AUGUST 2014
NEW WAYS TO THINK ABOUT MEDICINE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, ELDER CARE AND MORE.
THE BIG IDEAS ISSUE
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from the publisher’s pen
In this first ever Big Ideas issue, we look at the bold, new,
others benefits ourselves is an even bigger idea (page 22).
exciting concepts that are shaping our future. These ideas
Some big ideas are daunting, and force us to reevaluate
range in scope and origin, but they all have one thing in com-
things we once opposed, but those big ideas can change the
mon: they have challenged or continue to challenge us to
world (page 24).
advance ever forward.
I’m sure you’ll agree that without ideas, we would not
Big ideas can change the world.
advance as a society. The story of human existence is a tale
A big idea is realizing how much we have in common,
of new thoughts, bold exploration, reaching forward and
and taking steps to bridge language, religious, political and
improving on the past. Imagine, as Plato famously did, if we
TO SUBSCRIBE: contact (850) 433-1166 ext. 30 or info@ballingerpublishing.com stared forever at the inside walls of our caves--at what had forever confined and limited us--looking at shadows and never daring to turn around and discover the fire that made those shadows. Imagine if we never looked out of our cave and beheld the glorious sunrise over a mountain. Imagine if we never climbed that mountain and saw a horizon. Imagine if we never thought to pursue that horizon and discover new worlds. Now, imagine if we never looked up at the stars and wondered what awaited us if we simply had the courage to defy gravity. We’d live in an awfully boring world. Ideas fill us with excitement, giving us the ambition necessary to cast off the chains of the status-quo that hold us back from achieving greatness. I challenge you to criticize your beliefs, to look at things as though it were the first time and to wonder if you can be better, if we can better. geographic boundaries (page 9). A big idea can help us learn from the past and those who have gone before us as much as it can help us chart the future (page 12). Some big ideas are worth memorializing, like those that protect our land and continue to ensure our freedom (page 14). Other big ideas can challenge us to progress always forward on issues like education, infrastructure, and the environment (page 18). Caring for others is a big idea. And realizing that caring for
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Pensacola can be better. Florida can be better. The world can be better. But it all begins with a big idea. Will the next big idea be yours? As always, thank you for reading.
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contents
24
Spinning Charlotte’s Web
9
Making Diplomacy Work
12 A Little TLC
14 NAS Pensacola’s 100th Anniversary
In Every Issue
Reader Services Letters We welcome your letters and comments. Send letters to Ballinger Publishing PO Box 12665 Pensacola, FL 32591 or contact specific staff members under the Contact Us: Staff Info link on ballingerpublishing.com
18 Six Pillars to Success
Writing Opportunities We are always willing to consider article ideas. Please send queries to Josh Newby, business editor, at josh@ballingerpublishing.com, or care of Josh to the postal address.
Industry Profile
22
Around the Region
28
People on the Move 29 Business Scene 6 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com
30
AUGUST 2014 Publisher Malcolm Ballinger malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com Executive Editor Kelly Oden kelly@ballingerpublishing.com BC Editor Josh Newby josh@ballingerpublishing.com Art Director Rita Laymon rita@ballingerpublishing.com Graphic Designer & Ad Coordinator Guy Stevens guy@ballingerpublishing.com Editor Emily Lullo emily@ballingerpublishing.com Editorial Interns Madelyn Mancera, Karianne Payton Sales & Marketing Sharyon Miller, Account Executive sharyon@ballingerpublishing.com Becky Hildebrand, Account Executive becky@ballingerpublishing.com
Owners Malcolm & Glenys Ballinger Publisher Malcolm Ballinger · malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com Executive Editor Kelly Oden · kelly@ballingerpublishing.com Art Director Rita Laymon · rita@ballingerpublishing.com Graphic Designer & Ad Coordinator Guy Stevens · guy@ballingerpublishing.com Editor Emily Lullo · emily@ballingerpublishing.com Business Editor Josh Newby · josh@ballingerpublishing.com Sales & Marketing Sharyon Miller, Account Executive, ext. 28 sharyon@ballingerpublishing.com Becky Hildebrand, Account Executive, ext. 31 becky@ballingerpublishing.com Simone Sands, Account Executive, ext. 21 simone@ballingerpublishing.com Website: ballingerpublishing.com Editorial Offices 41 North Jefferson St., Ste. 402 Pensacola, FL, 32502 850-433-1166 · Fax 850-435-9174
Published by Ballinger Publishing: Member of:
NW Florida’s Business Climate and Pensacola Magazine is locally owned and operated. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or use of the contens herein is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Comments and opinions exxpressed in this magazine represent the personal views of the individuals to whom they are attributed and/or the person identified as the autho of the article, and they are not necessarily those of the publisher. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher reserves the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services by Ballinger Publishing. © 2014
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MAKING DIPLOMACY WORK
A story of cultural understanding and appreciation, giving Pensacola citizens and the foreign leaders of tomorrow a unique opportunity to benefit from one another. By Josh Newby.
