Bay County Chamber - January 2011 Bay Biz

JANUARY - MARCH, 2011

EDUCATION

POLITICALPERSPECTIVE

TAKING STEPS FORA SUCCESSFUL 2011

VOL. 1/ISSUE 1 - $3.95

ECONOMIC PROFILE

A.D. HARRIS - thenew home for aCommunity Learning Village

Meet the newleaders of 2011

The Data of 2010

JAN-MAR 2011 | BAY BIZ 3

6 President’s Message

7 Bay Biz Founder, Frank J. Bacen, Jr., CCE

8 Political Perspective

10 New Members

11 Member Anniversaries

13 Trends: Anytime, Anywhere with Mobile Banking

14 Best Practices for Business: Marketing on the Move

16 Education: A.D. Harris Community Learning Village

17 Education: Improving Career Education for Our Future Workforce

18 Bay County Chamber Executive Committee - Taking Steps for a Successful 2011

22 Out N’ About

23 Defense Intel: Bay Defense Alliance

25 Bay Young Professionals to Know

27 Calendar

29 The Biz List

32 Economic Indicators

Contents

17

14

16

JANUARY 2011

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4 BAY BIZ | JAN-MAR 2011

PUBLISHERCarol Roberts

EXECUTIVE EDITORCrystal Shuller

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSTanya DealPat Holley

Jackie AcelloJanice LucasChris Avondet

Heather KretzerTom Neubauer

DESIGNCreative Marketing Concepts

COVER & INSIDE PHOTOGRAPHYBay County Chamber Executive Committee Photo

(Brian Baumgardner not pictured)

Melody Barton www.MelodyBarton.com

ADVERTISINGKevin Bell

1.800.264.4958 [email protected]

A special Thank You to the Bay County Chamber Public Relations Committee for your hard work in making the Bay Biz Magazine a reality!

Bay Biz Magazinec/o Bay County Chamber of Commerce

235 W. 5th St.P.O. Box 1850

Panama City, Florida 32402Phone: 850.785.5206

Email: [email protected] Online: www.panamacity.org

Facebook: Bay County ChamberTwitter: @baychamberfl

The Bay Biz is published quarterly by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. P.O. Box 1850, Panama City, FL 32402. 850.785.5206

POSTMASTER send address changes to The Bay County Chamber, P.O. Box 1850, Panama City, FL 32402 or email [email protected].

The Bay Biz welcomes story ideas from its readers. Email to [email protected]. Each Chamber Member Organization receives one copy. To request a copy contact [email protected] or call 850.215.3755.

What Do We All Have in Common?

Bay CountyChamber Members

Can Join!Member NCUA

pefcu.org850.769.3306

Ron & Debra PerkinsOwners, Pro Floors Plus

Matt & Mynta HarbisonOwners, Los Antojitos Restaurant

Jason SteversonOwner, Steverson Air Conditioning


Wells-Ad-BayBiz:Layout 1 12/2/10 11:51 AM Page 1


Happy New Year! It’s the time of year when we can start anew and turn the page to our future while sharing optimism for 2011. Last year was a tough and rocky road with the down economy and the Gulf Oil Spill. However we have many things to be proud of including the way our community organizations came together to support each other in these tough times and our

beautiful and successful new airport.

The Bay County Chamber of Commerce is in the business of working for the betterment of its members, and will continue to make Bay County the best place to live, work and play! We are starting off by bringing you this wonderful renewed business resource magazine, The Bay Biz. The Bay Biz has been around since the early 80’s and has gone through many transitional formats in its long history. It was started as a Bay County Chamber newsletter in the form of a magazine by our past Executive Vice President, Frank Bacen. Frank, who dedicated many years to the Chamber, had the vision of giving the membership and community a way to be kept informed on Chamber/member news and activities. With the hopes to grow our community and assist our membership, the Chamber and the Public Relations Committee, have taken that vision and expanded on it. Your Bay Biz will now be a quarterly magazine and “The Voice of Business from the Bay County Chamber of Commerce”. As a business resource magazine it will now offer you articles in relation to Political Perspective, Defense Intel, Business Trends, Education, Best Practices for Business from Chamber members, The Biz List, and Economic Profile (economic numbers such as unemployment, bed taxes, airport data, sales taxes, home sales and more). Our goal is that you will keep the Bay Biz throughout each quarter and refer back to it during your business needs. Keep in mind that we will continue our Bay County Chamber e-newsletter the first Tuesday of each month (prior to First Friday). With the e-newsletter you will still be kept current on Chamber/Member news and events.

Like all new years, 2011 will bring challenges; however, rest assured, your Chamber is here for you. With your membership, we offer great networking opportunities: First Friday, Business After Hours, educational seminars, committee service, Business Referral Groups, Leadership Bay and Bay Young Professionals, just to name a few. All of these create an excellent environment for creating new professional relationships. Your business can also market its goods and services through the Chamber by advertising in the Bay Biz, e-newsletter, Chamber website, Relocation Guide, First Friday, Business After

Hours and other event sponsorships, Airport Business Center, Chamber lobby and many more.

If not already, I ask you to get involved in your Chamber’s activities this coming year. With your award winning “2010 Chamber of the Year”, you, your business, the community and the Chamber will all prosper because of your participation.

With the passing of the gavel from our wonderful 2010 Chairman of the Board - David Powell - to our new 2011 Chairman - Bo Rivard - our dedicated board, membership and staff this year is sure to be a successful one. Together, let’s embrace the challenges and successes of the New Year!

Sincerely,

Carol RobertsPresident/CEO Bay County Chamber of Commerce

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Introducing the area’s only Pediatric ER.

It’s important to remember that children aren’t little adults, and that their bodies and injuries require specializedattention and care.

You’d do anything for your children.So why not make the right choice in health care?

Her fi rst word. Her fi rst step. Are you ready for her fi rst emergency?

The Area’s Shortest Average ER Wait Times

449 W. 23RD STREETPANAMA CITY, FLORIDA 32405

(850) 769-8341 • WWW.GCMC-PC.COM

EMERGENCY PEDIATRICS AGES 0 UP TO 18

The Area’s Shortest Average ER Wait Times

AGES 0 UP TO 18

• Pediatric triage

• Pediatric-friendly rooms

• Pediatric-specifi c beds

• Labor & Delivery

• Area’s only Level 2 NICU

• Area’s largest Pediatric

Specialty Unit

• Area’s only Pediatric ER

• More Pediatric specialists

and subspecialists on staff

than any other area hospital

• Pediatric triage

• Pediatric-specifi c beds


• Area’s only Pediatric ER

• Area’s largest Pediatric

Specialty Unit


316-043_GCMC_Peds_4.25x5.5_4c.indd 1 11/30/10 12:02 PM

Bay Biz Founder, Frank J. Bacen, Jr., CCEFrank started at the Chamber in 1971 and retired in late 1996. Majoring in Journalism, Frank had a passion for writing. Under his leadership, Bay Biz was born in the Spring of 1984.

Below is an excerpt from his last issue “Publishers Post Scrip”:

Time does fly when you’re having fun. For the most part, fun is what I’ve had in more than 39 years of Chamber of Commerce work that began for me in Hollywood, Florida, on October 4, 1956 – eight days after discharge from the 1st Infantry Division and nine days before getting married.

Almost 15 years later, on July 15, 1971, I came to work here as executive vice president of the then Panama City Chamber of Commerce. I had been selected by a search committee comprised of Deck Hull of Hull Oil Co., Bill Fields of Dad ‘N Lad, Frank Parker of Jinks Lumber Co., Charles Rosser of Bay Bank and Henry Vickery of the Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

A few days later, I was speaker at the Chamber Annual Dinner in the Four Winds Restaurant, where I had the pleasure of being introduced by Lauren Merriam. Entertainment for the event consisted of several comedy skits written, produced and performed by Ray Holloway and Donnell Brookins.

