Chamber of Commerce
Greater Fort Walton Beach
April 25 – 26 at the FWB Landing
Visit MusicalEchoes.org for more info.
APRIL 2015
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER FORT WALTON BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
March was “Government Month”
Hello All! WOW! Spring has sprung and summer is roarin’ in. All
said, March should be renamed Government Month.
Greater Fort Walton Beach
Chamber of Commerce
April Events
First Friday Coffee
sponsored by Air Force Enlisted Village
Friday, April 3, 7:00 am
Shoreline Church at Uptown Station
Nothing But Networking
Thursday, April 9, 11:30 am
Helen Back
114 Amberjack Drive, FWB
$15 – please RSVP at
www.FWBChamber.com
Business After Hours
Thursday, April 16, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Helen Back
114 Amberjack Drive, FWB
Information about all
FWB Chamber events at
www.FWBChamber.com
Coastlines is a publication of the
Greater Fort Walton Beach
Chamber of Commerce
34 SE Miracle Strip Pkwy.,
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
Ph 850.244.8191 Fax 850.244.1935
Submit information to
Eppi Azzaretto
[email protected]
Let’s start by congratulating all the newly elected City Council members. Way to go, Diane Keller, Dr. Scott Smith, MG Moran, John Mead and
Mike Holmes in Fort Walton Beach; and Brad Gable and Kevin Grohoske
in Shalimar. Running in an election takes its toll, and these folks all did a
fabulous job. Thanks for the leadership and sacrifice you are providing our
community. And to those who have already been serving, you are greatly
appreciated for all you do.
LA Woodall
As always it's our Chamber's policy to add all elected officials to our
Chair of the Board
Horizons of Okaloosa County - membership. It's important we keep a good relationship with the elected
Keep Moving Forward
officials so that we are attuned to the issues facing them and how we might
help as our community continues to grow.
I am pleased to report that your Executive Team just returned from our State Capital. A whirlwind
tour of the happenings in Tallahassee was provided by our very own Rep. Matt Gaetz and Sen. Don Gaetz.
After a briefing in the Gulf Power conference room (Thanks, Ron!) we visited with Governor Scott. He was
informative and gracious during our visit. After speaking with a few others, we prepared for a dinner with
the VP of Government Affairs for the Florida Chamber, David Christian. He brought us up to speed on all
pending legislation of interest to the Florida Chambers. It was a lot to digest. (I crack me up sometimes!)
The next morning was filled with a long meeting with Sen. and Rep. Gaetz. Both filled our ears with
the inner workings of Tallahassee and the legislation they are supporting or fighting. I can assure you, they
both are hard at work and putting in some very long days. We really appreciated the time they gave us.
We visited the Senate budget hearings and learned that we need to be more vocal about NW Florida and
our needs. More on that later.
Next we were off to the Old
Capitol Building, laden with history, and a visit to the Observation Deck on the 22nd floor of the
Senate Building. What a view!
We finished our Tallahassee
visit with a meeting with the DOT
Secretary and his team. They were
very informative about the study
being done on our replacement
for Brooks Bridge. We have a long
way to go, but I really appreciated
the commitment to get it done.
Whew-that’s all for now.
At least I can say for sure "Our
Government is at WORK"!
Mark Dutram, Tammy McGaughy, LA Woodall, Rep. Matt Gaetz, Ron Grissom,
Matt Turpin, Ryan Price, and Nick Chubb.
2 | April 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
2015 CHAMBER LEADERSHIP TEAM
Executive Committee
The Hype is Real!
Chair of the Board
LA Woodall, Horizons of Okaloosa County
Chair of the Board-Elect
I am so proud when Chamber members ask if they can bring nonChamber-member businesses to our events to experience our Chamber.
“The Hype is Real” is how new members Diamond Blue Carpet Cleaning
expressed their extreme pleasure with their membership. They have been
active members for just a few months and are already reaping the benefits.
Tammy McGaughy, Warren Averett
Immediate Past Chair
Ron Grissom, Gulf Power
Treasurer
Matt Turpin, Carr, Riggs & Ingram
Section Chair - Professional Development
Like a good timeshare sales person--who shares how your family
will enjoy a lifetime of vacations if you sign on the line--the promotion of
Chamber membership is forecasting possibilities, not guarantees.
Mitch Mongell, Fort Walton Beach Medical Ctr
Section Chair - Community
Mark Dutram, First City Bank
Section Chair - Special Events
Ryan Price, Business Interiors
Section Chair - Business to Business
Bill Roberts, Barnes Insurance
Board of Directors
Term 2013-2015
Patrick Berry
David Fuqua
Ken Hair
Paul Montalvo
RJ Murdock
Desley Parker
Toni Richardson
Term 2014-2016
Jackie Blue
Skip Foster
Andi Mahoney
Melissa Matern
Ryan Price
Matt Turpin
Term 2015-2017
Mitch Mongell
Ron Raybourne
Bill Roberts
Scott Smith, DC
Eddie Springle
Mary Tinsley
Marcia WrightReynolds
Life Directors
C. LeDon Anchors
Kenneth Williamson
Charles D. Burgess (Deceased)
H. Gene Smith (Deceased)
Jeanne Rief
C. H. Long
Jim Glenn (Deceased)
Joyce Sanders
Kathy Houchins
Bruce Marshall
Chamber Staff
President/CEO – Ted Corcoran, IOM
Director of Administration – Seth Luttrell
Director of Marketing/PR - Eppi Azzaretto
Events Coordinator – Rachelle Graves
Information Specialist – Dayna Stinebiser
Membership Account Exec – Elaine Sheldon
Director of Accounting – Chrissy Flanigan
Invaluable Volunteer – Patricia Payne
Ted Corcoran, IOM
President/CEO
Our staff ’s role is to share all that we offer—and this Chamber offers
a lot. Events, committees, networking, sponsorship, community projects,
business promotion, advertising—the list goes on and on. And the only
thing that we can ‘Guarantee’ to a new member is that they will have the
opportunity to meet (or promote to) hundreds and hundreds of fellow business leaders. However, we
cannot guarantee that you will get one piece of business from it. That’s your job!
