bay biz magazine - october-december 2011
DESCRIPTION
This quarterly full color magazine is a Bay County Chamber of commerce publication. The Bay Biz magazine is a quarterly magazine and is "The Voice of Business from the Bay County Chamber of Commerce"TRANSCRIPT
October 2011
168 POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE: “Florida More Business Friendly”
10 FEATURE: “Economic Development Partnerships Put Bay County on the map”
12 EDUCATION: “Flying High at Haney Technical Center with FAA Certified Training”
15 Small Business of the Quarter
16 TRENDS: “Vendor Managed Inventory”
18 Bay Young Professionals to Know
20 “ARA ReadiJet alternative Fuel Technology”
October-December 2011 | BAY BIZ 3
20
810
1224 THE BIZ LIST
28 ECONOMIC PROFILE: EDA Insights
30 Local Products with a Global Reach
32 NEW MEMBERS
33 MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
34 CHAMBER EVENTS CALENDAR
38 OUT & ABOUT
Bay Biz Magazine
c/o Bay County Chamber of Commerce
235 W. 5th Street - P.O. Box 1850
Panama City, Florida 32401
Phone: 850.785.5206
Email: [email protected]
Online: www.panamacity.org
Facebook: Bay County Chamber
Twitter: @baychamberfl
The Bay Biz is published quarterly by the Bay County Chamber ofCommerce. P.O. Box 1850, Panama City, FL 32402. 850.785.5206
POSTMASTER send address changes to Bay County Chamber, P.O. Box1850, Panama City, FL 32402 or email [email protected].
The Bay Biz welcomes story ideas from its readers. Email [email protected]. Each Chamber Member receives one copy. Torequest additional copies please contact [email protected] orcall 850.215.3755.
PUBLISHERCarol Roberts
EXECUTIVE EDITORCrystal Shuller
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
DESIGNBellhouse Publishing
COVERCover Design by Crystal Shuller
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSMeredith Geddings, Jacqui Barker, Carol Roberts,
Crystal Shuller, Jill McKinzie, Florida’s Great Northwest
ADVERTISINGKevin Bell
1.800.264.4958 - [email protected]
Jennifer ConoleyJudith DealPat HolleyAlisa Kinsaul
Valerie LovettCrystal ShullerElizabeth SmithCarol Roberts
4 BAY BIZ | October - December 2011
As we are officially in Indian summer, we have to pause and
reflect on the incredible year we have had as well as exciting news
for Bay County!
DOT officials announced that the funding for the completion
of four-laning Hwy 79 to I-10 may become available through a
creative financing program. This incredible news affects future
development of the NWFL
Beaches International Airport
and provides an additional
northern evacuation route.
This issue has been on the
Chamber’s Legislative Agenda
for many years.
Our number one industry,
tourism, has broken records
and generated a great deal of
bed tax collections that will
be utilized to attract future travelers to our community who in
turn, stimulate our local economy. Our airport, which held its one-
year anniversary in May, is also a shining star among the successes
of the summer.
The Bay County Economic Development Alliance announced a
new job generating company - Redpine Healthcare Technologies.
This announcement was made possible by our Bay County
Commission, who stepped up to the plate to offer a competitive
incentive package. Read more about Redpine and the partnership
in this issue of the Bay Biz.
To mark this news, we’ve chosen to recognize our economic
development and the diversity of existing industries in our region.
Bay County has a stronger than average manufacturing base, so
we found it important to highlight this segment of our economy.
They provide our area with many high wage jobs.
You can read about some of our unique manufacturers, including
a company transforming algae into biofuel for jet engines, as well
as articles on workforce training programs, a manufacturing
industry trend, and what state government is doing to make Florida
more business friendly.
At publication time, for the first time ever, the Florida
Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP) is meeting in
Northwest Florida and bringing hundreds of Chamber execs and
their staffs from all over the state to our region.
In addition, we at the Chamber have started our transition for
the new year with an annual board retreat scheduled to develop
the 2012 Business Plan, a slate of six new board members selected
and plans for next year’s Legislative Agenda are underway. It’s
been a wonderful summer and we are looking forward to a great
fall and winter season. Remember, get involved and help make Bay
County a better place to LIVE, WORK and PLAY!
Carol Roberts, Bay County Chamber President / CEO
{ The Bay County Economic Development Alliance (EDA) is
pleased to partner with the Bay County Chamber on this special
edition of the Bay Biz, highlighting our local economic
development efforts and the assets that make Bay County a great
place to locate or expand a business. The EDA’s role in the
community is to focus on creating a globally competitive
environment where businesses can thrive and assisting companies
with quality jobs in expanding or locating to Bay County.
Many times, the activities economic development organizations
focus on can be confused with other business recruitment efforts,
such as community development and local business development.
However, the EDA focuses on the recruitment and retention of
high-skill, high-wage diversified industry. Diversified industry
generally means companies that bring wealth into a community by
exporting their goods and services to customers outside the local
market, and those that do not rely on the local economy for
income. Their primary markets are outside of the community and
they can locate anywhere their labor, business costs and supplier
network is available and competitive.
The EDA operates as a public/private partnership and is
comprised of Bay County, the cities of Callaway, Lynn Haven and
Panama City, NWFL Beaches International Airport, Port Panama
City, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, the Panama City
Beach Chamber of Commerce,
the Gulf Coast Workforce
Board, two major economic
development investors – Gulf
Power and The St. Joe Company
and over 20 private businesses.
All of our investors share the
EDA’s mission and are
committed to working together
for economic prosperity.
We work closely with our
regional partner, Florida’s Great Northwest, which represents 16
counties in northwest Florida, as well as the State’s economic
development organization, Enterprise Florida. Together, we help
keep Bay County and Florida a competitive place to do business.
We are excited to showcase the diverse industries and economic
assets located in Bay County in this quarter’s edition. If you have
additional questions about the EDA and how we operate, don’t
hesitate to contact us at 215.9965 or visit www.BayEDA.com.
Janet Watermeier, EDA Executive Director
6 BAY BIZ | October - December 2011
President’s Message
{
EDA Working To Build A Stronger Bay County
Political Perspective:Making Florida More Business Friendly
The 2011 Florida legislative session was adjourned in the early morning hours of
May 7th. The focus of this year’s session was to put Floridians back to work, reduce
government regulations and cut spending. Enacting legislation and repealing non-
essential regulations will help the state to become more pro-business. According
to Representative Marti Coley, “the Florida House definitely focused on creating a
business friendly environment.” The legislature passed bills that put numerous
incentives in place to help local communities attract new industries.
The Bay County Chamber’s 2011 Legislative Agenda had been encouraging our
legislators to consolidate/eliminate/streamline state departments to design a more
efficient and modernized permitting process. Success in this area became a reality.
By eliminating the Department of Community Affairs, local governments are now
Written by: Pat Holley, Bay County Chamber Governmental Affairs
able to determine what growth is best for their
communities and it adds a certain amount of
predictability for businesses considering expansion.