It was all such a short time ago. Now, I suddenly feel like a deer caught in the headlights of my rapidly approaching March 31 retirement date. Where did all those years go?

When I started working here, the Chamber consisted of a First Friday Club, a Committee of 100, and an all-male Military Affairs Committee. Along the evolutionary pathway there have been countless rewarding experiences.

One was the especially challenging period when I wore two hats: Chamber EVP and EDC Director. SallieMae, Grolier Telemarketing, Saunders Engine Co., Easter Industries, Fiberoptic Engineering, Allied Signal, Wellstream, Cargill Steel and GE Distribution were among the firms landed then.

Another was bringing Bay Biz magazine into being in early 1984 and having it win several national awards during the succeeding years. If you have enjoyed receiving Bay Biz half as much as I’ve enjoyed bringing it to you, then we’ve both had a good time.

Over the years, I’ve had the great good fortune to work with a consistently high quality of volunteer leadership and an outstanding collection of talented staff members. Most important of all, I’ve had the love, support and understanding of my wonderful wife, Mariann. We contemplate no relocation after retirement. There is no place like Bay County and there are no people like Bay Countians. God bless you all. •

Various Bay Biz formats through the years.

Frank Bacen, 1970’s


Rick ScottGovernor

Florida’s Governor-Elect, Rick Scott, is 59 years old, was born in Bloomington, Il, but grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. He and wife Ann, now living in Naples, are the parents of three children.

Governor-Elect Scott spent several years in the Navy, following high school, be-fore entering the University of Missouri. While in college he ventured into the busi-ness world for the first time; buying and reviving two donut shops in Kansas City. After acquiring his bache-lor’s degree he attended Southern Methodist Univer-sity, where he received his law degree. Subsequently he practiced law in Dallas, Texas. In 1987 he helped found Columbia Health Care and two years later merged it with Hospital Corporation of America. Columbia/HCA became the largest private for-prof-it healthcare company in the United States. After

leaving the company, Mr. Scott became a venture capitalist, concentrating on mergers and acquisi-tions. In 2009 he founded a group known as Conser-vatives for Patients Rights in order to push for enact-ment of healthcare legisla-tion that would be based on free-market principles. “Let’s get to work,” has be-come a significant mantra for his administration. In his victory speech, Governor-Elect Scott promises to look at everything the gov-ernment does with a fresh eye and set goals with real numbers. Mr. Scott has become Florida’s 45th Governor.

Marco RubioU.S. Senate

Our newest Senator was born to Cuban immigrant parents in Miami in 1971. Mr. Rubio and his wife Jea-nette are the parents of four children. They cur-rently live in the same working class neighbor-hood in West Miami where

his parents live.He graduated from the University of Florida in 1993 and the University of Mi-ami, cum laude, with his law degree in 1996. Mr. Ru-bio has a distinguished ca-reer in politics for someone not yet forty years old.

From 2000-2008, he served in the Florida House of Representatives. During this eight year period, he served as Majority Whip, Majority Leader and finally as Speaker of the House. He championed an agen-da of lower taxes, better schools, leaner govern-ment and free market em-powerment.

Since leaving the legisla-ture, he has resumed his law practice, worked as an analyst for Univision and as Florida’s Chairman of GOPAC. He has remained active in his community and civic organizations. He has had the support of the Republican Party, for-mer Governor Jeb Bush, The Tea Party and the Latin community.

Now that Senator-elect Rubio was sworn in for the 112th Congress on Janu-ary 3rd he is the young-est member of the United States Senate.

Steve SoutherlandU.S. Congressman

Our newest congressman for the 2nd Congressio-nal District, Steve Souther-land is the first Republican elected to this seat in over 100 years and the first from Bay County. He prefers to be called Representative rather than Congressman, as he wants to reflect that he represents all the peo-ple in his district, the state and the country.

Mr. Southerland and his wife of 23 years are the parents of four daughters. He was raised in Panama City and the fourth gen-eration of his family to live in Bay County. He has a bachelors’ degree from Troy State University and an Associates degree from Jefferson State College in Mortuary Science. He is the co-owner and Presi-dent of Southerland Family Funeral Homes, which was founded in 1955.

He has been active in the community for many years

Political Perspective:New Leaders of 2011The 2010 election year is finally over and 2011 will see many new faces on the political front. With a new Governor, United States Senator, Congressman and several new local officials, this year may prove to be a positive year for the business community.


before deciding that he should throw his hat into the ring to try to change the direction of our coun-try. As a past chairman of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and a small businessman, he believes he understands the prob-lems facing the business community. He has had the support of the Repub-lican Party and the Tea Party. He was a founding member of Bay Patriots.

Mr. Southerland has as one of his top priorities, the shrinking of the federal government by cutting taxes and spending, as well as rolling back federal regulations. “Every dollar Congress has is a dollar that is taken away from the family budget and from small business,” says the newest Congressman. He says that small busi-nesses are battling sense-less regulation, which he compares to the over-powering Kudzu vines.

Guy TunnellBay County Commissioner

As the newest member of the Bay County Commis-sion, Mr. Tunnell will rep-resent the 4th District. He was born and raised in Bay County.

He and wife Patty are the parents of three sons and two grandchildren. He has a masters degree in Crimi-

nal Justice. He was the Bay County Sheriff from 1989 – 2003 and was ap-pointed Director of FDLE in 2003, a job held for three years.

Commissioner Tunnell takes over the seat of retiring Commissioner Jerry Girvin. He was sworn into office on November 16th and ex-pressed his desire to get to work for the people of Bay County. His initial agenda is to get to know the coun-ty departments and em-ployees.

He is a firm believer that the commission needs to be a force in creating jobs in our community. Accord-ing to Commissioner Tun-nell, “beyond the efficient management of your tax dollar, we as a Commission have an obligation to you to support new jobs and a better way of life for all. As your county government, we need to do more for new and existing indus-tries.”

Steve MossBay District School Board District 5

Steve Moss is the new school board member from District 5, the seat previously held by Donna Allen. Mr. Moss is an alum-nus of the University of Flor-ida and has completed numerous post-graduate courses in finance. He be-lieves his financial back-

ground is going to be a real asset in working on the fiscal side of the dis-trict, particularly with the tough financial times we are experiencing.

Mr. Moss is 35 years old, married to a district school teacher and the father of two children in Bay County public schools. He is look-ing forward to getting down to work for the stu-dents of Bay County.

“It was indeed time for a new generation of leaders to step up. I promise to do my part,” says Mr. Moss.

Joe Wayne WalkerBay District School Board District 1

A career educator, Mr. Walker was elected to the District 1 seat previously held by Pat Sabiston. He is a life-long resident of Bay County and has taught at Bay High School for 38 years, retiring in 2010. He holds a bachelors’ degree in Physical Education from the University of West Flori-da and a Master in Admin-istration from Southeastern Louisiana University.

He is a strong supporter for vocational education and believes that it is under-valued and too restrictive. He believes that focusing on student discipline would help teachers have more time for in-struction in the class-

room. “Teachers should be empowered to teach and class-room disruption should be dealt with constructive-ly,” says Mr. Walker.

Jimmy PatronisRe-elected to the Florida House of Representatives, District 6

Rep. Patronis, elected to the House in 2006, was subsequently reelected.

Marti ColeyRe-elected to the Florida House of Representatives, District 7

Rep. Coley, elected to the House in 2005, was subse-quently reelected.