Thus, when one member—or 300 members who attend First Friday Coffee—or the over 2,000 active
members who create our membership—are proud enough that THEY begin doing the promoting of our
Chamber by suggesting our organization to friends—well I guess “The Hype is Real.”
If you are a Chamber member—or would like to become a Chamber member—I would welcome the
opportunity to share with you a customized plan as to how to best utilize your membership.
BELIEVE
THE HYPE!
Greater Fort Walton Beach
Chamber of Commerce
KNOW SOMEONE
WHO KNOWS
SOMEONE WHO
KNOWS SOMEONE.
LIKE SHAKING HANDS WITH MORE THAN 2,000 LOCAL BUSINESS PEOPLE.
HOW WILL YOU
GROW YOUR
BUSINESS?
COMMUNITY
OUTREACH
AMBASSADORS
BUSINESS
AFTER HOURS
TOURISM
COMMITTEE
HEALTHCARE
COMMITTEE
NOTHING BUT
NETWORING
REFERRAL
PARTNERS
MILITARY
AFFAIRS
MARKETING
COMMITTEE
April 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 3
Helen Back Cafe on Okaloosa Island Celebrates 15th Anniversary This Year
Helen Back Cafe on Okaloosa Island will be celebrating its 15th anniversary this
year. That's right- 15 years of
pizza, beer, the Thigh High
Crush, and some of the most
memorable moments in
sports history.
Going into the busy
season, Helen Back has big
plans to host the area's tourists, military community,
“To me, it’s as much
of their personality,
their character and
their persona behind
the bar, as it is the
quality of their drink”
as well as the much loved
local customers. Helen Back
will be kicking off spring by
honoring some of the area's
most beloved bartenders of
the Emerald Coast on April
28 at the Okaloosa Island
location. Chris Sehman,
the inaugural event, several
of the area's long time bartenders will be inducted into
the 2015 ECBHoF. Sehman
said he feels personality is
the most important characteristic of a great bartender.
“To me, it’s as much of their
owner of Helen Back, is the
curator of the Emerald Coast
Bartender Hall of Fame. At
personality, their character
and their persona behind
the bar, as it is the quality of
their drink,” Sehman said.
Going into May, Helen
Back will be holding its
10th Annual Helen Back
Golf Classic for the Emerald Coast Foundation, of
which Sehman is president.
Additionally, Helen Back
will be privileged to host a
4 | April 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
crawfish boil benefiting the
EOD Warrior Foundation
at its Niceville location, and
events supporting Red Empire week for the 7th Special
Forces Group. In his most
recent philanthropic endeavors, Sehman has founded
Active Duty USA,
a non-profit encouraging
businesses and civilians to
"get active" and support local
military causes, in hopes of
bringing both awareness and
much needed funds to the
military organizations Helen
Back supports throughout
the year.
2015 marks the 7th year
that boaters, jet skiers, paddle boarders, and swimming
enthusiasts alike can visit
Helen Back at Crab Island
in the summer. Each weekend, beginning Memorial
Day, the Helen Back Barge
will dock at Crab Island
and sample its award winning pizza, ice cold beers,
and host what have become
favorite Sunday Funday
events, such as wiffleball and
the Ultimate Chicken Fighting Championships.
Then, just as the summer winds down, it will be
the much anticipated start
football season. Patrons
can catch all their favorite
teams at a local Helen Back.
With five locations along the
Emerald Coast, including
Okaloosa Island, Crestivew,
Navarre, Niceville, and
inside VPS, Helen Back is
close to home.
We’ve heard tales that there are
stately ships navigating their way
toward Fort Walton Beach. Could
there be pirates just over the horizon? It only makes sense – there’s
just two months ‘til Capt. Billy and
his Krewe are expected to reach our
sugary shores.
Join us for music,
merriment, and more
during the
Here’s a sneak peek at the Diamond Celebration
image that you’ll soon be seeing everywhere!
60th Annual
2118457
Billy Bowlegs
Pirate Festival
Thursday, June 4th through Saturday, June 6th
And by popular demand, the
Torchlight Parade
Monday night, June 8th!
24-HOUR ACCESS
FITNESS CENTER
$0
ENROLLMEN
T
FEE (SAVE $
99)
ly
And On
$
15
onth
Month to M
Local artist
Charles Johnson painted this
wonderful pirate portrait entitled “Capt. DuVall”
and donated it to the Chamber for display in
(where else?) the Bowlegs Room. Thanks, Charles!
850-533-0555 Sign Up Now!
Like
Us
/WAFtWaltonBeach
UPTOWN STATION
at Uptown Station
2111436
John Bauer
(aka Ol’ Chumbucket, from New Orleans)
found himself drawn to the Chamber building on
a recent visit to Fort Walton – but then, don’t ALL
pirates? The co-founder of International Talk Like
a Pirate Day, Chumbucket has heard Bowlegs tales
from his good friend Tom Mason of the Blue Buccaneers. Maybe he’ll be one of our visiting pirates
at the Diamond Celebration of the Festival.
April 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 5
We salute the businesses and individuals
making a difference in our community!
Janet Huckabee Visits Children in Crisis – Reads to the Kids
Janet Huckabee, wife of former Governor and Presidential Candidate, Mike Huckabee,
visited Children in Crisis and read to the children living at the CIC Neighborhood. The
children were so excited, they convinced her to read several books.