The state is creating a more efficient and business
friendly method to create jobs by streamlining the
entire economic development process. It will
reduce the time allowed for the state to approve
economic development incentives, thus moving
the process along in a more cost-effective and
proficient manner. Allan Bense, Chairman of the
Florida Chamber of Commerce, is encouraged by
Legislative Session
8 BAY BIZ | October - December 2011
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October-December 2011 | BAY BIZ 9
these changes. He says that “new incentives to help local
communities to attract new industries will help us bring in
additional diversified industries to Bay County.”
Small businesses were provided a much needed tax break this
past session. An increase in corporate income tax exemptions
from $5,000 to $25,000 will benefit nearly half of the small
businesses in the state. There were 1,100 regulations that
impacted small business that were eliminated or repealed,
according to a report from Senator Don Gaetz.
The high unemployment rates for the past several years have
had a negative effect on all businesses. This year, lawmakers
passed legislation that would tie the state’s unemployment rate
and the maximum number of weeks workers can draw benefits
from 26 weeks to 23 weeks. Thus a savings for businesses.
Legislation sponsored by Senator Gaetz and supported by
Representatives Coley and Patronis ensures that three fourths of
all BP oil fines and settlement monies paid to the state will go to
the coastal counties of northwest Florida. Mr. Bense praised them
and said, “Hats off to them, this is going to be extremely helpful
to the economy in our area.”
Although many legislators believe that this was a successful
and very pro-business session, most agree that there is much to
be done in the 2012 session. The new session begins early next
year, in January, due to the overwhelming task of redistricting.
Representative Patronis says that it will be the number one issue
in the next session but “the business community will have the
best seat at the table.”The passage of unemployment
compensation reform is another
positive for the business community.
A brand new airport. A deep water port. Four lanes to the
Interstate from U.S. 231 and State 79. And let’s not forget, the
World’s Most Beautiful Beaches.
As leaders in some communities furrow their brows at the
struggling economy and uncertain future, Bay County finds itself
uniquely in a position rife with opportunity.
The Bay County Commission’s springtime creation of an
economic incentive program, aimed at bringing new businesses and
jobs to the area, illustrates turning talk into triumph. “We had to
do something, and being proactive was the right thing to do,” Bay
County Commission Chairman Bill Dozier said. “Bay County has so
much to offer, but there were many companies that wouldn’t
even look at us because we didn’t have any kind of incentive
package in place.”
The move paid off.
Redpine Healthcare Technologies, a Spokane, Washington-based
company, announced in July plans to move its headquarters – and
ultimately some 400 jobs – to Bay County, thanks to a $350,000
incentive package offered as part of the Bay County Economic
Economic DevelopmentPartnerships Put Bay County on The Map
Partnership program between the county and the Economic
Development Alliance (EDA).
“Without the local incentive package, we wouldn’t have landed
Redpine,” Bay County EDA Chairman Glen McDonald said, noting
that the company was initially focused on other communities with
similar incentives before ultimately choosing to come here.
“The local incentive package will put us on the map
competitively with every other community in the United States,”
McDonald said. “It’s a milestone for job creation and sends a
message to the rest of the country that we are serious about
industry and jobs coming to Bay County.”
Local business people have lauded the move. Bay County
Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Carol Roberts said the
program has been a long time coming.
“For years the private sector has tried to carry the bulk of the
load to bring new jobs to our community,” Roberts said. “This one
incentive, packaged with state incentives, has already proved itself
with Redpine. Public/private partnerships have proven time and
again, to be more successful than trying to go it alone”.
10 BAY BIZ | October - December 2011
“Anything the county can do to partner with area businesses
that can attract industry to our area and improve the overall
economy is a good idea,” said Gulf Coast Medical Center’s
President & CEO, Brian Baumgardner. “I truly think it’s great, and
it’s a relatively modest program that is fiscally responsible on the
part of the commission but still enough to attract businesses.”
The program partners Bay County and the EDA in offering
performance-based incentive packages to businesses on a case-
by-case basis, as long as they fall within target industries, including
aviation, aerospace, defense and national security, information
technology, manufacturing and transportation and logistics
companies.
For consideration, an applicant must create a minimum of 150
new, full-time equivalent, permanent jobs paying an average wage
of at least 115 percent of the Bay County average annual wage
of $32,626.
Another component of the program is that a benefitting
company’s share of sales or revenues of products or services
derived from out of the region must exceed 50 percent.
“In my opinion, the best thing government can do for business
is to get out of the way,” Dozier said. “It’s not our desire to make
it more difficult for our already established local companies to
grow. It’s our desire to help our local economy grow.”
“The companies targeted for the program can generally locate
anywhere there is a qualified workforce and connectivity to their
customers,” said EDA Executive Director, Janet Watermeier.
McDonald said, “Infrastructure such as the port and new
airport also make the area attractive. Two of the EDA’s top three
projects at the moment are airport related, with one related to
maintenance and repair operations and the other an aviation
training center.”
While negotiations for the plans are generally not public, any
funding approved by the County Commission will be vetted
publicly beforehand. Qualified companies can be awarded
anywhere from $500 to $5,000 per job created, but the amount
of the award is totally at the discretion of the Bay County
Commission.
“We strive to be good stewards of the people’s money,” Dozier
said. “We take that seriously, and we’re looking for businesses that
are a good fit for Bay County.”
For Redpine President Shad Wheeler, Bay County represents
more than a good financial fit for his company; it’s a good place
to raise a family. “It’s a small town,” he said, “and that’s where I
come from. It still has a lot of the same ideals and the same
feeling of community. That was a big thing for us.” Bay County’s
incentive package was comprable to other areas’ – such as Odessa,
Tx. – by a slim margin. “But look at where I get to live,” Wheeler
said. “Bay County kind of had the upper hand in that one.”
October-December 2011 | BAY BIZ 11
The Redpine Revolution
Redpine offers chiropractic care providers a
complete practice management system and
comprehensive medical billing services to its
customers that ensures doctors are paid quickly,
simplifies the billing and collection process and
satisfies the rapidly changing legal and security
requirements of the new healthcare legislation. The
company is the developer and sole provider of
ChiroCollector, a cloud-based chiropractic practice
management and electronic medical record system.
The company was founded in 2006 as ProVolve
Solutions and strives to meet rapidly changing
customer demands as regulations and complex billing
requirements continue to change. Redpine currently
serves over 200 clients nationwide and continues to
grow its client-base at a consistent pace.
“We are very excited about moving to Panama City
and the positive impact it will have on both our
company and our customers,” said Shad Wheeler,
president of Redpine. “Bay County offers a
tremendous workforce that we believe will play a key
role in supporting our continued growth and our
mission to allow doctors to do what they do best –
take care of their patients. We take care of the rest.”
Visit www.redpineservices.com for more information.
education:
Test engine on stand for new
PowerPlant program
Hiding in plain sight are the best kept secrets in Bay
County…career and technical training programs at Haney Technical
Center. Thousands of people drive past this campus every day
and have no idea what this center has to offer.
Located on the corner of Highway 77 and Baldwin Road,
industry experts are training students for in-demand careers at
Haney Technical Center in a variety of fields.
