OCTOBER
2016
Saturday, October 8
9 am to 3 pm • Liza Jackson Park
Greater Fort Walton Beach
Chamber of Commerce
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER FORT WALTON BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
A Message From The Chair Of The Board
It’s a Scary Time
Witches and Ghosts and Goblins - Oh My! Halloween is one
of my favorite times of year. It’s a chance to be a kid again, to
be creative, scary, or simply lose your identity for a day. I personally like the cute costumes but have on occasion stepped out on
a limb into scary.
Greater Fort Walton Beach
Chamber of Commerce
OCTOBER EVENTS
First Friday Coffee
sponsored by White-Wilson Medical Center
Friday, October 7, 7:00 am
First Baptist Church-Christian Life Center
21 First Street, SE, Ft Walton Bch
DOG DAZE!
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Liza Jackson Park - FWB
9am to 3 pm
Nothing But Networking
Thursday, October 13, 11:30 am
Shalimar Pointe Golf CLub
Please RSVP at FWBChamber.com
Business After Hours
Thursday, October 20
5:30 to 7:30 pm - Hosted by RPM
Giovanni's One89
189 Brooks Street, SE, FWB
Happy Halloween!
Monday, October 31, 2016
Happy Halloween!
Find information about all
FWB Chamber events at
www.FWBChamber.com
Tammy McGaughy
Chair of the Board
Warren Averett CPA Firm
On a more serious note, did you know that October 2016
marks the 13th Anniversary of National Cyber Security Awareness
Month, dedicated towards engaging and educating the public
about cybersecurity risks and increasing the resiliency of the nation in the event of a cyber-incident?
Throughout October, each week is focused on themes stemming from general awareness to specific emphasize regarding creating a fight against cyber-threats. Have you ever
lost your identity from a security breach? Losing your identity due to cyber-criminals is scary.
Increasing awareness and employing safeguards against cyber-attacks, should lessen the risk.
If you are interested, visit http://www.dhs.gov/national-cyber-security-awareness-month for
more information.
I have recapped each week’s focus in case you are interested in learning how to protect
yourself.
Week 1: General Cybersecurity Awareness: Celebrating 6 Years of Stop.Think.Connect.
Week 2: Creating a Culture of Cybersecurity at Work
Week 3: Connected Communities: Staying Protected While Always Connected
Week 4: Your Evolving Digital Life
Week 5: Building the Next Generation of Cyber Professionals
I encourage you to reach out and find out more information regarding Cyber-security
this month. The information will terrify you, but should cause you to be more cautious in the
future.
Be careful out there!
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]
Tammy McGaughy, 2016 Chair
STOP.
THINK.
CONNECT.
2 | OCTOBER 2016 | www.fwbchamber.com | 70 YEARS! | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
2016 CHAMBER LEADERSHIP TEAM
Executive Committee
A Message From The FWBC President
Thanks Rachelle!
Chair of the Board
Tammy McGaughy, Warren Averett
Chair of the Board-Elect
Bill Roberts, Barnes Insurance & Financial Services
As I have noted in various articles throughout my ten years
here at the Fort Walton Beach Chamber—I love this job.
Immediate Past Chair
LA Woodall, The Arc of the Emerald Coast
Treasurer
Two reasons:
1. All of the members promoting their businesses and collaborating
for the betterment of our community is extremely motivating; and . . .
2. The Chamber staff. I am honored to work with some of the ‘funnest’ hard-working folks who TRULY understand our Mission. They
have sipped from the Chamber Kool Aid well over and over again.
The success of our Chamber falls squarely on their shoulders.
Matt Turpin, Carr, Riggs & Ingram
Section Chair - Professional Development
Mary Tinsley – Edward Jones
Section Chair - Community
Ryan Price – Business Interiors
Section Chair - Special Events
Ron Raybourne – Community Broadcasters, LLC
Section Chair - Networking
Nick Chubb – Cabinets RRR Us
Board of Directors
Term 2016-2018
Charlotte Bergman
Nick Chubb
Ken Hair
Bernard Johnson
Henry Kelley
Stephen Smith
Pam Woodall
Term 2014-2016
Jackie Blue
Mark Dutram
Jason Floyd
Alan Gieseman
Melissa Matern
Ryan Price
Matt Turpin
Term 2015-2017
Mitch Mongell
Ron Raybourne
Bill Roberts
Scott Smith, DC
Eddie Springle
Mary Tinsley
Marcia WrightReynolds
Ted Corcoran, IOM
President/CEO
Thus on behalf of myself, Eppi, Dayna, Seth, Chrissy, Camille and
Pat, we are very sad to note that our favorite special events planner – Rachelle Graves - is moving about one mile down the street. I first met Rachelle at various
Chamber events when she was in the banking world here in town. I guess it was about 4+ years
ago she indicated that she wanted a change of pace from the financial world—and she loved
the Chamber. Well, we had an opening in special events—and poof—this became her new
chosen field! Time at the Chamber is not governed by calendars, but by events. So she leaves
having planned 10 parades, four Bowlegs festivals, several military functions of all styles, over 50
First Friday Coffees and ordered enough Helen Back pizza through the years to feed an army.
