GulfBreeze Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce Magazine
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Issue 19/Summer 2014
Golf For a Cause
Also
Pensacola Bay Bridge Update 2013 Chamber Award Winners Panera Opens in Gulf Breeze
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Summer/2014
contents inside Gulf Breeze Magazine
features
Cover photo: Courtesy of Navarre Press
21) Fairways To Freedom Golf For a Cause 24) Special Olympics Bring Athleticism & Spirit
slices 8) commentary 10) businessofthemonth 11) businessbriefs 11) who’snewtothechamber 12) chambernews 12) ambassadorofthequarter
14) inthebreeze Pensacola Bay Bridge Update 18) chamberawards 2013 Chamber Award Winners 26) businessprofile Panera Opens in Gulf Breeze 28) calendar 30) partingshots
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GulfBreeze Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce Magazine
Don’t be the last to find out
GBACOC EXECUTIVE BOARD
What’s Happening in Gulf Breeze
SHARON PITTS, CHAIRMAN LOFTIS MARINE DIVISION KAREN JURKOWICH, CHAIR ELECT LEVIN & RINKE RESORT REALTY DAVE MUNGAI, PAST CHAIRMAN CHOICE VIDEO SERVICES RICK CANTIN, TREASURER RICHARD H. CANTIN, CPA PA & BREEZE PAYROLL SHANNON WESTMORELAND, SECRETARY BAYSIDE COLLISION CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS DON ABRAMS, GULF BREEZE CINEMA 8 ANGELA CARTER, GULF POWER COMPANY MICHAEL HAMSTRA, APPRIVER LLC MICHELLE HORTON, PENSACOLA STATE COLLEGE - SOUTH SANTA ROSA CENTER JAN HRUSKA, BREEZY BOAT CITY MIKE LAYTON, FSI GROUP STEVE MCNALLY, J.W. DUNNWRIGHT CONSTRUCTION LLC LISA NEWELL, GULF BREEZE NEWS & SPLASH! MAGAZINE DON RICHARDS, UNITED PENINSULA ASSOCIATION JIM ROBERT, PLASTIC ENGRAVING SCOTT SHANKS, CFP, EDWARD JONES - SCOTT SHANKS, CFP TODD ST. ORES, GULF COAST AIR CARE DAVE SZYMANSKI, CITY OF GULF BREEZE - LIAISON JAMIE WALKER, EGIVINGS TIM WISE, PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL STAFF KRISTEN LOERA, PRESIDENT/CEO SHARON WEST, BOOKKEEPER LORAINE CERNA, MEMBER ADMINISTRATOR
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commentary
After one of the coolest Florida winters I can remember, I know we are all ready for summer! We are ready for the influx of summer tourists, sporting events, and activities of all sorts here on the coast. The Gulf Breeze Area Chamber has experienced some exciting changes and is continuing to work hard on your behalf. This past quarter, we welcomed Kristen Loera as our new President/CEO, and she has really hit the ground running. Whether you keep in touch on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, you should know that the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber is working on your behalf every day. Our Ambassador program has been revitalized and they are rolling out a new mentoring program so that each of our new members has a vigorous support system as they explore new activities with the chamber. Josie Cotti has taken the reigns of the Governmental Affairs Committee and remains dedicated to pursuing the best interests of Gulf Breeze businesses and residents as we address the new bay bridge and other critical legislative issues. The Business Development Committee is working on the upcoming Business and Family Expo and Taste of Gulf Breeze. And, the Education Committee just wrapped up the 2013-2014 school year with our Teacher Appreciation Luncheon as we continue to enjoy one of the highest performing school districts in the state. It is wonderful that we get to live in a community that others have to save all year to visit. With so many exciting events on our schedule for the next few months, I hope you are able to take advantage of some of them. Thank you all for supporting the businesses in Gulf Breeze and I hope your summer is memorable. Sharon Pitts Chairman of the Board Gulf Breeze Area Chamber
As the new President/CEO of the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber I knew I had big shoes to fill. The past leadership of the organization brought so much passion and enthusiasm for the Gulf Breeze Area, our businesses, and our community, that I knew coming in I could never “fill� those shoes. Instead I had to bring with me a new pair of shoes. Shoes that were filled with new ideas and fresh perspectives for how we could add value to our member businesses, take a broader stance on community and economic development to help all of our local businesses and residents, and engage our community to help improve quality of life in the Gulf Breeze Area. My hope is that as we move through the year, you will begin to see the impact of these new ideas and perspective. Some may start as ripples and others a big splash, but all will be focused outwardly on you; our businesses, residents, and community. I am here to serve you and look forward to working hard for you throughout the coming years. Kristen Loera President/CEO Gulf Breeze Area Chamber
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businessofthemonth January 2014 Gilmore Insurance and Bonding Gilmore Insurance and Bonding started in 1978 as a father and son team whose philosophy was that every customer should be able to protect their personal and business assets, and do so for a reasonable price. Thirty-six years later, that philosophy along with the company’s commitment to providing their customers with fast, friendly and professional service has grown their three person operation in Fort Walton Beach to 14 employees and a second office in Navarre, allowing expanded services across Northwest Florida. They strive to build a bond with their customers, earning their trust while helping them choose the right insurance for their home, auto, business and life. Contact Gilmore Insurance and Bonding at their Navarre office at (850) 9361884, 8141 Navarre Parkway, Navarre, or their Mary Esther office at (850) 2443387, 151 Mary Esther Blvd, #501, Mary Esther.