Haney offers high quality training in the areas of architecture
and construction, digital design, business management and
administration, communication, cosmetology, computer systems
technology, massage therapy, licensed practical nursing, applied
welding technology, transportation (including auto collision repair
and refinishing, auto service technology, aviation A&P mechanics
and marine service technology) and adult general education. Many
Written by: Judith Deal Harris, Resource and Testing Coordinator
FLYING HIGH AT HANEY TECHNICAL CENTER WITHFAA CERTIFIED TRAINING
of these highly skilled trainings lead to high wage pay in the
workforce.
In addition to these career/technical programs, Haney Technical
Center is now able to offer training in the aviation/aerospace
industry through its Aviation Academy. The Aviation Academy’s
program is Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) approved to offer the
Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) trainings. Students completing the
program will be eligible to sit for the FAA written, oral and
practical exams that lead to A&P mechanic licenses. Students
obtaining the aforementioned licenses are qualified to work on all
commercial, as well as private, airplanes and helicopters.
The program takes approximately 2 years to complete. The
first course is General Aviation, and is composed of 480 hours.
The Airframe course is 960 hours, as is the Powerplant course.
Bobby Mack and Jared Holloway work together to
research the components of the cockpit controls.
October-December 2011 | BAY BIZ 13
Frank Stephens, Director of the Aviation Academy stated, “When
you compare the $7,500 cost of our program to the $30,000
to $40,000 cost of comparable A&P programs throughout the
country, you can see what a fantastic opportunity is available
to future airplane mechanics right here in Panama City!.”
With the opening of the new Northwest Florida Beaches
International Airport in May 2010, Haney Technical Center’s
administration and instructors recognized the future need for a
trained workforce in the aviation industry. Thus, a strong
partnership with the Gulf Coast Workforce Board (GCWB) was
formed in pursuit of obtaining an FAA certified A&P program at
Haney. With the monetary assistance of the GCWB in providing
textbooks, tools, equipment and financial assistance to qualified
applicants, our General and Airframe courses were certified in the
spring of 2009 and our first General classes opened with a total
of 22 students. Enrollment in each successive class has seen an
increase.
The Aviation Academy received its final FAA certification for
the Powerplant course in July 2011, and plans to open its first
Powerplant class in late October of 2011. That class will finish in
August 2012 and Bay County should have approximately 40
newly certified A & P mechanics in the job market. “With the
average wage of A&P mechanics in the northwest Florida area
being $26.03* per hour, our program is a wise choice for a
successful career in the aviation field!” stated Michael
Heptinstall, Director of Haney Technical Center.
Now the secret’s out – Haney Technical Center is a great
source for career and technical training that lead to high wage
jobs. So the next time you are driving past the campus, stop in
and talk to a counselor about which program might be best for
you.
*US Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2010
Above: Airframe instructor Dennis Harper explains parts of the
cockpit to students Bobby Mack, Tangnyang Maran, Bryan Prince,
and Jason Blackwood.
Custom Technical Services (CTS) has been in business in Bay
County for over 2 years. Locally owned and operated, CTS installs
and services CCTV systems, door access, fire and security alarm
systems as well as offering monitoring services. Their mission is
to bring together alarm professionals that care about protecting
our community to provide quality customer service and to bring
back the face to face personal care.
CTS believes in giving back to their community. They proudly
support the local community by using the services of local
businesses. They also enjoy supporting many community events
as well as being active members of several local organizations and
giving back to various children’s facilities and local churches.
Congratulations to Custom Technical Services for being
selected as the Small Business Institute’s Small Business of the
Quarter.
Small Business of the Quarter
Does your business have fewer than 35 employees and are you
a member of the Bay County Chamber? If so, your business may
be eligible for Small Business of the Quarter. The SBI is currently
accepting applications. Businesses that are selected receive
publicity in the Bay Biz, recognition on the Chamber’s website,
www.panamacity.org, recognition at First Friday and a sign for your
business recognizing you as the Small Business of the Quarter. For
more information or an application, please contact Elizabeth at
215-3761 or [email protected].
Custom Technical Services (CTS)
Member NCUA
769-3306pefcu.org
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PANHANDLE EDUCATORSfederal credit union
Trends: VMI
Example of a Vendor Managed
Inventory Warehouse
Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) is a streamlined approach to
inventory management and order fulfillment that supersedes the
traditional ordering process. Manufacturers, distributors, retailers,
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and product users look-
ing to improve the process between product development and the
end customer use VMI for a cost effective way to do business.
The concept is that a manufacturer receives electronic data
(usually via software or the Internet) on the distributor’s sales and
stock levels. The manufacturer can view every item that the dis-
tributor carries as well as true point of sale data. The manufac-
turer is responsible for creating and maintaining the inventory plan,
generating the order and keeping ownership of the inventory. Be-
fore VMI, the quantity of the products ordered was unknown, but
using VMI, a manufacturer can see the potential need for an item
before it is ordered.
Trane, a leading global provider of indoor comfort systems and
services and a brand of ingersoil Rand, utilizes the VMI system at
its Lynn Haven facility. The Lynn Haven manufacturing plant has
taken advantage of this process for the last four years by part-
nering with its suppliers of raw material. The raw material suppliers
receive forecasts from Trane, and this is the basis for the stock
levels that are maintained at third party warehouses. Replenish-
ment of the inventory is made automatically by the supplier when
Trane pulls material from the warehouse into its facility for pro-
duction.
Some of the benefits utilizing a VMI system include:
� Reductions in on-hand inventory
� Additional space in the factory for manufacturing product
� Fewer material shortages
� Improved communication for replenishment to suppliers
� Labor cost reduction due to third party warehouse management of inventory
� Improved order processing speed
� Lower out of stock rates
� Reduction in distributor ordering error and visibility of stock levels
Vendor Managed Inventory:A practical and affordable way to improve fill rates,turns and sales
“Using this system helps Trane reduce floor space for material
and creates additional space in the manufacturing areas for pro-
ducing customer orders,” said Marilyn Huntsucker, procurement
manager with Trane. “The off-site inventory helps us be more re-
sponsive to our customers’ needs and to unexpected changes in
demand. We now have a competitive edge by ensuring we can pro-
vide products quicker than our competitors.”
This process can work for other industries and businesses that
rely on quick delivery and part availability and need assistance in
managing volatility in customer requirements.
It is important to note that this process requires true partner-
ships between suppliers and the business,” said Huntsucker. “It is a
working relationship based on communication, procedural disci-
plines and reliance on each other. If implemented and executed
correctly, VMI is an efficient system for all parties involved.”
Getting started with a VMI process involves several very im-
portant steps, the most important of which is having your senior
management make a firm commitment to this new process and
communicated it throughout the organization., including employee
and distributor acceptance are also critical. Other steps depend
on the specific VMI program your company chooses to use.
A company can do a simple search on the web for Vendor Man-
agement Inventory and find resources with more information in-
cluding program options and software companies. Many industry
professionals have consolidated sources online to help companies
realize the benefits of VMI. VMI can remove complexity, risk and
cost from electronic trading and deliver visibility, control and
value to your business operations.
October-December 2011 | BAY BIZ 17
Many young professionals are enthusiastic about area business and communityopportunities and are ready to get involved as new leaders. Bay YoungProfessionals (BYP) was formed by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce tospecifically address the needs of this target age group, 21-41, to enrich ourcommunity by uniting, developing and retaining our future leaders.