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diplomacy
ORTHWEST FLORIDA is home to a bevy of cultural, political and religious resources, so much so that those living in other countries seek out our area for their own professional edification. The local Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council, founded in 2008 by Jena Melancon, is a non-profit that petitions the U.S. Department of State for visitors from the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and facilitates those who travel here as part of that initiative. Members of the IVLP, many of whom are up and coming leaders and decision makers, are seen as the diplomats of tomorrow. They are invited to come to the Washington, DC and receive a primer in American government and federalism before journeying to four cities across America in order to gain an intimate understanding of everyday life here. There is no application for IVLP. Participants are nominated and selected annually by the staff at U.S. Embassies around the world. Each year nearly 5,000 exchange participants come to the U.S. as part of the IVLP. More than 200,000 international visitors have engaged with Americans through the IVLP, including more than 335 current or former chiefs of state or heads of government. Past members of the IVLP include Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher and Anwar Sadat, all of whom traveled here in their formative years to learn more about their Western counterparts. The idea is that by promoting professional exchange and understanding across borders, both parties can benefit and forge meaningful, peaceful relationships for the future. The IVLP also promotes host cities as centers of commerce and tourism, presents opportunities for businesses and universities to create new ties with foreign counterparts, and facilitates community discussions to students and local civic organizations. “Sometimes individuals come here and sometimes it’s groups of up to 24,” said Melancon. “They travel to learn about a diverse array of topics and come from many different countries. What we do is look at the incoming IVLP groups and see if the Gulf Coast has offerings that can satisfy their particular topics of interest.” 10 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com
There are 92 councils in 44 states in the country, and an area cannot receive an IVLP group if it does not have a respective council. Many visitors want to visit the big cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles or Miami, but often those do not offer the quintessential slice of everyday, culturally-infused American life that Pensacola does. “We are getting to meet tomorrow’s world leaders today,” said Melancon. “They need to have an accurate perspective of America, and Pensacola uniquely offers big city arts and culture with mid-size city government and festivals.” The Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council, which facilitates the visitors’ stay in Pensacola, receives about three or four delegations a month, each of which will stay anywhere between three and seven days. Upon their arrival in Pensacola, Melancon or one of her staff will meet the visitors at the airport before guiding their journey of enlightenment throughout the Panhandle. Members of the Council are welcome to join the visitors on their adventures and at special meet-and-greet events. Membership costs range from $40 to over $250, but the benefits include cultural diversity, private receptions, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences with people from another world. Members are also invited to host a few delegate members in their own home, giving the visitors a true peek at American home life, food, entertainment and conversation. Karen Jurkowich is on the board at the Council and has hosted visitors in her house many times. “We’ve welcomed more than 60 people from 40-plus countries into our home and
diplomacy
AS CITIZENS WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO AFFECT INTERNATIONAL FOREIGN RELATIONS, AND THIS IS ONE OF THE WAYS WE CAN DO THAT. THE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS IS BENEFICIAL TO BOTH PARTIES.” love doing so,” said Jurkowich. “We have a fairly standard menu we prepare, which we feel represents Pensacola well and is super. One time when a certain group of Polish librarians arrived at the house, they all turned to me and started helping, just as any family would. We stay in touch with as many of these women as we can—and are Facebook friends with lots of them.” Jurkowich went on to describe the unfortunate limitations that many IVLP members have to live with, and how seeing their optimism and ambition inspires her. “We’ve met people from nations which struggle continually with civil war and dire poverty, yet the faces of those participating in the IVLP convince us there is hope for this world of ours,” said Jurkowich. “There is a renewed energy in fighting for equality in education, jobs, and doing away with the stigma of those developmental and physical and mental disabilities. We had the honor of welcoming into our home Safak Pavey, a Turkish member of Parliament and human rights activist, whose life was drastically changed when she was struck by a train and lost an arm and a leg. She talked at length about how those with disabilities are considered less than third-class citizens and she was going to fight as hard as she could to change the attitudes of a nation. She continues to do that on a daily basis. We can all learn from her. We will cherish our time with her forever.” There are often events that the general public can participate in, too, such as banquets and networking events that help increase interest in diplomacy and the IVLP. Depending on the topic about which the visitors have come to learn more, they may visit City Council, local schools, churches, or restaurants.
“Mayor Ashton Hayward will always present the delegates with a certificate of citizenship, and they are always so excited to receive that,” said Melancon. “These people end up visiting three other cities in America, and what we hear is that they are always impressed with our friendliness and openness.” Melancon previously worked at the Council in New Orleans and saw a need for one in Pensacola. “I heard that people were interested in visiting Northwest Florida, but since there was not a Council here, they could not,” Melancon said. She set out to establish Pensacola’s branch and it was a quick success. To be considered a success, a Council should have at least one delegation per month after its first year. By the end of its first year, the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council had received 21. Many visitors will take what they have learned in America and apply it back home. Melancon spoke of several visitors who, after touring the PACE Center for Girls decided to open a similar outreach program in Africa. The local Council has also hosted Sharia judges, politicians, academics, and more. It is not all business and government, though. The visitors also get to experience Northwest Florida’s fun side. Dolphin cruises, trips to the beach and festivals are not uncommon. “It’s important that the visitors see all sides of our culture, and that we learn from them, too,” said Melancon. “As citizens we have the right to affect international foreign relations, and this is one of the ways we can do that. The exchange of ideas is beneficial to both parties.” American ambassadors routinely rank the IVLP as their best public diplomacy tool, helping enhance national security and foreign relations. “If you are sitting across the table from a foreign diplomat and negotiating a peace treaty, it really helps if that person has been here before, met some of us before, and knows first-hand about our country,” said Melancon. “Those personal connections are everything. That’s why we work hard to ensure that the visitors and citizens both have a meaningful and hands-on experience.” nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 11
business spotlight
A Little TLC
How the caregiving industry saves its clients—and the economy BY MADELYN MANCERA
TLC Caregivers is celebrating 25 years of service to Santa Rosa and Escambia counties. Named one of the most reputable providers of private duty personal care, the company provides various types of sitters, companions and personal care workers. On a larger scale, TLC helps families care for disabled and elderly family members, but they also offer nanny services for families with young children. TLC is willing and determined to work with the needs of every specific family situation. The caregivers are available to make visits as often as needed and they can stay as long as desired; they provide in-home care from four to eight hours daily, or they can be contracted as live-in helpers who stay for days, weeks, months or years. While TLC serves people of all ages, a large fraction of their clients are seniors with varying degrees of independence. Thanks to TLC’s work in at-home care, our community has more options when approaching the subject of where to age. Caregivers make it possible for older citizens to age in the comfort of their own homes where they can continue living as normally as possible. In fact, this is the main concept of TLC’s founding objectives. “Since 1989, TLC has been dedicated to assisting seniors with the goal of keeping them independent in their homes. Since then, our services have grown to assisting people of all ages and abilities to remain 12 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com
independent in the environment of their choice. We provide all non-medical assistance necessary to cover all activities of daily living,” said Lou Donaldson, administrator of TLC. Their aides help with walking, eating, grooming, bathing and toileting, activities that make day-today life meet fixed standards. Caregiving services do not only benefit the aging population yearning to keep up their individual residences, they also alleviate working family members from the additional exertion of caregiving. Naturally, the benefits furthermore expand to creating a number of jobs. “Currently, there are over 130 TLC Caregivers providing services up to 24
