DORAL BANK MAKES LANDFALL

Transcription

Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce
your connection
to the beach
DORAL BANK
MAKES LANDFALL
on Panama City Beach
COMMUNITY
EDUCATION
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
HEALTH
“SEE & BE SEEN”
“OUT & ABOUT”
MEMBER NEWS
GRAND OPENINGS
CHAMBER EVENTS
January/February 2011
PCBeach.org
dependable
distinctive
delightful
1002 W. 23rd St. • 850.914.2525
701 Harrison Ave. • 850.769.3939
Coming in February to Edgewater
415 Richard Jackson Blvd.
www.doralbankflorida.com
your connection
to the beach
DORAL BANK
MAKES LANDFALL
on Panama City Beach
COMMUNITY
EDUCATION
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
HEALTH
“SEE & BE SEEN”
“OUT & ABOUT”
MEMBER NEWS
GRAND OPENINGS
CHAMBER EVENTS
THE CIRCUIT January/February 2011 1
PCBeach.org
2
THE CIRCUIT March/April 2009
The Cosmetic Vein & Laser Center
Leads the Way to Healthier Legs
NON-INVASIVE LASER TECHNOLOGIES
FOR THE TREATMENT OF VARICOSE AND
SPIDER VEINS RESTORE THE HEALTH,
BEAUTY, AND VITALITY OF YOUR LEGS.
Don’t let unsightly and uncomfortable varicose and spider veins rob you
of your natural beauty. Dr. Kimberly Moskowitz is one of only 240 board–
certified vein specialists (Phlebologists) in the United States. As a leading
expert in the field and a member of the American College of Phlebology, she
has pioneered the safest and most up-to-date treatment options for varicose
and spider veins. Today, those options include state-of-the-art non-invasive
technologies that allow patients to return to most normal activities the same
day as treatment.
Left untreated, abnormal veins can lead to serious health risks like blood
clots, phlebitis (inflammation of the veins), cellulitis, and leg ulcers. Expert
treatment of varicose veins dramatically improves painful symptoms and
prevents complications. Dr. Moskowitz will perform a thorough ultrasound
examination of the legs to accurately assess the severity and extent of vein
disease. This diagnostic ultrasound is a necessary part of the initial consultation
as it allows the physician to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
“I am so truly grateful that my education,
experience, and technology allow me to spend
every day doing exactly what I love to do.
I place enormous emphasis on my relationships
with my patients and do my best to help them
look and feel young, natural, and healthy.
I want everyone to maximize the beauty
they were born with.”
Dr. Moskowitz has been performing and training other physicians to
perform EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment) since its FDA approval in
2003. During this 45-minute, safe, outpatient procedure, an ultrasound is used
to guide placement of a thin laser fiber into the abnormal Saphenous vein in
the leg. Heat energy from the laser causes the abnormal vein to immediately
collapse and redirect blood flow to the normal healthy channels in the leg.
The body reabsorbs the abnormal vein, resulting in improved circulation and
symptoms. Local anesthesia is used to completely numb the area around the
Kimberly Moskowitz, M.S., M.D.
vein so the procedure is virtually painless. EVLT has a 99% success rate and has
eliminated the need for painful surgical procedures such as vein stripping.
Contrary to what many physicians are taught, spider veins can cause the
same symptoms as much larger varicose veins. Also, because 25% of spider
veins are associated with underlying larger vein abnormalities, it is often
considered medically necessary to treat them. Sclerotherapy (tiny injections of
a solution that closes the veins), is the most effective and least painful treatment
for spider veins and blue veins under the skin surface called reticular veins. Skin
lasers are very effective for treating small veins on the face and chest; however,
for leg veins, they are less effective, more painful, and often lead to scarring and
hyperpigmentation.
The +/)!0%Ǝ !%*Ǝ ĔƎ /!.Ǝ !*0!. provides the most advanced nonsurgical treatments for skin, face, legs, and cellulite reduction. Dr. Moskowitz
also specializes in .4!(™ '%*Ǝ!/1."%*#, +0+4™, !/05(*!™, 12! !.)™,
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BOARD CERTIFIED, PHLEBOLOGY ē BOARD CERTIFIED, INTERNAL MEDICINE ē MEDICAL DEGREE: GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
RESIDENCY: GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL ē PHLEBOLOGY/VEIN TRAINING: AMERICAN VEIN INSTITUTE AND HARVARD’S BRIGHAM
& WOMEN’S HOSPITAL ē AMERICAN COLLEGE OF PHLEBOLOGY ē AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR LASER MEDICINE AND SURGERY
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www.skinandveins.com
Panama City Toyota
Where Relationships are Born!
"" "$"#$
PanamaCityToyota.com
Ladies Day Every Wednesday
Get an Oil Change for $24.95 + tax,
Free
Manicure,
Complimentary Breakfast, Lunch & Flower
4 THE CIRCUIT
Every successful business starts with a good foundation. In 2011, make the Oaseas Professional Center yours.
This 5-level premium location on Panama City Beach will serve as headquarters for Oaseas Resorts and the chosen
site for Doral Bank’s beach branch. Flexible suite/office layouts and low introductory lease rates are just two of the
many reasons your business should call this location “home”. Contact our Leasing Agents to reserve your private
tour and bring your business to a whole new level today. Oaseas Professional Center is “Success on Every Level”.
4 1 5 R i c h a r d J a c k s o n B l v d | P a n a m a C i t y B e a cTHE
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his past year we experienced the potential
for devastation that could have led to many
calling it quits. However, our
community rallied and miraculously
without any major spill on our beaches,
we persevered. If that wasn’t enough,
we ended our year with a shootout at
our school board meeting. Again, we
witnessed a miracle that none of our
educational leaders or school board
staff were hurt during this horrendous
eevent as they displayed courage beyond
aanyone’s imagination.
We are so fortunate to have the leadership
W
ffrom not only our elected officials but
aalso from the numerous volunteers in our community. I
aam truly proud to live in and be a part of Panama City
Beach and Bay County. Last year wasn’t the year we were
B
aanticipating, but the Chamber made monumental strides
bby creating events such as the inaugural Beach Chamber
Golf Classic, The Women’s Work-Life Symposium, and a
successful poker tournament. We anticipate these events
to grow significantly this year, and
continue to be the standard for success.
With the current Board, committee
chairmen, volunteers and Chamber
Staff, we have the tools in place to have
a very prosperous year and reach our
full potential. I encourage all of our
members to join one of our committees
and become part of this incredible
organization. I would like to take this
opportunity to thank Griff Griffitts,
Jr. for his countless hours of dedication
and devotion to this Chamber. I look
forward to being the Beach Chamber’s Chairman of the
Board, and having the opportunity to watch this great
community continue to prosper.
J
anuary first…..a time of new beginnings. A time
for pondering and reflecting, a time for making
new resolutions, a time
for considering the past year’s
achievements, a time for planning
the new year’s aspirations. A time –
for just one brief, luxurious moment
– to contemplate our future.
For the past two months, the Beach
Chamber’s Staff, Board of Directors,
committee chairs, Ambassadors and
volunteers have been focused on
taking this Chamber to the next level.
From the programs, workshops and
events we produce, to the new and
improved promotional opportunities we offer our members,
this Chamber is always crafting, constructing, creating,
developing, producing and improving our offerings. In
2011, a brand new event will take the place of “Friday at
the Beach,” the quarterly Chamber D.I.N.E. (discover,
interact, network, evolve) Luncheon, which will kick off
in early March. Our Annual Awards Soiree, “Celebrate
the Coast,” will take place on a Thursday evening this year
(February 24th) at Edgewater Beach Resort.
We are excited to be working with Neves Media is
producing a brand new video showcasing Panama City
Beach called “Business at the Beach.” This 15-minute
6
THE CIRCUIT January/February 2011
Robert Carroll
piece will loop and play at the top of our high traffic kiosk
in Baggage Claim at the new airport, and be interspersed
with 30-second commercials which may
be purchased from the Chamber. The
video’s seven segments beautifully portray a
snapshot of life in Bay County, highlighting
our Community, Vitality, Infrastructure,
Learning, Earning, Around Town and
Dwelling. Another change has been the
unforeseen popularity of this magazine,
The Circuit, resulting in an Outstanding
Communication award in 2010 from the
Florida Association of Chamber Professionals,
and the need to increase circulation to 10,000
copies per issue, from 7,500. The additional
Circuits will be stocked at the new airport,
where officials report they are “flying off the racks.”
In 2011, the Beach Chamber will bring back three highly
successful events that were conceived in 2010: The Chamber
Golf Classic, a Poker Tournament and the Women’s WorkLife Symposium. We will bring back our ever-popular
Business Expo in April, with a fun, new theme, and continue
our 12@12 networking luncheons, monthly Business After
Hours and quarterly New Member Welcome Days. Be on
the lookout for lots of new Lunch & Learn workshops put
on by the Chamber’s small business initiative, Navigator, at
the FSU PC Holley Academic Center.
Continued on Page 30
309 Richard Jackson Blvd., Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Phone: (850) 235-1159 Fax: (850) 235-2301
PCBeach.org
2011
Board of Directors
Chairman of the Board Robert Carroll, McNeil Carroll Engineering
Past Chairman Philip Griffitts, Jr., Sugar Sands Inn & Suites
Incoming Chairman Paul Wohlford, Resort Collection of PCB
Treasurer Karen Blackerby, Magnum Capital
Secretary Derrick Bennett, Law Offices of Derrick Bennett, P.A.
CPA John Johnson, Segers, Sowell, Stewart, Johnson & Brill, P.A.
Legal Counsel Steven L. Applebaum
The Board
Lisa Adams, Thrive Partnership
Jack Bishop, Breakers
Mike Burke, Burke Blue Hutchison Walters & Smith, P.A.
Ryan C. Davis, Regions Bank
Ramon Duvall, Beachside Fellowship
Pam George, Gulf World Marine Park
Darren Haiman, Nations Real Estate
Amy Harris, Royal American Hospitality
Annie Holcombe, Oaseas Resorts
Terry Hook, Publix Super Markets
Lewis Howell, The St. Joe Company
Kenny Jett, Bonefish Grill
James Johnson, Knology
Jayna Leach, Sterling Resorts
David Lee, Pier Park
Pete Mallory, L3 Communications
Procter McInnis, McInnis Builders
Dan Rowe, Tourist Development Council
Cil Schnitker, Comcast Cable
David Sheets, Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
Claire Sherman, Lamar Advertising
David Southall, Innovations Federal Credit Union
Honorary Board Members
Mayor Gayle Oberst, City of Panama City Beach
Dr. Ken Shaw, FSU PC
Dr. Jim Kerley, GCCC
Brian Connors, Naval Support Activity PC
Janet Watermeier, Bay County Economic Development Alliance
Chamber Staff
Beth Oltman, IOM
Marta Rose
Jena Kimmel
Skip Alford
Cyndi Ainsworth Lindsay Dring
Kristopher McLane
Catherine Collins
President & CEO
Vice President Communications Vice President Finance Director of Membership Development
Vice President Member Services
Events & Programs Coordinator Systems Coordinator Executive Assistant/Member Services
7
J A N / F E B 2 0 1 1
2010 Outstanting
Communication Award
your connection to the beach
C O N T E N T S
FEATURES
ES
