Coastlines January Issue - Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of
Transcription
Coastlines January Issue - Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER FORT WALTON BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce JULY 2015 We Love Our Annual Sponsors! Independence Day! Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce July Events First Friday Coffee Sponsored by RPM *SPECIAL DATE – NEW LOCATION!* Friday, July 10th • 7 am New FWB Rec Center 132 Jet Drive, NW, FWB Nothing But Networking Thursday, July 9th • 11:30 am Fort Walton Yacht Club 180 Ferry Rd., NE, FWB Business After Hours Sponsored by Chez Elan Thursday, July 16th • 5:30 to 7:30 pm 317 Racetrack Rd., NW, FWB LA Woodall Chair of the Board The Arc of the Emerald Coast Keep Moving Forward July the Fourth is upon us, and it’s time to break out the old barbecue grill. We are fortunate to have this area in which to celebrate our holiday. Burgers, pork sandwiches, sausage, watermelon, chips, and of course, a few cold beers will be enjoyed. I’m going to post the flag and have a relaxing day. But before I do, there is something else I am going to do; and I thought I would share that with you. We live in a community rich with military presence and history. Our upcoming Independence Day celebration is our annual reminder of the cost of our freedoms and our way of life. While we are enjoying our barbecue and beaches, I am going to make an effort to remember those who allowed me that day. I want to stop and say the Pledge of Allegiance. I want to stop and say a prayer for those in harm’s way. I want to say “Thank You!” to someone I see in military service. I want to stop and think of those I knew, lost in Vietnam. I want to remember my Dad’s service and my own. I want to remember those I served with and their families. I think we all have our own stories and memories that are special and often private to us. I hope we all have the time to stop on July the Fourth and remember them. I hope each and every one of you have a great and safe holiday weekend. Remember this, if nothing else: God Bless America! My best, LA Information about all FWB Chamber events at www.FWBChamber.com COASTLINES is a publication of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce 34 SE Miracle Strip Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548 Ph 850.244.8191 Fax 850.244.1935 Submit information to Eppi Azzaretto [email protected] INSIDE PG 15: Rep. Matt Gaetz makes special stop at the FWB Chamber to deliver fantastic news! INSIDE PG 18: Board Chair LA Woodall (Center) presents “Above and Beyond Awards” to Mary Tinsley and Olen Holston. Our MISSION is to strengthen local businesses and enhance the quality of life in our community by providing services which help businesses help themselves. FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: WWW.FWBCHAMBER.COM OR CALL 850.244.8191 2 | July 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce 2015 CHAMBER LEADERSHIP TEAM Executive Committee ‘So, How’s It Going At The Chamber?’ Chair of the Board LA Woodall, Horizons of Okaloosa County Chair of the Board-Elect Tammy McGaughy, Warren Averett Immediate Past Chair I am always excited when someone asks me ‘So, how’s it going at the Chamber?” since it gives me the chance to respond in one of two ways. To a nonmember I would say: “We are promoting our members and doing what we can for our community”; and for a member, I will ask—“Are you happy with your membership” and they typically say “yes.” Then I can honestly say that all is well at the Chamber! Ron Grissom, Gulf Power Treasurer Matt Turpin, Carr, Riggs & Ingram Section Chair - Professional Development Mitch Mongell, Fort Walton Beach Medical Ctr Section Chair - Community Mark Dutram, First City Bank Section Chair - Special Events Ryan Price, Business Interiors Section Chair - Business to Business Bill Roberts, Barnes Insurance Board of Directors Term 2013-2015 Patrick Berry David Fuqua Ken Hair Paul Montalvo RJ Murdock Desley Parker Toni Richardson Term 2014-2016 Jackie Blue Mark Dutram Jason Floyd Andi Mahoney Melissa Matern Ryan Price Matt Turpin Term 2015-2017 Mitch Mongell Ron Raybourne Bill Roberts Scott Smith, DC Eddie Springle Mary Tinsley Marcia WrightReynolds Life Directors C. LeDon Anchors Kenneth Williamson Charles D. Burgess (Deceased) H. Gene Smith (Deceased) Jeanne Rief C. H. Long Jim Glenn (Deceased) Joyce Sanders Kathy Houchins Bruce Marshall Chamber Staff President/CEO – Ted Corcoran, IOM Director of Administration – Seth Luttrell Director of Marketing/PR - Eppi Azzaretto Events Coordinator – Rachelle Graves Information Specialist – Dayna Stinebiser Membership Account Exec – Elaine Sheldon Director of Accounting – Chrissy Flanigan Invaluable Volunteer – Patricia Payne Ted Corcoran, IOM President/CEO I am particularly glad when we have members who share overwhelmingly wonderful commentary on their opinion of OUR FWB Chamber. One recently said: ‘I love the staff at the FWB Chamber. We are members of 16 chambers, and I can easily say that FWB is one of the most effective we are involved with.” I love when a Chamber member asks for suggestions as to how to better utilize their Chamber membership. Jason Lamp, the Senior Media Consultant with Apex Broadcasting is fairly new in town—and has been involved in several other chambers during his career. After our luncheon, Jason sent a note: “I wanted to take a moment and tell you how impressed I have been with the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and its membership. I have been a member of chambers in much larger markets like Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, and I have never seen the participation level of any of those chambers come even close to that of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber. In fact, I have been much more successful in forming and developing great relationships and developing positive leads from the FWB Chamber than I have in any other chamber I