But a new challenge awaits at Saltwater Restaurants as they expand their special events
programs—and they have brought on the best to handle that task. We are grateful that she is
just down the street—and we know that any event that our Chamber will now schedule there—
will be handled with perfection. As all of our events have been during Rachelle’s tenure with us.
Thanks, Rachelle Graves, for making all of our Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of
Commerce events—and our opportunity to work with you—so wonderful. Good luck.
Life Directors
C. LeDon Anchors
Charles D. Burgess (Deceased)
Jim Glenn (Deceased)
Kathy Houchins
C. H. Long
Bruce Marshall
Jeanne Rief
Joyce Sanders
H. Gene Smith (Deceased)
Kenneth Williamson (Deceased)
Chamber Staff
President/CEO – Ted Corcoran, IOM
Director of Administration – Seth Luttrell
Director of Marketing/PR - Eppi Azzaretto
Information Specialist – Dayna Stinebiser
Director of Accounting – Chrissy Flanigan
Invaluable Volunteer – Patricia Payne
Camille Webster, Membership Specialist
OCTOBER 2016 | www.fwbchamber.com | 70 YEARS! | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 3
We salute the businesses and
individuals making a
difference in our community!
Six Women Inducted into the Okaloosa County Women’s Hall of Fame
On Tuesday, August 23,
2016, the Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women
(OCCSW) held the 2016 Okaloosa
County Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony and reception
at the Student Services Center at
Northwest Florida State College’s
Niceville Campus. During the
ceremony, the following women,
selected by the OCCSW, were inducted into the Hall of Fame:
Shirley J. Pigott (Shalimar)
Mary Lou Reed (Shalimar)
Linda P. Evanchyk (Ft Walton Bch)
Elaine Tucker (Shalimar)
Almut Flentge-Parker (Ft Walton Bch)
Dr. Alexis Tibbetts (Shalimar)
"These inspiring women
are all assets to our community.
Each of these role models has
made tremendous contributions
to improve the lives of citizens living in our county and should be
recognized for the impact they
have had on our community,"
says Dawn Johnson, Chair of the
Okaloosa County Commission on
the Status of Women.
The Okaloosa County
Women's Hall of Fame is sponsored by the OCCSW and is held in
conjunction with Women’s Equality Day. The Okaloosa County
Women's Hall of Fame recognizes Hall of Fame Honorees Dr. Alexis Tibbetts, Linda Evanchyk, Almut Flentge-Parker,
and honors women who through Shirley Pigott, Mary Lou Reed, and Elaine Tucker.
their lives and efforts make significant contributions and quality- Okaloosa County Court House Niceville City Council Chambers.
of-life improvements. Photos of in Crestview, the Board of Coun- For more information, and to see
the 2016 inductees will be placed ty Commissioner’s building on the past winners, visit the website
permanently on display with the Lewis Turner Boulevard and in the at www.occsw.org.
Walmart Offers New Pickup Service in Fort Walton Beach
The free service enables customers to order groceries online
and pick them up at their local
Walmart store without even leaving their cars.
Grocery
shopping
is
about to get a whole lot easier
for Fort Walton Beach shoppers.
Walmart, the largest grocer in
the U.S., launched its online grocery pickup service at 748 Beal
Parkway Northwest on Aug. 24.
“At Walmart, we have
always been known for saving
our customers money and, with
services like grocery pickup, we
are also saving them valuable
time,” said Phillip Keene, director
of communications for Walmart
in the Southeast. “Our customers
have told us that grocery pick up
is a game changer. They are now
able to complete their grocery
shopping in a matter of minutes –
between errands or on their way
home from an after school activity – without even unbuckling
their seat belts.”
Walmart’s grocery pickup service features 30,000 items
with 90 percent of customers
4 | OCTOBER 2016 | www.fwbchamber.com | 70 YEARS! | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
choosing to add fresh meat,
dairy or produce to their baskets. Other top items selected
by grocery pickup shoppers include after school snacks, diapers and large dog food bags.
Select stores also offer top selling
seasonal items, currently including Back to School supplies. All
items are priced at the same low
prices customers find in their local Walmart store.
Destin Commons Donates to Children in Crisis
Destin Commons presented a
$10,000 donation to Children
in Crisis from funds generated
through their “Coins for a Cause”
program. All parking meter payments collected at Destin Commons are donated to community
charities by this charitable giving
program. CIC will use the donation to feed, clothe, care and
give a home to the children living
at the CIC Neighborhood.
emergency shelter home, five
family foster homes, and a Teen
home. To learn more about CIC
call 850-864-4242 or childrenincrisisfl.org.
Photo left to right: Michelle Sanchez, Destin Commons Marketing
Coordinator, Heather Ruiz, Destin
Commons Marketing Manager,
and Robert Perry, Destin Commons General Manager presents
a $10,000 donation to Children in
Crisis President & CEO Ken Hair,
Allie Noah, CIC Development
Director and Laura Moore, CIC
Volunteer and Events Director.
