������������������������p. 78 61 Topsail Village Drive, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 thecelebrationhall.com, (850) 499-2652 Collins Vacations Rentals ������������������������������������ p. 80 60 East Gulf Beach Drive, Eastpoint, FL 32328 collinsvacationrentals.com, (850) 927-5469 Coombs Inn ����������������������������������������������������������������������� p. 80 80 Sixth St., Apalachicola, FL 32320 coombshouseinn.com, (850) 653-9199 Dream Gowns ���������������������������������������������������������������p. 6, 7 619 Hwy 231, Panama City, FL 32405 shopdreamgowns.com, (850) 248-4696 Fairytales Wedding & Special Events Services ������������������������������������������p. 79 P. O. Box 180306, Tallahassee, FL 32318 fairytaleservices.com, (850) 524-1661

Rainey, Russell B, DMD ��������������������������������������������p. 72 221 E 7th Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32303 drrainey.com, (850) 385-3700 Retreat At Bradley's Pond, The ������������������������p. 76 9002 Bradley Road, Tallahassee, FL 32309 bradleyspond.com, (850) 561-6328 Sage Spa ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� p. 74 2709-2 Killarney Way, Tallahassee, FL 32309 sagespatallahassee.com, (850) 893-9944 Southwood Golf Club ������������������������������������������������p. 76 3750 Grove Park Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32311 southwoodgolf.com, (850) 942-4653 Sunquest Cruises/Solaris ��������������������������������������p. 84 P. O. Box 6948, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 sunquestcruises.com, (850) 650-2519

Black & Hue Photography �����������������������������p. 58, 59 blackandhueproject.com Brittnay Therese Photography ������p. 60, 62, 63 brittnaytherese.com, (850) 461-6327 Callie Cardiner Photography ����������������������p. 21, 31 calliegardiner.com Dear Wesleyann ������������������������������������p. 52, 53, 54, 55 dearwesleyann.com, (850) 708-1250 Etheridge Images �����������������������������������������������������p. 53, 54 etheridge-images.com Gwynemark Photography ����������������������������������������p. 61 gwynemarkphotography.com, (850) 376-3066 Hello Miss Lovely ��������������������������������������������p. 52, 53, 54 hellomisslovely.com, (850) 774-3041 j&j weddings ���������������������������������������������p. 34, 35, 48, 70 jandjweddings.com, (850) 933-6033 Jacqueline Ward Images ��������������������������������������������p. 23 jacquelinewardimages.com, (850) 527-1205 Jan Ethridge Photography ���������������������������p. 22, 49 jcethridgephotography.com, (850) 758-0873 Jubilee Photography ��������������������������������������������������������p. 61 jubileephotography.com, (850) 459-7751 Kay Meyer Photography �����������������������p. 33, 34, 35 kaymeyerphotography.com, (850) 894-4529 Kelly Hardee Photography ���������������������������������������p. 62 kellyhardeephotography.blogspot.com, (336) 997-1525 Lewis Johnson Photography ��������������������������������p. 39 lejphotography.com, (850) 583-0040

Sunset Shoes ��������������������������������������������������������������������p. 83 9375 Hwy 98 W, Suite 3, Destin, FL 32550 sunsetshoesonline.net, (850) 837-5466

Mari Darr~Welch: Modern Photojournalist ���������p. 11, 28, 29, 31, 51, 61, 63 maridarrwelch.com, (850) 699-3403

FSU Alumni Center ����������������������������������p. 33, 34, 35 1030 W. Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304 one.fsu.edu/page.aspx?pid=702, (850) 644-2761

Vue on 30A ��������������������������������������������������������������������������p. 81 4801 W. Co. Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 vueon30a.com, (850) 267-2305

Olimb Photography ����������������������������p. 17, 28, 29, 30 olimbphotography.com

Golden Eagle ��������������������������������������������������������������������p. 40 3700 Golden Eagle Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32312 goldeneaglecc.org, (850) 893-7700

Woman's Club of Tallahassee ����������������������������p. 76 1513 Cristobal Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32303 womanscluboftallahassee.org, (850) 386-5966

Goodwood Museum & Gardens ����������������������p. 78 1600 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308 goodwoodmuseum.org, (850) 877-4202

Wyndham Vacation Rentals ����������������������������p. 4, 5 546 Mary Esther Cut-Off NW, Ste 3, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 nwflweddings.com, (888) 412-6408

Four Points By Sheraton Downtown ������������p. 75 316 W. Tennessee St., Tallahassee, FL 32301 fourpoints.com/Tallahassee, (850) 422-0071

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa ���������������������������������������������������p. 10 4000 Sandestin Blvd. S, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 sandestinbeachhilton.com, (850) 267-9604 Honey Lake Plantation/ Williamson Group Company ��������������������������������� p. 3 1290 NW Honey Lake Road, Greenville, FL 32331 honeylakeplantation.com, (850) 948-2309

82 2014

NORTHWEST FLORIDA WEDDINGS

Pure 7 Studios ������p. 1, 18, 19, 24, 25, 41, 49, 63 pure7studios.com, (877) 865-PURE (7873) Red Stone Photography ������������������������������������p. 20, 21 redstonephotos.com, (850) 585-5535 Scott Holstein Photography ��������������p. 12, 68, 69 scottholsteinphoto.com, (352) 476-3279 Sonja Revells Photography ��������������������������������������p. 29 sonyarevell.com, (415) 913-9597

Photographer Index

Terri Smith Photo ��������������������������������������������p. 11, 42, 43 terrismithphoto.com, (850) 321-5609

Alena Bakutis Photography �����������������p. 26, 27, 31 alenabakutis.com, (850) 778-5370

Vizuliz Photography ���������������������������������������������������������p. 42 vizuliz.com

Allie Hine Photography ������������������������������������������������p. 67 alliehine.com, (850) 319-2097

Woodland Fields Photography �����������������p. 56, 57 woodlandfieldsphotography.com, (850) 559-1095

THE MARKET SHOPS AT SANDESTIN Destin, Florida

HARBOR WALK VILLAGE Destin, Florida

DESTIN COMMONS Destin, Florida

STANDFORD STATION Panama City, Florida

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Des ti n , F L

Deal Estate

Photo by and rendering courtesy of Charlie Haas

Just listed

A Clean Slate

By Chay D. Baxley

Starting anew can promote creativity and efficiency in the workplace. If you’re in the market for a clean slate in bustling Panama City, this listing, located just off Jenks Avenue, is full of possibilities.

Currently a building shell with a coastal, New England exterior vibe, this 2,750-square-foot space’s future is open to interpretation. The property’s close proximity to neighboring health care facilities and hospitals could make it the ideal location for a physician’s office — but according to listing agent Charlie Haas of Counts Real Estate Group, that’s certainly not it’s only potential use.

“Any professional office user is a good fit there,” assured Haas.

The square footage is spread over two floors, with 2,250 square feet of usable office space at ground level and 500 of upstairs’ storage — all fully air-conditioned.

As part of an extensive office park, 1397 Jenks Ave. offers room for expansion and opportunities to customize. It’s being marketed as an individual listing and as a master planned professional office development with a price tag of $1 million. Four parcels, with 14 individual lots, are included in the sale.

“Jenks Crossing is offering the commercial real estate buyer a wide variety of buying options, from pre-built building sites to vacant lots, or vacant lot combinations that accommodate larger building footprints,” explained Haas. “We feel that our project offers a great value and quality construction. The developers have created a beautiful setting that professional office users have come to expect.”

Quick Look Address: 1397 Jenks Ave., Panama City List Price: $249,000 Square Feet: 2,750 Contact: Charlie Haas Counts Real Estate Group, Inc., Panama City, (850) 248-3640 850 Business Magazine

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Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. 850.249.3615

www.countsrealestate.com EXPERIENCE COUNTS SERVING ALL OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA FROM PENSACOLA TO TALLAHASSEE

COMMERCIAL DIVISION

INVESTMENT SERVICES | BROKERAGE & LEASING | PRIVATE EQUITY | DEVELOPMENT SERVICES | CONSULTING CHRIS MCCALL Senior Advisor 850.249.3623 chris1.mccall@countsrealestate.com

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MCCALL | COUNTS COMMERCIAL Commercial Real Estate Advisors

STEPHEN COUNTS Senior Advisor 850.249.3623 stephen.counts@countsrealestate.com

COUNTSCOMMERCIAL.COM

850businessmagazine.com

Deal Estate it’s Just Business

OKALOOSA county

>> North Lagoon Partners of Panama City Beach has kicked off

>> Destin Commons recently announced that national retailers

the Pirate’s Cove Marina Generation II expansion project. The new 120,000-square-foot facility will offer state-of-the-art indoor, secure dry storage for 440 boats up to 45 feet in length. >> Lighthouse Marina in Panama City Beach can now boast Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant & Marina Club. The original Bud & Alley’s, on 30A in Seaside, is South Walton County’s longest established restaurant. The menu embraces seafood of the North Florida coastal lowlands, serving only the freshest locally available ingredients.

Charming Charlie and Icing by Claire’s will open this summer as

part of a 100,000-square-foot expansion currently under construction. Charming Charlie will occupy over 6,000 square feet adjacent to Uncle Buck’s on the south end of the expansion near the corner of U.S. Highway 98 and Danny Wuerffel Way (Mid-Bay Bridge Road). Icing by Claire’s, a second brand by parent company Claire’s, will occupy nearly 2,000 square feet near H&M at the expansion’s northeast corner. >> Longtime Destin residents and real estate duo Chad and Jen Knaepple have launched Taylor Allen Properties, a real estate agency specializing in residential, commercial and investment sales in the 30A area.

BAY & ESCAMBIA COUNTIES >> FedEx Ground has opened a nearly 60,000-square-foot package dis-

tribution facility on the Port Panama City Intermodal Park. When fully operational, it should be able to process about 3,000 packages an hour.

LEON COUNTY >> Tallahassee’s Miracle Plaza, located on Thomasville Road, is seeing

major growth from both hospitality and boutique vendors. BurgerFi, a casual diner offering a health-conscious twist on hamburgers and hotdogs, opened its doors in late January. Francesca’s, an eclectic ladies boutique, and Island Wing Company, a tropical-inspired eatery, are currently under construction in the square, with plans to open by this coming spring.

Just Sold

A Fateful Sell

By Chay D. Baxley

Quick Look: Address: 1066 Strong Rd., Quincy List Price: $1,250,000 ($12.37/sqft) Sold For: $1,150,000 ($11.38/sqft) Square Feet: 101,045

Photo courtesy NAI TALCOR

Acreage: 24.64+

When The Printing House closed its doors in Quincy back in 2011, Gadsden

County’s workforce felt the reverberating effects. Nearly three years later, a new sort of industrial powerhouse is gearing up to take its place.

Sicamu Inc., a family-owned aerosol company out of Venezuela, purchased the plant on June 28, 2013 — one day after the Gadsden County Planning Commission gave unanimous approval to the company’s special exception application to reconfigure the interior space.

“We are going to start our operations around May or June of 2014,” said Antonio Pons, Sicamu’s spokesperson.

Ultimately, Sicamu Inc. could bring 30 jobs to the region. By late spring, 10 positions will need to be filled.

“It’s an impactful deal for Gadsden County,” said Frank Langston,

co-owner of NAI TALCOR, the brokerage firm behind this large-scale transaction.