9 Meet Your 2011 Leadership Team
10 Business Spotlights
z Oaseas Resorts z Thrive Partnership, LLC z Blue Heron Fine Gifts
z Bay County Audubon Film Series z Krewe of Dominique Youx
z BookIt.com z Sponsors of Hope z Beach Mosquito Control
14 Eye View: Oh, the dreaded New Year’s Resolution
27 Update on the Community Redevelopment Agency
28 Doral Makes Landfall on Panama City Beach
16
COMMITTEES
32 Chamber Committee Updates
z Connections z HYPE z Governmental Affairs
z Navigator z Education Partnership
AROUND TOWN
38
38
38
39
40
40
Community
Bay County Commission
Bay District Schools
EDA Update
FSU Panama City
Gulf Coast Community College
MEMBERSHIP
27
34
42
43
43
Out & About
Membership Update / Ambassador Update
Ribbon Cuttings
New & Renewing Members
IN EVERY ISSUE
6
16
19
31
Chairman’s & President’s Messages
A Few Minutes With Anthony de la Torre
See & Be Seen
Health Update
EDITORIAL STAFF
Editorial/Creative:
Online Content:
Staff Photographer:
Social Media:
Production:
Advertising Sales:
Distribution:
28
8
Marta Rose
Kristopher McLane
Skip Alford
Lindsay Dring
Kristopher McLane
Boyd Brothers Printing
Skip Alford
Cyndi Ainsworth
Coastal Communications
Cover Photo: Raymond Powell and Sherry Bruening of Doral Bank.
Photo by John Russo.
9
BUSINESS
Spotlights
A rendition of the new Oaseas Professional Center at Hutchison Blvd. and R. Jackson Blvd.
Oaseas Resorts
I
n less than three years, Oaseas Resorts
has grown from two properties and
260 units under management to eight
properties and over 1,000 units spanning Bay
and Walton Counties. Success has not come
easy with the bad economy in 2009 and the
Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010; the team
at Oaseas has worked overtime to ensure that
success would not be fleeting. With a strong
leadership team, led by President & CEO
Marty McDaniel, the Oaseas Resorts team
was able to continue reaching for the top as
is evident by their most recent acquisition.
On December 14, 2010, Oaseas closed on the
43,000 square foot building once occupied by
the Beach Chamber, Peoples First Bank and
several other area businesses. After being
closed down at the end of 2009, it was unclear
what would happen to the beaches’most visible
commercial properties. “It was an attractive
deal for us,” comments Marty McDaniel. “We
are anxious to strategically lease the property
and pleased to have our first tenant, Doral
Bank. Oaseas will relocate their corporate
office to the new building in the first quarter
of 2011, Doral Bank will open February 1, and
the goal is to fully lease up the remainder of the
space by the middle of 2011.”
This new home will allow Oaseas the
opportunity to join the Sales & Marketing,
Central Reservations, Association Operations
and Accounting under one roof, giving them
the ability to accommodate growth into other
markets and hotel management, which has
been in the works for some time. The building
10
will undergo some minor renovations and
receive a new name, Oaseas Professional
Center. Attractive lease rates and terms are
available for immediate occupancy. More
information can be obtained on the property
website OaseasProfessionalCenter.com or
by calling (850) 249-0276.
v
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v
Thrive Partnership, LLC
With the distinction of Certified Quality
Facilitator, in addition to Lisa and
Shane Adams’ past achievements and
accomplishments, Thrive Partnership, LLC
are uniquely qualified to help enhance and
develop people and business potential that
already exist within these organizations—a
potential frequently underutilized. Thrive
can be reached at [email protected]
or mythrivecoach.com.
An Innovative Approach Dedicated to the
Development of Business Potential
R
esource Associates Corporation
and the Total Quality Institute
of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania,
are pleased to announce that Lisa Adams
and Shane Adams of Thrive Partnership,
LLC located in Panama City Beach, FL,
have successfully fulfilled all necessary
qualifications of TQI Certification. They
have now been awarded the title of Certified
Quality Facilitator and proudly join a handful
of selected individuals across the nation to
have achieved this designation.
As a Certified Quality Facilitator, Shane and
Lisa Adams partner with organizations to help
them solve business problems and achieve
higher levels of success in their business
such as greater profitability, increased market
share, decreased time to market, decreased
process variation, decreased employee
turnover, increased on-time delivery, and
greater flexibility just to name a few. Thrive
Partnership’s process quickly allows clients
to become more successful in meeting their
specific strategic growth objectives.
v
v
v
Blue Heron Fine Gifts
T
his is where nature and artist come
together for an exciting sensory
experience. At Blue Heron you
will discover fine, hand-crafted works
from across America and Canada. Over 40
Artisans are represented. Each piece of hand
crafted jewelry, pottery and glass is rich with
history or a great story.
Discover the unexpected and the unique:
v Handcrafted and French-milled soaps in
a variety of shapes, sizes and scents.
v An exotic culinary collection of spices,
teas, olive oils, balsamics, sauces and
pastas (our most popular is dark chocolate
linguine!).
v Carefully selected art prints and originals,
framed and unframed.
v A unique collection of music and an
abundance of other clever creations.
We are eager to meet you and introduce you
to a truly exciting shopping experience. Blue
State Representative Jimmy Patronis
supports our Beach Community and the
Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Panama City Office:
455 Harrison Ave.
Suite A
Panama City, FL 32401
(850) 914-6300
Tallahassee Office:
The Capitol
402 South Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850) 488-9696
jimmy.patronis@
myfloridahouse.gov
Bay County Audubon Film Series
B
ay County Audubon presents their
sole fundraiser of the year, a four-part
film series at Arnold High School
Auditorium, 550 Alf Coleman Road off PCB
Parkway, at 7:00 PM. The films are presented and personally narrated by the cinematographer. Tickets are $5 per film; season tickets
for all four are $16. A nice door prize will be
given at each film. The 2011 Film Schedule
is as follows:
January 19, Wednesday
Bali by Buddy Hatton
January 27, Thursday
The Apalachicola River by Elam Stoltzfus
February 8, Tuesday
Cruising The Eastern Mediterranean by Mary
Lee and Sid Nolan
February 22, Tuesday
America’s Amazing Places by Bob Deloss
Pictured from the top: Scene of a fortess
city from “Cruising;” scene of Venice, Italy from
“Cruising;” a Bali temple from “Bali.”
11
BUSINESS
Spotlights
The 2010 Krewe of Dominique Youx Parade at Pier Park
Heron Fine Gifts is located at 11260 Panama
City Beach Parkway (Hwy. 98 next to Publix
at Breakfast Point). For information call (850)
588-8008 or visit blueheronfinegifts.com.
v
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v
Krewe of Dominique Youx Beach
Mardi Gras Festival & Parade 2011
M
ardi Gras 2011 at the Beach is a
two-day festival and parade put
on by the Krewe of Dominique
Youx at Pier Park on March 4th and 5th.
On Friday, March 4 the evening festivities
include a street dance with live bands,
great Cajun food, gumbo and low country
boils, liquid libations for pirates of all ages,
tours of a Mardi Gras float, classic cars
on display, and plenty of pirate beads and
Krewe doubloons to give away. Meet Krewe
Kings & Queens in costume, and have your
picture taken with royalty. Merchants will
have beads, trinkets, hats, t-shirts and more
for sale. Media sponsors include Magic
Broadcasting, the Panama City News Herald
and News Channel 7.
On Saturday at 10:00 am the Kids Parade
will make its way through Pier Park. Then,
starting at 2:00 pm, the Mardi Gras Parade
starts on Front Beach Road at Seahaven and
moves through Pier Park. After the parade
the festival resumes with live music, fabulous
Cajun food and beverages for the whole
family, pirate beads and Krewe doubloons to
give away.
Make your plans to attend the area’s finest
Mardi Gras Celebration! Information is
online at dominiqueyoux.com.
v
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12
BookIt.com® Announces Lee Ann
Leonard to Oversee Panama City
Beach Market
B
ookIt.com, a leading online travel
provider, today announced Lee Ann
Leonard to the position of Market
Manager for Panama City Beach, one of
Florida’s most popular travel destinations
and headquarters to BookIt.com. Leonard
will be responsible for the development of
destination relationships and site content to
support market development and growth.
“I’ve always worked here, and look forward
to enhancing BookIt.com’s presence by
creating new relationships and increasing
tourism to the most beautiful part of Florida,”
she said.
“It is part of the BookIt.com business model
to have a passionate in-market manager for
every market we serve,” said Bud Finlaw,
CEO and President of BookIt.com. “Lee
Ann’s passion for selling Panama City Beach
is obvious from the moment you meet her,
and we look forward to merging our passion
for our hometown with hers.”
Leonard currently serves on the board for
the Bay County Chamber of Commerce;
the Executive Secretary for The Florida
Restaurant & Lodging Association’s
(FRLA) Bay Chapter and is a member of the
Tourist Development Council’s Marketing
Committee. She offers twelve years of
experience in the hospitality and broadcast
industries. Prior to joining BookIt.com,
Leonard served as General Manager for
By The Sea Resorts Inc., a Panama City
Beach hotel chain including five gulf-front
properties, since February 2006 and the
year prior served as director of sales and
Lee Ann Leonard
marketing. Previously, she worked as a
marketing director for WPGX - Fox 28 for
ten years.
Leonard’s earlier accomplishments include
serving on the Gulf Coast recovery roundtable
committee, serving on the Panama City
Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Board of
Directors and acting as publicity coordinator
for the Friends of St. Andrews State Park for
a three-year term. Leonard was also elected
to the Fox Promotions Advisory Council for
three years and served as a board member
and volunteer coordinator at the Humane
Society of Bay County for five years.
“I’m extremely proud to represent one of my
favorite markets and my hometown, Panama
City Beach,” said Leonard. “I’ve always
worked here and look forward to enhancing
BookIt.com’s presence by creating new
relationships and increasing tourism to the
most beautiful part of Florida.”
v
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Sponsors of Hope
S
ome of the area’s most needy families
will have thousands of toiletries and
clothing items to share thanks to
“Sponsors of Hope” charities who donated
hundreds of boxes to the Saint Andrews
Benevolence Center for distribution today.
The boxes contained anything from razor
blades and toothpaste to blankets and shoes.
Sponsors of Hope says it collected about
2,000 articles of clothing and more than
fifteen thousand toiletries. Volunteers said
people really stepped up their donations in a
time when a lot of businesses aren’t able to
give as much as usual.
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Cindy Mulla won the 2010 Rising Star Award
“This year wasn’t as easy as previous years.
Since the oil slick, some of the businesses
have slowed down on their donations so we
have had to depend on personal donations,”
volunteer Sally Britton said.
If you would like to contact Sally and her
team, please call: 850 219 1755.
Drop off location: “AAAA Storage” 2125
Lisenby Ave. Panama City FL, 32405