Janet Huckabee, wife of former
Governor and Presidential Candidate, Mike Huckabee visited Children in Crisis and the kids living at
the CIC Neighborhood this week.
After touring the children’s homes
and neighborhood grounds, Mrs.
Huckabee excitedly gathered the
children in a large group and read
several books.
The children living at the CIC
Neighborhood were very focused
and listened to every word as Mrs.
Huckabee made the books come
to life! The children loved the visit
and didn’t want Mrs. Huckabee to
leave.
Ken Hair, CIC President & CEO
commented, “Janet Huckabee’s
visit to CIC made the children’s
day! We can’t thank her enough
for taking the time out of her very
busy schedule to visit CIC and
our children. We are very lucky
to have so many wonderful people
in our community that are sincerely concerned about giving our
children a safe, loving home. Mrs.
Huckabee’s visit to CIC made a
difference!”
White-Wilson Now Offers Reconstructive
and Cosmetic Surgery
Effective February, 2, 2015, White-Wilson Medical Center (WWMC) will
offer Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery.
“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Dress to White-Wilson and to increase
our capabilities,” says WWMC CEO Alan Gieseman. “By providing Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery, we hope to better meet our community’s
health care needs and continue to provide our patients with the highest level
of care.”
Dr. Christopher Dress is certified by the American Board of Surgery
and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Dress has been caring for
patients in the community for 10 years and provides a range of specialty
services. Dr. Dress is accepting new patients and his practice is located in
the WWMC East Building in Fort Walton Beach.
For more information on Dr. Dress, visit white-wilson.com. Appointments can be made by calling 850.863.8269.
6 | April 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Saving A Stranger– A True Life
Disney Magical Moment
Kelly Light
Imagine if you were
walking into Disney
World, with your
family, ready to have
a full day of fun, and
right in front of you
a woman collapses in
the throes of having
a heart attack. How
would your react?
Sometimes you just
happen to be in the
right place at the right
time.
It was November
2013, and this scene
was real. While employees were paralyzed
with indecision, Twin
Cities Hospital Director of H2U Kelly Light
found the woman not
breathing and pulse-
less. As an instructor in advanced life
support, Kelly performed CPR until an
AED machine arrived.
Shocking the woman
twice, Kelly revived
the woman before
paramedics arrived.
Kelly Light saved a life
that day.
The woman is
whisked away via
ambulance, her family
crazed with ‘what just
happened’ and Kelly
and her family are
now supposed to have
fun the rest of the day.
How can someone
be thanked for something so amazing? The
woman’s family sent a
letter and someone at
Disney gave the family
a few Fastpass’ and Ice
cream!
Thus when I
recently heard the
story, I wanted to
make certain that her
chamber friends knew
of this heroic effort.
Well done, Kelly, well
done!!
Ted Corcoran
Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson Aims to Raise
$100K for Local Charities in 2015
Over $17,000 was raised for the Fisher
House of the Emerald Coast, thanks to
the support of the community, corporate
sponsors, and the Iron 883 provided by
Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson.
Partnering with Helen Back as a
sponsor of Boot Bowl II in December, Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson
supplied a brand new sportster to the
Fisher House to raffle off as a part of
the dealership's community outreach.
Raffle ticket sales began on December
13 at Boot Bowl II, and were sold at the
dealership, all Helen Back locations,
and online through the first half of
the Super Bowl, where the winner was
announced at Helen Back on Okaloosa
Island. Raffle ticket sales brought in
over $10,700 of the total
raised for the Fisher House.
Carl Plyler of Tallahassee was the
winner of the brand new Harley-Davidson Iron 883. He wasn't present at the
drawing, but called within minutes of
being notified via email that he was the
winner. “I'm three hours away, but I can
leave right now!” Carl said. Carl, visited
the dealership on Saturday, February
7th with a large group of friends to
claim his prize.
The dealership, which is under new
ownership, has taken steps in the direction toward becoming a pillar in the
community. “We have received such a
warm welcome from the community,”
said Daniel “Gus” Gusoff. “We feel
fortunate to be living and doing business
in a city that values our military the way
Fort Walton Beach does, and we want
to do what we can to give back.”
In 2015, Emerald Coast HarleyDavidson has committed seven
motorcycles to various local military
charitable organizations and foundations to be used to raise funds for these
groups. Additionally, the dealership has
offered to store the Harley-Davidson
motorcycles of any active duty military
members
while on deployment, regardless of
where it was purchased.
“By the end of the year, we want to
raise over $100,000 for local military
non-profits. We are certain we can do
it with our contribution combined with
the support of local businesses, and
we want to encourage others to join us
in our efforts of getting the word out
about how we are raising money for
these organizations.”
Various organizations that will be
touched by this effort include the EOD
Warrior Foundation, The 7th Special
Forces Association, The Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and the
Combat Control Association. The next
two bike giveaways will be underway
by February 16. More information
about getting involved is available at
EmeraldCoastHD.com.
Getting down and dirty are: Crystal Rowell (Therapy Director), Eric Brun (Administrator),
Teresa Shostag (Director of Nursing), Shanda Wooten (Social Services Manager), and
Dewey Elmore (Marketing/Admissions Director)
Fort Walton Rehabilitation Center Breaks
Ground on New Facility
Fort Walton Rehabilitation proudly announces the official groundbreaking
of a new two million dollar expansion. The 9600 sq. ft. addition will be dedicated to expanding the current rehabilitation program and includes a 2,600 sq
ft. therapy gym and 17 fully, private therapy suites.
We believe that our customers will benefit greatly from a rehabilitation experience that offers the comfort of a private suite. The new spacious gym will
allow for even more specialized therapy equipment which ultimately equates
to improved outcomes for our clients.