If you are interested in becoming part of the Bay Young Professionals (BYP) group,contact Elizabeth Smith at 850.215.3761 or [email protected].
Bay Young Professionals
Jennifer Conoley has spent the last five years
in Panama City, but is no stranger to the area, growing up in Port St. Joe,
FL. In 2005, she graduated summa cum laude from Florida State
University’s College of Communication where she was also recognized
as the Outstanding Public Relations Student of the Year. She recently
earned her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), a designation held by
more than 5,000 professionals nationally, signifying a high professional
level of experience, competence and ethical standards.
Jennifer joined the Bay County Economic Development Alliance
(EDA) in 2009 as the communications and marketing director. She
manages the EDA’s integrated marketing strategies designed to promote
Bay County as an ideal business location. She assists in the efforts of
helping businesses locate or expand in Bay County and enhancing the
overall business climate.
Not only is she active in Bay Young Professionals, but she is also active
in other parts of the community. She is the secretary of the Panama
City Chapter of the American Advertising Federation, co-chair of
accreditation and certification of the Northwest Florida Coast Chapter
of the Florida Public Relations Association, a member of the Panama
City Beach Chamber’s HYPE young professionals group and a member
of the Bay County Chamber’s public relations committee. She is also a
2008 Leadership Bay graduate. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys spending
time outdoors, whether it’s playing golf, fishing, scalloping, running or
spending time on the beach. She has been married to her high school
sweetheart, Kevin Conoley, for five years and has one furry child, a
beagle named Cotton.
Teresa King was born and raised in Mobile,
Alabama and graduated from McGill Toolen High School in 1993. She
attended the Auburn University, graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor
of Public Relations and then moved to Panama City in 1999.
Since 2007, Teresa became Assistant Site Coordinator for Gryphon
Technologies. Her duties include human resources, security, travel,
purchasing and office manager. Gryphon Technologies is a premier
engineering and technical services firm providing support to national
security and coalition forces. Gryphon provides Defense clients with
the systems analysis, integration, and program management skills
necessary to manage the development and operations of their
mission critical systems. Gryphon Technologies is CMMI Level 3 rated
and has consistently been named one of the 50 fastest growing
technology companies.
Teresa has been a part of BYP for several years. She says, “BYP is a
great committee to meet young business professionals in the area
with the same goals and aspirations. I have met so many great and
wonderful business people that I now call friends.”
In addition to participating in Bay Young Professionals, Teresa is a
member of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs
Committee, Public Relations Committee, Alumni of Leadership Bay,
past chair of Junior Leadership Bay, Junior Service League, Emerald
Coast Business Women and Make a Wish Volunteer. Teresa enjoys
gardening and spending time with friends and family.
October-December 2011 | BAY BIZ 19
ARA has extensively renovated their
downtown Panama City laboratories -
pictured- ARA scientist, Robert Girvin
ARA’s ReadiJet AlternativeFuel Technology
ARA’s alternative fuel effort began in 2006
in response to a U.S. military requirement for
technologies that could convert renewable oils
to jet fuel. To answer this challenge, ARA
Principal Engineer Lixiong Li, conceived an idea
of using high temperature water to create
biocrude. This hydrothermal process mimics
nature’s processes that convert biomass to
petroleum crude. Although nature’s processes
take millions of years to produce petroleum
crude, it takes just a few minutes for the ARA’s
Catalytic Hydrothermolysis (CH) process to
produce high quality biocrude. A U.S. patent
on the CH technology was granted to ARA in
2010. The technology has advanced to mature
pilot systems that have demonstrated the
conversion of oils from plants and algae into
renewable, aromatic drop-in fuels that are being
trademarked ReadiJet™ and ReadiDiesel.™
“The cost-efficient CH process uses water
to reduce hydrogen consumption, catalyst
consumption, and carbon footprint compared
to other alternative fuel conversion processes,”
said Ed Coppola, ARA Principal Engineer. “These
fuels do not require blending with petroleum
and are ready to use in jet and diesel engines
designed to operate on petroleum-based fuels,”
said Coppola. “The initial goal of our team is to
implement the first commercial scale system
using this technology.”
“This initiative is not only huge for our
company’s growth, but it also has the potential
to make Florida a leader in fulfilling the military
and civilian markets’ requirements for
alternative fuels and to revitalize farming in
Florida,” said Chuck Red, ARA North Florida
Division Manager.
Thanks to a solid partnership with the first farmer’s co-op for energy crops in Florida
and a global commercialization partner, ARA’s North Florida Division is taking its
revolutionary, low-cost, drop-in biofuels processing technology to the next level.
Takes off.
Part of the impetus that led ARA to
press forward with their advanced biofuel
initiative was the U.S. Air Force’s mandate
to have half of their jet fuel derived from
alternative sources by 2016 and the U.S.
Navy’s mandate to have half of their
energy from alternative sources by 2020.
“The current driving factors for both the
Department of Defense and civilian
markets are finding a solution that is
environmentally superior to petroleum
and also comparable to the cost of
petroleum,” said Red. In addition, the
source of the oil used to create the fuel
must be renewable, from a non-food
crop, and from crops that are ready to be
grown, harvested, and processed.
Coppola identified the first feedstock-
farming cooperative in Florida, the USCJO
CO-OP, which is increasing the acreage of
planted energy crops by thousands of
acres. USCJO and the Florida Feedstock
Growers Association grow two winter
crops of Camelina each year. “Our farm
plan will show how feedstock crop
rotation during the dormant, off season
can increase farmer revenue and reduce
risk through crop diversity,” said Bill
Vasden, President of the USCJO. “It is
widely accepted that biofuel production
should not compete with the global food
supply chain, and our plan does not,”
Vasden added.
Since beginning the alternative fuel
initiative with initial investments by the Air
Force, ARA has had multiple technology
breakthroughs that have caught the
attention of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, the U.S. Navy, several oil
companies and international airline
ARA - Chuck Red briefing US Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack,
on ARA’s next generation alternative fuels at the Paris Air Show 2011
October-December 2011 | BAY BIZ 21
companies. Executives from FedEx, American Airlines, and United
Airlines and the Navy’s Director of Operational Energy traveled
to ARA’s Research and Development facility in Panama City this
summer to discuss ARA’s technology and the overall
commercialization initiative. In addition, ARA was one of eleven
companies selected by British Airways and Rolls Royce to submit
jet fuel samples for analysis as part of the FAA’s Continuous
Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise (CLEEN) program. The ARA
ReadiJet™ fuel was down-selected for further testing by Rolls-
Royce because “...results indicate that this fuel may be suitable as
a drop-in fuel” and it “...definitely warrants further, more detailed
investigation.”
One of the most recent exciting developments is the addition
of Chevron Lummus Global LLC (CLG) to the team. CLG has the
expertise and experience needed to help rapidly scale up and
commercialize the CH technology. “CLG is a world leader in
hydrotreating technology and will provide expertise to ensure that
renewable fuels produced in the commercial plant will meet
quality specifications and be competitively priced,” said Coppola.
CLG will provide engineering services, and start-up assistance for
the first commercial CH conversion system.