have been a member of.” I recently met with Candace Mitchell, Director of Marketing for Bit Wizards. They recently made a huge commitment to our community by establishing their headquarters on Memorial Pkwy, SW and they are probably known more nationally then locally!! So I asked Candace to give me the 30-second elevator speech: “Whether you need to develop an application, build a brand or move to the cloud, Bit-Wizards I.T. solutions fit any business need. We deliver results that matter to your business because your success is our success.” Ok, then how can the Chamber assist your mission? “When researching opportunities to gain marketing visibility and community involvement in the Fort Walton Beach area, there wasn’t any single organization involved in more significant events than the FWB Chamber. The FWB Chamber is the central point of community participation in this area!” Our community was honored to have had Skip Foster as the publisher of the Daily News and he was on our board of directors while in town. As he was heading out to Tallahassee, he shared the following at his last board meeting: “The FWB Chamber is the strongest community organization I have ever seen. You all must be proud of the vital role this Chamber plays in the county -- the organization has gone far beyond simply being a conduit for businesses to interact with each other -- it has unabashedly taken on the mantle of agenda-setter for this great community. And it is doing so with great wisdom, foresight, patience and collaboration. This indelible mark on the community is a result of both your strong leadership and exemplary work by board volunteers. It is a perfect mix, and the results are incredible. So, how’s it going at the FWB Chamber? I would say we are doing all right. Thank you for your membership! Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce July 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 3 Military and EDC Working Together Through Partnership Initiative The TCPI (Tri County Community Partnership Initiative) is the product of an Air Force-led Community Partnership Program and an EDC-led partnership initiative that started in early 2014. The EDC, led by Nathan Sparks, recognized that the Air Force might have some limitations with their community initiative due to manpower, funding, and regulatory constraints, so it used a state grant to develop the TCPI to assist them. This program creates a framework in which the local military installations and the community, including business and civic leaders, can come together and brainstorm ideas to better utilize our precious resources, reduce costs, increase capabilities, and improve services for the military and Gulf Coast families and businesses. Motivated by DOD spending cutbacks, the Air Force has become more entrepreneurial than they have ever been, and more willing to work with the community and businesses like you and me. Though this region has a rich heritage of military and community partnerships, conversations at this level have been rare. The partnership opportunities that are available today are numerous, and it is exciting to see some of the programs that have already been implemented, in progress, or coming out soon. The TCPI formed a 20+ member board with representatives from local government, installation representatives, service providers, utility companies, real estate experts, and chambers of commerce. I have the privilege of being your representative from the FWB chamber. The board is now shifting to more frequent meetings as working groups advance initiatives to further explore their feasibility and implementation. Nathan Sparks and the EDC would love for you to share any ideas that you may have; none are too crazy, for potential partnership opportunities that could benefit the community, or even your business. I would suggest that you go to the website www.floridapartnerships.com and learn more about what is already being done. In addition, there is an “ideas portal” that you could use to submit suggestions for consideration. One more reason why the gulf coast is a great place to live, work, and play. Mark Dutram First City Bank FWB Chamber Board & Section Chair, Community 24-HOUR ACCESS FITNESS CENTER $0 $ 15 Limite Time O d nly! Immediate Care in Four Locations! onth Month to M Destin (850) 269-6400 M-F, 8 am - 5 pm Like Us /WAFtWaltonBeach UPTOWN STATION to SAVE! 211656 850-533-0555 Enroll TODAY 4 | July 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce Fort Walton Beach (850) 863-8219 M-F, 7 am - 7 pm Saturday, 8 am - 4 pm Sunday, 10 am - 6 pm Navarre (850) 396-0424 M-F, 7 am - 7 pm Saturday, 8 am - 4 pm Niceville (850) 897-4400 M-F, 7 am - 7 pm Saturday, 8 am - 4 pm 2115495 ly And On ENROLLMEN T FEE (SAVE $ 99) 60th Annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival! This year’s Capt. Billy LX (Todd Bolger) had a little help from some of his Chamber friends in the planning and implementation of this year’s Diamond Celebration – and we’re glad to say that it was a fantastic success! The three-day (plus parade) festival is always great fun – and it takes a lot of planning, leg work, and downright physical labor to make it the rousing event that it was this year. We’d like to also thank the Krewe of Bowlegs – the stars of the show! – and all our amazing, amazing Chamber volunteers – too numerous to mention, but you know who you are! Kids’ Pirate Play Zone | 60th Annual Billy Bowlegs Torchlight Parade | Friday Night Fireworks | Stage Sponsor | SPECIAL THANKS TO: America Victoria Cleaning Service Boogies Watersports Buffalo Rock Pepsi Choctawhatchee High School JROTC City of Fort Walton Beach Public Works Complete Signs Dunkin Donuts ECTV.com Eglin Air Force Base Fastsigns Florida Fish & Wildlife Florida OneDMAT FNBT.com Fort Walton Beach Fire Department Fort Walton Beach Police Department Goldring Gulf Distributing Golf Depot Grim Reapers HB Webdudes Helen Back Hurlburt Air Field Lockheed Martin Mr. and Mrs. Gary Smith Navarre