Allstate Harry Grizzle Agency 2104 W. 23rd St. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 832-8900 Bay Clinic of Chiropratic 2410 Lisenby Ave. Panama City, FL 32405 (850) 785-9372 Grace Community Publishing2310 S. Hwy 77 Ste 110 #239Lynn Haven, FL 32444 (850) 532-5644 Integration Innovation, Inc2518 Hwy 77, Ste. A Lynn Haven, FL 32444 (850) 832-6016 Mainstay Suites PCB7909 PCB Parkway Panama City Beach, FL 32408(850) 233-7829 Pirates Island Adventure Golf9518 Front Beach Rd.Panama City Beach, FL 32407(850) 235-1171 Purvis Systems Incorporated5922 Magnolia Beach Rd. Panama City Beach, FL 32408(850) 249-1655 Rayfield Distributors8147 Heritage Woods Dr.Panama City, FL 32404(850) 832-5306

Shark’s Tooth Golf Club2003 Wild Heron WayPanama City Beach, FL 32413(850) 249-3041

St. Dominic Catholic Church3308 E. 15th St.Panama City, FL 32405(850) 785-4574

Steve Wiggins 160 Rusty Gans Dr.Panama City Beach, FL 32408(850) 527-6005

Adams Produce of Destin239 Main St. #CDestin, FL 32541(850) 469-1996

Business Networking International13800 PCB Pkwy., Ste 106 D Panama City Beach, FL 32407(850) 625-5333

Curry Print2505 West 15th StreetPanama City, FL 32401(850) 747-9000

Siemens447 Grace AvenuePanama City, FL 32401(850) 914-9501

Emerald Bay Surgical Associates2195 Jenks Ave. Ste. CPanama City, FL 32405(850) 522-5022

Layla’s Gelato1131 Beck Ave.Panama City, FL 32401(850) 215-1573

Shalimar Retreat & Conference Center203 Shalimar StreetPanama City Beach, FL 32413(850) 236-0197

[email protected] City, FL(850) 449-9583

Sophia’s Costumes1107 Beck Ave.Panama City, FL 32401(850) 215-1121

Sterling Resorts/ Laketown Wharf12011 Front Beach Rd.Panama City Beach, FL 32407(850) 563-0463

Trigo San Francisco Style Deli119 Harrison Ave.Panama City, FL 32401(850) 481-0132

BASIC of NWFL, Inc.432 Magnolia Ave.Panama City, FL 32402(850) 785-1088

Bay County Awards & Engraving304 W. 15th St.Panama City, FL 32401(850) 763-5208

Plastic Surgery Institute & Spa & Coastal Urgent Care1702 Hwy 77Lynn Haven, FL 32444(850) 647-8825

The UPS Store #585613800 PCB Parkway Ste. 106DPanama City Beach, FL 32408(850) 236-8779

The UPS Store #60671016 Thomas Dr.Panama City Beach, FL 32408(850) 249-2597

Welcome Home Vets, Inc.PO Box 9421Panama City, FL 32417(850) 763-3345

New Members for October, November and December 2010


Member AnniversariesRecognizing renewing members for their dedication at 5 year intervals.

Onyx - 5 YearsAnderson & Associates Construction, Inc.Courtyard By MarriottGulf Coast Women’s ClubLiving Word FellowshipRBC BankSimon Property Group

Ruby - 10 YearsMr. Bob WatfordRedco Recycling

Emerald - 20 YearsArizona ChemicalGrease Pro, Inc.Jack G. WilliamsTyndall AFB InstallationTyndall AFB Public Affairs

Silver - 25 YearsFairpoint CommunicationsMarch of DimesSmurfit-Stone ContainerSpecialists of the South, Inc.Workforce Center

Pearl - 30 YearsBay County Association of REALTORS

for October, November and December 2010


®

Consumers trust usLet them know they can trust you

Your Better Business Bureau of Northwest Florida received over 300,000 inquiries from consumers last year.

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

Contact BBB at 850.429.0002 or start with bbb.org to ask about BBB

Accreditation

BayBiz 7 in 10.indd 1 11/18/2010 4:41:26 PM

Life Style StudioMelody Barton

www.MelodyBarton.com

Engagement • Proposal • Wedding • Family • Baby Events • Scenic • Senior Class • Maternity • & more

850.215.7673

State Representative Jimmy Patronis would like to congratulate the

Bay County Chamber of Commerce on the new Bay Biz Magazine!


TRENDS: Anytime, Anywhere with MOBILE BANKINGby Tanya Deal, Panhandle Educators FCU, PR Committee Contributing Writer

While mobile banking has been around for a few years, the service has recently taken off in popularity (particularly with our texting generation). It’s no surprise as most of us are dependent on our mobile phones for so many aspects of our lives.

Mobile banking is a way for you to perform banking actions on your cell phone or other mobile device and allows you to access your financial accounts anytime, anywhere. Mobile banking fits in well with a busy, technologically oriented lifestyle. It is sometimes referred to as M-banking or SMS banking.

The type of banking you are able to do on your mobile device varies depending on your financial institution. The most basic service allows you to receive text alerts but most services now allow you to view your accounts, conduct transactions, transfer funds, pay bills and more.

While you can access your online banking accounts through the internet with your mobile device, using a mobile banking service gives you screen optimization as the specific information or transaction you wish to see is available without all the additional information, banners and advertising. The optimized experience for the consumer comes through best in an application(app) that is downloaded to the user’s mobile phone. The app allows for the user to navigate the banking experience and efficiently interact with their accounts online.

Mobile banking is typically a free service provided by your credit union or bank, but every mobile carrier has a different rate plan for text messaging and data services access. You may be charged per use or charged a flat monthly rate so be sure to contact your mobile carrier to determine their charges before signing up.

A number of security features are built in such as a registration process which includes an activation code. Check with your mobile carrier and financial institution for details on security provided. No mobile banking text message should ever return any personal identifiable information such as your full account number, PIN, email or address.

If you’re ready for anytime, anywhere banking, contact your financial institution to find out if this service is available for you. •


Best Practices for Business: Marketing on the MoveBrought to you by members for membersBy: Jacquelyn Acello, Innovations FCU, PR Committee Contributing Writer

Are you starting a business, or al-ready have an existing one? Mar-keting in any format will help the public and quality consumers to buy your products or services. There is not much point in starting a com-pany, and then finding you have no customers. Your business will not survive without effective marketing in one form or another. Leading the public to your company will cre-ate a demand for your product or services. Creatively marketing your business is a key to standing out from your competitors.

Innovations Federal Credit Union has a unique approach to getting its name out into the community. CEO David Southall and the marketing department have created new and innovative ways to advertise and to set them apart from their competitors while bringing the employees in on the fun.

In the past year, two out of the box promotional events were created. Last December the staff recorded a Christ-mas video starring the companies employees. Clad in winter/holiday attire they performed a Lip Dub to the holiday song “Jingle Bells” and had a great time doing it. The Christmas video was a creative way to draw cur-rent and potential consumers into the Innovations brand.

In May at the Grand Opening of the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport the staff and friends orga-nized a “Flash Mob”, an impromptu public dance. Flash Mobs are becoming a popular way to create a viral marketing opportunity. T-Mobile was one of the first to successfully use a Flash Mob for marketing. Towards the end of a four minute dance routine was the BIG REVEAL. A layer of clothing was removed by all flash mobbers to reveal the bright yellow t-shirts which displayed the In-novations logo. A second Flash Mob was performed at Friday Fest Downtown in June.

Both the Lip Dub and the Flash Mob can be seen on YouTube.

Flash Mob Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOkgebYqLuo

Jingle Bells Lip Dub Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIEEK4UYH30

Innovations received national exposure from Credit Union Trade Publications as well as Financial Guru, Suze Orman who took notice and gave a shout out on the Marketing efforts, and posted a link to the YouTube vid-eo on her website.

The steps taken with marketing on the move to be dif-ferent and creative have proven they can bring at-tention to your organization and customers through your doors. Having fun with it can be just as effective. •

This “Best Practice” tip was submitted by Innovations Federal Credit Union. To submit a creative business tip from your company or industry to share with Bay County Chamber members please email it to [email protected].