business spotlight
hours a day. That means there are over 130 people who work at TLC that have made the choice to live, raise our families, vote, and spend our hard earned money in Northwest Florida contributing to the success of our local economy,” said Donaldson. Potential TLC Caregiver employee candidates are selected only after a series of screenings including a 10-panel drug test and thorough background checks. Fundamentally, TLC is a business, but they operate a community enriching trade that helps the elderly age with dignity while alleviating working family members from extra tasks. “Fifty years ago or more, there were typically larger families. Having a full time mother in the home facilitated seniors living in the family home with little or no non-familial assistance. Today, our households are, on average, smaller and less likely to have a stay at home parent in the home which leaves seniors open to the opportunity to age in place,” said Donaldson. Family members who work as primary caregivers and companions today often work full-time, so they undergo critical lifestyle effects in careers and financial situations while caregiving. Research from University of West Florida’s Center on Aging reported that at least 70 percent of people over 65 will need long term care services and support at some point in their lifetime. One technique to reduce stress on families is to take action sooner. Results of Genworth’s research, also provided by UWF’s Center on Aging, shows that planning can reduce the impacts of long term care on lives and finances. One out of two caregivers, or
Caregiver Stats
individuals responsible for preparations, said they wish they had taken steps sooner. Financial incentive is behind this data since caregivers, or 65.7 million those responsible, estimate they could have saved caregivers make up 29% of the U.S. adult nearly $11,000 on average if they had made long population providing term care arrangements sooner. Gathering facts on the associated costs is imperative when buildcare to someone who is ill, disabled or ing a long term care plan. Median costs increase year after year, but as aged. noted in 2014’s Medicare & You, “While the cost 52 million caregivers of care among all care providers has steadily provide care to adults increased, the cost of facility-based providers has grown at a much greater rate than that for home (aged 18+) with a care.” disability or illness. The Genworth Cost of Care Survey shows that in-home care is comparatively economical over 43.5 million of adult nursing facilities. For 2014, Florida’s median family caregivers annual cost for homecare services is $40,612. The care for someone 50+ years of age and median annual cost for a Florida nursing home facility (in a semi-private room) is $83,950. 14.9 million care for The figures for homecare services include situsomeone who has ations that require a home health aide. Unlike a Alzheimer’s disease caregiver, health aides provides basic health or other dementia. services such as checking a patient’s pulse and Caregiver services temperature, administering medications, changwere valued at $450 ing wound dressings or helping with prescribed billion per year in exercises. Donaldson reported that TLC’s care up from $375 billion aides help with non-medical related services, nevin year 2007. ertheless, it is clear that TLC helps keep the elderly out of nursing homes and away from those costs. An estimated 66% “Our hardworking caregivers provide all varietof caregivers are ies of non-medical assistance; from birth through female. geriatrics, TLC Caregivers are able to assist,” said Donaldson. Source: caregiver.org nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 13
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N.A.S. Pensacola’s 100th anniversary
I
IN JUST 100 YEARS, NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA HAS gone from being the first fledgling air station in the US, with just a handful of officers and aircraft, to one of the premier military flight training facilities in the country, with 60,000 students a year, 23,000 military personnel and 7,000 civilian personnel. The air station has an estimated $1.7 billion economic impact and receives more than 1 million visitors annually to the Naval Aviation Museum, various forts, the lighthouse, Barrancas National Cemetery, and regular Blue Angels flight demonstration events. The cradle of Naval Aviation, as Pensacola is often referred to, had humble beginnings. In the 16th century, Spanish explorer Tristan de Luna founded a colony along our shores where Fort Barrancas is now situated. In 1825, after realizing the advantages of the Pensacola harbor and extensive timber reserves, President John Adams made arrangements to build a Navy Yard where the air station is today. In its infancy, the Navy Yard dealt mainly with suppressing the slave trade and piracy so prevalent in the Gulf of Mexico. Confederate troops abandoned the base in 1862, fearing Union attacks from the West after the siege of New Orleans, and demolished the area to ensure their enemies could not utilize the resources. After the Civil War, the Navy Yard was rebuilt before being demolished again by a hurricane in 1906. Elsewhere in the country, aviation was becoming a bold and exciting field of discovery and invention. With the Wright Brothers’ advances came the realization that air and sea-based warfare were the future. Through a series of Congressional acts and the installation of a board that served under the Department of Navy, what we know today as the Naval Air Station was established. Throughout World War I, Pensacola trained a high volume of up-and-coming aviators and became an important resource in international
By Josh Newby
As Pensacola has changed, so has the Naval Air Station. The story of the base’s evolution, with some timeless photographs, courtesy of the US Navy.
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battle. NAS Pensacola expanded greatly during World War II as well, even though there were other training installations throughout the country by this time. The Naval Aviation Medical School staff at Pensacola were even responsible for training Miss Baker, one of the first monkeys in space. Miss Baker even lived at the air station before moving to the US Space and Rocket Center in Alabama in 1971. Through today, NAS Pensacola remains a hub of aviation training and military activity. “NAS Pensacola really is a launching point for nearly every pilot in the country,” said NAS public affairs officer Patrick Nichols. “Everyone that has been in Naval Aviation has likely been through Pensacola.” The reasons for NAS Pensacola’s importance in the naval community include the cultural support for military in this area, the nearly year-round sunshine and ideal flying weather, and the ocean, as well as the fact that Pensacola is one of only four locations in the country to feature both a
NAS PENSACOLA REALLY IS A LAUNCHING POINT FOR NEARLY EVERY PILOT IN THE COUNTRY. EVERYONE THAT HAS BEEN IN NAVAL AVIATION HAS LIKELY BEEN THROUGH PENSACOLA. deep water port and runway. All these ingredients make for an ideal military installation and training facility both for veterans and those new to the armed forces. In fact, the 325 zip code prefix is home to one of the largest concentrations of military personnel in the country. NAS Pensacola does not just serve the Navy, though. The station is home to the Coast Guard Cutter Cypress and the base also features a large number of Air Force trainers and students, as well. Even Marine Corps pilots will train at NAS. The men and women who serve on the station are aware of their impact on the community and the community’s importance to the base’s longevity and success. That is why, according to Nichols, servicemen and women volunteer about 30,000 hours a year of their own time to various regional efforts, including education, non-profit work and more. “All these relationships are even good for those who have retired,” said Nichols. “People want to come back here 16 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com
because the area’s citizenry is so thankful and supportive of all we do.” 1914 marked the first full year of Naval Air Station operation, and the entire 2014 year has been full of celebrations and dedications to commemorate the base’s first 100 years. Earlier this year, a building on base was dedicated to the very first Navy photographer, Lt. Walter Richardson, who was instrumental in bringing the air station to life in the early 20th century. There have also been a bevy of concerts, 10k and 5k runs, and fly-ins. The air station has also facilitated a year-long, 1,914-mile run for those wanting to participate. Participants can run or walk a cumulative 1,914 miles throughout the year either outside or on treadmills to recognize the anniversary, and Nichols said that some teams have already surpassed that goal. Recently, a restored F/A-18 fighter jet was unveiled at the air station’s entrance to not only commemorate the base’s 100th anniversary but also the Blue Angels’ 50th anniversary. August 21 kicks off the 100-year reunion weekend, which promises a golf tournament at Marcus Pointe Golf Club, a Navy-themed party at Seville Quarter on the 22nd that will feature each room decked out to represent the various eras of naval aviation, and a special Blue Wahoos baseball game on the 23rd. With such a robust regional and national presence, routine events that patriots of all ages can enjoy, and family- and civilian-friendly attractions on base such as the museum and National Flight Academy, the future of NAS Pensacola seems strong and secure. “One hundred years ago, the Navy established its first aviation training detachment in Pensacola,” said Capt. Keith Hoskins, commanding officer for NAS Pensacola. “Today, our mission remains the same, teaching aviators to fly, survive, and excel in peacetime and combat operations in both land based and maritime environments.”