The funds were given through
the “Coins for a Cause” program
from the parking meter fees and
will be used to feed, clothe, care
and give a home to the children
living at the CIC Neighborhood.
Ken Hair, CIC President & CEO
commented, “We just cut the ribbon on our seventh home for foster children at the CIC Neighborhood and sustaining operations is
now our biggest challenge. “The
support from the Destin Commons Coins for a Cause program
will help us give a home to over
100 children this year that will call
CIC home. Thanks!”
Children in Crisis, Inc. is a nonprofit, 501,(c)(3) charity of caring
people from the community. The
CIC Children’s Neighborhood
gives a home to the abused, neglected and abandoned children from Northwest Florida. The
Children’s Neighborhood has an
Passengers at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport Reach an All-time High
The Destin-Fort Walton
Beach Airport (VPS), is experiencing tremendous growth. July reports are in with a 29 percent increase in passenger traffic for the
month compared to July, 2015.
Passengers reached an all-time
high with 101,528 travelers through
the airport. Overall, passenger
numbers are up almost 13 percent
which represents the highest yearto-date growth in the region.
Most of the growth can
be attributed to our new service
on Allegiant Air and GLO Airlines
which has brought an additional
$7 million in economic impact to
the region to date. Additionally,
American Airlines and United Airlines upgraded from 50-seat regional jet aircraft to the larger,
duel class configured, 76-seat aircraft.
Contour Airlines began
service to VPS on September 1,
with non-stop service from Bowling Green, Kentucky. VPS now has
6 airlines and non-stop service to
15 cities, which is more options
than any airport between New
Orleans and Jacksonville.
OCTOBER 2016 | www.fwbchamber.com | 70 YEARS! | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 5
continued
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park Announces New Team Members
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure
Park is excited to welcome new team
members to the Emerald Coast and the
Gulfarium family. Meredith Horn, Director
of Marketing and Communications, and
Andy Horn, Supervisor of Marine Mammals,
join us with an extensive professional background within the zoological community.
"The pair have a combined investment of
nearly 14 years advocating for conservation and inspiring millions to respect wildlife," said Patrick Berry, General Manager
of the Gulfarium. "This commitment and
expertise will bring great strength to the
Gulfarium's mission to connect guests with
the marine world."
The Gulfarium has been a staple
attraction on Okaloosa Island for over 60
years. "This field is precious," said Meredith
Horn. "Our impact matters now more than
ever, and I am thrilled for the opportunity to
join a team of such passionate advocates
for the animals we all love."
Andy Horn joins two additional
Marine Mammal Supervisors, Rachel Tolley and Brian Martin. "This team will provide an invaluable service to the animals
in our care," said Berry. "Our collaboration
will present an exciting future of innovation
and development for the community."
Insurance Zone Welcomes New Agent, Kim Kurth, to Team
Locally based insurance agency, Insurance Zone, recently welcomed
a new member to their award winning
team with the hiring of commercial and
personal lines Agent, Kim Kurth.
Kurth has lived in the Northwest Florida area for over 25 years. She
started in marketing and PR prior to
owning a watersports business with her
husband for several years. Now specializing in both commercial and personal
lines insurance, as well as auto and life,
Kurth understands the unique challenges of the insurance industry in protecting coastal homes and businesses.
She is an avid college football fan and
particularly cheers for the Crimson Tide
of Alabama.
“We are very excited to welcome Kim to the Insurance Zone team.
She brings unique talents to our organization and a wealth of knowledge in
many diverse areas,” says Joe Capers,
Co-Owner and Co-Founder of Insurance Zone.
For more info, please visit the
Insurance Zone 24-hour online offices
at www.ins-zone.com, find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram;
or call the Insurance Zone office at 850424-6979. Kim Kurth can be reached
directly at 850-424-6979 ext. 120 or via
email at [email protected].
6 | OCTOBER 2016 | www.fwbchamber.com | 70 YEARS! | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Surround yourself
with those on the
same mission
as you.
Saturday, October 8
9 am to 3 pm at Liza Jackson Park
318 Miracle Strip Parkway, SW, Fort Walton Beach
All well-behaved dogs over 6 months of age welcome!
Proof of Rabies vaccination required
Admission Fee: $3 donation per dog
What’s more fun than a circus? For dog
lovers, the answer would be a circus featuring
dogs, of course! And that’s why Dr. Carter Zorn
and the staff at Friendship Veterinary Hospital
have joined with the City of Fort Walton Beach
and the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of
Commerce to present a circus-themed version of
Dog Daze on October 8 at Liza Jackson Park, 318
Miracle Strip Pkwy, SW, Fort Walton Beach. The
event will open at 9 am and continue until 3 pm.