Did you know that one out of every two men and one out of every three women will be diagnosed

with cancer during their lifetime? Isn’t it good to know we’re HERE for you

if you ever need us?

The Tommy Hamm Sr. Cancer Center in Panama City offers compassionate and innovative care

in a state-of-the-art cancer care and chemotherapy facility.

Serving Northwest Florida and Beyond

John Nanfro, M.D., F.A.C.P.Hassan Ebrahim, M.D. Craig Englund, M.D.

Phone (850) 914-0700Fax (850) 914-0777

301 West 26th StreetLynn Haven, FL 32444

www.nwfho.com

Save the DateBay County Chamber of CommerceAnnual Dinner & Awards Ceremony

January 28thEdgewater Beach &Golf Resort

The Annual Dinner is the Chamber’s largest networking and social event of the year. It is attended by Chamber members and includes community leaders from businesses small and large as well as elected

officials. Sponsorships are available. Contact [email protected] for more information.

ARINC, Comcast, HealthSouth, Knology, Gulf Coast Community College,

Gulf Coast Medical Center, The News Herald,Allstate-McKinney Insurance & Investments,

OASEAS Resorts and Regions Bank

Sponsored by:

B E A C H & G O L F R E S O R T

Harrison Rivard Chtd.Attorneys at Law


When the last school bell rang in May 2009, many thought that the era of education on the A. D. Har-ris school site had ended. The Bay County School Board closed that campus among other facility chang-es in 2009. For more than 80 years, this property site had housed edu-cational services to the surround-ing community. Then in September 2010, the Bay County School Board approved a lease for the property.

“The community’s cry was for it to re-main an educational center and for it to carry the name and legacy of A. D. Harris, Sr.”, explained Blondelle McGowan, president of the A. D. Harris Improvement Society, Inc., and daughter of the project’s name sake.

A group of volunteers came togeth-er last year for the specific purpose of developing and managing this project. The A. D. Harris Improve-ment Society was incorporated in December 2009 for the purpose of leasing the vacant school. The ADHIS board of directors each has a per-sonal connection with the property and has committed to continuing its usage to meet the diverse com-munity service needs: education,

business development, cultural and health. The founding board mem-bers are: Blondelle McGowan, Presi-dent and daughter of A. D. Harris; Toni Shamplain, Vice President and CRA North Director; Janice Lucas, Secretary; Marian Hutcherson, Trea-surer; Albert D. Harris, Jr., son of A. D. Harris, Director; Corine Harris, Direc-tor; Anita Dillard, Director and for-mer A. D. Harris High principal; Vic-tor Dillard, Director; and Rev. James Barker, Director.

Located in one of Bay County’s low-est socio-economic census tracts, the A. D. Harris Learning Village is an ideal place to locate a diversity of intergenerational services that will equip Bay Countians with skills for K-12 school, vocational jobs, and college courses. It will provide need-ed human services, such as health education, the arts and cultural ac-tivities.

The need for such a venture like a “one-stop” human services center is great, noted by a 2008 community needs assessment conducted by the United Way of Northwest Florida.

Gulf Coast Community College of-fers a Small Business Incubator; how-

ever, its primary focus is on for-profit businesses. Thus, there is no compe-tition for this business venture in Bay County.

In November 2010, the Learning Village welcomed its first tenants: Workforce Development and Early Education and Care. Today, the community’s educational and ser-vice needs are to prepare children and adults for the 21st Century job market. Toward that end, the Gulf Coast Workforce Board has leased space to provide computer skills.

“We’re offering free computer train-ing for folks that need to get those technology skills,” said Maria Golden, Gulf Coast Workforce Board Com-munications Director.“This is a good location for our program because we really wanted to target the low-income residents. We’re dealing with a lot of people looking for jobs. They need the computer skills whether they go into Information Technology or some other industry.”

Also housed at The Village is a Head Start program that provides daycare for three to five year olds. Other non-profits have expressed an interest in moving their programs to the site, too. While there are multi-tenant nonprofit centers in urban and sub-urban areas throughout the United States and Canada, this is the first such venture in Bay County.

The A. D. Harris Learning Village is con-tinuing to accept non-profit tenants. If your company or organization is interested please contact Blondelle McGowan at 850.640.0211. •

EDUCATION: A.D. Harris Learning VillageThe Vision

A learning village that fulfills a legacy, empowers our families, and

revitalizes the community.

The MissionTo provide a one-stop human services site for the delivery of community-based, culturally

sensitive, multi-generational services to unite the community.

A.D. Harris Jr. & Blondelle McGowan pose with a portrait of their father A.D. Harris Sr. in the Gulf Coast Workforce Board Computer Lab.

By: Janice Lucas, Founding Board Member


“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

While some adults may still be seeking the answer to this question, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Board wants to insure our Bay County students have the best opportunities to find this answer while preparing for life beyond high school. The CTE Board was created to bring local business, community and educational leaders together to look closely at how to better align career education and improve the overall effectiveness of workforce preparation in Bay County.

Last August, The CTE Board appointed Daina Weaver as the Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE). Weaver serves as the CTE liaison between Bay District Schools and post secondary educational institutions here in Bay County. She is an accomplished educator who began her 15-year career as a business technology teacher at Mosley High School and most recently held the position of CTE Coordinator in Orange County, FL. One of her first tasks has been to put together a strategic plan to implement necessary changes and benchmarks to measure successes and how well career preparation is meeting community needs.

“We need to change the perception of Career and Technical Education, the old Vocational Education. We are no longer the programs that are housed on the other end of the campus that no one goes to unless you are not going to college. Our programs

are high tech, high demand and high wage. From the high schools to Gulf Coast Community College and Haney Technical Center, our students are earning postsecondary credentials that are leading to employment and high wage jobs. The unfortunate thing about this is, not very people know this. We have a huge population we need to address. Statistics show approximately 15% of all high school freshmen will graduate from a four year university. It’s not hard math, 85% of our students are doing WHAT? We need to focus on the needs of that population and we can do that through Career and Technical Education. Help me, look into the Career and Technical Education programs at your local high school, Haney Technical Center and Gulf Coast. You will be absolutely amazed. This is not only a Bay District School issue or a

Haney Technical Center issue, or a Gulf Coast issue. This is a regional issue that we must address.” - Daina Weaver

The CTE Board is funded and supported by Bay District Schools, Gulf Coast Community College and the Gulf Coast Workforce Board.

Daina Weaver is located at Gulf Coast Community College and may be contacted at [email protected] or 850.769.1551 x2876. •

EDUCATION: Improving Career Education for Our Future WorkforceBy: Tanya Deal, Panhandle Educators Federal Credit Union

Pictured L to R: Dr. Jim Kerley, Kim Bodine, Daina Weaver, Supt. Bill Husfelt


BAY COUNTY CHAMBER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEETAKING STEPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL 2011


(Brian Baumgardner not pictured)


The Bay County Chamber of Commerce is in the busi-ness of working for the betterment of our members and the community. With the dynamic team that makes up the Executive Committee as well as our Board of Direc-tors, 2011 will surely be a great year! Each officer on the Executive Committee is responsible for a department and staff person within the Chamber. Below are some features from our 2011 Business Plan that the Executive Committee and Chamber staff is working on to make Bay County a better place to LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY!

Mission: To create superior value for all Chamber members large and small; cultivate economics and personal development; promote and protect a competitive enterprise system of business, be a community leader while em-bracing Bay County’s opportunities and chal-lenges. Vision: To be the leading organization in suc-cessfully creating a world class business cli-mate in Bay County.