February 2014 Kristen Marks, My Pink Lawyer Kristen Marks has spent most of her life helping a very specific demographic – women. With both of her career paths, her focus has been on helping women either grow their careers or protect the assets they generate and the families who benefit from them. Currently she provides estate planning, probate and guardianship legal services for women in the Pensacola MSA. During the past seven years, she quickly learned that one special group of people were underserved in our community. With gusto she has worked to bring peace of mind to parents of 10
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special needs children who must be provided for beyond the life expectancy of their parents. Kristen Marks, My Pink Lawyer, is also well known for her active support of local charities such as the Gulf Coast Kid’s House, Autism Pensacola, Global Giving, Kiva, the Special Olympics, and the Epilepsy Society of Northwest Florida. A portion of her proceeds from each client goes to the charity of their choice from this list. Contact Kristen at (850) 439-1191 to schedule your free consultation today.
March 2014 Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church started 59 years ago when a small group of people came together that were committed to serving the community. Through the years that commitment never changed as they grew to three locations and over 4,000 members, with their impact being felt throughout the Gulf Breeze area, Pensacola Beach and beyond. Each week over 225 preschoolers attend preschool and a free VPK program, over 150 middle school students attend a free Monday afterschool program, and meals are delivered to the homebound. Each month they feed 150 homeless at Loaves and Fishes, and host a free community dinner the first Wednesday of each month that is open to all. Every year over 500 low income children and senior adults receive gifts as part of their advent angel program, and a free summer camp is provided for the inner-city children of Pensacola’s Milk & Honey. These are just a few of the many things that Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church does to make an impact within
our community, because they are committed to serving, not only their members, but the community as well. Visit their website, www.gbumc.org, to learn more about the church, their locations and service times.
April 2014 Choice Video Services Choice Video Services is an award winning, family owned and operated business, which services clients from Destin to Gulf Shores, and the entire Northwest Florida Gulf Coast. They pride themselves in providing unmatched customer service and outstanding quality. They are a full-service digital video studio and feature state-of-the-art equipment, including non-linear editing systems, professional grade DVD, CD, videotape stock, and duplication equipment. If you ask the owner of Choice Video Services what business he is in, he’ll tell you they are not in the video business, they’re in the business of “enhancing lives and improving business through video!” Contact Choice Video Services at (850) 934-9907. GB
businessbriefs EscaRosa BCI Re-launches BERT Bag Initiative The EscaRosa Business Continuity Initiative is a venue for businesses in Santa Rosa and Escambia counties to be involved with developing plans and sharing ideas to keep businesses in their county open during and after a disaster. EscaRosa BCI includes all the Chambers of Commerce, emergency management from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, the COADs in each county (BRACE and SAFER Santa Rosa), as well as some key businesses and organizations, like the UWF Small Business Development Center, the Better Business Bureau, and Gulf Power. With a vision to be the most sustainable, disaster-resilient business community in America, the EscaRosa BCI created the Business Emergency Response Toolkit, or BERT bag. Starting in 2008, over 2,000 BERT bags were distributed throughout Santa Rosa and Escambia counties. In June 2014, the BERT bag initiative will re-launch with the availability of bags for new businesses or those that did not receive a toolkit before. These bags hold Business Continuity information from FEMA and DHS, as well as some locally developed material. BERT bags will be distributed free of charge through the chambers to any business that would like one, regardless of membership status. If you are interested in receiving a Business Emergency Response Toolkit for your business, call the Chamber at (850) 932-7888. The Blues are Back! After a year off due to sequestration, our beloved Blue Angels are back in the air! They will be flying in the Pensacola Beach Air Show on July 11th and 12th. The Blue Angels will have a full dress rehearsal on Friday, July 11th at 1 pm. On Saturday, July 12th the civilian air show will begin at 1 pm featuring Julian McQueen, Gary Ward, Skip Stewart, and Team Aerodynamix, followed by the Blue Angels at 2 pm. For more information on the air show, contact the Pensacola Beach Visitors Information Center at (850) 635-4803 or go to www.visitpensacolabeach.com.