High School NJROTC Okaloosa County Emergency Medical Services Okaloosa County School Board Okaloosa County Sheriff ’s Office Papa John’s Pizza PyroShows Sky High Aerial Photography St Simons Church Systems of Sound Tents of NW Florida Tow Boat US Transfield Services United States Coast Guard Venture Hive July 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 5 We salute the businesses and individuals making a difference in our community! Megan Blancho Receives Honor Megan Blancho, of The Law Office of Megan Blancho, has been selected to the 2015 list as a member of the Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. NADC is an organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of legal excellence. Its mission is to objectively recognize the attorneys who elevate the standards of the Bar and provide a benchmark for other lawyers to emulate. Members are thoroughly vetted by a research team, selected by a blue ribbon panel of attorneys with podium status from independently neutral organizations, and approved by a judicial review board as exhibiting virtue in the practice of law. Due to the incredible selectivity of the appointment process, only the top one percent of attorneys in the United States are awarded membership in NADC. This elite class of advocates consists of the finest leaders of the legal profession from across the nation. For more information, contact the Law Office of Megan Blancho, PA, 850-307-5665. BIT-WIZARDS PRESENTS: A Lunch and Learn Wednesday, August 19, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm At the FWB Chamber, 34 Miracle Strip Pkwy, SE, Extend Your Infrastructure to the Cloud The Cloud is enabling small businesses everywhere to set up their own enterprise-class infrastructure that doesn’t break the bank. In this seminar, we will cover the core concepts of extending your IT infrastructure to the Cloud. Lunch is included – please RSVP at FWBChamber.com! Dr. Sarah & Dr. Shawn Leatherman, owners of HealthSource along with Dr. Leonard Fabian, Myra Medley, Nikki Francisco, Natalie Blackford, John Blatz and Jamie Aylstock. HealthSource South Awarded “Home Run Club” Award Drs. Shawn and Sarah Leatherman and their team at HealthSource Chiropractic FWB South were thrilled to be awarded the “Home Run Club” award at their annual HealthSource SuperCamp event in Dallas, Texas. HealthSource was recognized as one of the Top 10 HealthSource franchisees out of 400 clinics nationwide. Dr. Sarah Leatherman, owner of HealthSource, says, “We are honored to be recognized for our practice growth, but more importantly its reflection of how well we have served our community. We are blessed with a great team and thankful for all the people whose lives we’ve touched as we celebrate 10 years in practice in FWB this year. ” HealthSource is the largest Chiropractic franchise in the nation and has been ranked the #1 franchise in health services by Entrepreneur Magazine 7 years in a row. Their mission statement is Restoring Health Through the Relentless Pursuit of Exceptional Care. For more information, please visit www.HealthSourceFWBSouth.com. 6 | July 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce Air Force Enlisted Village Announces New President and CEO Planting Promise Project Takes Root at Children in Crisis The Air Force Enlisted Village (AFEV) has announced the selection of Brooke McLean as its new president and CEO. McLean will fill the vacancy created after the passing of James Binnicker in March. The Provisional Class of the Junior League of the Emerald Coast visited Children in Crisis this week for the Planting Promise Project designed to teach CIC children the importance of budgeting resources, eating healthy and problem solving through gardening. “We are extremely fortunate to have the talents, knowledge, experience and professionalism that Brooke brings to the Air Force Enlisted Village,” said Nick Nicholson, chairman of AFEV board of directors. “The board is confident that Brooke will do an outstanding job, and we’re excited about moving forward with him as our organization’s leader.” As AFEV president and CEO, McLean is responsible for overseeing the operations of Teresa Village, Bob Hope Village, and the Hawthorn House, and carrying out AFEV’s mission of providing a home to widows of retired airmen, mothers of active duty service members, and retired military couples. He ensures a meaningful quality of life for nearly 400 residents in two independent living facilities by encouraging independence, maximizing strengths and capabilities, and providing them with a loving, secure environment. McLean is also responsible for the 65 residents of Hawthorn House, AFEV’s assisted living and memory care facility. The JLEC provisional members walked the children through the cycle of plant life, helped them plant a container garden for each house, and used hands-on activities to involve the children in cooking with ingredients that will soon be ripening in each garden. Provisional Member Ariana Shockley said, “We are optimistic that this is a project JLEC can do seasonally to show children at a young age how accessible fresh produce can be,” signaling JLEC intentions to increase support and interactions with CIC. Supplies for the gardens were donated by local hardware stores and landscaping companies, leaving the project room to grow through the generosity of Emerald Coast business partners. CIC President and CEO, Ken Hair, kicked off the event remarking, “We are so appreciative to be a part of this project and look forward to more interactions with the Junior League in the future,” before the children went to different activity stations staffed by the newest members of the JLEC. Prior to McLean’s selection to his current position, he served as AFEV’s director of development. McLean served in the U.S. Air Force for 30 years and served in many locations including Hawaii, Florida, Kuwait, England, Germany, Korea, Arkansas, and California. He spent the majority of his