Bo Rivard,Partner,Harrison Rivard Chtd. Chairman of the Board AdministrationStaff: Carol Roberts, President/CEO

Planning for 100th Anniversary Celebration • (2013)Past Chair Council • Military Affairs, Governmental Affairs, community • issues that ariseRepresent organization on Bay County Economic • Development Alliance.Board Member for the Florida Association of • Chamber ProfessionalsBoard Member of Small Business Incubator• Northwest Florida Chamber Coalition• Oversee Airport Business Center and all Chamber • operations

Al McCambry,General Manager, KnologyChairman-Elect – Governmental AffairsStaff: Pat Holley/Carol Roberts

Governmental Affairs Committee Chair – Brian Baumgardner

Mission: To monitor activities of the city, county, state, and federal governmental entities, create a working relationship between the Chamber and governmental leaders and survey membership for legislative agenda.

Brian Baumgardner,President/CEO, Gulf Coast Medical CenterVice Chairman – CommunicationsStaff: Crystal Shuller, Vice President of Communications

MediaMaintain Chamber visibility as well as members • and award winners through print, radio and TV coverage.

Bay BizBay Biz Magazine (The Voice of Business from the • Bay County Chamber of Commerce) - a business resource magazine produced and printed quarterly.

to see the full business

new details.

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plan including

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E-Biz newsletter, emailed to membership • monthly.

Advertising/CommunicationsDevelop marketing strategies including digital • & print materials; maintain website and social media accounts. Produce all Chamber publications •

PR Committee – Chair - Heather Kretzer, WMBB News 13/ Co-Chair – Chris Avondet, Lamar Advertising Co.

Assists communications staff with Bay Biz • production, Media Appreciation Luncheon and PR Seminar

Larry Carroll,Owner/President, Coldwell Banker Carroll Realty Inc.Treasurer – Membership DevelopmentStaff: Debi Burdeshaw, Vice President of Finance & Don Pitts, Vice President of Membership Development

Hold Chamber 411 new member breakfast • Continue to help new members focus on their • chamber activityRecognize renewing members starting at each 5 • -year interval & with member testimonials.

Ambassadors - Chairman – Patty Freund, WMBB

Mission: To serve as the official diplomatic representatives of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce coordinating groundbreakings, grand openings and other interactions between the Chamber, its membership and the public.

Business Referral Networks-Group A Chairman- Kristi Kirkland, Custom Technical Ser-vices of NW FL; Group B Chairman- Kathie Riley, My Best Friend’s Kitchen; Group C Chairman- Dave Williams, Mid-South Lumber; Group D Chairman- Dennis Fetrow, ERA Neubauer Real Estate

Mission: Business professionals coming together to net-work, share business leads and referrals with the inten-tion of increasing business for group members.

Bill Fenimore,President, NAI Emerald CoastVice Chairman – Member Services – Events/FoundationStaff: Jill McKinzie, Vice President of Events & Elizabeth Smith, Vice President of Foundation

Events -First Friday (FF) Full membership morning meeting to provide networking opportunities, a program of interest, sponsorship oppor-tunities, monthly award presentations for Small Business of the Quarter, Apple of Our Eye Award and introduc-tion of new members.

Business After Hours (BAH) Full membership evening event to provide interaction among members and to spotlight sponsors products and services.

Networking in 90 Networking in 90 is a fast paced networking experience. Members are grouped together and each given two minutes to promote their business and product; then they move and start again with a new group.

Industry Appreciation Celebration (IAC) Chairman - Randy Turpin, AdeccoSupport the State of Florida in recognizing the economic impact of existing industry with Industry After Hours, Golf Invitational, recognize Community Impact winner and showcase of Defense Contractors and Manufacturers at First Friday.

Annual Dinner Recognizes accomplishments of previous year, formal passing of the gavel from outgoing to incoming Chair-man of the Board, recognition of Military Affairs Chair-man, Lauren Merriam Memorial Award, Member of the Year, Economic Development Alliance Chairman and Small Business of the Year along with a silent auction.

Tourism Recognition Month Chairman - Tammala Spencer, TDC/CVBWork with TDC to recognize tourism in May as a vital part

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19


of the Bay County economy with tourism related First Fri-day theme, Jungleball-Volleyball tournament/Business After Hours and Spring Classic Golf Tournament.

Seminars / Webinars Work with local businesses to research needed educa-tional seminars/workshops

Member Services – Foundation

Leadership Bay - Chairman (2010-11), John Ed McDa-nal, Gulf Power CompanyLeadership Bay - Chairman (2011-12), Angela Sexton, Florida State University Panama City Campus

2010/2011 Mission: To cultivate a broadened network of well informed leaders whose strengthened commitment to community involvement will affect positive change in Bay County.

Leadership Bay Alumni Association – Chairman (2010-11), Jeremy Bennett, Vision BankLeadership Bay Alumni Association – Chairman (2011-12), John Ed McDanal, Gulf Power Company

2010/11 Mission: To promote on-going communications and fellowship among peers to graduates of Leadership Bay.

Junior Leadership Bay - Chairman (2010-11), Teresa King, Gryphon TechnologiesJunior Leadership Bay - Chairman (2011-12), TBD

2010/2011 Mission: Junior Leadership Bay is a leadership development program for high school juniors. Through seminars, workshops and interaction with community leaders and decision-makers, the program is designed to prepare, enhance and motivate youth to become our leaders of the future.

Bay Young Professionals (BYP) - Chairman, Valerie Lovett, Bay County Board of Commissioners

2011 Mission: To enrich our community by uniting and developing our young professionals through monthly luncheons with an educational program, quarterly net-working opportunities, involvement with governmental affairs and tours of local businesses.

Small Business Institute – Chairman, Gary Anderson, An-derson Construction

Mission - Sharing business experiences and resources to solve small business challenges, recognizing small busi-ness quarterly and educational seminars..

Education Task Force – Lisa Barnes, Eastern ShipbuildingContinue to work closely with GCCC, FSU-PC and • Bay District Schools and host Career Connections event for high school Juniors.

Nonprofit Sustainability Summit This event is targeted to new and veteran • board members of non-profit organizations as well as agency professionals. The summit offers informative sessions that will provide valuable training and resource materials for sustainability.

David Powell,City Market President, Hancock BankChairman – Military Affairs CommitteeStaff: Carol Roberts/Patty Busby, Executive Assistant

Mission: To promote a cooperative working relationship and direct support to the military installations by the business community through newcomer orientations, recognizing visiting dignitaries, incoming and outgoing senior leadership at bases by hosting receptions, MAC Golf Tournament, quarterly meetings with Public Affairs Officers from each base, recognize Airman/Sailor of the Year, work with Bay Defense Alliance to secure military presence and assist with Gulf Coast Salute.


Out N’ AboutPhotos from various Bay County Chamber events

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By: Tom Neubauer President, Bay Defense Alliance For almost two decades, a group of local volunteers operating as the Bay Defense Alliance has been working on behalf of Bay County military installations. BDA board members work to preserve and enhance the missions at Tyndall Air Force Base and the Naval Support Activity Panama City. For the past two years, the Bay Defense Alliance has been particularly focused on two major initiatives. The Combat Air Force Restructure Plan resulted in a loss of 48 F-15s at Tyndall AFB, and efforts by special interests to promote drilling in the Gulf Range posed a threat to the future of military missions.

Members of the Bay Defense Alliance’s “Tyndall Team” worked closely with defense consultants and the Florida Congressional delegation, which ultimately resulted in an Air Force commitment to base an operational F-22 squadron at Tyndall. The Tyndall Team included Maj. Gen. Larry Arnold (USAF Ret), Lt. Gen. John Campbell (USAF Ret), Elizabeth Walters, Glen McDonald, Dr. Guy York (Col USAF Ret), Col. D.W. Smith (USAF Ret), and Jerry Smithwick. Elizabeth Walters and Glen McDonald also serve on the Air Education Training Command (AETC) Civic Leaders Group.