who’snewtothe chamber? Small Business Development Center Partners with Santa Rosa County EDO In April, the Florida Small Business Development Center at UWF signed an agreement to partner with the Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office. This partnership will allow the two groups to work together on new and existing programs, projects, and activities focused on the growth of the business community in Santa Rosa County. Certified Business Consultants will be available at the Economic Development Office to provide existing businesses and prospective entrepreneurs with management assistance, business analysis, industry research, government contracting, international trade and more. Additionally, the SBDC will host training programs at the Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office throughout the year. Goldring Gulf Distributing Moving to Santa Rosa Industrial Park After purchasing a 35-acre parcel in the Santa Rosa Industrial Park in Milton, Goldring Gulf Distributing is working on a 191,450 square foot facility that will house their beverage distribution facility, offices, controlled temperature warehouse and maintenance services. The new location will combine their current Fort Walton and Pensacola facilities, employ over 240 people and service more than 2,200 retail accounts. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year. GB
Beth Shoemaker Digital Boardwalk Henrietta “Etta” Lawlor Lamar Paju’da Salon Panera Bread, Café #1725 Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast Rodan+Fields – Josie Cotti SellMyTimeshareNow.com Techworx The Honorable Robert Hilliard - Santa Rosa County Judge Sandy Sutton Special Olympics Florida – Escambia/Santa Rosa GB
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chambernews Chamber Unveils 90 Day Challenge Whether you are a new member to the Chamber or have been for a while, the 90 Day Challenge is for you. The premise of the 90 Day Challenge is once you have chosen to INVEST in Chamber Membership, you COMMIT to completing six steps the Chamber feels are important to help you GROW your business and get the most from your Chamber membership. The steps aren’t complicated and you may have already completed most of them. Within 90 days you must complete the following: 1. Attend Chamber Connect/Ribbon Cuttings 2. Display your Business Cards or Brochures in the Chamber Lobby 3. Attend one of the Monthly Networking Events 4. Update your Online Business Listing on the Chamber Website 5. Attend a Committee Meeting 6. Attend a second Monthly Networking Event It’s that simple! If you complete all six items within a 90 day period you will receive a FREE Enhanced Web Listing for six months on the Chamber website. Visit www.gulfbreezechamber.com or contact Kristen Loera at (850) 932-7888 or ceo@gulfbreezechamber.com to get started today. 2014 Business & Family Expo and Taste of Gulf Breeze Dates Announced The Business Development Committee of the Gulf Breeze Chamber is excited to announce the 2014 Business & Family Expo will take place on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 12th and 13th at the Gulf Breeze Community Center. Friday evening, Sept. 12th, the Taste of Gulf Breeze will be back in conjunction with the Expo. Call the Chamber at (850) 9327888 for information on how to reserve your booth space at these great community events or to join the planning committee. Job Postings Available on Chamber Website The Gulf Breeze Chamber website offers a wealth of information including a directory of member businesses, upcoming chamber and community events, and area news. But it also offers a listing of available job postings in the area. If you are an employer looking to hire, you can add your job posting to our website for free. And if you are seeking employment be sure to check out the listings frequently as new postings are being added all the time. To post job opportunities to the Chamber website, email Loraine at reception@gulfbreezechamber.com. GB
ambassadorofthequarter
Ambassador of the 1st Quarter
Ambassador of the 2nd Quarter
Mike Layton
TJ Edwards
AMBASSADOR OF THE QUARTER – 1ST QUARTER: MIKE LAYTON What company do you work for? FSi Group Total Business Solutions. What is your job title and main responsibilities for your company? Business Development Representative. I assist our clients with their printing, promotional product, branded apparel, office supply and office furniture needs. What do you enjoy most about volunteering with the Gulf Breeze Chamber? The relationships I have developed with other members of the chamber. What do you like to do in your “off ” time? I enjoy reading both fiction and non-fiction. There are several favorite sports teams I follow, including the Blue Wahoos. I participate in our church’s music program and my wife and I regularly attend the Symphony and the Opera. AMBASSADOR OF THE QUARTER – 2ND QUARTER: TJ EDWARDS What company do you work for? Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA, Inc. What is your job title and main responsibilities for your company? Named Account Executive. What do you enjoy most about volunteering with the Gulf Breeze Chamber? Helping all the new members grow their business and getting them involved in our community. What do you like to do in your “off ” time? Anything with my family; baseball, softball, swim meets, boating, beach and I try to squeeze in a rugby game (my sport love) a few times a year. GB
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inthebreeze
Pensacola Bay Bridge Update
The
By Josie Cotti
Pensacola Bay Bridge Project once again became a major topic of discussion after a year hiatus. Achitecture and engineering consulting firm Reynolds, Smith & Hills (RS&H) and the Florida Department of Transportation made two presentations in April about their plans - one to the Alabama-Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) and the other to the Project’s Advisory Group (PAG). Some of the details that were presented have narrowed down the bridge’s location and timetable. RS&H began the bridge study with four potential placements within the current bridge corridor. During the initial analysis, it was determined that a west or east position were not optimum, leaving the central options to be further evaluated. Their final preferred alignment would have to take into account Section 4(f) of the 1966 Federal Surface Transportation Act which requires the project to have the least possible impact on parks, national historic sites, and waterfowl refuges. The study RS&H had to present to the Federal Highway Administration included their Section 4(f) findings which revealed that the best alternative was the Central West Corridor for the Bridge alignment. This location will have a greater impact on businesses at the foot of the bridge in Gulf Breeze but keeps the Pensacola Fishing Pier and wildlife areas on both sides of the bridge intact. Along with this slightly westerly alignment, the presentations reaffirmed several characteristics to the new bridge. It will have two separate spans with three lanes each as well as 10 foot wide shoulders to provide for accident/breakdown mitigation. 14