The anticipated completion of this project is July 2015. Fort Walton Rehabilitation Center is located at 1 LBJ Sr. Drive, just off of North Beal Extension.
National Recognition
for Ray McGovern
Ray McGovern of The McGovern
Group (Merrill Lynch) was recently
recognized by Barron’s Magazine in it’s
annual “America’s Top 1,200 Advisors:
State by State.” This is the sixth consecutive year Ray has been recognized
at this level. He is the only Financial
Advisor in Northwest Florida at any
firm or bank to receive this honor.
continued on page 8
April 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 7
continued
Wyndham Vacation Rentals®
Associate Wins 8 ADDY Awards
for Advertising Excellence
On Saturday, February 28, Life’s A
Beach Publications was ecstatic to win
four ADDY Awards during the 2015
Emerald Coast ADDY Awards Gala held
at Bric á Brac in Destin.
Life’s A Beach proudly accepted a Gold
ADDY under the category of Collateral
Material Publication Design, Cover for
Wyndham Vacation Rentals®, the
world’s largest professional manager of
vacation rentals and part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE:
WYN), today announced that associate
Robyn Patterson was recently recognized
with eight prestigious ADDY Awards
for her work on several print campaigns.
Patterson received one Gold and seven
Silver awards at the 22nd Annual American Advertising Federation (AAF) Emerald Coast chapter ADDY® Awards Gala.
Patterson was awarded a Gold ADDY
in the category of Sales Promotion for
ResortQuest Real Estate® Destin Buyer’s
Guide. The additional awards include
Silver ADDY Awards for the following
company-produced publications: Destin
Pointe Living, 2014 Beach
Dreams® Vacation Guide and the Gulf
Shores & Orange Beach Vacation Guide.
Patterson also received Silver ADDY
Awards for ads placed in Emerald Coast
Angler Magazine and Tallahassee Magazine. Additionally, Patterson received Sil-
every piece of local marketing collateral
with our name on it. We’re proud of what
she has accomplished and honored that
she is a part of our company.
Patterson is a graphics manager for
Wyndham Vacation Rentals and ResortQuest Real Estate. She has received 36
ADDYs over her eight-year tenure with
the company.
LIVING LIFE
TO THE
FULLEST IN
MODERATION
Candace Collister Charles C. West, ChFC® Jessica Davenport, AAMS®
Registered Associate Branch Mgr / Financial Planner
Financial Planner
Chris Latta, CFP®
Kelly Latta
Financial Advisor
Financial Planner
Clay Brock
Financial Planner
Investment Mgt Consultant
As Investment firms go, we tend to go a little easier on the
gas pedal than most. But the way we see it, sticking to the
fundamentals can prove pretty exhilarating. It’s a good time
to discover the true value of what our thoughtful, deliberate
approach can do for you.
LIFE WELL PLANNED.
29 Eglin Parkway N.E., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
11490 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32550
1429 Quintard Ave. Anniston, AL 36201
850-796-2045
www.irarollover.pro
*Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC, an independent broker/dealer, and are not insured by Bank insurance,
the FDIC, or any other Government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the bank, and are subject to risks, including the possibility of loss of principal.
Receive an
additional 15%
off your purchase
with this ad.
Pink Tree Boutique
ver ADDY Awards for a Florida Tourism
Day T-Shirt illustration in the category of
Elements of Advertising and the TOPS’l
Beach & Racquet Resort Check-in Packet
in the category of Collateral Material.
The ADDY Awards honor advertising excellence across multiple media
platforms including print, broadcast, and
non-traditional channels by recognizing companies and individuals for their
achievements and creativity through the
chapter’s local competition.
Winners of the ADDY Awards will be
eligible to compete in the second level of
the three-tiered ADDY Awards competi-
Marcos Ortiz, Owner
Now Offering Sip-N-Sew Classes
1st Class: Essentials of Sewing • Saturday, April 11, 7-9pm
Bring your own beverage and machine • Appetizers & Fabrics provided
RSVP & more info on Facebook
850-200-4399
[email protected]
www.thinkpinktreeboutique.com
75 Eglin Parkway NE 115-A (in Uptown Station)
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548
8 | April 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
2111434
The Destin Area 2014 Visitor’s Guide &
Membership Directory for the Destin
Area Chamber of Commerce. They were
also awarded the following three Silver
ADDYs: Non-Traditional Advertising,
Single for Life’s A Beach Collection 2015
Beach Calendar, Collateral Material
Publication Design (Magazine or Book),
Series for Life’s A Beach THE Visitor’s
Guide to the Emerald Coast and Collateral Material Publication Design, Cover
for Currents: Greater Fort Walton Beach
2014 Community Information Guide and
Membership Directory for the Greater Fort
Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.
“The Life’s A Beach team is very proud
to be honored for the hard work we all do
year round,” said owner/editor of Life’s A
Beach, Sam Seevers.
The local ADDY competition is the
first of a three-tier, national competition.
The mission of this competition is to
recognize and reward creative excellence
in the art of advertising.
In the local ADDY competition, like
that of the Emerald Coast division, those
pieces that win Gold ADDYs in their
region are automatically entered into the
District competition. Therefore, Life’s
A Beach’s Gold ADDY for the Destin
Visitor’s Guide cover will move on to
compete at Districts, which will be held
in Sarasota, Florida, March 20-21. District winners are then forwarded to the
national American Advertising Awards
competition that will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, in June.
tion, which includes district then national
ADDY awards, presented annually in
June by the national AAF organization.
“We’re exceptionally proud of Robyn
and thrilled with the creativity and talent she brings to the table,” said Lino
Maldonado, vice president of operations,
Wyndham Vacation Rentals, Gulf Region.