Bay Defense Alliance member Leon Walters led the initiative to brief state legislators on the potential negative impact that drilling in state waters would have on military missions and Northwest Florida installations. He and other BDA members developed a detailed military range utilization brief which was well-received in several committee forums, including a presentation to the Florida Council on Military Base and Mission Support.

Subsequent to the DoD driven Base Realignment and Closure process in 1988, Congressional legislation scheduled rounds in 1991, 1993, 1995 and 2005. The BDA was formed in 1993 and Bay County military installations survived each subsequent round under the leadership of Larry Dantzler. While Bay County installations were left intact, the group spent little time celebrating, aware that defense infrastructure downsizing would likely continue outside of the legislative process.

The most significant impact to our installations post-BRAC was the Air Force decision to retire 248 legacy fighter aircraft, including all 48 of Tyndall’s F-15’s. Receiving the Air Force commitment to replace the F-15 air superiority training mission with an operational F-22 squadron was the result of a remarkable team effort which included our entire community and Florida’s Congressional delegation aided by Military Base Protection Grant funding from the Florida Defense Alliance and the Bay County Commission.

The board is ever mindful that significant threats to our installations and their missions can come outside of a legislative process. With the continued support of our community and Congressional delegation, the future looks promising for both installations.

Tyndall Air Force Base and the Naval Support Activity Panama City contribute $2.5 billion* annually to our local economy. While this economic engine is vital to Bay County, it’s the servicemen and women, civilian defense professionals and contractors who make our community a unique and special place.

The Bay Defense Alliance works closely with key organizations who also serve on the BDA board. The Bay County Economic Development Alliance, the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and its Military Affairs

Defense Intel: Bay Defense Alliance


Committee help ensure Bay County installations remain strong.

The BDA board is comprised of 32 remarkable volunteers who are truly dedicated to the support of our military. The board is comprised of a diverse group of members who give unselfishly of their time, working hard to ensure mission sustainment and growth at both TAFB and NSA PC. Thirteen of the board’s 32 members are former military or defense professionals and eleven are former chairs of the Bay County Chamber Military Affairs Committee. The active chairperson of the Military Affairs Committee also serves on the board, as did our Congressman-elect Steve Southerland, in 2008 following his leadership of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce.

Members of the BDA continue to log more than 1,600 volunteer hours per year working on military issues and promoting the valuable contributions of our bases to national defense. The group travels to Washington, D.C. throughout the year while communicating and building relationships with military and Congressional leadership and their professional staff. The group also participates in joint initiatives with members of the Northwest Florida Defense Coalition and the Florida Defense Alliance.

Thanks to Florida’s Defense Reinvestment and Defense Infrastructure Grant program, Bay County and its installations have benefitted from more than $4.8 million in grant funding. Local defense grants included funding for utilities projects, a Navy range control building, underwater acoustic tracking range, purchase of acreage for base expansion, sidewalk improvements and other worthy projects. A recent Defense Infrastructure Grant award in the amount of $250,000 will be used to evaluate opportunities to expand high bandwidth LambdaRail infrastructure to Tyndall and NSA PC.

The men and women stationed at Tyndall AFB and Naval Support Activity Panama City accomplish amazing things and make significant contributions to our national defense. On behalf of the Bay Defense Alliance, special thanks to our Bay County citizens for the strong commitment and unwavering support for our military. Together we contribute to Florida’s reputation as the most defense-friendly state in the nation. •

Learn more about the Bay Defense Alliance by visiting the BDA Web site at: www.baydefense.org.

*UWF Haas Center’s Florida Defense Industry Economic Impact Analysis.

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Bay Young Professionals To KnowMany young professionals are enthusiastic about area business and community opportunities and are ready to get involved as new leaders. Bay Young Professionals (BYP) was formed by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce to specifically address the needs of this target age group, 21-41, to enrich our community by uniting, developing and retaining our future leaders.

If you are interested in becoming part of the Bay Young Professionals (BYP) group, contact Elizabeth Smith at 850.215.3761 or [email protected].

Valerie Lovett is the Public Information Officer for the Bay County Board of County Commissioners.

Born and raised in Chipley, Florida, Valerie graduated from Chipley High School in 1995. She attended the University of Florida, graduating in 2000 with a degree in English and minors in Linguistics and Women’s Studies. Following graduation, Valerie moved to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where she worked for three years as a newspaper reporter covering government and politics, education, crime and courts. In 2003, she moved to Pensacola, Florida, and worked for the Pensacola News Journal as a reporter, before moving home in 2004 where she worked as a government reporter for the Panama City News Herald.

In 2007, Valerie became the Public Information Officer for the Bay County Board of County Commissioners. Her duties include working with print and television media, creating various publications and Web site updates, organizing and marketing events on behalf of the board, as well as lobbying both state and federal government officials on behalf of the Bay County Commission. Recently, Valerie also served as an integral part of communicating to the public about the efforts to protect Bay County shores and assist struggling businesses that the county and the Emergency Operations Center were making during the Gulf Oil Spill.

Along with her duties for the Bay County Board of Commissioners, Valerie will take the reins of the Chairman for Bay Young Professionals, a Bay County Chamber program, in January 2011. She says, “BYP is an awesome opportunity to meet new, focused, professional people for networking and idea sharing. It’s a chance to foster professional and personal relationships with people you may not otherwise have reason to meet. I’d encourage anyone with an interest, particularly if you don’t know many people in town, to join the organization and see where it takes you.” In addition to participating in Bay Young Professionals, Valerie is a member of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee and a member of the Bay Arts Alliance Board of Directors. In her free time, Valerie enjoys saltwater and freshwater fishing and keeping abreast of politics and current events.


Kevin Wattenbarger, CCIM serves as an advisor for Sperry Van Ness: SouthLand Commercial.

Born and raised in Panama City, Florida, Kevin graduated from Bay High School in 2000. He then went on to serve as an infantryman in the United States Army and is a veteran of multiple combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While serving with the Army’s 3rd Infantry and 1st Armored Divisions, Wattenbarger was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge (CIB), Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM), and multiple awards for meritorious service to the country.

Kevin went on to earn Bachelors of Science degrees in Real Estate and Finance from The Florida State University. Wattenbarger holds the prestigious Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation, earning him recognition as an expert in site selection, development, leasing, valuation, and investment analysis.

After graduating, he served as an associate for GVA Advantis in Tallahassee and Panama City Beach,

Florida. With GVA Ad-vantis, Kevin focused on retail land sales, in-vestment properties, commercial leasing, and investment and development analysis.

He currently serves as an advisor for Sperry Van Ness: SouthLand Commercial special-izing in the sales and leasing of retail, office, industrial properties, and commercial land throughout northwest Florida. Kevin was a founding advisor for Sperry Van Ness’ Pan-

ama City office and has extensive knowledge and transactional experience in the regional market and a licensed Florida real estate broker.

Kevin is a member and/or serves in leadership positions with numerous government, industry, and non-profit boards. He is a member of the CCIM Institute and was a 2007 recipient of the CCIM Designation Scholarship; served as Co-Chair for the Florida CCIM Chapter, is a member of the National Association of Realtors, International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), and is a board member of Bay County’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.

Additionally, Kevin is an alumnus of Leadership Bay and was the 2010 Chairman of the BYP committee. He says “I believe that BYP is an excellent platform to network and build professional relationships within our community.” He is also planning a wedding with his fiancé, Maggie Marler.