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The Florida Chamber of Commerce’s
The Business Climate Exclusive Break-down by Josh Newby
Six Pillars to Success
A
NEW STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FLORIDA BUSINESS IS currently being adopted all over the state, one that creates jobs and provides consistent, localized metrics for improvement through the year 2030. After spending $1.5 million on research and talking with more than 100 community and economic development organizations, the Florida Chamber of Commerce leadership developed the Six Pillars plan, which focuses on areas as vast as education and infrastructure to government and quality of life.
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economic development The Beginning
“After the success of the Pensacola Chamber’s Vision 2015 job-growth initiative, many are probably wondering how we will make good things happen over the next 20 years,” said Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “The Six Pillars plan is the answer, but it only came about after struggling for a cohesive long-term plan for a long time.” The problem, Wilson said, began several years ago when business and free enterprise began yielding to political agendas in order to accomplish statewide economic tasks. The Six Pillars plan puts business leaders back in the driver’s seat. As soon as they knew that they had to do something to help ensure Florida’s long-term success from the private sector, Wilson and his team looked at numerous organizations throughout the state and discovered about 36 different strategic plans, each with its own jargon, measurements, and objectives. The Florida Chamber discovered that a lot of these plans were similar and focused on six core objectives, which the board synthesized into six distinct pillars that uphold the overarching goals of prosperity and high paying jobs, global competitiveness, and vibrant sustainable communities. “We needed a way to ensure all our energy and time are going toward one purpose,” said Wilson. “We need everyone on the same page, not trying to steer the state in a hundred different directions. We’ll never go anywhere unless we are all pulling for the same long-term strategic plan.” The Six Pillars endeavor uses common language and metrics, called the Florida Scorecard, to ensure that even the areas of individual interest, like education or government, work toward the same statewide goals. Communities that adopt the plan are autonomous and empowered to make localized policy decisions that also benefit the state as a whole, which is in itself a huge player on the global economic stage. In fact, if Florida were its own country, we would have the 19th largest gross domestic product (GDP) value in the world, at $750 billion. One hundred million visitors are believed to come to Florida every year. The Six Pillars plan is tasked with not only sustaining this growth, but also improving upon it.
The Six Pillars
The first pillar, not surprisingly, comprises talent supply and education. Research indicates that Florida will be home to 6 million more people by 2030, boosting the state’s population to 26 million. In order to keep unemployment at 6 percent, the Florida Chamber has tasked itself with adding 1.9 million net new jobs over that time. In Escambia County, 7,000 jobs need to be added over that time, but Wilson believes the number is much higher. But these jobs cannot be just any jobs. In order to remain competitive in a globalized economy and enhance quality of life, many
of these new jobs need to be high-wage and highskill, which is a direct product of the educational environment of the state. Key drivers of the education pillar include early learning, K-12, higher education, workforce development, and lifelong engagement. While the state excels in some measures, such as reading scores, other metrics are woefully behind. Thirty percent of 4th graders are below proficient in math and 50 percent “We’ll never go are below proficient in math and science. The fastest growanywhere unless ing jobs for the class of 2021, we are all pulling however, will be jobs that rely on science, technology, engifor the same longneering and math (STEM) skills. About 60,000 STEM term strategic jobs will soon need to be filled plan.” in Florida alone. The first pillar encourages local action to ensure we can meet that demand both locally and on a state level. The second pillar concerns innovation and economic development. Many years ago, the agriculture, tourism and construction industries buoyed Talent Supply & Florida’s economy. Since the recession has come Education a pressing need to diversify as the construction industry was dealt a powerful blow. Agriculture and tourism remain strong. Florida has more than 47,000 commercial farms, some of which grow 65 percent of the nation’s citrus. Additionally, there are 1 million tourism-related jobs in Florida, or about one in eight. Twenty years from now, the Innovation & Economic key Floridian industries will include international Development trade, manufacturing and exports. Already, international business and foreign direct investment directly support more than 1 million Florida jobs. By focusing on this diversification, as well as innovation, capital investments and financial markets and entrepreneurism, Florida will grow Infrastructure & Growth with the changing times are remain a competitor Leadership in this global economy. A recent Florida Chamber Foundation study indicated that state has the ability to create 150,000 new trade related jobs over the next several years. The third pillar of the Six Pillars plan involves infrastructure and growth leadership. It may not be readily apparent, but with 6 million people movBusiness Climate & Competitiveness ing here over the next 16 years and an additional million visiting every year, amenities Florida like water, energy, has nearly transportation routes, 20 million and communication/ Civic & Governance residents, technology availability Systems must expand. Florida surpassing New residents consume York as the third about 7 billion gallargest state. lons of water each and every day, 725 million of which are reused. Quality of Life & In 2030, we will need Quality Places
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economic development 9 billion gallons of water every day, a 28 percent increase. Due in large Small part to the blistering heat of summer, businesses Florida’s energy use is second in the create four country to Texas and about 40 percent higher than the country’s average, yet out of five only 2.2 percent of Florida electricity is new jobs in harvested from renewable resources. Florida. Natural gas and coal produce most of Florida’s energy. Renewability is the name of the game for Florida’s infrastructure. Greenhouse gas emission standards and alternative transportation are helping, but great strides must be taken to ensure Florida can meet the infrastructural demand of a population surge. “If you are going to add residents and jobs, you have to make sure that infrastructure is in place to support that,” said Tony Carvajal, executive vice president of the Florida Chamber Foundation. The fourth pillar is business climate and competitiveness, the key drivers for which are taxes, insurance, regulation, property rights, the legal climate, and workforce/employment issues. Wilson and Carvajal believe that by improving the legal and regulatory climate in Florida, private-sector jobs will increase. Lawsuit abuse taxes alone cost Florida families approximately $2.8 billion annually. The state ranks in the
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bottom 10 in the nation for a healthy legal climate. In order to attract and retain world-class job creators, the Florida Chamber believes that we must continue to work against special legal and regulatory agendas. The state could improve its economy by $15.5 billion by simply rejecting the agendas of special interest trial lawyers. All this talk of regulation and legality leads to the fifth pillar, civic and governance systems. The state budget, according to the Florida Chamber Foundation, is in nearly as dire straits as the federal budget. Through budget and pension reform, research estimates that $500 million could be made available for things like education and infrastructure. It may seen encouraging that the state can pay about 86 percent of its bills, but the unfunded liabilities amount to more than $21 billion. By planning better, leveraging more local private-public partnerships, and electing ethical leaders, Florida can re-appropriate foolishly spent dollars to more beneficial programs. The sixth and final pillar concerns quality of life and quality places. “Used to be, people would want to work for a particular company and would move anywhere in the country just to be with that company,” said Wilson. “Today, you see the opposite happening. Young people want to live in Austin or Portland because of the quality of life, and companies are relocating to those places to reach that talent. Florida needs to boost its quality of life to not only attract these high-paying jobs, but
economic development
“I’m afraid that if we don’t adopt this, we will become set in our ways and not take action on these important things.”