“Robyn has had a role in the creation of
2111428
Life’s A Beach Awarded 4 ADDYs
at the 2015 American Advertising
Awards for the Emerald Coast
Business
After
Hours
Thank you to Bit-Wizards for showing us their spectacular new offices –
and for sharing information about some of the whiz-bang initiatives they’re
working on. Very high tech and exciting developments coming out of this
dynamic company – serving world-wide audiences from our home town.
Who
says
business
can
’t
be
fun
?
Join us for
April Business After Hours
Thursday, April 16, 5:30 to 7:30
Helen Back on Okaloosa Island
114 Amberjack Lane, Fort Walton Beach 32548
April 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 9
Get Fit Emerald Coast
Coastal Powersports
407 Mary Esther Cutoff, NW
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-226-7960
www.coastal-powersports.com
323 Page Bacon Rd., Units 14 & 15
Mary Esther, FL 32569
850-424-6122
www.getfitemeraldcoast.com
Greater Fort Walton Beach
Chamber of Commerce
Join the hundreds of local
businesses that choose
to grow their companies by
being part of
Pink Tree Boutique
75 Eglin Parkwy, NE, Suite 115-A
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-200-4399
The Greater
Fort Walton
Beach Chamber
of Commerce.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
112 Amberjack Drive, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
www.wtfcoffeebar.com
White Sands Chiropractic Clinic, Inc.
24 Beal Pkwy, SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 • 850-226-6728
www.whitesandscc.com
10 | April 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Musical Echoes 2015 – Native American Flute, Art
and Cultural Festival
Musical Echoes Flute Festival 2015 will be
held at The Landing (139 Brooks St. in Fort Walton Beach) on Friday, April 24th through Sunday,
April 26th. Admission to this non-alcholic event
is free. Join us in a celebration of Native American culture, art, and music.
Enjoy the soothing and inspirational
sounds of the Native American flute music and
be inspired by the colorful, rhythmic dance
performances, the art, and crafts at the festival.
Traditional Indian fry bread and other delicious
food will be available to savor at the 15th Annual
Musical Echoes Flute, Art, and Cultural Festival.
You’ll see internationally acclaimed Native
American musicians and dancers including returning favorites such Billy Whitefox, and award
winning hoop dancer Lowery Begay. We’ll welcome back Mark Holland with Autumn’s
Child as our headlining performance. Explore
the many vendors throughout the park that will
be selling their Native American art, flutes, baskets, leather goods, and more. Visit the main tent
to purchase the annual t-shirt featuring the art
work created by Destiny Keller. Live music will
begin on Friday and continue through Sunday.
Visit www.musicalechoes.org for the complete
schedule.
For the first time this year, Musical Echoes
will offer a Native Flute School before the festival,
taught by nationally-acclaimed facilitators Dr.
Clint Goss, Vera Shanov, and 4-time Grammy
nominee Dr. Michael DeMaria. There will be two
full-day sessions on Thursday and Friday of festival weekend. Learn about song composition, the
health and healing benefits of the flute, and solo
performance. Participate in one or both days of
the school. All levels of experience are welcome,
including beginners. You’ll gain an understanding of rhythms, tones, and improvisation while
increasing your confidence to perform in front of
audiences. For more information on the school
log on to www.nativefluteschool.com/menfs15/.
Musical Echoes Flute Festival Inc, is a nonprofit (501(c)3) charitable organization operated
by a group of dedicated volunteers. The festival
operates through sponsorships and donations.
Be a part of the festival by contributing at www.
musicalechoes.org. Like us on Facebook at www.
facebook.com/MusicalEchoes.
Musical Echoes is co- presented by Musical
Echoes Flute Festival Inc., The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the City
of Fort Walton Beach. For more information,
dial 850-837-9828 or email [email protected].
Take a Trip – Take a Coastlines!
Our Chamber Members are going to some pretty interesting places these days – and
they’re taking some great reading material along with them for a little touch of home.
If you choose to take your Coastlines with you on a trip, take a photo and share it with us.
Send your photos to [email protected]
Featuring One, Two, and Three Bedroom Apartment Homes
Our Corporate Housing Solution
features One and Two Bedroom
Furnished Units with Utilities and
Short & Long Term Lease Options
For:
Job Relocation
Short Term Lease Assignment
Building a House
Insurance Housing
RJ Murdock of EmeraldCoastTV.com went to Auburn
University for the premiere of his documentary Quiet Courage.
Nick Chubb of Cabinets RRR Us did a little light
reading before celebrating his birthday with a few
high speed laps around Disney Speedway in Orlando.
www.CayoGrande.com
Cayo Grande Apartments & Corporate Housing
Welcome Center located at 214 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach
850.226.4865
2111431
Spencer Pous of SJP Network Solutions
took a copy of Coastlines with him on
top of Buttermilk Mountain, Aspen/Snowmass while in Colorado for training.
Residential Living Features:
3 Swimming Pools
Business & Fitness Centers
Easy Rent Payment Options
Unfurnished Long Term Lease
Options
April 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 11
Nothing But Networking
We enjoyed a terrific lunch at the new facilities of the Emerald Coast
Science Center. It was catered by our good friends at Hickory River Smokehouse – and as always, the food was terrific.
The highlight, though was viewing and hearing about the fascinating
exhibits and programs offered by the ECSC. It may be designed with kids in
mind, but it certainly provided no end of fascinating activities for our Chamber professionals. Be sure to go and check out the new space at 31 Memorial
SW Memorial Parkway.
The lucky speakers were Natalie Kessler from K2 Media, Ryan Price from
Business Interiors, and Monica LaBarge from Big Brothers Big Sisters of
Northwest Florida.