A
t the Fall Florida Mosquito Control
Association (FMCA) at the end of
November, Cindy Mulla was chosen by the president of the association as the
recipient of the 2010 Rising Star Award.
It was for all of the hard work and determination to develop a positive and successful
mosquito control public outreach program.
The goal to improve the population’s understanding of what is mosquito control, the
importance of mosquito control and its significant role in public health and safety. The
Beach Mosquito Control District public outreach program includes all ages from school
age students to the senior population.
Our program just celebrated its third year.
During the first year of our program one of
our 5th grade students won the “Fight the
Bite” poster & essay contest. The contest is
sponsored by the Scholastic Books and the
Centers of Disease Control and prevention.
Only one fifth grade and sixth grade winner
are chosen from each state annually and then
compete for the 5th & 6th grade national
winner.

Fine Gifts
Store Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm
Located next to Publix
in the Breakfast Point shopping center
11260 Panama City Beach Pkwy. Suite 104
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
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Beach Mosquito Control

Blue Heron

ON THE MOVE WITH
Jan Lambert
“Like what you see behind me?
It’s available right now!”
JAN LAMBERT, REALTOR®
Previews Property Specialist
Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS
850.381.3817
[email protected]
13
Eye View
Oh, the dreaded
New Year’s Resolution.
Y
ou know you do it; every
December, as the days creep
closer towards the end of the
year, you catch yourself thinking, “What in the Sam Hill am I going to do
for my new year’s resolution?”
If you’re anything like me, you start out
thinking big: I’m going to lose an utterly
ridiculous amount of weight in an inconceivable amount of time. Then, as the first
of the year draws near, you come up with
something a little more reasonable: I will
go to the gym every single day for at least
2 hours to meet my goal weight. But after
days of gluttony and indulging on tasty
holiday treats right before the New Year,
you decide on a more sensible pledge: I
will drink one less cocktail than I normally
would when at a social gathering.
Alright, let’s be honest. That’s not very
realistic, either.
After doing some research on resolutions
for the New Year, I found a list of the top
ten most common. As broad and general
as these goals are, keep in mind that of the
45% of Americans who actually make a
New Year’s resolution, only about 12% are
successful. After breaking these statistics
down with respect to the current U.S. population, I found that only 5.4% of Americans
stick with their pledge.
And still, year after year, people continue to
make a resolution for the New Year that they
basically know they won’t commit to. The
top ten resolutions, according to usa.gov, are
ridiculous. Not because they are impossible
achievements, but because they are things
that a person should have the desire for their
entire life, not just the first few months of
every year.
1. Drink Less Alcohol.
Alcoholism is a serious illness – I get it. But
if you truly have a drinking problem, you
need an intervention, AA, and tons of moral
support to help you. A New Year’s resolution is worthless to you. For those of us
14
who like to enjoy a cocktail socially (or
privately; no judgment here), drinking less
alcohol just seems, well again, worthless.
2. Get a Better Education. Like I said
before, this is one of those resolutions that
one should actively pursue their entire life,
not just for the New Year. In fact, I would
argue that it would be more difficult to not
continually educate yourself. You would
have to make it a point to avoid books,
the newspaper, magazines, television, etc.,
in order to cease learning. Then again, I
could also argue that most of the trash and
nonsense people choose to read or listen to
could easily lower their brain function. But
that is neither here ‘nor there.
3. Get a Better Job.
In this economy? Good luck.
4. Get Fit.
Yes, please do. Except try this year-round.
The New Year falls in the winter, after all;
not the summer when we have to look at
you in a bathing suit.
5. Lose Weight. See number 4.
6. Manage Stress.
In this economy? Good luck.
7. Quit Smoking Now.
I know this is getting redundant, but once
again, this is a goal that an individual should
consistently be working towards. As with
By Catherine Collins
drinking, if you have a serious problem
with quitting smoking, you’re going to need
more than a new calendar year to stop.
8. Manage Debt. See number 9.
9. Save Money.
Unless your financial situation does a sudden dramatic change at the beginning of the
year, do you really expect to magically pay
off debts and/or save money? The bills are
going to keep coming and living expenses
are necessary. If your kids are set for life;
you don’t have to pay rent or a mortgage;
you’ve done some favors to escape electricity, water, and cable bills; your car is paid
off; your insurance is dirt cheap; your taxes
are in line; you have a gasoline fairy that
comes to visit you once a week; and you
make an exceptional salary at your job, then
1) you’re one hell of an overachiever and
2) this resolution has your name written
all over it. Save away! But if you’re a
financial hot mess like the rest of us, this
is another potential resolution you should
scratch off of your list.
10. Take a Trip.
Finally! A resolution I can work with.
Vacations are much needed and something
people don’t do enough of – especially in
times like these. However, looking at the
previous resolutions, if you plan on drinking
less alcohol, improving your education,
moving up in the business world, getting fit,
losing weight, and quitting smoking while
managing stress, debt and money, taking a
trip just doesn’t seem like much fun after all.
American author Jonah Lehrer surmised,
“It makes no sense to try to quit smoking
and lose weight at the same time, or to clean
the apartment and give up wine in the same
month.
“Bad habits are hard to break—and they’re
impossible to break if we try to break them
all at once.”