For Sicamu Inc., the purchase earned the company both the 101,045-square-foot facility, (26,123 of finished office space, 50,200 heated and cooled manufacturing and 24,723 heated warehouse) as well as 24 acres of land. Inside, the office space is complete with a dining room and ample meeting areas. Though reconfiguring the site’s layout to make it applicable to the new owner’s assembly line manufacturing techniques was dubbed necessary, the warehouse’s 20-foot ceilings and five docking doors made for an easy match.

The owners of The Printing House originally built the property in 1986. Sicamu Inc. will be the facility’s second occupant.

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Special Report: Emerald Coast Real Estate

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Walton and Okaloosa counties see commercial and residential real estate head into recovery mode

By Jason Dehart

R

ealtors in Okaloosa and Walton counties soon might be able to breathe a collective sigh of relief. Although recovery from the recent recession has been sluggish, things are starting to actually look up. In terms of home sales, distressed property sales, improved values and a bustling commercial market, the Emerald Coast is busting out of the “Great Recession” in good order.

“Destin is poised for a strong recovery,” said Mary Ann Windes, broker/owner of Real Estate Professionals of Destin Inc. and 2013 chair of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce.

Windes says her popular resort town has always been resilient when other economies were suffering, but this recession in particular has been tougher than most and hit the local economy pretty hard. However, compared to the start of the housing decline five years ago, things are really looking up today.

Photo by Ed & Terri Smith

Residential Recovery “Residential has already recovered on the lower-priced properties up to $250,000,” she said. “That inventory is almost gone, and the prices have already turned upwards with competitive bidding ongoing. The higher-priced stuff is still a little sluggish but as the lower-priced inventory is absorbed, the price of other properties will rise also.”

Ed Smith, president of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (ECAR, which mainly covers Walton and Okaloosa counties) and president of REMAX Coastal Properties in Destin, said that significant improvements have been seen just over the past couple of years and that values have improved “quite a bit.” Even “distressed” properties are moving at a brisk pace now.

“Distressed property sales represent a much, much smaller percentage of the overall market than they did even two or three years ago,” he said. “At one point I believe it was around 40 percent, and today distressed properties represent less than 20 percent of our market. The buyer demand is good, interest rates are still stable, so those factors combined to make for a very positive outlook.”

Jan Hooks, former ECAR president, noted that different factors — including a dip in median prices for single-family homes — can cause “bumps and blips” in any given month, but you have to take a long view of the situation.

“What matters is what happens over time. 2013 has been a very positive year overall for real estate on the Emerald Coast,” she said.

Statistics released by the ECAR in October showed that sales remained strong in this region compared to October 2012,

and despite the dip in median prices all indicators for 2013 remained positive.

Among the factors contributing to a successful recovery are low interest rates, Smith said, noting that 30-year fixed rates are in the 4.5 percent range, depending on one’s credit score.

“I always hasten to add that things are much more credit scoredriven now than they perhaps were several years ago,” he added.

“The market is a lot more sensitive to credit scores than it had been in years past, and one person may get a 4.25 rate and the next guy might get a 4.75. It just depends on how they score.”

And if you’ve been upside down in your property and haven’t been able to sell, the situation has changed so that you might just be able to now — and maybe make a little money in the process.

“Values have come up enough that many of the people that have been upside down are actually able to sell now, without having to resort to a short sale,” Smith said. “Some people have better equity positions and are able to sell now and make a little money instead of breaking even.”

Commercial Construction On the commercial side of the coin, locals might be noticing some new construction going on in many places, and existing buildings that have been sitting idle or vacant for years are finally being scooped up and developed.

“Commercial is looking good,” Smith said. “We’ve got more and more retailers coming in to the market, so much of that inventory has been absorbed over the last 12 to 18 months. It’s been

EC Real Estate Stats SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES Summary

November 2013

Closed Sales

355

Percent November Change Year2012 over-Year 309

14.9%

Paid in Cash

103

69

49.3%

New Listings

540

464

16.4%

Average Sale Price

$370,367

$355,793

4.1%

Median Days On Market

53

87

-39.1%

Average % of Original List Price Received

93.7%

91.6%

2.3%

*Source: Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, serving Okaloosa and Walton counties.

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SPONSORED REPORT

It’s

Tax Time

State Warns Businesses: Don’t Fall Victim to Unlicensed CPAs!

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is warning Floridians of the danger of hiring unlicensed Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) to assist you and your business’ financial needs. In Florida, CPAs are required to have a professional license.

“As tax season approaches, many Florida families and business owners are facing the arduous task of preparing their financials and may need to hire a CPA,” said Ken Lawson, Secretary of DBPR. “There are many financial and tax professionals that can assist with various financial needs, but only CPAs are licensed by the state and can provide specific services.”

Licensed CPAs have successfully passed the Uniform CPA Examination and have met the necessary education and experience requirements mandated 144

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Before any work necessitating a licensed CPA is performed, consumers should always verify the individual’s State of Florida professional license.

by Florida law. CPAs are licensed to perform audits, reviews and compilations, as well as express opinions of financial statements that provide a level of assurance regarding the reliability or fairness of the financial information at hand.

Before any work necessitating a licensed CPA is performed, consumers should always verify the individual’s State of Florida professional license, which can be verified online at www.

MyFloridaLicense.com or by calling 850.487.1395.

850businessmagazine.com

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The department licenses and regulates more than 1 million businesses and professionals, ranging from hotels and restaurants, real estate agents and certified public accountants to veterinarians, contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit www.

MyFloridaLicense.com.

Photo by Scott Jackson

Special Re port: Emeral d Coast Real E state

very positive. And with the new retail comes more jobs, and that’s very good for our economy.”

Gordon MacLean, managing broker of NWF Realty Inc. of Niceville and chair of ECAR’s Commercial Committee, said jobs are the basis of commercial real estate.

And jobs are steadily being created in his neck of the woods. A recent Wall Street Journal article reported that the Fort Walton-Crestview-Destin MSA came in third on a list of metro areas across the country that have produced the greatest percentage of job gains in the past year (Naples-Marco Island and SebastianVero Beach are the top two in gains). This means that employers will follow the job growth wherever it is to provide services for those families.

“There’s going to be a need for more housing, going to be a need for more restaurants, there’s going to be a need for

more stores,” MacLean said. “Obviously, jobs are housed in an office building … the underlying market is being affected by the fact that we are experiencing job growth here in this MSA that’s permeating throughout the commercial real estate market.”

Interviewed a few days before Christmas, MacLean said that commercial sales reached the $100 million mark in 2013, with 40 percent of that happening in the first half of the year and the remaining 60 percent happening up to mid-December. Some of those sales have been distressed projects that he said were started years ago and for various economic or financial reasons put on hold.

“Now those properties … have traded hands and are poised for completion in the first half of 2014,” he said. Cypress Preserve of Fort Walton Beach and the Freeport Business Park are two examples.

The former was designed to be a 150-unit apartment building, but according to the MLS has now been changed to assisted living. It sits on approximately 15 acres and, as of December, consisted of an existing clubhouse and a three-story, 24-unit apartment building. According to the MLS, it was built in 2007 but has been idle since then. The new owners closed the sale this past November. “(The new owners) are going to build it out and get it up and running,” MacLean said. “We’re seeing more and more of these projects that looked like they were started and abandoned, but now are starting to be absorbed.”

Meanwhile, the Freeport Business Park may have some new life as well, thanks to its recent purchase. Although it was located on a major thoroughfare and had high traffic counts, it too was put on hold after some preliminary building

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AT T O R N E YS AT L AW

INSIGHT INTEGRITY INNOVATION

REMEMBERING THE PAST, SEEING THE FUTURE

destinlaw.com DESTIN 4475 LEGENDARY DRIVE | DESTIN, FL 32541 | 850.837.3662 PHONE | 850.654.1634 FAX NICEVILLE 323 E. JOHN SIMS PARKWAY | NICEVILLE, FL 32578 | 850.729.7440 PHONE | 850.729.7871 FAX

Special Re port: Emeral d Coast Real E state

was completed around 2007.

“The new owner is going to go in there and build out the space and hopefully start leasing out some of those units,” MacLean said. “It languished for four years. It was 24 units altogether, and I think maybe two or three had tenants in them.”

rendering courtesy of Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

Big Projects In other news, two prominent Emerald Coast properties — Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa and Destin Commons — are growing by leaps and bounds. Destin Commons, hailed as the premier open-air lifestyle shopping center, has an expansion project going on that will add more than 20 new retailers and three new restaurants to its impressive list of 75 tenants, including Bass Pro Shops, Belk and Hard Rock Café. All told this destination will boast more than 100 shops and stores.

“Destin Commons successfully brought nationally renowned brands to the Florida Panhandle for the first time in 2003. This expansion will create the same envi-

ronment for introducing retailers who will be new to our region,” said Bob Perry, general manager, in late September. A completion date is set for mid-2014.

At the Hilton, managers there are halfway through a $10 million capital improvement project of their own. The five-month project began in October and will feature a complete Rendering concept for Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa redesign and refurbishment of all 200 Spa Tower renovations we’ll have updated every rooms, upgrade of the award-winning, aspect of the property, just in time for 11,000-square-foot Serenity by the Hilton Sandestin Beach to celebrate its sea Spa, and a “drastically enhanced” 30th anniversary,” said Gary Brielmayer, entrance and lobby. Two recent projgeneral manager. ects at the hotel included a $6.5 million In Mary Esther, construction continued rebuilding of the Barefoots Bar & Grill on a new $8 million, 74-room Holiday Inn and pool deck, which had been damaged Express and Suites being developed by by fire, and a $5.5 million renovation of the Panama City-based Sunshine Hotel Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood and Investments. The opening was scheduled conference rooms. for mid-January.

“Upon completion of the 2013-2014 850 Business Magazine

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Special Re port: Emeral d Coast Real E state

A Quick Glance at Okaloosa County

Labor Force (November 2013)

The tourism industry flourishes along the coastline of Okaloosa County, while further inland you’ll find a concentration of high tech industry with a focus on aerospace, defense and aviation.

The county’s primary economic generator is its military installations. Not only is it home to Eglin Air Force Base, one of the largest in the world and nearly the size of Rhode Island, Okaloosa also has Duke Field, Hurlburt Field and a Coast Guard installation within its borders. Seven of the 10 largest defense contractors in the state have a presence here. The estimated economic impact of the military is $5.2 billion, representing more than 58,800 jobs. The average earning per military job: $87,300.

Okaloosa has one of the most highly educated populations of Florida’s 67 counties, with more than nine out of 10 residents having a high school education or higher.

Total Available — 99,265 Unemployed — 4,488 Unemployment Rate — 4.5% Population (2013) Total — 187,486 Males — 50.24% Females — 49.76% Median Household Income (2012) — $54,118 Per Capita Income (2012) — $44,960 Median Age — 38.2 Major Private Sector Employers Fort Walton Beach Medical Center — Full service hospital L-3 Communications/Crestview Aerospace Business Line — Aircraft manufacturing, maintenance and modification DRS Training and Control Systems — Defense electronics InDyne Inc. — Range test facilities, security systems and multimedia

Jacobs TEAS — Engineering services ResortQuest — Property management and real estate BAE Technical Services — Aerospace and defense contractor Lockheed Martin — Aerospace and defense contractor Tybrin Corporation — Engineering analysis and software development Boeing — Aerospace and defense contractor Educational Attainment (persons aged 25 and older) High School Graduate or Higher Okaloosa — 90.7% Florida — 85.5% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Okaloosa — 26.9% Florida — 26% Sources: Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County; Enterprise Florida; Florida’s Great Northwest; Florida Legislature Office of Economic and Demographic Research

EMER ALD COAST BUSINESS

BROKERS

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4 4 8 1 L e g en d a ry Dr i v e , S ui t e 1 0 1 | De s t i n , F L 3 2 5 4 1 | E C Br ok ers . c o m | 8 5 0 . 4 2 4 . 7 5 4 1 148

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A Quick Glance at Walton County

The tourism industry flourishes along the coastline of Walton County, making hospitality the largest employment sector followed by trade, transportation, utilities, construction, education, health care services and public administration.