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There is discussion as to whether a pedestrian/bike path will be on both sides of the bridge or just on one. A $20 million cost saving from the $590 million budget would be realized if it was on only one side. Many on the PAG emphasized that this would not be a wise long term savings as the bridge is a destination location for tourists and locals, the thought being that the new design will make it an even better location for events. The bridge will also be higher at its peak. Current standards require it to be 65 feet high, 11 feet higher than at present. The new landings will enable increased parking under the bridge as well as easier access to both sides for travelers and pedestrians. The budget and design might include a “flyover” in Pensacola from 17th Avenue that would allow direct access onto the bridge without stoplights for drivers headed east. The “flyover” idea is still open to discussion and may be a future project rather than part of this construction. The FDOT made it clear that landscaping will be included in the design with maintenance funding for three years after the bridge is completed. What is the timetable for the final design and construction of the Pensacola Bay Bridge? After the public forum on June 10th, RS&H and the FDOT will transition from Bridge Study to final design, build RFP, right-of-way procurement and much more. The final design phase will include discussions with local governments and individuals about the aesthetics of the bridge (lighting, etc.). This phase will take about two years. Actual
construction would not begin until late in 2016 or early 2017 and continue for five years. RS&H and the FDOT were encouraged to incentivize the contract to motivate as speedy a completion of the bridge construction as possible. In mid-May President Obama announced a transportation plan that would put the Pensacola Bay Bridge and several other projects across the country on the fast track. The plan’s purpose is to get past bureaucratic red tape that can stall these types of construction projects and get them completed ahead of schedule. Gulf Breeze officials, the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber and others will continue to work closely with RS&H and FDOT to deal with the impact of bridge construction on local businesses and residents. The presenters assured PAG members that businesses at the foot of the bridge would have continuous access to their businesses during working hours. Access does not eliminate hardship, though, not to mention the construction’s impact on commuter and tourist travel time. It was also revealed that the pylons needed to support the bridge will have to be pounded in. This is a detail that will have to be discussed further on behalf of each community in relation to disruptive noise levels. A new Pensacola Bay Bridge will clearly be an asset to the area in the long run, but residents and officials alike will have to continue to work as a team to assure the advantages of that asset and to mitigate the impact of its construction on our communities. GB Summer/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine
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2013 CHAMBER AWARD WINNERS By Kristen Loera
2013 Business of the Year – Chick-fil-A Gulf Breeze
Each
year, the Gulf Breeze Chamber recognizes outstanding individuals or businesses that continually contribute to the chamber and the community as a whole. These hardworking honorees are the reason the Gulf Breeze business community continues to grow and part of what makes this a great community. The winners were nominated by their peers and selected by the chamber Board of Directors. The 2013 award presentation took place at the Annual Awards Gala “Sailabration” at the Hilton Pensacola Beach. 2013 Ambassador of the Year – Sharon Pitts In June 2011, Sharon Pitts joined the Loftis Marine Division team. She had been active in a chamber of commerce in Kansas, so she knew that joining the local chambers was an excellent place to start marketing for them. Her first stop was the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber. She quickly joined the Ambassadors and visited with other committees. By 2012, her warm smile was a regular sight at all Ambassador functions, on the Business Development and Education Committees, and at the Leads Groups. Her willingness to help whenever needed led to an invitation to join the Board of Directors in 2013. Sharon’s “can do” spirit, ceaseless energy, and strong leadership skills make her an important part of our Chamber. 2013 Emerging Leader of the Year – Gabriel Sedlak Gabriel Sedlak returned to the Pensacola Bay area in 2012 with his young family. As one of the early founding consultants for Rodan + Fields he helped the company expand its national recognition, particularly in Atlanta and Nashville, and now co-hosts the weekly National Orientation Conference Call. Gabriel joined the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber shortly after settling in Gulf Breeze. 18
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2013 Emerging Business of the Year – Gulf Breeze School of Music 2013 Ambassador of the Year – Sharon Pitts He began networking with the Leads Groups, attending breakfasts and Business After Hours in order to spread the word about his company’s products. Gabriel actively supports many local charities and several other chambers, when he and Holley, his wife, are not having fun with their two boys. 2013 Emerging Business of the Year – Gulf Breeze School of Music Rachael Hyer was a well-respected piano teacher in the Gulf Breeze area but she didn’t stop there. In 2011, she decided to take it a step further and founded the Gulf Breeze School of Music. In just two short years, the school has taught theatre and music to almost 1,000 children and adults and has expanded its staff from four to eight employees. Gulf Breeze School of Music is constantly developing new programs and classes to encourage creativity in area residents. Rachael has also established a performance team that appears at nursing homes, open houses and even at Chamber Galas and Business After Hours, thus encouraging her students to be confident in their growing skills and talents. 2013 Business of the Year – Chick-fil-A Gulf Breeze John and Ann Marie Stopper met for the first time while they both worked as teenagers for a Chick-fil-A in Pensacola. After years of working in all areas of the company throughout the South, they are proud to own their first franchise in their own home area. From their grand opening in 2012 to their monthly family nights and constant donations to local schools and nonprofits, the Stoppers and their team have proven themselves as ardent supporters of the Gulf Breeze community. In 2013 their lunches were one of the many things that made the Chamber’s Fairways to Freedom a golf event to remember. GB
2013 Emerging Leader of the Year – Gabriel Sedlak Summer/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine
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What’s Happening in Gulf Breeze
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Golf For a Cause By Josh Newby
A mid-afternoon
day on the green is reason enough for many people to participate in a good-natured golf tournament, but add to that the benefits for local military and businesses that the annual Fairways to Freedom Spring Golf Tournament provides, and people get very excited to play a few rounds.