Forty-three percent of Floridians believe the state is headed in the right direction.
also these talented people. We want people to stay here and move here.” General healthcare is a big part of this pillar, with senior citizens accounting for more than half of the estimated population surge. The current research estimates that more than 220,000 healthcare and social assistance workers will be needed between now and 2030. With healthcare and insurance reform, along with Florida’s rejection of the Medicaid expansion, come many new unforeseen circumstances that only add to this growing problem. The largest industries in Escambia County are government, leisure and hospitality, and health services. Those will continue to be the area’s predominant industries, while positions like nurses, food servers, teachers, accountants and licensed manual laborers will be most in demand. On the decline are data entry keyers, typists, sales agents, store clerks and switchboard operators. Luckily, Escambia County’s population projections indicate that those ages 25-64, the talent pool, will account for a majority of the population, followed by seniors who are seeking encore careers and children who are being prepped for careers and college.
Escambia County Jobs Futurecast
Next Steps
The Six Pillars program has received widespread support, mostly in central and south Florida, and it is the decision of each individual chamber whether or not to participate in the program. Local Pensacola business leaders have already come out in support of the program. “I’m afraid that if we don’t adopt this, we will become set in our ways and not take action on these important things,” said Stan Connally, president and CEO of Gulf Power. “We need to have more conversations on how, but I think now is the time to do this.” “Let’s get started with this program and then see who we can get on board,” said Jerry Maygarden, president and CEO of the Greater Pensacola Chamber. Assuming local buy-in, Wilson and Carvajal suggest some rudimentary steps. First, collect data on a local level, then identify our own performance gaps, and finally plan to overcome those using Six Pillars as a framework to guide the local dialogue. The resulting local priorities will differ, but the parameters and focus of the discussion will be identical. Wilson emphasized the power of an economic agenda communicated throughout the local and state political process empowered by the simplicity of a common language. “We subtitled this plan ‘planning from the future’,” said Wilson. “Oftentimes, it’s difficult to know how to get started and what resources we need. If we know our end goal, though, we can work backwards and those things fall into place. This is also the first private job-growth plan in the country adopted by the state government.” The Florida Chamber Foundation is the leading force behind the Six Pillars effort. The rest of the Florida Chamber supports the Six Pillars by organizing legislative priorities and interviewing candidates running for office using the framework. The success or failure of the program, however, relies on regional buy-in and cooperation. “This process is only as good as our continued support,” said Bentina Terry, a trustee of the Florida Chamber.
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AN INDUSTRYWIDE LOOK AT
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY
Story by JOSH NEWBY Photograph by GUY STEVENS
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FEELING AT HOME AWAY FROM home is a difficult sensation to conjure. Every year, people spend billions of dollars to travel to new destinations in the hope of finding solace and fun. Caring for these visitors in a way that makes them feel safe, secure and worry-free in a novel environment takes delicacy and patience, traits that many in the South luckily have in spades. It is perhaps no wonder then that southern hospitality is considered a class of accommodation all its own and that people therefore travel here from all over the world to relax and vacation. Being home to award-winning beaches and a big-city cultural experience doesn’t hurt either. The hospitality and tourism industry have long helped sustain Florida’s
economy, with about 100 million visitors a year spending more than $76 billion annually, which accounts for 23 percent of the state’s revenue. But creating a culture of consistent excellence and customer responsiveness is more work than many may suspect. Delivering above and beyond consumer expectations, working long hours, partnering with local business and government and ensuring adequate infrastructure is all part of the larger hospitality field. The process of ensuring a memorable experience begins before the actual experience is even underway. Reaching through a saturated market to get the customers’ attention—and ultimately their money—begins with successful marketing and brand awareness.