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NEW MEMBER 411 BREAKFAST8:30 a.m.Chamber Boardroom Free for new Chamber membersRSVP: [email protected] or 215.3753

FIRST FRIDAYSponsored by: OASEAS Resorts7:30 a.m. – Networking & Coffee 8:00 a.m. – ProgramFSU-PC Holley CenterFree event for Chamber members and Chamber invited guests

SMALL BUSINESS INSTITUTE8:30 a.m. – Program: TBDBay County Chamber BoardroomRSVP: [email protected] or 215.3761

FIRST FRIDAYSponsored by: Gulf Coast Community College Foundation7:30 a.m. – Networking & Coffee 8:00 a.m. – ProgramFSU-PC Holley CenterFree event for Chamber members and Chamber invited guests

SMALL BUSINESS INSTITUTE8:30 a.m. – Program: TBDBay County Chamber BoardroomRSVP: [email protected] or 215.3761

For Business After Hours dates and places visit the Chamber website calendar at www.panamacity.org.

CalendarBay County Chamber of Commerce Events

JANUARYFEBRUARY

MARCH

FIRST FRIDAYSponsored by: AT&T7:30 a.m. – Networking & Coffee 8:00 a.m. – ProgramFSU-PC Holley CenterFree event for Chamber members and Chamber invited guests

SMALL BUSINESS INSTITUTE8:30 a.m. – Program: Best Practices for Marketing RoundtableBay County Chamber BoardroomRSVP: [email protected] or 215.3761

BYP (NO COST) Social5:30 p.m.The Shrimp BoatRSVP to [email protected] by January 12th

ANNUAL DINNER & AWARDS CEREMONY MARDI GRAS STYLE! Sponsored by: Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort, Hancock Bank, Harrison Rivard Chtd., Panama City Toyota, ARINC, Allstate-McKinney Insurance and Investments, Comcast, Gulf Coast Community College, Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthSouth, Knology, The News Herald, Regions Bank and OASEAS ResortsEdgewater Beach & Golf ResortSponsorships available, contact [email protected] or 215.3757

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For a detailed listing

of Chamber & community events visit

www.panamacity.org


Berg Europipe Holding Corp. is pleased to an-nounce the appointment of Mr. Hans J. Sack to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer.Mr. Sack has extensive ex-perience in the steel indus-try with a strong focus on high quality products serv-ing mission-critical appli-cations. Most recently Mr. Sack served as the Chief Ex-ecutive Officer for Latrobe Specialty Steel Company. Prior experience includes sixteen years at The Tim-ken Company where he served in a number of pro-gressively responsible roles culminating as President of the Specialty Steel and the Timken Latrobe Steel busi-ness. He also spent time at Mannesmann-Demag and Thyssen prior to join-ing The Timken Company. In addition to his long and successful track record in senior management roles, he brings with him a com-mitment to quality and a long standing philosophy of continuous improve-ment.

Susan Story, who has served as Gulf Power Presi-dent and CEO since 2003, has been named Presi-dent and CEO of Southern Company Services in At-lanta. She will be succeed-ed by Mark A. Crosswhite who is currently Executive Vice President, External Affairs, for Southern Com-pany’s Alabama Power subsidiary.

In her new role, Story will oversee numerous areas, including Human Resourc-es, Information Technolo-gy, Procurement, Market-ing Services and the com-pany’s wireless subsidiary, and SouthernLINC. Cross-white, who becomes Gulf Power’s 15th president, joined Southern Company in 2004 as Senior Vice Presi-dent and General Counsel for the company’s Gen-eration organization. He later was named senior vice president and gen-eral counsel for Alabama Power before moving into his current executive role in External Affairs.

Eye Center South is pleased to announce its newest addition; Dr. Richard W. Bryant, a Board-Certified & Fellowship-Trained Fa-cial Cosmetic Orbital Re-constructive Surgeon. Dr. Bryant’s specialty includes plastic surgery procedures on the face and around the eyes such as browlifts, facelifts, necklifts, rhino-plasty and blepharoplasty (eyelid procedure). He also injects Botox, Juved-erm and Restylane. He is a Fellow of The American College of Surgeons and member of a number of Professional Organizations including the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons, American Soci-ety of Ophthalmic Plastic Reconstructive Surgeons (ASOPRS), and the Ameri-can Academy of Ophthal-mology.

Gulf Coast Electric Coop-erative (GCEC) is proud to share that The United States Air Force has signed an agreement with GCEC as part of the privatiza-tion process for Tyndall Air Force Base, located in Panama City, Fla. When a military base is privatized, a public utility takes over ownership and operation of the base’s electric, wa-ter, wastewater or natural gas systems for a speci-fied length of time. GCEC was awarded a contract

to own and maintain the base’s electric and water distribution systems. The contract value is estimat-ed to be $117.5 million and is a 50-year contract. The contract will assist in keep-ing the cooperative finan-cially sound for many years to come. The cooperative will also open a district of-fice on Highway 98. The Highway 98 office will be the third full-service center for all GCEC members.

Northstar Church is proud to share that it was recog-nized and listed as the 70th Fastest Growing Church in Outreach Magazine’s 2010 publication. This is quite an honor because approxi-mately 8,000 churches were used in their study and there are estimated to be 322,000 Christian churches in the U.S.

Bay Medical has been rec-ognized by National Re-search Corporation (NRC) as one of the nation’s top hospitals in the 2010/2011 Consumer Choice Awards. The award identifies hospi-tals which healthcare con-sumers have chosen as having the highest qual-ity and image in over 300 markets throughout the U.S. Bay Medical was cho-sen as the image and qual-ity leader by consumers in the Panama City – Lynn Haven, Florida CBSA for the past two years in a row. The full results appeared in the October 18 issue of Modern Healthcare and

The BIZ LISTChamber members share their businesses news in “The Biz List”. If you are a member of the Bay County Chamber and would like to submit your business news for publication, email a press release and photo or logo to [email protected].


can be viewed on NRC’s website at: http://hcmg.nationalresearch.com.

Bookit.com is proud to an-nounce that as of Novem-ber 2010, it has officially reached 400 employees. Bookit.com opened the doors to its brand new building in Panama City Beach in November of 2009. It continues to grow and offer many job op-portunities for Bay County while providing users the most intuitive online book-ing experience.

Dean Eavey, Associate Professor of Business and Technology Division and Program Manager for Elec-tronics Engineering Tech-nology and Computer In-tegration Manufacturing at Gulf Coast Community College received the Man-ufacturing Post-Second-ary Educator-of-the-Year Award at the 7th Annual Manufacturers Associa-tion of Florida Manufactur-ers Summit in Orlando, FL., held Nov. 2010. Eavey who has served in this capac-ity for the past ten years is part of a $500,000 grant from the Department of Labor geared to promote manufacturing training in Florida. His driving force lies in preparing students to enter the field of high-tech manufacturing and

witness them succeed. This he says helps them pursue rewarding careers and helps the country remain globally competitive.

Florida State University Panama City honored three outstanding alumni as 2010 Noteable ‘Noles at its annual Alumni Homecoming Reception. The Notable ‘Noles were: Steve Bornhoft, Vice Presi-dent of Marketing and Communications for Doral Bank Florida. He is a 2007 graduate with a Master’s Degree in Corporate and Public Communications; Gena Burgans, Director of K-12 and Adult Instruc-tional Services for Bay Dis-trict Schools and a 1994 graduate with a Master’s in Education Leadership and 2001 specialist de-gree in Library and Infor-mation Studies; and Philip “Griff” Griffits, Jr., owner of Sugar Sands Inn & Suites, LaQuinta Inn & Suites and Suite Hospitality and a 1993 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in So-cial Science Interdisciplin-ary with emphasis in Politi-cal Science.

Life Management Center of Northwest Florida has been selected to partici-pate in a research study known as the RAISE Early Treatment Program (ETP). Life Management Cen-ter is one of 35 locations

across the United States that will be carrying out ETP, a study looking at the best ways to help people in the earliest stages of schizophrenia reduce their likelihood of experiencing long-term disability. The ETP study is part of the Na-tional Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) Recovery After an Initial Schizophre-nia Episode (RAISE) Project. ETP is one of two research teams that NIMH has fund-ed under the RAISE Proj-ect, which aims to inter-vene at the earliest signs of schizophrenia. RAISE seeks to develop interven-tions that can be tested in real-world treatment set-tings and be quickly put into practice should they prove successful.