While neighboring Okaloosa County is home to the major operations of Eglin Air Force Base, the Eglin reservation encompasses more than 20 percent of Walton County. The county is home to the world-renowned beach community of Seaside, the poster child for “New Urbanism,” a host of art galleries, shops and restaurants.

One of the 10 fastest growing areas in the nation when combined with Okaloosa County, Walton County alone has grown by 30 percent since 2000. Nearly eight in 10 residents (79 percent) own their own home — higher than the statewide average of 70.1 percent.

Labor Force Total Available (2012) — 42,034 Unemployment Rate (November 2013) — 4% (second lowest in Florida) Population (2012) Total — 57,582 Males — 51.1% Females — 48.9% Median Household Income — $44,254 Per Capita Income — $36,865 Median Age — 42.1

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(850) 302-0266

www.magnoliagrillfwb.com

Major Private Sector Employers Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort – Resort Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa – Resort ResortQuest – Property management and real estate Sacred Heart on the Emerald Coast – Medical/Health Care Publix Super Markets – Retail Walmart – Retail WaterColor Inn and Resort – Resort HealthMark Regional Medical Center – Medical/health care Professional Products Inc. – Manufacturing of orthopedic devices The St. Joe Company – Resort/real estate development

Do you mix business with pleasure?

We do ...

Educational Attainment (persons aged 25 and older) High School Graduate or Higher Walton — 86.2% Florida — 85.5% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Walton — 24.9% Florida — 26%

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Sources: Walton County Economic Development Alliance; U.S. Census; Enterprise Florida; Florida’s Great Northwest; Florida Legislature Office of Economic and Demographic Research 850 Business Magazine

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149

EMERALD COAST Corridor

Coastal Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa + Walton Counties

From Helen Back to the Pentagon A successful business is built on locals, tourists and the military

By Martha J. LaGuardia-Kotite

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unburned, with $20 in his pocket and nearly all his possessions in a car he shared with a friend, 21-year-old Chris Sehman decided to open his first bar while sitting on the beach behind the Back Porch in Destin.

Two years later, in May of 1993, he opened Woody’s Local Safe Sex Bar across the street.

“This began a seven year run of not making any money but learning a lot. It was my graduate studies,” said Sehman, who grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He graduated from Old Dominion College and moved to Destin in 1992 after visiting his uncle who worked on jets for the U.S. Air Force. “I was crazy in debt. My car had been repo’d. I was just miserable. It was just tough times.”

Determined to support his wife, one-year-old baby and stepson, he closed Woody’s in 2000, having brokered a deal to use his liquor license in a pub on Okaloosa Island where he mopped the floors in the morning and kept the drinks flowing until 2 a.m. the next day. Exhausted after 18 days of effort, he sat in his car-office. “Go to hell was one of the first cuss words you could get away with as a kid. We would say, ‘I’ve been to hell and back and loved your momma’s cooking.’

The phrase was in my head. I sat in my car, called my wife and said, ‘I feel like I’ve been to hell and back.’ ” Listening to the radio he heard an interview with Lance Armstrong about his recent win 152

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and how it felt to survive cancer. “Lance said, ‘I feel like I’ve been to hell and back and I’m going to be okay.’ That was my light bulb moment.”

He called his wife again, asking what she thought about naming the bar Helen Back Cafe. “She said, ‘I don’t like it.’ I said, ‘Good,’ and slammed the phone down,” said Sehman. After trying unsuccessfully to convince his wife, he pressed on. The next day, when his beer distributor called he answered the phone, “Helen Back.” “My beer guy hung up and called back. I answered ‘Helen Back.’ From that moment on Dec. 1, 2000, that became the name of the bar.”

The days of owing more than he was making are long gone. Debts were paid off within nine months. Today, Sehman, 44, owns the Okaloosa Island and Crestview Helen Back Café locations. He franchised the locations in Navarre, Pensacola and the newest at the Northwest Florida Regional Airport. Each location has live music except the airport. He also operates Stinky’s Fish Camp in Navarre.

In January of 2013, the Secretary of the Air Force presented Sehman with the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher 2012 Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award during a ceremony at the Pentagon. The award recognized Sehman’s efforts as a community and business leader staunchly advocating for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and Wounded Warrior Program. He helped generate several hundred

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thousand dollars through fundraising efforts that benefitted more than 30,000 veterans and their families who lived and served from the Florida Panhandle.

Sehman recently talked about his life, work and his appreciation of those who serve.

850: Tell us why you decided to offer free pizza to first responders and the military.

CS: Other than my uncle, who was at the time a

captain in the 33rd Fighter Wing, I had no idea what Hurlburt Field was, what a loadmaster was.

I had zero military knowledge. I got to know these two guys, loadmasters for C-130 planes, who were regulars at my bar. They started bringing in their friends and families.

In 2003, we started going into Afghanistan. I thought Hurlburt Field was going to empty out.

I thought, what can I do to say, “Hey, I appreciate what you guys are doing. We’re going to war.”

This idea of supporting the cause … I decided I’m going to give free pizzas to the military on Monday nights. It will be slow, I can afford this and it will be great publicity on the air. All summer long, I was doing maybe 10 to 20 pies on Monday night. Well, in the fall, here comes Monday night football. By now I had a cook helping me out. He goes, “Hey man, what do you want me to do out here? You need to come out and look.” I walked out of my back office to see a line of military people going from the window, out the door, down the building. They were coming in for pizza and to watch football. I said, “Feed ’em.” The military pizza night was born. It literally blew up.

In a sense, I like to think the marketing of it with the name really grew in the military world.

I had specials for other groups, the police department and the fire department. The Coast Guard gets free pizza when they pull up in the boat slip.

850: What have you done to support veterans?

CS: I had the honor of being the honorary

commander of Hurlburt’s 1st SOW (Special Operations Wing). You have to have zero military experience. It’s not just about seeing cool

planes, jets and guns and all that. It’s really about getting to know the young lieutenants that are coming in, the lieutenant colonels that are about to take command of the squadron. I also got assigned to the 36th Electronics Warfare Squadron at Eglin.

I think I bring to the table something that is fun for them. I did a big fundraiser to help them with the Tim Davis Memorial Walk from Lackland Air Force Base to Hurlburt Field (about 800 miles). I got them supplies, beer, all kinds of stuff … 50 cases of five-hour energy drinks. When the Osprey went down, I put up 100 pizzas and kegs of beer and said, “It’s on me.”

I have created an appreciation for the people that serve in our military and for first responders. Not just what they do for our country and community but what it means for their families.

The dedication. The professionalism. I might sound like a brochure, but it’s so absolutely true.

It was an amazing opportunity to get to know them. I’ve positioned Helen Back to be a big fan of what they do. I’ve had guys walk in here, really

Photo by SCOTT HOLSTEIN

ripped dudes … from the Netherlands here for training at Hurlburt Field. One of them said, “We were in Korea yesterday. When they found out we were coming here, they said we had to come to Helen Back for pizza.”

was spectacular … generals walking up, shaking my hand and thanking me. I’m going, “I’m thanking you guys and you’re thanking me.” At the end of the day, I’m just giving away pizza and trying to make people happy. It was unexpected.

850: How did you feel receiving the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award?

CS: Just walking through the Pentagon and

850: What’s the secret to your popular pizzas?

CS: A buddy of mine, Jon Seeling, who owned

walking into Secretary Donley’s office, let’s just say I outkicked my coverage. They list out all that stuff … the Air Force quantifies all that I helped them do … fundraisers and pizza donations. It just blew me away. I just treat it as part of my business. I want to do the right thing to show my support. It took a young major to pull it all together and nominate me.

I won at the wing level. I won at the Air Force level. I won at the DOD level. A couple days later a young lady called and said we want you to come up to the Pentagon.

The trip was pretty amazing. The ceremony

Fat Daddy’s Pizza in Walton County (not the same one that’s out there now), gave me the recipe. Jon showed me how he made his sauce.

I combined it with how I like my sauce. I buy a very good dough product. I buy the best cheese you can buy. I created a sauce I put on the crust, kind of infused oil. I buy fresh vegetables, good meats. I kept it simple, fresh and affordable. I say it’s a little bit of the history and how it came about, tied to the military and a local thing.

Mess Call Chris Sehman, and his daughters, continue Helen Back’s 10-year tradition of serving up gratis handtossed pizza pie to grateful local members of the military at their original location on Okaloosa Island.

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153

EMERALD COAST Corridor

Coastal Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa + Walton Counties

Julio Fernandez

The Gospel Truth from a Social Media Evangelist

By Zandra Wolfgram

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he Emerald Coast tops all kinds of lists and polls with the most elite of international travel magazines, but according to social media expert Julio Fernandez this stretch of beach would be much cooler if there were more geeks here.

Born and raised in Colombia, Fernandez moved to the United States in the 1980s and later graduated from the University of Miami, where he was “the guy who ran the computer lab.” He became an official citizen in 1993 and just a year later started his first successful “dot com” company.

Fernandez was business manager of his college paper, which parlayed well into a news editor and senior web producer positions for several online publications with Miami Herald Publishing. His industry connections deepened, landing him on Google’s B2B (Business to Business) Technology Council as an “evangelist” who gives candid feedback to Google on its latest products and services. As his online experience grew so did his big time corporate roles, including global responsibilities at national companies such as Oracle and Ogilvy, where he was hired on the spot to grow its social media program.

His wife, Sherry, is a local who went to Niceville High School. When her father died three years ago, the couple settled in Bluewater Bay in Niceville to be closer to Sherry’s mother.

With few fellow geeks around to connect with, Fernandez did the only thing a fearless socially deprived social media nerd could … he created a platform to meet them. Now, free social media workshops are hosted by the Destin Chamber every month. But Fernandez didn’t stop there. He formed Destinwebpages.com as a community service to help businesses promote themselves online and Dest.in, a mobile guide for Emerald Coast businesses to get on the radar of the social media mother ship — Google.

But it’s Social Shelf Space, a consulting firm, which Fernandez founded in 2012 that “pays the bills.”

Though many locals consider him the “go to” social media guru, warm and friendly with a quick smile,

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Fernandez prefers to be called a search marketing analyst saying, “As soon as someone tells me they are a guru or a ninja, I don’t want to call them back.

Nobody knows everything they need to know.”

But Fernandez does know a lot about how to navigate and leverage Social Media channels. We checked in with him at Panera Bread in Destin Commons, where we found he was already “checked in” on Four Square, a geographic-based app, on not one, but three devices: a Samsung S3 (he got for serving as a global blogger at the London 2012 Summer Olympics), iPhone5 and a brand new 17" Lenovo laptop, thanks to someone with sticky fingers at the 2013 South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference.

850: Your entire world is connected to your computer. Did it come to an

end as you know it when your laptop was stolen? I had it only for two

weeks. But, no it’s OK, because I back up everything on the Cloud.