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Every year, the Gulf Breeze Chamber celebrates Military Appreciation Month at this spring golf tournament, which takes place at Tiger Point Golf Club and is sponsored by Gulf Power. The event is also a fundraiser for the Chamber, and each year the Chamber donates a portion of the proceeds to a militaryrelated charity or cause. “There are people in this community and people you do business with whom you may not know have a military past,” said Chamber President Kristen Loera. “They are such a big part of this community, and this is a great way to appreciate them.” Local businesses sponsor each of the four-person military teams, who compete internally for the much-coveted traveling trophy. The Chamber’s military liaison works with branch commanders to select the teams. “Oftentimes, these commanders will select their best activeduty golf players, because each branch wants the victory,” said Loera. “Sometimes, a spot on the team will serve as a reward for these servicemen. It’s really up to the commanders whom they select.”
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Past years have produced gold for the Army, Marines, and most recently the Coast Guard. As part of the same tournament, 4 man teams that paid to play will compete for the usual designation of first, second and third, blending seamlessly our area’s military influence with business leaders and private citizens. The tournament, which took place May 9, happened just over a week after record rainfall produced devastating flooding for the region. Nevertheless, the tournament enjoyed some great participation from the 18 teams that played. A portion of the funds that were raised this year benefitted the Monument to Women Veterans organization. According to Loera, there is no military monument in the country that exists for and features just women, despite the fact that they make up almost 20 percent of our country’s armed forces and there are more than 2 million female veterans across the country. It is this organization’s mission to change that. In Washington, DC, there are monuments that feature women as nurses and caregivers, but their role has evolved over the years, and they are now just as valuable on the battlefield as their male counterparts. The Monument to Women Veterans wants to showcase that. Michelle Caldwell spearheads the cause and is passionate about women being adequately represented in our nation’s gratefulness to its veterans. “We were established in 2011 and assessed service gaps to our local veterans right away,” said Caldwell. “The biggest gap we identified was service to women.”
Right away, Caldwell set about to right this wrong, talking with various investors and the City of Pensacola to help identify the future monument’s impact. It was estimated that the monument could have a $9 million economic impact for the area in the long-term, as it would be the only one of its kind in the country. Caldwell is passionate about helping women veterans in other ways, too. She works with homeless veterans to ensure they have meals and places to stay. “Right now, if you’re a woman veteran and you don’t have a drug or alcohol problem, there’s nowhere you can go,” said Caldwell. “So we do things like Home for the Holidays and other initiatives to help them out. As a non-profit, you have to be careful about how you spend your limited amount of money.” The Gulf Breeze Chamber, according to Caldwell, is a great investment. “They have been so kind to us and they couldn’t be any more helpful if they tried,” said Caldwell. “They’re more in touch with their members, and they really do care about veterans, as exemplified by this Fairways to Freedom event.” The monument is still in the planning stages, but Caldwell hopes to have it constructed either at NAS, on the Pensacola waterfront or in Gulf Breeze soon. In the future, Loera would like to see the golf tournament increase its impact to even more militaryaffiliated non-profits. One of the ways to do that is by increasing participation from non-Chamber members of the community. “Even though it is a Chamber event and fundraiser, those who are not members are still welcome to participate,” said Loera. “I’d like to see this tournament become one of the premier golf events in the area. The more people who participate, the more our military and non-profit organizations can benefit.” Other sponsors for the event included Bamboo Willie’s, Hemingway’s and Hooters. GB Summer/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine
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Photos courtesy of the Special Olympics
The Volleyball Team
Special Olympics Bring Athleticism & Spirit By Emily Lullo
As the summer
season warms up, many take the opportunity to spend sunny days outdoors enjoying events and maybe even getting in some physical fitness. For those that enjoy sporting events and athletic showcases, supporting the local Special Olympics organization is a perfect fit for the season and beyond. Special Olympics Escambia/Santa Rosa offers intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. In mid-May a delegation of 48 people including 37 athletes headed to Lake Buena Vista for the statewide Summer Games where they competed in tennis, track and field, soccer, volleyball and bocce. Meanwhile, practice has already kicked off for the next season which includes aquatics, golf, sailing, surfing and stand up paddle. When many people think of the Special Olympics, there are a few misconceptions that often spring to mind, says director of Special Olympics Escambia/Santa Rosa Jessica Barrale. One is that it only happens once a year. Part of the mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who wish to participate, and events take place throughout the year both locally and throughout the region and state. 24
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Keith was awarded the Gold medal for his performance in shot-put.
