june2013network

Find more information and register for upcoming events at www.DestinChamber.com!

June 2013

June 11 Leaders In Business Lunch & Non-Profit Appreciation Expo We are excited to spotlight our non-profit members during our June 11 lunch. This is our regular scheduled monthly lunch with a little bit of a twist. Enjoy great networking benefits, while learning about those who serve our community.

Thank you to non-profit participants Air Force Enlisted Village, Children in Crisis, Feline Friends of Destin, First Baptist Church, Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, Hope Medical Clinic, Horizons, Kiwanis Club of Destin, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Sinfonia Gulf Coast, and the Taylor Haugen Foundation.

The lunch will be at Destin United Methodist Church from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Register at www.DestinChamber.com or (850) 837-6241.

“You have taken the first step in becoming a leader in the Destin community. Don’t stop what you’ve started. Keep visible, keep active, keep learning, keep leading,” charged the Chamber’s President and CEO Shane Moody, as he addressed the 2013 Destin Forward graduates, during a May 7 ceremony.

Destin Forward, the Chamber’s hands-on community education and leadership program, was created by the Board of Directors to help find and educate future city and business leaders. After a retreat in August, the class spent the next eight months touring and learning about Destin’s waterways; tourism industry; development and real estate; arts, culture, and non-profits; environment; city programs and services; military bases; and the state legislature. Class requirements also included attendance at several Chamber and civic functions.

During the graduation event, the Destin Forward Leadership Award, which was chosen by a class vote, was presented to class member Matt Algarin of The Destin

Log. Four graduates were also chosen by class vote to join the Destin Forward Advisory Committee for 3-year terms. Those graduates included Algarin; Sarah Sholtis, ResortQuest Real Estate; Missy Windes, Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc.; and Justin Woodard, Community Bank, Destin.

Other graduates included David Bell, Carter & Company CPA, LLC; Sarah Lee Chason, Coastal Bank and Trust; Melissa Forte, ACN Independent Business Owner; Suzy Nicholson Hunt, Destin Area Chamber of Commerce; Marilu Lammon, Fountain Investments; Holley Langille, Northwest Florida State College; Pamela Martin, Gulf Power; Lanier Motes, Baytowne Wharf Neighborhood Association; Rosanna Padova, Southern Residential Leasing; John Toombs, Harmony Beach Vacations; and Maggie Woods, Emerald Grande and HarborWalk Village.

For more information about the program or how to join the class of 2014, please contact Suzy Nicholson Hunt at (850) 837-2711 x2. Applications are being accepted through July 22.

15 Graduate from Chamber Community Education and Leadership Program

Above, Matt Algarin (center) is presented the Destin Forward Leadership Award by Chamber President and CEO Shane Moody and Chamber Chairman Mary Anne Windes.

Above, Destin Forward class members spend a day with the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance using the boat the class donated to the organization as its class project. The boat will be used in the CBA’s mission to protect and sustain area waterways.

Want to see your company highlighted here?Contact Suzy Nicholson Hunt at (850) 837-2711 x2 or [email protected]

or Jen Skillman at (850) 837-2711 x3 or [email protected].

Sometimes Change is Good

Several months ago we went into our monthly Leaders in Business Luncheon with no formal program or speaker. We decided to just “wing it” and have a little fun, play around a little, and see what happened. As it turned out that day, several of you emailed or called and told us how much you enjoyed that lunch. So, after some discussion in the office, we decided we’d make a change in the lunch plans and start doing that sort of thing a little more often.

The May 14 lunch was the next time we tried it. We had Dr. Bawa as our sponsor, and he was fantastic, discussing health care and weight loss, and the 7 Dwarfs (you had to be there). Then we played a little bit, shared some networking tips, had several members introduce

themselves, and gave attendees five or so minutes during lunch to do organized “mix and mingle.”

At the end of the lunch, before I turned the stage over to Amy to handle door prizes, I shared something I learned at Chamber Institute back in 2000. It was short, sweet, and simple, and I really didn’t think anything of it.

Interestingly, many of you did. I received numerous emails from attendees asking if I could send them what I talked about. I had no idea that something, such as that, would go over so well.

To those of you who have attended the new format and sent us your comments, thank you! I’m not sure we’ve ever received the positive feedback on a Chamber function like we have the past few lunches. I’m glad that such a simple alteration in the lunch would be so positive. It’s also something we would not have done without your feedback.

The next lunch is June 11 at the Destin Life Center of Destin United Methodist Church. This lunch, too, will have a totally different format as it will be our first mini-expo, this time featuring non-profit organizations who are members of the Chamber. We hope you’ll come out to “service day” and give us your feedback. There are a couple of more mini-expos in the future, don’t miss out.

And, because many have asked, here are the tips I shared. These tips are designed to help you provide better service for your customers. These are tips I received in a member services class at chamber school. It encourages you to be a VAP (value added person) rather than a VIP. Here you go, and put them to good use. 1) To be interesting is to be interested; 2) be surprisingly cultured; 3) be passionate about life and living it, be a participant, not life’s spectator; 4) be radically present right where you are; 5) treat others as special, not equal; 6) your small talk should contain the seeds of understanding; 7) find someone’s essential bright spot; and 8) learn to dance in the gray.