Join Us Next Month! Nothing But Networking
Thursday, April 9th, 11:30 am at Helen Back
114 Amberjack Drive on Okaloosa Island
$15 with RSVP – Make your reservations at FWBChamber.com
12 | April 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
February
Amber Kelley
Epilepsy Foundation
of Florida
916 E. Fairfield Drive
Pensacola, FL 32503
850-433-1395
850-865-9610
Chris Sehman
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
Mark Robertson
Pensacola Bay Brewery
225 E. Zaragoza Street
Pensacola, FL 32502
850-434-3353
112 Amberjack Drive
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-200-4939
Vincent Bucci
AP Commercial Sign Co.
170 Park Dr.
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-664-0021
Rob Brooks
Rob Brooks Realty
David Goetsch
Individual Member
201 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Ste. D
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-776-6706
Kimberly Larson
Individual Member
Jim Bay
Bay’s Lawn & Landscape
317 Seminole Street
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
850-864-5296
get
it!
A & B Compu-Prop
Accounting and Financial Women’s
Alliance
Accurate Control Equipment, Inc.
Air Force Association, Eglin Chapter
Allergy Partners of the Emerald Coast
AMI Kids Emerald Coast, Inc.
Anytime Fitness – Fort Walton Beach
Apparel Expressions
As You Like It, Inc.
Aunt Martha’s Bed & Breakfast
Autism Society of the Emerald Coast
Dr. Jack Azzaretto
Balanced Warrior Coaching
Barbara Britt, LLC
Beal Parkway Self Storage
Beachside Community Church
Brannon & Brannon
Bright Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Business Interiors
Cabinets RRR Us, Inc.
850-699-6465
Matthew Staples
Shelby Jones
Cigna-HealthSpring
Relax and Breathe
Massage by Shelby
Panama City, FL 32413
850-503-1623
850-368-5976
Larry Williamson
Pentagon Federal
Credit Union
1199 Eglin Pkwy
Shalimar, FL 32579
850-729-0825
530-218-1344
205 Carol Ave.
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549
850-225-0740
P. O. Box 4266
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549
850-650-0125
Roger & Lucia
Blalock
Smokin on Wheels
IMPACT 100 of
Northwest Florida
Ma & Papa’s Concession
Bonifay, FL 32425
850-956-4146
Wanda Rhodes
Panama City, FL 32405
850-774-1329
Membership
Renewals
Carol E. Evans, CPA
Center for Lifelong Learning, Inc.
Cinco Baptist Church
Cinco Baptist School
CornerStone Financial
Creative Web Solutions, LLC
D. L. Curtis Construction, Inc.
D. Sheffield Construction, Inc.
Diamond Dan DJ Services
Edward Jones Investments
Embassy Suites Destin – Miramar Beach
Emerald Coast Funeral Home
Emerald Coast McDonalds
Emerald Coast Surgery Center
Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of
Raymond James
Family Eye Care
Fisher-Brown Insurance
FloridaOne DMAT, Inc.
Fort Walton Yacht Club
Glenda Bryant
Gulf Power Company
H & H Accounting & Tax, Inc.
Handwoven by Design
Highsteppers, Inc.
Inn on Destin Harbor
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service
Jennifer Schweikert State Farm
Jim-n-Nick’s BBQ
5262 Deer Springs Rd.
Crestview, FL 32539
850-682-3949
Tim Perks
Individual Member
Markus T. Wilkes
Emerald Coast
Wildlife Refuge
Zoological Park
Knights of Columbus
of Fort Walton Beach
Christine Carter
850-420-0472
MEMBERS
Josh Olis
Xstream Clean Mobile
Services
in February 2015
Judge Ben Gordon, Jr. Family
Visitation Center
Kona Ice on the Emerald Coast
Livin’ Right Real Estate
Liza Jackson Preparatory School
Luxe Sports Grill
Martin Owen
Meigs Middle School
Michles & Booth, PA
Military Media, Inc.
Northwest Florida Women Care
NW Florida Military Officers Association
Office Depot #206
Pensacola Opera
Petland
Mary Polson
Professional Records Imaging Management
Quantum Research International, Inc.
Regency Hospice of NW Florida
Rosewood Realty, Inc.
Rotary Club of Fort Walton Beach
S4P Synergy, Inc.
Seacrest/Venus Condominiums –
WNG Marketing
Bring Your
Business
To The Next
Level...
Shalimar United Methodist Church
Sons & Daughters of Italy
Sound Side Apartments
Spirit of Christ/The Church of the
Living God
Steve Baxter Insurance
The Event Room
The Insurance Center of NW FL, Inc.
The Nautilus Condominium Association
Tracy Jones
USO
UTS-Systems
Waste Management
Waterscape Condominium Owners
Association
Wells Fargo
Whataburger
Wine World
Wright Shopping Center Inc.
/Prince Enterprises
April 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 13
Welcome!
Thank you to ZAXBY'S for hosting
the February New Members Lunch!
Kathleen Windham, Steven “Bruno”
Windham, and Deborah Thomas
Twisted Grape Wine Bar
Shalimar, FL 32579
850-651-5100
The newest sensation in Shalimar is the Twisted
Grape Wine Bar. The Twisted Grape Wine Bar
offers sensibly priced wines paired with cured
meats, artisan cheeses, small plates, flatbreads and
homemade desserts, all in a relaxed, comfortable
and safe atmosphere. We are looking forward to
working closely with the
Chamber as well as the
community in many
possible endeavors
throughout the year.
Each month, the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
has a special luncheon for our newest members. Check out these
businesses - help welcome them to the Chamber. And remember:
Members Helping Members Makes Sense!