Yes, excitement is building for the Fort Walton Beach Chamber’s annual day of activities for
canines and the families who love them. This is –
without a doubt – the biggest event on your dog’s
social calendar, so don’t disappoint! Come on
down and join the fun! In this fourteenth edition
of this lively event, we expect more than 1,000
dogs and their families to attend. The day will
feature a variety of canine activities, including:
• Pet Parade and Costume Contest
(Theme: “Circus, Circus”)
• Dachshund Races
• Small Dog Stampede
• Rabies and Microchip Clinic
presented by PAWS
• Pet Adoption Services offered by various
pet rescues
• Agility Course
• Vendors with dog-related items
• Food vendors
• Live remote broadcasts from Z96, Coast 93.3
and NASH
All well-behaved dogs above 6 months
of age are invited to attend. Suggested donation is $3 per pet. Proof of up-to-date rabies
vaccination is required (current tag or doctor’s certificate) and will be checked at the
gate. There is no charge for accompanying
(human) family members. Please leash your
dog(s) with a strong, non-retractable leash.
You may complete your registration form in
advance by going to www.FWBChamber.com
and clicking on the Dog Daze banner ad. This
will speed you through the registration line.
Another Greater Fort Walton Beach
Chamber of Commerce Event!
More info at www.fwbchamber.com or 850.244.8191
Greater Fort Walton Beach
Chamber of Commerce
OCTOBER 2016 | www.fwbchamber.com | 70 YEARS! | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 7
Don't Be Left Out, Join the Fun Committee!
If you’re new to the Chamber or have
been wanting to learn more about what RPM
is all about, we encourage you to visit one of
our meetings and check it out for yourself. We
meet every month on the third Tuesday, at the
Brooks Beal Center on Beal Parkway at 7:45
A.M. for networking and breakfast, with the
meeting starting promptly at 8:00 A.M.
What are some of the exciting things
coming up, you ask? Following up on our
Casino Night event at Santa Rosa Mall, we
are preparing for our annual RPM Business
After Hours at Giovanni’s One89 (189 Brooks
St., SE in FWB). This is always a great event –
and we have lots of fun things planned for it.
That’s on Thursday, October 20 – from 5:30 to
7:30 P.M. Don’t miss this one! It’s always the
best-attended Business After Hours of the year!
There will be lots of fun, great networking and
amazing door prizes!
Empower Talks Luncheon
Monday, November 7
11:30 am
(register online at FWBChamber.com)
ResortQuest presents the
Winter Guest Fest
Friday, January 20, 2017
8 am to Noon
T FRID
S
R
If you’d like more information about
this event – or about RPM in general -- contact
the 2016 Chairs, Tracy McCreary of Southern
Star Printing or Bob Harshman of HB Webdudes. Our contact information is below.
Tracy McCreary
Southern Star Printing
333-C Racetrack Rd., NW
Fort Walton Beach, 32547
(850) 226-6760 (Office)
(850) 226-1929 (Cell)
www.SouthernStarPrinting.com
Bob Harshman
HB Webdudes
709 Eglin Parkway, NE
Fort Walton Beach, 32548
(850) 375-0111
AY
SAVE THE
DATE!
This is an amazingly active committee!
We just completed our very exciting and wonderfully successful – AJ’s RPM Roaring 20s Casino Night event at Santa Rosa Mall, and we’ll
soon be writing the checks to our RPM Committee non-profits that were the beneficiaries
of this night of fun! Thanks to our sponsors,
AJ’s, Old Bay Steamers, Gulf Coast Immediate Care, Cumulus Broadcasting, Conexion,
as well as our food and drink sponsors, Timber
Creek, Tijuana Flats, Olive Garden, County
Line Pizza, Giovanni’s One89, Fusion Bistro, and
Sam’s among others.
FI
Although the year is more than halfway over, the RPM Committee still has a lot of
exciting things going on. Not only does the
RPM Committee help you build your business
with our monthly networking – it also helps you
learn HOW to network and promote yourself as
well as other members, and they will learn how
to promote you.
CO
FFEE
Mardi Gras Parade
on Okaloosa Island
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Don't Miss It!
Friday, October 7, 2016
First Friday Coffee
7:00 am
First Baptist Church
Christian Life Center
21 First Street, SE, FWB
Our mission is to strengthen local businesses and enhance the quality of life
in our community by providing services which help businesses help themselves.
Greater Fort Walton Beach
Chamber of Commerce
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO:
WWW.FWBCHAMBER.COM
OR CALL 850.244.8191
8 | OCTOBER 2016 | www.fwbchamber.com | 70 YEARS! | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
FWBHS Debate Team Has Achieved Successes in Local, Regional,
State, and National Tournaments.
Speaking in public, according to the Washington Post,
is the No. 1 greatest fear among
HOW WILL YOU
GROW YOUR
BUSINESS?
COMMUNITY
OUTREACH
Americans. However, at Fort Walton Beach High School, members
of the competitive speech and
debate team are becoming an
exception to the statistic.
Speech and debate at Fort Walton
Beach High School is an activity
that allows students to hone their
skills in public speaking, research,
and argument construction.
Students who participate in
debate reap many benefits -- they
build their confidence, expand
their intellectual boundaries, and
learn the importance of teamwork.
The skills honed in speech and debate are carried forward through
NOTHING BUT
NETWORING
BUSINESS
AFTER HOURS
TOURISM
COMMITTEE
high school, into college and even
into the students’ professional lives.