time in the Air Force as a logistics planner and also served as the senior enlisted leader in numerous organizations culminating in his posting as the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the Pacific Air Forces. Junior League of the Emerald Coast Provisional Training Team and President & CEO of Children in Crisis, Ken Hair during a visit to the CIC Neighborhood to kick off the “Planting Promise Project”. The project is designed to teach the children living at CIC the importance of budgeting resources, eating healthy, and problem solving through gardening. Shelter House Accepts Cell Phone Donations Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center Receives Generous Donation The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center thanks Doug Ingram and his company Coastal Accounting for being a major sponsor of the Kieran May Memorial Golf and Gala weekend. Funds raised help provide services to child victims of abuse in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Next year’s event will be held March 12th and 13th, 2016. Kaitie Peppler of Shelter House accepts a donation of approximately $1,000 worth of used cell phones, with chargers, for use by clients of Shelter House from Jim Godwin, AKA Pizza Man. If others would like to help meet the needs of Shelter House clients, call them at 850-243-1207. Their new location is 16 Ferry Rd., SE, in Fort Walton Beach for dropping off requested items. continued on page 8 July 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 7 continued HCA Award of Distinction Winners Focus on Patient-Centered Philosophy and Peer Collaboration at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Fort Walton Beach Medical Center recently announced the recipients of its 2014 HCA Awards of Distinction. The winners of the Frist Humanitarian Awards, which recognize one physician, one employee and one volunteer who each demonstrate extraordinary concern for the welfare and happiness of patients and their community, are Dr. Eric Duffy, Priscilla Moore and Mariece Herring. The honorees of the Excellence in Nursing Award, celebrating the extraordinary clinical and compassionate care delivered by nurses every day, is Christine Ketnick. "Fort Walton Beach Medical Center is dedicated to providing the highest quality patient care, and each of these individuals is being honored because of their ongoing commitment to fulfilling this mission," said Mitch Mongell, CEO of Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. "We are grateful to work alongside these awardees, knowing that our community is growing stronger every day because of the contributions of such passionate individuals." The Frist Humanitarian Awards are given annually in recognition of the humanitarian spirit and philanthropic work of the late Dr. Thomas Fr. Frist, Sr., a founder of HCA. • Dr. Eric Duffy, 2014 Physician Frist Humanitarian Award winner. Dr. Duffy exemplifies what it truly means to be a healthcare provider. He consistently provides exceptional service to his patients and is thought very highly of by his co-workers and the hospital staff. • Mariece Herring, 2014 Volunteer Frist Humanitarian Award winner. Mariece has spent thirty-one of her ninety-four years as a volunteer for Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. She served as President of the Auxiliary twice and served numerous times in different positions on the Auxiliary Board. She has selflessly dedicated many years of her life to serving others and to serving at this hospital and at the age of 94 continues to work every week. • Priscilla Moore, 2014 Employee Frist Humanitarian Award winner. Priscilla has been an employee of Fort Walton Beach Medical Center since 1978 and she has selflessly devoted most of her life to this hospital. In the past she has Left to Right: Mariece Herring, Priscilla Moore, Christine Ketnick and Dr. Eric Duffy been recognized for her work in the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and was named the Outstanding Community Volunteer by the Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties. bout the Winner: Excellence in Nursing Award work ethic has been demonstrated tenfold during her more than 25 years here at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. She’s an educator, a mentor, a volunteer, a peer supporter, and an excellent nurse. She is an invaluable asset to Critical Care but also to this facility. Christine Ketnick, 2014 HCA Excellence in Nursing Award winner. Christine’s loyalty, dedication and exceptional Best Western Fort Walton Beach Front Hotel Awarded Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence For Five Consecutive Years. Inducted into ‘Hall of Fame’ Five-time Certificate of Excellence Winners on the World’s Largest Travel Site Best Western Ft. Walton Beachfront, a unique, boutique hotel today announced that it has been recognized as a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame winner. The Certificate of Excellence award celebrates excellence in hospitality and is given only to establishments that consistently achieve great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor. The ‘Hall of Fame’ was created to honor those businesses that have earned a Certificate of Excellence for five consecutive years. Winners include accommodations, eateries and attractions located all over the world that have continually deliv8 | July 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce continued ered a superior customer experience. “Being awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence five years in a row and inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ is a true source of pride and excitement for the entire team at Best Western Ft. Walton Beachfront and we’d like to thank all of our guests who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor,” said Toni Richardson, Director of Sales/Marketing/PR at Best Western Ft. Walton Beachfront Hotel. “There is no greater seal of approval than being