850: What is your opinion of the Google Cloud? Everything is going to

the Cloud and big data. One of my biggest clients is Adobe. You used to buy a floppy disk, then you could buy a couple CDs then one DVD and now you can buy the entire family on a series of DVDs. But as of last year Adobe is making a transformation where you can subscribe to the service and pay a monthly membership. It’s so clever … when you subscribe to tools, the second the feature is updated, you log in and you have that feature on your computer, because it’s on the Cloud.

850: What do you think about Cloud-based computers and technol-

ogy? I like it. My mom is a good example. She is 60-something and uses the

Google Chrome Book, and it is set to automatically open on her Facebook homepage, which is set in Spanish. She doesn’t have to do anything else.

Why buy an $800 computer when you can get a Chrome book for $250 and use the Google Cloud, which has Gmail, spreadsheets, calendars and Word documents? It’s great for small businesses, too.

850: You have an iPhone and a Samsung, do you prefer one over the

other? I tell my friends to consider both, because even though the iPhone

5 is larger than iPhone 4, the S3 is even larger. I can carry an extra battery, add extra memory and technology-wise this one has NFC, which iPhones don’t have.

850: What is NFC? Near Field Communication allows you to share information. For example, if I take a menu with me that has an NFC sticker I can take away information, perhaps see a video, see the restaurant’s page. It’s like a QR code but more powerful. In Japan you tap a place to buy a pass and you purchase admission to a train. You can put it on a shirt and tap it and buy it.

For DVDs, you can tap it and get a two-minute preview. It’s really up to us to decide what we do with it.

Media Man Julio Fernandez’s specialty is For realtors it would be great. You knowing how to leverage and could get a 360-degree tour of a navigate social media channels. house. We’ll get there …

850: What is hot on the social media scene? Anything that takes advantage of my location. Location-based services like NFC. We’re at Panera Bread now. If I open Four Square, it should show me what’s around me when I check in and offer me relevant specials.

850: What about cyber warfare and privacy issues? Do you have concerns that it’s hard to roll it back once you put something out there?

There are challenges and issues with location and personal privacy. If I can learn that someone goes to a gym every night at a certain time that could be a problem. But don’t feel that if you don’t check in people can’t still find you.

They could track you 20 years ago. Now, if I am at home and I check in to Four Square the Google map only shows a general area instead of a dot on a house. But if you buy a house I could go to public records and find out where your house is and how much you paid for it.

850: Give us some Social Media 101. The first thing I recommend to

my clients is what I call an account audit. You need to understand what accounts you control and what your competitors have. I did this for Adobe.

Four years ago they didn’t have accounts for their trademarks. I set up 26 for them. Not only look at your company name and trademark, but domains, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and so on.

Then I would suggest keyword research to understand how your customers and prospects are searching for you, which may or may not be what your company is called or known for.

And when you are ready to engage in social media, you need to consider the best content for each channel. For example, You Tube is a great place for “how to” videos. At the same time, it’s important to understand that tools are not the solution to marketing. It drives me crazy when people say, “We need a Pinterest strategy.” It’s just a tool. If people don’t know your brand, engaging on Pinterest isn’t going to help.

850: You say Twitter is old. Is it still viable? If you use Twitter be aware

of optimization. If you send a message include a link that you can track. If there is a “call to action” in all of your social media you can see what channel is working best for you.

850: What’s the biggest social media misnomer? People thinking they have privacy. The info is out there already. You need to know what you can control. For example, using Facebook settings to manage your page … keep in mind, anything you can “Like” is a way for Facebook to find you.

850: What is your social media pet peeve? When you want to call me, I

don’t give you a photo of a phone. I give you a number. Stop putting icons out there if you don’t know how to use them.

850: Is it hard for you to connect with people who are not on social

media? I do have some old friends who do not use Facebook and some who don’t have email. I like to stay in touch with family and put out videos of my nieces doing sports on Twitter or post on Facebook. I always find a way to get online. It’s so frustrating, because I want to share.

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155

forgotten coast Corridor

Gulf, Franklin + Wakulla Counties

Oyster Radio The Forgotten Coast’s homegrown pearl

By Kimberley K. Yablonski

T

The Voice When listeners tune in to Oyster Radio, they’ll hear the voice of new owner Michael Allen, a former employee who began working at the station in 1991.

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Photo by Brian Rowland

here are businesses that stand the test of time simply because they offer something solid that is wanted and needed in the community. A small independent radio station on the coast of Northwest Florida, aptly named Oyster Radio, is just such a business.

Oyster Radio, 100.5 WOYS, is headquartered in an unassuming building in Eastpoint, the small town on the speck of land that is sandwiched in by East Bay and Apalachicola Bay, with the Gulf of Mexico just beyond St. George Island. A short, six-mile drive across the John Gorrie Memorial Bridge links this coastal town with Apalachicola.

Oyster Radio has been on air for 25 years.

Touted as the “Voice of the Forgotten Coast” it doesn’t take long to learn why when listening to the station’s unique mix of classic rock and blues with a splattering of some timeless Jimmy Buffett tunes (“Son of a Son of a Sailor” and the like) and music with the distinctive beach-feel sound of steel drums.

New owner Michael Allen is a long-time employee turned entrepreneur. Oyster Radio opened in 1988, and Allen began working there in 1991.

“When it came up for sale I thought, I can take a chance and take the plunge or work for new owners — and who knows what they would’ve done with it,” Allen says.

A small operation at the moment, Allen

is trying to get the business settled since his purchase of the station about one year ago.

“Right now, the only voice you hear live on the air is mine,” Allen said. “We have to make sure all the bills are paid.”

He plans to hire other employees once he has gotten the station all squared away. A Northwest Florida native, Allen grew up “right here in Eastpoint,” he said. “I went away to college but came back to this area.”

In an industry ripe with competition, Oyster Radio has stood the test of time.

Local news is a key component, and the station’s local connection is evident with announcements of all events, including numerous festivals that range from the Blast on the Bay Songwriters’ Festival to the local elementary school’s fall festival. Friday night football games played by the area’s high school team, the Seahawks, are broadcast live.

“Football is very important,” Allen says. “Covering sports is an absolute necessity. It’s important parents can listen to their kids play if they can’t be there.

There are some pretty big name companies in radio out there, but they don’t tend to do sports.”

When asked how they have survived all these years in what can be a difficult industry, Allen is definitive.

“We cater to the community. We do everything we can to promote the area. We air public service announcements, any type of fundraiser, we play music that locals like and is interesting to tourists, which helps bring in advertising dollars,” Allen says.

“We used to play a lot of Jimmy Buffett, but the oystermen that are out working get tired of that sometimes. We want to make sure the locals are happy, but we have to reach out to the tourists because that is a main industry in this area. It is a fine line, and we have walked it relatively well.”

From 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oyster Radio plays a mix of classic rock and blues. From 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., listeners are treated to dedicated beach music, which Allen describes as “trop rock,” short for tropical rock. At 8 p.m. the station airs Oyster Rock After Dark — “true” classic rock and blues — until 5 a.m.

The station’s listening area stretches along the Gulf Coast.

“I like to say coverage reaches from Walmart to Walmart,” Allen jokes.

“The Walmart in Crawfordville (in Wakulla County) to the Walmart in Callaway (in Bay County).”

It can be heard in all of Franklin County, much of Gulf, Liberty and Wakulla counties, online around the world at oysterradio.com and through the tunein radio app.

The online streaming numbers are “pretty good,” according to Allen. “We have big fans in Vienna. The previous owners started airing online, and it seemed like a kind of cool thing to do. We want an online presence so those who fall in love with the station can listen once their vacation is over.”

As far as the number of listeners, Allen concedes he has no idea. Most radio stations are rated by national services such as Arbitron, but there is no such service for Oyster Radio.

“We get second-hand information. People letting us know they are listening,” Allen said.

As far as the station’s future is concerned, Allen wants to create a bigger online presence. Long term, he wants to increase the online streaming as well as create an Oyster Radio app and online store to buy station T-shirts and other merchandise.

The station is very active in the community, which has numerous festivals throughout the year. The station provides sound equipment for and judges the annual Charity Chili Cook-Off on St. George Island, which is in its 32nd year, and raises money for the St. George Island Volunteer Fire Department. Allen judges the Annual Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off, the sole fundraiser for the Apalachicola Volunteer Fire Department.

“Trust me, it is amazing!” Allen says. “I have never had such good oyster dishes. These cooks are very talented.”

The long history of Northwest Florida (settlements date back to the 1500s and Apalachicola was named in 1831) is highlighted in Oyster Radio’s Glance at the Past segments. One such feature highlights Dog Island and the story behind the lighting of the beacon back in 1838.

“It is probably one of the most popular things we do,” Allen says. “A lady named Debe Beard, who used to work at the station and still lives in Apalachicola, recorded the segments years ago.”

Oyster Radio posts on its website information on all things tied to Apalachicola Bay and the surrounding waters, such as announcements from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on fishing season dates and a precautionary boil water notice for Gulf County residents. Water issues play a key role in the local community, so the station covers news items like the allocation of $2.5 million to improve water quality in Apalachicola Bay. When the Deep Water Horizon oil spill happened, the coverage was “treated like a natural disaster,” Allen says. “There wasn’t a whole lot that we could do that was novel. All the information was coming from the same place. But we went to every local meeting and provided local information on where to go if fishermen wanted to sign up to become a ‘vessel of opportunity.’ We provided all the information we could get our hands on, and we did it all day long.”

No satellite radio station will notify listeners of the official opening of gray squirrel hunting season, current riptide warnings, news of the high school homecoming parade or information on the Franklin County Coastal Cleanup … but for Oyster Radio, it’s all part of its homegrown success.

When hurricanes threaten the area, the station is a lifeline of information.

“Knock on wood when I say this: We have never left during a hurricane yet.

We provide road closures, evacuation notices and every possible bit of information. We work very closely with the emergency management office. We do not plan to leave this station as long as the electricity is on. We have never had one that is a threat to our lives, so we stay,” Allen says.

“As far as I’m concerned that is what local radio stations are for. If you aren’t providing local information what are you there for?”

“We cater to the community. We do everything we can to promote the area. we air public service announcements, any type of fundraiser, we play music that locals like and is interesting to tourists, which helps bring in advertising dollars.”

Michael Allen, owner

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157

i-10 Corridor

Northern Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa + Walton Counties and Holmes, Washington, Calhoun, Jackson + Liberty Counties

Moo-ve Over This Page: Angus and Brangus replacement heifers in a field of rye and oats at the North Florida research and Education Center in Marianna.

Opposite Page: Newborn calf born the previous night taking a nap.

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Efficiency Farming The University of Florida is helping North Florida farmers, and the economy, strive for sustainability

By Jason Dehart

M

ore efficient crops. More efficient cows. Science meets agriculture at the North Florida Research & Education Center, a University of Florida farming laboratory in Quincy and Marianna.

The NFREC has 18 active faculty members representing nine different academic disciplines, according to Nick Comerford, director and professor. All are geared, in some fashion, toward finding a better way for farmers to do business and testing the feasibility of new agricultural enterprises in North Florida.

Over the past few years, they’ve come up with ways to reduce dependence on irrigation and fertilizer and increase the efficiency of cow digestion. They study the feasibility of different “enterprise” crops and are developing management methods for seed-oil plants that can be processed into fuel for Navy ships and planes.