Anyone can participate in Special Olympics if they meet the money to the group at any time. Special Olympics eligibility criteria of having intellectual disabilities or a similar Escambia/Santa Rosa is also currently seeking volunteers to help developmental disability and expand their reach in Santa Rosa locally about 300 athletes County. “We are creating new opportunities are served through the on the north and south side of Santa program. Activities exist for Rosa County for sports, and when the those of all ability levels, sports start it creates the need for a from the highly functioning management team, so we need a to the severely challenged, fundraising chair, a sports chair and a and training and activities volunteer chair,” Barrale says. “Those are free of charge to are the primary three positions we’re participate; the programs looking to fill right now as volunteer are completely funded and leadership roles.” produced through monetary Athletes that participate in Special and in-kind donations. Olympics have opportunities to grow as At the most recent trip to people and garner recognition for the State Special Olympic The Champions athletic skills. Last October an athlete Games, the local team from the golf program in Santa Rosa brought home several gold represented our area at the national games and won a silver medals after two days of competition. Eight-year-old Christopher competed in Soccer Skills and won the Gold medal medal, and the previous another golfer brought home gold from a national tournament. The golf group also recently got a his first time at state competition. An adult athlete named Keith chance to hang out with Bubba Watson when he visited and recently began playing with Special Olympics again for the first Barrale said the meet-up made a big impression. Athletes have time in eight years. Barrale says his excitement was through the great opportunities in the personal realm as well. An athlete roof when he got gold for his performance in shot-put. leadership program brings athletes to work in nontraditional Additionally, after a bad loss on Friday the volleyball team, the roles, allowing them to build other skills like leadership and Escambia Tigers, came back on Saturday with a vengeance, public speaking. winning their games and garnering a gold medal. “We can have athletes that become coaches or officials and “A key player on this team is Carl, who received the they can be global messengers, which puts them into speaking Pensacola Sports Association’s Special Olympics Athlete of the roles,” Barrale says. “Whenever I go to speak to a class or group Year award in March 2014,” Barrale says. “Carl has been I always bring one of our athlete speakers with us. One of those participating in Special Olympics for over 25 years and plays global messengers, Stacey Barnes, has done some amazing several different sports including bowling, basketball, volleyball things this past year; she’s really blossomed.” and athletics events.” At state and county games, a program called Healthy Athletes Another misconception about this 501(c)(3) is that it serves only children. While the minimum age is eight years old, there is is set up to give athletes opportunities to get different health assessments and equipment like eyeglasses or new shoes fitted no maximum age and Barrale says there are some older athletes with any necessary orthotics, which is especially important for who’ve been training and competing with Special Olympics for athletes that may not have the means to purchase such items on 30 plus years. She’s also working with local school systems to their own, as a significant number of athletes come from lower start a Young Athletes Program that teaches the basics of sports to 2 to 7-year-olds to prepare them for Special Olympic training socioeconomic groups. Barrale says participation in Special Olympics is often a place when they get older. for athletes to gain the confidence and skills that will lead to Currently, volunteer coaches and athletes are gearing up for greater independence well into adulthood. aquatics and sailing as well as some newer additions to the “What we really do is teach life skills, so it’s kind of looking summer sport lineup, including surfing and stand up beyond the idea at first glance that it’s just a bunch of kids paddleboarding, the latter of which was started for the first time playing sports, to see the impact that it has in their lives and also in this area last year with volunteer coach and owner of Gulf that it’s teaching them valuable life skills,” Barrale says. “It really Coast Paddle Company Kevin Cook. gives them a community to be involved with friends and teaches “He donates use of the boards as well as his time as a coach them valuable life skills that are also transferable to job skills.” and we have several other coaches and it’s really neat to see Special Olympics works with partners like Publix, the Blue them out on the water,” Barrale says. “They all start out on their Wahoos and Walgreens that have held a job fair for people knees and then working with their coaches they’re able to stand with disabilities at a recent Disability Awareness Conference up and we had a little race at the end of the season last year.” held at the University of West Florida. Coaches are volunteers who commit to training athletes for In the coming months Special Olympics Escambia/Santa Rosa the season and traveling to attend games, and the organization is will host a golf tournament fundraiser as well as a sailing team always looking for more. There are also opportunities for those regatta fundraiser and other events later in the summer. To stay who would like to volunteer for specific events or on a shorter updated on all these events as well as volunteer opportunities, term basis, and there is always a need for things like uniforms, or to donate, visit specialolympicsflorida.org/escambia. GB water and equipment. Of course, anyone can also donate Summer/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine
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Summer/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine
Panera Opens in Gulf Breeze By Madelyn Mancera
“I love Panera!” is the unanimous statement that people give when prompted on his or her feelings about the new opening on Gulf Breeze Parkway. The business opened in April, bringing 60 jobs and new dining options along with it. Personnel from neighbor businesses in the Sea Shell Collections shopping center agree that they are thrilled to have a Panera in proximity. Danielle, a sales associate who was unable to hide her smile, said, “I can just walk over at lunch time. I’m in love with everything they serve.” Chris Cockerham, the operator of Gibson Girl Clothing said, “I stopped in just this morning for a bagel and one of their blended coffee drinks. I don’t even have to say it was phenomenal. Their quality always is.” The fashion retailer is located directly behind Panera, and its associates are already professed Panera fans. Panera’s popularity is properly reflected by Zagat ratings’ survey results. In 2012 Panera landed in the famous ‘Top 5’ in all categories, which include Most Popular, Top Food, Top Décor, Top Service, and Top Overall. Panera came in as the exclusive leader of Healthiest Option according to consumer ratings. Panera Bread as a corporation is well known for supporting its community through a number of charitable programs. According to their website, programs such as Day-End Dough-Nation collectively contributed $100 million worth of unsold bread and bakery items in 2012. The goal of the corporation’s donation programs is to help people in need in local communities. The local store also recently showed its support to Gulf Breeze by becoming one of its newest chamber members. Panera’s Executive Chairman of the Board, Ron Shaich, received the MUFSO Pioneer Award for being “one of the most significant contributors in the history of the good service industry,” according to panerabread.com. MUFSO stands for Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators, and it is a conference that presents awards that recognize dedication and elevated contributions to the foodservice industry. The many honors that Panera receives are well deserved because Panera’s wholesome food brings joy into the cities it joins, which we have witnessed in the public of Gulf Breeze. Some residents were unaware that Panera was entering the neighborhood. Hannia Segura described the day that she drove past, saw Panera open, and thought, “how did I not know a Panera was going to open here?” She made an immediate U-turn to obtain a disposable menu to keep in her car. Segura has specific dietary concerns and appreciates that Panera has easily accessible and detailed nutritional information. Panera proudly displays calorie information, gluten-free options, and allergy warnings in the cafes and online for customers to view. For this reason, Panera’s healthy options have been featured in many health magazines such as Shape, Self, Fitness Magazine, and Health Magazine. Unique to Gulf Breeze's Panera is that it features more outdoor seating than any other Escambia County Panera.