Catherine Collins is the Executive Assistant to the President & CEO of the Beach
Chamber. Eye View is her observations of
everyday life in Bay County, Florida.
15
a few minutes
with
he explains. “…just another reason to call
people to see if they received my letter.”
anthony
de la torre
Nearly six months ago, Brown & Brown
gave Anthony the opportunity to head its
Panama City, Florida branch. He relocated
to Bay County, where he currently lives in
Panama City Beach. There are, of course,
challenges one faces when moving to a new
area…namely, the challenge of not knowing
anyone. There are also age challenges; at 27,
Anthony is relatively young to be running a
regional division. “It’s challenging to find
like-minded people, as a young, single person,” he admits. “Being someone who is a
recent college grad, I’m often speaking with
people who are my parents’ age. Sometimes
it’s hard to relate.” But, he adds, everyone
he’s called has been willing to sit down and
talk about their experience in Bay County.
Photo by Skip Alford
A
nthony de la Torre believes in the
power of being positive. “Everything starts with attitude…a positive
energy,” he says. “The way you attack each
day, personally and professionally. Every
day starts with exuberance and
enthusiasm. I believe in treating
people the same way you want to
be treated.”
very disciplined,” he remembers. “The only
way I got business is if another agent failed.”
The economy in Tampa was not especially
thriving, and his target customers – business
owners – were apprehensive about change.
The positive factors of relocating to this market, however, have not been lost on Anthony.
“This is a great opportunity professionally,”
he acknowledges. “There’s so much growth
opportunity here. People have been welcoming, and have immediately made me feel
comfortable here.” Another obvious positive
is being close to a gorgeous beach with close
proximity to metropolitan cities. “We’re five
hours away from Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa
and New Orleans,” he adds. “This is a place
you can make an immediate impact in a short
amount of time. If you’re a go-getter, this is a
good place for you.”
And go-getter he is. His conversation is laced with phrases
like “You’ve got to challenge
yourself on a daily basis…feel
uncomfortable;” “You ultimately drive your success and your
development; no one else is going to do that for you;” and, “I
like to lead by example. If I’m
willing to make 35 cold-calls, you should
want to make 40!”
“I sit down with people and try to find
out what has made them successful.
Learning just one thing–one take away
from that person–is what I like.”
Five years ago he graduated from
Florida State University in Tallahassee with a degree in marketing, and went to work for a home
healthcare agency specializing in private
duty nursing services. “I started in Atlanta
and was there for five months, then relocated
to Daytona Beach, Ft. Lauderdale and finally
Miami…four moves in two years,” he offers.
“Being on call 24/7 and working on weekends I started thinking, ‘What am I doing?’ I
didn’t see this as a long-term career.”
In 2008, Anthony was introduced to the
insurance industry and joined Brown &
Brown’s Tampa office as a Commercial Account Executive. It was a challenging jump;
the insurance business is very detailed, and
he admittedly is not so detailed. “I had to be
16
He had to find creative ways to get in front
of these business owners. He remembers his
Baby Shoes campaign, in which he would
mail out a pair of baby shoes with a note
saying, ‘I have one foot in the door. When
are you going to allow both feet in for me to
review your current insurance program?’ He
would then relentlessly and aggressively call
business owners until they finally told him
“No,” which he loved. (Sales 101 tells us
that the more ‘No’s’ we get, the closer we are
to a ‘Yes.’) The Baby Shoes tactic generated
about 90% of Anthony’s revenue that first
year in the business. Another approach was
sending out hand-written cards. “It’s a drip,”
Anthony directs and administers the team at
Brown & Brown, from hiring and training
to mentoring and helping sales professionals
develop their prospecting skills and knowledge of the industry. “I look for people who
have the right attitude,” he says. “Energy
providers, not energy suckers. Enthusiasm.
Charisma. When these people walk into a
room, the energy level elevates.” His other
focus is branding and business development,
which he cultivates by getting involved in
17
18
SEE
& be seen
1
4
4
4
4
4
Governor’s Appreciation
Luncheon
mckinney
fitness
.com
2
1. Robert Carroll, newlyelected Governor Rick
Scott, and Griff Griffitts
at the Shrimpboat
on December 29. 2.
Beth Oltman meets
Rick Scott with (from
left) Philip Griffitts Sr.
and Dr. Neal Dunn.
3. On December 15,
the Chamber held its
monthly 12@12 Networking Luncheon in its
board room.
850.233.2111
11205 Hutchison Blvd
Panama City Beach
3
19
SEE & BE SEEN
2
1
4
5
6
1. Steve Southerland was the keynote speaker
at the December 10 final Friday at the Beach at
Edgewater Beach Resort. 2. The Chamber staff
presented outgoing chair Griff Griffitts with a “Key
to the Chamber,” citing the Chamber’s everlasting
open door policy. 3. Felicia Cook, Steve Southerland and Nicole Mincey at Friday at the Beach.
4. Billy Cumiskey represented Panama City Toyota,
who sponsored the event. 5. Ryan and Kara
Davis. 6 & 7. The 30th Annual Optimist Christmas
Parade on December 11 at Pier Park included high
school marching bands and children on floats.
8. The On Call Band performed at the annual
Holiday Member Appreciation Party at Breakers on
December 16. 9. Guests networked and enjoyed
the gathering. 10. Angie Phillips, Joe Chavarria
and Jennifer Conoley. 11. Tol and Vera Williams
with Larry Deutsch. 12. Brett and Beth Oltman with
Griff and Laura Griffitts. 13. Sylvia and Michael
Smith with Hope Abbott.
7
8
20
3
9
10
11
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21
You’d do anything for your children.
So why not make the right choice in health care?
When it comes to caring for children, we know
kids aren’t little adults and that they need specialized care
when it comes to treating injuries.
That’s why we’re here with the area’s only Pediatric ER.
4JDL
22
There’s an app for that. iTriage now available free on iPhone, Android and more.
Go to XXXJUSJBHFIFBMUIDPNHFUNPCJMF
THE CIRCUIT January/February
2011
% 0 8 / -0 " % / 0 8
EMERGENCY PEDIATRICS
AGES 0 UP TO 18
The Area’s Shortest Average ER Wait Times
23
24
www.sunglassworld.net
26
UPDATE ON THE
Community
Redevelopment
Agency
T
he Panama City Beach Community
Redevelopment Agency is on its 8th
year and well on its way with the 3rd
construction project. Both Richard Jackson
Boulevard and Churchwell Road & Public
Parking Lot are complete with welcome improvements being enjoyed. The Front Beach
Road/South Thomas Drive Segment is under
construction and currently 50% complete.
The Front Beach Road/South Thomas Drive
section continues to replace all old utilities
and take all overhead utilities underground.
The redeveloped roadway will now have a
current stormwater system. The ponds will
be enhanced with landscape, seating areas,
gentle slopes and walking paths that create
mini-parks with access to the water’s edge.
This section is also unique in the provision
of a dedicated bicycle and transit lane. The
sidewalks will provide pedestrian mobility
that will continue to interconnect all future
projects. Lighting and enhanced paving will
accent the pedestrian transition through midblock road crossings, transit stops and roadway intersections.
Future projects include State Road 79 (SR79) from Panama City Beach Parkway to
Lullwater on Front Beach Road and Front
Beach Road (FBR-2) from South Thomas
Drive to Richard Jackson Boulevard. Both
sections are progressing through design and
the PD&E process with SR-79 construction
plans at 50% complete & FBR-2 construction plans at 90% complete.
Opposite page, Top: Rendering of Segment
II new roadway with tram/bicycle and median
shown; Bottom: Rendering of Front Beach Road
with CRA improvements. Above: Before photo
and After rendering of Segment I at pedestrian
crosswalk. Below: Richard Jackson Blvd. after
completion.
Public/private partnerships, grants
and State/Federal Funds are being
solicited and utilized to enhance the
existing tax increment revenues. A
TIGER II Grant application was
submitted for 2010 and FDOT
TRIP funds have been extended
into 2011 for SR-79. Inter-local
agreements and DOT have also
provided additional funds. The
HAAS Center performed a study
to support our grant request that
shows a benefit to cost ratio (B/C)
of 2.19 which means that each dollar of CRA expenditure increases
net national income by $2.19.
In conclusion, the CRA projects
are not only redeveloping infrastructure, expanding transportation and providing beautification
for Panama City Beach, it is also
an economic stimulus for our community.