CLG’s Managing Director, Leon DeBruyn, commented on the
ARA-CLG link-up. “With the combination of ARA’s CH Technology
and CLG’s ISOTREATING technology, we can truly produce fuels
that meet the highest quality standards that can be used both as
‘drop in’ fuels by our customers or blended into regional fuel
pools without the quality issues associated with other
technologies,” he said. “We’re also excited that our technologies
work just as well with all other plant oils, which will provide long
lasting value for our customers by giving them flexibility to
process what is available in the market.”
For more information on this initiative, go to:
www.readifuels.com or www.ara.com/fuels.
“The current driving factors for both the Department of Defense and civilianmarkets are finding a solution that is environmentally superior to petroleumand also comparable to the cost of petroleum,” said Red.
Biz lisTThe
If you are a member of the Bay County Chamberand would like to submit your business news forpublication, e-mail a press release and photo [email protected]
CHAMBER MEMBERS SHARE THEIR BUSINESS NEWS IN “THE BIZ LIST”.
U.S. Navy Capt. EverettScott Pratt relieved Capt.
Thomas Joseph Brovarone as
Commander, Naval Surface
Warfare Center Panama City Di-
vision (NSWC PCD) on Sept. 2,
2011.
Prior to assuming command,
Pratt was assigned to the Pro-
gram Executive Office – Inte-
grated Warfare Systems
(PEO-IWS) at headquarters in
Washington D.C. His additional
tours have included two assign-
ments to the staff of the Chief
of Naval Operations, first in the
Strategic Plans and Policy Divi-
sion of the Space, Information
Warfare, Command and Control
Directorate and in the Warfight-
ing Assessment Division of Di-
rector Navy Resources,
Requirements and Assessments.
Brovarone, who has served as
the Commander of Bay
County’s only Navy laboratory
since 2009, will transfer to
serve as the Commanding Offi-
cer at the Engineering Duty Of-
ficer School in Port Hueneme,
Calif.
Office of Defense Cooperation
Turkey, U.S. European Command,
Ankara, Turkey. He has also
served as the Military Assistant
Deputy Chief of Staff for
Strategic Plans and Programs,
Headquarters U.S. Air Force.
Dean, who has served as the
Commander of 1st Air Force
since 2009, will take Joint
Forces Command in Naples,
Italy, where he will serve as the
Deputy Chief of Staff for Op-
erations.
Harrison Sale McCloy is
proud to announce that Ross
McCloy has become a Fellow
of the American College of Trial
Lawyers, one of the premier
legal associations in America.
The College is composed of the
best of the trial bar from the
United States and Canada. Fel-
lowship in the College is ex-
tended by invitation only after
careful investigation, to those
experienced trial lawyers who
have mastered the art of advo-
cacy and whose professional
careers have been marked by
the highest standards of ethical
conduct, professionalism, civility
and collegiality. Lawyers must
have a minimum of fifteen years
trial experience before they can
be considered for Fellowship.
U.S. Navy CDR. Anthony J.Anglin relieved CDR. Jessica M.
Pfefferkorn as 4th Commanding
Officer of Naval Support
Activity Panama City on June
30, 2011.
Prior to assuming command,
Anglin was the Current and
Future Operations Officer, Navy
Region Southwest, San Diego,
CA. Anglin enlisted in the Navy
in 1982, and in 1990, Cmdr.
Anglin graduated from the
Naval Academy with a
Bachelors in General Science
and was commissioned an
Ensign.
CDR. Anglin has a Master's
in Engineering Acoustics from
the Naval Postgraduate School
and a Master's of Business
Administration with a
subspecialty in Technology
Management from National
University.
Pfefferkorn, who has served
as the Commander of NSA
Panama City since 2008,
became the Chief of
Partnerships, Plans and Policy,
International Military Staff,
NATO Headquarters, Brussels,
Belgium.
Brig. General John K. Mc-Mullen relieved Brig. General
James S. Browne as Commander
of the 325th Fighter Wing at Tyn-
dall Air Force Base on Septem-
ber 9th.
Prior to assuming command,
McMullen was the Commander
of the 3rd Wing at Joint Base Ele-
mendorf-Richardson, Alaska. He
also served as the Chief of Part-
nership Strategy Division at the
Pentagon in Washington, D. C.
Browne, who has served as
the Commander of the 325th
Fighter Wing since 2009, be-
came the Director of Opera-
tions at Air Force Global Strike
Command, Barksdale AFB, La.
Lt. General Stanley Clarke IIIrelieved Maj. General Dean as
Commander of 1st Air Force at
Tyndall Air Force Base on Au-
gust 31, 2011.
Prior to assuming command,
Clarke was the Senior Defense
Official and Defense Attaché,
24 BAY BIZ | October - December 2011
CHAMBER MEMBERS SHARE THEIR BUSINESS NEWS IN “THE BIZ LIST”.
continued on page 26
Membership in the College can-
not exceed one percent of the
total lawyer population of any
state or province.
The Better Business BureauServing NWFL recently elected
Fran Crumpton, Gulf Coast
Trade Exchange, to serve as
treasurer for the Better Business
Bureau Board of Directors. For-
mer treasurer, David DelGallo,
Advanced Construction Serv-
ices, was elected to the vice
chair position.
The BBB Board of Directors
also welcomed two new board
members: Carroll Scarborough,
Pen Air Federal Credit Union and
Mindy Shirley, Gulf Power Com-
pany.
For additional information
about BBB’s programs and serv-
ices, visit bbb.org, call
850.429.0002 or 800.729.9226.
The American AdvertisingFederation of Panama City held
their annual dinner meeting on
June 28th, which included the in-
duction of the 2011-2012 offi-
cers and Board of Directors:
Pamela Kidwell, President; Ron
Sharpe; Vice-President; Shannon
Cromer, Treasurer; Jennifer
Conoley, Secretary; Kristie
Canaday, Rae Cotton, Tanya
Deal, Patty Freund, Laura Herter,
Andrew Levy, Jennifer Reale,
Crystal Shuller, and Kathy
Welsh. Two $1,000 scholarship
check presentations were also
given to Gulf Coast State Col-
The Panama City DowntownImprovement Board recently
won “Runner-Up” awards in two
different categories at the
Florida Festivals and Events As-
sociation Conference. The
awards were for “Outstanding
Special Event Website” for the
“Art-Tique” event and “Out-
standing Promotional Poster” for
the “St. Andrews Bay Salt Works
Raid”.
Leslie Lugo, a Naval Surface
Warfare Center Panama City Di-
vision (NSWC PCD) engineer,
was recently awarded for her
engineering work as the deputy
project engineer for the Un-
manned Influence Sweep Sys-
tem (UISS) at NSWC PCD, at
the 2011 Hispanic Engineer Na-
tional Achievement Awards
Conference Military Luminary.
HENAAC is a non-profit organi-
zation that seeks to identify,
honor, and document contribu-
tions made to science, technol-
ogy, engineering, and math by
Hispanic-Americans.
lege and Florida State Univer-
sity-Panama City along with a
donation of $325.00 presented
to the Children’s Advocacy
Center.