One of the main thrusts of the laboratory is the exploration and development of sod-based row-crop growing methods. Essentially, sod-based crop rotation is the farming practice of planting a field with a perennial Bahia grass for a certain period of time, and following it with different cash crops over time before putting it back into grass. The grasses add organic material to infertile soils and allow the soil to better hold on to nutrients and water.

“The sod-based rotation is really an old concept,” said scientist and professor of agronomy David L. Wright. But it’s being rediscovered for its obvious conservation and economic benefits. According to UF reports, economic models suggest that a 200-acre farm using a cash crop rotation (peanutcotton-cotton) can increase its net profit from $50,000 a year to more than $90,000 a year by switching to a Bahia grass sod-based rotation system.

Reducing the crop’s dependence on pesticide also saves more than $6,000.

And, over at the center’s cow-calf operation in Quincy, researchers say that adding cows to the mix can further increase yields and money savings.

Again, this is actually another “old” system that’s being rediscovered in the search for sustainability. Cattle can recycle about 80 percent of the nutrients that cotton crops need. This means growers don’t need as much fertilizer. In fact, growers can reduce their fertilizer needs from 160-200 pounds to just 60 pounds per acre.

“That’s a big savings on the cost of fertilizer,” Comerford said. “But they’ve also decreased irrigation. Not only is that a cost to the farmers, it’s a huge savings in the Apalachicola/Chattahoochee/Flint River Basin between here and Atlanta. Also, because of the rotation they are working with, they’ve Photos by SCOTT HOLSTEIN

reduced pesticide use by at least 50 percent or more, because Bahia grass helps control nematodes. And this is all above and beyond good conservation tillage, which everybody agrees is necessary.”

The water problem is no joke. More than 600,000 acres are irrigated in the ACF River Basin; most irrigation happens in the Dougherty Plain of Southwest Georgia, and water usage has become a contentious issue between Florida, Alabama and Georgia. UF researchers say that water can be conserved without sacrificing crop yields, all through sod-based rotation.

“We can tell a grower almost off the top that he can reduce (irrigation) by 50 percent. Every acre-inch of water costs you about $12 an acre-inch to pump, so if you go from 15 to seven you have automatically saved a lot right there,” Wright said. “But with cattle you can recycle a lot of nutrients, because they are all winter long eating the rye and winter grazing before we plant the peanuts or cotton. They recycle the nutrients. We have found that with cotton, we have averaged about 200 pounds more lint per acre where cattle have grazed the cover crops.”

That’s not the only way the scientists at NFREC have been able to save King Cotton, still an important crop in Northwest Florida. They’ve also formulated a way to address a fungal disease known as cotton hardlock, which seriously affects yields because it doesn’t allow the boll to open. According

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Above: (Left to right) David Wright, Jim Marois and Nicholas Comerford in plots of carinata (a plant used for biofuel) at North Florida Research & Education Center in Quincy.

to UF, hardlock caused more than $20 million in lost yield, and Florida’s average yield went from 650 pounds of lint an acre down to less than 400.

Between 20 percent and 60 percent of cotton planted in Florida is lost to hardlock every year.

Scientists and plant pathologists investigated the cause of the disease and discovered that it could be better managed by strategically applying pesticides during the bloom period. Today, if farmers use these methods under the right conditions, they can double their cotton yield.

“We estimate that in those years when cotton hardlock is a problem … applying this technology puts $30 million extra in the bank of local farmers annually,” he said. “It took us about a million and a half dollars to solve that problem, so it’s a good return on an investment.”

Hardlock isn’t the only disease challenge that NFREC has taken on. The facility is also the epicenter for Asian soybean rust research. This fungal disease is so potent that Wright said the potential for mega-losses was huge.

“We grow 75 million acres of soybeans in the U.S., and if it got started and we had to spray that 75 million acres, at $10-$15 dollars an acre each application, that would mean billions of dollars loss for U.S. farmers,” he said.

The research into this disease began in 2005, right after Hurricane Ivan.

Pathologists in Louisiana discovered the fungus had arrived in America and Wright knew that if it was there, it could have spread elsewhere.

“We went out into the field and found some leaves that we thought had 160

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soybean rust, and sure enough it was, and so from that this kind of became the center for soybean rust research because we found it on kudzu, which is a natural host,” he said. “From 2005 to this past year we have probably 60 man-years of research on soybean rust, and we still have people who come down here from Iowa State, University of Illinois, Ohio State, the big soybean part of the world, to work here … to develop resistance to the soybean rust.”

Although fungus is a topic of concern, Comerford said there’s a certain amount of irony involved in this research. Kudzu itself — the invasive bane of Southern woods and roadsides for years — could help unlock the secret to soybean rust management.

“The cool thing is the scientists, pathologists and grad students have identified naturally resistant varieties of kudzu to soybean rust and identified genes associated with that,” he said. “This opens up the possibility of moving genes from kudzu over to soybeans to develop varieties resistant to soybean rust.”

Until the promise of genetically-engineered kudzu is realized, though, farmers will have to combat Asian soybean rust the old fashioned way: with fungicide. And constant monitoring of “sentinel” plots.

“We did the work here at this center, and now we know how to control it, when to apply fungicides, when to plant, and we also have a monitoring program called the national sentinel plot monitoring system,” Wright said.

“That’s where we plant soybeans in plots early before farmers start planting, and if we see that we have soybean rust in those plots we report it on a Photos by SCOTT HOLSTEIN

Above: Jim Marois in the lab at the Quincy center. Scientists are working on ways to develop more cost efficient crops to help farmers around the world.

Below: Marois examines soybean rust on kudzu.

national network so its progress can be tracked. So far, it’s been calculated that we have saved about $300 million a year in fungicide costs just from the work we have done.”

Yet another piece of the research pie is something that could potentially replace corn as the nation’s biofuel plant of choice.

“This is the future of bio energy,” Wright said as he surveyed a patch of Ethiopian Mustard (Brassica carinata). Carinata, as it’s commonly called, is a close relative of the canola plant but it’s not a food crop, at least not for humans (certain chemicals in the plant make it inedible). Working with a Canadian company, Agrisoma, and Applied Research Associates Inc., of Panama City, UF researchers have determined that this oilseed plant could be the next big breakthrough in biofuels.

“What we’re hoping to find are management (protocols), planting dates and the right variety so that we can produce 200 gallons of biofuel per acre, which would allow us then to compete with petroleum,” he said. If a million acres of carinata was planted in the United States, this could meet the U.S. Navy’s need for biofuels out to 2020.

“Not only can it be converted to drop-in jet fuel but also diesel fuel and can actually be converted into gasoline, with further refining,” Wright said. “And after you press the oil out of it, (the residual product) will be a high protein source for livestock.”

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Gadsden, Jefferson + Leon Counties

On Target Talon Range is state-of-the-art shooting fun

By Jason Dehart

J

ohn David (J.D.) Johnson talks about the new Talon Range in Midway with no small hint of pride in his voice. Especially when he talks about the vacationing Chinese family that showed up out of the blue one day to see what the range was all about.

“I don’t know how they found us, but they went through the safety briefing and got to shoot guns,” he said.

Coming from a country where private gun ownership is generally outlawed, the five-member family was able to get a taste of what the Second Amendment is all about. They rented a .22-caliber semi-auto rifle and a handgun, the Talon staff reviewed safety procedures with them and before long they were plinking away on one of the three-sided pistol bays. It may have been the highlight of their trip to the States.

“They had never shot or owned a gun before,” Johnson said. “But they had the biggest smiles on their faces when they left. We made their day and maybe their whole vacation. Things like that is why we’re doing what we’re doing.”

Johnson is one of the co-owners of the new range, along with Charlie Strickland and John Rasmussen. Located in Gadsden County near Midway, the range is right across the Ochlockonee River west of Tallahassee and is strategically located next to Interstate 10 (Exit 192). This site was chosen specifically because not only was the right amount of land available, but hotels, gas stations and restaurants are all just a few minutes away from the range. Having those accommodations close at hand is important. The range is expected to play host to a variety of high-profile shooting competitions that are sure to pull in shooters and families from all over the Southeast — and bring some needed cash flow into the local economy.

Strickland in particular is hoping the range does well, considering the various challenges associated with an enterprise of this nature.

“It was a huge endeavor. We’re not developers. It was a bit overwhelming,” Strickland said. “But thankfully our friends at Ram Construction and Genesis Engineering walked us through it, figuring all this out. They helped us out a lot.”

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Taking aim Talon Training Group co-owner Charlie Strickland gives pointers on shooting a Glock pistol to Dr. Angelina Cain at the Gadsden County facility.

Indeed, for what the business partners wanted to accomplish, it’s no small-time setup. The full-service outdoor range features indoor, air-conditioned classrooms and restrooms (complete with all the amenities, including hooks to hang your gun belt), a pro shop stocked with shooters’ supplies (and guns you can rent) and a clubhouse. Outside, the range itself features several private shooting bays, each isolated from the others by tall earthen berms on three sides. There are 10 individual shooting ranges for handguns (five 25-yard bays and five 15-yard bays) and five competition ranges (three 30-yard bays and two 50-yard bays). Plus, there’s a 200-yard rifle range, 400yard rifle range, a trap/skeet range for shotgun shooters and an area set aside for archery. The range was purposely designed to appeal to a wide range of shooting enthusiasts.

Johnson, the “sportsman of the bunch,” relishes having a facility where Photos by SCOTT HOLSTEIN

competitive shotgunners, archers and bow hunters can polish their craft.

“Hunting was a huge tradition in my family, especially quail hunting. But in this country, unless you own a plantation or have access to one through whatever affiliations, you really can’t quail hunt anymore. It’s difficult. You have to own a lot of land or know somebody. So I’m looking forward to getting the trap and skeet and sporting clays going,” he said. “Most people that like guns and target shooting are into archery as well and hunting with bow and arrow, which is why we’re doing a 3-D archery trail, with life-size 3-D targets in a hunting situation, in the wood where you walk the trail and look for the animal and shoot the target.”

Meanwhile, competitive pistol shooting is also a huge sport that Talon hopes to draw. The United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) fields some 400 affiliated shooting clubs across the nation. The

International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) boasts a membership of 22,000 and has members from 50 foreign countries. The Steel Challenge Shooting Association likewise has a large following.

Rasmussen, a 17-year competitive pistol shooter, said the range is now hosting Steel Challenge and USPSA events, and he’s banking on the economic boost the range could have as other types of shooting events are added to the lineup.

“I’ve been shooting here in Tallahassee for probably 13 years. And since I’ve started shooting here, we’ve never had an adequate facility to shoot the type of active games I shoot in, and that was one of the main focus points when the range was being conceived,” he said. “Within a year we plan on hosting large state level matches. Hundreds of people will be coming here, staying at hotels and spending money. That was one of the key things for arranging the location. I go all over the country and rarely do you find a range that is in such a 850 Business Magazine

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in 2012 **

good location. You’re usually a half-hour to the bullseye Operators hope the recently nearest hotel or restaurant, and we chose this opened Talon facility location because it’s easy to get to and find.” will grow large enough to host NRA-sponsored The location may be easy to find, but it competitions in the future. also proved to be something of a challenge right up to opening day. Strickland and crew learned that building and opening such a business isn’t for the faint of heart.

Especially when it’s an outdoor shooting range literally carved out of swamp adjacent to a river prone to flooding. It was unusually rainy throughout the Panhandle over the summer, especially in July. Midway in particular got its share. Staff and shooters had to slog, sometimes paddle, their way through flooded shooting bays and roads.