27
Lunch & Learn I
Workshops
n the four months since it opened its first
branch, Doral Bank Florida has discovered
that a bank business model, emphasizing
highly personal service and sincere community
involvement, is as valid as it ever has been.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY NAVIGATOR, THE BEACH
CHAMBER’S SMALL BUSINESS INITIATIVE.
Florida State University Panama City’s
Holley Academic Center
From 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
SAVE THESE THURSDAYS:
January 27 * February 17 * March 24
April 28 * May 26 * June 23
Check the Beach Buzz & PCBeach.org for details
on speakers and workshop topics.
Co-Sponsored by FSU PC and the
Small Business Development Center.
“We’ve been very grateful for the support we’ve
received since opening our 23rd Street location
on Sept. 1, but not necessarily surprised by it,”
said Raymond Powell, Southeast regional president for Doral Bank. “We were convinced when
we began operations in Florida that there was a
niche available for a bank that would place customers at the center of its operations and treat
them warmly and courteously.
DORAL
LAND
ON PANAMA CITY
Pledges to make
community
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Closest ER from the beach
ER WAIT TIMES
Wait times are updated on our
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03*%" 28
“The feedback we’ve received from customers has been highly validating,” Powell added.
“Many had found that due to bank mergers and
other events, they were doing business with a
financial institution that they had never actually
chosen as their bank. Everyone who has become
a Doral Bank Florida customer has done so by
choice and people feel good about the opportunity to choose a bank that offers genuine community banking.”
Doral opened its second location, in Pensacola
on Bayou Boulevard near the Cordova Mall, on
Nov. 16 and has been in operation in downtown
Panama City at 701 Harrison Ave. since December 15. It will open its first Panama City Beach
branch, in the Oaseas Professional Center at 415
Richard Jackson Blvd., on February 1.
“The dynamics of the county are changing,”
Powell said, “but the reality continues to be
that the Hathaway Bridge is a line of demarcation dividing Bay County into halves. We view
the Beaches area as a market distinct from Bay
County east of the bridge. Many people have
commented to me over recent weeks that they
were ready to become Doral Bank customers,
but they simply didn’t want to have to cross
the bridge to open accounts.
“We look forward with great anticipation to
answering the demand for a Doral branch on
the Beach – and not just anywhere. The Oaseas Professional Center building is a prominent, premier office space with a history of
hosting branch banks. We felt good about being able to help Oaseas acquire its new home
and the potential for growth and recognition
it represents and we’re excited about becoming Oaseas’ first tenant. We would have been
hard pressed to find a better location.”
MAKES
FALL
BEACH
customers and the
top priorities
Sherry Bruening will serve as manager of
Doral’s Edgewater branch. She brings to the
job 16 years of community bank experience
on the Beach and previously worked for
nine years in the hospitality industry in the
Beaches area. She understands the workings
and needs of a resort community.
“I can’t wait to reconnect with old friends and
customers and make lots of new ones,” Bruening said. “In particular, we’ll be working to
meet the needs of condominium associations
and other property owners’ associations with
services designed especially for them.”
Bruening finds that people understand and
readily detect the differences between a genuine community bank and a financial institution that may pretend to be, but isn’t so.
“I’m a relationship banker,” Bruening said.
“I want to get to know my customers so that
I can better ensure that their relationship with
Doral Bank works well not just for us, but
for them. People don’t want to be referred to
an 800 number when they have a question
or a concern that they would like their bank
to address. They want to deal in person with
a friendly, familiar face who is prepared to
help them on the spot, not refer them to Mission Control.
“At Doral, we’re all about restoring to the
Beach the personal touch that has vanished
from so many other banks.”
“The appetite for a new community bank in
the Florida Panhandle remains strong,” Powell is convinced. “That’s a niche that is both
viable and available. The real estate downturn in Florida was tough on banks both big
and small and we’ve seen, in recent months, several community banks drop out of the
market. “Business abhors
a vacuum and we’re here
to pick up the slack.”
As a “genuine community bank,” Doral Bank
pledges to provide customers with a warm,
welcoming environment; to furnish products
and services designed, first and foremost, to
suit them; and to ensure that they have the
opportunity to meet face to face with bankers
who are prepared to help them achieve their
financial goals. Doral Bank Florida further
pledges to contribute time, talent and financial support to deserving organizations and to
pursue ways to help communities meet their
challenges.
“We’ve embarked upon a winning formula
with the right people,” Powell said. “The reception we received upon opening our first
branches made that clear and we feel certain
that our early success will be replicated on
the Beach.”

Doral Bank Florida will serve
its customers as “the best
bank in their neighborhood.” To that end, it will
(and does) employ familiar
bankers with long histories
and strong reputations in
Panhandle markets, bankers whom people feel they
already know and trust.
29
Happiness
is Simple.
President’s Message
Continued from Page 6
The Panama City Beach Chamber is a unique chamber of commerce,
going far beyond the boundaries of simply promoting and engaging
its members, but also being deeply involved in its community. We
have a strong partnership with the Bay County Chamber, and look
forward to our bi-annual “First Friday with the Beach” morning
meeting at FSU PC’s Holley Academic Center (our next joint
meeting is January 7th). We love working alongside our local Tourist
Development Council in producing our beach’s official marketing
collateral piece, the annual Vacation Planner. We are proud of
our close working relationship with the Bay County Economic
Development Alliance, with our Airport Authority and with our
military. We have fostered a close bond with our local media, often
partnering with and co-sponsoring one another’s events.
“How do we keep our Members active and engaged?” and
“How do we, as a chamber of commerce, stay relevant in
our community?” Focusing regularly on these two questions
throughout 2011 will help this Chamber to create opportunities for
success – for both our members and for this whole community – as
we contemplate our exciting future here in Bay County, Florida.
Beth Oltman, IOM
A Few Minutes with Anthony de la Torre
Continued from Page 16
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A P RO P E RT Y O F
30
non-profits, local chambers of commerce and professional organizations. He is the 2011 committee chair for H.Y.P.E., the Beach Chamber’s Young Professionals committee, and is a member of the Florida
Restaurant and Lodging Association. He is also on the Board of the
Children’s Home Society (and was in Tampa as well). “Last year I
watched The Blind Side and was extremely touched,” he shares. “It
left an impact. Just afterward, I got involved with the (organization)
because I want to make a difference in someone’s life. I strive to be
selfless…to help others. Some of these kids don’t have the structure
and direction that I was afforded by my parents.”
So what does this driven young man see for himself in five years? “I
would take the office I’m currently running and triple it in size, from
both a revenue and employee standpoint,” he considers. “Personally, maybe I’ll be married…(laughs) and I don’t know…a child?
Maybe!”

X
Health Update
By Kristy McKinny, Gold’s Gym
It’s probably even harder for many of us to believe that we survived the past year. Our community was faced with an enormous
amount of heartache during 2010. We were all facing a down
economy which wasn’t playing favorites on whom it effected.
Sadly, we lost two local banks who had always played a huge part
in giving back to our community.
Then, of course, came the announcement of the BP oil spill. And
what a fabulous job the media did announcing it. Unfortunately,
although the oil never coated our beaches, the media led people to
believe it would. This led to a drastic decline in our much needed
tourism. As a long time resident of Panama City Beach, it saddened me to no end to look around and see my neighbors, family
and friends hurting and struggling over the past year.
This is why it is so important for each of us to see this new year
as a New Beginning. We must not dwell on the stresses we have
encountered. This is not good for our minds or our bodies. This
new year, let’s skip our usual fitness resolution: “I resolve to eat
less and exercise more.” How many times have we all said that
in January? And how many have followed through for the entire
year?
This year, let’s resolve to be consistent with our fitness. Consistent exercise keeps our minds clearer, which allows us to tackle
daily obstacles with clarity. Consistent nutrition keeps our energy
levels higher throughout the entire day. It eliminates the roller
coaster effect we get from eating processed foods and not eating
frequently enough. This year, rather than saying “I am going to
workout every day until I reach my goal weight,” which is an
impossible resolution to keep, let’s vow to keep a food journal
daily and take three group fitness classes a week, or to hire a personal trainer to train you and your spouse together a couple times
a week.
Let’s vow to add cardio into our workout plans so that your heart
stays healthy. And let’s vow to bring a buddy to the gym with us.
It is much easier to stay consistent when someone is counting on
you to be there. This is often why many people hire a personal
trainer. And who knows, that buddy you bring may be what keeps
you training consistently all year long.
Hug your neighbors, friends and family. Let them know that
even through a tough year, we had each other’s back and made it
through it all. That is what this community is all about! That is
why I am proud to call Panama City Beach my home.
Happy New Year and Happy Healthy New Beginnings to each and
every one of you. Please feel free to contact me for any help you
may need to stay consistent with your fitness goals. Contact me at
[email protected] or mckinneyfitness.com.