The speech and debate
team competes in multiple public
speaking and debate categories,
such as student congress, extemporaneous speaking, and LincolnDouglas debate. The team has
achieved successes in local, regional, state, and national tournaments. Last year the team brought
home a third-place trophy at
the Florida Forensic League state
championship.
Each year, the school’s
speech and debate team builds
HEALTHCARE
COMMITTEE
AMBASSADORS
REFERRAL
PARTNERS
upon its achievements, and this
year is not an exception. The team
has goals of qualifying for the National Speech and Debate Association’s National Championship,
qualifying for the prestigious Tournament of Champions, and continuing to dominate their local circuit.
For more information on
the program – including private
sponsorships to offset the cost of
traveling to and participating in
tournaments – contact debate
team coach Tom Conner at 850699-3444.
MILITARY
AFFAIRS
MARKETING
COMMITTEE
WOMEN
CONNECT
Maybe this is a good time to mention...
Our short ER
wait times!
* Wait defined as arrival time until seen by a qualified medical professional.
Message and data rates may apply.
FortWaltonTwinCitiesER.com
2137372
Text ER to 23000 for Average ER Wait Times.
OCTOBER 2016 | www.fwbchamber.com | 70 YEARS! | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 9
Don’t Let Lightning Strike Twice
Hermine reminded
us that we are still in hurricane season for a few more
months.
The aftermath of a severe
storm can bring out the best
in people but it also can bring
out scammers. Be careful if
you find yourself in need of
help recovering after a storm.
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]
As a reminder, your
Better Business Bureau serving
Northwest Florida would like
to remind consumers and
businesses of some of the
most common ‘after-disaster’
scams that involve home and
yard repairs or cleanup.
What To Do
• Document Everything. Check with your insurance company about policy coverage and
specific filing requirements. Save all receipts, including those for food, temporary lodging,
or other items that may be covered expenses. Take photos of all damages and especially
before any repairs have been made.
Jennifer Cassell and Jamie Dwyer from Ramada Place Beach Resort
recently attended the Wyndham Hotel Group Global Conference
and impressed the Wyndham Wyzard with their copy of Coastlines.
• Shop for Services. For major permanent repairs, take time to shop around for contractors,
be sure they are licensed, check out references and visit bbb.org to obtain a list of contractors and their business reviews. Get at least three competitive bids for the repairs.
• Rely on Experts. Don’t trust a worker who shows up on your doorstep to announce that
your home is unsafe. If you are concerned about possible structural damage in your home,
have an engineer, architect, building official or other housing expert inspect it.
• Use Contracts. Request a written contract agreement with anyone you hire. It should
specify the work to be done, the materials to be used, and the price breakdown for both
labor and materials. Review it carefully before signing or paying any money. Be sure that
any oral promises are written into the contract, including warranties on materials and labor.
What To Watch Out For
Nick Chubb was so inspired by reading about the FWB BBQ Festival in
Coastlines that he decided to stop for a BBQ break in Plant City, FL
before driving home through the tail end of Hurricane Hermine.
• Door-to-Door Solicitations. Be wary of door-to-door workers who claim to have leftover
repair materials from a job ‘down the street’ or who do not have a permanent place of
business.
• Phony Tactics. Unscrupulous roofing businesses, for instance, may make big promises
about repairs, or claim the homeowner’s insurance is sure to cover the cost. After you sign
a contract, they’ll require you to make an advance payment. (Frequently the job is never
completed and the insurance company denies the claim.)
• High-Pressure Deals. Don’t be pressured into making an immediate decision with a longterm impact.
• Requests for Up-Front Payments. Never pay for all repairs in advance, and do not pay
with cash.
Tammy Ward - Communications Director
Better Business Bureau Serving Northwest Florida
(850) 429-0002
While our intrepid volunteer Barry Ratcliffe didn’t have a Coastlines,
he was proud to sport his Bowlegs T-shirt when he visited Glacier National Park in Montana. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a hiker's
paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and solitude, and
a much deserved break from volunteering during the 61st Annual Billy
Bowlegs Pirates Festival. Thank you for the photo, Barry!
Our September
Nothing But Networking was held
on a magnificent
day at the Fort
Walton Yacht Club.
They showcased
their wonderful
facility and their
terrific catering skills.
Wonderful food,
great networking, and
short presentations by
Keith Bankston of The
Insurance Center of NW FL, Elaine
Sheldon of Okaloosa Saves, and
Michael Matas of Cox.
Fort Walton Beach
Yacht Club
JOIN US!! October Nothing But Networking
Thursday, October 13, 11:30 am • Shalimar Pointe Golf Club
302 Country Club Rd., Shalimar
Make your reservations at www.FWBChamber.com
OCTOBER 2016 | www.fwbchamber.com | 70 YEARS! | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 11
Thanks to our hosts, Donna and Jeff Harris,
along with their friends and staff: Maney
Kim, Amanda Holmes, Ed Owens, and
Susan Gillen.
Everyone was very excited to go to Run With It in downtown Fort Walton Beach for the August Business After Hours.
Who knew that our hosts, Donna and Jeff Harris, were
caterers in a previous life – so the food was great, the networking was wonderful – and well, the shopping was terrific! Thank you, Jeff and Donna for a wonderful evening.