“We didn’t anticipate getting 15 inches of rain during our first month of operation,” Strickland said. The rain also caused some problems for the earthen berms, which had to be constantly maintained during the deluge.

Strickland said the owners want Talon Range to be the best and safest facility of its kind. Anybody who comes here for the first time has to take a safety briefing and pass a test on the rules of the range.

“We are an organization run by the rules. We are sticklers for the rules and making sure this is the safest range around,” he said. “That’s how we market it. We want this to become a safe, family-friendly place to shoot. We want families to be able to come here, rent a .22 and some ammo and plink as much as they want. But everybody has to go through the same safety briefing. Sign a waiver, and you’re good to go.”

Following the rules is important and not open to debate. Strickland, Johnson and Rasmussen are all Leon County Sheriff’s officers. Strickland is watch commander and SWAT team leader; Johnson is a deputy and training officer, and Rasmussen served as a patrol officer and a SWAT team member.

They’ve taken great pains to draft rules and regulations to ensure safety for everyone. However, they’re not going to have a range safety officer on each shooting lane. They rely on the shooters to police themselves accordingly and observe range etiquette at all times — as well as exercise some good ol’ common sense. Bad, or careless, behavior won’t be tolerated. The success of this venture depends on it, Johnson said.

“We wanted to have a state-of-the-art facility that would be attractive to people who would want to travel to use it,” he said. “We want people to come to Tallahassee and appreciate us and know that Tallahassee is a great place to come and enjoy firearms and the shooting sports.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

Capital New Beginnings >> Thomas “Chris” Curry is the new director of the City of Tallahassee’s Aviation Department, bringing more than 30 years of experience in aviation to his new post providing administrative oversight at the Tallahassee Regional Airport. He most recently served as executive director of the Collier County Airport Authority, a position he held for the past three years.

Curry’s experience includes six years in director roles with the Gary Chicago Airport Authority and a 20-year career as an air traffic controller and airfield operations manager with the U.S. Air Force. He has also served as a project manager for airspace design and flight procedures development with Boeing-Jeppesen.

Other key positions recently filled by the city include: Michael DeLeo, the new chief of police for the Tallahassee Police Department, and Ellen Blair, the city’s new human resources manager. >> Jeb Bush Jr., son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, has joined Slater Bayliss to co-chair the Maverick PAC Florida effort, part of a national organization engaging young professional Republicans in the political process. Over 20 attorneys, community and business leaders were also named to the statewide MavPAC Florida organization, including Leon County Regional Chairs Brandi Brown of the Foundation for Excellence in Education, Jose Gonzalez of Anheuser-Busch Companies, Toby Philpot with Health Management Associates and Michael Sevi in the Office of the Governor. >> David Orozco has been named the new MBA program director at Florida State University’s College of Business. >> Dan McCarthy is the new executive director of the TaxWatch Center for Smart Justice, where he will lead efforts to improve the Florida criminal and juvenile justice systems. >> Ivette Faulkner has been promoted to group director, public relations, at The Zimmerman Agency, the largest public relations firm in Florida. >> Local banking executive Emory L. Mayfield Jr. is the new Tallahassee market president for Hancock Bank.

With 10 years as a senior banker in Tallahassee’s financial services arena, he will direct Hancock’s business developmayfield ment, client services and community partnerships across the Big Bend region. >> Cherie Bryant has been named as the planning manager for the Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Department. She began her professional career in 1996 with the Florida Department

of Community Affairs and then worked as a project manager with Summit Professional Services, where she helped prepare federal and state grant applications. In 2001, Bryant joined the Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Department as the land use senior planner. >> Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet have named Bruce Meeks as inspector general of Citizens Property Insurance. At the time of his appointment Meeks, of Tallahassee, was a partner at the law firm of Robert and Meeks. He previously served as inspector general for the State Board of Administration (2002-2010) and was the deputy executive Attorney General from 1998-2002.

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>> Michael Kalifeh and Justin Edenfield have been promoted to director, Tax Services Department, at Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A., a professional accounting, assurance and tax services firm headquartered in Tallahassee. Chris Howell has joined the firm as a senior manager in the Assurance Services Department.

>> Prime Meridian Bank recently added two more seasoned staff to its Tallahassee banking team. Karen Linville, who has 14 years experience in small business bankKalifeh ing and retail management, has joined as a personal banker/ treasury management representative. Marsha Asbury-Turner, now a lending specialist, was formerly a residential mortgage loan processor in the Consumer Direct Operations Department for EverBank in Jacksonville. >> Ballard Partners, a Tallahassee-based government affairs firm, has added Christopher Hansen to its Tallahassee team as a new partner. Hansen previously served as a governmental consultant for Gray Robinson P.A., where he was a member of hansen the lobbying team, and before that held a similar position at Huey, Guilday, Tucker, Schwartz & Williams P.A. >> Nick Grosso has joined Genesis, a Florida engineering, planning and design firm, as a project manager in Tallahassee in the company’s Florida

SoundByteS transportation engineering practice. Grosso was formerly project manager in the Northwest Florida transportation group at Atkins in Tallahassee where he managed a variety of transportation and roadway projects for the Florida Department of Transportation, the City of Tallahassee, Leon County and other clients.

Legal Affairs >> Dean Mead has opened a new office in Tallahassee, located at 215 South Monroe St. With offices already in Orlando, Fort Pierce, Viera and Gainesville, the Tallahassee location expands firm’s footprint to five offices and more than 50 attorneys positioned throughout Florida. The Tallahassee office is home to four attorneys, including Peter Dunbar, Martha Edenfield, John Wharton and Ashley DiNunzio-Gault. Dunbar, Wharton and Edenfield will each serve as Of Counsel and DiNunzio-Gault will join the firm as associate. >> Adams and Reese has added longtime Florida labor and employment attorney Scott Callen as a partner in the firm’s Tallahassee and Tampa offices and as a member of the Special Business Services Practice Group. Callen most recently practiced for Foley & Lardner LLP. >> Jennifer Sullivan Davis has become a shareholder of Guilday, Schwartz, Simpson, West, Hatch & Lowe P.A. in Tallahassee.

She focuses on general civil litigation and defending claims against many types of professionals and employers, catastrophic injury claims in trucking/transpordavis tation accidents and construction defect claims against contractors. >> Andrew D. Manko of The Mills Firm was nominated and approved by the Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors to fill the remainder of a two-year term previously held by another Tallahassee young lawyer. >> Tallahassee lawyer and lobbyist Reggie Garcia was elected to the Economic Club of Florida’s Board of Directors and appointed chairman of its Membership Committee. >> Lauren Reynolds, a third-year student at Florida State University’s College of Law, has been awarded the first ever 2013 Gunster Environmental Law Scholarship and Clerkship. >> Pennington P.A. has added Jim DeBeaugrine to its state government affairs practice. A longtime veteran of the legislative and executive branches of Florida, DeBeaugrine specializes in appropriations, disability and aging issues, health and long term care, Medicaid and criminal and civil justice.

He served on the Florida House of Representatives’ staff for 19 years, including 10 as staff director of the House Justice Appropriations Committee.

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>> Tallahassee attorney Mutaqee Akbar has been appointed vice chair for Florida’s Advertising Grievance Committee, which is responsible for reviewing advertisement misconduct, as well as the investigation of claims submitted to the Florida Bar. >> Fred E. Karlinsky, shareholder with the law and governmental consulting firm Colodny, Fass, Talenfeld, Karlinsky, Abate & Webb P.A., was named to the advisory council of the Florida State University Florida Catastrophic Storm Risk Management Center.

Established by the Florida Legislature in 2007, the Center supports the state’s ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from catastrophic storms. >> Sarah Butters and Mia McKown have been elected to partnership in Holland & Knight. Butters is a member of the firm’s Business Section, and McKown is in the Litigation Section.

butters

Local Happenings >> City Hyundai of Tallahassee in January presented a check for $3,400 to the Florida Cancer SpecialMcKown ists Foundation. The money was raised during Breast Cancer Awareness Month last October, when the car dealership donated $50 for every vehicle sold during the month as a way of building awareness and providing support for breast cancer survivors in the Tallahassee community.

The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation was created to help needy cancer patients with nonmedical living expenses while they are undergoing treatment. The foundation enables those fighting cancer to concentrate on their recovery rather than worrying about how to pay bills such as rent, utilities or transportation costs. Eligible patients must be 18 years of age or older, have current residency in the state of Florida, have an annual income at or below 200% of the national poverty level and be actively receiving cancer treatment in Florida. For more information on the foundation, go to foundation.flcancer.com. >> Flag Credit Union is one of 20 financial institutions identified by GoBankingRates.com for playing a crucial role in the economic well-being of the communities they serve by donating time and money in the area of education. Flag CU puts most of its efforts in supporting education and the local community through its partnership with local schools, supply donations and drives. >> Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare has added three new members to its volunteer 166

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community-based board of directors: Winston Howell, CPA, managing shareholder with Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A., has over 30 years of experience in providing auditing, accounting, tax consulting and general business advice to clients in a number of industries; Andrew M. Wong, MD, orthopedic surgeon with Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic, has served patients in the Big Bend region for 13 years; and Frederick Carroll III, who will serve in an ex officio role, is chair of the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Foundation Board of Trustees and the managing partner of Carroll and Company, Certified Public Accountants. >> A new Aspen Dental office is opening in Tallahassee at 1415 Governors Square Blvd. and will provide dental services that range from dentures and preventive care to general dentistry and restoration. Dr. Shaily Gupta will be lead dentist at the Tallahassee office. >> Smoothie King Franchises Inc. has signed eight area development agreements with new and existing franchisees to expand in several markets across the U.S., including Tallahassee. That makes a total of more than 100 locations sold in 2013, including five in Tallahassee. >> MEGAS LLC, a Tallahassee-based software firm, has achieved full accreditation with the Healthcare Network Accreditation Program for Electronic Health Networks, from the Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission.

Accreditation recognizes excellence in health data processing and transactions and ensures compliance with industry-established standards and HIPAA regulations.

Local Honors >> Daniel Parisi, director of new business development at Rowland Publishing, was presented with three awards during the company’s annual sales meeting. He was named the companywide Top Producer for advertising sales as well as Top Producer for 850 and Tallahassee magazines.

>> Carrie Zimmerman, co-founder of The Zimmerman Agency, recently received the lifetime achievement “Legend” award at the World Acrobatic Society. She was a 1976 USA Olympic gymnast and the first American woman to score a perzimmerman fect “10.” As an inductee into the “Gallery of Legends,” Zimmerman joined Olympic greats Nadia Comaneci, Dominque Dawes and Russian eight-time Olympic gold medalist Valeri Liukin. >> Debbie Crow, chief financial officer of the Florida Retail Federation, was honored with the nonprofit trade association’s 2013 Chairman’s Award.

The award is presented annually to a person or company who has gone “above and beyond the call of duty” to the FRF and the retail community.

The group has received an unbroken string of clean audits since 1990. >> Carlton Dean, CCIM, of Sperry Van Ness Commercial Real Estate Advisors, has been awarded the prestigious SIOR® designation from the Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS®. SIOR® is a global professional association that recognizes commercial real estate professionals with the highest level of achievement, knowledge, accountability and ethical standards in today’s real estate industry. >> Aegis Business Technologies has been named to the Ingram Micro 2013 SMB 500, celebrating the top 500 fastest-growing Ingram Micro U.S. channel partners focused on small and mid-size businesses.