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Introducing a
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Chamber Committee Updates
GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Typically, with the beginning of a new year,
most of us look forward with optimism and
an eagerness to start with a fresh perspective.
Along with this fresh perspective usually
comes new goals. The same is true for the
2011 Panama City Beach Chamber Governmental Affairs Committee. Our Committee
looks forward to the coming year, and we are
excited about the goals we have set for 2011.
Connections
Connections is the committee of the Beach
Chamber tasked with developing new
members and enhancing your membership
experience. A new initiative of Connections
is Connect-4-Cash, a new-member recruitment and referral program open to all
members. Simply refer a business you have
personally contacted to one of the Chamber
sales staff. If your referral joins the Panama
City Beach Chamber within 60 days, you
will receive a $50 credit to your Chamber
account, applicable to all non-dues products
and services.
Who and what you are connected to
will carry you along the highway of life.
Your connections will determine at what
destination you arrive. The people and
organizations you affiliate with either add
value to your life or diminish your life.
There are people and groups who add to and
multiply your life, and those who subtract
from and divide your life. Connect with the
adders and multipliers; you will then arrive at
a destination of success.
Want to help shape the future of our Chamber?
Become a member of Connections. We meet
the first Tuesday of each month at 11:30 am
in the Chamber Board Room. Your input is
valuable, so join us at the next meeting. Let’s
all Connect for Success in 2011!
It’s once again time to close the books on
another year; time to break out a clean sheet
of paper and begin the story of the new year
ahead. The successes, challenges, laughter
and tears of 2010 are behind us, and new
opportunity awaits. There are mountains
to be climbed, chasms to be bridged, and
dreams to be realized. Dreams of peace,
health, wealth and success in business.
2011 will be a year when you can achieve
your loftiest vision and greatest goals. It all
depends on your connections.
The Beach Chamber provides numerous opportunities throughout the year for its members to
learn, network and connect with others in the
business community. Above left: The Chamber’s
monthly 12@12 Luncheon; Right: A Lunch & Learn
Workshop at FSU PC’s Holley Academic Center.
What’s the HYPE?
The Panama City Beach Chamber has established a brand new young professional group in
2011 called PCB HYPE. “HYPE” stands for
“Helping Young Professionals Evolve,” and our
mission is to help young professionals, in Bay
and surrounding counties, evolve by connecting
and engaging with fellow young professionals
through events that encourage leadership and
team building. HYPE will meet on a monthly
basis for social events or professional development luncheons/workshops. The Kickoff party
is on Thursday, January 27. Check out our blog
at PCBHYPE.blogspot.com; on Facebook
search “PCB HYPE” and join our page for
more information.
32
Come to our
KICKOFF PARTY
Thursday, January 27
Visit PCBHYPE.blogspot.com
for details.
2010 was a successful year for our Governmental Affairs Committee. We saw an
extremely busy election year that involved
political races from local, state and national levels. We also had several important
amendments on the state ballot that were of
local importance. Your GAC played a key
role in some of the success that came out of
the last election. 2010 also marked the end
of the Chairmanship for John Robbins. John
has been an active member of our local political scene for more years than he will care
to admit. John’s experience within military
and political circles is nearly impossible to
replace and the Beach Chamber is honored
to have had his leadership and guidance for
the 2010 political season.
Some of our goals for 2011 will be to increase
the number of GAC members and to continue to hold monthly meetings with select
guest speakers from all levels of government.
Additionally, we plan to take our committee
to Tallahassee in 2011 and get a behind the
scenes look at our state Legislative and Executive branches. Our agenda also includes
touring some of the local governmental offices and military bases. We hope to continue
to build a strong bond with our local elected
leadership and military officials.
As we move into 2011, we do so with renewed optimism. Although not an election
year, there are many items that our GAC will
be focusing on. We are a strong Chamber
and we are only going to get stronger in
the coming year. I encourage any of our
Chamber’s members to attend one of the
scheduled monthly meetings for the GAC.
We always welcome new faces and fresh
perspectives. To get involved, call Lindsay
Dring at the Beach Chamber (235-1159) or
email [email protected].
X
Chamber Committee Updates
EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP
Navigator
On December 9, the
Beach Chamber’s small
business initiative, Navigator, held a “Lunch &
Learn” workshop at the
FSU Panama City Holley Academic Center.
The workshop featured a panel of experts
from the banking and accounting fields
discussing details of The Small Business
Jobs Act of 2010, signed by President
Obama on September 27. Attendees
learned how to access the SBA recovery
loans, and gained information on lending
support, tax breaks and resources to help
small businesses drive economic recovery
and create jobs.
The expert panel consisted of (pictured above,
from left) John Johnson from Segers, Sowell,
Stewart, Johnson & Brill; Ralph Ross, District
Director of the Small Business Association;
James Hosman from Florida First Capital
Finance Corporation; Mike Byers from Regions
Bank; Karina Stadelman from Carr, Riggs
& Ingram; and David Tipton from Tipton,
Marler, Garner & Chastain. The workshop
was sponsored by the Beach Chamber, Small
Business Development Center, FSU Panama
City and Gulf Coast Community College.
On December 16, James Johnson (pictured
below) gave a special workshop, “Miracles
Happen,” prior to the Chamber’s Holiday
Member Appreciation Party. Guests gathered
at Harpoon Harry’s, then walked next door to
the Breakers.
Save the following Thursdays for future
Navigator Lunch & Learn Workshops in
2011, all held at FSU PC from 11:30 am to
1:00 pm: January 27, February 17, March
24, April 28, May 26, and June 23.
ON THE FUTURE
FOCUS
Empowering Students to See
Their Own Potential
The Beach Chamber’s Education Partnership
Committee is recruiting business leaders to
become classroom mentors in our local high
schools. Business people in our community
can make a difference to students by offering
consistent and nurturing relationships.
Research shows that introducing a mentor
into a youth’s life plays a powerful role
in increasing their prospects of living a
fulfilling and productive life.
The business community represents “the real
world” to our youths, and can offer a powerful
source of inspiration. Mentoring in a classroom
2-3 times a month for 20-30 minutes is a small
investment of time that can return large benefits
to the schools.
If you are interested in mentoring, email
[email protected].
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Out & About
A New Deacon for Grace
Episcopal Church in 2011
is located at 9101 Panama City Beach Pkwy.;
for more information visit gracespirit.org.
In 2011, Grace Episcopal Church will
welcome the ministry of a new deacon,
Raymond Wishart. Ray had never been to
Panama City until he was hired after college
for a one year contract to teach at Mosley
High School--and never left!
Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop
He teaches video production and digital
media, and has taught a variety of elective
courses. He has also helped to lead
Education for Ministry groups at Saint
Andrew’s and Holy Nativity Episcopal
Churches in Panama City. As a permanent
deacon, Ray will continue his work at
Mosley, but has been asked by Bishop
Philip Duncan of the Episcopal Diocese
of the Central Gulf Coast to serve as a
Christian Education Coordinator at this end
of the diocese.
Ray has been married to his wife Diane for
almost 34 years and they have two grown
children, Rachelle and Rebekah. He will
begin his ministry at Grace Church on Sunday,
February 13, 2011. Grace Episcopal Church
Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop will be offering Surf
and Stand-up Paddle Board Camps on
Panama City Beach in 2011 for individuals,
familes and large or small groups. Camps
include personal instruction, all surf and
stand-up paddle boards, wetsuits if necessary,
digital pictures of camp session all for a very
affordable rate and the most memorable
experience on Panama City Beach.
We are the most qualified and experienced
on Panama City Beach since 1980. For the
most awesome time in the sun and on the
water, come let us take you surfing and standup paddleboarding. We also now rent bikes,
and will deliver and pick-up. We also offer
hourly, daily or weekly rentals for surfboards,
stand-up paddle boards, skimboards and
wetsuits. Call (850) 235-2702 or visit
mrsurfs.com for more information.
Top left: Ray and Diane Wishart of Grace
Episcopal. Top right: Tony and Liv Johnson,
owners of Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop.
What’s Up For Pat Sabiston?
During my tenure on the Bay County School Board, I was very fortunate to have staff in place to
keep my company, The Write Place, functioning. Now, there are so many things that business
owners and Chamber members can do to help the schools -- aside from being an elected official.
For instance, I mentor a young woman at New Horizons.
Every Tuesday morning, I co-teach a Journaling class at Oakland Terrace. The Panama City
Beach Chamber has an Education Committee, which is another way people can serve. But
perhaps the most important thing I would suggest is for parents and grandparents to get involved
in the schools where their children/grandchildren attend. And don’t forget the importance of
being a member of The Bay Education Foundation. For our educational system to continue to
improve, everyone needs to get involved.
Pat Sabiston
The Write Place, a Marketing & PR Firm
34
X
Out & About
3
[i]
I Am Involved & Inspired
In every issue, The Circuit will feature several
Chamber members who share their ideas on
what it means to be a member of the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s easy to be enthusiastic about being a
Panama City Beach Chamber member because of the energy that resonates from the
staff and volunteers. Last year, I had the
pleasure of attending some of the Chamber’s
unique events, such as 12@12 Business
Luncheon and the first-ever Women’s Symposium, which created a new, special setting for networking. I also plan on becoming even more engaged this year by joining
PCB HYPE for young professionals. One
thing is certain throughout the Chamber’s
functions, committees and publications: the
Beach Chamber is dedicated to the success
of Panama City Beach, Bay County and its
members – another reason to get involved
and join their efforts!”
Jennifer Conoley
Bay County Economic Development Alliance
Director of Communications & Marketing

“When my family moved here in August, we
knew very few people. That changed quickly
after joining the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce. I’m amazed at the events
and networking opportunities the Chamber
offers. I have participated in a 12@12 Business Luncheon; several Business After Hours;
Fridays at the Beach; and a Women’s Symposium with nationally recognized speakers. To
welcome other new members, I’ve joined the
Chamber Ambassadors.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
“One of the greatest benefits is the feeling of
being part of such a strong community and
contributing here. My business is growing,
and our family feels very welcomed here.
Thank you Panama City Beach Chamber for
all you do!”
Vera Williams
Rodan and Fields Dermatologists
Independent Consultant