Josh Olis
XStream Clean Mobile Services
349 Blue Fish, #2, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-699-6465
No need to spend valuable
time waiting at the car wash
or detailing your boat or
RV for summer. We are a
Mobile Service that comes
to you - at your home or XStream Clean
business. Protect your
Mobile Services
investment with our attention to DETAIL! All Chamber members, receive
a 15% discount off all detailing services. Scheduling made convenient as possible. Professional,
quality service and great pricing. Call me today to
schedule! Detail Package options available.
AUTO • BOAT • RV • WE COME TO YOU!
2111430
Stephen Williams
Knights of Columbus
Council #4444
205 Carol Ave., Fort Walton
Beach, FL 32548
850-243-4444
We are a non-profit organization, part of the St. Mary
Catholic Church, a Catholic
fraternal organization doing fundraising activities to support handicapped
children. Proceeds are given to other non-profit
organizations in Okaloosa County. We have a hall
for rental for wedding receptions and business
meetings with WiFi capability.
Now Accepting New Patients!
HealthSource®
Dr. Scott R. Smith, D.C. Chiropractic & Progressive Rehab™
Physicals
Easter and Market Baskets
50% OFF
Until Easter Sunday
handwovenbydesign.com
850-855-9388
Follow us on Facebook!
[email protected]
HealthSource Fort Walton Beach North
850-200-4911
www.HealthSourceFWB.com
2111432
430 NE Racetrack Rd, STE B
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
DOT $80
School $35
Sports $35
Treating: Neck & Back Pain,
Auto Injury, and Headaches
14 | April 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
ALL VERA BRADLEY
20-30%OFF
PERFECT IN OR AS AN EASTER BASKET!
29 N.E. Walter Martin Rd. • 243-9577
2111064
MAJ Army Aviator
Reach New Residents
every month and invite them to your business
Ernie Carey
Jason Monroe
Charles Knight
BEST MASSAGE ON THE ISLAND
Boomer Beach Fitness & Massage
Tel: 850-710-0967
8200-A Highway 98W
Pensacola, FL 32506
850-637-1387
We offer a variety of products and services designed to
help people get properly protected, get out of debt, and
become financially independent.
www.WelcomeMatServices.com/EmeraldCoast
2108555
Clean air isn’t enough. Air isn’t healthy unless it is fresh.
Air is only fresh when it has a natural life and energy of
its own. AirRestore Organic Air Technology provides
your indoor air with the life it needs to be as fresh and
healthy as outdoor air. Effective with allergens, odors,
sleeping, and more. Take our challenge of a free 7-day
in-home trial. Call for details.
Franchise Owner
[email protected]
Primerica
More
2111433
AirRestore • 850-218-8593
LAUGHTER • STORIES • FRIENDSHIP • FUN
Tim "Boomer" Sullivan
phone: (850) 499-3233
462 Abalone Court Unit #301
www.BoomerBeachMassage.com
Lic# MA74917
MM31866
2108554
(850) 243-7735
www.belvederecommonsfortwaltonbeach.com
Assisted Living Lic.# 9819
2111426
Beachfront on Beautiful Okaloosa Island
April 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 15
Chamber Calendar of Events April 2015
Friday, April 3, 2015
First Friday Coffee
Shoreline Church at UpTown Station
7:00am Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Community Outreach Committee
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Nothing But Networking
Helen Back On Okaloosa Island, FWB
Friday, April 10, 2015
New Member Lunch
8:00am
11:30am
11:45am
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Healthcare Meeting
8:00am
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Ambassadors Meeting
7:45am
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Business After Hours @ Helen Back
5:30-7:30pm
For Up-To-Date Chamber and
Community Events See:
Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce Website:
www.fwbChamber.com
We encourage you to attend any of the Chamber’s committee meetings as
a guest to see whether that particular group suits your expectations and will
help you promote your business. The regular monthly meetings are almost
always held in the FWB Chamber Conference Room. Just call the Chamber at
244-8191 to reserve your spot or get answers to your questions.
Unless otherwise noted, ALL meetings will be held at the Fort Walton Chamber Of Commerce.
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Board of Directors
Friday, April 24-26, 2015
Musical Echoes
11:30am
“Dale Carnegie Workshop: Enhancing
Your Leadership Communication.”
8:00-10:00am
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Nothing But
Networking
11:30am
Community
Outreach
Committee
8:00am
8:00am
11:30am-1:00pm
11:30am
FRI
SAT
First Friday Coffee
7:00am
MAC Meeting
11:30am
Lunch and Learn: 11:30am-1:00pm
"The Year of Living Dangerously,"
Presented by the US Chamber of Commerce
RPM Meeting
Tourism Committee
Chamber of Commerce
APRIL
Monday, April 20, 2015
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Greater Fort Walton Beach
Healthcare
Meeting
8:00am
MAC Meeting
11:30am
Lunch and Learn: 11:30am-1:00pm
RPM Meeting
8:00am
Tourism Committee
11:30am-1:00pm
Ambassadors
Meeting
7:45am
Business After Hrs
@ Helen Back
5:30-7:30pm
Board of Directors
11:30am
Women's
Connection
Committee
11:30am-1:00pm
Women's Connection Committee 11:30am-1:00pm
Thank you to our 2015 sponsors!
16 | April 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
New Member
Lunch
11:45am
Musical Echoes
11:30am
“Dale Carnegie Workshop
8:00-10:00am
Military Family Appreciation Day on May 9th
Panhandle Warrior Connection (PWC)
is honored to host Military Family Appreciation Day, a festival at the Fort Walton Beach
Landing designed to honor the service and the
sacrifices made by military families throughout our area. The event will be on May 9, from
10 am to 8 pm, and will include live bands and
recorded music, a children’s play area, military services exhibitors, free food and drinks
provided by Sam’s Club, Helen Back Cafe,
Hickory River Smokehouse and Buffalo Rock
Pepsi, with an 8pm fireworks show sponsored
by Beach Community Bank.