Jennifer Conoley, Director of
Communications and Marketing
for the Bay County Economic
Development Alliance (EDA),
recently earned a professional
accreditation in public relations,
and received the designation of
Accredited in Public Relations
(APR). Conoley now joins more
than 5,000 professionals na-
tionally that represent an elite
group of highly skilled public re-
lations professionals committed
to practicing with exemplary
ethical standards. She is the
first professional to receive this
designation in Bay County.
Gulf Coast State College’sDepartment of Continuing Edu-cation announced their new
status as an Approved Provider
of the International Import-Ex-
port Institute (IIEI)’s Certified
Exporter® program. This 64-
hour program is ideal for individ-
uals seeking to begin a career in
international trade.
The class will meet for one
day of instruction each week
for eight weeks. The instructors
are industry experts working in
the areas of international trade,
logistics, finance and law.
The Association of Commu-
nity College Trustees (ACCT)
has named Karen Durden as the
recipient of the 2011 Southern
Regional Trustee Leadership
Award. Durden is one of five re-
gional winners who will be hon-
ored at the ACCT Annual
Community College Leadership
Congress that will take place in
October 2011. At the confer-
ence, one of the five regional
winners will be given the presti-
gious M. Dale Ensign Trustee
Leadership Award. Durden was
appointed to the Gulf Coast
State College District Board of
Trustees in 2001.
Covenant Hospice was re-
cently named one of Florida’s
Best Companies To Work For by
Florida Trend and endorsed by
the HR Florida State Council.
One-hundred companies were
recognized in small, medium and
large company categories.
Covenant Hospice ranked 27th
out of 100, in the large com-
pany category, the only com-
pany in NWFL named in this
category.
October-December 2011 | BAY BIZ 25
The Florida Council for Be-
havioral Healthcare (FCBH) has
named Ned Ailes as treasurer of
their Board of Directors. Ailes, a
licensed marriage and family
therapist, is the Chief Executive
Officer of Life Management
Center of Northwest Florida.
FCBH is the advocacy arm of
the Florida Council for Commu-
nity Mental Health, a statewide,
non-profit, trade organization
representing more than 60
community behavioral health
centers across Florida.
Oaseas Resorts, a resort and
hotel management company
based in Panama City Beach,
Fla., announces the appoint-
ment of Derek Tarries as Direc-
tor of Association
Management. Tarries has nearly
30 years of property manage-
Awareness Month. Each em-
ployee decorated a pink bra
that was submitted into a con-
test held by the American Can-
cer Society to raise awareness
and funds, which Bay Radiol-
ogy’s employee Marion Hamil-
ton won 1st place.
Catholic Charities of NWFL,
United Way and Florida Dept. of
Children and Families serve as
the lead agency for BayCounty’s Circle® Campaign,
which partners with volunteers
and community leaders using
community resources and
human ingenuity to assist fami-
lies in moving out of poverty.
This initiative will not duplicate
existing support services but
work to complement their
goals. Circles®’ aim is to edu-
cate, train, prepare and place
participating families and individ-
uals on a successful track to-
ward self-reliance with
sustainability. For more informa-
tion call (850) 763-0475.
The Tommy Hamm Sr. Can-
cer Center is pleased to wel-
come Andrew M. Weber, M.D.to their practice as the third
Hematologist Oncologist. Dr.
Weber completed his Hematol-
ogy and Medical Oncology fel-
lowships at Drexel/Hahnemann
University in Philadelphia, PA,
where he also served as Chief
Fellow. His Internal Medicine
residency and Chief Resident
year were completed at Crozer
Chester Medical Center, and
obtained his MD at Temple Uni-
versity School of Medicine. He
is board certified in Internal
Medicine, and board eligible in
both Hematology and Medical
Oncology.
The Women’s Imaging Cen-ter at Bay Radiology teamed up
to support the American Can-
cer Society – Breast Cancer
ment experience and holds des-
ignations from the Community
Association, the State of
Florida, the American Resort
Development Association and
the Educational Institute of
American Hotel & Motel Asso-
ciation.
Gulf Coast Medical Centerhas become the first hospital in
Florida to join the UAB Cancer
Care Network. The Network
provides a program to support
community-based oncology
services, by offering broader ac-
cess to clinical trials, continuing
medical education for oncolo-
gists and nurses, and access to
the latest education about ad-
vancements in treatments and
detection of cancer in the local
community. Pictured above: Dr.
Edward Partridge, Dir., UAB Com-
prehensive Cancer Center; Jean
Thompkins, Dir., Gulf Coast
Medical Center Case Manage-
ment; Brian Baumgardner, CEO,
Gulf Coast Medical Center.
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26 BAY BIZ | October - December 2011
continued from page 25
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economic profile
Although our economy’s foundation
has been built around tourism,
hospitality and construction, it is fairly
diverse in other sectors like defense,
manufacturing and professional services
as you see in the Bay County
Employment chart below. We have a
collection of economic development
assets much stronger than typically
found in communities of this size – an
expanding regional port, a new growing
international airport, freight rail
connectivity, career and technical
education opportunities, a talented
workforce of 282,000 within a 60-mile
radius, a strong military presence and an
exceptional quality of life.
Bay County has also seen some
significant job creation activity in the
last few months. Local defense
INSIGHTSinside Bay County’s Economic
Development EffortsBay County Population: 168,852 Median Age: 40Labor Force: 89,030 Average Wage: $32,626Households: 74,585 Household Income: $47,505Per Capita Income: $29,357
de
mo
gra
ph
ics
BAY COUNTY FLORIDA
{
bay county sales tax collections GROSS SALES TAXABLE SALES TAX COLLECTIONS July 11 $716,688,753 $324,837,520 $19,840,582 June 11 $466,898,537 $255,867,478 $15,954,575 May 11 $464,862,550 $259,178,812 $15,969,570
July 10 $565,179,438 $292,087,979 $17,997,002 June 10 $477,559,158 $244,309,094 $15,065,918 May 10 $446,894,226 $244,809,864 $14,894,574
current labor statistics for bay county LABOR FORCE EMPLOYED UNEMPLOYED UNEMPLOYED RATE
Aug 11 92,326 83,533 8,793 9.5% July 11 83,091 84,289 8,802 9.5% June 11 93,814 84,919 8,895 9.5%
Aug 10 90,757 81,325 9,432 10.4% July 10 92,432 82,717 9,715 10.5% June 10 93,565 84,209 9,356 10.0%
real estate salesEXISTING SINGLE FAMILY HOMES
REALTOR SALES MEDIAN PRICE REALTOR SALES MEDIUM PRICE
Aug 11 123 $147,900 16,206 $137,500 July 11 107 $139,100 15,517 $136,500 June 11 123 $133,900 17,597 $138,000 Aug 10 86 $148,000 13,997 $134,000 July 10 86 $176,700 13,589 $138,000 June 10 104 $160,000 18,038 $143,400
EXISTING CONDOMINIUMS
Aug 11 67 $162,000 7,098 $91,100 July 11 62 $168,600 6,619 $90,900 June 11 81 $138,900 7,922 $94,100 Aug 10 50 $165,000 5,706 $81,600 July 10 50 $172,000 5,557 $87,200 June 10 68 $173,300 6,916 $95,000
bay county building permits RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL Aug 11 12 1 July 11 6 5 June 11 34 5 Aug 10 10 8 July 10 12 5 June 10 9 3
28 BAY BIZ | October - December 2011
contractor ITT is expanding by 30
employees at an average annual wage
of $49,500, over 150 percent of Bay
County ’s average annual wage, at The
St. Joe Company’s VentureCrossings in
West Bay.