700 Gulf Breeze Parkway Monday-Saturday: 6 am - 9 pm Sunday: 7 am - 9 pm
GB
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thecalendar2014 June MONDAY
SUNDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
6:30 PM, City 3 12 PM, Leads 4 8:30 AM, Blue Council Ribbon/Real Group 1, Meeting, Gulf Breeze Working Lunch, Estate Meeting, City Hall Chamber Conference Meets at Various Room Locations
1
2
8
AM, 10 11:30 Technology
9
15
Committee Meeting (Conference Call) 3 PM, Chamber Connection & Ribbon Cutting, Chamber Conference Room 16 4 PM, Executive 17 9 AM, Economic Development Committee Committee Meeting, Meeting, Chamber Chamber Conference Conference Room Room 6:30 PM, City 12 PM, LEADS Council Meeting, Group 1, Meets at Gulf Breeze City Hall Various Locations
22
23 12 PM,
Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting, Chamber Conference Room
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24
9 AM, Business 6 Development Committee Meeting, Chamber Conference Room
AM, Santa 12 7 AM, 11 8:30 Rosa Legislative Chamber
Coalition, Pace 9 AM, South End TDC Meeting, Navarre Visitor’s Information Center AM, Blue 18 8:30 Ribbon/Real Estate Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 9:30 AM, Community Garden Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 25 11:30 AM, Chamber Board of Director’s Meeting, Chamber Conference Room
FRIDAY
THURSDAY
Breakfast, Andrews Institute
SATURDAY
7
5
13
12 PM, LEADS Group 2, Working Lunch, LaBrisa
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21 20 11:30 AM, Powerful Networking’s A Women of the Gulf Breeze, Lunchtime Coast, Hampton Inn Networking Event, Hampton Inn & Suites & Suites Gulf Breeze Gulf Breeze
19 11:30 AM,
26 5:30 PM,
Chamber Business After Hours, Marty Campbell Photography.com Gallery & Studio
27 12 PM, LEADS 28
Group 2, Working Lunch, Meets at Various Locations
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July TUESDAY
MONDAY
SUNDAY
WEDNESDAY
12 PM, 2 8:30 AM, Blue Ribbon/Real LEADS Group 1, Working Lunch, Estate Meeting, Chamber Conference Meets at Various Room Locations
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7
13
14 4 PM, Executive 15
20
21 6:30 PM, City
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23 11:30 AM,
26
27
28 12 PM,
29
28
Council Meeting, Gulf Breeze City Hall
Summer/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine
4
Development Committee Meeting, Chamber Conference Room
INDEPENDENCE DAY, Chamber Closed
7 AM, Rosa Legislative Chamber Ribbon Cutting, Coalition, Pace Chamber Conference 9:00 AM, South End Breakfast, Andrews Institute Room 11:30 AM Technology TDC Meeting, Navarre Visitor’s Committee Meeting Information Center (Conference Call)
6:30 PM, City Council Meeting, Gulf Breeze City Hall
Committee Meeting, Chamber Conference Room
3 9 AM, Business
8 3 PM, Chamber 9 8:30 AM, Santa 10 Connection &
6
9 AM, Economic 16 8:30 AM, Blue Development Ribbon/Real Committee Estate Meeting, Meeting, Chamber Chamber Conference Room 12 PM, LEADS Group 1, Conference Room Working Lunch, Meets at Various Locations
Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting, Chamber Conference Room
SATURDAY
FRIDAY
THURSDAY
5
11 12 PM, LEADS 12
Group 2, Working Lunch, LaBrisa
19 18 11:30 AM, Powerful Networking’s A Breeze, Lunchtime Women of the Gulf Coast, Hampton Inn Networking Event, & Suites Gulf Breeze Hampton Inn & Suites Gulf Breeze
17 11:30 AM,
24 5:30 PM, Chamber Chamber Board Business After of Director’s Hours, Coins, Sports Meeting, Chamber Cards, & Racing Conference Room Collectibles 30
25 12 PM, LEADS 26 Group 2, Working Lunch, Meets at Various Locations
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August MONDAY
SUNDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
FRIDAY
THURSDAY
2
1
4 6:30 PM, City
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5 12 PM, 6 8:30 AM, Blue Council LEADS Group Ribbon/Real Meeting, Gulf Breeze 1, Working Lunch, Estate Meeting, City Hall Meets at Various Chamber Conference Locations Room
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SATURDAY
9 AM, Business 8 12 PM, LEADS Group 2, Development Committee Meeting, Working Lunch, LaBrisa Chamber Conference Room
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14 7 AM,
16
7
11:30 AM, Technology Committee Meeting (Conference Call) 3 PM, Chamber Connection & Ribbon Cutting, Chamber Conference Room