Again, thank you for your participation, support, and feedback. I hope to see you soon at one of our “changed” lunches. After all, working together to build networks and business allows us to build this world-class community one business at a time.

With wishes for continued success, and until next month,

Shane A. Moody, CCE, FCCPPresident and CEO

Executive CommitteeMary Anne Windes, Chairman of the BoardReal Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc. Destin Fishing Fleet Marina

Amy Perry, Chair-ElectPleat, Perry & Ritchie, P.A.

Bill Lindsley, Immediate Past ChairmanSimpleHR

Shaun Eubanks, Treasurer

Julie Cotton, Vice Chairman/Communications & MarketingNorthwest Florida State College

Karen McCarthy, Vice Chairman/Community & Economic DevelopmentArmy Aviation Center Federal Credit Union

Ken Wampler, Vice Chairman/Membership Development Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc.

Jami Jones, Vice Chairman/Harbor Association Destin Charter Service

Mike Freeman, Most Immediate Past Chairman/Ex-officioAcentria, Inc.

DirectorsHayward Dykes, Conerly, Bowman & Dykes, LLP

Steve Jay, Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel

Rebecca Jones, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center

Andi Mahoney, White-Wilson Medical Center

Pam Martin, Gulf Power

Dave Morrow, Allstate Insurance - Ryland/Morrow Agency

Jonathan Ochs, Trustmark National Bank

Cyndy Thomas, ResortQuest By Wyndham Vacation Rentals

Carey Trotter, Trotter’s General Contractors, Inc.

Chairman’s AppointeeCharles Morgan, Harbor Docks Restaurant

Special AppointeesJim Breitenfeld, Breitenfeld Development Services, LLC

Kim Wintner, Alliance Association Management Co. Inc.

Management TeamShane A. Moody, CCE, FCCP, President and [email protected]

Elizabeth Spies, Vice President of [email protected]

Suzy Nicholson Hunt, Events [email protected]

Jen Skillman, Membership [email protected]

Ashley Johnston, Information [email protected]

4484 Legendary Drive, Suite A Destin, FL 32541

(850) 837-6241 • (850) 654-5612 [email protected]

Building a World-Class Community One Business at a Time

Advertising our World-Class CommunityIn our mission to support Destin as a world-class community, our Welcome Center recorded the following numbers in April 2013:Phone Calls/Emails — 594 Incoming Mail — 218 Relocation Packages - 6Lobby/Welcome Center Visitors — 353 Directories Mailed — 522

THE CHAMBER MONTH AHEAD

Our Military Affairs Council (MAC) will meet in the Chamber’s conference room at 12

p.m. Keep up-to-date on happenings at local bases and enjoy hearing military members share their stories.

Join us for our Leaders In Business Lunch & Non-Profit Appreciation Expo at

Destin United Methodist Church from 11:30 a.m. - 1 pm. All registrations are due by Friday, June 7, at 3 p.m.

The Board of Directors Meeting will be held in the Chamber conference room at 11:30 a.m.

The Chamber’s Social Media Group offers members a forum to discuss social media

tools and strategies, learn about new applications, and connect with like-minded Chamber members. Join us from 12 - 1 p.m., in the Chamber’s conference room.

Our Business After Hours sponsored by The Premier Property Group will be held at

495 Grand Blvd. Ste. 201J, in Miramar Beach. Event hours are 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Please do not forget to bring your business card for networking and our door prize drawing. There is no charge for members to attend this event. The non-member fee is $20.

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For information about all Chamber Events, please visit

the Events Calendar at DestinChamber.com or

call (850) 837-6241!

Summer With the Destin Area Chamber

Summer and the Chamber are in full swing. It feels like “the good old days” with tons of people in town, entrepreneurs working hard to make their year, and money changing hands locally. Please note the “locally,” and please shop local whenever you can. Local dollars changing hands, as opposed to purchasing products outside of our city, increases our local economy and enriches the quality of lives of everyone who lives in our beautiful city. Make a difference, shop local whenever possible!

I was talking to a good friend of mine the other day at a funeral. I won’t mention his name without his permission, but he is a well-known, outspoken businessman with a huge heart for children and our city. His restaurant is one of if not the best local (non chain) places to eat. 99% of you know who it is, right? Anyhow, I asked

him to give me two ideas of how to make our city better. Without hesitation, which makes me wonder what if I had asked him for 10, he said first we have to incorporate the northeast side of Emerald Coast Parkway. This is not only for the obvious additional ad-valorem revenues, but more importantly so that Destin can control its destiny, its vision, and its beautification. Good point! Second, he said we need to work harder to beautify our city. He felt that although the advertising has been productive, what we really need is to “WOW” the people who come here. Then they will go back and say that not only are the beaches beautiful, but the roads and the businesses and the homes are landscaped to the hilt. He recommended starting on Harbor Boulevard in the Harbor CRA district. If our tourists went home and said, “It’s more beautiful now than its ever been, and, if you haven’t been lately, go see it now”, that is the best advertising we could get. Each one of us could do our part with our own business, and, if it catches on, we could get the city and the county to follow suit. It dawns on me from his practical statement that people do go to places without beaches just for the landscaping. SCORE - I like that!

Along those lines, the Chamber brought a resolution to the Destin City Council to beef up its code enforcement. It’s now part of the city’s strategic plan. Maybe we should take it a little further! Anyhow, that was just a five minute conversation in passing. What good ideas do you have, and are you willing to share them? Although convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that Destin is THE best city in the whole world, the Chamber is motivated to enhance our city for the betterment of business and those who live and work here.

We have a couple of networking opportunities for you this month, as well. First, we having our first Lunch with a Purpose. Our monthly Leaders in Business Lunch for June will include a Non-Profit Appreciation Expo. We’ll meet at the Destin Life Center on the campus of the Destin United Methodist Church on Tuesday, June 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. So far, we already have 12 non-profits signed up; they are Sinfonia Gulf Coast, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, Taylor Haugen Foundation, Air Force Enlisted Village, Horizons, Kiwanis Club of Destin, Hope Medical Center, Children in Crisis, Feline Friends of Destin, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, and First Baptist Church. Second, our Business After Hours is sponsored by and held at the Premier Property Group in the Regus office building at Grand Boulevard from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 27. Both of these events offer a great place to meet people and make additional business connections.

Please hold the date for some upcoming events: Tuesday, Sept. 10, is our Business Palooza, a mini business expo luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and our BIG event of the summer is the 2nd Paddle at the Porch on Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Back Porch Restaurant. We had 93 participants in our inaugural year and are expecting a much larger crowd this year. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Call Suzy Hunt at 837-2711 x2.

Have a wonderful summer, and if you have any big ideas that you’d like to pitch to the Destin Area Chamber, please call and share them with me at 837-2211.

Mary Anne Windes2013 Destin Area Chamber ChairmanReal Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc.Destin Fishing Fleet Marina

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June 2013 Network Newsletter Page 3

June Ribbon Cuttings

Cabana CaféWayne Anderson

112 Seascape Blvd. Ste. 1 Miramar Beach FL 32550

(850) 368-1911 www.cabanacafedestin.com

Coyote Ugly Saloon Joanna Olsen

100 Harbor Blvd. Destin FL 32541 (404) 538-3200

www.coyoteuglysaloon.com

Destin Forward Class Project 4484 Legendary Dr. Ste. A

Destin FL 32541 (850) 837-6241

www.destinchamber.com

Infi nite Lasers LLC Drew Cooper

45 Harbor Blvd. Destin FL 32541 (850) 424-3759

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Marcia Hull

4323 Commons Dr. W. Destin FL 32541 (850) 650-2226

www.mattiekellyartsfoundation.org

Celebrating Ambassador SuccessesCongratulations to top Ambassadors for April 2013!

50 points — Trisha Chason, SimpleHR and SimpleHIRE45 points — Fred Fenn, St. Andrews by the Sea Episcopal Church

45 points — Linda Kuykendall, A 2 Z Specialty Advertising45 points — Sherry Schneider, America’s Swimming Pool Company

Preston Hood Chevrolet, Inc. Taylor Hood

212 Hollywood Blvd. S.W. Ft. Walton Beach FL 32548

(850) 664-7000 www.prestonhood.com

www.DestinChamber.com

FWBMC & Twin Cities Introduce “SurgiTrak”

Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and Twin Cities Hospital recently introduced SurgiTrak, a convenient new service that allows pre-surgery patients to identify ahead of time which family members and friends they would like to receive text messages or e-mails about their status as they move through pre-op to recovery.

Newman-Dailey Reports Sales Increase

Newman-Dailey Resort Properties real estate team reported sales increased 52 percent in 2012 over 2011. Newman-Dailey Resort Properties has served the Emerald Coast for 28 years and is consistently listed by ECAR among the top 10 percent of real estate companies along the Emerald Coast for sales.

Warren Averett Named Finest Accounting Firm

For the third year in a row, Warren Averett O’Sullivan Creel was named the “Finest Accounting Firm on the Emerald Coast” in a reader’s choice program launched in 2011 by Freedom Florida, the company that publishes the Northwest Florida Daily News, Destin Log, Walton Sun, and Crestview News Bulletin.

Mann Joins ResortQuest Real Estate

ResortQuest Real Estate announced the addition of Mary Mann as the newest Realtor at ResortQuest’s

Central Destin Office. Mann joins

ResortQuest with more than 10 years of experience in Florida real estate. With certifications in Resort and Second Home Specialist (RSPS), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Loss Mitigation (LMC), and Certified International Specialist (CIPS), Mann has a wealth of experience.

Nathan Abbott Team Recognized

Nathan Abbott of ResortQuest Real Estate was named “Finest on the Emerald Coast” Real Estate Agent for 2013. This recognition comes following the Nathan Abbott Team winning “Sales Person of the Year” at the ResortQuest Real Estate and Wyndham Vacation Rentals Annual Awards Banquet in February. The Nathan Abbott team boasted $28 million in closed production in 2012, ranking the team #1 in closed sales and total volume out of more than 100 ResortQuest sales associates.

Schools Collect Change for Children In Crisis

Walton County schools participated in the annual Change for Children Campaign during the 2012-2013 year. The schools raised more than $12,000 in change to benefit Children In Crisis (CIC). The

campaign raised 10 times more funds this year than last year. Seen here, Carlene Anderson, Walton County School District superintendent, presents a check for $12,000 to CIC president and CEO Ken Hair.

Kiwanis Club Helps Children in Crisis

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Niceville-Valparaiso donated their time, talents, and hard work during a recent workday, called “Kiwanis One Day,” to help make the Children in Crisis (CIC) Children’s Neighborhood look great. The work group included about 20 Kiwanis members and 35 military members from the Hurlburt Field Tactical Air Control Party training school. Seen here, CIC president and CEO Ken Hair thanks Kiwanis president Steve Baldock.

New Windows 8 App for Boaters

Bit Wizards Custom Software Solutions software engineer Bryan Soltis and web and graphic designer J.D. Compton developed a Windows 8 app that provides boating enthusiasts up-to-date marine information — seas, water temperature, winds — in an easy-to-read format. By accessing buoy data from the NOAA’s National Buoy Data Center, the Marine Scout Windows 8 App displays pertinent data from all stations within a user-defined range.

Gulfarium Achieves Accreditation

In April, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park received accreditation from the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums (AMMPA), an international association representing marine life parks, aquariums, and zoos dedicated to the highest standards of care for marine mammals and to their conservation in the wild through public education, scientific study, and wildlife presentations. Following a rigorous inspection in January 2012, the new accreditation confirms an even stricter level of care is being met by the Gulfarium encompassing animal training practices and a variety of educational and conservation strategies.

Fishermen Win Big at Crab Cruncher

In connection with its current tournament, the Cobia World Championships, Harbor Docks hosted the 2013 Frank Helton Crab Cruncher Classic, a three-day tournament held from April 12-14. The tournament had 27 entries, with Johnathan Guarisco of the Trust Fun as the tournament’s winner bringing in a 70.5 lb cobia worth more than $44,000. The tournament paid out $150,000 with $15,000 going directly towards the 19th Annual Take-a-Kid Fishing Day.

Sacred Heart Wins PRC Awards

Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast received 11 Professional Research Consultants (PRC) Excellence in Healthcare Awards for 2013. Nine departments won the 5-star overall quality-of-care awards and two departments won


top performer awards. These awards are based on information gathered through confidential surveys of patients regarding their perception of the care they received at Sacred Heart.

Covenant Hospice Honors Veterans

Covenant Hospice has met the strict requirements to reach Partner Level – 4 Status with the We Honor Veterans campaign, which was developed by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is an accomplishment that demonstrates a sound commitment to serving our nations heroes. Seen here, Covenant Hospice We Honor Veterans volunteers recently honored Sam Tinkler of Superior Residences of Niceville with a Veteran appreciation certificate, a Navy Veterans service pin, and a Navy blanket.

Sinfonia Receives Funding from St. Joe

The St. Joe Community Foundation announced a grant of $10,000 to Sinfonia Gulf Coast in recognition and support of the non-profit symphony orchestra’s performance and education programs for the upcoming 2013-2014 season.

Cherry is New Hotel Operations Manager

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa announced Jackson Cherry as the resort’s new manager of hotel operations. Cherry’s responsibilities encompass all operational aspects of the hotel, including food and beverage, rooms, recreation, security, and the Serenity by the sea Spa. A native of Watkinsville, Ga., Cherry has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 10 years. Most recently he was general manager of Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga.

Children in Crisis Remembers Maine

Children in Crisis (CIC) honored the memory of Walt Maine during a recent ceremony. Maine’s name was unveiled on the main entrance CIC donor recognition board for his many years as a member of the CIC board of directors and the CIC faith committee chair. Seen here are CIC board chairman Kitty Johnson and CIC president and CEO Ken Hair, along with Maine’s wife Latha and daughter Tonya Lawrence.

Lee Automotive Donates to Children in Crisis

Lee Automotive helped the kids of Children in Crisis (CIC)

by having a Cumulus Radio remote broadcast at its KIA dealership. Food, cleaning supplies for the foster homes, gift cards, donations, and much more were accepted. Seen here are Lee Automotive marketing director Maureen Bierman, CIC president and CEO Ken Hair, and CIC volunteer and events coordinator Travis Hill.

Say Yes to the Dress

In late April, Mary Kay Independent Consultant Team Leader Sheri McDonald attended the Gladys Magazine Wedding and Couture issue release party, held at the Windsor Art Gallery in McDonough, Ga. The entire cast of the photo shoot used Mary Kay products. McDonald is seen here, second from the right, with Monte Durham of Say Yes to the Dress, model Courtney Lynne Smits, and Gladys owner Andrea Forte.

Seagar’s Appoints New General Manager

Seagar’s Prime Steaks and Seafood announced Tia Triplett as general manager of the AAA Four Diamond-rated restaurant. Triplett will oversee the day-to-day operations of the 200-seat fine-dining restaurant, which recently underwent a $1 million renovation. Triplett has garnered more than 20 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Most recently, she served as general manager and director of food and beverage for the Barnes Foundation Museum in Philadelphia, Pa.

CVHN Celebrates 8 Years

Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN) celebrated its 8th birthday and hosted a Shrimp Boil at Grayt Grounds of Monet Monet on April 22, to honor volunteers, providers, and community partners who play a significant role in the organization’s success. Since inception in 2005, CVHN has helped more than 5,000 local children and facilitated more than 27,500 medical, dental, vision, and mental health care procedures for kids who have limited or no access to the health care they need and deserve.

Kelly Joins Coastal Bank and Trust

Coastal Bank and Trust, a division of Synovus Bank, named John Kelly as a senior vice president

and commercial banker. Kelly has more than 10 years of experience in providing creative lending solutions for Okaloosa and Walton county business clients with commercial and industrial lending and commercial real estate lending. Prior to his banking career, Kelly was a Naval Aviator in Jacksonville. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics.

Bit-Wizards Launches Marketing University

Bit-Wizards Custom Software Solutions launched its first partner-developed website, Digital Marketing University (DMU), a free marketing and

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Thank you to Dr. Bawa & Associates for sponsoring the Chamber’s May 14 Leaders In Business Lunch. Dr. Bawa & Associates is a general medicine practice that provides assistance with weight loss, bio-identical hormones, holistic medicine, lasers, and aesthetics. It also offers urgent care. Once its patients are feeling better and losing weight, they generally want assistance in looking better. Dr. Bawa is able to provide several state-of-the-art laser services, such as fractional laser treatments, laser hair removal, laser vein removal, pore size reduction, scar reduction, and thermage. Besides being Board-Certified in internal medicine, Dr. Bawa also employs ideas from holistic medicine. For details, please call (850) 424-7320; visit 155 Crystal Beach Dr. Ste. 121, in Destin; or visit www.DrBawa.com.

• Capt. Nemo Kid Cruises

• Coastal Reflections

• Destin Water Taxi

• Ear Care Associates, Inc.

• Eglin Federal Credit Union

• Emerald Coast Chiropractic

• Gulf Coast Immediate Care

• Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

• Merrill Lynch

• Party Boats Destin Princess & Destiny

• Pleat, Perry & Ritchie, P.A.

• ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals

• ResortQuest Real Estate

• S.E.A. Chase Watersports, LLC

• Sleep Inn

• Windswept Dunes Golf Club

Thank You for the Door Prizes!

•• MeMerrrrililll LyLyyyncnchh

May 2013 Network Newsletter Page 7

Thank you to the Boathouse Oyster Bar for sponsoring the Chamber’s April 25 Business After Hours. Located right on the Destin Harbor, Boathouse Oyster Bar is Destin’s best kept secret and has been voted Emerald Coast’s Best Gumbo, Raw Oysters, Baked Oysters, and Best Place to Have a Beer. For more information, call (850) 837-3645 or visit www.boathouseoysterbar.com. Visit the Boathouse and enjoy its new outdoor deck and bar at 288-B Harbor Blvd., in Destin.

• Coastal Reflections

• Destin Pools

• Dockside Watersports & Parasailing

• Mary Kay Independent Consultant Team Leader - Sheri McDonald

• PML International – LegalShield

• S.E.A. Chase Watersports, LLC

*All members are welcome to bring door prizes to Chamber events!

Thank You for the Door Prizes!


Member SpotlightOkaloosa County Tourist Development Department

This profile focuses on the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department (TDD) and its Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Emerald Coast Convention Center, and Emerald Coast Film Commission.

Tourism is the largest private industry in Okaloosa County with more than 3.9 million annual visitors, $3.8 Billion in annual spending, and 14,000 local tourism jobs. The TDD is funded by the tourist development impact fee placed on short-term lodging facilities in the southern portion of the Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Mary Esther, and Cinco Bayou areas The fee is paid by tourists only. No ad valorem Okaloosa County budget dollars are ever used.

The TDD provides the following community benefits at no cost to residents:

� Year-round beach cleaning and trash removal on 9.6 miles of beaches, at a cost of more than $450,000 annually.

� Local Beach Restoration Project at an estimated total cost of $20 Million.

� A state-mandated Turtle Watch Program at a cost of $38,000 per year in order to receive the state’s permit to continue local beach cleaning services.

� Dune and beach restoration programs, sanctioned by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

� Promotion and sponsorship of festivals and special events for visitors and local residents to enjoy.

� Planning, engineering, constructing, and restoring of ADA accessible public parks, beach accessways with restrooms, picnic facilities, paved parking, and landscaping ($7.9 Million at no cost to local residents).

� Funding of $20,000 annually provided to Fort Walton Beach and Destin Area chambers of commerce for their special events/festivals.

� Funding for beach safety and lifesaving programs at more than $700,000 annually.

� The construction, operation, and management of the Visitors Welcome Center on Okaloosa Island to serve tourists and local residents. The Visitors Welcome Center provides information on activities in the area, places to go, items of interest, and discount coupons, and is open to the public seven days a week.

� Funding for the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, which markets group and family business to the area, providing $23 Million in group business during 2011.

� In 1994, the Economic Development Council (EDC) requested the TDD oversee the Film Commission and provide its source of funding. The Emerald Coast Film Commission has provided more than 30,504

film-related local jobs, putting $56 Million directly into the local economy.

The UWF Haas Center Economic Impact Study of the Emerald Coast Convention Center concluded that “although measurable in monetary terms, the socio-economic impact of the Emerald Coast Conference Center is considerable. As event activity grows, the economic impact will grow with it, thus adding jobs, activities, and dollars to Okaloosa County’s economy.”

� $7.7 Million visitor spending generated in Okaloosa County economy

� $7.7 Million net positive effect on Okaloosa County’s gross regional product

� 300% return on investment from tourist impact fee revenues

� 62,000 visitor nights at local lodgings for Convention Center events

� $15+ Million in total demand for goods and services in the economy

� $3.8 Million personal income generated in Okaloosa County

� $3.2 Million disposable personal income generated in Okaloosa County

For more information, contact the TDD at (800) 322-3319 or (850) 651-7131, or visit www.emeraldcoastfl.com. You may contact the Emerald Coast Convention Center at (877) 574-5123 or (850) 609-3800 or visit www.emeraldcoastconventioncenter.com.

Highlight Your News Through Exclusive Sponsorship of Chamber’s Weekly E-Newsletter

Tuesday Talking PointsMembers may be the exclusive sponsor of our weekly Tuesday Talking Points email, sent to more than 1,500 area business professionals. Sponsorship includes a banner ad at the top of the email, which links directly to member’s website. Cost is $100 per week, and sponsorships may be purchased for a week or longer. For details or to reserve your space, please contact the Chamber’s VP of Communications Elizabeth Spies at (850) 837-2711 x5 or [email protected].


June 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29Rock the Docks7 p.m.Location: HarborWalk Villagewww.HarborWalkDestin.com

June 3, 10, 17, and 24SummerWILD Children’s Summer Camp9 a.m. – 3 p.m.Location: HarborWalk Villagewww.HarborWalkDestin.com

June 4, 11, 18, and 25Pardi Gras Parade6 p.m.Location: HarborWalk Villagewww.HarborWalkDestin.com

June 6, 13, 20, and 27Red, White and Blue Celebration6 p.m.Location: HarborWalk Villagewww.HarborWalkDestin.com

June 6Concerts in the Village: The Mike Veal Band7 p.m.Location: Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Villagewww.MattieKellyArtsFoundation.org

June 7First Friday Concert Series6 - 8 p.m.Location: Destin Commonswww.destincommons.com

June 72nd Walk Her Way to Benefi t Shelter House6 p.m.Location: Rosemary Beachwww.walkherway.com

June 11Free Merrill Lynch Seminar – Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans4 – 5 p.m.Location: Destin Area Chamber of Commerce(850) 269-7007

June 12Wealth & Wisdom Series: Investment Outlook & Global Market Update8:30 a.m.Location: Vue on 30A/Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club(850) 650-0990

June 13Concerts in the Village: The Craig Woolard Band7 p.m.Location: Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Villagewww.MattieKellyArtsFoundation.org

June 15Fish Fry Benefi t to Benefi t the Destin History & Fishing Museum10 a.m. – 3 p.m.Location: Harry T’s Lighthouse(850) 654-4800

June 20Concerts in the Village: Heritage7 p.m.Location: Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Villagewww.MattieKellyArtsFoundation.org

June 23No Shrinking Violets: Tea Time, Southern Women and Downton Abbey3 – 5 p.m.Location: Judy Byrne Riley’s Home(850) 484-1211

June 27Concerts in the Village: Alter Eagles7 p.m.Location: Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Villagewww.MattieKellyArtsFoundation.org

To submit your events, please log into the Members Only section of our website at www.DestinChamber.com or email your event information to [email protected]. For your login information, please call (850) 837-6241.

JUNEEVENTS

Look for fun changes to our Leaders In Business Lunch schedule!June 11

Non-Profit Appreciation Expo

August 13Tailgate Kick Off Party & Celebrity Waiter Lunch

September 10BusinessPalooza – A Mini-Business Expo

November 12Holiday Shop & Dine

Details and locations will be announced soon. If you would like more information on the possibility of your company participating, please contact Events Coordinator Suzy Nicholson Hunt at (850) 837-2711 x2 or [email protected].


A 2 Z Specialty Advertising Gabby Bruce (850) 654-3080

Acentria, Inc. Mike Freeman (850) 650-1950

American Red Cross of N.W. Florida Jerry Kindle (850) 432-7601

Bass Pro Shops World Wide Sportsman Howard Padgett (850) 269-6200

Beaches ‘N Dreams Thomas Callen (850) 368-3951

BeachView Vacation Rentals Tom Nocito (850) 460-2883

Boomer Aviation, Inc. Sandy Williams (850) 244-1313

CenturyLink Mona Harris (850) 664-3006

Coastal Maps Debbie Fraser (850) 376-4799

Cotton & Gates Byron Cotton (850) 651-9900

Cracker Barrel Teresa Begley(850) 269-3344

Destin Charter Service Jami Jones (850) 837-1995

Destin Inn & Suites Anil Bhakta (850) 650-2236

Destin Realty, Inc. Jeff Sanders (850) 837-3484

Girl Scout Council of the Florida Panhandle, Inc. Raslean Allen (850) 873-3999

Gulf Coast Insulation Erin LaGrosse (850) 685-9709

Hancock Bank Robert Saxer (850) 420-6015

Hog’s Breath Cafe Jason Thompson (850) 837-5991

Holiday Inn Resort Ft. Walton Beach Ivana Coteat (850) 244-8686

Homes & Land Of The Emerald Coast Joe Nacchia (850) 650-1014

Inn on Destin Harbor Chad Noonan (850) 837-7326

Jester’s Mardi Gras Daiquiris and Pizza Felix Paulino (850) 650-3615

Kiwanis Club of DestinMcGee Properties Ronnie McGee (850) 217-0808

New York Life Tim Kersanac (850) 650-3029

Offi ceMax Jason Cox (850) 837-7606

Okaloosa Arts Alliance Amy Baty (850) 499-8335

Private Gallery Kelly O’Brien (850) 654-2752

Publix Super Markets, Inc. Dwaine Stevens (850) 837-9094

Russell Landscape Group, Inc. Lee Padgett (850) 583-6701

Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald CoastSarah Bailey (850) 278-3000

Sandollar Carpet Cleaning Scott/Karen Harrison (850) 837-4372

Sexton’s Seafood Inc. Mary Ann Sexton (850) 837-3040

Sleep Inn Anita Patel (850) 654-7022

T.G.I. Fridays Sam Foster (850) 654-5588

Telly’s Auto Repair Towing & Service Sandra Telemacque (850) 244-7444

Want to join the Destin Area

Chamber of Commerce?Contact Jen Skillman,

Membership Consultant, at (850) 837-2711 x3 or

[email protected].

To register or for more information, please call the SBDC at (850) 833-9400 or visit www.sbdc.uwf.edu.

UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDASMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER JUNE WORKSHOPS

June 6, from 1 – 4 p.m. Starting a Business

June 7, from 1 – 4 p.m. Creative Capital for Small Business – Roundtable

Anything Pawn & Auction Brenda Will 297 W. James Lee Blvd. Crestview, FL 32536 (850) 682-8888 anythingpawnandauction.com Pawn Brokers

Brannon & Brannon Janice Porter 975 Mar Walt Dr. Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32549 (850) 863-5297 www.brannoncanhelp.com Attorneys

The Cam Firm, Inc. Tracie Martin 4393 Commons Dr. E. Ste. 204 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 424-5751 www.thecamfi rm.comProperty Management Companies

Cherie Anderson, Metlife Cherie Anderson 4300 Legendary Dr. #226 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-5566 www.cherieanderson.metlife.com Insurance

The Church of Destin, Inc. Mel Ponder Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-3400 www.thechurchofdestin.com Non-Profi ts

El Paso Rogelio Chavez 529 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 685-1693 Restaurants - Mexican

Geronimo’s Outpost Angelika Unzens 960 Hwy. 98 #102 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-2031 www.geronimosoutpost.com Retail Specialty

Harbor Launch Heath Owens Destin Harbor Destin, FL 32541 (850) 426-0900 Water Sports

Offi ceMax Jason Cox 14081 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-7606 www.Offi ceMax.com Offi ce Supplies

Sleep Inn Anita Patel 10775 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W. Miramar Beach, FL 32550 (850) 654-7022 www.sleepinn.com Accommodations - Hotels

Surroundings on the Harbor & Cafe Bridget Carnley 385 Harbor Blvd. Ste. 102 Destin, FL 32541 (850) 502-1529 Restaurants - Deli & Catering


2nd Paddle at the Porch The Destin SUP Cup

Saturday, August 17, 201310 a.m.

The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House

www.PaddleAtThePorch.com

The event features a one mile recreational race, three mile recreational race, and a six mile elite race, to be followed by awards, food, and fun! Registration is now available on Active.com. Search for the

keywords ‘Paddle at the Porch.’ Stay up-to-date with race details at www.PaddleAtThePorch.com.

Thank you to partners BOTE and The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House, in conjunction with 99 Rock (WKSM).

For sponsorship details, please contact Events Coordinator Suzy Nicholson Hunt at (850) 837-2711 x2 or [email protected].


Business Briefs (continued from page 5)training program sponsored by Kentico CMS, designed to provide people who are new to the marketing profession an opportunity to learn, engage, and interact with top industry experts. Kentico CMS hopes that by providing this resource, marketers will not only be able to take what they’ve learned and apply it to their careers, but also share any insight or new ideas with the DMU community.

CVHN Dental Bus Visits Children in Crisis

The Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN) Dental Bus recently visited the Children’s Neighborhood at Children in Crisis (CIC). During the visit, CVHN dentists and technicians provided vital care to more

than 20 children. Dental exams, X-rays, cleaning, and sealants were provided at no cost. Seen here are CVHN dental technician Denise Johnston, CIC president and CEO Ken Hair, and CVHN dental technician Kelly Taylor in front of the dental bus.

Students Assist CBA Students across Okaloosa and Walton counties are wrapping up a year-long restoration project. Throughout the 2012-2013 school year, around 1,300 students participated in Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance’s Grasses in Classes Program, which encourages students to develop an interest in the local environment by growing shoreline grasses at their school. Throughout May, CBA hosted 14 field trips at restoration sites along the bay. The students planted close to 2,000 shoreline grasses, which will slow erosion and provide a critical, intertidal habitat.

Keller Williams “Gives Where They Live”

On May 9, Keller Williams Realty Emerald Coast associates spent the day volunteering for Harvest House in Destin, Sharing and Caring in Niceville, the Red Cross in Navarre, and Food for Thought in Walton County. It was part of a RED Day effort to “Give Where They Live.” Seen here, Destin Mayor Sam Seevers visited the office on May 2 to present a proclamation designating May 9 as RED Day in Destin.

Sacred Heart Earns “A” in Patient Safety

Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast was recognized with an “A” in

Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2013 Hospital Safety Score. Leapfrog is an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits. Sacred Heart’s “A” score was awarded in the latest update to the Hospital Safety ScoreSM, which assigns scores to US hospitals based on 26 measures of publicly available safety data to produce a single score representing a hospital’s overall capacity to keep patients safe from infections, injuries, and medical and medication errors.

To see your company news highlighted here, please send your press releases to VP of Communications Elizabeth Spies at [email protected].



DESTIN BUSINESS FORUM In partnership with Cox Communications, the Chamber’s monthly TV program hosts the following in June 2013: - DestinWebPages.com - Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc. - The Spine Institute on the Emerald Coast

Weekly Schedule on Cox Channel 6 is as follows: - Sundays, at 8:30 p.m. - Mondays, at 7:30 p.m. - Wednesdays, at 9:30 a.m. - Thursdays, at 7:30 p.m.

Shows are also available on Cox InDemand and the Chamber’s YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/destinchamber.

Contact Suzy Nicholson Hunt at (850) 837-2711 x2 or [email protected] to have your business featured here. This is a free benefit of Chamber membership!

Thank you to Cox Communications for its support of this program.Host Amy Perry

Pleat, Perry & Ritchie, P.A.

Networking Opportunities - Access to more than 25 events per year providing contact with business leaders. Events include Business After Hours, Leaders in Business Lunch, Golf Tournament, Business Expo, Annual Banquet, New Member Luncheon, PUTToberfest, and more

Listing in Business Directory at www.DestinChamber.com, including a link to your website, and in annual Visitors Guide & Membership Directory

Members-only pricing Access to leading business information, including weekly Chamber email, monthly newsletter, and special, as needed, notifications

Member recognition - Membership decal, use of logo with written permission, and listing in Network newsletter

Access to training/meeting facility (Chamber conference room) Educational opportunities Job postings on www.DestinChamber.com Access to appearance on Destin Business Forum, the Chamber’s TV show

Access to Chamber database and mailing labels Free distribution of company marketing material in Chamber visitor center

Access to advertising in Network Access to online marketing tools

Opportunity for 50-word business description List of events on Chamber’s online community calendar

Unlimited business representatives receive emails Volunteer opportunities Ribbon Cutting services

Access to weekly inquiry list Opportunity to sponsor signature community events, such as

Destin’s Bayou, Bay & Back 5K Run/Walk, 10K & Half Marathon and Paddle at the Porch

Ribbon Cutting services

For information on any of the benefits and services listed above or about membership in the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, please contact Membership Consultant Jen Skillman at (850) 837-2711 x3 or [email protected].

Please note there are five levels of membership within the Chamber, with the upper levels offering opportunities for multiple business listings, as well as advertising and sponsorship incentives.

Join the Chamber!As a member of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, you will enjoy the following benefits and services:

Destin Area Chamber of Commerce4484 Legendary Drive, Suite ADestin, FL 32541

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDDESTIN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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