Photo by Angelo DeSantis
industry spotlight “The first thing a customer does is look at your website or Google the location they’re interested in,” said JD Hallam of Perdido Key Resort Management. “They’re going to look at customer reviews, so making sure your prior guests had a great stay is one of the ways to help reach new customers.” Hallam and his team stay in touch with customers and make themselves available to help in any way they can from before the customer books the vacation to after the vacation is over. “We want their feedback before, during and after their stay,” said Hallam. “Customers pay attention to the quality of care and the response time you provide to their needs.” Richard Lamar, general manager of Pointe South, emphasized the importance of first impressions. “You can never over-promise and under-deliver,” said Lamar. “The checkin process has to be smooth. If you set an accommodating tone early, the rest is history because first impressions are key.” Once the customer is enjoying their vacation, it is key that staff are empowered to respond to needs autonomously. The goal should not just be making the customer feel whole, according to industry experts, but making the customer feel special. Making the customer whole entails simply giving them what they paid for. Making them feel special is the key to repeat business and entails going above and beyond whenever feasible. In Perdido Key Resort Management facilities, the staff makes the customers feel special with surprises planned along the way. “That can range from a free round of golf to discounts at a local restaurant,” said Lamar. Leveraging local businesses and government is just as important as the customer experience. By partnering with local event venues, restaurants and attractions, hospitality specialists can ensure that the customers’ money stays near the vacation destination. “If someone is staying in Perdido Key, you don’t want them having to travel a
long way away from their hotel to find something to do,” said Hallam. “You want to partner with local areas to make sure your customer has a wide range of options to pursue locally.” In the past, the local hospitality industry sects had a tendency to cannibalize each other, instead of working together for visitorship. Pensacola Beach would compete with the downtown historic district, which would compete with Perdido Key. Now, thanks in large part to Visit Pensacola, everyone is on the same page working for the same goals. Visit Pensacola is the area’s tourism coordination service that markets and plans events and brands Northwest Florida as the ideal vacation destination. “We don’t want people to just stay in a hotel and visit the beach,” said Steve Hayes, president of Visit Pensacola. “We want them to experience the full product, which ranges from historical culture and sporting events, to kid-friendly outings, dining and shopping.” “That collaboration is something that used to be really lacking,” said Lemar. “We try not to overlap events with other attractions in the area. The customer wants to feel welcomed and like they have options, not like everyone is just competing for their money. If they feel positively, they’ll return and will spend more money in the process.” The hospitality field is an exciting and ever-evolving one, but its focus on customer service and accommodation is not for everyone. For those interested,
a bachelor’s degree in hospitality is often enough to make more than $50,000 a year. The job is in-demand too, with about 50,000 hospitality management jobs nationwide and demand expected to continue to grow slightly. There are various certifications offered to those who wish to set themselves apart. Tourists travel to Northwest Florida most frequently from places like Atlanta, Birmingham, New Orleans and even Virginia Beach, thanks largely to recently expanded Southwest Airlines service to and from Pensacola Airport. “During the summer, you have a lot of families, and during the winter, you get the snow birds, or senior citizens who travel here to escape the harsh northern winter months,” said Hallam. Eighty-five percent of visitors come to Northwest Florida for leisure, versus 15 percent for business, most of whom are repeat guests. The average party size is 2.5 and most parties spend about $984 while on vacation. Visitors’ top three activities include the beach, dining and shopping. “The local industry is growing,” said Lemar. “The number of stays is on the rise and the length visitors are willing to travel to get here is increasing. If we want to keep that going, we have to hold ourselves accountable and anticipate problems before they happen. If we have a good attitude, our guests will have a good time, and it will continue to be good business.”
“We want them to experience the full product, which ranges from historical culture and sporting events, to kid-friendly outings, dining and shopping.” nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 23
The story of how one of the most unpredictable, politically-polarized states in the country passed a marijuana bill aimed at helping those with certain medical conditions. By Josh Newby
SPINNING CHARLOTTE’S WEB
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T RESEARCH PERSPECTIVES “While there are some anecdotal reports of marijuana use in treating epilepsy, scientific evidence for the routine use of marijuana for this indication is lacking” - American Epilepsy Society “While it shows promise for controlling cancer pain among some patients, there is still concern that marijuana may cause toxic side effects in some people and that the benefits of THC must be carefully weighed against its potential risks.” - American Cancer Society “We strongly support more cannabinoid research to better understand both how these substances can be used therapeutically as well as their potential side effects—which we may well be underestimating.” - Harvard Medical School
HE STORY OF THE NOW-FAMOUSLY narrow medical marijuana law in Florida, dubbed Charlotte’s Web, begins many years ago and hundreds of miles away, in Colorado, a medical marijuana legal state. In 2011, the Realm of Caring organization, helmed by five brothers who cultivate and breed medical cannabis, began crossbreeding marijuana and hemp to create a strain that would not get people high but would deliver some of the medical advantages of pot. Enter Paige Figi, whose six-year-old daughter Charlotte was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome, a catastrophic pediatric form of epilepsy. Charlotte had significant cognitive and motor delays, brain damage, and had to be fed through a tube. Approximately one in 100 people suffer from epilepsy, but Charlotte’s struggles were far more severe than the average case. Sometimes she would suffer from more than 300 seizures per week, or one every two hours. Figi knew she had to do something to help her daughter, and had heard of California parents’ success in treating their children using a low-THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), high-CBD (cannabidiol) strain of the marijuana plant. After getting the go-ahead from neurologists and pediatricians in the area, Figi started her daughter on the Realm of Caring’s unique, low-psychoactive formula. Eight months, later, Charlotte’s seizures were reduced by 99 percent. “Along with the seizure control, there are many other benefits she is experiencing from the medical cannabis,” said Figi in a testimony to low-THC marijuana. “Despite being previously 100 percent
government
tube-fed, she is consistently eating and drinking on her own for the first time in years. She sleeps soundly through the night. Her severe autism-like behaviors of self-injury, crying, violence, no eye contact, zero sleep, lack of social contact...are a thing of the past. She is clear-headed, focused, has no attention deficit. Charlotte rides horses, skis, paints, dances, hikes. She even has friends for the first time. Her brain is healing. She is healthy. She is happy.” After a documentary on CNN called Weed made Charlotte Figi into low-THC medical marijuana’s poster child, and Dr. Sanjay Gupta threw his support behind the strain, word of the plant’s medicinal applications spread quickly to places like South Florida, where Jacel Degadillo and Seth Hyman began lobbying for their children to receive a similar strain, now nicknamed Charlotte’s Web. As the documentary aired, Fort Walton Beach Rep. Matt Gaetz was in his pajamas, watching and realizing that if even a few Florida kids could benefit like Charlotte had, it was worth the fight. Gaetz, a Republican, was the chair of the House Criminal Justice subcommittee and reached across the aisle to Katie Edwards, a Democrat. “If any issue deserved support from both sides, it was this,” said Gaetz. “The issue of struggling families and unfortunate health situations crosses political and geographic lines.” In doing research for the bill he would eventually sponsor, Gaetz toured the state meeting with families who struggled with health crises not unlike Charlotte’s, including a family from Gulf Breeze. Given the issue’s controversial nature,
MAKING HISTORY
Rep. Matt Gaetz closes debate as the Florida House May 1, 2014, approved a bill that would allow for a strain of lowTHC marijuana to be legal in the state.
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government
MAKING MEDICINE A farmer checks on growing cannabis plants.