Ranked at number 365, Aegis grew its business with Ingram Micro Inc., the world’s largest technology distributor, by more than 80 percent.

Parisi

>> Sean Pittman, founder and chairman of the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce, was honored during the first year anniversary reception with the Chairman’s Award. In its first year, BBMC’s accomplishments include securing membership from several corporate sponsors, launching the Hispanic, Young Entrepreneurs, Women’s Business and two other business-driven councils, and sponsoring several signature events, including the Legislative Welcome Back Reception, Tally Fiesta and the monthly community engaging mixer, The President’s Coffee. >> The United Way of the Big Bend was honored with a coveted Emmy® Award for the Elect United television public service announcement

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series from the 2012 campaign. Sachs Media Group worked to conceptualize, script and produce three PSAs featuring on-camera talent, Troy Kinsey, capitol reporter for Bay News 9. The spots centered around the theme “Elect Apathy, the alternative to the United Way,” employing reverse psychology in the style of political spots.

>> Tallahassee-based advertising agency The Pod brought home a golden Emmy from the The Suncoast Chapter of National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for its brand video produced for Community South Credit Union. >> Partners in Association Management (PIAM) of Tallahassee was selected by Marriott Hotels of Florida as a Partner of the Year. The selection committee based its decision on criteria that included culture, industry impact and community involvement. Marriott Hotels of Florida awarded PIAM with a contribution of $500 to a local charity of its choice, which was Big Bend Hospice. PIAM matched the donation to provide a total of $1,000.

Appointed by Gov. Scott >> James Davis, 61, of Tallahassee, the owner of

BUSINESS NEWS

James Davis CPA, to the Board of Funeral, Cemetery and Consumer Services. >> Brandon L. Harris, 29, of Tallahassee, a certified athletic trainer with Titus Sports Academy, to the Board of Athletic Training. >> James Johnson, 63, of Tallahassee, owner of J. Emory Johnson Interior Design Consultants Inc., to the Board of Architecture and Interior Design. >> Lisa Miller, 53, of Tallahassee, CEO of Lisa Miller and Associates, to the Apalachee Regional Planning Council, Region Two Community Association Living Study Council. >> Dr. Robert P. Morris, 81, of Tallahassee, retired, to the Board of Podiatric Medicine. >> Rosa N. McNaughton, 65, of Tallahassee, a workforce services policy and compliance coordinator for the Department of Economic Opportunity, to the Board of Optometry. >> Jonathan Peet, 59, of Tallahassee, owner of Jonathan Peet CPA LLC, to the Community Association Living Study.

Emerald Coast New Beginnings >> Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa has appointed Jason Smith as the new executive chef for Sandcastles Restaurant and Lounge.

Smith’s professional background includes a variety of techniques and styles, including pastry and confectionery, wine pairing, butchery and international cuisine. Sandcastles is being upgraded as part of a $12.5 million dollar capital improvement project currently underway at the resort. The resort has also appointed Elyse Graver as the newest regional sales manager. Based in Plano, Texas, she will direct the resort’s sales efforts into Texas and the West Coast territories. >> Amy Miller has become the first female port director for the City of Pensacola since its inception in the mid-1700s. She is also the only currently serving female port director in the state of Florida and in the U.S. Gulf Coast region.

Miller became Port of miller Pensacola’s manager of Business & Trade Development in 2002. In 2006, her duties were expanded to include oversight of the port’s budgeting, finance and human resources activities. >> CPA Jeff Armstrong has joined the Santa Rosa-based firm of McCullar & Company, Certified Public Accountants & Advisors. Prior to joining McCullar & Company, Armstrong had been involved in the real estate, resort and construction industries, including experience as the CFO of Alys Beach, a resort town on Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A.

>> Levin Bracken has opened his private practice, Bracken Law P.A., in Miramar Beach. A native of Memphis, Tenn., Bracken moved to Destin in 2006 and currently serves as an active member and treasurer of the Okaloosa Bar Association. bracken For the past six years he worked as an attorney at Conerly, Bowman & Dykes and as the closing attorney for Attorneys’ Title of Northwest Florida. >> First Florida Bank has added Andy Marshall as executive vice-president and Don Collins as vice-president/commercial lender.

Previously the commercial banking group manager for Arvest Bank in Tulsa, Okla., Marshall has also held commercial and consumer banking management positions for regional, super-regional and community collins banks in Arkansas and Mississippi.

An active duty veteran of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business/Management from the University of Maryland and his MBA from the University of Mississippi.

Collins has served marshall at area banks since 1988, including positions as president and senior vice president/retail banking. Now based in First Florida Bank’s Niceville branch, he will provide service to Walton and Okaloosa counties. Collins began his career in retail banking, adding expertise in mortgages, and consumer and business loans. >> Michael T. Rehwinkel, executive chairman of EVRAZ North America, has been elected to the Gulf Power Company board of directors.

EVRAZ North America is a leading steel manufacturer that annually produces more than 5 million tons of flat, long and tubular products. Rehwinkel, who held the position of CEO and president of EVRAZ from rehwinkel 2010 to 2013, was

SoundByteS responsible for transforming EVRAZ from a collection of companies to one commercially driven firm.

He is currently chairman of the American Iron and Steel Institute. >> Destiny Strategic Advisors has opened a new Destin office at 4481 Legendary Drive. The firm specializes in maximizing the financial performance and operations of small to mid-sized business. >> Those looking to buy or sell a business in Northwest Florida can now call on Emerald Coast Business Brokers, which has opened an office in Destin on Legendary Drive.

Local Happenings >> Gulf Power has finished an unprecedented project to install nearly 1,000 LED streetlights from the eastern edge of Gulf Islands National Seashore to the Okaloosa County line — a 19-mile ribbon of lights along U.S. 98 — as part of a partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation and Santa Rosa County. This is the largest LED streetlight project in Gulf Power history and the largest for its parent, Southern Company.

After a Florida Department of Transportation audit determined the need to brighten U.S. 98 to improve traveler safety, state and county officials approached Gulf Power to assist with the challenge. The long ribbon of federal highway serves as the main artery connecting commuters, vacationers and commercial transportation — about 43,000 vehicles per day. Construction on the project began earlier in 2013.

During the project, a total of 992 280-watt LED streetlights were installed, one every 200 to 250 feet. Approximately 250 new poles and numerous transformers were installed to complete the project.

The FDOT paid for the installation while the county will cover the operation and maintenance costs. >> Attorney General Pam Bondi has appointed Pamela J. Dana to the Triumph Gulf Coast Inc. Board of Directors for a four-year term. Triumph Gulf Coast Inc. must create and administer the Recovery Fund for counties disproportionately affected by the 2010 oil spill. The principal of the fund will derive from 75 percent of all funds recovered by the Attorney General for economic damage to the state resulting from the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Dana is senior strategic advisor for the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition.

She was executive director of the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development during Gov. Jeb Bush’s administration. >> Because of their close proximity to the Airbus assembly line under construction in Mobile, Ala., five Northwest Florida counties have formed the Gulf Coast Aerospace Coalition, which is aimed at attracting European-based aerospace supplier companies to the region. The coalition is led by the economic development leaders of Bay, Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties, with the Greater Pensacola Chamber representing Greater Pensacola. >> Realty Marts International Inc./RMI Vacations, a Pensacola company, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2013.

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>> Russell & Russell has formed Russell Vacation Rentals, which began operating Nov. 1, 2013. The parent company, Russell & Russell Consulting, is a hospitality management company founded in March 2012. It is owned and operated by two industry veterans with 60 years collective experience. John Russell, former president of Sandestin Investments LLC, has served as general manager for Hyatt Hotels and Ritz-Carlton during his three-decade career. He primarily handles property management operation and financials. Scott Russell, former vice-president of Sales and Marketing for Sandestin Investments LLC and vice president of Global Sales for Ritz-Carlton, focuses on building integrated sales and marketing strategies. >> Matt Stone MS, CCC-SLP, has been selected as facility manager for the inpatient physical therapy department at the Andrews Institute Rehabilitation Gulf Breeze Hospital location. Stone previously served at the same facility as a speech-language pathologist with clinical interests in disorders of language, speech, voice, oral motor and swallowing in adult patients. >> Shannon Ogletree, director of the Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office, has earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer, a national recognition that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, from the International Economic Development Council. The CEcD recognizes qualified and dedicated practitioners in the economic development field and sets the standard of excellence within the profession. Candidates must have at least five years of experience, complete extensive economic development training requirements and pass a rigorous and comprehensive three-part, two-day examination administered by the International Economic Development Council. >> Season two of “Emeril’s Florida” premiered in January on the Cooking Channel and is featuring South Walton County in nine different segments.

Two episodes are focusing solely on the destination, the first of which aired in late January and the second airing Sunday, March 2, at 1:30 p.m. CST. “South Walton took part in a very unique opportunity to showcase what makes the destination so special,” said Jon Ervin, director of marketing and communications for Walton County Tourist Development Council. “Our area offers a complete vacation experience in part thanks to some of the most passionate restaurateurs, which of course beachgoers have come to love.”

Nine locations in South Walton welcomed Lagasse to their establishments, including: Havana Beach Bar & Grill at The Pearl in Rosemary Beach, V Seagrove, 723 Whiskey Bravo in Seagrove, Seaside’s Airstream row of fun and funky food trucks, Crust Artisan Bakery in Santa Rosa Beach, Sandestin’s Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood, Marlin Grill and The Wine Bar at Grand Boulevard. The Marina at Baytowne Wharf, where Chef Lagasse prepared a fresh catch with Florida Gov. Rick Scott during the first season, will once again feature fresh-on-the-dock seafood in South Walton.

The Cooking Channel’s first season of “Emeril’s Florida” was viewed by an estimated 1 million U.S. households and was then was picked up by Food Network and re-aired last summer to more than 2.5 million more homes.

Local Honors >> Express Employment Professionals of Pensacola is one of seven Florida businesses honored by Gov. Rick Scott at the eighth annual Exceptional Employers Awards because of its commitment to employing people with disabilities. >> Legendary Marine was named “Dealer of the Year” for the second consecutive year by Boating Industry Magazine as part of its annual TOP 100 awards program. Legendary is the Gulf Coast’s largest boat dealership, with sales and service locations in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City and Gulf Shores, Ala. >> James “Ed” Tate of Pensacola, lead pharmacist for NW Florida’s Federal Disaster Medical Assistance Team, was honored this past fall for his 15 years of steadfast service on deployments and at the team’s Ft. Walton Beach base of operations and for the quality of pharmacy management procedures that have been implemented during his tenure. >> CFRE International has named Erin Kelley Sammis, executive director for the Pensacola Opera, as a Certified Fund Raising Executive.

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>> The Greater Pensacola Chamber was ranked No. 31 among the nation’s Top 100 social mediasavvy chambers of commerce by OnlineMBApage. com, which evaluated more than 500 chambers throughout the country. >> Jerry L. Maygarden and Shigeko Honda were recently recognized by the University of West Florida for the significant impact they have made on the university and the region.

Maygarden, the fall commencement keynote speaker, was named an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. A UWF alumnus, Maygarden is a business leader with a long and distinguished career in public service, including leadership positions in state and local government and health care. He currently serves as president and CEO of the Greater Pensacola Chamber. He also serves as chair of the UWF Historic Trust Board of Directors.

Maygarden, a former city councilman and mayor of Pensacola, served as a state legislator and was Majority Leader in the Florida House of Representatives from 1994–2002. He was the founding president of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida and he currently chairs the Ronald McDonald House Development Council.