recognized by one’s customers. With the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence based on customer reviews, the accolade is a remarkable vote of confidence to our business and our continued commitment to excellence.” "Winning the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for five consecutive years is a remarkable feat. TripAdvisor is pleased to induct five-time award winners into the ‘Hall of Fame’,” said Marc Charron President, TripAdvisor for Business. “By putting a spotlight on businesses that are focused on consistently delivering great service to customers, TripAdvisor not only helps drive an improvement to hospitality standards around the world, it also gives businesses both large and small the ability to shine and stand out from the competition.” Featuring One, Two, and Three Bedroom Apartment Homes Our Corporate Housing Solution features One and Two Bedroom Furnished Units with Utilities and Short & Long Term Lease Options For: Job Relocation Short Term Lease Assignment Building a House Insurance Housing Residential Living Features: 3 Swimming Pools Business & Fitness Centers Easy Rent Payment Options Unfurnished Long Term Lease Options www.CayoGrande.com 2116553 Cayo Grande Apartments & Corporate Housing Welcome Center located at 214 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach 850.226.4865 If you or someone you know has a medical emergency — don’t waste time! Call 911 immediately or come to the tri-county area’s most comprehensive emergency department at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. Our emergency medical professionals are prepared to care for you and your family at a moment’s notice, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our Emergency Department includes the main emergency room, featuring an Advanced Primary Stroke Center and an Accredited Chest Pain Center; an Express ER for minor emergencies or illness; a dedicated Pediatric ER for infants, children and adolescents; and the Destin Emergency Care Center. EMERGENCY CARE ER Text ER to 23000 for average ER wait times* It’s time I get this checked out. 1000 Mar Walt Drive Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 FWBMC.com *Wait is defined as the time of patient arrival until seen by a qualified medical professional. 2116649 When you decide to seek medical attention, we’re here for you 24/7. July 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 9 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thanks to Santa Rosa Mall for a spectacular Pirate Themed Business After Hours – just the right touch to start the Bowlegs countdown. They had great food, wonderful prizes, and the welcome news that Santa Rosa Mall will be flourishing under its new management company! Sponsored by 10 | July 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce Our Chamber Members are going to some pretty interesting places these days – and they’re taking some great reading material along with them for a little touch of home. If you choose to take your Coastlines with you on a trip, take a photo and share it with us. TAKE A TRIP Send your photos to [email protected] Take a Coastlines! Below: Megan Blancho (Law Offices of Megan Blancho, PA) and her husband Dan were celebrating their 9-year anniversary at Cades Cove in Tennessee in May. We’re honored they chose to bring Coastlines with them on a romantic getaway – go figure! Sherr CJ ing With Account Sherry Harlow low Sherry Harlow of Eglin Federal Credit Union crossed over to the northern side of the USCanada border when she visited Seattle and Victoria, BC. Thanks for sharing Coastlines with our northern neighbors, Sherry! Megan Blancho Reach New Residents BEST MASSAGE ON THE ISLAND Boomer Beach Fitness & Massage every month and invite them to your business Tim "Boomer" Sullivan Franchise Owner [email protected] Jason Monroe Beachfront on Beautiful Okaloosa Island 2116560 Gale Jones and Rowena Chrissy of Accounting with CJ went to Jacksonville for an Exchange Club District Convention, and were proud to share some FWB Chamber love with the folks in Jacksonville. y Har Tel: 850-710-0967 www.WelcomeMatServices.com/EmeraldCoast 2108555 Lic# MA74917 MM31866 2108554 Pink Tree Boutique Caregiver Burnout? JuNE 26 & 27 Pink Tree Boutique now caters to Curvey Women, up to 3x. Located at Uptown Station in FWB www.thinkpinktreeboutique.com As always, enjoy 10% off new arrivals. BRING IN 5 oR MoRE FooD ITEMS AND 2116559 850-200-4399 PoP A BALLooN FoR DISCouNTS AND PRIZES! 29 N.E. Walter Martin Rd • 243-9577 • Assisted Living & Memory Care Community • Creating a Lifestyle of Encouragement and Fulfillment • Rediscover the Joy Available in Life! Call 850.243.7735 today to schedule your personal tour Assisted Living Lic. # 9819 & complimentary lunch! www.belvederecommonsfortwaltonbeach.com 2000 Principal Lane (off Mar Walt Dr.) Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547 2116551 SHARING & CARING DAYS PINK. BE UNIQUE. 2097622 Ask about our Short Term Respite Stays... 2116101 phone: (850) 499-3233 462 Abalone Court Unit #301 www.BoomerBeachMassage.com July 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 11 We had a wonderful group who joined us for Nothing But Networking at KMJ Diner on Racetrack Rd. Keisha Florence and her crew did a masterful job of entertaining us! KMJ Dinner at 119A Racetrack Road NE, Ft Walton Beach DINER Our lucky speakers were: Ron Grissom (Gulf Power), Patti Sanders (Lisa Jo Spencer, PA), and Ernie Carey (AirRestore). JOIN US NEXT MONTH FOR NOTHING BUT NETWORKING Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club Thursday, July 9th, 11:30 am • 180 Ferry Road NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW AT FWBChamber.com • $15 with RSVP 12 | July 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce Membership RENEWALS in MAY 2015 MEMBERS get it! Bayou Billy Sweet Dixie Tea Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. Bianco’s Quality Foods Chem-Dry by the Emerald Coast Complete