“Our military families can never be thanked
enough because the depth of their sacrifice cannot be measured. Panhandle Warrior Connection is here to accompany them on their service
journey,” said Earnestine Carswell, PWC Manager.
LA Woodall, FWB Chamber Board Chair, said,
“The recent tragic loss of eleven brave warriors reminds us that we can never do enough to
honor our military neighbors. Because we would
like to offer most festival amenities free to these
personnel and their families, many Chambermember businesses have stepped forward with
donations and sponsorships. They want to show
our service neighbors how much they value their
service and their business.”
The event features a special, air-conditioned
tent honoring World War II veterans – with a
rare special appearance by Col. Dick Cole, Gen.
Jimmy Doolittle’s co-pilot on the famed Doolittle
Raid. A special invitation is extended to all
World War II veterans to attend the event, and
visit with Col. Cole.
In addition the event will include a special
“Warrior Challenge” version of the Battle of the
Best – Field Day Competition organized and
hosted by Emerald Coast Social Sports. Teams
consisting of military or eligible military family
members will receive free entry into the competition. It’s a perfect opportunity to demonstrate
service or unit pride and have a great time. Team
members will receive free team shirts and commemorative cups for participating.
The event is presented by Panhandle Warrior Connection, with support from the Military
Affairs Committee of the Greater Fort Walton
Beach Chamber of Commerce. Sponsoring
organizations are Beach Community Bank, Eglin
Federal Credit Union, ZT Motors, White-Wilson
Medical Center, and Sam’s Club, with food provided by Helen Back, Hickory River Smokehouse,
Cinco Baptist Church, Tijuana Flats, The Shrimp
Basket, G.S. Gelato, with additional support
from HealthSource Chiropractic and Progressive
Rehab FWB South, Buffalo Rock Pepsi, Navy
Federal Credit Union, the City of Fort Walton
Beach, and Mary and Edwin Watts. The “Battle
of the Best” games will be organized and directed
by Emerald Coast Social Sports. For more information, contact the Greater
Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce at
850.244.8191 or FWBChamber.com.
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS
April 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 17
FE E
F IRS T
OF
AY C
D
I
R
F
sPONSORED BY
Our sponsors from CenturyLink, Eddie Stone, Area Supervisor,
and James Payne, generously donated most of their time to
Building Homes for Heroes. They are amazing community
partners!
Rep. Matt Gaetz made the introductions as Kelly Hale represented
Building Homes for Heroes. We were so proud that FFC was the venue
when they announced their wonderful gift to 1st Lt. Nathan Nelson and
his wife Jennifer.
Lt. Nelson and Jennifer were thrilled by the gift of a mortgage-free
home tailored to his special needs. And the FFC crowed was so moved
by their service and sacrifice – and honored to witness this special occasion. Not a dry eye in the place!
18 | April 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
MARCH
Door Prize
Contributors
Thank you
to our Members!
Lisa Jo Spencer (2012 Chair) and Ron Grissom (2014
Chair) applauded as Chair LA Woodall announced that
Chamber membership had passed the 2,000 mark!
Firm; Joe Capelotti, Relay for Life; Josh Olis, Xstream Clean
Mobile Services; Shelby Jones, Relax and Breathe Massage by
Shelby.
2015 sponsors
Vera Mae Laver, Tijuana Flats; Jim Herold, Foster’s
Cleaning Service; Libby Anderson, White-Wilson Medical Center; Denise Kendust, Fort Walton Beach Medical
Center; Larry Williamson, PenFed Credit Union; Tim
Perks, Knights of Columbus; Roxanne Anthony, Fort
Walton Beach Community Chorus.
Building Homes for Heroes
Crossroads Animal Clinic
Handwoven by Design
Eglin Federal Credit Union
Horizons Foundation
Dunkin Donuts
First Friday Coffee just keeps growing each month – and this
Costa Leadership
was an especially large and gregarious group. Guess they
Emerald
Coast
Crime Stoppers
like the part about “Making Business Fun!”
Helen Back
The Event Room
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
Xtreme Sports Fan
Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson
The Emerald Coast Public
Relations Organization
Life’s A Beach Publications
Warren Averett
P.S. Gifts
Tijuana Flats
Heritage Museum
Edible Arrangements
White Wilson Medical Center
Carr Riggs Ingram
Bobby Bess, AMI Kids; Dr. Christopher Guess, White-Wilson
Jack of all Trades Productions
Medical Center; Kate Murphy, White-Wilson Medical Center;
First City Bank (Fast Cash at
Charlotte Nenni, Elks Club; David Oberliesen, Oberliesen Law
Breakfast)
April 2015 | www.fwbchamber.com | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 19
NORTHWEST FLORIDA DAILY NEWS
P.O. BOX 2949
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 32549
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
NWFL DAILY NEWS
PERMIT 56
Celebrate with us on May 9th - See page 17 for details!
Thank you to our 2015 CHAMBER sponsors!
Full-Time Full Service Real Estate Agent
with 10 Years Experience
Works with Buyers and Sellers
Specializes in Residential Homes &
"I was a first-time homebuyer using VA
"Our property was very difficult to sell due to the declining
benefits for my purchase. Jan was very patient market in the area but Jan Schaefer came through in each
and quick to respond with all questions I had
and every way, from marketing to closing the sale she is
about the process. Her expertise kept me at everything a true Realtor should be. She worked tirelessly and
ease through the end at closing." -Jay
diligently to make everyone happy. Bring her your needs, she
will have the answers and solutions to them." -Todd
Visit www.TeamJanFL.com to
start your search!
850-684-5565 • [email protected] • TeamJanFL.com
2111435
1st Time Home Buyers