Rosa Legislative Coalition, Pace 9 AM, South End TDC Meeting, Navarre Visitor’s Information Center
Chamber Breakfast, Andrews Institute
15 11:30 AM,
Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast, Hampton Inn & Suites Gulf Breeze
17
18
4 PM, Executive Committee Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 6:30 PM, City Council Meeting, Gulf Breeze City Hall
19
9 AM, Economic Development Committee Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 12 PM, LEADS Group 1, Working Lunch, Meets at Various Locations
20
8:30 AM, Blue Ribbon/Real Estate Meeting, Chamber Conference Room 9:30 AM, Community Garden Meeting, Chamber Conference Room
11:30 AM, 22 12 PM, LEADS Networking’s A Group 2, Breeze, Lunchtime Networking Event, Working Lunch, Hampton Inn & Suites Meets at Various Gulf Breeze 5:30 PM, Chamber Locations Business After Hours, Pensacola Beach RV Resort
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25 12 PM,
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Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting, Chamber Conference Room
Chamber Board of Directors’ Meeting, Chamber Conference Room
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June Community Events
July Community Events
August Community Events
Bands on the Beach, Tuesdays, 7 PM, Gulfside Pavilion, www.pensacolabeachchamber.com
Bands on the Beach, Tuesdays, 7 PM, Gulfside Pavilion, www.pensacolabeachchamber.com
Bands on the Beach, Tuesdays, 7 PM, Gulfside Pavilion, www.pensacolabeachchamber.com
Blue Angels Practice, Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 11:30 AM, National Naval Aviation Museum, www.visitpensacola.com
Blue Angels Practice, Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 11:30 AM, National Naval Aviation Museum, www.visitpensacola.com
Blue Angels Practice, Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 11:30 AM, National Naval Aviation Museum, www.visitpensacola.com
Take Me Out to the Ball Game, Wahoo’s Baseball Games, Pensacola Bayfront Stadium, www.visitpensacola.com
Take Me Out to the Ball Game, Wahoo’s Baseball Games, Pensacola Bayfront Stadium, www.visitpensacola.com
Take Me Out to the Ball Game, Wahoo’s Baseball Games, Pensacola Bayfront Stadium, www.visitpensacola.com
Christopher’s Concerts, 6 PM, St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, www.scpen.org
4 4th of July Fireworks over Pensacola Bay, downtown Pensacola, www.pensacolafireworks.com Independence Day Fireworks, Pensacola Beach, www.visitpensacolabeach.com
1-3 Bushwacker Festival and 5K, Pensacola Beach, www.visitpensacolabeach.com
11&12 Blue Angels Air Show, Pensacola Beach, www.pensacolabeachchamber.com
29-31 Jamaican Festival, Pensacola Beach, www.pensacolabeachchamber.com
5 Fiesta Day Parade, downtown Pensacola, www.fiestaoffiveflags.org 7 24th Annual Historic Pensacola Village Open House, Historic Pensacola Village, www.historicpensacola.org
15 Gallery Night, downtown Pensacola, www.downtownpensacola.com
18 Gallery Night, downtown Pensacola, www.downtownpensacola.com
20 Gallery Night, downtown Pensacola, www.downtownpensacola.com 21&22 Fishing Rodeo, Pensacola Beach, www.pensacolafishingrodeo.com
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Parting Shots
Shirley and Fred Cornett from Interfaith Ministries and Good Samaritan Clinic receive the Power of Service Award from Gulf Power.
Our 2014 Chamber Board of Directors are all smiles after taking their oath of office.
Dr. Sam Graber and our Chamber Ambassadors pose for the ribbon cutting at ROXO Wellness.
Chamber members enjoy hanging out at the March Business After Hours at Bay Breeze Nursing and Retirement Center.
Kristen Loera, Gemma Gatdula, Karen Aloy, Dave Mungai, Shannon Westmoreland, Loraine Cerna, Sharon Pitts, and Josie Cotti looking wonderful in the photo booth at the Annual Gala.
Santa Rosa Superintendent of Schools Tim Wyrosdick, SREF Rookie of the Year Selection Committee Chair Adair Cotton, and Gulf Breeze Chamber President Kristen Loera present Corrina Nelson, fourth grade teacher from West Navarre Intermediate School with the 2014 Santa Rosa Rookie of the Year Award.
Our members had a great time at our April Business After Hours at Harbourtown. 30
Summer/2014/Gulf Breeze Magazine
The ladies from Troy University enjoyed mingling with the Harbourtown merchants at the April Business After Hours.