Redpine Healthcare Technologies, a
corporate headquarters and software
development operation relocated,
located on the 4th floor of the
Hancock Bank Center on West 23rd
Street in Panama City in September.
This formally-based, company is
projected to hire over 100 employees
within the first year of operations and
grow to 410 employees by the end of
2015 at an average annual wage of
$49,155, 150 percent of Bay County’s
average annual wage.
Bay County has the high potential for
economic growth provided it puts in
place the tools to help make it
competitive. By leveraging our
resources and improving and growing
our assets, we will be able to further
diversify our industry base, creating a
more competitive business environment
in which companies can locate and
expand.
bay county bed tax collections PANAMA CITY BEACH MEXICO BEACH July 11 $2,966,961.49 $86,567.15 July 10 $1,967,020.33 $70,486.43 % Change 50.84% 22.81%
June 11 $2,283,706.72 $67,743.89 June 10 $1,884,269.21 $64,817.81 % Change 21.20% 4.51%
May 11 $1,127,340.30 $31,246.14 May 10 $1,075,882.69 $33,212.60 % Change 4.78% -5.92%
northwest florida beaches international airport passenger traffic TOTAL PASSENGERS COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS July 11 87,545 1,306 June 11 83,626 1,348 May 11 83,523 1,429 July 10 83,168 1,417 June 10 83,181 1,182 May 10 43,698 1,060
Bay County Unemployment Rate: January 1990 - August 2011
October-December 2011 | BAY BIZ 29
october - December 2011
Digitrax, Inc. - www.digitrax.com
AJ & Zana Ireland - owners
24 Employees
Digitrax designs, manufactures and markets a high tech
electronic control system for model railroads. They
build most of their products here in Bay County, then
ship them to dealers and distributors for sale to model
railroad hobbyists all around the world.
We were told for years that we need to diversify our economy in Bay County to not
be solely dependent on our tourism and the military. Our community has come a
long way in that quest. For a lifetime, the only manufacturing industry in Bay County
was our paper mill, RockTenn, which continues to be a major player. We do have many
other manufacturers i.e.; American Standard, Berg Pipe, Wellstream, Arizona Chemical,
Oceaneering, Eastern Shipbuilding, numerous defense contractors and many others
who contribute greatly to our local economy through job creation. Now we have
built that segment of our local economy and have some very unique products being
produced in our community. The six identified below operate quietly in our area and
many of our citizens do not know they even exist. They are also direct results of our
community’s economic development efforts from many years past to recent years.
Local Products with a Global Reach
Mercury Marine - www.mercurymarine.com
Bill Nesslar - Facility & Testing Manager
12 Employees
A division of Brunswick Corporation, Mercury Marine is
the world’s leading manufacturer of recreational marine
propulsion engines and products. The company’s
Panama City PD&E facility provides engineering and
testing services in the validation and qualification of its
product development programs in a saltwater
environment. 30 BAY BIZ | October - December 2011
MERRICK Industries, Inc. - www.merrick-inc.com
Joe Tannehill, Jr. - President & CEO, Richard Millett –
VP Engineering & Scott Perry – VP Facilities
165 Employees
Merrick, a division of Tannehill International Industries
Inc., serves industrial customers worldwide by
engineering and manufacturing custom-designed
industrial weighing and environmental systems.
MERRICK was created in 1908 by inventing the first
dynamic weighing scale - weighing material continuously
as it is carried on a conveyor belt. Today, MERRICK’s
state-of-the-art technology is used across many
industries including power, cement, mining, steel, paper,
foods, chemicals, building materials, and
water/wastewater treatment.
JENSEN USA, Inc. - www.jensen-group.com
Simon Nield, President
150 employees in North America, 110 in Panama City
A division of The JENSEN Group which is traded on the
Euronext stock exchange in Brussels, is a worldwide
leader in the manufacturing of heavy duty laundry
equipment here in Panama City, which is then shipped
worldwide.
The Natural Light, Inc. - www.thenaturallight.com
Harvey and JoAnn Hollingsworth, owners
28 employees
The Natural Light, relocated to Bay County in 1987, is
a high fashion wholesale manufacturer and designer of
table and floor lamps, as well as original framed art
for the home. Their customers include exclusive hotel
properties, interior designers and better stores across
the United States.
DeTect, Inc. - www.detect-inc.com
Gary W. Andrews, General Manager & CEO
65 employees
DeTect, Inc. specializes in remote sensing technologies
and systems for aviation birdstrike avoidance,
meteorology, security surveillance and environmental
survey supporting projects and facilities worldwide. The
company is a U.S. corporation headquartered in Panama
City, Florida with divisional offices in Colorado, Virginia
(DC area), Canada and India. The company is the world
leader in development, deployment and support of the
systems, having supplied them to the U.S. Air Force
(USAF) and the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA).
October-December 2011 | BAY BIZ 31
Newf o r J u l y , A u g u s t , S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1
{Access Recovery Solutions LLC
277 Forest Park Circle
Panama City, FL 32405
850-522-1516
BrightStar
3003 S. Hwy 77, Ste. C
Lynn Haven, FL 32444
850-628-7458
Coffee News of Panama City
2914 D Harrison Ave.
Panama City, FL 32405
850-774-8474
Colt Simmons
P.O. Box 935
Panama City, FL 32402
850-215-6045
David Scott Jewelry
1146 Harrison Ave.
Panama City, FL 32401
850-763-0729
Dreams2Reality, LLC
2203 Beck Ave., F14
Panama City, FL 32405
920-850-3438
FL Dept. of Children & Fami-
lies
500 West 11th St.
Panama City, FL 32401
850-872-7648
Goodwill Career Development
Center
3207 East 4th St.
Panama City, FL 32401
850-522-3900
Gulf Coast Women’s Services
2202 State Ave., Ste. 207
Panama City, FL 32405
850-784-2645
Janet Gladis, LMT
2300 West 11th St.
Panama City, FL 32401
850-625-9086
MedSouth Clinic
509 East 23rd St.
Panama City, FL 32405
850-215-8999
My Thai Asian Bistro
301 Cherry St.
Panama City, FL 32401
850-784-0120
New Image Promotional
Products
1137 Harrison Ave., Ste. 3
Panama City, FL 32401
850-872-1076
Nova Technologies
429 S. Tyndall Pkwy., Ste. S
Panama City, FL 32404
850-914-0002
Paramount Heating
& Cooling, LLC
1 Blue Crab Lane
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
850-588-8172
Prepaid Legal Services
868 West St.
Panama City, FL 32404
850-284-0155
Quizno’s
1000 East 23rd St., Ste. A-4
Panama City, FL 32405
850-522-4022
Sacred Heart Hospital
on the Gulf
3801 US Highway 98
Port St. Joe, FL 32456
850-229-5601
Target Marketing
541 Buttermilk Pike, Ste. 100
Crescent Springs, KY 41017
800-933-3909
Tethy’s International
306 Harrison Ave., #151
Panama City, FL 32401
850-639-6869
Timmins Consulting LLC
2910 Kerry Forest Pkwy.,
D4-368
Tallahassee, FL 32309
850-832-1763
Dr. William B. Turner
1617 Billings Avenue
Panama City, FL 32401
850-215-4642
Vision Payment Solutions
1211 Venetian Way
Panama City, FL 32405
850-896-0156
W.B. Riggins Tallow Co.