Join
Us!
10/20
JOIN US for the October Business After Hours
Thursday, October 20, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Hosted by RPM – Referral Partners and Marketing
Giovanni’s One89 •
189 Brooks Street, SE, FWB
12 | OCTOBER 2016 | www.fwbchamber.com | 70 YEARS! | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
OCTOBER 2016 Chamber Calendar of Events
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Community Outreach Committee
Lunch & Learn: Fair Labor
Standards Act Overtime Rule
7:45 am
Friday, October 14, 2016
New Member Lunch
11:45 am
Monday, October 17, 2016
MAC Meeting
Friday, October 7, 2016
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
First Friday Coffee
7:00 am
RPM Meeting
Tourism Committee
Saturday, October 8, 2016
DOG DAZE!
11:30am
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Healthcare Committee 8:00 am
Government Affairs 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Lunch & Learn: Car Buying Class
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Nothing But Networking Shalimar Pointe Golf Club
11:30am
11:30 am
11:30 am
8:00 am
11:30 am-1:00 pm
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Ambassadors Meeting
7:45 am
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Board of Directors 11:30 am
Business After Hours 5:30 am - 7:30 pm
Hosted by RPM – Referral Partners and Marketing
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Women Connect Committee
11:30am
Monday, October 31, 2016
Happy Halloween!
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. Call the Chamber at 244-8191 to
reserve your spot or to get answers to your questions.
OCTOBER
Log-On For Up-To-Date Chamber & Community Events
Fort Walton each Chamber of Commerce Website
www.fwbChamber.com
Unless otherwise noted, ALL meetings will be held at the Fort Walton Chamber Of Commerce.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Community Outreach
Committee 7:45 am
FRIDAY
First Friday Coffee
7:00am
Lunch & Learn: Fair Labor
11:30am
Healthcare
Committee 8:00am
Government
Affairs
11:30am
MAC Meeting
11:30am
RPM Meeting 8am
Tourism Committee
11:30am-1:00pm
Lunch & Learn: Car
Buying Class
11:30am
Nothing But
Networking
11:30am
Ambassadors
Meeting 7:45am
Board of Directors
11:30am
2016
SATURDAY
DOG DAZE!
9 am to 3 pm
New Member
Lunch 11:45am
Business After Hours
5:30-7:30pm
Women Connect
11:30am-1:00pm
Happy Halloween!
OCTOBER 2016 | www.fwbchamber.com | 70 YEARS! | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 13
NEW MEMBERS
Greater Fort Walton Beach
Chamber of Commerce
Rico Dymond
Project Hope Recovery Center
Jimy Thorpe
A Superior Air Conditioning Company
20512 Panama City Bch Pkwy
Panama City Beach, 32413
850-258-3225
TJ Ball
Caring Man in a Van
2500 Elkhart Dr.
Navarre, 32566
850-710-0826
Lexy Cruz
Emerald Coast Parent Magazine
P. O. Box 850
Destin, 32540
850-716-2893
CHIROPRACTIC
HealthSource FWB North
Headaches? Neck Pain? Back Pain?
Try Chiropractic!
850-200-4911
430 NE Racetrack Rd, STE B
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
www.HealthSourceFWB.com
1732 West Co. Hwy 30A
Santa Rosa Beach, 32459
850-267-0931
Kacy Turpin
G and Co. Gallery
Demetrius Hubbard
Your Car Agent
36150 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Suite 106
Destin, 32541
850-650-0779
217 Miracle Strip Pkwy
Fort Walton Beach, 32548
850-460-3326
Sheila Hale
Healing Paws for Warriors
Jimmy Jones
All Clear Restoration
P. O. Box 4373
Fort Walton Beach, 32549
850-716-8198
75 Commercial Parkway
Santa Rosa Beach, 32459
850-267-9900
Colleen Smith
Holiday Inn Express-Eglin AFB
Rob Kirila
49
$
EX AM
Includes
Digital X-rays
PHYSICALS
School & Sports $35
Our office policy is: The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to
pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination, or treatment
which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for free,
discounted fee or reduced fee service, examination or treatment. This offer does not apply to Federal
Beneficiaries and ACN participants.
213782
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN
FOR AS LITTLE AS
$40/MONTH.
call your local sales representative at
850-315-4343
Laura Holloway
The Storyteller Agency
112 Hollywood Blvd.
Fort Walton Beach, 32548
877-491-3816
106 Bayshore Dr.
Niceville, 32578
850-678-9131
Dr. Scott R. Smith, DC
AUGUST 2016
Valparaiso, 32580
850-733-8102
Tammy Lantz
Panhandle Nutrition & Lactation
Niceville, 32578
850-659-3557
Mike Marston
XL Kites
42 Miracle Strip Pkwy, SE
Fort Walton Beach, 32548
850-243-5483
James Pitts
New Zion Tabernacle Ministries
120 Patrick Drive
Fort Walton Beach, 32547
Yul Prince
Mary Esther, 32569
301-448-3263
LUNCH
AND LEARNS
OCTOBER
Greater Fort Walton Beach
Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, Oct. 4 – 11:30 am
Landrum HR Seminar & Discussion – Fair Labor
Standards Act Overtime Rule
Wednesday, Oct. 12 – 11:30 am
Car Buying Class – “Understanding the Game”
Presented by Your Car Agent Demetrius Hubbard
These Free Lunch & Learns are a great benefit of your
Chamber membership! No charge to attend – please reserve
your spot on the Chamber Calendar at FWBChamber.com
14 | OCTOBER 2016 | www.fwbchamber.com | 70 YEARS! | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
MEMBERS
get
it!