Signs (?) CornerStone Financial Dell Military Dippin’ Dots Eglin Federal Credit Union Emerald Coast CPA, PA Emerald Coast Dale Carnegie Training Emerald Coast Pathology Associates Grace & Bowman Orthodontics Home Business Pro. & Safe Data Systems Humana MarketPoint - Kim Smith Hurlburt Field Association of Chief Master Sergeants Jack of All Trades Productions Junior League of the Emerald Coast Kids Discovery #1 Krewe of Chameleons Legendary Marine FWB Lord & Son Construction, Inc. Okaloosa Saves Orthopaedic Associates Patricia Payne Perfect Imprints Ronay Group, LLC Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q Southern Business Interiors Stiles Outdoor Power Equipment, Inc. Systems of Sound The Trophy Center, Inc. TownePlace Suites by Marriott- Ft. Walton Beach Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce Trustmark Bank Vacuum Center Watson & Mann CPA’s, LLC Wendy’s WSRE-TV of Pensacola College MAY 2015 DOUG SANDERS Sanders & Associates-Kirby ROB CALLEY Backridge Tree Service, Inc. JOEL JOHNSON Gulf Life KARI MORLOCK Vacasa DR. SEAN HODSON White Sands Podiatry DIANE JACKSON Division of Vocational Rehabilitation/DOE PATRICIA THORNTON Designs & Accessories, Inc. CYNTHIA B. COOPER Sunshine Home Care, Inc. NICKI SPARKS Fantasea Faces DEBORAH HANNAN The Caribbean Café 7720 U.S. Highway 98, #340 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 850-622-1607 DR. HIEN DAO Leeward Medical 430 Harrison Ave. Panama City, FL 32405 850-215-2337 11 Miracle Strip Pkwy Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 850-699-2474 P. O. Box 1605 Fairhope, AL 36533 251-458-9683 246A Eglin Pkwy, NE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 850-863-2221 119 Beal Pkwy, SE, Suite 101 Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 850-833-9114 TIM BARKLEY Two Men and a Truck 850-294-7176 64 Eglin Pkwy, NE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 850-267-0444 CHIROPRACTIC 2116556 Headaches? Neck Pain? Back Pain? Follow us on Facebook! [email protected] 850-699-3629 B. KENT LAJEUNESSE HealthSource FWB North handwovenbydesign.com 850-855-9388 91A Monahan Drive Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 850-226-7114 850-225-3883 Dr. Scott R. Smith, DC Pine Needle Baskets and accessories 8730 Thomas Dr., Suite 1101 Panama City Beach, FL 32408 850-234-0349 Try Chiropractic! 49 $ EX AM 850-200-4911 Includes Digital X-rays 430 NE Racetrack Rd, STE B Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 www.HealthSourceFWB.com Our office policy is: The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination, or treatment which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for free, discounted fee or reduced fee service, examination or treatment. This offer does not apply to Federal Beneficiaries and ACN participants. 2116557 Full-Time Full Service Real Estate Agent with 10 Years Experience Works with Buyers and Sellers Specializes in Residential Homes & 1st Time Home Buyers 2116558 119C Racetrack Rd., NW Fort Walton Beach 32547 850-362-6662 Visit www.TeamJanFL.com to start your search! 850-684-5565 • [email protected] • TeamJanFL.com July 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 13 NEW Member Reception Thank you to Moe's Southwest Grill for hosting the June New Members Lunch! Each month, the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce has a special luncheon for our newest members. Check out these businesses - help welcome them to the Chamber, and remember: Members Helping Members Makes Sense! Ernestine Carswell Panhandle Warrior Connection 211 Hollywood Blvd., NE Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32548, 850-226-7742. Panhandle Warrior Connection ensures that warriors active, retired, or served, have greater access to benefits, education, entitlements, and community. Serves military families, spouses, and widows throughout Florida's 1st Congressional district (Pensacola to Marianna). Ginger Hart The Meridian at Westwood 1001 Mar Walt Dr., Fort Walton Beach, 32547 850-863-5174 Come, let us take care of the daily chores while you enjoy your retirement! The Meridian at Westwood, a Pacifica Senior Living community, offers full service independent living for 55+ retirees. We want our residents to spend their retirement in a carefree, safe and friendly environment. Brock Herrington Ellis Insurance Agency, Inc. 8 Racetrack Rd., NW Fort Walton Beach, 32547 850-586-7128 We offer knowledgeable answers to your insurance questions and affordable rates for your insurance needs. Heather Burleson Damsel in Defense • 850-797-2402 Damsel in Defense is about equipping women with the tools to not only keep them safe but also to give them the confidence to know they have a way out if they ever feel threatened. We specialize in the sale of stun guns, pepper spray, and other personal protection products. We bring the training and products to your home or business. Your personal protection is my business, and I look forward to supporting in any way I can. Nicholas & Sarah Bogart Bogarbecue • 850-270-3076 Eclectic barbecue with world-wide inspired flavors. Caribbean, Cowboy, Taouk, and many other flavors, along with our custom sauces, Peach Chipotle, Raspberry Habanero, and more. Kay Leaman HealthyDay HealthyLife • 303-306-8463 Through my own health journey I grew tired of being stuck with the things that kept me from achieving the health I wanted. Once I faced what was holding me back and I began to achieve my own health goals, the passion to help others escape the diet roller coaster and begin to achieve long-term health and healthy weight 14 | July 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce Guillermo Rodriguez Sotol, Tequlia & Mezcal 196A Miracle Strip Pkwy Fort Walton Beach, 32548, 850-362-7333 Sotol, Tequila & Mezcal is an authentic Mexican food restaurant in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Give us the opportunity to try our authentic Mexica food. Our tacos are made with soft corn tortillas; our salsas