“I find the most important part of the Beach
Chamber to be the quality of the relationships. What I build with Beach Chamber
members results in both friendships and
business, and the results are quantifiable! It
tears down the stuffy atmosphere that can
often prevail, and hits at the core of what
makes businesses work: people. When you
consider what the staff does, and the services
they provide, their value is second to none,
and they really take a vested interest in helping me be successful. For all of these reasons my Beach Chamber membership is my
most important professional affiliation!”
John Shepard
Carpet One Floor & Home
President
Peaches to Beaches
Peaches to Beaches, which opened October 1, is located at 17203 Panama City Beach Parkway, one block west of Highway 79 in the Parkway Plaza Shopping Center. Peaches to
Beaches specializes in unique, one-of-a-kind furniture and decorative items for the home,
including garden pieces and window treatments. They also carry jewelry, books, candles, gift
and snack items. The store’s owners, Jerry and Sherry Nelson, chose the name because Jerry
grew up in Panama City, then moved to Atlanta where he met his wife Sherry and now the
Georgia Peaches have returned to the Beaches, thus the name “Peaches to Beaches.” Jerry
and Sherry have combined their love of interior design and home furnishings with their blind
and shade business they have owned for the last ten years. The number one customer comment since they opened has been, “You carry such unique and different things for surprisingly
great and reasonable prices.” For more information, call (850) 588-7422.
Teresa Tuno
Teresa Tuno is a local artistic photographer
whose work has been shown inside the pages of The Circuit many times and has also
graced the cover. She has been published
both locally and nationally, and is a member of the Professional Photographer’s Association. Teresa’s passion for the artistic
side of photography shows through in her
custom designed greeting cards, graduation
announcements, collages, and painterly
images. Her expertise ranges from family
portraiture including maternity and newborn, executive and business portraiture
and talent headshots and comp cards. She
has recently started offering a wide range
of high quality, unique specialty products
for sports teams, bands, reunions, etc. at
reasonable prices.
Second only to her family is her life behind
the camera. She is a wife and mother of
two who enjoys furthering her education
through conferences and web-courses in
the rapidly changing world of photography.
She has a knack for interior design and an
eye for arranging and decorating.
Teresa captures moments; between a mother
and a child, the bounce in the step of a high
school senior ready to enter a new phase of
life, the excitement of a team tightly bound
in sportsmanship, and the subtleties between
a bride and groom. She can be reached on
the web at Imagesbyteresatuno.com or by
phone at (850) 896-1493.
35
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37
a
round Town
Updates on Community, Education, Workforce & Government
Community Update
Mayor Gayle Oberst
City of Panama City Beach
During the month
of December, as
shoppers were getting into the Christmas spirit, Panama
City Beach saw record breaking cold
weather. Pier Park
kicked off the season with Santa arriving and riding the
train through the park. The Pier Park annual
tree lighting took place on “Black Friday”
and shined beautifully throughout the season. The annual Panama City Beach Christmas tree lighting took place on December 6;
hundreds of children and families enjoyed
carols, cookies and punch. Santa arrived
in a fire truck escorted by the Arnold High
School band. The Optimist Club’s Christmas
parade was the largest ever and took place on
December 11. The City staff worked to get
Christmas decorations on the Parkway and
around the Park and City Hall.
Construction on a project located on Hutchison Blvd. across from Walmart, has been going on for several weeks, which will be home
for a Dollar Tree and four other small retail
stores including an auto parts store. Papa
Johns Pizza has relocated to the Public Shopping Center off the PCB Parkway. Dead Eye
Dick’s Steakhouse is nearly complete, and
should be open in the spring.
Mandatory or Universal trash continues to be
a topic of discussion and work by the City
Council. Consultants, City Staff and the local trash haulers are putting together a plan
that will afford the city residents a better price
and service on trash pickup. The City continues to work on Form Based zoning for the
Front Beach Road. The Planning Board reviewed each section of the land development
code, and it will return to the City Council
and should be approved by the council in the
late spring or early summer.
As spring arrives we will see beautiful landscaping come to life on Highway 79 at the
38
West Bay Bridge, and southward along the
medium and berms. The Tourist Development Council has placed a large “Welcome
to Panama City Beach” sign in the mist of
a giant sand dune complete with sand fence,
sea oats, and palms…a great entrance to The
World’s Most Beautiful Beaches.
Bay County Commission
Update
Bill Dozier
Bay County Commission Chairman
After one of the
most trying years
our county has seen
in a long time, 2011
brings an opportunity for a fresh start,
and the Bay County
Commission
is
looking forward to
it with optimism.
There’s no question, the economy is still
tight, and jobs – be it finding one or keeping one – are on everyone’s mind. This year
the board will be focusing on helping bring
more jobs to Bay County, not only through
supporting the Economic Development Alliance and other important organizations, but
also by putting infrastructure in place in order to make Bay County more attractive to
potential investors.
I would also like to congratulate Congressman Steve Southerland on his election to the
U.S. House of Representatives, and highlight
that he has opened his district office on the
Second Floor of the Bay County Government Center, located at 840 W. 11th St. This
addition will help the Center to be the “onestop shop” for citizens to conduct their government business that we envisioned it to be.
Residents will have a chance to learn everything they wanted to know about their county
government when the county kicks off its
Citizens Academy this spring. The course is
still in its formative stages, but it will feature
presentations by county staff and tours of
county facilities.
Stay tuned to baycountyfl.gov for information
about these and other Bay County events.
New Beginnings
Bill Husfelt
Superintendent of Schools
I enjoy the holiday
season every year,
but this year I enjoyed it more than
you can imagine. I
cherished every minute with my family
and friends in a way
that I never have before. As we go into
the New Year, I intend to carry December’s lessons with me every second and to encourage my colleagues to
do the same. It’s great to be alive, it’s great to
be a part of Bay District Schools, and it’s great
to work and play in Bay County, Florida.
My colleague, Jan Chapman, District Coordinator of Assessment and Accountability, sent
this email after our school board meeting incident, and it perfectly captures my thoughts:
I don’t know about you, but I feel very blessed
to live and work in a community that supports
each other and pulls together when times are
tough. Teachers are never thanked enough
for what they do each and every day. I know
you don’t do it for the recognition, the money,
or the vacation days, but you do it because of
your love of children and the gift of knowledge for the future generations.
We have entered 2011 with a renewed sense
of mission and purpose, believing that the
School Board and I were given more time to
accomplish good things for the students in our
area. Thank you for your continued prayers
and support as we work to provide the gift of
knowledge to all students.
We are excited about the new opportunities
that these students will have as we work to improve technology throughout the district. Our
major goal is to ensure that all students have
an equal chance to experience the best instructional programs that new technology offers.
We are excited about the new grading system for high schools, which relies on many
indicators to judge success, not simply FCAT
scores. Other tests scores (SAT, ACT), gradu-
ation rates, International Baccalaureate and
Advanced Placement scores are part of the
school’s overall performance, and we believe
this new system gives a better picture of high
school quality. Our high schools fared well in
this first year, with all earning B’s.
I know I’ll see many supportive community
leaders at the Tom Barefield Social Studies
Fair, judging projects and interviewing students. I’ll sit with many proud grandparents
as our fifth grade choirs perform in their annual concert in March. I’ll shake hands with
family members as we honor our support
employees and teachers of the year in annual
ceremonies. I’ll be applauding with you as we
join the Bay Education Foundation in our first
Arts Alive event, a showcase of student and
faculty talent.
EDA Update
Janet Watermeier
Bay County Economic Development
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At the end of November, it was
announced that I,
along with 48 other
leaders across the
state, was selected to
serve on GovernorElect Rick Scott’s
transition team for
economic development. This is a wonderful opportunity to help shape the future of
Florida’s economic development systems and
processes and put in place concepts to make
Florida and Bay County more competitive.
This team, along with the regulatory reform
team, is charged with identifying opportunities to reduce the size of government,
transform the regulatory climate in Florida
and look for ways to attract new businesses
that will create 700,000 new jobs over the
next seven years.
Despite some of the disheartening events we
faced in 2010, we are fortunate to kick-off the
New Year with some positive news from several of our existing businesses and industries:
• Northwest Florida Beaches International
39
a
round Town
Updates on Community, Education, Workforce & Government
Airport’s passenger traffic is logging recordbreaking numbers, increasing by over 170
percent compared to the old airport.
• Eastern Shipbuilding Group completed the
second FDNY fireboat, Fire Fighter II, which
recently made its debut on Staten Island, accompanying Three Forty Three in New York
Harbor.
• DeTect, a local developer of unique bird and
bat detection and tracking software, received
a major international contract from the largest
power company in Turkey.
• Tyndall Air Force Base will receive 10 T-38
Talon supersonic twin-jet trainer aircrafts,
complementing the F-22 program.
The EDA has also been involved in bringing
business leaders and reporters from around
the country to see our economic development assets. I participated in Florida’s Great
Northwest’s 9th Annual Focus event where
site selection consultants, investors and business executives learn about the region through
business sessions, tours and recreational activities. We also assisted the St. Joe Company in
coordinating a media tour. Four business journalists traveled to Bay County and met with
several of our area defense contractors, as well
as our airport and port leadership. These two
trips allowed us to showcase our assets and
generate some strong, personal relationships.
as first in degree, in rank or first in excellence,
quality and value. These are qualities FSU
Panama City faculty and staff take seriously.
Their hard work and discipline ensures that students who choose FSU Panama City obtain a
high quality degree in which they can be proud
and that will serve them well in the future. In
2011, we are ready to provide “prime” service
and “prime” instruction.
Recently, a convocation ceremony was held
for our summer and fall graduates. Robert
Carroll, co-owner of McNeil Carroll Engineering, was the prime-time speaker and
talked about the pride he has in being a graduate of Florida State University. Robert shared
with the graduates how having that degree
allowed him to not only have a career and
profession he is passionate about but to do
many things to help improve our community.
He challenged the graduates to find ways to
give back to their communities. Robert leads
by example as he has held many community
leadership positions, including being the 2010
president of the FSU Development Board and
currently the 2011 chairman of the Panama
City Beach Chamber of Commerce. It does
our hearts good to see our graduates making
positive contributions to the work force, their
families and the community.
The EDA also spent time connecting our existing manufacturing businesses to a unique
training program, the Time Wise Mobile Outreach Skills Training (M.O.S.T. ®) program
which trains individuals through an intenselyfocused practical skills, theory and hands-on
curriculum.
In 2011, we plan on continuing our “prime”
academic programming and adding additional
bachelor’s programs and certificate programs.
These can be found on our website at pc.fsu.
edu. We are committed to upholding the values of Strength, Skill and Character reflected on
the Florida State University seal. We will strive
to provide excellence to all of our students.
2011 – A “Prime” Year
GCCC Update
Dr. Ken Shaw
FSU Panama City Dean
Dr. Jim Kerley
Gulf Coast Community College President
FSU Panama City
is planning on a
“prime” year in 2011
as we serve our students and the citizens
of Northwest Florida.
It is extra special that
the year, 2011, is the
305th prime number.
Prime can be defined
40
One of the most
important aspects
about any college
or university is its
accreditation.
In
fact, accreditation
may be one of the
most fundamental
attributes since it is
a direct reflection
of a school’s strength, wellbeing and quality. We, the faculty, staff and administration
at Gulf Coast Community College, are proud
to announce that GCCC was recently given
preliminary reaffirmation of our accreditation.
There were absolutely no recommendations
in the compliance portion of the standards,
which deal with critical functions of the
College like academics, faculty credentials,
finances, student support, financial aid, marketing, continuing and community education,
workforce education, and more.
An on-site team from the Commission on
Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) visited Gulf Coast
in October. The on-site team was comprised
of faculty and administrators from other peer
schools in the South. It was their responsibility to ensure that GCCC is aligned with our
community college mission and that we support the intellectual, educational, economic,
environmental and cultural development of
this region. Gulf Coast faculty, staff and administrators had been diligently working for
the last three years in preparation for the reaffirmation visit.
Adding to the good news, we were also notified
by SACS that our bachelor’s degree in Technology Management has also been approved. The
new program had received approval from the
State Board of Education last spring and prepares students for a management role among
a team of engineers and technicians. Independent workforce-oriented surveys conducted
throughout the region confirmed the need for
highly-trained professionals who also possess knowledge of business, management and
leadership development. GCCC is committed
to providing a world-class workforce and creating a climate for promoting economic development throughout Northwest Florida.
We would like to thank the Panama City
Beach Chamber for their support as evidenced by their recently endowed scholarship to the GCCC Foundation. That gift will
change the lives of many students in a positive way, and we are completely uplifted by
your generous spirit as we begin a great new
year and new semester!