Gaetz was met with criticism at first from his conservative base. “So many conservatives had a visceral, kneejerk reaction to the issue,” said Gaetz. “They know me in Northwest Florida, though, so they let me explain that passage of this bill relied heavily on conservative values, like allowing people to stand up and make their own health decisions.” Turning conservative, tough-as-nails trail lawyers, law enforcement officers and prosecutors on to the idea of medical marijuana was a daunting task, one that Gaetz overcame through the strength of his research and the stories of struggling families he told. Once Gaetz was sure he had the support of his district and most of the state, he and Edwards penned HB 843, an early version of what would eventually become the Charlotte’s Web law. In a surprising decision, the Criminal Justice subcommittee voted to approve the measure 11-1 while bumping up the maximum THC levels the bill would allow. At the same time, a similar measure (SB 1030) was beginning to make its way through the Senate, thanks to bill co-sponsors Sens. Aaron Bean of Jacksonville, Rob Bradley of Orange Park, and Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg. Bean, a hard-line Conservative, had been moved to reconsider his stance against marijuana by listening to Payton Mosley, whose daughter was not unlike Charlotte. Traditionally against 26 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com
legalization of any kind, Bean knew he had to throw his weight behind Gaetz’s proposal, even though it seemed on the surface at odds with his conservative principles. This Senate bill made some improvements over the House version’s drawbacks. In the House
PERCENTAGE OF PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR MARIJUANA LEGISLATION
100
90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 1973
1986 1996
2000 2006 2010
2011
2013
government version, medicinal marijuana was still illegal, but if someone was caught using it for an approved reason, they could offer the tentative law as defense. The Senate version simply decriminalized the particular brand of marijuana altogether for medical use. “While many Floridians have significant concerns about medical marijuana being misused, SB 1030 offers a new opportunity for Floridians who have not found relief with current medications,” said Bradley. Some Senators, such as Bean, wanted to ensure that the law was narrow enough to protect against abuse. “We’re not trying to start a marijuana industry; we’re trying to give hope to people who need it most,” said Bean. Don Gaetz, Matt’s father, also came out in support of the law. “I recognize the position Matt and I have taken may be controversial in the minds of some of our Northwest Florida neighbors,” said Don Gaetz. “It has taken time and prayer and struggle for me to arrive at my position. I respect those with differing points of view.” There was still a long road ahead, though, as chairmen refused to put the issue on committee agendas, other legislators demanded rewrites, and portions were left out and added on seemingly daily. The bill’s eventual passage through committee is credited with family testimonials on the nature of epilepsy and even some parents who were considering moving to Colorado just to receive the treatment. In fact, Gaetz dedicated an entire hearing to the stories of families with epileptic children. “These people were as worthy of a hero and of a new regulated industry as any I’ve ever met,” said Matt Gaetz. Matt Gaetz also said that Rep. Dave Hood, a one-term Congressman who has since gone on to be a circuit judge, was extremely valuable as a proponent of the cause. Hood, a Republican lawyer from Daytona Beach, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and spoke about the irresponsibility of the government to keep the medical benefits of cannabis hidden from its citizens. In addition, the Florida Sheriff’s Association, a vocal and
adamant source of opposition for any legalization of marijuana, came out in support of the medical measure. The Florida Senate passed the bill 30-9 in the closing hours of the legislative session, a day after the House passed it 111-7. Gov. Rick Scott signed the bill known as the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act on June 6 and allowed for cannabis oil to be prescribed to those suffering from “a physical medical condition that chronically produces symptoms of seizures or severe and persistent muscle spasms.” The oil is to be taken orally. “As a father and grandfather, you never want to see kids suffer,” Scott said in a statement. “The approval of Charlotte’s Web will ensure that children in Florida who suffer from seizures and other debilitating illnesses will have the medication needed to improve their quality of life.” According to the law, Charlotte’s Web nurseries must be state-certified as capable of growing 400,000 or more plants and the nursery must have operated in the state for 30 continuous years. The narrow law limits growers to just five nurseries in Florida. In addition to limited availability, there are other causes for concern. About 200,000 people suffer from epilepsy in the state, though it is unclear how many qualify for the medical marijuana treatment. There is also a slight difference between Charlotte’s Web and the strain now legal in Florida, which is higher in THC and lower in CBD. Marijuana usage is also still technically a federal crime and classified as a Schedule 1 narcotic, though with recent federal guidelines that deprioritize marijuana prosecution, state preferences on the matter realistically equal de facto law. Finally, there is a lack of peer-reviewed scientific evidence that Charlotte’s case is repeatable in other instances. The next legal battle for marijuana in Florida comes in November, when a proposed state constitutional amendment, Amendment 2, is on the ballot for voter approval. This amendment would legalize the cultivation, purchase, possession and use of marijuana to treat medical conditions when recommended by a licensed physician. The measure would also order the Florida Department of Health to register and regulate producers and distributors of medical marijuana and to issue identification cards to patients and caregivers utilizing marijuana. While marijuana dispersion would be heavily regulated and monitored, this amendment would greatly widen the current Charlotte’s Web MAKING precedent, opening the state up for CHANGES further benefits and Sen. Aaron potential abuse of the Bean speaks to controversial plant. the Republican caucus.
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around the region FedEx provides scholarships for National Flight Academy The National Flight Academy is excited to announce FedEx has provided scholarships for 108 7th - 12th grade students from the Memphis area to attend a 6-day program and participate in this immersive, aviation-themed experience. Captain Ed Lyons, Vice President of Safety and Airworthiness at FedEx Express, will be the guest speaker at the National Flight Academy graduation event at noon on Friday, July 25.
Sacred Heart CEO recognized for patient safety leadership The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) has recognized Susan Davis, president and CEO of Sacred Heart Health System, with the T. Stewart Hamilton, MD, Distinguished Service Award. The award recognized her work in leading Connecticut hospitals toward implementing new processes that help to ensure the safety of hospital patients. Davis, who currently serves as a CHA board member, is a former CHA chairman of the board and former president/CEO of St. Vincent’s Health Services in Bridgeport, Conn.
Chamber separates from Economic Development
Chamber board votes to create new economic development entity During a special meeting today on July 21 at Gulf Power Company’s Addison Auditorium, members of the Greater Pensacola Chamber’s Board of Directors voted to establish a separate economic development (ED) agency that could continue to work with regional government partners to create jobs and help bring economic prosperity to the region. A formal proposal was made to the Board in February by Chamber President Jerry Maygarden to create a new 501(c) entity that would accept public funding similar to Visit Pensacola, which was the Chamber’s tourism arm for 25 years until the two separated on Jan 1 of this year.