are hand made fresh, as are our hamburgers. Our burritos and tortas will be the best burritos and tortas you have ever eaten. We also have the best selection of tequila. We have everyday Happy Hour from 2 to 5 pm, the best House Margaritas, Small BOGO, and $2 wells. Christian Green Camping World 6240 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, 32563 251-767-1212 (cell) or 850-939-3484, x 1209 Camping World is the camping and RV enthusiasts’ onestop shop for everything they need to enjoy living in and traveling in their RV. Camping World is the nation’s largest retailer of RVs, accessories, and service, with over 100 super centers located nationwide. Come see us at Camping World of Gulf Breeze. Welcome! Bill Robinson to Direct Community Solutions Activities Community Solutions, the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce-sponsored group working to consolidate area services for the homeless at One Hopeful Place, recently announced the appointment of William M. (Bill) Robinson as its volunteer Executive Director. Rep. Matt Gaetz Supports One Hopeful Place – And We Need Your Help! Rep. Matt Gaetz made a special stop at the FWB Chamber on his way home from budget negotiations in Tallahassee to deliver the fantastic news that the Legislature had approved a $300,000 line item to support the building efforts at One Hopeful Place. The Community Solutions board, chaired by Mitch Mongell of Fort Walton Beach Medical Center was obviously thrilled to hear this great news! This and other budget line items are now on Governor Scott’s desk for his approval or veto. The FWB Chamber and the Community Solutions board (Anthony Sawyer of Sharing and Caring; LA Woodall of the Arc of the Emerald Coast and FWB Chamber Chair; Lisa Jo Spencer of Lisa Jo Spencer, PA; Rep. Gaetz; Mr. Mongell; Bill Robinson, One Hopeful Place Exec. Director; Tammy McGaughy, Warren Averett and FWB Chamber Chair-Elect; and Vicki Tarro, FWB Medical Center) request your support and ask you to send a supportive email to Governor Scott at www.flgov.com/contact-gov-scott/emailthe-governor/, urging him to approve this line item and give a special boost to One Hopeful Place funding efforts. For a sample email and more information, go to FWBChamber.com. “Mr. Robinson has a long history of service to the non-profit community,” said Mitch Mongell, chair of the Community Solutions board, “and we are honored to have a person who is highly respected and knowledgeable on nonprofits in our community at the helm as we move forward with our plans at One Hopeful Place. Bill is serving on a volunteer basis, and his commitment to this cause is inspiring. His 25 years of experience as president/CEO of United Way of Okaloosa County make him uniquely suited to guide us.” Mr. Robinson said, “Community Solutions involvement fulfills a passion for me of building homeless shelters for veterans, women, children, and families, as well as supporting the Cold Night Shelter program.” Community Solutions of the Emerald Coast is a team of individuals dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness through effective communication and collaboration between service entities, resource providers, and our community by bestowing innovative and compassionate direction to men, women and children in Okaloosa County. Jason D. Floyd Joins Chamber Board Fort Walton Beach architect (and native son) Jason D. Floyd (jdf Architecture) was recently appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board of Directors of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. As principal in his firm, Jason has worked on a variety of government, education, commercial and residential projects across the Emerald Coast. In recent years, he has used his talents on two Chamber projects – the Bud & Dorie Day Patriots’ Trail and One Hopeful Place. "Think Beyond" BY JEFF ATWATER, FLORIDA CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Floridians know that it pays to plan ahead, and I hope all of you have taken appropriate steps to protect your loved ones and property during this hurricane season. When thinking about hurricane preparedness, finances may not be the first item that springs to mind, but there’s much more than batteries and non-perishables that also should be done. Post-storm management can be dif- ficult, but it is much more manageable when preparations have been made in advance. I encourage all of you to create an insurance tool kit that you can take with you should you need to evacuate. It should include policy and financial account numbers, as well as contact information for your insurance agent or company. If you have questions or don’t know where to begin, the Department of Financial Services has created a homeowners insurance tool kit that can help. You should also become familiar with the homeowner claims bill of rights. This document summarizes, in simple terms, your rights as a policyholder during the property insurance claims process. As a policyholder, did you know you have a right to receive acknowledgment of your claim within 14 days after the claim was filed, and that within 30 days, insurance companies are required to tell you whether your claim is covered partially or in full, is being disputed, denied or requires more information? Or, that within 90 days, insurance companies are required to pay non-disputed claims? To learn more, visit our website: http://www.myfloridacfo.com/division/Consumers/Storm/. July 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 15 Chamber Calendar of Events JULY 2015 Saturday, July 4, 2015 For Up-To-Date Chamber and Community Events Visit: Tuesday, July 7, 2015 www.fwbChamber.com Friday, July 3, 2015 Chamber CLOSED for 4th of July Holiday Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce Website: HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! Community Outreach Committee Thursday, July 9, 2015 Nothing But Networking 8:00am 11:30am Friday, July 10, 2015 First Friday Coffee Note: New Location! 