The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach an-nounced last week the des-ignation of Mike Stange as President of the organiza-tion. The Resort Collection is a property management company representing six beachfront resorts, one championship golf-course, a shopping center and real estate organization. Prior to joining The Resort Collection in 2009, Stange represented Intrawest, a Vancouver-based resort management company, as Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s President and Chief Executive Of-ficer, and was part of the Intrawest executive man-agement team.

The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach an-nounces the hiring of Tri-cia Culpepper as Groups Sales Manager. Culpepper will be responsible for co-ordination of groups and meetings and will oversee all aspects of associa-tion meetings and events. Since 2003, Culpepper has held sales and marketing positions in Panama City Beach. Prior to joining The Resort Collection, she held the position of Director of Sales for the Hilton Garden Inn and the Hampton Inn, where she was responsible for group booking revenue from all markets, catering and local accounts for the hotels. Culpepper also held marketing and public relations positions with St. Andrew Bay Center and Gulf World Marine Park.

The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach an-nounced that Craig Hanlin has joined the company as General Manager of golf at Hombre Golf Club. Hanlin’s primary respon-sibility will be to supervise staff and ensure all guests’ needs are met as well as planning and budgeting for all Club related events. Prior to joining The Resort Collection, Hanlin held

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multiple positions including Head Golf Professional at The Club at Osprey Cove in St. Mary’s, Georgia, and Director of Resort Golf and Head Golf Professional at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Destin, Florida.

The Gulf Coast Workforce Board was one of only six organizations in the nation and the only workforce organization to receive a Microsoft Elevate America veterans’ initiative grant. The $180,000 grant award will fund Mission: 21st Cen-tury (M:21c), a program designed to provide veter-ans with a comprehensive set of services over the next two years, including technology skills training, job placement, career counseling, and other sup-port services such as child-care, transportation, and housing.

Children’s Home Society of Florida is proud to an-nounce that local Depen-dency Case Manager Lisa Coleman received the Flor-ida Coalition for Children’s Dependency Case Man-ager of the Year award, recognizing her “determi-nation, special talents and patience needed daily to bring focus and the goal of permanency to each child served.”

Children’s Home Society of Florida is also proud to announce that Florida Coalition for Children also honored Children’s Home Society of Florida CEO Da-vid A. Bundy with the Life-time Achievement Award, recognizing his “career filled with a lifetime of service and accomplish-ments that have made a difference in the lives of Florida’s neediest children and their families.”

Dr. John J. Nanfro, Medi-cal Director of the Tommy Hamm Sr. Cancer Center in Lynn Haven was awarded the prestigious Lane Ad-ams Quality of Life Award representing the Bay Area for 2009-2010 at the An-nual Meeting of the local chapter of the American Cancer Society Meeting. This was the first time the award was given here on a local basis. The Ameri-can Cancer Society spon-sors the Lane Adams Qual-ity of Life Award which pro-motes improved quality of life for all persons with cancer and their families through public recognition of exemplary individuals who practice compas-sionate, skilled cancer care and who extend the ‘warm hand of service’. This award highlights the

critical role that outstand-ing caregivers play in the healing process and hon-ors medical professionals, volunteers or community members.

HSMAI will pay tribute to Panama City Beach Con-vention & Visitors Bureau during the annual HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala, on January 31, 2011, at the New York Marriott Marquis for public relations excel-lence in the 54th annual Adrian Awards Competi-tion, the largest and most prestigious travel market-ing competition globally. Panama City Beach Con-vention & Visitors Bureau’s winning entries included: • GOLD – Launch Campaign for Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport • GOLD – “For the real South, you have to go North” feature story in the Miami Herald by Chelle Koster Walton • SILVER – Crisis Communications efforts during the Gulf Oil Crisis: Containing the Damage • SILVER – “Ready for Takeoff: Panama City Beach” feature story in Southern Living magazine by Les Thomas • BRONZE – Panama City Beach feature coverage on CNN’s “Building up America” segment

Gulf Marine, serving Pan-ama City for its boating needs since 1999, is ex-cited to announce that it will now be a full line Hon-da lawn and garden, and water pump dealer with sales, service and friendly advice.


ECONOMIC PROFILE

Bay County Unemployment

Realtor Sales November October 3rd Quarter September August July

2010 91 90 263 91 86 86

2009 101 123 354 116 118 120

% Change -10% -27% -26% -22% -27% -28%

Median Price November October 3rd Quarter September August July

2010 $159,000 $154,500 $160,500 $163,800 $148,000 $176,700

2009 $173,600 $159,300 $176,500 $169,400 $188,000 $176,700

% Change -8% -3% -9% -3% -21% ---

Bay County Real Estate SalesExisting Single Family Homes

November October September August July

2010 11.6% 10.4% 10.5% 10% 9.6%

2009 10.5% 9.6% 9% 8.7% 8.6%

Realtor Sales November October 3rd Quarter September August July

2010 60 47 184 84 50 50

2009 51 60 183 57 56 70

% Change 18% -22% 1% 47% -11% -29%

Median Price November October 3rd Quarter September August July

2010 $152,500 $178,000 $166,700 $165,000 $165,000 $172,000

2009 $188,300 $205,000 $190,500 $187,500 $192,500 $190,00

% Change -19% -13% -12% -12% -14% -9%


2010 4 9 15 5 12

2009 9 11 14 9 13


2010 2 3 2 11 5

2010 0 2 12 7 2

Existing Condo Sales

Bay County Building PermitsResidential

Commercial

Unemployment Numbers- Real Estate- Airport- Bed Tax Numbers- Sales Tax- Building Permits-

Source - Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation

Source - Florida Realtors

Source - Bay County Building Department



2010 11.6% 10.4% 10.5% 10% 9.6%

2009 10.5% 9.6% 9% 8.7% 8.6%

Gross Sales October September August July

2010 $439,787,329 $419,023,548 $536,811,012 $565,179,438

2009 $404,633,431 $429,185,670 $520,514,636 $530,555,744

Taxable Sales

2010 $221,120,170 $226,619,986 $305,636,011 $292,087,979

2009 $210,045,850 $237,124,009 $318,172,527 $299,885,181

Tax Collections

2010 $13,873,304 $13,606,883 $18,230,531 $17,977,002

2009 $12,962,441 $14,374,901 $18,967,086 $18,499,376

Bay County Sales Tax Collections

Bay County Bed Tax Collections

September 2010 $795,301.87

September 2009 $795,698.44

% Change -.05%

August 2010 $807,936.59

August 2009 $947,596.17

% Change -14.74%

July 2010 $1,967,020.33

July 2009 $2,302,863.86

% Change -14.58%

Mexico BeachSeptember 2010 $20,447.70

September 2009 $20,708.68

% Change -1.26%

August 2010 $23,479.19

August 2009 $31,850.55

% Change -26.28%

July 2010 $70,486.43

July 2009 $74,970.27

% Change -5.98%

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport Passenger Traffic

Aircraft Operations:Commercial October September August July

2010 1,478 1,427 1,464 1,417

2009 920 867 898 957

% Change 60.65% 64.59% 63.03% 48.07%

Total Passengers October September August July

2010 74,372 67,962 72,567 83,168

2009 26,039 24,850 24,428 30,438

% Change 185.62% 173.49% 164.57% 173.24%

Source - Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport Authority

Source - Panama City Beach CVB

Source - Florida Department of Revenue

Panama City Beach

Accounting • Auditing • PayrollTax Compliance • Business Advisors

(850) 763-9635

2589 JENKS AVENUE • PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA

BackCover 12/7/10 8:26 AM Page 1

Documents

Bay County Chamber - January 2011 Bay Biz