MEMBERSHIP
AUGUST 2016
Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance of
NWFSC
Coldwell Banker Residential
MidSouth Bank
21st Century Urology
Comfort Inn & Suites
Navy Federal Credit Union
Santa Rosa Mall
Ace Courier & Delivery Services
Creative Web Solutions, LLC
NBI Properties, Inc.
Shrimp Basket of Fort Walton
Advanced Lawn Control, Inc.
De’France Indoor Flea Market An-
Neese Automotive
Sinfonia Gulf Coast
Alaqua Animal Refuge
tiques & Collectibles
Northwest Florida Track Club
Space Walk of Crestview and Fort
Anchors Smith Grimsley
Elliott Point Elementary School
Norton Insurance of Florida
Walton Beach
Avon Independent Sales
Emerald Coast Chorus
Okaloosa Community Development
Success with Desley
Representative Terri Lovell
Fisher House of the Emerald Coast,
Corporation
The Surf Hut Restaurant & Bar
B & C Fire Safety, Inc.
Inc.
Okaloosa County School District
Tijuana Flats
Barnes Insurance & Financial Services
Fort Walton Mitsubishi
Orthopaedic Associates
Wayne Harris Campaign for FL House
Best Western Fort Walton Beachfront
Fort Walton Sail & Power Squadron
Piggy Wiggly of FWB, LLC
District 4
Hotel
Fudpucker’s on the Island
Pioneer Technologies Creative Group
The Wellness Champions
BIG Red Truck
Global Transmissions & Automotive
PMI Emerald Coast Chapter
West Florida Area Health Education
Bodyworks by Bull Therapeutic
Service
Randy Wise Homes, Inc.
Center
Massage
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Regions Bank
White-Wilson Community Foundation
Carol E. Evans, CPA
HealthSource Chiropractic FWB North
Ride On/West FL Regional Planning
Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone
Carpet City
Howard Fisher, DDS
Council
Workspace Suites
Carter & Company, CPA, LLC
Joe Hudson’s Collision Center
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald
Wyndham Vacation Ownership
Charter Boat Sunrise
Dr. John R. Brent
Coast
Matthew Jones & Hawkins LLP
Thank you to our 2016 sponsors!
OCTOBER 2016 | www.fwbchamber.com | 70 YEARS! | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 15
s
g
n
i
t
t
u
C
R ib b o n
Our mission
Children in Criris – Ty Pennington Home
1000 Luke’s Way, Fort Walton Beach, 32547
850-864-4242
Basket weaving classes are available this fall -Learn a new skill with your friends!
Caring
for your loved ones as
if they are our own.
2137824
Thanks to a partnership with the Center for
Lifelong Learning and Handwoven by Design
Contact Alice at Handwoven by Design
for more information at 850-855-9388
Jeff Stanley Pressure Washing
Navarre, FL
850-810-2135
2137826
Chamber of Commerce
is to strengthen local businesses and
enhance the quality of life in our community by providing
services which help businesses help themselves.
Call today to schedule your personal tour & complimentary lunch!
2000
Principal Lane
Lane (off
(off Mar
Mar Walt
Walt Dr.)
Dr.)Ft.
Ft.Walton
Beach, FL
2000 Principal
Walton Beach,
FL 32547
32547
www.belvederecommonsfortwaltonbeach.com
www.belvederecommonsfortwaltonbeach.com •• 850.243.7735
850.243.7735
2137820
Greater Fort Walton Beach
Thank you for providing
beautiful cakes for our
Ribbon Cuttings! These
are special events in the
lives of our local business
owners and should be celebrated! We appreciate
your help in making these
events memorable!
Assisted Living Lic. # 9819
16 | OCTOBER 2016 | www.fwbchamber.com | 70 YEARS! | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Nightingale Health Care
151 Mary Esther Blvd., Ste. 408, Mary Esther, 32569
850-533-6244
Schnitzel Brew House
98 Eglin Pkwy, NE, Ste. 8, Fort Walton Beach, 32548
850-226-4796
One Hopeful Place
1564 Percy Coleman Rd., Fort Walton Beach
Your Car Agent
217 Miracle Strip Pkwy, SE ,Fort Walton Beach, 32548
850-460-3326
Government Affairs Committee Meeting October 11
This month’s Government Affairs meeting will be
Tuesday October 11th. The meeting will be held in the
Chamber’s large meeting room. The meeting runs from
Noon to 1PM, but come 30 minutes early to network and
enjoy the ‘brown bag’ lunch that you bring.