HOW DO OUR CUSTOMERS MEASURE
SATISFACTION?
Is it working with experienced professionals to
create a quality product? Is it watching their ideas come
together before their eyes? Or is it the bottom line,
knowing they are getting the most for their
hard earned money. We say it’s all these and more.
From the simplest business card to a full color
magazine printed on our new GOSS SUNDAY 2000/24
page (57” wide) 4 Unit Heat Set Web Press, or one of
our Heidelberg 28 x 40 8-color Speedmaster presses
we will work with you to achieve your printing goals,
time and time again.
AT BOYD BROTHERS WE DON’T WANT ORDERS,
WE WANT SATISFIED CUSTOMERS.
Printing
Excellence
S I N C E 1 9 31
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www.boyd-printing.com
Membership Update * Ambassador Update
Cyndi Ainsworth,
VP Member
Services
other award-winning publications. Whatever
you decide, get involved and start meeting
people!
Happy New Year!
We at the Chamber
hope you had a wonderful holiday season
filled with joy, and
were able to spend
some quality time
with family and friends. As 2011 begins, our
community is beginning to break away from
the challenges of 2010 and look forward to a
much brighter future. The opening of the new
airport continues to boost our economy as the
traffic flow has exceeded all projections, with
increased holiday travel in excess of three
times compared to the old airport. This means
that new visitors are discovering what we have
known for years: Panama City Beach is home
to the “World’s Most Beautiful Beaches.”
We would like to thank Terry Hook for all
of his generous support and dedication as
Ambassador Chairman for the past year, and
welcome Terri Hugghins as our 2011 Ambassador Chairman. We thank you for all of your
support during 2010, and wish you a very
peaceful and prosperous 2011.
Business professionals are setting new goals
for themselves and their careers. I’m sure you
have made some resolutions, some personal
and some professional. We will continue our
resolution to you, our valued chamber members, to keep you connected and well informed
throughout the year. Remember, our number
one goal is to assist in the growth, development and promotion of your business while
keeping you connected with other business
people through networking opportunities. We
work for you!
A new year is a promise of another chance, a
chance to do things better. This is a great opportunity to analyze where your company is
right now and to further develop strategies that
worked and learn from your mistakes. Every
company should have a business goal, think
of it as your personal GPS to success. While
developing your goals consider these points:
What do you want to achieve? Where do you
want to go? What changes do you want to
implement? How do you plan to get there?
The Beach Chamber offers many different marketing and networking opportunities
to help you achieve your goals. Showcase
your business through hosting a grand opening, anniversary celebration, groundbreaking
or by sponsoring one of our well-attended
events. We also offer free editorial in The Circuit magazine and advertising in our weekly
e-newsletter, the Beach Buzz, as well as our
42

Participating in the Ambassador program
is one of the best networking opportunities
within the Chamber. I have been an Ambassador off and on over the last fifteen years,
and have made many friends and business
connections. It is the largest and busiest
committee of the Chamber. This year we
will focus on working with the Connections
committee to polish our networking skills
and target in on recruitment of new Ambassadors, as well as continue to do what we
have always done: support and encourage
new and existing Chamber
Members.
If you are not an Ambassador and would like to become one, the procedure is
simple. All you need to do is
obtain an application at the
Beach Chamber office, fill it
out and turn it in.
Let’s continue our work
together and make 2011 a
year of excellence and great
accomplishment. You are
the best, and I’ll be seeing
you at the next event!
The “Passing of the Scissors” from 2010 Ambassador Chair Terry
Hook to Terri Hugghins took place on December 6, 2010.
Terri Hugghins,
Ambassador
Chairman
Happy New Year,
Ambassadors!
I
hope you enjoyed
the holiday season
and were enriched
by spending time
with family and
friends. I am grateful for the
many Ambassadors who provided service
to our community and Chamber during
2010.Every single one of you is important
to the mission of the Panama City Beach
Chamber of Commerce, and I look forward
to working with you during 2011.
Many thanks are also due to the Board and
Chamber staff for their support during the
past year. Please thank Terry Hook as outgoing Chair and Patti Lowery as outgoing
Secretary for their endless dedication of
time to the Ambassador program.

“Celebrate the
Coast”
at the Beach Chamber’s
Annual Awards Soiree
Thursday,
February 24, 2011
6:00-9:30 pm
Edgewater Beach Resort
Call Lindsay Dring
to sponsor or reserve your
table at 850.235.1159.
m
embers
Ribbon Cuttings . New & Renewing Chamber Members . Membership & Ambassador Updates
Ribbon Cuttings
PCB Plaza, 11/17
Verizon Wireless, 11/19
Hancock Bank, 12/2
Legend Liquors, 12/2
Peaches to Beaches, 12/9
Islanders Marketplace, 12/14
Bay Education Foundation
Country Inn & Suites
JC Penney
Lowe’s
Viamedia
Bippy’s By the Beach, 12/16
NEW MEMBERS
Camp Creek & Shark’s Tooth
Western & Southern Financial
Group
Animal Care Center/Beaches
Pet Resort
Arthritis and Infusion Center
Panama City Beach Bed &
Breakfast
Peaches To Beaches
Surf’s Up Studio
Pease & Associates, Inc.
Gulf Coast Chiropractic &
Rehab, P.A.
Islanders
PanamaCityOnline.com
RENEWING
MEMBERS
Renewals - 1 Year
Barry Tate
Anthony Bondi
CareSouth Homecare
Professionals
Emerald Coast Dale Carnegie
Training
Firehouse Subs
John Lee Nissan / PC Mazda
Panama City Rescue Mission
& Thrift Stores
Renewals - 2 Years
Back Porch - Bay County
Dillard’s Department Store
Emerald Coast Urgent Care
Massage Envy
Nike Factory Store
Panama City Beach Center for
Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Panama City Resort & Club/
Vacation Resorts International
Reggae J’s
The UPS Store
Tri State Plumbing, Inc.
Washington County Tourist
Development Council
Renewals - 3 Years
Alexan Laguna Beach
Apartments
Renewals - 4 Years
Fowhand’s Furniture
Honda/Volkswagon
Renewals - 5 Years
Beachside Fellowship
Foster Business Interiors
Landmark Holiday Beach/
Vacation Resorts International
Pier Park
St. Bernadette Child
Development Academy
Thomas Stroud
Renewals - 9 Years
American Red Cross/
Central Panhandle Chapter
Renewals - 10 Years
Hampton Inn at
Panama City Beach
Healthpark/Seawind
Medical Clinic
Renewals - 11 Years
Devcon Security Services Corp.
Company
Renewals - 6 Years
Aqua Condominiums
Jane Bondi
Retina Specialty Institute
Surfside Middle School
Renewals - 12 Years
Beach TV
Beachcomber By The Sea
Prudential Shimmering
Sands Realty
Renewals - 7 Years
Diamond Title Agency, Inc.
Sacred Heart Hospital on the
Emerald Coast
Renewals - 14 Years
Bay County Association
of Realtors
Camper’s Inn, Inc.
Renewals - 8 Years
C Dennis Evans Architect
Keith Mortensen
Louis P. Alessandrini
Panama City Beach Rotary
Renewals - 15 Years
Intercity Oz, Inc
Renewals - 17 Years
Cox Pools
43
Skin
to
Smiles
WE TAKE CARE OF YOU.
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PANAMA CITY, FL
309 Richard Jackson Boulevard
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
PCBeach.org
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