GTECH’s After School Advantage program donates $10,000 computer lab to Pathways for Change GTECH, in partnership with the Florida Lottery, is pleased to announce the opening of the newest GTECH After School Advantage computer lab at Pathways For Change, Inc. As part of the donation, Pathways For Change received six Dell desktop computers, six student workstations and chairs, a printer, a wireless router, a variety of educational software, a bookcase, and room décor. The computer lab will be used during the after school program and summer camp to provide the children with computer literacy skills, help assist with homework, and allow academic growth during critical times like after school hours and summer breaks.
Perdido Key $50,000 gift card giveaway for travelers The Perdido Key Visitor Information Center’s latest campaign launched on July 24. Adventurers can choose from four dream vacations—Beaches, Extreme, History/ Culture or Romance—then create a virtual itinerary, tag their vacation with #LovePerdidoKey on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and get $200 in free gift cards for three nights, or $300 in gift cards for booking four or more nights on Perdido Key, when they stay before Sept. 30, 2014. To get started, visit www.VisitPerdido. com. Restrictions apply, and travelers must register online before booking their accommodations. 28 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com
UWF named ‘Great College to Work For’
The University of West Florida is listed as one of the Great Colleges to Work For, according to a recent survey released by The Chronicle of Higher Education. The results are based on a survey of more than 43,000 employees at 278 colleges and universities. Only 92 institutions gained recognition for specific best practices and policies. The survey is organized into 12 “Great College” categories, including collaborative governance, diversity and job satisfaction. The results are reported for small, medium and large institutions, with UWF included among the large universities with 10,000 or more students. UWF was recognized in the Supervisor or Department Chair Relationships category.
Innovation Coast announces competition finalists
Concluding the initial round of evaluations, the 2014 Innovation Awards Business Competition is excited to announce the top 10 finalist companies that will compete on Nov. 7 for a chance to win cash and prizes valued at $215,000 and present their business cases before a live audience including venture capitalists, angel investors and financiers. The top 10 finalists listed in alphabetical order are: • Accountingfly • General Capacitor International • Historical Research Associates • Intelligent Retinal Imaging Systems • Paracosm • REACH3D MEDICAL • Robotics Unlimited • SOLTAIR • TalkingParents.com • VetCV
Council Member PC Wu honored with 2014 Home Rule Award
The Florida League of Cities (FLC) recognized City of Pensacola Council Member and League president P.C. Wu with a 2014 Home Rule Hero Award at a local city council meeting on July 17. This prestigious award was presented to Council Member Wu for his tireless efforts to advance the League’s legislative agenda and help protect the home rule powers of Florida’s cities during the 2014 legislative session. Home Rule is the ability for a city to establish its own form of government and enact ordinances, codes, plans and resolutions without prior state approval. The Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials – both elected and nonelected – who consistently responded to the League’s request to reach out to members of the legislature and help give a local perspective to an issue.
BBB announces Torch Awards
Your BBB Foundation serving Northwest Florida is proud to announce the recipients of the ninth annual Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics program from its District I area: Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. 1-10 employees categoryEvans Automotive Service Center Honorable Mention- Gulf Coast Air Care 11-49 employees categoryGilmore Services 50+ employees categoryPen Air Federal Credit Union Charity category- Council on Aging of West Florida Charity category- The Ronald McDonald House NWFL Customer Service ExcellenceDavid Apple, Apple Market
people on the move Pensacola and Destin doctor selected as Texas Super Doctor James R. Patrinely, M.D., F.A.C.S. was selected as a Texas Super Doctor 2014 for Texas Monthly Magazine which recognizes the top 1% of medical specialists in the state. In addition to his downtown Pensacola and Destin offices, Dr. Patrinely maintains a prominent office in Houston where he sees patients from all over the world in his specialty of Cosmetic Oculofacial Plastic Surgery.
Baptist Medical Group welcomes family medicine physician Kacey Gibson, D.O. Baptist Medical Group, the physician network of Baptist Health Care based in Pensacola, Fla., further expands its primary care presence in the Gulf Breeze community with the addition of board certified family physician Kacey Gibson, D.O. Starting in August 2014, Dr. Gibson joins the Baptist Medical Group ? Tiger Point office, located at 1337 Country Club Road in Gulf Breeze. She will work alongside established Baptist Medical Group family physician, Richard Matthews, M.D., caring for patients ages two and up.
Combined Insurance Services appoints new group operations director Combined Insurance Services is pleased to announce Kim Parker has joined the firm as Director of Group Operations. Kim has more than 16 years of experience in the employee benefits field, including Group Health, Dental, Life, Disability, Worksite and Vision insurance. Prior to joining Combined Insurance Services, Kim enjoyed a highly successful career at Florida Blue as an account executive. In her role at Combined Insurance Services, Kim will be responsible for assisting clients with the development of effective solutions for employee benefits and managing regulatory issues such as Health Care Reform.
Local husband and wife awarded Franchisee of the Year Tracy and Tamron Goodson, a local husband and wife team, were recently awarded Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Franchisee of the Year Award. The two have grown their two Beef ‘O’Brady’s by more than 40 percent, and they hope to open two or three more sports bars in the area to better serve the community. In addition to the restaurant, the couple are active in other ventures. Tracy owns a race car team (Tracy Goodson Racing) and the couple own a real estate holding company. However, their contributions to the community do not stop there, the couple also support 37 charities through their charitable bingo halls. nwflbusinessclimate.com | Business Climate | 29
business scene At March of Dimes social in Gulf Coast Community Bank Debi Williams, Patrice Moore, Donna Drew
Reuben Byrd, Buzz Ritchie, Rick Lambert
At Bastille Day at Jackson’s Steakhouse Corbett & DeeDee Davis
Scott Ritchie, Eric Gleaton
Peter & Libby Doyle
Marianne & John McMahon
Teri Levin
At Gulf Coast Kids House groundbreaking Catherine Gallagher & David Peaden,
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“I don’t have to worry anymore and Bill loves it. There couldn’t be a better place – for both of us.” –Ursula Carney
The Retreat is a special place, and experience, that has been described as refreshing, supportive, fun, assuring, caring and heartwarming by those who participate and their families. Positive outcomes for participants include increased socialization, improved moods and behavior, greater sense of purpose and improved sleep habits. Family caregivers gain peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in a safe place while they go off to work or get much needed respite.
Call 266-2503 to arrange a tour. 875 Royce Street, Pensacola (ACHA#9051)
Monday - Friday 7:30 - 5:30 Daily fee includes breakfast, lunch and activities. Come see what you are missing! 32 | Business Climate | nwflbusinessclimate.com
To learn more, visit www.coawfla.org