We will have two speakers this month. Michael
Beedie, FWB City Manager will provide an update on
projects in process and planned for the City. John Hofstad, Okaloosa County Administrator, will be our second
speaker. Mr. Hofstad will provide us with current plans for
the County and major issues that our County needs to address. Both speakers will be available for Q & A.
Don’t neglect to VOTE in November – it’s your civic duty and your chance to be heard!
Nick Chubb
Chairman, Government Affairs
Committee
OCTOBER 2016 | www.fwbchamber.com | 70 YEARS! | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 17
FI
AY
T FRID
S
R
CO
Thank you!
First Friday Coffee sponsor
Thanks to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center
for sponsoring the September FFC.
FFEE
u
We’ve always enjoyed the September FFC sponsorship from Fort Walton Beach Medical Center – and
admired the way they’ve shared their time with
worthy non-profits such as Fresh Start for Children
and Families and United Way. Here we have Denise
Kendust (FWBMC), Tracey Williams (Fresh Start), Mitch
Mongell (FWBMC), Rick Owen (United Way) and
Vicki Tarro (FWBMC).
p
RJ Murdock of EmeraldCoastTV.com is so generous with his technical
skills and time. Each month he tapes the proceedings, edits the video, and
posts it on his ECITV.com website. Want to see yourself winning a door prize
from a generous sponsor? That’s the place to see it!
p
Dr. Scott Smith of HealthSource Chiropractic FWB North has been
very generous this year by sponsoring the Fast Cash at Breakfast drawing. There have been a few lucky winners throughout the year, but
none in the September drawing, so it will roll over to October – for $200!
18 | OCTOBER 2016 | www.fwbchamber.com | 70 YEARS! | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Welcome New Members!
FI
AY
T FRID
S
R
t The RPM crowd were marketing
geniuses, taking the New Member
Introduction opportunity to promote
their upcoming Ribbon Cutting for the
new location for some of their members:
Paul Montalvo (Professional Computer
Training and Services) was mentoring
Christy Smith of White-Wilson Medical
Center; Nicole and Bob Harshman of
HB Webdudes were also promoting
the ribbon cutting, and Bernita Everett
(First City Bank) enjoyed meeting this
energetic bunch.
CO
FFEE
SEPTEMBER
Door Prize
DONATiONS
Thank you!
Fort Walton Beach Medical Center
t Other new members were:
Brian Muskus, (Knights of Columbus);
Demetrius Hubbard (Your Car Agent);
James Pitts (New Zion Tabernacle
Ministries); and Mike Amato (BMW
of Fort Walton Beach).
Santa Rosa Mall
United for a Good Cause, Inc.
RPM Committee
Silver Slipper Casino
The Breakfast Table Café
White-Wilson Medical Center
Heritage Museum of Northwest FL
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation
Eglin Federal Credit Union
Pyramid Players of Pyramid, Inc.
t
Don’t’ forget to say Hello when
you see these new Chamber members out in the community! Laura
Hollaway (The Storyteller Agency);
Charlotte Bachman (FlyGlo); Alex
D’Amico (All Risk Insurance); Desley
Parker (Success with Desley) – not a
new member certainly, but one with
new skills and services; and Meredith
Horn (Gulfarium Marine Adventure
Park).
T FRID
FI
Especially when it's with more than 300 local business people.
Join us at the October First Friday Coffee on Friday, October 7
RS
CO
AY
Coffee is always a good idea for you and your business!
The Wellness Champions
Emerald Coast Public Relations
Organization
Downtown Fort Walton Beach
Organization
Painting with a Twist
American Cancer Society
Gold’s Gym
HB Webdudes
Mary Kay Independent Sales
Director Debbie Dodge
United Way
FFEE
Fresh Start
OCTOBER 2016 | www.fwbchamber.com | 70 YEARS! | The Official Publication of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce | 19
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NWFL DAILY NEWS
PERMIT 56
NORTHWEST FLORIDA DAILY NEWS
P.O. BOX 2949
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 32549
BELIEVE
THE HYPE!
LIVING LIFE
TO THE
FULLEST IN
MODERATION
Greater Fort Walton Beach
Chamber of Commerce
As Investment firms go, we tend to go a little easier on the
Candace Collister Charles C. West, ChFC® Jessica Davenport, AAMS® gas pedal than most. But the way we see it, sticking to the
Registered Associate Branch Mgr / Financial Planner
fundamentals can prove pretty exhilarating. It’s a good time
Financial Planner
to discover the true value of what our thoughtful, deliberate
Chris Latta, CFP®
Kelly Latta
Clay Brock
approach can do for you.
Financial Advisor
Financial Planner
Financial Planner
LIKE SHAKING HANDS WITH MORE THAN 2,000 LOCAL BUSINESS PEOPLE.
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
2131007
LIFE WELL PLANNED.
2114945
Investment Mgt Consultant
KNOW SOMEONE
WHO KNOWS
SOMEONE WHO
KNOWS SOMEONE.
*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.
Thank you to our 2016 sponsors!
Take your business
to the next level!
Greater Fort Walton Beach
Chamber of Commerce