Honda was awarded the Founder’s Medallion in recognition of her 25 years of service to the university, during which she established and nurtured its Japanese language program and the U.S.-Japan educational and cultural programs.

She previously served as the director of the Japan Center, Japan House and Jikei-American Center, and as co-director of the Florida-Japan Linkage Institute. One of her most significant contributions to the university was the building of the Japan House in 2006 as a center for Japanese culture for the Pensacola area and southeast U.S. region. She was also responsible for establishing UWF as the third host institution of the FloridaJapan Linkage Institute in 1994, and for relocating the head office from the University of South Florida to UWF in 2006. >> Pen Air Federal Credit Union has been awarded the 5-Star Superior Rating for strength and security for its 92nd consecutive quarter by BauerFinancial Inc., the nation’s bank rating firm. >> Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and Twin Cities Hospital in Niceville have been named Top Performer on Key Quality Measures™ by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America, for the third year in a row. Both were recognized for exemplary performance in using evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve care for certain conditions, including heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care, children’s asthma, stroke and venous thromboembolism, as well as inpatient psychiatric services. >> Pensacola State College Dean Debbie Douma

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SoundByteS recently received the national Campus Impact Award for Outstanding Grants Professional at the 47th annual conference of the Council for Resource Development in Washington, D.C. Douma heads the PSC Institutional Effectiveness and Grants Department and especially recognized for her role in securing and managing an $8.5 million Health Profession Opportunity Grant to provide low-income individuals with education, training and support services needed to prepare them for employment or advancement in nursing and other health care fields.

Twin Cities was also recognized with an “A” Hospital Safety Score by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national non-profit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits. >> Susan Kiley, co-owner of Bay Breeze Patio in Miramar Beach, was recently appointed to the 2014 Board of Directors of the International Casual Furnishings Association, the preeminent association for the casual furniture industry. She will serve along with representatives from leading furnishings manufacturers, including Lane Venture, Tropitone and Brown Jordan. >> Two members of the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa food and beverage team have been elected to the 2014 board of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Northwest Florida Chapter: Angelina Covington, director of food and beverage, has been appointed president, and

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BUSINESS NEWS

Nichole Moen, food and beverage assistant and special events coordinator, has been elected as secretary.

Appointed by Gov. Scott >> Elizabeth Brant, 49, of Baker, an environmental engineer with Polyengineering Inc., to the Early Learning Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton counties. >> Stan Connally Jr., Gulf Power president and CEO, to Triumph Gulf Coast Inc. Board of Directors. >> Rachel Connell, Balenda Hetzel and Martha Odom to the Early Learning Coalition of Santa Rosa County. Connell, 36, of Milton, is a self employed accountant. Hetzel, 43, of Navarre, is vice president of Beach Community Mortgage. Odom, 58, of Gulf Breeze, is the special projects coordinator for J.O. Services Group. >> Clint E. Lohr, 41, of Cantonment, corporate director of rehabilitation for Baptist Health Care, to the Board of Physical Therapy Practice. >> Dr. Jonathan D. Miller, 43, of Pensacola Beach, a psychologist with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, to the Board of Psychology. >> Andrew Raines, 38, of Pensacola, a support services coordinator at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, to the Florida Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board.

Bay Local Happenings >> Panama Citybased Summit Bank has promoted Terri Hester to vice president and loan compliance officer.

Terri, who has been in banking in Bay County since 1994, is one of Summit Bank’s original employees (2008) and has been responsible for all loan operations, document preparation and storage.

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>> Promising to create 300 new jobs, iSirona, an information technology company that provides solutions for medical device integration, will expand its operations in Panama City with a capital investment of $2.25 million. Since the beginning of 2012, iSirona has grown from 31 employees to more than 180 — and this expansion will triple its workforce to more than 400. Established in 2008 and headquartered in Panama City, iSirona helps clinicians make more informed decisions about patients by providing an easy-to-use approach for

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medical device integration. iSirona was ranked “One of America’s Most Promising Companies” in 2013 by Forbes magazine and as the fifth fastestgrowing private company in U.S. health care in 2012 by Inc. Magazine.

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>> The Bay Economic Development Alliance was awarded a $500,000 grant from the Florida Defense Task Force in November to connect the military installation at Naval Support Activity Panama City to LambdaRail. The 12,000-mile nationwide fiber optic network is used by NASA, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and more than 280 universities for advanced research projects.

The new technology is expected to improve NSA PC’s military value. >> Richard Dodd and partners formed a construction management firm — ReliantSouth Construction Group — in June 2013 and recently added two new project members: Aaron McPhail, a 2013 graduate from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering; and Jason Phillips, project manager, who earned a Bachelor of Science in construction management from the University of West Florida and has more than 15 years of experience working with various regional construction firms helping to build projects ranging in size from $100,000 to $80 million from Mississippi to Central Florida.

Dodd, who brought 30 years of experience to

the firm, is partners with long-term co-workers John Meyer and Dalton Parker, who joined as vice presidents. Recent projects include renovations at Bay High School and Mowat Middle School and construction of the $16 million North Bay Haven Charter Academy.

Appointed by Gov. Scott >> Dr. William F. Cavitt, 73, Panama City, a self-employed licensed mental health counselor, to the Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling. >> Dr. Merle P. Stringer, 71, a neurosurgeon with the Brain and Spine Center LLC, to the Board of Medicine.

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Local Happenings >> Gov. Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman have presented Shawn Shattuck with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award in honor of his community work.

After losing his job as an oysterman due to challenges faced by Franklin County’s commercial seafood industry, Shattuck volunteered with Franklin’s Promise Coalition’s “A Hand Up: Volunteer Emergency Assistance Program,” an emergency assistance fund established to provide unemployed residents assistance with utilities and basic needs.

While volunteering at the coalition, Shattuck helped with a variety of projects, including Toys for Tots, Running for the Bay and local food pantries. On March 1, 2013, he started his own business, Shawn’s Honey-Do Services LLC, where he offers services in tiling, moving, lawn care, carpentry and painting. >> Brett Gormely and Keri Hall with Up the Creek Raw Bar were chosen

by Emeril Lagasse as one of the Florida restaurants to be featured on his Jan. 19th show on the Cooking Channel.

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>> The city of Port St. Joe is one of the first four communities selected by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to participate in the pilot program for the Competitive Florida Partnership, a new rural community development initiative. (The other communities are the cities of Newberry and White Springs and Desoto County.) The Competitive Florida Partnership focuses on improving local economic development activities, helping rural communities value and market local assets and challenging them to set realistic goals for advancing their economic development vision.

850 Region >> The Gulf Coast Trade Alliance’s 2014 World Trade Conference will be held May 1 and 2 at the Hilton on Pensacola Beach and will highlight transportation and infrastructure. This year’s theme is Gateway Gulf Coast: Leveraging Infrastructure to Boost International Commerce.

The two-day event will highlight trade trends, market developments and international business opportunities for Gulf Coast companies, and attendees will have opportunities with trade practitioners, international business professionals and state and federal resource providers. For updates and more information, check worldtradeconference.com. >> The 2014 elected officers and directors of Florida’s Great Northwest, the regional economic development organization for the 16-county Florida Panhandle region, are: Chair Ed Gardner, PowerSouth; Vice Chair Angela Strickland, Gulf Power; Secretary/Treasurer Kim Bodine, Gulf Coast Workforce Board; Past Chair John Hutchinson, Gulf Power Company.

Other directors include: Lewis Bear, The Lewis Bear Company, sustaining member; Denise Barton, Sacred Heart Health Systems, sustaining member; Shannon Ogletree, Santa Rosa County ED, economic development representative; Jeff Stevenson, Gulf Coast State College, higher education representative; Rick Bitner, Farm Credit of Northwest Florida, general member representative; and Bruce Vredenburg, Hancock Bank, general member representative.

Compiled by Linda Kleindienst

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The Last Word

In December, Florida got some relatively unexpected good news from PricewaterhouseCoopers. The Sunshine State ranked as the most attractive in the nation for aviation companies in a new study, “Aviation’s Second Gold Age: Can the U.S. aircraft industry maintain leadership?”

The overall top rating was based on Florida ranking first for talent, ninth for industry and sixth for cost out of the 50 states.

Interestingly, the announcement came on the heels of a major push by the Gulf Coast Aerospace Coalition of five Northwest Florida counties — Bay, Walton, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Escambia — to lure European aerospace supply companies here. Not only are the five the closest Florida counties to the new Airbus assembly plant slated for Mobile, Ala., (just 50 miles west of Pensacola), but they are also well placed to service the recent expansion of aviation original equipment manufacturer (OEM) plants throughout the Southeast, including Boeing in Charleston, Gulfstream in Savannah and Embraer in Jacksonville and Melbourne.

Several dozen business, community, education and political leaders from the five counties traveled to Hamburg, Germany, for a two-day forum with German aerospace companies, hoping to develop longterm relationships that could translate into thousands of new jobs for the region over the next decade. Many actually arrived days earlier to attend the third annual Global Aviation Supply Chain Conference, which brought together aerospace suppliers from around the world, and have one-on-one meetings with aviation parts suppliers. Nathan Sparks, executive director of the Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County, dubbed the trip as the region’s “coming out” party for the European aerospace industry.

Among the important takeaways from the meetings were recognition of the need to revamp education programs to have workers ready for aerospace-related jobs that could materialize within five years and a realization that Northwest Florida needs to find a way to market itself to international companies expected to move somewhere in the Southeast U.S. to service the aerospace giants already here.

According to the PricewaterhouseCoopers study, Florida’s pluses, which certainly represent Northwest Florida’s offerings, include a well-trained and educated workforce (including thousands who leave the military but want to continue living and working in Florida) and a relatively high number of aerospace companies. Add to that a local commitment to reach out to the world’s aerospace suppliers with the story of what Northwest Florida can offer in terms of workforce, education and logistics.

By some estimates, the world will need 35,000 new planes over the next two decades, and the U.S. as a whole stands to reap great benefits

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from this explosion of airplane manufacturing.

According to the PricewaterhouseCoopers study, “The aircraft sector is the country’s biggest net exporter, with a trade surplus of $71.1 billion in 2012. As one of the country’s top high-tech and heavy manufacturing sectors, aerospace manufacturing employs nearly 500,000 workers.

By some measures, it seems the industry is entering a second gold age.”

Yet, the study warns that the rest of the world is also preparing to horn in on the action, with foreign companies ramping up their technological prowess and even enlarging their manufacturing footprint in the U.S. “While many issues are deemed highly important by industry leaders, three, in particular, rise to the top as most pressing and systemically prevalent: talent management shortfalls; accelerating innovation across a complex supply and production chain; and globalization pressures,” the study continues.

A critical issue: building a coordinated front between the private sector, educational institutions and government to give the industrial workforce the skills and technologies to compete globally.

It seems that Northwest Florida — especially the Gulf Coast Aerospace Coalition, with help from Florida’s Great Northwest and an investment from major private companies like Gulf Power Company — is moving in that direction.

Perhaps Neal Wade, executive director of the Bay Economic Development Alliance, summed it up best before the meetings in Germany even began: “Economic development is planting seeds in the ground of the future that, if watered and nurtured periodically, can produce fruit in the form of new, good-paying jobs. Northwest Florida certainly has the ingredients necessary to compete for aerospace/aviation jobs.”

LINDA KLEINDIENST, EDITOR lkleindienst@rowlandpublishing.com

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