4474 Camp Coleman Rd.
Trussville, AL 35173
205-655-3612
Wild Birds Unlimited
2455 MLK Jr. Blvd.
Panama City, FL 32405
850-640-1354
Wyndham Resorts
14700 Front Beach Rd.
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
850-636-8227
ZoomQa LLC
1501 Mulberry Ave., Suite 1
Panama City, FL 32401
850-215-9725
Members.
32 BAY BIZ | October - December 2011
Onyx - 5 YearsAir Gas Co.Baskerville-Donovan, Inc.Counts Real Estate Group, Inc.Firehouse SubsHilton Garden InnPanama City Living Magazine
Ruby - 10 YearsClassic RestorationCoastal Extracorporeal TechnologyD. Stephen Foster, CPA, PALandmark Holiday Beach ResortNorthrop Grumman Corp.Plumb Better, Inc.Skinner Tax Consulting, Inc.
Opal - 15 YearsBishop Lifting Products, Inc.Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
Covenant HospiceEarly Education and Care, Inc.EB Pipe CoatingEdward Jones InvestmentsHealthSouthHeritage Bible ChurchMonica L. Cothran, PAPanama City MallPanama Country ClubPMI Employee LeasingRubber & Specialties, Inc.
Emerald - 20 YearsEye Center of North FloridaHoliday Inn SelectLewis Metals, Inc.
Silver - 25 YearsFlorida Offshore, Inc.KLW Enterprises, Inc.M & W Auto Sales, Inc.Paul Brent Gallery
Pearl - 30 YearsAmerican Red CrossGlidden ProfessionalGulf Coast ManagementKarr, Ellis & CompanyMoonspinner Condo Association
Sapphire - 45 YearsKolmetz Construction, Inc.
Gold - 50 YearsJim Clark Realty
Diamond - 60 YearsVan Horn Transfer & Storage
MemberAnniversariesRecognizing renewing members for their dedication at 5 year intervals
October-December 2011 | BAY BIZ 33
for July, August, September 2011
First FridayNetworking: 7:30 a.m. / Program: 8:00 a.m.
FSU-PC Holley Center (4750 Collegiate Dr.)
Sponsored by: Comcast
Speaker: Sec. Prasad FL Dept. of Transportation
Free event for Bay County Chamber members
and invited guests
Small Business Quarterly Breakfast SeminarBreakfast & Networking: 7:30 a.m. /
Program: 8:00 a.m.
Chamber Boardroom
Program: TBD
RSVP to [email protected] or
215.3761
Bay Young Professionals Luncheon - No Cost 11:30 a.m.
Hancock Bank (1022 W. 23rd st.)
Guest Speaker: Gary Bliss, Florida State University
RSVP to [email protected] or
215.3761 by November 8th
2nd Annual Non-Profit/Festival of the Trees - Business After Hours5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Marina Civic Center (8 Harrison Ave.)
Human Service Non-Profit Chamber members are
invited to display during a preview of
the PC Rescue Mission’s “Festival of the Trees”.
Contact [email protected] or 215.3757 for
info.
Calendar Bay County Chamber of Commerce Events{
First FridayFSU-PC Holley Center (4750 Collegiate Dr.)Networking: 7:30 a.m. / Program: 8:00 a.m.
Sponsored by: Bay Medical CenterSpeaker: Sec. Lawson, FL Dept. of Business & Professional RegulationFree event for Bay County Chamber members and invited guests
New Member 411 Breakfast8:30 a.m.Chamber BoardroomFree for Chamber membersRSVP to [email protected] or 215.3753
Small Business Institute8:30 a.m.Chamber BoardroomProgram: Retirement Planning for Small BusinessRSVP to [email protected] or 215.3761
Spooktacular Business After Hours5:30 - 7:00 p.m.Hosted by: BYP & The JayceesPCMI (200 E. Beach Drive)
Bay Young Professionals Tour2:30 - 4:00 p.m.Bay Medical Center (615 N. Bonita Ave.)RSVP to [email protected] or 215.3761 by October 12th
Non-Profit Sustainability SummitRegistration & Dinner: 5:00 p.m. / Program: 6 - 8:45 p.m.FSU-PC Holley Center (4750 Collegiate Dr.)Sponsored by: Doral Bank & FSU-Panama City$50 - Chamber members / $60 - non-membersRSVP to [email protected] or 215.3761 by October 14th
7
11
12
18
November
10
29
October
For a detailed listing of Chamber
and community events visit
www.panamacity.org
4
9
14
Dates, times and locations subject to change.
34 BAY BIZ | October - December 2011
13
First FridayNetworking: 7:30 a.m. / Program: 8:00 a.m.
FSU-PC Holley Center (4750 Collegiate Dr.)
Sponsored by: Workforce Center
Holiday Program
Free event for Bay County Chamber members
and invited guests
Bay Young Professionals Social5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Visual Arts Center (19 E. 4th St.)
Experience “Paint Your Art Out” with your Bay
Young Professional peers
Cost: $25 per person
Limited seating, RSVP by December 1st to
[email protected] or 215.3761
New Member 411 Breakfast8:30 a.m.
Chamber Boardroom
Free for Chamber members
RSVP to [email protected] or 215.3753
Small Business Institute8:30 a.m.
Chamber Boardroom
Program: TBD
RSVP to [email protected] or
215.3761
Business After Hours5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Sponsored by: The Eye Center of North Florida
and Comcast
Free to Chamber members and invited guests
contact [email protected] or 215.3757
for date & location.
December2
5
6
14
TBD
SAVE THE DATE
October 24, 2011
FSU-PC Holley Center
Workforce
Education
Summit
Find out how you can help
prepare students with 21st century
skills!
Presented by:
October-December 2011 | BAY BIZ 35
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KaraokeComedians
Christmas Sing-A-Long Performers
850-747-0903WWW.GULFTALENTSERVICES.COM
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October-December 2011 | BAY BIZ 37
out&about
1.
5.
2.
4.
6.
1. Local Media Representatives at Media Appreciation Luncheon
2. Bay Young Professionals network during the July social at TGI Fridays
3. Jason Keortge from CyberSytes presents at Marketing Seminar
4. Laura Herter & Shannon Cromer at the Visual Arts Center - Business After Hours
5. Janet Watermeier, Joey Ginn, Bo Rivard, Allan Bense, Al McCambry & James Johnson at September First Friday 6. Trish Wheeler & Colin McMichen at Knology - Business After Hours
7. Senator Bill Nelson Round Table
out&about
20113.
7.
out&about
Accounting • Auditing • PayrollTax Compliance • Business Advisors
(850) 763-9635
2589 JENKS AVENUE • PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA