September 2011 Network Newsletter

SEPTEMBER 2011 VOL. XVIV NO. IX

PAGE 2 www.DestinChamber.com NETWORK SEPTEMBER 2011

2011 DESTIN AREA CHAMBEROF COMMERCE LEADERSHIP

850.837.6241WWW.DESTINCHAMBER.COM

What Does Leadership Mean to You?

Network, a supplement to The Destin Log, is published and printed monthly for the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce. 4484 Legendary Drive, Suite A, Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-6241 - www.DestinChamber.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEMIKE FREEMAN Chairman of the Board Whitney National Bank

BILL LINDSLEY Chairman Elect Simple HR

BRIAN HAUGEN Immediate Past Chair Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James & Associates

AMY PERRY Treasurer Pleat & Perry, P.A.

TIM EDWARDS Vice Chairman/Communications & Marketing Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill

SHAUN EUBANKS Vice Chairman/Community & Economic Development Community Bank, Destin

KATHY WHIDDEN Vice Chairman/Membership Development Emerald Coast Chiropractic

MARY ANNE WINDES Vice Chairman/Harbor Association Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc. Destin Fishing Fleet Marina

DIRECTORSJIM BREITENFELD Breitenfeld Development Services, LLCSTEVE JAY O’Sullivan Creel, LLPREBECCA JONES Fort Walton Beach Medical CenterANDI MAHONEY White-Wilson Medical CenterKAREN MCCARTHY Army Aviation Center Federal Credit UnionCYNDY THOMAS ResortQuest Vacation RentalsCAREY TROTTER Trotter’s General Contractors, Inc.LES PORTERFIELD TEA, Inc.

CHAIRMAN’S APPOINTEESJOHN COMER Southern Restaurant Group, LLCKEN WAMPLER Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc.

SPECIAL APPOINTEEKIM WINTNER Alliance Association Management Co., Inc.

MANAGEMENT TEAMSHANE MOODY, CCE, IOM President and CEO [email protected]

ELIZABETH SPIES Vice President of Communications [email protected]

WENDY SCHAEFER Information Specialist [email protected]

As the year continues to steamroll ahead, leader-ship has been front and center of my mind lately. Maybe it’s because we’re kicking off our Destin Forward Class of 2012, where we work to develop our community’s future leaders. Maybe it’s because I’m beginning the “roll off ” as chairman of Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP) at the conference we’re hosting here in Destin the first week of October. Or may-be it’s because we’ve begun the discussions about our board retreat and strategic planning session for our 2012 business year. What-ever it is, it’s put leadership front and center.

I’m always excited to

begin our Destin Forward class. Whenever you have a group of professionals from the community interested in learning about the op-portunities for change and advancement of the Destin area, it’s always positive. I look forward to working with the Destin Forward Advisory Committee and the class over the next nine months, as we discuss issues and solutions and work to improve the leader-ship skills of all involved.

It’s been a great year as chairman of FACP, though the year started off with a major challenge of finding a new management organi-zation for our association. It’s been a year of learning to navigate through major change with FACP. The more than 130 chambers who belong to our state association look to FACP to lead in professional development, guidance, coaching, and, well, just about anything else associ-ated with working in the chamber profession. I’m very happy we’ve been able to move through the transi-tion, find areas we can im-prove for our association,

and ensure the success of chambers across the state. To close out my chairman-ship by hosting our annual conference in Destin is the perfect end to a great year.

As always, a leadership change in the board will take place in January. It’s always this time of year when it hits me that it’s just around the corner. We are now in the process of planning our board and strategic planning retreat, nominating a slate of new board members, and grooming the Chair-Elect for the chairman’s seat.

I fully expect that transition to be a smooth one. 2011 Chairman Mike Freeman has been a tremendous leader. He’s done a great job of keeping our chair-elect Bill Lind-sley involved in all things chamber this past year. Mike’s willingness to share and discuss issues with Bill and the executive commit-tee throughout the year will surely make for a successful passing of the gavel.

Leadership is a key ingredient to any success-ful business, transition, or change. Strong lead-

ers understand the pro-cesses and systems. They understand their environ-ment. They understand the people around them. But most importantly, they understand themselves, the way they react to all of the above, and their role in each situation. Can leader-ship be taught? Can lead-ership be learned? Or is leadership something that comes from within based on life experiences and the way you handle them? I’m not sure of the answers to those questions, but I do believe each individual would answer them differ-ently. It’s how we manage those different answers when we work together to better our businesses, our communities, our families, our lives. After all, isn’t that how we will continue to build this world-class community one business at a time?

With wishes for contin-ued success, and until next month,

Shane A. Moody,CCE, IOM

Chamber Statistics: Advertising our World-Class CommunityIn our mission to support Destin as a world-class commu-nity, the Chamber’s Welcome Center recorded the following numbers:

Our website at www.DestinChamber.com recorded 36,266 visits and 30,200 unique visitors for July 2011.

July 2011Phone Calls/E-mails – 649Incoming Mail – 201Visitors to Welcome Center Lobby – 421Visitors’ Guide & Buyer’s Directories Mailed – 670Relocation Packages – 12

NETWORK SEPTEMBER 2011 www.DestinChamber.com PAGE 3

A Message from the Chairman of the Board

Who would have ever thought being geeky could also equate to being beautiful? Well, our very own Destin and surrounding area has been recognized for both. It’s a tribute to Destin’s natural beauty and sophistication, which is an attractive combination for those living and visiting our area.

Recently, nationally syndi-cated morning show ABC’s Good Morning America named Destin among its 10 Most Beautiful Places in America. Did you see the impressive list of cities compet-ing for the title? It included places like Aspen, Colo.; Ashville, N.C.; Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii; Jackson Hole, Wyo.; and Cape Cod, Mass.; to name a few. By the way, we have to thank Terri Rose of Niceville for nominating our fi ne city for consideration as Most Beautiful. Destin was fortunate to have Food Network star and fa-mous restaurateur Emeril Lagasse promoting it during one of the August GMA segments, delivering a tasty description of our area.

At the same time, FORBES recognized and listed Destin and the surrounding area in its Top 20

Geekiest Cities. I have to admit, I didn’t see that one coming; however, when you step back and think about it, it makes perfect sense. The STEMs (Science, Tech-nology, Engineering, and Math-ematics) are and have been critical to the Air Force missions occur-ring at both Eglin and Hurlburt. The intellectual capital in our area that supports the defense industry is both substantial and impres-sive. Again, did you see some of the other cities mentioned? They include Seattle, Wash.; Bethesda, Md.; Washington, D.C.; Durham, N.C.; and Huntsville, Ala.; to name a few. We are defi nitely keeping some pretty good company. I see this recognition as a great compli-ment and opportunity to grow our small tech industry in hopes it will continue to fl ourish.

Recently, you may have read about the debate over Destin’s reputation as the “World’s Lucki-est Fishing Village” and “The Crown Jewel of the Emerald Coast.” The non-issue surfaced when it was acknowledged the City of Destin had pulled the Destin Area Chamber’s resolution from the City Council agenda. The resolution simply supported the Okaloosa County TDC-led Emerald Coast branding initiative. Trust me, there was never any issue or disagreement between the city and the chamber. Quite the opposite, Mayor Seevers met with Shane Moody and myself, and we quickly settled on the minor tweaks in a matter of minutes. The City of Destin and your Des-tin Area Chamber of Commerce completely agree that Destin is the

“World’s Luckiest Fishing Village, the Crown Jewel of the Emerald Coast.” Who can argue with that?

Finally, I want to remind you of our 2nd annual PUTToberfest sponsored by Hard Rock Café on Sept. 15. If you missed last year’s event, it was a lot of fun. Don’t worry, there are no expectations with your putting skills. Basically, it’s a great opportunity to network and enjoy a casual evening at the Golf Garden on Highway 98 with clients and friends. Please visit our website at www.destinchamber.com for more information on this event and others.

Mike Freeman2011 Chairman of the BoardWhitney National Bank

Geeky is Beautiful!

Mike Freeman

The Recognized Leader inHeart Attack Care.

Jesse AguilarCardiac Cath Tech

2042910


For information about all Chamber events, please visit the Events Calendar at www.DestinChamber.com.

Join us for our Leaders In Business Lunch sponsored by Trustmark National Bank at The Palms of Destin Resort and Conference Center. Sen. Don Gaetz, Rep. Marti Coley, and Rep. Matt Gaetz

will provide a legislative update.Our Leaders In Business Lunches incorporate net-

working and educational components to benefit all mem-bers. Everyone is encouraged to attend. The cost for the lunch is $15 for those members who pre-register, $20 for members at the door, and $30 for non-members. Please remember that reservations are required, and no shows will be billed. All registrations are due by Friday, Sept. 9, at noon. Check-in begins at 11:15 a.m., and the lunch begins promptly at 11:30 a.m.

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The Destin Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to our August Business After Hours sponsored by Gulf South Private Bank, located at 4405 Commons Dr. E., Destin. Event hours are 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Please do not forget to bring your business card for net-working and our door prize drawing. All businesses are invited to bring a door prize, which offers one more way for you to gain exposure. There is no fee for members to attend this event. The non-member fee is $20. Please visit the Events Calendar at www.DestinChamber.com to RSVP.

Last year’s most talked about event is back! Join us for the 2nd PUTToberfest.

Thank you to title sponsor Hard Rock Café, food sponsor Yummy Jerky, beer table spon-sor Destin Commons, and hole sponsors Buf-

falo Rock Company, Matthews Jones & Hawkins LLP, Pleat & Perry, P.A., and Publix Super Markets, Inc.

Beginning at 5 p.m., players will enjoy a round of miniature golf at the Golf Garden with beer sampling stations set up all along the way. The event, presented by the Destin Area Sports Commission, also features a chipping contest, and prizes will be awarded. Entry for a single player is $25.

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THE CHAMBERMONTH AHEAD

Join the Destin Area Chamber of Com-merce and Destin Fishing Rodeo from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., at A.J.’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, to celebrate the start of the Destin Fishing Rodeo!

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

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Condo cleaners, boat welders, construction laborers, restaurant wait staff, grocery store clerks, hotel housekeepers, fi shing trip reserva-tionists, fast food workers, charter boat mates, movie ticket sellers, retail clerks, automobile detailers, bait sellers, oyster shuckers, and the unemployed are all representative of the people who are served regularly through St. Andrew’s by the Sea Episcopal Church in Destin.

People have been laid off even after many years of steady employ-ment with the same employer. Equally draconian are the many sto-ries of people being reduced from 40 hours a week to 8-10 hours per week. Many volunteer that they had never before had to ask for any as-sistance, some cry and many receive and give hugs.

St. Andrew’s has six on-going programs for the homeless and those near homelessness:� Bag lunches are provided

every day of the week to anyone requesting one. From January through June this year, we have provided 836.� Every Monday a hot lunch is

served to whoever comes. To

date this year, we have provided 713 hot lunches.� Our food pantry also

provided food to all who request assistance. So far this year, we have provided food to 649 families and individuals.� We have an outdoor shower

that is open 3 days a week. Through June, we have had 1,049 showers taken.� We provide and repair

bikes—for many it is the only form of transportation other than walking. Through June, we have given out 121 bikes.� We provide $10 gas coupons

for those in need to get to doctors’ appointments, work, or to court dates. This year, we have provided 146 vouchers.

To support these ministries, St. Andrew’s has an annual gourmet luncheon, style show, and silent auction. This year, it will be held on Friday, Sept. 23. It is open to the public. The event will begin with a social hour and silent auction at 11 a.m., followed by a gourmet lunch and fashion show. Clothes are being

provided by Coldwater Creek and will be modeled by members and friends of the church, representing a variety of ages and sizes.

Silent auction items include gift certifi cates from area restaurants, jewelry, gift baskets, massages, a week in a six-bedroom home in Cos-ta Rica, manicures, original paintings, hand- made items, and many other great bargains.

Tickets are available at the church offi ce. The church is located at 307 Harbor Blvd. (Highway 98), in Destin, just east of the bridge to Fort Walton Beach. Parking is available in front of the church and off Mountain Drive behind the church. Tickets are $30. For more information, call the church offi ce at 650-2737.

The above article is part of our series spotlighting our non-profi t organizations. Their efforts strengthen the Destin commu-nity, and we are proud of their dedication and hard work. If you would like your non-profi t organization spotlighted here, please contact Elizabeth Spies at (850) 837-6241 or [email protected].

Non-Profi t SpotlightSt. Andrews By The Sea Episcopal Church

If you are interested in membership in the

Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, please contact Membership Consultant

or vist www.DestinChamber.com


SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOPS

The following workshops will be offered by the University of West Florida’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) during September 2011. For more information, please call the Fort Walton Beach SBDC at (850) 833-9400.

Starting a Business – This workshop will review business planning areas, such as financing, selecting a business legal structure, identify-ing your market, recordkeeping, and identifying risks that can chal-lenge success. The fee is $35. To reserve your seat, please visit www.sbdc.uwf.edu.

Sept. 1 • 1 – 4 p.m.922 Mar Walt Dr., Ste. 203, Fort Walton Beach

QuickBooks Basics – See how QuickBooks financial software helps you take control of your business finances. Find out which Quick-Books product is right for you before you buy. See an overview of how QuickBooks simplifies tasks, such as payroll, sales tax, job estimating, and job costing. The fee is $50. To reserve your seat, you may regis-ter and pay by credit card at www.sbdc.uwf.edu.

Sept. 8 • 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.1120 Martin Luther King Blvd., Room 126, Fort Walton Beach

Brown Bag Luncheon: “How to Budget” by Carr Riggs & Ingram – A good company budget equals success. Today most small business follows an earn-and-spend-as-you-go strategy. Most businesses do not keep their focus on accounting or profit or loss; they just run by the feeling either they are profiting or losing. A good budget covering most company activities can take your business in a new direction. To reserve your seat for this free event, you may register on line at www.sbdc.uwf.edu or call our office at (850) 833-9400. Space is limited.

Sept. 15 • 12 – 1 p.m.922 Mar Walt Dr., Ste. 203, Fort Walton Beach

Scott Mitchell began his banking career in 2006 with Compass Bank, now known as BBVA Compass, after receiving his Bach-elor’s Degree from Auburn University. After spend-ing his fi rst two years with the bank in Auburn, Ala., he then relocated to the Destin area in 2008, where

he began working for GulfSouth Private Bank. In June 2010, Mitchell received an opportunity to join Trustmark National Bank. His combination of experience in both corporate and community banking helped shape his com-prehensive knowledge of the fi nancial services industry.

Trustmark National Bank is headquartered in Jackson, Miss., and has been in continuous operation since 1889. Trustmark engages in community banking in its four-state market area, which includes Mississippi, Texas, the Em-erald Coast of Florida, and Tennessee. Trustmark offers commercial, retail, and international banking services, as well as brokerage, investment, trust, insurance, and mort-gage services throughout the four-state area.

Mitchell currently serves as manager of the Miramar

Beach Branch. His responsibilities include managing per-sonnel and ensuring the effi ciency of daily operations of the full service branch, while developing and maintaining a quality business development program.

Throughout Trustmark’s history, the bank has success-fully worked to build long-term relationships with its cus-tomers. This is evidenced by the many third and fourth generation family-managed businesses who continue to bank with them. Through good times and bad, the bank provides the combination of personalized service and contemporary products important to meet customer needs.

As the bank continues to grow, Mitchell will work diligently to incorporate Trustmark’s values and culture with contemporary thinking. By combining traditional strengths with new ideas, he will meet the challenges of a rapidly changing banking environment.

In addition to his work responsibilities, Mitchell also serves his community in many ways. He participates in the United Way of Day of Caring, Habitat for Humanity, and many area chamber events. Mitchell has also ap-plied and been selected for Leadership Walton, which is a program that strives to develop an individual’s leadership skills, while increasing value to his or her organization and strengthening the greater community.

Putt your way through 18 holes of mini-golf and a beer tasting during the 2nd PUTToberfest, sponsored by Hard Rock Café! Beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15, players will enjoy a round of miniature golf at the Golf Garden with beer sam-pling stations set up all along the way. The event, presented by the Destin Area Sports Commission, also features a chipping contest, and prizes will be awarded.

Thank you to title sponsor Hard Rock Cafe, food sponsor Yummy Jerky, putting contest spon-sor ResortQuest, beer table sponsor Destin Com-mons, and hole sponsor Buffalo Rock Company, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast Board Member John Bernhart, Matthews Jones & Hawkins LLP, Pleat & Perry, P.A., and Publix Super Markets, Inc. For more information or to reserve your playing spot or sponsorship, please call (850) 837-6241 or visit www.DestinChamber.com. Entry for a single player is $25.

Last Year’s Most Talked About Event is Back!

Trustees Profi le: Scott MitchellBranch Manager of Trustmark National Bank Puttoberfest

sponsored by Hard Rock Café


O’Sullivan Creel Named to Top 100 Best Companies

O’Sullivan Creel, LLP, has been named one of Florida’s Best Compa-nies To Work For by Florida Trend magazine for the third consecutive year. O’Sullivan Creel is ranked #24 of the medium-sized companies in Florida, is the only accounting fi rm to receive this designation in the en-tire panhandle of Florida, and is one of only six companies to be recog-nized along the Emerald Coast.

Kelley Elected to ASWA Board

Lori K. Kelley, CPA at O’Sullivan Creel, LLP, was elected to the Ameri-can Society of Women Accountants

(ASWA) board of directors, join-ing 16 other professionals. Kelley, a partner with O’Sullivan Creel, brings 19 years of experience in areas of income tax planning and preparation for businesses, individuals, and tax-exempt organizations; retirement and estate planning; and small business accounting consulting.

Serenity by the sea Celebrates 10 Years

Serenity by the sea, the award-winning spa at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, will now offer its guests a new fi tness experi-ence, with the recent installation of brand-new Precor® equipment – just in time for its 10th anniversary. The Emerald Coast’s “Best Spa,” as voted on by readers of Emerald Coast Magazine since 2003, is now one of a select group of hotel fi tness facilities worldwide to meet the standards of Hilton Fitness by Precor®. The fi tness center update is a result of the $250,000 investment on the spa’s infrastructure, as part of the Hilton Sandestin Beach’s $6.5 million hotel-wide renovation project, completed in March.

Boating Magazine to Shoot 2012 Swimsuit Edition

at HarborWalk Boating Magazine brought 12

models to shoot its annual swimsuit edition in the picturesque locations of the HarborWalk Marina along the Destin Harbor, the Emerald Grande, and HarborWalk Village. Models from all over the country competed to be in an on-line model search to be one of the selected 12 swimsuit models for Boating Magazine’s November/December 2012 swimsuit issue. A crew of 20 models, photog-raphers, and editors will be staying at the Emerald Grande to accomplish the shoot.

Destin in Good Morning America ‘Most Beautiful Place

in America’ABC’s Good Morning America

has visited various locations this summer to show viewers the cities in its Top 10 Most Beautiful Cities in America list. Recently, GMA visited HarborWalk Village in Destin to tape an Emeril Legasse cooking seg-ment and show off the emerald green waters and white sand beaches of the beautiful Emerald Coast.

Serenity by the sea Welcomes Artist, Introduces New Line Serenity by the sea welcomes

Cleo Spielberg, a world-renowned certifi ed aesthetician and makeup artist, to its team of spa professionals. With more than 30 years of industry experience, Spielberg joins Seren-ity by the sea as its newest skincare specialist and makeup artist. Serenity by the sea also welcomes the jane iredale mineral makeup line, which Spielberg has exclusively used in her past makeup application experience, and was the fi rst line of its kind to combine skincare ingredients into its formulations.

Legendary Marine Earns ‘Five Star’ Dealer Certifi cation

Legendary Marine recently received the prestigious Five Star Dealer Certifi cation. This distin-guished recognition is part of a major

national marine industry standards program developed in cooperation with boat manufacturers, dealers, and engine builders in an effort to deliver excellent boating experiences at the retail level.

Silver Sands Recognizes July Employee of the Month

Peterson (left) with Stride Rite store manager

Rick Hartman

Silver Sands Factory Stores July Employee of the Month is Leslie Peterson of Stride Rite. Peterson, who has been employed at Stride Rite for the past nine months, is also the assistant manager and a full-time college student. With her outstand-ing customer service skills and strong work ethic, it is no wonder why she was chosen for the honor.

Hard Rock Café Honors Employees

Hard Rock Café celebrated its April and May Employees of the Month. April Back of House Rocker was Jamie Jacobs, and Front of House Rocker was Sara Scruggs. May Back of House Rocker was Chris Deviney, and Front of House Rocker was Jesse Vonderosten.

Red Cross Announces New Board Members

The American Red Cross of Northwest Florida welcomed four new members to its board of directors. New members include Matthew Durham, Regions, Morgan Keegan; Frank White, in-house counsel for Sandy Sanding; Tasha Wells, marketing coordinator for Studer Group; and Doug Woodward, attorney at Moore, Hill & Westmo-reland, P.A. The new board president is Brett Floyd, owner of Liberty Tax, Inc., and returning board members are vice president John Hosman, treasurer Eleanor McGee, and Scott Teel.

Wal-Mart Grant Helps Feed Hungry Seniors

Bridgeway Center, Inc., Bridges to Seniors has been awarded $3,537 through a Wal-Mart Foundation grant to the Meals On Wheels As-sociation of America (MOWAA). The money will provide Bridges to Seniors with much-needed assistance in enhancing service delivery, by purchasing computer equipment, in addition to coolers and thermal blan-kets, to preserve ideal temperatures for beverages and delivered meals.

Share the Shelter Music Festival Benefi ts

Local Agencies More than $21,600 raised

during the July 24 Share the Shelter Music Festival will benefi t Shelter House, Inc., and Alaqua Animal Refuge.

300 Plus Attend Dedication of Boys & Girls Club

to “Bear” HenleyWith the promise to his Club’s

kids that “Mr. Bear is still in the neighborhood,” Crawford W. “Bear” Henley formally signed off Friday as chief professional offi cer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast at the dedication of the Fort Walton Beach Youth and Teen Center, 923 Denton Blvd., as the Crawford W. “Bear” Henley Boys & Girls Club.

Bit-Wizards Named Top 100 Best Companies to

Work for Second YearBit-Wizards (www.bitwizards.

com), a leading provider of custom software solutions and website design in the Southeast, was named one of Florida’s Best Companies To Work For. The rankings — the second annual statewide Best Companies list — appear in the August issue Florida Trend and on FloridaTrend.com.

790 on the Gulf Celebrates Second Year

On June 11, 2011, 790 on the Gulf celebrated its two year anni-versary. 790 on the Gulf also just received its full liquor license. It now offers a full line of premium vodkas, gins, tequilas, bourbons, whiskeys, and blended and single malt scotches.

Sinfonia Receives Support from Target for

2011-2012 SeasonSinfonia Gulf Coast announced

its continued partnership with Target in recognition of the non-profi t symphony orchestra’s mission of educating and inspiring the commu-nity with innovative and imaginative performances. Sinfonia just fi nished an incredible fi fth anniversary with more than 58 events, including concerts, educational outreach, bravo! Events, and a 6-month exhibit of painted violins at Grand Boulevard Town Center.

Stewart Title RelocatesStewart Title Company announc-

es the opening of its new Destin loca-tion in Regatta Commons. The new offi ce will be managed by title indus-try veteran Jared Bradley and cater to the Okaloosa and Walton counties’ real estate markets. Karissa Ignasiak will serve as the business development offi cer for the new location.

Business Briefs

See BRIEFS on page 7

Chris Deviney Jesse Vonderosten

Sara ScruggsJamie Jacobs


Dunlap Named New Okaloosa County 911

Communications Division Chief Daniel

Dunlap has been selected as the new 911 Com-munications Divisions Chief, upon

Silvia Womack’s recent retirement. Dunlap has worked his way up through the 911 system since 2000, when he joined Okaloosa County staff. He was awarded the State EMS Dispatcher Award in 2005. Dunlap is a certifi ed Emergency Number Pro-fessional, as well as a Florida licensed 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator.

Hard Rock Presents Check to American Red Cross

Hard Rock Café’s presented $600 to the American Red Cross of Northwest Florida from money raised during its celebrity server week! Each day a celebrity server from the

business community donated time and tips towards assisting people that the American Red Cross helps during such trying times.

June’s Hard Rockers

Hard Rock Café celebrated its June Employees of the month. Back of House Rocker was George Younger, and Front of House Rock was Janea Kraus.

Shelter House Receives Grant From Allstate Foundation Shelter House, local domestic

violence center, was awarded a grant from the Allstate Foundation that will allow Shelter House’s Economic Empowerment program, WAM! (Women and Money) to continue another year. The WAM! program, implemented two years ago, provides economic empowerment training to community members of Okaloosa and Walton counties and survivors of domestic violence and their children who utilize Shelter House services.

Crye-Leike Franchise Top Producers

Elliot Marcus, broker for Crye-Leike Coastal Realty, announced the mid-year Top 25 Agents for the 23 Crye-Leike franchises include Ken Koger #2, Wanda Duke #10, John Paulsen #11, and Colleen Regan #18. These four excelled due to their outstanding commitment to their customers, to their professional inter-action with the Realtors in our area, and to their in depth knowledge of the real estate market on the Emerald Coast.

BBB® Welcomes New Offi cers and Directors to Board

Your Better Business Bureau Serving Northwest Florida recently

elected Fran Crumpton, Gulf Coast Trade Exchange, to serve as treasurer for its board of directors. Former treasurer, David DelGallo, Advanced Construction Services, 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 Company.

FWB High Cheerleaders Take Top Awards at UCA Cheer Camp

The 2011-12 Fort Walton Beach High School (FWBHS) Cheerlead-ers attended the Universal Cheerlead-ing Association (UCA) Stunt and Performance Camp at the University of Central Florida in July, receiving several distinguished awards for stunt, cheer, dance, and spirit performances.

The squad, coached by Natalie Harris Schmidt, competed with an original home pom dance routine, where FWBHS cheerleaders received fi rst place overall in the small coed divi-sion. The FWBHS squad also was granted the Gatorade Cooler Award, Leadership Award, and Spirit Stick, during competition against other regional squads during the week and in fi nal evaluations.

Several members of the FWBHS squad received individual awards: Lauren Hart, Giana Gallegos, Lindsay Trigg, and Riley Santos were this year’s All-Americans; Top Jumpers were Giana Gallegos and Ian Morris (Top Male Jumper); the Top Stunt Group included Lauren Hart, Lindsay Trigg, Jordyn Hoffmann, and Joanna Walls; and Lauren Hart, Giana Gallegos, Lindsay Trigg, and Ali Guillory received UCA staff bids.

BRIEFS continued from page 6

Janea KrausGeorge Younger

Wanda DukeKen Koger

Collen ReganJohn Paulsen

By far and regardless of the season, the most popular question in the Destin Area Chamber’s Welcome Center is “do you have any coupons?” Our Buy Destin Program, created in 2009, was designed to answer this question, while providing new customers to Chamber member businesses. There is no cost for Chamber members to supply a coupon or discount offer. The Chamber will use these offers to create a Buy Destin booklet, avail-

able in the Chamber lobby for $5. The booklet is for area visitors, businesses, and residents.

For more information or to sign up, please visit www.buydestinfl.com or contact the Cham-ber’s Vice President of Communications Eliza-baeth Spies at (850) 837-2711 x5 or [email protected]. These booklets are printed in-house, so it is quick and easy to add or update your coupon!

Buy Destin Program FREE for All Members


Thank You for theDoor Prizes!

• Big Kahuna’s• Brooks Brothers Country Club• Cantina Laredo• Caring Transitions

Business After HoursSponsored by: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

We would like to thank the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort for sponsoring our July 28 Business After Hours at the Baytowne Marina. The event was held in conjunction with the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce. Pictured here is vice president of operations Steven Schaefer.


Leaders In Business Lunch

During the Chamber’s Aug. 9 Leaders in Business Lunch, held at Destin United Methodist Church, Rep. Steve Southerland spoke about his experiences as a newcomer in DC politics, especially in the wake of the recent debt crisis discussions.

Members are encouraged to bring a door prize to any Chamber event. This is just one more way to promote your company to all members.

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DDuriing thth Ce Chhambber’’s AAug 99 LLe daders iin BBusiiness LLun hch hheldld tat DDestitin UUnitited Md M theth diodi tst

Thank You for the Door Prizes!• Coastal Accounting of NW Florida, PA• Eglin Federal Credit Union• Emerald Coast Chiropractic• Emerald Coast Convention Center Catering• Gold’s Gym• Gulf Power• Gulfarium• Jim Liufau Ins. Agency, Inc., State Farm Ins.

• Lenny’s Sub Shop• Mary Kay Independent Consultant Team Leader - Sheri McDonald• O’Sullivan Creel, LLP• Shalimar Pointe Country Club• Simple HR• The UPS Store/Miramar Beach


654 Taxi, LLC221 Main St.Destin, FL 32541(850) 654-8294Category: Taxi ServicesChamber Rep: Haim David

BeMyShopper, Inc.3850 Indian Trail #108Destin, FL 32541(855) 746-7850www.bemyshopper.comCategory: Concierge ServicesChamber Rep: Paul Schmidt

Caring Transitions981 Hwy. 98 E. Ste. 3269Destin, FL 32541(850) 428-9826www.caringtransitions.net/emeraldcoastfl Category: Transition ServicesChamber Rep: Cindy Johnson

Celebration Hall61 Topsail Village DrSanta Rosa Beach, FL 32459(850) 688-9914www.thecelebrationhall.comCategory: Convention & Meeting Services; Wedding Consultants; Wedding Suppliers and ServicesChamber Rep: Alice Pauls

Clever Ogre526 W. Chase St.Pensacola, FL 32502(850) 912-4203www.cleverogre.comCategory: AdvertisingChamber Rep: Nora Jones

DestinWebPages.comDestin, FL 32541(260) 232-2435www.destinwebpages.comCategory: Search and Social MediaChamber Rep: Julio Fernandez

End Zone Apparel34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste. 106Destin, FL 32541(850) 424-3309www.endzoneapparel.netCategory: Retail ClothingChamber Rep: Kristal Roberts

Fisherman’s Wharf210-D Harbor Blvd.Destin, FL 32541(850) 654-4766www.fi shermanswharfdestin.comCategory: Restaurants - SeafoodChamber Rep: John Comer

Hurlburt Field Force Support Marketing145 Letourneau Ste. 123Hurlburt Field, FL 32544(850) 884-2189Category: Non-Profi tsChamber Rep: Tom Cason

JPB Commercial Real Estate Advisors10343 E. Hwy. 30A Ste. 105Seacrest Beach, FL 32413(850) 231-6694www.jpbe.comCategory: Real Estate CommercialChamber Rep: Tom Watson

Live Oak Landing229 Pitts Ave.Freeport, FL 32439(877) 436-5063www.liveoaklanding.rvcoutdoors.comCategory: CampgroundsChamber Rep: Neil Sorrell

Pompano Joe’s2237 Scenic Gulf DrDestin, FL 32550(850) 837-2224www.pompano-joes.comCategory: Restaurants - CarribbeanChamber Rep: John Comer

Transfi eld Services313 W. James Lee Blvd.Crestview, FL 32536(850) 398-8568www.transfi eldservices.com/naCategory: Transportation InfrastructureChamber Rep: Jessica Campbell

Celebrating Ambassador Successes

Congratulations to our top Ambassadors for July 2011: 40 points – Richard Barrington, Holiday Isle Properties, Inc.40 points – Ann Kief, BeachOasis.com and Qivana40 points – Paul Woolman, Copy Systems Business Center, Inc.

Sherry Schneider, America’s Swimming Pool Co. New Members – 30-A Suites and Celebration Hall

Ann Kief, BeachOasis.com and QivanaNew Members - Bayview RV Campground, Live Oak Landing , The Love Shack, and The UPS Store/Miramar Beach

Thank you to these Ambassadors for welcoming the following new businesses into the Chamber:


790 on the Gulf(850) 650-4853Chamber Rep: Ed Ward

AAA Destin Charter Boat Service(850) 837-9401Chamber Rep: Michael Eller

Advanced Fire Protection Services, Inc.(850) 244-2026Chamber Rep: Paul Sherwood

Affordable Home Insurance, Inc.(850) 654-1567Chamber Rep: Dennis Gagnon, Jr.

America’s Swimming Pool Co.(850) 603-0879Chamber Rep: Cortney Eiland

Broad and Cassel(850) 269-0148Chamber Rep: Ginger B. Boyd

Burger King (Goldco, Inc.)(850) 837-5060Chamber Rep: Bob Davis

Chuck Lawson-Tropical Island Music(850) 496-7230Chamber Rep: Chuck Lawson

Coastal Cooling & Heating, LLC(850) 424-6339Chamber Rep: Bob Biel

Crab Trap Restaurant(850) 654-2722Chamber Rep: Clint Rogers

Destin Commons(850) 337-8700Chamber Rep: Kristina Trujillo

Destin Days, LLC(850) 650-0809Chamber Rep: Donna Ryan

Destin Harvest(850) 650-8109Chamber Rep: Chris Leavenworth

Destin Ice & Seafood(850) 837-8333Chamber Rep: Jim Bass

Destin Luxury Rentals(850) 837-4191Chamber Rep: Wanda Lavender Nutt

Destin Middle School(850) 833-7655Chamber Rep: Dwana Neyendorf

Destin West Resort Management(850) 243-3630Chamber Rep: Courtney Weeks

Ecco Motors(850) 837-2600Chamber Rep: Debbie Bodenstine

Elite Physique Personal Training(850) 598-7263Chamber Rep: Colleen Riddle

Emerald Coast Funeral Home(850) 864-3361Chamber Rep: Pamela Amos

Fort Walton Beach Medical Center(850) 862-1111Chamber Rep: Vicki Story

Gulf World Marine Park(850) 234-5271Chamber Rep: Pam George

Hampton Inn & Suites(850) 837-7889Chamber Rep: Mary Garner

Harbor Cigars(850) 650-3111Chamber Rep: Marvin Holthouser

Larry W. Hines(850) 654-6078Chamber Rep: Larry W. Hines

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

J. Miller’s Consign & Design(850) 654-8009Chamber Rep: Justin Miller

Jenkins Transfer & Storage, Inc.(850) 243-6111Chamber Rep: Bill Jenkins

Margaritaville(850) 235-7870Chamber Rep: Mike Whitmer

Money Tree ATM(850) 244-5543Chamber Rep: Brad Fletcher

Olive Garden(850) 650-2307Chamber Rep: Paula Hogan

O’Sullivan Creel, LLP(850) 837-0398Chamber Rep: Kevin Bowyer

Paradise Key at Kelly Plantation(850) 650-5005Chamber Rep: Tina Roberson

Payroll Management Inc. dba PMI Employee Leasing(850) 243-5604Chamber Rep: Dan Robertson

Jamison L. Plantz, DMD, PA(850) 837-6824Chamber Rep: Marlene Burke

Preston Hood Chevrolet, Inc.(850) 664-7000Chamber Rep: Taylor Hood

Realty House Commercial Properties, Inc.(850) 244-9117Chamber Rep: Basil Bethea, Jr.

Revive Media Services(850) 362-0001Chamber Rep: Lynn Dominique

Deborah Roberts(850) 243-8871Chamber Rep: Deborah Roberts

Bernie Robin(850) 654-9305Chamber Rep: Bernie Robin

Char Rohrer(850) 796-3325Chamber Rep: Char Rohrer

Sam’s Club(850) 862-5330Chamber Rep: Kim Jarvis

Santa Rosa Golf And Beach Club, Inc.(850) 267-1240Chamber Rep: Nick Watson

Silver King Charters(850) 837-2028Chamber Rep: Mike & Marguerite Parker

Simple HR(850) 650-9935Chamber Rep: Bill Lindsley

Twin Cities Hospital(850) 678-4131Chamber Rep: Jenni Harrison

Yellow Book USA(850) 469-3100Chamber Rep: Brenda Renkl

Yummy Jerky(850) 376-9140Chamber Rep: Aaron Weinstock


On Aug. 16, new members were introduced to the Chamber, its Board Members, and staff at a new member reception held in the Chamber confer-ence room.

We would like to thank all new mem-bers who attended, including the follow-ing: BLAB TV; BOTE; Brooks Brothers Country Club Store; Caring Transitions; Clever Ogre; Frost Images; GCS Building Solutions; Highlands & Islands Travel, LLC; Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach; Igloo Cryosauna, Inc.; North-west Florida Primary Care; Plan B Adult Care Solutions, LLC; Russell Landscape Group, Inc.; TOPS Hamburgers; and White Sands Party Bus

Read further to learn more about some of the Chamber’s newest members:

BLAB TV is a long form TV Station, featuring local businesses and personali-ties. It offers 15-, 30-, and 60-minute shows, as well as :30- & :60- second ads to local businesses. BLAB TV is about telling your story and you being the ex-pert in your industry. Historically, more than 75% of advertisers have been on more than fi ve years. BLAB TV has been in Pensacola for 27 years and recently acquired a million watt signal. It airs in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Escambia counties, as well as Conecuh and Monroe counties in Alabama and soon in Bay and Baldwin counties. Call Peggy Brockman (850) 259-8356.

Brooks Brothers Country Club is the fi rst country club store in the nation and is open at Grand Boulevard in Sandes-tin. It is not strictly for golf or tennis. Our collection highlights the way Brooks Brothers designs casual wear and is remi-niscent of the timeless American style for which Brooks Brothers is known. Every item in the Country Club Collection ex-hibits extremely high quality and attention to detail. The combination of luxurious fabrics, comfort, and performance assures a specifi cally-appropriate look, whether on the course or at the club. Visit the store in Grand Boulevard or call (850) 269-1255.

“Maybe you’re ready to downsize and enjoy less maintenance in your life – or an event in your life necessitates a transition or move,” said Cindy and Victor John-

son, co-owners of Caring Transitions in Destin, which serves the Emerald Coast and surrounding areas. “Our Caring Transitions team can provide a selection of services, such as move management, rightsizing, estate liquidations (partial and full), resettlement of family members in their new home, and other services that clients can select to meet their needs.”

Caring Transitions is a total solutions company for individuals going through a transitioning process. Visit www.Caring Transitions.net/EmeraldCoastFL or call (850) 428-9826.

Just opened in August, End Zone Ap-parel will be Destin’s premier location to purchase licensed sports apparel and ac-cessories for your favorite teams. Carry-ing quality brands, such as Red Jacket, 47 Brand, and Reebok, it will offer the best selection of vintage inspired merchandise for men, women, and children sports fans in the area. End Zone Apparel is locally owned and operated and looks forward to contributing to the Destin community. It is located in the Paradise Isles Shopping Plaza across the highway from Destin Commons. Visit www.endzoneapparel.net or fi nd it on Facebook. Call (850) 424-3309 for details.

“Photography is my passion,” said Frost Jones of Frost Images.

Jones received her fi rst camera at age 8 and has been recording the world on fi lm ever since. Since 1999, she has photographed more than 1,000 families on Destin’s beautiful beaches. Children are her specialty. She also provides photography for beach weddings, special

events, real estate, websites, business pub-lications, pets, and concerts.

“I began shooting professionally in 1986 in Atlanta, and, with grace and grati-tude, I will continue to view the world through a Nikkor lens,” said Jones. Visit www.frostimages.com to see her work and join her business Facebook page for daily postings.

GCS Building Solutions is a premier provider of hurricane protection, win-dows, doors, shutters, retractable screens, and garage doors. GCS is a family of businesses to include Overhead Door of Northwest Florida and Gulf Coast Shutter and is an authorized distributor or dealer for Overhead Door, Jeld-Wen Win-dows & Doors, New Horizon Shutters, Alutech, Armor Screen, Wayne Dalton, Stormcatcher, and Phantom Screens. GCS has been in business since 2001, is a member of the International Hurricane Protection Association, and has a very professional and highly skilled staff. For more information on GCS Building Solu-tions, visit www.gcsbsi.com or contact GCS at (850) 269-1066.

Highlands & Islands Travel, LLC, is a full service travel agency and e-commerce business that harnesses the power of and retail market shift to the internet. HIT has teamed with ytb Travel Network International to help you save and earn money on internet purchases. Our team is helping thousands to maximize the effectiveness of their current retail and travel budgets, whether it is for business travel, vacations, offi ce, or home sup-plies, birthday or holiday presents, back

to school shopping, or the next hi-tech phone, it pledges to provide a customized solution to your e-commerce experience. Visit www.HITadventures or call (850) 499-2979.

The Holiday Inn Beachfront Resort is located on Okaloosa Island, offering 195 rooms including suites, penthouses, and honeymoon suite, ideal for the business or leisure traveler. Amenities include two pools, whirlpool, rock-slide, pool bas-ketball, beach service, beach volleyball, poolside ping pong, bicycles, family/kids’ activities, unlimited movies, and more. Stop by the Crab Island Café for a delicious entrée or cool off with a frozen beverage at the poolside Tiki Bar & Grill. Let us host your next banquet, reunion, beach wedding ceremony, reception, or corporate meeting in our 3,500-square-foot conference center with onsite cater-ing service. Call (850) 244-8686 or visit www.hifwb.com.

The whole body cryotherapy used for Igloo Cryosauna, Inc., was developed in Japan in 1978. Cryosauna lowers exterior skin temperature for a period up to three minutes. The skin reacts to the cold and sends messages to the brain that acts as a stimulant to the regulatory functions of the body. It produces the scanning of ar-eas that may not be working to their full-est potential. Therapy triggers the release of endorphins, which induce analgesia (immediate pain relief). It improves a variety of conditions, such as psychologi-cal stress, insomnia, rheumatism, muscle and joint pain, fi bromyalgia, itching, and psoriasis. Call (850) 460-2899 or visit www.igloocryosauna.com.

Plan B Adult Care Solutions, LLC, of-fers home health care, sitter services, and companion services. Plan B is not a fran-chise. We are locally owned and operated by Registered Nurses with more than 30 years of experience. Plan B is commit-ted to the highest standards of integrity, values, quality, and reliability. Plan B is available to clients in assisted living facili-ties, nursing homes, retirement homes, and hospitals, as well as in the comfort of their own homes. When your Plan A for healthcare fails, let Plan B develop your solution. Visit www.planbadultcaresolu-tions.com or call (850) 650-9585.

Chamber Welcomes New Members During Reception


Big Lots! #516934940 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste. 140

Destin, FL 32541(850) 650-0708

www.biglots.comCategory: Retail Specialty

Chamber Rep: Michael Kinkopf

Dynasty Chinese Cuisine12889 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Ste. 102A

Miramar Beach, FL 32550(850) 837-6675

Category: Restaurants - AsianChamber Rep: Sergio Mora

In partnership with Cox Communications, the Chamber’s monthly TV program will host the following organizations beginning in August:

Destin Business Forum

Howard Group

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort


Law Offices R OBERT E. M C G ILL , III, P.A.

R OBERT E. M C G ILL , III A TTORNEY AT L AW

36008 Emerald Coast Pkwy. • Suite C Destin, Florida 32541

850-837-1386 Fax 850-837-1574

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7 in 10 consumers say they’d be more likely to buy from a company designated as a “BBB Accredited Business.”*

Do you make the cut?*Princeton Survey Research Associates 2007

Call 800.729.9226 or start with

bbb.org for more information

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Hello to our citizens of Okaloosa County, and I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer. After last sum-mer and the BP Oil Spill, we can certainly appreciate our weather and our beautiful area. We can also realize just how lucky we are compared to other areas of the country, which I feel have suffered from weather and the economy more than we have this year. Even more great news came from Destin, with its selection as one of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in America by Good Morning America—I think we all agree and hopefully everyone cast a vote for Destin.

I am also excited about a possibility that we will get some much-needed assistance from BP for our stormwa-ter, in order to protect our waterways for the future. This is long overdue and is happening through a Natural Re-source Damage Assessment (NRDA) program launched in response to the oil spill. The NRDA criteria targets storm-water improvements for the eight counties of Northwest Florida: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, and Wakulla. Public Works Director John Hofstad has been working through this process with the other counties and municipalities within our county since March. Florida’s eight county area is expected to receive $100 million toward stormwater projects initially, with more funding to follow in the fall for impacted states.

All of the projects are water quality initiatives that will replace aged stormwater pipes in much-needed areas of our county and retrofi t existing piping with stormwater separators or the county’s 51 outfalls in Choctawhatchee Bay. What that means is that after a storm, sediments are collected through the separator units prior to the outfall into the bay! Water quality and protecting our waterways has been a concern of our citizens for a long time, and this will help tremendously. More on that as we move forward.

The needs are great with so much aging infrastructure, and another positive impact we are making along these

lines are our road improvements. Due to using millings, or crushed asphalt, we have been able to improve some of our dirt roads effi ciently and inexpensively, in the north part of the county. Another process we are using that is cost effective is the Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) process. We have recently completed Buck Ward Road in Baker and Fairchild Road in Crestview, while General Bond Boulevard in the south, is being completed now. These are highly traveled roads, and it is a phenomenal ac-complishment. Thanks to Director John Hofstad and the employees of Public Works for making this happen!

Other major traffi c improvements include the 123 fl yover on State Highway 85 (FDOT project), near the entrance of NWF Regional Airport and, coming soon, is an overpass at Duke and 85 that will eliminate the red light, keep traffi c fl owing on 85 and improve safety over-all. Public Works Engineering Division has another plan for an overpass at the Hurlburt Field entrance at Cody Avenue and Highway 98, which will have the same impact; however, doesn’t have funding at this time, but hopefully will in the future.

These are great accomplishments in a lean budget year and moving into another year where you, our citizens, are making cuts, and we are too. I can’t say enough about our employees and their professionalism throughout the past three years, who are doing more with less every day. Please know that your county is effi ciently run, and I compliment County Administrator Jim Curry as well, for his wisdom, integrity and tenacity.

We have our Budget Public Hearings in September and managed to get our meetings via live streaming video online for your convenience and are there for you to view anytime. The budget in its entirety is online as well. Join us in September:

September 8, 6 p.m. at the Crestview Courthouse September 20, 6 p.m., Water and Sewer Building, 3rd

Floor Conference room, Fort Walton Beach

The County Line InfrastructureSubmitted by Okaloosa County Commissioner James Campbell, District 5

For information on advertising in the 2012 Visitor’sGuide & Membership Directory, please contact or Rick Seevers at (850) 650-2780 or [email protected].

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September Calendar of EventsSeptember 1Red, White, and Blue CelebrationLocation: HarborWalk VillageTime: 6 – 9 p.m.A weekly honoring of a local hero, the celebrations highlight the ef-forts of people who go above and beyond to better their community. Enjoy live entertainment, free kid’s crafts and face painting, and a WWII replica fl yover. The evening is topped off by a spectacular fi reworks display over the Destin Harbor.

September 2 – 4Baytowne Art WalkLocation: The Village of Baytowne WharfThe Village of Baytowne Wharf welcomes the fresh fall season under the moonlight with a week-end good for the art and soul with world-class art and live music in the Village Events Plaza.

September 3 - 4Labor Day Weekend CelebrationLocation: HarborWalk VillageTime: 2 – 9 p.m.Wind up the summer at this free festival, featuring family friendly fun and entertainment, live music, arts and crafts vendors, give-aways, boat rides, a car show, and more! Free kid’s crafts 3-6 p.m. each day.

September 4“The Return” Beatles Tribute BandLocation: Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Village GreenTime: 7 p.m.The captivating, fun, exciting

spirit that came to be known as “Beatlemania” is alive again in the Return -- the world’s most authentic and entertaining Beatles tribute band. $10 for adults and kids under 12 are free.

September 4Operation InspirationLocation: HarborWalk VillageTime: 5 – 8 p.m.Operation Inspiration is a pow-erful and unique evening of live musical entertainment. Operation Inspiration events begin at 5 p.m. with a meet & greet with the per-forming artist. Concerts will begin at 6 p.m. Concerts are free and open to the public.

September 7, 14, 21, & 28Wednesday Night Concert SeriesLocation: The Village of Baytowne WharfTime: 6 – 8 p.m.Enjoy the continuation of the Wednesday Night Concert Series through the month of September. We’ll be tantalizing your musi-cal taste buds with musicians to entertain all guests.

September 17ZumbaTHONLocation: HarborWalk VillageTime: 4 p.m.World Record Breaking ZUMBA celebration. Be a part of the larg-est ZUMBA class on the Destin Harbor. Everyone is invited to come out and learn and be a part of this attempt to break the Guin-ness Book World Record. This event will include live music and activities with a Latin theme.

September 28JobsPlus to Offer Job Seekers Resources and Career OpportunitiesLocation: Silver Sands Factory StoresTime: 1 – 4 p.m.On the fourth Wednesday of ev-ery month except November, the JobsPlus 40-foot Mobile One-Stop vehicle will offer access to job seekers hundreds of posi-tions available at Silver Sands Factory Stores, as well as to the Employ Florida Marketplace database for additional employ-ment opportunities throughout the state.

September 30- October 233rd Annual Destin Seafood FestivalLocation: Destin HarborSet up along the length of Destin harbor from Harborwalk Village to the Boathouse Oyster Bar, including the Lucky Snap-per Grill & Bar, Olin Marler Char-ter Boat Service, A.J.’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, Galati Yacht Sales, Dewey Destin’s, the City of Des-tin Royal Melvin Heritage Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, and East Pass Marina, enjoy live music, delicious seafood, and more.

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EEO/M/F/D/V Available to business customers in Cox areas. Service provided by Cox Business Services, a division of CoxCom, Inc. ©2011 Cox Communications. All rights reserved.


Westwood Retirement Resort:

“All you have to do at Westwood is smile and everyone becomes your friend!”

~ Westwood Retirement Resort Resident, Marge Stearns

WHERE RESIDENTS ENJOY“EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES EVERY DAYSM”

Come see why Westwood Retirement Resortis such an exceptional place to live.

Call (850) 863-5174 to schedule your personal visit.

Exceptional Experiences Every DaySM

1001 Mar Walt Drive, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547(850) 863-5174

Exceptional Experiences Every Day is a Service Mark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, USA. 18090-TES03-0611-VH2042909

Your customers are watching more TV

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Online is on the rise Cox.com is an information

hub for millions of Cox high-speed internet subscribers. Add Cox.com advertising to your media mix to connect to a growing audience.

Find out more at www.coxmedia.com or call 1-866-ADS-SELL.

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You are invited on the Chamber’s Inaugural Networking Trip, a San Francisco Getaway, featuring Monterey and Sonoma Valley! Take this trip with area business leaders to build better working relationships.

Highlights of the Oct. 10 - 14 trip include San Francisco, Pier 39, Sonoma Valley, Viansa Winery, Monterey, and 17 Mile. Cost includes airfare, accommodations at the Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf, transpor-tation, and fi ve meals.

Please call the Destin Area Chamber at (850) 837-6241 for more information or to reserve your space.

Chamber Networking TripA San Fran Getaway

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September 2011 Network Newsletter

Documents

destin log

destin forward class

chairman of facp

year of learning

business year

great year

state association look

professional development