11:30am New Member Lunch 11:45am Tuesday, July 14, 2015 Healthcare Committee Meeting Wednesday, July 15, 2015 Ambassadors Meeting 8:00am Thursday, July 16, 2015 Business After Hours MAC Meeting Tuesday, July 21, 2015 RPM Meeting Tourism Committee Thursday, July 23, 2015 Board of Directors Meeting Women Connect Committee SUN MON TUE WED Community Outreach Committee 8:00am Healthcare Committee Meeting 8:00am 11:30am 8:00am 11:30am-1:00pm 11:30am Chamber of Commerce Unless otherwise noted, ALL meetings will be held at the Fort Walton Chamber Of Commerce. THU 7:45am Greater Fort Walton Beach JULY 5:30pm-7:30pm Monday, July 20, 2015 Tuesday, July 28, 2015 We encourage you to attend any of the Chamber’s committee meetings as a guest to see whether that particular group suits your expectations and will help you promote your business. The regular monthly meetings are almost always held in the FWB Chamber Conference Room. Just call the Chamber at 244-8191 to reserve your spot or get answers to your questions. MAC Meeting 11:30am RPM Meeting 8:00am Tourism Committee 11:30am-1:00pm Nothing But Networking 11:30am Ambassadors Meeting 7:45am Business After Hours 5:30pm-7:30pm Board of Directors Meeting 11:30am Women Connect Committee 11:30am-1:00pm 11:30am-1:00pm THANK YOU TO OUR 2015 SPONSORS! 16 | July 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce FRI SAT Chamber CLOSED Happy Independence Day! First Friday Coffee 11:30am New Member Lunch 11:45am Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce s g n i t t u C R ib b o n Join the thousands of professionals that choose to grow their businesses through membership in THE GREATER FORT WALTON BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. OUR MISSION IS TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL BUSINESSES AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY BY PROVIDING SERVICES WHICH HELP BUSINESSES HELP THEMSELVES. FRIENDS OF THE GOVERNOR STONE, INC. TOW BOAT US P. O. Box 4716, Fort Walton Beach, 32549 850-621-0011 • www.GovernorStone.org SOUTHERN MARINE TOWING & SALVAGE, LLC EMERALD COAST SCIENCE CENTER WILD WILLY’S ADVENTURE ZONE 31 SW Memorial Parkway, Fort Walton Beach 32548 850-664-1261 • www.ecscience.org 22 Miracle Strip Pkwy, SW Fort Walton Beach, 32548 850-865-5672 • www.towboatusdestin.com 1306 Miracle Strip Pkwy, SE Fort Walton Beach, 32548 850-400-3300 • www.wildwillysadventurezone.com July 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 17 FI CO Excited to be your FFC Sponsor! Thank you First Friday Coffee sponsor: Gulf Power, A Southern Company. AY R ST FRID FFEE Thank you PWC! Military Family Appreciation Day Grand Prize winner! Above & Beyond! Congrats!! ABOVE: THE ARC REBRANDS: The staff of Horizons announced their official rebranding to The Arc of the Emerald Coast. 18 | July2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce JUNE DOOR PRIZE DONATONS Thank you to our Members! NEW MEMBERS: Our youngest and newest members: Peter Masone (The Hall Mall) and his dad, Peter; Olivia Talley (Olivia Talley Cosmetics) and her dad William; Ashley Pellerin (Southern Arts Studios); Alysha Lee, Landrum HR; Brock Harrington and Carla Pfeiffer, Ellis Insurance Agency; and Shannon Fitzgerald and Joie Burkhart, Workout Anytime. T FRID FI AY RS CO FFEE MORE NEW MEMBERS! >> Daniel Crowley, Tammy’s Journeys; Earnestine Carswell, Panhandle Warrior Connection; Georgia Ambarian, Light Energy Dancing; Monty and Gerald Huggins, Heel2Toe Shoe Repair. << LEFT PAGE: TOP PHOTO - FFC SPONSORS: The generous folks at Gulf Power were our official sponsors, and they shared their time with the crew from The Arc of the Emerald Coast and the Fort Walton Beach Rotary Club. Gulf Power Company Northwest Florida Square & Round Dance Association White-Wilson Medical Center RPM Committee Warren Averett Fleet & Smith, PA Gulf Coast Dermatology Carr, Riggs, Ingram, LLC Life’s A Break Publications Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau Twisted Grape Wine Bar, Shalimar Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization Fresh Start for Children and Families Acentria Insurance Brockman Enterprises Horizons Foundation (The Arc of the Emerald Coast) Beach Community Bank Massage Envy Spa, Destin & Fort Walton Beach DOOLITTLE INSTITUTE: Board Chair LA Woodall presented two Doolittle Raider commemorative items to the Doolittle Institute in appreciation for their sponsorship of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. Richard Butler accepted, with Esther Hemphill looking on. <MIDDLE PHOTO-LEFT: GRAND PRIZE: Earnestine Carswell, Exec. Director of the Panhandle Warrior Connection, presented the grand prize from Military Family Appreciation Day to Brittany Barnes, military spouse. <MIDDLE PHOTO-RIGHT: ABOVE & BEYOND: Board Chair LA Woodall (Center) was delighted to present “Above and Beyond Awards” to Mary Tinsley (Edward Jones Investments) and Olen Holston (Sam’s Club) for their amazing contributions to Military Family Appreciation Day. <BOTTOM PHOTO: THE ARC REBRANDS: The staff of Horizons announced their official rebranding to The Arc of the Emerald Coast. July 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 19 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID NWFL DAILY NEWS PERMIT 56 NORTHWEST FLORIDA DAILY NEWS P.O. 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Florida l Alabama l Georgia Our MISSION is to strengthen local businesses and enhance the quality of life in our community by providing services which help businesses help themselves. FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: WWW.FWBCHAMBER.COM OR CALL 850.244.8191 20 | July2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce 2114546 Chris Latta, CFP® Kevin Bowyer, CPA.CITP, CISA and Angela Balent, CPA 2116554 Candace Collister Charles C. West, ChFC® Jessica Davenport, AAMS® Registered Associate Branch Mgr / Financial Planner Financial Planner TAKE CARE OF SOMETHING Warren AverettREALLY Members ChadIMPORTANT Hamilton, CPA